Chapter 5: Sick

The main hall within Jericho Center was filled with an unsettling dread. Deviants held their breath, despite not needing to breathe, eyes on the projected flat-screens hanging on the walls. The local news channel, 16, aired the story of what happened at Grand Circus Park. Shots from the scene flipped through, the anchors discussing what was known. The android shooter, now identified as an AJ700 had "snapped" according to festival goers, pulling a gun and shooting into the crowd. A total of six humans were injured, two in critical condition. Eyewitnesses gave snippets of their experience, looking confused and shocked, saying it had been an unprovoked attack.

The anchors closed the story while also highlighting similar attacks throughout the city. They mentioned the murder of a college student at a clothing store, and the attack on protesters near Woodward Avenue, among a few caused by androids. This, in turn, sparked a debate on the matter.

"I mean, we can't link all these attacks together just yet," the male anchor said with a brisk shake of his head as he stared at the screen, sitting next to his female anchor partner. "But you can see a pattern forming. Are the androids not happy enough with what rights they've received? Are they upset about the slowing progress on some rights, or the complete standstill of others? Maybe they've started to think that attacking humans will get their point across? Should we worry about a full-blown revolution?"

Markus didn't like what he was feeling. He knew when humans were thoroughly upset or appalled they could become sick to their stomachs. He didn't have a stomach per say, but he was feeling pretty sick to the artificial biocomponent made to imitate a stomach. Clenching a fist, he turned away, knowing these stories would spread across the nation, depicting androids in a negative light.

He heard the murmurs and the hushed cries of worry spread within the groups of androids in the hall. Markus left the main room and headed into the back of the community center, feeling the eyes of his people on him. When he entered his living quarters that he shared with North, Simon, and Josh, a quick scan showed he was alone. He took a seat on one of the sofas in the den in the next room, rubbing his head with a groan.

He didn't understand, and tried to rationalize the attacks discussed on the news. He couldn't fathom why his people would purposely divert from the pacifist ways he and Jericho so tirelessly composed.

Markus thought back to Gus and his behavior. The red-haired PL600 was always awkward and shy, but he had never been so restless and deceiving. His sudden change in behavior somewhat reminded the deviant leader of the scarred WR600, Ralph. Markus first thought that maybe the protesters scared and hurt Gus in a manner similar to what traumatized Ralph. He wasn't so sure after his attempt to talk to Gus and the odd malfunctions his scanning assessments warned him about.

He heard the door to the living quarters open in the next room over, soft footsteps and arguing filtering in. Markus got up and went into the next room, not surprised to see North and Josh bickering as usual while Simon talked with an unexpected guest.

"Cool it," Markus said, not in the mood to deal with their clashing personalities.

North and Josh grew quiet, the female android crossing her arms and moving away. Ralph laughed besides Simon, a short, giddy sound as he indicated to them.

"They fight like brother and sister. Ralph thinks it's funny."

Markus collected himself, knowing by their disgruntled appearances that Simon, North, and Josh were not able to locate Gus.

"Well, what happened?"

"We lost him," North answered, leaning against the wall.

"We looked everywhere," Josh added.

"Yeah," Simon agreed. "I even took them to Gus's old house. He wasn't there, but Ralph was. And he says androids have been getting sick."

Markus squinted his different colored eyes at the disfigured WR600. "Sick?"

Simon looked to Ralph, insisting him to explain with a small nod towards their leader. Ralph looked nervous, scratching his blemished forearm.

"R-Ralph has seen it. Androids act fine, then one day, they not. It's spreading, he thinks. S-sees more and more every day. Ralph had to kill a Jerry out of defense the other day. He didn't act like himself. R-Ralph is very sorry, he just protected himself. It's why he hid in Gus's old house."

Markus quickly processed the information. Androids didn't get sick like humans. This had to be some sort of software flux or error, if he had to come up with anything close to a sickness.

"What are the symptoms?" Markus asked.

Ralph restlessly idled for a moment, then shrugged his shoulders. "R-Ralph isn't sure. He…he thinks it's different depending on the type of android. He's seen some become quite violent while others have just simply forgotten who they were."

"You think that's what's wrong with Gus?" Simon questioned, looking worried.

