Dialogue: The Information

Prostitute

All depends what you're into. Maybe you can tell me about it... over a drink?

Patron

Hey! Another round over here, stat?

Prostitute

So, what can a horny girl like me do for a hungry guy like you?

A little vanilla and sprinkles? Or kinkier? Wax? Maybe electrosex, zappies… power implants, hmm?

Patron

Nah. Here's what I want. You and your girlfriend, wearin' high heels, blindfolds and bitgags.

Prostitute

Hmm, no problem. You buying or renting?

Patron

Rentin'. How much?

Prostitute

Relax. It'll go on your tab. Think I got just the thing for you, too.

This one's me and Candice. You'll feel us eeeverywhere. It's fun!

So, see you on the other side, baby.

Patron

Yeah, yeah, it's virtual. The real-feel's outta control, though. I mean, I'm STILL feelin' that dragon tail bite.

Patron

Dunno... Tried it a time or two. Just gave me a headache.

Patron

Ah, this stuff's different. Custom made or somethin'. A few seconds in you forget it ain't real. Feel it all.

And there's nothin' holdin' you back. Your fantasies ain't even enough, 'cause what they got in their catalog...

Look here, backdoor rodeo with Vicky. That ass – can you believe it? Then just pick your spot – grass hut in Hawai'i, maybe a penthouse in Westbrook...

Patron

Y'know, I'm more of a front-door kinda guy. Like this.

Patron

Dude, the centipede? Fuck me. But suit yourself. I call dibs on Vicky.

Down the hatch, choom. Then we hit the boxes!

Prostitute

Four AM last night. Gina and me – sittin' at the bar.

And she's rattlin' on about the bank stuff. Yadda yadda yadda.

All the while, I'm anglin' to get a word in, 'cause I need her to cover for me that afternoon when I go to pick my daughter up from preschool. But it's chill, you know.

Then, this guy stumbles in. Whacked out, almost knocks over Moll at the door.

Prostitute

He go apeshit inside?

Prostitute

Nah. Get this – choom says he wants real fun, real flesh, punchin' animal, like. No virtushit. He knows it's not allowed, but he'll pay triple.

So, Gina... what's she do?

Drags the gonk back to a box. Guy's so high, he thinks the BD trodes're some fancy-ass toy. And Gina loads the orgy with the infinite-loop orgasm at the end.

Prostitute

Heh, you're kiddin'. An' he couldn't tell?

Prostitute

Nah, c'mon! Even when they're sober, still think that bukkake finish is real.

Prostitute

Moll, hey, got a little problem...

Lizzie Solo

Client stiff ya? Uh… money, I mean. Tell the girls at the door. They'll take care of it.

Prostitute

No, i-i-it's my friend. She works Eighth Street?

Lizzie Solo

Out of bounds, not our turf, kid.

Prostitute

I know, I know, but she wants out. She'd rather not be there... rather work here, full time.

Problem is, her daddy won't let 'er go. Said if she tried, he'd damage the goods and not even bat an eye.

Lizzie Solo

Daddy got a name?

Prostitute

Dunno his real detes. Heard some people call him "Latex Fred." Douchey, I know.

Lizzie Solo

Mmmh, yeah, all right. Tell your friend Mr. Latex won't be a problem no more.

Bouncer

Hey there, dollface.

Bouncer

Interest you in a preem BD?

V

1ASure, in I go.

Bouncer

1AHold it. House rules first. There will be severe penalties for any unauthorized recording...

V

1CWhaddaya got?

Bouncer

1CWhat don't we got? Women and men of your dreams, synaptic acting A-listers. No washed-up virtuporn boytoys or blow-up dolls here.

Bouncer

1CAuteur stuff – it'll grip your heart and blow your nerves right outta your body. Pure bit-based ecstasy – THAT'S why people come here.

V

1CClearly know how to sell it.

Bouncer

1CNot a sales pitch, it's a warning. I'll give you one word – bespoke. Not for everyone's synapses.

Bouncer

1CThink you can handle it?

Bouncer

No drugs, no groping.

Bouncer

Someone catch your eye, you do not grab 'em. You find 'em in the catalog, ask for a BD and get yourself a box.

V

I really look that green to you? Like I don't know?

Bouncer

Mhm. Door's open.

Have fun, doll.

What'll it be?

Goin' in or stayin' out?

Come on in!

