Dialogue: Dream On

V

Jefferson – you said you needed somethin'...?

Jefferson

I did – listen, I need your help again. Matter's… private.

V

OK, shoot.

Jefferson

No, not on the holo. Come by, I'll lay it out, explain it all to you.

V

1AGot your back, Jefferson, not to worry.

Jefferson

1AGreat. We'll see you here, then. 'Member where?

V

1A'Course. Be there in no time.

1BI kinda got my hands full right now, sorry. Another time, maybe.

Jefferson

1BUh, damn shame. Listen, don't put it off, we have to act fast on this, real fast.

V

1BUnderstood. Find you later.

Jefferson

Hello, V.

V

Huh, Jefferson?

Jefferson

Listen, I need your help again. Matter's… private.

V

Sure, OK. What's it about?

Jefferson

Not on the holo. Come by, I'll lay it out, explain everything.

V

2AGot your back, Jefferson, not to worry.

Jefferson

2AGreat. We'll see you here, then? 'Member where?

V

2A'Course. Be there in no time.

2BSorry, but I've got my hands full. Maybe some other time?

Jefferson

2BDon't stall on this, all right? It's important.

V

2BUnderstood. Catch you later.

Weldon Holt

Night City. Our home. Our pride.

From the moment I became your mayor, unemployment has dropped three percent and the murder rate by five.

But some cynics out there don't see Night City's beautiful potential as I do...

Jefferson

Do I love this city? Do I love its people? I have never loved anything--"

Weldon Holt

You placed your trust in me before. Let's work together again.

I'm Weldon Holt, and I approve this message.

Elizabeth

It's good to see you again.

V

Something happen?

Elizabeth

Come on, Jeff'll explain everything.

He's just about done prepping for the debate.

I've rescheduled all his meetings out of the office today. The office meaning here, so – nobody'll bother us.

V

Wh-bother us at doing what, exactly?

Elizabeth

You'll know in a minute.

Jefferson

Look, I gotta go. Make the amendments, we'll pow-wow later.

V – glad you could make it.

V

Jefferson.

Jefferson

Grab a seat, please. I'll explain why I asked you to come over.

Jefferson

1AWe've had a break-in. Not the usual kind, though.

V

1ASo, unusual how?

Jefferson

1AA couple of days back, dead of night, something wakes me, a noise. I grab my pistol and come out of the bedroom.

1ASee a stranger. He looks like he's about to reach for it, so I pull the trigger.

V

1ANail him?

Jefferson

1ANo idea – my head started spinning and I passed out. No trace of him the morning after.

1AI'd like you to find him, find out what he wanted.

V

2ANotify the badges yet?

Elizabeth

2AWe don't want any buzz around this, no attention whatever.

Jefferson

2AYou know... NCPD's full of people who like the occasional stray eddie.

Elizabeth

2AIf we reported a break-in, the media'd descend on us like a swarm of locusts.

V

2ANo badges – gotcha.

Jefferson

2AOf course, we notified SSI about the incident – our private security.

V

3ASecurity look into this, say anything?

Jefferson

3AThis is where things get a little weird.

Elizabeth

3AThey claim there's no sign of a break-in or of a shot being fired.

Jefferson

3ASecurity cams didn't record anything. Guard outside didn't see or hear anything…

Elizabeth

3AThey suggested Jeff just must've had a bad dream.

V

3AConvenient answer…

Jefferson

3ALiz gave security the day off so I could call you in.

V

3CWhat did the intruder look like?

Jefferson

3CI can't remember much – it was dark. He was wearing some sort of mask...

3COr was it an implant? Ehh, couldn't really get a good look at 'im.

V

3CElizabeth didn't see him, either?

Elizabeth

3CI slept through the whole thing. Election season takes its toll on you...

V

3ESaid you passed out?

Jefferson

3EThat's right, just after I fired.

V

3EWhat then?

Jefferson

3ENothing. I woke up in bed the next morning. Killer headache, to boot.

V

3EAny idea how you made it back to your bed?

Jefferson

3ENope... none. Elizabeth's at a loss, too.

V

3GIntruder take anything? Break anything?

Jefferson

3GNothing missing…

Elizabeth

3GI haven't noticed any damage, either. Jeff must've scared him off before he could do anything.

V

3ISSI's pretty small-time. Why didn't you go with Arasaka or Militech?

