Having endured a fire together just the day before the two brave and wounded detectives were put on temporary leave. The was not only to recover from the effects of the fire and from the thick smoke, but because the precinct itself needed to be rebuilt and remodeled from the extensive damage caused by the fire itself. Those who had been caught in the fire were all put on the injured reserved list, while those unaffected where temporarily reassigned to other precincts to ensure the city wasn't suffering from a sudden shortage of police officers. The story of the deranged self-destructing deviant burning down the precinct spread like an appropriately metaphorical wildfire, and as a result the officers still on call were swamped with paranoid complaints from nervous humans and deviants alike who claimed to be seeing flames or smelling smoke coming out of every abandoned building in Detroit.
Throughout the restless night after being cleared from both the hospital and the facility, Connor sat in a chair beside Hank's bed as he pressed a small bag of ice against the Lieutenant's feverish forehead. By all account both detectives were given the clear after enduring numerous tests that showed no further sign of physical distress or internal damage from the fire. That of course meant Hank suddenly falling ill during the night hadn't been anticipated by the always attentive deviant.
After discovering Hank was suffering from a serious fever in the late hours of the night, Connor had begun pining for himself and for Hank to have been sent to other precincts rather than having to deal with Hank's sudden illness. Regardless of his feelings Connor was determined to help his best friend recover from his debilitating fever and make a full recovery without needing to take him to the hospital for medical treatment.
Hank muttered something indescribable under his breath as he opened his glassy blue eyes and stared blankly at the bedroom ceiling overhead. The cold sensation against his forehead grabbed Hank's attention as he slowly became aware that someone was in the room with him.
"...C-Connor?"
"Yes, Lieutenant." Connor confirmed as he ran yet another biometric scan over Hank's ill body. There was an alarming amount of congestion building in the lower lobes of Hank's lungs and his body temperature, as well as his heart rate, were much higher than what was considered healthy for a human. "I'm here with you."
"Wh-What happened?" Speaking in a hoarse tone Hank swallowed once to clear an uncomfortable sensation from his dry throat that was lingering courtesy of smoke inhalation. Studying his own ceiling as if he couldn't recognize his surroundings Hank asked another question in a raspy dry voice. "Why am I in bed?"
"I found you unresponsive and suffering from a high-grade fever shortly after ten o'clock last night." The reply was as technical as it was honest. "I've proceeded to treat your elevated temperature with ice and monitor your vitals while you continued to sleep."
"H-How long... How long have I been out?" Hank's eyes blinked sluggishly before opening again. It was as if every ounce of his regained strength was being used just to remain awake and talking. "It feels like I've been asleep for a year."
"From when I initially found you, you've been asleep for six hours, twenty-two minutes and forty-eight seconds." Connor removed the ice from Hank's forehead and pressed his palm down to check Hank's temperature more directly. "You're still running a fever of one-hundred and three point four degrees."
"...Oh." Scoffing once as if bored Hank gave Connor an indifferent response. "Is that all?"
"Hank," Connor retracted his hand and put the ice bag back in place over Hank's too warm forehead where it belonged. "you require hospitalization to treat your infection and prevent potential brain damage from a prolonged elevated temperature."
"N-No fuckin' way..." Hank refused adamantly despite his voice being frail and sounding weak. "I hate hospitals."
"Understandable, but in this case, I believe you need to be under a doctor's care."
"I don't need a doctor-" The senior detective stopped short and wheezed as his lungs started to ache from strain. "J-Just let me sleep it off, all right?"
"Sorry, Hank. This isn't a simple cold or hangover that can remedy itself in a few hours." Not wanting to risk Hank's health considering the senior detective had been living a life of a poor diet, little exercise and excessive alcohol, Connor knew Hank would require medical attention in order to recover properly. "My sensors indicate that you're suffering from lower lobe pneumonia."
"I don't-" A violent coughing spell stole Hank's words as he tightened his arms around his chest and fought to clear his inflamed lungs. The smoke inhalation had resulted in very painful swelling in his lungs that hadn't manifested until hours after the fire had taken place. "F-Fuck..."