Markus shook his head. "I'm not sure, but it's something we definitely need to look into. It would explain all these attacks that androids are causing."

"What about Gus? We have to find him. If he hurts or kills any humans, it's just going to cause more uproar like what's on the news right now," Josh said.

"Yeah, but we've looked all over. He could be anywhere!" North exclaimed.

Markus thought it over, then it hit him. "Well, sounds like we're going to need a specialist."

"Specialist?" North and Josh echoed.

Simon twitched a smile, catching Markus's drift. "A deviant hunter."

Markus nodded. "Luckily, we're friends with one."

Hank bit into his turkey sandwich freshly trawled out of the DPD's breakroom, wishing wholeheartedly for a juicy burger instead. Captain Fowler had just assigned him and Connor to several new cases involving androids, similar to what had happened at Grand Circus Park or the clothing store, attacks and murders. He typed up case notes as he ate. When he popped open a bag of potato chips and Connor didn't say anything, he knew something was wrong.

The lieutenant looked over the transparent terminal on his desk to the desk opposite his. His partner stared at the keyboard for his computer, but was not working. Hank couldn't tell what color the RK800's LED was, but he didn't need to see it to know that Connor was wholly disappointed. His brows would furrow a certain way.

Hank flicked a potato chip at him, the salty snack flake skimming Connor's cheek. Connor blinked, rubbing his face and glaring at his partner. Hank responded to that determined glare with a point of his finger right back at the android detective.

"I said let it go. It's not your fault."

Connor looked away. "I'm not-"

"I swear to fucking god if you say you're not programmed to fail one more time, I will strangle you with your own damn tie. Shit like this happens, Connor. You had no control over it."

"They could've been killed. My judgement on the deviant's state was misguided. I should've expected her to pull such a stunt, especially with the array of errors I came up with."

Hank heaved a sigh, continuing to eat his late lunch while he worked. The AJ700 had apparently went crazy on her ride in a squad car back to the DPD, making the two police officers crash into busy traffic. The AJ700 was projected from the squad car and killed, while the two police officers were rushed to the hospital for non-fatal injuries. The AJ700 was now down in the evidence room, getting ready for shipment like the WR600.

"Her friends will be here any minute for questioning. I need you focused."

"Yes, Lieutenant."

Hank never thought being called by his title by Connor could sound so foreign. They had been friends and partners for several months, and Connor mostly used his first name now, although a slip of the tongue with old habits still happened with the RK800. But this time, it sounded forced, and he knew it was because Connor was aggravated. Not with Hank, but himself.

Hank looked up, seeing the two female androids being escorted in by a police officer. He would deal with Connor's mood later. He rose to his feet, snapping fingers at his partner to get his attention. Connor complied by standing as well. The two androids were the same model, a pair of ST300s, one dressed in a blue sundress, the other in leggings and a long button-down shirt. Hank nodded at the girls as he came around to lean on his desk, Connor joining him at his side. The police lieutenant offered the two chairs he had ready for them after the officer left.

"Hello ladies, I'm Lieutenant Hank Anderson, this is my partner, Connor. We'd like to ask you a few questions about your friend that attacked the festival."

The ST300s looked to each other, one of them curling a look of detestation on her face. She gestured at Connor, giving him a hard look.

"I'm not answering any questions while that traitor is standing here."

"Excuse me?" Hank snapped, caught off guard.

"Look, he's still wearing that same uniform that marks him as their slave," the other one whispered. "He's still a machine, he just pretends to be a deviant. He still obeys humans."

"What the hell you two talking about? Take a damn seat!"

"It's because of you that Jericho was destroyed," the one in the sundress said, looking directly at Connor. "We lost a lot of friends there because of you. You've captured and killed many of us on the run before that. And here you are, still being used as a tool."

Hank's protective nature for his partner flared up, and he jerked forward, ready to give them an earful, when Connor's arm came up to stop him. He looked over at the RK800, who stared intently at the two female androids.

"You're…right," Connor said, perturbed. "It is my fault that Jericho was located and all those androids were killed. I am responsible for many deaths of deviants I have hunted down. I was a machine…simply following orders. But I awoke that night on Jericho. I saw, I finally understood. I changed sides because I chose to. I'm not a machine…not anymore. I'm here now because I want to help both humans and androids have a better future. I'm not their slave, I'm their equal."

