Dialogue: Lightning Breaks

Panam

If not for those damned glitches, I could have warned them... This is all my doing...

Why in the hell were they following the AV?! The fools!

V

1AProbably keepin' Hellman in the AV.

Panam

1AMind that launcher. It will blow us to bits if we approach.

V

1BListen. We saw Mitch. They probably got Scorpion, too. We'll find them, help them out.

Panam

1BIf they're still alive…

V

1BThey're alive. Everything's gonna be OK.

Panam

1BMind that launcher. It will blow us to bits if we approach.

V

2AYou're already blown to bits.

Panam

2ADon't be an idiot. This is just a scratch. Let's take out the launcher, I will try to...

V

2ANo. You stay in the car. Sorry, but you're just gonna slow me down.

Panam

2AFucking hell, V! Those are my people out there!

V

2AListen. I get that launcher outta our way, I'll let you know. Then you go in and help me with the rest. Deal?

Panam

2AYes, ma'am.

2AI still have Mitch's rifle. I will try to cover you from here.

V

2BOK, here's the plan – you stay in the car, I...

Panam

2BNo, not so fast. I will go with you. Those are my people...

V

2BPanam, hate to break it to ya, but you're hurt.

2BWait in the car. I'll try and take out the launcher.

Panam

2BI... Fine. But I have Mitch's rifle. I will try to cover you from here.

V

3AGood idea. Let's move.

Panam

Fuck!

V

Panam!

Panam

Are you all right?

Mitch

Just some scratches.

Panam

You fucking morons!

Mitch

Did you get hit?... Hang on, girl, I'll patch you up.

Panam

It's nothing. Let's go.

Mitch

We couldn't retreat, Panam... They regrouped so fast, started shootin' rockets 'n' shit. I lost everyone.

Panam

Everyone? ...Scorpion? Is he here?

Mitch? Mitch!? He's-- He's safe, right?

Mitch

Panam, I'm sorry. I didn't make it in time...

Panam

No. No! Are you sure? No, he...

V

4AScorpion, the rest... I'm sorry we didn't get here sooner.

Mitch

4AThey were good people. Great people. They didn't have to die here.

Panam

4AI should have stopped him.

Mitch

4AI tried. He wouldn't have listened to you, either. Never was much of a listener.

Panam

4AStubborn bastard.

Mitch

4AI'm guessin', since you were out here, you were out here for the AV. The question is why.

V

4BThat pilot didn't have to die. He was this close to caving.

Mitch

4BHe was armed, close to panic. Coulda done something stupid. Like kill me.

V

4BHe was terrified. All he wanted to hear was he had a chance to get outta this alive.

Panam

4BSave your breath, V.

4BI could not risk the life of a friend. The one I still have left.

4BI wonder what you would have done in my shoes.

V

5AThe guy coulda been useful. I would've given him a chance.

Panam

5AUseful for what? To call backup? Or to shoot Mitch?

Mitch

5AV, these guys're soldiers, no strangers to risk. He had a gun against my head. He knew the consequences.

Panam

5AThey killed Scorpion, you understand? They killed my friend.

V

5AI understand, Panam. I do. But I still think we coulda played this better.

Panam

5ALecture me all you like. It changes nothing.

5AScorpion, Mitch... For anyone I care about, I would have done the same.

5AYou should think some more about why you wouldn't.

V

5BI just think you're a little too trigger-happy, Panam. Should think before you shoot.

Panam

5BSure...

V

5BFirst Nash, now the pilot...

Panam

5BNo! I don't believe it! You want to drop that bastard's name? Really?!

5BV – they killed Scorpion! My best friend! What part of that do you not understand?!

V

5BI understand that part, Panam. I do. But the pilot still didn't have to die. Woulda been useful alive.

Panam

5BUseful?! For what?! Do you honestly believe he would have taken you to Hellman? That you would have traded hostages?

5BDon't be so naive, V. They are soldiers, all of them. They follow procedure, no exceptions.

5BHe was just biding his time, waiting for the moment to shoot Mitch, then you and me!

5BWake up, V.

V

5BFirst you wanted to kill Nash, now the pilot...

5CEh, you're right. Woulda done the same.

5CHe'd still be more useful alive than dead.

