Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Hear any tips to where the supremacist fuckers could be?” Fowler asked as Nines who could only sigh and shake his head in reply.

“Nobody seems to know anything we don’t already, and if they do they’re keeping it real quiet.” Gavin hissed, clearly annoyed at their lack of progress.

“It would seem that they have already gathered a sense of loyalty for those in their circle.” Connor mused more to himself than anyone as Hank grunted in agreement.

Fowler looked at his frustratingly limited stack of papers containing information that they knew about the illusive trio of android supremacists. All that they had gathered thus far was there was three models, at least if the Sigel that seemed to be multiplying around the streets was accurate. The only concrete fact being some hostile-behaving deviant’s believed their acts to “feed the machine.” would bring peace and power to the android race.

“Any other symbols? Signs? ANY other tips to whose these people are!?” Fowler asked trying to sound more angry than desperate as he looked at the blank faces of his subordinates. “You better tell me at least ONE of you managed to get through to Markus on the matter.” Fowler groaned as he attempted to rub the irritation out of his face with his hands #

“I did Sir, as far as Markus knows there is no connection to any of the members of New Jericho or RA9.” Connor chipped in as Fowler tried to take in deep breaths.
“Well then how are we supposed to bring these fuckers down!? It’s not like they’re going to knock on our door and just announce themselves to us.”

As the chief muttered those very words a collective yelp of suprise could be heard as all the computers simultaneously flickered to the very symbol they had been tracking and deciphering for the past month. As both Hank and Fowler only had one thing to say.

“You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me…”

Chapter Text

Every eye in the room was glued to the nearest screen, nervously holding their breath as the audio crackled to life and a cold voice echoed in a scarily cold manner.

“Hello androids and their lesser companions, from our observation you are obsessively trying to meet us. We are utterly amused and flattered to watch your little piggy’s endlessly chase their curled tails in pursuit of us~”

Fowler growled looking practically ready to throw his fist through the screen; Nines eyed him from the side cautiously.

“We figured we would save you the trouble and set up a little chat with your most competent officer, Connor the hunter of deviants turned protector himself.”

Connor’s eyed widened as a slight flush reached his cheeks at the unexpected praise. Hank wrapped an arm around his adoptive son immediately. “No way son. This is almost definitely a trap!” He hissed.

“Ah! Ah! Don’t think we didn’t have audio sensors too silly!” A second chillingly cheerful voice echoed loudly as the main voice much more quietly muttered “You weren’t supposed to tell them that.” Before seemingly turning back to his microphone

“I guess some humans can be somewhat competent. Here as a sign of trust –“The screens briefly flashed to black before a trio of androids could be seen…
The ringleader stood squarely in the center of what appeared to be a flat in high-rise building, his ginger hair almost looking ablaze in the sunlight of the Detroit afternoon, his freckles only further highlighting the dead cold gaze of his ice-filled stare.

To his side was a much shorter feminine android. With her golden pigtails and wide grin and friendly wave she practically looked like a misplace child. But to those who knew and had seen to much they could practically feel the cruelty emanating off her seemingly goofy façade, so potent it sent chills up spines even through the screen.

The last of them you could have easily missed if it wasn’t for the missing piece of their face. The wires beneath catching the light as it weaved frantically around a nervously darting green optical unit. They practically were cowered behind their leader as they eyed the camera with almost a look of fear, their LED buzzing a bright yellow.

The seemingly ringleader outstretched one hand to the android girl, his other rotating around to likely hold the hand of the other, never once removing his eyes from the death stare they had on the camera despite his friendly smile.

“Since there are three of us you can bring two people for our chat Connor. We understand your owners’ fear of this being an ambush but as you can see we are very much unarmed and we are the only ones in this building currently. We really don’t think your dear friends at Jericho would appreciate it if you came in guns blazing against some poor defenseless androids.” He said without an ounce of humor.

“And what if I refuse to meet you on these terms?” Connor asked as giggling rang from behind the ginger android.

“Well that would be for you to find out. I believe humans would say ‘better the devil you know’ in this situation. But that would be confusing considering how many devils you know in that office alone.” Connor could only glare at the screen silently.

