Dialogue: Gig: Heaviest of Hearts

Bouncer

Hey, you there.

This is a nice place, so play nice, hear me? Got our eyes everywhere.

Actor Kurtz 001A

A toast. To the colonel’s untimely demise.

Dogtown will be a better place without him.

Actor Kurtz 001B

Every place is better without a boss shouting orders at you!

Actor Kurtz 001A

I'll drink to that!

Actor Kurtz 002B

Hansen's gone, but before we know it, some new asshole'll come along, squeeze us even tighter. This is our chance.

Actor Kurtz 002A

Whaddaya have in mind?

Actor Kurtz 002B

Just one thing - move our shop from the Stacks to the stadium, where the real eds get made.

Actor Kurtz 002A

Elbow our way in, just like that? I like it. Count me in.

Actor Regular 003A

You here by yourself? Where's Walt?

Actor Regular 003B

Ever since the gods bestowed VIP access on his ass? Poof - gone.

Actor Regular 003A

Thinks he's mister fucking important now, huh? How ‘bout we crash his little party?

Actor Regular 003B

Already tried. No chance in hell. Guest list only.

Actor Regular 001A

Place is crawlin' with huscle. Feel like I'm bein' watched.

Actor Regular 001B

They are not here to get in your way, but to facilitate business.

You are new in Dogtown. You will learn how things work around here.

Relax, drink, try to have a good time.

Actor Regular 002A

You gonna sort us out?

Actor Regular 002B

Girl, please. Brought my own. Plain refuse to buy from that bloodsucker.

Actor Regular 002A

Least "that bloodsucker's" pushin' the real deal, not that laundry detergent you always carry 'round.

'S about the quality, baby.

Gamer

Hey, Mikey! This piece of old scrap ate my eddies again!

Can't play like this, man. When you finally gon' fix it?

Client

You there! How 'bout a quick game!

V

1AUh, some other time, maybe. Name’s V. Heard you got a job for me.

Client

1AOh, it’s you. Over here, let's talk.

V

1BMichael Maldonado? I’m V. Hands said you needed a... a hand with somethin'...

Client

1BOh, it’s you. Over here, let's talk.

Glad you could make it. Fixer said you can turn around even the most hopeless of cases.

V

How hopeless we talkin'?

Client

It’s about my son, Eric. Boy runs a motorcycle repair shop in Heywood. Totally legit operation. Taxes, permits, you name it.

But this D.A., Georgina Zembinsky – she needs her pound of flesh, wants to turn 'im into an example. That's where you come in.

V

2AWhy would she have it in for him? S'gotta be a reason.

Client

2AShe's the D.A. If she wants a reason, she'll find one.

V

2BFirst thing's first. This D.A. Zembinsky. What's her deal?

Client

2BShe's as crooked as they come, like everyone else in Night City.

Zembinsky said she’s after some Valentino kingpin... Hector Sacristán was the name, I think.

V

What’s Eric got to do with it?

Client

Word is, he knows Sacristán, has heaps o' dirt that could bring 'im down. But for that, she needs Eric 'hind bars. So... she forced me to testify.

Now I need you to make it... go away.

V

3AYou testified 'gainst your own son? What kind o' father does that?

Client

3AIt ain't like you think, OK? I... I really didn't want to.

3AShe showed me her so-called "evidence" 'gainst Eric. Wanted me to corroborate it. Was bullshit – every last word.

3ATwo days later, came back with some badge. Beat the shit outta me, threatened worse for Eric.

3AThen they... put me in front of a camera, and I... I told them what they wanted to hear. I was fucking scared.

3AJust... go talk to her – y'know, the way you people do. Eric's a good kid. He'll be eaten alive in prison.

V

4ANot if I have anythin' to say about it. Gonna find her, have ourselves a little chat.

Client

4AAh, that's a relief. Knew Hands wouldn't toss me some bush-leaguer.

