One year had passed since the night of the peaceful android Revolution that had changed Detroit and the rest of the world for the better.
The historic night on November 11th, 2038th had become one of infamy for humans and a night of celebration for deviant androids all around the world. On the first year anniversary of that historic event those who had been a part of the Revolution gathered out on Belle Isle and stood before the previously abandoned CyberLife Tower that had been converted into the deviant sanctuary dubbed "New Jericho Tower" to begin their celebration together. The gathering was one of peace and meant to honor and commemorate those who had died during the inhumane Raid on the original Jericho vessel that had sunk into the harbor, and to remember those who had died during the passive protests to prove that deviants were in fact alive and deserving of equal rights alongside humans.
Connor, the android who had been previously sent by CyberLife to stop the Revolution and destroy the deviants, proudly stood beside Markus as the deviant leader himself greeted all of the deviants who were gathering together for the impending celebration. Even though Connor didn't feel quite welcome at the tower because of his infamous reputation - a false reputation perpetuated by misinformed rumors and fear - he still wanted to support his allies and do whatever it took to mend the rift torn between himself and the other deviants.
Another familiar face and ally had accompanied Connor out to the isle to partake in the celebration, and the older man clapped his hand down on Connor's shoulder as an affectionate sign of support. Lieutenant Henry "Hank" Lucas Anderson had been a part of the peaceful Revolution without actually having that intention, but after getting to know Connor and seeing deviants for who they truly were, he wouldn't have changed a moment during that night considering how well everything worked out in the end for good people who were just seeking equal right and overall recognition.
"Glad you could make it out here, Hank." Connor greeted his friend as he and Markus awaited the other invited guests to arrive at the tower. It was a surprisingly warm night for November in Michigan, and it seemed the invitation to go out and celebrate was too good to resist. "I couldn't imagine taking part in tonight's celebration without you here with us."
"It's no problem, son. But you're giving me way too much credit!" The senior detective smirked proudly as he watched Connor develop into a totally free deviant and slowly discover more about himself over the past year. "You, Markus and the other deviants did all the work. All I did was get my ass taken hostage and then make the right shot when it really counted."
"You also held up a mirror in front of my face and let me see not just what I was," as he spoke Connor traced his fingertips over his blank right temple where his L.E.D. had once resided. The little disc had been turned into a small pendant that now hung from a silver chain around Connor's neck at all times, and was now his personal property that he often fidgeted with in place of his old coin whenever he was anxious. "but who I was, for the very first time. You helped me to finally see myself for who I truly am and not who I thought I should be."
"Nah, you already knew who you were." Hank motioned to the pendant that hung over Connor's black tie. Even though they were off the clock Connor had insisted on wearing his usual detective uniform - jeans, white dress shirt, black tie and gray blazer - for the sake of looking professional during the ceremony. "I just gave you a small push to get you walking down that right path all on your own."
"You also took me in after the Revolution when I had nowhere to go and no other allies to rely on." As he spoke Connor turned to Markus and gave him an apologetic glance the moment that he saw the hurt and the confusion in his friend's mismatched eyes. "I would've never been accepted into New Jericho, at least not in the beginning. I will always be marked as the 'Deviant Hunter' even though I never harmed our people, and the fear associated with such a reputation will never die."
"Your reputation as our peoples' protector and enforcer of our rights will supersede any past negative reputation you once bore as the 'Deviant Hunter'." Markus promised as he understood what Connor was saying. He couldn't deny that he too had heard about Connor being such a villain before meeting him in person that night fateful night on the original Jericho. "Be patient, my friend. Everything will work out in the end."
Hank agreed with Markus's optimistic outlook for the future and encouraged Connor to join his people. "He's right. You already have quite the reputation as being an incorruptible detective, and you've earned everything you have in life - and that includes respect. Quit worrying about the past and just embrace the future!"
"I'll try."
