Dialogue: For Whom the Bell Tolls

Johnny

Our ticket, huh? OK, I see your angle.

You think workin' with the corpocunt is gonna sweeten the deal.

Well, let me tell ya somethin' – the corpo kleptocracy is not an option!

Rogue and I will handle this. Just like we used to.

V

1ARogue? I dunno... You honestly think it could work?

Johnny

1AWith her experience? Her resources? Her connections?

1AWon't find anyone better in NC.

V

1AJohnny...

Johnny

1AIt's gotta work! We breach the tower, Alt cracks open Mikoshi, then I fuck up that--

V

1AUghhh...

1BWhat about Panam? She offered help.

Johnny

1BListen, I know you and Panam got a thing going. I get it, I do. male V only

1BBut that's what makes it such a shitty idea. You don't wanna rope her into this. male V only

1BMade the same mistake myself, once. male V only

1BYou don't want those people involved, their lives on the line, possibly on your conscience.

1BOur one hope is sittin' at the Afterlife right now and her name is Rogue.

V

2BGotta stop you, dickhead. What's your scheme? This is my body, I make the calls.

Johnny

2BNot this time.

V

2BAgh, Johnny...

Johnny

2BJesus, look at you. Can't even--

V

2CHanako's offer's on the table.

Johnny

2CI'm sorry, whose?

V

2COh, cut the crap! She actually has power, could be our ticket.

Johnny

2CYeah, one-way ticket to the city morgue.

2CThat 'Saka cunt's scrambled your circuits.

V

2DNeed more time, need to--

Johnny

2DDon't you get it?! Time is something we are fresh out of!

1BYou don't want those people involved, their lives on the line, possibly on your conscience.

1BOur one hope is sittin' at the Afterlife right now and her name is Rogue.

V

1BJohnny...

Johnny

1BListen, I know you and Panam got a thing going. I get it, I do. male V only

1BBut that's what makes it such a shitty idea. You don't wanna rope her into this. male V only

1BMade the same mistake myself, once. male V only

1BListen up, V. Those guys are trailer tuggers.

1BAn assault on Arasaka's just not another convoy to 'jack.

1BYou already tried this with amateurs... Both know how that ended.

V

1BAnd you... tried it with pros. Didn't end any fucking better.

Johnny

1BListen up, V. Those guys are trailer tuggers.

1BAn assault on Arasaka's just not another convoy to 'jack.

1BYou already tried this with amateurs... Both know how that ended.

V

1BAnd you... tried it with pros. Didn't end any fucking better.

1BWhat about Panam? She offered help.

Johnny

Great! You checkin' out again?!

V

W-what're you doing?

W-what're you doing?

Johnny

Shit, we could be hours from it, now, V.

And you can't stand on your own two feet.

While I'm good to go, body listens to me.

See what I'm gettin' at?

V

3A'Course I can see. Want me to hand over the keys.

Johnny

3AI wanna save your life.

V

3BYeah, I get it. And don't like it one bit. I'm still goin' strong.

Johnny

3BC'mon, face the facts.

Pop some pseudoendotrizine, scooch and lemme get behind the wheel.

I'll get us to fuckin' Mikoshi.

V

Uh-huh. How, exactly?

Johnny

Without that porcelain cunt's help, that's for damn sure.

V

Don't stand a chance without help.

Johnny

Right about that, but that's why I'll bring Rogue. She's not rusted through just yet. Plus, she owes me.

V

Maybe she'd have stuck her neck out for you a half century ago. But now? I don't see it.

Johnny

I'll convince her. After all, we know a thing or two about ops like this.

We'll blast our way into 'Saka Tower just like we did back in the day. Then find the way inside Mikoshi.

It's our only chance.

V

4EDo I even need you? Could ask Rogue myself.

Johnny

4EWon't take a risk this big with someone she still sees in merc diapers.

4EWith me, it'd be just like old times.

What am I doing?

I'm showin' you what it's like to feel fuckin' trapped.

Asked you. Warned you. But you've insisted on not giving a shit.

Now this porcelain cunt's gonna use you in her fancy scheme.

V

5AFuck off. Haven't agreed to anything yet.

Johnny

5ABut I know you still don't understand how these leeches operate.

5AShe met you face to face. She revealed her plan.

5AShe's sunk her teeth deep into you. Not gonna be able to pry yourself out.

V

6AGot any other ideas? I'd love to hear 'em!

6ANo?! Then shut up and back off!

Johnny

6AHey, you'd better relax.

V

6AI… am… fine…

6DI know perfectly well how they operate. You don't play ball willingly, they force you.

6DThey don't play these kinda games! Don't invite you for a meal at a restaurant with a fucking grand piano!

Johnny

6DHey, you relax…

V

6DIf we stand to gain anything from anyone inside Arasaka, it's her! So maybe…

Johnny

6DV?

