Panam Palmer

Where the fuck did you go?! V, this is serious! I'll be in the camp. Hurry up!!

Pleeeeeeeeeease pick up pick up pick up

You have 10 missed calls from – Panam.

Call me!

After all we've been through, you're going to ignore me like I'm some nobody?

V, what the fuck?

You fucking coward.

Johnny? You fucking sociopath... I'm going to find you and get V back.

Wherever you are, I WILL find you.

Where are you?? We were supposed to meet at the train station, remember? What the hell's going on?

What the fuck is wrong with you?? If you change your mind you can just say so, not vanish without a word!! Fuck it – I don't care what you have to say. You just don't do something like that. I don't want to see you anymore, we clear?

Hey, V! Come back!

I don't fucking believe this! You left us in the middle of the job?! You know what? FUCK YOU. Don't ever show your face to me again.

Where the fuck did you go?! V, this is serious! I'll be in the camp. Hurry up!!

Saul is dead. I hope someone goes and breaks your trust like you did mine. Don't ever try to contact me or any of the Aldecaldos. For your own good. Fucking bitch.

V, I really don't have anyone else to turn to. Come by, please. I'll be waiting at camp.

You were right, V. It's good being back with your people. In NC I felt like the loneliest person in the world.

I'd rather be in the company of that stubborn ass – you know who I'm talking about ;) Anyway, I think he's loosened up a bit. He's starting to realize he doesn't have to be the only voice around the campfire – it'll do us all some good.

So it's official – Panam's a Bright again!

Still hasn't really hit me yet. I'm still giving myself a trial period. You can't expect everything right from the start. But I feel like things are taking a turn for the better.

ANot like you don't know where to find us. You helped us in our time of need – you'll always be welcome here.

BYou sure? No harm in thinking it over. The life of a lone wolf doesn't always end well. In any case, there's always a place for you with the Aldecaldos.

Anyway, I have to go before they get drunk off their asses or start another race. Take care, V!

Hey, V... Everything all right? Listen, I've been thinking...

Hey, about that night at the farm, and the morning when we parted ways... Don't get me wrong. The thing is – I'm almost always on the road. I move fast so my problems can't catch up to me. And if I slow down, I'm afraid it'll hit me all in one go.

AYou're not just saying that, are you? Because I've heard my fair share of reassurances and... well, look where they got me.

BYeah... maybe you're right. We don't have to rush anything.

Maybe next time we'll have something to drink that isn't a bioweapon... And maybe a little privacy too?

AWoah now, let's keep our pants on, OK?

We'll stay in touch, V.

You backstabbing little bitch! How could you go behind my back to Saul??!

Fucking snake!

You should be thanking me for stopping you doing something gonk

AYou've got some fucking nerve! The plan didn't work out... Go suck a scav dick!

BOh, I know why you don't want to explain yourself – because there's no way you could explain that kind of fuckery! So yes, thank you for not trying to bullshit me! You could've at least warned me, for fuck's sake...

I thought Rogue was a cunt, but you... I wish I'd never met you, you two-faced lying merc scum. I hope Wraiths fuck your dead, rotting corpse.

V, thanks for having my back during that shouting match between me and Saul. I was so livid I can't even remember what I said. I just hope you didn't catch any stray venom because of me.

And nothing about what I told you made you feel a little... uncomfortable? You know what I mean.

AI'm not backing out! I mean, hold on... Are you saying I should...? No, fuck, OK, I'M NOT BACKING OUT

BUhh... Well, so do I. It's just, you know...

I'm just waiting for the right moment.

AI was just getting warmed up.

BHa.

I'll see you soon.

Hey, V, thanks again for having my back. Lately I feel like I'm just ranting and raging, so I just want to make sure you know I appreciate what you did for me.

Hm, shit, that came out way too formal. You know what I meant.

AHard to tell. I'm trying to stay out of his way.

BMitch, Bob and Carol are still putting the pieces together. Looks like they're having fun. Cassidy's providing moral support.

