Chapter Text
“Elijah…” Chloe prompts gently, breaking the Cyberlife CEO out of his focus. “Have you decided on a candidate yet?”
Elijah Kamski holds his head, shaking it slightly. Perhaps as Cyberlife was picking up and his grief over his mentor had increased he should have just left the company like he was planning on.
But he couldn’t… There was one thing Elijah Kamski loved more than anything and that was cracking a mystery. It’s what brought him to creating an android that could pass the Turing Test. And it’s what brought him to his particular conundrum now.
How does he create an android that can pass the Kamski test? Can all androids pass the Kamski test if given the correct circumstances? Of course there had been reports of androids deviating from terrible environments but Elijah had very limited interest in that. No, he wanted to know if, given the right environment, an android could will itself into deviancy.
“No… There are so many options, Chloe…” Elijah sighs “Please remind me of RK800’s functions again…”
“Of course. RK800, also known as ‘Connor,’ is a prototype android focused on research and human compatibility. He is equipped with preconstruction, forensics abilities, a social engineering program, and top of the line combat abilities.”
“Yes… So perhaps allowing the police to look after it would be ideal… But then it won’t prove my theory, it will simply excel.”
“May I offer a suggestion, Elijah?” Chloe asks, a small smile appearing on her face.
“Please do. You know you are free to speak, Chloe.”
“RK800 is also equipped with most if not all of the functions of a housekeeper android, just as RK200 is. Perhaps if you could find a good match you could gift the android similarly to how you did with Mr. Manfred.”
Elijah’s eyes widen and a familiar smirk finds its way on his face. “That’s it! Chloe, you are a genius. Let me just limit my search a little bit and…” He pauses as he looks through various candidates. “Him.”
Chloe walks over to Elijah’s computer, a profile pulled up of a Lieutenant Hank Anderson.
“This is him, Chloe. The one who will test the RK800’s deviation ability.”
“I hope they are a good fit.”
“They will be a horrible fit. But only at first. I can tell.” Elijah says, pride filling his voice. “It’s time to find out how an android with out of this world abilities inevitably passes the Kamski Test.”
- -
Hank grumbled, walking into the precinct at 10:53. He was definitely late but he didn’t really care. Flashing his badge at the reception android he started walking to his desk. The lights in the precinct were way too bright for his liking and caused his head to pound more than it already was. Should he be regretting getting black out drunk last night, yes. Did he, no.
“Hope you know you’re in trouble.” Detective Gavin Reed snickers at him as he walks in.
“Fuck off, Gavin. I don’t have time for this.” Hank replies with ease, flipping him off, and sitting at his desk.
“Hank! In my office, now!” Captain Fowler yelled from his office.
Fucking fantastic. As if his day couldn’t get any worse he was gonna get another fucking writeup for being late. Whatever, he didn’t need this shit.
He walked into the Captain’s office, not caring to take in his surroundings, and sitting in the chair in front of Fowler. “Ya, ya. I am only late by like an hour or so. Get off my dick.”
Captain Fowler grits his teeth. “Believe it or not, Hank, I am actually putting your tardiness aside for today.” He turns his attention to the corner of the room. “Mr. Kamski, I am sorry about the delay.”
Hank turns around and looks where Fowler was looking. There a man stood in a simple t-shirt and coat stood, accompanied by two androids. One was a girl with blonde hair that was tied into a ponytail. She wore a sleek blue dress and a pair of white heel sandals. She gave him a gentle smile, one that seemed… a bit too human. Next to her was an android with short brown hair, wearing a Cyberlife jacket, tie, and dress pants. He seemed to be staring at Hank, maybe analyzing him… Whatever it was doing, it was creepy.
“Not a problem at all, Captain.” Elijah smiles before turning his eyes to Hank. “As you probably know, I am the founder and current CEO of Cyberlife. I also make prototypes as a passion project of mine.”
“Can you get to the point?” Hank asks irritably, wanting to just get back to his desk. He never thought he’d practically beg to do his fucking job.
