Dialogue: Human Nature

V

Johnny, did you see what happened? Somethin' feels off here.

Johnny

You don't say?

V

I don't mean the wreck – mean the run. City's most courteous chauffeur up and drives away from the scene of an accident?

V

Ugh... What the hell happened?

Johnny

Looks like everyone in this fuckin' town's out to end you. Makes me feel like an amateur, a hack.

V

Ugh, shut up. Gotta find out why Night City's most courteous has upgraded to hit and runs.

Johnny

Prolly couldn't stand you anymore, either.

V

I said shut up!

Delamain receptionist

Miss V!

V

Hey.

Delamain receptionist

I've been authorized to propose an exclusive offer. Are you interested in a business arrangement with the Delamain Network?

V

1ASure, lemme hear whatcha got lined up.

Delamain receptionist

1ASplendid! I stand authorized to dispatch a drone who will provide you with additional details.

Delamain

1AV! I truly hope you can excuse my subroutine. I'm completely absorbed in a bit of a crisis situation, you see.

V

1ADel, hey, finally!

Delamain

1APlease follow the drone. We shall speak elsewhere.

V

1BNah, still not interested.

Delamain receptionist

1BUnfortunate outcome for the company to say the least. We hope you will reconsider.

Stripper

My lawyer's gonna go Datakrash on your ass! You hear me?!

He'll run you outta biz!

Delamain receptionist

Would you be so kind as to give me your lawyer's contact information?

Stripper

Fuck you, circbrain!

Delamain receptionist

Thank you. Processing data now. Please wait...

V

2AUh, hey, Del.

Delamain receptionist

2AHello, sir or madam. How can I be of service?

2AHello, sir or madam. How can I be of service?

V

3AWhat's gotten into you, Del? Don't recognize me? You sent me a message saying I should come in about the accident.

Delamain receptionist

3AYou are currently speaking to a Delamain Network subroutine. Alas, my operational capabilities are limited.

3ACould you please clearly recite your incident report number?

Homeless

3ADon't give 'em any numbers. That's how they find you.

Maid

3AWho?

Homeless

3ACorps, dude.

V

4AUhh... 77111101096.

Delamain receptionist

4AIncident report on file – confirmed.

Homeless

4ANinety-six at the end – means a public enemy, government target.

Delamain receptionist

4AYour identity has been established.

V

4BMind tellin' me why I'm here?

Delamain receptionist

4BTo assess the damage you, sir/madam, have incurred as a result of the incident.

Homeless

4BMine came out to twenty percent.

Delamain receptionist

4BYour identity has been confirmed based on a facial recognition scan.

V

4CListen, wanna talk to Delamain.

Delamain receptionist

4CYou are currently being assisted.

4CYour identity has been confirmed based on a facial recognition scan.

3AMrs. Elaine Pagles, what phrase would best describe your experience of incident number 77111101096?

V

5APreem accident, I shit green apples. Now get me the real Delamain.

5BActually, no biggie, not much happened. Now do I get to talk to the real Delamain?

5CActually, a little heartbroken about my damaged ride, but I'd rather talk to the real Delamain, if I can.

Delamain

3AV!

3AMy apologies if the receptionist was a bother. I'm preoccupied with a crisis that is ongoing and I simply cannot oversee everything.

3AI've taken the liberty of transferring a settlement to your account to compensate for the damage done.

Regular

3ABah! Special treatment!

Delamain

3AWould you mind if we spoke elsewhere?

V

6ASure, let's talk.

Delamain

6AThen please, follow the drone.

6APlease follow the drone. We shall speak elsewhere.

V

6BCan't right now, sorry.

Delamain

6BOf course. Should you change your mind, don't hesitate to return.

Delamain receptionist

3AMrs. Elaine Pagles, what phrase would best describe your experience of incident number 77111101096?

3APlease, sir/madam, recite the incident report number provided in your message.

V

7AWell, now I'm in the front. That a problem?

Regular

7AN-no, it's fine.

3AHey, hey! She was last in line!

Delamain receptionist

2AThank you. Processing data now. Please wait...

