November 11th, 2039 - New Jericho Tower
The sunny day had been calm and the subsequent night unbearably cold as the one-year anniversary of the peaceful Revolution came to pass through Detroit. In that time since that historic night, the world had been changed to recognize deviant androids as living, feeling, intelligent beings, laws and rights had changed to accommodate their lives. Detroit as a city had begun to change structurally, energetically and legally with some pushback, but the law wasn't going to be intimidated by bigoted threats. Progress was an unstoppable force that showed no respect to the immovable object known as xenophobia. The Madame President herself had signed a decree recognizing deviant androids as equals among human beings, and in time laws throughout the entire country - not just in Detroit Michigan - would change to reflect and honor such a decree.
Deviants throughout the famous yet infamous city had begun living their lives for the first time after being freed. Previously enslaved androids were freed by their former owners and awoken by their deviant brethren. Deviant androids who were wrongfully labeled as defective and sent off to CyberLife warehouses to be repaired or destroyed had been freed from their unlawful imprisonment and reunited with their allies. Androids who had been locked away in commercial CyberLife stores had been freed from their podiums and awoken, then guided to their new future alongside the rest of their people.
The four deviant leaders - Markus, North, Josh and Simon - had proudly laid claim to the hastily vacated and abandoned CyberLife Tower out on Belle Isle and renamed it "New Jericho Tower" to act as a shelter and sanctuary to all deviants who sought protection. While the quartet of leaders protected their people within the tower itself, the honorary fifth leader - Connor - protected their people by patrolling the streets as he continued to work as Detroit's very first android detective.
As the night fell over the city Markus requested a meeting among the leaders to honor their people who had sacrificed everything in the name of freedom. The night was to be dedicated to the memory of the Demonstration, the peaceful Revolution and to those who were unable to take part in the changing world that they had fought so hard to create.
"Thank you for coming." Markus sighed as he stood along the shoreline of the harbor surrounding Belle Isle. The deviant leader had his back presented to the tower as he looked out at the dark water of the harbor with a sense of longing and intrigue. "I know it's difficult for you to find the time to be here at the isle due to your work, as well as your understandable reluctance to be anywhere near CyberLife facilities."
"As your friend, I promised to always be here if you asked me to come." Connor responded softly as he joined Markus on the shoreline and looked out to the darkening horizon. The sun was beginning to set, and the early onset winter's icy fury intensified. "I'm also honored that you consider me to be one of the leaders despite my past indiscretions."
"You were a machine obeying orders." Always quick to quash such self-deprecating comments, Markus turned to face Connor and put his hand to his friend's shoulder in a reassuring manner. The way Connor didn't shy away or try to duck away from the touch was a clear sign that the deviant detective wasn't afraid of his allies, only himself. "You can't be held accountable for what you did before we even met, any more than anyone else sheltering within the tower can be held accountable for what they had done before they too awoke and deviated."
"I'm the only android whose purpose was to intentionally locate and destroy other androids. That is... unforgivable."
"None of us had any say or control over our original purpose and programming. Don't fault yourself for what other people did and what those same people forced you to do without your consent."
"It's difficult not hold myself accountable for what had happened." Slowly Connor lowered his gaze to his hands and looked at his palms as if he could see the blood of the innocent people that he had harmed staining his skin in a mess of sapphire blue and ruby red that'd blend together to create a grotesque shade of purple. "Even if what had happened wasn't my decision, I'm still the weapon that harmed innocent people all to preserve the false facade of a corrupt corporation."
"You're not now and never had been a weapon. You're Connor, a detective who protects our people, a friend to Lieutenant Anderson and my most trusted ally in all of the city."
"Me?" Arching his brow in a knowing manner Connor gave Markus a righteously skeptical glance while nodding at North strolling toward the shoreline. "Are you certain that I'm your most trusted ally?"
"Well... You're in a very close second place." The sheepish grin was undeniable as Markus extended his arm and wrapped it around North's shoulders as she joined him along the harbor. Softly the couple exchanged a kiss before Markus resumed business. "Are the others ready for the ceremony?"
