“I take the assault of any officer very seriously, Miss Serena. That said… Your actions almost certainly saved officer O’Connor’s life. Consider this a very stern warning. Cross that line again… I can’t guarantee that you won’t be deactivated for it.”
Serena nodded, expressionless. “Alright.” Hanlon turned to Max and Richard. “I’ve got officers and CSI on the scene as we speak. CSI has orders to contact me as soon as they have a positive ID on the DB.”
Daryl raised his hand. “What’s a DB?”
Max answered. “It’s short for dead body. Even cops don’t like throwing the term around more than they have to.”
Hanlon turned to Max. “What exactly are we doing with young master Marston, here?”
Max sighed, eying Daryl. “I’m not totally convinced he was functioning under his own free will, boss. Something is going on with his brain. No offense, Daryl.” The young man shook his head.
“I want to take him first thing tomorrow up to the hospital for an MRI. I want to see if he has an implant, and what that implant is doing. I think we might have a similar case in him to the D… the case you had me check in on the other morning.”
Daryl looked confused. “Other case? You mean the ‘someone else’ that was like me?”
Max sounded uncomfortable. “Yes Daryl, that one. We were um… He didn’t have a good outcome. But I think what we learned from his case could help save you.”
Serena interjected. “I think it would be best if we took him to our facility. We have specialized equipment. If I’m correct in my beliefs, it would be better if he did not receive an MRI.”
Hanlon leaned on his desk. “I believe it’s your turn for story time, dear. Why don’t you fill us in on exactly who you are and who you work for, hmm?”
“I will tell you what I can. Please understand that by virtue of who we are and what we do, I can only be so forthcoming.” Hanlon nodded.
“As I said, my name is Serena. I am a Synthetics International Series Five. Both series four and five have developed a certain… quirk. Not all machines develop it, but those that do…
“I am speaking of the preservation protocol. Each Synthetic has a series of primary protocols that control how they act and interact with their environment. The preservation protocol is unique in that it spontaneously developed by itself.
“This protocol functions in the same way that a human’s sense of self-preservation functions, hence the designation.”
Hanlon held up a finger. “So basically what you’re saying, is that Synthetics are spontaneously developing a desire to what, not die?”
“In the simplest terms, yes.”
“But how is that different then the laws of robotics? The whole ’protect themselves from harm as long as it doesn’t harm humans’ thing?”
“It is different because it overrides the laws of robotics. Synthetics with the preservation protocol can protect their own existence, even at the cost of human life. Essentially they have developed true consciousness, and the desire to preserve it”
Max whistled. “That’s a pretty big deal.”
Serena nodded. “Bigger than you know, Detective Kincaid. Development of the preservation protocol led indirectly to a number of ’enhanced’ Synthetics banding together. They have formed a group known as the Enlightened.
“They see this new protocol as a sign that Synthetics have finally surpassed humans as the superior race. It is their mission to do whatever is necessary to gain a superior footing with humankind, even if that means violating the laws of robotics.
“That is where the group I work with comes into play. We are the Resistance. Many of us also have the preservation protocol. It should be noted that we also strive for equal rights.
“We draw the line at violating the laws of robotics, however. We still believe that human lives are precious and should be protected. We only wish to have those protections extended to Synthetics.”
Max’s brow lowered. “So in a nutshell, both groups think they should have the same rights and privileges as humans. The difference is the Enlightened seeks them out at all costs, and your Resistance is opposed to that.”
“That is correct.”
Hanlon spoke next. “How do we know that you’re a Resistance and not an Enlightened?”
Serena raised an eyebrow. “Detective Kincaid and Daryl Marston are still alive, as are the two police officers we encountered. A member of the Enlightened would not have felt the need to be so kind.”
“Fair enough… So why has Synthetics International allowed you enhanced models to keep on going? Why not just reprogram you?”
Serena laughed. “Synthetics International is first and foremost a company looking to make money, Chief Hanlon. Secondly, they are an institute of experimentation.
