Tick Tock Part Two - Dickory

The School Bus

"I'm not angry. You were unfairly provoked and I understand that, but as androids we do need to be careful...Many humans still fear us and hold prejudice against us, so if it happens again then do your best to walk away and find another student or teacher who can help. Only resort to physical defence as a last resort," Connor advised gently as they sat huddled on the old brown sofa in the living room. After the ice cream, Hank had called the DPD to explain everything to Fowler. Connor hadn't wanted to disturb their boss. It seemed less than professional to be drawn away from work by personal matters, but Fowler had been surprisingly understanding. Hank had swung it so that Connor could have the rest of the day off while he would return to work and continue their shift doing paperwork. Connor could work from home as he cared for Niles. That saved him from bothering Chloe, and they didn't have any big cases right now, so it wasn't too much of an issue for work.

"I understand, but...it's so unfair! I didn't do anything to Jimmy! He just doesn't like me!" Niles complained bitterly, with an undertone of hurt. Niles had experienced the revolution first-hand, had seen their people slaughtered. He'd even been close to becoming a victim of humanity a second time not so long ago. That didn't mean he understood it. Even Connor didn't have all the answers. Reasons for discrimination against androids were varied, though many stemmed from machines replacing humans in the workplace. Niles was too young to truly understand that, and so was Jimmy. Jimmy was simply following his father's poor example.

"I know, and you're right. It isn't fair. Maybe there's a chance you could change his mind someday...Until then, you need to be careful. They're right when they say you could really hurt your human classmates," Connor replied sympathetically, watching Niles nod his agreement. They couldn't help that their casing was so much harder than human flesh and bone. It came in handy, making them sturdier than humans, and the lack of pain receptors was a definite bonus too. Child androids would emulate a reaction to pain, but they didn't physically feel it.

"But if they hit me, then I have no control over it," Niles pointed out defensively as he shuffled in his seat with Sumo's large head resting in his lap. The huge dog had clambered onto the sofa, something he could only get away with since Hank was out of the house. Hank knew, of course. How could he not with the thick layer of fur left all over the seats? But when he was home, Sumo knew his place was on the floor or in his own bed.

"That's true...Perhaps I could teach you some defensive skills...Ways of safely deflecting physical attacks," Connor suggested as he joined Niles in stroking Sumo's long fur. The dog huffed contented breaths as he lay on his side. He raised one large paw as Connor's fingers ran down his side, giving him access to his stomach. Connor obliged the silent request, Sumo's tail wagging as he rolled further onto Niles for more contact. Niles was delighted, giggling as he scratched the dog's large ears and stroked his greying chin.

"Would that really be okay? It wouldn't get me in more trouble?" Niles asked cautiously as he continued to pet Sumo. Connor let out a sympathetic sigh. It was difficult to say either way, but he would rather have Niles physically safe and able to defend himself than not. There was always the possibility of humans banding together or using weapons. Perhaps I'm being overly cautious and it's my detective programming encouraging the suggestion. However, being prepared is never a bad thing.

"It will be strictly defensive in nature, focusing on redirecting physical attacks rather than responding to them in kind," Connor assured, already pulling up a few simple throws, blocks, and restraining holds that would be unlikely to cause physical injury. He also made sure they were the least complicated. Easy to learn and perform. Unlike the RK series, child androids were designed to learn the human way. Niles would have to practice and review the information in order to retain it. There may be a chance, sometime in the future, for child androids to be upgraded, however that was still some way off. "But that can wait for later..." Connor added as he sat back and let his arm slip around Niles' smaller shoulders.