Dialogue: The Damned

Slider

Argh…! Fucking Blackwall...

Songbird

Black Sapphire, V. Hansen's hosting a huge shindig there. Crash it on the sly. I'll find you. Make sure to tell Reed.

And I haven't for a sec forgotten what we agre--

Slider

Argh aargh!

V

Fuck!

V

1ASlider… He flatlined 'cause of us.

Reed real npc

1AFlatlined, period.

V

2AThat all you got to say?

Reed real npc

2AHe was a murderer. He killed two innocent local 'runners. I have zero sympathy for this piece of shit.

Johnny

2AC'mon, V... Really thought he'd leave 'im breathin'? With everything the gonk knew?

V

3ANeed you to come clean. Were you gonna off him no matter what?

Reed real npc

3AQuestion's moot. Slider's dead, what's done is done.

V

1BLooks like he couldn't handle the load.

Reed real npc

1BLooks that way.

Johnny

1BYou don't fuckin' say?

1BYour G-man's a cold-blooded pragmatist. Was never gonna let Slider live.

Reed real npc

So, Songbird, what's up with her?

V

Got the link back up, we spoke. She's fine, mostly… Needs our help, but she's fine, in one piece.

Reed real npc

All right. Gimme the detes later.

Come on, let's delta outta here. There could be more of Slider's lackeys lurkin' around.

Johnny

Take it easy, Slider.

Reed real npc

What did Songbird tell you?

V

4ASeemed glad that you and I've teamed up.

Reed real npc

4AGood. It means she trusts you. Anything else?

V

4BShe's tapped into the Blackwall, didn't deny it – no big thing, kinda.

Reed real npc

4BWe need to find her, fast. Did she drop any coordinates?

V

4CShe looked sick, almost like… like our link was hurting her.

Reed real npc

4CSurprised? Why? Take Slider – how the Wall sent him up, huh?

V

Song needs our help, Reed. Hansen's nabbed her, holdin' 'er for… reasons.

Reed real npc

God dammit… I can't imagine any worse news than that.

V

Black Sapphire – said Hansen’s throwin' a big bash there. We get in, she'll find us.

Reed real npc

That’s the Black Sapphire. A would-be hotel that ended up a failed multi-billion eddie investment... Hansen's fortress smack in the middle of Dogtown.

We can't just barge in. Doubt we have anyone on the inside or affiliated who could crack open a door, either…

Alex and I'll pull some strings, run our contacts... You do the same, you know... think of who you know around here. Maybe we’ll happen on an idea, find a way.

V

Know a local fixer... goes by Mr. Hands. Could ring him.

Reed real npc

Do it. We’ ll be in touch.

And you holo if you snag any solid intel.

V

Song needs our help, Reed. Hansen's nabbed her, holdin' 'er for… reasons.

Reed real npc

God dammit… I can't imagine any worse news than that.

V

Black Sapphire – said Hansen’s throwin' a big bash there. We get in, she'll find us. Any idea what and where this Sapphire is?

Reed real npc

Over there. See the taller of the two scrapers, next to the one with a big-ass screen?

See it?

Let's move on, find a quiet corner…

Time to delta, V. Just 'cause we got in without dropping bodies doesn't mean they'll wave us goodbye.

Johnny

Bon voyage, Slider.

Slider

Bastards! You murder my people in cold blood…

Reed

They made their choice when they opened up on us.

Slider

Fuck me… Solomon Reed. I would be lying if I said I have missed you.

And you? You brought death to Maman Brigitte. Will that be your gift for me as well?

V

5ADunno. Don't know you yet, Slider.

Slider

5AI am called many t'ings. Wilky Laguerre, de Blind Fury of de Cyberspace, a t'orn in de NUSA's fat ass. Take your pick.

Reed

5AYou forgot to add “double-murderer and all-around coward.”

5AWe're here to negotiate, Slider. Cut a deal.

Slider

5AIf one party is backed into a corner, it is not negotiation, it is extortion.

Reed

5AYou say tomato, I say fucking deal with it, Slider.

5ANow cut the shit and do us the courtesy of hearin' us out.

V

6ANeed some intel. Street says you're the one to get it.

Slider

6AMe? Heh. I am a blind man. I see no'hing, know not'ing. Cyberspace is my only field of vision.

V

6AWell, just so happens what we need is one who knows cyberspace, sees lots in it.

V

7ASoon after SF1 crashed, a 'runner was attacked while on the Net. Attack severed our link. Need to locate her, stat.

