"You're off the case. The FBI is taking over."
It wasn't the first thing that Connor had expected to hear, not after Amanda had just told him that he definitely couldn't fail. How was he to succeed now, when his only available option was just thrown out the window?
"What?" Hank's voice cut through, sharp and filled with anger that never seemed to leave the lieutenant, "But we're onto something! We… We just need more time, I'm sure we can-"
"Hank," Jeffrey spit back, "You don't get it. This isn't just another investigation, it's a fucking civil war!" The captain threw up his hands in defeat. "It's out of our hands now. We're talking about national security here."
Hank paused for 0.27 secs, his eyes gleaming with something Connor had noticed only appeared when they've cracked a case. In the short amount of time, the RK800 had cut out an approach, ready to respond when-
"Fuck that! You can't just pull the plug now. Not when we're so close!" Connor picked up a certain change in Hank's voice. He seemed more agitated, desperately trying to buy more time.
"You're always saying you can't stand androids! Jesus, Hank, make up your mind! I thought you'd be happy about this!"
It was true. Upon further inspection, it was clear to Connor that Hank was troubled by this statement. However, the lieutenant continued the argument, ignoring the irrefutable comment Jeffrey threw at him. Hank leaned forwards to change his stance. "We're about to crack the case! I know we can solve it. For God's sake, Jeffrey, can't you back me up this one time?"
The way that Hank was standing and talking told Connor that 'cracking the case' wasn't the only thing that kept Hank arguing. There was something else… something that pertained to humanity's morals, which Connor still did not understand. It was not in his program for him to touch upon such subjects; that was his explanation.
"There's nothing I can do. You're back on homicide, and the android returns to Cyberlife. I'm sorry, Hank, but it's over." The conversation was done. Jeffrey left Hank no more room for argument.
It's over.
Those two words stirred something in Connor's program. An error message popped up for a few nanoseconds, then disappeared. The android turned his head to watch Hank slam the door behind him, hesitated for two more seconds, then nodded to the captain and walked out.
His guiding system displayed an objective that activated his socializing program.
TALK TO HANK
Connor followed without hesitation, his stance mirroring Hank's to show empathy. Since Hank was pushing for more time, Connor figured it was best to follow up with the topic.
"We could've solved this case!" The android started, pursing his lips in frustration, "We just needed more time."
Hank rubbed his chin once, twice, then turned towards Connor. The lieutenant tilted his head and looked at Connor with such a scrutinizing gaze that it gave the android a certain sense of… discomfort.
"So you're going back to Cyberlife?"
The question stirred something in Connor yet again, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly where it was. Before he realized, Connor was responding to Hank. "I have no choice. I'll be deactivated and analyzed to find out why I failed…"
"What if we're on the wrong side, Connor?" Hank digressed, his eyes still as scrutinizing as ever. "What if we're fighting against people who just want to be free?"
It took Connor longer than normal to process Hank's words. Perhaps he was too busy analyzing Hank's stance, now arched over and ready for a debate. Yet again, the question stirred something inside Connor, this time pinpointed directly in his thirium pump. He moved to touch his chest for just a few seconds, scanning the area for a malfunction. The results showed nothing.
"When the deviants rise up, there will be chaos. We could've stopped it," Connor paused as Hank straightened back up, "But now it's too late."
"When you refused to kill that android at Kamski's place… You put yourself in her shoes. You showed empathy, Connor." Hank's eyes waned as Connor's composure seemed to break, "Empathy is a human emotion."
Connor averted his eyes for no apparent reason. Something about looking directly at Hank sent a jolt into his systems. It was almost as if it unnerved him.
"I don't know why I did it…" Was the response that Connor gave. Hank leaned back, seemingly dissatisfied with the android's answer.
"Well, well, here comes Perkins, that motherfucker… Sure don't waste any time at the FBI."
Connor located the FBI agent in his sights and turned back to Hank. "We can't give up. I know the answer's in the evidence we collected. If Perkins takes it, it's all over."
"There's no choice! You heard Fowler, we're off the case."
Knowing that Hank just needed a little bit more persuading, Connor slid off of the table and held out his hands to make a point. "You've got to help me, Lieutenant. I need more time so I can find a lead in the evidence we collected. I know the solution is in there!"
"Listen, Connor-"
Something inside the android snapped. He felt pushed and pulled to the point where he was… scared. His voice was strained as he desperately tried to pull Hank to help him. "If I don't solve this case, Cyberlife will destroy me. Five minutes. It's all I ask."
Hank sighed. Connor could see conflict in his eyes, but the lieutenant closed and reopened them with a newfound determination. "Key to the basement's in my desk." A pause. "Get a move on! I can't distract them forever." With that, the lieutenant took off towards the haughty FBI agent.
Connor's guiding system flickered as he palmed the entrance card.
HURRY TO ARCHIVE ROOM
A loud punch and a crash indicated that Hank had done his part of the job. With the distraction now in progress, Connor rushed towards the archive room with a definite spark of determination in his chest.
