Mr. Hands

Gig type: Thievery
Objective: Steal a van hauling the Animals' medical supplies
Location: Baptiste St.
Details:

Here's the situation, you need to enter an Animal den and steal a certain van carrying medical stimulants. A modified lidocaine, to be precise.

Keep in mind the cargo is rather hot – stolen already once before from Maelstrom.

Those metalmongers use the lidocaine for initiation rites, whereas the Animals intend to use it as an ingredient in their favorite "juice" cocktail. In my line of work, we call this a market shortage. What do you say we up the demand even more?

Step 1 - you steal the van. Step 2 – I resell the lidocaine to ripperdoc., Step 3 – they sell it at market price. Step 4 – profit.

You just raked in a hefty heap of eddies and have those Animals seein' red. See, I like folks who know how to leave a lasting impression. Think I'll close this contract and hold onto your number for a while.

Hear that? It's the sound of a slow clap for the spectacular mess you made. That car was worth quite a sum, and since "someone" went and totaled it – that someone won't be getting paid for their work.

!OBSOLETE

Not bad at all. You'll hear from me yet again.

I'll be brief - you've completed every gig to be had in West Wind Estate. Happy hunting elsewhere.

I happen to value a little something called professionalism. I also loathe those who don't adhere to it, as you just have. Have I made myself clear?

That's not how we do things, V. In this biz... well, I'll spare you the lecture. You fucked up. Badly.

In this city, the work you do speaks for you. Good work builds trust - and respect. That's not something my neighborhood ignores. Don't be surprised if you see vendors with discounts and new products.

Your reputation is starting to precede you, V. As it would turn out, by some mysterious stroke of magic, the prices at vendors have gone down for you - and only for you.

Your accomplishments haven't gone unnoticed, V - you're starting to make waves in this business, which means more contracts on the table. Keep it up and there's more where that came from.

Guess who's the merc of the month? That's right, V - I'm raising a glass of Champaradise to you right now. Maybe I'll frame a still of you up on my wall... too creepy? Either way, I have a little reward for you - more gigs. Enjoy them.

Mercs like you aren't easy to come by, V... I've been saving my top-shelf gigs for someone I can trust. Now that person is you. Keep a lookout for them.

Transport is en route.

My driver reach you momentarily.

The car is on its way.

V, the fuck's gotten into you? Finish the job!

What's the matter? Got cold feet? Listen, if you don't go back now, then there'll be more of those sons of bitches to deal with, and we don't want that, do we? Be smart about this, V.

If you call me, it's to talk biz. I don't do chit-chat.

Your latest accomplishments have made quite the impression on a few high profile individuals. Consequently, I have some enticing contracts for you. Bon appetit.

Congratulations, V – you're the merc of the month. I'm already sipping a glass of bubbly to our fruitful partnership. Who knows, maybe I'll hang a still of you on my wall. Of course, there's a reward for you – more jobs, more €$ in your pocket. Keep up the good work, and don't let it get to your head.

I don't like people I can't count on, V. What happened today better not happen again. Do not test my good will.

I see someone values our partnership highly. So much so, in fact, that I’ve run fresh out of jobs for you here in Dogtown. Excellent work; the kind that deserves a reward. Please, pay me a visit, and we’ll say our goodbyes properly.

I am pleased to see you're making yourself right at home here in Dogtown. Excellent – the district will be all the better for it. I've got two new gigs for you; peruse the details at your leisure.

Best of luck.

I believe you know where to find me.

Regular people make mistakes, but it’s not fitting for professional like you, V. Contract closed.

V. My children have the right to be a disappointment to me, but not you. You’re in my pay, lest you forget it. Contract closed.

Atrocious and unprofessional, V. If you keep this up, I’ll have to trade you in for a better mercenary. Contract closed.

Our Dogtown streets can run rather narrow. Though, not by European standards, mind you. You’ll require a suitable vehicle – one which I happen to have arranged for you already. Collect it at your leisure. You’re very welcome.

Of course. Safe driving, now.