Bouncer

Welcome to Lizzie's!

Bouncer

Ooo-K.

Bouncer

You'll be back.

Bouncer

Knew you were just window shopping.

V

2ABespoke – damn, that sounds promising. I get it, I'm in.

Bouncer

2AMmhm. Couple of things you need to know first.

2AAhem. Severe penalties for any unauthorized recording...

V

2CKnow what? Uh, maybe another time.

Bouncer

2CSure thing, doll.

2CReconsidered, huh?

V

Not my first time.

Bouncer

Don't remember you.

V

'Cause I didn't get in through the front.

Bouncer

Hah, get a load of this one.

Bouncer

Right, rules're simple – someone catches your eye, you do not grab 'em. You find 'em in the catalog, ask for a BD and get yourself a box.

Bouncer

No recordin', no coppin' feels when the guards ain't lookin'. In you go.

Hold up, not so fast.

Whoa, there. Hold it.

Stash that poly one-shot, sunshine. You'll shoot your eye out.

Bouncer

Hey, where's the war? C'mon, holster that iron, quick.

Bouncer

Come on in!

There a problem?

Goin' in or stayin' out?

'Ey, what'll it be?

There a problem?

Bouncer

Look, she's speechless.

Evelyn

Uhh, V?

Think BDs are only good for fondling virtual tits, jackin' off to in those boxes?

No. They can be a very useful tool. Good for analyzing details human perception, even boosted, doesn't grasp. Exactly what you need.

V

So what's on the tape?

Evelyn

Yorinobu's suite. The glorious interior.

You'll need to locate the Relic yourself. Hope I grabbed enough detail to make that possible.

V

Hold up... Mean to say you recorded this?

Evelyn

Mhm. BD rec implant. Why, you object?

V

1ASupposed to be Yorinobu's pad on the tape. Means you were inside. You, uh, know each other?

Evelyn

1AHow else could I get all this intel? I know him pretty well, actually.

1AWe have an arrangement. Strictly business. Suits us both, I think.

V

1BNo, not at all.

Let's see this braindance.

Evelyn

Judy'll help. She's a Mox, too. Besides, we go back, uh... years.

V, this is important.

Judy's always been there for me. Always helped out. I trust her.

But she's a Mox, not the latest member of your crew. Try not to forget.

So you'll be a good girl, tread lightly and keep that tongue on a leash.

V

Relax. Believe it or not, I'm no stranger to tact, in biz or life.

Evelyn

Uhh, V?

In you go.

I'm waiting.

V

2AName's V. She and I have a... date.

Mateo

2AWell, V, it's a pleasure. I'm Mateo.

V

2AUh-huh... So, Evelyn?

Mateo

2AClub's big. Gonna have to look around. Can't do it for you.

V

2BA big tipper. Generous when I get the answers I'm lookin' for.

Mateo

2BAppreciate the gesture, truly.

2BBut, afraid I don't get paid to talk. Opposite, actually.

V

2CJust answer the damn question.

Mateo

2CSeem a little tense, choomba. Go grab a box – might take the edge off.

2CHave fun, relax, find me once your mood's improved. Serve you a drink, then.

Evelyn

It's all right, Mateo. I was waitin' for this one.

Evelyn Parker.

I knew it was you as soon as you walked in.

V

3AWhy not say hello sooner?

Evelyn

3AI wanted to get a good look at you first.

3AIf I didn't, rest assured... you'd know.

3AC'mon. Know a place we can talk where ears won't prick up to listen.

3AWe'll be in the lounge, Mateo. Anyone asks, we're not here.

Evelyn

4ADex had a load to say about you. Called you professional, effective...

4AAnd trustworthy.

4AI hope he wasn't overselling...

V

5ANo idea if Dex exaggerates. A little, a lot – you got me.

5AJust started working with 'im, in fact.

Evelyn

5AI've heard there are two kinds of fixers. Those with stable crews on long contracts and short leashes.

5ALoyalty and predictability they value above all else. Then there's the other kind – Dex's kind.

V

6ALet's... cut to the chase. Whaddaya got for me?

Evelyn

6AYour... target – I trust you know what it is?

V

6ARelic. "Secure Your Soul" trinket. Key tech in the program, actually.

6AWe're tangling with Arasaka. Makin' this heist one dangerous, risky motherfucker.

