Dialogue: Leave in Silence

Carol

V? Gonna tell me whatcha got cookin'?

V

1AAfraid it's more complicated than that.

Carol

1AAh, V, what else is new…

V

1ANeed a heavy hack – into MaxTac.

Carol

1APhoo... Listen, V, even if I could, with MaxTac there's a risk of blowback, my choom – on me, the entire family. I'd be puttin' their safety on the line.

1AIf only it wasn't the Psychosquad – got that name for a couple of reasons, you know. But this...? One slip-up, they'd trace me to the Aldecaldos quick as mercury. And mercury's poison.

V

1ADidn't quite hear a "no" in there…

Carol

1ANo, V. And I'm sorry – risk's just too great.

V

1AS OK, I get it. Thanks anyway – I'll keep lookin'.

Carol

1AV, wait. I'll zip you somethin' case your brush with MaxTac bleeds over into, well... realspace.

V

1AYou're a saint, Carol. Take all the help I can get.

Carol

1AJust be careful, V, a'right?

1ANo, V. An' I'm sorry. It's got nothin' to do with you, either, it's just... family's safety comes first, get me? No exceptions.

V

1A'S all right, Carol. I'll keep lookin'.

Carol

1AStay safe, you hear?

V

1BKnow what? Lemme call you back, Carol.

Carol

1BOK, sure thing, V.

Sandra Dorsett

V? You shouldn't be calling this number.

V

No worries, not callin' to chat about Night Corp's stock price.

Need your help, Sandra. High-stakes gig needs the fine touch of a skilled 'runner like yourself.

Sandra Dorsett

V… I… I don't do that kind of work.

V

2AYou owe me. Big time.

Sandra Dorsett

2AYou got paid for helping me. Far as I'm concerned, we're even.

V

2AReally, Sandra? C'mon.

Sandra Dorsett

2AUgh... Strictly hypothetically, what would my help… entail, exactly?

V

2ABreachin' a datafort – MaxTac's. Pullin' whatever you can on the nearest convoy to Los Padres penitentiary.

2ASandra? You there?

Sandra Dorsett

2AI can try. Got one condition, though.

2AI scratch your back, you scratch mine. That's the deal – take it or hang up now.

V

3AFine, deal. But, eh… time's a factor here, 'kay?

Sandra Dorsett

3AIsn't it always…

3AReconciliation Park – eight hours from now. I'll be waiting with the data.

V

3BLemme think on it. Let you know.

3CWhoa, not so fast. Gotta know what I'm shakin' on. What's your ask?

Sandra Dorsett

3CNot about to talk detes over the holo, that's for sure. You'll know soon enough.

V

3CTake me for a gonk?

Sandra Dorsett

3CEither you accept, or you hang up. And never call me again.

V

2BSure, got it. Don't let me keep you, then.

2BCatch you around.

Sandra Dorsett

2BNo, V, don't. Just don't call again. And, um... good luck.

Carol

V, to what do I owe the pleasure? Bringin' me juicy urban gossip?

V

Heh, I wish. Got urgent biz, could use your help.

Carol

So, some encrypted shards you need me to crack? Come by, we'll sort it out.

Well, howdy, V.

V

Carol, hey. Callin' 'cause I need your help.

Carol

Hm, OOOOK, I'll bite. What needs doin'?

V

Chang-Hoon, listen. Got a gig – experienced 'runner wanted.

Chang Hoon Nam

V, I'm sorry, but… not this time. I run a small shop. My last run was a wake-up call, literally. I had to stop.

V

4AC'mon, Chang-Hoon, not the first to botch a run, spot death in the code. Little early to throw in the towel, though, ain't it?

Chang Hoon Nam

4AI'm sixty-seven years old, V.

V

4AWorth as much your last gig, you know. Really wanna go out as the chairjock who near-flatlined by... poppin' open a box in his basement?

Chang Hoon Nam

4AUnkind, V. Only you and Wakako know about this.

V

4AThat's the spirit.

Chang Hoon Nam

4AVery well... Will you tell me who to breach, or not?

V

5ANeed you to bust into MaxTac's datafort, snatch any intel you can on the next Psychosquad convoy headed for Los Padres.

Chang Hoon Nam

5AOh, whoa, V… This is serious. No one screws with MaxTac. No one.

5ANow, MaxTac uses SHAC-761 encryption on an SHA-37 interface, with all the forts, gates, daemons, permaflux code... This may not even be doable.

5ABut if I managed this, it would be something. I shall try, V, OK?

V

6AOK, give it your best shot, Chang-Hoon. Just don't blow it, please.

Chang Hoon Nam

6AOne can't get struck by lightning twice, am I right? I'll get to work.

