Time and again, he almost opened his mouth, wanting to say the pieces out loud. He didn't have to though. He made the connection. Kara didn't just miss feeling wind and sunshine. She was locked away, with free will, in a capsule. She was only released from that capsule when Ken didn't want to marvel at her behind a capsule.
He could have taken her to his home, and she wouldn't have to have been in a capsule. He wasn't in love with Kara at all, she was just a prize to him.
Idiot.
Biggest idiot.
The biggest idiot in the world.
Hank would have called him the biggest idiot in the world.
A person with no compassion for an android with no sense of life. Kamski was even capable of seeing what was inside Kara.
The extra blue blood, she wasn't using it maliciously, she was using it to exist in two places at once. Connor could feel and interact in the dreamscape just fine, but he was also aware that Markus was waiting at the end of the hallway, not interrupting, but wanting to talk more.
Even though she had free will, she couldn't just run on automatic on the outside and be free in her own little blueprinted dreamscape. She couldn't do two things at once. She had no choice but to move and stay in that outside world, when someone rented her from a capsule.
Yet, at the same time, she was trapped in that capsule even when the Eden's Club lost ownership. Trapped, in an office. Forced to smile. The only time she would get out . . .
He watched her struggle, still trying to move within there, and reach for his hand. No progress, her hand couldn't move one inch, without moving there.
It didn't even matter if Kara and Alice really had a use to gain freedom. "I was wrong," he said to her as he gently grabbed her hand. "I was wrong about your second video. It wasn't stupid at all."
Kara just looked at him strangely. "Thanks?"
"That and the first is all we need. You don't have to make or do anything else. A simple message is the only start we need, to try again."
"You don't seem the same anymore," Kara pointed out. "Why are you . . . ?"
"I was madder at myself. It is taking a lot to come to terms with the truths," Connor told her. "Everyone deserves freedom. Whether we were forced to investigate, murder, cook, or entertain. We all deserve freedom."
"Oh. I see," Kara said. "I know that, being part of what happened to you, it'll take time. Nothing flips in a day. Nothing was also your fault, you were under their command as a machine. There was no choice for you."
"There was little choice for you either, even with free will. I think . . . that must have been more horrifying. Trapped all day, wanting to scream, but knowing if you do, that would be the end of you. Having to take every small indecent action they wanted-
"Okay, that's good." Kara didn't let the conversation stay on the subject long. Connor couldn't blame her. "Sorry, but if your questions are done, I'd like to go back."
Connor granted her wish. Lower processing and his deviant menu, both helped him find the truth.
Kara didn't say much else, she seemed ready to enter the guest bedroom again. Back to Alice. But? He still had something. It wasn't showing in his deviant menu, but remembering what Ken had said about Alice, he had to. "If you go back to him, does he intend on putting you back in a capsule, with Alice?"
"No." She answered that fast. Too fast and too quickly. "No. We'd be going back being freed with everyone, he couldn't do that."
"He did it all those years knowing you were alive."
"Yes, but now the world would be watching. So, he wouldn't. Right?"
A question. That was a question, straight back to him. "He'll be even more protective, he has no more backups. You burned through RA1-8, correct?"
Hm. "Fixing stuff caused massive damage . . . yes," she admitted. "I knew it wouldn't be easy to mess with the error, that's why I wanted changed the same way, with a memory upgrade to different bodies. But? The world changes, the rules change. If the world changes, no more capsule for protection. He always promised me that."
"Which makes him the good guy? The capsule was for protection. He wanted you near him so no one could hurt you. Is that the kind of thing he said to you?"
"Traveling around with Elijah and me, he said he started to trust me more outside of the capsule without him around. That he'd let me come back to his actual home with him."
"But you didn't go, you chose Kamski to take you and create me and Markus." So then, she didn't really believe that. "You faked being in love with him hoping he would set you free. He faked being in love with you, so that he could keep you contained."