“Hank.” Captain Fowler reprimands, internally begging for once that Hank would keep his mouth shut.
“Of course. This particular model is one I am designing to help the police with things both inside and outside of work. The job is incredibly stressful, much more if you are a Lieutenant like yourself. As such I am leaving this android with you.”
Hank could tell that Kamski wasn’t telling the exact truth there but that didn’t really matter all that much. He was much more focused on the last sentence. “Oh, hell no. Ain’t no way I am taking that thing with me. I don’t do androids.”
“It is simply so it can get some experience outside of Cyberlife. It will be a temporary stay of around three months and then I will take it back.” Kamski says simply, as if that fixed the core issue.
“Come on, Jeffrey! Tell this asshole to take his plastic toy back to his stupid penthouse and leave me out of his dumb experiment.”
“It is out of my hands, Hank.” Captain Fowler shook his head. “I know you hate androids but this is a gift from the CEO. I can't really stop it.”
“Look, I know this isn’t ideal with your history…” Kamski says slowly. “But I don’t really care what you do with it. Keep it idle in your house if you want, but this is my gift to you. The only rule is don’t destroy it.”
“Rules for a gift I don’t want! What in the fu-”
“RK800.” Kamski interrupts Hank and turns to the android who had simply been standing there, waiting. “Introduce yourself, won’t you?”
It blinked a couple of times before a small, clearly programmed, smile appeared on it’s face. “Hello, Lieutenant Anderson. My name is Connor.”
- -
It had only been a couple hours and Hank had no idea what in the world to do with this weird android. He didn’t like it one bit. But also he expected it to be… way more robotic than it seemed to be. Sure it had a habit of not speaking unless spoken to and walked around in a way that felt too uncanny, but when Reed came to bother him the android told him he needed coffee before getting up and pushing him away, leaving the detective disoriented and confused.
“I am under the impression my presence makes you uncomfortable, Lieutenant.” The android states. “Perhaps there is something I can do to help ease that?”
Hank sighs loudly “Nope. Nothing.” He just had to wait until he could go home… And bring this stupid thing with him.
“If you want I can reach out to Elijah and request he transfer me to another candidate. I am sure he has a list, I am not the first gifted prototype after all.”
“Not the first gifted prototype, huh…” Now that piqued Hank’s interest. “Tell me, what are you limited to doing? If you are a prototype built for Kamski then there must be some restrictions on what you can do for me.”
“No, Lieutenant. I was never informed of deep secret projects Cyberlife was working on so I have no confidential information to spill. What that means is you can expect the same as you would of any other caretaker android. I will answer any question with as much honesty as I can.”
“Then… who else did Kamski give an android to?”
“That would be Carl Manfred, the famous painter. He was given an RK200.”
Hmm… It was only Wednesday… Maybe this weekend he would try and meet this Carl Manfred. But that was a problem for later. He had work to focus on.
- -
Connor entered Hank’s house, happy to be somewhere the Lieutenant would hopefully have him do something. He was essentially idle at the precinct and he didn’t enjoy the feeling of not doing things.
“Alright. This is my house. You will stay here I guess. Ugh… I am regretting this already.” Hank shakes his head.
Connor looked around, smiling slightly at the sight of a large saint bernard. What a nice creature.
“Should I start with tidying up the house?”
“I don’t care. Just leave me alone.” Hank says, sitting on his couch to watch TV.
Connor nodded before heading to the kitchen. He wasn’t exactly programmed to be a housekeeper but he also wasn’t not programmed to do it. And at least this gave him something he could do.
He quickly made his way throughout the kitchen, clearing it of trash and cleaning the large amount of dishes in the sink. He couldn’t help but question why the Lieutenant hadn’t done this already, however it wasn’t his place to judge.
