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p3ski · 5 months

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Pairing: RK900/Gavin Reed

Tags: Post Pacifist Ending, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Eventual Smut, Angst, Hurt/Comfort

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Summary: A lot has changed since the revolution. Crimes against androids are now punished in the same way as crimes against humans. A reluctant Gavin Reed and his new partner RK900 have been assigned to investigate a string of disturbing murders. Despite the shift in Detroit's social climate, Gavin still holds reservations about whether or not androids are truly alive. Will his developing feelings for 'Nines' be the thing to change this?

Warnings: Graphic Violence, Depression/Self Destructive Behaviour, Eventual Smut

Word Count: 3.1K

Arriving early in the morning, the front lobby of Cedars Motel was empty. It was likely a down period, with most patrons still asleep or yet to arrive. However, judging from the Reception's outdated decor and the noticeably mildewed walls, Gavin suspected it saw little traffic even at the best of times.

There was nothing to fill the space except some sparsely placed furniture. A set of worn, moth-eaten armchairs framed a single rickety coffee table. There was an electric display board in the corner of the room, cycling ads for casinos and low-rent strip clubs. Beneath the board was a metal rack filled to the brim with dirty magazines.

Gavin found his attention captured by a particularly shameless image. Two androids – one male, one female – dressed in matching lingerie and knelt on the floor, tongues extended. Their glazed eyes stared wantonly up at the reader. Curiously, he picked up the magazine and swept his finger across the display, to which an article title appeared:

"Your girlfriend's jaw might get tired – but ours won't!"

Why Android Sex Is Still The Best

Gavin let out a snort. He wasn't a prude by any means, but something about nudie mags in public had always struck him as uncomfortable. While innocuous in the places you would expect, like adult stores, he couldn't understand perusing a supermarket for something you could see online for free. In the year 2039, it seemed more than a little redundant.

"Our perp certainly has some refined taste. Classy digs, don't you think?"

The longer Gavin scrolled, however, the more he was beginning to feel...intrigued. He'd never really indulged in android porn, having had little desire to do so, but now that he was seeing it firsthand, he could certainly appreciate the aesthetics.

Machines meticulously detailed to appear human - but far too perfect to actually be real. Like pornstars airbrushed to oblivion, coupled with the stamina and dexterity of Olympic gymnasts. There were positions he had never seen before. Didn't even think were possible –

"I would advise that you close your mouth, Detective," Nines said suddenly.

Gavin stalled in his movements. He looked up from the screen, shooting his partner an accusatory glare. "Are you seriously telling me to shut up? I barely said anything."

"I wasn't suggesting that you 'shut up,' although it would certainly be a bonus if you chose to do so. I just fear you will have to pay for that item if you continue to soak it with your drool."

Having been thoroughly called out and feeling more than a little embarrassed, Gavin placed the magazine back on the shelf. "Great, you've got jokes now, just what I need." He did his best to ignore the rising heat burning his face but was helped little by Nines' smug expression. "Let's just find the owner of this dump so we can get the hell out of here."

"I would agree it is best to limit your exposure to our current surroundings." Nines ran its fingers along the crumbling drywall before sealing them with its lips. The digits were held for only a moment before being quickly retracted. "There is a dangerous level of mold in this room. The spores could be hazardous to your health."

Gavin was tempted to make a comment on his twenty-a-day smoking habit (or the myriad of other unhealthy life choices) but decided against it. Nines seemed to be in a good mood. Or, at the very least, was behaving less like an asshole than usual. He didn't feel like disturbing the peace with another tired lecture.

Nines strode with purpose towards the Reception desk and quickly scoped the call bell amongst a sea of trash and paperwork. It pressed down on the sensor, to which a shrill chime echoed throughout the room. The two of them waited pensively, watching the door behind the desk, before realizing that no one was coming to greet them.

With a frustrated twitch of its brow, Nines pressed the button again. Firmer and more prolonged.

"Detroit Police Department," It spoke in a firm, authoritative tone but was barely audible over the noise.

