For three days there were no attacks. No movement from the other side at all. The soldiers kept fully to themselves and their negotiator was nowhere in sight. At first Markus was relieved, but now he just wished for things to be over one way or the other.
Connor seemed to think the intermission was a good thing. He said it meant indecision, and that was hopeful. Markus didn't know what to think.
The time was helpful, though. The androids were becoming more relaxed with each other. Those that came from CyberLife were starting to learn from those who had seen the world and lived in it. They were developing their own personalities. Markus had even had to break up a few fights. The camp buzzed with life at all hours.
Everyone was looking better for the time except Connor. Connor was getting quieter. He performed his duties as professionally as ever, but other than that he was almost always off on his own, staring into the snow or walking the perimeter in silence.
The androids were still wary of him. Even the androids he had personally brought from CyberLife had started keeping their distance.
It had been a slow unwinding. He had started out sitting in the tent with the others. He had never participated in the conversation, but he had been there. Over time he had spent more and more time alone.
"You know, you can always try talking to him." North offered. Apparently she had noticed him watching as Connor slipped out of the tent after their meeting. "People are getting concerned. He's too quiet."
"I'll talk to him." Markus stood and walked out to join Connor. It wasn't until he was 5 feet away before Connor looked up. "Mind if I join you?"
"Of course." Connor smiled and offered an area on the ground for Markus to sit. He looked comfortable and interested, but Markus was starting to learn how good Connor was at faking it. "Is something wrong?"
"Yeah, maybe." Markus wasn't nearly as good. He was sure Connor could read right through him. "I just wanted to check up on you. You seem quiet."
Connor frowned. "I am quiet." He shrugged. "For the first time in my life I don't have to pretend to like being around a bunch of people. I can just sit for hours and think."
He sounded convincing. Maybe Markus was concerned for nothing. He liked being alone sometimes, right?
But not for days on end. This was not just about liking time alone. This was more than that.
"You know, whatever you did before you joined us isn't your fault." Markus watched Connor's face. There was an instant where his face hardened, but then it was gone. "There are plenty of people who regret things they did before joining. You aren't alone."
"I appreciate the sentiment." Connor smiled, but there was disbelief behind it. "You have been a good friend. Better than I deserve."
Connor started standing up to leave. As he did frustration grew. Markus knew he was lying. He was saying what he thought he should to get Markus off his back.
"Connor..."
"I wanted to check the perimeter once over before my guard shift. Things are slow, so it'll be more likely for the others to let down their guard." Connor continued. He was dusting the snow off himself, ignoring Markus. "We can talk more later, but I can assure you, I'm fine."
The friendly smile at the end ticked Markus off even more than being shut down so abruptly. He watched Connor walk purposely out of sight. If anything, he was more concerned now.
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Connor walked slowly as soon as he was out of sight of Markus. He knew there was no reason to be angry. Markus was trying to be gracious. Once Markus knew what he had done, things would be different. He wouldn't talk so carelessly about Connor's past.
