Dialogue: Automatic Love

Judy

V...? That you?

Sheesh, thought you were... gone.

V

1AListen, need to find Evelyn.

Judy

1AI really don't wanna talk about her...

V

1AKnow where she is?

Judy

1AWhat'd I just say? Drop it. I won't tell ya again.

V

2ACan we meet? Let's meet, please.

2AYou at Lizzie's?

2BJudy, you're my one hope, the only lead I got.

2BI gotta find her. An' I know you can help me do that.

Judy

2BWho told you I'd want to?

V

1BYou're not alone in thinking me dead…

1BThought it was game over for me, too.

Judy

1BThings went ass up, huh, not as planned?

V

1CHeard about the heist, I take it.

1CMust've talked to Evelyn.

Judy

1CDidn't need to. Whole damned city's heard.

Lizzy f dance

Whoa, whoa… start again. What's it you want us to do, now?

Prostitute

Beat some sense into him. That don't work – I dunno, use lead. I - I don't care. Just want my room back.

Lizzy f dance

Your pimp threw you out, that it?

Prostitute

Told me I was generatin' losses, then just said "Have a nice life!" and slammed the damn door. I don't got nowhere to SLEEP tonight.

Lizzy f dance

Still got your body, though, don't ya? Work it.

Prostitute

Don't think I do? Every enny I make gets eaten up by upgrades.

So I said, "Fuck it" – got a doll-chip. Went to Clouds, said they weren't hiring no more.

Now I gotta work the streets to pay back my ripperdoc.

Lizzy f dance

Doll-chip's not all ya got, from the look o' things. Faceplate's high design, custom made. Whoa, tits, too.

Prostitute

I INVEST in myself. Still wasn't good enough, still told me I was "underqualified."

Lizzy f dance

Aww. But what are we supposed to do about it?

Prostitute

I told ya. Want my room back. That's all.

Lizzy f dance

Pff. That ain't how this works, honey.

Lizzy f dance

If you were a Mox, this'd be a whole 'nother convo.

Lizzy f dance

Feast your eyes on this, hm?

Tell me, baby, do I look as fine as I feel right now?

C'mon now, don't be such a wet rag.

Lizzy f dance

Come off it, Zoe. Man wants a woman with some class.

Lizzy f dance

That so? Well then you can go home! Hahaha!

Lizzy m cellar

Think I just woke up one day looking like this? This is real life, not no fairytale.

I'm a woman. That demands sacrifice.

It's hard work, never easy.

Lizzy f cellar

Ya don't say… See, I've always been a woman.

Lizzy m cellar

Oh, so this is what fucking sororal solidarity looks like now? Locker-room digs?

Lizzy f cellar

Welcome to real life, sister. Your words, not mine.

Lizzy f dance

I don't wreck the dancefloor like I used to.

Hm. Back in the day we would've busted this joint to pieces.

Smashin' windows was my speciality.

Lizzy f dance

We gettin' old – that what you're sayin'?

Lizzy f dance

We? Psh, speak for yourself. And that's not what I meant.

Just sayin', time's've changed. Used to tear clubs down, now we keep 'em standin'.

Lizzy f cellar

Judy's embarrassing herself again.

Wonder why Sue even keeps her around.

Lizzy m cellar

You're kidding. Her virtus keep 'em comin', keep the lights on in here, that's why.

Lizzy f cellar

Pff. Club would make it off fame alone. Everyone knows Lizzie's.

Lizzy m cellar

Susie'd rather not test that theory. Can't blame her, either.

Lizzy f cellar

Hey, where you goin'? Nothin' to see back here.

Lizzy m cellar

Let it lie – Judy's friend.

Lizzy f cellar

You done with that bagulho?

Lizzy m cellar

Yep. Back to the bump-and-grind.

That's Susie for ya – showin' peeps who's boss.

Makes me wanna pull my hair out. Kinda has to, though, right?

Lizzy f cellar

She pisses you off, then she's right – can you fuckin' decide? Get a grip.