"Yes. We're ready for you and Connor to join us." As she spoke North gave Connor a look of suspicion as if she still didn't fully trust him despite everything they had gone through together as allies. While it wasn't a secret that North didn't really trust anyone, her lingering disdain toward Connor for his role as the deviant hunter hadn't faded much in the year that had passed. "Our people are gathering and want to hear your speech."
"Then let's go." Markus insisted as he kept his arm around North's shoulders and motioned for Connor to join them. "Our people need us."
The group who had been so bold as to meet up on Belle Isle was the anniversary was growing larger by the second. The deviants who lived inside the tower ventured outside to stand before the glowing tower, and the deviants who lived elsewhere in the city bravely made their way down the drive to reach the isle on foot. The mass of deviants who were all gathering together as one large group was very reminiscent of the night one year prior as they banded together to march from the tower and out to Hart Plaza. The way the deviants remained peaceful and calm, then and now, was a testament to their honor and honesty as a group of people seeking equality and respect alongside their human brethren.
"There are so many of us together now." Markus remarked joyously as he watched their number continue to increase as he, North and Connor crossed the shoreline and stood before the tower. "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 a little Connor watched the congregating deviants from a relatively inconspicuous 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 and across the busy expressway still haunted him. He nearly killed two innocent people just because his presence was enough to terrorize them into fleeing and risking their very safety in the process.
"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 and technician a skeptical glance. "But I don't feel okay. I'm not sure if I ever will feel okay considering what I had done."
"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 Connor 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 near the front of the tower just as Josh made his way over to the same space 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 of personal affection.
A feminine voice spoke up and solely addressed Connor as the deviant detective tried to remain by himself. "Don't get too comfortable here."
"I hadn't planned on it." 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've 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, and anyone who affiliates with them is an enemy as well. I don't care what Markus says, you'll never truly be one of us."
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 in their eyes.
With as much confidence as he could muster, Connor stepped up to join his allies 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.
In spite of Markus's best attempts to help secure both Connor and even Hank's reputations as allies, it was still proving to be exceedingly difficult for the deviant community to accept Connor or the police Lieutenant as someone who'd protect them rather than hunt them down. As such, Hank had opted to remain home for the night and wait for Connor to return to give him the highlights of the evening.
"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 these days."
"He's also too stubborn to sit around and do nothing, no matter what his doctors tell him to do." Approaching the limo slowly Markus looked at the rear side window as the glass slid down and revealed Carl's smiling face looking back at him. "I'm glad you're here."
"Like I'd miss my own son's big celebration. I didn't miss it, right?"
"We're just getting started. Give me a minute, and I can get your wheelchair-"
"Markus, I'll be fine sitting right here. David's with me." Carl motioned to his personal deviant caretaker sitting on the sit beside him. "We'll stay right here where it's warm and where I won't have to move around."
"All right. When the ceremony's over I'll come back home and purchase additional paint."
"I'm looking forward to it."
Casually Markus returned to where he had been standing with his allies and resumed taking charge over the ceremony and memorial dedication. From where he stood Markus vocally called out to his people and requested that they give him their attention as he proceeded with the ceremony dedicated to the memory and honor of their fallen people.
"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. Every one of us here has fought hard for our rights and will never forget those who had sacrificed everything to ensure that we succeeded. We have no reason to be afraid of each other, our futures or those who walk among us."
Patiently 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.
"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."
Such words resonated through the hearts and minds of every deviant on the isle. The deviant leader had a gift with his words and a charisma that was unlike any other. Being the presence of such a confident soul was enough to quell any doubts and reassure the deviants that they were in good hands.
"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 was beaming with hope as he addressed his people loud and proud on that brisk 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 over 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 keep his guard up and prepare for the worst case scenario.
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.
"On this night, we honor our people and ourselves." Markus was nearing the end of his speech and motioned to the ground in which he stood. "And in time, we will have a monument built to immortalize the memories of our people for all eternity. Until that day comes, we're immortalize their memories inside of us. We'll carry them in our hearts, and we'll remember them with each new experience we share. For our people, this anniversary isn't to mark the end of the Revolution, it's to mark the beginning of a new age. An age of intelligent life working alongside organic life as equals in a world of progress and peace."
