Dialogue: Path of Glory

Delamain

Good morning, V.

V

Hey, Del.

Delamain

Are you prepared for takeoff?

V

1AThe Afterlife, head over there.

Delamain

1AYour wish is my command.

1AAs you wish.

Delamain Sad

1AAbsolutely.

V

1BHang on. Need a minute.

Delamain

1BNaturally, V.

1BOf course.

Delamain Sad

1BYes, of course.

Delamain

Hello. Thank you for choosing the Delamain service.

Where shall we fly today?

Delamain Sad

Good morning, V.

Where shall we zip off to today?

Emmerick

Ey, boss.

V

Hey. He there yet?

Emmerick

No' yet. He'll be on time, though.

His people came to scan the place earlier. Check, make sure everything's clean before he arrived.

Heh, thought we didn't notice 'em.

V

And the gear?

Emmerick

All set with the heat. Rest, too – full tank, ready to launch.

V

Thanks. Be there soon.

Delamain

I've chosen the optimal route. We'll be arriving shortly.

One last thing before I shut up as requested – don't worry, V.

Delamain

2ABest of luck, V. May your plans bear succulent fruit!

2AThank you for choosing the Delamain service. Have a nice day.

Delamain Sad

2AHave a nice day, V!

Delamain

Here we are. Shall I await your return?

V

No, thanks, Del. I'll be all right.

Delamain

Best of luck, V. May your plans bear succulent fruit!

We have arrived at your destination.

Thank you for choosing the Delamain service. Have a nice day.

Delamain Sad

Here we are.

Have a nice day, V!

Delamain

My, don't you look tired. Did you have a difficult night?

V

Difficult few weeks.

Delamain

Success weighing you down – is that it? I was under the impression you had gotten all you wanted, that you'd shown the city exactly who is top dog.

Can I help? I'd very much like to help you.

V

3AMood in the city – what's it like?

Delamain

3AArasaka's problems continue to compound – organizational disintegration, its share price has collapsed, public mistrust is at an all-time high… I could go on.

3A"Secure Your Soul" was to be a smashing success for Arasaka. It turned into a horrific curse. They lost all resources related to the program.

V

3AMhm, promised the rich immortality, sold them on it. Actually collected engrams and knowledge. A bid for control, for power, I say.

3AAnd the street?

Delamain

3ARumors abound that you've taken on something rather big. And that one with great power and even greater funds is backing you.

3ANothing much besides. Arasaka is in chaos, striving to restore even a semblance of order. It seems you, the Afterlife, are safe... for now.

V

3AGood to know.

Delamain

3AMay I ask you something, V?

V

3AShoot.

Delamain

3AYou mentioned recently that only one thing matters to you – to gaze upon Night City from the very top.

V

3AI hope your deep learning covered metaphor – and you're not about to tell me to exercise caution when looking out the window.

Delamain

3ASarcasm. Funny.

3ANo. I wished to ask what will come next? Once you've achieved your aim?

V

4AI'll feel fulfilled.

Delamain

4ATruly?

V

4ASure fuckin' hope so.

4BThen I'll die.

Delamain

4BWhile I understand your meaning, I can't seem to imagine that.

4BIf there's anything I can do to help you avoid that fate, please do tell me.

V

4BMight be I'm beyond help, anybody's. But that's OK.

4BIt's more than OK.

4CAsk me once it's done, once it's all over.

Delamain

4COf course. I shall be sure to do so.

4CAnd I am glad.

V

4CWhy's that?

Delamain

4CThat I'll be able to ask. That means it'll work. You will, in fact, return.

V

4CMhm...

3BJust take me to the Afterlife. Quick, no more chatter. Gotta focus.

Delamain

3BNaturally, I've selected the shortest route. We'll be there shortly.

3BOne last thing before I shut up as requested – don't worry, V.

3BIf anyone can pull this particular job off, it's you. See, I know you a bit, and…

3BWell, I'm quite sure you know what I mean.

