Dialogue: The Corpo-Rat

Stanley

Helloooo there, Night Cityyyy!

Stanley here with ya, and we got another day ahead of us in this city of dreams.

Oo, I love this town! Love it like you might love a mother who popped you out on the steps of an orphanage once and now stops you to ask if you got a smoke for her!

Every new day here means a hundred new arrivals! But only half these gonks’ll survive a year. And that’s if it’s a good one!

And why do these peeps come to NC? Well, to be street samurai like Morgan Blackhand and Weyland Boa Boa! The greater the risk, the bigger the bounty, kids. Or so they say…

But you can only be a major league player for so long. The faster you live, the faster you burn out – if you don't get a bullet to the brain first!

NC's legends! Know where you’ll find most of ‘em?!

The graveyard.

Matters not where you’re from, matters not where you start.

What matters here is the walk you walk.

In Night City!

The City of Dreams!

Arasaka M Corporate Right Line

We'll finish this later.

I'll call you on an encrypted line.

Arasaka F Security

Why's this taking so long?

Arasaka M Corporate Reception

It's because of what happened in Europe.

Arasaka F Security

Mhm, I heard. Data leak in Frankfurt.

Ugh. Half-brain management we're gonna pay for in sweat.

Jackie

V, you there?

V

Ah, yeah… ahem, yeah, I'm here.

Jackie

You all right?

V

Is there a problem?

Khe, fine, ahem. Just... needed a breather.

Jackie

Er, sounded like you blew your gut's airlock…

V

Nah, yeah, I barfed. It's just stress.

Jackie

Dein Job wird dich noch umbringen.

V

1AYeah, maybe I shoulda gotten a safe one. Like you did.

Jackie

1AHey, least I always know who's shootin' at me, sometimes even why.

1AAnyway, what's goin' on?

V

2AIs there a problem?

1BDon't worry. I'm not dead yet.

Jackie

1BExactly – "yet."

V

We had a leak. My boss called, dragged me in because we had to... intervene. Everyone at Night City HQ is on edge.

Jackie

But no way you're fucked, right? Hey, you're the one who fixes other people's shit.

V

Jackie, if you work in Arasaka counterintel, you're always fucked.

V

3AListen, gotta go. Work won't do itself.

3BDon't worry about me. I'll manage on my own.

Ah, yeah… ahem, yeah, I'm here.

Jackie

You all right?

Arasaka M Security

Mhm. Everything appears to be in order.

Have a nice day.

One person at a time, please.

Jackie

V, you there?

V

Khe, fine, ahem. Just... needed a breather.

Jackie

Er, sounded like you blew your gut's airlock…

Talk to me, choomba.

Hey, you all there, V?

Anyway, what's goin' on?

Arasaka F Corporate War Chat

They're transferring them out of Frankfurt now. To emergency centers.

Just got the latest report from Basel.

Arasaka M Corporate War Chat

I heard there's two dead.

Arasaka F Corporate War Chat

Three. They took out another Militech assassin near the border.

Arasaka F Corporate Stocks Chat

Jesus, the Eurasian markets are going wild. Not to mention London, Zurich, Warsaw…

Arasaka M Corporate Stocks Chat

Hhh, Yyp, it's disintegrating.

Arasaka F Corporate Stocks Chat

Everyone's reacting to this leak.

Markets down, arms transports stalled, ops in retreat. Months of work out the window.

Arasaka M Corporate Stocks Chat

Counterintel's in the grinder.

Arasaka M Corporate Divorce Chat

You think Japan will find out?

Arasaka M Corporate Divorce Chat

About what?

Arasaka M Corporate Divorce Chat

About Frankfurt. I mean, it's a small leak, but still…

Arasaka M Corporate Divorce Chat

Japan already knows.

Arasaka M Corporate Divorce Chat

Where'd you hear this?

Arasaka M Corporate Divorce Chat

Assume Japan knows everything. It's safest that way.

Arasaka M Corporate Phone Chat

They're voting in a few minutes.

What? No, I don't know. I-I hope not.

Europe branch controls this, can't get past that.

Mhm. We'll see in a couple of hours.

Arasaka F Corporate Overdose Chat

You know it's all linked.

There's a small leak, a few hours later we lose lunar base licenses.

Arasaka F Corporate Overdose Chat

Have they voted already?