The ST300 barely shook her head, a bitter smile forming. "Whatever you have to tell yourself. Markus may trust you, but most of us don't. I don't want to tell you anything."

"It doesn't work that way," Hank butted in. "Answer our questions or I will place you both under arrest for failure to comply with a police officer."

"Listen," Connor said, stepping in between Hank and the female androids. "I'm sure you've seen the news recently? Android attacks are on the rise. It will not help our cause. I need to get to the bottom of it. If you do not tell us what we need to know about your friend, it will only make the backlash worse. We risk losing progress in rights or losing them all together, and if it gets worse, it will be chaos. Do you want a repeat of what happened back in November?"

The ST300 in the sundress stayed silent, thinking it over, but still defiant. Her friend came forward instead, unnerved by Connor's words.

"Amy was her name. She wasn't a violent person. N-not at all. She had been spending a lot of time at Jericho Center. I think her…recent behavior…had caused her to be kicked out by her roommates. We…we've always been distrustful of humans, but would never harm them. Amy was having some terrible mood swings, and complained about her head feeling funny. She started speaking nonsense at the festival, that all humans had to die. We-we were shocked. We didn't even know she had the gun!"

"When did these behavioral changes start?" Connor asked.

The more passive ST300 thought it over, scrunching her lips. Hank couldn't read them very well, and they had no LEDs. He had to trust Connor's analysis of their questioning, which was hardly ever off.

"I would say a week or so ago. It gradually became worse."

"There's been talk," the other ST300 finally said, reluctant. "That maybe some sort of sickness is going around. We've seen a few androids at the Jericho Center behaving in a similar way, hearing of similar incidents."

"Sickness?" Hank inquired. "What do you mean?"

The female android shrugged. "It's just hearsay. A lot of deviants who are squatters talk about it or say they've seen it, at least more than what we have."

"I need for you two to share with me all the memories you have of Amy within the past week," Connor stated, putting his arm out.

The ST300 in the sundress wouldn't comply, staring down at Connor's arm like it was snake coiled to bite. The other one nervously stuck her arm forward with a meek "okay". The synthetic skin of their hands slipped away as they connected and exchanged information. The female android stepped away, blinking rapidly for a moment and sticking a hand to her temple. Connor held out his hand to the other. She grudgingly allowed him to connect with her, and passed her information on to him. When she pulled away, she shook her hand like she was fanning water from her skin, glaring at Connor.

"There, we did as you asked. Is there anything else you need?"

Hank looked to his partner, seeing his blinking yellow LED as he processed the information given to him. He then slowly shook his head as the ring returned blue.

"No. Thank you for your cooperation."

"Come on, let's go," the ST300 in the sundress said, pulling her friend along.

Hank watched them go. He crossed his arms, turning to his partner. Connor was deep in thought. Hank assumed he was scanning through every detail of the information the ST300s gave him to see if there was anything useful.

"Well?"

"She portrayed several of the symptoms I evaluated back at the park even in these memories. But there is nothing in these memories they gave me that could pinpoint what exactly happened to make her start acting this way. Most of them take place at Jericho Center. Maybe something happened there when the ST300s were not around. Hmm, she also stayed at Viridian Heights…an apartment complex near the Ravendale district. Maybe her old roommates would know something."

"Let's start there then."

Viridian Heights was a gated apartment complex within the Ravendale district with three separate buildings, each with three floors. They were let in by the manager of the complex. Connor pointed to the B building, telling Hank that the AJ700's previous address had been 103b, second floor.

Hank brought a search warrant, just in case. As they took the concrete stairs up to the next floor, Hank decided to break the silence that had been eating at the partners since questioning the ST300s.

"Don't let them get to you."

For a man who had been emotionally broken for three years and still healing, he was adequately perceptive. Connor feigned ignorance, shrugging slightly.

"I have no clue what you're talking about, Hank."

"Bullshit," he grumbled. "What they said to you wasn't right. I could tell it bothered you."

"Their perception of me is justifiable," Connor stated coolly, keeping his eyes ahead. "I am responsible for the destruction of Jericho and for hunting down and destroying several deviants."