V. I heard you were in the neighborhood. A poor fixer I would be if I failed to take advantage of your proximity. I’ve entered you, my favorite mercenary, on the list of VIPs. You can now enter and exit the district freely; just as well, since I may have a well-paid job or two for you. Welcome to Dogtown.

I can assure you Dogtown is a place with plenty of opportunities and few talented mercs. You win, I win. We’ll be in touch.

V. The delivery you awaited has arrived. Yoko has packed it up nicely and is waiting for you now – you know where. Good luck.

Wonderful. The rest you may leave to me. You, focus on your business at hand. In the meantime, I’ll mark today’s date in my calendar - the day V truly began to impress me.

Wonderful. Happy hunting, whatever your quarry may be.

Certainly. I’ve merely opened a door; it’s for you to step through it.

I called, but I suppose a text message will do just as well: my thanks and warm regards. The data you sent me - fascinating. Invaluable. Excellent work, V. As a token of my appreciation, I’ve dispatched a small gift to your megabuilding apartment. Until our next gig.

Bree Whitney's address: 18 Skyline West, 5th floor, last door on the right. The card's in a safebox under a bamboo plant. Write to me, please, once you have it.

V. Your client's Bree Whitney, journalist. She says she has corporats on her tail and needs help, yet declines to provide further details. Before you meet with her, take the access card from her apartment: 18 Skyline West, fifth floor, last door on the right. The card's in a safebox under a bamboo plant. Write to me, please, once you have it.

Now you’ll meet with the client. I'm sending you some coordinates - an abandoned building in Dogtown, bottom floor. Go after dark and avoid calling attention to yourself, please.

The client's pleased. Transferring your funds.

I’m sorry, are you feeling under the weather, V? You didn’t just allow our client be killed, did you?
Surely the most professional course of action would be to admit up front when a gig is too much for you. Do I make myself clear?

BI assume all is going according to our plan. Call when you’re finished.

I’ve received your package. In return, your funds are on their way.

I’ve just spoken with our client. She had some choice words for me for, as she put it, “leaving her in the fucking lurch,” after which the call was dropped. Would you care to explain this state of affairs, V?

I see. Interesting.

If you’d be so kind as to take some time out of your busy schedule, there’s a job. Your client's Bree Whitney, journalist. She says she has corporats on her tail and needs help, yet declines to provide further details. Before you meet with her, take the access card from her apartment: 18 Skyline West, fifth floor, last door on the right. The card's in a safebox under a bamboo plant. Write to me, please, once you have it.

By some miracle, it seems Jago and Bennett are now working in tandem. I have no idea how you did it, but Dogtown has never been this well-run. Truly excellent work.

I will say, Jago’s influence is sorely missed. Certain items of business must be dealt with on the fly. However, Bennett has risen to the occasion, maintained peace and a... well, let’s call it an organized consensus. All things being said, a smooth transfer of power if there ever was one. Well done, V.

Well, well, just a few days and Bennett is no longer missed. Jago’s managing better than I expected - it seems you bet on the right hound. Of course, some scavengers have yet to accept the result and will insist on making trouble... but, well they’re scavengers, not a chess club. Scavengers and trouble go hand in hand.

Stop by Heavy Hearts, please. There’s a job, an important and (need I say it?) lucrative one. I trust you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’re finished with a certain DA, pay me a visit, please. I’ve got an urgent job that’s best discussed face-to-face and completed quickly.

It seems we’ve made the correct choice. Bennett is already cleaning up Dogtown, starting with the Voodoo Boys and the scavengers. Dogtown’s population is down eighteen since yesterday – quite a few eggs to crack, though I’m sure the resulting omelet will be well worth the effort. All in all, we’re on the right track. You can see it yourself, can’t you, V?

I have to hand it to you, V. Do you know who just stopped by my office for a cup of tea and a chat? Jago, Dogtown’s new top dog. He wished to discuss a few items of district business. An attitude like that bodes well for the future. It’s best to get along with one’s neighbors, don’t you think? Together, I believe we can bring order back to Dogtown, and neither Bennett nor his current associates can stand in our way.