Panam

5CCome on. Do you really think he would have taken you to Hellman? That you would have exchanged hostages?

Mitch

5CPeople who fly those AVs are the best of the best. Trained right and paid better. That pilot never woulda gone against procedure. Wouldn'ta had the balls.

Panam

5CDo you really believe he broke? He was just looking for a chance to pull that trigger on us.

V

5DNo point arguing. Still got things to do.

Panam

5DAgreed.

V

6AI need the man who was ridin' this AV. Pilot said they headed west.

Mitch

6AYep, took him with 'em. In our cars. Pilot was tellin' the truth. There's an old gas station out there.

V

6AMust be looking for a way to call base.

Mitch

6ASo you're the ones who hit 'em with that EMP?

V

6AYeah... We tried to warn you, but we couldn't connect.

Panam

6AWhat's the plan now, V?

V

7APanam, listen. I know it's not the best time, but I need Hellman. You promised to help – that still hold?

Panam

7AI always keep my word.

7AMitch...

7AI will find those sons of bitches. I swear.

Mitch

7AGo. I'll call the crew, get all this cleaned up.

Panam

7AWe'll leave my ride here, just in case. Just watch the gun, it likes to jam.

7AWe'll go by bike.

Mitch

7ASounds good.

V

7BI'll go after 'em.

7BStay with Mitch. I'll be fine.

Panam

7BI am going with you. I promised I would help.

7BBesides. Those bastards killed Scorpion. I won't let that go.

Mitch

7BDon't argue with 'er, V. No point.

7BGo. I'll call my people. We'll take care of things here.

Panam

7BWe'll leave my ride here, just in case. Just watch the gun, it likes to jam.

7BWe'll go by bike.

Mitch

7BSounds solid.

6AIf they made it to the station, they're probably waiting on backup. Better hurry.

6ABut Panam...

Panam

6AWhat?

Mitch

6AYou're comin' back for her, right?

Panam

6AI promise.

6ALet's get going. Before they send a rescue party.

V

8AScorpion and the rest... Look, I know how you feel. I mean it.

8AI'll help you settle your score with Kang Tao.

Panam

8AI will destroy them. Every last one of them. Is that a problem for you?

V

8ANo, and you know it. We're in this together. To the bitter end.

Panam

8AYou know what, V? You're all right. You helped me with Nash, you helped me with Mitch. To my mind, I owe you a favor.

8AYour Hellman – I will find him.

V

8AAh, so that's what this is? Just paying your debts?

Panam

8ANo. Nomads always help their own.

V

8AOooh, so I'm one of yours now? Sounds good.

Panam

8AI will destroy them, V. Every last one.

V

8AWe're in this together. To the bitter end.

Panam

8AWe will destroy them. All of them.

8AProvided you don't hold a grudge about it later.

V

8AI won't. And you know it.

8ABy the way, after the whole Nash thing, I didn't think...

Panam

8AV. Listen. I have not forgotten. I will not forget. And I still believed you behaved like a complete asshole.

V

8ABut you know I--

Panam

8ABUT Mitch is alive thanks to you. And I will not forget that, either. Ever.

8ABesides, I promised you we would get your Hellman. And we will.

8AWe will destroy them. All of them.

V

8BWonder why you're stayin on board. Is it just about revenge?

Panam

8BDoes it matter? I want to catch the bastards that killed my friend. But I also shook hands with you.

8BBesides – without me, you don't stand a chance.

V

8BHah, true. Thanks.

6ALet's delta to that station. Hope you know a shortcut.

Panam

6AMhm. Get ready.

6AThe bikes are fine.

6AHop on.

V

6ALet's ride. Hope they didn't go far.

Panam

6AWe'll see.

6AThe tire tracks start there.

6AWe'll follow them.

Mitch

6AKang Tao lost contact with their AV. Probably lookin' for it. Better hurry.

V

6AI need the guy who was ridin' this AV. You know anything? See anything?

Mitch

6ATook him with 'em. In our cars.

V

6AWhere?

Mitch

6AWest. Small unit, your passenger's entourage.

V

6AMust be lookin' for a way to call base.

Mitch

6ASo you're the ones who hit 'em with that EMP?

V

6AYeah... We tried to warn you, but... we couldn't connect.

Panam

6AIf they took your cars, we might be able to follow their tracks.

