[It had been a few hours since the first appearance of the arrivals, and with their shift nearly over, Hank sent out a small message to Connor just to see how he was doing. No news good news, right?]
[There's a significant pause before Connor answers, even though the android's presence can be felt on the other end of the connection. He keeps the processes in his mind rigidly partitioned to keep any unintended thoughts or... feelings from coming through.]
[Connor might have suppressed his feels enough, but the words give it an urgent tone regardless that Hank doesn't bother asking him if anything is wrong.]
Okay. Lemme know where you want to meet.
[He'll show up as soon as he can at Connor's chosen location.]
[The chosen location ends up being the Hearth, which he decides on quickly enough. Nobody should bother them there, at least, granted it's sort of a haven for Otherworlders and everything they bring with them.
The android gets there first simply due to where he was in the city, and stands outside to wait for the lieutenant, doing his usual coin tricks in the meantime. It seems odd to head in if he's not going to be eating anything, anyway. His expression is largely neutral on the surface, but there's a subtle strain around his eyes that speaks to his actual mood. At least there aren't any emotional effects around him for the moment.]
[Hank thought it strange to meet there. At least his first worry - that someone else was going to be with Connor when he showed up was negated when he spotted the android close by. With no emotional effects, he briefly takes a look at Connor's LED to see if it would hold a clue but doesn't say anything until he's close enough in normal vocal range.]
[As much as Connor isn't certain how to feel about this whole thing, his LED remains a normal blue. His uncertainty isn't severe enough to really equate to conflict strong enough to change it—especially since there's not really much to do about it.]
I don't think it's necessary, but let's get a table first.
[He's not sure if sitting will really make much of a difference, but he foresees a longer conversation than would be comfortable to have standing.
[Must be serious if he wants them to sit down, he begins to wonder, but that question quickly gets answered once Connor speaks before they even get to the table. Hank suddenly stops midway and looks at him.]
Was it you have I been hanging out with 60 this entire time shit fuck
[He does remember Simon's name, but he doesn't want to assume Hank does. It seems like an insignificant thing for a human to recall, even if he logically knows the lieutenant sympathizes with androids. It's still hard for him to think past the idea that androids aren't worth anything other than their price tag.]
[Well they are going to talk, but there's no way Hank isn't ordering anything here apart from a drink.
Preferably something strong.]
Ah Christ...Simon's here?!
[How could he forget the android's name? Hank was having his own existential crisis when Markus mentioned his name. The air grows cold near instantly, but thankfully only around the both of them, not causing an issue for the other patrons.]
[Connor was expecting a reaction, but maybe not quite that one. Thankfully they're seated only after a few more seconds, but the android's expression goes from a look of surprise to one of mild concern.]
He seemed calm enough after I explained the situation to him, so there shouldn't be any problems.
[He... is fairly sure that's not the real issue that's causing Hank to react that way, but it's the most he can offer.]
[The real issue is an android he thought dead is alive in this world and it's shattering everything that he's tried not to think about, but could be a possibility. And the worst part about trying to move past something is having a possibility, a 'what if' dangled in front of him.]
That's good...he seemed, okay, right?
[He's trying not to show his distress, but in this world, it's hard to hide any emotion when it starts to leak across the patterns of his shirt which he can't really see, going from the colorful patterns to plain grey.]
[Connor nods, noting the change in color but not quite knowing what to make of it. These things don't come with a manual in-character, sadly.]
He did. He was nervous because of arriving here, but... that's all.
[Simon wasn't even injured, which certainly could have been the result of this place, but... it was a clue. The android seems almost shifty about it, glancing away and threading his fingers together on the table as he says it.]
[It would be a disservice to both of them if he hadn't—and... in a way, it means it's not Connor's problem for now. Perhaps it's a cruel way of thinking about it, but he really would rather not spend more time with that PL600 than necessary. He's certain it would only give him a headache, if he were capable of feeling pain.]
[If Hank knew what Connor was thinking he'd...agree with him, actually. Having to face an android that you were in no small part reason why he sacrificed himself has to weigh heavily.]
Yeah, figured you would. Not sure why I bothered asking.
[By this time he ends up ordering a drink, since he feels they'll be talking for a bit.]
Well if this place helps him out, then it's worth it, right? Just...never expected him of all people to show up...
[The fact that Connor barely reacts to Hank ordering alcohol is another sign of his preoccupation.]
I guess so.
[He wonders if he should bring up the topic that's at the forefront of his mind—the fact that that theory of his that was based in denial ended up being plausible. It's something he'd accepted as a possibility to put himself at ease, except now... it's getting the opposite result.
His expression settles into a mild frown, a tightness around his brow as the light on his temple cycles from blue to yellow.]
[The android presses his lips together, deep in thought for another moment. But with Hank, he feels like he can be more direct. Or... perhaps it's that he feels like he owes that to the lieutenant, after everything.]