Jefferson

3IIt's what was recommended to us.

Elizabeth

3IOn the bright side, we're not dependent on any megacorporations.

V

3JWhy me of all people? Wouldn't rather have a detective look into it?

Jefferson

3JPrefer to use tried-and-tested contacts.

V

3JGenerally wise, I guess.

Jefferson

3JMayor Rhyne's death – you couldn't quite figure that one out…

3JBut I like how you work, I know I can trust you to be thorough.

V

3JWhy me of all people? Wouldn't rather have a detective look into it?

Jefferson

3JPrefer to use tried-and-tested contacts.

V

3JCan't blame ya.

Jefferson

3JFormer mayor's death – you unraveled that mystery.

3JI trust you'll be able to crack this one as well.

V

2AThis security outfit, SSI... who are they?

Jefferson

2ABeen on the market the last fifteen years... They have clients across the city.

2AIf memory serves, they came recommended... an acquaintance.

2AYou think SSI might be behind this?

V

4AThat, or someone hiding behind SSI. Anyone come to mind readily?

Jefferson

4AWeldon Holt? He did kill the last mayor.

Elizabeth

4AAnd the polls do have him trailing Jeff.

Jefferson

4ABut, it could be anyone, really…

Elizabeth

4AJeff has many enemies, a lot of them powerful. Heh, we could sit here naming names all day.

V

4AI see.

Jefferson

4AThat's why I called you, V. I need you to find out what the hell's going on.

V

5AWouldn't mind taking a look around the apartment.

Jefferson

5AOf course. Liz can give you the tour. Gotta run to a meeting. Soon as you learn anything, let me know.

V

5BAnything else you wanna tell me... or think maybe you should?

Jefferson

5BHm... Nope, that about covered it. Liz?

Elizabeth

5BIt seems like everything. It's unlikely we'll learn anything, anyway…

Jefferson

5BHoney, please. I'm sure V'll turn something up.

5BSo? You've got all you need for now...?

V

5CWhy me of all people? Wouldn't rather have a detective look into it?

Jefferson

5CPrefer to use tried-and-tested contacts.

V

5CGenerally wise, I guess.

Jefferson

5CMayor Rhyne's death – you couldn't quite figure that one out…

5CBut I like how you work, I know I can trust you to be thorough.

V

5CWhy me of all people? Wouldn't rather have a detective look into it?

Jefferson

5CPrefer to use tried-and-tested contacts.

V

5CCan't blame ya.

Jefferson

5CFormer mayor's death – you unraveled that mystery.

5CI trust you'll be able to crack this one as well.

4ACould be the same people who were behind Mayor Rhyne's murder.

Elizabeth

4AOr Weldon Holt – Jeff's opponent in the race. The polls have him trailing Jeff.

Jefferson

4AWeldon Holt? He's my main rival. Fighting for the same seat at the table.

Elizabeth

4AHolt's poll numbers have been dropping…

V

4BHeh, doubt it. They'd have to be true gonks – or at least gonkily overconfident.

4BAnyone else come to mind?

4CNo clue yet. Anyone besides SSI come to mind readily?

4DWhy me of all people? Wouldn't rather have a detective look into it?

Jefferson

4DPrefer to use tried-and-tested contacts.

V

4DGenerally wise, I guess.

Jefferson

4DMayor Rhyne's death – you couldn't quite figure that one out…

4DBut I like how you work, I know I can trust you to be thorough.

V

4DWhy me of all people? Wouldn't rather have a detective look into it?

Jefferson

4DPrefer to use tried-and-tested contacts.

V

4DCan't blame ya.

Jefferson

4DFormer mayor's death – you unraveled that mystery.

4DI trust you'll be able to crack this one as well.

V

2BWhy me of all people? Wouldn't rather have a detective look into it?

Jefferson

2BPrefer to use tried-and-tested contacts.

V

2BGenerally wise, I guess.

Jefferson

2BMayor Rhyne's death – you couldn't quite figure that one out…

2BBut I like how you work, I know I can trust you to be thorough.

V

2BWhy me of all people? Wouldn't rather have a detective look into it?

Jefferson

2BPrefer to use tried-and-tested contacts.

V

2BCan't blame ya.

Jefferson

2BFormer mayor's death – you unraveled that mystery.

2BI trust you'll be able to crack this one as well.

