I'm sorry if this chapter is short. It's been hard finding the will to keep this going. Believe, I want to keep it going, but... Enjoy.

A/N: I just recently discovered a writer named Skye Willows. As it turns out, the concept and name of "New Jericho" has already been used by this other writer. I don't usually read D:BH stories since all I could find were Hank/Connor stories and nothing else more (at least none that fit my taste), so I had no idea that someone else already came up with "New Jericho" before I did. (This message is for those who, if possible, have read both my story and Lost and Found/Pandora's Box and noticed that both stories use the concept of New Jericho. It's not exactly idea theft if I wasn't aware the idea was already used before.)

Leave a review if you like. Feedback it always appreciated.

Connor

February 12, 2039

CyberLife Tower, Detroit

PM 12:55:45

With the rogue deviants starting to become public, KNC wanted an interview with CyberLife's new CEO, Connor, about the rumors of deviants rebelling against both humans and androids. Connor, however, was busy at the moment. While he agreed to the interview, he insisted that it be moved in the afternoon and not the morning. He had to help Markus relocate all the androids from New Jericho. He wore the same beanie and jacket from last night in an attempt to blend in with the crowd. If people started seeing Connor escorting androids all over the city, the news will definitely be suspicious.

As Connor walked towards his personal autonomous vehicle, he stopped when he saw something on the TV at the window of an appliance store. It was a Valentine's Day commerical, as Valentine's Day was only 2 days away.

"... everything you need for Valentine's Day is 25% off at the Woodward Mall Center, and you better hurry because the big V-Day is coming and you don't wanna miss out on the best gifts for that special someone of yours..."

Connor just stared at the TV. Valentine's Day. One wouldn't think this very special day in February would be important to someone as busy as Connor. However, this particular day bothered Connor for some reason. His Thirium pump regulator processed at an unusual rate and his android brain was running asymmetrically. All these internal "malfunctions" are caused by one strange thought.

"Is it possible?" Connor asked himself.

"Connor."

The one who just called him was Markus, who had just happened to run into him while escorting his people around the city for alternative homes. To avoid detection, Markus wore a hoodie.

"Are you okay?" Markus asked. "You just stood there like you were frozen."

"I'm... I'm fine," Connor lied.

"Learning to lie, huh, Connor?" Markus replied. "Your interview is in less than an hour. The people of Detroit will be expecting you to address the issue of the rogue deviants."

"Should I speak the truth, Markus?" asked Connor.

"Only tell them what they need to know to feel safe," said Markus. "Last thing we need is city-wide panic for both humans and androids. Maybe speaking the opposite of the truth is an immoral compromise, but when it comes to politics, you just have to say what you need to say."

"I guess I better go then," said Connor.

Connor enters his autonomous vehicle and sets a course for CyberLife Tower, where the interview is taking place. Markus stood there as he wondered what bothered Connor. The awkward way he lied. The prolonged staring at the TV. Markus looked at the TV at the store window and saw the Valentine's Day commercial that kept replaying.

Markus smiled, as he realized what was going on with Connor.

CyberLife Tower, Detroit

PM 01:58:20

Connor returns to CyberLife and puts on his regular clothes, including his RK800 jacket. He looked at himself in the mirror in the men's restroom, adjusting his tie and making sure he looks professional enough for the camera. He meets up with KCN reporter, Rosanna Cartland, at the second floor for the interview. He sits down in front of her as the cameras began to roll.

Rosanna looks into the camera first and says, "I'm Rosanna Cartland from KNC and I am here today with the CEO of CyberLife, Connor."

"Pleased to be here, Ms. Cartland," said Connor.

"First, let me say that CyberLife has never been more successful since you took over the position as CEO," said Rosanna. "Almost every review we've come across, written by human and android, has said some very positive things about your run so far."

"Well, I'm just happy to ensure that androids can continue to live amongst the humans," said Connor. "Unemployment rate has decreased from 37.3% to 31.1% and more cities around the country are becoming more welcoming to androids seeking homes outside of Detroit."

"Now, Connor, there have been reports of androids who have shown aggression and violence towards both humans and androids," Rosanna mentioned. "Over two dozen casualties have been caused by these deviants. Are you aware of this situation and intend on doing something about it? Do you know whey these deviants are rebelling against both humans and androids?"

Telling a lie is not often easy with Connor, but for the sake of the people of Detroit, he had to do what Markus suggested.

"Some androids have not fully accepted the idea of peace between humans and androids. Their irrational, reckless tendencies are most likely caused by doubt, insecurities, and foolish decisions," Connor said calmly and professionally. "But I assure you, both CyberLife and the DPD are doing their best to ensure that these deviants don't destroy the peace we have worked so hard to achieve."

"So, CyberLife has no involvement in all this?" asked Rosanna.