He's not the same Simon we met.
[To clarify, he continues, though he still doesn't look at Hank.]
[He knew it was a possibility since he had read some of the reports, yet never expected it happening to them. It opened a lot more questions than answers, and possibilities he didn't like thinking about. Hank sits there in silence mulling it over for what might seem like forever. Just when he's about to speak, is drink arrives and he considers downing it, but doesn't.]
That's insane...so he managed to escape?
[Does it mean that if Connor hadn't leapt at him, he might have made it? How many of those goddamn butterfly effects and universes existed? The air around them grew even colder, and his shirt now turned completely black.]
[Connor's hands tighten a bit at the cold, but he keeps any further reactions from coming through despite the irrational urge to shiver.]
It seems like it.
[He clearly did survive and escape, given what he was wearing and the apparent time he was taken from. How he did that, Connor can't be certain, but it nonetheless appears to be true... for that Simon.]
He said the last date he remembers was November 9th, the day after we investigated Markus's broadcast.
[He barely sounds certain about it. He feels guilt for his brain screaming 'it's not normal' but he quickly corrects himself; 'it's not normal in my universe'. He hates everything that this implies and quickly drowns half of his drink, the hard liquor numbing his tongue and leaving a taste in the back of his mouth that is barely better than what it had been before. It keeps him from wanting to throw up, ironically considering his entire history. Glancing at his glass for a bit, he taps his fingers and adds quietly;]
I knew parallel worlds were possible, but... reading about hypothetical situations isn't the same as being able to predict all the details and prepare for them.
[It's an obvious statement, but he's not sure what else to say. The complicated feelings aren't being eased by Hank's drink, but he doesn't do much more than glance at the lieutenant's glass briefly before turning his gaze back down to the table. His words come out almost as a sigh.]
I suppose it's fortunate that it was this PL600, rather than the other one I've encountered...
[He tilts his glass briefly to look at the remaining alcohol before deciding to drain it completely. It's still got a shitty taste, but he has to admit that it helps.]
Yeah doubt even CyberLife would be able to predict shit like this.
[But he could only imagine what would happen if they were able to harness such a power.]
I guess so...does that mean he didn't recognize you?
He did, but through reputation, if I had to guess. I didn't ask.
[Perhaps he should have. Add it to the list, he supposes. But he wonders now what sort of change would mean they didn't discover Simon there—maybe he was never shot? Or maybe he didn't track him down somehow...?
He never asked Hank what happened after his last memory. He hadn't thought about it much after that one and only discussion, and the subsequent denial. He wasn't sure he wanted to know, and he still isn't.]
I don't suppose it matters.
[That's the conclusion he comes to. What ifs don't matter, and it's only a waste of energy to consider them if there's nothing to be done.]
Through reputation?! What the hell Connor, we barely did a few cases together...
[He had a feeling android news moved fast but that was insane. He looks at Connor a little disappointed, but understanding.]
Right. Guess not. It's just...
[It's just if a single Android's death creates a branch into another universe, what else is there? What other worlds have androids and people just waiting to show up here? The glass is empty. If only he could magic it back to being full again. He knows Connor would probably worry. Goddamn it, when did he grow this stupidly soft.]
Well...I'm sure Markus will be happy...having someone come back seemingly from the dead.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[Post-Arrivals - Voice for now]
Hey Connor! How are things on your end?
[voice]
I think we should talk in person.
[voice] --> [action]
Okay. Lemme know where you want to meet.
[He'll show up as soon as he can at Connor's chosen location.]
[action]
The android gets there first simply due to where he was in the city, and stands outside to wait for the lieutenant, doing his usual coin tricks in the meantime. It seems odd to head in if he's not going to be eating anything, anyway. His expression is largely neutral on the surface, but there's a subtle strain around his eyes that speaks to his actual mood. At least there aren't any emotional effects around him for the moment.]
[action]
So...should I be sitting down for this?
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I don't think it's necessary, but let's get a table first.
[He's not sure if sitting will really make much of a difference, but he foresees a longer conversation than would be comfortable to have standing.
On the way to that table, though—]
I met another deviant earlier.
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[Must be serious if he wants them to sit down, he begins to wonder, but that question quickly gets answered once Connor speaks before they even get to the table. Hank suddenly stops midway and looks at him.]
Was it you have I been hanging out with 60 this entire time shit fuckYeah? Who?
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It was Markus's friend from Stratford Tower.
[He does remember Simon's name, but he doesn't want to assume Hank does. It seems like an insignificant thing for a human to recall, even if he logically knows the lieutenant sympathizes with androids. It's still hard for him to think past the idea that androids aren't worth anything other than their price tag.]
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Preferably something strong.]
Ah Christ...Simon's here?!