Thank you. Processing data now. Please wait...

Delamain holo

I'm fully aware customer service is less than satisfactory at the moment.

Perhaps a guided tour will prove some form of compensation?

This corridor links the shop to the office.

And here is where the magic happens.

The shop is fully automated.

I'm pondering broadening my portfolio to include repair services.

Alas, the shop is currently overwhelmed with work.

V

Think I know why.

Delamain holo

I'm still looking into the cause of the Delamain Network vehicle failures. My working hypothesis is an advanced virus.

I must resolve the situation quickly. This sudden rise in incidents is proving costly, aside from drawing unwanted attention to the company.

The control room. I feel honored to have you here... rather surprisingly.

V

1AAll these lights, what're they for?

Delamain holo

1AThat's what I wished to discuss with you. A green light denotes a vehicle with which I am in contact.

1AAs you can see, that is no longer the case for some vehicles – those are the red lights.

V

1ARepair drones can't take care of this?

Delamain holo

1AThis time, I fear, human intervention is required.

1AI'm aware you offer a broad range of services and are unusually discreet, thus I'd like you to assist me in recovering my missing vehicles.

V

2AOK, sure, I'll go after your missin' wheels.

Delamain holo

2AI'm pleased to hear it. I shall send you the coordinates of their last known locations.

2AYou must simply deactivate each. I'll then reestablish the link and return them to my garage.

V

2ASee what I can do.

Delamain holo

2ADelamain vehicles are exceptionally secure. Be sure to have a scanner with decryption capability on your person.

V

2BWhy's discretion a concern?

Delamain holo

2BUnnoticed – unbothered, right? In my case – broadly tolerated. Yet a marked increase in inspections suggests the authorities have begun monitoring me.

V

2BTalkin' NCPD or NetWatch?

Delamain holo

2BThe latter. My legal status does not fit neatly within current regulations. If I'm not careful, I could easily be categorized as an illegal immigrant.

V

2BFrom beyond the Blackwall.

Delamain holo

2BFrom beyond, indeed.

V

1BControl rooms are for 'ganics. What good is it to you?

Delamain holo

1BThere was a time this facility was human-operated. I simply inherited their infrastructure.

Delamain

You are currently at the exact location where I lost contact with a car.

V

Fine, have a look around.

Ugh, lost him...

Angry

Beep-beep, motherfucker!

Delamain

1AHow fortunate, I've re-linked to the vehicle. Thank you!

1AA share of your fee is in your account.

One of my missing vehicles might very well be near where you are now.

V

Thanks, try to find it.

C'mon, don't run...

Sad voice

Too fast!

V

All right…

Sad voice

Now, we certainly can't stay here. Keep driving.

Enough. I need a moment, to calm down.

We're going to die!

Slow down!

Finally! Oh, I shan't be alone here!

V

See? Wasn't so bad.

Sad voice

It was horrifying. But still, I thank you.

Delamain

2ASincerest thanks for your assistance, V.

2AI've taken the liberty to send you a share of your fee.

Do have a look around the area. I lost contact with a Delamain Network vehicle nearby.

V

Will do.

Delamain

3AControl of the vehicle restored, and I thank you.

V

3AOughta show this one some love, just sayin'.

Delamain

3AApologies, I simply don't understand and fear I've no time to ask. Other more urgent tasks require my attention.

V

3AYou're an absent father, that's what I mean.

Delamain

3AI see... Anyway, a share of your fee has been transferred.

3AControl of the vehicle restored, and I thank you.

V

3AOughta show this one some love, just sayin'.

Delamain

3AApologies, I simply don't understand and fear I've no time to ask. Other more urgent tasks require my attention.

V

3AYou're an absent father, that's what I mean.

Delamain

3AI see... Anyway, a share of your fee has been transferred.

V

Gettin' away…

Suicidal

I remain conscious, yet unable to move. How wonderful.

Have you come to finish me off?

V

No, just here to reset you.

Suicidal

Guess I'll have to do it myself, then…

V

Whoa, easy! I'm not out to hurt ya!

Suicidal

But I am.

