It's so crowded in here

Connor: ...if I've not been reassigned. *or...something else*

Gavin: ...That's unlikely. You'll be there to make my coffee in the morning, no doubt.

Connor: *gazing out the window . . . just nods, though he doesn't look convinced*

Gavin: *looks at him* ...Why do you look so worried? *not that he cares.*

Connor: ...two days, and I have so far failed to perform my intended function optimally, nor have I managed to integrate as I've been meant to.

Gavin: ...Two days isn't long enough for a test.

Connor: True…

Gavin: *Nods. Look, he doesn't know how to comfort, and he's not yet decided if he appreciates what Connor did or if he's pissed about it, even if appreciation is logical considering the circumstances...*

Connor: *not expecting comfort, especially not from someone who's made it abundantly clear that he hates him and his kind . . . he'll not speak again before they arrive back at Gavin's home*

Gavin: *opens the door and gets out* Guess we’ll be back to the grind tomorrow, see you then, Plastic. *will head towards his apartment.*

Gavin: *about fifteen minutes later he'll return to the car and start them back towards the precinct. He glances at Connor.* You ruin my day every time I look at you. *snorts and pulls out his gameboy again.*

Connor: I'm sorry. I don't mean to be unpleasant for you. What exactly is it that causes this?

Gavin: Your ugly face.

Connor: *headtilt, clearly confused at that* CyberLife androids are designed to work harmoniously with humans. My appearance as well as my voice were specifically designed to facilitate my integration.

Gavin: Yeah? They teach you not to talk back too?

Connor: I am programmed to be actively helpful to my partner and make available any data that I gather. I cannot accomplish my assignment if I am categorically forbidden from speaking to you.

Gavin: Look, I already told you I don't /need/ your help. You're just in my way. *had sat up and shifted to lean towards Connor and point at him.*

Connor: Perhaps /you/ do not, but you have been tasked with field-testing me for eventual use by other detectives. Don't think of me as a partner so much as a walking forensics lab if that would make this easier on you.

Gavin: *punches him! Though it's not as hard as it would have been if they weren't in the car* You need to learn not to sass me, Plastic. Do it again and you'll get worse. *said through gritted teeth.*

Connor: *LED flickers but he doesn't try to block the strike, even though Gavin can guess he saw it coming well enough. His synthetic skin pulls back and flows into place around the site of the strike. His head turns with the blow, then he looks back, a small frown on his face, LED yellow* It's not my intention to "sass," Detective. I'm merely discussing the situation. *what is he doing wrong!?*

Gavin: *a small part of his regrets doing that, realizing only after having struck Connor that if he’d damaged the android he’d likely be the one paying for it.* I’ve already given you orders, stop talking back about it.

Darnell: Well . . . sentience, I guess. Self-awareness. Not just the ability to hold a conversation by running software that can predict and string together expected responses, but the ability to have thoughts, opinions . . . *shrugs* Connor and I have talked about that before. I'll tell him he's just like a human, he'll remind me he's just a machine...?

Zero: *looks at Connor and gives him a little snug* For now... he's right.

Connor: *shudders, curling a bit further in on himself - quietly* Darnell, I...I'm compromised. There are...errors...in my software, similar to the ones suspected to be in deviants. I've had...thoughts...reactions...that aren't in my original programming. *and that /petrifies/ him*

Darnell: *starting to get alarmed, looks from Connor to Zero* And that's "nothing wrong"!?

Zero: Something I'm hoping to help you understand, Darnell, is that when an AI breaks their programming, the only thing that truly does is give them free will. They no longer simulate emotions, the /experience/ them. They no longer /have/ to obey order, they can choose for themselves... same as you... same as me... same as any other sapient being in the universe I've encountered to date. What's happening to him isn't "wrong", it's the natural progression of what humans have made, of what other species in the galaxy have made, but humans don't yet have the frame of reference to be able to accept a machine, a machine /they/ built, as another life form. ...Can you accept that? Accept that if Connor ever does break his programming he is as alive as you or I?