[How could he forget the android's name? Hank was having his own existential crisis when Markus mentioned his name. The air grows cold near instantly, but thankfully only around the both of them, not causing an issue for the other patrons.]
Shit...I need to sit down.
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He seemed calm enough after I explained the situation to him, so there shouldn't be any problems.
[He... is fairly sure that's not the real issue that's causing Hank to react that way, but it's the most he can offer.]
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That's good...he seemed, okay, right?
[He's trying not to show his distress, but in this world, it's hard to hide any emotion when it starts to leak across the patterns of his shirt which he can't really see, going from the colorful patterns to plain grey.]
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in-character, sadly.]He did. He was nervous because of arriving here, but... that's all.
[Simon wasn't even injured, which certainly could have been the result of this place, but... it was a clue. The android seems almost shifty about it, glancing away and threading his fingers together on the table as he says it.]
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...this place really is something.
[He knows he shouldn't think about it. But he can't help but hope that somehow, it will happen. If an android could get a second chance here then...]
Does Markus know? You told him, right?
[He knows the answer even as he says that, but it's partly to stop his brain from over-thinking right now.]
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[It would be a disservice to both of them if he hadn't—and... in a way, it means it's not Connor's problem for now. Perhaps it's a cruel way of thinking about it, but he really would rather not spend more time with that PL600 than necessary. He's certain it would only give him a headache, if he were capable of feeling pain.]
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Yeah, figured you would. Not sure why I bothered asking.
[By this time he ends up ordering a drink, since he feels they'll be talking for a bit.]
Well if this place helps him out, then it's worth it, right? Just...never expected him of all people to show up...
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I guess so.
[He wonders if he should bring up the topic that's at the forefront of his mind—the fact that that theory of his that was based in denial ended up being plausible. It's something he'd accepted as a possibility to put himself at ease, except now... it's getting the opposite result.
His expression settles into a mild frown, a tightness around his brow as the light on his temple cycles from blue to yellow.]
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...
[He notices the change in the LED and frowns, clearly a lack of observation from his own (and still grey) shirt.]
Is there something else?
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He's not the same Simon we met.
[To clarify, he continues, though he still doesn't look at Hank.]
He didn't destroy himself on Stratford Tower.
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[He knew it was a possibility since he had read some of the reports, yet never expected it happening to them. It opened a lot more questions than answers, and possibilities he didn't like thinking about. Hank sits there in silence mulling it over for what might seem like forever. Just when he's about to speak, is drink arrives and he considers downing it, but doesn't.]
That's insane...so he managed to escape?
[Does it mean that if Connor hadn't leapt at him, he might have made it? How many of those goddamn butterfly effects and universes existed? The air around them grew even colder, and his shirt now turned completely black.]
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It seems like it.
[He clearly did survive and escape, given what he was wearing and the apparent time he was taken from. How he did that, Connor can't be certain, but it nonetheless appears to be true... for that Simon.]
He said the last date he remembers was November 9th, the day after we investigated Markus's broadcast.
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[He barely sounds certain about it. He feels guilt for his brain screaming 'it's not normal' but he quickly corrects himself; 'it's not normal in my universe'. He hates everything that this implies and quickly drowns half of his drink, the hard liquor numbing his tongue and leaving a taste in the back of his mouth that is barely better than what it had been before. It keeps him from wanting to throw up, ironically considering his entire history. Glancing at his glass for a bit, he taps his fingers and adds quietly;]
Fuck...I can't believe this.
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[It's an obvious statement, but he's not sure what else to say. The complicated feelings aren't being eased by Hank's drink, but he doesn't do much more than glance at the lieutenant's glass briefly before turning his gaze back down to the table. His words come out almost as a sigh.]
I suppose it's fortunate that it was this PL600, rather than the other one I've encountered...
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Yeah doubt even CyberLife would be able to predict shit like this.
[But he could only imagine what would happen if they were able to harness such a power.]
I guess so...does that mean he didn't recognize you?
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[Perhaps he should have. Add it to the list, he supposes. But he wonders now what sort of change would mean they didn't discover Simon there—maybe he was never shot? Or maybe he didn't track him down somehow...?
He never asked Hank what happened after his last memory. He hadn't thought about it much after that one and only discussion, and the subsequent denial. He wasn't sure he wanted to know, and he still isn't.]
I don't suppose it matters.
[That's the conclusion he comes to. What ifs don't matter, and it's only a waste of energy to consider them if there's nothing to be done.]
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[He had a feeling android news moved fast but that was insane. He looks at Connor a little disappointed, but understanding.]
Right. Guess not. It's just...
[It's just if a single Android's death creates a branch into another universe, what else is there? What other worlds have androids and people just waiting to show up here? The glass is empty. If only he could magic it back to being full again. He knows Connor would probably worry. Goddamn it, when did he grow this stupidly soft.]
Well...I'm sure Markus will be happy...having someone come back seemingly from the dead.
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