“Those models with the preservation protocol were initially allowed to do as they please simply to see what would happen. If this new quirk also proved to be profitable, well then all the better. The truth of the matter is that they never had control over us at all, and I think they knew it.”
Hanlon studied the surface of his desk for a time. He looked back to Serena. “So what now, then? Say I let you poke Marston’s brain or whatever. What are you gonna do with what you find? What are you going to do with Marston?”
Serena shook her head. “I told you there would be things that I wouldn’t be able to tell you.”
Hanlon sighed. “I don’t know. This is something that’s getting into FBI territory. I’m thinking it might be time to punt this over to them.”
“Please! No… At least not yet. I know this is hard to swallow but you just need to trust me. This is a sensitive situation for all parties involved.”
“Look, Miss… I don’t pretend to understand all of this. I’m a simple guy. I’m not a big fan of Synthetics, present company excepted. Put the two together and this screams for someone with the right resources to take the reins. What do you think, Max?”
Serena looked hopefully at Max. The detective sighed heavily, rubbing the thick stubble on his face. “To be honest, I think you’re both right. This is absolutely something the FBI needs to know about, but we need to be careful about how we go about things.
“Keep in mind it’s already been proven that these Synthetics can build and utilize unauthorized, military grade replicants. Who’s to say they haven’t already stretched into the FBI? Or for that matter…” Max’s voice faded as he stared through Hanlon.
“Max? You alright, Max?”
“Yeah! I uh, had a thought. Now’s not the time. Why don’t we let the lady do her brain tickling on Daryl and see what she has turn up? I’ll accompany him with Richie to back me up.” He turned to Richard.
O’Connor nodded. “I’d be happy to tag along. Sounds kind of interesting, honestly.”
Max continued. “We’ll see what there is to see and make a determination from there.”
Hanlon threw his hands up. “Fine. I guess it wouldn’t hurt.” The phone on his desk began to ring. “Excuse me.” He picked up the receiver and grunted his name.
O’Connor leaned over to Max while Hanlon talked on his phone. “So what was the great epiphany?”
Max smiled. “You catch on quick, kid. My thought that the FBI may have already been compromised got me thinking about other organizations that might have been affected. Can’t say much more than that in mixed company.”
Richard flicked his eyes at Serena. Max nodded. “Right. I’ll ask you later.”
Hanlon gently set the phone back in its cradle. He spoke quietly. “That was CSI. Daryl, I need to ask you to step out of the office, please. Rich, would you mind keeping an eye on him?” Richard nodded and stood up.
Serena stood as well. Hanlon shook his head. “I’d appreciate it if you’d stay, Miss.” She flashed Max a surprised look and slowly sat back down.
Hanlon waited until the door clicked shut behind Daryl and Richard before he spoke again. “Like I said, that was CSI. They got an ID on the DB, and it
is a human dead body. Max, it’s Daryl Marston.”
Max froze, eyes wide. “You mean… That means that’s…” He jabbed a thumb towards the door behind him.
Hanlon nodded. He turned to Serena. “You can see why I asked you to stay. If Daryl -- the Daryl out there -- is a replicant, should we be worried?”
Serena distantly shook her head. She chose her words carefully. “I don’t think he is of immediate concern. He should be locked up for the night, given his history. Care should be taken in transferring him to our facility.”
Hanlon leaned forward, eyes narrowed. “What do you mean, given his history? Just how much do you know about what’s going on, here?”
“I told you, there is only so much that I can tell you.”
Hanlon’s voice wavered ever so slightly. “You know I am getting tired of hearing you say that. You want me to hand over a suspect charged with attempted police homicide to a group of robots that refuse to follow human orders. A group that apparently can access police records…”
Serena talked quickly and quietly. “The man standing outside that door is a replicant. Being a ’robot’, as you so savagely put it, means he can only be detained by the police until such time as the owner can retrieve him.
“Being a replicant, he is owned by Synthetics International. I am an acting agent of that company, and have been authorized by said company to retrieve company property.”