V

6BEverything OK? You need anything?

Mitch

6BThanks for savin' my ass, V.

V

6BSorry about your people, but I need to keep movin'.

6CWhy dive straight for the AV? Didn't notice the markings?

Mitch

6CWe saw it was damaged, we know this land, we knew where it would fall. We had no idea it was Kang Tao.

6CI figured they might need help. In the worst case, there'd be good salvage to be had.

6CCouldn't've been more wrong...

Panam

We cannot pass that way.

We'll go around, take them from the other side.

Panam

Time to clean up around here, you bastards!

V

Path's clear.

Panam

I'm coming for you.

V

That's all of 'em.

Panam

A great pity.

V

12ANow!

Panam

12AOpen the door. I'll cover you.

AV pilot

12AStep back!

12ABack, toss your weapons! Or I'll shoot!

12AI repeat – drop your weapons! NOW!

V

13AEasy, now. Not too late for everyone to walk outta this alive.

AV pilot

13AWe called for backup!

Mitch

13ABullshit.

V

13ALast chance. You don't gotta die today. Let's talk.

AV pilot

13AWhy should I believe you?!

V

13BYou don't see the shit you're in?!

13BYou shoot him, and a millisec later you'll eat lead, too!

AV pilot

13BI let 'im go, I'll still eat lead!

V

14AListen. This isn't about you.

14ALet him go and tell me where your passenger is.

AV pilot

14AI-I don't know where they took him!

Panam

14AHell no. He's lying.

V

15AYou don't know, or you don't wanna say?

AV pilot

15ALet me get the comms back up, I'll buzz the unit, we'll talk, but only if...

Mitch

15APanam, you remember the cowboy, don't you?

AV pilot

15AShut the fuck up!

V

15BLook, you. You got two seconds to make up your damn mind. Aldecaldos will ride up here any minute now.

AV pilot

15BI... They headed west, for the gas station. But I can't guarantee they're still there!

Mitch

15BPanam, you remember the cowboy, don't you?

AV pilot

15BShut the fuck up!

V

14BLook around! You're fresh outta choices.

AV pilot

14BWe'll see about that.

Mitch

14BFor fuck's sake, fucking shoot him already!

AV pilot

14BShut the fuck up!

Mitch

12APanam. Shoot 'im.

AV pilot

12AShut up!

...if you leave, now, and wait for our call!

Shut up!

Panam

...

Wait.

Go.

Let's get going. Before they send a rescue party.

V? It's time we moved..

Mitch

It'll all work out, Panam… everything.

Panam

Mhm.

I should have seen that Scorpion would want-- Argh…

Mitch

You did what you could. There's no fault of yours here.

Panam

V, what's the hold-up?!

Open the hatch!

V

Path's clear.

Panam

I'm coming for you.

Panam

These tracks lead up past the hill to an old filling station.

I'd wager that's where they're holding Hellman.

Scorpion said I would hate Night City.

V

He knew you that well?

Panam

Probably better than I know myself.

He said when I'd had enough of the city, we would stock up on canned kibble...

Fill a couple of thermoses with coffee and whiskey, and hit the road. He said we would get away from it all.

V

Sounds like a real adventure.

Panam

Yeah... but he's gone. Shit, V, why is everything shit, shit, shit...

V

Hey, I know... But look, you're alive. Still got a few things to take care of, too.

Panam

Mhm. You know it.

Wipe them out, V!

That's one of our... one of their rides. Let's check it.

V

Headed west.

Panam

Mhm. But only two cars this time.

All I see is cracked concrete and rust. If they thought they would call their friends, they were in for one helluva surprise.

Careful, V.

V

Left a few peeps behind at the airstrip, rest went with Hellman.

Panam

I would have done the same. They're looking to call their people. The last they want is to ride through the desert without backup.

I hope Mitch contacted the Aldecaldos. All that damned interference...

V

They're comin' for 'im, don't worry.

Panam

Do you know what?

V

What?

Panam

This is my life right here. I step out of one pile of shit, only to trip into another, bigger one.

V

Panam...

Panam

And pull in everyone else after me.

I'm done. You hear me, V? I fuck up again, you'd better give me a good kick in the ass.

V

But you didn't fuck any--

Panam

Promise me.

V

All right, I promise.

