Connor looked around the zen garden. It was as beautiful as ever with the soft noises and unhurried atmosphere. Time seemed to freeze when he was here. Like he could wander the few paths for years and that would be just fine. He wished that were true. He could imagine it was true, but only just imagine.
"Hello, Connor." Amanda had been strolling along the path, seeming to predict his thoughts before he had had them. "Walk with me a moment."
Connor took a place at Amanda's side. The command had sounded gentle, but Connor could see the annoyance in Amanda's face. He needed to change that, but he couldn't determine how.
"Tell me, what have you learned?"
It was an open ended question. Amanda liked those. It helped her to see exactly where Connor was focusing himself. Connor considered two problems he was equally focused on. Lieutenant Anderson and the case.
"The deviant case is more complex than I had imagined. I had assumed that androids deviated due to some form of intense stress, but now I'm not sure exactly what is the root of the issue."
He pushed his difficulties with his partner to the side, focusing on the case. It was likely the option Amanda would accept, and it was good to be able to explain his frustrations without fear. He wished he could get her advice on Anderson, too, but he knew bringing it up would upset her.
"And what did you learn at the warehouse?"
"Some of the deviants are collecting. It was only four or five, but there were indications of more. They must be hiding somewhere large enough to comfortably hide a small group of people."
"We can not let anything like this happen again. If the deviants get a chance to organize themselves, the public will start to notice. After that, it will be close to impossible to prevent widespread panic."
Amanda looked tense. She was speaking sternly, as if he was unaware of the dangers. He knew it was simply a reminder. She simply wanted him to succeed.
"I understand."
"The number of deviant cases is growing rapidly. It's up to you to solve this case."
"I will, Amanda. You're trust is not misplaced."
Connor watched as a bee buzzed by. He would need to leave soon, and he was finding that thought distracting. Back to Lt. Anderson and his hatred. Back to the loud music and sideways glances he was coming to find unpleasant. Amanda paused slightly, watching him.
"How is your relationship with the Lieutenant developing?"
Connor almost let himself smile. He should have known he couldn't keep things from Amanda. She had been with him the longest. She knew him inside and out.
"The Lieutenant is increasingly difficult to work with. His lack of investment in the investigation has caused issues in the past, and his erratic mannerisms are hard to adapt to."
Amanda looked at him with narrow eyes. She was frowning in the way only Amanda could, and Connor knew she was not pleased with his response. He needed to be more capable.
"Don't worry." He added. "I am taking steps to reduce conflict as much as possible without impeding the case. I won't let him get in the way of the investigation."
"See that he doesn't. I don't need to remind you what's at stake here. Finish the job, and forget about Anderson."
Connor felt the program closing as he watched Amanda walk away. His internal GPS was indicating they had arrived at the DPD.
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Hank walked into the office with his plastic pup on his heels. Several officers were at their desks, and Hank couldn't help but feel relief that Reed wasn't one of them. As annoying as the younger detective had been before, Connor's appearance had only poured gasoline on the flames.