V

4BI'll chat up Zembinsky when I get a spare sec.

Client

4BDon't take too long. Eric’s trial's right around the corner. If you don't bend 'er ear, she'll lock 'im up.

3AYou’ll find her at the Heavy Hearts club. Perfect place for plottin' an' schemin'.

V

3AAnd you know that how?

Client

3AThat’s where she invited me for our... heart to heart.

V

3BZembinsky forced you to testify? How exactly?

Client

3BAt first she seemed... nice. We were sittin', havin' a normal conversation.

V

3CTell me more 'bout Eric. Mentioned he sells two-wheelers?

Client

3CFixes 'em. Little go-getter owns a repair shop in Heywood now.

3CYeah... moved outta Dogtown with his mother years ago. Barely seen the kid since.

V

3CSure your son's who he says he is?

Client

3CEric? He's too innocent for this town. 'S why they're fixin' to take 'im down.

Did just yesterday, but... Ah, my bad. Next game’s on me, OK?

You there! How 'bout a quick game!

V!

How'd it go? 'M I finally gonna get a good night's sleep?

V

8AIt's done. Testimony's gone for good.

Client

8APhew, that's a weight off my shoulders!

V

9AWasn't no biggie. I'll take my payment now.

Client

9ARight, right, of course. Here.

V

9BGo on, pay me with the eddies you got for sellin' your son down the river.

Client

9BI... Ah, shit.

V

9BCount yourself lucky you've only got me to deal with, Mikey.

8BSpoke to the D.A. Scrubbed your name and data from your testimony.

Client

8BWait, what?! That's not what-- She was s'posed to delete it!

8BForget about your payment! This wasn't part of the deal!

V

10AOh no, you'll pay. Job's done – your son'll never find out who squealed on 'im.

10BWe both know not an enny of that scratch is yours, Mikey.

Client

8BSo? What did that bitch say?

V

8BEverything and more. But don’t fret – your secret’s safe with me.

8BMy silence, on the other hand, doesn't come cheap.

Client

8BI--

V

8BShut up and pay. Tired of just lookin' at ya.

Much obliged.

Client

No, thank you. For helping me out of a tight spot... but most of all, my son.

V

Wish I could believe that...

Client

Just... just go.

Gamer

Hey, Mikey! This piece of old scrap ate my eddies again!

Can't play like this, man. When you finally gon' fix it?

Client

Did just yesterday, but... Ah, my bad. Next game’s on me, OK?

She showed me her so-called "evidence" 'gainst Eric. Wanted me to corroborate it. Was bullshit – every last word.

Two days later, came back with some badge. Beat the shit outta me, threatened worse for Eric.

Then they... put me in front of a camera, and I... I told them what they wanted to hear. I was fucking scared.

Just... go talk to her – y'know, the way you people do. Eric's a good kid. He'll be eaten alive in prison.

Glad you could make it. Fixer said you can turn around even the most hopeless of cases.

V

How hopeless we talkin'?

Client

It’s about my son, Eric. Boy runs a motorcycle repair shop in Heywood. Totally legit operation. Taxes, permits, you name it.

But this D.A., Georgina Zembinsky – she needs her pound of flesh, wants to turn 'im into an example. That's where you come in.

Drug Dealer Friend

Listen, Jack... That Biotechnica suit's s'posed to come tomorrow. Y'know... sunflower guy.

Drug Dealer

Oh, Lori, sweetheart, I feel you! Somethin' to numb the pain?

Drug Dealer Friend

Yeah... I'll take three you-know-whats.

Drug Dealer

Ey, what's good? Lookin’ for somethin'?

V

1ALookin' for someone. Girl tendin' bar told me you're the go-to.

Drug Dealer

1AUgh... Helen needs to learn to keep her trap shut.

V

1AGeorgina Zembinsky. Night City D.A. Ring any bells?

Drug Dealer

1ANah. I could call upstairs and ask, though.

V

1AYou do that.