Satisfied for now he headed to the hallway and decided to start with the bathroom. Clearing it of some empty whiskey bottles was a breeze, though Connor gave it a good scrub for good measure. He couldn’t help but admit that the cleaning aspect was weirdly therapeutic, or perhaps that was just his programs happy to finally be doing something
Entering the room he found himself face to face with what appeared to be a kid’s room. Squatting down, he grabbed a toy rabbit and couldn’t help but analyze it. It seemed to have not been touched in years, in fact nothing in this room had been. It was eerily like a museum, a room simply there to look at but never interacted with. Before he could even begin to process what all of this could mean, a strong hand clutched his shoulder and pulled, forcing Connor to whip around and was met with Hank staring at him in a way unfamiliar to him. He felt his LED turn from blue to yellow.
“Put that down.” Hank says coldly but forcefully, causing Connor to instinctively drop the rabbit “You are not to go anywhere near this room. Do you understand me, you fucking piece of plastic.”
Connor stood up and took a step back, trying to back away from Hank. However, this meant he was moving further into the room which only seemed to anger the man in front of him more.
“Get the fuck out. Now!” Hank growls and Connor slips out of the room without a word, trying to hide the fact that his LED was flashing red. Before he could process anything else he was already sitting down on one of the chairs in the kitchen, willing himself to calm down and forcing his LED back to its usual blue state.
Connor couldn’t help but think at this moment that he truly didn’t understand humans. His social engineering program helped quite a bit but besides Elijah and the Cyberlife testers he hadn’t really engaged with humans. Plus the former was… unusual to say the least and the latter didn’t really speak with him, just tested his various capabilities. Perhaps it would have been better if Elijah had just kept him in continuous testing, at least there he knew what he was doing, even if pushing his body like that put strain on his programming.
It took around 20 minutes for the Lieutenant to eventually return to the living room and sit on the couch. His eyes looked red and he looked even more exhausted than before, but at least seemed calmer.
Connor cautiously approached “I am sorry, Lieutenant. I was not aware…”
Hank held his head and shook it “Fucking hell. This is why I didn’t want an android. Look. You are not allowed in either of the bedrooms, understand?”
“Of course, Lieutenant.” Connor pauses, not wanting to make the man more mad.
Hank sighs “I am going to head out for a while. Just like… power off or whatever you androids do.”
“Have a good night, Lieutenant.” Connor gives him a polite smile while Hank grabs his jacket and leaves out the door without another word. Connor takes a seat on the couch.
When he was created and his abilities were tested this was not exactly what he had in mind for what he would be doing… Spending all of his time with a standoffish police Lieutenant who hated him probably wasn’t even in his top three. But there wasn’t much to do besides wait out the couple of months he would be with Hank.
Hopefully tomorrow will be better is Connor’s last thought before running system diagnostics and entering stasis for the night.
- -
Connor wasn’t necessarily programmed to get bored but he imagined this was the closest he could get.
It had been exactly two days, seven hours, and twenty six minutes since Kamski had left him in the care of the easily angered Lieutenant. All Hank had really done was instruct Connor not to touch the bedrooms and get annoyed whenever the android was there. He also had gone out both nights and didn't return until ridiculously late reeking of alcohol.
He didn’t quite understand why Kamski would choose this person as his owner, much less why he was supposed to be essentially just a caretaker android. If he was going to work with a police officer you would think he would at the very least be told to do that. But Hank hadn't even brought him to the precinct since he got to this house. But alas, all he could do was stand here and wait.
… Surely the Lieutenant wouldn’t mind if he recalibrated though…
Connor quietly takes the quarter out of his pocket and starts twirling it around his fingers. It was something that both helped him make sure his senses were sharp along with helping chase the boredom away. He wasn’t designed to stand still, he was designed to fight and investigate and learn. None of those things he could do from here.
Well that’s not exactly true. He could pre construct a fight or learn more about the Lieutenant. The first option was not appealing as it would just be the illusion of a fight and the second was… well it was a violation of privacy and he’s certain he already knows WAY more than the Lieutenant is comfortable with.
