Dialogue: Ghost Town

raffen shiv A3

Pfff... Talkin' out your ass.

raffen shiv A2

I'm not, I'm tellin' you! Think everybody just packed up and set out?

Corpos shoved the whole thing under the rug. Biz as usual.

raffen shiv A3

Riiiiight.

Raffen Shiv B4 Squad Leader

You call this place deserted? This look deserted to you?

raffen shiv B2

Probably just some squatters...

Raffen Shiv B4 Squad Leader

Or it's a trap. Look around. Nooks and crannies.

I'll be inside. Holler when you see them.

raffen shiv C1

Could cut off everything from here, but I can't get in. Locked down.

raffen shiv C2

So who turned it on?

raffen shiv C1

Maybe from up top somehow, I could...?

raffen shiv C2

Worth a try...

Panam

They're rolling in. In my Thorn! You see 'er?

V

Really, really hard to miss.

Panam

Let's take 'em by surprise.

Let's try to do this quietly. If anything happens, I'll start picking them off. Sound good?

V

Sounds great.

I've been made.

Panam

Fuck.

Covering you.

We have to pick all of them off now.

Raffen Shiv B4 Squad Leader

Where's that son-of-a-bitch Boz?

You – wait for 'em here.

Panam

Get good and ready.

The show starts – now!

V

1ALet there be light.

Panam

That might've been the cherry on top.

Let's pack it in.

We have to take out the brutes by the car. One for you, one for me.

The car! Run! I'll drop this one.

Grab the car shard. The driver has it.

Look for the girl with the mohawk.

V

Colorful bunch.

Panam

Grab the car shard. The driver has it.

Look for the girl with the mohawk.

V

Colorful bunch.

raffen shiv B2

Got someone pokin' around this transformer. Looks skilled.

Kind of. Could also be bored squatters.

Panam

Fuck, V. Turn on the goddamn power!

Panam

Move. I'll take the wheel.

V

1ASure, sure. Leave the driving to the pros.

1BThere. Couldn't wait another minute, could ya?

Panam

At last.

And? She's prime wheels, isn't she?

V

2ADreamy, indeed. No surprise you wanted her back.

Panam

2AShe completes me.

V

2BSentimental attachment I get, but... a car's a car.

Panam

2BYou don't know squat. I shouldn't even have asked.

Where are you?

V

On my way. Be there in a sec.

Panam

Good work. What now? A few Shiv still breathe.

V

3AGetting the car outta here. No need to risk it.

Panam

3AUh... fine. Meet me at the city line. North side.

3ADon't get too used to her. She's mine. See you soon.

V

3BBetter off not leavin' anyone to tell the story.

Panam

3BIt's as if you've read my mind.

Panam

Wait for me in the car.

...

What are you waiting for ?!

V

See? Managed just fine without Mitch and Scorpion.

Panam

Listen, V. It's not over yet.

V

It's not? You got the cargo, you got your car…

Panam

I did not get Nash, who was not in Rocky Ridge. The fucker didn't show.

V

1APanam...

Panam

1AListen, I have a plan.

V

1AAnd I don't care. The car and the merch – that's what we were after. We got them. Sixth Street awaits word, and I…

1BSo it was about vengeance. The whole time.

Panam

1BThe hell you know about me!

V

1BEither you're not bein' straight with me, or you don't know what you want. Hard to say which is worse.

Panam

Just listen to me, for fuck's sake!

I know where their little hidey-hole is.

We'll take the old, unfinished freeway nearby.

They will not be expecting us. I'm sure of it.

V

2AA Nash hunt wasn't part of our deal.

Panam

2AOnly because I thought he would show up in Rocky Ridge!

V

2ABut he didn't. Might not even be in their hideout.

Panam

2AI KNOW he's there. V! That fucking Raffen cheated me. I can't just let it go, I can't.

2ADo you really not understand that?

V

3BNo. Not what we agreed.

Panam

3BAre you joking? Tell me you are, please.

V

3BNot about to risk everything to settle a score that isn't even mine.

Panam

3BYou don't get it. This is more than just...

V

3BNo, Panam. Nash made a fool of you, I get it. But don't try an' make one out of me.

3BWe hand the goods off to Sixth Street, then set up the Hellman grab. That was our deal.

Panam

3BThat was our deal.

V

2BLet's do the deal with Sixth Street first. We can talk about Nash later.

Panam

2BLater? When? After he hears all about the show at Rocky Ridge? If we go now, we can still take him by surprise!

V

2BYou really wanna raid the Raffens' den NOW? Holdin' the merch you literally just got back?

Panam

2BThe cargo will be fine.

2BV – I have to do this. Do you understand?!

V

2CWanna just show up at the Raffen hideout? Are you out of your mind?

Panam

2CDo you have a better idea? Let me hear it!

