Dialogue: Riders on the Storm

Panam

V... It's a good thing you answered. I could probably use your help.

V

"Probably"?

Panam

Fine – I could really use your help.

Can we meet?

V

1AJust tell me when and where.

Panam

1AYou don't know how good it is to hear that.

1ASwing by the Aldecaldos' camp. I'll explain it all.

V

1AThe Aldecaldos? Thought you'd parted ways.

Panam

1AUgh. Look, it's a long story. Just hurry over. I'm here.

V

1BEgh, short on time right now.

Panam

1BV... it's a life and death thing. I'm serious.

V

1BI got one of those on my hands, too. Sorry.

Panam

1BWell, if you change your mind, I'm at the Aldecaldos' camp.

V

1CDeep breaths, Panam... Tell me what's goin' on?

Panam

1CDo you remember Saul? The leader of the clan I left?

V

1CUh-huh. Had a fallin' out or somethin'.

Panam

1CDoesn't matter right now. He--

1CThey nabbed him.

1CThis is just not suitable for a call, V.

V

Panam? Said you needed my help?

Panam

Yeah, I really do.

Can you come? Will you?

Gillean Jordan

Welcome to N54. It's time for your local news. Violence continues to plague the Badlands.

Shootings have been reported along the 1, 166, and 101.

Eyewitness accounts point to inter-clan disputes. Attacks on unaffiliated persons has not exceeded the average.

However, in an abundance of caution, the NCPD has raised the threat level to 2, advising travelers to avoid side roads.

We'll continue to keep you informed as the situation develops.

Panam

Where's Mitch? He was supposed to meet me here.

Carol

He'll be here any minute.

Huh, you never mentioned seeking outside help.

Panam

We can use all the help we can get.

V

3ALet's see what we got here.

Mitch

3AThe Raffens can't see it – active camo. But that practically inhales battery juice, so make it quick.

V

3BMitch, how ya been?

Mitch

3BWishing duct tape could right all the world's wrongs.

3BAnd hey, it shouldn't be me occupyin' your thoughts, but Saul.

3BYou taking a look or not?

V

2AThere a problem?

Carol

2AJust that if we're looking outside, we must be a hot mess inside.

Panam

2AThat's why we'll go in quiet. A frontal assault would be suicide.

2AMitch is already setting up recon. V will sneak into the Wraiths' camp, while I'll be her guardian rifle.

V

4AWait, meanin' it's just gonna be us two?

4AWhat about all you guys?!

4BAh, goin' in quiet. Two's all you need.

Teddy

4BIt's not that I don't want to go, to serve some Raffens up some justice! It's just…

Carol

2ALook around! The last attacks left barely half of us standing! Our supplies are stuck outside goddamn Reno. And our gear... don't get me started!

V

5ALeader gets nabbed and you, what? Hope for the best?

5ARather not think about what you'd do for the ones at the bottom of your food chain.

Carol

5AYou're asking for trouble…

Panam

5ALeave it. She has a right not to understand.

Mitch

5AI floated a drone over the Wraiths' camp.

5AWill you take a look or would you rather keep mouthing off?

5AHey there, V.

5AI floated a drone over the Wraiths' camp.

5AWe have live eyes on it. Will you take a look?

Bob

5AThere's Mitch.

Cassidy

5AWe're up shit creek, static. And I don't know if we're ever going to find or fashion a paddle, try as we might.

Carol

5ASo we do what Saul would want us to do.

Teddy

5AMhm. We wait and gather our strength.

V

1AOK, how d'you wanna do this?

Panam

1AQuietly. An open assault would be suicide.

1AMitch is already setting up the recon. You'll sneak into the Wraiths' camp while I cover you.

V, it's good you're here.

V

6AWhat happened? Spit it out.

Panam

6AThe Wraiths took Saul.

6AThe brickbrain ventured out with a small patrol and never came back.

V

6ASure it was Wraiths?

Panam

6AWe've been observing their camp. We know they're holding prisoners, including someone important.

