Dialogue: Gig: Talent Academy

Employee

Ah, his impact strength is off the charts. Smashed through that glass like paper.

Coach

The training these kids get here? State of the art.

Guard

Something's wrong with the TPR-35-1. Twice now someone got motion sickness after connecting.

Guard

Ain't the bot that's the problem – it's the gonks who forget to enable sensory datasync. But sure, I'll check for like, the sixth time already.

Katie

Na, na-na, na, na, na-na, na – naaaa, naaaa, naaaa! Na-na, na, na, na-na, na – na-naaaa, naaaa, naaaa!

V

1AHello…?

Katie

1AWoah! You scared me!

V

1ASorry, didn't mean to.

Katie

1AHm. Let me guess – you're with the team. Here to pick me up?

V

2A'Fraid not, kiddo.

Katie

2AOh. That's too bad.

V

2BWhich team?

Katie

2BUh, the Atlanta Wolves? Duh! I'm gonna be their new pitcher!

2BOh, so that means you're not here for me.

V

3AHow're you holdin' up? Everything all right?

Katie

3AUgh, not this again! I already had a talk with that shrink this week! I've said all there is to say!

V

3BWho brought you here?

Katie

3BWho?! Me. I applied – I was chosen! The look on Mom's face when I told her I'm leaving Eugene to become a pro! Hah! She was so proud.

V

3BYour mom, huh... Don't you miss her?

Katie

3BSometimes, but only a little and I try not to because... because I'm strong!

V

3CWhatcha readin'?

Katie

3CA biography of Diamond Day, my favorite basketball player who was born right here in Dogtown. Did you know she trained with Fiona?

1ANow, if you'll excuse me, miss, I'm on a tight training schedule. Goodbye.

Come on, just tell me!

Doll Anteroom

Hello! Clara Molina, Atletico Barcelona.

Consierge For Androids

You're all set! From what I see, your connection quality with the verbal-motoric integrated interface is excellent.

Should you experience any latency, please report it to maintenance. Now, if you'll continue into the main room.

Doll

Listen, we're lookin' for a goalie, not a defender. We'll let you have Becker if you give us Gomez.

Doll

Deal, on one condition – during the transfer, you loan Kowalsky out to us.

Doll

Fine – just remember, a loan's a loan. Don't let me hear about any poaching, got it?

Fiona

1AWhat in the--

1ATommie! Out, now!

Tommie

1AW-wait, she was just looking for your office! Uh, I was just trying to help! Please, Miss Fiona!

Fiona

1ALeave the boy out of this, please.

V

2AIt's OK, Tommie, don't gotta stay. Fiona and I need to talk grown-up stuff.

2ARight?

Fiona

2AUhh… that's right.

V

2ANow, run along, kiddo.

2BRun along now, Tommie. Hop to it.

Tommie

2BBut… I didn't do nothin' wrong.

Fiona

2BIt's all right, Tommie. Go back to your room.

1AWe're reasonable people – I'm sure we can work something out. What is it you want?

V

3APassword to the terminal and the data of every suit you've done biz with. Transactions, contracts, agreements. Whole enchilada.

3BWanna burn this place to the fucking ground.

Johnny

3BA-to-the-fuckin'-men.

Fiona

3BI understand you're upset, but let's talk this through. You connected to a terminal containing my clients' data, correct?

1AUh, what do you intend to do with it?

V

4ASomeone got tired of your clients not paying their dues.

4BGot it backwards. I'm the one asking questions.

Fiona

1AI have a duty to protect my business and my clients. You understand that, I'm sure.

Johnny

1A"Business"? Heh, the fuckin' gall…

Fiona

1AThink of the children. Would you really deprive them of their only chance for a better life?

Johnny

1AJust gets better 'n' better, this bitch…

Fiona

1AIf you'll please just hear me out, I'd like to make you an offer.

V

5AStart talkin', and it better make sense.

Fiona

5AThank you.

5ACome, let me show you something.

5ASee this?

V

6APosters and trophies? That supposed to convince me?

6BMy patience is wearin' thin, Fiona.