V

2CMatter of fact, I do. We take the stuff to Sixth Street, then go after Hellman like we planned!

Panam

2CI gave you my word, didn't I? Please stop riding my ass about Hellman!

2CAnd do not start acting high and mighty like you won't lift a finger if it's not in the contract. Just… just help me get Nash.

V

Ugh, all right... So where's this hideout?

Panam

A hop and skip away.

Thanks, V.

Panam

What Nash did...

I placed my trust in him. He was the first person I worked with after leaving the Aldecaldos. After I came to Night City.

And I granted him my trust.

V

1AI get it. Know how you feel. Had someone betray me, just like that, once.

Panam

1AAnd did you make them pay?

V

1ANever got the chance. Someone else got to 'em first.

Panam

1ABut if they hadn't? Would you have done it?

V

2ANo doubt, without skippin' a beat.

Panam

2ALet's get this over with.

V

2BIf there's one thing I've learned in Night City, it's that sometimes revenge is not sweet.

2BAlways stand to lose more than you might gain.

Panam

2BI don't think I'll ever play by Night City rules.

V

1BVengeance is rarely worth the risk.

Panam

1BReason against gut need. An interesting take. I'd like to see for myself.

Are you ready?

V

3ALet's get 'im.

Raffen Shiv Boss

Panam?

Panam

What, asshole? Did you really think I'd let it slide?

Raffen Shiv Boss

I gave you a chance to get outta this alive. But no – idiot cunt just haaad to get even.

Get 'em!

V

Happy?

Panam

Mh. Almost.

Hello, Rogue.

Rogue

Panam.

Panam

What did you say again? "Solve your own problems? Clean up your shit?"

Nash is dead. One shit cleaned. Happy?

Rogue

And the Sixth Street merch?

Panam

Nash can't deliver it anymore. Buuut if you ask nicely, I might be able to help you.

Rogue

Help me? I took my cut up front, honey. But, I guess I'm touched. Was actually wondering if you wouldn't forget about biz while you were out chasing down a vendetta.

Panam

Fuck!

V

4ALet's get out of here.

4BSo, feel any better?

Panam

4BMaybe a little.

4BLet's get out of here.

V

4CThis thing with Rogue – let it go, maybe?

Panam

4CWhy should I?

V

4CCause she's not worth another goddamn minute of your time.

Panam

4CLet's go.

Watch it – bastards comin' in from the other side!

Raffen Shiv Boss

Admit it. Momma Rogue sent you, didn't she?

Panam

Shut your fucking mouth!

Raffen Shiv Boss

Can't say I blame 'er. I'd wanna rid myself of a bitch like you fast as I could, too!

Panam

Watch your back, V! Shiv bastards're comin' up from behind!

V

Let 'em try.

Johnny

One bitter, cold bitch that Rogue. Think she might've lost the plot.

V

Mean to say she used to be sweet and alluring?

Johnny

Heh, never that. But she's no stranger to the other end of the stick. Think she might need a nice, strong shock.

Panam

Hey, Boz. Got your cargo.

No, no fast ones. Come on, let's meet. Sunset Motel.

I know you're not kidding. I'm certain to be there.

OK, I arranged our meeting.

Let's do the deal and start working on Hellman. Agreed?

V

1AShould be fun.

1BSixth Street not likely to pull anything?

Panam

1BI've driven for them before. Never had them do anything strange.

1BI'm hoping they know what's good for business.

V

1CSunset Motel – what's that?

Panam

1CA safe spot. It's not far from here.

V

1DAh, the Sunset Motel. Charming, quiet.

Panam

1DSafe, most importantly. And close by.

V

2AWhere's the meet up with Sixth Street?

2BLook, the Raffens really weren't worth the risk…

2CYou mad at me?

Panam

Hey, Boz. Got your cargo.

No, no fast ones. Come on, let's meet. Sunset Motel.

I know you're not kidding. I'm certain to be there.

V

3APanam? Stop it.

3BNot talking to me now? Real mature.

V

4ACome on...

Panam

4AWhat do you want?

V

4ATo talk. Like normal people do.

Panam

4AWas talking in the car spelled out in the contract? I can't seem to recall!

V

4APanam...

Panam

4ADon't worry. I keep my word. Always.

V

4ADunno about you, but I'd rather you kept your word and things'd be cool between us.

4AAre we all right?

Panam

4AGive me a minute, OK?

V

4AOK…

4BYou pouting like some wounded puppy?

Panam

4BShut up.

V

4BWhy? Aim not to talk for the rest of this thing?

Panam

4BI could've gotten him. He was right there. We could've gotten him.

V

4BThere'll be chances. Right now, we got more pressing things on our list. So get your shit together or tell me you're out. Now.

Panam

4BI promised to help, I'll help.

4BJust... give me a minute, all right?

Hey, Boz. Got your cargo.