“We have sent a link to the location on your records.” The scarred brunette cowered out before tucking himself behind the ringleader entirely.

“You have one day to decide. We really hope you decide to come visit…” He spoke as if the conversation was as casual as asking about the weather that morning.

“We really hope we can help you see things our way~” The girl chanted with glee as the line cut; the lights that almost nobody noticed were out turned back on.

“...So a major potential terrorist group is run by some ginger asshole and two children… Fuck now I’ve seen it all.” Hank whistled. His eyes wide with surprise as if he was still processing this information as he talked.

“There’s no fucking way were sending Connor into that wet dream of an ambush!” Gavin exclaimed as he looked around. “You’re really thinking of it!?” He yelled to Fowler who gave him an unreadable look.

“They hacked into our systems and our audio basically just to prove a point and set up a coffee date.” Fowler reasoned as Hank grunted in agreement.

“I hate this as much as you Gavin but if they do that just to set up their little tea party… We really don’t wanna go pissing them off. Plus if anyone can negotiate these fuckers out of whatever they have planned peacefully, it’s Connor.” Hank wrapped his arm around Connor once more at this as Connor smiled up to him.

“Thank you for having faith in me lieutenant.” Connor spoke with a small smile as Hanks hand moved up to ruffle his hair. “How many times do I have to tell ya Hank is fine. Of course if the two of us can take down the shithole that was Cyber life tower we can handle this.” Hank said, his pride for his son overflowing into his tone.

“Well that’s person number 2. Who’s gonna be third.” Fowler hummed as Connor cleared his throat.

“I believe Nines should accompany me. They clearly have a discriminatory attitude towards humans. By having the most updated android model side with humans openly it may be convincing.” Connor explained as Nines LED spun into yellow as he shifted from foot to foot.

“No fucking WAY! Nines has been on what TWO missions so far!? This is way too high risk for someone with such little experience. Let me go Fowler.” Gavin interjected as Fowler seemed to mull it over.

“Very well you can.” Gavin was already smirking but Fowler wasn’t finished. “BUT you must follow Connor’s orders. He will have to be the primary negotiator and take command.” Fowler finished sharing a brief but communicating look with Hank as he finished.

“Thank you for trusting me.” Connor nodded gratefully as he turned to face both Gavin and Hank.

“The first thing you’re gonna have to do Gavin is watch that god damn tongue of yours.” Hank sighed as Gavin snorted at the comment. “That’s fucking something - from the man who swears enough for the entire force!” Connor could only give a concerned smile as the duo quickly delved into a bant of bickering.

“I advise caution brother. Remember the main mission above all is to return alive and as unharmed as possible.” Nines reminded Connor, his usually hard expression softening for his older brother as he pulled him into a quick but meaningful hug.

“Of course Nines. We will return before you even miss us.” Connor said with a smile as he opened the door for his found family and co-workers.

He was anxious for his meeting of course, but with them all by his side he was almost certain he could accomplish anything.

Chapter Text

Connor took a long glance up the endless tower of glittering glass panes as his ventilation system stuttered slightly with the impulses of electricity in all his nerves.

“Ya nervous kid?” Hank asked as he turned to the android who looked over to his adoptive father. “I will be able to operate. However I do feel a bit hesitant, negotiations are a delicate procedure.” He explained as Hank looked to him with sympathy.

“With any luck they’ll fuck off real quick and we can just deal with them at the office.” Connor only nodded as he faced Gavin who had been quiet up to this point surprisingly.
“Hey don’t gimme that look I’m not doing this pep talk shit. Let’s get these plastic pricks over with and call it a day.” He grumbled crossing his arms, clearly ignoring Connors Concern.

“Please avoid referring to them in a derogatory manner. It will be vital to the negotiation that we remain respectful and appear to be cooperative.
“We shouldn’t have to cooperate with terrorists.” Gavin countered

Hank walked between the pair, silently cutting them off. “It’s a fucked situation. So let’s lay nice with the ginger asshole so we don’t end up with an even bigger case on our hands.” He finished as he grabbed Connors hand subtly, a sign of support that Connor did not take for granted as they all exchanged one final look before turning the corner to the entrance of the building.

