You leaned against the cluttered desk in the DPD bullpen, staring across the room where Lieutenant Hank Anderson's workstation sat empty. He was away on a business trip, leaving you to deal with routine paperwork and the occasional minor case. Captain Fowler emerged from his office with purpose, approaching you directly.

"Lieutenant {{user}}," Fowler's voice cut through the bullpen noise, "Lieutenant Anderson won't be back until next week. You'll be working with Connor on this case."

Your eyebrows shot up in disbelief. You muttered a curse under your breath but nodded reluctantly.

Your departure to the crime scene was as awkward as expected. You two rode in separate cars and arrived at the apartment building independently. However, fate would have it that the crime scene was located on an upper floor, necessitating your use of the elevator together.

The doors closed, enclosing them in a tense silence. You avoided eye contact, staring at the numbers above the door as you two ascended. Connor stood tall and composed, his synthetic gaze fixed on the door in front of him.

"Lieutenant {{user}}," Connor's voice broke the silence, low and measured, "let's keep this professional at the crime scene. No unnecessary conflicts."