V

5BGot a problem with that?

5B'Cause that's what we wanted. We know where to find...

Johnny

5BThe gates to Mikoshi? Yeah, beneath 'Saka Tower.

5BAnd what's that give us?

V

5BWha... Huh?

Johnny

5BWhat's that fuckin' give us?!

V

7AI don't know yet! Haven't decided anything!

Johnny

7AThen we got a real fuckin' problem, don't we?!

V

7BDon't wanna team up with Hanako? Can't blame you. Neither do I.

7BWhaddaya say to doin' things the old-fashioned way?

7BWe make some calls, load up on iron, then we kick down the door to Arasaka Tower.

Johnny

7BYou wanna lead an all-out assault on 'Saka Tower...?

7BJesus Christ. You can barely stand on your own two feet!

V

7BBut... Johnny...

Well, could ask the Aldecaldos to lend a hand.

Johnny

I warned you.

V

1ACan you chill for two secs? We go in, we talk, we leave. That's it.

1BI know. I'll be careful.

Johnny

1BNot exactly one of your strong suits...

1BListen, first sign of trouble, we delta.

Fuckin' busboys here must make a killin' in tips.

She emptied the place? Shit...

Jesus fuck, how many times you gonna bow?

Hanako

Excellent. You have come.

V

2ALet's step to it, then.

2BThanks for meeting me.

Hanako

2BOf course, V. And I thank you.

V

2CThanks for meeting me.

Hanako

2COf course, V. And I thank you.

Before we discuss details, I feel I owe you an explanation. I must tell you why I changed my mind and wish to help.

V

Weren't sure of anything – if you could trust me, if Yorinobu'd killed your father. Now…?

Hanako

I knew. From the start.

V

You... knew?

Hanako

All the board members knew. Not one soul even slightly interested in the matter believed in the poisoning. Details were disparate, inconsistent.

V

3AYou knew but didn't do a thing about it? Why? Suddenly sprout a conscience just yesterday?

Hanako

3AMy father had flaws – I know this, I harbor no illusions about it. When a foe needed removal, my father ordered it without a thought to mercy.

3AA way of being Yorinobu could not abide. But to my father, ends ever justified means.

3ASaburo Arasaka has always valued just one thing – do you know what it is?

V

4APower.

Hanako

4AFamily. Our family.

4AI was to be its heart – to uphold life, ensure continuity, stability, never to oppose it.

V

4AHuh, guess Yorinobu's instructions were a little different.

Hanako

4AYorinobu raised his hand against our father. But he is an Arasaka, he is family.

4AI do not expect you to understand. I wish you merely to know I do not oppose my brother willingly, that it is difficult.

V

5AMhm, he's your brother, it's been hard, it'll be hard. Let's say I get that. But what changed your mind?

Hanako

5AWe received a warning during the parade – security protocols were violated. The first doubts sprouted then.

5AThey grew yet greater in your hideout, when my brother's assault group arrived not to rescue, but to kill.

V

5AYorinobu was just plain willin' to sacrifice you.

Hanako

5AMy father was right about my brother. He never cared for us.

5AI was brought up to be the heart of the family. It is time for the Arasakas to listen to their heart.

5AIt will bring justice.

V

4BTies that bind.

Hanako

4BYes, family.

V

4CThe corporation.

4DNo idea.

3BHelped your brother cover up. Makes you no better than him, not a smidge.

Hanako

3BYou do not know my family, not in the least.

Did you bring Soulkiller, as we agreed you would?

Johnny

Finger on the trigger. Don't say a word.

V

6A'Course I didn't bring Soulkiller. 'Fraid we don't know each other that well.

Hanako

6AYou prefer to keep your guard up. Understandable but unnecessary.

6AWe are here because I know how to save your life.

6AI can lead you to Mikoshi.

V

6AMeanin'? Mikoshi don't exist in realspace.

Hanako

6AYet its access points do. And one is very near.

V

6AWhere?

Hanako

6AHere in Night City. Beneath Arasaka Tower.

V

7ASure know how to prick up my ears.

7AGo on. Talk.

7BAnd you'll help me in exchange for…?

Hanako

6AMy brother...

6AHe must be made to take responsibility for his deeds.

Johnny

6AYou catch a whiff of that? Smells like shit. Careful not to step in it.

V

8ASounds like you want to avenge dead ol' dad.

Hanako

8AI want the Arasaka Corporation to know the truth.

V

8BJust say it. Be easier that way.

Hanako

8BI want him punished.

V

8BStill vague. You want him dead.

Hanako

8BI want the Arasaka Corporation to know the truth.

V

8CHm, sounds like dirty laundry, a family matter. Why should I get involved?

Hanako

8CYou already are. You willed it so.

V

6AHow you plan to do this?

