Going Numb

-{12}-

        "You're off the case. The FBI is taking over." My jaw drops when Fowler says it, and I know Hank's does too.

        "What?" he asks. The three of us look between each other. "But we're onto something! We...we just need more time. I'm sure we can-"

        "Hank, you don't get it," Fowler says. "This isn't just another investigation, it's a fucking civil war! It's out of our hands now. We're talking about national security here."

        "Fuck that! You can't just pull the plug now. Not when we're so close!" Fowler shakes his head.

        "You're always saying you can't stand androids!" he says. "Jesus, Hank, make up your mind! I thought you'd be happy about this!"

        "We're about to crack the case," he says, leaning on the chair in front of him. "I know we can solve it! For God's sake, Jeffrey, can't you back me up this one time?" Fowler sighs.

        "There's nothing I can do." I can tell from his voice that he means it. "You're back on homicide and the android returns to CyberLife." I look up at Connor with wide eyes, and he looks down at me, almost sadly. "And Arna-" I look at him, afraid he's going to arrest me. He sighs. "You'd better get out of here before the FBI shows up. They won't be so willing to let you walk." I look down at the floor and nod. "I'm sorry, Hank, but it's over." Hank sighs and storms out of the room, and I look at Connor, who nods at Fowler before we leave. We walk over to Hank's desk, where he's sitting and leaning on the surface in front of him. Connor sits on the desk as I cross my arms.

        "We could have solved this case!" Connor says. "We just needed more time." Hank turns to look at him.

        "So you're going back to CyberLife?" he asks. Connor nods.

        "I have no choice," he says. "I'll be deactivated and analyzed to find out why I failed." I look up at him.

        "What if we're on the wrong side, Connor?" Hank asks. "What if we're fighting against people who just wanna be free?" The android sighs.

        "When the deviants rise up, there will be chaos," he says simply. "We could have stopped it. But now it's too late." Hank leans back in his chair.

        "When you refused to kill that android at Kamski's place," he says, "you put yourself in her shoes. You showed empathy, Connor. Empathy is a human emotion." Connor frowns.

        "I don't know why I did it," he says. He looks between me and Hank. "I know it hasn't always been easy...but I want you to know I really appreciated working with the two of you. That's not just my Social Relations program talking, I-I really mean that. At least, I think I do." I chuckle but look up as Perkins walks through the door of the station.

        "Well, well," I say, "here comes Perkins, that motherfucker. Sure don't waste any time at the FBI." Connor looks back at him, then to us.

        "We can't give up," he says. "I know the answer is in the evidence we collected. If Perkins takes it, it's all over." Hank frowns.

        "There's no choice!" he says. "You heard Fowler, we're off the case." Connor drops off the desk to stand in front of him.

        "You've got to help me, Lieutenant," Connor says. "I need more time so I can find a lead in the evidence we collected. I know the solution is in there!" He points between me and himself. "The two of us can find it, I'm sure of it!" Hank holds up a hand to stop him.

        "Listen, Connor-"

        "If I don't solve this case, CyberLife will destroy me," he says. "Five minutes. It's all I ask." Hank sighs and stands up.