"Well, if anyone were to run for president, it would be Markus."
Connor doesn't know why he was dragged into this gathering. He sits amongst Markus' close friends. North, Simon, and Joshua. Connor was confused as to why Markus insist he participate but apparently Markus wanted his advice. Connor felt… what humans might call uncomfortable around these deviant activists, it was an unpleasant feeling, one that he had only felt once before. If this was what humans had to go through all the time, Connor had to give them where credit was due. Humans were remarkably tough.
"Me? No. That's not what we're here to talk about anyway." Markus says. North, who had suggested Markus be the one to run for office, has a smile tugging at her lips. Connor then realized that North was simply entertaining the idea, not suggesting Markus actually go through with it. "I was thinking of creating an android support group where androids can gather together and talk about their problems. That way, they know they aren't alone, and they are given the opportunity to connect with others."
"Why?" Simon asks. "I'm not saying it's a bad idea but what made you think it up?"
Markus smiles warmly at his friend, "Androids from all over come to me for advice. They turn to me. Instead, I want them to turn to others, and create connections."
"Of course there are those who turn to you." Joshua intervenes. "They look up to you. You're a leading figure in freeing our people."
"And I understand that," Markus quickly says, "Regardless, I wanted to ask you all to help me out. Spread the word. They can't rely on me forever."
The group nods and continues to chatter amongst themselves. Connor sits stiffly in his chair - across from the others - who sit in a circle alongside him. They were gathered in an ex-Cyberlife store - deserted after a loss of profits - and donated to the androids by the local government as a meeting place. It was mainly to keep an eye on them but Markus used it anyways. There wasn't much decoration or furniture around yet but Markus had expressed his intent to change that soon. Connor had only been here a few times to check up on things but he had never been willingly invited to come to a gathering. This almost felt like a conversation between representatives of Cyberlife except… a lot less… professional. Not to mention a lot less dangerous too, since executives at Cyberlife always looked like they wanted to strangle each other.
"What do you think Connor?"
Connor brings himself to reality.
He cannot believe that just happened.
Did he… did he just… 'wander off?' He's never done that before.
"Could you repeat that?" Connor asks Markus politely.
"I was asking if you would like to be the organizer," Markus replied patiently.
"Me?" Connor thinks himself hardly worthy of such a position. "I'm not certain that's the best idea."
"Well if Markus thinks you're the fit for the job, then who among us has the right to complain?" North pips in, "He's a good judge of character."
"I wouldn't say that," Markus rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. North simply looks at him fondly and the two hold a gaze for a few seconds before returning to the topic at hand. Now they look at Connor, all of them, with expectations that he thinks he can never reach. How could he even hang around them? He was compromised. What if Amanda got a hold of him again? What if he tried to kill Markus? What if he tried to kill any of them again? He would rather not take that risk. He was better off just being by himself, where he could hurt no one, even if that meant leaving Hank too. The man was kind in letting Connor stay in his home but maybe Connor should act for the best of both of them.
Maybe he should leave.
"I advise you not to choose me," Connor objects.
Markus is next to ask, "And why is that?"
"Your trust is misplaced in me. What if Cyberlife uses me to obtain revenge?"
North snorts.
"Connor," Markus addresses, reaching out to put a hand on Connor's shoulder, and after a reassuring squeeze he says, "there is no one better."
Connor is reluctant but he looks at Markus' eyes. How one could be so trusting of someone who tried to kill them, Connor will never know, but at the same time he felt that he could not disappoint this man. He did not want to. Maybe that is what compels him to finally give a hesitant, yet visible nod.
Markus positively beams.
"Great," He pats Connor's shoulder and withdraws his hand soon after, "this will be a good start for our people. I'll send you a few addresses of the androids I have in mind for a starting trial, Connor."
Connor nods.
It is a while until the group disperses. Simon and Joshua leave, not before giving Markus a pat on the back, and North lingers for a while longer before leaving too. Markus is left alone with Connor and Connor is about to get up to leave until Markus stops him with a question.
"Connor. What did you mean that Cyberlife would attempt to gain revenge through you?"
Connor does not hold back.
"While you were delivering a speech to our people, I was not in control of my body, and I nearly attempted to kill you." He explains. "The only reason I did not was because I activated an exit program that freed me from Cyberlife's clutches."
Markus leans forward in his chair, propping his elbow against his leg, and settling his chin in the palm of his hand.
"I see." Markus states, simply, "I understand why you're worried now."
"Yes. Now that you understand I would encourage you to choose anyone other than me."
Markus lifts his chin and gives a small shake of his head.
"No. I still think you're the ideal person for organizing this."
"But you almost died. At my hands," Connor blinks, attempting to process Markus' reaction.
"Yes. Your hands," Markus agrees, "not in your control. Yet, here you are, still completely functioning. You've escaped them Connor. Don't let them haunt you. If it really bothers you this much, try to think of this as a redemption tool. If you do this, you will not only be helping me, but others. It would be a great kindness towards our people and…" He speaks on as if Connor needs more of an incentive to take this job upon him, "if you do this I'll forgive you for trying to kill me."
Markus smiles confidently before lifting himself off of his chair.
"So, still don't want to do it?"
"Hmm… I suppose I can…" Connor trails off.
"That's the spirit!" Markus gives a hearty laugh.
"As long as it does not interfere with my duties to attend to Hank."
"Isn't that the human I see often with you?"
"Yes. He is currently my sole provider."
"Sounds a lot like a dad," Markus notes off-handedly.
"Dads are a human term. Androids do not have biological parents."
"I know that," Markus says, "but when did that stop anybody?"
"I don't understand."
Markus once more laughs and before he leaves, he turns to say, "One day, you will. Now excuse me. I'm going to visit my dad."
He leaves on that note and Connor realizes that he still doesn't understand Markus one bit, even after their many interactions.