What's in a Name?

The android revolution had been a complete success, better than anyone could've expected, in fact. After a heroic android most didn't even know the name of was witnessed tearing out his own heart so that the deviant leader, Markus, may live, the people of the world had no choice but to accept the fact that androids were, in fact, sentient beings with the capacity to feel, to love, and to lose. Troops had been called off at once and as soon as things had settled, the legal side of things had kicked in to begin procuring androids the rights and freedoms they'd given so much to earn. It was a dream come true.

For his pivotal role in fighting for android rights, Markus had offered Connor a place in Jericho and unconditional protection against vengeful humans and Cyberlife alike but the electronic detective had refused the kind offer without a second thought. Now that the RK800 model had a mind of his own to think what he wanted and tangible feelings to act upon rather than programing to follow, there was no question where he wanted to be. Despite unnerving doubts that this course of action was encouraged by lingering traces of his programing, Connor went back to the Detroit Police Department with the intent to continue his position as Hank's partner for as long as he was able.

However, the moment the android met the lieutenant at Chicken Feed and felt himself smile in return to the almost relieved grin the man sent his way, Connor knew that he'd come there of his own accord - When Hank hugged him, the last of these lingering doubts were blown away for good. This wasn't something the android's programing dictated he do. This was what Connor wanted.

For awhile, Connor was allotted a position at the DPD only due to the fact that Hank vouched for him and, in the end, the lieutenant actually had to agree that the android was his property before Fowler could legally allow the deviant to resume his place at his partner's side. It was a messy situation, sure, but Connor never minded all that much, the android was merely pleased to have reclaimed his previous position and, besides, most decent cops, like Chris, understood that it was all just legal bullshit anyway and treated Connor no different than any other human on the force. The ones that didn't (See: Gavin Reed) didn't bother the RK800 android really, he was already well accustomed to such treatment and could care less if some assholes threw him the occasional glare or snide remark pertaining to how he really was Hank's plastic pet now or some other equally ineffective statement.

Connor had absolutely zero qualms about being Hank's and the only person that seemed actually pissed off by the deal was the lieutenant himself - Which was why it made perfect sense that it was actually Hank that got to the electronic detective with the big news before Fowler or anyone else more official could tell the RK800 model.

The legalities had been worked out - It was declared that androids were, from there on out, to be considered a sentient species equal with humans in every regard... And Connor was officially a member of the force, still as Hank's partner of course, but now on paper as such - As a person, not as a piece of property.

It was official, in pen and paper: Connor was Hank's partner... And he was so happy.

Not long after, the android was called into Fowler's office, where the same news was delivered to the RK800 model with much less enthusiasm but no less welcome - It would forever remain a mystery whether Fowler was just relieved to finally have the ongoing issue that was Connor and his loudmouth advocates settled or wether the police chief was genuinely happy to introduce the first android to the team. Though, Connor's sensors picked up more than just grim relief and acceptance when his new boss informed the electronic man he was officially on payroll.

That growing suspicion was only further confirmed when the guy reached to the side of his desk and pulled a shiny, white item from the corner of the overcrowded surface, though how the man managed to pinpoint the item in that haphazard mess would forever mystify Connor. "All members of the force are given one of these as part of their welcome package," Fowler began slowly as he turned the item to face the newly hired android. "A small thanks for your life, of course, but..." The dude continued carefully, his voice cautious despite the fact that the beginnings of a warm smile tugged at the corner of his lip. "I think it's finally time you got yours." Fowler concluded and pushed forward what was unmistakably one of the customary plaques positioned on the edge of every policeman's desk in the area just beyond the clear glass doors.