I assume you’re an interested party – Kurt Hansen has given up the ghost while in the hospital. Unsurprisingly, all the hospital cameras malfunctioned at once, while the security guard went out for a smoke. In my professional opinion, someone took advantage of the situation, whether it was one of BARGHEST’s many competitors, an ambitious underling or an unhappy client – the exact party is immaterial. I’d urge caution, especially at this time, V. Hounds unleashed tend to bite.

It seems someone rebranded the stadium and lived to tell the tale. My congratulations to them, whoever they may be. In worse news, Kurt Hansen caught the proverbial stray bullet. He’s dead. Whether it was his competition or some ambitious underling, an unknown someone sensed the opportunity and fired. I do know what his death spells for Dogtown – trouble. I’ll be in touch soon.

Care for some advice? Caution, V, especially now. After the untimely death of their master, Hansen’s hounds will be tearing at each other’s throats – and at any outsiders who get in their way.

Gig objective: Complete assignment from Michael Maldonado

Location: Golden Pacific

Details: I have been informed that this is a delicate matter, however mundane it may be. Michael Maldonado has been blessed with two things: a wayward son and endless trouble. He will inform you of the exact nature of the assistance he requires. All I know is Michael is willing to compensate you – and me – surprisingly well for our efforts.

Visit him to learn more about the nature of the job. Maldonado runs a business that he never seems to leave. You know how it is, V – those with the least stand to lose the most.

It seems Michael Maldonado expected things to turn out differently. Given that he has failed to provide any details on the matter, I leave that cross for him to bear.

It seems Michael Maldonado expected things to turn out differently. Given that he has failed to provide any details on the matter, I leave that cross for him to bear.

Michael Maldonado had nothing but praise for you. I hope the feeling is mutual and the contract was smooth sailing.

Michael Maldonado had nothing but praise for you. I hope the feeling is mutual and the contract was smooth sailing.

Michael has informed me you’ll be visiting the Heavy Hearts to deal with his business. I would only remind you it is my place of business as well, so abstain from the usual ruckus and handle things discreetly, please.

V. With all of Dogtown at stake, Maldonado’s little gig can wait. Please, first solve the issue of Hansen’s successor.

Dogtown’s future is secure; Aguilar has left the district. Let us return to other, less pressing items of business. Such as the job you received from Michael Maldonado.

Pleased to be dealing with a professional.

Whether you shoot first or not, the result will be the same. A little professionalism, V.

Good. Excellent, in fact, since you acted with discretion as requested. Contract closed. Until the next one, V.

I’ll leave your financial arrangements between the two of you, V. What matters is you acted with discretion, as requested. Contract closed.

Well, what matters is you acted with discretion. Closing the gig.

You did indeed. And quietly, too, for which I’m grateful. Contract closed.

Wonderful to hear.

I’m simply reminding you where your priorities lie, V. You’d do well not to forget it.

Funny, I simply can’t find it in me to care. What matters is you failed to act with discretion and tarnished my reputation in the process. A little more effort, please, next time. Contract closed.

You did, true, but not at all how I requested. A shootout in the club does nothing for my interests, V. But I will close the contract nonetheless.

Good. It would have been better, however, if you’d adhered to my instructions and acted with discretion. Perhaps next time... contract closed.

I’ll leave your financial arrangements between the two of you, V. However, I believe I requested discretion. Following your decidedly indiscreet behavior in Heavy Hearts, I’ll be cleaning up my affairs with BARGHEST for some time. Contract closed.

Gig objective: Acquire Fiona Vargas's client data

Location: Center for Neuromotor Development, Site 341 in Luxor Heights

Details: Can you believe some people avoid paying their taxes? Shocking, I know. Someone needs to put a stop to it. Who is guilty of such heinous crimes, you might ask? Sports scouts who fly in from all across the globe to the center run by Fiona Vargas. They sign contracts with promising athletes, wire sizeable transfers and dodge taxes while they're at it. Our client isn't thrilled.

You'll be acquiring any data linked to Fiona's clients and their contracts. Getting in won't be easy, which is why you'll have the help of my netrunner near the site. Best of luck, V.

Data received. It’s time you made your exit.