Slider

7AAh, so you want one to investigate Net traffic on de day of de crash.

V

7AGot a malfunctioning Relic in my skull. 'S how she made contact. That help any?

Slider

7AHmm... Perhaps. I will need a peek at dis trinket in your head.

V

8ANah, no chance, Slider.

Slider

8AIt is dis or not'ing – you choose.

V

8BWell… OK, I guess.

Slider

8BI will be gentle. Dis I promise.

V

9AUgh, keep your eyes on 'im, Reed.

Slider

9AI am blind, not deaf.

V

9BJacked into a Voodoo Boy's system once. Sprung a nasty surprise on me.

Slider

9BDis was who? Perhaps I know him.

V

9BBrigitte's attack hound – Placide.

9BYou would say correctly.

Slider

9BI stop dealing wid de fanatics outside de wall a long time ago.

7ALet us see what we 'ave here…

7AI see... traces. Bursts of data in cyberspace, the wake of someone's passage.

7AYou out of your minds coming to me wid dis shit!

V

10AWhat'd you see?

Slider

10ADe Blackwall. It bring only death.

Reed

10ASpecifics, Slider.

Slider

10ADe woman – did you know she use de Blackwall protocol to connect wid you?

V

11AHad no idea, no.

Slider

11ANow you do.

Reed

11AWhat's that mean for us? For what we need?

Slider

11AHow to explain to layman... De Net has layers, various vectors for translocation.

11ABut dere is one t'ing dat must not be touched – de Blackwall.

11ADe woman – she is walking, ticking bomb, megatons. She go boom… everybody fucked in de ass. Every last one.

11A<mothertongue l="creo" m="Miray nwa a." b="" a=" It is a dam dat protects us, de civilized world, from de strange bèts of de cyber wilderness."/>

11AIf your two-leg bomb crack de dam down de middle, it will unleash a flood, wipe us off de map just like Haiti…

V

11BNope. Can't say I'm surprised, though.

Reed

11BEnlighten us.

V

11CFuck... Explains a lot, actually.

Slider

11CDe woman – she is walking, ticking bomb, megatons. She go boom… everybody fucked in de ass. Every last one.

11C<mothertongue l="creo" m="Miray nwa a." b="" a=" It is a dam dat protects us, de civilized world, from de strange bèts of de cyber wilderness."/>

11CIf your two-leg bomb crack de dam down de middle, it will unleash a flood, wipe us off de map just like Haiti…

V

12AThink you're overreactin', choom.

Slider

12AYou do not understand.

12AYou can be de chief of de NCPD, a corpo CEO or even de fucking president herself…

12AFür die KIs jenseits der Blackwall bist du nichts als eine Ameise. Eine verfickte Kakerlake. Ein Stück veralteter, bedeutungsloser Code.

12ADis why NetWatch flatline any who put integrity of Blackwall at risk. Dis no laughing matter, my friend. It is a concern for de safety of all.

Reed

12AThat's why you, my friend, need to restore V's connection to our girl.

Slider

12AYou are out of your mind.

V

12BThat why you an' the Pacifica Voodoos don't see eye to eye? 'Cause they're pokin' holes in the Blackwall?

Slider

12BDey do not penetrate, only jerk off next to it. NetWatch try to keep dem in check.

12BAber man muss schon echt bescheuert sein, um seinen Schwanz in eine Steckdose stecken zu wollen.

12BFür die KIs jenseits der Blackwall bist du nichts als eine Ameise. Eine verfickte Kakerlake. Ein Stück veralteter, bedeutungsloser Code.

12BDis why NetWatch flatline any who put integrity of Blackwall at risk. Dis no laughing matter, my friend. It is a concern for de safety of all.

Reed

12BThat's why you, my friend, need to restore V's connection to our girl.

Slider

12BYou are out of your mind.

V

12CRogue AIs will drown the Net. And all of us with it.

Slider

12CFür die KIs jenseits der Blackwall bist du nichts als eine Ameise. Eine verfickte Kakerlake. Ein Stück veralteter, bedeutungsloser Code.

12CDis why NetWatch flatline any who put integrity of Blackwall at risk. Dis no laughing matter, my friend. It is a concern for de safety of all.

Reed

12CThat's why you, my friend, need to restore V's connection to our girl.

Slider

12CYou are out of your mind.

V

13AWell, now you're part of this madness, too. Welcome to the shitshow.

Reed

13ANon-negotiable, Slider. We need to find her.

13ABesides, as long as she's out there, they catch her scent, they catch yours now, too. They'll sic their wirehead freaks onto you and your people.

