From Your Wires to Your Core

Knight in Leather Armour

"I don't know much about androids, but you seem to be able to move alright," Reed murmured as he examined the pale android. He'd eventually managed to coax him into sitting on the edge of the metal bench. The android nodded silently. He began signing a few words before stopping with an almost downtrodden expression. Reed couldn't understand him. He had no way to communicate. Seeming to understand his thoughts, Reed rested a hand on his larger shoulder. "It's alright. Once we get out of here and find Connor, you'll be able to do that creepy hand thing, and maybe he'll know a way to...fix you up." Reed was uncertain about his wording, but he was sure Connor would help. How could he not? He was a complete do-gooder, as sappy as they come. Reed had no doubt the blue-eyed beauty would melt his heart in an instant.

The android looked hesitant, not that Reed could blame him. It made sense he'd have a certain level of distrust for those he didn't know. It seemed his existence had been one long period of endless abuse. Being unable to communicate left Reed unable to get more details. What had happened to those scientists? Had they just up and abandoned him here? How had he managed to get control of the doors and everything to lure him down there? And why? Why not simply leave? Had he been too scared? Why him? Why a human over all the androids in this place?

"Are there any clothes around here?" Reed wondered aloud, thinking of checking the surrounding rooms. It was hardly appropriate for the android to walk around naked, but the android didn't seem to have a sense of shame. Though if I looked like that, I probably wouldn't either...Reed was unable to prevent his green eyes from roving over the perfectly sculpted figure. Even with the old gouges and holes, he still looked too attractive. He didn't even want to look between the android's legs. It was making him self-conscious.

The android shook his head. The androids created on this level were prototypes that would never see the light of day. They were built, tested, improved upon, and then their designs would be sent up for the real developments to begin. The prototype models on this level were simply tested and scrapped. Why would they need clothes when they would never see anyone outside the test rooms? Of course, the android couldn't voice any of this, so he simply looked at his knees. The jacket, though too small across the shoulders, gave him a little modesty at least. He hadn't pulled it on, but he wore it like a cape. Cloaked in comfort.

"Detective?" Connor's hesitant voice called from somewhere out in the hall. Reed was startled as the android dove beneath the bench once more and quickly joined him without thinking. He already had his gun in his hand by the time he stopped to think about it. He sighed as he looked at the android almost accusingly. Why the hell am I hiding? He'd gotten caught up with the timid android's skittish nature. He signalled the android to wait as he got to his feet and levelled his gun at the doorway cautiously. Just in case...

"Connor?" Connor looked surprised as he noticed Reed's gun trained on him. "How do I know it's you?" Reed asked cautiously, remembering the other RK800 he'd found above. How many more Connors were there in this tower? He shifted his gun as a second Connor stepped into view, though this one was really more like his companion under the table. He was a little taller than Connor, wearing a high collared black shirt with a white and black jacket that read RK900 on the breast.

"I understand your caution, but I am me, Detective," Connor assured, standing perfectly at ease as if he trusted him with his life. Reed lowered his gun a fraction at that, and then completely as he saw Markus step through the doorway. It seemed their whole group was still together. He sighed in relief, but still eyed the RK900 with distrust. "What are you doing down here?" Connor asked curiously, watching Reed's eyes shift hesitantly to the bench.

"I-I was just looking around..." He replied sheepishly, and Connor didn't even need to scan to know he was lying. Reed wasn't sure why, but seeing so many androids was making him uneasy. He was hesitant to reveal his new companion, especially as he felt a small tug on the denim of his pants. The android was afraid. He stepped a little closer on instinct, offering comfort. "Weird shit's been happening down here, Connor," he added gravely, and Connor immediately seemed interested. Reed was about to speak further when the RK900 in the doorway spoke, his LED blinking red and yellow.