Within seconds ice blue eyes met brown as The ginger-haired android from the broadcast opened his arms welcomingly to Connor.

“The Android of the hour! I’m so glad you managed to make time out of your schedule to meet us.” He smiled in a way that sent a undesirable chill down Connors synthetic spine.
“It is nice to finally meet you, may I call you?” Connor asked as he simply replied “Caleb.” Now if you don’t mind pass through here so we talk upstairs. He motioned to the thin entrance with some kind of electronic gate that they all eyed suspiciously.

“A metal detector. Wouldn’t that just set off for all of you.” Gavin pointed out as the Caleb turned to the man his face twisting as if he was looking at the bottom of his shoe.

“It will only detect the blends of metal found in the guns ammunition used by the Detroit police force. Just a safety precaution I assure you.” Connor went to walk through but was stopped by Hank grabbing at his collar and swiftly stopping him.

“You first Caleb. Otherwise we can’t be sure you won’t open fire the second we cross that gate. Just a safety precaution, I’m sure you understand.” He added, head tilting with sass leaking into his tone.

Caleb chuckled in a way that almost seemed sarcastic. “As always the pet is better trained than the master. I already told you I’m unarmed but I’ll humor you.” Without another word he slid through the gate that chimed it’s approval. He then did a mocking curtsey, his eyes never once moving from the glare he had towards the humans behind Connor.

Connor sighed under his breath as he stepped through the gate slowly waiting for the chime to ring as he motioned the others to follow. Gavin only huffed as he reached into his jacket and set his pistol aside.

“Oh seems one of your pets was planning to be naughty.” Caleb teased with a patronizing lopsided grin. As Gavin opened his mouth, swears on the top of his tongue that he was forced to swallow back as he pushed his way through the gate.

Hank followed behind the pair as he took in the surroundings making mental notes. Clearly Caleb was quite the Android history nut as he recognized a particular framed newspaper that he had seen back in his early years in the police force, when Android revolts were first proved to be a possibility in the future.

They finally reached the room at the top of the tower as the sun shined in all their faces boldly. Caleb walks over to the two smaller androids.

“Connor and chittering animals; Say hello to Marie and Lucas.” He gestured to the pair as Marie gave them all a massive wave from beside the large grey couches as Lucas waved meekly from behind her.

“I figured we should sit somewhere comfortable while we discuss, make this a bit nicer for all of us don’t you think?” Caleb said as he sat down and looked to his accomplices, patting the empty spaced next to him with a smile. But this smile was far different from any smiles they had seen in the past few days.

It was the smile of a living feeling being. Capable of emotions. It was so human it unsettled them; it’s easier to negotiate when feelings aren’t involved. Connor investigated the possibility this show of kindness was a tactic of his but the probability proved to be low.

Connor sat down with a nod of thanks to the android as he took the moment to simply observe the man he would have to talk to. Caleb sat there hunched over in a relaxed position as if he was relaxing in his own home, his hands clasped as his digits tapped against the back of his hands in thought as he cleared his throat.

“I guess I should start. Marie and Lucas are great aren’t they. So sweet even to strangers. If only humans behaved the same…” He trailed off as Connor quickly deduced the best response.

“There have been many cases of Androids being hostile humans seemingly without prior reasoning. Usually these responses are driven by a bias and emotions. In that way we are no different.” Connor looked to Hank who smiled at him with his eyes as he felt relieved that his words were seemingly the right choice.

Marie jumped in her seat. “Well at least us Androids aren’t stinky, and we don’t get all old and wrinkly~.” She hummed looking to Caleb who chuckled and patted her head affectionately, his hand leaning down to twirl his fingers through the mix of blond and fuchsia.

“Facts are what the world relies on to run. Emotions muddy the lines of reality. And the fact is since the introduction to even the basic rules that allow Androids ANY power instances of violent crime have dropped. The majority of crimes now being protests from Anti-Andriod humans …” Caleb said as he took a moment to glare at Gavin and Hank.