Arasaka F Corporate Overdose Chat

They're about to. That's Jenkins' problem.

If he fails to handle it, it'll cost the company millions.

Arasaka F Corporate Phone Chat

I'll be late. Uh-huh…

No, not till after dinner, probably.

I'll let you know when I have a better idea.

Yup, me too! Bye.

Agent Jenkins

Christ, V, you were supposed to be here an hour ago!

V

1AGot held up, but I'll be right there.

Agent Jenkins

1AFucking Frankfurt... That Abernathy bitch'll probably dump it in our laps.

1AAgh... Hanging up. I'll be in my office.

1AAnd you hurry up.

Arasaka Ai

Two thousand sixty-seven – an Arasaka bodyguard shields the Emperor of Japan from an assassin's bullet.

Two thousand seventy-one – Arasaka security forces prevent mass riots in San Francisco, saving the city from certain ruin.

Two thousand seventy-four – an Arasaka investigation eliminates a terror cell in Rio de Janeiro, ending a string of attacks and executing those responsible.

Two thousand seventy-six – Arasaka's counterintelligence division effectively secures a corporate summit in Jakarta, foiling forty-five plots to attack and sabotage it.

How will Arasaka shine in two thousand seventy-seven? That depends on you.

Two thousand sixty-seven – an Arasaka bodyguard shields the Emperor of Japan from an assassin's bullet.

Two thousand seventy-one – Arasaka security forces prevent mass riots in San Francisco, saving the city from certain ruin.

Two thousand seventy-four – an Arasaka investigation eliminates a terror cell in Rio de Janeiro, ending a string of attacks and executing those responsible.

Two thousand seventy-six – Arasaka's counterintelligence division effectively secures a corporate summit in Jakarta, foiling forty-five plots to attack and sabotage it.

How will Arasaka shine in two thousand seventy-seven? That depends on you.

V

What does everyone say about Jenkins?

Corpo Friend

That he's effective. Like any psychopath.

Apparently, he's gone a little crazier lately.

V

Hey, he's in a tough spot. The director was supposed to greenlight his promotion when the Japanese arrived. She stabbed him in the back instead.

V

2BAnd you? Who do you work under?

Corpo Friend

2BAbernathy. She's really good. Came up with the whole Cape Town ploy on her own.

V

2BAbernathy. The bitch who burned my boss on the promotion to Spec Ops Director.

Corpo Friend

2BYou know how it is. Things happen.

V

2BMhh. They do indeed.

2CTell me about the op in Cape Town.

Corpo Friend

2COperation "Cargo." You know about it?

V

2CArming local conflicts in Africa? I didn't know that was you.

Corpo Friend

2CIt was me. We dumped crates full of rifles into the ocean. They had to be pulled out using borrowed fishing boats.

2CSame old circus, but hey, that's how wars are won.

V

2DListen, sorry, uh, in a bit of a rush right now? We'll talk another time, 'kay?

Corpo Friend

2DSure, sure. Good seein' you again.

Corpo Friend

3AGive me a holler on the holo sometime, huh?

2DIt's me, Frank. We met during "Icefall." East coast, remember?

V

2DI didn't know you were in Night City. How've you been?

Corpo Friend

2DEh, you know how it is. A week ago, I was still in Cape Town.

2DI heard you're in counterintel. Must have a shitshow on your hands right now after Frankfurt.

2DJenkins is your lead, right? Is he what everyone says he is?

2DI see you're busy.

2DWe'll talk later.

Hey, V. It's been ages.

V? Everything OK?

Jenkins

Are you online?

Can you get access to their preliminary declarations?

They usually stick to them. It should give us a good overview.

Have a seat, V. Be right with you.

Have to handle this voting issue before we lose our bases in the Sea of Clouds.

They're about to begin. What's the situation?

Mhh...

Mhm... Yeah, just as we thought.

Have a seat, V. Be right with you.

You know what to do. Start now.

Director Abernathy.

Abernathy

I watched the vote. What the hell was that?

Jenkins

A deep clean. After the shit Frankfurt dumped on us.

As we agreed – I got rid of the problem.

Abernathy

I told you to resolve the problem not massacre the European Space Council. Do you understand what the cover-up will cost?

Jenkins

We would've lost the license, now we gained a week. That's a win.