6AWe need to free Saul.

6AI don't know why but... I felt I could count on you.

V

7AAlways, Panam. You and me're chooms. Thought that was clear.

Panam

7ACareful, or I'll start believing that. You won't be able to get rid of me.

V

7AI'll survive, I'm sure.

Panam

7AWhatever goodwill you might feel, I'm sure you won't turn down one of the best sniper rifles on the West Coast.

7AA Techtronika "Grad" – you saw it in action already.

7AThat and the gratitude of the 'Caldos.

V

7BBelonged to a nomad family too once. City doesn't change us all that much, I guess.

Panam

7BThat's hard to deny.

V

7CI could help you out.

Panam

7CThere's a "but" attached to that.

V

7CNot for free.

Panam

7CI might have guessed. There never is anything free with you statics.

7CFine. I will give you one of the best sniper rifles on the West Coast.

7CA Techtronika "Grad" – you saw it in action already. All yours, compliments of the 'Caldos.

V

6ASounds fancy.

Panam

6AOnce you have it in hand, "fancy" all of a sudden becomes "kickass."

6ALet's go. Mitch will walk you through the details.

Nomad

6AHer? After what happened to Scorpion, she shows up here?

6AGuess probably for Saul...

Panam

6AIgnore that.

Nomad

6AHey, Panam! Seriously? You really aim to do this?

Panam

6ASomeone has to...

Nomad

6AYou know you have a piston missing, right?

Panam

6ASomeone has to!

Nomad

6AWell I'll be... Panam and V. What's going on there?

V

6BHad no idea you and the Aldecaldos had made up.

Panam

6BThey continue to grind my gears something terrible.

6BBut... y'know…

V

6BThey're family.

Panam

6BExactly.

Panam drone

They found an abandoned cement plant to squat in. With a mass of heavy gear.

Locusts would be a better name for them. They fly into a place, strip it of all it's got, then move on. But this time…

Do you see the wall? They've added some primitive security measures.

It points to them aiming to stay longer. The question is why. Who knows for sure, but I would guess that Saul is part of the reason.

If he's still there, we have to find a way inside.

That guard post is probably connected to the rest of the camp.

V

Our way in?

Panam drone

Maybe, but there are also breaches in the wall, lightly guarded sections…

Do you see the tracks?

The main building, there. Saul must be inside.

V

Quite a spread... Be like looking for a diamond in a hailstorm.

Panam drone

If they haven't scrapped and gutted the place for parts, you could access the local cam-net. You would just need to find the control room.

The skywalk – it connects the garage to the main structure.

V

8AOK, got some stuff to work with now.

Panam drone

That's probably the one they kept Saul in.

9ATire tracks. Their vehicles were moving heavy freight.

9AIt could have been equipment... Either that or Saul's not their only prisoner.

9AThe tracks lead to the truck. Can you scan it?

Panam

Is everything clear?

V

10AYep, let's go get Saul.

Panam

10APerfect. Mitch, is the van primed?

V

11AWhaddaya think? All that's going on?

Cassidy

11AMy stint in Mexico taught me there's no hole you can't crawl out of.

11ABut to do that, sure helps havin' a guidin' hand – if ya catch my meanin'.

V

11ASaul.

Cassidy

11AYou want my two ennies? Without him... all this comes unglued.

V

12ASo, what? You're at the helm of the clan now?

Carol

12ASomething you'd like to say?

V

12AJust curious. Looks like you're in charge of the camp with Saul gone.

Carol

12AI simply have the loudest opinions. And just so happens most folks tend to agree with them.

12ABut I'd like to be clear. What you and Panam aim to do... I'm grateful.

12AEven if your plan has little chance of succeeding.

V

12AAren't you the optimist.

Carol

12AA realist.

12ABut good luck all the same. Try not to die.

V

13AHow do ya see our chances?

Bob

13AI was helpin' Mitch with the drones, and truth be told... it doesn't look good.