Drug Dealer

1AWoah, slow down. Time's eddies an' all that jazz. Dig what I'm sayin'?

V

2AThere. Don’t make me regret it.

Drug Dealer

2AHey, no risk, no reward, right?

2AHey, baby! I’m looking for a client of ours. Georgina Zembinsky. Yeah... Right... ‘Kay, thanks.

2AMy girl saw her, say she’s schmoozing with some heavy-hitters. Booth four.

V

2AI'll check it out. Thanks.

2BKnow a few suppliers in NC, not to mention chooms working doors for the city's preemest clubs.

2BWanna expand your enterprise? Or are you content slingin' dope in this dump for the rest of your life?

Drug Dealer

2BHuh, offer's tempting. Fine. Keep your eds. I’ll consider it an investment in my future.

2BHey, baby! I’m looking for a client of ours. Georgina Zembinsky. Yeah... Right... ‘Kay, thanks.

2BMy girl saw her, say she’s schmoozing with some heavy-hitters. Booth four.

V

2CForget it. I'll find her myself.

Drug Dealer

2CGood luck with that, honey. Come find me if you change your mind.

2DInterested or not?

V

1BJack, right? Heard you’re cosy with them gilded folk upstairs. Need a word with a certain dame.

Drug Dealer

1BOh, have ya now? Well, then... ask away.

1CInterested or not?

Ey, what's good? Lookin’ for somethin'?

V

3ALookin' for someone. Girl tendin' bar told me you're the go-to.

Drug Dealer

3AUgh... Helen needs to learn to keep her trap shut.

V

3BJack, right? Heard you’re cosy with them gilded folk upstairs. Need a word with a certain dame.

Drug Dealer

3BOh, have ya now? Well, then... ask away.

3CInterested or not?

V

There. Don’t make me regret it.

Drug Dealer

Hey, no risk, no reward, right?

Hey, baby! I’m looking for a client of ours. Georgina Zembinsky. Yeah... Right... ‘Kay, thanks.

My girl saw her, say she’s schmoozing with some heavy-hitters. Booth four.

V

I'll check it out. Thanks.

Drug Dealer

4AInterested or not?

V

I'll check it out. Thanks.

Georgina Zembinsky. Night City D.A. Ring any bells?

Drug Dealer

Nah. I could call upstairs and ask, though.

V

You do that.

Drug Dealer

Woah, slow down. Time's eddies an' all that jazz. Dig what I'm sayin'?

Interested or not?

Drug Dealer Friend

Listen, Jack... That Biotechnica suit's s'posed to come tomorrow. Y'know... sunflower guy.

Yeah... I'll take three you-know-whats.

V

Georgina Zembinsky. Night City D.A. Ring any bells?

Drug Dealer

Nah. I could call upstairs and ask, though.

V

You do that.

Drug Dealer

Woah, slow down. Time's eddies an' all that jazz. Dig what I'm sayin'?

V

There. Don’t make me regret it.

Drug Dealer

Hey, no risk, no reward, right?

Hey, baby! I’m looking for a client of ours. Georgina Zembinsky. Yeah... Right... ‘Kay, thanks.

My girl saw her, say she’s schmoozing with some heavy-hitters. Booth four.

Hank

And you are...?

V

1AGeorgina Zembinsky? Need to talk to you about Michael Maldonado.

Georgina

1AThat drunk? What about him?

V

1AClaims he was forced to testify against his son. Need you to wipe it.

Georgina

1AHe wants me to...? That cowardly, two-faced sack of shit.

Hank

1ASee? Told ya he couldn't be trusted.

Georgina

1AWhat exactly did he tell you?

V

2AYour goon here forced Mike Maldonado to testify.

Georgina

2AI think she means you, Hank. Did you do any "shock therapy" on Mr. Maldonado recently?

Hank

2APsh. Like I don't got better things to do.

V

2BYou wanna frame Mike's son as part of some gang bust.