Lizzy m cellar

Whoa, why the acid? Just makin' conversation, Jesus…

Bouncer

Forget Evelyn. Admit it, this is about Judy's virtus, isn't it?

Good shit, if I say so myself.

V

1ANobody can hold a candle to Judy. Cuts virtus like they were diamonds.

Bouncer

1ADamn straight.

V

1BGotten virtus off street dealers that were light years crisper.

Bouncer

1BCongrats, no one cares.

1BApart from Judy. Oh, she'd love your feedback.

Hey! Haven't I seen you here before?

Got a good memory for faces.

Bar's closed. Sorry, choom.

V

2ANeed to talk to Punchin' Judy.

2AShe in her den?

Bouncer

2AYep.

2ATake the stairs down.

2AI'll let Judy know you're comin'.

2AJust don't let me catch you messin' around, OK?

2AScare away any customers and you're out.

V

2BI'm, uh, looking for Evelyn Parker. Know where I might find her?

Bouncer

2BUsed to come 'round... Haven't seen her in a while, though.

V

3ANeed to talk to Evelyn Parker.

Bouncer

3AMmmm... Not here right now. Been a while since she has been, actually…

V

3AKnow where she's to be found?

Bouncer

3AI ain't her BFF. Better off askin' Judy.

V

4AHow 'bout Judy? She in her den?

4BEvelyn – anyone else she might've poured her heart out to?

Bouncer

4BDo I look like her psych-doc to you?

V

3BHow's biz goin'?

Bouncer

3BWhy, think you can shake things up?

V

3BJust passin' the time with convo.

Bouncer

3BGee, I'd love to. But in case you haven't noticed, I'm workin'.

We're closed right now.

Here for a good time?

Hey! Haven't I seen you here before?

Got a good memory for faces.

We're closed right now.

Forget Evelyn. Admit it, this is about Judy's virtus, isn't it?

Good shit, if I say so myself.

Yep.

Take the stairs down.

I'll let Judy know you're comin'.

V

1ALookin' for Evelyn Parker.

Mateo

1AHaven't seen her around.

V

1AAnd you got no idea where she is?

Mateo

1ANot the slightest.

V

1ANo idea where she could be?

Mateo

1AI'm a bartender, not her secretary.

V

1BThought Moxes only took girls under their wing.

Mateo

1BMaybe I am one, why do you care?

V

1BSo anyone can work here?

Mateo

1BLong as they can make a decent drink. Or have other talents. Why, you handin' out resumes?

V

1BNo, just curious.

1CWhaddaya recommend?

Mateo

1CWhat's your preference?

V

1CThought barkeeps could tell what you wanted at first sight.

Mateo

1CWell, you look like an "A-Bomb" kinda gal to me.

V

1CIs that any good?

Mateo

1CNo. Sure is overpriced, though. Great for customers who can't make up their mind.

V

1DWanna talk to Judy.

Mateo

1DMhm. Question is, does she wanna talk to you?

V

1DFind out soon enough. She in her suite?

Mateo

1DProbably.

Get you something?

Bar's closed.

Why're you here?

Why're you here?

Get you something?

Lizzies Boss

1AClub's closed.

1ADon't you have somewhere to be?

1AI said somethin'. Expect an answer.

1ACat got your tongue?

1AStartin' to think you're a real pain in the ass.

V

2AKnow what happened to Evelyn Parker?

Lizzies Boss

2AWhy you askin' me? Ya talked to Judy about her already.

V

2ASure, but you're the boss. Might know something more…

Lizzies Boss

2AEvelyn jumped the Mox ship a long time ago.

2AAnd anyone not a Mox is not my damn problem.

V

2BUh, heated exchange there with Judy. What was that all about?

Lizzies Boss

2BHow's this any of your business?

2BGonna follow-up with your own sermon on responsibility for others? Go on, your high horse is waitin'.

V

2BI'm just curious.

Lizzies Boss

2BOne thing I know about curiosity – won't get you shit 'less you got the fists and the ass to back it up.

V

2CGuessin' the club brings in a lot of biz?

