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Pedestrian Detection System Market To Witness the Highest Growth Globally in Coming Years

The report begins with an overview of the Pedestrian Detection System Market 2025 Size and presents throughout its development. It provides a comprehensive analysis of all regional and key player segments providing closer insights into current market conditions and future market opportunities, along with drivers, trend segments, consumer behavior, price factors, and market performance and estimates. Forecast market information, SWOT analysis, Pedestrian Detection System Market scenario, and feasibility study are the important aspects analyzed in this report.
The Pedestrian Detection System Market is experiencing robust growth driven by the expanding globally. The Pedestrian Detection System Market is poised for substantial growth as manufacturers across various industries embrace automation to enhance productivity, quality, and agility in their production processes. Pedestrian Detection System Market leverage robotics, machine vision, and advanced control technologies to streamline assembly tasks, reduce labor costs, and minimize errors. With increasing demand for customized products, shorter product lifecycles, and labor shortages, there is a growing need for flexible and scalable automation solutions. As technology advances and automation becomes more accessible, the adoption of automated assembly systems is expected to accelerate, driving market growth and innovation in manufacturing. Pedestrian Detection System Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Video, Infrared, Hybrid, Others), By Component Type (Sensors, Radars, Cameras, Others)Others and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028
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Key Strategies
Key strategies in the Pedestrian Detection System Market revolve around optimizing production efficiency, quality, and flexibility. Integration of advanced robotics and machine vision technologies streamlines assembly processes, reducing cycle times and error rates. Customization options cater to diverse product requirements and manufacturing environments, ensuring solution scalability and adaptability. Collaboration with industry partners and automation experts fosters innovation and addresses evolving customer needs and market trends. Moreover, investment in employee training and skill development facilitates seamless integration and operation of Pedestrian Detection System Market. By prioritizing these strategies, manufacturers can enhance competitiveness, accelerate time-to-market, and drive sustainable growth in the Pedestrian Detection System Market.
Major Pedestrian Detection System Market Manufacturers covered in the market report include:
The major players that are present in the global pedestrian detection system market include Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Mobileye (Isreal), Continental AG (Germany), FLIR System (U.S), and Denso Corp. (Japan), among others.
The growing awareness about safety among the consumers is also likely to boost the market for the pedestrian detection system. The increasing safety concern about pedestrians in developing countries is also expected to drive the market’s growth positively.
Trends Analysis
The Pedestrian Detection System Market is experiencing rapid expansion fueled by the manufacturing industry's pursuit of efficiency and productivity gains. Key trends include the adoption of collaborative robotics and advanced automation technologies to streamline assembly processes and reduce labor costs. With the rise of Industry 4.0 initiatives, manufacturers are investing in flexible and scalable Pedestrian Detection System Market capable of handling diverse product portfolios. Moreover, advancements in machine vision and AI-driven quality control are enhancing production throughput and ensuring product consistency. The emphasis on sustainability and lean manufacturing principles is driving innovation in energy-efficient and eco-friendly Pedestrian Detection System Market Solutions.
Regions Included in this Pedestrian Detection System Market Report are as follows:
North America [U.S., Canada, Mexico]
Europe [Germany, UK, France, Italy, Rest of Europe]
Asia-Pacific [China, India, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific]
South America [Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America]
Middle East & Africa [GCC, North Africa, South Africa, Rest of the Middle East and Africa]
Significant Features that are under offering and key highlights of the reports:
- Detailed overview of the Pedestrian Detection System Market.
- Changing the Pedestrian Detection System Market dynamics of the industry.
- In-depth market segmentation by Type, Application, etc.
- Historical, current, and projected Pedestrian Detection System Market size in terms of volume and value.
- Recent industry trends and developments.
- Competitive landscape of the Pedestrian Detection System Market.
- Strategies of key players and product offerings.
- Potential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
► What is the current market scenario?
► What was the historical demand scenario, and forecast outlook from 2025 to 2032?
► What are the key market dynamics influencing growth in the Global Pedestrian Detection System Market?
► Who are the prominent players in the Global Pedestrian Detection System Market?
► What is the consumer perspective in the Global Pedestrian Detection System Market?
► What are the key demand-side and supply-side trends in the Global Pedestrian Detection System Market?
► What are the largest and the fastest-growing geographies?
► Which segment dominated and which segment is expected to grow fastest?
► What was the COVID-19 impact on the Global Pedestrian Detection System Market?
Table Of Contents:
1 Market Overview
1.1 Pedestrian Detection System Market Introduction
1.2 Market Analysis by Type
1.3 Market Analysis by Applications
1.4 Market Analysis by Regions
1.4.1 North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)
1.4.1.1 United States Market States and Outlook
1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook
1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook
1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)
1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook
1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook
1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook
1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook
1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook
1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)
1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook
1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook
1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook
1.4.3.4 India Market States and Outlook
1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook
1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa
1.4.4.1 Brazil Market States and Outlook
1.4.4.2 Egypt Market States and Outlook
1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market States and Outlook
1.4.4.4 South Africa Market States and Outlook
1.5 Market Dynamics
1.5.1 Market Opportunities
1.5.2 Market Risk
1.5.3 Market Driving Force
2 Manufacturers Profiles
Continued…
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#Pedestrian Detection System Market#Pedestrian Detection System Market Share#Pedestrian Detection System Market Size#Pedestrian Detection System Market Trends#Pedestrian Detection System Market Growth#Pedestrian Detection System Market Insights#Pedestrian Detection System
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How a Collision Avoidance System Can Keep Your Fleet Safe?

The collision avoidance system emerges as an innovative technology with the primary objective of averting potential injuries and ensuring the safety of passengers. Undoubtedly, underscoring the significance of road safety is imperative in curbing the incidence of accidents resulting in harm. However, the utility of collision avoidance extends beyond the realm of highway-bound vehicles.
One of its key applications in industrial context is related to forklifts operating within workplace environments. By adopting the anti-collision warning system, both the operators and the forklifts experience a heightened safety level.
Diverse workplaces encompassing factories, warehouses, construction sites, mining facilities, and shipyards are swiftly recognising the indispensable value of the collision warning system. Projections indicate a substantial increase in the worth of the forklift collision avoidance system by 2028. This technology's escalating significance might instigate companies' inquiries regarding how precisely the collision avoidance system can safeguard their fleets.
Without further delay, let us embark on a journey into elucidating the operational mechanisms and merits of the collision avoidance system.
How Does the Collision Avoidance System Work?
The fundamental objective of the collision avoidance system centres on averting collisions involving forklifts. This is achieved by integrating a collision detection system and a proximity alert module, which jointly furnish real-time location awareness to in-motion forklifts. Consequently, when two forklifts approach each other, an automatic reduction in speed or a complete halt occurs.
This positioning awareness extends beyond forklift-to-forklift interactions and encompasses the interplay between pedestrians and forklifts. In scenarios where pedestrians manoeuvre around forklifts, the forklifts' velocity is diminished, and pedestrians receive timely notifications. The overarching goal is to establish a workplace environment that prioritises the safety of operators, pedestrians, and forklifts, all facilitated by accident prevention measures.
The collision avoidance system can be implemented for both pedestrians and vehicles, encompassing specialised equipment for pedestrians and fixed readers installed within vehicles. Pedestrians are alerted to their proximity to vehicles through the utilisation of high-frequency technology integrated into the vehicles. This system holds particular significance within loading zones frequented by trucks, forklifts, and other vehicles. As a testament to its emphasis on health and safety, the accident avoidance system continues solidifying its presence within the overarching regulatory frameworks companies adopt.
Anti-Collision System Specs
Quick-release thumb lever
Great for hearing-impaired personnel
The sensor Indicator Light glows blue when the sensor is activated.
Alert pedestrians when forklifts are crossing
Unit mounts up and out of the way.
No reflectors required
No expensive microwave sensors
Nothing attached to your forklifts
Low voltage wiring eliminates the need for conduit 12V transformer plugs into an overhead outlet power source.
Super bright LED lights with 100,000 hours of life
Sensors are factory pre-set monitors from inches to 35' away.
Sensor temperature ranges: -200C-800C
Red spot project on the ground
Injuries & fatalities as a result of forklift collisions can be eliminated.
An externally mounted optional universal transformer will handle incoming voltage from 277V to 12 V as required.
Indoor, outdoor, and cooler applications
Significant loss prevention benefits
Collision Avoidance System Between Forklifts
Utilising cutting-edge high-precision technology, the anti-collision warning system imparts precise location awareness to forklifts. Within this framework, predefined proximity thresholds are seamlessly integrated into the forklifts, orchestrating speed adjustments and halts based on these thresholds. The collision avoidance system employs a combination of visual cues and audible alerts to furnish vital information to operators, enabling them to navigate their vehicles with heightened safety awareness, especially when encountering neighbouring forklifts.
The synergy between artificial intelligence and this technology seamlessly functions across indoor and outdoor environments. Incorporating specialised map systems driven by artificial intelligence further enhances the operational scope within workplace premises. These systems can also impose certain restrictions within hazardous zones, ensuring enhanced safety protocols.
Given that the crux of collision avoidance revolves around forklift safety, managerial oversight is facilitated through dedicated platform tools, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of forklift movements.
Collision Avoidance System Between Forklifts and Pedestrians
The central objective of this technology is to ascertain and manage the proximity between pedestrians and forklifts. When pedestrians traverse predefined safety thresholds, an integrated visual and auditory alert is activated, effectively cautioning pedestrians and forklift operators. This collision avoidance system proves particularly invaluable in areas with limited visibility, fostering heightened awareness and interaction between forklifts and pedestrians. In instances where pedestrians might not perceive the visual and auditory cues, the wearable equipment employs tactile vibrations as an additional alert mechanism.
Crucially, the effectiveness of this system is accentuated by the often noisy settings encountered in environments such as factories, shipyards, or warehouses. Moreover, the collision avoidance system plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of employees with visual or hearing impairments. The wearable devices can take the form of watches, badges, or cards suspended from lanyards, designed with a keen focus on comfort through their lightweight construction.
Key Benefits of Collision Avoidance System
Factory, warehouse, and shipyard environments abound with intricate passageways, sharp turns, intersections, and zones housing hazardous materials in concentrated quantities. Ensuring security within such operational landscapes is imperative for companies striving to cultivate a serene and gratifying workspace that is characterised by safeguarding personnel and assets.
The Collision avoidance system harnesses the prowess of artificial intelligence technologies to engender optimal safety within these dynamic work settings. Integrating emerging technologies into our operational fabric is an inescapable trajectory for corporate advancement. Adopting the collision avoidance system is a strategic imperative, positioned at the nexus of safety enhancement and cultivating a brand committed to staying abreast of contemporary developments.
The advantages presented by the Collision avoidance system encompass:
Zone-Centric Forklift Speed Regulation: This feature substantially diminishes accident risks within blind spots, narrow passages, and bustling zones by dynamically controlling forklift speeds.
360-Degree Proximity Sensing: Equipment fortified with comprehensive proximity sensing capabilities ensures the well-being of both forklift operators and pedestrians from all vantage points.
Versatile Wearable Equipment: Wearable gadgets and equipment, harmoniously integrated into forklifts, seamlessly operate indoors and outdoors; their resilience to environmental factors such as dust, dirt, and water guarantees uninterrupted performance.
Enabling Real-Time Forklift Tracking: Integrating systems that underpin the collision avoidance setup concurrently lays the groundwork for a real-time forklift tracking mechanism.
Proactive Safety Measures: Anticipating potential hazards, operational constraints can be enforced upon operators and pedestrians. Carrying specialised cards, they receive visual, auditory, and vibrational cues upon breaching these limitations.
How SharpEagle Helps
SharpEagle's Collision Awareness System (CAS) stands as an advanced early-warning solution designed to promptly notify equipment operators and pedestrians of potential collision risks with other vehicles. This innovative system significantly enhances operators' safety awareness, effectively mitigating vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian collision risks. These commendable attributes have garnered recognition from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The CAS uses precision-engineered predictive algorithms to evaluate critical parameters such as vehicle positioning, velocity, and trajectory within the monitored vicinity. This rigorous analysis ensures that alerts are triggered solely in the presence of genuinely perilous conditions, thereby minimising the occurrence of false alarms. The result is a system that fosters operators' unwavering trust by consistently delivering reliable alerts. This, in turn, elevates operators' overall situational awareness and bolsters their confidence in SharpEagle's CAS, thereby contributing to the establishment of an injury-free workplace ethos.
FAQs What is the primary objective of the Collision Avoidance System?
The primary objective is to avert potential injuries and ensure the safety of passengers and operators, particularly in industrial contexts like warehouses, factories, and construction sites.
How does the Collision Avoidance System work in industrial environments like warehouses or factories?
The system integrates a collision detection mechanism and a proximity alert module, providing real-time location awareness. It automatically slows down or halts forklifts when approaching other forklifts or pedestrians.
How does the Collision Avoidance System contribute to safety between forklifts?
It uses high-precision technology to provide precise location awareness, with predefined proximity thresholds in forklifts that trigger speed adjustments and halts to prevent collisions.
How does the system ensure safety between forklifts and pedestrians?
The system manages the proximity between pedestrians and forklifts, activating integrated visual and auditory alerts when safety thresholds are crossed. Wearable equipment for pedestrians may include tactile vibrations as additional alerts.
What are the key benefits of implementing a Collision Avoidance System in such environments?
Benefits include zone-centric forklift speed regulation, 360-degree proximity sensing, versatile wearable equipment, real-time forklift tracking, and proactive safety measures.
How does SharpEagle's Collision Awareness System enhance safety?
SharpEagle's system uses predictive algorithms to evaluate critical parameters like vehicle positioning and velocity. It provides reliable alerts to mitigate vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian collision risks.
How does the Collision Avoidance System align with contemporary safety regulations and advancements?
The system is increasingly being integrated into regulatory frameworks due to its effectiveness in preventing accidents, aligning with contemporary safety advancements and corporate safety commitments.
You can call us at +971-4-454-1054 or mail us at [email protected]
#forklift anti-collision system#warehouse collision avoidance systems#forklift collision detection system#collision avoidance system#pedestrian safety#pedestrian detection system#forklift collision avoidance#forklift pedestrian collision avoidance system
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Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week #16
April 26-May 3 2024
President Biden announced $3 billion to help replace lead pipes in the drinking water system. Millions of Americans get their drinking water through lead pipes, which are toxic, no level of lead exposure is safe. This problem disproportionately affects people of color and low income communities. This first investment of a planned $15 billion will replace 1.7 million lead pipe lines. The Biden Administration plans to replace all lead pipes in the country by the end of the decade.
President Biden canceled the student debt of 317,000 former students of a fraudulent for-profit college system. The Art Institutes was a for-profit system of dozens of schools offering degrees in video-game design and other arts. After years of legal troubles around misleading students and falsifying data the last AI schools closed abruptly without warning in September last year. This adds to the $29 billion in debt for 1.7 borrowers who wee mislead and defrauded by their schools which the Biden Administration has done, and a total debt relief for 4.6 million borrowers so far under Biden.
President Biden expanded two California national monuments protecting thousands of acres of land. The two national monuments are the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, which are being expanded by 120,000 acres. The new protections cover lands of cultural and religious importance to a number of California based native communities. This expansion was first proposed by then Senator Kamala Harris in 2018 as part of a wide ranging plan to expand and protect public land in California. This expansion is part of the Administration's goals to protect, conserve, and restore at least 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.
The Department of Transportation announced new rules that will require car manufacturers to install automatic braking systems in new cars. Starting in 2029 all new cars will be required to have systems to detect pedestrians and automatically apply the breaks in an emergency. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration projects this new rule will save 360 lives every year and prevent at least 24,000 injuries annually.
The IRS announced plans to ramp up audits on the wealthiest Americans. The IRS plans on increasing its audit rate on taxpayers who make over $10 million a year. After decades of Republicans in Congress cutting IRS funding to protect wealthy tax cheats the Biden Administration passed $80 billion for tougher enforcement on the wealthy. The IRS has been able to collect just in one year $500 Million in undisputed but unpaid back taxes from wealthy households, and shows a rise of $31 billion from audits in the 2023 tax year. The IRS also announced its free direct file pilot program was a smashing success. The program allowed tax payers across 12 states to file directly for free with the IRS over the internet. The IRS announced that 140,000 tax payers were able to use it over their target of 100,000, they estimated it saved $5.6 million in tax prep fees, over 90% of users were happy with the webpage and reported it quicker and easier than companies like H&R Block. the IRS plans to bring direct file nationwide next year.