Too stubborn to back down Connor stood up and leaned over Hank, rolling the sick human from his back onto his side as he pressed his hands against the back of Hank's neck and against Hank's chest to try to support him. With each violent cough Connor could feel the muscles in Hank's chest contracting to a painful degree as his lungs rebelled against him and fought to expel as much of the smothering congestion as possible.
"Lieutenant?"
Connor felt the intense heat radiating against his palms as Hank's fever suddenly spiked and the human became dangerously delirious beneath his touch.
"Hank, allow me take you to a hospital. Please."
"G-Get the fuck-"
The senior detective, lost in the throes of a delirium and unable to recognize Connor's voice for the moment, lashed out and managed to punch Connor in his left eye causing the deviant's blue L.E.D. to flash red for a few seconds before it cycled to yellow. The deviant stumbled back from the bed a few steps to regain his senses and bearings.
Dazed but undeterred Connor ignored the pain in his eye as he grabbed on to Hank's shoulders and held the human down for a few moments as weakness overtook Hank's strength. The bout of violence had passed by, and Hank physically relaxed a little while he coughed again. Unfortunately, Connor's left and now blackened eye understandably ached from the punch.
"Hank," Connor kept his tone of voice soft as he waited for the coughing fit to pass. "please. I can't treat such a severe illness myself. I'm not programmed for such advanced medical diagnoses and treatments."
As Hank wheezed through his weak breaths his hand suddenly reached up and grabbed Connor's wrist as he no longer had the strength to speak. The focused heat from Hank's palm pressing into Connor's wrist was alarmingly intense and made Connor all the more determined to get Hank under a doctor's care.
"Forgive me, Hank. I can't let you lay here and potentially die."
Despite Hank's protests Connor slipped his strong arm under Hank's broad shoulders and shook the sick man's grip loose from his opposite arm as he used the freed limb to support Hank's legs just beneath his knees. As the strong deviant hefted the ill detective up from the bed into his arms the partially melted bag of ice fell from Hank's forehead and down to the floor with an audible and wet 'thump'.
"...Wh-What're you doing?!" Hank practically slurred as his sickness weakened his voice and stole his breath. Being lifted up and moved made the detective feel dizzy and lightheaded. "P-Put me down!"
"I'm saving you." Connor replied curtly as he proceeded to step around Sumo laying at the end of the hallway as he carried the sick detective through the livingroom, grabbed the car keys from the bookcase on the wall as he walked pass, and walked out the front door to the car in the driveway beside the house. "This is a necessary response."
With one hand Connor awkwardly opened the passenger door and sat Hank down in the seat. Rubbing at his sore left eye with the heal of his palm Connor closed the door and sat himself in the driver's seat on the other side. Though the deviant rarely had a reason to drive anywhere when he could just walk without fatigue or cybernetically hail and autonomous taxi at any time, he was just as skilled and qualified as any experienced human driver and would be able to swiftly and safely navigate the streets at a higher rate of speed.
"I'm sorry, Hank. I wouldn't be doing this unless it was absolutely necessary."
Connor apologized openly as he turned over the Oldsmobile's engine and fastened the seatbelt over Hank's chest and abdomen. With the Lieutenant safely in the seat beside him Connor backed the car down the driveway and turned the vehicle to face the nearest hospital.
"But you need to see a doctor."
For the next thirty after bringing Hank to the hospital for immediate attention and admission, Connor sat quietly in the waiting room of Saint Mercy Hospital as he fidgeted with his quarter in his hand with a growing concern in his mind. The yellow pulsing of his L.E.D. mirrored the worry that the deviant had the misfortune of experiencing as it pulsed in time with his elevated, anxious heartbeat. He was the only deviant who wasn't a part of the hospital staff inside of the hospital which drew unwanted staring from the other people - other humans to be specific - sitting in the waiting room. However, Connor managed to ignore the stares fairly well as he patiently waited for word on Hank's condition from his attending doctor.
Ignoring the lingering throb of his bruising and partially swollen left eye, Connor kept a cybernetic record on Hank's health as an unspoken precaution. Being an older person with a high-stress job, poor diet, and history of alcohol abuse ensured that Hank's health was less than ideal even after cutting back on his alcohol and taking care of himself again. Connor had every right to be worried about any potential prognosis.