Panam

That's for my friends, you assholes!

Watch out! There's a sniper behind the van!

Scorpion said I would hate Night City.

V

He knew you that well?

Panam

Probably better than I know myself.

He said when I'd had enough of the city, we would get ourselves an RV.

Then we'd stock up and hit the road. Crater Lake. That was his big dream.

V

Heard it's beautiful there. And that Ryan Diemer's car is rusting at the bottom.

Panam

What? Who?

V

That corpo, stole some sorta prototype. Think it was Militech. You don't remember? Anyway, chased the guy through three states, only to fish his body up outta the lake.

Panam

Killed himself?

V

Doubt it. Think they hit him with a virus. Anyway, lost control. Probably suffocated before he could drown.

Panam

That is fucked up.

V

But you stopped thinking about all that sad shit for a moment, right?

Panam

Hah.

V

Dunno if we'll find anything else here.

Panam

Enough. There's nobody here.

V

Better check where Kang Tao took him. Fast.

You were right. Nomads' car did die.

Panam

They tried to put her back on her feet. But the oil pump died, pistons couldn't take it.

V

Gave us a few minutes, maybe. But they still got a head start.

Johnny

Gas station – see it?

Bet that's where Kang Tao's all settled in nice 'n' cozy.

V

Gotta be holdin' Hellman inside.

Johnny

Better not waste time. Little shit must be bored to death.

V

Our guys were here.

Panam

Let's follow, find them.

V

Drones, patrols... definitely set up shop here.

Panam

I see. They must have Hellman locked up somewhere.

But V, see that? The pumps look pretty good. Not what you would find if the place were closed.

The bastards might have managed to call for transport.

V

We'll know soon enough.

The rest must've taken Hellman with them.

Panam

If they manage to regroup and call for help, we're out of luck.

V

Better hurry, then.

Owner

Hey, hey! Calm down! Don't shoot! I'm unarmed!

V

Who're you?

Owner

My name is Marty. This is my service station.

Fucking corpo bastards. They came in like they owned the place! Fanned out, secured the area, then cordially invited me here and locked me inside.

V

1ABrought a man with them, a man I need. Civilian. You must've spotted him.

Owner

1AMhm. I ain't blind.

V

1AWhere're they holding him?

Owner

1AOld garage. Room upstairs, probably keepin' him there.

V

1AThanks. I were you, I'd stay put for a few.

Owner

1AExactly my intention.

V

1BKnow what they wanted? Anything?

Owner

1BHad some sorta accident. Wanted to call someone in town.

V

1BTell me they didn't.

Owner

1BLike to hear that, wouldn't ya?

1BNot your lucky day, girl.

1BOne grabbed my collar, 'nother grabbed my phone outta my pants.

1BMade a call, waitin' for more of their own to show.

V

1BShit.

1CDon't look too concerned.

Owner

1CAin't my first rodeo.

1COnce the dust falls, the problems disappear one way or another, and I...

1C...I just dust myself off an' get back to work.

V

1DYou even get any customers out here?

1DShit, anyone even drive this way?

Owner

1DAnyone who don't like refuelin' with cameras watchin' 'em.

1DNot many, sure. But they're all big tippers, you get me?

V

1DIn exchange for your terrible memory?

Owner

1DHeh, heh. Don't you worry. I'll forget you too.

Don't shoot. I'm unarmed.

V

The hell are you doing here?

Owner

This is my station. Name's Marty.

Those fucking suits rode up like they owned the place. Took everything, put me here an' locked the door.

KangTao Gas13 Sniper

I don't know, I couldn't get the terminal working.

KangTao Gas8 Sniper

Not even on broadband?

KangTao Gas13 Sniper

What, so all Night City and your mom could hear a Kang Tao AV got shot down? They'd tear our balls off for that one.

KangTao Gas8 Sniper

Yeah, but if we lose the passenger, they'll shoot us dead.

KangTao Gas1

Couldn't've known. The route was encrypted.

KangTao Gas12

Maybe it's not nomads?

KangTao Gas1

Then who?

KangTao Gas12

I dunno. Old employers of that one upstairs?

KangTao Gas1

Bullshit. If it were them, they woulda sent a whole unit.

And we wouldn't be here talking about it, either.

V

I see cars. Nomad.

