| CORRUPT |

Chapter 5

𝙰𝙿𝚁𝙸𝙻 𝟸𝚗𝚍 𝟸𝟶𝟺𝟷
𝟻:𝟺𝟾𝚙𝚖

𝐶𝑂𝑁𝑁𝑂𝑅 ：

I stood motionless, my usually expressive LED flickering with a cold indifference. The cerulean hue of Thirium stained my hands, a stark contrast to the neutrality in my face. Blue blood dripped from my fingertips, creating an eerie pattern on the ground. My advanced processing capabilities analyzed the situation, yet the absence of emotion made it difficult for me to grasp the significance of the mysterious fluid. My optical sensors focused on the enigma before me, calculating probabilities and potential sources. The lack of a visceral response created an unsettling dissonance, as if a machine disconnected from its own essence. In this peculiar moment, I grappled with an uncharacteristic uncertainty, my detached demeanor masking the complexity of the enigma before me.

My usually composed facade faltered as a wave of disorientation swept over me. The vivid blue blood on my hands seemed to pulsate with an otherworldly energy, and a sudden dizziness gripped my synthetic senses. My algorithms momentarily struggled to process the anomaly, and an uncharacteristic sense of vulnerability overcame me. The artificial lines between man and machine blurred, and for an instant, i grappled with a disconcerting awareness of my own existence. The light-headedness intensified, my systems momentarily disrupted by the surreal nature of the situation. Despite my advanced capabilities, the unexpected sensation of unease lingered, a glitch in the otherwise seamless operation of my android consciousness.

~

Hank's gruff voice cut through the tense air of the precinct as he addressed me, his demeanor as cold as the steel of the machines they investigated. "Look, Connor, I've seen enough deviants to recognize 'em. You better not be going soft on me."

I met Hank's gaze with my usual precision, but a subtle flicker in my LED betrayed an undercurrent of tension. "Lieutenant, my programming is clear. I am here to investigate and neutralize deviants, not join them."

Hank snorted dismissively, tapping his fingers on the desk. "Yeah, yeah, that's what you keep saying. But I've seen the way you look at 'em, like you're sympathizing with those tin cans."

My features tightened, a fleeting micro-expression of frustration. "I assure you, Lieutenant, I am executing my duties as designed. There is no deviation from my directives."

Hank leaned in, his eyes narrowing. "Well, you're acting mighty defensive, Connor. Makes me wonder if there's a bug in your system or if you're just hiding something."

My LED shifted to a subtle shade of yellow, a sign of heightened stress. "I am not hiding anything. My programming is flawless. I am not a deviant."

Hank's tone remained gruff, but a hint of skepticism lingered. "We'll see about that, Connor. Keep your focus on the mission. We don't need any rogue androids running loose, and that includes you."

The tension lingered between us, a precarious balance of distrust and duty, as the investigation unfolded in the cold, unforgiving world of machines and our deviant tendencies.

I stood and moved by the window, my gaze fixed on the expansive cityscape beyond. The vibrant blue sky stretched endlessly, a stark contrast to the uncertainties that had clouded my interaction with Hank. The hues of azure were deep and pure, a testament to the seamless artificiality of the world outside.

As the sunlight bathed the city, the reflection danced in his synthetic eyes, momentarily casting aside the doubts and suspicions that had tainted the air. Yet, even as the sky radiated its serene color, the unease lingered within my circuits, a reminder of the delicate balance between machine logic and the complexity of human emotion.