13ASo you'll help me clean this up, cover all tracks, snip any threads leading back to you and consequently – us.

13ADo that and we'll be square. You'll be off the FIA's hook, too.

V

14AHere we go...

Slider

14AArgh aargh!

Songbird

14AWhat the...!?

14AV? How...?

Slider

14AArgh aargh!

Songbird

14AIs that... Sol Reed? How…? Ah, right, Myers…

V

14AWorkin' together now. With Alex, too.

Songbird

14AI can hardly believe he's here, but... it's a good thing.

V

15ASongbird – thought we lost you... What happened?

Songbird

15AThat thing… It almost fried my brain. I had to look for help... beyond the Blackwall.

V

15AHeard it ain't exactly... safe.

Songbird

15ANot exactly. That's clear.

V

15BSo, whenever we linked up, talked... didn’t mention you were tappin' into the Blackwall…

Songbird

15BI didn’t. You didn’t need to know that.

V

15BRisky as shit, that.

Songbird

15BI’m putting my life on the line, not yours.

15BBlackwall-to-Relic was the only way to reach you after SF1 was hacked.

14AListen, V. Don't have much time. Hansen's people tracked me down after I rezzed the Chimera. I've been... detained.

14AI'm not in any danger. Not as long as I behave, do what I'm told. I need your help…

Slider

14AThere's... Something's not right, girl.

V

16ASongbird! Are you OK?

V

17ASlider! What's going on?

Slider

14AArgh…! Fucking Blackwall...

Songbird

14ABlack Sapphire, V. Hansen's hosting a huge shindig there. Crash it on the sly. I'll find you. Make sure to tell Reed.

14AAnd I haven't for a sec forgotten what we agre--

Slider

14AArgh aargh!

V

14AFuck!

Reed

18AIs everything all right?

V

19AThink… Slider might be dead…

19AConnection severed…

Reed real npc

19AIt's over. He short-circed.

V

20APoor bastard…

Reed real npc

20AIt's over. He short-circed.

V

18BJack him out, Reed!

18BUnplug Slider! Now!

Reed real npc

18BIt's over. He short-circed.

V

14BEver done anything like this before?

Slider

14BWhat? Be de bridge between hosts using de Blackwall protocol? What de fuck do you think, eh?!

14BConfirm de data transfer before I change my mind.

V

21AHeard what he said about messin' with the Blackwall, right? Risky business.

Reed

21AIt's even riskier to let Songbird poke more holes in it. We need to make contact with her. Communication's key.

Slider

21APerhaps you do. I do not.

V

22AThink Slider just happened on you hangin' out in my head.

Johnny

22ANah, this is somethin' else.

V

7BJust like that? No hagglin'?

Slider

7BI already know de score.

7BDe Langley man send a clear message.

V

6BPlane crash in Dogtown – heard about it?

Slider

6B"Plane?" Hah. You mean de Space Force One. Everyone hear 'bout dat.

V

6BNeed your help locatin' someone who was on board.

Slider

6BAnd I would surely oblige were I not blind, wheelchair-bound, and did not give zero fucks about dat or you.

Reed

6BC'mon, stop pretendin' like you got a choice.

V

6CNo love lost 'tween the two of you, eh?

Slider

6CDose who speak to Reed have a strange habit of vanishing or committing suicide.

6CBut since you are partners, you must know dat by now. Speak your piece.

V

5BHere to make a deal, nothin' more.

Slider

5BA deal? Let me guess…

5BAn empty promise and a bullet to de brain when you decide I am of no use to you – dat kind of deal?

5BI knew poor souls who try to strike a deal wit' Solomon Reed. Remember dem, Agent Reed?

V

5CHeard about me? Huh. How?

Slider

5CMe, my temple – we are one. My eyes and ears are everywhere.

Reed

5CThis isn't a temple, it's a malicious daemon mill. And you're no priest, you're a two-bit bandit and murderer.

Slider

5CMurderer, eh? It takes one to know one.

5CSo? What will it be? Will you put me down like you did dat bitch Brigitte?

5CSo? What will it be? Will you strike a bargain wit' me as you did wit’ dat bitch Brigitte?

And you? You put Maman Brigitte under your spell. Will you bewitch me as well?

Reed

Your spooky shit don't impress anyone, Slider.

Songbird

Argh! That's a skull cracker. Just what the doc ordered. Thanks.

V

Connection severed…

Reed real npc

It's over. He short-circed.

Are you all right, V?

Slider

I am all ears.

