Hank had let Connor leave the house with great reluctance. Connor promised that he would come straight back home and that was the line that made Hank relent his firm position on keeping Connor home. Ever since the last incident, the mechanic had warned them of something else that might happen, but they still didn't know what that thing was. It was because of this that Hank was restraining Connor from going outside to do anything productive. Yet, when he receives a call from North that they're holding another android-centric gathering he feels that he needs to attend. That's why he grabbed a hold of some of the new clothes Hank had bought him and put on one of the sharper suits. He didn't want to look like a slouch in front of his people.

After a lot of persisting, he was finally released into the world. He took the next bus to New Jericho and arrived in fifteen minutes. Luckily, events hadn't started yet, and so Connor was merely confronted with androids socializing with one another. He could hear hints of some of their conversations and most of them seemed to be on friendly terms. Connor was pleased to see such after knowing Markus' intentions for these gatherings. Markus wanted these people to make connections. They seemed to be doing exactly that.

Speaking of Markus.

Where was he?

"No longer on house-arrest, Connor?" A teasing voice stems from his right. All Connor has to do is turn his head to see North's light-hearted gaze. "We feared you would never be released into your natural habitat again."

"My natural habitat?"

"Yes. The outside world. Spooky." North chuckles lightly.

Connor might have taken a defensive stand to that but instead, he finds the corner of his lips quirking upward. He understood friendly banter when he saw it, or at least, recently anyway. He might be one of Cyberlife's best models in a century, designed to see the unseen, but they didn't exactly program him with all the social abilities to make friends. They probably didn't think that was necessary.

"Glad to see you're here," North finally settles, "we feel a lot more capable of handling all of these androids when you're around just in case of a violent outbreak. From Markus, I've come to the understanding that you have some fighting abilities woven into your code."

"Just enough to defend me and others," Connor explains, "which proved to be useful in certain situations."

"Yet, you didn't make the effort to defend yourself before we captured those two androids that threatened you," North observes.

Connor, against his character, shrugs slightly and continues, "I did dodge a bullet. I just didn't want to hurt them. Not only would it hurt my good standing with deviants but it would have brought into question my loyalty to Markus."

North nods, "I suppose I can see it that way but…" her eyes narrow and her expression hardens, "don't let reputation keep you back from doing something that could save your life."

"Alright," Connor agrees, "but I will remind you that I did what I thought was best in that situation."

North's face relaxes and she nods in her satisfaction. She makes a move that suggests she's about to leave his presence but Connor stops her with a question.

"Do you know where Markus is?"

"Out back," Is North's only reply before she leaves Connor to talk to Simon who sits away from the crowd.

Connor investigates the back of New Jericho and leaves the ex-Cyberlife store to the back alley. He looks for Markus' form and sees him hunched over in thought. He was sitting on the ground cross-legged, something that Connor thinks is not very good for his clothes since the ground was filthy. Even after that observation, Connor ignores the proper android inside his head that tells him not to sit on the ground, and he proceeds to sit next to Markus.

Markus has a hand on his face and he peeks through his fingers to see who had approached him. Once he sees it's Connor, he closes his eyes once more and returns to his thoughts.

Connor notices how quiet Markus is and is reminded of the hardened deviant leader he had encountered a few months ago. Connor had his suspicions that Markus was created to lead. No one knew what he was originally designed to do or what Kamski had in mind for him. All Connor knew was that Markus had a natural ability to lead others and they often did so without question. However, there were times like these that Connor understands Markus isn't an all-mighty immortal. He was also just another thing with troubles. Troubles that brought him outside to sit on the ground and brood.

So Connor asks the question they both know he's going to ask.

"Didn't see you inside. Is something the matter?"

Connor listens to Markus heave out a large sigh.

"Just have a lot on my mind," he says.

Connor presses, "Maybe I can help?"

Markus shakes his head, "No. I don't think you can. It's family problems."

Connor tilts his head in curiosity. Markus had displayed an excellent bond with his father, Carl, so he wondered what exactly could have happened? It was unlikely they held an argument. Perhaps, Carl had something happen to him? That would explain Markus' mood.

Markus, once more, peeks up at Connor. Once he sees that Connor does not move he gives out another heavy sigh.

"My brother… or… at least… well… I'm not sure if I can call him that but… we share the same dad. I guess that means he's my brother." Markus pauses for a few seconds before continuing, "We've never gotten along. I especially have been wary of his presence after… a few… uncomfortable events."

Connor listens silently. His eyes that lingered over Markus' form now were on the wall in front of him.

Markus then says, "I don't know what… or how… to proceed from here. He already made it clear he doesn't like me."

Markus lifts his head from his hands and throws his head back to look at the cloudy evening sky.

"Why does having a family bring so many difficulties?"

Connor doesn't know why he thinks of Hank.

"I do not know, Markus."

Markus doesn't say anything after that. He and Connor both sit in a comfortable silence. The only sounds they could hear was that of the muffled chatter inside and of the wind that seeped into the alleyway. Connor takes one look at Markus and sees the sullen expression in his features. Connor wants nothing more than to lift his friend's spirits so he decides to do something Markus does to him all the time. Connor's hand grabs hold of Markus' shoulder and he gives his friend a reassuring squeeze.

"But we have gone through hell and back," Connor tells him, "We will prevail."

Markus looks at his friend for a good solid minute before a small smile forms on his lips.

"Prevail, we shall."

And though Markus' problem wasn't resolved the two androids had come to a shared silent conclusion.

Hold on just a little while longer.

Everything will be alright.