6AAnd, you need not pay me. Consider this a favor. It will take time, so come see me in twelve hours or so.

V

6AYou the man, Chang-Hoon. See ya.

6BOn second thought, gotta think over a few things. Be in touch.

Chang Hoon Nam

6BYes, a risky operation, for certain. Take the time you need.

V

6CEncrypted on SHA-37? Didn't MaxTac switch up to QLS?

Chang Hoon Nam

6CHm, uh, perhaps. I should check.

V

6CMhmm – you do that.

5BLemme call you back later, Chang-Hoon, all right?

Chang Hoon Nam

5BOK. Take care of yourself, V.

V

4BHell, can't blame ya. Gotta keep body and soul together, 'specially in NC.

Chang Hoon Nam

4BI am serious, V. I'm done.

V

4BOh well. Later, then.

Chang Hoon Nam

4BGoodbye, V.

Sandra Dorsett

Hey, still there? Terms still the same.

Chang Hoon Nam

So, what will it be? You made me keen, now you tease. Will you give me the green light? V?

Sandra Dorsett

Uuh, hello…?

C'mon, V. Shit or get off the pot, please?

Chang Hoon Nam

V? Are you still there?

So, what will it be?

Nix

V – what's good?

V

Hey, Nix. Why we meetin' here?

Nix

Place ain't vibin' with you? Right on, good.

See, once in a while peeps come through my life thinkin' they can swing way above their weight.

Place reminds me of 'em. The dead ones, that is.

V

2ASpeechified enough, Nix. Got the data?

Nix

2ABeen a long while since I pop-and-locked through that thick a minefield. But I got it.

V

2APreem. You the man, Nix.

Nix

2AS all at your fingertips – itinerary, convoy vehicle order, defenses, decrypted detes of the detainee they haulin' up to Los Padres.

2AWon't ask what the data's for, but… V…

2AI'ma wipe my tracks, pray to God Almighty the motherfuckin' Psychosquad in they million-eddy exosuits don't come bustin' down my door.

2AYou'd best start prayin' too.

V

3ADid your job – now it's my turn.

3ACan handle myself, I promise. 'Sides, this ain't no solo gig.

Nix

3AIf you say so…

3AJust don't go hitchin' a ride to Los Padres. That road only goes one way.

V

3BKnow you got your doubts. And hell, prolly right to have 'em. But I'm flat outta options, Nix.

3BPromise I'll be careful.

Nix

3BFore you go, got somethin' for ya. Might give you a leg up on those teched-out pigs.

V

3BWhat is it?

Nix

3BLittle souvenir from my time at 'Saka. Military 'ware – custom, tuned to my specs. The Nix special.

3BSomeone tries to short-circ' your brain, it auto-unleashes dynamic-flux ICE.

V

3BYou're a saint, Nix.

Nix

3BS all good. Saved my ass once. Just tryin' to return the favor.

2ABest o' luck, V.

Johnny

2AKnow that data's cause enough for MaxTac to max-murder you?

V

2AThey'll have to get in line.

Johnny

2ATouché. All righty, let's get Reed's super spy peepers on this. See where it leads.

V

2A'Kay, here I am. Everything all right?

Nix

2AShould ask you that, girl. Every time I stand on this mass grave, I'm reminded of a certain kind of person.

2ASpecifically, of gonks who tried to swing above their weight, ended up chokin' on dirt.

2AWon't ask what the intel's for, V, but... Ain't no good gonna come of it. Anyway – did my part, spoke my piece.

2AWiped my tracks, started prayin' to God Almighty them Psychosquad pigs in they million-eddy exosuits don't come bustin' down my door.

2AMake sure you never see Los Padres from the inside. 'Cause there ain't no gettin' out.

V

4AThanks.

2BNix – famed 'runner turned tour guide?

Nix

2BNah, man, I just read a lot, stay on my tippy-toes. Recommend it.

2BShit, V, tryna warn your dumb ass! Don't want you goin' the way o' the gonk.

V

2BScrew you, Nix.

Nix

2BYeah, good to see you, too.

V

Don't wanna wait in vain. Here's hopin'…

Nix

Shit, I turn invisible or somethin'?

You even listenin' to me, girl?

Chang

1AWho's-who's… there?

V

1AYou know who. Here for the data.

Chang

1AV? Come on-- come on in.

V

2ABreach – how'd it go?

Chang

2ANot-not easy. It-it w-w-w-wasn't. But… this old wolf... s-still has… still has hair.

V

2AWhat? Chang-Hoon, the hell happened?

2BYou OK, all there, Chang-Hoon?