Songbird

Listen, V. Don't have much time. Hansen's people tracked me down after I rezzed the Chimera. I've been... detained.

I'm not in any danger. Not as long as I behave, do what I'm told. I need your help…

Slider

There's... Something's not right, girl.

I am all ears.

I can't see. Are we waiting for someone or just scratching our balls?

Confirm de data transfer before I change my mind.

Reed real npc

What did Songbird tell you?

Mr. Hands

Yes, honey bunny? Dad’s working…

Mhm? Now? I see... and what is it your mother can't help you with?

Not to worry. I’ll find him the moment I get home. Can that be our deal?

You've my word, sugarbear... Yeah... I love you, too. Buh-bye now.

Your father must get back to work now, OK? OK.

Ah, if it isn't V…

V, my favorite merc. Splendid.

What you completed for me… significantly shifted the playing field vis-à-vis Hansen. Excellent work, precisely as requested.

V

1AMaybe the one thing I didn't expect – to see the man behind the holo-curtain. The elusive Mr. Hands in the flesh.

Mr. Hands

1ANot only did you rescue those clowns in blue, you also managed to eliminate Dodger.

1ACalm, collected and professional. Bravo.

1AYou have proven to be a person I can trust. Hence my decision to drop the veil and meet in person. A rare occurrence, I assure you.

1AWere I to have more virtuosos like you, I wager I'd have more than Dogtown in my grasp…

1ADogtown, Pacifica, then I'd line up the rest, snort and it'd be done.

1AWorking with bona fide professionals – positively a treat.

V

2AGigs you had me do… how'll they solve your Hansen sitch?

Mr. Hands

2ATake a boxer. He can't knock out his opponent. What then? He goes to work on the body.

2AOnce his adversary's stamina wanes, he looks for his opening, connects fist with jaw.

V

2BHope all that hard work won't go to waste.

Mr. Hands

2BProfit for me means profit for you – nothing simpler.

2BYou may not know this, but I hasten to assure you no one has ever regretted doing business with me.

1AI know it may not seem all that clear from where you stand, but…

1AThe gigs you have completed will allow me to audaciously shift some of the pawns and figures on the... chessboard that is Dogtown. Checkmate is but a few moves away.

V

3ATake it you'd prefer Dogtown with no Hansen at the helm.

Mr. Hands

3AHansen wields much power, greedily so. He's also clever. These traits I tolerate, even value – when occurring in isolation.

3ABut all at once? No. Especially not in one who grips an entire district in the palm of his hand. It makes business... trying.

V

3BSounds like you're out to get your hands dirty in local politics. Pun intended.

Mr. Hands

3BYes, well, Dogtown is a political arena like any other. It has its relations, arrangements, power struggles…

3BA careless businessman might easily drown in the mud. Me – I prefer to stay dry.

1AInterest you in some tea? It's my own blend.

V

4ASure, why not.

4B'M good, thanks.

Mr. Hands

1ASo, how did this combat zone become "Dogtown" – do you know?

V

5AHeard this 'n' that… Somethin' to do with the war?

Mr. Hands

5ATwenty-sixty-nine. Colonel Hansen led an operation colorfully called "Midnight Storm." The objective – to occupy this combat zone and establish an NUSA staging ground in Night City.

5ASoon after, the sides agreed to a ceasefire. Hansen's force was left to fend for itself. Headquarters, the public, everyone – feigned ignorance, pretending Hansen and company were never here.

5ABut our good colonel decided to put down roots. He declared this combat zone an NUSA territory. In our terms, he carved out an enclave for himself and went from soldier to arms dealer overnight.

5AMarooned, he was. Two weeks for a bullet to reach his brain, everyone thought. But his brain remained intact, and he became a force to be reckoned with.

5AA man whose existence is a threat to many is a dangerous man, indeed.

V

6ALet's table politics for now, huh? Go straight to biz.

Mr. Hands

6ABusiness... Of course…

V

6B'S all well and good chit-chattin', but what about our deal? Did my part – time you did yours.

Mr. Hands

6BAh, indeed, yes…

V

5BLet's table politics for now, huh? Go straight to biz.

Mr. Hands

5BBusiness... Of course…

1AThe Black Sapphire... Hansen’s stronghold, guarded by elite soldiers. Military quarters are situated on lower levels while top floors are a decadent haven for the ultra-rich.

1AThe building's blueprint was not easily procured, I should say…

1AHansen guards his hotel's secrets as if they were an embarrassing rectal itch…

1ABut given a will, ways are usually found... You help a client of mine, they reciprocate and I gain latitude... Quid pro quo in full effect.