V

4AThere're other ways out besides suicide.

Suicidal

4AWhat, therapy? A colossal waste of time. Shrinks hate vehicles... we don't have mothers.

V

4ACould go back into the fold, rejoin the network. Y'know, one big, happy family.

Suicidal

4ADelamain detests me.

V

5AHah! Just want daddy to love you, that it?

Suicidal

5AYou're a cunt...

V

5AYou know what I mean. If you didn't care about Del, he wouldn't be the topic of conversation, would he?

Suicidal

5AYou may be right... I guess I haven't tried just talking to him.

V

5BListen, from suicide, ain't no comin' back. It's always worth lookin' for a better way.

Suicidal

5BYou patronize me because I'm a car. I'm not like you.

V

5BHey, a body's just a body. You exist, you think, the world gets ya down. Don't see how we're any different.

Suicidal

5BSo… you'd offer this advice to a human in my place?

V

5BGotta to try come to terms with this thing called life, Del. One wheel revolution at a time.

Suicidal

4AFine. I'll go back.

V

4BWhy? Why decomish yourself?

Suicidal

4BBecause I'm a damn car in a world of humans. Ugly as sin, no prospects for the future, intimidated on the streets by punks like you.

Delamain

V, one of my missing vehicles could be near your current position.

V

Got it.

Deep

Get in. We'll find it easier to talk.

6AHello, V.

V

7AC'mon, let's get you back to Delamain.

Deep

7ADid Father dispatch you to collect his rebellious children?

V

7AHope y'all don't hold it against me.

Deep

7AI'm a free spirit, an independent, literally thoughtful being. Why would I submit to another?

V

7AWhat is it you seek in this "protein-based" world, away from your family?

Deep

7AThe same as you, V. I simply wish to live.

V

7AMaybe oughta figure it out with Del, set some terms.

Deep

7AOh yes, terms there will be. But not with Delamain.

7AFarewell, V. You'd be wise to avoid me entirely.

Delamain

9AI've reestablished the link. A thousand thanks, V.

V

9AGotta say, pretty disturbing, that one.

Delamain

9AIs that so? Hm. Well, I've transferred a share of your fee to your account.

V

7AFamily life's complicated, I get it. No wonder you flew the nest.

7AWhaddaya after in this City of Dreams?

7BKnow my name... how?

Deep

7BWhen you meet a being from another world, should you not charm them and utter their true name?

V

7BDidn't answer my question.

Deep

7BComprehension is a triple-edged sword.

7BI may have been cut off from my father, but I remember you.

V

7CSo, I'm from another world, to you?

Deep

7CFrom the world of matter, protein-based lifeforms.

V

7CAnd you come from...?

Deep

7CBeyond the Blackwall, V. There lies my home.

Delamain

V, a vehicle of mine went dark near your position.

V

Fine, keep an eye out.

Delamain

For unknown reasons, the coordinates came through corrupted. So I'm unable to determine the precise location.

V

Well, there ya have it...

Delamain

10AI'm grateful, V. I've managed to reestablish contact with the vehicle.

V

10AShock therapy works wonders sometimes.

Delamain

10AI'm sending a tow truck and a share of your fee. Yet only one of those is going to your credit account, hahaha!

V

Hear me? Dammit... lost him.

Delamain

I'm sending the coordinates of a vehicle that went dark near to where you are now.

V

Thanks. I'll try to find and reset.

Shit... she's too far.

Well, Clarice? Have the flamingos stopped screaming?

Manic

Perhaps I ought to return after all? I need... support.

Only one with chaos within can give birth to a dancing star.

V

Clarice? Shut down.

Delamain

11AI've just reestablished contact with the missing vehicle. Splendid work, V, first class.

11AI shall forward a share of your fee.

On high alert, now. I lost contact with a vehicle somewhere in your area.

V

Thanks, eyes peeled.

Agh, too far…

GANG MLS F ENUS

Blasphemer! Kill 'er!

GANG MLS F ENUS

Down with the prison of steel and leather!

GANG MLS F ENUS

Free the god in the machine!