Ugh, Mike, we're talkin' about the cornerstone of my platform. I'm not doing a U-turn just 'cause Night Corp--

No, I'm not sucking anyone's dick just so they can fuck me in the ass!

Elizabeth Vo

V? We're upstairs.

V

Thanks.

Ziggy Q

Welcome back to Night After Night! I'm Ziggy Q and we have a special guest tonight. He wants to be your next Mayor – Mr. Jefferson Peralez.

Jefferson

Hi, Ziggy. How've you been?

Ziggy Q

Me? I didn't think you'd care. About me or any of us for that matter. Let me refresh your memory.

Jefferson

Haha! A classic Holt tactic.

Ziggy Q

How do you mean?

Jefferson

That was taken out of context. I was responding to a question about my love for the city and how I differ from your average CEO whose only goal is a fatter paycheck. Nasty tricks are a substitute for Holt's lack of achievements, I suppose...

Ziggy Q

But he claims both crime and unemployment have dropped under his watch.

Jefferson

A three percent change, sure, but do you know how? Holt changed the status of Pacifica into a sort of unincorporated area, meaning that the district's statistics no longer drag down those of the whole city. It isn't progress – just creative bookkeeping.

Ziggy Q

OK, Jeff, in that case, how would you heal Night City?

Jefferson

For starters, I'd relinquish all corporate representatives from the Night City Council.

Ziggy Q

Hooo! Y'know it's refreshing to know some politicians still have a spine! More after the break!

Elizabeth

Come on, let me show you around.

V

1ARight behind ya.

Elizabeth

1AWe can start where Jeff spotted our uninvited guest.

V

1BRather poke around my own way. You mind?

Elizabeth

1BNo, of course not. I'll be right behind you, in case.

This is where Jeff saw our intruder.

V

And fired at him, here?

Elizabeth

Right after walking out of the bedroom. At least that's how he remembers it.

I have to admit, sometimes I get fed up with all of this.

V

Politics?

Elizabeth

So far we've managed to effectively turn down offers to "work with" Night Corp, Biotechnica, Arasaka…

V

"So far," you say.

Elizabeth

If Jeff can get elected without owing anybody, favors or otherwise – heh, that'd be the real victory.

Recently, Jeff complained he was a nonstarter because nobody was blackmailing him or out to assassinate him, hah. Kind of a joke.

V

Blackmail and assassination commonplace in politics?

Elizabeth

Too common, I'm afraid.

V

Should consider yourselves lucky, then, least for now.

Elizabeth

This is amazing... I'm not used to it being so calm here.

V

What's it like usually?

Elizabeth

Like any campaign HQ. People shouting, hundreds of calls going on, coming in. My ears are still buzzing…

This is where we sleep.

V

2AMind if I take a look around?

Elizabeth

2ABe my guest.

V

2BNotice anything different in here after the break-in?

Elizabeth

2BNo... I don't think so. What do you have in mind?

V

2BJeff said he passed out.

2BAnything seem out of the ordinary? The bedding, its arrangement? Any signs at all?

Elizabeth

2BAs if he was dragged back to bed, you mean? No, I didn't notice anything.

You're welcome to go up to the roof, if you want. I'll wait here.

V

Sure thing.

Elizabeth

Jeff's office. Control room, storage and flea market crammed into one.

This was my den before the campaign. A place to focus, relax.

V

Doesn't look it anymore…

Elizabeth

Security had to set up somewhere.

One of the many small sacrifices I've had to make. This was the first, but it won't be the last.

V

3A"Vote for Peralez."

Elizabeth

3AWe're paying the staffers and for the campaign out of pocket.

3AAnd we keep all the campaign stuff here. It's cheaper that way.

Elizabeth

I find this so hard to believe…

How could they do this to us? The gall…

Jesus Christ…

V

Think we're safe puttin' your security at the top of our list of suspects.

Elizabeth

They violated our privacy... The sons of bitches! Under my own roof!

V

1AWonder how long they've been keepin' this from you.

Elizabeth

1AToo long. This ends now. I'm not letting any more of those freaks set foot--

1AUgh... my head...

V

1ASomething wrong?

Elizabeth

1ADon't worry about me. Do what you have to do.

V

1BEver noticed anything out of the ordinary, suspicious?

Elizabeth

1BThat they're violating our trust, watching our every move?

1BThat they'd concealed a goddamn secret room full of spy stuff in our own apartment?