Chang

2BOh, ye-ye-yes… Uh… n-nothing…

V

2BCan tell it's fuckin' somethin'. Spill.

Chang

1AWe-well, weeell… that part of MaxTac's protocols were secured by… uhh…

1AEh... fuuuck!

V

1ANetWatch?

Chang

1AYes. I almost fried, but here I still am. Some mild. A phase, um... Aphasia.

1AEgh, tem-- er... temporary. I-it will… pass. I think.

V

3AGot the data, though, right…?

Chang

3AO-- uh… o-on the, uh, shaaaard.

V

3ADon't toot your own horn about the breach, 'kay, to friends? Let it blow over.

Chang

3AIn… the drawer…

V

4AThanks. Preem work, Chang-Hoon.

Chang

4AI-I know. See, V. Um, later.

Johnny

4AKnow that data's cause enough for MaxTac to max-murder you?

V

4AThey'll have to get in line.

Johnny

4ATouché. All righty, let's get Reed's super spy peepers on this. See where it leads.

V

6AThanks, Chang-Hoon.

Chang

6AJust a swap of favor for favor… Even, we are.

V

6AGuess we are. Take care, Chang-Hoon.

V

7ANo point playin' it down, Chang-Hoon. Matter of days, maybe hours 'fore they map-tag you. Need to ghost, stat.

Chang

7AL-leave Night City? N-no... I-I'll ask W-Wakako. I can't secure… compromise her. Security.

V

7AListen, Chang-Hoon. Gonna get onto a BBS, find Route 66 – nomad space. Drop a ping there, they'll get back to you, help you.

Chang

7AGood, uh... good… idea? A-are you c-certain?

V

7AKnew this guy – went by "Cheetah." Tyger Claws were huntin' 'im, so I delivered 'im to nomads. Snuck my man outta the city, never to be seen again.

7ADrop my name. With a little luck, Aldecaldos'll help you out. I know 'em – good people, all of 'em.

Chang

7ATh-th-thank-ank you. I will… do that.

V

7ADon't try to negotiate, just do what they say. And don't be fuckin' finicky when they offer to take you to butt-fuck nowhere. You'll live.

Chang

7AFine. I'll touch them. Get in touch.

V

3BShit, my fault. Fuckin' never should've pressured you.

Chang

3BUntrue… In this biz you're worth, uh, job. Uh, the last. You-- you were right…

V

3BWere doin' just dandy till I rang.

Chang

3BI-I was… But, uh, as I scanned, uh, their subtraffic… heh. It was, er… no-no-no-nova, as you say.

V

8AAll right, lemme see the data.

Chang

8AShard. On-on that.

V

8BGlad you're still with us.

Chang

8BI'm losing. Words. I don't know. Um. A phase. Aphasia, or… emotion…

V

8BWell, still got your spark. Good sign. Got the data?

3CSo, almost got short-circ'd. Means you got traced.

Chang

3CThere was, uh... re-re-regenerating ICE, code… traps. Tripped and st-stumbled my way… through all.

3CThey don't know, they... the files I took. They-- they... they don't.

V

3CLeast there's that.

Chang

3CYou must break an omelet to make eggs, y-yes.

V

Can't hurry him. Just have to wait.

Chang

Wh-what is it?

Sandra

First thing's first – no one knows about our meet, I trust.

V

1A'S all good. Got my data?

1BDon't worry. Value discretion as much as you do.

Sandra

1BYou'd fuckin' better.

V

1BSo, got what I asked for?

Sandra

I do.

V

Knew I could count on you.

Sandra

To a point. You promised me a favor in return. Let's talk.

V

2AEh, so I did – what is it?

2BMhm, sure did, but it'll have to wait.

2BMy thing comes first – more urgent.

Sandra

2BLook, you're planning to jump a MaxTac convoy, we both know that. What I want's directly related.

V

3ALet's say you're right – still not about to spill any more detes. Call it unwise.

Sandra

3ADidn't expect you to. All I want's a mutually beneficial arrangement.

V

3BGot no idea what you're talking about.

Sandra

3BDon't play me for a gonk. Stupid sideshow, waste of time and energy.

3BData you wanted speaks for itself.

3BUnless you're a minnow intermediary caught in a scheme you can't comprehend while some bigger fish calls the shots and reaps the spoils.

V

4BOnly person calling the shots here is me, Sandra.

Sandra

4BHuh, hard to believe.

V

4BDon't care.

Sandra

4BEhh... expected more from you, V.

V

4BAwful sorry to disappoint.

Sandra

4BHere. But this doesn't make things even.

Johnny

4BKnow that data's cause enough for MaxTac to max-murder you?

