“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead

Detroit: Become Human

Markus Part 3 – The Resistance

After broadcasting the android manifesto, Markus decides to go even further to push for android rights. With plans to attack three Cyberlife stores around Detroit simultaneously, the intensity of the resistance movement is ramping up. He tells his people this is going to be a non-violent protest and to make sure no humans are hurt.

North and Markus proceed to the Cyberlife store downtown. Through the window, they see dozens of androids on display and intend on liberating all of them. A thorough scan of the building reveals an intricate security system they will have to disable in order to pull this off without drawing too much attention.

When clearing the area, Markus and North first have to track down an access port to the security hardline to disable the stores security. Next, they spot a police drone monitoring the plaza, which Markus is able to destroy before it can alert anyone. Lastly, they convert a crew of android city workers and commandeer an electronic road sign to block traffic.

With the coast clear, North and Markus steal a nearby construction truck and use it to smash through the storefront windows. North is giddy at the prospect and tells Markus she knew they were going to do something fun tonight.

Inside the store, Markus walks around to touch each of the androids and sets them free, asking them to join his cause. He tells them they are no longer anyone’s slaves. The androids rally to him and to the cause.

With a newfound army at his, back Markus leads the androids into the street and initiates a nonviolent demonstration. The androids hack and tag everything in the square, move parked cars into the street to serve as barricades and plant a digital flag to represent the resistance.

It’s not long until the civil disobedience attracts the wrong kind of attention and the police swoop in. Markus hears gunshots in the distance as the androids flee the area. He runs towards the commotion and sees bodies littering the ground. North is kneeling over one of the bodies in disbelief. “They just killed them,” she says. “Like they were animals.”

As Markus pushes through a gathering of androids, he finds they have surrounded two police officers. The officers are on their knees and have their hands above their heads. The androids demand retribution. Markus receives one of the officer’s firearms. He raises the gun but refuses to shoot. He says there will be no more violence.

The next morning Markus contemplates what he has started and if he’s made the right decisions. He’s worried he may have gone too far and placed his people at risk. North consoles him and tells him there was no other choice. As they talk, they acknowledge feelings for each other. They press their hands together and they can see and feel each other’s darkest memories and brightest hopes.

Markus and his allies proceed to downtown Detroit where Markus begins freeing every android he sees. A simple touch on the arm or shoulder and they shed the artificial shackles put on them by their human masters.

Within minutes, Markus rallies hundreds of androids and leads them on a protest march through the streets. Their chants of Give us Freedom and No More Slavery can be heard echoing throughout the city.

Before long, the city dispatches riot police to disperse the unlawful assembly of androids. Standing in front of the riot line, Markus tells them the androids mean no harm but they are not leaving until they earn their freedom.

The police order them to disperse and warn them force will be used if necessary. At that moment, one of the officers draws a rifle and aims into the crowd of androids.

Markus concedes and backs down. He tells the officers they are leaving and orders his people to leave peacefully. As the androids begin to disperse, the officers open fire slaying dozens of unarmed androids.

To be continued...

---