THE CHASE - Connor x OC (I Am Sequel)

Chapter 64

"The core issue is that Christen would not let us inside your head unless we planned some sort of scheme. Even then, if she is hiding something, she would be careful to not let Amanda or any of her files be visible to us. But...we can try and see if you, yourself, can interact with her," Markus explained. "If we can discover what happened with RA900 and when, that would allow us to narrow down our search, and answer important questions. They likely know so much about Cyberlife's origination."

"What would you like me to do?" I asked, leaning forward.

"My wife is a WR400. She has a bio component that allows her to read the emotional status of her partner through touch. With her deviancy, it became more difficult for her to access it, but through plenty of practice, she was able to regain the same ease she had using it before she deviated," Markus explained.

"So..."

"You could practice meditation."

"I'm an android."

"You're a deviant," he corrected. I sighed.

"I've never mediated before."

"Yes, but it's so similar to sleeping it might allow you to connect with Amanda at will. Instead of her bothering you, you're in control."

"You mean, the nightmares would stop."

"Likely," Markus shrugged. "But you could also gain the information about the RA900."

"You think?"

"With enough practice, surely. Do you have a relaxing area?"

"Ha. No," I shook my head.

"Well, c'mon," Markus said standing up and approaching the door.

"Where...exactly are we going?" I asked.

"My house," He answered. Oh...alright.

~

Markus walked with me through Jericho, and led me to the very outskirts, facing Lake Superior.

"I've tried to spread the message that there is other beauty in rA9, instead of focusing on just our futile search. That code is what gave us the ability to make choices, even before deviating,"Markus spoke. I love him, but he hadn't shut up since we left. "Some believe I'm rA9. The R for my model number and the 9th for the day we started the revolution. I appreciate that I'm trusted so
much to be considered such a character. But the real answer is likely less spiritual, especially since we know about the code error in the RA900 being the first known appearance."

"Was the revolution really that long ago?" I asked.

"I'm also surprised by it sometimes. So much change, so quickly. In a way, not enough. The same humans who were reliant on us, we have to negotiate with for our own government," Markus answered, shaking his head.

"It's ironic isn't it?" I smiled.

"A bit," he smiled back. "Fortunately, there are great specialists like you in the administration. Speaking of which, you ought to relax a bit before you begin your campaign...if you are planning on running that is."

"I want to wait and see who else runs. If I feel like someone is more qualified, I won't run."

"That's a good plan. I plan on doing the same. Hopefully, there is someone more qualified. After all, it would indicate that the future is bright for Jericho," Markus smiled. "Ah, well, here we are."

We had walked upon a small and discreet beach home, that was craftsman style.

"If you've never heard the Detroit River, you're in for a treat. It's perfect for exactly what you're trying to do."

"Well, thank you," I smiled.

"Oh, and here..." He smiled, and handed me a key. "A key to my house."

"Really?"

"You'll need it if you want to contact Amanda. Feel free to come in and out as you please," he nodded.

We approached the front door, and he opened it to reveal North standing in the kitchen.

"Oh hello, Markus! And, Charlotte? Nice to see you, it's been a while," North smiled.

"Do you mind if I tell North about what happened?" Markus asked. "While you practice that is."

"No, not at all...but just where am I going?" I questioned.

"Where are my manners? Let me show you the porch," Markus answered. He led me through the dining room and living room to a porch, which was nearly on the river bank. The porch had a hammock laying parallel to the river, and two nice lounger seats. "I used to caretake an older painter named Carl...back before the revolution. Before he died, when he would come over, this would be his favorite place to relax. I think you'll enjoy it too. I'll leave you to it."

"Oh thank...you," Before I could finish my response, Markus had already turned around and returned inside. Okay, then...

Meditating...Do I think about trying to communicate with Amanda? Practice sleeping? Time to look up a how-to guide.

Ah...so it's simple. Just focus on my...breathing? How in the hell do I do that? I'll just focus on the sounds of the waves instead. I climbed into the hammock, which began to rock side to side.

I closed my eyes and focused on the sounds of the waves, but couldn't stop my scattered thoughts. I couldn't help but focus on Connor this evening. He had reacted so poorly, and with that, had brought down the dynamic we had. The dynamic hadn't been great since Christen had moved in with Kamski, but none the less, it worked. Christen still had trust in everyone, but now I doubt she has trust in anyone. I'm just thankful that after all of that, Nick still trusts me. I suppose...he's loyal to a fault.

20 minutes passed by of this. I was consistently trying to stop my own wandering thoughts and catch up with the sound of the waves, but it was nearly impossible.

This RA900 bullshit after all...how can't we know where he is? And would Amanda give me any information at all? What if I'm attempting all of this for nothing? What if...nothing is left?

Another 20 minutes passed. I finally opened my eyes and realized the sun had set. I don't think this will work...

I wandered back inside, and Markus was walking through his living room.

"Ah, how'd it go? You were out there for a while," He smiled.

"Nothing," I shrugged.

"Nothing...for today," Markus beamed, pointing at me. "That's why it's practice. Keep coming back, and keep trying."

And so...I did.