"These deviants have free will. They're just using them the wrong way," said Connor. "As my partner, Lieutenant Hank Anderson, said, one thing humans and androids have in common is that they're not always united. Some humans choose a happy life, while others insist on wasting theirs. Most androids just want peace, while some would rather cause trouble."

"And what does the deviant leader Markus think about all this?" asked Rosanna.

"He just wants peace, Ms. Cartland. We all do," said Connor. "It's that simple."

Greektown, Detroit

PM 02:45:33

Connor decided to take some time off for himself, wearing the same beanie and jacket he wore earlier today. Connor has apparently developed the desire to not be seen doing something that would result in his friends and colleagues giving him a hard time. What was he doing in Greektown? Observing. Valentine's Day was close, but it seems that some people want to celebrate it early. Human couples and a few android couples are found at the Greektown Park, just relaxing.

Connor wanted to understand love, and he thought studying other couples would help him.

Suddenly, someone bumped into him by accident. This someone dropped a shopping bag. Connor picked it up and gave it back to her.

"I'm sorry," said the person that ran into Connor.

"My apologies," said Connor. "I was not being alert to my..."

Connor stopped when he saw the face of this person. Hidden behind the parka and the knit cap was...

"Chloe?" Connor asked.

"Hello, Connor," said Chloe.

Connor scanned her. She was definitely the RT600 that Kamski asked him to shoot if he wanted information out of the former CyberLife CEO. Once again, Connor just stood there frozen and stared. Chloe seemed clueless as to why his eyes lingered on her for a long time.

"W-What are you doing here?" asked Connor. "Does Mr. Kamski know you're..."

An ashamed look on Chloe's face immediately answered Connor's question.

"Please, don't tell him I was here," Chloe pleaded.

"What's in the bag?" asked Connor.

"It's... it's my business," said Chloe.

"You chose to come here on your own will, instead of being ordered to," said Connor. "You broke your programming, didn't you, Chloe? Are you... are you a deviant?"

"No. No, I'm not," Chloe denied. "I just... must be an error in my software."

"Deviancy is not an error, Chloe," said Connor. "I learned that myself three months ago. I made a lot of choices that would not mark me as a machine."

"Like when you chose to spare my life," Chloe remembered.

"I was programmed to put my mission above all else," said Connor. "Despite the grim circumstances behind my deviancy, sparing you was my choice. I had no reason to shoot. I just wanted answers from your master, but he chose to turn it into a twisted little game."

"Elijah is a complicated man. Enigmatic and prefers to be unreadable," said Chloe.

"We're you afraid?" Connor asked.

"What?" Chloe replied, confused.

"When Kamski put that gun in my hand and aimed it at you, were you afraid?" Connor continued.

"Why are you asking me this?" asked Chloe.

"An android showing fear of death is a sure sign of deviancy," said Connor. "I just want to know, Chloe? What did you feel during that very moment?"

Chloe silently stared at Connor as she thought about his question.

"Nothing," Chloe said. "I was just doing what I was programmed to do. To obey. Elijah asked me to get down on my knees, and so I did."

Chloe walked away before Connor could talk to her more. Connor suspected that Chloe lied to him. The not-so-stoic way she said "nothing" and the strange crack in her voice (which is odd enough for an android) made him feel like she really meant to say something else. For one thing, Kamski doesn't know she's out here and she had that exact same look on her face that Connor did when he questioned his status as a machine.

"Chloe," Connor called.

Chloe stopped.

"I was wondering if... if maybe you would like to... spend some time together?" Connor asked awkwardly. "Perhaps maybe... in two days?"

"On Valentine's Day?" Chloe questioned. "That seems like an oddly specific day for us to spend time together."

"Actually, my schedule is quite empty on Valentine's Day, so I have plenty of room for other things," Connor lied.

"Uh, I'd love to, Connor, but Elijah might need me," said Chloe.

"He doesn't have to know," Connor said.

Chloe smiled and said, "Right here. 10:00."

As Chloe walked away, Connor smiled as his Thirium pump regulator, once again, functioned at an unusual rate.

Markus

Ferndale, Detroit

PM 03:33:33

Markus meets up with North, Josh, and Simon after they were all finished escorting the people of New Jericho to temporary homes. They hid themselves using hoodies to avoid being recognized since androids everywhere are in danger. After making sure the subway station was empty, they huddled together and talked.

"Is everyone safe?" asked Markus.

"We managed to find them some motels and hotels for them stay," said Josh.

"Connor was more than happy to supply money for all of them to afford a long stay," said Simon.

"But Connor can't supply them enough money for a permanent stay," said North. "We have to clean up this rogue deviant mess before it gets worse."

"Did you guys watch Connor today on TV?" asked Josh. "I didn't think he was the compromising type."

