From Your Wires to Your Core

Brother

When Reed climbed out of the shower, he noticed his clothes had been removed. He dried off and wrapped the small white towel around his waist before heading into the bedroom. The Chloe doppelgänger was already there with fresh clothes, bandages, and small bottles laid out on the bed. He wandered over and sat obediently as she got to work, starting with his bleeding wrists. She was focused and methodical as all androids were, silently disinfecting and wrapping the bandages firmly. She then set about redressing his shoulder, apologising for the strain that had been placed on the joint throughout his stay.

"Here, I brought some fresh clothes for you." They were his size, and new. They still had tags. Did someone drive out into the city for these? He pulled on the fresh boxers, socks, and jeans. The jeans were expensive, thick Levis that fit him like a glove. They were his usual straight-legged style too, not tight and clingy. There was a white cotton undershirt and an expensive black top with a designer he didn't even know embroidered into the breast. He knew it was expensive from the soft feel of the material. It shouldn't have surprised him, considering the size of the house. His hospital sling was also returned. He grunted as he folded his arm into it. It ached like fuck. "Please follow me to the sitting room," the Chloe android instructed as she walked towards the door.

"What should I call you?" He had to call her something.

"My name is Chloe," she replied with a small nod as they made their way along the corridor. Reed raised his eyebrow at that.

"But...the other one was Chloe," he pointed out as they approached the obnoxious glass staircase and started heading down. Reed had a human bounce in his step, while Chloe's steps were calm and measured, making almost no sound at all despite her shoes. Her upper body moved so little it almost seemed like she was floating down the staircase.

"We're all Chloe. It is our model name." That was similar to the RK800 and RK900 series. He knew that they all came with the name Connor, but he also knew that most deviant androids would choose new names, especially if they all lived together. How confusing would that be? Trying to call one and having both turn up...There might even be more of them here...He was wary as his green eyes darted around the silent hall with a shiver.

"How do you know who's who?" Chloe's head tilted curiously.

"We all have separate serial numbers, if that's what you mean." Not in the slightest. He didn't bother to question her further. At the bottom of the stairs, he was led to a new door that led them further into the house. Inside was a cavernous sitting area. There was a huge TV on one wall, with a sofa and two armchairs encircling it. Behind that was another seating area comprising two large sofas and two more armchairs set around a low coffee table. Behind that was a small wooden bar with six stools lining the front and two more on either side. "Make yourself at home," Chloe invited warmly as she gestured to the large room. Reed nodded and hovered awkwardly, stepping a little further into the echoing space as Chloe's petite form retreated.

He slowly made his way to the glass wall, which looked out over a large back garden. There were huge green lawns, surrounded by rows of colourful flowerbeds and various trees and shrubs. It was almost like a park. It was a massive space, and he was sure there was probably more beyond. It was somewhat peaceful. He still didn't get the whole glass wall thing. The house must get pretty cold in the winter, though he had the feeling the mystery occupant could more than afford the heating bills. He slipped his free hand in his pocket, resting his weight on one leg as he took in the view. He didn't even hear the door open, or the quiet steps that paused just inside the doorway.

"Welcome, Detective..." Reed looked over his shoulder to see the man from the painting in the hall. He was looking at him like he'd seen some sort of ghost. Reed turned to examine him in return. He was tall. Taller than him, anyway. He was also slim. Slender. He was probably toned beneath his white cotton shirt and grey waistcoat, but it was hard to tell. It was eerie. Something told him he knew this man. Is he a model or something? Maybe he's on one of those billboards...