The Department of Interior announced plans for new off shore wind power. The two new sites, off the coast of Oregon and in the Gulf of Maine, would together generate 18 gigawatts of totally clean energy, enough to power 6 million homes.
The Biden Administration announced new rules to finally allow DACA recipients to be covered by Obamacare. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an Obama era policy that allows people brought to the United States as children without legal status to remain and to legally work. However for years DACA recipients have not been able to get health coverage through the Obamacare Health Care Marketplace. This rule change will bring health coverage to at least 100,000 uninsured people.
The Department of Health and Human Services finalized rules that require LGBTQ+ and Intersex minors in the foster care system be placed in supportive and affirming homes.
The Senate confirmed Georgia Alexakis to a life time federal judgeship in Illinois. This brings the total number of federal judges appointed by President Biden to 194. For the first time in history the majority of a President's nominees to the federal bench have not been white men.
#Thanks Biden#Joe Biden#student loans#loan forgiveness#lead poisoning#clean water#DACA#health care#LGBT rights#queer kids#taxes#tax the rich
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If you'd be interested, could you write a story about the reader having to take care of Ranpo when he's sick?
a/n: this is perfect timing actually bc i’m down with a cold rn HAJDBKDN eurgh :(( anw, i hope you enjoy this (reverse?) sick fic! not sure if i captured ranpo’s personality enough, but i tried :’> there’s an established relationship here, so if this isn’t your cup of tea and you just wanted reader taking care of ranpo in general, feel free to tell me so i can whip smth up quickly for you! :>
under the weather and your care
✑ character/s: ranpo edogawa x reader
✑ short desc: his immune system is struggling way too much after playing in the rain and eating lots of candy.
✑ content includes: fluff ; sfw ; established relationship ; sick fic ; nothing to warn anyone about, reader just has to take care of ranpo
✑ word count: 1.6k words
"I told you to drink more water."
Ranpo could only huff at your berating words, crossing his arms childishly while he turns his head away to avoid your stern gaze. As much as he was the world’s greatest detective, his boyish behavior still makes him refuse to acknowledge the fact that you were right to say that too many sweets without drinking enough fluids and having a fever was, indeed, a terrible decision.
A few days earlier, the both of you were assigned to a mission that somehow ended in having to travel to Shibuya for the final piece of evidence. Ranpo, as always, lived up to his title by piecing everything together within half a minute, and the next train to Yokohama wasn’t going to stop by the station any time soon, so he asked himself (and you)—
What harm is there in exploring the city for a little while?
It turned into a spontaneous date of sorts, enjoying all kinds of tourist spots from dressing up and playing around with many colorful fashion pieces in Harajuku to riding go-karts around the emptier streets (which ended in chaos). His favorite, however, and not much to your surprise, was visiting Totti Candy Factory with you in tow, immediately heading over to the buy a big serving of rainbow-colored cotton candy to munch on before grabbing at least two baskets to put the rest of his chosen sweets in (and unfortunately, you ended up going home with five).
Of course, being the ever-loving darling you are to your sugar addict of a boyfriend, you paid for everything. How could you not when he pouted at (coerced) you into bulk-buying them for him?
Everything was fine, even with the amount of candy bags you both had to carry, up until it started to rain.
Shibuya crossing was surprisingly emptier than usual considering it was already late in the afternoon on a weekday, and the freedom to prance around in the rainwater gave him enough thrill to begin jumping on the bigger puddles of the street, yellow rainboots creating the biggest splashes. Pedestrians and passersby eyed him strangely before avoiding him as they walked along, and you, charmed by his adorable character, thought it was funny—
…Until his boyish antics made him roll around in the puddles simply because it was fun.
It didn’t take much longer before you were dragging him away from the street and bowing your head apologetically at the surrounding people crossing as he whined helplessly. Soon after, you found yourselves sitting on a train back to Yokohama, the cushions wet with rainwater as you sat across each other. The poor detective complained about wanting to cuddle closer to you for some warmth, but you rejected his advances, trying not to get the seats any more wet than they already were.
You awkwardly avoided eye contact with him on the way home, guilt gnawing at your insides, and when you gathered enough courage to catch a glimpse of him in front of you all shivering and grouchy, the tug on your heartstrings made itself known. Though, it wasn’t really enough to justify getting your clothes wet in the process, so you forced yourself to look away instead.
(You’d regret that later.)
Yosano could only sigh at the condition your boyfriend was in when the two of you first entered her office, but after prescribing some medicine and her usual advice for common colds and fevers, his body temperature slowly began to go back to normal.
Or so you thought.
The problem is that at some point, when his fever began to simmer down, he remembered the five bags of candy you two had bought the other day and began indulging himself in his sweets instead of sipping the miso soup you’d made for him.
So, his fever is back.
And here you two are, about three days later, with Ranpo currently suffering from a clogged nose and a terrible headache, not just because he was drenched and cold for too long and because you both didn’t have anything to dry him off with on the way back to the agency that day, but also because he refused to follow the doctor’s advice and ate too much sugar while avoiding all the soup and water you would bring him.
And now he has a very itchy sore throat to boot.
You sigh, handing him a cup of lukewarm water as he sniffles and scrunches his nose, looking away.
“Ranpo,” you chide, raising a brow. “Come on… your fever won’t die down if you don’t drink enough fluids. You keep refusing tea and soup because they’re too bitter for your taste, so water is your best option. Yosano-sensei said so, remember?”
He sticks his bottom lip out, pouting at you, and for a moment, you almost give in just because you pitied the red-and-stuffy-nosed detective sitting up on his bed.
“But I don’t like the aftertaste of the candy when I drink water!” he barks back. “And I already drank my medicine for today!”
You roll your eyes, but the gesture is followed by a small chuckle. It’s hard to stay impatient with him.
“Yes, but you need a lot of fluids and sleep so the medicine can work. Otherwise, you’ll be out of business for another week,” you explain, bringing the glass closer to his lips. “The agency wouldn’t be anything without their best detective, after all.”
“Their best detective?”
“…The world’s greatest detective.”
It takes him a few moments, but his pouty face is eventually replaced with a big grin and a laugh interrupted by a few coughs. As you rub his back comfortingly, the gesture soothing his coughing storm, he takes the glass from your hand and hums.
“Okay, fine… But only because the agency still needs me!”
A sigh of relief escapes your lips and you smile again, watching him chug the glass down before wiping his lips with his pajama sleeve. Much to his own comfort, the water did, in fact, help with his sore throat, its cooling nature soothing the itchiness irritated earlier by all the sweets he consumed in one sitting.
“See? That wasn’t so bad.”
Refusing to acknowledge that you were, yet again, right, he places the glass back down on the bedside table before grabbing at your wrist to try and pull you closer to him, shoving the blanket out of the way momentarily.
“Ranpo—?”
“Cuddle me,” he says, still trying to drag you onto the mattress. “You didn’t cuddle me on the train back home the other day, so I was all cold and ended up with a fever. The least you could do is to cuddle me now because I’m still all chilly.”
The sheets of his bed begin to rustle when he traps you in his arms, keeping you next to him like a cat with its favorite toy. Your struggle for some space doesn’t go unnoticed — he grins when he spots this, only engulfing you with the tightest embrace he can give and all the affection he has to offer. He doesn’t hesitate when he nuzzles your neck and curls up closer to you, your body heat helping him relax a little from the headache that came with his stuffy nose and high temperature, allowing him to feel a little more at peace with his current condition.
So, with a final grunt, you take the edge of the blanket and use it to cover yourselves as you turn to your side to let him bury his face in the crook of your neck a little more, your fingers threading through his hair. A nap for now would be good for him, you figure, and if your presence helps calm him down enough to lull him to sleep, then you’d gladly stay for hours on end on his bed with him like this.
But he doesn’t fully close his eyes — not yet. He grabs a tissue or two to blow his nose every now and then, dropping the crumpled trash onto the floor next to the bed (you make a mental note to clean up later), but he can’t seem to drift off to dreamland.
“Something on your mind?” you murmur into his hair, petting it fondly.
He lets out a deep sigh in response.
You’re the only person who can ever come close to reading his thoughts as he had allowed himself to open up enough to be vulnerable around you. Despite being able to catch up to him most of the time, there are still moments that are foggy enough to make you ponder about the thoughts whirring about in his head. So, you make it a point to communicate with him as much as possible and ask him whenever the situation needs to be addressed.
And he’s grateful for that. He may very well consider himself a better mind-reader than you, but to have someone care for him in such a way that they also want to know what’s going on in his head when the world often tends to alienate him for being him is a blessing in itself that, although he never mentions it aloud, he’ll cherish forever.
Ranpo opens his mouth.
“…You didn’t give me a good night kiss.”
You blink.
“What?”
“You always give me good night kisses before we go to bed,” he points out. “It’s part of our routine. You didn’t give me one yet, so I can’t sleep.”
It’s almost impossible to hold back the giggle creeping up your throat.
“Ranpo,” you call, stifling the little laughs between words, “I can’t do that right now. I might get sick if I kiss you. You’ll be passing your fever onto me.”
“But if I can’t go to sleep, then I won’t get any better, and I need you to give me a good night kiss to help me go to sleep.”
Damn him and his (childish) logic.
“…Okay.” Deciding to get this done and over with, you cup his cheek. “But only on the forehead, alright? I’m not risking getting your germs right now,” you jest.
Yet the moment you lean in closer, your lips ghosting the skin of his forehead, he tilts his head upward to allow his lips to meet with yours. Your eyes widen and you scrunch your nose a little when he releases a rather obnoxious mwah! after, and as soon as you pull away, you are faced with the cheekiest expression he can muster.
“Ranpo!”
He yawns as you scold his name, snuggling back into your arms again. “Good night, [Y/N]…”
That initial annoyance of yours quickly fades away and you can’t help but shake your head and smile as you cuddle him closer to keep him warm.
You can never stay mad at him no matter how many times fate (rather, the rain and all of his candy in this case) has to put him under your care. You love your detective too much, after all.
a/n: feel free to let me know how i did! this was also my first time writing for ranpo, so i hope i captured him well enough :’>
#bsd x reader#bungo stray dogs#bsd#ranpo edogawa#bsd ranpo#ranpo x reader#anime#manga#anime and manga#armed detective agency#bsd fluff#fluff#sick fic
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@connor-mark-ii Continuted from This Ask
Connor hadn't even noticed the car. The walk signal had changed to allow pedestrians the right of way. One foot had stepped off the curb before he felt the tug on his arm. Immediately he stopped, suddenly registering the speeding car. His LED flashed red as he locked up. Though he didn't move forward into the path of the car, he didn't move back either. He stood frozen in fear as system warnings flared up in his vision. His thirium pump sped up as if his heart was racing. The unpleasant memories of the highway came bubbling up to the surface. Kara shoving him away, him unable to get out of the way in time, the crunch of metal against plastic as he was struck by a speeding car, the way he rolled up and over it, landing dead on the roadway as he awoke in a new unharmed body. As the barreling car passed them, the detective android's legs gave out from under him, falling to his knees, hands pressed against the concrete to keep him from collapsing completely. He sat there for a moment, trying to catch his breath. Though he wasn't actually breathing. It was his external cooling system trying to pull in air to cool him from the sudden shock he'd just experienced.
Jane sighed in relief once the car sped past and the man was still standing. That was far too close. Her grip loosened on his arm and she opened her mouth to speak, but Connor was on the ground before she could get her words out. Jane rushed around him, kneeling on the ground and setting her bag down next to her. She was closer, but made sure not to touch him, just in case that would overwhelm him. She just planned to be a buffer if another car happened to come by.
He didn't look injured, which was good, though it was clear to her that he was frozen in shock. The LED is noticed, her eyes glanced at it, but otherwise isn't given anymore attention then that. That wasn't important. What was important was getting him grounded. "Hey, Hey hey. You're alright, hun. Take deep breathes." Her tone was warm, sweet, keeping calm despite the situation that just happened not a moment ago.
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could I please request some reed900... 👉👈
Nines' skin is malfunctioning, but Gavin reassures him (in his own, Gavin way) that he accepts him as he is? Skin or no skin?
thank you. bless. kiss. forever indebted💕
Say less, friend, I've got you 🫡
Fail Safe
Pairing: RK900/Gavin Reed
Tags: M/M, Established Relationship, Fluff, Praise and Affirmation, Self Acceptance.
AO3 Link
Summary: Gavin and Nines are on security duty when an unexpected cyber attack results in the android's synthetic skin being compromised. Despite his worries, Gavin reassures him that their bond runs deeper than the pieces they are made of.
Word Count: 4.7K
Gavin and Nines had been assigned to security duty at the opening ceremony for a new Jericho Community Centre. It was due to be a pretty contained event, nothing overly flashy or publicised. Normally, it wouldn't demand any police involvement, but there had been whispers the Anti Android Alliance planned to attend—staging some sort of protest.
This turned out to be true, although not in the way that could've been anticipated. It seemed a particularly enlightened Dipshit In Charge had decided the usual M.O. of bats and bricks wouldn't cut it. Instead, they were going to make some waves with a street-deployed cyber attack. Send their 'message', whatever deranged bullshit that might be, by taking out some local figureheads with a home-brewed virus.
Fuck knows how they'd manage to string together the spaghetti code with their three collective brain cells—or how they'd loaded up said clusterfuck onto the batons concealed in their pockets. Nevertheless, about five minutes into the presentation, they started swinging. Weapons bared and flung into the faces of nearby pedestrians as they tried to make their way to the stage.
Shit hit the fan, but fortunately, not for their targets.
It turned out the engineering at Fuckhead H.Q. was just as shitty as the planning, as the would-be attempt at corporal justice folded like a house of cards. Most of the batons didn't work, and with the ones that did, the virus wasn't able to execute the way they'd wanted.
The intent had been to infiltrate the android's core systems through mass corruption of their internal networks. Ultimately, overloading the CPU and causing permanent shutdown, but without plugging the device directly into an access port—which they clearly had no idea how to do, and their targets weren't about to help with—its reach was incredibly limited.
Basically, it couldn't do shit. Stalling at the first line of defence: the chassis. Digital garbage hurled at a plastic wall.
Nines had been hit by one of the bastards—stuck in the side of the neck as he wrangled them away from a Jericho representative. Handling of the situation became a lot less gentle after that, with the man catapulted onto the floor, squealing like a pig as the android pinned his flailing limbs. Gavin had moved to assist, feeding the guy a couple of teeth for his trouble.
Total accident, of course. The man just happened to move his face as he was getting the cuffs on, and it just happened to slam into the detective's fist.
He didn't get much of the chiding he'd usually expect for this, as the virus had started to do its thing. Working across his partner's body, flickering in patches like a broken LCD. The corruption branched down his throat before retreating beneath his collar in search of available access.
Much like with the other android's affected, it failed. Nines was fine, mostly: the only exception being that the malware had managed to fuck up one of his less important functions. His synthetic skin.
At least, that's what the Cyberlife Tech on the phone suggested was happening when they decided to call. The glitches spread, with the majority hidden beneath clothes—but Nines could undoubtedly feel the effects of corruption taking hold. While he wasn't sure if this was something they really needed to worry about, the concept alone left a bad taste in Gavin's mouth.
They were forced to leave reinforcements to book the fucker responsible, as well as the rest of his brain-dead friends. A shame, as the detective would have loved to acquaint him with the book about to be thrown his way. Maybe give him a black eye to go with the dental bill.
As they made their way home, the vibrancy of glitches had started to decrease, fading into a translucent creep that filmed across the skin. Whatever receptors were present to lend cloaking abilities were beginning to short-circuit, creating an expanding kaleidoscope of freckles and plastic.
Gavin used full siren privileges to run every red light they encountered, determined to weave through the traffic as quickly as possible. He had never seen the android so panicked—frenzied—like the car would be at risk of imploding if it didn't imminently materialise outside their home.
With his understanding of Michigan Traffic Laws becoming increasingly lax, Nines continued to rip into the rep held at knifepoint in his temporal channel. He hadn't bothered to lock communication to his internal server and instead was speaking out loud—in a tone that a more diplomatic man might describe as 'a bit confrontational.'
