SYNTHETIC [Connor/RK800]

Interlude: Willow Trees

Birds. Connor heard birds. 

His mind palace, that's where he was. The program designed to keep him in check. He could go there whenever he needed and talk to Amanda, the interface within that doubled as his communication with CyberLife. Amanda was a stern, well put together black woman who operated sort of like a boss. He reported to her whenever something had happened to him, or his investigation revealed information that needed to be reported. 

The mind palace took the form of a beautiful, circular garden. Around the outside was a stone path, with bridges leading to an island in the middle like spokes on a wheel. Crystal clear water formed a sort of moat around the island. On the island were beautiful roses that climbed up a lattice and an umbrella-like structure. 

Many plants grew in the garden, as well as trees. The most common of the plants being weeping willows. Although, Connor believed that androids had no concept of enjoyment or preference, he secretly liked the look of the willows. They were peaceful and delicate.

He made his way to the island, approaching Amanda from behind. Although she was strong and stern, there was a certain beauty to her that couldn't be trumped by her hard expression. She looked like the kind of woman that could bring the world to its knees with a glance, but chose not to because it would be distasteful. Her experienced hands tended to the roses that grew on the lattice.

"Hello, Amanda." Connor spoke.

"Connor, it's good to see you." She looked at him softly before returning her attention to the roses. "Your predecessor was unfortunately destroyed. It knew deviants could be unpredictable, but it wasn't careful enough. I hope you won't make the same mistake."

Her attire only reaffirmed her strength, the half-shoulder cape she adorned often used in fencing. It seemed like exactly the kind of activity she would partake it. 

"I don't intend to." Connor replied evenly.

Amanda turned around, looking at him. "When a Connor model is destroyed, its memory is transferred to the next one. But, some data can be lost in the process. Avoid being destroyed. It will be better for you and the investigation."

"I understand." 

"The interrogation seemed... challenging." Amanda said, punctuating her word by pruning a rose. "What did you think of the deviant?"

 Connor replied after deciding what exactly to say. "It showed all the signs of deviancy: cognitive instability, unpredictable behavior, and the emulation of human emotions. It was even afraid to die. The model was clearly defective."

Amanda turned her attention to watering the roses. "This... Lieutenant Anderson has been officially assigned the deviancy case. What do you make of him?" She asked.

"He's obviously not what I was expecting, but... I don't have enough information yet to form a definitive opinion." 

"Unfortunately, we have no choice but to work with him. What do you think is the best approach?" Amanda asked, looking at him.

"I will adapt to his personality. It is in the best interest of the investigation that I avoid conflict and try to accommodate his psychology."

"More and more androids show signs of deviancy. There are millions in circulation. If they become unstable, the consequences will be disastrous. You are the most advanced prototype CyberLife has ever created. If anyone can figure out what's happening, it's you." 

Amanda stepped in front of him, determination in her voice and eyes. 

"You can count on me, Amanda." 

"Pick up the investigation where the previous Connor left off, and put a stop to this. Hurry, Connor. There's little time." She urged, walking off. 

His LED flashed yellow. The urgency in her tone was not at all reassuring.