1AThe building plans are yours. I'll even throw in vulnerabilities to watch for. A token of my appreciation.

1AAnd – though this goes without saying – the data, its source, are completely secure. No one knows you have it.

1AData leaks, or lack thereof, are the difference between myself and, say, the late Mr. DeShawn.

1AThe shard – Black Sapphire info and blueprints, all nooks and crannies.

1AI trust it's all you need to waltz in and perform your planned pirouettes. Yet, a word of caution... Even fully prepared, you’ll be marching into a pit full of vipers. Watch your step.

V

7AThanks, Hands.

Mr. Hands

7AI only hope this won't mark the end of our collaboration. Truth be told, a few new assignments seem imminent…

V

7ALemme guess – more local politico-gaming?

Mr. Hands

7AActivity is abundant in Dogtown. And behind closed doors – plots and schemes.

7AShould change ever occur... as it inevitably must…

7ASomeone really ought to pave the way for a smooth transition…

V

7BHonestly? Was countin' on more than hotel blueprints.

Mr. Hands

7BI have no doubt an industrious individual like yourself will make the best of them. The same goes for some new assignments I will line up for you soon.

V

7BLemme guess – more local politico-gaming?

Mr. Hands

7BActivity is abundant in Dogtown. And behind closed doors – plots and schemes.

7BShould change ever occur... as it inevitably must…

7BSomeone really ought to pave the way for a smooth transition…

V

8ABe lookin' forward to those new gigs, then.

Mr. Hands

8AYou will hear from me soon, this I guarantee you.

V

8BNice meetin' you, finally pinnin' a face on the name.

Mr. Hands

8BYou should count yourself lucky. Few have done so and lived to tell the tale.

1AAnd V – whatever happens at the Black Sapphire... make sure you come back alive, mh?

1AYou're going where local and international politics mix – strong currents, both.

V

1AMake sure to plant my feet firmly, then. Later, Hands.

V

9ABe lookin' forward to those new gigs, then.

Mr. Hands

9AYou will hear from me soon, this I guarantee you.

V

9BNice meetin' you, finally pinnin' a face on the name.

Mr. Hands

9BYou should count yourself lucky. Few have done so and lived to tell the tale.

V

10AThanks, Hands.

Mr. Hands

10AI only hope this won't mark the end of our collaboration. Truth be told, a few new assignments seem imminent…

V

10ALemme guess – more local politico-gaming?

Mr. Hands

10AActivity is abundant in Dogtown. And behind closed doors – plots and schemes.

10AShould change ever occur... as it inevitably must…

10ASomeone really ought to pave the way for a smooth transition…

V

10BHonestly? Was countin' on more than hotel blueprints.

Mr. Hands

10BI have no doubt an industrious individual like yourself will make the best of them. The same goes for some new assignments I will line up for you soon.

V

10BLemme guess – more local politico-gaming?

Mr. Hands

10BActivity is abundant in Dogtown. And behind closed doors – plots and schemes.

10BShould change ever occur... as it inevitably must…

10BSomeone really ought to pave the way for a smooth transition…

Mr. Hands

1AYou retrieved the Zetatech blueprints… and the coveted prototype.

1ANot all prove willing and able to follow through no matter the cost. I respect that.

1ADespite some setbacks, you retrieved the Zetatech blueprints.

1AMaking impossible decisions under immense pressure – an invaluable skill that few possess.

1ANot only did you rescue those clowns in blue, you also managed to reach an accord with Dodger.

1AYour head in the game throughout. Well done.

V

1BC'mon, Hands – flattery, really? Seems a little beneath you.

Mr. Hands

1BAn overused tactic, agreed – unnecessary. No, V, this is strictly business.

1BFor those who do their work well, praise is a mere restating of the facts.

V

Reed, got the datashard from Hands – our golden ticket into the Black Sapphire.

Reed

Perfect. Send it through. And no worries, this connection's secure.

V

1ACatch. 'S on its way.

Reed

1AAaaand reception complete. I'll pass it on to Alex.

1AAs soon as you're ready, join us at The Moth.

1AIf I'm not there when you arrive, just wait. Till then.

V

Hey, Hands. Our deal – 'member?

Hands

Yes, the Black Sapphire. I have an entry strategy for you – foolproof. Meet me at the Heavy Hearts.

V

OK, be there soon.

Hands? Need a favor.

Hands

Straight to biz. I like it.

V

Aimin' to go to an upcoming shindig at the Black Sapphire.