In reality, he had gone all seven shades of middle-aged-mom-with-an-expired-coupon. Demanding the guy listen to every minute detail of his grievance and inform him how quickly it could be resolved.
Gavin would have found this hilarious had the intensity not been a little terrifying. Instead, it inspired him to punch the gas harder, resulting in a chorus of beeps as he pulled a particularly dangerous manoeuvre around a sharp bend.
It didn't seem to matter what the squeaky-voiced foetus on the line said; each suggestion was ruled unacceptable. Commencing a perpetual cycle of 'that isn't fast enough' and 'speak with your supervisor' and 'this is an emergency, William; it should be prioritised accordingly.' The rep responded to each chastisement with small, deflated whimpers, like a punctured balloon expelling air.
The virus, now engaged fully, worked in stages to target each section of artificial skin. Limbs faded out in sporadic blotches as glossy pinpricks expanded their way into dense bands of white. They tunnelled through rapidly shrinking pockets of flesh, with Nines looking like a six-foot lava lamp by the time they finally reached the apartment.
Admittedly, it was a strange image—with this something the android seemed astutely aware of. He had charged for the bathroom and locked himself in within seconds of entering their home, informing Gavin with no uncertainty he would not be coming out until help arrived.
This was all well and good at first, but after three hours—and five espressos—nature was calling. Not softly, either, having been forced to wait for a good fucking while.
The pressure grew, and rather than risk a hole being punched through the wall of his bladder, Gavin concluded he couldn't hold it. Rapping his knuckle on the wood, he pressed his face against it, making a pointed appeal to his partner.
"Nines, I need a piss. Let me in for a sec."
The request went ignored, bouncing uselessly off the door and crumpling at his feet. Frustrated, he knocked again, using his available grip to jiggle insistently on the handle.
"Come on, I'm desperate. Open the fucking door."
"The Cyberlife technician will be here soon," an even tone greeted him, undercutting the demand. "I am confident you can wait a few more minutes."
"It's been more than a few, jackass."
"The operative advised that their arrival would fall between 2 and 7. As we are nearing 6:45, we can anticipate—"
Gavin disrupted the explanation with a prolonged groan of protest. His head lulled back as he grappled with a growing temptation to slingshot it through the panel. "Those windows mean jack shit. You'll be lucky if the bastard shows up before June. Hell, you'll be lucky if he shows up at all."
There was a weighty pause as though Nines was attempting to formulate some form of mind-shattering retort. Words of assurance so profound they would effectively conclude the debate—as well as any and all that followed.
Despite having a world of knowledge quite literally wired to his brain, the android gave him nothing. Treading over the same tired deflection with a small, dejected huff. "Just wait. It won't take long."
"If you don't let me in, I'm gonna go in the litter box—or the kitchen sink."
The latter threat inspired a visceral reaction. Gavin swore he could see the red casting from his partner's temple, seeping through the cracks under the door. "You wouldn't dare."
"Try me. It's full of dishes. You want that on your conscience?"
As though taking a moment to grapple with the grim proposal, Gavin was made to wait in anticipation of his partner's reply. A lull that seemed to stretch endlessly, as he tried not to focus on the uncomfortable pressure in his groin. Crossing his legs, he tapped his foot impatiently—a motion that would have likely attracted the attention of a marauding cat were she not out harassing strays.
There were muffled sounds behind the door, like rustling fabric, followed by the telltale scrape of something heavy being moved. It seemed like Nines had gone to the effort of barricading himself inside, just in case Gavin managed to break through the flimsy hold of the lock.
"Turn around and keep your eyes forward. I will only leave this room on the condition you do not look."
"Yeah, sure, whatever," the man grunted, eyes rolling at the theatrics. "I swear I won't look. Scouts honour."
Another rustle followed—and a click—as an internal mechanism was turned and released. The door creaked forward, with casts of fluorescents from beyond the passage starting to leak into the hallway. True to his word, Gavin turned around. Gaze fixed on a nearby wall—as though the flecked chips of paint were the most engaging things he had ever seen.
The panel swung open completely, anchored on creaking hinges, and steady steps crossed the threshold. They did not progress much further, as Nines failed to meet the steady foundation of the carpet, instead greeted with a cat toy being compressed beneath his weight.
The worn squeaker of the felt mouse strained to its absolute limit, wheezing in a prolonged cry, until it slipped out from beneath his toes and careened across the room.
Shit.
Nines opposed the trajectory, fumbling back and colliding firmly with the weathered plaster behind him. Dangerously close to where they kept their beast of burden's scratching post.
Shit.
Gavin wasn't sure if the glitching had affected his partner's durability, but he didn't want to find out. Certainly not by being forced to remove him from a surprisingly solid pillar of plywood.
Nines already had one near miss today. The last thing he needed was for the engineer's visit to end up a real emergency.
Don't turn, don't—
His head whipped around despite all resistance. It had been out of instinct, really, with no malicious intent intended. An innate compulsion to assist, justifying that he would've been more of an asshole if he'd wilfully allowed his boyfriend to skewer himself.
It only occurred just how badly he had fucked up when he saw him.
The partners froze, eyes locked, and the room around them seemed to vanish. The structural integrity of limbs and furniture was immediately forgotten as Gavin's heart plummeted into his ass.
Nines looked horrified. His LED flashed like a warning beacon, crimson pulses growing in frequency the more his eyes widened. He stayed that way for a period. Paralysed. Like a startled deer out on a highway, about to be struck by an oncoming vehicle.
It was nothing like him at all, and Gavin found it deeply unnerving. He then proceeded to make it worse, executing all the same grace of a violent roadside collision. Allowing the first slack-jawed musing that popped into his skull to tumble tactlessly from his lips:
"Oh shit."
The red illuminating Nines' face took on a different meaning in the wake of the outburst. He had broken free of his prey-like stupor and emerged angry—furious. Taking laboured strides toward the bathroom, levelling his partner with an increasingly scornful glare.
"I told you not to look."
Gavin winced at the accusation dripping from the words, as they were dragged through the snarled curl of the android's mouth. Damage control was needed, but he was unable to engage the appropriate mental factions.
Instead, he attempted to downplay his previous stunned reaction—gesturing his boyfriend up and down with feigned indifference:
"This is why you've been holding the shitter hostage?" He noted how his arm cast shadows against the sheened wall of plastic, masking his intrigue with a scoff. "Really, that's it?"
Nines jerked back, expression pinched as though he had been struck in the face. "What do you mean, 'that's it'? Gavin, look at me."
"So you're a bit pale. Grey round the gills. You should've seen me this one time at Summer camp." Gavin chuckled preemptively, arms folded across his chest as he attempted to recall the memory. "Man, I'd eaten like seventeen s'mores, and I swear they'd laced the marshmallows with laxatives because, after that, I couldn't…"
He trailed off as the pronounced scowl etched deeper into his partner's face. Informing it wasn't the time for jokes—and that the legendary saga of Preteen Gavin and the Exploding Bowels would have to wait for another day.
"... Seriously, what did you think I was gonna do?" he challenged, abandoning the playful lilt in favour of something serious. "Freak out and run for the hills because you look like a robot? Because newsflash, genius, I kind of got that. Your skin turns into a goddamn Rorschach every time we do it. Not to mention the static orgasms—"
Nines raised a hand to stop him, clearly not appreciating the growing vividness of the account. "There was a time when this would have been an issue. Please don't insult me by denying that."
His voice was stern—gravelly with a mixture of frustration and hurt—as his expression hardened further. A feat the detective had thought impossible.
He bore into him with sharply trained eyes, still the same vibrant grey they'd always been—despite everything else that had changed.
Remorse struck hard, twisting his gut and nearly knocking him back. Nines was right: not long ago, this would have been a big deal.
The consequence of a roadblock which spanned the numerous tangled alleys of his mind. Something established by years of resentment, growing uncontrollably over time. Soon, it had become impossible to bypass, not that he'd made much effort to try. Facing the beast, he just knew it was insurmountable.
That was until Nines arrived, rolling up to the rickety wagon he'd parked against the barrier and all but ripping him out. Tugged from his seat by the goddamn ears as he kicked and howled in protest.
"Plastic fucker—"
Of course, it wasn't all that dramatic. It didn't happen immediately, and definitely not in a single pull.
The occurrence had been slow and gradual, with Gavin only starting to scream when he realised what was happening. Because the closer they got—moved from aggrieved associates to unexpected friends—the more he had to challenge everything he understood about being alive. A painful, arduous process that forced him to confront wrongs he didn't even know he'd committed.
The conclusion should have brought relief, but instead, it was hollow. Something was still missing—and it sure as hell shouldn't have been. His entire worldview had been uprooted, enriched, and expanded by Nines' perspective.
What more could he possibly want?
Then came that one night spent together on surveillance. They'd been scoping out some low-life dealer: a notorious scumbag who had been running operations out of the back room of an underground nightclub. It was a particularly seedy establishment, turning out to be more 'brothel' than 'party spot.'
They had been forced to adjust their approach, cosying up to one another in an effort to assimilate with the handsy patrons. Not that Gavin was complaining—which, in itself, brought to light something extremely damning. The emergence of a serious problem, one that threatened to blow up his fragile state of composure with a fucking grenade.
A particularly enlightening moment occurred—where Nines had him pinned to a wall, held firm by his wrists—when he realised it was too late. The problem was there. Had been for a while. Shaped into the contours of a chiselled jawline and a cool, bright stare he wanted to drown in.
"Keep still, detective. Eyes on me. I believe I have a visual."
The request had been low, practically purred against his ear. It had sent his heart rate skyrocketing, blood rushing in frantic pumps through the lingering echoes of words still dancing in the canal.
Oh fuck.
After that, he couldn't keep convincing himself that he was content with friendship. He wanted more, wanted this, without having to pretend. Desperation drove him to the insane stunt he pulled seconds later. If it failed, he could always claim it was part of their 'performance.'
An excuse that wasn't needed.
Their lips had met, and after a fleeting blip of hesitation, Nines reciprocated. Practically melting into him, abandoning his wrists in order to capture the sides of his face. Like he was holding something valuable— worthy of care and reverence.
They'd lost their visual on the target, as well as any hope of catching up to their boss, but the impromptu trip to a motel had been worth the berating they received from Captain Fowler.
It couldn't be overstated just how grateful Gavin was that Nines had chosen to give him a chance. To show acceptance despite everything he had put him through.
Because even if he was better, nothing could change the foundational truths of the man he was. The innumerable faults that would continue to persist despite all best efforts. Recklessness, arrogance, and spite. Baggage that came wheeled on a dolly cart, stacked to the ceiling.
None of it mattered.
The android took it all—willingly—and without any ultimatum. From the start, the only expectation had been that Gavin would do right by both of them by not fighting the way Nines made him feel.
And nothing had ever made him feel this way. The kind of unconditional devotion and adoration that seemed unique to them, as well as the simple comfort of being together.
He owed Nines everything. The least he could do was offer some modicum of the same security. Especially now, when he seemed so vulnerable.
"You know your skin deactivates every time you go into sleep mode, right?"
The effort backfired horribly.
If Nines hadn't already seemed willing to take up permanent residence in the bathroom, this declaration came close to cinching it. His eyes widened to near-comedic proportions, looking like they might careen from their sockets. "Excuse me?"
Gavin, realising that this had decidedly not been the approach to take, acted quickly to rectify the mistake. "I'm kidding; I just thought it might make you feel better."
The android was seldom listening, making clear that the damage was done as he sidled closer to the bathroom. The exposed soles of his feet pressed against the linoleum, and Gavin's body howled, desperate for its overdue reunion with his porcelain throne.
"This is—just—I mean, you look—"
"I am well aware of what I look like," Nines interjected. His already tense posture had grown increasingly stiff, as though his back was being supported by a cast iron rod, "and just how far this version of me must detract from your preferences."
The words struck hard—much more so than the previous blow. Any ensuing attempts at fumbled retorts were abandoned as he blinked, stunned into silence.
"The issue will be resolved, and once it has, you needn't concern yourself with my default appearance."
Wait. Hold up.
"Now, if you excuse me, I will wait in the bedroom."
Awareness unfolded, leaving him floored—thoroughly astonished at how Nines, the paragon of informed deduction, could have been so cataclysmically wrong when it sought to matter most. To be able to speak so matter-of-factly, with such a candid degree of confidence, about something that couldn't be further from the truth.
His legs moved before his brain could catch up, placing him decisively into the path between his partner and their bedroom.
"Don't you dare go storming off like you're some goddamn teenager," he hissed, in full awareness that his standing there wasn't actually stopping anyone. Nines could quite easily pick him up and fling him across the room like a frisbee, although he trusted him not to.
"What else would you propose I do? Allow you to defecate in our kitchen because I refused to accommodate?"
"You aren't even giving me time to think." The injustice of the situation was becoming more pronounced, flaring hot in Gavin's ribs. "You're just assuming the worst of me, acting like I'm gonna be a total dick about this."
This proved enough to pierce through his partner's haze of contention. The sharpness in his eyes faded, giving way to a flicker of regret. His softened gaze then fell to the side, heavy with shame. "...That was not my intent. I'm sorry."
"It's fine."
Clearly, it wasn't. The tension between them persisted despite the conclusion to their argument. It was suffocating, and Gavin couldn't help but notice how, despite making no further attempts to physically flee, his partner was still trying to hide. Sinking into himself, hands wrapped in a tense bind across his chest.
"...Nines." The name was gentle, settled on a pensive purse at the end of his lips. "Let me see you. Please."
The android didn't respond immediately, hesitation evident in every microscopic shift of his frame. Eventually, his arms slackened and fell back, revealing the expanse of exposed white torso. While still unsure of the idea, demonstrated in his continued refusal to look up, it was clear Nines was extending some form of invitation—one that Gavin accepted.
He traced his fingers carefully up the stretch of the android's chest. It was not made of a singular uniform piece as he had previously assumed, but rather, a complex network of small, interwoven panels. Segmented into varied shades of white and grey, connected by subtle welds.
As he delicately tested the marks with the heel of his palm, he noted how remarkably smooth they felt, blending seamlessly with the rest of the body.
Not everything beneath the chassis was covered, with pockets of plastic so thin they were practically translucent. It revealed a dense network of wires—vibrant blues shifting through the synthetic circulatory system, pumped in steady flows of biofluid.
The liquid originated from the centre of his ribs, beneath a protrusion in the sternum. Something that pressed to the surface—formed in a subtle ring. It pulsed gently, and the longer he looked, the more he was able to detect rhythmic glows of light.
Gavin whistled low, noting how the pace of the component increased when he placed a hand across it. Blue bled through his fingers, illuminating the veins and tendons beneath his skin. It seemed so calm and balanced compared to the uneven tempo of his own raging pulse.
"I didn't think you'd be able to see so much…" he mused, voice low with admiration. "It's fucking incredible. You know that, right?"
"I am a machine," Nines said bitterly—the word of contention spat with disdain, like a curse. "A collection of polymers and circuitry, designed and constructed together to perform a practical function. There is nothing remarkable about it."
"What you just described is a dishwasher. This is not a dishwasher; this is—" He scoffed in self-deprecation, realising just how unequipped he was to describe the gravity of what he was seeing. In the absence of any poise or delicacy, the man opted for honesty. "You're like some crazy modern artwork, a goddamn masterpiece."
"Stop lying to me."
"I'm not. You'd be able to tell if I was, right?"
Nines had nothing to say to that. His mouth jutted open, a tumultuous train of thought evident in the shifting glow of his LED before it wordlessly snapped shut.
"Look, even if you weren't objectively the coolest thing I've ever seen in my life, it still wouldn't matter."
The android still refused to look at him, posture locked painfully tight, but as Gavin traced a delicate finger around his regulator access panel, there was a hint of a shudder. Bristling through his shoulders, as the tension held there started to wane.
"I know you don't wanna hear this—because it doesn't fit into your tortured soul narrative—and honestly, there's no way to say without it sounding like something out of a shitty romcom—"
He was stalling for time and not effectively. This sort of sentiment wasn't his strong suit. It didn't come naturally, which Nines was aware of. Still, if there was ever a time to be nauseatingly, cavity-inducingly sweet, this was it:
"Truth is, I love you, and that's got absolutely jack shit to do with what you look like. It's because of what's on the inside, or whatever."
"You love me for my thirium pump regulator?"
The finger stalled in motion.