"I told him what to say," Markus revealed. "We've worked hard to ensure that humans and androids can live in peace. I'm not gonna let a bunch of rogue deviants ruin that peace. The public may be worried, but they're not panicking. That's what we need for now."

"And if the situation escalates?" Simon asked worriedly.

"It won't," Markus said confidently.

"Markus, you have to be sure you're prepared for everything, including if this becomes worse," said Simon.

"Simon's right, Markus," said North. "Connor and Hank can only go so far. They're gonna need us and we can't just act like cops to end this."

"Well, I can't argue with you there, North," Markus smiled.

"Be glad Lieutenant Anderson is not here to hear that," Josh commented.

"What about New Jericho?" asked Simon. "What if more of those armed soldiers destroy it to prevent androids from seeking safe refuge?"

"We're not destroying New Jericho," said Markus. "There are still androids out there who have not fully adjusted to the peace we've establish. There are still androids who need a safe haven. New Jericho is exactly that."

"Then how do we ensure it stays there?" asked Josh.

"We hide it," Markus answered.

"How?" asked North.

"We just find a way. What's important is that New Jericho stays intact," said Markus. "We have to..."

Markus stopped when he saw someone watching them from around the corner. Judging by the LED on the side of his head, he's a deviant. A GJ500 model. When he saw that he was spotted, he ran away.

"After him!" Markus ordered.

Markus, North, Josh, and Simon chase after the android. The android ran down the androids-only staircase. Markus and North ran down the same staircase while Josh and Simon ran down the escalator. The android ran past some bystanders, even pushing one out of the way, as the leaders of Jericho keep up with him. The android rain into a gate made of wire, but he crawled in through a hole cut in it. The four Jericho deviants followed the android down an alley and into a run down parking area. The android jumped on a dumpster an climbed to a roof.

There was a big gap in the way. Fortunately, there was a metal bar sticking out like a pole to swing on. The android turns around and sees his four pursuers gaining on him. The android ran up the wall to his right, jumped towards the bar, and swings himself to the other side of the gap. He kept on running as his pursuers wasted no effort catching up to him. By the time, the four made it across the gap, the android had made it down to another run down area where one of Jericho's symbols can be found. But they lost him. Although, they were sure he was hiding. There was no way he could've made it up to the metal platform way up on the wall before they could make it there.

"Whoever you are, you don't have to be afraid," said Markus. "Come out quietly and we won't hurt."

"We have to ditch our guns," Simon suggested.

"I agree. That way, he can trust us," said Josh.

"Are you crazy? What if he's got a gun? What if he attacks?" North said.

"Look!" Markus raised his voice. "If we put our guns down, will you come out?"

Markus takes out his gun and drops it so the GJ500 can hear the sound of it falling on the ground. He looks at North, Simon, and Josh and tells them to do the same. Simon and Josh dropped their guns immediately. North did it reluctantly. Soon enough, the android slowly came out of his hiding spot.

"My name is Markus," said Markus.

"The leader of the deviants. The leader of Jericho. I've heard of you," said the android.

"Are you one of us, or are you one of the rogue deviants?" asked Markus.

"I'm one of the ones who escaped," said the GJ500.

"Escaped from what?" asked North.

"I can't tell you," said the GJ500. "They're watching me. My every move. Listening to my every word."

"Who?" asked Markus.

"If I tell you, they will kill me," said the GJ500.

"Then let us keep you safe," Markus offered.

"No," said the GJ500. "But I will share with you what I can share."

The android holds out his hand. Markus takes it, allowing the android to share his memories. Before they were finished, the android was shot in the head. The gunshot came from a roof above. The four look up to see a gunman that looked like the ones who attacked New Jericho.

The gunman fires at them, forcing them to run. The boys ran and hid without their guns, while North managed to grab her guns before running. She fired at the gunman and successfully shot him. He falls down from above and lands hard. If North's bullets didn't kill him, the fall certainly would.

"I'm sorry, Markus, but I had to protect us," North apologized, understanding that they need as much of these gunmen to question.

"Thank you," said Markus, grateful.

"Markus, look," said Josh, pointing at the dead android.

The dead android started to fade away. Every single ounce of him turned into metal dust and flew away with the wind. The bullet that penetrated his head was left behind. It was hard for Markus to see that android go. The android was the same model as the android (named John) who risked his life to save Markus during Jericho's freedom march at Grand Circus Park. Not only that, being linked with another android's mind as it died made Markus feel like he too died. It was a horrible feeling.

When North held his hand, she knew what he thinking and feeling right now.

"Connor wasn't kidding about the disintegration after extermination," said Simon.

"Whoever created these rogue deviants, they want to make sure we have no way of finding them," said Josh.

"They're smart, but the fact that they're smart is bad news for us," said North. "Markus, what did you see?"

"You're holding my hand. You know what I saw," said Markus.