V

1BSo you didn't notice – OK.

V

2AUsed meds. Intruder make a beeline here after Jeff tagged him?

Johnny

2ATalkin' to yourself again?

V

2AMore and more – ever since this terrorist started stalking me…

V

3AWeird hardware... What's it for?

Johnny

3AConnected to the wall-mounted screens. Wonder where else these cables run…

V

Looks like it's been enhanced. What have we got here…?

Glutamine, noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin... all neurotransmitters. Know anything about this?

Elizabeth

It's "SmartFood." It's enhanced for improved mental performance.

I don't know if it really works, but people believe it. Other than that... it isn't half bad.

Johnny

Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables...

What? It was a sick album.

V

4ABullet holes – caulked up…

4ASomeone tried to patch up the bullet holes. Assuming neither of you had anything to do with this?

Elizabeth

4ANo, of course not.

V

5ABloodstains... Not quite scrubbed clean.

5AWhere's the blood from? It yours?

Elizabeth

5AI'm one hundred percent sure it's not ours. Maybe the intruder's?

V

5AProbably.

V

It looks like SSI's employees knew about the break-in.

Elizabeth

This is Jeff's personal machine. I doubt you'll find anything on it relating to the break-in.

V

10AOdd... tech's practically prehistoric, but it doesn't look older than a day…

Johnny

10ASaw somethin' like this back in the war. Transmitters – Militech was using 'em.

10AShort range UHF. Signal only travels line-of-sight, but it can't be intercepted.

V

10ALine-of-sight? Let's look around, see if we can't spot where our receiver's camping out…

10AGot a vizh on our receiver – black van parked next to it. Gotta be our winner.

10AThe hell is this all for, though...?

Johnny

10AFuck if I know. But my gut tells me we should see what this bad boy's hooked up to. See these cables?

V

10ACables lead here... Gotta be another way inside. Sharp eye, Johnny!

There's some weird chem stuff in here... Enhanced food?

V

11AFresh fruit... tasty, by the looks of it.

Elizabeth

11AThey deliver it to us – it's included in the rent.

V

12ADepartment of Law at Asukaga-Berkeley? Hm, classy…

12AYou and Jeff graduate from the same school? Must've been expensive…

Elizabeth

12AWe were lucky. On full scholarships, funded by the Night Foundation.

12AA charity founded by Richard Night's widow.

12AThey helped a lot of underprivileged kids with ambitions.

V

12AYou and Jefferson – you've come a long way.

12ATo get from Heywood all the way here... it's no easy thing.

Elizabeth

12AYes. If you aren't born with a silver shard, your chances are slim.

12AAnd if you're born in Heywood, they're almost nonexistent...

V

13ABroken?

Elizabeth

13AIt was fine a couple days ago. We rarely use it, though.

V

14AWhat was that?

Johnny

14ANo fuckin' clue. Felt kinda good, but weird. Like tripping on acid.

V

14AThat happen to the screen a lot? Or to any of the others?

Elizabeth

14AI don't understand...

V

14AWhat just happened a second ago. Didn't see it?

Elizabeth

14ANo... what?

V

14AUh, never mind.

Why's this door concealed?

Elizabeth

Where? There's no door here.

V

Scanner's showin' somethin' different.

Elizabeth

Wait... you mean here?

V

15ARight here. It's closed.

15APrevious owners, left over, maybe?

Elizabeth

15ANo. Open it… somehow, please.

15AMaybe it's worth checking their office downstairs...

V

16AIron... This Jeff's?

Elizabeth

16AMh. Mine, actually. But yes, that's the one Jeff used that night.

V

17AWedding pic? Interesting backdrop…

Elizabeth

17AI wanted blue roses. So we ordered a whole truckload.

V

17ABlue roses. You sure? Roses in this picture look pretty red to me.

Elizabeth

17AHmm... of course, you're right. They didn't have blue roses, I forgot…

V

18ADischarged booster.

Johnny

18ASomeone's been pullin' all-nighters.

V

18AEither of you use energy boosters?

Elizabeth

18AI don't, and not that I know of. Jeff, maybe? He works so hard…

18ABut it wouldn't be like him. He's always been against using any... substances.

V

18AAny? Nicotine's a substance.

Elizabeth

18AJefferson has never smoked.

V

18AReally? Could've sworn I've seen him smoking…

Elizabeth

18AJeff? No, never. He doesn't go near the stuff.

