SYNTHETIC [Connor/RK800]

Interlude: Endowed

When Connor opened his eyes to his mind palace, something seemed wrong. While it was sunny again (appearing to be golden hour), it was too eerie. He worried that Amanda knew of his emotions. A trickle of fear ran up his spine. 

He had to approach her, otherwise he would arouse suspicion. He walked calmly, though internally he was terrified. He found her sitting in a boat that was tethered to the island. A blood orange parasol was balanced on her strong shoulder, held at an angle with her hand. 

"Hello, Connor. I thought you might enjoy a little cruise." She said.

He sat across from her in the boat. He pushed the boat away from the dock. Grabbing the oars and rowing, he tried his best to appear calm but emotionless. Amanda looked up a the sky happily. 

"I love this place. Everything is so calm and peaceful. Far from the noise of the world." She said. She looked at him, studying him. "Tell me,  what have you discovered?" 

"My relationship with Lieutenant Anderson is problematic. He continues to struggle with psychological issues. I suspect it clouds his judgment regarding deviants."

"Nothing matters more than your investigation. What's happening is too important. Don't let Anderson or anyone else get in your way." She said, in an almost scolding tone.

Briefly, he wondered if the intention of this mind palace and Amanda was to brainwash him. Was he just another pawn in this? Would he be disposed of when he no longer served a purpose like the other androids? Instead of replying, he focused on rowing the boat. 

"You seem... lost, Connor. Lost and perturbed." She said.

He knew this was the self-test mechanism in her program kicking in. It was looking for emotion, and he would hide that as long as he could. 

"I'm just frustrated with my lack of progress, but I'm determined to accomplish my mission." He punctuated his statement by rowing again.

"If your investigation doesn't make progress soon, I may have to replace you, Connor."

His blood ran cold. Dying was not in his plans. 

"I know I will succeed. All I need is time."

His previous assumptions were correct. Both Amanda and CyberLife intended to replace him when he was no longer of use. Their intentions were to throw him out like garbage. To them, he was but a machine. When exactly did he see himself as something more?

Was it when the redheaded android kissed him so sweetly before running off? Or was it before, when he saved Lieutenant Anderson from falling off the edge of the roof? When exactly did he reject his machinery, and embrace the humanity he'd been unknowingly endowed with? 

Amanda looked up at the sky. "Something's happening. Something serious. Hurry, Connor. Time is running out." She said ominously.