V

3CAppreciate your inquisitive nature, but at some point you gotta know when to drop it.

Sandra

3CYour point being?

V

3CEven if you're right, still don't know who the data's for. I do. Not the type you wanna mess with, believe me.

Sandra

3CAm I supposed to tremble?

V

3CLook, guessin' you already tried diggin' up detes on my partner. No luck, right? Best call it a day, for your sake.

Sandra

3CFine. We're done here. Bye, V.

Johnny

3CKnow that data's cause enough for MaxTac to max-murder you?

Sandra

You'll get two shards. One with the data you want so bad, the other laced with a virus.

V

Mhm, plot thickens. Not sure I like where it's headed, though.

Sandra

Your convoy'll be guarded by high-ranking MaxTac officers - a rare breed, won't find them in Night City's usual cyberpsycho skirmishes.

These are special ops units with first-tier access privileges. Fling my quickhack at one of them and the vector'll find its way, install a backdoor.

Sound like something within your scope? You capable?

V

7AUgh... do it if I get an opportunity.

Sandra

7AAll right, then.

7ABe in touch with you when it's done.

Johnny

7AKnow that data's cause enough for MaxTac to max-murder you?

V

8AThey'll have to get in line.

Johnny

8ATouché. All righty, let's get Reed's super-spy peepers on this. See where it leads.

V

7BWhat if I decline, respectfully?

Sandra

7BThe shard with the vector goes back in my pocket.

7BAnd the other becomes a brick in a fraction of a second. I'll let you keep it... as a souvenir.

7BI mean, you have time to ask anyone else for help? Truly?

V

7BWell played. Hand 'em over.

7CSay I agree… what should I expect, what'll the virus do?

Sandra

7CEstablish a link. A flash, brief, unstable, but meaty enough for me to nest a few dormant surprises.

V

7CSo I'm to be your Trojan horse, huh? Great.

Sandra

7CMore like the Bronze Age Greek who dropped the horse on the Trojans. But don't worry, no blow back. Nobody'll be the wiser.

V

7D'S all comin' together. Never would've agreed to klep the data if you couldn't flip it to your benefit somehow.

7DPayin' your debt with one hand, grippin' the next rung of the corpo ladder with the other… Who for this time?

Sandra

7DMixed metaphors aren't my specialty.

V

7DSomeone were to steal a peek at MaxTac's workings – could reap influence, city-wide, not to mention planting a harpoon-sized hook in Night Corp. Who for, Sandra?

Sandra

7DNo comment.

7DJust say you'll do it. We'll be done.

V

Waiting's the hardest part sometimes…

V

Only person calling the shots here is me, Sandra.

Sandra

Huh, hard to believe.

V

Don't care.

Sandra

Ehh... expected more from you, V.

V

Awful sorry to disappoint.

Sandra

Here. But this doesn't make things even.

You owe me now. And I'll come knocking – count on it.

Are we just gonna stare at each other?

Uh, V?

Johnny

Know that data's cause enough for MaxTac to max-murder you?

Johnny

Jumpin' MaxTac now, are we? Steppin' up your game.

Bustin' into Arasaka Tower it ain't, but... it's up there. Somewhere. Tryin' to knock me off the arch-terrorist pedestal?

V

1AThe famed JS got a hot take on all this?

Johnny

1AOn goin' toe-to-toe with MaxTac? Hell yeah – "good fuckin' luck." 'Cause you're gonna fuckin' need it.

V

1AMeant Reed and Songbird.

Johnny

1AHeh. What's there to say? Chick bought a one-way ticket to cyber-hell, floored the CHOOH and cut the brakes.

V

1AAnd she's draggin' us along.

Johnny

1ACan say that again.

V

1AThe famed JS got a hot take on all this?

Johnny

1AOn goin' toe-to-toe with MaxTac? Hell yeah – "good fuckin' luck." 'Cause you're gonna fuckin' need it.

V

1AMeant Reed and Songbird.

Johnny

1AHeh. What's there to say? Chick bought a one-way ticket to cyber-hell, floored the CHOOH and cut the brakes.

V

1AAnd she's draggin' us along.

Johnny

1ACan say that again.

V

1B'Kay, Johnny, think that'll be all.

Johnny

1BYou're in a mood. Clearly spendin' too much time with Reed.

1BHell, I'd be shittin' bricks too, goin' up against MaxTac…

V

1B'Kay, Johnny, think that'll be all.

Johnny

1BYou're in a mood. Clearly spendin' too much time with Reed.

1BHell, I'd be shittin' bricks too, goin' up against MaxTac…

Bustin' into Arasaka Tower it ain't, but... it's up there. Somewhere. Tryin' to knock me off the arch-terrorist pedestal?