Georgina

2BFrame him? Please. Boy's done all the work himself already.

V

2BIs that right?

Georgina

1AKidnapping, extortion, arson, armed robbery... Guess who's rap sheet that is?

1AEric Maldonado is textbook ganger scum. He belongs in prison. We just needed someone to help him get there.

1AHis father, Michael, didn't think twice about choosing eddies over his lowlife son.

V

3ASo Eric’s past justifies forging testimonies? Teach you that at law school?

Hank

3AThis is the real world. You want justice – need to nudge it in the right direction.

Georgina

3AMaldonado doesn’t care about his son. He's scared Eric'll find out it was his old man who snitched on him.

3A'Course, I can make it so that never happens...

V

3AI'm listening.

Georgina

3AWhy don't you watch Michael’s testimony first? Witness the truth yourself.

Georgina TV

4AFinal question. On May sixteenth of last year, Eric Maldonado contacted you by holocall.

4ADuring your conversation, he admitted that Hector Sacristán shot and killed Marcos Ferreira.

4AHe also stated that Sacristán ordered Ferreira's body to be dumped in the Coronado Bay.

4ACan you confirm this is what Eric told you?

Maldonaldo

4AI... yes. Yes, I confirm.

Georgina TV

4AExcellent, thank you. That will be all.

Georgina

4AMichael didn’t bat an eye when he accepted payment for that testimony.

Hank

4AReal entrepreneur…

Georgina

4AI'll cut right to the chase. I'm offering to anonymize Michael's testimony. Eric'll never be the wiser.

V

4AAnd if I refuse?

Hank

4AWouldn’t advise it. Wouldn't be... safe for you.

V

5AFine, deal. Don’t trust you, but that goes double for Mike.

Georgina

5AAaaand done. Testimony’s anonymous now. Your “client” can sleep easy.

5AWell, then. Everyone wins. Except for Eric, of course.

V

5A'Long as my client’s happy.

5BMike hired me to do a job, intend to see it through. 'Sides, I think you're full o' shit.

Georgina

5BFull of shit? Me? I just showed you proof!

V

5BShowed me one piece that fits your narrative. Not nearly enough. The testimony. Now.

Georgina

5BI'm afraid that won't be possible. Let's try this in a language you'll understand.

5BHank?

V

6AWant you to stop and think, Hank. 'Bout how many years you've left till you retire. 'Bout how I could speed that up.

6ADealt with far worse than the likes of you. Compared to them? Gettin' rid o' you'd be like swattin' a fly.

Hank

6AAhem. Hey, Georgina? Really don't feel like dying today, not over some piss-ass testimony.

Georgina

6AReally, Hank?! You and I need to have a talk later.

6AThere. Deleted and gone.

V

6APreem, thanks.

V

5BDelete the testimony. Now.

4BSave it. Don't got the time, much less the patience.

Georgina

4BLook, I understand you don't trust me. But could you at least hear me out? I promise to keep it brief.

4BI'll cut right to the chase. I'm offering to anonymize Michael's testimony. Eric'll never be the wiser.

V

4BAnd if I refuse?

Hank

4BWouldn’t advise it. Wouldn't be... safe for you.

V

8AFine, deal. Don’t trust you, but that goes double for Mike.

Georgina

8AAaaand done. Testimony’s anonymous now. Your “client” can sleep easy.

8AWell, then. Everyone wins. Except for Eric, of course.

V

8A'Long as my client’s happy.

8BMike hired me to do a job, intend to see it through. 'Sides, I think you're full o' shit.

Georgina

8BFull of shit? Me? I just showed you proof!

V

8BShowed me one piece that fits your narrative. Not nearly enough. The testimony. Now.

8BDelete the testimony. Now.

V

9AWant you to stop and think, Hank. 'Bout how many years you've left till you retire. 'Bout how I could speed that up.

9ADealt with far worse than the likes of you. Compared to them? Gettin' rid o' you'd be like swattin' a fly.