V

19ATight bites? You and Jeff must be puttin' in serious overtime.

Elizabeth

19AElections. You don't even have time to think about food, so you just order whatever's quickest.

19ABut yes, it's true Jeff hasn't eaten anything else recently...

V

22ASeems a happy fam. That your daughter?

Elizabeth

22AXochi… oh, we miss her. Her studies took her abroad.

V

22AHuh, where to?

Elizabeth

22AEurope. An excellent school, she'll get a good education…

22AI know, it's an ocean away… But with Jeff running for mayor… it's just safer this way.

V

Transmitter's within reach of our mystery van.

Wonder if Elizabeth has ever seen the car.

V

1AThere is a transmitter on the roof. Seems to be conveying a signal to a van out front. Know who it might be?

Elizabeth

1AWe never set up any transmitter. And I don't know a thing about any van, but my guess is it's SSI's.

V

2ADon't really see any other possibility. But we still don't know who they work for.

Elizabeth

2ASo what do we do with the transmitter?

V

2ANothin' just yet. Lemme check the van first.

2BUh, could be. Tech they're using seems unconventional, though.

Elizabeth

2BDo you plan to check it?

V

2BYeah, about to pay 'em a personal visit.

Elizabeth

1AI'll wait here. Just don't tell Jeff anything for now, OK?

V

1ASure, whatever. I'll call him once I know something more substantial.

Elizabeth

1AThat's fine. Just remember it's the busiest time for Jeff right now.

1AYou can always come and talk to me.

V

1AFine, I'll keep that in mind.

1BLiz, this is way bigger than we thought. Jeff's entire campaign could be threatened.

Elizabeth

1BLet me worry about the race. Just tell me what you managed to find.

Gillean Jordan

Hello, Night City. This is Gillean Jordan with an N54 News campaign update. Exit polls for the Night City mayoral race have finally been tallied.

Incumbent Weldon Holt of the Devolutionist Party received 47.8 percent of the vote despite allegations of his complicity in the murder of Lucius Rhyne, former mayor of Night City.

But, in a close race, Federalist candidate Jefferson Peralez still seized the election with 49.3 percent of the vote.

In his concession speech, Mayor Holt offered his congratulations to the victor.

Now we see whether Peralez will be able to realize his ambitious campaign promises.

After the break – When will the Corsairs end their losing streak?

Gillean Jordan

Hello, Night City. This is Gillean Jordan with an N54 News campaign update. Exit polls have finally been tallied.

Incumbent Weldon Holt of the Devolutionist Party received a paltry 27.2 percent of the vote. His campaign floundered following charges filed against him in a murder investigation of Lucius Rhyne, former mayor of Night City.

Federalist candidate Jefferson Peralez won a resounding victory with 70.7 percent of the vote.

In his concession speech, Mayor Holt offered his congratulations to the victor.

Now we see whether Peralez will be able to realize his ambitious campaign promises.

After the break – When will the Corsairs end their losing streak?

V

Strange gear... same kind we found back in that secret room.

Johnny

Shame it got fried to oblivion.

V

1APierced it. We're in.

Johnny

1ACouldn't ask the NCPD for better records than this.

V

1APictures, medical records... vulnerability to neuroplasticity? Huh, it's some kinda database.

1ABrain scans, the Peralezes'. Biological casts, neuroplasticity…

Johnny

1AFuck... What about that? The blue shit.

V

1AFresh neural links. They're not spying on them, Johnny, they're fuckin' with their heads!

Johnny

1AMean to say someone's literally controlling our upstanding politicians' minds?

V

1AUh-huh. Red blots are memory residue in the hippocampus region. See how they're bleeding into the blue?

Johnny

1ASo, what're we lookin' at?

V

1AThey're plantin' new memories in their heads, modifying their personalities... This is big shit, Johnny.

Johnny

1AFuck me…

V

1AGot other guinea pigs besides the Peralezes, too.

Johnny

1AQuick, download the data. Whoever comes lookin' for it – that's your suspect.

V

1AShit, they're wipin' the data... Ugh, we been made!

1ANow they know someone's been in their database.

Johnny

1AWonder if they also know WHO…

Johnny

Definitely not your ordinary van.

V

We are about to find out.

Jam-packed with hardware, my optics don't see any manufacturer info or detect any mods…

They don't mass produce trucks like those. What are they doing, what are they hiding?

