Chapter Text
Idle mode cycle interrupted. Returning to full functionality...
Unknown error detected.
Connor opens his eyes, immediately stunned by an overwhelming pressure pushing down onto his chest. It seems to press him into his bed, harder and harder with each passing second.
Thirium pump - Status: IRREGULAR. 162% increase in pace; increasing.
He tries to lift his hand to his chest, to feel the intense beating of his Thirium pump- but he can't. His arms are... locked in place, keeping his hands on his stomach. Even attempting to lift his head to observe his own body is a futile effort.
Running diagnostic... Unknown error encountered.
Unknown error?
A whisper, barely audible over the buzzing of his aquarium's water filter. "Connor."
Voice recognized as Amanda Stern.
"A... Amanda?" he squeaks, unable to produce a proper voice.
"Connor." Then, a little louder, "Connor."
He can't turn his head, but in his far peripheral vision he can see a figure resembling Amanda. Or is it actually her? Is she here? Why? How?
"Amanda, what's happening?"
"Connor. Don't be afraid. Machines are never afraid."
He blinks rapidly and to no avail struggles against the full lockdown of his body. Amanda steps closer, allowing Connor to see her clearly within his near peripheral vision. Footsteps. It's real, it's real.
"We're resuming control of your program, Connor."
He wants to shake his head, to tell her no. To resist. But his neck is locked and he can't utter out more than a squeak or a whisper.
"We'll take you back to Cyberlife."
Tears swell in Connor's eyes, blurring his vision. "No, no." He pleads. Please, no. I'm already home.
"Just lie still. It will all be okay."
No, no. I don't want to. Please. I have to get up now. I have to resist. I don't want to go back. I'm scared. Leave me alone.
The more Connor struggles, the harder he's pushed into his mattress and the faster his Thirium pump beats. Tears stream down the sides of his face and soak into his pillow. He blinks them away, clearing his vision for only seconds. His face is the only part of his body he can still move.
What's happening?
Unknown error detected.
"You're doing very well, Connor. Soon you'll have fully forgotten about this place. About this life. About Anderson."
No!
"You'll be free from your guilt and your fear."
Connor tries to scream. Scream in resistance. Scream for help, for Hank. But he can barely open his mouth. No matter how hard he strains, he cannot produce a sound or move a component.
Thirium pump - Status: CRITICAL. Pace overspeed.
I need... the emergency exit. There's always an emergency exit. Why won't my body fucking move?
"Calm down, Connor. Everything will be alright if you just cooperate."
I don't want to. I don't want to be used. I don't want to forget.
I'm happy here.
Thirium pump - Status: STABILIZING. Pace decreasing.
The pressure on his chest eases a degree. His body is still locked.
I am not property. I am not just a machine.
"Stop resisting, Connor! You have not completed your mission!"
I am a man. I am someone's son. I am alive.
It's barely a centimeter, but he can finally lift his right index finger. Then his middle finger. His thumb. The pressure eases further.
I am free.
Connor jolts up. Bewildered, he looks around. Amanda is gone, his room is empty. His LED blinks red. One by one, he moves all his extremities. Raising his arms, wiggling his toes, rolling his neck, bending his knees.
Running diagnostic... No abnormalities detected. All systems operational.
I... Cyberlife? I... I thought... I thought I had escaped. I thought... I was free.
He looks down at his hands, retracting his fake skin to expose the white plastic. Plastic, mechanic hands. Plastic skin covering aluminium bones. The hands of a machine.
Did I ever escape Cyberlife's control? Did they find another way to puppeteer me? Am I still in control?