Evelyn

6AMhm, Arasaka's poured billions into personality transfer technology. But me – I just want the data on this one.

6AThe chip is tucked away inside Konpeki Plaza, the hotel. You ever been?

V

6BC'mon, can't leave that hangin'.

Evelyn

6BHeadhunters. They lay their trust elsewhere, not in people but in a thing – their intuition. They bet on potential. And if they lose that bet...

6BIt's the last mistake they ever make.

6BI'm hoping Dex's intuition has served him well in this case.

V

5BI'm good at what I do. Got a solid crew at my back, too. Never once botched a job.

Evelyn

5BYou do realize I expect more of you than scraping streetcorner dataterms? Much, much more.

V

5BI'm the best. And I know what I'm getting into. Dex was clear – the job's high-risk.

Evelyn

5BBy the way, you worked together long? You and Dex?

V

7AJust started working with 'im, in fact.

Evelyn

7AI've heard there are two kinds of fixers. Those with stable crews on long contracts and short leashes.

7ALoyalty and predictability they value above all else. Then there's the other kind – Dex's kind.

V

7BYou writin' Dex's bio? Hate to disappoint, but I just don't know much.

Evelyn

7BIn other words, you hardly know each other... Yet he fingered you for this job. Hm, curious.

V

8BShit, buzz Dex right now if you're gettin' cold feet – I can wait.

Evelyn

8BI doubt he'd add anything I haven't already heard. Anything I'd really like to hear, for that matter.

8BThere's only one other bunch that's worse than fixers in that respect – used car salesmen. I'll go with my gut for now.

V

7CLet's talk biz. I mean, it's nice, but I didn't come here to get my ego stroked.

Evelyn

7CNo. You're here to gain some knowledge, the life-changing kind.

V

7CWell, now you got me all excited.

5CYou don't give a rat's dick what Dex thinks. We both know that.

Evelyn

5CYou have trouble accepting compliments?

V

5CNo. Just think flattery's beneath you. Am I wrong?

Evelyn

5CMaybe Dex is beneath you. Have you known each other long?

V

5DLet's talk biz. I mean, it's nice, but I didn't come here to get my ego stroked.

Evelyn

5DNo. You're here to gain some knowledge, the life-changing kind.

V

5DWell, now you got me all excited.

Evelyn

5DYour... target – I trust you know what it is?

V

5DRelic. "Secure Your Soul" trinket. Key tech in the program, actually.

5DWe're tangling with Arasaka. Makin' this heist one dangerous, risky motherfucker.

Evelyn

5DMhm, Arasaka's poured billions into personality transfer technology. But me – I just want the data on this one.

5DThe chip is tucked away inside Konpeki Plaza, the hotel. You ever been?

V

9AClassy corp hotels? Mm, yeah, no. Outta my price range.

Evelyn

9AHm. The decor's to die for. As you'll see for yourself.

V

9BArasaka seems to have quite the touch with that hotel chain, but I gotta say, Konpeki in Tokyo's still leagues above the rest.

Evelyn

9BThe two are identical to each other.

V

9BJapan's staff, heh, the service can't be beat. Singapore, Paris, Washington... ugh, all the rest act like charity-case cousins by comparison.

Evelyn

9BWell, it's hard to argue with that, true.

V

9CY'know, just never rolled through that neighborhood.

Evelyn

9CDamn shame. The fresh they serve is sinfully good. Chef must've made a deal with the devil.

V

4ASo where's this chip hiding, exactly?

Evelyn

4AIn a suite on the top floor. The room's occupied by Yorinobu Arasaka.

V

4AYorinobu Arasaka... in Night City? Huh, guess the screamsheets weren't lyin' this time.

Evelyn

4AIt's on the lips of everyone in the city. Saburo Arasaka's only surviving son, heir apparent to the Arasaka empire in town? Hm, please.

V

4ACould it be? Emperor's prepared to cede his throne after a hundred and fifty years? Doubt it.

Evelyn

4AOnly a handful of people in Night City know what the Arasakas' real plans are.

V

4ATellin' me you're one of 'em?

V

10ALook, if you've got any spare aces up your sleeve, now's the time to show 'em.

Evelyn

10ANow, this should make your tits perk up. Yorinobu recently swiped the chip from an Arasaka laboratory. He's made a deal with NetWatch, aims to sell it to them.