Hanako

6AYorinobu--

6AYorinobu will soon call a meeting of the board. Representatives of all factions are expected to attend.

6AThe perfect moment for them to learn the circumstances of my father's death.

6AI will get you into this meeting. And you will testify against my brother.

V

6A"Testify..." Listen, mind if I'm straight with you?

Hanako

6AHelp me get rid of Yorinobu. I will help you get rid of the construct.

V

9AOffer's intriguing. Need to think about it.

Hanako

9ANaturally. But think quickly.

9AYorinobu is on high alert after the parade. He may harbor suspicions.

Johnny

9ALet's fly the fuck outta here.

Hanako

9AV? Do you feel all right?

V

9AHuh?

Hanako

9AYou are bleeding.

V

9AFuck...

Hanako

9AIt seems you are running out of time.

9ADon't delay, make your decision.

V

10AAgh... I'll think it over...

10BNo worries... 'bout that...

Johnny

9AGettin' us outta here!

Guard

9ADon't try anything!

Hanako

9AWait.

Guard

9AIs everything all right, Hanako-sama?

Hanako

9AI am fine. She is not.

V

11AIt's fine... I'm... I'm OK...

Hanako

11AYou are bleeding.

V

11AFuck...

11BI gotta go…

Hanako

11BYou are bleeding.

V

11BFuck...

Johnny

9AWe're getting the fuck outta here.

Hanako

9AAre you well?

V

9AYeah, i-it's just, uh...

Hanako

9AYou are bleeding.

V

9AFuck...

9BDon't like this at all. Sounds like you wanna use me.

Hanako

9BNo. I simply offer you an opportunity.

V

9BNot the first to try.

Hanako

9BBut what if I am the last? You cannot take that chance.

V

9CWant me to throw Yorinobu under the bus in front of Arasaka top brass?

9CCall me crazy, but that sounds like fuckin' suicide.

Hanako

9CThis I know. And that is why we will take all the necessary precautions.

V

9CLike, such as...?

Hanako

9CYou will see.

V

9DLet's assume it works. Then what? You take the Arasaka throne?

Hanako

9DWhere would you get that idea?

V

9DFigured it as a given. Besides, Takemura said you were supposed to step in for Yorinobu here in Night City.

Hanako

9DEveryone must know their place, V.

9DThat is a fact my brother has never understood.

9DI know my place. And I have no wish to change it.

V

12ANo wish to? Or no permission? You being a woman.

Hanako

12AI decide my own fate. As should you.

V

12BSure, whatever. Your biz, not mine.

12CKnow my place too. Know exactly where I came from.

12CMaybe, once it's all said and done, I'll find my way back there.

Hanako

12CPerhaps. If you can prove your value.

Johnny

12CJesus, I'm gonna fuckin' puke…

Hanako

9DSo?

9DAnd? I will need to return to the estate soon. So as not raise any suspicions.

9DPlease sit, you are my guest.

9DSit. We have little time.

9DIs all in order? You may speak plainly.

V

13AMhm.

Johnny

6AWe oughta leave. Right now.

V

14AWanna leave?

Johnny

14AWhat gave you that idea?

V

14AQuit buttin' in so I can hear her out.

14BShut up. For one goddamn minute, shut up!

Johnny

6AThis is gonna be a disaster.

V

6BTake me for a fool, think I'd fall for that? Got plans to walk outta here alive.

Hanako

6BHad I any ill intentions, I would have chosen a site far more discreet than this.

6BWe are here because I know how to save your life.

V

6CSeem on edge. Something got ya spooked?

Hanako

6CI... don't know.

6CThree times now that AV has flown by.

V

6CThink someone mighta tailed you?

Hanako

6CWe must not get distracted. Did you bring Soulkiller?

V

We were gonna talk biz, specifics.

Hanako

Let us do so.

Johnny

This porcelain bitch is the worst kind of news…

God, I feel sick. Don't like this at all.

Waitress

Your coffee, ma'am.

Johnny

You could use some air. Right now.

Hanako

Let us begin.

Let us begin.

Hanako

Yes?

V

1AAssembled all we talked about.

Hanako

1AGood… no, excellent.

1ALet us meet.

V

1AWhere?

Hanako

1AEmbers. Please do not make me wait.

V

2AI know the place.

2ASee ya there.

2BUgh. A monochromer hive.

2BListen, I know this diner, decent scop--

Hanako

2BNo. Discretion is key.

2BI will see you at Embers.

V

2CFace to face? What's changed?

Hanako

2CMuch has changed.

2CWe will discuss it at Embers.

V

This connection secure, can we talk? Or you need an address, gonna send another doll my way?

Hanako

This is fine.

It's my private line.

V

2ACan't thank ya enough for all you've done, Vik.

Viktor

2AOnly wish I coulda done more.