A young human nurse tentatively approached Connor with an electronic clipboard in her hands as she addressed the lone deviant calmly, but uncomfortably. It seemed as if she was unfamiliar with handling deviants in a day to day life.
"Excuse me. Are you with Hank Anderson?"
"Yes, he's my partner. My name is Connor." Connor confirmed and pocketed his coin quickly as he stood upright to face the nurse directly. He noted that the nurse's name tag said 'Andrea' and he could tell from her body language that she was nervous to be around him. "Is he all right?"
"He's very sick." The raven-haired nurse admitted as motioned with the clipboard for Connor to follow after her. Leading the way to the correct room Andrea explained things simply and honestly as she kept her cinnamon brown eyes focused on the corridor stretching out before herself and Connor. "Seeing as you're his partner, the doctor has agreed to speak with you regarding Mr. Anderson's condition."
"Lieutenant." Connor reflexively corrected as he accompanied Andrea without intending any disrespect. "He is 'Lieutenant' Anderson."
"Right," Andrea managed to smile a little at the comment and used the correct term as she stopped by a closed door leading to a private patient's room. Pressing her palm to the small security panel beside the doorway Andrea unlocked the room with her hospital clearance. "Lieutenant Anderson."
Connor was shown into the private room where Hank had been admitted, but what was awaiting Connor caused the deviant detective to pause with a mild wince to his step. Hank was hooked up to a cardiac monitor and had an oxygen mask over his face to ease his breathing while he rested and recovered from his lingering smoke inhalation. There was an I.V. stand beside the bed holding two bags of fluids being intravenously fed into Hank's arm at a steady pace; one bag was fill with liquid antibiotics, and the other bag was standard saline to help keep Hank's fluids up. As the cardiac beeped in perfect rhythm with Hank's heartbeat Connor couldn't help but run a biometric scan to check the accuracy of the machine as it monitored Hank's vital signs.
By all account Hank was stable, resting well and beginning to show slow signs of recovery.
The doctor who had been treating Hank was now checking the ill detective's fever with an electronic thermometer by scanning it over Hank's forehead and his chest. With his back to the door when Connor and Andrea entered the room the shorter than average, blond haired and blue eyed doctor didn't acknowledge their presence until Andrea herself spoke up.
"This is Lieutenant Anderson's partner, Connor." Andrea introduced the deviant detective to the doctor quickly before she took her leave. "This is Dr. Roberts; he's been overseeing your friend's treatment. He'll tell you everything you need to know."
"Thank you."
Dr. Roberts turned to look at Connor and was slightly shocked to see an android instead of human. Offering his hand to shake anyway Dr. Roberts began questioning Connor keenly as he instinctively looked at the dark blue bruising around Connor's left eye. "You're the one who brought Lieutenant Anderson in, correct?"
"Correct." Reciprocating the handshake Connor confirmed the doctor's question. "We're partners at the Central Police Precinct."
"And I understand that less than twenty-four hours prior that he was caught in the fire that destroyed the precinct."
"Correct again. We both were caught in the fire, but I have recovered without complications." Subconsciously Connor reached up and pressed his palm to his right side where his burns had already healed. Needing to know of Hank's condition Connor spoke in a curious manner as he looked at Hank resting in the bed behind the doctor with a worried stare in his soulful brown irises. "Is his condition serious?"
"Yes, he has a severe case of double pneumonia. Both lungs are severely swollen due to the prolonged smoke inhalation as well as his age being over forty. If you hadn't brought him in when you did, the odds of his recovery would've diminished significantly, if not entirely." Dr. Roberts patted Connor's arm approvingly before he continued with further details. "I expect him to make a full recovery, although he will need to remain here for observation for a minimum of three days."
"Can I take him back home after the three days?" Remembering what Hank had mentioned during his delirium Connor wanted to do everything he could to ensure that his partner and friend was as comfortable as possible. "Hank does not like hospitals."