10AHave you spotted my ace yet or do I need to spell things out?

V

11ASo what's Yorinobu due to walk away with?

Evelyn

11AUnimportant. You focus on the biochip.

V

11AWhat could cyberspace's watchers and protectors offer him? Intelligence on his enemies?

Evelyn

11AThat doesn't matter in the least. Because you'll make sure the transaction never happens, and I get the chip.

V

11BFine, so no Arasaka security on the device 'cause Yorinobu whisked it away in secret. Now, where's he hidin' it?

Evelyn

11BLikely in a specialized container, one that mimics an organic neural environment. On the outside, it looks like an ordinary briefcase.

V

11BAnd the case is...?

Evelyn

11BYou'll see for yourself soon enough. Provided we're done gossiping about the Arasakas.

V

12AOK. What's next?

Evelyn

12ANow comes the best part.

12AFollow me.

12AGot somethin' for ya. Should help you plan. Braindance from Konpeki Plaza.

V

12AHow's a braindance supposed to help? Need facts, not thrills.

12BWhat else you know about Yorinobu?

Evelyn

12BQuite a bit, actually. He studied finance and biotech in Tokyo. Hm, probably didn't have a choice in the matter, come to think of it. Saburo was grooming him to be his successor.

12BBut then Yorinobu vanished to chase his own dreams, cut himself off from the corp for years. Long story short, though the black sheep returned, the bitter taste remained.

12BBut that's only one side of him. There's another – an intelligent man who has always walked his own path and so has his own designs on the corp.

V

13ASeems to be risking everything with this Relic scam...

Evelyn

13AYes, because he's fallen for the biggest lie this town puts forward.

13AThat he can gain and retain control. Of anything.

V

13BCould be another power-hungry corpodick. Like so many others.

Evelyn

13BHm. Ever tried to imagine what life might be like for an emperor's son?

13BYou have everything, yet you are no one, nothing. At least as long as you remain in Saburo Arasaka's shadow.

13BI... sympathize. It's a vulnerability I understand well.

V

13BAnd one you plan to exploit fully.

12CHeard a bit about Yorinobu. Studied finance and biotech in Tokyo, prob'ly to please his father.

Evelyn

12CMhm. Saburo was grooming him to be his successor.

V

12CBut then Yorinobu cut himself off from the corp. Joined the Steel Dragons, nomads from Tokyo. Heard they were plannin' an Arasaka coup, or its downfall.

Evelyn

12CMhh. That flash of youthful rebellion ended like it usually does – Yorinobu returned to the fold, but the bitter taste remained.

12CYou know your stuff. But that's only one side of him. There's another – an intelligent man who has his own designs on the corp.

V

12DOne more thing. Data that's on the chip – what is it?

Evelyn

12DIrrelevant. Entirely.

V

12DWe're talkin' about data Yorinobu snuck out of Arasaka. What's more, he wants to pass it onto NetWatch. Sounds pretty damn relevant to me.

Evelyn

12DListen, V. The Relic – that's my concern. Your concern – earning a paycheck.

12DJust get the job done. I'll make sure your bank accounts're sated.

V

11CNope, don't buy it. NetWatch's integrity rests on their neutrality. Why would they tarnish their rep by procuring stolen goods?

Evelyn

11CNetWatch provides net security for all corporations. And collects eddies in the millions for it.

11CBut... in this day and age, everyone's in the game, and no one can afford to be a saint. To win, one has to go all in.

V

11CWait – neutral NetWatch is mixed up in this?

10BTop dog like Yorinobu's bound to have an army on call. Hotel's prolly a goddamn fortress by now, too.

Evelyn

10BYorinobu keeps exactly no huscle around. Not one guard. Got rid of them a long time ago.

V

10BHuh. Why's that?

Evelyn

10BSurely you know what they say about Arasaka intel?

10BSneeze in Night City and a blossom drops from a cherry tree in Tokyo. Yorinobu was convinced his Arasaka security detail reported directly to his father.

V

10CSo we're not jumpin' the corp. We're jumping Yorinobu Arasaka himself.

Evelyn

10CEh, Yorinobu is a puppet. He lost all his cards years ago when he failed to do daddy's bidding.

10CSaburo's had Yori's balls in a vise for years. He might just turn the screw and crush them outright if he learns his son's up to no good again.

V

10CEven so... it's still Yorinobu-fucking-Arasaka.