Fiona

5AMark Elway, twenty-two years old, exceptional basketball player. Monica Diaz, twenty-five, ranked top fifteen worldwide in tennis.

5AAnd our brightest star – Al Ford. The NUSA's heavyweight champion at only twenty-one years old.

V

5AGuessin' I'm about to hear that this is all 'cause of you?

Fiona

5AI helped them. Me. And if you leak my clients, this center will go under and these kids' bright future darken quick.

5AIncluding Tommie. His file's right here. You help me, you help him.

Johnny

5A'S the kind of cynicism that deserves a medal. Cheap, plastic kind.

V

7AYou're usin' Tommie as a bargaining chip?

Fiona

7AWe all have choices to make.

7AHere's my offer – we do a controlled leak. I'll hand over the data of a few clients of secondary importance to me.

7AYour employer wants names, transaction details – they'll get 'em. Everyone walks away happy.

Johnny

7AThose kids who end up on the street with post-op implant sickness, you don't think they hang their pics here, too, do you?

V

8ATransfer the data and let's get this "controlled leak" on the road.

Johnny

8ACome the fuck on, V. Really?

Fiona

8AOK, data transferred.

V

8AGreat, be seein' ya.

8CI'll accept your offer, 'long as you make sure Tommie gets a contract. A good one.

Fiona

8CDone. Y-you take part of the data and Tommie gets into some local, European league. Won't be stardom, but it's still a dream come true.

Fiona

9AUhh. Data transferred. You made a wise decision.

Johnny

9APlace oughta burn with her inside it.

V

9BHands're dirty enough, thanks.

Fiona

9BUhh. Data transferred. You made a wise decision.

Johnny

9BPlace oughta burn with her inside it.

V

8DWhat're Tommie's chances of scorin' a contract?

Fiona

8DClose to none. Out of the best players, only fifteen to twenty percent get signed. Tommie'll probably be going home.

V

8D'Thout any scratch to maintain his chrome, regulate his organs and keep his body functioning properly.

Fiona

8DThat's how these things go. You either win big, or go home. But maybe you can still help Tommie – his file doesn't have to stay on my desk.

V

8EWhy go to all this trouble?

Fiona

8EWell... If you really want to know, ugh... It's cheaper.

V

8ENot 'cause you're chippin' kids that are too young for it?

Fiona

8EHah! You think we're the only ones? Name me one professional athlete without implants. You can’t.

8EThe earlier you start, the better long term. Sports would be a snooze fest without them.

V

8FHow much're you makin' off these poor kids and their parents?

Fiona

8FUnlike your... "profession," I provide chances for a better life. Not for free, granted, but the parents know the risks. It's in their contracts.

V

8FKnowing and understanding – two different things.

Fiona

8FGo to Night City – look at all those kids walking the streets, alone. Can you claim they're better off than our future athletes?

V

8FYou're a real good Samaritan, huh?

7BBarkin' up the wrong tree. Truth is, I don't care what happens to 'im.

Fiona

7BUh… I-I see.

V

5AHad it up to here with your cynical bullshit. Get me access to that data.

Fiona

5ANo need to get emotional. Uh, let's be professional about this…

V

5AShut up and grant me access.

Fiona

5AYou'll be destroying everything I've built.

V

5AThat's the fucking idea. Access. Now.

Fiona

5AFine, here.

V

5BI'll make you a counter-offer.

Fiona

5BOh?

V

5BGet fucked.

Fiona

5BNo need to get emotional. Uh, let's be professional about this…

V

5BShut up and grant me access.

Fiona

5BYou'll be destroying everything I've built.

V

5BThat's the fucking idea. Access. Now.

Fiona

5BFine, here.

1AYou'll regret this. Sooner than you think.

Tommie

Darn it... It's gotta be here... it's-it's gotta...

I-I... I was just looking for uh…

V

S'all right. What's your name?

Tommie

Tommie…

V

10AHi, Tommie. My name's V. Whatcha doin' here?

Tommie

10AUhh... Nothin... I'm just kinda... H-here…?