13AThose parasites knew just where and how to hunker down.

13AIf you wanna know my take, I think Panam's right. In and out quietly's our best bet.

V

14ALooks like someone doesn't enjoy waiting patiently.

Teddy

14AHeh... I'd rather move my ass than sit on it, that's for damn sure.

14ABut when the clan's decided, it's decided. That's the way things are. I dunno... maybe it'll be our own undoing.

V

14AY'know, we could use a war vet's expertise. Sure you're stayin' back?

Teddy

14AI'm sure every passing second puts Saul another step closer to death's door.

14AGo on, V. Get him outta there.

Panam

10ASolid job.

Mitch

10AI mostly improvised, actually.

Panam

10AEither way, it'll have to do.

Mitch

10AHold on a minute, I got one more thing.

10AIf you find Saul hasn't flatlined, you'll probably need this.

10ASpiked SuperJet. A rhino dose. It should speed up Saul's central pump.

V

15AHope so. Doubt I could carry him on my back.

Panam

15ASo, that should be everything.

15AV, will you ride with me?

V

16AYeah, 'course I'm going with you.

Panam

16AOK, you take the wheel.

V

16AWant me drivin'?

Panam

16AYep, I need to fiddle with my scope a bit.

V

16BGoin' alone. Meet you there.

Panam

16BOK, just don't lose your way. Time is not our friend on this.

Mitch

10AI did what I could. Take a tour.

V

10BLet's sum things up, just to be sure.

Panam

10BSheesh… OK. The Raffens captured Saul. They're holding him somewhere inside their base.

10BWe are the cavalry riding to the rescue, hoping to make it in time.

10BYou will strive to slip into the camp while I cover you. But we’ll let bullets fly only as a last resort.

10BThey are many, we are few. So we'll need to look for any chance to gain the upper hand.

10BYou will pull Saul out, and the three of us will ride away at top speed. All clear now?

Mitch

You taking a look or not?

Panam

Oh yeah... We even have a radio in here.

Take it for a spin if you like.

I still can't believe he let himself get captured…

Anyone else... but Saul?

V

Said yourself he's not at the top of his form.

Panam

Yes, but…

Moving civilians across the border during a bombardment…

Hijacking a Petrochem tanker, opening the valves, cranking a few figure eights to set the desert ablaze and give the kids a fun show…

That's the Saul I remember.

V

All had our idols…

Panam

I know. It's just...

Holy... Do you see that?!

That is one hell of a storm!

V

Lookin'... bad.

Panam

Oh, it's bad in more than its look. We have to move quickly.

OK, let's go over the plan again.

You slip into the Wraiths' camp, soft as a fox…

But if things get noisy, I'll be your long-distance insurance policy.

We'll be linked at all times. So as soon as you find Saul, I'll fire up the engine and we'll speed out of there.

We need to hide the car. Park beside that outcrop.

OK, out.

I'll find a place to roost and keep you in sight.

You just watch yourself down there.

V, we don't have time! A storm is rolling in.

If we're to do this, it's now or never.

Right here, V.

Are you ready?

V

1AOK. Ready as I'll ever be. You?

Panam

1AI know the perfect spot to roost. I'll have my eyes on you throughout.

1AGood luck.

V

1BLet's sum things up, just to be sure.

Panam

1BOK, let's go over the plan again.

1BYou slip into the Wraiths' camp, soft as a fox…

1BBut if things get noisy, I'll be your long-distance insurance policy.

1BWe'll be linked at all times. So as soon as you find Saul, I'll fire up the engine and we'll speed out of there.

V

1CDecent storm's rumbling in, looks like.

Panam

1C"Decent"? That's a roof-ripper from hell! We have to get this done before she hits us.

You might as well have ridden with me!

Have you lost your damned mind?!

Hop out and let's get to work.

I'll cover you from that perch. You find Saul and get him out of there.

We'll meet up after.

Dammit, too late to abort now.

I'll have you covered. You find Saul and get him out of there.