Why so dramatic? It's an open secret by now; everyone knows, few care. If I've offended your sense of moral decency, I do apologize. Until next time, V.

I’ve sent the data I received to our client. However, I must say: I expected the client roster to be longer and include, well, some heavier hitters. Nobody likes a lightweight, V. Contract closed.

Nicely done, V. Thanks to you, our Europeans can make sure tax evaders meet their punishment. Contract closed.

The EEC only wants what it is owed. As they pay well, I'm only happy to oblige. Until our next contract, V.

Gig objective: Thwart a terrorist attack

Location: Weapons factory on the top level of the stadium

Details: If there’s one thing terrorists like, it’s setting off bombs, but Crimson Harvest really seems to have a blast. They’ve already got several successful operations to their name – that is, if you were to ask them. Biotechnica wouldn’t consider the loss of its top employees anything but a failure.

I can't say for sure what Nele Springer is up to, but it seems she’s grown tired of her role in Crimson Harvest. She seems stressed, and it’s hard to blame her. You don’t just up and leave a terrorist cell, do you? Meet with her at the stadium, please, to discuss the details.

As always, I appreciate the professionalism, V. In your line of business, passing judgement is much like passing gas in company – it may offer temporary relief, but people will turn their backs on you soon enough. Your job here is done.

Perhaps I didn't make myself clear. In the future, remember one little rule: the client is always right. If you'd like to take the moral high ground, please do so on your own time and with your own money. I trust that's clear enough. Your gig is complete.

I’m an old hand in this game, V.

Perhaps, perhaps not. Spare yourself the mental effort.

Gig objective: Find Mark Bana

Location: Longshore Stacks

Details: The powers that be love wrestling in the mud of our little Dogtown swamp. But let’s not fool ourselves - what would Dogtown be without its incomprehensible spy games and power struggles? I suppose the answer’s not worth our efforts.

In any case, I’ve received word from some Brazilian intelligence agents. They’ve lost someone in Dogtown and would like to find him. The lost soul’s name: Mark Bana. Now, if there’s secret agents, surely there must be a catch? I’ve found one, though there may be others for you to find yourself. The known unknown: the agents seek their colleague without the knowledge or approval of the Brazilian Intelligence Agency. I suggest you ask them why. Oh, and have fun.

I hear birds chirping of Bana. No, they won’t quiet it now – our Brazilian duo is bound for trouble. Contract closed, V.

Destroying the biomonitor was the correct decision. Caution over bravura, V, as I always say. Your funds are on their way, the contract closed.

Ah, but what’s in a name, V? All’s well that ends well – for us at least. Until our next contract.

Ah, so you wash your hands of the matter? Leaving others to bathe theirs in blood. I won’t stoop so low as to judge; I hate to be bored, just like you. Still, I do pity our agents. Until our next contract, V.

Gig objective: Eliminate Milko Alexis

Location: Voodoo Boys base at the spa in Luxor Heights

Details: Indira Barazza wouldn’t be the first or the last to fall prey to the Voodoo Boys’ blackmail. What’s interesting is the gang seems to have only the technical employees of her corp in their sights. They made our client an offer she couldn’t refuse – cooperate or die. Indira chose a third route: call me. The Voodoo Boy threatening to hack her lungs is one Milko Alexis. See to it that he kindly leaves her the fuck alone.

Short and sweet, V. Just the way I like it. Our client can breathe easy once more – unlike Milko. I'm transferring the funds as we speak; your work here is done.

NetWatch contacted me. They've put Indira under witness protection; she'll have a full netrunner guard 24/7. They really couldn't praise you enough, V. It is good to have friends in corporate places, even in Dogtown. That is, especially in Dogtown. Your well-deserved funds are on their way, and your gig is complete.

I don’t tip. On principle.

If you think I’ll raise your rate accordingly, think again.

And I prefer not to employ those who are easily surprised. Something for you to consider.

They’ll sniff out nothing. Not on me, at least - you I assume they caught red-handed. But, well, if you’re not on the run from NetWatch, are you really living?

Our clients seem to be happy, so I'm happy to close the gig. Would you care to elaborate on what exactly transpired there?

