Kamski sat at the table, facing the reporters. All of the major media outlets were present, but Elijah knew none of the reporters. He could remember the day he knew them all by name and face. Ten years changed a lot.
He wished he had Chloe here with him. The poor girl was probably at home worrying over whether he was alright or not. He missed her.
"Mr. Kamski." The voice belonged to the first person Kamski did recognize.
"Harold Dalmer." The rounded man smirked at the disgust in Elijah's voice. "Still a reporter?"
"Of course not." Dalmer scoffed. "I'm head editor now, but I couldn't resist the chance to cover one more story from you."
Kamski smiled in fake civility and took a drink from the water he had been given. "Isn't that wonderful." Time needed to move faster so this asshole would find his seat.
"Last time I saw you, you said you were leaving for good." Dalmer mused. "Your precious androids change your mind?"
"Last time I saw you you were lying about me to the public. Writing about the delusional programmer that thought he owned the world."
"I write what I see, Kamski. You're the one that left CyberLife. You chose to give up on making androids, then you thought you could just start handing them out for free and get away with it."
"What I do in my spare time isn't the media's business, and it isn't CyberLife's business." Kamski spat. "I have the right to create."
"Not according to the judge you don't." Dalmer shrugged. He laughed at the hate Elijah radiated. "I'm looking forward to how you're going to break your contract again tonight."
"Go to hell."
Dalmer didn't respond. He sat and talked with the reporter in the seat next to him. Kamski took another sip of water to get the bitter taste out of his mouth. He knew some reporters would always paint him in a bad light. That's how people were. He had come to hate those flaws in people. Always opinionated without knowing what happened behind the scenes.
No one else tried to talk with him unless it was to make sure the equipment was working and he was all set for the meeting. He preferred the all business approach anyways. The minutes passed, and finally they motioned for Kamski to begin.
"I would like to thank you all for coming at such short notice." He looked most of the reporters in the eyes. "I'm sure you're all aware of what is currently happening in the streets of Detroit as well as across the country. Androids are being destroyed as we speak."
He could see the smirk on Dalmer's face at the thought. Other reporters looked less happy about it. Overall he sensed a lack of certainty about the subject.
"I've called you all here to open myself back up to the public for information on androids as well as to publicly denounce the current and past actions of CyberLife. I remove myself from any affiliation with them and am in full support of the android's plight."
"Mr. Kamski," Dalmer interrupted. "Harold Dalmer, Channel 8, I'm sure you're aware that this is a breach in contract. Are you sure you're ready to repeat the lawsuits from three years ago?"
"This situation is outside the limits of the contract I had with CyberLife. That contract no longer applies."
"In what way is this outside the limits of the contract?"
"Because we're no longer talking about property." Kamski growled. "We're talking about living beings."
Several other reporters jumped up to ask their questions. Kamski looked through the unfamiliar faces and called on a kid that was probably only 26 or so.
"Mr. Kamski, what are your thoughts on the androids overtaking the camp downtown?"
"I think it's an interesting decision on the android's part. They seem interested in protecting one another."
"And it was an android's decision?"
"I would assume they weren't programmed for that since the majority of those models were not military units. They must have come up with it on their own."
"How could the androids come up with something on their own?"
"I couldn't say. I believe that will be a matter of study better suited to a psychologist."
"What process was used to get the androids to emulate humanity so closely?"
"There was no process. The androids came to life on their own. They were built to adapt and evolve, and they have done so. Creating artificial life was the end goal, but I never expected to achieve it within my lifetime."
"Mr. Kamski, is it true that both the RK200, Markus, and the RK800, Connor, are your personal work?"
"Yes. Connor and Markus were made by me. Like I said, I was not expecting this. Any actions they have taken to change android law was of their own volition."
"Is it true..." Dalmer spoke louder than the others. Kamski knew the man would get his questions heard no matter if Kamski called on him or not. "Is it true you are currently coordinating with the androids?"
"I talked with Connor a few hours ago. He came to my house confused and scared. How was I supposed to turn someone like that away?"
"What is the android's next step?" A woman called out.
"I honestly have no idea." Kamski shrugged. "I knew Connor wanted to protect the androids in the camps, but now that he's accomplished that, I can't tell you what will happen."
"Do you have any information on how CyberLife plans on handling this issue?"
"I don't. As I've said, I'm disentangling myself from CyberLife and everything it stands for. CyberLife has no desire to look into whether or not these androids can truly be considered alive. They would just as soon destroy a radically new form of life to save their revenue."
"You've made some bold statements tonight involving CyberLife. Are you concerned that the company might try to reciprocate in some way?" A kid not older than 23 asked.
"I wouldn't be surprised." Kamski gave a sarcastic smile. "They like to crush their opposition."
"And you aren't worried?"
Kamski considered this question. He thought back to three years ago when CyberLife had taken Connor from him. He had been shaken so thoroughly by that that he had quit dealing with any android other than Chloe. He depended on her now. If she was taken, he was sure nothing else would matter.
"If CyberLife gets the opportunity to do something like that, it'll be after the androids are all destroyed. By then, I won't have much to fight for anyways."
"What do you see for the future of androids?"
"This will be the last question." Kamski had a headache and wanted to be done. "I see two outcomes from this current situation. One, the androids will be destroyed and measures will be taken to strip all life from androids produced in the future. Or the other option which is more hopeful. People will recognize the humanity these androids have developed and will come alongside this new and unique form of life. I personally am hoping for the second. Thank you for your time."
Kamski stood and walked out as the reporters tried to get him to ask more questions. He was done dealing with people. He headed downstairs and was about to leave.
"Mr. Kamski."
Kamski turned to find Lieutenant Anderson had been waiting for him. His face was bruised and scarred from the accident Connor had mentioned. He didn't look like he should be out of the hospital.
"Lieutenant Anderson. It's good to see you." Kamski strained for a smile, but he was tired and stressed. He wanted to leave this awful place and get back to Chloe. "I heard about your accident from Connor. I'm glad to see you're alright, but should you really be working right now?"
"It wasn't my choice." The detective was eyeing Kamski. He probably had no idea they had met before. "I watched your press conference." He motioned to the wall of TVs. "Can we talk?"
"I was heading home. If you'd like to join me, that would be fine."
"I actually need your help with something." Hank shuffled. "I need to hack into CyberLife."