"It depends on his recovery rate, but it's entirely possible to take him after three days." Dr. Roberts motioned to Connor's left eye with an inquisitive arch of his brow as he visually studied the wound. As a trained physician Dr. Roberts recognized signs of domestic abuse and wanted to make sure that Connor wasn't in a dangerous situation. "And not to pry, but I'm curious about your own recovery. That eye looks pretty tender."
"This is a recent injury. An accident." Connor dismissed the question as he focused solely on Hank and lightly pressed his fingertips to his bruised eye. "It will heal in approximately twenty-four hours. Right now, my self-healing program is still prioritizing my lingering burns on right side, my back and my shoulders."
"I was unaware that androids bruised like humans." Curious yet humble Dr. Roberts admitted his lack of knowledge on android anatomy with a little embarrassment to his demeanor. "At any rate, if your friend's condition improves after seventy-two hours, I can discharge him as long as someone is with him at all times to keep tabs on his recovery."
"I can do that." Eager for the good news Connor sounded surprisingly enthusiastic about the proposition. "He has taken care of me when I've been injured and ill in the past, and I'd like the chance to do the same for him. He and I share a dislike for hospitals and facilities, and I'd like to respect his personal feelings just as he had done for me."
"All right, I'll see what I can do. In the meantime, since you're his partner, I'll need you to retrieve Lieutenant Anderson's personal files from the precinct." The simple request was all part of hospital procedure. "It's been several years since his medical records have been updated and I imagine you'll be able to help fill in the blanks."
Connor nodded subtly where he stood as he acknowledged the basic task. "I can retrieve the appropriate files you need. I will return within the hour."
"Excellent. Any update on Lieutenant Anderson's medical history can be incredibly useful."
Before leaving the private room Connor walked over to the bed and looked down at Hank sympathetically. Putting his hand to Hank's shoulder Connor rested his palm in place for a few seconds as he spoke to his unconscious friend.
"Don't be mad at me Hank, it was the only way to save your life."
Dr. Roberts watched with true respect as Connor quickly walked out of the room after speaking to Hank with a genuine concern and companionship to his tone of voice. While the young doctor hadn't encountered many androids in his lifetime he could now understand why and how so many people were now fighting for equal rights for deviants to coexist alongside humans.
Perhaps there was much more to androids and their relations with humans beyond physical resemblances; maybe androids truly do have hearts after all.
Reporting to the temporarily reassigned precinct now being set-up at the Eastern Police Precinct to locate Captain Fowler and to gain access to Hank's records, Connor found himself surrounded by officers and detectives that he had never met before. What was strange was the fact that everyone in the precinct seemed rather happy to see him. When Tina reported to her shift that early morning, she made sure to let everyone know what Connor had done during the fire the previous shift, and how he risked himself to save both Hank and Gavin during the blaze. It was like Connor had earned everyone's respect without having to make any additional effort on his part whatsoever just by doing the right thing.
Captain Fowler caught sight of Connor walking through bullpen of the unfamiliar precinct heading toward the private office of Captain Gage - the commanding officer of the Eastern Precinct - and promptly headed the deviant off. The commanding officer wasn't too happy to see one of his detectives who was supposed to be on the injured reserved list wandering the precinct looking for something to do with his time.
"Connor, you're not cleared for duty, yet." With his hands on his hips Captain Fowler gave the deviant detective a stern glance. "What're you doing here?"
"Captain Fowler." Speaking to his commanding officer with respect and determination Connor explained his unexpected presence at the precinct. "I require access to Lieutenant Anderson's medical records."
"What? Why?"
"This morning I had to admit Hank to the hospital where he is currently being treated for pneumonia."
"Shit." Captain Fowler sounded genuinely upset by the news but not surprised. The man was used to Hank's poor life decisions reflecting on his health. "Let me guess, Hank never properly updated his medical records and now you have to help the doctors figure some shit out."
"Correct."
"All right, I'll give you clearance through Gage's office. Then you get your ass out of here until you have been cleared to return to active duty, understood?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good."
Captain Fowler led the way into Gage's office to log in to the terminal with his higher ranking credentials on Connor's behalf. The second Captain had no issues with sharing his private space with Captain Fowler due to years of respect and trust after working together for so many years. It wouldn't take long to bring up the appropriate files and get Connor on his way.