We'll meet up after.

V

1AUgh... Panam... Got a girl here... Dead.

Panam

1AFucking Raffens! Soulless filth! There's no line they won't cross, none!

1AKeep looking, V. Maybe... just maybe we're not too late.

V

1AUgh... Panam... Got a girl here... Dead.

1ADisemboweled… and not just for her chrome, I don't think.

Panam

1AFucking Raffens! Soulless filth! There's no line they won't cross, none!

Ganger main

'Ey? Shouldn't you be downstairs?

Ganger main

I was. I had to feed the mangy mutt.

Pulled off his gag and you know what the bastard did? Nearly bit off my fingers!

Ganger main

He still have his teeth? You know, he doesn't really need those to talk.

Ganger main

Huh... Yeah, I'll have to remember that next time.

Now that you mention it, he doesn't need his eyes, either.

Ganger outside

Any progress? Is he singing yet?

Ganger outside

Rottin' in the basement a while longer oughta loosen his pipes.

Ganger outside

Fuckin' hell, sure hope so'... It's takin' too long.

Ganger gate

I wanna see him up close.

Ganger gate

Just wait. Nothing to see just yet.

Wait'll they give 'im a taste of the torch, try to melt him down.

Panam

All right, I'm in position. I have you in range.

V

Been here before, y'know.

Panam

Good. You survived once, so let's go for two.

Keep your eyes peeled. I see several heavy hitters.

V

On our way out now!

Panam

I'm firing up the engine! I'll be right there!

That should be their garage. It's heavily guarded.

Knowing them, they have something important in there. You might even gain access to the security system.

A good way to get to the garage.

From there, you can access a footbridge leading to the main structure.

Keep your head down and plow straight ahead!

V

Think I found a sneaky way to slip in…

Panam

Perfect. These brutes will never be the wiser.

OK, main building. Watch for vermin.

Saul is somewhere inside. I feel it in my bones.

Remember what I told you. Find the control room and you'll gain access to the security cams.

V

Made it to the cellar. If they're holdin' him anywhere, it's here.

Panam

Dammit! Stay out of sight!

The sniper is no longer a problem. Keep moving.

Careful. There's a sniper perched in the tower.

OK, you're near the main structure. That has to be where they're holding Saul.

Dammit, V! So much for being sly!

Find Saul and you two get out of there!

Dammit!

Dammit, dammit, dammit!

Fuck, let's finish this! Do your thing!

V

Panam! Found Saul, I think. Locked in the cellar.

Panam

How is he?

V

Nah, it's hard to say. Too dark.

Panam

OK, get down there and get him. Maybe we made it in time.

V

Right – think I got eyes on him.

Panam

Is he...?

V

Breathing? Think so.

Panam

Good. Grab him and get out of there.

V

Saul?

Saul

Do-do-d'you... have my goddamn cigar?

V

1AEasy, Saul. I'm here with Panam.

Saul

1APanam...?

1ABut... she left.

V

1ANot forever. Gonna get you out.

Saul

1AYou, I remember... You're that merc...

V

2AYou're pretty badly beat. Prolly could use this.

Saul

2AUgh...

2AOh yeah!

2ATime to don my dancing shoes!

V

2ASeems not bad at all. Heh, demanded a cigar and some "companions."

Panam

2AThat does sound like Saul.

2ANow, get yourselves out of there!

V

2ALet's go, Saul.

Saul

2AOK, just give me a shivvie.

V

2AYou want payback? Too late. Got no Raffs left to share.

Saul

2AYou? Alone? All of them?

V

2APanam watched my back.

Panam

2AI can confirm. There is no movement in the compound. I'll pull up to collect your shortly.

2ABe careful down there. Vermin could still crawl out of some hole.

V

2AI got the edge. Wraiths don't know I'm here.

Saul

2AYou... got by the posted guards?

V

2AUh-huh. And if we can be just as sly together, might get out without firing a shot.

Panam

2AExactly. There should be a quick exit out of the cellar.

