Fandom Do Androids Dream of Electric Hearts?

[LadyOfStars]

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“Tonight, our news segment will explore the inherent danger posed by deviants.”

“Deviants frequently encounter periods of stress as a result of glitches in their programming, enabling them to replicate human emotions. Unfortunately, this unpredictability is a consequence of infected programming. Heed caution.”

The warnings continue to appear repeatedly, dominating every screen, whether it's a television, laptop, computer, or any other device with streaming capabilities. It’s spelt out in red letters, warnings, flashing errors that seep deep into the digital text and the foreboding that comes with it: deviants are dangerous. The presence of such mistrust has caused a deep divide within Detroit, turning it into a hotbed of chaos and turmoil. Who can be trusted?

–

Jericho encapsulates a fusion of different feelings, concepts, and thoughts. It’s an amalgamation strung under a thatched roof and a metal-bellied floor. Yet it’s the one searing hope that androids and humans can have together, the sterling cloud in the sky of grey and the approaching storm. It is the sole means of salvation that exists between the opposing boundaries of Détroit and the limitless influence of cyber life. The only source that presents a small reprieve, a chance, and perhaps the centre of a rebellion that is slowly coming to fruition.

However, amidst the hopeful compound, there is an underlying uneasiness. The humans are burdened by the scarcity of resources, while the androids are suffocated by the lack of progression. But a mission looms ahead, with a small group needing to venture into Detroit for much-needed supplies and brace themselves for the tantalizing games that Cyberlife will taunt with them. An additional group will have to stay behind to ensure the safety of Jericho.

Although there was no designated leader for the compound, Jasper occasionally assumed the role of spokesperson, delivering missions from the heart of Jericho. He observed a multitude of tents, a wide array of miscellaneous items, and the sporadic presence of people interspersed throughout. Androids were migrating closer to the front, pensive and wariness bleeding into every robotic joint. Humans were more fluid, but no less tense between the metallic bodies. Jasper, in fact, was an android—specifically, a domestic android whose previous occupation as a janitor made him ill-suited for the responsibilities now bestowed upon him. Yet nobody was else willing to step up right now, to be the one to voice the obvious and sometimes speak the bad news. “We find ourselves in a precarious situation with severely limited stocks of Thirium, food, and protection. Jericho will not last much longer without it— I don’t want to ruin anyone’s day. We need teams that are prepared to go to Detroit and gather what we need for everyone.” There was no need for Jasper to visually search for the tension that was spreading throughout the crowd. While some people agreed, others held the belief that androids were dishonest and humans were untrustworthy. It was a cycle, darkening the various faces, and the crowd was thinning in whatever peace was keeping them rooted. A delicate balance.

“To guarantee the survival of Jericho and maintain peace, we need a separate team to stay behind.” To make sure nobody views this as an opportunity? It went unsaid, but his warning was clear between the spotty use of his vowels and Jasper wished he didn’t need to do this.

 

[Specialist]

LOC: DCPD, Deployment/Briefing Room 1

CND: 100%

INT/MNT: N/A (intro post)
​

The news anchor launched into her report with a signature sing-song cadence; her voice artificially loudened as the TV's speakers blanketed her sound throughout the modestly sized conference room. Her words, even if read through a teleprompter, carried a candor that had set the nation on edge since December of last year: androids within Detroit were beginning to deviate from their programming on their own volition- disobeying orders from their Human owners, with some even lashing out in violent attacks. Though it was stated there had been no confirmed fatalities, the thinned staff of the DPD and Detroit's increasing crime rate had left the department unable to respond to the swath of calls coming in by the dozens each day. Half of the department's personnel, about 20 or so officers, sat in silent rows of five as they solemnly listened to the news. CyberLife had been pressed for comment, yet it was unlikely anyone was going to get anything more than a standard boilerplate response while the company went into full damage control. With a pause in her report, the TV's power was cut as the screen abruptly faded to black as the department chief strode into view seconds later. Clearing his throat, the man leaned against his desk as he faced his officers.

"Alright everyone, thank you for your attendance. This brief is going to be done in two parts, so please pay attention and do your best to keep an open mind. What you've just seen is one of many reports coming in over the past few days regarding androids beginning to turn against their own programming- becoming 'deviant' due to corruptions within the software. At least that's what the consensus is for the time being until CyberLife comes out and says otherwise. We're bound to start getting calls regarding deviant androids, and because of how short staffed we've been for the last several months, these calls are to be answered with a higher priority within reason. I don't want you taking off during a felony traffic stop just to assist in finding one of these deviants, and I sure as hell don't want you going alone either. From now on, you'll be assigned a partner on your shift- any disagreements or drama I expect you to leave at the door with whoever you're paired with, no exceptions. Furthermore, our procedures will remain the same with a few alterations. Verbals commands to ensure compliance is your top priority, but if you encounter resistance where your life or the life if your partner is in danger, lethal force is authorized. If they're going to run, then let them run. They may look fragile, but they're faster and stronger than us. Don't let them close the distance for any reason other than restraint. Lastly, be prepared for anything. We don't know how this infection spreads, how many are affected, or what exactly the signs of deviance are. Now, on to the second part."