Abernathy

Path of least resistance, always. No nuance. Has you written all over it.

We're not done talking about this.

Jenkins

I hate that bitch. I always have.

V

2A"Always," meaning how long?

Jenkins

2ABefore Night City we worked on an assignment in Osaka. Two years of subterfuge. She spent them digging a trap for me.

2AWhen she became Director of Spec Ops, that's when she finally shoved me in it.

V

2BThis isn't the first time Abernathy's set you up.

Jenkins

2BNo, not the first...

2BSmeared me in front of Japanese execs so she'd be the one promoted to Director of Spec Ops. The cunt.

AI

Emergency protocols active. System security confirmed.

Please enter the antechamber.

Visitor authorization granted.

Jenkins

Now she's holding a gun to my head to make sure I don't try anything.

But she won't pull the trigger because she needs me. I do what she doesn't have the guts to do.

V

Divide and conquer. Effective strategy.

Jenkins

Pff, "effective"...

What would you do in my position?

V

3AYou have to defend yourself. Remind Abernathy you're not her doormat.

Jenkins

3AYou're right.

V

3ASmack her once... but hard. She'll respect you.

3BHonestly?

Jenkins

3BPlease.

V

3BThere's not much you can do. She's got the Night City board on her side. If she wants you out, well... you understand.

Jenkins

3BI do.

Seems we see eye to eye on this issue.

Take this.

Jenkins

4AIt's what I've collected over the past weeks.

4ABiometrics, Trauma Team card, names of her closest associates – driver, chief of security, lover, lover's husband. Everything.

4AUse it. And make sure Abernathy won't be a problem anymore.

4AYou said it. I need to defend myself.

V

5AWhat'll happen if I refuse?

Jenkins

5ADon't ask stupid questions.

5AThis isn't a request, V.

5AWe seem to understand each other. Take this, too.

Jenkins

6AUse this money only, find the right people for the job – no corporate affiliation.

6AAnd for the core task... use someone you know inside out. Are we clear?

V

6AYeah, I think we're clear.

Jenkins

6AGood...

6AIn that case, I'll await your report. And good luck with it.

6AI have my AV waiting outside. It's yours to use.

6AAnd don't disappoint me.

V

5ACredchip transactions are traceable... paper disappears as soon as you spend it.

Jenkins

5AWhat can I say.

V

5BIf anyone finds out we even talked about this... I'll go down with you.

Jenkins

5BThat's true. But everyone knows you only made it to where you are thanks to me.

5BSo it's not like they could ever believe you played no part in it.

4ASaid it yourself – she's left me no choice.

V

A datashard?

Jenkins

Proof of my trust.

Go on, take it.

Jenkins, Night City counterintel.

I need an analysis of the legislative procedures for lunar base licenses.

Yes. Yes, the Sea of Clouds.

Black clinics. Operating outside earthly jurisdiction.

Of course, unofficially.

No, not yet. We're just exploring options for now.

On the authority of Director Abernathy, yes...

Uh-huh… Yeah, if that's how it's got to be.

That's clear… hmm.

Say again?

V

7AListen, I--

V

8BUh, regarding the--

Jackie

Hey, V – you alive? How's things in the viper pit?

V

9ANeed your help, Jack. Got some biz.

9BViper pit. Couldn'ta said it better.

Jackie

You in some trouble?

V

Not yet. Just... need a soul I can trust for now.

Jackie

That kinda sounded like a "yes." Meet me at Lizzie's. Be there in an hour.

Jenkins

...

...

Netrunner

Affirmative. Online and in their system. No sign we've been detected.

Yes. On it…

Jenkins

...

They're about to begin. What's the situation?

Mhh...

Mhm... Yeah, just as we thought.

Please.

Go on, take it.

Arasaka F Corporate Office Gossip

Bastard! He lobbied them hard for it when they flew in from Tokyo.

Director of Special Operations... with his file?

Arasaka M Corporate Office Gossip

The Japanese might buy it.

Arasaka F Corporate Office Gossip

Nuh-uh, they won't. Besides, they're gonna let Night City decide.

V

8AI don't have the time, just send 'em my way.

8BThey were supposed to be ready yesterday.

Assistant

8BI-I know... But I-I have them now.

