Detroit: Become Human

Chapter 5 - The Painter

NOV 5TH, 2038
AM 09:58

Alarm: Alarm deactivated. Welcome home, Markus.

Markus: Good morning, Carl.

Carl: Good morning.

Markus: It's 10 AM. The weather's partly cloudy, 54°, 80% humidity, with a strong possibility of afternoon showers.

Carl: It sounds like a good day to spend in bed...

Markus: I did go to pick up the paint that you ordered.

Carl: Oh yes, I'd forgotten! That is the difference between you and me, right Markus? You never forget anything...

Markus: Show me your arm please, Carl.

Carl: No!

Markus: Carl... Thank you.

Carl: I just opened my eyes and I'm already gritting my teeth... Humans are such a fragile machine... They break down so quickly... All this effort to keep 'em going...What happened to your clothes?

Markus: Oh, it's nothing... Just some demonstrators in the street, Carl...

Carl: What a bunch of idiots... They think they can stop progress by roughing up a few androids? I hope they didn't harm you...

Markus: Oh, no, no... They just pushed me around, Carl. I'm fine. Okay. I'll take you to the bathroom now.

Carl: Anything special on the agenda today?

Markus: Yes, there's the opening of your retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art. The gallery director left four messages asking to confirm your attendance.

Carl: I haven't decided yet. We'll see about that later.

Markus: Okay.

Carl: What else?

Markus: Just your usual fan mail. I've already answered.

Carl: Any news from Leo?

Markus: No, Carl. I can call him if you like?

Carl: No. No, don't bother. I'm starving.

Markus: Well, your breakfast is ready. Bacon and eggs, just the way you like them.

Carl: Thank you, Markus.

Markus: You're welcome.

Carl: Thank you, Markus. Television. Why don't you find something to do while I finish my breakfast?

Markus: Sure. Okay, Carl.

Carl: What are you reading?

Markus: Uh, Macbeth! It's one of the books you recommended.

Carl: So, what do you think?

Markus: Human emotions are... intriguing... Though, I can't really say that I fully understand them.

Carl: Humans don't understand them either. They rule our lives and we have no idea why they make us feel like beggars or kings. Life without emotions wouldn't be worth living. Something has changed in the way you play... Sometimes I think you have more humanity than most humans...One day, I won't be here to take care of you anymore. You'll have to protect yourself, and make your choices... Decide who you are, and wanna become... This world doesn't like those who are different, Markus. Don't let anyone tell you who you should be. Let's go to the studio. Let's see where we left off... Remove the sheet! So... What's your verdict, Markus?

Markus: Yes, there is something about it.

Carl: Hm...

Markus: Something I can't... quite define. I guess I like it.

Carl: The truth is I have nothing left to say anymore... Each day that goes by brings me closer to the end... I'm just an old man clinging to his brushes...

Markus: Carl...

Carl: But enough about me... Let's see if you have any talent! Give it a try. Try painting something.

Markus: Paint? But, what I... Painting what?

Carl: Anything you want! Give it a try. That is a perfect copy, of reality. But painting is not about replicating the world, it's about interpreting it, improving on it, showing something you see.

Markus: Carl, I don't... think I can do that. It's not in my program... I...

Carl: Go on, go, try, grab that canvas. Do something for me, close your eyes. Close your eyes. Trust me. Try to imagine something that doesn't exist. Something you've never seen. Now, concentrate... on how it makes you feel... and let your hand drift across the canvas. Oh my God...

Leo: Hey, Dad.

Carl: Leo... I didn't hear you come in...

Leo: Ah, I was in the neighborhood... I thought I'd stop by... It's been awhile, right?

Carl: You all right? You don't look so good.

Leo: Oh, yeah, yeah, I'm fine... Hey listen, uh... I need some cash, Dad.

Carl: Again? What happened to the money I just gave you?

Leo: Uh well, it just goes, you know?

Carl: Yeah... Yeah, you're on it again, aren't you?

Leo: No, no, no, I swear it's not that...

Carl: Don't lie to me, Leo.

Leo: What difference does it make? I just need some cash, that's all!

Carl: Sorry... the answer's no.

Leo: What? Why?

Carl: You know why.

Leo: Yeah, yeah... I think I do know why. You'd rather take care of your plastic toy here than your own son, eh? Tell me dad, what's it got that I don't? It's smarter? More obedient? Not like me, right? But you know what? This thing is not your son. IT'S A FUCKING MACHINE!

Carl: Leo, that's enough! ENOUGH!

Leo: You don't care about anything except yourself and your goddamn paintings. You've never loved anyone. You've never loved me, Dad... You never loved me.