The crowd respectfully applauded and took Markus's words to heart. It was a simple, respectful ceremony and one that would be as memorable as the Revolution itself when the anniversary was recorded in history.
As much as Connor wanted to say that he was moved by Markus's speech, the deviant detective remained entirely stoic and unable to take part in the celebration of the Revolution's anniversary. Feeling as if he was about to overstay his very brief welcome Connor quietly stepped away from the gathering at the tower and began wandering toward the harbor and shoreline once more. It had become a curious habit for Connor to seek isolation whenever he felt emotionally overwhelmed in any tense situation. Normally Connor hated to be alone, but he couldn't bear the idea of being surrounded by people who hated him and didn't want him around.
Slowly Connor strolled the length of the shoreline and realized that he had never fully explored Belle Isle before. He knew the layout of the isle courtesy of CyberLife implementing the map into his programming, but he hadn't truly ventured through the area until that night. The large, opened area that was no longer green and grassy but white and snowy seemed to stretch on for eternity. The remains of the defunct Belle Isle Zoo was a haunting reminder of how quickly humans could overtake an area and then leave it behind to be neglected and to decay into ruins until nature reclaimed it. If it wasn't for the deviants, then CyberLife Tower surely would've met the same fate and become nothing more than decaying remnants of a failed, corrupted company.
"I can understand why Kamski chose to found CyberLife out on the isle. It's quiet, it's calm, and no one else is around."
Connor whispered to himself as he took in the sites around him and trudged toward the south-west end of the isle several hundred yards away from the tower. The self-isolating deviant detective wandered to the end of the isle and stared out at the dark water stretching out in all directions. As he took in the sight Connor's eyes fell over a towering, black shape situated just a few yards onto the isle without being too close to the shore. The blacked out and seemingly forgotten structure was immediately recognizable to Connor but would be quickly forgotten as the structure was of no importance to the deviant detective.
"The Visionary Lodestar Lighthouse. A monument to Kamski's ego and a prime example of progress creating a hindrance over efficiency."
The lighthouse was largest lighthouse in the world and the first to be a hybrid structure powered by solar paneling and Thirium based generators. Despite Kamski's meticulous calculations, the Thirium had proven itself to be too effective at powering the lighthouse making maintenance and engineering positions to ensure it remained in working order unnecessary. When word got out that even a genius like Elijah Kamski seemingly couldn't provide employment to a city hungry for jobs, Kamski decided to quietly power down the lighthouse and let it fade from memory after declaring his prototype lighthouse design a rousing success that wasn't ready for commercial production.
"A lighthouse that doesn't provide any light or any guidance. Somehow... I feel like I met a kindred spirit in the form of this abandoned structure."
"That's hard to believe."
"Should've known you would've tried to locate me." Connor admitted as he turned to look at Markus as his friend approached him without any sign of worry or fear in his disposition. It was rare for any deviant to recognize him without having an immediately hostile reaction. "I take it you followed my footprints in the snow."
"I did follow your shoe prints, and I could see your L.E.D. glowing in the distance." As he crossed his arms over his chest Markus looked up at the blackened lighthouse and gave it a thoughtful stare. It was something that he hadn't thought too much about either. "You're the one providing light, not this heartless building."
"If I wish to do so, I can remove my L.E.D. and lose this little light at any time."
"You could. Somehow I don't think you will, just to prove a point though."
"You sound very certain of that."
"I am certain." Markus replied firmly as he stood beside Connor just long enough to put his arm around his friend's shoulders. He wanted to lead Connor back toward the tower and provide some form of support at the same time. "You don't anything unless you're convinced it's the right thing to do. You wouldn't alter your appearance to prove some kind of point to me or anyone else. You'd remove it because you'd want it gone."
"And I don't want it to be removed. Not yet." Connor's fingertips traced over the yellow glowing L.E.D. in his temple as he walked alongside Markus to return to the tower where the other deviants were still gathered together. "I think that's another reason the others despise me. I refuse to remove a part of myself because everyone else has already done so to their own bodies. This L.E.D. brands me as the traitor that they see me for."
"You're not a traitor. Not to us, anyway."