Johnny

Earjacking? Huh, could be the security firm or government. Media scouting for dirt on the Peralezes?

V

Whoever it is, our intruder could be in there. Think it's time I went and said hello...

Johnny

Gonna lose 'em if you don't pick up the pace!

V

Jam-packed with hardware, my optics don't see any manufacturer info or detect any mods…

They don't mass produce trucks like those. What are they doing, what are they hiding?

Johnny

Earjacking? Huh, could be the security firm or government. Media scouting for dirt on the Peralezes?

Sons of bitches…

How 'bout we take the wheels, V? That van could give us the slip any second.

V

Shit, must've spotted me!

Johnny

Quick, don't lose 'em!

Maelstrom Boss

There! That's the bitch! Zero her!

Johnny

Don't lose 'em, V!

V

Oh, now you're interested?

Johnny

We could expose a corpo conspiracy here, V, I'm tellin' ya.

They could be corpo spies or who the fuck knows what.

You look at politicians and see a curated display. But behind the scenes it's all-out war.

Citizens don't choose their representatives...

V

Then who?

Johnny

The key players. String-pullers. They spy on all the Peralezes, look for weak spots, blackmail, rig elections...

Got the slimy cocksucker! C'mon, let's see what's inside.

V

Shit... they're taking us into Northside? This can't end well, Johnny...

Weldon Holt

But we cannot forget corporations are Night City's largest tax base, contributing 700 billion eurodollars last year alone.

Jefferson

A large sum, yes, I won't deny that. But just what percent of their profits does that amount to?

Weldon Holt

Jefferson, please, I don't think we want to bore our viewers with the nitty gritty of the tax code...

Jefferson

Don't worry , Weldon. I'll take the blame if we bore anyone this evening. What percent of their profits did the city's twenty largest corporations pay?

Weldon Holt

I'm afraid I'd have to consult the Department of Taxation--

Jefferson

0.7 percent. That's what they pay – 0.7.

Towfiq Iqbal

Gentlemen, I'd like to remind you not to interrupt each--

Jefferson

Do you truly believe this amount is fair and equitable?

Weldon Holt

I won't be bullied by your-your accusations and finger-pointing! Yes, taxes are low, and that's good! When corporations prosper so does the community!

Jefferson

And that's especially true for you, isn't it, Weldon? How much was it your campaign received from the Kang Tao Corporation?

Weldon Holt

Well, maybe you'd care to tell us how much money you keep on the Cayman Islands?

Jefferson

Agh, I-I don't know how many times I have to explain... My accountant acted without my permission, and as soon as I found out--

Weldon Holt

Ho-ho-ho, without your permission? Do you take me for an idiot, Peralez?

Jefferson

Please, please, let's keep this debate civil.

Towfiq Iqbal

On that I think everyone will agree... We'll be right back with our coverage of the mayoral debate.

Elizabeth

V. Do you have any news?

V

1AGonna wanna sit down for this. It's… it's way bigger than we thought.

Elizabeth

1AWhat is?

V

1AYou're being brainwashed, literally. They've scanned your minds, a-and now using some kind of conditioning to…

Elizabeth

1AWait! Not on the holo.

V

1ARight. I'll come by.

Elizabeth

1ANo. You and I – we need to speak alone.

1AI know a little ramen place in Japantown. Sending you the coordinates.

V

1ARight. See you there.

1BCouldn't get through to Jefferson, so…

Elizabeth

1BJeff's in campaign HQ, he probably just didn't notice your call. Tell me what you know.

Jefferson

Hi, you've reached my private line. I can't come to the holo right now. If it's important, please reach out to Liz. Thanks!

V

Huh. All right then.

Elizabeth

V. Do you have any news?

V

2AThey've been watching you, that's clear.

Elizabeth

2ASSI? But whom for?

V

2AThat I don't know. They got away.

Elizabeth

2ASo you have no idea who's behind this nor why they've been spying on us?

V

3ANone whatsoever. Could be anyone.

Elizabeth

3AI see.

V

3ASorry, Elizabeth.

3BIt could be one of your husband's rivals, but – it's anybody's guess, really.

Elizabeth

3BI see.

V

3BAnother politician, a corp, just... I can't say for certain.

3CCould be journalists someone hired to dig up dirt, on your husband, you.

Elizabeth

3CI see.