Hands is informing V that Bill and Charles died bc V left them on thier own during the job. Gig is failed

Gig objective: Extract NCPD officers from Dodger’s base

Location: Pacifica, former NCPD station

Details: V, we have two officers in need. Somehow – and don’t ask me how – they landed in the base of one of Hansen’s men. Dodger, to be exact. Until recently, this “base” was a functioning NCPD station.

Two cops held prisoner in their old station-turned-drug drop? Absurd, yes, but what can I say? That’s life, particularly in Dogtown. Before you charge in there, go and talk to our client, Stella. The poor thing’s engaged to one of these two super troopers.

You won’t leave our boys in blue hanging, will you, V?

I’ll admit they’re not to my taste, but I won’t leap to extremes. I suppose pigs are people too, as it were. Until our next contract, V.

Prickly today, aren’t we? I'll make do without the details. If the clients are happy, then so am I. Until our next contract, V.

Gig objective: Rescue Anthony Anderson

Location: Haven Clinic on Montaña de Oro Ave

Details: The poor never catch a break, do they? Anderson’s clinic can barely make ends meet, and now the Scavengers are giving them hell, too. The gang has some business with the good doctor – and he couldn’t care less. He’s barricaded himself in his office; nobody in, nobody out. What’s worse, Anderson’s the only physician the clinic has. Please, speak with his assistant Odell Blanco at the scene and get this sick situation sorted.

You're the cure to all my ills, V. But that's enough praise for now – let’s not have you raising your rates. Your payment is on its way, the gig closed.

I heard the news about Anderson. Well, even the best hands slip on occasion. The important thing is, you've removed the scavengers and the patients may now return. I may not be a man of faith, but I do believe in Odell – no, he's certainly not one to leave his flock.

This is Dogtown. Whether kindness has any currency here remains up for debate.

And I imagine it’s far more pleasant for Anderson to smell the roses from above than push daises from below.

Better days mean less business for fixers, V.

He’ll have to manage without them. Unlike Haven Clinic, I’m not a charitable institution.

Are you finished? Whatever treatment this is, it’s making me awfully drowsy.

Gig objective: Neutralize Leon Rinder

Location: Longshore Stacks

Details: We’ve got a situation in the Longshore Stacks. The mess was made by Leon Rinder, once a soldier with Hansen, now killer of eight. It remains unclear what Rinder was doing in the Stacks, what caused him to snap, or why he left Hansen’s ranks. So many questions, V, so few answers. One thing is certain: the victims’ families want to get their hands on Rinder. But first, we need to find him. Enter you, V.

Go to the Stacks, search the area and talk to their unofficial representative, Briana Dolson. Maybe you’ll find a lead.

You delivered Rinder’s dog tag, well done. Contract closed. Out of curiosity, though... wherever did you find Hansen’s former friend?

Well, well, and they say there’s no reasonable people in BARGHEST. Relatively reasonable. One point to Rinder for trying to leave... but minus fifteen for going to the scavengers for help.

Pure professionalism, served ice cold. Just as it should be. Thank you, V.

Gig objective: Retrieve a prototype implant and its schematics

Location: Construction site, the Scraper, Longshore Stacks

Details: A few days ago the scavengers raided a convoy returning from the stadium. Soon after, I received a call from the regional director of Zetatech informing me said convoy was theirs. Now, they’d tried to keep their transaction on the down low - unfortunately, it seems the scavs go lower. Zetatech lost a valuable prototype implant along with its technical documentation. They’d like to retrieve their lost items. Fortunately, the prototype is emitting a trackable signal.

It’s pointed us to a scav haunt in the Longshore Stacks, at the construction site of a long-unfinished skyscraper. I’ve sent you the coordinates; I trust you’ll do the rest.

V. A little birdie chirped that you retrieved Zetatech's paraphernalia. Any issues along the way?

A little birdie chirped that you only managed to procure the schematics, yet the prototype was left with the hostage you rescued? Care to elaborate?

V, I received word Hasan, your acquaintance from the Scraper, wishes to contact you. Naturally, I declined to hand him your contact details. However, if you wish to speak to him, I've sent you his current coordinates.