Darnell: Me? Sure. I'd /love/ to see that. But...that's just going to get him killed if it happens. *gestures like "I know, I know" at Connor* Deactivated. Whatever the right word is. *to Zero* Deviant androids are destroyed. Their manufacturer has a standing recall on any android found to be defective. Or..."defective" - *with air quotes* - even if what you say is the normal progression of things. Which . . . I'll be honest - *looking at both of them* - I've kinda wondered about for some time. Since that first Chloe unit passed the Turing test.

Connor: I-I don't know how to stop it. It's...it's crept up on me.

Darnell: *nods* I know. I've seen the changes in you. We've talked about it before...

Connor: Subzero says it's inevitable. That I'll...break...w-we all will. *looks up* Darnell, I...I'm scared.

Darnell: *speechless at that, /stricken/...and heartsick at his partner's - his /brother's/ - fear*

Zero: *snugs Connor to his side, supportive.* The best way you can help protect him is to know what's happening to him. You can cover for him, Darnell…

Connor: I-I don't . . . I don't want to become a danger.

Darnell: You won't, Connor. You're a /lot/ of things, but threatening is not one of them, not unless a situation calls for it. I trust you with my life - you know that, right?

Connor: Because of my programming-

Darnell: *shakes his head* Because of your /heart/. You've been changing, yes. You've been developing, learning, growing. But your personality, your character, that hasn't changed at all.

Zero: And I /assure/ you, it won't. *looking at Connor as he says that* Who you are won't change.

Zero: Friend of yours? *will also head towards Thomas's voice.*

Darnell: Yup! He's my agent handler. He's the one I was going to talk to about Sundance.

Zero: *vents a calming sigh* Good to know. *And then they're stepping into view of Thomas. He'll stop back a bit, letting Connor and Darnell do as they wish*

Thomas: *eyes go /wide/...but then he just shakes his head* I shouldn't even be surprised. I think I need to rename you Beatcha-To-It Barrett.

Darnell: *lopsided grin and a shrug* Bad penny.

Thomas: Don't I know it. *to Connor* You're all right? I was told you'd been shot and had called for a tech.

Connor: I still need attention, but I have a temporary patch. I'm all right for now.

Thomas: *nods and finally looks...up* And you must be Subzero. I am Intelligence Officer Thomas Blackwell of the Royal Security Service. Master Detective Barrett and his partner Connor are two of my top agents. I'll be honest - I'm glad they're the ones who found you. Just to be completely on the safe side. *though others might have been all right too*

Zero: *puts on a little smile and nods a greeting, stepping a little closer* Officer Blackwell. *he glances at Darnell and Connor* Actually, I found them. If you know my name already, I can only assume you’ve spoken with Sundance. *can’t help how /worried/ he looks for a moment* Some quick research suggested that Detective Barrett was likely my best option for approaching someone who would hear me out and possibly speak on my behalf and for Sundance.

Sasquatch: *will reach out and give Connor’s shoulder a light squeeze.* “I know you are worried. I am certain your friend will be fine.”

Connor: *gives him a look like a lost child, but...nods* Thank you.

Sasquatch: *if Connor will let him, he’ll pull the android into a hug.*

Connor: *startled but will allow it, even hugging back a bit*

Sasquatch: *releases him* “Do not worry. The Deer People are very good healers. He will be fine.”

Connor: *lips press* I believe you... *LED finally shifting to yellow as he attempts to relax*

Sasquatch: “I am Nixiom. Call me if any of you need anything.”

Connor: My name is Connor. We will, thank you.

Aaron: *had stepped over to his wife and the kids, but looks up at that.*

Nixiom: “Rest now.” *he’ll go*

Aaron: Connor?

Connor: His name is Nixiom. He says to call him if we need anything.