V

3CBut that's pure guesswork. I got no hard evidence to back it up.

Elizabeth

2ADon't let this worry you, V. I'll let Jeff know.

2ASee if I can't get him to talk to someone. He has contacts, he could see if Holt isn't somehow involved.

V

2AHolt?

Elizabeth

2AThe man would do anything to be mayor. And the polls show him trailing Jeff, so…

V

2ADo whatever you think's best.

Elizabeth

2AYou've helped us a lot, V. Thank you. Your fee will be in your account shortly. Bye now.

V

2AThanks. Later.

2BJefferson's not pickin' up, so I'm callin' you.

Elizabeth

2BJeff's holed up in campaign HQ – probably just didn't notice your call. Did you manage to learn anything?

V

Yeah?

Conspirator

It doesn't matter what you tell him. It doesn't matter what you think of doing or do – you can't change anything.

V

Uh, whaaa…?

Conspirator

We know who you are. We know WHAT you are. We know what you want.

You're playing with fire. Don't dare cross the line.

V

Fuuuuck…

V

2AWhy we meetin' here and not at your pad?

Elizabeth

2ABecause I have something to confess. In private. Not in front of Jeff.

V

2AOK, confess away.

2BCozy little joint – doesn't really match your style, though.

Elizabeth

2BBut it's perfect for a one-on-one.

V

2BHere we are, then. What is it?

Elizabeth

1AI... I'm sorry, my nerves are shot. I can't gather my thoughts.

V

3ARelax, no need to rush.

Elizabeth

3AAhh... A-a while ago I started noticing some changes in Jeff's behavior.

3AHis personality... He seemed to be changing right in front of me, becoming someone else.

V

3AHow so?

Elizabeth

3AHe stopped reading, forgot the title of his favorite movie, even his musical taste changed overnight.

3AOnce, I said we should visit his brother's grave, and he told me that he'd been an only child!

3AThat's when I started thinking something bad was happening. Something... insidious. And not just with Jeff.

V

4ASo the whole time, you knew what I could end up finding?

Elizabeth

4AI don't know who, how or why... but they're changing us.

4AI find that terrifying.

V

5AHaven't told me the whole story yet, have you?

Elizabeth

5AEhh, I saw a stranger in our apartment one night, tinkering with the monitors.

5ABut I was in such a state by then that I didn't know if I could trust my own eyes.

V

5ASo you didn't do anything?

Elizabeth

5AI don't remember what happened. I talked to security the next morning.

V

6ALemme guess. Cams didn't pick anything up?

Elizabeth

6AThe guy just shrugged and said I must've dreamt it.

6AHe showed me the recording, of course. I felt like a lunatic.

V

6BFind it strange you took this to security instead of your husband.

Elizabeth

6BI thought I was going insane. I wanted to see what was on the feeds first…

6BThere was nothing there, of course, so what was I supposed to tell Jeff?

5AAnd then the next day... I got a call.

V

5AWho was it?

Elizabeth

5AThem. Whoever "they" are.

5AThere was a garbled voice on the other end. He never introduced himself.

V

7AAnd? Cut some kinda deal with 'em?

Elizabeth

7ANo. I was told that our perfect lives could fall apart at any minute. That I have my husband's safety to think about.

7AAfter, there was no record of the call. It was as if it had never happened.

V

7BThey threaten you? Try to blackmail you?

Elizabeth

7BThey said I was walking on thin ice, that if we kept stirring up trouble, Jeff could have an... "accident."

7BThen they wiped any record of our conversation. It was as if it had never happened.

5ASo I'm begging you, V... Jefferson can't find out about any of this. Ever.

5AHis life depends on it.

V

8ABut dammit, Elizabeth. Ya gonna ignore this? Somebody poking around in your heads?

Elizabeth

8AWhat choice do I have? To get myself killed? Or see my husband dragged away from me?

V

8AAskin' me to lie to my employer?

Elizabeth

8AI'm going to tell Jeff that SSI was spying for his rival, Holt. You just need to confirm what I say.

V

9ATruly prepared to fire SSI? After the threats? It'd be brave, but risky as all get-out…

Elizabeth

9AI'll take full responsibility for anything SSI goes on to do. I'm just asking you not to get Jefferson involved.

V

9AMh-hm.

Elizabeth

9AI'll add a meeting in Reconciliation Park to Jeff's schedule. He'll be waiting.