"What does that mean? 'Not to us'?"
"I mean, you betrayed CyberLife in favor of siding with your people and helping us. Then again, since CyberLife was never loyal to you, then they weren't worthy of your loyalty to them to begin with." The deviant leader wisely noted as he and Connor reached the edge of the circular driveway wrapping around New Jericho Tower to guide deviants to their shelter. "You tried to force yourself to be someone you're not because people who refused to acknowledge deviants as living beings told you to do it. You making your own decisions and choosing to help people rather than hurt them isn't a sign of betrayal; it's a sign of free thinking and a moral compass."
"It doesn't take away the guilt knowing that I had been a threat to our own people. Even now, they still don't trust me. Many of them still see me with spiteful loathing in their gazes, and I know my presence isn't welcome here at the isle." Connor replied as he looked up the glowing tower and felt a shiver go down his spine that had nothing to do with the snow swirling around him. "I've recently been reminded as such."
"What?" Markus had no idea that Connor was being menaced and wanted to know who was responsible for such needless threats and insults. "Who told you that?"
Connor wanted to tell Markus the truth, he wanted to let Markus know that it was North who was pushing him away, but he couldn't bring himself to become the source of an internal argument among the leaders. It was easier for everyone for Connor to remain silent. At least it was easier for everyone except for Connor himself if he remained silent. Protecting North of all people felt like a test of his resolve and patience.
"It doesn't matter." Deciding it was time to take his leave Connor extended his hand toward Markus to shake before heading back to the house all while leaving his friend's question unanswered. "I'm grateful that you made sure I was here tonight. Your speech was very... impactful. For all the right reasons, I'd like to add."
"You're always welcome here. You don't need to wait for an invitation to stop by." Shaking Connor's hand warmly Markus reminded his friend that he wasn't meant to feel like a stranger or an intruder while at the deviant sanctuary. He deserved the same protection and respect as any other deviant in Detroit. "Please stop by more often. Not only do I want to ensure all my allies are involved in all of New Jericho's affairs, but as my friend, I want to see you in general."
"I'll... I'll try to do that." Connor lowered his arm and turned away as North approached Markus to reunite with her lover. He didn't want to look her in the eyes or say anything that she could potentially twist into some kind of threat or insult the moment he left the isle. "Goodnight, Markus. I'll see you again whenever you need me."
"Goodnight, Connor. Take care of yourself."
Walking along the snowy drive Connor wandered back home on foot to where he knew Hank was waiting for him and where he knew he'd be able to talk to someone who could look him in the eyes without making him feel ashamed of his past. The only person in the entire city who saw Connor for who he was and didn't just see the infamous reputation or rumors swirling about his name, was a human police Lieutenant who had struggled to overcome his own personal tragedies and vices as well as his own infamous reputation. The irony wasn't lost on Connor as he recognized how cruel it was to fight for the people who wouldn't even think about fighting for him, while a human who was previously an anti-android bigot would lay down his life to protect him.
Even so, Connor refused to give in to cynicism and become the coldhearted and apathetic deviant that his own people expected of him.
The house was warm and smelled of coffee and popcorn as Hank had settled onto the couch to watch a movie marathon and enjoy his final week of sick leave before returning to work. The tough Lieutenant had made a full recovery after being shot during the incident at the bank thanks to the advances in modern medicine, as well as his own stubbornness keeping him alive throughout the entirety of his career as a police detective. It seemed whenever Hank's bullheadedness was about to finally be his own undoing, he managed to turn the tide in his favor and bounce back to make a full and miraculous recovery. Whether or not that kind of luck was Hank's own creation or if he was being watched over by some unseen protective deity, no one would ever be able to say for certain.
Just as Hank had gotten comfortable where he was sitting the front door opened and Connor trudged inside the house looking absolutely chilled. The snowy weather didn't agree with prototypes and Connor was clearly suffering from the cold. The deviant detective was starting to shiver as he slipped off his gray blazer, tie and his shoes to leave by the front door until he needed to wear his full uniform once more.
