Markus was shocked by Connor's sudden friendship with a TR400, Luther. The massive work android hadn't been someone of notice before, but soon after meeting, Connor spent a considerable amount of time with the android. They talked together late into the night, and Connor allowed himself to be introduced into a few circles with Luther's help. Connor still talked little, and he held the same professional atmosphere when in these groups, but it was a marked change.
Despite knowing this was a good change, Markus felt annoyed. Connor had basically brushed aside his attempt at helping him. Why Luther? What did the gentle giant know that Markus didn't.
"You have that look, Markus." North prodded gently. She sat next to him, cold from the patrol she had come from. Markus took her iced over fingers in his hand, wishing he had any sort of heat to share with her.
"It feels like it's been too long." Markus sighed.
It had been five days since the last attack. They had been holding the camp for almost a week. There were no supplies, and everyone was getting antsy. Other than patrols and snow removal, there was nothing to do. It was like Jericho, but on a larger scale. People sat in low power mode, talking in quiet groups, or staring into the cold. Few children played, and few adults smiled. Hope was drifting away.
Markus had kept up with making rounds through the massive crowd. He talked with the bored, scared, cramped androids, trying to ease their worries. It was exhausting. He settled disputes, calmed the anxious, and lamented with the brokenhearted. He took their cares and dreams on himself, and came back each night with a bigger weight than he had the night before.
"I don't know how much longer we can hold this all together." He shook his head.
"All we can do is try." She replied, resting her head against his arm.
"Markus." A PL600, the same model as Simon, stepped into the tent. He had a look of urgency. "The negotiator is back."
Markus jumped up, followed by North. "Go tell Connor."
"He's already at the gate, sir." The android lead the way out.
A small group of guards was gathered around the gate when they arrived. Connor had instructed the other gates to be extra alert during times like this in case of a distraction. All reserve forces would be preparing for battle as well.
Markus made his way to the front, finding Connor and Luther standing amongst some of the squad captains. Beyond the gate, Perkins was outlined against the white snow.
"No one's gonna shoot this time, Markus. You have my word." Perkins said into the megaphone. "You wanna talk? Let's talk."
"Like hell he wants to talk." North spat. "He really thinks he can use the same tactic twice?"
"I have to go, North." Markus resigned. He knew he would likely die, but he wouldn't turn down a chance for peace.
"You don't." Connor replied. "I could go alone. I can find out what he has to say and report back."
North's eyes narrowed, but she didn't argue. Connor was looking out into the snow, watching.
Markus considered. He knew it was foolish to step back out there, risking all of their freedom for a token of leadership. He felt wrong asking someone else to risk their life doing something he should be doing.
"I'm not the target, Markus. Killing me would only hinder the cause slightly. If you die, much more would be at stake." Connor seemed to sense his hesitation. "This is what I'm trained for."
Markus looked to North, hoping for answers. She was still eyeing Connor, but shrugged.
"Better him than you." She replied.