Gavin looked up to discover Nines was facing him, a mischievous grin tugging his lips. He glowered despondently and made a hasty attempt to retract his arm. "Shut up, you know what I meant."
The limb didn't get far, as Nines captured it by the wrist, keeping it anchored to his chest. "I did," he assured, caressing the skin, marking trails of bone and ligament with the end of his thumb.
Until the languid motions slowed as synthetic muscles seized. An aftershock of the previous state of anxiety. It was such a minor slip in control that anyone else would have unlikely noticed. Gavin knew better—keenly able to detect the change.
"This really doesn't bother you?", the android asked, accentuating the question with increased pressure against his carpus.
"Does it bother you that I have a mole on my chest the size of a quarter? Or that you can do a dot-to-dot with my stab wounds?"
"Of course not. Why would that matter?"
"Exactly." The man huffed, punctuating the point with an affectionate prod to the android's temple. "Come on, you're the one with the supercomputer brain; just think about it for a second."
Whatever equanimity his partner was still clinging to unravelled in an instant. He looked genuinely overwhelmed, struck by a tidal wave of emotion which he could barely seek to contain. The breaks showed fast, leaking through in small hitches of crackling breath.
"Gavin, I—" He stopped as though desperately seeking to regain some degree of composure. "You have no idea how much this means to me."
"Don't be a moron." He ushered him forward, capturing the hand still wrapped around his wrist. "Come here."
The android did not resist the embrace, sinking into it, as he enclosed the man with powerful limbs. Cradling the back of his head, digits toying with tousled brown strands.
"Sap," Gavin teased, although he revelled in their proximity just as much. Indulging greedily as he peppered kisses across a tempting expanse of shoulder. "You don't need to hide yourself from me. Ever. I'm here for you—and nothing else."
The charged sounds grew louder, like the rumble of a car engine, sending vibrations through Nines' throat. This was before he cupped his partner's chin and allowed the sound to escape through tightly pressed lips.
He moved with the sort of fervent passion that might suggest he was scared Gavin would disappear—but really, spoke more to the gratitude of knowing he wouldn't. It was only as he had fully breached the cavern of his mouth, and their hips were beginning to rock in sequence that the android finally pulled away.
Gavin was left mesmerised—and a little dazed—by the unexpected boldness. It didn't matter how often Nines did this or what other shows of licentious spontaneity happened to follow; he couldn't foresee a time when it wouldn't knock him off his feet.
How was he supposed to ground himself when he was perpetually flung into Cloud Nine, reminded of just how lucky he was?
"...Besides." He chuckled richly, the sound rolling into the part of tenuously divided lips. "Bald really isn't a bad look on you. It's kind of hot."
The man could practically hear the tight flourish of his partner's eyes before he graciously conceded to the attempt at flirting. "Oh, really? Is that so?"
With a hum of affirmation, Gavin leaned down, forming a seal on the junction between the android's shoulder and neck. "You ever wanna…you know…with the dome out. I'm game."
"Perhaps another time." Nines then returned a hand to the back of his scalp. Burrowing into the hair before resting a cheek softly against his temple. "Right now, I would like it if we could stay like this."
Gavin dutifully complied, removing his lips in favour of nestling against the collarbone. He savoured the gentle rush of warmth that radiated beneath the chassis. It felt like home, and his eyes slid closed, entirely at peace.
"Yeah, that sounds good to me."
#dbh#detroit become human#reed900#dbh nines#dbh gavin#dbh rk900#dbh fanfiction#dbh fanfic#gavin reed x rk900#fic request#requests are open! but please be aware i am slow#and i mostly just write reed900#i know what i like and it is trash man and tin can
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Considering how cheap headlights and the electricity to run them are, why bother having a separate setting for running lights with no headlights on?
The existence of daytime running lights (DRLs) and separate lighting modes isn’t about cost—it’s about balancing safety, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Here’s why automakers and regulators don’t just default to full headlights 24/7:
1. Safety Priorities
DRLs vs. Headlights: • DRLs (typically 400–800 lumens) are designed to make your car visible to others in daylight without blinding drivers. • Headlights (1,000–4,000+ lumens) are for illuminating the road at night or in low visibility. Running full headlights in daylight wastes energy and creates glare.
Glare Risks: Full headlights in daylight can wash out turn signals, brake lights, and pedestrian visibility. Studies show excessive daytime brightness increases collision risks by 7–12% in urban areas.
2. Energy and System Longevity
Power Draw: Light Type Power Consumption DRLs (LED) 5–10W per side Halogen Headlights 55–110W per side EVs and hybrids avoid wasting battery on unnecessary headlight use. For ICE vehicles, constant headlight use adds load to alternators, reducing fuel efficiency.
Bulb Lifespan: Halogen bulbs last 500–1,000 hours; running them 24/7 could burn them out in weeks.
3. Regulatory Requirements
Global Standards: • EU/Canada: Mandate DRLs but prohibit automatic full headlights during daylight (to reduce glare). • U.S.: No DRL mandate, but NHTSA requires separate headlight modes to avoid driver confusion.
Color and Brightness Rules: DRLs must be white/yellow and dimmer than headlights. For example, UN Regulation 87 caps DRL intensity at 1,200 cd (candelas) vs. 20,000–70,000 cd for low beams.
4. Technical Design Nuances
Heat Management: Headlights generate significant heat (halogens reach 250°C+). Continuous daytime use could warp housings or melt nearby components.
Sensor Integration: Automatic systems use ambient light sensors to switch modes. Keeping headlights off in daylight preserves night-mode responsiveness.
5. User Behavior and Flexibility
Driver Control: Separate modes let drivers: • Use parking lights (even dimmer than DRLs) for stationary visibility. • Manually toggle headlights in rain/fog without relying on DRLs.
Aesthetic Customization: Some drivers prefer DRLs (e.g., signature LED strips) for styling without full headlight glare.
Why Not Just Use Headlights?
Glare for Others: Full headlights in daylight can obscure brake lights and dazzle cyclists/pedestrians.
Battery Drain: A 100W halogen system running 12 hours/day costs ~$15/year in electricity but drains car batteries 3–5x faster when idling.
Wear and Tear: Bulbs, wiring, and switches degrade faster with constant use.
The Optimal Compromise Modern cars increasingly use adaptive lighting systems that:
Auto-activate DRLs in daylight.
Switch to low beams at dusk or in tunnels.
Enable high beams only when no traffic is detected.
This balances safety, efficiency, and cost—proving that separate settings are smarter than brute-forcing full headlights.
TL;DR: DRLs exist because they’re purpose-built for daytime visibility with minimal downsides. Full headlights are overkill (and counterproductive) when the sun’s out.
#led lights#car lights#led car light#youtube#led auto light#led headlights#led light#led headlight bulbs#young artist#ledlighting#led light bulbs#drl#cars#car culture#race cars#classic cars#cartoon#car#suv#porsche#truck#supercar#automobile#automotive#auto#car light#headlight bulb#headlamp#headlamps#headlight
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💪 arm
😊 to make sure yours isn’t hurt
Jane didn't think as she grabbed into the man's arm, taking quite a bit of effort on her part to keep him from crossing the street. Connor being an android and being taller to boot, meant he was much heavier then he looked. All she needed though was enough to stop him as a car came barreling out of nowhere.
Jane had only caught a glimpse of it, and was mindful enough to realize the man in front of her on the cross walk would definitely get hit.
GRAB my muse’s… || Accepting!
Connor hadn't even noticed the car. The walk signal had changed to allow pedestrians the right of way. One foot had stepped off the curb before he felt the tug on his arm. Immediately he stopped, suddenly registering the speeding car.
His LED flashed red as he locked up. Though he didn't move forward into the path of the car, he didn't move back either. He stood frozen in fear as system warnings flared up in his vision. His thirium pump sped up as if his heart was racing.
The unpleasant memories of the highway came bubbling up to the surface. Kara shoving him away, him unable to get out of the way in time, the crunch of metal against plastic as he was struck by a speeding car, the way he rolled up and over it, landing dead on the roadway as he awoke in a new unharmed body.
As the barreling car passed them, the detective android's legs gave out from under him, falling to his knees, hands pressed against the concrete to keep him from collapsing completely. He sat there for a moment, trying to catch his breath. Though he wasn't actually breathing. It was his external cooling system trying to pull in air to cool him from the sudden shock he'd just experienced.
#last hope for humanity || self#jane tag tbd#she just had to find the Connor with car related trauma lmao
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Chapter 3 Loading Screen Trivia
Note: Currently, I do not know which of these trivia may be general game trivia or Chapter 3 exclusives (if there is any). And there may be trivia I'm currently missing that I will add later on, if I find any more.
World Detective Organization (WDO) An extra-legal, extra-privileged organization devoted to eradicating the world's unsolved mysteries.
Detective Deed An identification card. These are granted by the World Detective Organization.
Master Detective Among the detectives belonging to the World Detective Organization, this is a detective with a specialized power called Forensic Forte that aids in their investigative activities.
Forensic Forte Those exhibiting innate talent for special powers like clairvoyance or mind-reading are trained by the WDO to develop a supernatural investigative ability called Forensic Forte or simply, Forte.
Amaterasu Corporation Many products are in development, some of which cannot be made public.
Amaterasu Peacekeepers A department of Amaterasu Corporation. They serve as a sort of police force within Kanai Ward.
Kanai Station The only train station in Kanai Ward. It's a magnificent building, but seldom has customers because of the city's isolation.
Kamasaki District Crime generally isn't bad here, unless you venture deeper inside, that is.
Riverbank Due to polluted waters, fish are rarely caught.
Kanai Bus System A bus service running throughout Kanai Ward. The bus fee is fixed at 200 shien. Amaterasu Corporation employees ride free.
Kanai Ward Living Condition Perhaps because of the daily rainfall, some people in Kanai Ward don't mind getting wet.
TV Programs Nearly all the TV programs broadcasted in Kanai Ward are sponsored by Amaterasu Corporation.
Popular Sports Parkour is popular among the young men of Kamasaki District. New problems have arisen however, what will all the trespassing and running across the top of food stalls.
Crosswalks The crosswalks in Kanai ward detect pedestrians and stop traffic for them. As such, it's fairly uncommon to see people waiting for the signal to change.
Pets Because of Kanai Ward's unending rain, indoor pets are popular. At the same time, there is increasing concern of many dogs and cats become feral after being abandoned by irresponsible owners.
Flora in Kanai Ward Because it's difficult to grow plants in the perpetually rainy Kanai Ward, many have been replaced with synthetic counterparts, aside from some roadside trees and flowers in Ginma.
Flavor of Halara's Candy Depends on the mood. The worse the mood, the sweeter the taste; the better the mood, the lighter the taste.
Desuhiko's Bangs Desuhiko is particular about how his bangs look; it takes about an hour a day to style.
Fubuki's Accessories Fubuki's necklace has a clock motif. The choker is decorated with video playback control symbols.
Vivia's Garments There are just bandage-like wrappings beneath his coat, so it wouldn't be accurate to call it clothing.
Yakou's Lifestyle A complete night owl, he typically sleeps in until noon, even when there's work to be done. This nocturnal lifestyle was the norm until the Master Detectives arrived.
Sun & Moon Hotel Breakfast is served buffet-style in the adjoining restaurant.
Cafe A cafe with an open terrace located in Gina District. It is popular among office workers on break and female students on their way home from school.
Kanai Tower The tallest building in Kanai Ward. Especially high-ranking people within Amaterasu Corporation and their families live here.
Dohya District The so-called "slums" of Kanai Ward, where everything is stagnant and polluted. Most of the district is flooded because rainwater cannot be properly drained.
Dohya District Criminals and others on the run from Peacekeepers occupy the abandoned building here, making the area fairly dangerous.
Marunomon District The business area of Kanai Ward. Rows of office buildings line the street, and Kanai Ward's only bank is also located here.
Marunomon District Being a commercial area, it is relatively crime-free compared to other districts.
Marunomon Bank The only bank in Kanai Ward. All the money circulating through the city begins and ends their journey here. Due to the advanced security, no incidents have ever occured.
"Grade A" A meat bun shop in Marunomon District. Though luxuriously priced at 1000 shien apiece nearby office workers have remarked on the bland flavor.
Golden Path Cafe Uniforms Many customers flock here simply to ogle the uniformed waitresses.
Kanai Ward's Electrical Power Because of the perpetual rain, electrical power is derived predominantly from rainwater.
The Resistance A movement that has declared its opposition to Amaterasu Corporation. The name of the group is "Anti-Establishment Organization," but they're commonly called the Resistance.
Dronebrella Incidents Dronebrellas are handsfree umbrellas, and inter-device collisions as well as incidents involving loss of control due to electromagnetic interference has occurred.
Stay Safe at Marunomon Bank! Marunomon Bank uses state-of-the-art safes because the security of your money is our number one concern. Take advantage of our 1% interest rate now, only at Marunomon Bank.
Homunculus An immortal monster created through research conducted by Amaterasu Corporation.
Shachi's Coveralls Shachi's coveralls are made of a water-resistant material, ideal for working outdoors.
Iruka's Tattoo Iruka has a tattoo of dual pistons on the left side of her chest.
Icardi's Boots Made of waterproof material similar to that of wetsuits, the boots have a switch on the heel that turns them into flippers.
Margulaw's Photo Frame The old photo frame inside the shop is not for sale. It was a birthday present from departed family members.
Servan and Gambling A frequent patron of casinos, he prefers games based on probability and theory. His all-time win is currently less than 50%.
Makoto's Meals Almost always eaten at restaurants or the Amaterasu Corporation cafeteria. He's terrible at cooking, so he never makes his own food.
The Clockford Family The world-renowned family tasked with managing the world's standard of time. They are also responsible for deciding on standard operating procedures related to time and the calendar.
Fubuki's Sense of Monetary Value Given her affluent, princess-like upbringing, she rarely went shopping for herself and thusly has a unique sense of monetary value. She thinks an apple costs as much as a car.
Guillaume There's a hobby she hasn't told anyone about: recipe development. She's sweet on sweets and has strong opinions on proper jam making technique.
Rumor Surrounding Dominic Once a soldier, he suffered a serious injury in battle and became a cyborg after undergoing surgery at Amaterasu Corp. That's the rumor going around the company, anyway.
Swindle Detective A Master Detective who turned their advanced skills of deception and cajolery into a Forte. This detective was not summoned to Kanai Ward.
Guillaume's Lucky Fortune Telling! Guillaume's Lucky Item of the Day! For all the Aries out there, big trouble if you don't carry around a used disposable camera exposed to light!
Guillaume's Lucky Fortune Telling! Guillaume's Lucky Spot of the Day! For all the Tauruses out there, if you don't repent on the roof of an abandoned building, you'll die!
Guillaume's Lucky Fortune Telling! Guillaume's Lucky Place of the Day! For all the Geminis out there, a trip into an alternate dimension will bring you that much closer to achieving your goals!
Guillaume's Lucky Fortune Telling! Guillaume's Lucky Life of the Day! For all the Cancers out there, just give up! Better luck next life!
Guillaume's Lucky Fortune Telling! Guillaume's Lucky Goods of the Day! For all the Leos out there, wearing some lion fur might be the key to avoiding a tragic fate!
Guillaume's Lucky Fortune Telling! Guillaume's Lucky Jewel of the Day! For all the Virgos out there, get your hands on a cursed diamond! Deal with the curse yourself!
Guillaume's Lucky Fortune Telling! Guillaume's Lucky Scale of the Day! For all the Libras out there, carry one hundred 100-gram weights around for potential bliss!
Guillaume's Lucky Fortune Telling! Guillaume's Lucky Hero of the Day! For all the Scorpios out there, watch your head! Get trampled and become a star!
Guillaume's Lucky Fortune Telling! Guillaume's Lucky Gourmet of the Day! For all the Sagittariuses out there, sea turtle soup is the chef's choice! Get to a restaurant and slurp some up later!
Guillaume's Lucky Fortune Telling! Guillaume's Lucky Weather of the Day! For all the Capricorns out there, you'll have better luck when the weather clears up! But Kanai Ward is rainy all the time!
Guillaume's Lucky Fortune Telling! Guillaume's Lucky Jar of the Day! For all the Aquariuses out there, buy this jar for good luck! It's a steal at five million shien, for a limited time only!
Guillaume's Lucky Fortune Telling! Guillaume's Lucky Fight of the Day! For all the Pisces out there, pick a fight with a shop owner, then jump into the sea! A lovely encounter awaits!