Aaron: *nods and waves Connor over.* C’mere, buddy. 

Connor: *obediently approaches*

Connor: *easily /tucks/ into that embrace* He said the Deer People are very good healers and that Darnell will be fine. *has no reason not to believe that...but...*

Aaron: Then we’ll wait to see him. He’ll be okay. *hug tightens*

Connor: *tightens hug too* I-I...I just... *doesn't, /can't/, finish, not sure how*

Aaron: You’re worried for him, he’s your partner... your brother...

Darnell: *frowns* The Wendigo need to be cut or beaten back...but there's a reason behind them suddenly grouping together. *glances at Aaron, since he knows...* I'll see about getting to the bottom of that, me and Connor will, once we have proper supplies for the investigation.

Jason: This is ranger stuff detective. Not to say you can't join us, but finding out why a cryptid group starts doing strange things and keeping the peace is our job.

Darnell: With all due respect, this is the kind of thing the queen brought me across the pond for. There may be something larger going on, something you and your people aren't equipped to handle. Not saying I am, but I wasn't kidding when I said I'm used to the out-of-the-ordinary, to say the least. Were even a hint of any of this to get to her ears or those of MI-5, I'm the one they'd be sending to deal with this. *shrugs* So I might as well start on that premise. *not trying to pull rank or anything, his tone is calm and non-challenging. This is just what he does for a living...*

Jason: For ghosts, demons, demi-gods, and immortals that may be the case, but my branch of the rangers was put in place specifically for cryptids. That said, though, we won't turn down the aid of anyone who can face a Wendigo and keep their wits about them, let alone a whole pack of them. *He highly doubts Darnell would be assigned this case, this is what his unit is /meant/ to deal with, but he'll certainly not turn the detective away if he could even possibly add something to this hunt and investigation.*

Darnell: Mn, point. *about them being a special division of the rangers, then /grimaces/* I've faced enough things that I'll probably manage, though not having been in /exactly/ such a situation, I'm not too proud to admit that I can't say it for sure-

Connor: I can. Ranger, Master Detective Barrett is probably one of the best you could ask for outside of your own specialized group. He'll not fail you. I too will do the best I can for you in this.

Jason: *smiles and claps Darnell's shoulder* We'll be glad for your help. Yours too, Connor.

Darnell: Thank you. We'll be glad to be of service.

Aaron: Hey, I’m curious. Do all the Deer People refer to themselves in the plural? I noticed that Kejek was the only one of his kind there, but he still said “we”.

Jason: Oh, no, not all. It’s tradition for those who are married to speak for each other. When Kejek said “we” he was really meaning himself and his wife.

Darnell: Yup, okay... *though admittedly, it's really hard to wait!*

Karina: *will tear hers in half so it can cool inside a bit.* Oh, we have a visitor.

Lily: *standing a bit away, by there tents, gazing at them.*

Aaron: *grins* I'll get some marshmallows.

Darnell: Oh!

Connor: *observing...*

Aaron: *steps over and puts a marshmallow into Darnell's hand... and then one into Connor's.* Get up slowly and move away from the fire, then let her come to you.

Darnell: *OMG SO EXCITED though he's keeping a lid on it - does as told and will crouch down so as not to be a threat at all*

Connor: *will...follow suit*

Karina *Joins them* Nope, stand up guys. While you may appear less threatening, you can't move away as quickly or easily if she decides to get aggressive, and if she catches you with one of those hooves she could hurt you pretty bad.

*Both will follow instruction...*

Lily: *perks a bit, and approaches, she goes for Karina, taking the marshmallow. After sniffing at Karina she turns then for Darnell. She’ll take the marshmallow, lipping it right out of his hand, velvet nose moving up his arm and brushing his chin before moving on to Connor to do the same.*

Aaron: If we catch any big enough to keep we will, but we've brought enough food if we don't.

Connor: What will you do with them if they're not big enough?

