Dialogue: Gig: Hothead

Fixer

I have been informed the operation was a success and that you displayed the work of a true professional.

Excellent work, V. May it remain so. I am closing the contract and transferring your fee.

The operation was far from successful. You let me down, V. Such things happen. But do not make it a habit.

If I see a pattern, I will lose trust. And when I lose my trust, I stop calling. Remember that well, V.

Fixer

A client of mine has a problem. He came to me. Now I come to you.

I have shared the details.

Netrunner

Hey, you must be V.

I'm Umbrage. I'll be handling the virus.

V

Pleasure's all yours.

Netrunner

I've heard about you, y'know.

V

That so?

Netrunner

Uh-huh. Quite the character.

V

1AWhere's the client?

Netrunner

1AIn the back – asleep. We can go whenever you're ready.

V

1AYou're gonna reset his implant on the road?

Netrunner

1AWe have to suppress the virus's connection to its owner. Besides, I've done more difficult procedures.

1ABet you've never done that.

1AAnyway, it'll be harder for them to track us while we're on the move.

V

2AAll right, let's burn rubber.

Netrunner

2AHeh. You drive, I'll do my thing.

V

2BHow's the virus linked up to its script-monkey?

Netrunner

2BThe source code contains strings that-- Basically, once we restart the implant, it'll automatically relay his coordinates to the nearest router.

2BIn other words, our coder will be able to triangulate our client's precise location.

2BThe only thing we can do is keep moving and not get caught.

V

2CWe could somehow limit the signal to the network.

Netrunner

2CYou mean choking the bandwidth?

V

2CExactly. It'd put some lag on the connection to the access point.

Netrunner

2CWell, well, we have an expert here! I mean, they'll still read our position...

V

2CJust with a little delay.

Netrunner

2CBrilliant. I'll draft up a script right now.

V

1BKnow anything else about this virus?

Netrunner

1BJudging by the level of coding, I'm thinking Militech – someone with skills.

V

1BCan you get it out?

Netrunner

1BSince it looks like your average firmware – I can. But... I'll have to do a hard reset.

1BWhich means whoever programmed the virus will be alerted.

1BYou should count on a few unfriendly faces showing up here – and not the kind who like asking questions.

Hey, careful! You want to get us killed?!

Shit, they found us...

They're already here!

I literally just need one more minute!

Ah, OK, I think it worked.

Impressive work, V. Thank you.

V

3AS'what they pay me for.

Netrunner

3ADon't sell yourself so short.

3ARamming through those gates... Nice moves, V.

3A'Kay, then... Until next time. V.

V

3BWhat about the client?

Netrunner

3BHe'll be fine. I mean, it's not like his problems will magically disappear.

3BBut Okada will arrange a safehouse for him – until everything settles down.

3BImpressive work back there, V. Thanks.