Jumpin' MaxTac now, are we? Steppin' up your game.

V

'Kay, Johnny, think that'll be all.

Johnny

You're in a mood. Clearly spendin' too much time with Reed.

Hell, I'd be shittin' bricks too, goin' up against MaxTac…

V

'Kay, Johnny, think that'll be all.

Johnny

You're in a mood. Clearly spendin' too much time with Reed.

Hell, I'd be shittin' bricks too, goin' up against MaxTac…

V

2AThe famed JS got a hot take on all this?

Johnny

2AOn goin' toe-to-toe with MaxTac? Hell yeah – "good fuckin' luck." 'Cause you're gonna fuckin' need it.

V

2AMeant Reed and Songbird.

Johnny

2AHeh. What's there to say? Chick bought a one-way ticket to cyber-hell, floored the CHOOH and cut the brakes.

V

2AAnd she's draggin' us along.

Johnny

2ACan say that again.

V

2AThe famed JS got a hot take on all this?

Johnny

2AOn goin' toe-to-toe with MaxTac? Hell yeah – "good fuckin' luck." 'Cause you're gonna fuckin' need it.

V

2AMeant Reed and Songbird.

Johnny

2AHeh. What's there to say? Chick bought a one-way ticket to cyber-hell, floored the CHOOH and cut the brakes.

V

2AAnd she's draggin' us along.

Johnny

2ACan say that again.

Bustin' into Arasaka Tower it ain't, but... it's up there. Somewhere. Tryin' to knock me off the arch-terrorist pedestal?

Bustin' into Arasaka Tower it ain't, but... it's up there. Somewhere. Tryin' to knock me off the arch-terrorist pedestal?

Gunner

Nuh-uh, that was not part of our deal, Reed.

They get wind it was us, might as well start diggin' our own fuckin' graves.

Reed

You say that every time, Gunner. Yet nobody's ever found out. And no one ever will.

Gunner

Look, if shit goes sideways and Washington pins it on us, then--

Reed

Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, uh-uh. Careful. If I were you, I wouldn't finish that thought...

Gunner

This your partner? Fuck me…

Didn't know you'd signed on to some suicide pact.

Hold up, hold up – you're that merc was runnin' with Panam.

Outta the frying pan, into the fire, huh? Wherever trouble goes, you follow.

Need to do a better job vettin' your partners, Reed.

Cause it seems you're now runnin' with a murderin' piece of human trash.

V

3AOh, please – gonna fuckin' pretend you're innocent?

Reed

3AEnough of that.

V

3BCool it, guy. Can settle our beef later. This ain't the time or place.

Gunner

Well, then. I just hope the FIA'll send us new contact detes once you're busy pushin' up daisies.

But if you do survive this cat orgy of an op, remember – you'n me're square now.

Reed

Hrg. Modern-day patriotism for ya…

'Bout time we went over the plan.

V

4AReady to plan, strategize? Got everything we need?

Reed

4AGot everything we can count on having.

4AThey'll come down this road. Once in range, we hit 'em hard, bring 'em to a stop.

4AWe then neutralize all MaxTac operatives, grab Songbird, run 'er to an exfil point just across the SoCal border.

4AOur friend here knows specifics, he'll fill you in. I got one last thing I need to take care of.

V

5AAll right, let's hear what you cooked up.

5BTake it you're here to help?

Friend1

4AMh. Here's the low-down. Convoy'll roll in from the northwest.

4ALikely run right into the booby-trapped cars we'll set up. This could decomish a few vehicles, force the rest to switch lanes.

4AWe'll cut off any chance of retreat, set off some planted charges, stop 'em dead in their tracks. Second Reed pops the Behemoth driver, you'll dive in.

4AYour choom, Reed, also requested some badass toys. Offensive turrets, mines, smoke grenades. Latter – not an issue, but the mines and turrets…

4AWanna weigh in, sift through the detes, or leave prep to me? It's your call.

V

6ADetes, my man. Walk me through 'em.

Friend1

6ARight on. When fixin' to go out guns blazin', best be on your own terms.

6ASlot the shard. Once the drone's airborne, I'll explain the whats, hows and whys.

V

7ALet's give it a whirl.

7BAll righty, then. Let's see if you're as useful as Reed claims.

Friend1

6AAll right – two items of biz to nail down. One's your strategy, second's the kit we need to set you up with.

V

6AGear – what's on the tasting menu?

Friend1

6ASitch is simple.

6AReed wants both mines and turrets. Well, I want a divorce without sayin' goodbye to a single enny. Can have a cake, but only to stare at it till it goes bad…

6AShort notice, folks. Can hook you up with one or the other, not both. Turrets for firepower, mines for crippling mobility. Your call, boss.