Lizzies Boss

2CPisses its share o' costs, too. Why, lookin' to invest?

V

2CNo, just admiring your operation.

Lizzies Boss

2CWe took over this place way back when. Every day I wake up and wonder how it's still standing…

2CWe get by, that's all I'll say.

V

2DHeard you give the workin' girls a helpin' hand.

Lizzies Boss

2DThat's ancient history, and like all history, it was pretty damn bloody…

V

2DWhat was it... somethin' about a riot? Joygirl murdered by a Tyger Claw?

Lizzies Boss

2DNot the first. Just the one that tipped the scales. Folk went ballistic.

2DStreets overflowed with raised fists – girls, pimps, outcasts – the whole freakshow.

2DIt's how the Mox got started. But that's old news. We're runnin' a business now, not a charity.

2DCan't help everyone in this city – gotta take care of our own. Moxes come first.

1AWhat're you starin' at? Got somethin' to say, say it.

V

4AWanted to ask you something.

Lizzies Boss

4ANot now.

V

4AGot a minute to talk?

Lizzies Boss

4ALater, maybe.

V

4AWanted to ask you something. It'll only take a sec.

Lizzies Boss

4ANot now. Later, OK?

Lizzy boss

Stop tellin' every joytoy you meet to come here. The hell am I s'posed to do with 'em all?

Judy

I don't. Must be our rep. Girls need help, they come here. female V only

Lizzy boss

Last time I checked, we weren't runnin' a shelter.

Judy

C'mon, they all deserve a chance. Any one could end up useful.

Give it some time, they'll pay for themselves.

Lizzy boss

Pay? Chicks can barely take care of themselves.

Judy

Not when they're face down in the mud. But who knows – could surprise you.

Lizzy boss

I hate surprises.

Judy

Mhm. Really feelin' that sense of community right now...

Lizzy boss

You so concerned about strays, go take care of your guest.

Judy

Suze! We're not done here!

Lizzy boss

Oh yeah we fuckin' are.

Judy

You just don't give up, do you?

Got nothin' more to say to each other. Thought I made that clear.

Or was I just too subtle for you?

V

1AListen, have you seen Evelyn?

1ANeed to talk to her. It's important.

Judy

1AWhy? So you can make her your scapegoat for your trainwreck of a heist?

V

2ACan you just answer my question?

2AI'm tryin' to find Evelyn. That's all you need to know.

Judy

2ABetter start lookin', then. G'luck.

V

3AListen, if you don't know where she is, just tell me.

3AI don't have time for verbal volleyball. You know or not?

Judy

3AAll right. Enough.

3AGet lost.

3AYou care so much, find Clouds, look there.

V

3AAnd where's Clouds?

Judy

3ACig case on my desks's got the address. Just take it and go.

V

3BSeem to know how the heist went. Meanin' you did talk to her.

Judy

3BI know how you fucked up. Got all your choombas killed, like a real pro.

V

4AYou played your part in this fiasco, too.

4AHeist wouldn'ta ever gotten off the ground without you messing in her BD.

Judy

4AYou two hazed me, for fuck's sake. Both of you.

4AWhole thing stank. Said it from the start.

V

4BCaught some lead myself, too.

Judy

4BBoo-hoo. Occupational hazard for you mercs.

V

4CShe comished the heist, not me.

Judy

4CNo, you're the one who fucked it up.

V

5AReally wanna pull the victim card? Can't see a single scratch on you.

Judy

5AFine... Looks like we're all in this pisspot together.

5ABut you're desperate, writing's on your face.

V

6AExcuse me? I came here with a simple question. YOU'RE the one making me desperate if I am.

6AMaybe 'stead of judging, you could just tell me where she is.

Judy

6AAll right. Enough.

6AGet lost.

6AYou care so much, find Clouds, look there.

V

6AAnd where's Clouds?

Judy

6ACig case on my desks's got the address. Just take it and go.

V

6BOK, let's just say I'm pretty much fucked.

6BBiochip we klepped during the heist is killing me, albeit slowly. Evey commissioned the job, might know how to stop that.