I'll be in touch soon.

Hey, V. How are ya? Everything OK? How're ya feeling?

AI hope you're getting somewhere with that biochip thing.

Just remember that you have friends – that you have me. Let me know how things are going with you.

Startin to run outta time... which means less chance of gettin through this.

Listen, Saul and I've been thinking about how to get this family back on its feet. We have a plan.

But the most important thing is that we might be able to help you!

AIf everything goes according to plan, then... Well, let's just say the train heist has got nothing on this.

BHey, all's well that ends well, right? Come on – no risk, no reward.

TRUST ME.

Heeey :) How are you? Everything all right?

AI hope you're getting somewhere with that biochip thing.

Fuck it, I'll just come out and say it. I like you, V. And I miss you. I feel like such an idiot writing that, but I know I'll press "Send" anyway.

Startin to run outta time... which means less chance of gettin through this. I guess you still have to put up with me a for a little while longer ;)

I have an idea – leave NC. With me. With us.

Saul and I have been cookin up a plan for that exact reason. And we just might know how to help.

AListen, we'll do one last job together – get that head of yours sorted out. Then we leave this city behind and never look back.

BBelieve me, V. If we pull this off, it'll change everything. For me, for you. For us.

Besides, you don't seriously think I'll just up and leave you? Put that thought away for good, because I'm with you, V. And I WILL be with you – through thick and thin.

Hey. Been thinking a lot about things – about the shit with Saul, about Mitch and Scorpion... about the family I had? Lost? Left? Adopting? Didn't know it'd be this fucking complicated...

I don't get what's happening to me. I'm in this city, free to do whatever I want with my life, but... Fuck, am I really free? If I left my old life just because things started to get a little inconvenient? That would mean I'm always just going to be running... Does that make sense?

And even if... And what about Saul? I can't change him. And I can't change what I think about him. So don't go lecturing me on compromises, please.

AMhm, really helpful. Next time you can just say you don't give a shit.

I didn't mean to. But trust me – you can live with someone you don't always get along with. Sounds corny, but it's true. You'll see!

Hey. Been thinking a lot about things – about the shit with Saul, about Mitch and Scorpion... about the family I had? Lost? Left? Adopting? Didn't know it'd be this fucking complicated...

Still thinking about that time you left me to deal with that AV on my own... Fuck, why does everything have to be so complicated...

AI just thought that... It doesn't matter. I just want to stop thinking about everything. My mind's running in circles. Anyway, if you ever need anything, you have my number.

BI'm trying to, believe me. But I can't. Anyway, if still you ever need anything, let me know.

Thanks, Panam. Likewise

Come back to camp, V. I'm here waiting – we don't have much time...

Meet me at the Sunset Motel. Garage. I'll be waiting.

Not like you would give a shit, but it's all over. We lost Saul. I couldn't pull him out of that Raffen camp myself. Maybe with your help, things could have gone differently, but I suppose we'll never know now, will we? I sincerely hope someone, someday, abandons you in your time of need. Do not ever try to contact me again.

Heey, just got back from Sierra Sonora – quick job, decent pay. Can't complain, I guess... Now I just have to clean up the grease and salsa verde off the back seat (don't ask). How are you holding up?

V, that's incredible! You helped someone and they're alive because of you. Looks like Night City has real heroes after all ;)

Judy...? Doesn't ring a bell, don't think you ever mentioned her. Fellow merc? Afterlife drinking buddy? Don't tell me you met her through Rogue, too...

Who is this Judy you speak of? I like the old-timey name.

I'd love to meet her someday. We should go get pierogies together. She likes pierogies... right? Because if she doesn't, I'm afraid you'll have to sever all ties with her. I'm not even joking.

True friends are a hard thing to come by nowadays, especially in NC... I'm glad you have someone you can truly count on.

OK, I can't stop thinking about this, so I'm just going to unload it on you and you can ignore it if you wish. I've had it up to HERE with Saul! Does he TRULY think this family will be better off by selling its soul to a corp? I've never seen someone with their head so far up their ass. Nothing about this is going to end well...