V

8BSend them to my inbox. And you and I will have a word about this later.

Assistant

I'll forward them to your inbox. Uh, apologies for the delay.

I have those reports you asked for...

Arasaka M Corporate Reception Chat

Militech hit three of ours.

Now we're evacuating the rest of our facilities in that part of Europe.

Arasaka F Corporate Reception Chat

What's the status of the three?

Arasaka M Corporate Reception Chat

They're dead. Once everyone else is safe, we'll issue a statement to the media.

Arasaka F Corporate Reception Chat

Saying what?

Arasaka M Corporate Reception Chat

"A tragic accident during routine security system maintenance" would be my bet.

Arasaka F Corporate Office Gossip

Bastard! He lobbied them hard for it when they flew in from Tokyo.

Director of Special Operations... with his file?

Arasaka M Corporate Office Gossip

The Japanese might buy it.

Arasaka F Corporate Meeting Chat

Don't look, but that's her. Jenkins' girl.

Arasaka M Corporate Meeting Chat

I couldn't work with that prick. What do you think they're doin' now?

Arasaka F Corporate Meeting Chat

They need to mop up the leak. The company could lose a boatload. female V only

Tell your people to be careful.

Arasaka M Corporate Meeting Chat

They'll be searching for dirt on us now.

Arasaka F Corporate Meeting Chat

Lunar bases are huge to them. They won't forgive us for this.

Arasaka F Corporate Phone Chat

We're pulling people out of Prague.

Yeah, because of Frankfurt.

Don't wait. Get them out now. Just be discreet.

I have nothing to add.

No, I didn't say anything of the sort.

That's right, no comment. How many times do I have to say it?

Arasaka M Corporate Front Desk

Mr. Jenkins asked for you. He's in his office.

First Frankfurt, now this vote…

Ugh, we're in for a damn long day.

Harry

I need your stamp on something. It's possible one of our assets was exposed.

V

10BI don't have time for this. I'll handle it later.

Harry

10BI understand... We'll discuss it whenever you have a spare a minute.

V

Is it Frankfurt again?

Harry

No, different issue, local.

V

Tell me, quick version.

Harry

Our agent at Biotechnica suspects they might be onto him.

They recently granted him red security clearance – that's top. He's been fishin' for dirt, but it's been slow.

V

Your point?

Harry

They're clean. Like, we-run-orphanages clean, bleached-server clean. We suspect they flagged him and are feeding him phony data.

Should we greenlight exfil or let him keep looking?

V

11APull him out. But calmly, don't raise any eyebrows. Otherwise they'll catch on.

Harry

11AJenkins will be livid.

V

11AI'll handle Jenkins.

Harry

11AUnderstood.

V

11BKeep him there digging. We invested way too much getting him that deep to back out now.

Harry

11BYou sure...?

V

11BDo I really need to repeat myself?

Harry

11BOh, of course not.

V

11CProjected risks?

Harry

11CLimited threat to life. Not Biotechnica's style. Blackmail's possible, leveraged against false accusations in the media.

11CThe guy has kids, he'd crack.

Arasaka M Corporate Big Room

Counterintel's doing its damndest to minimize losses.

Arasaka F Corporate Big Room

Three dead. Already this is not minimal.

Arasaka M Corporate Big Room

They'll make sure that stops at three.

Besides, the bigger issue is taking control of the vote.

Stiffs are one thing, but we can't afford to lose that license.

We've formed a crisis committee and called a meeting.

Arasaka F Corporate Big Room

What is our strategy?

Arasaka M Corporate Big Room

They suspect it's us, but they don't know for certain.

We'll drop a few false leads. Counterintel is already on it.

Ara M Corpo Hangar Chat

Did you see the report on the vote? I mean, shit.

Ara F Corpo Hangar Chat

The world's going to tear us apart when word gets around.

Ara M Corpo Hangar Chat

The world's never going to find out.

And the few who do know the truth... they won't know it for long.

V

I don't have time for this. I'll handle it later.

Harry

I understand... We'll discuss it whenever you have a spare a minute.

AI

Please provide your destination.

V

1ADestination – Lizzie's Bar.

AI

1ANoted, en route.

Coach

1AHello, V.

V

1AYes? We weren't scheduled to connect until the end of the week.