"Whoever's hiding back there, they're deaf," Gavin remarked, holding his hands over his ears. "That thing is loud as fuck."

Just then, there was a soft shuffling of footsteps from behind the door. It swung open, and a wiry-looking man peered slowly around the corner. His appearance perfectly complemented the stuffy surroundings, with yellowed skin and frail bones jutting through a dirty sweater.

"Apologies for the wait, sirs. I must have dozed off," Bleary eyes trailed clumsily from behind a pair of thick-rimmed glasses, darting between Gavin and Nines. "Are you looking for a room? I have a King Size left. Great rates."

"Detroit Police Department," Nines repeated, clearly intent on not wasting time, "Officer RK900, Serial Number 313 248 317 – 87, and Detective Gavin Reed."

"Oh, right, of course," The man pursed his lips before lightly clearing his throat. "Are you looking for a room...officers?"

The silence that followed was legendary. Nines stared back at the man blankly - while Gavin openly gaped. Evidently, the place saw little business from anything other than booty calls. Still, Gavin couldn't help but wonder how someone could be so hopelessly oblivious.

"Mr. Walter Andrews," Nines was leaning forward now, face inches from the perspex divider. Reaching into its side pocket, it pulled out its badge and flashed it plainly. "Your assessment of this situation is deeply misguided. We have no interest in a room; we are here on professional matters."

The man, who Gavin now knew to be Walter, retreated from the encroaching android. His face turned pale with mortification "...I-I am very sorry to have caused offense. I thought perhaps you were doing a role-play and wanted me to go along with it. It happens more often than you'd think. I didn't actually think you were –."

"TMI, buddy," Gavin cut him off, pinching the bridge of his nose. "We want to know if anyone suspicious checked in on the night of January 13th. Think you can help us with that?"

"Well...most of the folks who check in here are a little suspicious," Walter let out a shaky chuckle before quickly tensing up. "Nothing illegal about it, mind you. Drunk businessmen and ladies of the night. That kind of thing."

"Prostitution is not permissible in Michigan, so the arrangements you have just described are indeed illegal," Nines corrected, straightening its back. "Not that it is of immediate concern. The individual we are looking for would have been alone. Do you have any check-in records that we may review?"

"Well, yes, of course, I do...but I wouldn't usually share them. Customer confidentiality and all," Walter adjusted his glasses nervously, pursing his lips. "Mind telling me what this is about, officers?"

"It concerns a homicide. This information may be critical in assisting us in our investigation, and your cooperation is appreciated."

"Homicide? As in a murder?" Walter spluttered out, holding his chest. "I haven't heard anything about that. Is it public knowledge?"

"The story has been broadcasted on several networks."

"Was it a man? A woman? God, my niece Julie would've been out that day. She's only eighteen and such a dainty thing. It just kills me to think that something might have happened –"

"Mr. Andrews," Nines interrupted, sounding a little annoyed. Its words fell on deaf ears, however, as the man persisted on.

"I'm looking at a screen most days and nights. Except when I'm checking guests in. Or when I'm driving Julie back home. She helps out with the cleaning on Fridays, you see. I would think that I would have heard if something like that had -"

"It was an android," Nines said firmly, ending the man's inane ramblings. "The records, please."

"Oh. Oh yes," Walter mumbled, voice growing unusually muted. He had a far-off look about him as if he were too uncomfortable to say much else. "Well, that's a shame, isn't it? I mean... it's very sad." He then looked to Gavin desperately - as if seeking some form of reassurance or guidance.

When he received nothing in return, the man meekly turned his attention to the underside of his desk. After some searching, he retrieved a tattered leather sign-in book. He dusted it off and slid it over to Nines for examination.

The android wasted no time flicking through the pages, scanning for the relevant dates. When located, it began trailing its gaze down the list of names, LED flickering in time with its blinks.

Gavin left his partner to it, reclining against the side of the desk. To his dismay, Walter appeared to take this as an invitation to engage in conversation, eagerly tilting forward. "So, are the two of you partners?"

"Unfortunately."

"Have you been working together long?"