No, no fast ones. Come on, let's meet. Sunset Motel.

I know you're not kidding. I'm certain to be there.

Panam

They're here.

Let me do the talking.

V

Sensing trouble?

Panam

No. At least I don't think so.

Hey, Boz.

Maelstromer01

Paaanam. How's Nash? Doesn't seem to be answerin' his phone.

Panam

Don't call him anymore, there's no need.

Maelstromer01

Heh. You got balls, girl.

What's this? A bonus of some sort?

V

1AWe work together.

Maelstromer01

1AHm. Change chooms like you change clothes, girl.

V

1BJust here to keep you in line.

Maelstromer01

1BOooh, got a little more sass than Nash, do you?

V

1BWait and see.

Maelstromer01

1BI like this one.

Panam

There. First-class merch.

Maelstromer01

Mhm.

Panam

So, everything's in order?

Maelstromer01

Check your account. Should be pretty plush in a couple minutes.

Panam

It's been a pleasure. But I believe Rogue's the one who is to pay me?

Maelstromer01

You're all right. Think you earned a tip.

Let's roll.

Panam

That went well…

C'mon. Let's get a drink.

V?

What’s the hold up?

You plan to stay a while?

V

Raffens wiped, Sixth Street's pleased. Pretty good day for Panam Palmer.

Panam

The day's not over yet.

You still have a chance to piss me off.

Hello, Noah.

Bartender

Hey. New biz or new friends back there?

Panam

Take a wild guess.

Is everything good with you? Did those bozos come around again?

Bartender

Raffens? Nah. It's been quiet. They'll be back, sure 'nough, but this place has seen worse.

What can I get ya?

Panam

Sit, sit. Don't be shy.

Will you sit?

I need a drink, now. C'mon.

Hello, Rogue.

Rogue

Panam.

Panam

What did you say again? "Solve your own problems? Clean up your shit?"

I got the merch and the car back. Sixth Street is happy. That's two shits cleaned, bitch.

Which means you'll get your cut after all.

Rogue

I took my cut up front, honey. But, I guess I'm touched by your concern.

Till the next one, Panam.

Panam

Fuck!

Johnny

One bitter, cold bitch that Rogue. Think she might've lost the plot.

V

Mean to say she was once sweet and alluring?

Johnny

Heh, never that. But she's no stranger to the other end of the stick. Think she might need a nice, strong shock.

Panam

A partner.

Nobody.

Panam

Broseph. Two of 'em.

V

So, that package for Street – what was it?

Panam

You didn't peek? Baloperidol. Drugs for the cyberpsychos in our midst.

V

They trade in 'em?

Panam

Yes. They have deals. With black clinics, rippers…

V

1AWell – here's to that Thorn of yours!

Panam

1AThanks for everything. Partner.

V

1BCheers – here's to what's yet to come!

Panam

1BTo what's to come.

Panam

Another one over here.

Thanks, Noah.

Bartender

Cheers. Lemme know if you need anything else.

V

3AAll right, time we looked to my needs. What's the plan for Hellman?

Panam

3AI've come up with a plan, a first draft, but I need to sleep on it, work it out. Then we can talk about the details.

3AI think it best to rent rooms here, just to stay in the area.

3AWe'll get to work around midnight, it will help keep us out of sight. Agreed?

V

4AMaybe we rent just one room?

Panam

4AGood idea.

4ANoah has two twin beds in every room. We'll save some money.

V

5ANot quite what I had in mind…

Panam

5AJust what did you have in mind?

V

5AJust... glad to have met you. Uh, so I thought…

Panam

5AI'm glad we met, too.

5AThat could've been a damned tough day. But thanks to you, it all went well.

V

5AMaybe... calls for a little celebration?

Panam

5ASure, we can celebrate.

5ABut not today. I'm beat.

V

5BOK, I won't insist. Separate beds, got it.

Panam

4ANoah, we'll need a room. Twin beds. Just for tonight.

4AI'll go catch a few winks.

V

8AG'night.

Panam

8AMhmmm...

7AOoph, I'm starting to feel that stress go away.

7AI'll probably be out as soon as I hit the sack.

7AYou had better get some rest, too. This is only the beginning.

V

7AThat's the plan.

V

4BGood idea. Let's do it.

Panam

4BNoah, we'll take two rooms. Just for tonight.

4BI'll go catch a few winks. See you later.

V

4CKnow what? Whaddaya say we meet back here later. Got things to do in town.

Panam

4CWhatever you want. All you stand to miss is some real strong, real awful coffee.

4CNoah, I'll need a room. Just for tonight.

V

4CCatch you later.

V

16AMhm, good idea. Let's do it.

Panam

16AWell, that's all settled then.

16ANoah, we'll take two rooms. Just for tonight.

16AI'll go catch a few winks. See you later.

V

16BKnow what? Whaddaya say we meet back here later. Got things to do in town.