V

2AMiddle of a shitstorm down here! Brewin' to be a category five!

Panam

2AI know! Get out of the building! I'll be right there!

V

2AHe'll live.

Panam

2ASo? How is he?

V

2BC'mon. Family's waitin'.

2CCan you walk?

Saul

2CFuck!

2CSomething is out of whack.

V

2DFound a dead girl here. Know who it might be?

Saul

2DA nomad... but not of any clan.

2DThey cut her... right in front of me, the devils.

2DTo break my will, they thought.

2DI'll rip their guts out for it.

V

1BY-your cigar...?

Saul

1BI told you sons of bitches…

1BA cigar...

1BSome ice-cold hooch...

1BAnd a couple of ladies to keep me company.

1BEither that... or you can kiss my keister.

Panam

The cavalry's about to arrive!

Main gate! Be ready!

Panam

Hurry! Hop in the back!

Saul

Fresh air. At last.

Panam

The basement probably has a quick way out. Find it.

Saul

Of course I can…

Saul

We need to shake 'em!

That's one way to treat an engine.

Panam

Fuck off, Saul.

I can't squeeze any more out of it!

Cut off that tail!

Saul

Get ready!

Panam

Dammit! We got more!

Decommission the bastards!

Going off road! This'll be rough!

The storm! It's going to swallow us!

Saul

We need to find shelter!

Panam

I know, dammit!

There's an abandoned farm nearby! I'll get us there!

Saul

Fuck! My head! Are you out to kill me?!

Panam

We got hit, big! I can't push it much more!

Do you see those buildings? We'll wait it out there!

Saul

I remember this place. It should be safe! At least for now.

Panam

Woooo! We got 'em!

Saul

Haha! Attaway, girl!

I couldn't've done it better myself.

Panam

I... Thanks!

Saul

Panam, you're making a mistake! Another one!

Panam

You're serious right now?!

Saul

Those devils wanted to know our location!

If we drive to camp now, you'll just be setting the table for them!

Panam

You look outside lately?!

The storm will wipe our tracks!

Saul

And the scent of blood?

Panam

What?!

Saul

Must've rustled up reinforcements!

We got more chomping at our tail!

Panam

Fuck!

Haha, beautiful!

Saul

And the scent of blood?

Panam

What?!

Saul

We got more chomping at our tail!

Panam

Fuck!

Saul

That storm is picking up steam.

Panam

Good. It'll cover our tracks.

Saul

Anyway, we have good reason not to head straight back to camp.

Panam

There's no need to play it safe, we'll just burn time.

Saul

Better late and safe than dead.

Ughh...

Panam

It'll just whip us off this road. We need to find shelter.

The Ingalls' farm?

Saul

Good idea.

V

You two know 'em?

Panam

No one's lived there a while. Biotechnica saw to that.

Do you see those buildings? We'll wait it out there!

Saul

I remember this place. It should be safe! At least for now.

Panam

Do you see those buildings? We'll wait it out there!

Saul

I remember this place. It should be safe! At least for now.

Saul

Inside! Quick!

Panam

1ALooks like we're in for the night.

1AA little power might be useful.

1ACould you help me look, V? I'll search in here.

1AA lot of useful things. The Ingalls left in a hurry.

Saul

1ABiotechnica made them a good offer.

Panam

1AYeah, prime. Sell us your land or...

Saul

1AYou don't know that.

Panam

1ANo bulldozers, no backhoe loaders ever showed up. Lousy, rotten way to get them out.

1ADeal with a corp, you end with nothing, Saul.

Saul

1ADon't go there, not now.

Panam

1AHey, it worked! We have lights!

Saul

1ADamn, it's getting cold…

Panam

1AI tried to get us some heat in here, but no luck.

1ACan you check it? Might have the magic touch.

1AActually, you know what? Check the fuse outside, it might have come loose.

1AIf so, just whack it back in place and I'll get this junk burning.

V

2ARight. Gimme a sec.