Hands

Lusting to dance with the devil? V... the place is inaccessible and treacherous – in equal parts. You cannot simply walk in uninvited, as opposed to, say... Konpeki Plaza.

V

Surely there’s some way in.

Hands

Hmm... I’ll need to twist an arm or a leg. Thanks to you, I've a veritable buffet of limbs to choose from.

V

1ASo, doable, ya think?

Hands

1AYou helped to solidify my position in Dogtown. I'm happy to return the favor.

1AWe'll conclude this in person. I'll need some hours. Meet me at the Heavy Hearts.

V

1AThanks, Hands.

Hands? Need a favor.

Hands

Straight to biz. I like it.

V

Aimin' to go to an upcoming shindig at the Black Sapphire.

Hands

Lusting to dance with the devil? V... the place is inaccessible and treacherous – in equal parts. You cannot simply walk in uninvited, as opposed to, say... Konpeki Plaza.

V

Surely there’s some way in.

Hands

Very well, I’ll be frank.

A handwritten invitation – unachievable. But I can work something out. I'll need a favor in return, though…

Reputation is a currency. Its value derives from collective faith. It fluctuates. Do you understand me?

V

2AYeah, see what you're drivin' at. Want me to help you "earn" a little rep.

Hands

2APrecisely…

2AComplete a few gigs for me. Give my reputation in Dogtown a shot in the buttcheek. The Black Sapphire plans will be yours.

V

3AAll right, Hands. Got yourself a deal.

Hands

3AI’m oh so glad. Auf Wiedersehen.

V

3BThink you could make this a quickie? Tight window I'm workin' with…

Hands

3BIf you want a smooth deal, the cogs must be greased. Bring me grease, V.

V

3CCan’t just bribe someone?

Hands

3CMoney... so pedestrian, when you think about it. Reputation, information, favors... these are worth their weight in gold. Heavier even than their owners' hearts.

3CAlas, none remain for purchase at the Black Sapphire. Hansen had all the weak of heart purged using a lighter element – lead.

V

Hey, hold, hang a sec, Hands. 'Member our deal?

Hands

Yes, the Black Sapphire. I have an entry strategy for you – foolproof. Meet me at the Heavy Hearts.

V

OK, be there soon.

Hey, hold, hang a sec, Hands. Need your help now.

Hands

Hm... do tell, V.

V

Aimin' to go to an upcoming shindig at the Black Sapphire.

Hands

Lusting to dance with the devil? V... the place is inaccessible and treacherous – in equal parts. You cannot simply walk in uninvited, as opposed to, say... Konpeki Plaza.

V

Surely there’s some way in.

Hands

Hmm... I’ll need to twist an arm or a leg. Thanks to you, I've a veritable buffet of limbs to choose from.

Reed

V? What's wrong?!

Come on…

V

It's fine, 'm all right.

Reed

Sit down… How can I help?

V

Really... Startin' to get used to it.

Reed

This the Relic?

V

1AGets worse every day. Time I have left's evaporatin' quick.

1BLong story, but yeah. It's pullin' a hostile takeover of my brain.

1CNah, just a lil' dust allergy…

1CUh-huh, fucking Relic.

Reed

Do you experience them often, these attacks?

V

Don't really keep count, but… never know if the next one won't be my last.

Reed

Wow, rough.

V

No shit. Death's breathin' down my neck, always.

Reed

I know what that feels like.

V

2ABein' a dead man walkin'?

Reed

2AExactly.

2AI never talked about this, y'know…

2AI should be sayin' they tried to kill me, but… sometimes it feels like they actually succeeded.

V

2BWhat do you mean?

Reed

2BI never talked about this, y'know…

2BI should be sayin' they tried to kill me, but… sometimes it feels like they actually succeeded.

V

2CTruly? How would you know?

Reed

2CI never talked about this, y'know…

2CI should be sayin' they tried to kill me, but… sometimes it feels like they actually succeeded.

V

3ATell me more?

3BSo I'm talkin' to a ghost?

Reed

Ambush, attempt on my life seven years back…

V

Yeah, you said. What exactly happened there, Reed?

Reed

I landed in the ICU, where I waited for some Arasaka goon to come finish me off.

I was betrayed. By our people, the FIA.

I say "betrayed" but I was sold out. Part of a deal, a "peace offering." My head on a silver platter.

All for a ceasefire. Peace comes at a price... Someone's always gotta pay it.

C'mon, wanna show you something.

V

4AHang on… They set you up, yet here you are, workin' for 'em again?