4AYorinobu Arasaka? He's in town?

Evelyn

4ADon't you read the screamsheets? The media couldn't get enough of Yori coming to Night City, it was all over the headlines.

4AAnyway, he's heir apparent to the Arasaka empire – Saburo Arasaka's only surviving son.

V

4AWhat, so Arasaka Junior's plannin' to grab the reins while in Night City?

Evelyn

4ASit, sit. We've got a lot to cover.

Evelyn

3AMhm. But not here. Come with me.

3AWe'll be in the lounge, Mateo. Anyone asks, we're not here.

V

3AActually, doesn't seem much like your thing, this place.

Mateo

3AMmmhm.

Evelyn

3AHm, I'll take that as a compliment.

V

15AAnd? Like what you see?

15BMind if we talk about the job? Heard you got somethin' for me.

15CWhy we meetin' here? Any particular reason?

V

16ACentzon? Only tequila I drink.

16AHm. How would you know?

Evelyn

16AI like to know everything about the people I work with.

16AEither that or it was just a lucky guess.

Mateo

Who's asking?

V

And if something goes south – got a backup plan?

Evelyn

Afraid Plan A is all we got. It HAS to work.

Uhh, V?

I'm waiting.

Evelyn

Ahem...

Judy

Hey, there you are.

Evelyn

This is V. She's here for that BD roll. And V, this is Judy – best braindance editor I know.

Judy

Enough, already. Gonna make me barf.

V

1AHey, Judy.

1BImpressive-looking setup. Need all this to process braindances?

Judy

1BMhm. Analyzers, sensory sig amps, acoustic and emotive wave monitors, facial expression translators...

Evelyn

1BAhem. Judy...

Judy

1BAll right, all right...

V

1CSensory sig amps, acoustic and emotive wave monitors... Top-shelf hardware.

Judy

1CYeah, most of it's customized. Only thing factory are the casings. Hm.

V

1CMod all this yourself?

Judy

1CWhat do you think?

V

1CExpression translator – Fuyutsuki, right? Thought the matrices on that series were fucked up.

Judy

1CThey were. But swappin' out matrices's simple. And this was the only model that'd support additional scanware.

Evelyn

1CAhem...

Judy

1CAll right, all right...

Compiled your BD, Ev.

Evelyn

What do you think? Will it do?

Judy

Still pretty raw... but yeah, oughta do.

Evelyn

Mhm. V needs to get deep inside, that's most important.

So, we drop V inside? Let her look, let her rummage around, right?

Judy

How 'bout it, V? Raw braindance – ever taken a dip before?

V

2AThink I can handle it. Let's just do this.

Judy

2ARight-o.

V

2BLook, I'm no BD virgin, but... the raw stuff – uncharted territory.

Judy

2BRelax. I'll explain everything. It's less complicated than it sounds.

V

2CWhat do you mean by "raw"? How's this differ from the ready-mades?

Judy

2CHuh. Ready-mades, provided they're well made, should feed you feelings and impressions you'd never have the chance to experience yourself in realspace.

2CBut it's mass-market shit, so it's pre-crafted, hard-coded, fenced in and manageable.

2CA raw one, well... it's more like a virtu enviro. Get to move around, look at things in detail.

2CEditors use those layers to fish for juicier emotes and impulses, then use 'em to pad the BDs that go to market.

Siddown, settle in, and we'll get you goin'.

Judy

3AHave a seat and we'll get started.

3AV! Whatcha waitin' for?

3AGotta create your sensory profile first.

V

4AOK, hit me. Just promise me it won't hurt.

Judy

4AIt won't. Not this time.

4ANow, sit still, look at me. Gonna run the analysis soft. Should feel a slight tingling...

V

4AMhm...

Judy

4ALook here, at me. Won't take long.

4AHey, train your eyes on me for a sec.

4AOK, now let's set the optics and other sensory sigs. Look smack into these two screens, pretend it's an eye exam.

V

5AAm I gonna have to do this calibration dance every time?

Judy

5ANot necessarily. But it's worth the wait. Gimme two more minutes and you'll see exactly what BD analysis is capable of.

V

5BGet a lot of requests like this?

Judy

5BAll the time. But it's usually stuff the girls scroll at the club. I take that and do some routine porn tuning.

V

5BCrank up the orgasms?