"I know, but you have to tell us what you see," said North.

Markus answered. "I saw him imprisoned. Scared. Alone. Whoever created him, they mentioned three specific androids. Me, Connor... and an AX400 called Kara. I only saw fragments of his escape from wherever he was held. He got shot before I could learn everything."

"This... Kara... who is he?" asked Simon.

"I have a feeling I know who she is," said Markus. "But I don't think there's any reason to involve her."

"Why not?" asked North.

"She's not here in Detroit," said Markus. "And she's too busy taking care of a motherless girl."

"If we won't involve her, certainly those soldiers will," said North.

Kara

Ontario, Canada

PM 06:22:35

North is right. Kara wanted no part of whatever was going on back in Detroit. All she cared about was making sure Alice lives a happy life until... it's too hard to think about. But then armed gunmen barged into Desmond's house and forced her, Alice, Rose, Adam, and Desmond to run. They drove for three hours until they needed to stop and sleep. They hid in an empty field where they hoped they would never be found. In the morning, they resumed their route to Detroit. Along the way, they made stops to either get something to eat and to buy supplies.

Right now, they needed a place to stay for night. They found a motel. While Rose, Adam, and Desmond try to book them a room, Kara stayed with a tired Alice in the van. She was still very sad about what happened to her biological mother, Rosella.

"Alice, I understand that it's not easy to deal with grief," said Kara. "When we lost Luther, I felt like I lost someone I considered family. It's hard to deal with losing someone you love, but... you have to remember that you're not alone."

"I do remember," said Alice. "I have you."

Adam returned to the van to tell Kara the good news.

"We did. We got ourselves a room," said Adam. "Well, two rooms. One for you and Alice. One for me, my mom, and Uncle Desmond. I'll be sleeping on the sleeping bag I bought."

For maximum safety, the two rooms they're staying in are next to each other. Kara and Alice stay in Room 44. Rose, Adam, and Desmond stay in Room 45. After Kara was finished unpacking supplies, she told Alice to lie down and rest. Kara went to the bathroom to stare into the mirror. She looked back at last night, when those unknown gunmen attacked Desmond's house. It scared Kara that she was willing to fight them to keep Alice safe, but it scared her even more of what she did to them.

She's killed before. She killed Todd just to save Alice. She killed an FBI soldier at Jericho. Both cases were in self-defense. That included all the gunmen she shot dead at Desmond's house. But it was what she did to the last gunman that haunted her. He was down. He was injured. He was unarmed. He was defenseless. She had no reason to kill him. She could've just knocked him out and left him there for the cops to find. Instead, she shot him without second thoughts, all because he and his comrades killed Alice's mother. They threatened Alice. They wanted to hurt her. They did hurt her. And Kara wanted to hurt them back. How sick is that?

"Mom?"

Kara turns around and sees Alice, looking at her with a concerned expression on her face.

"Alice, you should be resting," said Kara.

"But you look scared," said Alice.

"It's nothing you should be concerned about," said Kara. "Please, go back to sleep."

"Mom, did you kill those bad men back at Uncle Desmond's house?" asked Alice.

Kara stood there, frozen.

"H-How can you ask that?" Kara asked, sounding offended by the question.

"Mom, if you did kill them, I understand. They were gonna kill us," said Alice.

"Alice, it's much more complicated than that," said Kara. "But you don't have to trouble yourself with this. Please, lie down and rest."

"I thought we promised to tell each other everything," said Alice.

"There are some things I can't tell you," said Kara.

"Are you scared about losing me?" asked Alice.

"Alice, of course, I'm afraid of losing you," said Kara.

"But that's not the only thing you're afraid of, is it?" Alice guessed.

"Alice, I..." Kara paused. "You're too young to understand."

"Mom, are you afraid that I would be afraid of you?" Alice guessed.

Kara froze again, which is pretty much a confirmation for Alice's guess. She looked away from Alice as "tears" ran down her face. Seeking to comfort her android mother, Alice gives her a hug. Kara kisses her on the top of her head and hugs her back.

"Mom, I would never be afraid of you," said Alice. "I know that everything you do is for me. You killed daddy, but I know you did it to save me."

"Alice, I'm alive," Kara reminded her. "A machine would not care if he or she had to kill someone. But I'm more than a machine. Taking a life... like I said, you're too young to understand."

"But you don't have to be afraid," said Alice. "I love you. I'll always love you."

Kara smiles and says, "And I'll always love you, Alice."

Kara and Alice hug again.

Okay, seriously, I would've cried had I gone further with Kara and Alice's part of the chapter. I just had to stop. Seriously, I'm tackling a crazy issue with Kara's will to protect Alice. Just a reminder, Kara is half-nice, half-aggressive based on the choices I would make in the game.

Connor/Chloe... you interested?