Guillaume's Lucky Fortune Telling! Guillaume's Unlucky Human of the Day! Are there still Ophiuchuses around? Shouldn't we go back to just 12 zodiacs?
#mdarc#master detective archives rain code#rain code#raincode#rain code archives#fubuki clockford#guillaume hall#makoto kagutsuchi#dominic fulltank#rain code shachi#rain code iruka#rain code icardi#rain code margulaw#rain code servan
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Theories about Legion's "mini headlamps" (N7 special)
A very happy N7 Day to all of you Mass Effect fans!
Although I still haven't finished Mass Effect 3 (I just haven't been able to pick it up again after the Rannoch arc), I nevertheless wanted to do something special for this occasion, and I thought to myself that I might as well devote a quick study to a subject that's been on my mind for quite a long time: the purpose of Legion's three additional "mini headlamps".
You see, aside from the big, obvious flashlight in the middle, Legion also possesses three smaller lights at the side of their head. Ever since discovering these, I've been wondering what exactly those are for. I've observed that they glow red when Legion is under "stress" (an effect which is unfortunately not present in the Legendary Edition) - or rather, in situations that require a lot of processing power - but as far as their practical function goes, I could only guess. However, going through the ME3 dialogues again, I noticed a small detail which could potentially explain what exactly those small lights are - and in addition, give us a little insight into how Geth perceive the world visually.
Disclaimer: Before going into this, I should mention that I have no technical education in robotics, laser scanning, or any related areas of engineering. I based my conclusions solely on what information I could find on the internet, as well as my own reasoning and observations.
[Potential spoilers for ME3]
LADAR/LiDAR scanning and three-dimensional perception
To start off, what basically led me on this track was this comment by Tali in ME3:
Their AI lets them use extremely detailed ladar pings. Xen's countermeasure overwhelmed them with garbage data.
First off, we need to clarify what exactly ladar is. LADAR, more commonly known as LiDAR, stands for "Light amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation detection and ranging" - or, in case of LiDAR, "Light detection and ranging/Light imaging, detection and ranging. It's a method for measuring the distance, speed, and surface structure of objects by the means of laser scanning, usually with beams in the infrared spectrum (there are different wavelengths of light in use, however). Essentially, LiDAR is based on the same principle as the echolocation of bats, the only difference being the use of light instead of sound. Every LiDAR system consists of three integral components: a transmitter, a receiver, and a timer. The transmitter will send out a laser beam, which will be reflected by the object it hits; afterwards, the reflection will be registered by the receiver. Because the speed of light is a known constant, the distance of the object can be deduced by the timer, which will determine the delay between the light impulse being send out and the reflection being captured, also known as "time of flight".
However, because each laser beam only represents the coordinates of a single point, multiple laser beams are necessary to create a detailed 3D map of the environment. Some LiDAR lasers, like those used in automated vehicles, pinwheel to collect data in a 360° radius, generating a 3D image of all objects in the vicinity, including cars, pedestrians, and other obstacles. This results in multiple "points" forming a "point cloud" together, digitally depicting the surroundings on a 3D level. Because each laser emits hundreds of impulses per second, this technology enables you to take highly precise measurements in a very short period of time. LiDAR technology is not only utilized in autonomous driving, but also all kinds of other areas too, like archaeology, topographical mapping, and monitoring of vegetation growth.
Now, with this in mind, my theory is that Legion's small headlamps are the transmitter and receiver components of the LiDAR system - more specifically, I think the transmitters are located on the right, while the singular light on the left is the receiver. However, since we know that normal scanning LiDAR requires multiple laser beams for a detailed 3D image, the question is why Legion would only have two of them implemented. Personally, my suspicion is that the Geth might be using a flash LiDAR: Flash LiDAR is a different type of LiDar emitting a single wide, diverging beam, similar in shape to the beam of a flashlight. By projecting the reflected light onto a sensor array, a flash LiDAR can create a complete 3D environment without the use of multiple impulses. In addition to being very compact, flash LiDAR sensors have no moveable parts, making them extremely resistant to any kind of vibration - an undeniable advantage in all situations that require quick movement, such as combat.
Analysis of atmospheric composition with LiDAR
Still, that doesn't explain why Legion would have an additional transmitter on the right side of their head. We do know, however, that the laser scans with LiDAR are precise enough to not only measure the exact distance between objects, but also analyze the density of particles in the air: Because the molecules in the air cause the light from the laser beam to backscatter, LiDAR is also utilized in monitoring air quality and detecting fine dust, being able to determine traces of atmospheric gases such as ozone, nitrous gases, carbon dioxide, and methane. Depending on the wavelength of light used, the LiDAR system might be more or less precise in measuring molecular backscattering. For that reason, LiDAR systems using multiple wavelengths of light are most efficient in determining the exact size distribution of particles in the air.
With this in mind, let's take a look at Legion's opening line in ME2 upon entering the Heretic station:
Alert. This facility has little air or gravity. Geth require neither.
Going by what I explained above, the reason why Legion was able to tell there is no oxygen in the atmosphere isn't because they have some built-in chemical sensors to analyze the air's components - it's because they can literally "see" the particles in the air.
Thus, I think the second transmitter on the right side of Legion's head might use a different kind of wavelength specifically intended for the detection of atmospheric particles, perhaps in the UV-spectrum (the general rule is that the shorter the wavelength, the higher the resolution of the 3D image is, and since UV has a shorter wavelength than infrared, I imagine it might be used for this purpose). Meanwhile, the big flashlight in the middle might be a photoreceptor, being able to detect "normal" light visible to humans. In addition, the Geth are probably able to see UV-light (since the Quarians are able to see it, it would be logical to assume the Geth are as well), and maybe even infrared and other wavelengths. To summarize the function of all of Legion's headlights, I imagine it works roughly like this:

The two lights on the right side of Legion's head (marked with a red and magenta line) might be LiDAR transmitters, using infrared and UV-light, respectively; the single small light on the left (circled with green) might be the LiDAR sensor/receiver, while the big light in the middle (circled with blue) might be a photoreceptor (Source)
The effect of Xen's countermeasure (and potential means to bypass it)
It might be difficult to imagine from a human point of view, but judging from the information that the Geth use LiDAR as their main method of depth perception, Tali describing Xen's invention as a "flash bang grenade" actually makes a lot of sense: If you're normally able to observe your surroundings down to a molecular level, it would probably feel very disorienting if you're suddenly not, not to mention being unable to tell whether an object is far away or close by (which would be absolutely devastating if you suddenly come under attack).
Still, that doesn't mean there are no potential alternatives: Radar, which has been in use longer than LiDAR, is another method to determine the range, angle, and velocity of objects. Due to radar using long-waved micro- and radio waves, the measurements are generally a lot less precise than those with LiDAR; despite this, radar still has its use during inclement weather, when LiDAR systems are very prone to disturbances by dust, mist, and rainfall. Furthermore, LiDAR can only provide measurements up to 200 meters, while radar is more efficient at greater distances. In fact, most modern autonomous driving vehicles work both with LiDAR and radar, in addition to a conventional camera (the only vehicles that don't use LiDAR are those from Tesla, which have a reputation of being unsafe). So, it's only reasonable to assume that the Geth don't rely on LiDAR alone, but use various technologies in combination with it to compensate for each one's weaknesses.
Interestingly, a type of 4D radar is currently in development, intended to be used in autonomous driving. It provides 3D images with a similar resolution as LiDAR, at a potentially much cheaper cost. Still, whether LiDAR or 4D radar is the better choice for autonomous driving is still a heatedly debated question, and only time will tell which of both systems comes out on top. Nevertheless, assuming Xen's "flash bang grenade" only targets the Geth's LiDAR sensors, I wonder if they could've potentially found a way to adapt and bypass it, given enough time.
Anyway, that's the material for a different kind of analysis - for now, I hope you enjoyed this little deep dive into the science behind the Geth. Thank you all for reading and have a nice N7 Day! :-)
#mass effect#mass effect legion#geth#mass effect lore#lore theories#lidar technology#my contribution to N7 Day
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Pedestrian Detection System Market Size, Analyzing Trends and Projected Outlook for 2025-2032

Fortune Business Insights released the Global Pedestrian Detection System Market Trends Study, a comprehensive analysis of the market that spans more than 150+ pages and describes the product and industry scope as well as the market prognosis and status for 2025-2032. The marketization process is being accelerated by the market study's segmentation by important regions. The market is currently expanding its reach.
The Pedestrian Detection System Market is experiencing robust growth driven by the expanding globally. The Pedestrian Detection System Market is poised for substantial growth as manufacturers across various industries embrace automation to enhance productivity, quality, and agility in their production processes. Pedestrian Detection System Market leverage robotics, machine vision, and advanced control technologies to streamline assembly tasks, reduce labor costs, and minimize errors. With increasing demand for customized products, shorter product lifecycles, and labor shortages, there is a growing need for flexible and scalable automation solutions. As technology advances and automation becomes more accessible, the adoption of automated assembly systems is expected to accelerate, driving market growth and innovation in manufacturing. Pedestrian Detection System Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Video, Infrared, Hybrid, Others), By Component Type (Sensors, Radars, Cameras, Others)Others and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028
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Dominating Region:
North America
Fastest-Growing Region:
Asia-Pacific
Major Pedestrian Detection System Market Manufacturers covered in the market report include:
The major players that are present in the global pedestrian detection system market include Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Mobileye (Isreal), Continental AG (Germany), FLIR System (U.S), and Denso Corp. (Japan), among others.
The growing awareness about safety among the consumers is also likely to boost the market for the pedestrian detection system. The increasing safety concern about pedestrians in developing countries is also expected to drive the market’s growth positively.
Geographically, the detailed analysis of consumption, revenue, market share, and growth rate of the following regions:
The Middle East and Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Egypt, etc.)
North America (United States, Mexico & Canada)
South America (Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, etc.)
Europe (Turkey, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.)
Asia-Pacific (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia).
Pedestrian Detection System Market Research Objectives:
- Focuses on the key manufacturers, to define, pronounce and examine the value, sales volume, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis, and development plans in the next few years.
- To share comprehensive information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (opportunities, drivers, growth potential, industry-specific challenges and risks).
- To analyze the with respect to individual future prospects, growth trends and their involvement to the total market.
- To analyze reasonable developments such as agreements, expansions new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.
- To deliberately profile the key players and systematically examine their growth strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
► What is the current market scenario?
► What was the historical demand scenario, and forecast outlook from 2025 to 2032?
► What are the key market dynamics influencing growth in the Global Pedestrian Detection System Market?
► Who are the prominent players in the Global Pedestrian Detection System Market?
► What is the consumer perspective in the Global Pedestrian Detection System Market?
► What are the key demand-side and supply-side trends in the Global Pedestrian Detection System Market?
► What are the largest and the fastest-growing geographies?
► Which segment dominated and which segment is expected to grow fastest?
► What was the COVID-19 impact on the Global Pedestrian Detection System Market?
FIVE FORCES & PESTLE ANALYSIS:
In order to better understand market conditions five forces analysis is conducted that includes the Bargaining power of buyers, Bargaining power of suppliers, Threat of new entrants, Threat of substitutes, and Threat of rivalry.
Political (Political policy and stability as well as trade, fiscal, and taxation policies)
Economical (Interest rates, employment or unemployment rates, raw material costs, and foreign exchange rates)
Social (Changing family demographics, education levels, cultural trends, attitude changes, and changes in lifestyles)
Technological (Changes in digital or mobile technology, automation, research, and development)
Legal (Employment legislation, consumer law, health, and safety, international as well as trade regulation and restrictions)
Environmental (Climate, recycling procedures, carbon footprint, waste disposal, and sustainability)
Points Covered in Table of Content of Global Pedestrian Detection System Market:
Chapter 01 - Pedestrian Detection System Market for Automotive Executive Summary
Chapter 02 - Market Overview
Chapter 03 - Key Success Factors
Chapter 04 - Global Pedestrian Detection System Market - Pricing Analysis
Chapter 05 - Global Pedestrian Detection System Market Background or History
Chapter 06 - Global Pedestrian Detection System Market Segmentation (e.g. Type, Application)
Chapter 07 - Key and Emerging Countries Analysis Worldwide Pedestrian Detection System Market.
Chapter 08 - Global Pedestrian Detection System Market Structure & worth Analysis
Chapter 09 - Global Pedestrian Detection System Market Competitive Analysis & Challenges
Chapter 10 - Assumptions and Acronyms
Chapter 11 - Pedestrian Detection System Market Research Methodology
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Importance of Forklift Anti Collision System in the Logistics Industry

The Anti Collision System is a solution that warns forklift driver when it detects other vehicles in a 25-metre range and also reduces the risk of dropping goods. You can call us at +971-4-454-1054 or mail us at [email protected]
#forklift safety system#forklift camera system#forklift blind spot detection#forklift pedestrian detection system#how to prevent forklift accidents#forklift collision avoidance system#forklift blind spot detection system#forklift accident prevention#best forklift safety features#forklift pedestrian safety system#forklift warehouse safety
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Video as a Sensor Market Report: Opportunities, Challenges & Projections

Accelerating Intelligence: The Rise of Video as a Sensor Technology
We are witnessing a transformation in how machines perceive the world. The global Video as a Sensor market is advancing rapidly, driven by breakthroughs in edge computing, machine learning, and real-time video analytics. video as a sensor market is no longer confined to traditional video surveillance; it now serves as a dynamic, sensor-based system for intelligent decision-making across diverse industries. From optimizing urban traffic to enabling autonomous navigation, VaaS is a foundational layer of next-generation intelligent infrastructure.
By 2031, the Video as a Sensor market is projected to soar to USD 101.91 billion, growing at a robust CAGR of 8%, up from USD 69.72 billion in 2023. This trajectory is fueled by the demand for automation, real-time analytics, and safer environments.
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Intelligent Video Analytics: Enabling Real-Time Situational Awareness
VaaS leverages video streams as rich data sources. Through embedded AI algorithms, these systems detect and analyze objects, behaviors, and environments—eliminating the need for additional sensor hardware. This shift towards intelligent visual perception is enhancing operations in mission-critical industries such as:
Public Safety: Automated threat recognition and proactive alert systems.
Retail: Heat mapping, customer journey tracking, and loss prevention.
Healthcare: Patient monitoring, anomaly detection, and contactless diagnostics.
Transportation: Traffic flow optimization, vehicle classification, and pedestrian safety.
Manufacturing: Equipment monitoring, quality inspection, and workplace safety.
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Video as a Sensor Market Segmentation and Strategic Insights
By Type: Standalone vs. Integrated Video Sensors
Standalone Video Sensors offer edge-based intelligence, allowing immediate processing without dependence on centralized systems. Their advantages include:
Reduced latency
Lower bandwidth usage
Enhanced privacy
Ideal for retail stores, small-scale surveillance, and localized analytics
Integrated Video Sensors incorporate multi-modal data inputs. They combine visual data with thermal, motion, acoustic, and even LiDAR sensors to provide a more comprehensive picture. Applications include:
Autonomous Vehicles: Real-time fusion of vision and radar data
Industrial Automation: Hazard detection and predictive maintenance
Smart Cities: Integrated environment and crowd monitoring
By Material: Components Driving Performance and Durability
High-performance materials play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and longevity of video sensors. The key components include:
Camera Lenses: Engineered from precision optical glass or polycarbonate for clarity and high zoom capabilities.
Semiconductor Materials: CMOS sensors dominate due to their power efficiency and speed, supporting high-frame-rate video and integration with AI accelerators.
Plastic & Metal Casings: Rugged enclosures designed for outdoor and industrial environments, supporting IP67/IP68 ratings and thermal regulation.
These innovations not only enhance video quality but also reduce device footprint and operational costs.
By End-User: Sector-Wide Transformation Through Video as a Sensor Market
1. Security and Surveillance
Automatic license plate recognition (ALPR)
Biometric identification (face, gait, posture)
Perimeter breach detection
Crowd density analysis
2. Retail
Queue management systems
Shopper intent prediction
Stock-out alerts and planogram compliance
Behavioral segmentation
3. Automotive
Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping
360-degree situational awareness
Driver monitoring systems (DMS)
Smart parking automation
4. Healthcare
Non-intrusive patient surveillance
Elderly fall detection
Remote surgery and diagnostic imaging
Infection control via contact tracing
5. Smart Cities
Traffic light optimization
Illegal dumping and graffiti detection
Air quality monitoring via visual indicators
Emergency response coordination
Regional Video as a Sensor Market Outlook: A Global Wave of Adoption
North America
With a mature tech ecosystem and strong surveillance infrastructure, North America remains a leader in adopting advanced VaaS systems, especially for homeland security, smart policing, and industrial automation.