Panam

Mhm. I recognize them. The clan's.

You won't get out of this alive, you bastards.

OK. Covering you.

V

Know where they're keeping Hellman. Going in.

Panam

OK. Covering you.

V

Transceiver tower. Two guards.

Panam

Eyes wide open.

V

I'm in.

Panam

Hellman – he has to be here.

Johnny

Better take him somewhere you can talk in peace.

V

True.

Haru

Who sent you?

V

Hey, easy. We gotta talk.

Haru

Who are you working for? Yorinobu Arasaka? Do you wish to take me back or...?

Johnny

Pathetic rat's got nowhere left to scurry off to. He's outta lifelines.

Shut him up, already.

V

1ADon't take this personally.

Johnny

1AJust remember - you have Hellman, and that's one helluva card. Try to win something with it.

V

1ATakemura saved my life, remember?

Johnny

1ABecause it was in his fucking interest to do so. Still just biz. He's no friend of yours.

V

1ATakemura? Good news. Got Hellman.

Takamura

1AAlive? What did he say?

V

1AAlive, alive. Not too talkative now. Taking him to the Sunset Motel.

Takamura

1AI will come to you. Keep him there until I arrive.

V

1AYou got it. See ya.

Johnny

1ASeem to recall you were gonna tell Takemura when you got Hellman.

V

1AYeah, just a sec. I'll call 'im.

1ADon't take this personally.

V

3ANot a fan, I take it?

Johnny

3AYou haven't found a fan in him, either.

3AMotherfucker doesn't know who to be scared of more – you or Arasaka.

What a shiteating rat. He's about to either scream or run.

Shut him up, already.

Haru

Who sent you?

V

Hey, easy. We gotta talk.

Haru

Who are you working for? Yorinobu Arasaka? Do you wish to take me back or...?

Johnny

Looks like your new choombas are here.

Haru

Who are you? Come closer…

I cannot stand…

W-wait... Don’t shoot.

J-just remain calm…

Panam

Is that him?

V

Sure is.

Panam

Take him outside, toss him on the bike.

V

1AStay right there.

Panam

1AThe cavalry has arrived. Mitch gathered together a few Aldecaldos.

Mitch

1AThe road was clear. I don't think we were spotted. We would still do better not hang around too long.

Panam

1AWhat do you plan to do with him?

V

2AJust gotta ask him a few important questions.

Panam

2AI sure hope you get some important answers.

V

2BSheesh, long story. Not sure I'd even know where to start.

Panam

2BTell me next time, then.

V

2CTrust me – the less you know, the better.

Panam

2CTell me next time, then.

V

Panam?

Panam

Why are you so surprised? Did the sun bake your brain? Unlike you, I don't bail – especially if I've already given my word.

I managed to help Mitch at the wreck, but Scorpion... we didn't make it.

V

I'm sorry.

Panam

Yeah, thanks.

That's your guy, right? Get him outside and toss him on a bike.

Nomad Pair

We collected our people's bodies from the crash site. They need to go back to camp.

Nomad Pair

We oughta ghost, too, know what I mean? 'Fore we step on all the local cats' tails, turn 'em all rabid-assed.

Nomad Pair

Hm, no. Perhaps we should step on tails.

Nomad Pair

Look who be wound a little tight…

Nomad Trio

So the guy – Mitch and Panam came out to rescue him?

Nomad Trio

That is the word. The AV that came down, and Scorpion… it's all related.

Nomad Trio

I had no idea we'd landed a contract. So… Saul's out to hit corporations, too?

Nomad Trio

To me, all these things seem straight out of step.

Nomad Trio

Mitch. We should talk to Mitch.

V

Saul, Mitch – they really treat you like family.

Maybe you should give them a chance?

Panam

It is not that simple.

V

Like any family.

Nomad Radio

They're coming! You have about a minute to get out of there.

Mitch

Let's move!

Panam

I'm also headed out. Take care of Scorpion's bike – it's yours.

V

Stay right there.

Panam

Saul.

Mitch

Everything's done here. All clear.

Saul

I heard Mitch is alive thanks to you.

Mitch

Thanks to V and Panam. They both saved my ass.

Saul

I just hope he was worth it.

Panam

Saul, I tried to raise Scorpion, but he…

Maybe I could help out somehow?