"At least Hank's bullheadedness hasn't rubbed off on you." The commanding officer gave Connor a stern glance as he brought up the appropriate records as requested. "Yet. All right, get what you need and then head back to the hospital."
Unwilling to argue considering what Hank would be saying in that moment, Connor innocently shrugged his shoulders as he was given access to the terminal to locate the proper information. Pressing his palm down on the terminal's screen Connor retracted the artificial skin from his palm and uploaded the data and logged it away in his memorybank.
With the necessary files now uploaded to his databank Connor was ready to return to the hospital to aid Dr. Roberts with Hank's treatment. "Thank you, sir. I have the information that I required."
"Okay. Go take care of Hank." Captain Fowler encouraged and patted Connor's shoulder once as the deviant passed him by to exit the office. "And be sure to take care of yourself. You're a hero, you know."
"I'm... not a hero, sir." Connor refused to see himself in such a light or with such a reputation. "I just did what was right."
"You're allowed to take pride in your good deeds, Connor. Learn to hold your head up and see yourself as more than just a good Samaritan or a disposable shield that's gonna' just be replaced by the next shield standing in line."
Without another word Connor took his leave of the office and strolled through the bullpen without stopping for anyone or for any reason.
Just as Connor passed through the front doors of the precinct Gavin's aggressive voice sounded off and stopped him in his tracks. "Hey 'Tinman'!"
Acknowledging the voice Connor froze mid step and turned his head to look at the detective approaching him from down the sidewalk. "Yes, Gavin? How can I help you?"
"They say you pulled me out of that fire." A bandage along Gavin's swollen chin looked painful as the detective stuck on desk duty reported to the Eastern Precinct to explain his actions during the interrogation prior to the fire itself. "Apparently, you went back inside to save me."
Unsure of what Gavin really wanted to know Connor nodded a little to confirm the rumor. "Correct."
"And I bet you think I owe you one, right?"
"No. I was merely reacting in the most logical manner during a dangerous situation." Despite what Captain Fowler had just said Connor was remaining humble. "I don't expect anything from you or anyone else."
Gavin wanted to say something rude or just plain insulting but the overwhelming humility from the deviant ruined his smug train of thought. Instead, he stared at Connor's blackened eye and laughed. "Guess you're not as indestructible as everyone around here believes."
"No, I am not. And I never claimed to be indestructible." Such confirmation was oddly grotesque despite being an everyday fact. "I can shutdown, die, like any other mortal form of life."
"Yeah, don't forget that." Gavin snapped, although his voice did carry a twinge of caution as he spoke. "I don't want to have to deal with some replacement toy or smug rookie pissin' Anderson off more than you already do."
"Gavin, may I go?" Having no reason to waste time on the abrasive man Connor tried to get away from Gavin without the confrontation becoming more aggressive while actively seeking confrontation. "Hank is ill, and I need to return to the hospital."
"Yeah, fine." Letting an undignified huff Gavin motioned to the doors for Connor to get out of his sight. "Beat it."
"Thank you."
The moment Connor was about to continue walking and resume his task Gavin called out to him one more time.
"Hey Connor?" Somewhat embarrassed Gavin lowered his voice as the deviant paused once again to hear what he had to say. "...Thanks."
Before Connor could comment on Gavin's attitude the stubborn detective had entered the precinct and was out of sight. A faint grin appeared on Connor's face as he resumed his journey back to the hospital via Oldsmobile and some creative driving to ensure he returned to the hospital with the most logical and swiftest route.
It seemed just as it appears that androids do in fact have hearts, the same could finally be said about Detective Gavin Neil Reed.
With the medical records successfully delivered Connor sat beside Hank's bed in the quiet recovery room as Dr. Roberts continued to treat Hank with strong antibiotics to combat the infection and reduce his fever. Though Hank's breathing wasn't as strained as it had been earlier that morning the oxygen mask remained in place over Hank's mouth and nose to ensure his lungs weren't unnecessarily exhausted as he battled his illness and struggled to recover. The transparent mask steadily fogged and cleared with each of Hank's passing breaths in a consistent rhythm. The rate in which Hank's chest rose and fell confirmed that he was able to take slightly deeper breaths as the antibiotics helped to combat his lung infection at a steady clip.