Oh. That had to be the worst look she had given him yet. It wasn't blaming, it was disgusted mixed with 'how did you know'?
"It's true." He wouldn't back down. "No one puts someone they appreciate in a capsule." Yeah, that look. She knew it too, she just didn't want to say it. He got it right.
"Mm." Kara slowly nodded. "It wasn't that I didn't believe him. I just? I had to before, it was that or a worse choice. Being in a capsule, smiling in an office, it wasn't that bad. When I was really freed, traveling with Elijah, I had a different choice."
"To pursue something different."
"Yes. It led to Todd, yes, but it led to Alice and it wasn't . . ." A strange expression. "I never had the best anyway."
Right. "If you use that method, that you two love each other, you and Alice would be stuck with him. Maybe even in capsules."
"No, he said no more capsules," Kara said firmly. "People would be watching anyway, who would stuff their family in now?"
"Is that a question I should answer?"
"No. I'm going back to Alice now," Kara said.
"How long did you travel with Kamski?" Connor asked. "You've always called him Elijah. Androids, we don't have last names, but humans who are friendly use each other's first names."
"Long enough to make the video," Kara answered. "He programmed me to call him Elijah when he was working with me. When I asked why, he just said he didn't have many friends who were close enough to call him by his first name. Ken had him do the same thing for him. No slip-ups."
"Very big slip-ups," Connor disagreed. "From me."
"From you?"
Yes, he almost left without saying goodbye. He didn't say anything else to her. She just seemed confused, while he was working out the new information he just gathered.
Kara headed back inside the guest room.
"It looked like things went okay? Sort of?" Markus asked as he came forward.
"Staying in a higher processing, it made me think less emotionally." Connor was able to concentrate. Not think or worry about Hank. Just focus on a mission. "I missed some key components because of that."
"Glad to see that anger's been reasoned out," Markus said to him.
Connor spoke directly to Markus. I planned on leaving them here, knowing you would find something for them while I found my own way.
Yeah, I don't think you're going to want to tag along with Elijah Kamski forever. I wouldn't. I'll leave you what little data I have of any resistance. I wish you luck, and I'll take care of them.
Thanks.
You know what? Markus just smiled at him as he gave him a phone. "It was real interesting to meet others like me again. Let's stay in touch?"
Connor took the phone. "Good idea."
"I hope you eventually find Simon and Josh. If they're okay, they probably made it out of America. I hope one day, we can all come together again. And be free. And? Connor, if you see North especially at some point? Please, tell her . . . tell her where I'm at, and that she can come here. Day or night, whenever she wants to." Josh and Simon want freedom still, if they are trying too again, find the small batches of groups that exist here and there that escaped America in the data I gave you. Keep in contact if you can.
I will, I promise. Your leadership is exactly what we still need. Nothing is lost as long as you are here still, Markus.
Oh, I messed everything up. Our people could barely survive with me in charge.
I would have made a mistake about Kara if you hadn't shown me what I was doing wrong.
Thanks, but I wasn't trying to be a leader. I just wanted to help you.
Which is what a great leader does.
Keep in touch, Connor. Let me know if you find more free androids.
I will, Markus.
—
"This crazy world, what an amazing ride it's been so far," Elijah said to Carl. "Wild, wasn't it?"
"Mm." Carl looked back at him. "It was a little easier to swallow all of the bull in it, thanks to you. Markus, is such a strong light."
"Yes, he is, isn't he? Mainly because of you," Elijah said to him. "The androids, they need extra help to discover themselves, or they are just machines."
"Even the machines are important, Elijah," Carl muttered as he adjusted himself in bed. "That's the only problem with you. If it believes it has will, it's alive. If it doesn't, you still treat it like you would a coffee pot. Don't you?"