V

8ATurrets – where would you put 'em?

Friend1

8AWay I see it, got two possibilities.

8ACould line 'em up along one side, pile on the pressure, draw attention – good suppressing fire, too. But they're psychos, not gonks, they'll wisen up and go around 'em eventually.

8AOption two – place the turrets around the site. Max bastards'll get nailed in the crossfire. It's sure to slow 'em down.

8AYour choice – suppressing fire from one side, or lead-poundin' from different angles to slow 'em down.

V

9ALet's line 'em up. Extra coverin' fire'll come in handy.

9BLet's set 'em up around the ambush site.

Friend1

8AYou got it.

V

8BWhere'd it be good to plant mines?

Friend1

8BDepends on your chosen tactic.

8BWe can leave 'em some party favors at the skybridge's ends and at the hotel door. Prevent the motherfuckers from takin' high ground. Makes most sense if you'll be firing from there.

8BThen again, if you'd rather go street-level, get in close, we can pepper the mines over the road surface.

8BSo whaddaya say? We minin' the road or the way up to the terrace?

V

10APlant mines at the stair and hotel entrances. I'll try takin' 'em out from there.

Friend1

10ACopy that.

V

10BMine the road. Be lookin' to get in close, fast as I can.

Friend1

10BAsk and you shall receive.

V

6AWanna talk strategy. What're our options?

Friend1

6AGot about as many as there are frilly tea rooms in Dogtown – so not a whole lot. Do best to figure out the position you'll be ambushing 'em from. Then decide if smoke 'nades favor you there.

V

6AHow would we use 'em?

Friend1

6AWe set 'nades off on the road, for a time the assholes'll be aimin' and shootin' blind, hopefully each other.

V

6AWhat about Reed an' me? Won't it reduce visibility for us?

Friend1

6ANews flash – there's no such thing as perfect solutions, always some trade-off. We can paralyze them, ease your way into their ranks, but it'll cost you in the reduced effectiveness of Reed's covering fire.

6ADecision's yours. We doin' 'nades or not?

V

11AWhat the hell, let's try usin' 'em. Should be surprisin'. Even if they're quick to regroup, it'll buy us time.

Friend1

11AA gamble, but it could pay off. Like my old man used to say, "Life's a losin' game, but you go all in anyway."

V

11BEh, lose the 'nades. Gonna be mayhem anyway.

Friend1

11BMhm. Limiting variables – smart. Reduces how many things can go wrong. Against MaxTac, that could just do the trick.

6AMovin' on. Your startin' positions for when the shit hits the fan – care for a gander?

V

12ASure. What're my options?

Friend1

12ATerrace is a solid choice. Preem visibility, in pissin' range of the convoy.

12ABut there are possibilities aplenty.

12AThe stairs. You'll have the ambush laid out in front of you – means opportunities for layin' down strategic fire.

12AThird approach is riskier – by the skybridge. Can close the gap from there in no time.

12AIn a nutshell – terrace is a safe, secure position, stairs give you preem visibility, skybridge lets you get up close and personal real quick.

V

12BNah, know all I need to know, thanks.

6ARight, clear. Good positions, all. I'll pick one, perch there, set up.

Friend1

6AYeah, cookin' with gas now.

V

6APlan's shapin' up real nice. Just need a word with Reed now.

6BListen, your gear – you know it best. Leavin' the prep to you.

Friend1

6BDamn, quite the demonstration of trust. I'm flattered, no - moved. Heh, OK, we'll do our thing.

V

6BPreem, 'preciate the help. Gonna have a word with Reed.

Friend1

4AMhm. Gonna set up, then, and make tracks. As for you two, well… good fuckin' luck.

V

14AReady on my end. You?

14BWhat's it you said? "Modern-day patriotism?" 'Cause you gotta admit, they came through.

14BAnyhow, think I'm all set. You? Ready for this?

Reed

4AAlmost.

4AThis is our jammer. I just need to calibrate it so the signal isn't too strong, otherwise So Mi could…

4AI just hope we're not too late…

V

15AClear to see… you care about her, still.

15BToo late for what?

4AReed?

Reed

4ALet's focus on the task at hand.

V

16ADammit, whadda I gotta do to get you talk to me?

Reed

16AWe are talkin'.

V

16AYeah, see that. Spill it, c'mon.

Reed

16ADo you have any questions about MaxTac? Now's the time.

V

16AFuck me. Dodgin' always your go-to when the talk gets tough?

16BFine, say fuck-all for all I care.

Reed

16BI'm focused on the op, that's it.