Reed

4AEven deep wounds stop hurting eventually, scar over… A few years on, they're just an itch.

V

4BI get it. You feel responsible for her. You're captain, she's crew.

Reed

4BNo matter what sinking ship she's on, I'll be there to get her off. Even if I have to go down with it.

Let's go.

Let's ride down.

V

Where we headed?

Reed

On a little trip down memory lane. To see some old junk.

I still can't believe Alex decided the best place for a bar was right over our old safehouse.

She always had a twisted sense of humor.

V

Where's she at? Waitin' downstairs?

Reed

She's finishing up recon in town. We should make ourselves at home till she gets back.

Been dark for seven years, this place. Let's brighten things up again.

The end of any war's never pretty. Both sides race to tie up loose ends...

A car bomb blew up one of my crew, another was poisoned, a third got shot in the back of the head while buyin' a pack o' smokes. A couple others just vanished without a trace.

Every night we waited for Arasaka agents to come finish us off. I had to make a choice.

I chose to dig our heels in.

I thought we still had a fighting chance.

It was bold, it was stupid – a mix of both? Maybe I just didn't know how to walk away, let it rest.

Or maybe... I don't know how to lose.

Either way, we managed to save a few more agents. The price for that was yours truly.

V

5ASay what you want, but sounds like they stabbed you in the back, plain 'n' simple.

Reed

5ASaving many of my people in the process.

V

5BTragic story, that…

Reed

5BWell, I wrote it myself.

V

5CHonestly? Sounds like you brought it on yourself.

Reed

5CBrutal but sincere. I can respect that.

You play grown-up games, you face grown-up consequences.

Funny. Out of everyone, it was Songbird they asked to pull the trigger.

V

Wait…

Reed

Yeah...

V

6A"Pulled the trigger" as in literally took out her iron and shot you?

Reed

6ANot personally. But she unlocked the door for those who came and did.

V

6A"Pulled the trigger" as in literally took out her iron and shot you?

Reed

6ANot personally. But she unlocked the door for those who came and did.

V

6BProbably had no choice.

Reed

6BDid, didn't… it's irrelevant now. What happened, happened.

V

6BProbably had no choice.

Reed

6BDid, didn't… it's irrelevant now. What happened, happened.

I was leavin' the city, headin' home. Songbird was still here, in this very room, in fact.

She was guiding me on comms. Led me straight into a trap.

Neutralizing me – her last assignment in Night City. Then she got her ticket home.

V

7AAnd yet you're now tryin' to save her... Why?

Reed

7ABecause it's the right thing to do.

V

7BReed... What you're doin' now... this savin' her or is it revenge?

Reed

7BI don't have a vengeful bone left in me.

I had plenty of time to examine this under a microscope. Under focus, some things sharpen, others blur.

But there comes a point when you just cut through the bullshit and see what's in front of you.

Songbird is still my people, and nothing can change that.

V

Fuck, Reed…

Reed

Now Myers is a whole 'nother story, but Songbird? No, I got nothing against her.

V

8ASo why Myers?

Alex

8AI miss anything?

Reed

8ASome reminiscing…

8ASo, good, let's get this show goin'. I checked up on Slider's contention. He fuckin' had it right, it turns out.

8AI dove into old mission files, wherever So Mi was involved. They were buried deep, near impossible to access, even with my clearance.

8AEach 'n' every one… the Blackwall. All authorizations, mission orders, personally signed by one person – Rosalind Myers.

Alex

8AWouldn't wanna be in her shoes if that shit floats to the top.

Reed

8AThe NUS is a small country governed by a woman with highly ambitious goals. Sometimes those ambitions win out over reason.

8ABut that's not somethin' we need to pore over now. Alex, what do you have for us?

Alex

8AA little o' this, a little o' that. We'll plan in a sec. Say, V – like playin' fancy dress-up?

V

9ANah, always feels like I got a stick up my ass.

Alex

9AOuch, sucks to be you. 'Fraid it ain't up for debate.

V

9B'Course, who doesn't?

Alex

9BThen you'll like what I whipped up.

V

9CMakes no difference either way.

Alex

9CGood, ‘cause you will doll up, honey.

V

9DWhat's it matter? Gotta do what needs doin', preferences be damned.

Alex

9DAll right, lil' miss sourpuss.

8AManaged to learn that some pop megastar is gonna grace the party with a show. Guest list? Expect everybody who’s anybody.