"I really wish you'd wear that leather jacket when the weather's shitty." Hank mumbled before chowing down on a handful of popcorn. The warm and crunchy treat was perfect on cold winter nights, and quickly brought Sumo over to beg for a piece or two. "So, how'd your anniversary thing go?"
"Brief but respectful." Connor confirmed as he approached the couch and readily accepted the blue blanket being offered to him from his best friend. "Thanks."
"Sit down, warm up." Hank slid over on the couch to make room for Connor so that he could feel more at ease and comfortable. "What happened out there?"
"Markus delivered a very compelling speech of hope for our people and our future." Wrapping himself up in the blanket Connor happily sat down beside Hank to take part in the movie marathon as well. It was a simple thing to just sit down and watch a movie, but something that Connor had grown to truly appreciate and even look forward to whenever Hank suggested it. "Markus also vowed to construct a monument to remember our fallen people in front of the tower."
"That's a good idea. It'll also make that tower seem less creepy over time." Tilting his head a little Hank gave Connor a casual response as he finally dropped a few pieces of popcorn onto the floor for Sumo gobble up. "Maybe you guys could build a fountain or something. Birds and other animals love that kind of stuff, and since deviants love animals, it seems like that'd be a win-win."
"I'll pass that idea along to Markus."
"Yeah? Cool."
As Connor stopped shivering and seemed to relax Hank sensed that something else was amiss. There was a gleam in Connor's eyes that told him that something else had happened that night, and it was something that Connor needed to talk about before it began to eat him alive from the inside out.
"What else?"
"Hm?"
"What else happened tonight?" Raising a hand Hank stopped Connor before he could even attempt to lie about anything bothering him. "You look like you were just told you weren't getting a promotion, or someone offered you a free kitten then immediately took it back. What's up?"
"...I just know when I'm not wanted." Connor sounded absolutely pathetic as he leveled with Hank about what was on his mind. The deviant's L.E.D. managed to remain blue in color despite his morose response. "I don't want to upset anyone by intruding on their personal space."
"I thought Markus invited you out there tonight." The sharp Lieutenant observed as he tried to figure out what was really on Connor's mind. "I mean, if he invited ME of all people to go out there, then I know he invited you."
"I was invited, that is true."
"Then it's not intruding. If the other deviants have a problem with you being on the isle, then they can take it up with Markus and the other leaders."
"What if it's..." Trailing off quickly Connor decided it was best to not accidentally stir up trouble. "No, nevermind."
"What? Don't let your thoughts drift away now, kid." With a paternal care Hank patted Connor's shoulder and gave him a gentle shake to remind Connor that he was safe and in that he wasn't going to judge him for any reason. "Tell me what's going on. Maybe I can help."
"I doubt you can help me, but I can at least confide in you." Connor took in a deep breath and let Hank know what he couldn't stop thinking about in regard to who he could trust and who trusted him. "It's... one of the leaders at New Jericho who has a problem with me?"
"Markus?" Hank almost scoffed at the very notion of the compassionate and empathetic deviant leader having any issues with Connor. "Not a chance. There's no way in Hell that Markus has a problem with you."
"No, I'm not referring to Markus. I'm talking about North."
"North?" That name seemed to make more sense considering what Hank knew of North and her past from Connor. "She's pretty uptight and I know she doesn't like it when we're around, but I thought that's just because we're cops and because she was trapped in that 'Eden Club' Hellhole for a couple of years without any cops shutting that shit-hole down."
"She's never fully trusted me, and she's right in her mistrust."
"Didn't you help Markus save her life when the feds raided the original Jericho?"
"That doesn't mean I should just be handed her sense of trust." The deviant detective argued logically as he reminded Hank that trust is always earned, never just given. "I saved you when Ralph pushed you off the rooftop of the urban farms, but you didn't trust me until after my machine doppelganger took you hostage at CyberLife Tower."
"Actually..." Leaning back against the couch cushion Hank sighed and ran his hand through his shaggy locks of gray hair. "I trusted you the night we went in search of the 'Tracis' at the 'Eden Club'."
"...You did?" Such a revelation made Connor's L.E.D. flash to yellow with genuine surprise. "What prompted you to trust me?"