Coach

1AQuantified Satori received notification of a somewhat troubling biometric reading – I felt I should call.

1AIs everything in order?

V

5AThings're dandy, everything is.

5BDealin' with a temporary nuisance. Nothin' you should worry about.

Coach

1AJust think back to our last session.

1AThe neuromotor relaxation exercises, three times a day – they'll soothe and lift your spirit, I know this.

V

1ASure, OK. See you later.

AI

1ANo designated landing site has been detected at the destination.

V

1AFind a spot close to the bar, as close as you can. Fuck procedures.

AI

1AInitiating landing sequence based on new parameters.

V

Bring up district analytics.

AI

Increased NCPD presence and activity has been reported in Heywood. No official statement has been forthcoming.

Intercepted radio communications suggest MaxTac has been sent to the area.

A widespread power failure has been reported in Santo Domingo.

All other districts exhibit activity within expected parameters.

Access granted.

Radio

This is N54 News broadcasting with a breaking story for you.

A conference of the European Space Council screeched to a grisly halt following a failure in a neural stabilization system.

Five European Space Council members are dead, while three remain in critical condition.

Authorities are still looking into what might have caused this shocking incident.

The council members were all wearing Biotechnica provided devices. The corporation's representatives have, as yet, refused to comment.

Our reporter is on the scene. We'll have updates on developments as they come to light.

Stay with N54 News for the latest.

AI

Access granted.

Access denied.

Radio

This is N54 News broadcasting with a breaking story for you.

A conference of the European Space Council screeched to a grisly halt following a failure in a neural stabilization system.

Five European Space Council members are dead, while three remain in critical condition.

Authorities are still looking into what might have caused this shocking incident.

The council members were all wearing Biotechnica provided devices. The corporation's representatives have, as yet, refused to comment.

Our reporter is on the scene. We'll have updates on developments as they come to light.

Stay with N54 News for the latest.

AI

Please provide your destination.

Basket Player

1AFuck's your problem, psychosuit?!

1AThis look like a landin' pad to you? Coulda fuckin' crushed us!

Basket Player

2AJesus Christ...

Basket Player

2AOK, no no, hey, w-we ain't lookin' for no beef witchoo!

Mox

2ASeems trouble wants in.

V

4AI don't want any trouble – just here on business.

Mox

4AGood to hear.

V

4BKeep an eye on the AV for me, will ya?

Mox

4BPff. I don't get paid to do that.

V

4BI wasn't asking. And not a scratch on it when I get back.

Mox

2AWelcome to Lizzie's.

Jackie

2ANow siddown and tell me what's got your shorts in a knot.

V

5AIt's good to see you, too, Jack. How ya been?

Jackie

5AGot sparks flyin' between the Valentino boys and Maelstrom. Eddies there for the takin'... as long as ya don't get flatlined.

5AEh, you know how it is, can't complain, but... we ain't here to shoot the shit about me.

5ALemme hear about this problem o' yours.

V

6ADatashard – take it.

Jackie

6AMhm... Mhm...

V

6AWhaddaya think?

Jackie

6AWon't come cheap. And it'll have to be done on the sly — no trail, hard eddies only.

V

6AGot the money.

Jackie

6AFull-crew job, for sure... A techie, maybe two... a 'runner with a gold-plated brain... an' a driver with wheels from hell…

6ANot to mention – a solo.

V

6AMhm. The piece I'm missing.

Jackie

6AThat what you need from me? My trigger finger to zero this lady?

V

7AThought I could always count on you, Jack…

Jackie

7AHagh, you know me, I'm not all sunshine and rainbows, but... this job ain't my style.

7AActually, I didn't think it was yours, either.

V

7BDelicate situation, I know. That's why I need somebody I can trust.

6AYou know how Arasaka operates... Or, OK, maybe you don't.

6AThis isn't a professional request I can refuse.

Jackie

6ABut I can. And I am. And you should, too.

6ANow, whaddaya say we liquor up and talk life.

6ADouble tequila with grenadine and lime. Nothin' better for drownin' nerves.

6AThis job and all the rest of that corpo bullshit – y'know what it is?

6AToday, they got you to zero somebody. Tomorrow, they'll get somebody else to zero you.

V

8AThose're the rules, Jack. You wanna be top, y'gotta have some skin in the game.