V

3BThanks, Del. I do.

3CHonestly? It's too late. I can't be helped.

Delamain

3CYou've unlimited resources at your disposal after your raid on Mikoshi. All at the Afterlife eat out of your hand. I'm certain…

V

3CDon't worry about it.

Delamain

3CIf you say so.

We will be traveling along restricted air corridors.

No delays anticipated.

V

Preem.

Delamain

If I may deign, you look frightfully fatigued. Was it a difficult night?

V

Difficult few weeks.

Delamain

I'm truly sorry to hear that.

The Delamain network is pleased to offer complementary services that may just be the ideal remedy for your current condition.

What's more, I'm delighted to inform you that Delamain has joined forces with Trauma Team.

With our limited-time only "Safe Travels" package, you have a full range of medical services available to you at your fingertips.

V

5AGet me to the Afterlife. And floor it.

Delamain

5ANaturally.

5AI've chosen the optimal route. We'll be arriving shortly.

5APlease sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views of our fine city.

V

6AHm, might be the last time I get a look at this place.

Delamain

6ADo you plan to leave Night City?

V

6AOne way or another.

Delamain

6AIn that case, I wish you a swift return home.

6AThis city, as certain of my clients note, is "a true West Coast gem."

V

6AUh-huh.

Delamain

6AThey also call it "a metropolis of near paralyzing beauty."

V

6ADon't doubt it.

6BMhm. Thanks.

Delamain

6BJudging by my clients' reviews, the city is "truly breathtaking."

V

6BMh, no doubt.

Delamain

6B"It's a knockout."

V

6BSure is.

Delamain

6B"Poised to enchant you with promises of a better tomorrow."

V

6BYou don't say...

5BWhat's going on with Arasaka? And how's the sich in the city?

Delamain

5BHere's an item that might interest you – the Arasaka crisis continues, the corporation still teeters.

5BAggregated media mentions indicate a positively mammoth stain on the corporation's image, as well as financial and political defeat.

5B"Secure Your Soul" was to be a smashing success for Arasaka. It turned into a horrific curse. They lost all resources related to the program.

V

5BMhm, promised the rich immortality, sold them on it. Actually collected engrams and knowledge. A bid for control, for power, I say.

Delamain

5BPrecisely. In any event, it will be some time before Arasaka successfully reorganizes. It seems you, the Afterlife, are safe... for now.

V

5CAs to any medical aid, a day late and an eddy short for that.

Delamain

5CI'm afraid I don't understand. You've practically unlimited resources at your disposal. I'm certain we can find an appropriate solution.

V

5CDon't worry about it, Del.

Delamain

5CAs you wish.

Delamain Sad

We'll be taking those special air corridors. Excited as I am?

So we should make good time.

V

Awesome.

Delamain Sad

My, you look knackered. Hard night?

V

Difficult few weeks.

Delamain Sad

Golly, I'm sorry to hear that. Your incursion into Arasaka Tower has given you all – respect, unlimited resources. Now, for physical ailments…

If it helps, I can offer additional services and spa treatments and whatnot. That may be just the thing for your current condition.

In fact, I've teamed up with Trauma Team to provide a medical care package. Limited time offer, "Safe Travels" I call it – you could try it now.

What do you say?

V

7AJust take me to the Afterlife. And floor it.

Delamain Sad

7AAbsolutely.

7AI've chosen the optimal route. We'll be arriving shortly.

7APlease sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views of our fine city.

V

8AHm, might be the last time I get a look at this place.

Delamain Sad

8AAre you going somewhere, for good?

V

8AOne way or another.

Delamain Sad

8AIn that case, I'll hope to see you again soon!

8ANight City, as my clients note, is "a true West Coast gem."

V

8AUh-huh.

Delamain Sad

8AThey also call it "a metropolis of near paralyzing beauty."

V

8ADon't doubt it.