Hank

9AAhem. Hey, Georgina? Really don't feel like dying today, not over some piss-ass testimony.

Georgina

9AReally, Hank?! You and I need to have a talk later.

Hank

3AUgh, fine...

Georgina

3AHank! Hank... Oh, fuck, you killed him!

V

3AThe testimony.

Georgina

3AThere. Deleted and gone.

V

3APreem, thanks.

Georgina

3AWe’re done. Now leave.

3AI'm afraid that won't be possible. Let's try this in a language you'll understand.

3AHank?

Hank

3AUgh, fine...

V

3BIt’s Mike's word against yours.

Georgina

3BUnlike mine, his is worthless.

V

3CWho’s Hector Sacristán?

Georgina

3COne of the Valentinos' top men. Narco millionaire, serial murderer. Two years I’ve been after him.

3CEric Maldonado – he's the last domino. But if I want to use him, I need him behind bars.

Seems we have a visitor.

Hank

Told ya those pops wasn't the music.

Who're you?

Georgina

If we want to nail Sacristán, we'll need something incriminating – airtight.

Hank

We’re workin' on it. Boys're puttin' together a testimony.

Georgina

One witness might not seal the deal. 'S why I have two more meetings lined up today.

Hank

And me?

Georgina

You'll hit the Stacks, make contact with Esteban. Passing you the location and some operational funds.

Hank

Go there, do this. A glorified fuckin' errand boy is what I am.

Georgina

10AWe’re done. Now leave.

I'm afraid that won't be possible. Let's try this in a language you'll understand.

Hank?

Hank

Ugh, fine...

Georgina

Why don't you watch Michael’s testimony first? Witness the truth yourself.

Go on, have a look.

Make up your mind.

V

Your goon here forced Mike Maldonado to testify.

Georgina

I think she means you, Hank. Did you do any "shock therapy" on Mr. Maldonado recently?

Hank

Psh. Like I don't got better things to do.

Georgina

Final question. On May sixteenth of last year, Eric Maldonado contacted you by holocall.

During your conversation, he admitted that Hector Sacristán shot and killed Marcos Ferreira.

He also stated that Sacristán ordered Ferreira's body to be dumped in the Coronado Bay.

Can you confirm this is what Eric told you?

Maldonaldo

I... yes. Yes, I confirm.

Georgina

Excellent, thank you. That will be all.

V

Fine, deal. Don’t trust you, but that goes double for Mike.

Georgina

Aaaand done. Testimony’s anonymous now. Your “client” can sleep easy.

Well, then. Everyone wins. Except for Eric, of course.

V

'Long as my client’s happy.

Georgina

Make up your mind.

I'm afraid that won't be possible. Let's try this in a language you'll understand.

Hank?

Hank

Ugh, fine...

Fixer

I just got off the holo with Mr. Maldonado. He was most certainly not pleased.

Not to mention you provoked a shootout at the club.

You see, I intended to award you a little bonus, but I'm redirecting them to grease the hands of Hansen's men.

You are the master of your emotions, V. Remember that.

That other matter still requires your attention. Pay me a visit as soon as you can. It's better discussed in person.

You acted with discretion. In my book, that's of utmost importance. Closing the gig.

I spoke to Mr. Maldonado – he was most satisfied with your work. A job well done.

Truly, you didn’t have to make such a mess at the Heavy Hearts – a place near and dear to my own.

I’m pleased you handled this quietly. The client is happy and by extension, so am I.

I’m closing the gig and sending you a little bonus.

Fixer

V. If you've ever thought of starting a family, I would advise you to think twice.

See, my client Michael Maldonado did not and had a son that seems to cause him oh so much woe, indeed.

The matter's a rather delicate one. Michael wants to talk it over in person with you, and you alone.

I favor clients with fewer question marks over their heads, but Maldonado offered extra – thus an exception was made.