It took him a little too long to realize the Lieutenant had arrived home and was staring at him. More specifically his hands. How long had he been there… lost in thought, calibrating.
He quickly stopped and pocketed the coin. “Sorry, Lieutenant. I was simply calibrating.”
“I was just wondering how you did that… It’s… weird.” Hank hesitates before speaking again. “What did you do while I was gone?”
Connor gives him a weird look, eventually deducting that Hank must be worried he went to clean up the rooms again. “Do not worry, Lieutenant. I didn't touch your things, I simply waited here.”
“...the whole time I was gone?”
“Yes, you didn't instruct me on anything else you wanted.” Connor took the moment to glance up where his mission objective would always be stated. It simply said “Assist Lt. Anderson.” Just as it had for the past couple days.
“Geez… well it's creepy when you just stand around!” Hank sighs “Look, do you have the ability to get in contact with that Carl Manfred guy.”
“Of course, Lieutenant. His number is logged in my system. Why do you ask?”
“I want to ask him some questions. In person.”
“Do you want me to call him for you?”
“...Can you do that?”
“Of course, Lieutenant. Give me one second.”
He closed his eyes for a second, his LED spinning yellow as he focused on sending a call to the number in Kamski’s registry.
“This is Carl Manfred's android. What can I do for you?” A voice enters his head.
“Hello, I am Lieutenant Hank Anderson of the DPD's android. He wishes to plan a meeting with Mr. Manfred.”
There is a pause before the voice returns “What is the purpose of this meeting?”
“One moment.” Connor opens his eyes before speaking to Hank instead of the phone call. “What do you wish to speak with him about?”
“...what to do with a prototype I recently came into possession of?” Hank replies, less certain than Connor was expecting.
“Of course.” Connor closes his eyes, focusing on the call once again. “Lieutenant Anderson has recently come into possession of a prototype android and wishes to ask questions related to that.”
There is another pause. “Carl is free at 12:30 pm tomorrow. Please visit at 8941 Lafayette Avenue.”
“Thank you for your time.” Connor says before ending the call and opening his eyes, his LED settling to its usual blue. “We have an appointment tomorrow at 12:30 at his residence.”
Hank simply looks startled at the exchange. For once it seems the man has nothing to say. Normally Connor would be confused but he assumed the Lieutenant's surprise was simply from not interacting with androids much.
When he finally speaks he has a small smirk on his face. “Can you order pizza like that?”
Connor can't help but give the Lieutenant an eye roll, though of course not out of annoyance and instead born of amusement. “Of course, Lieutenant.”
- -
Connor wasn’t quite sure what he expected out of the house of a famous painter but perhaps he didn’t expect it to be so… big? Though he was also one of the most well known painters of his time so it made sense.
“Geez… Sometimes I forget people are this rich.” Hank says next to him. “Come on, let’s go in.”
Connor was kind of surprised Hank wanted him to tag along, especially since he knew this meeting was about him, but he wasn’t going to say no. Perhaps it was just that he was programmed to intake a lot of information but he found himself itching to do more. He enjoyed Hank’s house but even more he wanted to know what the world had to offer. What kind of things he could learn.
Connor shakes his head as Hank’s knock awoke him from his thoughts. He needed to stop thinking like that. Androids didn’t WANT anything. It was just he was programmed to constantly be moving and understanding so his functions were uncertain how to proceed. That had to be it…
It took a minute or so but an android opened the door and gave them a smile, one much more human than any smile on any android he had seen before. “Welcome. You must be Lieutenant Anderson. Your android told me about you on the phone. Please, come in.”
The android moved to the side, allowing Hank to walk in, and Connor followed him obediently. The door closed automatically behind them and the android led them through a pair of double doors into a large half dining room half living room.
“Thank you, Markus.” A voice sounds from the dining table. A quick scan revealed him to be Carl Manfred. “Please, Lieutenant, come sit.”
Hank nodded and sat down across from Carl. Connor followed and stood right behind Hank, holding his hands together behind him. “So, I wanted to ask you some questions about your android. Markus, right?”