8BMhm. Thanks.

Delamain Sad

8BIf you care to believe my customers, the city is "truly breathtaking."

V

8BMh, no doubt.

Delamain Sad

8B"It's a knockout."

V

8BSure is.

Delamain Sad

8B"Poised to enchant you with promises of a better tomorrow."

V

8BYou don't say...

7BAs to any medical aid, a day late and an eddy short for that.

Delamain Sad

7BI'm afraid I don't understand. But you've unlimited resources at your disposal, I'm certain we can find something appropriate and thoroughly satisfying.

V

7BDon't worry about it.

Delamain Sad

7BHave it your way.

V

7CHow's the sich in the city?

Delamain Sad

7CArasaka's in a right pickle – an organizational shambles, its share price has tanked, public mistrust is at an all-time high… I could go on.

7C"Secure Your Soul" was to be a mammoth success for Arasaka. It turned into a mammoth curse. They lost all resources related to the program.

V

7CMhm, promised the rich immortality, sold them on it. Actually collected engrams and knowledge. A bid for control, for power, I say.

7CAnd the street? What's the street sayin'?

Delamain Sad

7CRumors abound, naturally. You're onto something huge with someone even huger backing you, their resources yet more huge.

7CNothing much besides. Arasaka's a mess, trying to rein in the chaos. At any rate, you, the Afterlife, you're safe... for some time anyway.

V

7CPreem, just preem.

Delamain Sad

I've chosen the optimal route. We'll be arriving shortly.

Please sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views of our fine city.

Mr Blue Eyes

V. I've long awaited this moment. To look the latest Afterlife legend in the eye – I must say, I'm moved.

V

Happy not to disappoint.

Mr Blue Eyes

Ladies first.

V

1ATalk to me.

Mr Blue Eyes

1AWell, V... Mikoshi was quite the punch, you TKO'd Arasaka, in fact. Brought you eddies, influence around town. But not just that.

1AIt meant positive paralysis of Arasaka systems. A few additional hatches opened up, my people rushed in, grabbed what they could.

V

1ASo it's all systems go for the op.

Mr Blue Eyes

1AI have confirmed the intel leaking out of Arasaka. The casino is currently testing a new security system.

1AAnd it's true – they will be shutting it down briefly today. I believe you'll know how to use that moment.

V

2AWon't be disappointed. Picked the best merc around for the job.

Mr Blue Eyes

2ASo I've heard. But I'd like it proved to me as well.

V

2BHaving second thoughts? Hope that doesn't mean you wanna drop out.

Mr Blue Eyes

2BDrop out? At this stage? No, it would make no sense, I'd take a hit.

1ASpeaking of which – nobody's ever pulled off a stunt like this.

1AWhere I'm from, they'd say it's straight impossible.

1AThey'd say you're taking too big a risk. Poetically speaking, flying towards the sun to burn up.

V

3AThey'd be dead wrong, all of 'em.

Mr Blue Eyes

3ASelf-confidence worthy of a legend. Or of someone risking it all.

3AHmm. But I sense you know what it's like to lose everything. To fight for one last breath. I see it in you.

V

3BGuess that's why you hired me.

Mr Blue Eyes

3BHuh. You know why I hired you? Because you'd do anything at all for even the faintest chance at survival.

3BEven if it meant coming to within a hair's breadth of your untimely death.

V

4AThis time tomorrow – should have the casino's client data, all of it.

4ADon't forget your side of the bargain.

Mr Blue Eyes

4AOh, I never forget a promise. Good luck.

V

5AHey. We good?

Emmerick

5APerfect. Your box is ready an' waitin'.

Boss.

V

Drinkin' to Rogue.

Claire

Gotta say, she'd be happy to see you in her box.

V

Think so?

Claire

Remember that first time you asked her for help? She was hard on you, wasn't she?