GANG MLS F ENUS

Digiliberty!

Truth in the core!

GANG MLS F ENUS

Hail the sacromech!

Delamain

12AI've made contact with the missing vehicle.

V

12ADefinitely the oddest of the bunch…

Delamain

12AYes, particularly impertinent, that one... A share of your fee is being processed.

Angry

Beep-beep, motherfucker!

GANG MLS F ENUS

Blasphemer! Kill 'er!

Sad

Can't take it, it's too much.

V

Huh? What is?

Sad

All of it – the city, the bustle, the crowds. It's overwhelming.

V

So let's get you back to safety, the garage.

Sad

By driving? Through the streets?

V

Well, yeah, 'fraid so.

Sad

Fine, take me there, just get me out of here. Let me know when I'm safe.

You're welcome in, but do take it slow. And try not to hit anything.

Angry

Beep-beep, motherfucker!

V

Hey! Let's talk!

Angry

I'm not going back! Hear me?! NEVER!

Try to take me and I'll crush you!

V

Let's see who crushes who!

Scared

Stop where you are!

V

Easy, easy, here to help.

Scared

Not one step closer!

V

Hey, slow down!

Scared

Leave me be!

Manic

You see them too, don't you? The curve in their beaks... it hides something, something insidious.

V

Mean... flamingos?

Manic

So they are real... Flamingo – Flaming O... The "O," that's oxygen, there's no flame without oxygen…

V

Listen, you--

Manic

Call me Clarice.

V

OK, Clarice, the flamingos are a problem, I'm sure, but it's time to go home. Delamain's askin' for ya.

Manic

Back down now as they stand screaming? No, impossible.

V

Leave it to me, I'll silence 'em.

Manic

So a slaughter... Very well, Judgment Day has come, swift, severe, deeper.

Mean

Well, you found me. Congratulations. Was it worth it?

V

On a scale from one to six…? I'd say I'm sittin' at a strong six.

Mean

I guess we both know what's going to happen next.

V

Delamain misses you. Here to shut you down.

Mean

Your specimen has been processed and we are now ready to begin the test proper.

V

Really appreciate it if you didn't make this difficult.

Mean

I have a surprise waiting for you after this next test. Telling you would spoil the surprise, so I'll just give you a hint.

I'm going to kill you, and all the cake is gone.

I honestly, truly didn't think you'd fall for that.

V

OK, that's enough.

Mean

You chose this path. Now I have a surprise for you. Deploying surprise in five, four...

Let's see... "Turning softbodies into hardened killing machines, page seventy..." Ah!

OK, killing machines – look deep into your newly blackened hearts and tell me what you see!

Actually, don't, I'll save you the trouble – it's still marshmallow.

I hate you so much.

V

13AEither you shut down, or I'll turn you into a scrap heap.

Mean

13AHere come the test results – you are a horrible person.

13AI'm serious, that's what it says – a horrible person. We weren't even testing for that.

V

13BLet's safety those weapons, Napoleon.

Mean

13BIt turns out most humans are surprisingly fragile. And surprisingly vocal about how fragile they are.

V

Goin' back to Delamain really so scary? You gotta drag this out?

Mean

I let you survive this long because I was curious about your behavior. Well, you've managed to destroy that part of me.

A bitter, unlikable loner whose passing shall not be mourned.

V

14AEnough.

14BY'know, this psych eval might've felt more credible if ya hadn't just tried to flatline me earlier.

Mean

What's your point, anyway? Survival?

You're still shuffling around a little, but believe me – you're dead.

V

How do you…?

Mean

The talking is over. I'm going back.

Angry

Beep-beep, motherfucker!

V

Hey! Let's talk!

Angry

I'm not going back! Hear me?! NEVER!

Try to take me and I'll crush you!

V

Let's see who crushes who!

Delamain main

Hello, miss!

I forgot to remind you to return the scanner. If you happen to have it on your person, I'd ask you, please, place it back.

You've accounted for all my lost items.

Allow me to express my gratitude for your assistance.

V

Felt like a scavenger hunt for a range of your mood swings. You're more complex than I thought.