6BThat's why I need to know who hired her.

Judy

6BHm. Let's say I believe you.

6BAll right... Evelyn's a doll. Used to work at Clouds.

6BI'd look for her there.

V

6BAnd where is that?

Judy

6BCig case on my table's got the address. Take it, and once you find Evelyn, give it to her.

V

5BSure, I took a risk. We all did. But it was Evelyn who gave it to us in the first place.

5BShe knew what this was from the start.

5CWeren't there. You don't know jack.

5DDo this for fun? Talkin' round in circles?

5DTrying to make this simple. Just tell me where she is – why can’t you?

Judy

5DI don't trust you. That's simple.

V

2BNeed to find out who she was working for.

Judy

2BThat's it?

V

2BThat's it. Judy, you don't need to worry – I won't lay a hand on her. Wouldn't make sense.

Judy

2BFine...

2BAll right... Evelyn's a doll. Used to work at Clouds.

2BCig case on my table's got the address. Take it, and once you find Evelyn, give it to her.

V

2CSeem to know how the heist went. Meanin' you did talk to her.

Judy

2CI know how you fucked up. Got all your choombas killed, like a real pro.

V

7AMegatower? Hmph, luxurious.

Judy

7AYou still need something...?

V

8AThink she might've gone back there?

Judy

8ASaid it'd be safer than here. God knows why…

V

8BClouds? What's that?

Judy

8BIt's a dollhouse.

V

8BSounds vaguely familiar... That where they tailor-code things to your fetishes and whatnot?

Judy

8BClient's subconscious is the script – doll stars in it. No memory of it after, though, luckily.

8BThank Christ for that.

V

8CWait, mean to say she's a doll?

Judy

8CSaved up for that behavior chip a while, too. Ev was good – real good. Had regulars booked up weeks in advance.

8CNobody lasts long in a gig like that, though.

V

8CHence the heist. Figures.

7AGot everything I need for now, thanks. I'll look in on the place.

Judy

7AWait...!

7AUmm... Just let me know how she's doing. OK?

V

9AGive you a call, OK?

Judy

9AThanks... Thank you, V.

V

9BCan't promise anything.

Judy

9BLook, V, I know once you find her it'll be full speed ahead, no looking back...

9BBut I really hope you'll call and let me know.

V

9CBe better if I didn't.

Judy

9CPsh. I guess no means no.

Johnny

7AA doll. Why am I not surprised?

V

7AYou're an engram in a fading mind. Nothing should surprise you anymore.

Johnny

7ASo, we gonna hit this place – Clouds?

V

7AWhy the hell not.

Judy

7AFine, have it your way.

V

10AEvelyn's there? You know this or are you guessin'?

Judy

10ASaw it in the tarots.

10ANow ghost before I call the girls.

10AWell, what're you waiting for?

V

11ARelax, I'm goin'.

Judy

11AI should think so.

V

11BI'll do what I want. Not anything you need to worry about.

Judy

11BHmph, aren't we tough.

V

10BWhat's Clouds?

Judy

10BA dollhouse.

10BBut, can't say I like your chances if you don't know that much. Read the streets…

V

12AEvelyn's there? You know this or are you guessin'?

Judy

12ASaw it in the tarots.

12ANow ghost before I call the girls.

12AWell, what're you waiting for?

V

13ARelax, I'm goin'.

Judy

13AI should think so.

V

13BI'll do what I want. Not anything you need to worry about.

Judy

13BHmph, aren't we tough.

V

12BWhat's Clouds?

Judy

12BA dollhouse.

12BBut, can't say I like your chances if you don't know that much. Read the streets…

Johnny

7AHold on... a dollhouse? Evelyn a regular there?

V

7AOr a drone.

Johnny

7ASo… Clouds?

V

7AIt's a dollhouse.

Johnny

7AEvelyn a regular there?

V

7AOr a drone.

1BWhat was that all about?

Judy

1BEveryone in this city lives in their own goddamn bubble.

1BAnd either you fly high or sink into quicksand.

V

1CSusie seems to know what she wants. She your boss?