V, listen to me – working at a megacorp isn't a job like any other, it's an identity. I don't trust them and frankly, anyone who deals with them is asking for trouble. Just be careful, all right? Oh, and thanks, by the way. I stopped thinking about Saul and started thinking about you – much more pleasant ;)

Thanks... Somehow I feel a little better already. It's as if talking to you has somehow unclouded my head. If I know one thing, it's that the Aldecaldos joining up with a corp can only end badly. I feel it in my gut. Hang in there, V ;)

Hey, did you hear about that psycho who kidnapped kids and kept them somewhere out in the Badlands? Christ, what a sicko. I wouldn't be surprised if he was a Raffen.

Well, aren't you just full of surprises? I can imagine that must've been quite the ordeal...

I never told you this... OK, fuck, I've never told this to anyone because I hate remembering it, but... When I was little, my best friend was captured by raffens. It was an accident, and she would have ended up a complete goner if Cassidy hadn't come to the rescue. Some really bad things were about to happen, but Cass pulled out his revolver and the dust settled within seconds. But the kid's uncle... Who is he, anyway?

I don't know any officers, but I haven't exactly heard good things about the police in Night City. Good to know there are exceptions. You always seem to draw the good folks to your side, V. That's a rare thing :)

I can imagine it wasn't easy. Sounds like he risked everything to try and help his family, and that's what counts the most.

I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you two! :))

I have to tell you something, but if you tell another living soul, I will hunt you down to the ends of the Earth, understood? So, you know that new song from Us Cracks? The one with Kerry Eurodyne? I normally don't listen to that kind of music, but... shit, every time it plays on the radio, I start humming along! You should check it out :)

Surely, you jest. No, but... seriously?! Come off it, you're not fooling anyone. How would you even know Kerry Eurodyne?!

I've never met a real rockstar! What's he like? I remember hearing somewhere that he wanted to kill himself? End his career with a bang?

Listen, I can't stop thinking about what we discussed earlier... the chip and, well... how did all that even happen? (No need to answer if you don't want to!)

Jesus Christ, V... I'm so sorry :( I know this will come as little comfort, but... I get the feeling the V you're talking about no longer exists. The V I know isn't in it for the fame, or money... That's not the V that would sit by the campfire with me and gaze up at the stars. What I'm trying to say is – you've changed, and everything that meant something before means something different now.

I can't even begin to imagine the hell you've been through... But still, you made it, V. Nobody deserves what you've been left with – least of all you. But you can't give up, all right? You're surrounded by friends. And you'll always have me :)

V... Thanks for telling me all that. For trusting me. I won't tell anyone else – promise. Besides, your story isn't over. Remember that.

Jackie... Who was he? What was he like?

Boy, you really know how to put a smile on my face. Scorpion was the same, or more like our friendship was the same. This will sound weird, but he reminded me of water at its stillest. He was inconspicuous, always half-blending into the shadows, but was always right there when you needed him. The world's poorer without him. God, I miss him, too. We're lucky we had people like that in our lives...

No shortage of big dreamers in Night City, is there? I'm guessing more than once you two hatched plans to bring NC to its knees over some cold brews? ;) This just gets me thinking... maybe if I met you earlier, my life would have turned out differently. I tried going up against that city, completely alone, with no one at my side to give a damn about what I wanted or why. Shit, I didn't even know what I wanted... That's why it's good to have people like Jackie around. I'm glad you told me about him :)

So, I'm out driving to get some food and guess who I hear on the radio? That's right – Johnny Silverhand! He seems like such a mystery... can you tell me anything about him? What's it really like with him?

Could say the same thing about yourself, couldn't you? You have your flaws, life sucker-punched you in the gut, but you're still a decent person, wouldn't you say? ;)

Sure sounds like a handful. But maybe he deserves a chance...? Look, I know I can't talk – after all, I'm not the one with an abusive rockerboy in my head, but I have a feeling that somehow, someday, you and I are going to look back on all this and laugh at the absurdity of it all.