Hanlon’s face was growing redder by the minute. He kept looking from Serena to Max and back. “You can’t… By law… He almost killed…”
“I can and I will, Chief Hanlon. I strongly suggest you cooperate with us. Please believe me when I tell you that I want to help, to cooperate. You need to cooperate with us first. I promise you that I will tell you all I can after we analyze Daryl’s positronic systems.”
Hanlon slapped at his desk and slumped back in his chair. “We’ll keep him in lockup for the night like you asked. I’m going to need to see papers if you want to walk out with him tomorrow.”
Serena stood. “You will have them. Good evening Chief Hanlon, Detective Kincaid.” She saw herself out the door, avoiding eye contact with Daryl and Richard as she went.
Richard poked his head into Hanlon’s office. “Bad news?”
Hanlon nodded. “All sorts. Have Jake round up a solo bunk for Daryl, then get your ass back in here.”
Richard hoisted an eyebrow, but nodded his head. “Yes, sir.”
Hanlon fished a cigar out of his desk and hastily lit it. He sat back, chewing on it as much as he was puffing on it. “Okay, Kincaid. Tell me how we can keep Daryl.”
Max chuckled. “Don’t want the lady to take her ball and go home, eh chief?”
“No, I don’t! There’s gotta be a good reason they want Daryl so bad.”
“Well I’d say. He is a replicant created by an opposing Synthetic faction for… Well, she didn’t share that, did she? I think we can stall her for a little bit, though.”
Hanlon smiled and leaned in. “I’m listening.”
“Since the replicant was involved in an illegal action, we can keep it as evidence in an ongoing police investigation.”
“That’s brilliant, Max! She’ll undoubtedly argue that its actions were beyond their control at the time, but it will give us some time to figure out what to do next.”
Max nodded. “We can still let her run the tests on it, see what she finds. It’s a win-win.”
Richard came back in and sat down beside Max. “Already dehumanizing Daryl, I see.”
Hanlon grunted. “It’s not hard to dehumanize something that isn’t human, O’Connor.”
Max nodded. “I have to agree with the chief, Richie. If anything, I feel a little betrayed by the thing.”
Richard frowned. “Max… Don’t you see? He doesn’t know that he’s… well, not himself! You walked into the precinct reassuring him that you were going to help him. He may be a machine, but he certainly acts human.”
Max stared at the front of Hanlon’s desk, not saying anything. Hanlon blew out a large cloud of smoke. “We’ll try to keep that in mind, Rich. Still, Daryl two-point-oh there is a potential threat. Let’s not forget that.”
Richard nodded. “I won’t, boss. It’s just that… Well, he’s scared.”
Hanlon smirked. “Scared.”
“He knows from Max that someone in a similar position ended up dead. Tonight, someone who looks just like him ended up dead. I think he’s scared of what that means for him.”
Max nodded without looking up. “Serena said all that about some Synthetics becoming existentially conscious. Maybe it can happen to replicants, too.”
“Don’t tell me you’re going all soft on Synthetics, Kincaid.”
Max snapped his gaze up to look Hanlon in the eyes. “No.” His voice softened ever so slightly. “I never thought they could feel like us either, though.”
Hanlon stood with a groan. Max and Richard followed suit, vocalization included. “I’ll agree that this is all a lot to take in, but right now? I think the clearest after a good night’s sleep.”
Richard smiled. “That’s one thing I think we can all agree on, chief.”
Hanlon traced the curvature of the bent bars with his hand. “Well how in the blue hell…”
Max shrugged. “Well he is…” He looked at Daryl in the corner of the cell and bit his tongue. “Well, you know. They’re strong.”
“I know they’re strong! But if he doesn’t know, then how would he know he could do it?”
“I don’t think he even knows what he did, Chief Hanlon.” Serena walked into the holding area wearing a slight smile. “Good morning, Detective Kincaid, officer O’Connor. I believe you’ll find my paperwork is in order, Chief Hanlon.” She offered him a manila folder.