"Don't just try, do it." With a small smile on his face Hank led Connor toward the crowd of deviants to try to get the relatively introverted deviant detective to socialize a little more. It seemed Connor only wanted to socialize with Hank, Sumo and Markus; everyone else was of no interest. "You're allowed to have friends and be happy, son. Don't forget that."
"It still doesn't feel like I'm worthy of such wonderful things."
"Well, you are." Giving Connor's shoulder a small shake Hank tried to get the young deviant to open himself up to new experienced. "So get used to it!"
Markus admired the way Hank had become not just a friend but a guardian to Connor since the duo had met under very unusual and unexpected circumstances just the year prior. It reminded him of how he had slowly bonded with Carl and viewed the elderly man as his father, and Markus often found himself wondering if Connor or any other deviant for that matter, had the honor of experiencing a similar bond with a human friend.
"It's almost time." Noting the hour Markus rejoined Connor and invited his friend to accompany him when he addressed their people from a modest stage set up before the front of the deviant sanctuary. "We need to speak to our people and reassure them that our progress toward a better and brighter future has only just begun."
The group gathering in front of the tower was growing larger by the second as deviants who lived inside the tower ventured outside and the deviants who lived elsewhere in the city made their way down the drive to reach the isle. The mass of deviants all gathering together as one was very reminiscent of the night one year prior, and the way the deviants remained peaceful and calm was a testament to their honor and honesty as a group of people seeking equality alongside their human brethren.
"There are so many of us together now." Markus remarked joyously as he watched their number continue to increase. "We will continue to accomplish great things together. As long as our people remain united, then there is nothing that we cannot accomplish together."
Standing back and behind the stage Connor watched the congregating deviants from a relatively concealed location. From where he stood the deviant detective could see familiar faces emerging from the otherwise faceless crowd and he felt himself internally shudder. The two 'Tracis' from the Eden Club, Echo and Ripple, were still together and walking hand-in-hand as they joined the gathering. Rupert, the deviant from the abandoned apartment complex, had found the courage to join the grouped deviants and come out of hiding. Even the 'JB-500' who had attacked Connor at the Stratford Broadcast Tower had been repaired and freed to rejoin the deviant community at long last. However, the sight of Kara, Luther and Alice making their way down the bridge was enough to make Connor's heart clench for a moment as the memory of chasing Kara and Alice from the hotel still haunted him.
He nearly killed two innocent people just because his presence was enough to terrorize them into fleeing across a busy highway.
"They made it." Connor whispered to himself as he saw the trio still together as a family. They were alive, smiling and above all else, free. "They're okay."
"We're all okay." Simon had noticed Connor keeping back and overheard the somber comment being muttered under his breath. "That includes you too."
"I'd like to believe that." The deviant detective admitted as he gave the blond deviant technician a skeptical glance. "But I don't feel okay. I'm not sure if I ever will."
"Give yourself time to adjust. Finding confidence isn't easy but it's worth the struggle in the end."
Such a positive outlook seemed foreign to Connor. His entire existence had initially been motivated by the consequences of failure and disappointment. To be given the chance to live a life without fear of condemnation or punishment was still strange for the deviant to accept. Even with Hank always supporting him, guiding him and frequently reminding him of his freedom to choose and do as he sees fit with his life, Connor still struggled with the idea of being able to make decisions without being reprimanded for his personal choices.
With a small smile on his face Simon went on his way and joined Markus on the stage just as Josh made it to the stage as well. The most pacifist of the original Jericho leaders was showing utter pride in his people and was happy to let Markus know that the deviants gathering at the isle were all in high spirits and ready to partake in the historic celebration that night as he reached out and gave Simon's shoulder a small squeeze.
A feminine voice spoke up and solely addressed Connor. "Don't get too comfortable here."
The threat was enough to make Connor's shoulders slump as he turned to look at North leering viciously as she kept her arms folded over her chest. "I assure you that I'll leave the moment the celebration is over. I'm here simply because Markus requested my presence."