Jackie

8AWork for yourself, live for yourself. That's the only way.

V

8BThink I have a choice? If I refuse, they take everything and leave me nothing.

Jackie

8BYeah, well let 'em. They'll also take the fist they got grippin' your balls.

V

6AMaybe someday. But for now, I'm still well within their reach.

Jackie

6AYou'll always be within reach. Always re--

6AHey, you lost? Got a problem?

Arasaka M Corporate

6AV. Is that right?

V

9ADid Jenkins send you? Don't believe I know you.

Arasaka M Corporate

9AYou don't. But we know you very well.

V

9BYou're from Arasaka HQ. Er, is there a problem? Are you here about Frankfurt?

Arasaka M Security

9BWe're here for you.

Arasaka M Corporate

6AJenkins assigned you a task today. You'll share all the details with us.

V

10AName and department, again? Didn't quite catch it the first time around.

10BNo, don't believe I will. That's between me and Jenkins.

Arasaka M Corporate

6AYour access to company networks is hereby revoked.

6AIn two minutes, any company cybernetics in your possession will cease functioning.

6AGive us the data you received from Jenkins. This will conclude termination procedures.

V

6AGah, fuck…

Arasaka M Corporate

6AHow you feelin'? Pretty sharp dive, huh?

V

11AUgh, information's on the shard.

Arasaka M Corporate

11ASmart choice.

V

11AWe done?

Arasaka M Corporate

11AWith the formalities, yes. But I think Abernathy would gladly up our fee for ridding her of a piece of rot like you.

11AStand up, you're comin' with us.

Arasaka M Security

11ACome on, move it.

Jackie

11AI think you fellas mighta forgotten just how far from home you are.

11A<mothertongue l="mex" m="barrio" b="Not sure this " a="'s your style, let alone a healthy option. ¿Queda claro?"/>

Arasaka M Security

11AIs that a threat?

Jackie

11AWell, you start shootin', maybe we join in, huh? Before you know it, somebody might die today.

Arasaka M Corporate

11AWe have what we came for. It'll do for now.

Jackie

11AV, how you feel? You all right?

V

12ALike, argh... Like shit, agh…

12AUgh, my throat's like sandpaper... Not sure I can breathe…

12AYe-yeah... Sounds about right...

12BI... Agh, I can't breathe...

Jackie

12BNeed help?

V

12BN-no... It's just, agh... withdrawal syndrome... Ugh, sort of…

12BThink they cut off my hormone regulators, biomon and sat-analysis system... Body's got to adjust…

Jackie

11AHey, hey, should I get you to a ripper?

11AOr, I guess, maybe Trauma Team's on its way…

V

13AGimme a minute, ugh, get my shit together…

13AThat, mh... That'd be that, Jack. Just lost control of my life, completely…

Jackie

13AI'd say you got it back.

13AYou couldn't say "no" to 'em, so they said it to you. This is a turn for the better, you'll see.

13A'Sides, ya haven't lost everything.

V

14ANo, Jack, I did... Lost everything... Access to intel systems, my pad, car, contacts... every shred of credibility.

Jackie

14AUmh. Least you still got the eddies for the hitjob.

V

14BAbout to say I--I still have a friend? That's sweet.

Jackie

14BHaha, no… dumbass. Y'still got that wad for the hit job, don'tcha?

13AProbably some fat-ass chunk o' cha-ching. Just right for a new start.

13AEy, you hearin' all right? Don't look so hot.

13AV...! V!

V

13BTT policy's gone, Jack... so're my biochem controllers, company pad... I mean, they have seized my bank account. Not frozen – seized!

Jackie

13BJesus, these fuckers move fast!

13BYou sure you feel OK, though? I mean--

Arasaka M Corporate

11AI'm waiting.

11AThe data. Immediately.

11AThe data from Jenkins – I'm waiting.

V

11BHgh, how the hell did you find out?

Arasaka M Corporate

11BThat is not your concern.

11BThe data. Now.

V

15ATo this.

Jackie

15AWas that a toast? The hell does that even mean?

15A<mothertongue l="mex" m="mamá" b="You raise a glass to your " a=", your hermana. To the mamacita you'll meet at the bar. But \"this\" – doesn't say a damn thing."/>

15ASheesh. "To this."

V

16AYou know I don't drink.