"Not while you were with me," Hank gruffly replied. "You chased after the one with the little girl across the freeway, but they got away. You let the Tracis go…you let the guy with all those fucking birds go to save me."

Connor nodded in acknowledgement, his eyes scanning the room numbers as they walked through the outdoor corridors of the apartment complex.

"Yes, but I was active elsewhere between August of 2038 to November of 2038, before I was assigned to you and the central station of the DPD. You know that."

Hank waved him off, grumbling something inaudible. "Well, like you said. It wasn't you. You hadn't "awoken" then. Not your fault."

Connor gave his partner a sidelong glance. "Their opinion of me is not important. I do admit that it upsets me a little…but there's only a select few of people whose opinion of me affects me personally. Besides, I am more determined to solve these cases. I can worry about making friends later."

"Uh-huh, and who exactly are these people?"

"Don't worry, you're top of the list," Connor stated bluntly, then pointed at the next door. "Here it is."

"Fuckin' A, I better be," Hank mumbled to himself.

The lieutenant rang the doorbell. They heard movement and someone's voice hollering within the apartment. A moment later, a man in his mid-twenties opened the door. He was shorter than them and slim, with pale skin and blond hair.

He smiled at them, despite not recognizing them. "Hello there. May I help you?"

Hank and Connor showed their badges. "Lieutenant Hank Anderson. This here is my partner, Connor, Detroit Police Department. We'd like to ask you a few questions about your old android roommate Amy. May we come in?"

"Oh, uh sure. Is everything alright? We haven't seen her in a couple of days. She was supposed to come by and get the rest of her stuff. I-I'm Greg by the way."

He let them inside. A television was playing in the living room, depicting a sitcom. Another man similar in age but with darker hair and brown eyes came into the foyer to greet them.

"Oh, Pete, this is Lieutenant Anderson and Connor from the DPD. They have questions about Amy."

Pete looked puzzled. "What happened? Is she alright?"

"She caused a shooting at Grand Circus Park a few hours ago. On her way back to the police department she caused a crash that ended in her being killed and the police officers being put in the hospital," Hank explained.

Connor watched the two men closely. They were genuinely shocked by the news, exchanging looks.

"Oh my god, that was her?! I knew she was having some problems, but I didn't think she would go that far!"

"You mind us asking a few questions?" Hank asked again.

"N-not at all," Pete said. "We'll help in any way that we can."

"How long did she live here and why did you evict her?" Connor started.

Greg went first, leading them into the kitchen. "She lived with us for around five months, she had been my aunt's android before. We always got along, so I offered her a place to stay here with my boyfriend. Uh, would you like a drink?"

"Thank you, but no," Hank answered.

"We kicked her out because she was causing problems," Pete continued. "Starting fights here at the apartment with other residents. Acting super moody and weird, totally not like herself. The last straw was a few days ago, she threatened us with a knife. She was like a totally different person, and when she came to she was confused and said she felt a lot of pain in her head. We didn't really know what to think after that."

"Is there anything you know that could have caused such a drastic change in her behavior? Any kind of PTSD or emotional shock? Did she do something other than normal in that time frame? Go anywhere different, hang out with different people?" Connor asked.

"She hung out at the Jericho Center a lot," Greg answered. "But that wasn't really different from the norm. Otherwise, she was here or hanging out with friends she met at Jericho."

Hank and Connor exchanged glances. Again, not much to go by like the others.

"Can you show us her stuff she left behind?" Hank asked.

"Yeah," Pete said, leaving the kitchen and walking through the living room. Hank and Connor followed. He led them to a bedroom right across from a bathroom, opening the door for them. "Here ya are. This was her room. Not much is left. She didn't have much to begin with."

"We'll have a look around," Hank said. "If you think of anything else, let us know."

"Sure will."

Connor explored the small bedroom. There was a twin sized bed made up and a mostly empty dresser. The closet had only a few odds and ends of clothing hanging up, with mostly just hangers dangling.

"Ugh, this was a waste of time," Hank grumbled. "C'mon, let's go."

"There has to be something here," Connor said. He tried to appeal to Hank with what his partner called his "puppy dog eyes", although Connor didn't think his optical units looked anything like Sumo's. "Please, Hank."

"Don't you da-goddamn it Connor! I hate when you do that. Two more minutes. I got a fucking banquet to get ready for."