"About a week," Gavin deadpanned. He was suddenly desperate for a smoke break. Or a drink. "So long enough."

Before Walter could bombard him with any more unwanted questions, Nines' head snapped upwards - as if caught on a pulley.

"He was here."

"You're shitting me," Gavin ran over to his partner, pulling the book towards him and studying it closely. "The guy was seriously dense enough to use 'Thod Graws' in two places?"

"While he didn't use the same name, he may as well have done," Nines snatched the book back, holding it up to the divider and directing Walter with its finger. "Do you remember this man?"

Walter peered forward, eyes squinted in concentration. "Who, Hans? He was a strange one. I couldn't get two words out of the guy. Paid with cash and went straight to his room."

"Do you remember what he looked like?" Nines pressed on. "This may be of crucial importance. I implore you to think carefully."

"It was raining that night. He came in wearing a hood and refused to pull it down. I asked if he had ID, but he said he'd left it at home. I never got a good look at his face."

Gavin folded his arms. "Let me guess. He was wearing a black raincoat?"

"Why yes, I think so, but how did you -"

"Psychic," The detective retrieved a notepad from his jacket and began scribbling notes, "Who was on the desk the following morning? Anyone who might have seen him check out?"

"Well, I was here all day, but..." Walter pointed a crooked finger to a mail chute just by the window. "I have a drop box for early morning checkouts. Got to sleep sometime, you know?"

Son of a bitch. "Does anybody else work here, or is it just you?"

"I mean, there's Julie. I did tell you about Julie, right?"

Goddamn it.

"She's a lovely girl, always helping me out. Going to college in September. Sharp as a tack that one, I could ask if maybe she saw –"

"You know what, never mind," Gavin shook his head dismissively, putting his notebook away. He felt as though he might collapse from the undue stress that Walter was causing him.

"Would you have any CCTV records from the night in question?" Nines said, eager to steer the conversation back on course.

"I've got the one camera up there," Walter pointed to the wall above the main entrance. "I'm warning you, though, it's grainy as sin. You can't make out anything but blurs and squiggles. I'm not sure what good it'll be."

"Regardless of its quality, a copy of the footage would be appreciated. We can take it for analysis and see for ourselves if there is anything of interest."

"Well, I wouldn't know how to make a copy of that, but I can give it a go. Never got to grips with this newfangled technology. Let alone everything being automated. If you ask me, it just makes it more confusing."

Nines held up its hand, synthetic skin slowly retracting. "If you could show me the hub, I would be able to download the data for myself."

"Why yes, I forgot that you, uh, that androids, could do that," Walter nodded quietly before opening up a panel on the side of his desk, beckoning Nines forward. "This way, please."

Once they had left the motel, Gavin let out a shameless groan, his breath swirling in front of him. He had failed to realize how warm the Reception had been - as the freezing temperature outside hit him full tilt.

There was a reason he couldn't stand early mornings, especially in the winter. He placed his hands under his armpits, hugging them tight. "So much for a quick in and out. If I had to hear another word about 'lovely Julie,' I was going to blow fucking my brains out."

"Perhaps you were too dismissive. This Julie could have been a valuable witness."

"That seems pretty unlikely," Gavin shot back.

"I don't know, Detective. I hear she's rather sharp."

Gavin glanced at his partner, waiting for some sort of smartass elaboration. When he realized it was, in fact, kidding, he let out a soft chuckle. "Seriously, did you download a sense of humor? Because you are full of them today."

Nines shrugged, feigning obliviousness, "Nothing I have said has been in jest. I am simply being transparent."

"Surprised that you didn't rip that guy a new one the second he started spewing useless bullshit. I thought you were designed to intimidate."

"I was designed to intimidate criminals, not harass civilians. Well, that, and also to - " Nines stopped itself. Its relaxed demeanor abruptly vanished, LED cycling to red. It looked intensely uncomfortable. As if it had been close to revealing something deeply personal.

"...Nines?" Gavin waved a hand in front of the android, who continued to stare fixedly ahead. It had gone into autopilot, body moving in staggered motions and its expression drained of vibrance. "You're not glitching on me, are you?"