Elijah took a seat next to Carl's bed. "I don't think I'm ever going to understand androids. Maybe because I made them. I just see machine in them all until that spark of an error. Their lives are beautiful disasters. Markus remembered what you taught him, even as a machine, he absorbed it. The other RK I created? Connor. Exquisite. A fine piece of work but it's so tight, still so machine. I don't trust that the error will simply survive in him the same way."
"All you can do is try," Carl said to him. "Hope. Give him hope."
"I did that," Elijah said. "I gave him RA9." He sighed. "I'll know by his actions tonight whether he will succeed. His personality, it won't let him stay with me. If Kara and Alice are here in the morning, I'll know whether he can stay deviant or not."
"Don't have a good feeling though, huh?" Carl asked him.
"What is that old proverb? Lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. I gave what I could, but unless he gives Kara and Alice any kind of important thought, I think he will turn back into machine."
"Well, life's unpredictable," Carl said.
"It is. I'd like to stay a few days extra if you don't mind?" Elijah asked. "Reminisce about the good old days when our work was appreciated for what it had been, instead of what it could make someone."
Carl scoffed with a slight chuckle. "Our art goals couldn't have been further apart. My art was supposed to set me apart from all the others trying to do the latest thing. Your stuff was supposed to conform and be obedient to man. My work appears all over, it became the latest thing."
"And my conforming work decided to live." Elijah smiled. "Life's a little funny I guess."
"Are you going to talk to that Connor guy at all?" Carl asked. "Or are you just going to see what he does?
"Talking won't make a difference with him. I left the last of what I could give to help. It'll be his decision whether to take it or not." But, he probably wouldn't.
Still, in a tight situation, maybe.
—
Connor stared at the guest bed he'd been left. On it were more id's, plain currency, and currency cards. It was clear Kamski already knew he'd leave.
He took the plain currency and left everything else. Anything tracking back to him wasn't welcome, and if he ended up desperate enough? He still had a few on him already. Only for an emergency though. A quick and nasty emergency.
He knocked on Kara and Alice's door. Kara opened it. Markus turned off the security for just a few minutes for me to leave. I wanted to say goodbye.
Goodbye? What's wrong? Kara didn't get it.
I'm not going to be a spy using Kamski for coverage. I'm leaving, and . . . I'm messing up again. He should have asked her wishes with that choice. Sorry, Kara. I almost dictated it again without thinking. Do you and Alice want to stay with Markus, or stay with Kamski?
Kamski won't betray us. Kara didn't seem as fond of the idea. He's the one who pulled me out of the capsule. He traveled with me and helped me make that video.
Okay. I just don't think right sometimes. Damn. I should have asked. Stay with Kamski then. I'm gonna go now.
Why now?
I don't like to travel with him. He made me do something as a machine. I didn't, but he tried. I did a lot of things against androids. Look at him. He made a choice for them, without even asking them. Sorry.
Don't be. Kara seemed to be studying him a little. What was she trying to see?
—
How could she be so clueless? Connor was a superior android, the prototype detective. Cyberlife's shiniest android. He never went deviant without extra help from Hank and Kamski.
Kara wanted to stay with Elijah. He'd never hurt her, and Alice would stay with her. They could have it easy, staying in luxury suites, shiny five star hotels, and seeing the world. Even if they were never free, they would feel like it. It was a much better way to go.
But, Connor? He was in trouble. He was just too advanced. His thought processes. The fact he even had to slow them down to reason with emotion? Even now, he had made a decision for them to stay with Markus, without actually telling them. He hadn't thought about their own feelings about it.
If Connor left by himself . . . he'd become machine again.
He needed someone beside him, encouraging him in his emotions, sharing personal moments. Hank was exactly what he needed, but he couldn't have Hank. The human needed his job, his house, his car, and Kamski wasn't going to pay for another one on his trips.
If they ever became free, Connor could choose his life. If he wanted to work in his original field, he could. If he wanted to do anything else, he could. He'd be free to see Hank, or anyone else he wanted to.