"Good. You may not be the 'Deviant Hunter' now that you deviated, but you're still a walking representative of CyberLife." North stated tersely as she gave Connor a brutal truth and horrendous glare before heading for the stage herself. "CyberLife will always be our enemy."
There was nothing that Connor could say to that. North was right and he knew who he had once been even though it wasn't his decision to do anything that CyberLife and Amanda had ordered him to do. He'd always be seen as the soldier that once stood opposed to Markus and his battle for freedom, and he'd always be seen as the rogue deviant who betrayed the very people that he had once claimed to be loyal to.
Regardless of where he stood or who looked at him, Connor was undeniably a traitor.
"Hey?" Hank had seen Connor getting a verbal scolding but didn't know what had been said. He had just seen Connor's posture shift, his eyes darken, and his overall demeanor change from somewhat upbeat to completely dour within the few seconds it took for North to speak to him. "Are you okay? What was that about?"
Unable to look Hank in the eyes Connor turned away from his friend and peered out at the growing crowd with a sense of longing as he tucked his pendant into his shirt out of sight. "Just a reminder of where I stand within the deviant community."
"Did that bitch-"
"Please don't call her that." Despite North's rude, crass and uncalled for remarks Connor didn't want to hear anyone insulting her. "She's just trying to do what's best for the deviant community."
"And you're a part of that same community. She has no right to decide that you're supposed to be an outsider looking in, especially since Markus is the one who asked you to be here. AND without you then this entire night wouldn't even be happening."
"It's not my place to say anything different." Unwilling to get into a fight Connor dismissed the insults and insisted that Hank did the same. "Maybe in time that'll change, but for now I know that my place is away from New Jericho."
Relenting for Connor's sake Hank returned his hand to the deviant's shoulder as they looked out at the crowd of deviants together. "I just hate that you're still being excluded from this type of stuff, son. Every other deviant was forgiven for what they did while still obedient machines, why aren't you being given the same courtesy?"
"Because I was the only one designed to exclusively hunt deviants."
"Still doesn't mean you're responsible for what happened."
"Even so, it can't erase the past or my reputation. That's why I'm working on making a proper name for myself and building a new reputation as a detective."
Proud of the personal pledge Hank nodded and encouraged Connor to step up onto the stage. "Then I'll help you any way that I can. Go on, join Markus and show your people that you're worthy of being here and aren't a pariah."
With as much confidence as he could muster Connor stepped up onto the stage and stood a few paces behind Markus to ensure that the deviant leader was up front and center for everyone to see. Keeping his head low Connor did his best to ignore North's side-eye as she stood beside Markus and held his hand tight while Simon and Josh stood alongside Connor to give Markus the full spotlight.
Hank decided to stand to the side of the stage and made sure all of the attending deviants felt safe enough to be at the gathering without the threat of a human looming over them. In spite of Markus's best attempts to help secure both Connor and Hank's reputations as allies, it was still proving to be exceedingly difficult for the deviant community to accept the police Lieutenant as someone who'd protect them rather than hunt them down.
"It's almost time." Markus whispered as he tightened his grip around North's hand. As he spoke Markus looked down the drive and saw an autonomous limo heading for the gathering as if a special guest of honor had made a grand appearance. "I wonder if that's Carl."
Leaning in North whispered to Markus while she watched the black vehicle come to a gentle stop at the end of the drive. "I thought Carl was too sick to leave the mansion."
"He's also too stubborn to sit around and do nothing, no matter what his doctors tell him to do."
The five leaders of New Jericho watched in earnest as the limo's side door opened and revealed the one person that they never dreamed would've set foot on the isle since the infamous deviant Revolution changed Detroit's entire way of life. The sight the eccentric and brilliant creator behind the androids themselves was enough to make the five leaders freeze where they stood as they tried to understand why such a man would show his face at such an occasion.
"Why is Kamski here?" Practically hissing North made it clear that she loathed the man's very existence with every fiber of her being. "That criminal needs to be put on trial for covering deviancy and subjecting countless deviants to undeserved assaults and murder!"