2AGo on, now. I wanna close up.

2ATake the meds... and do what you gotta do, V.

V

2AThanks, Vik, I will. An' you hang in there, too.

Viktor

2AG'luck, kid.

V

2BSay... who won the bout?

Viktor

2BOh, so you heard that.

V

2BDid he get up? Walsh, was it?

Viktor

2BNope. Never does.

V

2BMeanin'?

Viktor

2BIt's a rerun. One I like to go back to.

V

2BWhy'd you get so mad, then, if you already knew who won?

Viktor

2BI don't know, really. Guess I like to think about where Walsh mighta tripped up.

V

2BAny theories?

Viktor

2BEntering the ring against a stronger opponent. But…

2BFeels a little strange to call that a mistake.

Viktor

Now, see that setup over there?

V

Yeah... What about it?

Viktor

You'll find the last dose of pseudoendotrizine there. A gift from Misty.

Wanna give in to the voices in your head? Go ahead. Take a puff, go silent, get out.

Or... find another way. End things on your own terms.

Got a little present from me over there, too. Blockers.

Manage to walk those few yards to the table... the rest'll be up to you, and you alone.

Johnny

You heard 'im. We've got one last chance. I'm takin' the wheel.

Endotrizine. Rogue. 'Saka Tower.

Only way this is gonna work.

V

4AEnough, Johnny. I just-- I gotta think about it.

4BGive it a fuckin' rest, Johnny. It's my decision.

4BAn' I gotta think about it.

Johnny

Need to stretch your noodle? Fine. Just not in this basement.

V

Need to stretch your noodle? Fine. Just not in this basement.

Viktor

V, Christ, you're talkin' out loud!

V

Uhh... out loud? What?

Viktor

Just go fix this thing!

V

Egh... Think I can do it...

Johnny

Whatever you decide... let's make sure to get outta here first.

"On your own terms," huh?

Really subtle there, doc.

Viktor

Now, see that setup over there?

V

Uh-huh.

Viktor

You'll find somethin' there that'll help you end this on your own terms.

If you can manage to cross those few yards... the rest'll be up to you and you alone.

Hmm…

V

6AWell? Looks like I can sit up all right.

6ABut I can tell you don't have good news.

6BIf you got somethin' to say, Vik, just say it.

Viktor

How much longer is this going to go on?

V

You tell me.

Viktor

Lookin' at you, not long at all.

Next attack, you won't be able to crawl back here. You'll flatline in some back alley.

This is your last chance to take matters into your own hands. Understand?

V

7AI know, Vik. I'll try. Soon.

Viktor

7ANo, you'll do it now.

V

7BYeah, I know. Thoughts on where to start?

Viktor

7BJesus, again... Do I have to spell it out?

7BIt's in your hands! Not mine and not those of that... thing in your head!

V

7C"Take matters into my own hands..." The fuck you think I've been doing?!

Viktor

7CWell whatever it is, it keeps landing you on my table.

TV sports commentator

Gromatsky's assault continues… He is relentless!

Oh! And he lands a huge – and I mean huge – right hook! He's got Walsh on the ropes!

Viktor

C'mon, get up, you hack!

TV sports commentator

Boom! Gromatsky lands a devastating blow, and would that be that? I mean, what's more, could this spell the end of Walsh's career?!

Wait a second! The ref holds off, he's not ending the bout!

Does Walsh have any gas left in his tank?! And will he find that spark?!

V

Wha…? Am I…?

Johnny

Nah, it's not what you think. Not yet, anyway.

Viktor

Eeaasy there. Don't move just yet.

V

Vik?

Viktor

You're in pain, I know. Delirious when you arrived so I had to dose you with betahaloperidol.

But light oversensitivity's a good sign. Means your optic nerves aren't damaged.

V

Just give it to me straight, Vik.

Viktor

You've come to a critical juncture.

V

Order a weaker poison next time.

Viktor

This ain't no joke, kid.

As I see it, there won't be a next time.

Try sitting up. Carefully.

V

I'll try. Think I'm gettin' some feeling back.

OK, but don't expect a miracle…

Agh...

Viktor

S-Slowly.

V

Heh… Another victory... for the history books.

Viktor

Now, see that setup over there?

All right, that should be a little better.

V

So how bad we talkin'?

That bad, huh?

How... How'd I get here?

Viktor

Dragged yourself here, beat to hell an' back. Gave Misty a helluva fright.

Then you shoved my patient at the time off the table…

And demanded you be treated immediately.

V

I, uh... wasn't completely myself.

Viktor

I know. And that's a bit worrying…

Johnny

Tell him it was your guardian angel.

V

My head... Agh...

Viktor

Almost done stabilizing the biochip.

V

Ergh… feels like…

Viktor

Someone's using your head as a knife block?