"Connor."
Connor turns his attention to the woman who calls out to him. One quick scan of his memories identifies her as Kara and the visual of Alice clutching her hand only confirms it. Alice stares at Connor, blinking innocently, and Luther stands behind the both of them in an intimidating manner. Connor had contacted many androids to attend Markus' newly established support group but he hadn't expected to find Kara's family here. He was certain that they were intent on crossing the border. To find them here was surprising.
"Kara." Connor inclines his head in greeting. The three of them eye him warily and he cannot find fault in that. He had, after all, attempted to capture them and bring them in when he was investigating deviants.
"I was surprised to hear you were the one who organized this meeting," Kara tells him.
"And I am surprised to see you here." Connor returns. "I see you have others accompanying you."
Kara nods and gestures towards Luther, "This is Luther. You already know Alice."
Alice hides further behind Kara's leg, changing her grip from Kara's hand to the rough fabric of her jeans.
Connor observes the three in his company and then turns to gaze at the activities behind him. Multiple androids were conversing amongst themselves as they all waited for Markus to arrive. Androids were usually on time so it was unusual that Markus would be late. He was, after all, leading this gathering before passing it onto another android. Another android who Connor silently hopes that it is not him.
"Who invited you?" Connor asks, returning his gaze to Kara.
"Markus," Kara answers plainly. The two continue their staring contest, a tension rising that Connor was not completely aware of, until Alice tugs at her mother's shirt. It breaks Kara's attention and refocuses it on the other two around her. "I was thinking it would be good to attend, as a courtesy to Markus, and maybe for a bit of guidance on where we should go from here. Your presence is an… unforeseen consequence of arriving."
Connor arches a brow.
"You are displeased." He observes.
"Many would be if put into the company of a Cyberlife agent."
Connor blinks.
"I am not a Cyberlife agent." He insists. Kara looks like she wants to reply but refrains from doing so when spotting Markus approach them from over Connor's shoulder. She smiles a bit and Connor knows that smile is definitely not for him. It is not until a hand lands on his shoulder that he turns his head slightly to confront the new participant in their conversation.
"That he is not," Markus agrees, "He is a changed man."
"People do not change so easily," Kara speaks as if she was pulling such words from experience.
"Connor is not most people." Markus replies, "He has the same color of blood that courses through our veins. Give him a chance, Kara, he is not the same."
"I was merely following my directive at the time of your pursuit. Forgive me." Connor attempts to reconcile.
Kara takes one more look at Connor, deciding not to say anything further on the subject, and leads her family unit to a group of chairs.
Markus and Connor watch them leave.
"Give her time. She will warm." Markus says, gently, "She has gone through a lot of hardships. Just as we all have. She is just looking out for her own."
"Markus - this reinforces my concerns that I am not best suited for aiding you in the formation of these events - there will be others like Kara who will question my presence here. It would be in your best interest to allow me to remove myself from these proceedings and future ones that may take place."
"Your worries are misplaced, my friend." Markus removes his hand and moves so that he faces Connor directly. "Don't think too much upon it."
"That is a difficult request to process but I will… attempt… to comply," Connor lets out doubtfully.
"That's good enough for me." Markus pats Connor's back in a friendly manner before continuing, "I'm going to start the meeting now. Don't fret if I call you out. I value your advice."
"That in itself is an oddity," Connor says, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
Markus laughs good-naturedly.
"So the deviant hunter does have a sense of humor after all! Smiling is not beyond you."
Connor simply continues smiling in response.