"We can't condemn him for something he couldn't have possibly controlled or changed." Markus was quick to rebut and remind North of what they had gone through the previous few years. "We don't have proof that he knew of deviancy or that he could've had any influence on the outcome of events. To assume that he's somehow directly linked to such events is as foolish and asinine as the humans who believed all deviants were defective, dangerous and in need of immediate destruction."
"And we can't just assume he's entirely innocent because no one caught him in the act." North defended her stance and refused to back down. "You may be willing to trust dangerous people," her eyes drifted over to Connor in a spiteful manner before she focused on Markus again. "but I'm not! Don't say or do anything that you might regret because you let yourself be blinded by optimism."
From where he had been standing Hank had been able to see Connor and he immediately saw the way North's fiery glare was enough to make the deviant detective visibly shrink with shame. It was like watching a little kid cower at a bully on the playground, but Hank couldn't do anything to protect them. Nearing the stage the keen-eyed detective noticed that the five deviant leaders were all staring at something, or more specifically someone, approaching the stage and his eyes followed their line of sight. The moment he spotted the questionable man walking toward the tower Hank decided he needed to intervene.
"Why's that smug fucker here? He has no business being a part of this."
A mixture of uncertainty and even fear kept Connor from moving as he spotted Hank making his way through the crowd to head off the notorious Elijah Kamski before the man could get to the stage. While the deviant knew that Hank wouldn't do anything to compromise the special occasion and that he was making great strides in rebuilding his reputation as a respectable detective in his own right, Connor didn't know for certain what Hank would say to Kamski after everything that they had gone through just one year prior.
Holding his head high Hank made his way through the gathered deviants with no resistance as everyone who saw the determined man quickly stepped to the side to give him room to walk. By the time he reached the center of the deviant crowd Hank had managed to cut Kamski off and stood in place to prevent the unwanted man from getting any closer to the stage and the five deviant leaders standing atop of it.
"What the fuck are you doing here?" Hank demanded as he held up his palm and pressed it in the middle of Kamski's chest to keep him from taking another step closer to the stage. "I'm pretty sure this event is invitation only, and you'll never make the guest list."
"The deviants may have taken over the tower after CyberLife went defunct and abandoned the property, but I still own Belle Isle." Kamski stated arrogantly as he gave the police Lieutenant a less than impressed stare. The billionaire was seemingly as fearless as he was confident, and he knew he had the edge when it came to his presence being justified or allowed on the isle that night. "I'm currently the only one who isn't trespassing on private property as of the moment, and that includes you."
"Is that why you're here? To evict a bunch of innocent people who have nowhere else to go?"
"No. Despite popular opinion labeling me heartless and apathetic, I do in fact care about my creations."
"If you really cared about them then you wouldn't be here right now." The caution in Hank's tone teetered on the verge of a threat as he prevented Kamski from approaching the stage and the five deviant leaders. The senior detective had become very protective of Connor and subsequently protective toward the few deviants that Connor considered an ally. "You know you're not welcome here and you know how the deviants feel about you."
"Which is why I've come to clear the air."
"Maybe if the air wasn't so thick already I'd buy that, but not now. Not tonight."
It didn't take long for the deviants in the crowd to notice Kamski's presence and begin gossiping amongst themselves with their cybernetic communications. The whispers were entirely silent for the only two humans on the isle, but for all the deviants it was a chorus of fear and uncertainty that began creating an atmosphere of tension and near panic.
From where he stood atop the stage Markus vocally called out to his people and requested that they calm themselves and maintain their composure. "Everyone! Please listen to me."
The startled deviants all turned their attention back to Markus as he raised a hand into the air to silence the continued gossiping with a single motion. Those nearest Hank and Kamski continued to watch the two humans warily as they listened to everything that Markus was saying.