Panam

16BWhatever you want. Just come back by midnight.

16BNoah, I'll need a room. Just for tonight.

V

16BCatch you later.

16CMaybe only one room?

Panam

16CMhm. Noah has two twin beds in every room. We'll save some money.

V

17ANot quite what I had in mind…

Panam

17AI know.

V

17AJust... glad to have met you, so I thought…

Panam

17ADon't worry about it. I'm glad we met, too.

17AThat was a damned tough day, but still we pulled through.

V

17AAnd we'll do it again tomorrow.

Panam

17AI like to hear that. Are we all right?

V

17AMhm. Yeah.

17BSeparate beds. Got it.

V

3BThe Aldecaldos – think you'll ever go back? I mean, not right now, but... someday?

Panam

3BI don't rightly know... On the one hand, I don't have anyone outside the clan. Shit, I don't really know any other life.

V

3BBut on the other?

Panam

3BWithout my clan, who am I? Who would I become if I stayed in Night City?

V

20ACould just start over again. That's what I did.

Panam

20AMhm. For now, I only seem to be really good at burning bridges.

V

20ATalkin' about Rogue?

Panam

20ANo. But thanks for reminding me.

20AV... Do you think I could make a fresh start with her, too?

V

20AShe seems to bet her eddies on the right people. You'll work it out.

20BCould always try it out, see who you become in Night City.

20B'Cept… city doesn't always play fair. Dunno if it's worth sacrificing your friends along the way.

Panam

20BYou mean Mitch? Scorpion? Come on.

V

20BSooner or later, Panam, the city'll suck you in. Won't need to cut whatever ties you got left to the Aldecaldos, 'cause the city'll do that for you.

Panam

20BI guess I should think about it…

V

20CHad to leave my clan, too.

Panam

20CAh yeah, I remember. Bakker family, right?

V

20CMhm. Then I came to Night City, saw my chance, took it...

Panam

20CAnd?

V

20CAnd I lost almost everything.

Panam

20CShit... That's comforting.

20CLet's talk about something else. Anything else.

20CTruly? Well you don't look like a nomad to me at all.

V

20CNash didn't look like Raffen to you, either.

Panam

20CFuck you.

V

20CYeah, I was in a clan of my own. Bakker family. Then I landed in Night City.

20CReally thought I saw my big chance. So I took it, risked everything.

Panam

20CAnd?

V

20CI lost everything.

Panam

20CWell, that's uh... comforting.

20CI wouldn't mind changing the subject now.

V

3CListen, you and Saul... Who is he? Your leader or chieftain?

Panam

3CTheir leader.

V

3CWere pretty keen to delta the hell out of there before he got back.

Panam

3CLet's just say Saul wouldn't have been happy to see me.

V

3CWhat happened?

Panam

3CThe reason we came to California was because he promised change for the Aldecaldos. He claimed we would turn over a new leaf.

3CBut you saw it yourself. We got a handful of tents on a heap of sand. A hell of a promised land.

3CI wanted something different, better. But Saul's a damned coward. He'll be the end of the clan. I'm certain.

V

3DThe Raffens – we done with them?

Panam

3DOh no. The Shiv are cockroaches. One's never rid of them.

3DBut it should be quiet for a time. They'll need to gather their wits and dust themselves off.

V

23ADon't really feel like drinking. But don't let that deter you.

Panam

23AI don't aim to.

Another one over here.

Thanks, Noah.

Bartender

Cheers. Lemme know if you need anything else.

Panam

You've done your bit. It's time I returned the favor.

We need to think hard about how to handle the AV.

V

24ALook, about Nash…

Panam

24AI won't talk about it.

V

24AWell, Nash ain't likely to let Rocky Ridge slide, so…

Panam

24AAre you worried about me all of a sudden? Or are you just afraid they'll come after us while we're trying to hit the AV?

V

25AI'm worried about you.

Panam

25AYou needn't be.

V

25AThink I've seen through you enough to know what comes next. You're not about to let it go.

Panam

25AThat is not your concern anymore, V.

25AI will manage. I have always managed. I'm serious.

V

25BI just hope we'll finish our biz before you go out to get sweet revenge on the Raffens.

Panam

25BDon't worry. I gave you my word. You'll talk to this Hellman of yours.

25BAnd I will deal with my Raffens later. On my own.

V

24BSo, Hellman. What's our plan?

Panam

24BWell, first I need to sort out how to down the AV with one hand while taking out security with the other.

24BWith what we want to do, we should make sure to be almost invisible.

24BLet's meet back here around midnight. Agreed?

V

24BUh, sure. Catch you later.

Panam

24BNoah, I'll need a room. Just for tonight.

Panam

Another one over here.

Thanks, Noah.

Bartender

Cheers. Lemme know if you need anything else.

Panam

To what's to come.