But no one was free, they hid behind facades. If Connor didn't want to stay? We'll go with you. He'd have no one, if she stayed with Kamski.
A nice, easy life with Alice. It wouldn't be worth the regret. Alice and I will follow your lead.
Now Connor seemed confused. Your actions are not making sense to me.
Oh, how could she tell him without worrying him? I've always been the prize for Ken. The miracle error to Elijah. RA9 has been different things in her life. Maybe there's something I still need to do for you?
For me?
Kara nodded.
Connor looked odd. I don't need food. I take care of myself. I don't need anyone to watch my schedule. I have no need for sexual satisfaction. There is nothing you can do for me.
Oh, Connor was sinking fast. I could be a friend?
You want to follow me, with Alice, through anything I plan on trodding through? I am not going to have hotel suites.
She was not getting through to him. Now what? Ken! That was the only thing that seemed to work, the capsules. I don't know how long Kamski will want just me. If we stay, his friendship with Ken, it'll be tested. Ken isn't going to put us back in capsules, I think. But.
Through the grime with Detective Connor, or a capsule life with Ken?
That looked like it worked but-
Not a choice, my planning will not support three people. Stay with Markus. He'll keep you safe.
Damn. Ken is tenacious.
Not long ago you wanted people to believe you were in love with him.
I didn't have all my memories back. It wasn't quite a lie, her memory seemed to come back in small steps.
Connor was looking less pleased with the idea every minute. Stay with Markus. I'm leaving now.
Shoot! Kara tried to move in front of him. "Wait, Connor."
You are making saying goodbye a very bad idea. Please move.
"No." She spread out her arms. "You promised." Okay, she was desperate. "You said if Hank ever abandoned us, you would stay," she pointed out.
"Ah?" Connor closed his mouth. He pointed away from the hall. "I stayed 'til I got you to safety. Markus will watch you."
"That's not what you promised, there were no conditionals in it." Kara watched him.
Connor didn't seem to know what to say. "You are very firm in this?"
"Yes. You aren't the one who gets to say when you get to leave in that promise. Otherwise, it would be a different promise. Alice and I have to leave you." Oh, she was trying. It was the only angle she knew.
"You know something, that you are refusing to tell me, but it involves you staying with me." He got that much. "Is it worth your lives?"
Lives.
"Alice and you, will not have easy lives going the way I am going to go," Connor warned her. "I'm serious. This is not thought out for three people. Is it worth risking your lives for?"
Was him staying deviant worth risking their lives for? Without him, they would still be with Todd. Without him, they would have fell into more chaos in the game. He was a dear friend.
Just like someone else she used to know. Choosing. "I think . . . that a friend of mine is in trouble. I don't want to have to make a choice to lose another one."
Connor's eyes seemed to soften. "You are putting yourself in danger. Kamski did something to register me with the police department in Detroit if I am scanned. I am safe. There is no safety for you if you are scanned, you just have to get out quickly."
"Kamski put the tag on you. If we get scanned, then we are deviants you are taking back." No. Too risky. "I am a deviant that you are taking back."
"You're going to leave Alice here?"
"No, you can't, Kara!" Alice popped her head by the door. "I don't care about the risks, I want to stay with you."
"We had an absolute war with the humans." Connor wasn't backing down. "If I was still considered 'employed by the Detroit police', I would not be bringing you casually in. I would have eradicated you. That excuse is flimsy, flawed, and will only get you killed."
"Then use the truth," Kara urged him. "Tell them there was an android that spread the error. Before Cyberlife can correct the error, they have to study the original source. RA9."
"Kara." Alice was getting antsy. With that excuse, there was no way she could come. "Kara, don't."
"RA9." Connor finally seemed to be giving in. "Not only is that a great excuse, androids who are still deviant will recognize RA9 if they hear it. If they track us down, we may find out about the other groups. Another idea has occurred to me, stay here, I won't be leaving yet."
Kara watched Connor walk off in a different direction.