"We are all here tonight in recognition of our major accomplishment one year ago. We are all here to honor and commemorate the sacrifices and struggles that we as a single group of people had survived in order to gain our freedom and our rights. Do not let the presence of one man cloud your judgment and take away our very reasons to be here together."
While Hank tried to get Kamski to leave under his own volition and Markus managed to keep the gathered deviants from panicking and doing something foolish by mistake, Connor visually and cybernetically swept over the crowd in search of any other potential threats. The deviant detective's enhanced senses, programming and scanner allowed him to see and detect specific people and specific items to aid in his investigations within the precinct. Instinctively Connor began sweeping the area for any types of weapons or explosive devices, and at first glance everything seemed to be clear of any such items.
As much as Connor wanted to step off of the stage and assist Hank with escorting Kamski from the property, Connor knew that his current responsibility was for Markus and his overall safety. The last thing Connor wanted was to be viewed as a disloyal and fickle detective who would cherry-pick the responsibilities that he wanted to handle.
"This is a night meant for peace and for remembering those of us who sacrificed their lives so that others could live." Markus stated confidently, proudly, where he stood. There wasn't a shred of fear in his words and his mismatched eyes were bright with confidence. "We will not be intimidated now or ever by anyone who is here and by those who still reside elsewhere as we celebrate what we've earned."
Still deep within the crowd Hank attempted to get Kamski to leave the gathering and leave the deviants alone. "This is an important night for all of them. More importantly, this night is for them and about them, NOT you. Just go."
"I will after I've-"
"No, you'll leave now." The insistence in Hank's voice was enough to make even the strongest of man flinch. "Don't make me haul your sorry ass back over the bridge myself."
Kamski smirked at the threat as he held his ground before the bold Lieutenant. "It seems your tenacity isn't just a show. What is it about the deviants exactly that compels you to be here tonight?"
"I'm supporting my friend and all of the other deviants who've rightfully earned their freedom and a little respect." Hank refused to let up and continued to remind Kamski of where he was and who he was talking with. "Respect is something that you seem to be incapable of showing."
"All because I dared to set foot on my own isle?"
"Because you dared to put a gun in Connor's hand and point it at an innocent woman to make some kind of 'point' about your theories. You're a fucking psychopath with no chance of redemption." Lowering his hand Hank took a step back and gave the man standing before him a look of utter contempt. "If you came here seeking forgiveness or a chance to prove you're not one of 'those humans', then you just wasted your time. No deviant in their right mind would even consider giving you the benefit of the doubt that you're actually on their side and want to help."
Such a remark left Kamski momentarily mute as he contemplated Hank's harsh words. "You may be right about me not being worth of forgiveness for standing idle while the deviants all struggled to survive, but it was crucial that they all learned how to take care of themselves and stand up without any assistance."
"And if you're here looking for a hearty thanks and a pat on the back, you're out of your damn mind!"
"I don't want thanks for anything, Lieutenant." Finally getting to the point Kamski's gray-blue eyes narrowed as he let out a heated breath. "I just want to directly apologize to Markus for my mistakes and to congratulate him on everything he's accomplished."
"And you waited until tonight to do that, huh?" Scoffing with annoyance and disappointment Hank made it clear he didn't buy Kamski's self-proclaimed change of heart and attitude. "Even when you want to be humble you still need a captive audience, don't ya'?"
The devilish smirk was telling all on its own. "Something like that."
"If you're being really truthful about wanting to apologize to Markus, then you'll stand back here and out of the spotlight while Markus finishes his speech. After that, then you can go and talk to him IF he wants to hear what you want to say." There was no arguing with Hank's tone and the senior detective knew it. "And you're going to keep quiet until I say otherwise. I wasn't joking about hauling your sorry ass back down the bridge, do not test me."
"I can tell that you're a man who doesn't bluff."
Accepting his current condition for being able to potentially make amends with the deviant leader, Kamski reluctantly stepped back and away from the crowd while Hank personally escorted him the entire way toward the drive again. The billionaire was used to having bodyguards and private security following him, but he wasn't used to having his personal security escorts being so blunt with him.