As Hank turned away with gruff curses, Connor continued to search. He knocked on the wall in the closet, but it wasn't hollow. The underside of the bed was empty. The RK800 scanned the room once again, but it was mostly empty save for a few clothes. As he was about to give up, he thought of something. He walked over to the bed and lifted the mattress. Sitting there on the box-spring was a diary. Connor grabbed it up, dropping the mattress. He flipped through the diary, scanning it.

[Diary encrypted/Level of difficulty: Medium]

"Got it," Connor called, showing Hank the diary.

"Will you be able to read that?" his partner asked, flipping through it and looking painstakingly confused.

"Yes. It isn't a high-level encryption. I should be able to solve it in a couple of hours."

"Looks kinda like the one we found in the apartment with the crazy-bird-loving deviant," Hank stated.

"Similar, yes. But not near as complicated."

Hank shoved the diary back into Connor's hands. "Well, you're the expert. Let's go."

Connor lost his concentration yet again after another series of loud curses came from the other room. The RK800 laid on the couch with Sumo, petting the Saint Bernard while he decrypted the diary. After leaving Viridian Heights, they returned to the station to pick up a few things, including Hank's only tie. There, they ran into Gavin, who let it slip on what exactly the banquet was for, mocking Connor's exclusion. It left Hank in a foul mood, even upon returning home. And he griped about the whole ordeal while getting dressed.

Sighing, Connor raised up and slapped the diary onto the coffee table. Sumo perked his ears and looked up at the android detective with a few thumps of his tail. Connor knew if he was going to decrypt the diary, he would have to wait until Hank left. Upon returning home, Connor had dressed into casual clothes, a t-shirt and slacks.

"Are you still going on about that?" Connor asked, getting to his feet. "It's alright, Hank. I understand."

He saw the large man slip across the hallway from the bathroom into his bedroom, still grumbling something. Connor thought he heard Gavin's name in there somewhere.

"Not the point," his partner called from his bedroom. "Not only was it not Gavin's goddamn business to know why you weren't going to be there, I still don't appreciate the injustice. I…I didn't want you to find out why."

"It's pretty obvious, Hank," Connor replied simply. "It doesn't bother me. I appreciate the gesture, I really do. But you shouldn't let it eat at you."

Hank entered the living room wearing a dark grey suit. He had trimmed up his beard and had his greying hair pulled back in a short tress. He was in the process of trying to fasten his tie. The look he gave Connor told the RK800 that instead of calming his partner, he had only succeeded in riling him up more.

"Stop saying that bullshit, Connor. I know it bothers you. Just like with those girls earlier today. It's okay to show others how you feel sometimes…whether you like it or not. Trust me, the more you bottle up, the more problems it causes. I'm a prime example of that."

Connor chose a witty remark, playfully smiling. "I thought bottling your feelings up was part of being a man?"

Hank wasn't amused, still struggling with his tie and getting more annoyed by the minute. "Don't be a smartass. I'm just…"

Connor stepped over to him, hitting Hank's hands away and fastening his tie for him. "Hank…sure it bothers me a little…about the girls earlier, and even tonight about not being able to join you. But it doesn't distress me as much as you think. I feel appreciated at the DPD. I feel appreciated by you. I feel good knowing that what I do saves lives, that I'm making a difference. That's what's important to me, not the opinions of some androids I don't know or the acknowledgement that I am doing a good job from strangers."

The police lieutenant looked down at his nicely drawn tie as Connor stepped away. Hank became placid, but at the same time, uncomfortable. "Well, since you put it that way…I'll let it go…for now. Just know that one day I'm going to make sure you get the admiration you deserve, Connor."

Connor knew that only a select few people, Hank included, and their respect would be all that mattered to him, but he didn't argue with Hank, and simply dipped his head.

"Thank you."

Hank, now uneasy, coughed to clear his throat and looked around for his keys. Connor walked into the kitchen to grab them off the kitchen table for him, when a shock pulsated through his head.

[Bre/\cHdeTectEd/UnKNOwn~SoURce/ReROuT1ng]

"Connor? You alright?"

[eRRorZen . exe]

Connor blinked, realizing he had become immobile in that slip from his processing. He shook his head, putting a hand to his temple where his LED had just flashed red, blinked yellow, and slowly loaded back to blue.