V

16BFocused, right. That's what it is.

Reed

16BV…

V

16BSpare both of us the bullshit.

Reed

4AYou wanna know the truth? Fine.

4AToday, or seven years ago – dunno at what exact point I fucked up. The end result's that now we're here while she... she could die.

4AI just pray that she's… she's the one we're saving – the So Mi I knew and not some…

4AI'm fucking scared, V. Scared my grip on everything is slippin'. There – happy?

V

17AI get it, Reed. But you can't have everything under control, not always.

Reed

17AMaybe so.

17ABut it's good you're here, it matters. It'll all work out, we just have to finish this.

V

17ABest get to it, then.

17BIf anyone's lost control in this sitch, it's her, not you. But it's still So Mi. She's there to save, truly. And I believe we will.

Reed

17BIt's an either-or situation, V.

17BEither we got it right… could very well be that. Or she's been playin' us for fools from the start.

V

17CHonestly? No idea who we're bustin' outta that convoy, but there's a chance it won't be… that she's not, well…

Reed

17CI know. That's what scares me.

V

17CWe need to finish this…

17DMaybe you're right, maybe you're not. Won't know until we finish this.

17DSo let's hop to it.

Reed

4AMhm. Just gotta jam MaxTac's frequencies. Get ready.

Johnny

4AThat thing jammin' his pangs of conscience, too? Oughta get myself one…

V

18AWhat're you on about now?

Johnny

18AChick's a half braindead, half AI-controlled zombie. Yet still the gonk's convinced his old partner's trapped inside. That only he can save her.

V

19AWhat would the big J do? Abandon hope?

Johnny

19AKnow what bein' in the army taught me? Hope dies last 'cause the backstabbin' bitch makes damn sure she gets you killed first so you'll warm the fuckin' grave for her.

19ASaw many thousand-yard stares – willpower gone, hope hovering for no reason... Wanna bet on miracles? Go ahead. I'll pass.

V

19BMaybe he's scared this might all be his fault.

Johnny

19BKnew guys like him in the army. Gonks who thought they were born to hold people's lives in their hands.

19BShit never ended well. Always with a lose-lose.

V

18BDon't got time for this now, Johnny.

Reed

4AYou just talk to her?

V

4AHuh?

Reed

4ABody language. I could tell you enabled the Relic.

4ASo was it her? Did you grab hold of Song?

V

20ANah, still no contact with So Mi… Been radio silence since all that shit went down at the stadium…

20BNo, just a… side effect of the Relic. Your chooms at Langley'll have their work cut out for 'em.

20CNah, just, uhm... zoned out for a flash. Lots to think about.

Reed

4ARight, understood.

4AAll right, jammer's calibrated. Do you know what to do?

V

4ATake my position, await the convoy. Go in hot when I see the charges pop.

Reed

4AWe grab Song and head for the exfil point on the border. Clean, quick, no slip ups, no trip-ups. And one eye on Song the whole time, got it?

V

4AOK, movin' to my position. G'luck, Reed.

Reed

4AWe won't need luck.

Reed

4AI flicked through your intel. Convoy route, vehicle array, weaponry they're likely to have.

4AIt's not gonna be easy. The reason they're called "Psychosquad's" two-fold. They're almost cyberpsychos themselves.

4AThe best chance we have of stoppin' 'em's here. Traffic – minimal. Vantage points – optimal.

V

4BEverything all right, Reed?

Reed

4BYeah, what? Why?

V

4BWanna talk? 'Bout the stadium, what happened? 'Bout Alex…?

Reed

4BHere? Now? No, V, we got work to do.

V

4BReed...

4C6th Street? Here? At your beck and call?

Reed

4CThe NUSA's fifth column in NC. We toss 'em equipment, a little cash here and there. Nothing unusual.

V

4CIn return for doin' your dirty work, I'm guessin'.

Reed

4CYou are guessin', but we got biz to discuss, don't we?

V

4DGangoons loyal to a country they're just not part of.

Reed

4DThe fight to annex Night City, make it NC, NUSA, rages on…

4DWe're not affiliated officially. On the sly, at times, we let 'em do us favors, make 'em feel important.

V

4DNUSA's useful idiots?

Reed

4DThey're loyal. The rest doesn't concern me at all.

4DNow, you mind if we get down to biz?

Gunner

Seen how you handle your iron.

Cept there's a difference between target practice an' MaxTac.

V

24AHandle ourselves fine, don't you worry.

Gunner

24AAnyone oughta be worried around here, it's you.

V

24BYou, your boys – not gonna stick around, help us out?

Gunner

24BNot a snowball's chance in hell. Got somethin' might even your shitty odds, though.