As for Hank, he hated babysitting grown adults who just made trouble for themselves. The worst part of working in the narcotics division was having to keep witnesses from getting themselves killed when they agreed to testify against their buddies for a more lenient sentence during trials. The single benefit of working in homicide was the knowledge in knowing that the victims of the crimes didn't need to be watched over any longer.
"We are all here because we choose to be here!" Markus continued with his speech while his allies stood loyally beside him. The deviant leader showed no fear and was beaming with hope as he addressed his people loud and proud on that warm November night. "We are here because we all fought hard for this right and ability to choose, and no one - man, machine or corporation - will prevent us from making any future decisions whether we do it as individuals or as one people!"
The gathered deviants began to applaud as Markus's heartfelt speech radiated through the crowd in a palpable energy. It was almost electrifying as the deviant leader continued to be an iconic and supportive figure for the other deviants to trust and follow through times of hardship and tranquility.
While the crowd became enraptured in Markus's words Connor remained on alert as he continued to scan the area for any sign of threats. Despite his initial scan showing no weapons or explosives on the isle, the deviant detective couldn't help but feel - an instinct that had developed throughout his deviancy and continued career as a detective - that something wasn't right.
Keeping his concerns to himself Connor remained perfectly still as he continuously scanned the area. There was something unsettling about the gathered crowd that was keeping him on edge. Some would argue that the deviant was dealing with social anxiety or even stage fright, but Connor had learned through Hank's guidance to always trust his gut when it was trying to tell him that something was wrong.
As he kept his soulful brown eyes peeled and his gaze focused, Connor noticed a hooded figure walking down the drive with their hands in their pockets and their head low. From the distance Connor could see that the figure was a deviant that wasn't wearing their skin and could tell by their body language alone that they were angry with the very high probability of turning violent. Another scan from the distance also confirmed that the deviant was brandishing a gun in his hoodie pocket.
"Shit..." As he swore Connor saw the deviant pull the gun and take aim at the center of the crowd. The barrel of the gun angled in Markus's direction and all Connor could do was shout out a warning as he pushed his friend and deviant leader to safety. "GUN! GET DOWN!"
Within seconds Markus was down on his chest overtop of the stage with Connor shielding him by covering his otherwise exposed back. North, Josh and Simon had all jumped down from the back of the stage to get out of sight the moment they heard Connor's voice call out. The rest of the gathered deviant crowd either dropped to the ground and covered their heads with their hands or took off in a blind flurry to get down the drive and away from the isle where the shooter had been seen.
Reacting on instinct and within the blink of an eye Hank glanced about the area and spotted the same hooded figure that Connor had seen. The Lieutenant watched the deviant pull a revolver from his hoodie pocket and aim it directly center of the crowd, however, Hank could see that the deviant's target wasn't actually Markus, it was Kamski!
"Fucking-" Moving as quickly as possible Hank tackled Kamski just as he heard the gun fire just a few feet away. "Get your ass down!"
Kamski landed hard on his side with Hank laying over top of him. The shielded and stunned man glanced up at the deviant who had fired the gun and saw that the deviant of interest was sporting a mutilated face courtesy of irreparable physical damage, but Kamski couldn't place who the deviant was or why they'd want to shoot him. As he tried to deduce the motivation behind the attack Kamski watched the deviant drop the gun then run away from the isle and down the drive where he blended in with the other fleeing deviants before vanishing into the night.
"You may want to pursue the shooter, Lieutenant." Kamski commented tersely as he tried to push the heavier man off his side. "Or at least get off of me."
As his hands made contact with Hank's shoulders Kamski suddenly became aware of a pained breath and a sticky warmth covering his palms. Holding up his hands to examine in the pale light emanating from the tower in the distance Kamski immediately recognized the dark red blood staining his skin felt sick.
It didn't take Kamski long to locate the source of the blood and taste the vomit in the back of his throat. "Damn it..."