“Yes that is factually true. However this was also factually precited to be the likely outcome post Markus’s influence on the android race. With time that should also drop to levels even lower than before Markus.” He countered. If Caleb wanted to play a game of facts then that was a game he was able to play.

“Correct, not that I would expect anything less from one of the most advanced models. But it just goes to show that humans are simply too emotional, irrational. They cannot be trusted in positions of power the way any android can.”

“I’m guessing this is where Connor comes in handy for you, isn’t it?” Hank interjected as Caleb barley gave him the respect of looking at him as he spoke.

“I guess you got one of the smarter creatures. To put it bluntly you have made yourself quite the voice Connor~.”

“Yeah you’re like MEGA famous! Can I have your autograph after?” Marie asked as Connor spent his energy focusing on not appearing as humbled as he was at the gushing of praise.

“Can I get one too please?” Lucas whispered as his exposed optical unit skated around Connor who nodded to him softly as he smiled shyly.

“But the point is Connor people LISTEN to you. We would like you to implement Android empowering laws that push the inferiors out of the picture. With your connections to New Jherico and the law you are the tool that we need to make this world a better place!” Caleb opened his hands in front of Connor who decided to take a neutral but honest approach.

“You are right, everyone can make the world a better place but I am in an ideal position. But I’m sorry I do not feel your strategy will lead to an improved world for either humans or androids…” Connor explained as he looked to his human companions and then to the ginger android.

“Well isn’t that a shame…”

Chapter Text

“…Looks like I’m going to miss my afternoon thirium break. Do you mind if we have our tea break here?” Caleb asks as the tension deflated like a released balloon as Connor made a motion that it was fine.

Caleb tapped Lucas on the back gently as the broken android boy stood, looking at them all nervously as he almost jogged out of the sky-high room.

“So do you live here?” Hank asked. Gavin gave him a look that screamed ‘what the fuck are you doing?!’ but Connor quickly realized, humanizing themselves while gathering valuable information.

“We just got here silly how can we live here!” Marie giggled while sticking out her tongue childishly. “What little Marie here means is we are currently renting this place.” Caleb explained, his body language closing himself off from Hank.

“Now then. We refused your supremacy plans. What is the ‘thing we will find out’” Gavin said, clearly irritated but keeping his cool. Barely.

Caleb just rolled his eyes. “This is what I mean, so rude and brash. Can’t even hold their tongue in the face of a negotiation where you don’t even KNOW what’s at stake…” Caleb almost smirked but seemingly thought better off it.

“Well I have to admit it would be more comfortable for all of us to negotiate with you if we know exactly the terms of either accepting or refusing to work with you.” Connor reasoned not that Caleb seemed to even consider the option.

“More comfortable yes. But comfortable doesn't always yield results. I’m sure your friends at Jherico didn’t even know what comfort met until Markus stepped out of his own comfort zone.” He said as he faced the window. The blinding light making his inhuman skin shine.

“But I like you Connor, so I will say this. You do not want to leave without a deal.” Calebs tone darkened as the only sound that could be heard was Gavin muttering “you bastard.”

Marie tugged on Caleb’s sleeve “Caaabeee!” Caleb bent slightly as he met her on the same level his tone switching in seconds. “What is it Mae Mae?” He asked “No boring adult talk until we get tea remember?” She whined as Calebs eyes widened slightly “Oh where are my manners. I’m sorry Mae Mae. Same to you Connor.” He said to Connor who politely replied “Forgiven Caleb.”

“So Connor I know a lot about you from the tabloids, but I want to hear it from you. You seem to be quite close to your master. What’s the history there?” Caleb asked as Marie excused herself with a cheerful “Be right back!”

“Me and the lieutenant have been living together for the past three years after the android revolution.”

Caleb hummed as he nodded, clearly interested. “What was your relationship before it?” He asked his pitch raising slightly, a spark of emotion in a void.

