It takes you longer than you would've liked to settle into your role at Cyberlife, especially after your coworkers sent you to a shady bar in the middle of town. That sours your mood considerably, but you're determined not to let it impact your work performance. You can't.
Cyberlife is a bustling hub of engineers, scientists, programmers, and androids. You enjoy the organized chaos of it all. Your supervisor, Jason Graff, takes a liking to you almost immediately. He's intelligent, charismatic, and everything you can want in a boss.
"How's my favorite employee doing?" he questions as he walks into your office, charming as always. You straighten as he enters, and your fingers hover over your keyboard. He doesn't wait for you to answer before he continues, "I heard about your little adventure to Charlie's."
You press your lips into a thin line, fighting the flush of embarrassment that creeps onto your cheeks. "Nothing I can't handle," you answer tightly.
He grins, "Don't take it personally, they do it to all the new employees." He leans back and relaxes in the chair opposite your desk. "Earlier this year, the Detroit Police Department purchased a handful of androids to assist in police work. I need you to ensure those androids are fit to enter the workforce."
You tilt your head slightly to the side, "Isn't that what I was hired for?"
"Yes and no," he shrugged as he paused for a moment, almost considering what he should and should not tell you. "You were hired to help with humanizing our androids, but you were also hired with this deal specifically in mind."
"Will I be working with others?"
He nodded and pulled out his phone, "The DPD is sending over an officer later today. You'll be working with him so you can understand exactly what's expected of them. I'm sure you noticed the meeting I just added to your calendar." The tell-tale ping from your computer sounded, and you glanced at the screen. Your eyes widened as you noticed you only had an hour until the meeting. Jason continued, "Other than that, you'll have your usual team of programmers to work with. I want you to take the lead on this, though."
You blanch slightly at the responsibility he's thrusting upon you, but you quickly compose yourself. "Sounds great, I won't let you down," you force out and plaster a smile on your face.
He leans forward, "That's what I'm counting on." With that, he rises and strolls out of your office, leaving you with a sinking pit in your stomach.
You stand from your desk, attempting to collect your thoughts. You pace your office nervously for who knows how long. On one hand, this is an incredible opportunity, and your boss is putting a tremendous amount of trust in you. On the other hand, you have to rely on whoever the DPD sends to be competent enough to give you insight into what it's like to be an officer and how androids could be utilized. The thought of relying on someone else causes your stomach to turn.
Your shoes click against the tile as you venture to the lower and less crowded floors of the Cyberlife building. Your feet move just about as fast as your thoughts are going. The vending machines are calling your name, and you hope the walk will help clear your thoughts. Besides, you have a little bit of time before you meet with the officer the DPD was sending.
Your feet slow as you hear the telltale signs of someone banging their fists against the vending machine. You chuckle inwardly; the stranger's plight mirroring your own just a few days ago. You come to a halt a few feet away from the vending machine and are greeted with the familiar disgruntled curses of one Officer Reed.
"Officer," you greet as you take a few steps closer. "Need some help?"
Your hands settle behind your back as you peer at him curiously, a hint of amusement dancing in your grin. Gavin groans and his hands drop to his sides. He turns to face you, his eyes narrowing as you step closer.
"I think I can handle this, thanks though," he grumbles as he turns back to the machine. He presses the screen of the machine, once again attempting to make his selection. The machine beeps angrily back in response, and he lets out a frustrated sigh.
You sidle up next to him and gently nudge him out of the way. "What're you in the mood for?" you question as you navigate through the screen with practiced ease.
"Surprise me," he mutters as he crosses his arms.
You hum and look at him out of the corner of your eye, "You seem like an energy drink kinda guy, but I'm not quite sure what kind of snack you'd prefer."
You finish making your selection and the machine whirrs to life. You hold out the items with a smug grin, and Gavin peers at you suspiciously.
"I owe you for waiting with me the other night," you supply as you grab his hand and press the items into his palm. "Now we're even."
His eyes remain on yours as you pull your hand away and let it rest at your side. "What are you doing here anyway? Seems a little out of your way," you comment as you tear your gaze away from his. You risk a glance at your watch; you didn't intend on being away from your office this long.
He scoffs, "Got a meeting with someone who works here. It's supposed to be some project the DPD is working on. I dunno, I didn't ask the specifics."
Your brows furrow. It's almost comical how slowly his words sink in and the realization dawns on you.
"It's you?" you question, the pitch of your voice rising significantly at the end of your question.
"What are you..." he trails off for a moment before meeting your gaze once again. "You're the hotshot scientist I'm supposed to meet?"
You cross your arms, "I wouldn't phrase it like that, but yes, I'm the one you're meeting."
He barks out a laugh before throwing his hands up in disbelief. You check your watch once again and grimace at the time.
"Well," you sigh as you accept your fate, "shall we get started, Officer Reed?"
"Don't call me that," he cringes. "Well, maybe some other time you can call me that," he purrs and it's your turn to cringe.
"Professionalism, Reed," you scowl as you turn and begin walking away. You don't care if he's following or not— an android can point him toward your office if he needs it.
YOU ARE READING
Bad Habits
FanfictionAll you wanted was a fresh start in a new city. You wanted to make a difference for androids. That is until a police officer walks into a bar and turns your world upside down. This is the prequel to Criminal Analysis that takes place before the eve...