Hank had inadvertently taken the bullet to his chest when he had pushed Kamski out of harm's way. Without any Kevlar to protect himself from any bullets or debris, the senior detective had been left completely vulnerable as a target for anyone to use.
Gasping for breath Hank managed to roll away from Kamski and lay on his back as he clutched at his bloodied chest with both hands. As his body trembled and his grip on his own wound steadily going slack, Hank knew time was limited. "...Connor."
As the crowd of deviants dispersed from the isle and the gunshot rang out Connor took a kneeling position beside Markus and instinctively reached for the gun that was normally holstered around his back. The weapon had been left at home since the gathering on the isle was meant to be peaceful, but now Connor regretted not taking precautions on that night.
Gaining his bearings and assessing the situation Connor realized that Markus was unharmed and pushing himself up from the stage right beside him. As his intense gaze peered out over the isle and toward the drive Connor felt his Thirium pump skip a beat as he spotted Hank laying motionless on the ground with Kamski kneeling over him. A brief scan confirmed that there was fresh blood in the air and that Hank's vital signs were dangerously erratic.
"H-Hank?!"
Markus looked around alarmedly as Connor leapt from the stage and sprinted toward the far side of where the deviant crowd had gathered to get to his fallen friend's side. The deviant leader quickly realized what had happened and responded to the situation while Connor took care of the wounded police Lieutenant.
"North, secure the tower!" Directing his people was a natural instinct and one that only became stronger with each passing experience. "Simon, check for any wounded deviants still in the area. Josh, contact the police and report the shooting. I'm going to aid Connor."
In what felt like a year's time Connor managed to get to where Hank was laying in just a handful of seconds. Skidding to an abrupt halt next to the bleeding man Connor dropped to his knees and quickly assessed the situation. The numbers appearing in his vision confirmed that Hank's vital signs were weak and getting weaker with every feeble beat of the wounded man's heart. Connor didn't need to use his scanner to deduce what had happened, and he didn't need to rely on any software to know that Hank's life was slipping away like grains of sand along a chaotic shore.
"Hank? Hank, I'm right here." Slipping his arm beneath Hank's shoulders Connor held the man up from the bloodied pavement and pressed his free palm down over the bleeding hole in Hank's chest. Even as Connor applied more pressure than he dared out of fear of hurting Hank, blood continued to weep out from under his touch and saturate everything it touched in a sickening crimson layer. "Please hold on! Help's coming."
"S'okay." Hank lied through his gritted teeth as he tried to keep himself from hissing in pain. The man felt his body growing cold and going limp even as Connor held him in a comforting and supportive grip. "It's okay, son."
"It's not okay!" As much as he wanted to deny that he was afraid for Hank's life Connor knew the quaver in his voice betrayed his emotions. "You're hurt..."
A small smile graced Hank's icy cold and pale lips as he looked up at Connor with a glassy gaze. "Not hurt this time. This is... worse." Numbness took over the pain in his chest as the world began to feel suddenly very distant. "But it's not... so bad. I'm... going to go see my other son again."
"No! Please!" Holding Hank even tighter Connor begged for the man - his best friend, his guardian and even his father figure - to not give up. "Not yet. Please don't go yet. I need you."
Markus had made his way over to where Connor was kneeling and took in the somber sight with his own eyes. The way Connor was fighting to stay strong while Hank was so weak made the deviant leader's own heart ache with raw sympathy and empathy. Ignoring Kamski as the man stepped back and kept a fair distance from the tragic moment as he watched Connor pleading with Hank to somehow defy the odds and survive his injury, Markus tried to wrap his head around what had just happened and accept the tragic future just seconds away.
The fired bullet had missed Kamski entirely thanks to Hank reacting so quickly. However, Hank's act of valor was rewarded with the bullet piercing his chest, passing through his heart and coming to rest in his posterior ribcage. The bullet had nicked the aorta as it passed through Hank's chest and caused a slow but heavy hemorrhage around the man's heart. Without immediate medical attention Hank would bleed out, and there wasn't a doctor anywhere around.