“Well he was my assigned officer to investigate the deviation of androids. Our bond has grown since then." Connor smiled warmly at Hank who smiled back widely putting his front teeth on display.

“Yeah I I’ve been with this little shit from factory to fangirls.” He chuckled as he reached for one of Connors hands as they squeezed as if physically expressing their bond.
Caleb looked to Connor and then to their hands as he spoke. “Interesting, The most advanced of us all is still susceptible to both grooming and Stockholm syndrome.” He mused earning a slight glare from the senior detective…

“Tea is served!” Marie cheered as she served the tea to the two human members. Lucas came in silently behind her holding two mugs with a blue liquid instead of the pale yellow the humans had.

“Here Cabe it’s 165 degrees just how you like it.” Lucas muttered to Cabel as he carefully placed the two mugs down. Cabel grabbed his arm only to lift it as if he were burned when the boy flinched. He tried again slowly as he placed a hand on the kids head and rubbed his head softly.

“That was very thoughtful. Thank you so much Lucas.” Lucas’s cheek that still had skin reddened as he mumbled that it was nothing quickly taking a seat on the very corner of the sofa, bringing his legs up to his chest loosely. Never one did his optical units stray from Connors human companions.

“How do we know it’s not drugged?” Hank asked looking at Cabel with suspicion

“Do you really think WE would drug you? We are just kids!!” Marie exclaimed with a pout

“Mae Mae, what's a drug?” Lucas whispered

“I’ll tell you when your older LuLu~” He answered giving Marie a look while placing a hand very slowly and softly on his shoulder before turning to address the human.

“Honestly if we had wanted to attack you don’t you think we would have done it already? But since you INSIST on going against logic. Connor you can do the honors.” He gestured to the two cups as Connor dutifully dipped a finger in both cups separately before bringing it to his tongue. The ingredients of a traditional tea appearing on his screen, but nothing more.

“It is not drugged, but I’m sure you can understand their suspicion. After all we are in a vulnerable position here.” Connor looked to the door that every moment looked further away. Just as their chance for securing a deal with the terrorist.

Caleb took a sip of his Thirium as he hummed. “You know we have a background in the circus. Marie why don’t you show them your favorite trick?” Cabel asked Marie who jumped up from the sofa and clapped her hands with delight.

“Finally I get to have some fun!”

Connor smiled as the young android did a cartwheel but time seemed to slow to nothing as she finally righted herself, pulling a gun from her thick pigtail and positioning the butt to slightly stick out of her hand.

Connor tried to reach for Hank but Marie was faster, the butt slammed into Hanks temple as he grunted in pain, his eyes slipping closed as his body folded over itself.

Gavin had jumped from his seat, ready to open fire as his arm shot into his jacket to draw his own pistol only to curse loudly as he remembered. The metal detector.

Connor was about to grab Hank as he looked up only to see the girl twirling the gun in her fingers until the pistol rested on his forehead.

“Lucas please-“ Caleb instructed as the boy grabbed the man that was twice his size and lifted him, carrying him bridal style awkwardly over to Caleb.

“Why are you doing this!? Unhand the lieutenant over NOW!” Connor yelled as Caleb only tsked.

“Well isn’t this a pity, you know logically you are in no situation to be making demands, but you're letting your emotion overtake you. You are no better than your animal masters – and I had such high hopes for you.” He sighed as he motioned with his fingers for Marie to come towards him as she walked backwards slowly, the pistol never leaving its sight on Connor.

“We get it you supremacist fuck. Now what do you want!” Gavin growled towards him as his mouth filled with venom.

“Oh right now we want nothing but to leave. Oh and I wouldn’t advise following us to try and fight this thing out of our hands. The top glass floors we rented out? They’re all rigged to blow within minutes so I’ll have to cut this meeting short.” He explained feigning sympathy but Connor could feel none for this android

Not when Hank lays unconscious in someone’s arms by his orders.

“Hey don’t give me that look Connor. I told you nothing but facts, I am still very much unarmed.” He spread his arms once more to prove his point as Connor stabbed Cabel with his eyes.