Aside from Hank's improved breathing the senior detective's fever began to lower to a more manageable degree of one-hundred and one degrees even. While the elevated temperature wasn't ideal it was still an improvement and reassured Connor that Hank was no longer delirious or in danger of a lethal outcome.
"Captain Fowler said that we can't report back to the precinct until we're cleared for active duty."
Unable to stand the silence any longer Connor spoke to Hank softly as the ill senior detective rested in a very deep, much needed slumber.
"I suppose it's up to you when we'll get to go back and work together again. I imagine when I report back that I'll have a temporary partner to work with."
Hank didn't react, not that Connor expected him to. The deviant simply felt more comfortable speaking to Hank rather than sitting in silence and listening to sound of the unconscious Lieutenant's heart rate beeping on the cardiac monitor beside the bed.
"Also, Gavin thanked me for saving his life. I don't expect his gratitude to last though. I think his pride was injured when he learned that it was I who saved him from the fire, and he was attempting to boost his own ego by taking what he perceived to be a moral high ground to ensure he can look down on me in some manner."
Unsure of what else to say Connor found himself awkwardly rambling a little bit. It was a nervous tic that many deviants experience from time to time.
"Visiting hours will be over soon, I'll be sure to take care of Sumo until you can come home."
Connor promised as he tried to leave Hank on a high note after updating him on everything that was happening while he was hospitalized.
"And I'll make sure that Captain Fowler knows your personal medical records have been updated. It should ease his mind a little."
Andrea, who had been helping to take care of Hank, put her hand gently on Connor's shoulder as she smiled at him from behind the chair where he was sitting while keeping vigil over his friend. It seemed she overcome her discomfort regarding being in the presence of androids.
"Sorry, it's time to go." The nurse stated sympathetically as she coaxed Connor into leaving the hospital. "You can see him again in the morning."
"Thank you." Connor rose from his seat and put his hand on Hank's forearm lightly before he left the room. "I will see you tomorrow, Hank. Perhaps then you can tell me who this 'Barbara Harris' was and why you never removed her contact information as your medical proxy and emergency contact from your records."
The unusually eventful day came to an end and Connor was absolutely exhausted. Returning home alone via the Oldsmobile Connor proceeded to set down a bowl of fresh kibble and a bowl of clean water on the kitchen floor after letting Sumo out into the backyard for a while. Within the span of twenty minutes the dog returned to the house, ate his dinner and followed Connor into the livingroom for some attention. Needing some companionship the deviant sat down on the couch and let Sumo climb all over him with great affection and proceeded to pet the large dog's back. The massive Saint Bernard adored Connor with his big brown eyes and rested his chin on Connor's lap while letting out a sad little empathetic whimper.
Connor put his hand down on Sumo's head and began petting the dog's ears softly as he glanced about the empty livingroom with a sense of longing. The deviant realized that he had become accustomed to have a friend to speak with and discovered that he disliked being alone. After being isolated within CyberLife Tower for a majority of his existence had made Connor truly appreciate companionship and having a trusted shoulder to lean on.
"I understand how you feel, boy."
The small house suddenly felt far too big without another person to speak with. The lack of motion from Hank cooking his favorite meals in the kitchen while Connor reminded him of the caloric intake and the way all of the books on the bookcase were left untouched just reminded Connor that Hank wasn't in the house. In a way, Connor felt like he was intruding by being in the man's home without the man actually there.
Isolation was not Connor's favorite personal experience. Knowing that Hank was in the hospital only made his disdain for hospitals, clinics and facilities all the more intense and arguably justified. For people who feared such places, hospitals and facilities might as well be a form of prison without any bars.
As he leaned back against the couch cushions Connor sighed and looked down somberly at Sumo just as Sumo looked back up at him with a curious stare.
"I already miss having Hank around, too. It's just not the same being home without him with us."
-next chapter-