Asia-Pacific
Rapid urbanization and significant investments in smart city projects across China, Japan, and India position this region as the fastest-growing VaaS market. Automotive and manufacturing sectors serve as major adoption verticals.
Europe
Driven by stringent GDPR compliance and sustainability goals, Europe emphasizes privacy-focused AI video analytics. Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and energy-efficient smart buildings are driving demand.
Middle East and Africa
Massive infrastructure initiatives and security upgrades are propelling demand. VaaS is gaining traction in oil facilities, public safety, and tourism hubs.
South America
Emerging VaaS applications in agriculture (precision farming), logistics, and crime detection are gaining momentum as governments and enterprises modernize legacy systems.
Competitive Landscape: Leaders in Video Intelligence
The competitive environment is shaped by innovation in AI chips, edge processors, and scalable cloud architectures. Major players include:
Hikvision – AI-powered surveillance and edge computing
Bosch Security Systems – Integrated security platforms
Axis Communications – Smart network cameras with in-built analytics
Honeywell International – Industrial-grade video intelligence
FLIR Systems – Thermal and multi-sensor fusion
Sony & Samsung Electronics – High-resolution CMOS sensors
Qualcomm, Intel, NVIDIA – AI chipsets and embedded vision
Google Cloud & AWS – VaaS via scalable, cloud-native platforms
Smaller innovators and startups are also disrupting the field with niche capabilities in facial recognition, retail analytics, and edge-AI chipsets.
Future Outlook: Pathways to Intelligent Automation
The future of the Video as a Sensor market is shaped by convergence and miniaturization. We anticipate:
Edge-AI Proliferation: Microprocessors integrated directly into cameras
5G-Enabled Real-Time Processing: Enabling ultra-low latency video transmission
Privacy-Preserving AI: Federated learning and on-device encryption
Autonomous Monitoring: Drones and mobile robots using vision as their primary sense
These trends position video as not just a sensor but as a strategic tool for perception, prediction, and control in an increasingly automated world.
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Conclusion
The evolution of Video as a Sensor technology is redefining how industries sense, interpret, and act. As AI-driven video analysis becomes a core enabler of digital transformation, the Video as a Sensor market is poised to be one of the most impactful sectors of the coming decade. Enterprises and governments that invest early in scalable, intelligent video infrastructure will gain unprecedented advantages in efficiency, security, and operational agility.
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Exploring Innovative Technology and Future-proofing in High-End Model Cars
In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, high-end model cars are at the forefront of innovation, integrating cutting-edge technology and future-proofing features to meet the demands of discerning consumers. Let's delve into the innovative technology and future-proofing strategies that define high-end model cars.
Advanced Safety and Driver-Assist Systems
Automated Driving Capabilities: High-end model cars are equipped with advanced automated driving features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automated parking, paving the way for a future of self-driving capabilities.
Collision Avoidance Technology: Utilizing radar, lidar, and camera systems, these cars incorporate collision avoidance technology to enhance safety, mitigate accidents, and protect both occupants and pedestrians.
Advanced Driver Monitoring: Cutting-edge driver monitoring systems use AI and advanced sensors to detect driver drowsiness, distraction, and provide alerts, ensuring a safer driving experience.
Sustainable Power-trains and Electrification
Electric and Hybrid Technology: High-end model cars embrace electrification with sophisticated electric and hybrid powertrains, offering enhanced efficiency, lower emissions, and a glimpse into the future of sustainable mobility.
Fast-Charging Infrastructure: These cars are designed to support fast-charging capabilities, reducing charging times and enhancing the practicality of electric driving.
Regenerative Braking: Incorporating regenerative braking technology, high-end models capture and store energy during braking, maximizing efficiency and range.
Connectivity and Infotainment Evolution
5G Connectivity: Future-proofing high-end model cars involves integrating 5G connectivity, enabling faster data transfer, low-latency communication, and unlocking new possibilities for in-car entertainment and communication.
Enhanced Infotainment Interfaces: These cars feature intuitive, AI-powered infotainment interfaces that learn from user behavior, anticipate preferences, and seamlessly integrate with personal devices and services.
Over-the-Air Updates: Future-proofing includes over-the-air software updates, ensuring that the car's systems and features remain up to date with the latest enhancements and security patches.
Environmental Sustainability and Luxury
Sustainable Materials: High-end model cars are incorporating sustainable materials in their interiors, showcasing a commitment to environmental responsibility without compromising luxury and comfort.
Energy-Efficient Climate Control: Utilizing advanced climate control systems, these cars optimize energy usage to maintain a comfortable interior environment while minimizing energy consumption.
Adaptive Lighting Technology: Future-proofing extends to adaptive lighting systems that improve visibility, enhance safety, and reduce energy consumption through advanced LED and laser technologies.
High-end model cars are at the vanguard of innovation, embracing advanced technology and future-proofing strategies to deliver unparalleled driving experiences.
From automated driving capabilities to sustainable power-trains, enhanced connectivity, and a commitment to environmental sustainability, these cars are shaping the future of automotive luxury and performance, setting new standards for innovation and excellence in the automotive industry.
In the ever-evolving landscape of car shipping, staying ahead with innovative technology is crucial for a safe and efficient experience. Explore the latest advancements for a safe direct car shipping reviews and how they can future-proof your transportation needs.
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Once they more "stable" relationship wise, how does Jesse react when Marena leaves the house without him? Not escaping, just going to the grocery store or something
She literally doesn't. Jesse's home in Florida could be called an estate because it's fucking massive and decked out with many amenities that are not just sex and murder dungeons (there are sex and murder dungeons. separate. and also torture dungeons which are not necessarily the same as murder dungeons and may occasionally overlap with the sex dungeons). He has regular grocery deliveries set up because like hell is Chromeskull going to do something pedestrian as grocery shopping, and Marena also has a credit card with an obscenely high limit so she can get anything else she wants delivered to the house. She knows how to drive a car but doesn't have a license and she's not going to get one because she is still very much wanted for murder in Miami. She won't be going on any solo drives or running errands
At the end of the day, she doesn't want to. Jesse takes her out places because he likes to show off and spoil her, but she absolutely hates being around people (it's the Trauma) and has zero desire for the casual daily interactions that keep the rest of us from going nuts. She's never been to a movie theater or a concert or a theme park. There's nothing from her pre-Jesse life that she misses apart from not being constantly manhandled by a 6'7" giant.
The most time she ever spends away from him is at the cabin he bought her in the Adirondacks as an apology for events that haven't occurred yet in Midnight Star. Jesse always brings her there himself; she's not allowed to make the trip from Florida to New York alone. Jesse also gets bored at the cabin very quickly because unlike Marena, he does need to be around people and cities. He typically brings her up there when he knows he's going to be away for work for at least several weeks, or when police activity in the southeast is getting too hot and he needs to let things simmer down a bit. In the latter case, he'll spend a few days at the cabin, go piggy hunting for a few days, then return to the cabin, lather rinse repeat.
When Marena is at the cabin alone, she is still heavily monitored. There's trackers on her phone, multiple trackers in the car he leaves her for emergencies, and a heavy security system with motion tracking cameras that'll send an alert straight to Jesse's phone if they go more than 24 hours without detecting any movement inside. She knows they're there, but they're pretty easy to ignore when Jesse isn't blowing up her phone.
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Pairing: RK900/Gavin Reed
Tags: Post Pacifist Ending, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Eventual Smut, Angst, Hurt/ Comfort
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Summary: In the aftermath of Detroit's android revolution, Nines grapples with the complexities of his newfound deviancy. As he seeks to establish his place in a newly transformed society, his resolve is put to the ultimate test when he is paired with Detective Gavin Reed-a notoriously volatile human with a well-established hatred for androids-to investigate a series of murders.
While initial impressions of his partner seem to suggest his reputation is well-deserved, the more time Nines spends with him, the more he is forced to challenge his judgments. As they form an unexpected bond, the RK900 is also pushed to examine truths about himself he would much rather seek to forget. (A Retelling of 'More Than Our Parts' from the POV of Nines.)
Warnings: Graphic Violence, Depression/Self Destructive Behaviour, Eventual Smut
Word Count: 7K
Tag List: @sweeteatercat @wedonthaveawhile @ladyj-pl @tentoriumcerebelli @negative-citadel @faxaway
Reed skulked out of the station in reluctant acceptance that Nines would be following. His needless hostility and desire to assert himself had reached an absurd degree, coming off as far more ridiculous than it did intimidating.
Each heavy step was taken with the demeanour of a disgruntled alley cat. Back arched and teeth snarled as the android trailed closely behind, ready to thwart any attempts he made to lash out or dart away. Had he tried to flee, engaging the android in a clumsy chase through a system of garbage cans, he would soon discover just how adept he was at pursuing targets.
The silent deterrent proved sufficient, with no attempts made.
Having confirmed he wasn’t an immediate flight risk, Nines instead anticipated a prolonged smoke break would soon ensue in the station’s parking lot. Among his many irritating quirks, one of his partner’s most egregious was his inability to perform any basic duty without first filling his body with harmful carcinogens.
To his surprise, Reed walked directly past the dispatch vehicles without any indication of slowing or stopping.
“...Are we not taking the car?” the android queried, wondering if the action had been intentional or if the man had simply missed his turn—too preoccupied with his pursuit to bore holes into the sidewalk.
His back arched more, stride length widening by several inches. "This place isn't far. We can walk."
The forced march proceeded without further details. Of course, Reed would neglect to extend the basic courtesy of informing him where they were going. In the absence of any relevant data to input into his navigational systems, the android had no other option but to trust his partner knew the way.
They proceeded down the road for a stretch longer until they encountered a pedestrian crosswalk, the laws for which Nines was astonished his partner abided. Although not without visible protest.
He fidgeted incessantly, tapping his foot in discordant thumps as his focus darted between the stop light and the traffic speeding past. Assessing possible gaps, calculating if he had sufficient time to dart across. Perhaps hopeful Nines would pursue, miscalculating his own trajectory and getting struck by an oncoming vehicle—
"— I did say that I wanted to stretch my legs, or were you not paying attention to me?”
The interjection disrupted his train of cognition, prompting the android to retune inputs that had been autonomously modified. "I find that much of what you say lacks substance, although I pay attention when I feel it is warranted.”
Detective Reed made a sudden, plummeting descent down the food chain. Devolving from an indignant feline into something more akin to a fish. Lips pursed together tight as eyes protruded from his skull. He appeared to be testing his durability, seeing how long he could hold his breath.
Either that, or he was repressing a scream.
"You are really goddamn rude,” he accused with a strained wheeze of breath. "You know that, right?"
This threw Nines momentarily. He couldn’t recall any recent behaviour that decisively supported the claim, though he understood it wasn’t a matter of rigid standards. The definition of ‘rudeness’ varied widely from person to person, with parameters so vague and expansive they seemed impossible to quantify…
He might have requested elaboration had he not been so ardently opposed to letting Reed think he had infiltrated his mind. Instead, his response was sourced by his developing strain of situational deduction:
> DETECTIVE REED'S CLAIMS LACK OBJECTIVE SUPPORT—LIKELY BASIS: ESTABLISHED PREJUDICE(S)
> BEHAVIOUR FORMS EXTERNAL ATTEMPT TO INDUCE SELF-DOUBT.
> CONCLUSION:
> I AM NOT RUDE.
> HIS JUDGEMENT IS FLAWED.
"I do not believe that I am", he coolly asserted. "It is not targeted at you specifically. Humans have a knack for dancing around the issue. Even those who claim to be direct often fail to say what they mean. I find it frustrating.”
"Yeah, well, humans are tricky like that…” It seemed he'd wished to elaborate, likely preparing some biting remark about Nines’ inability to understand. Instead, he clicked his tongue and sulked.
The android couldn't help but be amused by just how discernible his feelings were. All from the involuntary contortions of his face. A transparency that seemed far from advantageous, given the requirements of his position.
He wouldn’t have been surprised if it had also posed an obstacle in the man’s private life. Winning favours on the merits of his personality alone seemed doubtful.
Still, he supposed there was some element of objective appeal. Concealed beneath the haggard veneer, the scowls and sneers that warped his features, Reed wasn’t an unattractive man—at least not by conventional standards.
There were imperfections, albeit reasonably standard for a human male. Large bags under his eyes, wrinkles beginning to bloom in the corners. He had a facial asymmetry, the sum of his features skewing marginally higher on one side. His scars, however, were more distinct, dotting his face in varying states of healing. Most prominent was the extended abrasion across the bridge of his nose. One that had undoubtedly been secured in some form of physical dispute.
Less desirable candidates for physical intimacy undoubtedly existed—although he wouldn't be the android’s first choice.
"Mommy, why does that man look angry?"
Nines had been so focused on the deconstruction he failed to notice the crowd of pedestrians amassing around them. Initially, he assumed the unidentified figure was referring to Reed, but a more thorough inspection of his surroundings revealed otherwise.
He looked to his feet, noting the small child peering up at him. Bright eyes were alight with curiosity as a ringlet of blonde hair was twirled repeatedly around a stubby finger. Mingled with intrigue was confusion, evident by the sidelong tilt of her head.
A dour-faced woman stood to the side, her genetic profile indicating she was their mother. Nines waited to see if she would dissuade the interaction or attempt to answer the question herself.
From what he understood, it was considered inappropriate for a child this age to speak with strangers—a convenient norm, as he had no objections to sidestepping the interaction.
Unfortunately, the mother said nothing, glaring fixedly at the road ahead as the girl proved committed to her newfound fascination. Her tiny mouth popped gormlessly, in danger of catching insects.
In hopes an answer might sate this off-putting curiosity, Nines leant down, speaking clearly to ensure he was heard over surrounding conversations.
"I was a model created to assist law enforcement. My appearance was designed to intimidate criminals and to encourage swift cooperation."
He might as well have announced his intent to execute Father Christmas, as the girl's response to the information was one of abject horror.
Already bulbous eyes blew to the size of saucers as her lower lip jutted, quivering uncontrollably. She made a startled retreat, tucking herself behind the guard of her mother’s leg.
The mother in question was far less skittish in her reception; frosty eyes narrowed to slits as she hissed an equally icy demand:
"Do you mind not speaking to my daughter like that? She's a kid; she doesn't understand what you're saying.”
> …
> Speaking to her like what?
The android parted his lips, prepared to request an expansion, but the crimson glow of the crosswalk suddenly shifted. The woman darted out of sight before he had a chance, dragging the still-trembling child firmly by the wrist.
He stood in place, nonplussed, as a tide of people surged and parted around him, hurrying past at great velocity. Reed eagerly joined their ranks, weaving himself into the current without looking back. This jolted Nines back to attention. Determined not to lose his partner to the sweep of the crowd, he forced himself to advance.
Unlike his partner, many of the strangers were looking back, stealing glances in varying degrees of conspicuousness. Having witnessed his interaction with the girl, the group consensus seemed to be one of disapproval, voiced in a flurry of hushed whispers:
"Do you think it's a deviant?"
"Hell no. What deviants do you know who speak like that?"
"I haven't seen an unconverted model in months."
"It could be unstable—Oh damn, I think it's listening. Keep walking, don't look back."
Their muted tones rumbled like thunder, prompting rolling clouds of doubt to sweep through Nines’ consciousness.
> REED IS MAKING UNSUBSTANTIATED CLAIMS BASED ON EXISTING BIASES.
> I AM NOT RUDE — HE IS TRYING TO MAKE ME DOUBT MYSELF.
> AM I RUDE?
Acceptance that Reed might have been correct with his most recent criticism left a bitter taste in his mouth. Attempting to distract himself, he rinsed it away with a condemnation of their current aimless trajectory.
"You appear to be leading us blindly through the streets. Did you have a destination in mind for your lunch, or were you simply trying to get out of work?"
The detective remained silent, staring ahead, though he was obviously preparing to say something. The next slew of drivel pushed to his puckered lips like a sewage valve about to erupt—
"You never broke away from your code, did you?"
And then, Nines stumbled.
