Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

As the car pulled into the hospital parking lot, Clara resumed control of it, guiding it carefully into a parking spot. "Let's go," she said, climbing out. She waited for Connor to join her, then they made their way to the entrance. It was getting late, almost at the end of visiting hours, so the lobby was nearly empty. They walked up to the front desk, greeted by the same receptionist as before. 

"We're here to see Hank Anderson," Clara said, smiling politely. 

Recognizing them, the woman nodded. "Same room as last time, 203," she said. She tapped on her keyboard, checking them in, then gestured with her head toward the elevator. "You're good to head on up."

"Still unresponsive?" Clara asked, curious. 

The woman nodded, not looking up from her computer. "Yes, he's still stable though."

"Okay." Clara turned to head down the hallway to the elevator. Connor kept pace with her, silent, but his LED flashed yellow, indicating a his busy thoughts. 

After they climbed into the elevator, Clara looked up at him. "Are you okay?" She asked cautiously. "I know this was difficult for you last time."

He looked at her and opened his mouth to answer, but hesitated. After a moment, he answered, "I'm okay. It was a shock last time, but I'm prepared now."

She looked at him suspiciously, but accepted the answer. "Alright." After a few seconds, the elevator dinged, indicating that they were at the next floor. The doors opened, and they walked out, heading to Lieutenant Anderson's room. Clara opened the door, holding it open for Connor, then walked in behind him. She noticed his LED blinking red. He was a little distressed. He stood several feet from the bed, staring at the man, but not moving. He was still unsure how to approach, she realized. 

Clara came up beside him, grabbing his hand. He looked down at her in surprise, but didn't move away. She gave it a quick squeeze, then guided him to the chair beside the bed.

"Sit," she said, gesturing. He complied, and she grabbed another chair from the corner, dragging it over to sit beside him. 

Connor still stared at the lieutenant, but his LED had switched back to the calm blue. His face was blank, but Clara thought his eyes looked a little sad. After a few minutes of silence, the android turned to her. "Why are we here?" he asked, voice soft. His eyebrows knit in confusion. 

Clara said nothing at first, formulating her answer. Matching his soft tone, she said, "Because in the few days I've known you, you've seemed so...distant, so controlled. This is the only place where I've been able to see you drop that façade fully, the only place where you've allowed yourself to really feel anything."

The android looked at her, face blank, but his LED flashed briefly yellow as he considered the information. "How many times do I have to tell you, Dr. Hayes?" He took a deep breath. "I'm a machine. I. feel. nothing." The words were stern, but Clara saw a flicker of doubt in his eyes. 

She said nothing, just stared quietly at him. He stared back, but then broke away, looking back at the lieutenant. After a few more moments, Clara turned away too, also looking at the man. He looked so old. His white hair framed his face, and his hands lay large and wrinkled by his sides. His eyes were closed, face set in an expression of blank serenity. The room was silent aside from the soft sounds of breathing and the beep of the machines that monitored his vital signs.