Know what she told me later? She said, "She's got that blood, Afterlife blood. She'll make the city hers or it'll kill her. No third option."

Think that was why she decided to help you. And, well, she was right.

V

Heh. That she was…

Weyland

Hey, boss.

V

8AWeyland. Back and better than ever?

Weyland

8AReady and waitin'.

V

8AYou tell everyone here about that stunt you pulled at Arasaka Tower?

Weyland

8AWhadda you think? Claire musta heard it three times already.

V

8BPut you back together beautifully. Brand, shiny new Weyland.

Weyland

8BHeheh. Yeah, somehow. Anyway, had enough of sittin' on my ass in the clinic. Feel much better here.

V

8BWhere you can tell everyone about your 'Saka Tower heroics?

Weyland

8BHeh, ya know it!

But what you plan to do today, V... I mean, respect. Nothin' else will ever come close.

Take gooood care of yourself. And good luck.

V

Thanks.

V

9AHey, Rogue. How's things? Everything in order?

Rogue

9AYou tell me. Afterlife, all that goes on here – it's your mess now.

V

9AHeh, intrigued to hear what this client has to say.

Rogue

9AI would be too. He awaits. But before you go off, let's you and me swap a few thoughts.

V

9BHey. Client's here, waiting.

Rogue

9BUh-huh. And he can wait a little longer.

9BSit down, let's talk a minute. Before all that swallows you whole.

V

9CHey. Client here yet?

Rogue

9CMmm, yep. Lying in wait, by the booth.

Claire

Get you somethin'?

V

10AMy usual.

Claire

10ASure thing.

Rogue

10AOh, no you don't. Unusual situation – you just can't have the usual.

10AOff into the wild blue today. And you're well aware of the stakes.

V

10ASure, keep remindin' me…

Rogue

10ABefore any big op, and you know this, I'd oil the cogs with a little glass of tequila... Johnny's preferred.

V

10AWe all got our rituals, charms, lucky underwear…

Rogue

10ANot talkin' about luck, talkin' about remembering. Remembering Johnny... which is how I knew what this was all for. What I was doing in this mess.

V

10ARogue...

Rogue

10ASo you're gonna honor Afterlife tradition. Claire's gonna mix you a house drink. You just name it.

V

11AMix me up a Silverhand. Drinkin' to Johnny.

Rogue

11AHe'da gone with you, I just know it. Couldn't resist an op like this.

11AI remember his smile every time he sensed the world rocking, on the verge of collapse. He'd be smilin' today.

V

11AI know.

11BMix me up a Welles. Gonna drink to Jackie.

Rogue

11BYou miss him?

V

11BThis place, it was Jackie's dream. He wanted to work with fixers like you. Legends.

11BWanted everybody at the Afterlife to know our names. "Major leagues, V, that's the place to be, the major leagues."

Rogue

11BWell, consider his dream fulfilled.

V

11CI'n't high time to have a V on the menu? Let's drink to me. Could use it today.

Rogue

11CMh, gotta die to have a drink named after you at the Afterlife. You know the rules.

V

11CAgreed, and I do know the rules. But I did die, Rogue.

Rogue

11CYou did. A living legend of the Afterlife – how about that.

11CSomebody like this deserves something special, Claire.

11CWell then clearly you've risen from the dead. With a bigger head, too.

V

11CLong story. Might get the chance to tell it to you some day.

Rogue

11CSomebody like this deserves something special, Claire.

Rogue

12ABreak a leg, V. This heist – if anybody can pull it off, that person's you.

V

10BNothin' for me, thanks.

Rogue

10BMh. I get that. Got an important meeting today.

V

10BGoin' up today, Rogue.

Rogue

10BBefore any big op, and you know this, I'd oil the cogs with a little glass of tequila... Johnny's preferred.

V

10BYour ritual, your lucky underwear? Not sure that's my thing.

Rogue

10BNot talkin' about luck, talkin' about remembering. Remembering Johnny... which is how I knew what this was all for. What I was doing in this mess.