Jackie

16AYou still never bend the rules, huh?

16AHey, OK, I getcha.

V

6BJackie, before I start... this stays between us.

6BI'm serious... This thing, it… it could ruin me.

Jackie

6BSo could I. You do realize who you're talkin' to, right? A guy who's done this before.

6BRemember what happened in México, at the border? I peep one word…

V

6BI know, you saved my ass. If word about the cartels had gotten out...

Jackie

6BBut it didn't, and this won't either. It's why you came to see dear old Jackie.

Barman

2ALookin' for your choom? Already here, tappin' his fingers, waitin' for ya.

Mox

2AYou expecting something?

2AWell...? Don't got all day.

2AWhat the fuck you doin'?

2ACouldn't use the front door like everyone else?

V

17AListen, I'm in a hurry, and you're wasting my time.

Mox

17AGonna keep an eye on you.

V

17ATeh, yeah, yeah...

1AOutta my way.

Basket Player

1AWha--? Who the fuck're you to say that to me?

V

1AArasaka Counterintel. We done here?

Basket Player

1AFuuuck…

1AUsed to be our 'hood, this.

1ACorpos... fucking do whatever, think the world's theirs.

1AFuck's your problem, psychosuit?!

1AThis look like a landin' pad to you? Coulda fuckin' crushed us!

AI

We have arrived at your destination.

V

Arasaka Counterintel. We done here?

Outta my way.

Jackie

V, you still with me...?

You there? All OK?

Patron Male

Peralez has my vote.

Patron Male

Man, it don't matter. Peralez, Rhyne – suits from the same circle.

Patron Male

Nah, Peralez is different. Lived just two blocks from me.

You'll see. Soon as he's elected, corps're gonna start sweating bullets.

Patron Male

Yeah, yeah. I'll believe it when I see it.

Valentino1

Malone ain't getting a belt fight.

Valentino2

Blödsinn, der Typ ist der Beste seiner Gewichtsklasse.

Valentino1

Sure, sure, he laid out Hernandez, Smith…

But Kano's got the gift. You'll see.

Valentino3

Oo, Japanese dude? A boxer? Please…

Valentino1

Kano's got the best feet. Can't fuck 'im up if you can't hit 'im.

Mercenary

Met him down in Mexico. Militech airborne, I think he was.

Mercenary

Tough son of a bitch?

Mercenary

More like a weasel, actually. No idea how he wound up in the spec forces.

Anyway, buddied up with some black clinic rippers.

Started reworkin' corpo chrome left and right. Never did catch him.

Hobo5

The cybernetic god comes to devour its children.

Bar Staffer

'Ey, where's the rest?

Delivery Man

Still unpackin', man.

Bar Staffer

Mhm... I'll be checkin' it zactly. You was two bottles of Centzon short last delivery.

Delivery Man

N-nah, that ain't possible!

Mamá Welles

He's a good boy – he just lacks direction.

Demons walk with him. They tear at his soul.

But I'll tell him you're sorry and wish to make peace.

Woman

Ah… I was at the hospital today. Javi's got some broken ribs, but praise Jesus, the bullet didn't hit any organs.

Patron Male

What happened?

Woman

A police manhunt. They were chasing some dealers.

Patron Male

So he had it coming, eh?

Woman

He was just standing there – standing, understand?!

NCPD pigs were shooting everyone.

He don't deal. Never has. Having brown skin – that's the only thing he's guilty of.

Drug Dealer

Nah, 's dry, all dry.

Nope. Don't got that neither.

I dunno! Them Colombians maybe?

Right, right, catch you.

Delivery Man

Pff, fat-ass motherfucker…

Bar Staffer

'Ey, why do I see no goddamn lemons, no goddamn limes?

Delivery Man

They're in there. For sure.

Hooker

Got a cig?

V

1AEr, sorry. Slow night?

Hooker

1AUgh, don't even start.

1AI'm not gonna make the rent this month, I don't wanna even think about my brat's school fees.

V

We met before? Don't recognize ya.

Hooker

I just asked for a smoke – Jesus.

Hobo2

Spare a veteran some change?

V

2AHere, all yours.

Hobo2

2AKnew I saw good in you. God bless.

V

2BSo you're a vet today, huh?

Hobo2

2BHeh. What can I say? War stories rake it in.