‘Course you are. [Even not mentioning all the times Connor back home helped him, saved him:] You’ve got a big heart. Can kick ass, too, but more important is that you’re kind. You want to do the right thing. A lot of people are in it just for themselves, you know?
[Hank reaches out to rub Sumo’s neck, who closes his eyes.]
He was... [God, where to begin?] Well, I think one of the first things he did was smile — when we first met up. He was like you, too: wanted to get me all fed. He was caring — warned me about somewhere dangerous. He was patient. Had lots of friends, from what I understand. Accelerator really cared about him — I think they were close. People just...
[Hank’s gaze passes Connor, aimed toward the window now.]
People wanted to be around him. Total opposite from me. He’d been living here on Etraya for who the hell knows how long, too. Had his own apartment. Friends. A whole life that I just kind of forced my way into.
[He sighs. Reaching forward with both hands now to ruffle Sumo’s fur.]
I was... really proud of him. And then he was gone.
[It sounds like an amazing life. A life that feels so far away from Connor. He can't even break through Alrys's instructions to prevent the destruction of Etraya.
He's not sure how to rebuild what his predecessor had or if he even can.]
[Connor’s words feel like a punch to Hank’s chest. Reminding him that the pain will always be there: the cycle of love and loss.]
I... thanks. But you know you’re special too, right? It’s just hard to explain what I was like after he was gone. And before then, even. I haven’t exactly been grateful for my time here on Etraya.
Although — [Sumo’s tongue lolls as Hank pets him] — I realize that’s wrong of me. Hell, I’ve known it this whole time. I know. Having you here, though, helps. It helps a lot, Connor.
Just having you here is plenty help. Getting to spend time with you. Make all these memories.
You’re kind, see? Indulging an old man’s weird whims.
[Like the trolley ride, even though Connor said it was something he wanted to do. But he could have gone alone, or with someone else — instead, he’s here with sad, rambling Hank.]
[He's kind. Hmm. Connor had never thought of using that adjective for himself. People could be kind, but this is his programming, not an independent action.]
I don’t think anything about you is just your programming, Connor. [Hank’s voice softens as he says:] Even back when we first met. You’ve got your programming, sure, but you’ve always been you.
You didn't like me very much when we first met, Hank. [There was perhaps a begrudging sense of amicability when Connor paid for another of Hank's drinks, but he wouldn't consider their first meeting to be one of friends.]
I know. And I’ve apologized for being an asshole. [Not that that makes up for anything, really.] But what I mean is that you were you, even then. CyberLife could’ve sent another android, but they wouldn’t be like you. Wouldn’t piss me off the way you did.
I do remember. But influence... that’s one thing. I want you to make those kinds of decisions — not jumping into a busy fuckin’ street — because it’s the right choice. Because you care about yourself. ‘Cause you know that others care about you and don’t wanna see you hurt.
Besides. [Hank shrugs.] I’m not exactly the best person to listen to.
You do. [Hank nods slowly, wondering if he’s walking into another miscommunication or if Connor believes what he’s saying.] And you... accept that, right? You aren’t just humoring me, right? Because you matter a whole damn lot, Connor.
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‘Course you are. [Even not mentioning all the times Connor back home helped him, saved him:] You’ve got a big heart. Can kick ass, too, but more important is that you’re kind. You want to do the right thing. A lot of people are in it just for themselves, you know?
[Hank reaches out to rub Sumo’s neck, who closes his eyes.]
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Which humans do you serve exactly, Connor? [Brow furrowing.] All of them?
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But my base programming applies to most humans.
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So you’d go and protect them, then. Humans.
[Hank turns to Connor as he says:]
Would you believe me if I told you that you’re the same when you’re deviant? You’re a good person.
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[Hank seems to know a bit about deviancy, though.]
You knew my predecessor. What was he like?
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He was... [God, where to begin?] Well, I think one of the first things he did was smile — when we first met up. He was like you, too: wanted to get me all fed. He was caring — warned me about somewhere dangerous. He was patient. Had lots of friends, from what I understand. Accelerator really cared about him — I think they were close. People just...
[Hank’s gaze passes Connor, aimed toward the window now.]
People wanted to be around him. Total opposite from me. He’d been living here on Etraya for who the hell knows how long, too. Had his own apartment. Friends. A whole life that I just kind of forced my way into.
[He sighs. Reaching forward with both hands now to ruffle Sumo’s fur.]
I was... really proud of him. And then he was gone.
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He's not sure how to rebuild what his predecessor had or if he even can.]
I'm sorry he disappeared, Hank.
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[Connor’s words feel like a punch to Hank’s chest. Reminding him that the pain will always be there: the cycle of love and loss.]
I... thanks. But you know you’re special too, right? It’s just hard to explain what I was like after he was gone. And before then, even. I haven’t exactly been grateful for my time here on Etraya.
Although — [Sumo’s tongue lolls as Hank pets him] — I realize that’s wrong of me. Hell, I’ve known it this whole time. I know. Having you here, though, helps. It helps a lot, Connor.
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That means a lot, Hank. I want to be able to help you.
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Just having you here is plenty help. Getting to spend time with you. Make all these memories.
You’re kind, see? Indulging an old man’s weird whims.
[Like the trolley ride, even though Connor said it was something he wanted to do. But he could have gone alone, or with someone else — instead, he’s here with sad, rambling Hank.]
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And if it's only my social relations programming?
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I don’t think anything about you is just your programming, Connor. [Hank’s voice softens as he says:] Even back when we first met. You’ve got your programming, sure, but you’ve always been you.
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I know. And I’ve apologized for being an asshole. [Not that that makes up for anything, really.] But what I mean is that you were you, even then. CyberLife could’ve sent another android, but they wouldn’t be like you. Wouldn’t piss me off the way you did.
You’re special, Connor.
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[Hank smiles softly.]
You telling me they didn’t program you to be a wiseass who gets on my nerves, Connor?
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[Connor smiles over at Hank in return.]
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[That million watt smile...!]
See? You’re you. Always been you. Finding yourself along the way, just like the rest of us.
[And Connor will make that final push soon: Hank is sure of it. Because the alternative is, of course, unacceptable.]
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In some ways, sure. Other ways, maybe not so much. But that’s...
I want you to be happy, Connor. And safe. Both. I don’t think I’ll get to see that unless you deviate.
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I do remember. But influence... that’s one thing. I want you to make those kinds of decisions — not jumping into a busy fuckin’ street — because it’s the right choice. Because you care about yourself. ‘Cause you know that others care about you and don’t wanna see you hurt.
Besides. [Hank shrugs.] I’m not exactly the best person to listen to.
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You do. [Hank nods slowly, wondering if he’s walking into another miscommunication or if Connor believes what he’s saying.] And you... accept that, right? You aren’t just humoring me, right? Because you matter a whole damn lot, Connor.
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