Accident Prone - Becoming Human

Donor

It had been a week since Connor and Abby were threatened by a junkie at the newly constructed Skye Tower, and in that week not only had the building been approved by the city inspectors to open up its door and operate, but a new security protocol had been implemented to keep violent people at bay. Chris had convinced Captain Fowler into setting up additional patrols around the block to deter any junkies or thieves from targeting the sanctuary and to keep the refugees feeling as safe and secure as possible. Gavin readily backed up the request since Abby was volunteering at that tower and had already been threatened and he refused to let his girlfriend and unborn child be put in any potentially dangerous situations.

As Connor stared up at the finished building with a sense of pride in his soulful brown eyes Hank clamped down his right hand over Connor's left shoulder as he joined him on the sidewalk outside the doors. The new sanctuary was a bold statement for peace that Hank could fully get behind.

"You did real good, son."

"I hope so."

"Are you going to be spending all your time here or..." Motioning toward the still vacant building across the street Hank asked about Connor's plans to become a solo private detective. "Are you going to set up shop across the street and watch things from there?"

"I haven't decided." The conflict in Connor's voice reflected the emotional conflict he was feeling in the depths of his heart. "I wish to resume working as a detective, but I do not want to distract myself from my responsibilities here."

"You can have numerous responsibilities and priorities, Connor. You don't have to settle for just one."

"I am aware." Reaching into his right pocket Connor retrieved his coin but held it in a tight fist at his side as opposed to juggling it in his hands nervously. It was a nervous habit he was trying to break out respect for Hank as well as his own mental health. "But I do not want to overwhelm myself."

"Good. One thing at a time, kid."

Letting out a weary sigh Connor motioned for Hank to join him inside the building as he returned the coin to his pocket. "Would you like to see the tower?"

"Absolutely." Patting Connor's shoulder once Hank followed after the deviant as they entered the tower side-by-side to see how much Connor's hard work had paid off. "No matter what you did with the design, I already know that what's in there is a hell of a lot better than that damn club."

Whether it was a sign of fortune or misfortune no one could really say, but no wayward deviants or humans had ventured into the tower to seek shelter from the still icy cold streets. Normally having no one showing up in need of help would be seen as a positive day, but the fact that there was little attention being paid to the tower seemed like a negative impact that might doom the sanctuary before it had the chance to help anyone. The lack of activity and attention made the entire venture seem like an arrogant failure on the deviant's behalf and with that implied failure came a heavy heart that weighed down Connor's already lukewarm enthusiasm.

Connor was sitting in the community room with Hank, his coin finally rhythmically jumping from one fingertip to the next as he failed to quell his tic, and was beginning to think his entire plan was little more than a failed vanity project. If the tower became an ugly mark of failure in the city then any future deviant projects could fail just as spectacularly.

"Connor, stop worrying."

"I cannot." Admitting his concerns the deviant sounded as glum as the tower was empty. "It's as if the tower itself is just a hollow shell or an empty promise."

"What makes you think that?"

"Very few people have volunteered their services despite their time being paid, no one has bothered to inquire about the tower's future and it seems even the deviants in the city have forgotten about the purpose of this shelter." Clutching his coin tightly between his right index fingertip and thumb he bowed his head forward with a sense of failure. "They've either stayed at New Jericho Tower or have remained hidden in the forest."