Panam

2AThank you. If Saul freezes to death, it will have been a wasted day.

V

2BAnything else, Your Excellency?

Panam

2BHuh, I'll need to think about it. Though it'll be the end of our friendship if Saul freezes to death.

Panam

3ASee what I see?

3AExpiration date's from before the last war, so hopefully it hasn't turned to poison.

3AToday's our lucky day.

Saul

3A"Lucky..." Interesting choice of words.

Panam

3ADo I hear a lecture coming on?

Saul

3ANo, no lecture.

3ABut we do need to talk.

3AThat Wraiths crap... It shouldn't have happened. They wanted everything – our camp locations, routes, offloading points...

V

4AEh, not the time for this. You're both exhausted.

Panam

4AMaybe you're right.

Saul

4AWe can't hope to handle the Raffens alone.

Panam

4ASo you would sell us out to Biotechnica?

4AV, tell him it's a damn rotten idea!

V

5ADon't be mad, but... I think Saul could be right.

Panam

5AWhat?! Why?

V

6AClan's future, its survival – that's what's at stake.

Panam

6AMhm. Did you hear me talking about something else?

V

6ACompared the Raffens to locusts. I mean, Biotechnica's got experience with pests.

Saul

6AHear that, Panam? That is the voice of reason.

Panam

6AAll I hear is the fucking wind.

V

6BKnow how things work in Night City?

6BGot everybody fightin' for a slice of the street. If you keep gettin' jumped, you find some stronger choombas.

Panam

6BYou're talking about gangs.

V

6BPrinciples're the same out here. Oughta remember that.

6CI hear teeth grinding? That's fair.

6CBut that's how things stand. The stronger survive.

6CBiotechnica plays a fair game, mostly. Snug under their wing, you might just have a chance.

6DY'know, forget I said anything.

5BGotta agree with Panam. Sounds like a truly shitty idea.

Panam

5BThanks.

Saul

5BWhat could you possibly know about it?

V

7A'Member the Bakkers?

Saul

7AI'm a bit hazy…

V

7AExactly. Joined up with Snake Nation, then poof – evaporated.

7AAldecaldos' strength's always been their independence.

7AGive that up, my clan's fate will be yours. Or worse. 'Cause Biotechnica just ain't Snake Nation.

Panam

7AThank you, V. I could not have said it better.

V

7BKnow what I always liked about nomads? Your taste, no – hunger for freedom.

7BNot easy to come by in Night City. The corps got their grubby claws in everything.

7BAnd I just can't believe you'd hand them what you hold to be most precious.

7CMore than you think, Saul. Used to work for Arasaka. So, seen plenty.

Saul

7CArasaka's not Biotechnica. The difference--

V

7CIs not in the MO – that's always the same. Know what you are to them?

7CLabor.

7CTo be exploited and ultimately consumed. Best case scenario.

5CIf you're gonna bloody the furniture, keep me out of it.

Saul

4AYou know what, sweetheart? We'll have plenty of time to tear at each other's throats later.

Panam

4AThat is my hope.

Saul

4ABut right now... I wouldn't mind catching a few winks.

Panam

4ANeed help?

Saul

4AFuck off.

4AHuh... Do you know what they call these storms in North Africa?

4AHaboobs.

4ADamn, I love that word.

Panam

4AWhoa, what was that about?

V

4ATo haboobs.

Panam

4AYeeaaah…

4ATo haboobs!

4AHaha, funny...

V

4AWhat is?

Panam

4AI rarely sleep with a roof overhead, yet this will be the second time with you.

4AWhen you're on the road day into night into day, your butt basically fusing with your seat, you forget what it's like.

V

8AAnd? Think this is any better?

Panam

8ANo... just different.

V

8BTell me about it... I'm still not used to it.

Panam

8BRight?

4AYeah, this would make for a decent little motel, wouldn't it? Little fireplace, booze…

4AGrumpy guy at reception is the one thing missing.

V

9AHave everything you need, ma'am?