9ASince I can't know if I'll remember this conversation tomorrow, I'm counting on you not to forget what I asked of you.

V

9AI won't. But that's all I can promise.

Elizabeth

9AGoodbye, V.

V

9ATruly prepared to fire SSI? After the threats? It'd be brave, but risky as all get-out…

Elizabeth

9AWhat they're doing to us is one thing. But when you found that concealed room…

9AI can't accept strangers spying on us while we sleep. Not under my own roof.

V

9AWhat difference does it make where?

Elizabeth

9AI'll take full responsibility for anything SSI goes on to do. I'm just asking you not to get Jefferson involved.

V

9AMh-hm.

9BAnd if I'm not on board?

Elizabeth

9BYou have a choice. Just remember, any consequences will not be yours to deal with.

V

8BYou think if I tell him everything that he'll go and pick a fight he can't win?

Elizabeth

8BI don't just think – I know. One thing hasn't changed – Jeff's still a fighter.

V

8BAnd he'll go down swingin'... Huh. So how do we play this?

Elizabeth

8BI'm going to tell Jeff that SSI was spying for his rival, Holt. You just need to confirm what I say.

V

8CYou knew who sent the intruder but just strung me along anyway, Liz?

Elizabeth

8CI-I didn't have a choice. I didn't know what to do...

V

8CWanted everything to just go on and flow on 'cause it was convenient.

Elizabeth

8CConvenient?

V

8CWell, you got the perfect life, a prominent husband. You don't lack for a thing.

Elizabeth

8CYou think I'm having fun? You have no idea what it's like, living like this.

V

8DWhat if you're just saying what they programmed you to say?

8DJust reading off a script based on thoughts planted in your head.

Elizabeth

8DAll I know is I love my husband, and I want him to be safe and... and happy.

V

8DOr that's what they want you to know…

Elizabeth

8DYou know what Jeff'll do if you tell him? I know my husband. He'll start looking on his own.

8DHe can't find out about this. It... it'd destroy him.

V

5BMentioned any of this to Jeff?

Elizabeth

5BI tried, I did. But he's blinded to everything. He just laughed, said I was imagining things.

5BHe once brought up a vacation that we never went on, swear to God!

5BHe went on about it in such detail, I almost started believing him…

V

5BCould be just you who forgot. Maybe they just wiped the trip from your memory?

Elizabeth

5BHell, I don't know anymore! Don't you get that?

V

4ASo the whole time, you knew what I could end up finding?

Elizabeth

4AI don't know who, how or why... but they're changing us.

4AThat concealed room in our apartment…

V

4AWhat about it?

Elizabeth

4AI'm sure I'd seen it before but must have somehow forgotten…

4AI find that terrifying.

V

4BNotice any changes in yourself?

Elizabeth

4BAfter some time.

4BOn several occasions my friends pointed out that I was acting strangely.

V

4BAh, that must've been hard…

Elizabeth

4BIt was. You know... i-it's at times like those you start to question reality.

V

3BWasn't that long ago we last met. Something happen since then?

Elizabeth

3BNo... I mean, something did happen, though not recently.

3BIt's a long story. I don't quite know how to tell you... where to even start…

1AWill you sit? Please…?

1AThank you for coming.

Johnny

Whole thing's fucked up, huh? Wouldn't wanna be in her pants.

Speaking of... Overlapping memories, changing personalities – remind you of anything?

But hey, at least we know what we're up against.

V

10ASo, in my pants, what would you do?

Johnny

10ASome real rat-bastards behind this. Someone's gotta take 'em down.

V

10AEven by risking the Peralezes' lives?

Johnny

10AFuck knows what kind of shit a mayor controlled by puppet masters could pull.

10ABut yeah, you could end up puttin' their lives at risk. Or not. Tough choice, V.

V

10BNo – no, this is different. Saw it yourself. They're purposely modifying their minds' individual thoughts.

Johnny

10BMhm. Peralez'd make a damn nice next-gen puppet. Even in my day there were whispers about this kinda stuff.

10BCognitive pattern fluctuators, remote neural re-networking... In layman's terms – gaslighting.

10BThe beauty is that everything's fair game – subliminal TV signals, high-density emitters in your electric toothbrush – you name it.

Elizabeth

Will you sit? Please…?

V? Are you still with me?

An enny for your thoughts?

V? Are you still with me?

An enny for your thoughts?