V, I received word someone attempted to sell a Zetatech ocular implant in Dogtown. Bells ring, buzzers buzz. I trust I needn't point out the similarities between said prototype and the one you sought among the scavengers. The very same, perhaps?

My people will handle the rest.
You really have a knack for solving complicated situations, V.

He’ll go to Zetatech, as we agreed. I doubt you’ll be seeing any more of him. However, you will be seeing your payment shortly.

My people will handle the rest.
You really have a knack for solving complicated situations, V.

What hostage, V? All who were in that convoy perished in the scavenger ambush, end of story. Your payment is on its way.

He’ll walk free, as we agreed. Your payment is on its way.

Ah, it was nothing. I appreciated your call. Your funds will arrive any moment.

Color me shocked – he did no such thing. Zetatech will not be thrilled, but I suppose that’s my cross to bear. However, I dare say you could have informed me earlier, V. At least you secured the schematics – contract closed.

He did not. We will have to make do with the schematics. The contract is closed – but next time, V, I would appreciate hearing from you directly.

I suppose I wished to hear it from the horse’s mouth. Your payment should arrive soon.

I commend your work, V. Your payment is on its way.

Merely the debt of gratitude he owes us both. You’ll find him in the Longshore Stacks.

An amusing remark coming from you, V. In any case, you’ll find him in the Longshore Stacks.

A fact of which I’m well aware. How wonderful I needn’t even ask for such favors to be done. He was last seen in a derelict building on Elizabeth Kress Street.

We did. Yet it might still interest you to learn he was last seen in a Golden Pacific squat.

V. A little birdie chirped that you retrieved Zetatech's paraphernalia. Any issues along the way?

It’s certainly a snag. Zetatech will not be thrilled, though I suppose that’s my cross to bear. Your payment is on its way, V.

If they had, I would have heard. Knowing those savages, they either damaged it beyond repair or simply tossed it in the incinerator. At least you managed to secure the schematics. Your payment is on its way.

!OBSOLETE

!OBSOLETE

!OBSOLETE

!OBSOLETE

Heavy Hearts. The building is a large imitation pyramid; I dare say you can't miss it. You'll need the elevator access code as well: 2589.

An interesting item of business has fallen into my lap, V. Lina Malina, a local BD celebrity, claims she’s been kidnapped and is currently being held against her will in a BD rental studio called Brainporium. Lina seeks a merc who will free her from her captor’s clutches.
All in all, it would be a credible, solid assignment, were it not for the fact that I failed to confirm the client’s identity. The data I received from her is at odds in several places with what my trusted sources tell me; as such, I will not be playing middleman in this matter.
However, should you be so inclined, I’ve sent the coordinates she relayed to me. I, meanwhile, will do as the Romans do and wash my hands of the matter.

I can’t say I’ve been following her career, if one can call it such. Yet, as always, I aim to keep my finger on the pulse of things.

Well, She’s a braindance star who records controversial footage with her scavenger entourage. The scrolls feature parties and firefights; rather unimaginative material, if you ask me.

Do you expect me to commend you on your failure? Return to work, please.

My, a wealth of information that I neither need nor desire. Return to work, please.

I see. Would you like a pat on the back? A 21-gun salute? Well, you can have my mildest congratulations. Now kindly return to work.

V, there's been an interesting turn of events. One of Kurt Hansen's men just paid me a visit and sold me some very interesting equipment.

Considering recent goings-on at the stadium, I suspect the items belong to you. Of course, they may be returned to their rightful owner... for an appropriate finder's fee: €$20,000.

Always a pleasure doing business with you, V. The items will be delivered shortly; I'll be in touch when they are.

AWas that an attempt at humor, V? Are you really that low on funds? Well, I suppose it's your loss.

The equipment has been delivered and is waiting for you at your humble Dogtown abode. Collect it at your leisure.

Vigilance, V. They're aware somebody neutralized the guards on the maintenance level.

Excellent work. They appear unaware of both the security breach and their uninvited guest. I'm impressed, V.