Judy

1CYou come all this way just to play Who's Who at the Mox? female V only

V

1DMoxes and nomads don't seem so different. Both seem to yammer a lot about community, solidarity…

1DClassic dilemma. What comes first – family or the outside world?

Judy

1DThis is a club. Nobody cares about your lofty worldviews.

What do you want?

Suze! We're not done here!

Lizzy boss

Oh yeah we fuckin' are.

Stop tellin' every joytoy you meet to come here. The hell am I s'posed to do with 'em all?

Judy

I don't. Must be our rep. Girls need help, they come here. female V only

Lizzy boss

Last time I checked, we weren't runnin' a shelter.

Judy

C'mon, they all deserve a chance. Any one could end up useful.

Give it some time, they'll pay for themselves.

Lizzy boss

Pay? Chicks can barely take care of themselves.

Judy

Not when they're face down in the mud. But who knows – could surprise you.

Lizzy boss

I hate surprises.

Judy

Mhm. Really feelin' that sense of community right now...

Johnny

Way I see it, only thing waitin' for you here is getting off or getting offed. Place your bets.

V

What've I missed this time? Enlighten me.

Johnny

Braindance chick is hidin' somethin'. No coincidence we already saw two Tyger Claws. They must control the building.

V

1AThink Judy's lying? Why?

Johnny

1ALittle something called intuition, V. Ever heard of it?

V

1AOh, so what you meant to say was you're full of shit. Got it.

1BArasaka and the Tyger Claws are in bed together. Go figure...

Johnny

1BEvery corp plays dirty, 'cept the streets are more than that – they're filth. So the corps leave it to the gangs. Suits' collars'd get soiled. Surprised?

V

1BNo. I mean, if Evelyn wanted to disappear, especially from Arasaka, she coulda done better.

Johnny

1BThis whole situation's bent over, cheeks spread wide.

V

1CSomeone's in a great mood.

Johnny

1CNot every day a half brain-dead chick drags me around a cathouse on a wild whore chase.

1CSo, havin' a grand ol' time.

Tc

Heard you ran a discount yesterday. Half price on everything...?

Vendor

And I sold twice more stock than usual!

Tc

So... you broke even?

Vendor

Yes, but... the goods were trash. I would have thrown them away…

Tc

That was fucking rhetorical. The stand's Tyger Claws property and you're Tyger Claws property.

You had one job – sell the stock, take the eddies and do nothing gonk.

Is that so hard? Is that clear? Run your fucking discounts when you get your own fucking stand.

Tc

Which will be never… Hahahaha…

Johnny

Braindance chick is hidin' somethin'. No coincidence we already saw two Tyger Claws. They must control the building.

Employees Fem

Have you ever heard of Jotaro Shobo? He's one of the T-Claws.

Employees Male

Yeah, I've heard. A fuckin' psycho. Likes to hurt people.

Employees Fem

Not anymore. Apparently he died.

Employees Male

Hmph. He finally pop a bullet in his brain after seein' himself in the mirror?

Employees Fem

If only... No, I heard the Mox had him on their blacklist.

Some girls marked him for death.

Employees Male

What's got you all glum?

Employees Fem

I saw Mr. J today.

Employees Male

Thought you liked him. Thought he was your beau.

Employees Fem

He is... but he didn't come to see me.

Employees Male

Told you, that's how it is with this crowd. You can't get too close. Trust me – the more you treat 'em like shit, the more they'll come back.

You hear about Riko Jinsey?

Employees Fem

No. Is she related to that politician-or-whatever, that Natsuko?

Employees Male

Mh. Riko was her daughter. Found her dead.

Employees Fem

Oooh. What happened?

Employees Male

Yoshi Wakinoto happened, that's what. Murdered her.

Employees Fem

And he would be...?

Employees Male

Her input. You spend ANY time in realspace?

A T-Claw. Saw 'em here once, came in together. Chrome like that I've never seen, on anyone.

Could tell by the way he looked at her, he was butter in her hands…

Employees Fem

So why did he kill her?