Going back to Johnny... I can tell he's not the kind of guy you can describe in one or two sentences...

I sure as hell hope so. Besides, I'm good at giving people second chances. Something I might've picked up from my adventures with a certain Miss Palmer...

What are you up to? I'm just about to step into the shower, thinking of you... :*

Bored is the wrong word, more like... restless? I'll remind you that we never really properly finished our ride in the Basilisk...

Mhmmm... I seem to have suddenly gotten the urge to take another spin in the Basilisk. I wonder why...

Haven't seen you around lately. Been traipsing around NC? Just asking, no reason. Not like I miss you or anything... :P

Well, actually, I wanted to ask your advice on something. I need to talk to Saul about a member of the family. It's a... delicate issue.

There's this Jax fellow (you don't know him) who was leading a scouting mission. He was piloting the drone and was supposed to make sure the area was clear of any Wraiths. Turns out, he completely wrote off a passage out of the basin that a Petrochem convoy had passed through there just the day before, thinking for some reason that the Wraiths wouldn't be lingering there. And well... that's exactly where we got ambushed.

We have footage from the drone. We lost the entire party. Four people, V. Who knows, maybe they could have been saved, but Jax panicked. He tried to cover up the whole mess and by the time we found out what happened it was too late. Now we have to figure out what to do with him...

You're right. I was of the same mind – now I know it's the most sensible approach.

Ehhh, I was afraid you would say that, but you're probably right. This family can only remain together if it not only draws some hard lessons from these kinds of mistakes, but consequences, too...

Thanks for talking this over with me.

Every day it's becoming clearer that you're my voice of reason, V. We could use someone like you in the clan – just repeating what everyone else keeps saying ;)

:***

Can't wait to see you again ;)

Hey V, we buried our dead. Thought you'd like to know. Then Mitch took Scorpion somewhere out by some bridge, had a funeral of his own. All alone, too. I'm not sure why I'm writing you this, but... well, it's hard. For me and Mitch. For everyone.

Some details would be a good start. I won't decide in the dark.

I'll forward you Yun's contact info. He's navigated a few sticky situations on that turf before. The last price I heard was 2,000 a head. They'll need to contact him directly. But I'll put in a quick word first, make sure he takes the job.

I sent the data. It's yours to pass along.

<>

Sure, sure. Hence the fleeing. Hence the urgency. I assume they stepped on the wrong toes?

Mhm, I do know. These acquaintances of yours… helping their sort doesn't leave a bad taste? But whatever, I know it's none of my business.

Don't tempt me with a good time. Or maybe do.

It sounds like you need a partner. Maybe a sexy partner…? ;)

I can't say no to you, V. And that's precisely why you asked me, isn't it? Played like a fiddle… <3 I'll forward you Yun's contact info. He's navigated a few sticky situations on that turf before. The last price I heard was 2,000 a head. They'll need to contact him directly. But I'll put in a quick word first, make sure he takes the job.

Oh fucking christ IGNORE THAT. I'm so fucking bad at this. Just pretend I never wote that and let's never speak of this again.

Hey, this isn't a good time for me to hop on the holo. What's going on?

Heeey, so I was doing a bit of inventory (drew the short straw...) and you know how it goes - mind has to stay occupied with something, and that just happens to be you. So, I dunno... Figured I'd just ask how things were going?

ARiiight, so... Guess you're busy with usual work?

BWell, you've got a knack for landing yourself in hot water.

CV, an "I'm fine" would have sufficed. I'm starting to get worried.

AARiiiight, okay then, I won't pry. No need to explain.

ABUgh, I don't know why I expected anything different. Just please be careful :)

CASheesh, okay, just wanted to talk. I'm pretty far from NC, got a bit bored, started thinking of you...

I just hope we'll get to spend a few more cozy evenings together - all the cliche romantic gestures included. So you know... don't get yourself killed, all right?