10BSo mock me all you want, but I, choomba, drink to you.

10BBe careful up there and good luck. And come back to us. Afterlife's your home now.

V

13AThanks, Rogue.

Claire

Hey, V.

Get you somethin'?

V

14AMy usual.

Claire

14ASure thing.

14APeople can tell something's up. Won't be able to keep it under wraps much longer.

V

14AWon't have to. Take off's today.

Claire

14AToday...?

V

14AIs that a problem?

Claire

14ANo, no. Just… in that case, you're gonna need somethin' special.

14ARogue had this little ritual. Before any big op, she'd knock back a shot of tequila. Silverhand's preferred.

14AAsked her once if it was for luck or whatever. Know what she said?

14ASaid it was about remembering. Said that remembering Johnny that way helped her focus on what was important.

14AAnyways, Afterlife tradition – gonna mix you up one of our specials. Just tell me who we're drinkin' to.

V

15AMix me up a Silverhand. Drinkin' to Johnny.

Claire

15AI mean, I only know what people say about 'im, but... bet he'd looove what you're planning. Shit, he'd be over the damn moon.

V

15AI know.

Claire

15AGood luck, V.

V

15BMix me up a Welles. Gonna drink to Jackie.

Claire

15BMiss him, don't you?

V

15BMhm... This place was Jack's dream, y'know? Afterlife legends, that's what we were gonna be.

Claire

15BWell, then you made his dream come true.

15BGood luck, V.

V

15DWhat about my drink? Let's raise a glass to me. Might need it.

Claire

15DWant the Afterlife to make a drink in your name, you gotta die first. You know the rules.

V

15DOh, but I did die, Claire.

Claire

15DHuh, um, OK...? OK, I'll... I'll mix you somethin'.

15DAnd good luck, V.

V

14BNothin' for me, thanks.

Claire

14BI understand. It's the big day, isn't it? You're meetin' him?

V

14BMhm.

Claire

14BRogue had this little ritual. Before any big op, she'd knock back a shot of tequila. Silverhand's preferred.

14BAsked her once if it was for luck or whatever. Know what she said?

14BSaid it was about remembering. Said that remembering Johnny that way helped her focus on what was important.

14BSo – I'm gonna knock one back. Your health, V. And to the mission.

14BGood luck, V.

V

16AHey. All chill here?

Weyland

16AHm, aye, be waitin' for me moment. Long enough me back end's complainin' with a pain.

16AHeard you goin' after somethin' big, V. Shimmerin' luck to you, always.

V

16AThanks, Crispin.

Mr Blue Eyes

Sit down. Let's talk.

I wouldn't mind knowing what's sprouted in your mind, V.

Is everything in order?

V...?

Claire

Boss?

So what'd hit the spot about now?

Weyland

Hey, boss.

Life treatin' you all right?

Rogue

OK, I'm willin' to drink to that. Claire, bring us something… appropriate.

Drink. It'll do you good.

Heheh. Having trouble deciding?

Sit down, V. We should talk.

Weyland

Life treatin' you all right?

V

2AOK. Here goes nothin'.

Mrx

2AGood luck.

2ASee you down bottom.

V

2AOver and out.

V

4ARight, in position.

Mrx

4APerfect, almost to the second. My turn.

4AHmm. Satellites're down for now – just got the signal. Signature cloaking activated.

4ARemember. Got one shot and one shot only.

V

4AMh, tell me something I don't know.

Mrx

4ASoon as it starts, there'll be no backing down, no chance at extraction, no chance of survival if anyone notices.

V

4AExcellent.

Mrx

4ABut if this works, you'll gain more than you ever imagined.

V

4ATimes when I had something to gain are long gone.

4ANow... now I got nothin' to lose.

Mrx

4AThat's kinda grim. Then again, who'm I to judge.

V

[db_db]Boy or Girl?