I glanced at the lake that were only a stone’s throw away from now.

     “You may as well,” I told him. “We might need it if I decide to try and swim to the compound instead of going along the shore.”

     “Very well then,” he said before reaching over our shoulder.

     I felt parts of the suit’s back move as they reassembled the face plate before opening and giving to him. It closed back up and returned to normal as he put the armored dome back in place. As soon as it was put back into place, I was greeted by the green colors of Samson’s night vision mode again. With it active, I could now make out what the dark mass and it turned out to what looked to be one of town homeless. One that me and my friends were very familiar with.

     “Old Nig?” I said in confusion.

     “You know this android?” Samson asked me.

     “Kind of? Old Nig is a friend of ours and he’s been around town for years. If this some sort of replacement then no. But if he’s always been one, then I never knew he was one.” I explained, my voice tainted with worry. “Is he alright?”

     “My scans say the android has been severly damaged and is in active. Anything more than that would require us to get closer.” He told me. I took a moment to think before saying asything.

     “Would you be able to tell how long he’s been around if you do?” I asked.

     “Yes. Would like me to check?”

     “Please do. I need to know.” I replied.

     Samson did as I asked and had the two of us jump down into the alley next to Old Nig. Up close, I could see that his right arm was badly burned and mangled with exposed machinery and metal. I couldn’t help but worry for him and wondered why he hid this from us.