From Your Wires to Your Core

The Android Under the Table

"Connor! It's good to see you again," Markus greeted warmly as he watched the pair approach the imposing glass tower. Reed looked up and shivered. The tall building was cold. Almost daunting. Somehow soulless. From ground level, it also looked a little dilapidated. Many of the front windows had been smashed outward, likely by the army of androids marching out during the final hours of the revolution all those months ago. Within, he could see the large entrance hall was covered in scattered debris, mechanical and otherwise. Markus, the revolutionary hero, had dressed simply and comfortably in a long-sleeved black top and dark jeans. He seemed more normal and casual than Reed had expected.

"Who's he?" North's sharp voice piped up from the back. Her deep hazel eyes were laced with distrust as she turned her attention towards Reed with a sneer. She trusted Connor. He'd saved them at Jericho, and she'd met Hank before. Hank had grown on her rather quickly, especially with all the stories Connor told them about how he'd helped him to deviate. He'd also helped him to deviate the android army. This one, though, she was uncertain of. His green eyes levelled at her with an almost hostile defensiveness. He shoved his hands in his pockets and shrugged deeper into his jacket at the unwanted attention, staying just behind Connor.

"This is Detective Reed. Hank was unavailable today, so he agreed to accompany me instead," Connor replied smoothly as he stepped aside to present Reed. North folded her arms as she stared at him unblinking, red hair resting over her shoulder in its usual braid. Reed looked away, unable to meet the judgement in her level gaze. Best behaviour. Best behaviour. He tightened his jaw as he held back his snark. Markus stepped a little closer, regarding him with cautious warmth. If he'd been chosen by Connor, then he couldn't be all bad. He was skittish, though. Clearly on edge around unfamiliar androids.

"My name is Markus, and these are my colleagues, North, Simon, and Josh," he introduced politely, indicating each of his companions. North made no response to her introduction, but Simon smiled warmly while Josh inclined his head. Reed recognised a couple of their models. He'd seen a lot of Simons around. Common domestic androids. Josh, he could recognise, but not quite place. North, he had no clue, but from her figure it wouldn't surprise him if she'd been a pleasure-bot. Connor had already told him that Markus was a custom model. A prototype within his own family group. The only known RK200 in existence.

They were all dressed in casual, practical clothing. They expected today to be long and somewhat messy. The building had been, quite literally, trashed. They didn't know whether it was the work of the humans working there or the androids fighting to escape, but most of the items within had been broken. There were also many levels that had been left unexplored. There was a large team of androids already working within, clearing debris and salvaging any equipment they could find. Reed nodded to the group, suddenly feeling very out of place. He was the only human there, as far as he could tell.

"Gavin Reed...So, what did you bring me along for exactly?" he asked quietly, mostly directing it towards Connor as he rubbed the back of his neck. He knew it was company policy to have detectives work in pairs, generally, but this didn't really seem like DPD business. Connor nodded his understanding at Reed's quiet confusion.

"We are representing the DPD, and offering assistance in the event of any danger. Strictly speaking, we're not required, but Markus and I thought it would be good to put forward a positive and collaborative effort," Connor explained in his usual bright, enthusiastic tone. A small snort escaped North in a scoff as she raised an eyebrow at him. It seemed she sometimes disagreed with her lover, but she respected him enough to go along with his plans. He was their leader, and he hadn't let them down yet. "You can join us in exploring the tower," Connor offered politely, not missing the way Reed's brow pinched slightly at the idea.