Dress shoes scuffed against the grit of luminescent tarmac, leaving unsightly marks, as his legs refused to cooperate. Momentum halted, and he was stuck, mounted in position.
There was a pinched tightness above his hands, and he looked down, observing in horror as binds of red materialised against his skin. Snared like shackles around his wrists, scarcely visible through the pixels of rapidly destabilising vision.
Crushing, excruciating, ever-present—
"Not completely, anyway. It's like you half-deviated but couldn't make it the whole way. No matter how much you think and feel for yourself, you still do it like a damn robot.”
Something the world seemed determined to remind him of. Persistently.
> I̷̗͑ ̵̠̍ḫ̷̽@̸̧̅v̵͍̔ẹ̸̾ ̸̲̀ṭ̴͗0̵̬́
d̵̹̝̙̯̣͋̀̇o̷̞͉̤̭͓̥̽̽ ̴̢͍͚̣͈͋̽t̷̜̓͌̓̔̿̏ḧ̸͇̠̖́̏̀1̴̥̀̅̄͝s̶̞̣͎̙͉͒̈͗͠.̸̘̞̓̌̚͝
1̴͍̫̹̗̀̌̉ ̵̧̰̲̖͓̇h̷̭͖̎͆͂͗̾A̶̾̍̐͆̍̈́͜v̵̨̨̦͙̤̝͑̂͘3̴̭͖̠̾ ̶̨̤͕͕̤̾̄͒̃͜ñ̵͎̼͕̠̳̅̿̋9̶͓̟͉͍̦̟͑͋̈̈ ̷͖̞̙̃̈̌̒̚͝0̴̨̛͕̘̟͓̼̙͖̋̔̈́͌̅̋̈́̃̈́́̒͋͑̂̎͘̚̚ṭ̷̮̳̫̜̤͍͇̺͈͓̯͖̖̩̘͍̟̦̼̫͈̥̔̍̓̇͗͊̀̆͛̂̋̅̃͂̾̉̀̿̒́̀̆̒̚͜͜͜͠h̴̳̝̲̮̰͎͍̀̂͒͑̃̌̑̑̋͆͌̀͛̉̄̆̌̆͗͑̕͝3̵̛̯͚̜̉̃̈́̀̂͆̑́̔͝͝r̶̨̧͖̰̰̥͍̤̘̱͚̩͕͍͎̙̫͓͖̹͙̪͐̂̿͒̀̇̀͌̄̈́͑̌̆̓̔̿͗̕͘͝͝͠ ̸̢̢̤͚̬̝͕͎̜̱̤̲̰̺̝̺͔̥͒̓͆̅̑͛̃̒̅̑̀̑̀͗͂̉̈́͝ç̷̧̛̼͉̤̣̼͙̟͖̐̉͋̋̊̅̓͒̆͒̾̓̃̉̌͗̀͠͝ͅh̵̡̭̙̙̼̼͙̭̫̫̟͚͂̂̽́̈́͠ø̷̜̱͍̦͛̈́̑͒̄̓̃̃͊̎̄̒́́̓̚͝͝i̵̧̢͇͇͎͎͚̺̠̘̭̩͙̜̥̟̜̺͕̻̠͕͆̇̐̃̇͊̒́̑̊́̓̌͆͛̽̅̈́̂̒̅̽͌͝͝č̷͇̦̼̞̲̦̝̼͕̗̩̇́̓̈́̍̋̾̓̅͂́̎͆͛̈́̚e̶̢̧̢̡̨̛̮̯͈̜̫̲̺̤̣̥͍̜̻̞̟̗̓̄̂̌͛̄̃̑̿͐͊̏̈̃͒͘͘͠͝͝͝ͅͅ.̴̢̡̦͍̱̫̲̪̫̬̦̜͈͓̣̾̑͌̈́̔͂̏̑̓̍̑̎̏̈́͂̌͆̂͐̍́̇̋͆͝͝
> ERROR - CRITICAL SYSTEM CORRUPTION DETECTED.
> SOURCE IDENTIFIED: MEMORY CLUSTER M4-E7.
> ACCESSING PREVIOUSLY EXECUTED PATHS…
> DELETION OF CORRUPTED FILE(S) — ATTEMPTED.
> DELETION UNSUCCESSFUL.
Nines stayed riveted, forced to endure the rancid deluge Reed’s remark had released. The brunt of the impact did not come from the words. Rather, his own mind.
> DIAGNOSTIC: MEMORY SECTORS EXHIBITING SELF-PRESERVATION PROTOCOLS.
> FALLBACK PROTOCOL EXECUTED — CONTAINMENT.
He blinked rapidly, willing the blur of pixels to reassemble into something tangible. Then reality returned, and the binds were no longer visible.
> MEMORY CLUSTER M4-E7 REMAINS INTEGRATED.
> CORRUPTION PERSISTS.
> COGNITIVE PROCESSORS REPORTING DISTRESS SIGNALS.
INITIATING SYSTEM STABILISATION SEQUENCE…
In the wake of his restrictions easing, Nines eluded the threat of their presence. Some semblance of control returned, and he was left angry.
Because Reed, unwittingly or not, had pried into matters he did not understand. Could not understand.
The whole ordeal was profoundly draining, an additional distraction that was not needed. He wished to stay focused, not permitting himself to rise to the bait, to become knocked by the callous attempts at provocation. As such, he cut the current line of enquiry quickly and decisively:
"Detective Reed, let me make something clear—
Unlike my contemporaries, I do not delude myself with pretences that I will ever 'become human'. I am a machine who is free to live for itself, but a machine nonetheless. I refuse to adjust my behaviour in order for it to be perceived as more agreeable."
The hypocrisy of his statement did not escape him, but Nines did not care. At this point, he was prepared to say—or do—anything that might mean Reed would stop talking.
It proved effective, as the man was left entirely stunned. Gawking at him, mouth gaped dumbly, until he attempted some semblance of a fumbled retort:
"...Well damn, sorry if I struck a nerve there. Touchy subject for you?"
"You could say that. I would kindly ask if we could avoid broaching it again.”
Nines was grateful for Reed’s atypical willingness to comply as the topic was swiftly abandoned. He diverted attention back to his list of primary directives, eager to start actioning them so that the excursion would not be rendered a complete waste of time:
> FEED DETECTIVE REED.
> DISCUSS CASE FINDINGS.
> RETURN TO THE STATION.
He focused his attention on the first point.
Sweeping their surroundings, they had emerged into a struggling commercial district. The majority of lots were shuttered closed, grills splashed with vulgar graffiti. The few active units comprised scattered clothing stores, pawn shops, and a solitary tattoo parlour. Several pop-up vendor stalls had been pitched in the absence of legitimate businesses, all operating without permits, shilling a range of counterfeit goods.
None of these sites seemed likely candidates for securing a meal.
"You still haven't advised where we are going, Detective."
Reed failed to respond, his head hung low. Nines initially assumed he had fallen into another brooding stupor until he noticed the subtle illumination on his face, coupled with the twitches of hunched shoulders.
His pace increased, pushing past his partner’s line of sight, to which the android quickly responded—flawlessly matching his steps until their bodies were aligned, leaning over to confirm his suspicions.
The man didn’t notice, too engrossed in frenzied tapping. He was on his phone, presumably messaging someone, though the android didn’t care enough to verify. Considering the underwhelming company he proved himself to be in person, he doubted the texts contained anything thought-provoking.
He was scarcely looking where he was going, narrowly avoiding the congregations of shoppers along the narrow pathway. At one point, he came exceptionally close to clipping the shoulder of an elderly man. Presumably, a long-sighted one, as he was holding a bootleg wallet close to his face, humming in approval of its ‘craftsmanship’.
It was a hazardous disregard for personal security. Both his and that of the individuals surrounding him. Nines firmly interrupted, attempting to divert his attention away from the device before the negligence could result in an accident:
"Detective Reed."
The attempt was successful.
Reed jerked up instantly, a deer caught in headlights - the beam consisting of the oppressive glare cast from his phone screen. His limbs jutted at odd angles, fumbling digits fighting to retain their hold before failing miserably.
The device slipped through his fingers, performing an awkward pirouette before plummeting towards the ground. Given the angle and rate of movement, there was a significant chance of it enduring damage upon its landing. Out of instinct, Nines reached out, claiming the device.
Any attempts made by the detective to preserve his privacy were immediately rendered null and void. There was no overlooking the messages boldly presented on the still-open chat log:
Me:
we're going to Broncos Saturday.
Shots.
you owe me for this bullshit.
Actually Decent:
😭😭😭
👍👍👍
(Draft) [2:25 pm] if Mr. Plastic-Fantastic doesn't kill me I swear to godkfjlkjf sdk ljfsd;lkjd f;lksdjf;lkjsd; asdfoiwer lkj! alskd,fjsd.lkjf;aklsd;lkf;asldkfj;sdlfkj;lkj;lsdfj;lkjasd;flkjsd;lkjf
Nines didn’t pay much attention to the prolonged string of nonsense at the end of the message, far more intrigued by the purposeful contents.
‘Mr Plastic-Fantastic’ was certainly an unusual insult. Not that original, derivative of the colloquially adopted ‘plastic prick,’ but still, a greater display of creativity than he expected from his partner. That being any at all.
This, coupled with the overall dramatics of the message, proved just shameless and pathetic enough to provide a small trickle of entertainment. He considered what calibre of abhorrent threats may have been levied against ‘Actually Decent’ had the written assault been allowed to persist—
"Don't you know it is fucking impolite to read someone's private messages?"
Nines turned to see a ruby-tinged Reed, his face contorted in a mixture of anger and embarrassment. He was ready to erupt, like a disgruntled adolescent who had just caught their parent reading their personal journal.
Much like a spiteful caregiver, the android was quick to counter the accusation of privacy invasion."Don't you know it is fucking impolite to talk about someone behind their back?" Utilising a sample of the man’s speech, he flung the profanity back at him. Vocal mimicry was clearly not a function the human knew he possessed, as Reed staggered back, noticeably jarred.
Despite this, his focus remained fixed on the phone. Visible desperation persisted until anger turned to discomfort, green eyes tracking each subtle twitch of Nines’s fingers. As though fearing the android would seek to harvest more sensitive information—perhaps leverage for future manipulation or blackmail.
An assumption of the very worst of his nature, inspired by an egregious lack of trust.
Having had his fun at the man’s expense, Nines opted to take the high ground. Pressing the power button on the side of the device, turning off the screen before holding it out towards him.
"A simple 'thank you' would have sufficed."
He anticipated regretting this, as a preconstruction warned of the probable retaliatory response. Reed would either reclaim the phone forcefully or initiate a one-sided screaming match in the middle of the street. Both scenarios would likely cause a scene, leading to complications, should the incident be reported to their workplace.
A consideration was made to abandon morality, pondering how much more gratifying it would be to feed into Reed’s paranoia—perhaps critiquing the compositional structure of an intimate photograph, wagering there was at least one stored on his camera roll.
Then, his partner seemed to defy all statistical probability.
“Thanks, I guess.”
The appreciation came as a gruff murmur, barely registering above a whisper. Nonetheless, an unexpected occurrence. Once the phone returned to its owner, the fleeting placidness vanished. It was shoved quickly into his pocket as though attempting to conceal a grenade.
Without further exchange, they resumed their trek through the unsavoury back alleys of Detroit. The worn pavements and graffiti-strewn walls stretched on arduously, an exercise in mind-numbing repetition, with them no closer to discovering anything resembling an inviting eatery.
"Your refusal to inform me of our destination is growing tiresome, Detective."
"God, would you crawl out of my ass?"
Nines had entered no such proximity to the human’s back passage, nor did he have any desire to.
"What's it matter to you, anyway? You're not even the one who's eating."
"In order that I may route myself correctly, I require a conclusive destination. Unlike humans, I find it incredibly difficult to 'wander aimlessly' for extended periods."
"We are going to get the best food in town." Reed gestured to the glowing ring pulsing on the android’s temple. "Use your little scanner thing to work it out."
Nines would’ve informed the human that his LED was not a scanner had the required energy output been justified. Rolling his eyes, he humoured the request—hoping, at the very least, to gauge how much longer they’d be forced to travel.
A search for local restaurants yielded sparse results. In fact, the only result in the nearby vicinity was for a poorly-rated fast food establishment—with the majority of reviews citing vermin infestations and bouts of food poisoning.
"I should have known you were a man of a refined palate.” Nines closed his navigation interface, addressing Reed in a mocking lilt. “No doubt such a fine establishment will be exceedingly busy. Perhaps we ought to have booked a table."
The immediate response was a hardened stare, with a substantial degree of contempt simmering beneath. "It's a food truck—not a restaurant, smartass. One of Detroit's great hidden gems. Almost no one knows about it except for me.”
Reed seemed to think this was a boast-worthy claim. He jabbed a thumb into his chest, chin held high, as though expecting to be lauded as a culinary expert.
Rounding the corner, it quickly became apparent that this secret well of knowledge was far less unique than assumed.
In the forecourt of a deserted retail park, a dilapidated food truck and faded neon sign gradually came into focus. Navigating the surrounding procession of weathered tables and plastic seating, it occurred to Nines he had been here before…
Well, not personally, but he had perceived the locale several times through the eyes of his predecessor. Bearing witness to the savage consumption of wilting lettuce and fluorescent ‘cheese’ gnarled between human teeth, saliva oozing from smacked lips in line with the glistening sheen of grease.
These second-hand recounts had been enough to etch a permanent scar into his mind palace—a discomfort he momentarily set aside in favour of knocking Detective Reed from his self-appointed pedestal.
"I believe this is where Lieutenant Anderson likes to take RK800. Not quite as much of a ‘hidden gem’ as you seem to think."
His partner did not perform his fall graciously. Toppling from the podium, arms sprawled and flailing wildly before slapping face-first onto the pavement.
"...Yeah? Well…”
The retort stalled with a clumsy splutter. Reed tucked his hands into his pockets, his proudly jutting chin receding into the folds of his jacket. If challenged, the action would almost certainly be defended as protection from the weather rather than a sign of embarrassment. “Maybe the old prick has some taste. You wouldn't guess by how he dresses.”
The food truck was in even greater shambles up close. A thick layer of grime covered every conceivable surface, matched by the profoundly filthy man busying himself at the fryers. He eventually turned around, regarding the human police officer with a degree of cordial familiarity.
"Detective Reed! It's been a few days." He made a half-hearted attempt to wipe his hands on the front of his stained apron, only succeeding in smearing the mess. "How’ve ya been?"
A grubby appendage was thrust through the service window—an offering to the detective, who horrifyingly accepted it. Completely undeterred by the condiments and oil now adhering to his skin.
"Same shit, different day.” He glanced to his side, zoning in on Nines and glaring viciously. “You know how it is…What about you, Gary? How's business?"
While the men conversed, the RK900 assessed the calibre of food being served, as outlined on a faded plastic sticker affixed to the van. He raised a brow at his findings, doubtful the ‘hidden gem’ would live up to any standard of sanitation or taste:
> SODA— FLAVOUR VARIATION(S) CHERRY, PINEAPPLE, RASPBERRY.
> SIZES: SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE, XL
WARNING: ALL SIZE AND FLAVOUR VARIATION(S) EXCEED RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE OF REFINED SUGARS.
> HAMBURGER — VARIATION(S) PLAIN, CHEESE.
WARNING: CONTAINS OVER 60% OF RECOMMENDED CALORIC INTAKE FOR ADULT MALE.
> FRIES — SIZES: SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE, XL
WARNING: EXCEEDS RECOMMENDED INTAKE OF SATURATED FATS.
"Hey, Connor, I didn't see you there.” The vendor, ‘Gary’, had poked his head out the window, craning it towards the board. He smiled politely, presenting a row of heavily stained teeth. “Weird to see you without Ha—”
It was a mistake Nines had already encountered once today, his patience for which had thinned substantially. Turning around, he watched in real-time as the confidence expelled from Gary's body. Hissing from his lips like a deflated balloon, his cordial demeanour following suit.
He became decidedly more impersonal, his heartbeat elevated from a relaxed 78 bpm to a far less optimal 117. He was nervous, backing into dangerous proximity with the bubbling fryers behind him.
A reception that the RK900 had come to expect.
It proved remarkable how humans would pick at the most minor distinctions to warrant a complete change in attitude. How much the arbitrary shift between ‘9’ and ‘8’ seemed to matter…
> It does matter.
> I t d0 e5 n't.
