starter for @wasscared !!
ANDROIDS ARE COMMONPLACE in most of America, nowadays -- it’s next to impossible to walk outside without seeing one, walking a dog or picking up groceries, perhaps driving a taxi -- and Jesse’s never had a problem with them. Everyone else seems to have some strange mistrust. Especially nowadays, with this so-called Revolution happening in Detroit. All that Jesse knows is that a rogue android named Markus has sparked protests across the nation, most of which end in terrible massacre.
Most days, he stays at home, spending time with whatever androids have been sent to him by people from all over the country, begging him to help their friends find solace across the border. How could he say no? Most of them are families, with children. What makes them different from him? The color of their blood?
He’s out on the porch, the blazing Albuquerque sun beating down on him. He’s wearing too many layers, as usual, but he’s waiting for someone. A new model, he’s told. He’s smoked half a pack of his Parliaments just waiting outside -- he never lets an android travel alone.
Finally, he thinks, he sees the new arrival.
He stares for several moments, watching the man walk up the driveway and towards him. This is definitely new model -- not one Jesse’s ever seen before, anyway. He smirks to himself, thinking that Cyberlife just can’t help but make androids prettier than people.
“Connor, yeah?” he flicks his cigarette an impressive distance.
He doesn’t wait for an answer, taking Connor by the arm and all but dragging him inside.
“The less people see you on my porch, the better. Stay away from doors and windows. If you need anything, ask me and I’ll get it for you. I’m Jesse, by the way. Let me introduce you to the others.”
There’s no spare moment to breathe or collect bearings. Jesse leads Connor deeper into the seemingly endless house, down the stairs to the basement, where soft music can be heard playing from behind the door. He leads the android down the stairs and is almost immediately flanked by three android children, all of whom call him ‘Uncle Jesse’ and seem to be supremely attached to him. The feeling is very obviously mutual, as he bends down to pick two of them up with a wide smile, kissing them both on the cheek.
There are three children and three adults total, including Connor. Jesse gestures to him as best he can with his arms so full.
“Everyone, this is Connor. He’s coming with us tomorrow. I wish I could have you all upstairs, but you know why I can’t.” he seems genuinely remorseful at their situations.
Jesse sets the children down and turns to Connor once again.
“Anything I can do to make you more comfortable?”