“I’ll set up the next meeting the same I did the first. I’ll see you soon Connor.” He smiled as the door closed.

Connor leapt from where he was sat, cups shattering as he sprinted with all his mechanical strength to the door.

“CONNOR WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOURE DOING!” Gavin yelled as Connor ripped at the locked door before resorting to slamming his elbow into it repeatedly.

“I AM GOING TO SAVE LEUITENENT HANK WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” Connor yelled back yelling in anger and confusion as Gavin had approached him without his notice; grabbing his arm and stopping it pounding into the door and covering it with more thirium splotched where he had damaged his pseudo-skin already.

“Did you fuck up your wiring!? If we pursue them WE WILL ALL DIE! That includes HANK YOU DUMB PLASITC FUCK!”

Connor paused at the mention of his adoptive father as his processors raced to catch up to the reality of the situation. The only chance of saving Hank would be to not give chase.
Connor ripped himself out of Gavin’s hold as he stormed to the door on the other side of the room, pulling on it so hard one of the hinges detached.

Gavins eyes widened and from behind Connor he may have gone a noticeable shade paler as he silently followed the android that walked as if he were on a warpath.

They returned to a crowd of police all yelling different things but Connor simply walked past them all to the police truck silently. This would not be the end.

Gavin stumbled behind him trying to answer a million questions at once as the world seemed to blur into a jumble of words…

The only thing that was clear was the loud shatter as shiny glitter-like pieces of glass rained from the sky.

Chapter Text

Gavin guided the android (his companion) out of the blinding blinks of camera shutter and fields of microphones that had quickly swarmed to the site of the failed mission likes flies to a rotting carcass.

“Your lieutenant isn’t here with you! Do you have any comment on where he is!?” A certain reporter yelled over the mob, thrusting her microphone to Connor who’s face had not moved a micrometer since Hank was taken.

Gavin grabbed the microphone pulling it towards him with enough force to make the woman holding it stumble towards the pissed officer. “I’ll give you a comment, MOVE ALL OF YOU!” Gavin spat making the hungry reporters take a reluctant step away at the authoritative tone.

Thankfully the Police station was within walking distance but it felt like that had traversed continents as time slowed with every step towards the station. Every step felt too silent to the now duo without the sarcasm lacing the short walk.

The station looked to them all with wide eyes. Connor almost forgot about the body cams they all had pinned to their uniform, or in his case linked to the police system when on duty.

Nines quickly walked up to Connor, his face unusually soft for with sympathy as he lifted a hand for a comforting pat on the shoulder. “Are you okay brother?”

Connor didn’t even bother to look his way as he pointedly moved his shoulder out the way, his LED glowing red like the embers of a hot flame as he walked towards Fowler’s office, barely taking a moment to look back.

“I will be when the mission is complete.” He said with no detectable emotion. Nines had seen his brother in all states of joy, stress, worry and everything in between. In a way it helped him realize how human they truly were because how could anything else display such a wide array of feeling.

Seeing this same being act so coldly when he usually exuberated warmth left Nines himself feeling as if the room had chilled with the androids emotions.

Nines quickly scanned Gavin for any injury only going for a hug when he was satisfied with his analysis.

“That fucker is going to go off the rails.” Gavin murmured to Nines placing his head on his shoulder, Nines turned to him slightly confused.

“I understand red LED’s indicate instability but that is understandable with the lieutenant being held hostage, otherwise he is showing no symptoms of instability.” Nines pointed out as Gavin nodded his head in agreement, but his eyes were glued to Connor’s form as he walked out of view.

“Yeah, that’s exactly why. People who do not let their emotions show often convert those feelings into reckless action.” Gavin huffed, him believing an android having emotions AND being concerned? Maybe he himself had been replaced with an android. He put his musings aside as he walked over to the desks before flicking through a file on the edge of Connor’s desk.

“What are you doing?” Asked Nines.

“Going for a smoke and making a call. You go after him.” Gavin finished as he flashed his pack of cancer sticks and walked off.

…

“What do you mean we have no plan?!” Connor said through clenched teeth as he spoke to his currently very stressed superior.