V

10AIn the director's office? Come on, I know you were looking for something.

Tommie

10AYeah, s-sorta wanted to see if I got picked for a team! But... still no one.

10AIt's not fair. I've got all the right skills, the right chrome, I'm super duper fast...

V

11AYour day'll come. Just takes time, that's all.

Tommie

11AIt's just, well… I'm gettin' old.

V

11AYou? Old?

Tommie

11ASoon no one'll want me, not even the worst teams. And Dad said I can't screw up 'cause we live in Dogtown and a career in sports is our last chance.

V

12ACan't always win in life, y'know.

Tommie

12ABut then I'll lose. And then everyone'll laugh at me.

V

12AListen, some things ain't worth the price. Can end up losin' everything. Trust me, I've been there.

12BTough, havin' that responsibility. But if it wasn't for your family, what would you want?

Tommie

12BUhhhh... Have some fun, I guess? Or take a vacation! That'd be neat.

V

12BYou're a good kid, Tommie, know that?

Tommie

11AI know.

V

11AHey, chin up, kiddo. It'll all work out, you'll see.

V

13ASay, little whiz like you wouldn't know where Fiona's terminal is, would ya? Need it for a sec.

Tommie

13AIt's right there, can't you see?

V

13AWell would ya look at that. Silly ol' me.

Tommie

13ASee? I know everything!

V

13AYeah, clever little rascal.

V

14ANow buck up and get outta here 'fore Miss Fiona sees you.

Tommie

14AYes, ma'am – I-I just need to find, uh, uh… that thing…

V

13BWas nice meetin' ya, Tommie, but I've got some biz to take care of.

11BHey, lighten up, kiddo. You're too big to be crying.

11CShouldn't be in here, kid. Go on, scram.

Tommie

10AOK, well… I'm gonna head back... just please don't tell Miss Fiona you saw me?

V

10AI won't. Get outta here.

Tommie

10AUh, OK! I-I just need to check something first…

V

10BShouldn't be in here, kid.

Tommie

10BI know, I know... You won't tell Miss Fiona, right?

V

15AThis Miss Fiona – what's she like?

Tommie

15AShe's tough, b-but it's only so that we become top athletes with uh, um… prospects! Yeah…

V

15AThat what you were looking for in these drawers? Prospects?

15BWon't say anythin' if you delta quick.

10CHow'd you get in here? They let you outta your room?

Tommie

10CWell… I know a few tricks. My dad's a techie – he taught me a ton of stuff.

Fiona

It's all right, Tommie. Go back to your room.

Fixer

Nicely done, V. Thanks to you, our Europeans can make sure tax evaders don't go unpunished.

V

1AWho's this client that cares so much about taxes?

Fixer

1AThe EEC only wants what it is owed. As they pay well, I'm only happy to oblige. Closing this contract.

V

1BYou knew they're chippin' kids there?

Fixer

1BWhy so dramatic? It's an open secret by now – everyone knows what goes on there. Few care.

1BIf I've offended your sense of moral decency, I do apologize. Contract closed. Until the next time, V.

V, mishaps like that do not go unnoticed in Dogtown. In any case, it's your reputation that's at stake. Goodbye.

Fixer

V, in Luxor Heights there's a... Let's call it a sports academy – clients from all around the world come there to seek fresh talent.

Contracts are signed, while taxes allegedly go unpaid. It so happens that my client doesn't like people who cut corners.

With my netrunner's help, you'll enter the facility and extract the data that's of import to my client. Godspeed.

Hands guy

You're Hands' merc, right? How much you know about the job?

V

1AEh, not much. Hands mentioned somethin' about athletes and peeps evadin' taxes.

1BHow 'bout a "hello", or a "what's your name?"

Hands guy

Here's the sich. At this "academy," they're training, molding young athletes. Folks fly in from across the world to meet them, sign contracts.

You're going in as a scout for the San Diego Shredders. Name's Victoria Wilson, twenty-eight and you're lookin' for a wide receiver.

Scheduling you in their system now. You following all this?

V

2AGot it. San Diego Shredders, Victoria Wilson, twenty-eight years old, looking for a wide receiver.