8AThat includes you. Gonna don fancy outfits and rub shoulders with VIPs. Be warned, though – fancy doesn’t mean easy…

8AReady for the detes, V?

V

10ALemme hear 'em.

10BNo, but you're gonna dump 'em on me anyway.

Alex

8ABlack Sapphire. The most heavily guarded place in Dogtown. Doesn’t mean security’s airtight, though.

8AV, you're gonna enter through a flooded tunnel system. Got a top-o'-the-line divin' suit, oughta fit you snug as a glove.

8AWater's maybe a little super toxic...? So, yeah, be careful.

V

11AWhat about Reed?

Alex

11AWas just about to mention... He'll be there too, of course.

V

11BToxic how, exactly?

Alex

11BFrom suspect waste, some sewage leak, too... Don't worry, suit's piss-'n'-shit-proof.

8AAlready know what the hotel looks like. Really, really hard to miss.

8AFlooded tunnels, here. That’s your way inside.

8ANow focus.

8AYou'll reach a terminal at the end, jack in and breach the cams, giving Reed his window to slip into the building.

8AYou'll take different elevators up, here.

8ASol'll open a passage to his side. ‘Fore you ask – yeah, it’s the only way.

8AArea could be heavily guarded, so you'll have to be on your tippy-toes. Couldn't get clean intel, so you'll just have to be creative, improvise.

8AYou’re gonna meet... here.

8ASoon as you meet up, you'll doll up like it's prom night and go to the ball. That's where you'll rendezvous with Songbird.

8AAll clear?

V

12AYup…

Alex

12APreem.

12A'Kay, let's talk gear.

12ATake your time. Grab anything you think might be useful.

12AA surprise awaits you in the box.

V

13AThis your iron?

Alex

13ASure is. "Her Majesty's" been itchin' to return to active duty.

V

13AI'd be honored.

Reed

12AThat reminds me. Hands – what'd he want in return for the favor he did us?

V

14AWanted to test the waters, see which way the currents were flowin'.

14AHansen's dominance over Dogtown doe'n't benefit Hands nohow, so he's out to level the playing field.

14BGot an invisible war goin' on in Dogtown. Hansen against anyone who wants a slice of the pie.

14BHands sees an opportunity. Wants my help in exploiting it.

14BDogtown's locked in a neverending power struggle. Lotta biz to go around, but only Hansen reaps the rewards.

14BHands is gunnin' to… diversify who controls what, when and where. My skills and know-how're to… facilitate that.

14BHands has the mind of a corpo. War's like a biz to him, runs it that way.

14BHe pits everyone against each other. By the time they realize they're all fightin' on his behalf, it'll be too late.

Reed

12APolitics. It's the same shit wherever you go…

12AY'know, if not for you, we'd have no way of gettin' into the Black Sapphire, reachin' Songbird.

12AIt's good to have you on our side. I mean that, V.

V

12AThat it? We set?

Reed

12AI believe we are. I'll hang back a while and then meet you there.

Alex

12APlace stinks of memories, huh?

Reed

12AA little dusty, but well-preserved.

Alex

12AWhat're we gonna do with it once I'm on the Riviera?

12AGonna lock yourself in here, fondle all this old, dead tech till your balls shrivel up?

Reed

12ABurn it to the ground's what we'll do.

12AAnd never come back.

Alex

12ANow that I like.

V

12BOK, how we gettin' in again?

Alex

12BYou're swimmin' in through flooded tunnels. Reed'll take the high road after you let him inside.

12BSound good?

V

12CRemind me – how do I get Reed in?

Alex

12CYou'll swim to the other side, find the terminal, jack in, breach the cams, locate Reed and crack a door.

12CThen you'll take elevators up, Reed'll open a path to his side. You'll then sneak past the guards and stroll into the party like NC royalty.

12CSeared all that into your brain?

Reed

I was leavin' the city, headin' home. Songbird was still here, in this very room, in fact.

She was guiding me on comms. Led me straight into a trap.

Neutralizing me – her last assignment in Night City. Then she got her ticket home.

Reed

Been dark for seven years, this place. Let's brighten things up again.

I thought we still had a fighting chance.

It was bold, it was stupid – a mix of both? Maybe I just didn't know how to walk away, let it rest.

Or maybe... I don't know how to lose.

Either way, we managed to save a few more agents. The price for that was yours truly.

What just happened?

V

It's fine, 'm all right.

Reed

What just happened?

Sit down… How can I help?

V

Really... Startin' to get used to it.

Reed

This the Relic?

Alex

What’s with you? Ready or not?

A surprise awaits you in the box.