Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

Chapter 11: Tension

Dr. Hayes stood close to the android, speaking to it in soothing tones. "I'm sorry for everything you've gone through, Kara. I imagine you're very stressed and confused right now. I promise you'll be safe here in my lab." 

"I was with a little girl," the android said. "Alice. Where is she? Is she safe?"

"I'm sorry, Kara," the doctor replied. "I don't know. I can try to find out for you, if you give me some time."

"You would do that?" It looked up at her, tears filling its eyes. "Why are you helping me?"

The doctor looked over at Connor, meeting his eyes. She held his gaze for a second, then turned away, leaning in closer to the android. She whispered something too quiet for him to hear, but the android's eyes widened. 

"How can I trust you?" it asked. "How do I know you're not lying? Especially since you're him." It gestured to Connor, glaring. "He hunted me, chased me and Alice when all we wanted was freedom. I almost died because of him. Do you know how many deviants he killed?"

"I know." The doctor's voice was sad. "I have no choice in that regard. I'm just as trapped here as you are. Cyberlife won't allow me to be without him."

"How can I trust you?" it asked again. "How do I know you're not just going to reset me like everyone else has?"

"I don't know what I can say to put your mind at ease. It would be easier to show you," Dr. Hayes answered quietly. She walked over to the desk and ruffled through her bag then pulled out a small box. She carried it back over to where the android was sitting, setting it down on the gurney. She opened it, revealing what appeared to be a watch. Connor scanned it briefly, but got no information. The doctor put the watch on, with the screen on the inside of her wrist, then held out her hand to the android. 

"Please," she said. "I will not harm you. You have my word." Connor watched as the android's stress level dropped, and it grabbed the doctor's arm, pressing its wrist against Clara's, making contact with the watch face. The android closed its eyes, and its LED flickered yellow briefly. Somehow the doctor appeared to be communicating with it the way androids communicate with each other. 

After a few seconds, the android dropped her wrist and looked at her, tears streaming down her face. "How did you do that?" it asked.

"With the help of a friend," the doctor answered, voice soft and sorrowful.

The android lunged at the doctor, causing Connor to start, ready to intervene, but then he realized it was hugging her, sobbing against her shoulder. Dr. Hayes wrapped her arms around it, holding it close and whispering softly. "You're okay now, Kara. You're safe." They stayed like that for several minutes. Eventually, the android pulled away, wiping away the remaining tears. 

"I trust you," it said. 

"I'm glad." Dr. Hayes smiled softly. "Now, let's get you some clothes." She stood and walked back to the desk, grabbing the bundle she had placed on it earlier. She brought it over to the android.