I'd like you to see him, see what this is about. Details attached.

Georgina

Final question. On May sixteenth of last year, Eric Maldonado contacted you by holocall.

During your conversation, he admitted that Hector Sacristán shot and killed Marcos Ferreira.

He also stated that Sacristán ordered Ferreira's body to be dumped in the Coronado Bay.

Can you confirm this is what Eric told you?

Maldonaldo

I... yes. Yes, I confirm.

Georgina

Excellent, thank you. That will be all.

Johnny

Hello, Georgina Zembinsky.

Careful with that one. Lawyers are not to be trusted.

V

There any kinds of people worthy of your trust?

Johnny

Course. Sound technicians.

Hear that?

Hear that?

Prosecutor

I have received word from San Francisco. My boss has agreed. We will build the whole arcology.

Clerk

You understand what this means? We will be kings of real estate along the coast. Consider yourself set for life!

The Heavy Hearts has an enterprising atmosphere. I knew we would reach an agreement here.

V

1ALookin' for Georgina Zembinsky. She around?

Prosecutor

1APerhaps. That depends who you are.

V

2AName's V. Got fresh evidence for a case she's building. Important I hand it to her personally.

Prosecutor

2AWell, well, Georgina Zembinsky getting the good folk of Night City to help in her fight for justice...

2AYou'll find her in booth six.

V

2BSomeone you'd do well to answer when they ask you a question.

Prosecutor

2BSheesh, that was uncalled for. I was just asking...

V

2BAnd I’m just in a hurry. Need to talk to her. It’s important.

Businessman

2BLet’s help this concerned citizen, shall we? It is our job, after all.

Prosecutor

2BShe's in booth six.

V

1AThanks, fellas.

Prosecutor

I have received word from San Francisco. My boss has agreed. We will build the whole arcology.

Clerk

You understand what this means? We will be kings of real estate along the coast. Consider yourself set for life!

The Heavy Hearts has an enterprising atmosphere. I knew we would reach an agreement here.

Violent Guy

Let go o' me! What gives you the right?!

You're done here - finished! I'll make damn sure of it!

V

1AWhat happened?

Violent Guy

1AHell does it look like? Shitbags threw me outta VIP.

V

1BTake a deep breath, relax. Don’t want to end up with your face on the curb.

Violent Guy

1BRather that then rubbin' elbows with the rabble down here!

Shithead bouncers don't know who they're dealing with! They're gonna throw me out? Me!?

V

2AWhy'd they kick you out?

Violent Guy

2AWell, um... Some loser wouldn't stop botherin' me, so I bashed his head against the bar a liiiitle too hard.

2ASaid I was sorry – and I was. Doesn't give security the right to ride me so hard...

V

2BCan’t ya... I dunno, straighten it out somehow?

Violent Guy

2BOh, I'll straighten it out, all right. Next time I see the manager, I'll have those fuckers fired!

V

2CDid my fair share of VIP treatment. Bouncers get it wrong sometimes. Just go there, tell them who you are. Bound to get an apology, at least.

Violent Guy

2CYou some kinda shrink now?

V

2CWorked for me is all I'm sayin'.

Violent Guy

2CBullshit! So why don't you waltz in behind the bar and have them carry your VIP ass upstairs? 'Cause I'm done dealin' with those neanderthals!

2CNow somebody get me a fucking drink!

V

1ALookin' for one Georgina Zembinsky. Name sound familiar?

Waitress

1A'Fraid not. She a client of ours?

V

1ARegular, apparently. Night City D.A.

Waitress

1AHm, sounds like a VIP. Better off tryin' your luck upstairs, far away from us normal folk.

V

1AAppreciate it, thanks.

1BLong day?

Waitress

1BClean vomit off your fourth table and your day suddenly gets long no matter what.

V

1BSee, was gonna order somethin' till that put me off... pretty much everythin'.

Waitress

1BCan I help you with something? I'm a little busy here...