Saul

I think you've helped enough.

Panam

I tried to stop him!

Sure. Just turn around now, let it all be damned! You're good at that, aren't you?!

V

Look, Saul, it really wasn't Panam's fault.

Saul

Careful, you and me are not buddy-buddy. Besides, nobody's blamed anyone for anything – yet.

Panam

Sure, right!

V

Panam was just helpin' me. It was my doin', my fault that AV got hit. Without me, Scorpion and his people wouldn't have gone out to grab it. That's the truth.

Saul

When you are an Aldecaldo, you are always responsible for yourself and your people. The circumstances change nothing.

Perhaps Panam should ask herself if she's still an Aldecaldo.

Panam

Damn it all.

V

Thanks for the support.

Saul

You helped us, we help you.

Have a safe return.

V

Think that's it. Until next time?

Nomad Radio

They're coming! You got a minute.

Mitch

Let's move!

Panam

Until next time. Take care of Scorpion's bike! It's yours now.

V

So, what now? Back to Night City?

Panam

Yeah. I mean, I think so.

I have to sit and think... about everything.

V

Glad to see you, Mitch, but... why'd you even come?

Mitch

Saul. He came with our people. We took care of the bodies, I told him what happened.

Aaand he told us to up and follow you. He was worried something would happen to you. To Panam.

Panam

Saul?

Mitch

Look, maybe you two don't see eye-to-eye at the moment, but you're family. And Saul will do anything for family.

Panam

The thing is, am I even part of the family anymore…?

Mitch

You know you are.

Come back to us.

I understand.

V

Hey, don't worry about Saul. He'll get over it.

Panam

I don't give a damn.

Mitch

But he gives a damn about you, Panam.

As soon as he heard what had happened, he ordered us to follow you. He was worried something would happen to you.

Panam

Saul? That was his...?

Mitch

Look, maybe you two don't see eye-to-eye at the moment, but you're family. And Saul will do anything for family.

Panam

The thing is, am I even part of the family anymore...

Mitch

You know you are.

Come back to us.

Panam

...

Mitch

I understand.

Panam

Saul.

Mitch

Everything's done here. All clear.

Saul

And everything's all right?

Mitch

I took care of it.

Saul

I just hope he was worth it.

Panam

Saul, I tried to raise Scorpion, but he…

Maybe I could help out somehow?

Saul

I think you've helped enough.

Panam

I tried to stop him!

Sure. Just turn around now, let it all be damned! You're good at that, aren't you?!

V

Thanks for the support.

Saul

You have a safe trip back.

V

It's a good thing you're here, but... why?

Mitch

We came with Panam. She didn't want to let you go off alone, but Saul worried you two would fall into a Kang Tao ambush.

Panam

Saul?

Mitch

Look, maybe you two don't see eye-to-eye at the moment, but you're family. And Saul will do anything for family.

Panam

The thing is, am I even part of the family anymore…?

Mitch

You know you are.

Come back to us.

I understand.

V

Hey, don't worry about Saul. He'll get over it.

Panam

I don't give a damn.

Mitch

As soon as Saul heard you had gone off alone after V, he had us follow you. He was worried something might happen.

Panam

Saul? That was his...?

Mitch

Look, maybe you two don't see eye-to-eye at the moment, but you're family. And Saul will do anything for family.

Panam

The thing is, am I even part of the family anymore...

Mitch

You know you are.

Come back to us.

I understand.

Panam

What do you plan to do with him?

V

Think that's it. Until next time?

Nomad Radio

They're coming! You have about a minute to get out of there.

Mitch

Let's move!

Panam

Until next time.

V

Saul, Mitch – they really treat you like family.

Maybe you should give them a chance?

Panam

It is not that simple.

V

Like any family.

Nomad Radio

They're coming! You have about a minute to get out of there.

Mitch

Let's move!

Panam

Hey, that's my cue, too.

Damn it all.

Nomad Radio2

We've got eyes all around.

Mitch

Mhm. We'll want to see them coming.

Nomad Radio2

Nothing just yet.

Panam

Sorry you had to witness that. Things just get complicated, dramatic sometimes.

But I will manage. And you, you look out for yourself, all right?

Mitch

The road was clear. I don't think we were spotted. We would still do better not hang around too long.