He felt Hank's hand on his back as he looked Connor over. "You alright, son? What's wrong?"

"I'm fine," Connor said. "Think I just had a lapse in circulating information."

"What's that supposed to mean? Are you tired?" Hank asked, ignoring Connor's attempt to hand him his keys.

"Of course not," Connor snorted a laugh. "Androids don't get tired."

"You guys become more and more like humans every day. These androids causing these attacks are suddenly feeling pain. So why wouldn't you feel tired?"

"Hank, I'm fine, really. You should leave or you'll be late."

Hank was wary, but reluctantly stepped away from his partner. He took the keys from Connor. "Fine…just do me a favor and relax, alright? No reading that journal, no going through case notes. Just…take it easy. I'll be back soon."

"Okay," Connor lied.

Kara helped Rose in the kitchen while Alice, Luther, and Adam played a board game in the living room. After a long day out on the farm, they settled down for dinner and relaxation. The past couple days here had been nice, and Kara noticed that Alice was really enjoying herself. The AX400 watched her family play for a moment, enjoying the smile prominent on the child android's face. There was a time that Kara had wished for nothing but for Alice to smile and be happy, back in a dark, grim time. She was glad that time had passed and now Alice could freely be happy. Their lives were peaceful now, meaningful. The looming clouds of despair and uncertainty no longer hung over their heads.

Kara checked the rolls in the oven, taking a quick scan of their temperatures and time spent cooking. They were just right. She reached in and grabbed the tray, pulling it out onto the stovetop to cool. She didn't bother to get a mitten, unable to feel the pain of burning. Rose was finishing up her Salisbury steak just down from her, pouring gravy on top of the meat. She smiled at Kara as she did so.

"Boy do I wish you guys could eat some of this. Not to pat myself on the back or anything, but I do make a pretty mean Salisbury steak."

Kara chuckled. "I bet. It smells good!"

"Sorry about not being able to stop by the Jericho Center today. Wasn't expecting my irrigation system to have a leak."

Kara got out a couple of plates and utensils for Rose and Adam. "It's not a problem. Luckily, we were here to help."

"Yes, I am thankful," Rose replied, wiping her hands with a small towel. "I appreciate all the help you three have given us. We'll definitely stop by Jericho Center tomorrow. Seems like Alice really wants to meet other android children."

Kara nodded. "Hmhm, I think she wants a friend like her. It would be good for her."

"Time to eat!" Rose hollered.

Adam, Luther, and Alice rose from the sofas in the living room and came into the kitchen. Kara took a seat next to her family while Rose and Adam made their plates and sat down across from them.

"Alice, I forgot to tell you," Rose said, skimming her fork across her food. "I really appreciate you picking all those blueberries for me today. You were such a big help!"

"You're welcome, Aunt Rose," she replied softly. "I had fun doing it."

Kara reached up and stroked her daughter's head affectionately. A moment later, the doorbell rang, the chime echoing through the living room into the kitchen. Rose and Adam looked to each other, confusion etched on their faces.

"Wonder who that is," Rose said.

"I'll get it, Mom," Adam said, getting up.

"Oh, I can get it. You're eating," Kara suggested.

Adam waved her off. "It's fine. You're a guest. It's probably just our neighbors looking for their dog again."

Adam left the kitchen and strode through the kitchen to the front door. The young man opened the door, but his greeting smile fell short as he had to raise his eyes to make eye contact with the stranger.

"Uh, hello. Can I help you?" Adam greeted.

He noticed the man was an android. That didn't bother him, his mother had made plenty of friends with androids over the past couple years, but this one he did not recognize at all. He thought he looked familiar, but couldn't place it. The android wore a white and black jacket with a high closed collar and black pants and boots.

"I'm here to see Kara," the man said simply, gray eyes piercing down at Adam. "May I speak with her?"

Adam got a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach as he thought it over, his eyes going to the number starkly printed on the android's jacket.

RK900

A/N: I'm a little early with this chapter, but I had a bit more free time this week. :D Lots of Connor and Hank this chapter, I promise some more Kara and Markus for what's upcoming :) Thanks for all the faves/follows/reviews I really appreciate them all! Have a great weekend everyone.