Employees Male

The one question I don't have an answer for…

Employees Fem

Have you ever heard of Jotaro Shobo? He's one of the T-Claws.

Employees Male

Yeah, I've heard. A fuckin' psycho. Likes to hurt people.

Employees Fem

The Mox have him on their blacklist. Some girls marked him for death.

Employees Male

Well that's all pudding, honey, but so what? Assholes like Shobo've been on MY blacklist before I heard of 'em.

Employees Fem

The Mox blacklist is more powerful. It actually means something.

Employees Male

I'll believe it when I see his rotting, stinking corpse.

Employees Fem

Amen to that.

Hold it there, honey. You seem to be in the wrong place.

Employees Male

Hey, no peeking! Bad luck, seein' us like this.

Hey, did you not hear? You need to leave.

Employees Fem

I'm calling security.

Guest Leaving

I can't get in? What's that mean? I'm here every motherfuckin' week!

Vip Guard

You're not authorized to access the VIP area.

Guest Leaving

Oh yes, I am.

Vip Guard

No, sir, you're not.

You can take it up with the manager.

Guest Leaving

No, dawg, I'm takin' it up with you, here, now. You got any idea who I am?

Guard Vipentrance Bathroom

Is there a problem?

Guest Leaving

This gonk don't understand that I've got a right to be in there.

Guard Vipentrance Bathroom

From what I can see, your VIP membership has been revoked.

Guest Leaving

Say what, now?

Guard Vipentrance Bathroom

Please stay calm, sir. Or we're gonna have to escort you outside.

Ugh. No shortage of wise-asses.

Vip Guard

I'll say. You going back upstairs?

Guard Vipentrance Bathroom

In a minute. Need to piss, first.

Vip Guard

Second floor is for VIP customers only.

May I see your credentials?

Guests Hint

The fuck am I lookin' at?

Guests Hint

Is this some kind of joke?

Vip Guard

What's going on?

Guests Hint

Your fuckin' holo's fuckin' with us!

Vip Guard

Is that so? The hologram...?

Guests Hint

That's what I said.

Guests Hint

This is unacceptable.

Vip Guard

Please, sir, calm down.

Guests Hint

Yeah, just stand there. That will fix it.

Not bad. But it would be much better real. I would eat those thighs.

Guests Hint

What do you mean, real? She's all ones and zeroes.

Guests Hint

Do you mean I can ask her to do anything? Literally anything?

Guests Hint

Ask? It's not about askin', man. Just gotta be programmed.

Johnny

As establishments fucked sideways go, this one takes the whole damn pie.

Hear that?

Guests Hint

At least I would hear no laments about pain. It hurts, it hurts.

Guests Hint

It's a ho-lo-gram. What's so hard to get?

Guests Hint

Let me have my fantasies!

Guests Hint

Not like you know how to hack it, so why don't we just shut up and enjoy the show?

Business Doll

Get outta here!

Johnny

Guess that makes you a real deviant.

V

1AWould've had more choices if I didn't have a certain brain parasite.

Johnny

Guess that makes you a real deviant.

Vip Customer

You really think they remember nothing?

Vip Customer

That's the whole point. They're not supposed to remember, not a smidge.

Vip Customer

So why, every time, do they restart the conversation where we left off? That's not remembering?

Vip Customer

It's saved to the doll-chips that store their personas.

Hold on, reel back a sec... You talk to them? Like, talk-talk?

Bar Barkeeper

What will you have?

Bar Customer

Anything. Whatever stands to fuck me up the quickest.

Bar Barkeeper

Hard day?

Bar Customer

More like hard life.

V

2AGot a house special, I'll take it.

Bar Barkeeper

2AWhat do you mean, exactly?

V

2ATop-shelf. Lookin' to put the edge on, not take it off.

Bar Barkeeper

2AIt depends what you like.

V

2AGo with your gut. Surprise me.

2BThis place always this dead? Thought I heard a tumbleweed roll by.

Bar Barkeeper

2BDead for you. Lively for others. For me, just right.

2BWhat can I get you?

V

2CAnother of the same.