2BWhat? Sorry, I zoned out.

Hands guy

2BFor real?

V

2BNo. San Diego Shredders, Victoria Wilson, twenty-eight years old, looking for a wide receiver, and lose the patronizing tone.

Hands guy

Well done. Just 'member to keep a tight lip – no unnecessary chatter.

Once you're in, find Fiona Vargas's office, the academy's director, and pull data on every scout who's ever signed a contract. Questions?

V

3AAll clear.

Hands guy

3AGreat. Quick scan and... You're good to go. After you, Victoria Wilson.

V

3ASo he's a gentleman now – who'da thought. Later…

3BArasaka daemons? Not easy to come by.

Hands guy

3BHow'd you know they're Arasaka?

V

3BEx-counterintel. Third branch.

Hands guy

3BEx-cybersec, first. Looks like we both took a wrong turn somewhere. Sorry... I'm Baird.

V

4AV.

4BThat all?

Hands guy

3BOK. Quick scan and... We're in. System recognized you – should be able to waltz straight in. Good luck.

V

3CWhat's a sports academy doing in Dogtown?

Hands guy

3COh, they're all over the world. They make athletes stronger, better.

3CBut if you want to "enhance" them earlier than the legal age limit – where would you go?

V

3CWhere no one gives a shit.

Hands guy

3COr as it's more commonly known – Dogtown. Whatever Hansen says goes, and nobody gives a fuck about the rest.

V

3DUh, cover story's a little thin. Oughta flesh it out, don't ya think?

Hands guy

3DNo need. It's your way in, nothing more. Beyond that, avoid any talk about yourself. Just blend in, get the data and get out.

V

3EHands a tax collector now? Yeah, I ain't buyin' it.

Hands guy

3EHow 'bout a shitload-o'-eddies-collector? Sound more believable? Job isn't glamorous, but it pays.

5AWell?

Well?

Bartender

See a free spot on the other side with your name on it.

Johnny

1AThese ain't athletes, V. They're kids. Kids way too young for this kind o' chrome.

V

1ASee that, Johnny.

Johnny

1AHeartless fucks...

Bartender

1ABe right with you, ma'am.

V

1AThese, uh, "showcases" happen often?

Bartender

1AOnly when Dr. Vargas thinks an athlete's worth showin' off, which is pretty often.

V

2ACan I get a double shot of Centzon Tequila?

Bartender

2AWhat the...?

Bar Scout

2AThat was tempered glass! What I wouldn't give to know Fiona's secret...

Bartender

2ASorry, I have to close the bar for a sec.

Johnny

2ANow's our chance to sneak behind the scenes of this fuckin' circus.

V

3ADunno if I'm gonna like what I see.

3BJohnny Silverhand askin' me to get up from a bar? Somethin' new every day…

Bar Scout

2AJust saw a fighter that we gotta have... What...? MMA... Sure... Yeah, got all the data... Yeah, I'll make Fiona an offer. OK, bye.

Bartender

2AHere you go. First time, I take it? Which team you scouting for?

V

4AI'm with the San Diego Shredders – scoutin' for a wide receiver.

Bar Scout

4AYou say the Shredders? Small world! I'm Caden – worked with Tomas two seasons back.

V

4AVicky Wilson.

Bar Scout

4AWait, shoppin' for another wideout after re-signing your franchise stats leader? Man's an all-time deep threat, uhh... what's his name?

V

5APlayer that good – wouldn't forget the name.

Bar Scout

5AYeah, you got me, hahahaha. No, but uh… seriously, uh, what's his name?

V

5AEh, won't believe it, but… it slipped my mind too.

Bar Scout

5AAhhh, huh, you don't say. Hey, uh... you wouldn't remember Tom's last name, would ya?

V

5AWhy do I feel like I'm bein' questioned here?

Bar Scout

5ARiiiight. Hey, Bill?!

Bartender

5AI'm on it. Mike! Need you here, stat!

5ANeed some extra verification.

Guard

5AFollow me, please, ma'am.