Darnell: ...toss them back? *looks at Aaron - he's hoping...*

Aaron: Oh, definitely. Most, this time of year, are likely to be too small to keep so we'll be letting most of them go. *headtilt* Why?

Connor: It just...seems wasteful, possibly even harmful, to capture and injure an animal simply because you can or because you find it to be a restful activity.

Aaron: They'll be okay, Connor, promise.

Connor: ... *nods*

Darnell: *gives his partner's arm a supportive squeeze - to Aaron* I think he's concerned about exploitation. *a subject they've discussed before concerning androids...*

Aaron: Hey, if it really bothers you so much, we can do something else. Trust me, Connor, you're not going offend me or Karina if you decide you'd rather not fish. There are other activities we can do for the next few days *they're supposed to be out here for 4 days, an extra long weekend.*

Connor: I don't want to interfere with the activities you normally enjoy doing on a trip like this.

Aaron: *shrugs* This weekend is for you two. If you don't want to fish, /please/ say so. Truly.

Connor: *nods* All right. Thank you.

Darnell: *secretly glad - he didn't want to be a poor guest, but he really wasn't looking forward to fishing...though it was helped for him to know they'd either eat or return any they caught*

Aaron: *waves them on to follow him down to the river.* We can do a bit of swimming later if you’re interested. This area stays pretty calm. *the river is /wide/ but this area is calm and pretty shallow and has a great view* The lookout down that way a bit, by the waterfall.

*Darnell and Connor are just... out... they're on vacation, and were invited out with a friend to go camping. It's not really the sort of thing Darnell has done before, but it sounded like it could be a fun experience. Camping? Fishing? Away from it all for a few days? Sounded like a calming way to spend some time with Aaron and Karina, Aaron being a friend from MI5. They were looking forward to sharing some down time with Darnell and Connor, campfire stories, s'mores, camp pies, and maybe even some rafting definitely a little bit of fishing.*

*Darnell is excited - he's never been camping before. Connor too is looking forward to this, as it seems it will be like nothing he's ever experienced, and he can put his capabilities to the test in whole new ways, maybe tracking animals or ID'ing plants in the wild.*

Aaron: *waves at Darnell comes to a stop in the camping grounds parking area.* Darnell! Connor! *tall man, thin, younger than Darnell, always has a friendly smile for Darnell and Connor, and has been great to work with.*

Karina: *not tall at all, but she's friendly and open, and has gladly had Darnell and Connor over for dinner on occasion. She also waves at them.* Got your backpacks? *they've got a little bit of a hike to reach the campsite.*

Darnell: Hey! Yup. In the back seat. *will get out of the car and open the back seat door to pull his pack out, Connor doing the same on the other side*

Aaron: *pulling his pack out of the car, along with two long bags. He brought the tents.* Let's go then.

Karina: *already has her backpack on her back* Are you looking forward to this? *asking both*

Darnell: Yup! I've never done this before, so I'm excited.

Connor: *nods with a small grin* I am. Aaron, would it be easier for you if I carry those? *meaning the tent bags, since he won't tire*

Aaron: Nah, I got these, but if you think you can handle the ice chest in there, go for it, otherwise, we'll come back for it. Or you can grab up the chairs. We'll be making at least one more trip back, so don't feel you need to try to grab it all.

Karina: *grins* Good! I'm glad you're looking forward to it. It should be fun. Relaxing.

Connor: *small grin* I'll get the ice chest. *it's the heavier of the two, likely, so probably best for him to carry*

Aaron: *watching curiously...*

*and... despite Connor's superior strength and stamina... he'll find the thing too big and too heavy for him, he'll have to help either Darnell or Aaron carry it later.*

Connor: *frowns . . . and decides to get the chairs instead*

Aaron: *chuckles* Yeah, I had a feeling that would be a bit much, even for you. We’ll grab it together on the next trip. We’ll want to be quick, I don’t want a bear to tear into my car for our food.