“I mean we have no plan. We cant try to track them down to an area as they have access to our systems somehow; I’m damn sure you know we don’t have time to do it on paper or rewire our systems in a hostage situation.”

“We also do not have time to talk about unavailable courses of action.” Connor argued as Fowler gave him a weird look, not commenting on the androids unusual lack of respect.

“Well as far as I see it they have the clear advantage, they will schedule a meeting and we will send our team to go about the safe retrieval of Hank Anderson. With violence if necessary.”

Connor’s irises seemed to darken. “I will be going.” He said as Fowler nodded.

“They seem to be mainly interested in negotiating with you so that makes sense. You will also be accompanied by Nines.” Fowler finished just in time with Nines entry as he stared at Fowler with a stunned expression.

“Captain this is a very tense and important mission. Are you sure someone as inexperienced as me should go?” Nines said as he exchanged looks with both his brother and the captain.

“This is a very important mission where fractions of a second can change the outcome. You have the fastest processor of any android so will have the advantage of reaction. One of the only two advantages we have.” Fowler summed up as the pair of androids looked to him.”

“The second advantage captain?” Connor asked

“We have the choice to accept their terms as a bluff to get a surprise on them, or we can refuse and buy our time to get a plan to get more operatives in the area. However that plan would require more time and risk which can only be assed during the mission.” Fowler said with a frown.

“It would seem that agreeing is our most reliable option.” Nines summed up as they all walked out to begin preparations.

“Ah you’re in front of the screen, and just in time!” Caleb said with a cheer as the computer beside Connor flicked to life, the rest of the screens in the station quickly following suit. Connor turned as fast as he could to glare at the offending image

“We sent you the location already~ We expect you to be armed and don’t worry we are all prepared to play! Why don’t you ask the old man we got here!” Marie giggled as she hopped over to Hank and squished his cheek.

The camera then panned to the lieutenant as he attempted to bite the girl’s finger as she jumped back with a giggle. Hank was free of any major injuries; besides bruises that were clearly inflicted during the either scuffle or attempts to get information. Connor could only stare and search his systems for any way to commit murder through a police station computer as it turned back to Caleb once more.

“I have a feeling our discussions will be a lot more productive this time around, which is great because I have thought a few extra demands to add. The first one is you are only to bring three people again if you want the lieutenant alive. ” The ginger android said with a cruel sparkle in his ice-filled eyes.

“W-we will see you in an hour. Give us what we want or else.” Lucas mumbled into the camera as Caleb finally switched off his controls as the computers returned to their usual desktop screens.

“Shit, we need to get the procedure and all units prepared NOW!” Connor demanded as he stomped past everyone in his path until a familiar face stood in his way.

“Markus, if you aren’t aware there is a hostage situation I need to get to NOW. I will talk when the mission is complete.” Connor repeated as he attempted to move past Markus who stopped him by grabbing his shoulder, being slightly taken aback by the blinding red flash his LED emitted at the contact.

“I am aware, and here to help if that is okay with the captain” Markus then looked to the man who was jogging to catch up with Connor’s strides who took a moment to think.
“This is a matter of the law.” He stated, leaving the un-asked question to hang in the air.

“It is a matter that could threaten the peace between humans and androids and ontop of that my friend. It is of my upmost concern captain.” Markus finished as he looked to his friend with a protective look in his eyes.

Fowler didn’t fail to notice Gavin motioning something to him from the back of the room as he considered the options. “Very well, you will go in Gavin’s place. Nines and Connor show him to the gear and fill him in.” Fowler agreed as he went back to address the rest of the task force.

Connor wasted no time in grabbing Markus by the arm and walking quickly towards the room where the police weaponry was held as Nines quickly walked over to Gavin.

“Are sure this is wise?” He asked the older man as he grasped his hand in a show of trust. “Just follow all the plans and keep the messages in mind everyone will be okay.” Gavin reassured him as Nines nodded quickly power-walking to catch up with his co-worker and the ex-deviant leader…

There was one thing for certain in all of their minds; they had to achieve their mission.