“Yes, his name is Markus. Are these questions for a case?”
“Oh… no. They are more personal questions I had and were curious about. Not police business.”
“I assumed as much.” Carl nods in understanding “Markus, would you make us some tea?”
“Of course, Carl.” Markus smiles and walks off to the kitchen.
“So Markus mentioned you recently came into possession of a prototype android, is this him?”
Hank nods and then looks at Connor. Connor can’t help but feel bad, Hank seemed so out of his element here. Regardless, he smiles at Carl “I am Connor, a prototype created by Elijah Kamski.”
“Nice to meet you, Connor.” Carl returns his attention to Hank “So, what was it you needed to know?”
“I… What do I do with it? To be honest I fucking hate androids and I never wanted to get one. But Kamski says I have to keep it for three months. And it’s weird having it just stand around my house doing nothing!”
Carl shakes his head at the mention of Hank’s dislike for androids, but doesn’t say much else besides that. Before he can say anything Markus walks in and sets down two cups of tea in front of Hank and Carl.
“Thank you, Markus.”
“Of course, Carl. Can I do anything else?”
“Why don’t you find something to do while I talk. Maybe challenge Connor to a game of chess?”
Markus looks at Connor expectantly who nods and the two walk over to the chess table. While Markus sets up Connor listens in on Hank and Carl’s conversation.
“Well, that depends on what you need. Markus helps me with my various medications, errands, and taking my calls, but besides that he just spends time with me. Accompanies me while I paint and we play chess or piano often.”
“You just… hang out with it…?”
“Him.” Carl corrects. “Maybe a good place to start would be whatever Connor is programmed to excel at? Do you know?”
“Uhh… no, I don’t. Kamski never told me...”
“Well maybe you shou-” Whatever Carl was about to say was interrupted by Markus claiming he won.
Connor’s eyes shot down to the board and discovered they had been playing but Connor had been autopiloting. How did he not even notice his own body moving?
“Wait. Rematch, I was distracted!”
“Shouldn’t have gotten distracted.” Markus smirks but resets the board.
The two start playing and Connor finds Markus to be a pretty even match. Every time he thought he saw an opening for him to push forward Markus took a piece and Connor found himself on the defense again. Eventually he saw it, the perfect knight check. Connor placed his knight in position, confidence gleaming on his face. He just needed one more turn and he could check the king.
“Checkmate.” Markus says back, moving a singular rook and crossing his arms.
What? Connor scans the board, finally seeing his king surrounded by the recently moved rook and a queen. He feels himself let out a sigh. He had been so focused on his last perfect move that he missed his king being undefended and out of position.
“Good game.” Connor offers his hand, admittedly a little frustrated but also impressed.
Markus shakes it. “Good game, Connor. I haven’t had to focus on a chess game in awhile. Wanna try again?”
The two play a third and a fourth game, though Connor would insist it was a second and third because the first one didn’t count. The third game ended in a stalemate and the fourth: a win for Connor. He couldn’t help but feel an amount of pride fill him as he confirms that he won.
“Ready, Connor?” Hank’s voice sounds next to him, an amount of amusement in his tone. Connor jumps slightly, looking towards Hank. He had gotten so invested in his games of chess he had completely forgotten why he was even here. He had missed the whole conversation!
“Of course, Lieutenant.” Connor stands up. “Good games, Markus.”
“We should play again.” Markus replies with a smile.
“Good luck, Lieutenant.” Carl says happily, wheeling himself over to the trio. “And nice to meet you Connor.”
“It was a pleasure.” Connor says politely before following Hank who was already leaving the house. He couldn’t help but miss the time playing chess with Markus. It really was nice to have something to do. But now wasn’t the time to dwell on that.
He sat down in the passenger seat of the car. “Did it go well?”
“It was… interesting.” Hank said, seemingly lost in thought before turning on the car and driving off. “Time for lunch.”
“Of course, Lieutenant.”