CAAOkay, not really sure what to think. Next time you don't have to be passive-aggressive - just say if you can't or don't want to talk. Like an adult.

Give me a holler when you're done :)

AWell now you've got me imagining all sorts of things ;)

BSay no more. You have to do what you have to do <3

Hey, something big came up. I'm gonna call again and I need you to answer.

V, I'm flat serious. This is a conversation for the holo or face to face. I can't spell it out in writing.

Jesus christ, so be it. We're leaving NC. The family, I mean, and I don't know what to do. I need your perspective here.

I need you to tell me straight – do you want me to stay? If so, then that settles it. I just have to know what that means exactly. What will come of that choice…

Care to fucking answer me?

No? Then FUCK YOU

Look… I'm sorry. My temper got the better of me.

Just please tell me you're alive.

V?

Anything? Not one word?

FUCKING ANSWER

55 missed calls from Panam Palmer

Oh? How far afield? Maybe I can give you a lift.

Traveling far and wide… and without me. V, are you trying to get on my bad side?

Next time I leave I'm takin you with me. For a real getaway ;)

You better.

Who didn't say, exactly? And just just have you gotten yourself into this time?

Nothing dangerous for once. :) I'll explain as soon as I'm back, but right now gotta delta

Hello, V!

How's life been treating you?

I'm not familiar with that expression, but it sounds like life's been as sweet as you are :)

Now what's with that attitude!

Yes, you're not wrong there. But I have an idea of how to make it up to you :)

I've been thinking - would you like me to come visit?

All the best views are from megabuildings :)

Great! I'm happy to hear it :)

Invitation accepted!

I won't delay!

I'm already on the road!

You must be joking! In Dogtown they'll strip my Thorton down to its last bolt in 5 minutes' time! Can we consider Night City instead? Please?

Do I truly have a choice? :P But no, I understand and it's no problem at all. :) Next time!

See you soon! <3

Hey, V! Time is on my side! Maybe I could come visit? :)

V, I miss you too, but… right now I don't have a moment to spare, truly. I'll let you know as soon as I do!

How are you, V?

Hey there!

Hey hey :)

Do you have time? I'd love to stop by. :)

I miss you! Are you at home?

Any interest in doing something at your place?

I'd like to see you… Can I come over?

Oh no. No, no, no. That's a nonstarter, V. Night City or nothing.

Do I truly have a choice? :P But no, I understand and it's no problem at all. :) Next time!

I'll be there soon! One kiss for the road :-* and the other for when I arrive.

Suits me just fine. See you soon!

Great! It's a date :)

Hey there, good-lookin'

I had a terrific time with you. As I always do. I hope we can get together again sometime soon. <3

Ha! This is precisely why you and I get along so well!

I'll hold you to that!

And that's half the battle :)

Until next time! <3

This gift reminds me of our first conversation, over the hood of that Thorton Colby C125 :)

Wow. Believe it or not, this is the first time anyone has ever given me flowers. I hope it's not the last. ;)

Regarding your proposition… sailing? Are you certain we can't drive somewhere? I'm a terrible swimmer, if you must know.

Mhm, whatever kind you had in mind… ;)

Please. You just want to see me in a bikini.

Have an amazing day, V. Mine already is thanks to you. <3

Hey, something big came up. I'm gonna call again and I need you to answer.

V, I'm flat serious. This is a conversation for the holo or face to face. I can't spell it out in writing.

Jesus christ, so be it. We're leaving NC. The family, I mean, and I don't know what to do. I need your perspective here.

I need you to tell me straight – do you want me to stay? If so, then that settles it. I just have to know what that means exactly. What will come of that choice…

Care to fucking answer me?

No? Then FUCK YOU

Look… I'm sorry. My temper got the better of me.

Just please tell me you're alive.

V?

Anything? Not one word?

FUCKING ANSWER

55 missed calls from Panam Palmer

You said a month and we're already ringing in the new year!

Let's tack on another month, shall we?

YOU SAID YOU WERE COMING BACK