Dialogue: Gig: Fixer, Merc, Soldier, Spy

V

1ADimly-lit corner, runt limo, suits-and-ties... is there a code-word I'm missin'?

1ANot one for small talk, eh?

Shard is secured.

Regina

Nice work. Sendin' you the drop-off coordinates.

Client'll be waitin' for you there.

V

3AI'm en route.

Regina

3AV – wait.

V

3AYeah?

Regina

3AWhen you get there – no questions. Makes them real cranky.

V

3ATry my best.

3BWhy do I feel like a corpo agent right now? What's all this about?

Regina

3BChina. They're the client.

V

3BChina, huh? Thought you never liked swimmin' with the sharks?

Regina

3BEveryone's got debts, V. You do what you gotta do.

V

4AWhat kind of debt?

Regina

4AJust somethin' from my muckrakin' days. Needed help, and fast too...

V

4AHelp for what?

Regina

4AI'm sorry, do you hear me pokin' 'round your personal biz? Diggin' through your past?

V

4ANo... suppose not.

Regina

4AJust teasin', V... sort of. If it's all the same to you, I'd rather just get this over with and move on.

4ASo you headin' to the meet or what?

V

4BWhat happens if you can't pay it off?

Regina

4BWhy do you think we're scrapin' the barrel-end of gigs here? So I don't have to find out.

Regina

V, here's the thing: you could have done it quietly. Now half the city's gonna know about this mess.

Thought we were on the same page. Whatever. Contract closed.

This sort of gig, no hiccups? Quiet as a roach? Color me impressed. Contract closed, and thanks.

V, I thought my guidelines were clear. Getting that shard was prio number one!

Those people I sent you to? They're pros. Think they're waitin' for you to come back? They're gone.

You fucked up, V – through 'n' through. And it better be the last time. Later.

Regina

As you already know, Kabuki's got a new fixer – from the USSR. Been running some major biz in NC for a few weeks now. Not sure what exactly, but we're gonna find out.

You'll need to klep his datashard – it's got everything. More on our comrade and the gig in the attachment.

Nadjezda

...

Receptionist

Ahem, how can I help you today?

V

1ASpecial delivery for Mr. Mikhail Akulov. What floor am I punchin'?

Receptionist

1AApologies, ma'am, but I can't reveal any details about our clients with strangers.

V

2AGot a fresh supply for Mr. Akulov – only the good stuff.

2AGet this over with quick – still gotta make a few drop-offs.

Receptionist

2AShoulda spilled from the start...

2A... Callin' him now.

V

2BI've been brought to provide, um, special services for Mr. Akulov.

Receptionist

2BAkulov, you dirty dog. Hard man to satisfy, hehe.

2BOne sec, I'll just let Mr. Akulov know you're coming.

V

3AHey hey, what's the rush? It's supposed to be a surprise.

3APresent from a favorite client.

Receptionist

3AWell, you know the drill...

3A... you wanna do biz, you gotta cough up.

V

4AHere. Akulov – where can I find him?

Receptionist

4APenthouse. Private elevator goes direct, but you don't have clearance.

4ATake the normal elevator, then the stairs and knock. Number one double-oh three.

4AIf I find out you're messin' 'round up there, your face never gets through the front door again.

V

4BNo deal. Ain't givin' an enny.

Receptionist

4BEnjoy our wonderful reception, then.

3AHello? Mr. Akulov? Sorry to disturb you...

3A... There's a lady here, apparently you put in an order for...

3AYes...? Of course... My deepest apologies.

3AMr. Akulov is not taking any visitors at the moment. Have a pleasant day.

1BHave you decided, ma'am?

Receptionist

5AExcellent choice. We hope you enjoy your stay.

5ARoom nine double-oh one.

V

5AThanks.

5BNeed some time to think it over.

Receptionist

5BOf course. When you make up your mind, we look forward to your return.

V

1BWant a room on the top floor. Good view of the city.

Receptionist

1BAt this moment in time I can only give you a room on the second-to-last floor...

1B... Still an incredible view of the Night City skyline.

V

1BHow much for a night?

Receptionist

1BHere, have a look.

V

1CSeems pretty quiet in here.

Receptionist

1CWell, ma'am, Kabuki ain't – isn't what it used to be.

V

1CLotta crime around here?

Receptionist

1CNo, just goin' through a tough time, eddy-wise.

Tellin' ya, boosters and bitches twenty-four-fuckin'-seven...

Joytoys fit for royalty and a mountain of preem-grade shit like their lives depend on it...

Huh...?

Yeah, I remember. Put the word out for you – still no sign of work.

Yeah, choomba, course I asked... Mhm... How am I s'posed to know...?

You already owe me a lot, bro... Yeah, yeah, everyone knows about your sich...

Listen, I gotta get back to work... Well... Fine, I'll spot you. Later.

Customer just walked in, gotta go.

Apologies, ma'am.

Oh, good day! I'm sorry, I didn't notice you there.

Please, come on in.

Well? We've decided to pay after all?