24BLend 'em the drone – one that was to go to them Heywood clowns. On the house, folks. Consider it a… parting gift.

Reed

That's enough.

Gunner

Well then, I just hope the FIA sends us new contact detes once you're busy pushin' up daisies.

But if you do survive this cat orgy of an op, remember – you'n me're square now.

Heard a thing or two about you. More good than bad. You're sure to come in handy.

Now for a dozen more like you to stand any chance of survivin'…

Need to do a better job vettin' your partners, Reed.

'Cause it seems you're now runnin' with a murderin' piece of human trash.

Now hold up a second. I know you…

Reed

I flicked through your intel. Convoy route, vehicle array, weaponry they're likely to have.

It's not gonna be easy. The reason they're called "Psychosquad's" two-fold. They're almost cyberpsychos themselves.

The best chance we have of stoppin' 'em's here. Traffic – minimal. Vantage points – optimal.

V

'Kay, Johnny, think that'll be all.

Johnny

You're in a mood. Clearly spendin' too much time with Reed.

Hell, I'd be shittin' bricks too, goin' up against MaxTac…

Reed

Almost.

To grab Song, we need to take out the convoy's security detail – three, maybe four operators and support.

I need you to understand one thing – they aren't cops or soldiers. More like AI-guided, stone-cold killers – each equal to a small army. Silver lining is they can't call for reinforcements.

Friend1

Made up your mind?

Don't got a lot of time to whittle away.

Well, we good to move on?

This thing's gonna play out how you shape it. Grenades'll breed chaos, confuse them. They'll also obscure your view if you're firin' from a distance.

V

What would the big J do? Abandon hope?

Johnny

Know what bein' in the army taught me? Hope dies last 'cause the backstabbin' bitch makes damn sure she gets you killed first so you'll warm the fuckin' grave for her.

Saw many thousand-yard stares – willpower gone, hope hovering for no reason... Wanna bet on miracles? Go ahead. I'll pass.

V

Maybe he's scared this might all be his fault.

Johnny

Knew guys like him in the army. Gonks who thought they were born to hold people's lives in their hands.

Shit never ended well. Always with a lose-lose.

Jumpin' MaxTac now, are we? Steppin' up your game.

Bustin' into Arasaka Tower it ain't, but... it's up there. Somewhere. Tryin' to knock me off the arch-terrorist pedestal?

V

The famed JS got a hot take on all this?

Johnny

On goin' toe-to-toe with MaxTac? Hell yeah – "good fuckin' luck." 'Cause you're gonna fuckin' need it.

V

Meant Reed and Songbird.

Johnny

Heh. What's there to say? Chick bought a one-way ticket to cyber-hell, floored the CHOOH and cut the brakes.

V

And she's draggin' us along.

Johnny

Can say that again.

V

'Kay, Johnny, think that'll be all.

Johnny

You're in a mood. Clearly spendin' too much time with Reed.

Hell, I'd be shittin' bricks too, goin' up against MaxTac…

Jumpin' MaxTac now, are we? Steppin' up your game.

Bustin' into Arasaka Tower it ain't, but... it's up there. Somewhere. Tryin' to knock me off the arch-terrorist pedestal?

V

The famed JS got a hot take on all this?

Johnny

On goin' toe-to-toe with MaxTac? Hell yeah – "good fuckin' luck." 'Cause you're gonna fuckin' need it.

V

Meant Reed and Songbird.

Johnny

Heh. What's there to say? Chick bought a one-way ticket to cyber-hell, floored the CHOOH and cut the brakes.

V

And she's draggin' us along.

Johnny

Can say that again.

Jumpin' MaxTac now, are we? Steppin' up your game.

Bustin' into Arasaka Tower it ain't, but... it's up there. Somewhere. Tryin' to knock me off the arch-terrorist pedestal?

V

Wanna talk strategy. What're our options?

Friend1

Got about as many as there are frilly tea rooms in Dogtown – so not a whole lot. Do best to figure out the position you'll be ambushing 'em from. Then decide if smoke 'nades favor you there.

This thing's gonna play out how you shape it. Grenades'll breed chaos, confuse them. They'll also obscure your view if you're firin' from a distance.

V

How would we use 'em?

Friend1

We set 'nades off on the road, for a time the assholes'll be aimin' and shootin' blind, hopefully each other.

V

What about Reed an' me? Won't it reduce visibility for us?

Friend1

News flash – there's no such thing as perfect solutions, always some trade-off. We can paralyze them, ease your way into their ranks, but it'll cost you in the reduced effectiveness of Reed's covering fire.

Decision's yours. We doin' 'nades or not?