The chief took a moment to breathe finishing his opening address, before clasping his hands at his waist and looking over to the door with a short nod. As the shadow of a figure trailed with smooth precision from the other side of the frosted glass and made its way to the door, the chief gave a soft smile as he turned back to the sea of faces. "Everyone, I'd like you to welcome the newest addition to our team sent to us by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Her name is Lilith, and she'll be joining to assist us on this matter indefinitely." Upon the conclusion of his speech, the chief turned back to the door as it opened to reveal a slender, fair-complexioned woman with short black hair and blue eyes dressed in a casual suit uniform. The police chief applauded her entrance, joined by six more officers on the other side of the room. The remaining officers cast a mixture of confused, displeased, and downright hostile glances and glares directed at the android as she angled her head to look at the assembly of personnel within the room. Whether or not she read the expressions was unclear as she turned back to lean over and shake the man's hand before standing beside the chief at a rested posture. Remaining completely silent, the chief looked over at the group and let out a resigned sigh. "I was hoping you would show a little more appreciation for our newest addition, but I don't hold it against any of you. These are desperate times, and the department's recruitment shortages and reluctance from other city departments to transfer officers has been eating away at us for a while. Lilith here was designed to assist us in our shortcomings, and with this new threat, we're lucky to have all the help we can get."

At the front of the row, one of the younger officer's hands raised. He looked expectantly toward the chief as his eyes repeatedly flicked to Lilith; his index finger tapping relentlessly against his waist. "Chief?" The weathered senior snapped his gaze over, and waved away his earlier exception regarding questions as he nodded toward the man. "Shoot." The officer relaxed momentarily, lowering his hand back to his side as he spoke up. "T-two things, actually. One for Lillith. First- I don't mean this offensively, but what's she got that's better than a few extra PC200's and PM700's?" The chief mused with a hum, before looking over at the android and nodding to her. "I believe Lilith can answer for herself." Lilith had her eyes trained on the seated man since he addressed her, soon speaking up in a light and smooth tone of voice. "The PC200 and PM700 models are, respectively, only suited for light guard duties and patrols within established sectors. They are not designed with complex investigations in mind, and are summarily incapable of responding to unforseen situations. Although I am not part of law enforcement, I am tasked with dealing with these so-called 'deviant' androids and assisting officers when the need arises as an attachè of the FBI. Does that answer your question?" Lilith asked with a smile, causing the officer to emit a nervous laugh. "Not really, just makes more questions. Uhm.. last one. What if you become deviant?"

Miliseconds after the man's question had left his lips, the LED on her head flickered from its pale white into a soft beige; returning to its default hue as she shook her head. "My core functionality is to assist and safeguard Human lives against threats that would see them harm. Androids are created to serve a wide variety of functions under Human instruction. Anything otherwise independent or outside of core functionality and tasking, including deviance, is a process I am incapable of doing. Deviant androids are most likely suffering from faults within their neural matrices, and until CyberLife understands what exactly is happening to them, it is best that they are treated as malfunctioning and analyzed at both the software and hardware level. Does that answer your question?"

"Well-"

Before the officer could get another question out, the chief stopped him with an outstretched hand. "I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to ask Lilith questions, but I don't want you taking the whole meeting. As for you Lilith, please wait outside for a few minutes while I finish things up here. There's a bench to the right of the door on your way out." Lilith nodded, pivoting on her heel and moving out of the room as she turned toward the wooden bench and took a seat. As the door clicked close, Lilith folded her hands in her lap and idly glanced around the department as she took to idly watching the figures who came and left the station. This was truly a bizarre situation indeed, but at the end of the day she was going to see it through no matter what.

 

[LadyOfStars]

Johnathan Cooke

"Damn it Jasper..." There were no good days in Jericho, just days where you were still alive and days where you were afraid of what the tin cans in the next room were up to. That was Johnathan's experience anyway. Spending days looking over his shoulder for the killer android was not what he had in mind when he finally joined the audacious Jericho. but here he was, a scout for the base of operations.

As people, and others, shuffled from their current activities, summoned by the would-be leader, Johnathan made his way to the back of the crowd, where he could see everyone and everything. He listened half-heartedly to what the bot was saying while his eyes scanned the crowd for his human companions, watching over them with paranoia and shallow courage. But he heard Jasper mention going to get resources for Jericho and he felt...slighted. "We've got scouts, why not come ask us?!" He shouted out under the anonymity offered by the size of the crowd and his position in it.

This was probably some show of power for Jasper; calling everyone together and watching them do as they were told let everyone know and confirmed that he was in control. Johnathan hated that all the positions of leadership and power seemed to be held by androids, but he had to admit that Jasper was not the worst of them.



Vivian Millay

From a catwalk overhead, the small pitter patter of metallic paws repeated in rhythmic steps behind the clanking of designer shoes across the metal grating. Vivian and Kieran found themselves a nice spot, from which they could observe the crowd and watch the humans in it. He had a general disdain for sinful cretins and if it were up to him they'd never have set foot inside this little sanctuary, but that choice was beyond his power. As Android and Human Liaison his main responsibility was ensuring both groups had their fair share of Jericho, whether that was in the form of resources or space, jobs or influence. From time to time he also handled disputes between the two groups and though he was known for his dislike of humans, he was also known to be fair and impartial.

All that was at risk of going away however; someone, a human no doubt, had meddled with Kieran's hardware and stolen from the cat his literal voice. The mechanical feline was Vivian's whole world and to know that someone tampered with him so boldly...that sent his core into overdrive. He wasn't friends with any of the humans, but he knew enough about the individuals after spending time listening to their complaints, finding them proper roles to fill, or helping them get what they needed. He knew few of them had the know how to do what had been done to Kieran and fewer still had a use for such equipment.

When Jasper mentioned dwindling stores of Thirium, Vivian scoffed and looked to Kieran just before he ran his hand over the feline's cold head. Jasper was a good face for leadership, as far as motives went. He was an Android from a normally unpleasant job so humans could relate to him, but he was no leader, which showed when someone abruptly called out from the crowd. Likely a scout taking it personal, very likely a human with a bruised ego. He continued to watch the meeting in silence.