Chapter 5: A Call in the Quiet
The hospital room exuded an air of hushed anticipation, the soft beep of monitors creating a gentle rhythm that underscored the solemn atmosphere. Hank occupied a chair beside the bed, his gaze steadfastly fixed upon Connor's figure as he lay in stasis —a tranquil reprieve amidst the uncertainty that loomed.
The phone on the nearby table emitted a soft vibration, its screen illuminating with the name "Jeffrey Fowler." Hank's expression shifted from contemplative to attentive, a mixture of respect and wariness in his demeanor. He answered the call, his voice a blend of respect and a tinge of weariness.
"Fowler."
"Hank, how's Connor?" Jeffrey Fowler's voice, tinged with authority, echoed through the line—an echo of his role as a senior figure within a world grappling with profound transformation.
Hank leaned back in the chair, his gaze remained on Connor's stasis form. With a steady and composed voice, he answered "He's stable for all I know. The technicians are still running some tests, but it's a puzzler. It's like nothing they've seen before. Fuck, Fowler, he was okay a few hours ago."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, a heavy silence that hung in the air. Hank could almost sense Jeffrey's own analytical consideration. "Your thoughts on this ?"
Hank's jaw tightened as he considered the question. What were his thoughts on that? Fuck if he knew! "I don't know shit about all these things… you know that. It's a real head-scratcher. It's like... something shifted in him, but they can't put their finger on what."
A discernible sigh carried through the line, a blend of frustration and urgency in Jeffrey's tone. "Hank, we're navigating uncharted waters here. Uncertainties aren't something we can afford. I need you to handle this matter with precision." Hank growled in frustration. Of course he knew. Of all that could have happened, the superiors didn't need any new weight to add after all the changes coming and going. "Fuck I know." He says with another grunt. "I get it. We're all in uncharted territory here. I'll figure this out. No need to worry the big heads."
"You'd better," Jeffrey's words bore the weight of responsibility. "But I know you will. You've always been damn good at that. When you want." He continued before adding "Keep me posted."
"You'll be the first to know," Hank affirmed, his gaze unwavering as he watched over Connor. And like this, the line cuts immediately.
As the call ended, Hank set his phone down and leaned forward, his fingers brushing against Connor's hand. The stillness of the room was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions that churned within Hank. He understood Fowler's concerns. After all, it was enough to add a new paranoia in this whirlwind of emotions. A Deviant who suddenly loses consciousness, for no real reason. The moment was critical.
Maybe meeting Markus no longer seemed a remote probability, but a good reason to do so. In case. Caution was in order and there was perhaps some hope of finding out what was going on with Connor. Suddenly, the idea of other androids being affected entered Hank's thoughts. A damn good reason.