Panam

9AMmhmm... I couldn't ask for more.

V

10AMa'am, I'm sure you'd be cozier with your shoes off.

Panam

10AHaha, after a full day in them? I'd fear a health code violation.

V

10ANonsense, after a day as full as today, you deserve to kick back.

Panam

10AOh? And what did you have in mind?

V

11AGot a few ideas…

11AThink you know what kind.

Panam

11AUh, ahem, V...

11ANo.

11AIt's really nice as is. Let's not spoil it, OK?

V

12ARight.

12ASo... friends, then?

Panam

12AV… I'm glad you came. Really, thanks.

12AIt meant a lot to me.

12AI think that would be best.

V

12BI-I... I'm, I'm sorry, I... I dunno what I was thinking...

Panam

12BOh, it's fine, truly. Don't let it worry you.

V

11BHere at the Independent California, customer satisfaction is job one.

11BYour wish is our command...

Panam

11BCareful, you can't know what I'd wish for…

V

11BHmm?

Panam

11BYou know what? We better get some sleep. That was a damn long day.

11BI would settle for a soft pillow.

V

11BMight prove hard to come by.

Panam

11BWe'll see.

V

11CHuhh, think I'm ready to turn in.

Panam

11CYeah, it's been a long day.

V

11CWe deserve a good, long sleep.

Panam

10AUaugh... Do you hear that...?

V

10AUhh... nope?

Panam

10AHmph. Mhm. The wind has waned.

10AI can't speak for haboobs, but… when a chinook rolls rough and rowdy across the plain, hehh, I sure can't get any shuteye…

10ANot a wink.

Johnny

10AOn behalf of the staff of the Independent California Motel…

10AI wish you all sweet dreams.

Panam

10AAnd V... I am glad you came.

10AIt meant a lot to me.

V

10CSure you're not getting too comfortable?

Panam

10CUmm...

10CForgot myself a bit, huh?

V

10CMaybe a little.

Panam

10CYou know what? We better get some sleep. That was a damn long day.

V

10DHow's your whiskey, ma'am?

Panam

10DHmm... Pff, warm... subtle metallic aftertaste.

10DBold, yet smooth. Four out of five stars.

9AOh, yeah…

V

4AProlly the meds talkin'.

Panam

4AI sure hope so. I think he took a few solid hits to his skull.

Saul

4AWe've had our spats.

Panam

4AA few. Like any family.

Saul

4AThey're not worth digging up.

Panam

4AI think so too.

Saul

4AIf you'd like to come back... Everyone'll be waiting, arms open wide.

4ABut there will have to be changes. No more jumpin' to the front of the line.

Panam

4AAnd so it begins…

Saul

4AIf they knew what state we're in… one or two more raids and that'd be the end of us.

4AAnd if you hadn't mounted a raid of your own, well... that would have been the end of me.

Panam

4ASee that? Clenched teeth, furrowed brow – it's his way of saying "thanks."

Saul

4AWe've had our spats.

Panam

4AA few. Like any family.

Saul

4AThey're not worth digging up.

Panam

4AI think so too.

Saul

4AIf you'd like to come back... Everyone'll be waiting, arms open wide.

4ABut there will have to be changes. No more jumpin' to the front of the line.

Panam

4AAnd so it begins…

Saul

4AYou know what's comin'? Bigger fucking problems. Maybe a war.

4AWe can't hope to handle the Raffens alone.

Panam

4ASo you would sell us out to Biotechnica?

4AV, tell him it's a damn rotten idea!

3AGo on, get off your feet. It could be hours.

3AHey, we got it! It's cozier already!

3ANow come here! I have a surprise for you!

Saul

1AJust in time for dinner!

Panam

1ANot hungry. I just swallowed a pound of sand.

Saul

1APhew... I need to catch my breath…

Panam

What is this – heatstroke?! Get back here!

What are you thinking? These storms are no joke!

It your aim to drive into that devil?! Cut the crap!