Accident Prone - Becoming Human

Hostage Situation

It was the end of a very stressful very long shift for Lieutenant Hank Anderson and his partner Connor. As the lead investigators of any and all crimes regarding deviants in Detroit, the 'Android Capital of the Nation', the duo were thoroughly fatigued. In the aftermath of the successful Revolution that freed all androids and had allowed them to be recognized as intelligent beings who deserved equality, the duo had a heavy caseload nearly every shift as autumn began to turn to winter. It was exhausting work but necessary. Anti-android bigotry was still rampant but now those who committed such xenophobic violence against the deviants now had to be investigated, arrested, charged and prosecuted just as if it was a human-on-human crime.

Dozens of humans had been brought in every day for the past two months to be charged with assault or menacing, yet the violence didn't seem to lessen. The two detectives took their heavy burden of responsibility with professionalism and pride and never once complained as the burden became heavier and all the more smothering with each passing day.

"Man, sometimes I wish you could join me for a drink, Connor." Hank lamented as he drove pass 'Jimmy's Bar' with Connor as his lone passenger. "Especially after days like today."

"I cannot consume alcohol and feel the intended effects, Lieutenant." Connor reminded the senior detective with a logical retort as the old vehicle continued down the relatively deserted street. "It would only dilute my Thirium supply and cause complications."

"Sounds good to me." Smirking a little Hank dismissed such a comment with a casual wave of his hand. "Complications are the most interesting parts of life sometime."

"I find them to be a professional nuisance. It makes it difficult to accomplish my tasks in a timely manner."

"That's why they're called 'complications', kid. Not 'advantages'. Besides," glancing down at the radio for a moment Hank turned it on by its dial and began cycling through the channels to find a song to listen to. "I was being facetious."

"Oh." Still struggling with sarcasm at times Connor decided to let the subject go. "I understand, now."

Having found an acceptable song Hank sighed and rubbed his left hand over his tired eyes as the car idled at a red traffic light. The night couldn't come to an end soon enough for the aged human.

"Are you feeling well, Lieutenant?" Ever attentive Connor ran a scan over his partner and noted all of the outward signs of stress and fatigue. "You appear to be experiencing physical distress indicative of exhaustion and possible pain."

"Just a headache." Dropping his hand Hank leaned back in his seat and stared blankly through the windshield ahead. "I'll be fine after I get some sleep."

"Would you like me to drive instead?"

"Nah, I'm good." Hank declined the offer politely as he waited for the red light to change. From the corner of his left eye Hank caught a glimpse of two humanoid silhouettes struggling in the alleyway between two large buildings and a red flag went up immediately. Hank reached for his gun holstered at his right hip as he threw the car into park and opened his door. "Did you see that?"

"I did." Connor confirmed as he opened his own door and proceeded to follow Hank to the alleyway to check on the apparent assault in progress. The deviant detective's L.E.D. shifted from its standard calm blue to yellow as he went on alert and reported the incident to dispatch. "Two persons," Connor reported in a low voice as his scanners took in the scene all around Hank and himself as they pursued the struggle. "both male."

"Human or android?"

"Two androids. Deviants to be exact."

"What the hell?" Hank didn't understand why one deviant would be fighting with another. The only time he's ever seen one deviant attack another was the result of a horrible malfunction disrupting one of the deviant's sense of judgment. "Is this some kind of glitch or something?"