V

6AGot a pat-down on the way in. I'm with the San Diego Shredders.

Guard

6ASo you'll get another one. I don't make the rules, ma'am.

6AHold your arm out here. I'll transmit a request to central – make sure everything's in order.

Guard

7AHm, ain't lookin' good.

Johnny

7ANow what?

7AC'mon already.

7AMe, I'd've handled that differently.

6AGot a real way with words, V.

V

6ADidn't have anything smart to say when this asshole was grilling me before.

Johnny

6AWas outta respect. Gave you space to, y'know, express yourself.

Guard

6ACome with me unless you want trouble.

V

6BFuck this.

6CWhat if I don't feel like it?

Guard

6CIt ain't up for debate.

V

5BLook, pal. You say you know Tomas, but I don't know you. And I don't discuss team business with randos.

Bar Scout

5BHeh. Bill, think our friend here needs somethin' stronger to loosen up.

V

5BWork on your own drink, pal.

Bar Scout

5BYeah – fuck yourself too.

V

5CIf life's taught me anythin', it's not talk to folks I don't know about biz that ain't there's. Sorry, pal, don't take it personal.

4BRather drink than chat.

Bartender

2AHere you go. First time, I take it? Which team you scouting for?

2AHere you go. First time, I take it? Which team you scouting for?

V

2BGlass of grape tears, please.

2CNo booze, thanks. Make it a NiCola?

2EDr. Fiona ever make an appearance at these things?

Bartender

2ENah, she's not really the type to mingle. Prefers sitting cooped up in her office downstairs.

Receptionist

Welcome, Mrs. Wilson. If you'll join me, please.

V

8AUh… what is it?

Receptionist

8AEverything you see here is protected under an NDA.

8AShould any information about our athletes be made public, our contract with the Diego Shredders will be terminated, effective immediately.

V

8AOuch. Sounds serious.

Receptionist

8AIf I may, I suggest you start your visit at our world-class bar. Drinks are on the house.

Johnny

8AWell, then. Got my first mission for you. Need you to neutralize three shots of tequila, stat.

V

9AWho's using these bots?

Receptionist

9AOur verbal-motoric integrated interface is used by scouts such as yourself remotely. From Asia, Europe, Africa…

9ASince not everyone can make a personal appearance in Dogtown, we've provided a solution.

V

9BI'd like to speak with Dr. Fiona Vargas in private.

Receptionist

9BHmm… Without an appointment, I'm afraid that won't be possible.

Doll

I'd rather shoot myself than fly all the way from Milan.

Guest

Mhm. I'd also connect remotely if I didn't have to go to Night City straight after.

Doll

Oohh, business or pleasure?

Guest

Both, I hope.

Auctioneer

Ladies and gentleman, the next junior for the twenty-seventy-seven/twenty-seventy-eight season is Katie McCannon.

Katie is a young, but extremely talented soccer player. Top-scoring position – midfielder.

She's equipped with permanently reinforced ACLs and boasts excellent quadricep growth.

If you're interested in Katie, please see our starting offer. You can also see her latest performance statistics up on the board.

Our next athlete whom you'll have the pleasure of meeting is Kelvin "Golden" Strickland.

Kelvin is a dyed-in-the-wool fighter with an instant knockout punch. Two thirds of all his bouts end in knockout victory.

All those interested in signing with Kelvin, please feel free to review his latest performance statistics.

And another.

Oh! And there's that knockout punch I was talking about!

Forgive me, ladies and gentlemen, but due to damaged equipment, this athlete's showcase is on hold.

And the statistics are live. In just a moment you'll see another rating.

And the statistics are live. In just a moment you'll see another rating.

And another.

Bartender

Here you go. First time, I take it? Which team you scouting for?

Johnny

Got a real way with words, V.

V

Didn't have anything smart to say when this asshole was grilling me before.

Johnny

Was outta respect. Gave you space to, y'know, express yourself.

Guard

Mh, mhm… Right…

V

Sucks to be you, choom.

Bar Scout

Oh come on, humor me.

Receptionist

Please, ma'am, it's just a formality for all newcomers.