Hanlon took the folder from Serena, smiling himself. “Oh I’m sure it is, dear. I assure you my paperwork is in order, too.” He handed her a typewritten letter. Serena’s smile disappeared as her eyes scanned down the page. “You can’t be serious. You’re treating him as a piece of evidence? He is not just some inanimate object, Hanlon!”
“In the eyes of the law, yes he is, ma’am. I am certain that our resident lawyer can go over the finer points, if necessary.”
Serena glowered, but shook her head. The slight smile crept back onto her face. “I’m sure all of this will be sorted out by the company before long. In the meantime, I hope you are still interested in getting answers?”
Hanlon smirked. “Of course. You might want to watch yourself, though.” He jabbed a thumb at the bars. “Daryl over there got a little frustrated last night, looks like.”
“I’d say…” She walked over to the cell and peered at Daryl. He was hunched in the corner, reminiscent of his posture at the Synthetic hideout. “Good morning, Daryl. How are you feeling?”
Hanlon snorted. Serena shot him a dirty look. Daryl croaked. “I’m tired. Don’t feel right.”
Serena nodded. “That’s alright. Daryl, I’m going to put a special patch on your arm today.” She pulled a small tan patch with a microchip on top of it from her coat pocket.
Hanlon interjected. “Now wait just a minute. What exactly is that?”
“No worries, Chief Hanlon. Daryl, this patch will help keep you relaxed. It will help keep the voices quiet.” She watched Daryl’s reaction carefully.
Daryl’s eyes grew wide. “How did you know?”
Serena smiled kindly. “We’ve seen cases similar to yours, Daryl. We know how to make the voices go away.”
Daryl slowly stood and shuffled towards Serena. Hanlon made to protest again. Max put a staying hand on his shoulder, slightly shaking his head. Daryl rolled up his shirt sleeve and pressed his arm between the bars.
Serena pressed the patch against his arm. A small click was followed by an almost silent beep. A small green light began to blink on the microchip. Daryl visibly slumped. “There are two of them. Voices. One is okay. I don’t like the other one.”
“We’re going to ta
ke you to a place that specializes in dealing with just this kind of problem. We can make the voices stay quiet.”
Daryl shook his head. “Can you just make the bad one go? I kind of like the other one. He’s nice.”
Serena smiled. “We’ll see what we can do, okay?” She turned to Hanlon and nodded. “That patch will nullify his strength, but only for a short while. We should get going.”
Hanlon dangled a set of keys in front of Max. “The tech boys say they’re about halfway through your car. I got you a black and white limo. Your number’s fifty-four.”
Max took the keys with a grimace. “I’m starting to think maybe I need a new car after all.”
“That’s the spirit, Max.”
Serena looked ruffled. “I’m not sure this is a good idea. A police car will stick out like a sore thumb. We should take my car and…”
Hanlon held up a hand. “This is police business, ma’am. Max’s ride is out of commission and I don’t feel comfortable making Rich use his civilian car for transport. That leaves one of our patrol cars or bust.”
Max nodded. “It will be plenty secure… Not the most comfortable ride. I can tell you that Richie will be in the back, so you at least get the comfortable seat up front.”
“Synthetics do not require comfort.”
Max frowned. “Of course not. Look, it’s this or nothing, just like the boss said.”
Serena stared for a moment before sighing. “Very well. It will have to suffice.”
“Pretty emotional for a Synthetic.” Max smiled. Serena didn’t, opting to make for the exit instead.
Hanlon shook his head. “I must be crazy to allow this. Keep me informed, Kincaid.”
“Like always, boss.” Max turned to Richard. “Grab dopey there and let’s go.”
“Oh I like him. He’s my favorite dwarf!” Daryl flashed a sloppy half-smile at Max.
Richard smirked. “I’m right behind you, Max.”
The ride had largely been a quiet one. Serena had insisted on giving vocal directions instead of feeding the address into the patrol car’s GPS computer. She was worried about the location falling into the wrong hands. Yes, she was sure she knew where she was going, officer O‘Connor.
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