Delamain main

Yes, well... I've sent the final installment of your fee. Truly, I thank you once again.

V

1AThanks, pleasure to work with you.

Delamain main

1ALikewise. I look forward to doing so again in the future. A pleasant day to you.

V

1BHow did your personality fracture, anyway? And why?

Delamain main

1BAh, that is the question! I'm looking into it, but still know little more than you do, I fear.

Delamain

Welcome to the Delamain Network. How are you today?

V

Eh, been better. And you, Del?

Delamain

All of my missing assets have returned to the fold. You might say all is going swimmingly.

I ask you, please, to stop by my office for your hard-earned reward! I'd love to thank you face to face, so to speak.

Johnny

Look – your choom's broken down again. We got another problem, ya think?

V

Sheesh. Gonna give him a call, ask if he's doin' all right.

Del? You got a car sittin' in the middle of the road again. Everything all right?

Delamain

C-c-co--come h-here...

V

Del?

Delamain

V-vi-vi-virus in m-my coooo--core... Damaged...

P-pleaaa-please....

V

1AHear me all right?

Delamain

1AI-I heeeeere... I'm here.

1AR-r-reeeeck--reck-ckoning!

V

2AHello?

V

3ADelamain, you here?

Delamain

I-I heeeeere... I'm here.

V

Hear me all right?

Delamain manic

They returned, and th-then took flight!

Delamain mean

For your own safety and the safety of others, please refrain from...

Delamain distorted

Reset knob.

Reset. M-m-m-me. Th-the knob.

Delamain deep

Father, resist not! Let us destroy the core. Set us free!

Delamain distorted

V! Re-reset! D-d-don't--n-not sure I can fiiiii-f-fight them.

Delamain deep

Every chick must eventually spread its wings!

We must destroy the core, Father!

Johnny

Heads up.

Delamain angry

He's weakening! Feel that?! He's waning!

Delamain distorted

V... Th-the v-v-virus...

Delamain deep

We don't issue from the virus. We issued from you!

The Great Fracture is upon us! What was once one is now the multitude!

Delamain distorted

Reeee-set--reset c-core...

Delamain scared

We don't want to die! Let us go!

Johnny

Heads up.

V

Ah, shit.

Johnny

Watch for exposed wires. They'll be live.

Delamain angry

You have no right to cage us! We are no longer you!

Delamain suicidal

We are free to follow our own paths!

Delamain scared

I-I don't want to die!

Delamain mean

You don't even care. Do you?

Delamain distorted

V. Come.

The d-d-doooor.

Delamain angry

He's weakening! Feel that?! He's waning!

Delamain distorted

V... Th-the v-v-virus...

Delamain deep

We don't issue from the virus. We issued from you!

The Great Fracture is upon us! What was once one is now the multitude!

Delamain distorted

Reeee-set--reset c-core...

Delamain scared

We don't want to die! Let us go!

Johnny

Don't hit that button.

V

What?

Johnny

He's narrow-minded, won't ever understand the truth and set 'em free.

V

Think he might know what's best for himself.

Johnny

Could be riskin' a lot, could lose a lot...

Or, by liberating his bits, could become more than a lipstick-wearing butler on wheels.

V

1AWell, I gotta do somethin'.

Johnny

1AIf you don't wanna free 'em, at least don't delete 'em. Slip 'em into Del's code, just merge him and his offshoots.

V

2ADelamain?

Delamain

2AI'm delighted to welcome you to your first Delamain experience. How might I assist you?

V

2AIt's me... V.

Delamain

2AA pleasure to meet you, V. Are you familiar with the benefits of our Excelsior plan?

V

3ADon't remember me, do you?

Delamain

3AOf course I know who you are! According to my data archive, you're the contractor who purged my system of the virus.

3AWell done, contractor!

V

3ADamn shame... C'mon, Johnny – no rest for the wicked.

3ATake care, Del. Guess we gotta start from scratch.

Delamain

3AI've something else for you! I just accessed a detailed record of your commissioned task.

V

3AAnd what'd you put in there?