This triggered some sort of response. The androids' LED showed glimpses of yellow - before slowly returning to blue, "I am not. My diagnostics indicate that I am functioning normally."

"Right," Gavin said back, entirely unconvinced. "Are you sure? You seem a little twitchy."

"If I was experiencing a fault that may inhibit this investigation, I would certainly be aware of it," Its voice was strained, almost defensive. "Perhaps it is best we focus on that rather than the intricacies of my program, which I can assure are beyond your comprehension.

"Jesus, okay, touchy much?" Gavin whistled, scowling deeply. Just when Nines was starting to behave like less of a machine, it seemed to default back to its shitty factory settings. "If you wanna talk business, what did you mean when you said our perp 'may as well' have used the same name? Because I checked those sign-ins and I didn't see anything close to a 'Thod Graws'."

"Our culprit is fond of codes. He uses them rather liberally," Nines closed its eyes, accessing its data banks. Seemingly unaware, or unconcerned, with Gavin's sarcasm. "His preferred method for alias generation appears to be anagrams. When reordered, Thod Graws translates to 'Gods Wrath'. This new name, Hans Stiver, has similar connotations."

Gavin pondered on this. He took his notebook back out to draw up its musings. Tongue curled with concentration, he struck out a few combinations, but to no avail. When Gavin eventually did decipher the code, his heart sank.

"Holy shit, you're right", He muttered, staring at the paper intently. Making sure he wasn't mistaken, "...Your computer brain got anything for that gibberish from the other day? The weird binary shit?"

"It wasn't binary. Had it been, I would have deciphered it instantaneously" Nines appeared somewhat vexed, its lips taut in a thin line. "Truthfully, I am uncertain of the system used. While I possess advanced deductive capabilities, code decryption is not one of my primary functions. An oversight on CyberLife's part, perhaps."

"Yeah, I'll say", Gavin lamented, throwing up his hands. "What kind of detective bot doesn't have a built-in code breaker?"

"At any rate, it may take me a little longer, but I am confident I will crack it soon."

"I guess we can add 'religious nutjob' to the suspect profile, anyway. Hell of a lot else we've got to go on."

"I wouldn't suggest that we have nothing."

Gavin frowned at his partner bitterly. "What are you, fucking high?"

"I am incapable of getting high", Nines began to explain. Seemingly unaware, or unconcerned, with Gavin's sarcasm "They have let to effectively replicate the effects of human narcotics on androids, although I do hear Thirium-based alcohol is beginning to -"

"You knew what I meant, jackass. Just face it - we've got no DNA, no reliable witnesses, and no more leads to follow" Gavin kicked a pebble across the sidewalk. "Unless that footage is of our suspect waving to the camera and holding up a signed confession, this feels like another dead end."

"Perhaps not" Nines, who had been quietly scoping the surrounding area, pointed to a small store across the road. Following its direction, Gavin caught a glimpse of a peeling wooden sign, which read 'Mikey's Phones and Electronics' in bold red font:

"We can assume that our culprit used a burner phone when they arranged the HR400's services. He would have needed to purchase the SIM somewhere, as well as the phone itself. How convenient that a store nearby could provide him exactly what he was looking for."

Gavin let out a tut, unconvinced by the android's reasoning. "Detroit is a big fucking city. They could have bought that SIM from anywhere - and even if we had a hunch, we'd have no way of tracing it. Thing is probably long gone."

"Maybe so, but the log we were able to collect of the suspect's call provided us with more than just a location. The phone used for the call was a 2013 Samsung S3. If it so happens that a phone of that model was purchased in that store, with a prepaid SIM included, in the days before the murder..."

"...It would seem like one hell of a tidy coincidence", Gavin conceded with a grumble. "Alright, tin-can, I'll bite. Guess it wouldn't hurt checking out: but if you're wrong about this, I'll fucking dismantle you."

"Duly noted," Nines remarked, nodding gently. "I would suggest we act quickly, however. We have failed to check in with Captain Fowler for quite some time. No doubt he'll be eager to receive an update."

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