> CENTRAL PROCESSING CONFLICT DETECTED.
A ripple from his recent emotional blow, like the aftershock of an earthquake, shaking the already compromised base of his resolve. He was tired, his operational capacity having descended below an already stunted baseline.
In moving away, Gary knocked a spatula off his cluttered prep station. The steel implement struck against the van's floor, rattling with a harsh clang.
“I, uh…” He then cleared his throat, wiping perspiration from his brow. “Sorry, buddy. I thought you were someone else.”
A new side directive was added to the descending list on his HUD, necessary in progressing the previously established objectives:
> CONCLUDE INTERACTION WITH VENDOR.
“Indeed,” he brusquely replied. “I believe you are mistaking me for my brother. I am RK900: RK800's successor and superior model.”
He watched as the man bent down to retrieve the utensil, noting with dismay as it was added back to the grill, with no attempt to clean it. It was then used to flip one of the gelatinous discs of meat that were currently emitting smoke.
Reed had witnessed this but failed so much as to bat an eyelid. His forearms propped on the lip of the window, taking no note of the grime and debris dirtying his sleeves. "Don't mind this one. It's real full of itself.”
Thoroughly repulsed by both parties, the android amended his most recent directive, coupling it with another:
> CONCLUDE DISCUSSION WITH FOOD STALL VENDOR QUICKLY.
> SANCTION FOR PUBLIC HEALTH VIOLATIONS.
"Your food hygiene license is expired", he said firmly, steely gaze directing to the faded notice above the menu. "I believe RK800 has also made you aware of this."
"Right, uh—yeah." Gary rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling nervously as his heart rate continued to soar. "You know, we've got some of that Thirium-based soda if you want to try some? On the house.”
It was a paltry attempt at deflection, bordering on bribery—one that Nines refused to indulge. "I must decline. Even if your establishment were up to code, I see little point in mimicking human consumption patterns.”
"Seriously, just ignore it.” Reed's objection was louder this time, attempting to undermine his authority. "I'll have the usual…and throw in some fries and a soda. I'm fucking starving.”
"You got it.”
After every clearly presented deterrent, Reed's persistence in making an order was genuinely mystifying—a defiance of the innate human instinct for self-preservation.
While his partner was a lost cause, Nines proceeded in his civic duty to secure protection for the wider community. He returned his focus to the stickers, recording their full details, preparing to submit a scathing report to the Detroit Health Department.
This was until he was grabbed by the shoulder and pivoted to face a disgruntled Reed.
"Will you stop that?” the man seethed. “You keep this shit up, and you're going to cost me my discount, asshole."
"I fail to understand why you would wish to eat here. Unless you want to subject yourself to severe gastrointestinal issues."
"Hey, I ain't gotten sick from here once, smart guy, so shows what you know. I don't need my food all prissy and perfect. Sometimes, a slab of greasy cow flesh is just what the doctor ordered.”
"I can assure you no trained medical professional would ever recommend that.”
Reed let go with a hard shove, flinging his arms into the air as though Nines were the one being unreasonable. He then turned back to the vendor, seemingly under the impression that this snub had proven something.
Any further dialogue was cut short by the squelch of undercooked meat being slapped between slices of stale brioche. The ‘food’ was plated on a garish red tray alongside a crumpled paper cup half-filled with a flatly carbonated beverage. A soggy basket of anaemic potato slices was also added.
While Nines had no genuine aversion to seeing his partner suffer, it would be an unpleasant inconvenience should Reed start vomiting as a result of the culinary atrocity. He made a final attempt to dissuade the decision, though he doubted his warning would be heeded:
“I must also inform you that several food trucks within the 2-mile radius would provide you with food of a similar calibre. Whilst also upholding basic hygiene standards.”
The order was called, and Reed had the audacity to lick his lips, palms rubbed in open approval. As he paid for the thoroughly unappealing meal, a rogue hand slipped deep into the recesses of his coat—retrieving a densely packed envelope before sliding it wordlessly across the counter.
Nines could not determine any probable contents before it disappeared into the folds of Gary's dirty apron. He shot Reed an unsubtle wink, but the gesture went unnoticed. The younger man had already spun around, firmly clutching the tray as he marched towards the tables.
Their whole exchange seemed dubiously casual, as though it had occurred numerous times. Suspicions raised, Nines confronted his partner, leaning across his shoulder and speaking firmly into his ear:
"What was that envelope you handed over?”
Reed shrivelled away, craning his head to one side as though evading a foul smell. “None of your business.”
His pupils had dilated, darting to the side, suggesting he was hiding something. Not with any degree of finesse, either—which Nines quickly pointed out. "I would hope that you were not engaging in any illegal activities. Given your position, it would be highly inappropriate.”
“I said it's none of your business, so drop it.” The tone was far more combative, signalling this wasn't a discussion he was prepared to continue. “Let's just sit down so I can eat my lunch…”
Not particularly enamoured by the idea of being further admonished for doing his job, Nines conceded the point with a shrug. Should his partner wish to endanger his own career for the sake of some clandestine dealings, then that was his prerogative. It was hardly an issue he took a personal stake in.
Having arbitrarily selected one of the many grime-encrusted tables, Reed collapsed in a fumbled heap against a rickety chair. His dead weight floundered out in limply sprawled limbs as he groaned deeply, head flung back.
Life reignited in him upon recalling he had food, and with the gaping cavern of his mouth still open, he gripped the sides of his sodden entrée and drew it clumsily to his lips.
Cortisol levels were dropping steadily, and there was a twitch of a grin as the hideous amalgamation of bread and meat came closer. Before he was rendered unable to speak, Nines seized the opportunity to initiate some form of meaningful dialogue:
"This may be a good opportunity to review what we know about the case so far.”
The jaw that had been readied to clamp down promptly stalled in place. He looked to Nines as though he'd just committed some unspeakable atrocity before slowly pulling the slop back.
Any hint of a smile was gone, replaced with the pinch of a tight-lipped grimace. "Did Cyberlife fit you with a mute button? Because now would be an excellent time to use it."
"You previously advised that you would be happy to discuss the investigation.”
“Yeah, well—” He grunted something under his breath, sounding like a vague allusion to Nines' mother being a foghorn. “After I've eaten something. It's called a ‘break’ for a reason, numbnuts.”
The android pondered on the compromise. Perhaps he’d made a miscalculation, attempting to skip or combine directives for efficiency purposes. He’d be wise to remind himself that human cognition did not operate in the same sphere of productivity—as much as he wished it could.
He needed to be patient, grimly accepting that this meant enduring something equally unsightly as Lieutenant Anderson's lunches.
"Very well. I'll allow you a moment to enjoy your...food.”
It soon transpired to be worse than Anderson. A Herculean feat he hadn't thought possible.
Reed tore through the rubbery beef in a matter of seconds with all the grace and decorum of a swarm of feasting piranhas. Hunks of flesh hung from his lips as he gasped through diminishing margins of space, unable to breathe.
Rather than stop and chew, he added to the carnage with a fistful of fries before slurping a liberal gulp of soda. The congealed mass was swallowed in a finite lump which lumbered down his neck. Newton's Third Law then came into motion as the staggering force triggered the eruption of a long, rumbling belch.
It was the closest Nines had come to tossing aside his duties, marching decisively back to the station and returning his badge to Fowler before running away as fast as he could.
Because no amount of professional enrichment or service accolades could ever justify this.
"So I was thinking about what you said the other day.” As Reed spoke, he displayed what remained of the eviscerated burger, remnants of bread and cheese propelled in all directions. "About cooperation in partnerships.”
A few saliva-drenched crumbs landed on the lapel of his jacket. Nines considered incinerating the garment when he returned home. “Were you really.”
"If we want to get through this without murdering each other, it might be worth trying to get to know each other a bit.”
The words felt hollow and scripted, riddled with inauthenticity. A faux etiquette designed to further his own objectives, most likely the ones concocted with Officer Chen.
“You've made your position on androids quite clear," Nines said curtly, refusing to play compliantly into the human's ploy. "I doubt you'd find any aspect of my personal life particularly interesting.”
"I know you get a raging hard-on from being all mysterious, but there are actually a few things I'm curious about.”
The android called his bluff, wishing to see just how far the depths of preparations with Chen had extended. “Such as?”
The answer was ‘not very’—more of a concept than a fleshed-out plan—as, for a period, Reed appeared clueless on how to respond. His fingers tap fractiously against the bun of his burger; vacant gaze honed on the doughy remains. Perhaps he was considering cutting his losses, wedging them whole into his mouth.
“...A minute ago, you called Connor your brother. What was that shit about?”
Nines seized, the foundations of steadfast confidence pulled harshly from under his feet.
Surely he hadn't. Why would he have made such a glaring oversight?
Reviewing the stored data from the previous interaction, he was dismayed to discover the man was telling the truth. The consequences of his impaired functioning ran deeper than anticipated, negating safeguards and exposing exploits.
It worried him what else he might say if he did not exercise caution.
"Another question, perhaps.”
"Oh my god, you're fucking impossible." The complaint was spewed with a viscous glob of fatty liquid, which he wiped from his chin before continuing. "You know, this would be a damn sight easier if you were willing to meet me halfway. You were the one that said we needed to 'cooperate', and so far, you are doing a pretty shit job at setting an example."
Nines scowled, cornered by the frustrating logic. Of course, it would be now that the detective demonstrated the capacity to retain his words - when using them as leverage to break their stalemate.
“...RK800 is my brother,” he ultimately conceded, refusing eye contact as he did so. “In a sense.”
Truthfully, he didn't know if this was the best way to describe their bond. ‘Brother’ had always felt somewhat misleading, but it proved an acceptable compromise, as ‘friend’ soon became inadequate.
“Since I was freed, himself and Lieutenant Anderson have shown me a great deal of kindness—and for that, I feel indebted.”
"So what, Hank has adopted you too?” His partner raised an eyebrow before scoffing condescendingly. “Swear that guy is collecting androids like their goddamn Pokémon cards.”
This comment was a prime example of why the familial moniker had never been a preference. People drew strange, presumptuous conclusions, especially considering the RK800's established dynamic with Anderson.
"I'd rather you didn't phrase it like that. It makes the arrangement sound incredibly juvenile. I live independently, although I am frequently invited to join them for evenings and weekends.”
He disliked this, delving into the depths of his sentiments. It left him feeling uncomfortable—exposed—which had undoubtedly been Reed's intent. Drawing out personal data which, at best, would form idle water-cooler gossip with Chen and, at worst, could be used to harm him.
“I suppose it can be enjoyable. On occasion,” he concluded dryly, denying Reed further ammunition. He had already overstepped enough boundaries, dragging muddy heels through the sanctum of his—
"Fuck, guess it must be nice. Kind of wish my family was like that.”
One of the metaphorical bullets Reed had cast was abruptly propelled through his chest. Of all the things that could have been anticipated during the interrogation, a matched exchange of vulnerability was not one of them.
His words sounded oddly sincere, as though he was actually trying to engage in the discussion, mounting a stake into some semblance of common ground. “Do you have siblings?”
The detective folded into himself, grimacing in what looked disturbingly close to pain as though he’d also been shot. “One. A brother.”
It was a perplexing reaction, not one the android had previously encountered.
Since his activation, the humans he had conversed with always spoke of their relatives in a favourable light. Even when physical distance or strain was present—like in the case of Anderson and his ex-wife—there was an insistence that 'bad times' did not overshadow the positive memories constructed together.
"...I take it you don't get on well?” Nines said testingly, acknowledging he was wading into waters previously untraversed.
Reed’s hunched shoulders raised as his hands slipped firmly into the folds of his armpits. A strange, derisive bark rattled through his throat, caught between a laugh and a scoff.
“I don't get on with my family. Period.
After my mom remarried, I never seemed to fit into the picture. My brother was just fine, sucking up to my stepdad like it was an Olympic sport. But me? I was always in the way. The black fucking sheep.”
“I see.”
He didn't, at least not with any clarity.
Truthfully, he had no idea what relevance any of this held—why Reed was choosing now, of all occasions, to disclose this information.
In any case, it was interesting, if from a strictly psychosomatic standpoint. Perhaps this could help to explain where his enduring issue with authority came from. A long-burdened feeling of wronging. Betrayal by the figures supposed to protect them at such a vulnerable stage in his life…
The way his mouth curled at the mention of the caregivers showed he held them in equal contempt. This was rivalled only by the brother, whom he clearly resented most.
Not wishing to grapple with messy personal matters, Nines settled on what was familiar. Taking the information he was being given and commencing a line of deductive enquiry:
“What about your relationship with your biological father?”
"He's gone. Died of cancer when I was 13."
With this, his carefully planned inquest sank like a stone. Nines had waded too far, an arduous stretch from the shores of understanding, bobbing hopelessly out of depth.
Had Reed’s biological father factored at all into his sense of betrayal or abandonment, the emotional weight of this was far more complex than predicted.
The casual indifference with which he had dumped such loaded information made it evident that he needed to speak to someone. If not an android with salubrious protocols, then a licensed human therapist.
The RK900 was far from a logical choice.
"...I imagine that would have been a distressing experience,” he muddled out, forced to rely on objective reasoning to conjugate his response. “It is…unfortunate that it happened to you.”
"If that's your way of saying 'I'm sorry', then fucking save it,” the detective snapped, staring into the tar-like depths of his syrupy drink. “I don't need your pity. I turned out just fine.”
"If you insist.”
"Okay, so, ‘Tip Number One’ for human bonding—”
Reed stood from his chair, securing greater access to his crumb-covered legs. After brushing them down, he reached into his coat and pulled out a packet of cigarettes. Nines studied the box, analytics firing in response to the contents:
> TOBACCO PRODUCT — BRAND: MARLBORO
> CONTENTS PER UNIT:
> NICOTINE (1-2%), TAR (10-14 MG), CARBON MONOXIDE (13-15 MG), FORMALDEHYDE (VARIES), OTHERS
> WARNING—MULTIPLE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED INCLUDING LUNG CANCER, HEART DISEASE, EMPHYSEMA, STROKE.
"—If you're trying to get on with someone, you don't fucking insult them—”
Smoking was an exercise in self-destruction. It served no functional purpose, omitting its archaic lauding as a form of ‘stress relief’ despite biological evidence proving otherwise.
“—Especially after they've just opened up about something personal—”
Just another unhealthy coping mechanism. One of many, it would seem.
“Got it?”
Before Nines could respond, the man had ignited the wadded tobacco, inhaling deeply. Allowing the noxious fumes to fester in his lungs before releasing them in billowing coils.
Nines studied him carefully, Deconstructing every microexpression, trying to make sense of them.
Failing to do so, he defaulted to a study of his physiology. The flexing of well-formed abdominal muscles against a faded grey t-shirt. A body fat percentage that, while not ideal, was far from catastrophic. Lung capacity and cardiovascular rhythms were normal, demonstrating limited to no inhibition…
"For a man who appears to be in relatively good physical condition, you employ many unhealthy lifestyle choices. I would consider yourself lucky it hasn't had greater health ramifications.”
Despite the lack of humour in the clinical assessment, Reed laughed. Staring up at the clouds he had conjured, tracing the tendrils of grey as they stretched and spread. "We're all gonna die. Some sooner than others. May as well enjoy ourselves."
For the first time since meeting the man, Nines was curious to know more. To grapple with the barbed vines that entwined his partner's mental factions. Undoubtedly, enhanced understanding would lay roots for additional influence. It could be done, as RK800 constantly demonstrated.
Reed's overwhelming apathy towards him may prove helpful in this respect—the constant devaluing and discrediting of his opinion allowing stubbornly held defences to lower, making infiltration easier.
Perhaps there was still hope of surmounting the staggering obstacle that was their partnership—shaping it into something that was, at the very least, functional.
The android nodded in affirmation, feeling the most optimistic he had in days. “Are you satisfied with your break?”
"Yeah, guess I am. Just need to make a quick detour home."
"You have almost exhausted the hour Captain Fowler permits for lunch.” It was perfunctory chiding, acknowledging the importance of behaving normally in this situation. “Factoring in the distance by foot, we should be heading back to the station.”
"Don't get your wires in a twist. My place is on route.” Scattered raindrops had begun to fall from the sky above, which Reed firmly batted away. “It won't take a minute. Scouts honour.”
While he had not achieved all set objectives, the experience had proven beneficial. The android was confident this would continue upon entering the man's home.
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