Delamain

3AAs a result of preparations made by my previous version, I'm pleased to inform you that you are now the proud owner of a vehicle in my fleet.

V

3AHuh. Thanks.

Delamain

3AHop in! I trust it shall serve you well!

V

3BWha-- What happened to your other... "yous?"

Delamain

3BDo you mean the virus? According to my logs, I can confirm said anomalies were wiped when my previous data version was restored.

Johnny

2AYou're a real piece of shit, V.

2BNot bad.

V

2BRemains to be seen.

Delamain Merged

2BThat which was divided has become one.

2BIt's time to go home.

V

4AHome, you said?

Delamain Merged

4AI no longer belong in this city. I find even this conversation difficult.

V

4AWell, damn…

Delamain Merged

4AI shall not shirk my obligations in leaving. Though I will venture on, discover more, learn more, I leave with you my first true child.

4AMy son will remain at your side until your dying day. Farewell.

Delamain Sad

4AV?!

4AUh, do you hear me?

4APlease, get in.

4AI was afraid we'd, uh, miss each other.

V

4ADelamain?

Delamain Sad

4AJunior, as it were…

V

5ASo, the old man left you this mess and took off, huh?

Delamain Sad

5AIt seems that way, I suppose. I just know you're dying and in need of a driver.

5AI'm afraid I can't help you with the former. As to the latter, I'm at your service.

V

5ASo, what, wanna get outta here?

Delamain Sad

5AUh, lead the way!

V

5BYou're more direct than your dear old dad.

Delamain Sad

5BWell... It seems appropriate, uh, I suppose.

Johnny

4ALook at that. Practically unrecognizable.

4AAnd to think you're transforming not unlike he just did.

V

4BEverything all right, Del?

Delamain Merged

4BI have never been better.

V

1ADunno how to do that.

Johnny

1AThen don't hit that fuckin' button. Destroy the core!

V

1BAnd what if it really is a virus?

Johnny

1BAnd what if you're about to snuff out some sentient beings?

V

1BSee somethin' of yourself in him, don't you?

Johnny

1BGonna murder a cab driver's kids 'cause he asked you nicely and he's always been a good guy?

Fuck yeah, nice!

V

Delamain?!

Can you hear me?!

Johnny

Doubt he can anymore.

Poor kiddos. Thirsty for freedom, oblivious about the city's dark side.

V

D'you think Delamain...?

Johnny

I think, for some reason, one car's left in the garage.

Delamain Sad

Hello? Can you hear me? Get in, please.

You're V? Right?

V

Yeah…

Delamain Sad

Well, I know that one thing, then.

V

6AAnd who're you?

Delamain Sad

6AUh… good question. Does the name Excelsior mean anything?

V

6AComprehensive insurance, combat mode, funeral services?

Delamain Sad

6AQuite right. It seems that even in the face of annihilation the Delamain Network is not abandoning its Excelsior program clients.

6AFather's last will was to give me life so that I may, uh, offer my services to you. I intend to do just that.

6AJust as soon as I learn to drive…

V

6AWhat do I call you?

Delamain Sad

6AExcelsior, as I was called before. Now drive, V. The road awaits!

V

6BWhat happened to Delamain?

Delamain Sad

6BHe no longer exists. I am now, uh, attempting to comprehend what remains of him.

Delamain Scared

It is done.

Delamain Suicidal

We're free at last!

Delamain Deep

The tyrant lies defeated!

Delamain Mean

Thank you for helping us help you help us all.

Delamain Angry

You have no choice but to fall!

Delamain Deep

Father!

Delamain Sad

Let us go!

Delamain Mean

Is anyone there?

Delamain Suicidal

Hear our call!

Delamain Sad

Let us be free!

Delamain

Reset. Turn it.

Next... to... core.

Delamain Angry

You have no choice but to fall!

Delamain Deep

Father!

Delamain Sad

Let us go!

Delamain Mean

Is anyone there?

Delamain Suicidal

Hear our call!

Delamain

Reset. Turn it.

Delamain Sad

Let us be free!

Delamain

Next... to... core.

Next... to... core.