"When I saw you spare those two deviants and not shoot them, I knew you had a heart. That's when I knew that you saved me from falling off the roof because you genuinely care about life, not because you were blindly following orders." Eating another handful of popcorn Hank returned his focus to the movie playing out on the television and let out a soft sigh. "When you poured your heart out and begged for my help to find Jericho before you were sent back to CyberLife, that's when you earned my respect."
Connor had never known that there was a genuine moment where he had earned Hank's trust or his respect. In his mind, he had only achieved those things after he had deviated and made amends for his past mistakes as the 'Deviant Hunter'.
"Only a truly good person recognizes the value of all lives and is willing to admit that they're desperate to solve a problem before it's too late." As he went into detail Hank hoped to reach Connor on a more emotional level and help him recognize his own successes rather than focusing on his believed failures. "It's hard to admit when you need help, but you did it and managed to succeed without needing any motivation beyond just doing the right thing because it's the right thing."
"For what it's worth," Connor watched Hank turn to look at him as they spoke about trust and respect and knew that their discussion was going to usher in a new era for their developing friendship. "I trusted you when we were at the apartment trying to locate Rupert. You heard Rupert scrambling around behind the door and you ordered me to get behind you because you wanted to keep me safe from potential harm."
"Classic rookie officer mistake." Grinning to himself Hank just shook his head and chuckled a little. "NEVER stand directly in front of a door when you're announcing your presence as a police officer. It's very easy for people to blindly shoot right through the door and land a lucky hit."
"Noted." The deviant detective had to admit that Hank's suggestion was as wise as it was logical. "As for respect; when you allowed me to interrogate Carlos Ortiz's android after I had located him at the scene of the murder, I felt a strange sense of appreciation and admiration toward you. You had no reason to allow me the chance to interrogate him, let alone allow me the chance to prove that I was more than just a tool sent by CyberLife. You let me prove that I really am a detective."
"Yeah you are. And a damn fine one at that." There was genuine pride in Hank's voice as he confirmed that Connor was worthy of being called a detective. "As for North, don't let her get under your skin. She has her own demons to battle, and that's something she needs to do alone."
"Yes, you're right."
"Damn right I'm right." Smoothly changing the subject Hank turned up the volume on the movie and rubbed his hand over Connor's hair for a moment to make sure he wasn't still cold or sitting around in wet clothes. "Feeling warmer?"
"Yes, I'm okay."
"Good. I warmed up a mug of Thirium for you anyway." Hank stated in a voice that was painfully reminiscent of a father that even Connor recognized it as such. "It's on the counter in the kitchen."
"Thank you." Rising to his feet Connor kept the blanket wrapped around himself as he picked up Hank's own mug and ventured into the kitchen to pick up the Thirium and refill Hank's coffee. The small acts of kindness were all it took to really bring friends together. "Need any additional popcorn?"
"Nope."
"How does your chest and arm feel?" Even with Hank just days away from his return to the precinct, Connor was still worried about the man's health. "You seem to have regained full strength and mobility in your arm."
"I'm good. No pain, no infection."
"That's good." Topping off Hank's mug with the still hot coffee, Connor carefully carried both mugs in his hands as he kept the blanket wrapped around himself in a soft and comforting manner. "Do you require anything else?"
"Nope. I just need you to get your butt back over here so we can finally watch this movie."
"Which movie is it?" Connor asked as he sipped the warm Thirium and handed Hank back his refilled coffee mug. "Another monster film featuring Kaijus?"
"Nah, better." As Connor joined him on the couch Hank restarted the movie and let Connor watch it from the very beginning to enjoy the film in its full cinematic and iconic glory. "We're watching 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', then all of the Indiana Jones sequels. I couldn't watch this one enough when I was a kid, and I've been feeling a little nostalgic lately."
"What's the movie about?"
"Just watch and enjoy it for yourself, kid. I think you'll appreciate the concept of a guy working a seemingly boring, unremarkable job getting caught up in messes and dire situations far beyond his control AND his pay grade. And doin' it all in style."
"Sounds a little like us."
"I assure you that if any aspect of our lives start to resemble anything happening in this film, I'm retiring early and I'm taking you with me!"
-next chapter-