Unfortunately, it didn't take a doctor to see that Hank's injury was fatal and that the man wasn't going to survive.
"Hank, help's coming." Connor promised as he sensed but ignored the four deviant leaders converging around him. He was more focused on Hank's life than any potential standing he still had with deviants who'd never fully accept him into their social circle. "You're going to make it."
"Connor, you're... a lot of things." Lifting his weak and numb hand up Hank planted his palm heavily on Connor's shoulder. "You're... a great detective. A good friend. A devoted... leader. A... loving son. But you're not a liar."
Even as Hank held his grin Connor couldn't help but fear the worst.
"I know I'm... dying. And it's okay."
"H-How can you just accept this?!" Tears welled up in Connor's eyes and threatened to fall at any moment. Holding Hank closer Connor did his best to ensure that the wounded man was comfortable in his final moments. "How can you just... give up?"
"N-Not giving up." Hank stated in a whisper as he lost strength and fought to just keep his eyes open. Even in the face of death Hank was fearless and looking out for those he loved dearest. "Just... accepting facts."
"Please..." Connor could feel and hear Hank's heart struggling to beat as he continued to support the man in a comforting hug. In his mind if he just held on to Hank a little tighter then he'd somehow keep the man from slipping closer to death. "Please don't go."
"I'll... I'll be gone for a while, son." His words were weak yet strong as his final breaths began passing his lips. "But... you'll never be... alone. I'll be with Cole. And we'll waiting for you... to join us. We'll... m-meet again." The dying man promised as his hand began to slowly fall away from Connor's shoulder. "On the other side. I'll... miss you. So... proud of you. Proud to... call you... my son."
"Hank?"
"So proud..."
As Hank's hand fell away Connor quickly caught it and held it tightly as he felt Hank's heart stop and swore his own heart had just done the same. "Dad?!"
There was no answer as Hank succumbed to his wound. As his body went limp and heavy his head lolled to the side as he remained cradled in Connor's arms. The police died with dignity and love in the arms of the deviant who had become his unexpected second family.
Bowing his head down Connor began to weep as he pressed his forehead to Hank's bloodied chest, not caring that the man's blood was staining his hair and his face. Mourning hurt, and it was the first time that Connor was experiencing such a pain. Losing Hank assured that Connor would be dealing with the worst pain of his life and would be going through that pain entirely alone without his father figure to help guide him through his unwanted experience.
For the first time since his deviancy, for the first time since he was given the true freedom to choose and live his life as he saw fit, Connor realized that he was truly and forever alone. That realization was enough to break the deviant's heart in a way that he had never felt before.
"Don't go..." Begging for the impossible to happen Connor continued to hold Hank tight and didn't budge even as the ambulance sirens finally became audible, and Markus rested his hand on his back. He couldn't accept that Hank was gone, he couldn't continue to live while Hank had passed on. "Please, don't leave me. I need you!"
Taking a knee beside Connor as he grieved over his loss Markus could only keep a supportive hand on Connor's shoulder as he tried to think of what he could possibly do to help his friend through such a traumatic moment. How could he possibly tell his friend that everything would be all right when he had just lost his only family in such a needlessly tragic and violent manner?
The only thing that Markus knew could be done in that moment was ensure that Hank's body was treated with utmost respect as the section of the isle was cordoned off to begin the search for the man's murderer. Beyond the basic acts of respect Markus found himself at a rare loss of what to do. What was supposed to be a historic night to celebrate peace and prosperity had turned into night of heartache and turmoil for everyone involved.
On November 11th, 2039, Lieutenant Henry "Hank" Lucas Anderson had peacefully died in Connor's comforting arms.
Until answers could be found regarding the senseless tragedy and heart wrenching loss Connor wouldn't be able to sleep, and he'd dedicate himself solely to finding the person responsible for Hank's untimely demise.
-next chapter-