Judy

5BMore like cut out all the other shit. Fucking's business as usual for these guys. Their minds wander... to grocery lists, spouses' birthdays, late bills, whatever.

5BBut even then you can refigure things, mold the emotions into something unique, unforgettable. So, I can't complain.

4AOne more sec, need to get the pain receptor limiters in...

4AOK. All set.

4ANeed to test your profile first. Tossing in a sample BD. You can use it to get to know the editor.

4ANow, lemme see. Where could we...

Evelyn

4ACan't she just use my recording? Why're we wasting time?

Judy

4ASo we don't risk our necks. 'Sides, won't take a sec. Got somethin' here. Should be perfect.

V

6ABoot it up.

Judy

6AMhm... Lemme give you the tailored version first, let you get your bearings – then we'll jump into editing mode.

6ABe diving in in 3... 2... 1...

6BBe diving in in 3... 2... 1...

V

6CWhat'd you choose?

Judy

6CCorner store hold-up in Heywood.

6CReal amateurs. Don't even know where I got it. Suits our needs perfectly, though. You ready?

V

4BA what profile, now?

Judy

4BModel of your perceptions and emotional responses. Need to adjust that so the raw BD won't overwhelm you.

4BIf I don't, best case scenario, you'll get nauseous as soon as you're in. Prolly barf like you would in a shoddy virtu enviro.

V

4BMhm. And worst case?

Judy

4BYour synapses sizzle like locusts in a deep fryer.

4BBut we're not about to let that happen, nuh-uh.

V?

Hellooo?

Evelyn

V, focus.

Judy

So, let's calibrate, tune it to her.

Believe me, I've dealt with worse. Should see the Jig-Jig Street porn we gotta contend with sometimes.

Thug

Plan's simple, do nothing odd, don't get creative. You go in, snatch the cash, get out, and we sell the BD to those psychofreaks from the studio.

Thug

Got it, got it.

Thug

And remember – everything on full blast. They'll spot us extra for a wicked adrenaline high.

OK, on ya go.

Clerk

Fuck! Argh, little shitheads...

"Go restock, I'll take the register." How 'bout you suck a bag of dicks, hey?

Client

Pack of cigs, case of Broseph, and a couple of zappers.

Clerk

OK. We have a deal today on two flavors – curry and surf 'n' turf.

Thug

Down, everybody! On the ground! Wanna see you kissin' the flooring!

Money! Now! Or I will fuckin' drop you, I swear to God!

Clerk

Whoa! Yeah! Hey! I'm…! I…!

Thug

Now! Before I blow your fuckin' head off!

Thug

Plan's simple, do nothing odd, don't get creative. You go in, snatch the cash, get out, and we sell the BD to those psychofreaks from the studio.

Thug

Got it, got it.

Thug

And remember – everything on full blast. They'll spot us extra for a wicked adrenaline high.

OK, on ya go.

Thug

Down, everybody! On the ground! Wanna see you kissin' the flooring!

Money! Now! Or I will fuckin' drop you, I swear to God!

Clerk

Whoa! Yeah! Hey! I'm…! I…!

Thug

Now! Before I blow your fuckin' head off!

Judy

So, analysis mode – you control playback, can even pause when you feel the need.

Then you use the editor console to unpause. Try it.

Preem as hell, right? Well, that's not all. You can speed things up or rewind, whatever you like.

Give it a try. Rewind, roll it back to the top.

All good, neat. Now try fast forwarding a bit.

OK. You can also reset the recording. That'll take you right back to the beginning. Try it.

Now for some fun. This here's why you came in the first place.

In analysis mode, you get to view and even scan details of the enviro recorded by the BD roller.

Focus on the heat, the gun this gonk gets from his buddy at the beginning. Now scan it.

OK, right here.

Eeexcellent.

Let's move on.

Now heads up. In analysis mode, you can ferret out background noise and conversations if the roller got close enough.

This tech records everything, every little detail. Even the sights and sounds the roller was never aware of.

To see the sources of the recorded sensory signals, switch to the audio layer in the editor. Go ahead and try that now.

OK, good. Now, you should see several sound signatures in the store. Choose one and hone in on it.

So, any thoughts?

V

Unbelievable. Seriously, like it was happening right next to me.

Judy

Yeah, it's how BD recording implants work. They pick up everything, all the elements in the background, then an editor tweaks 'em, makes 'em pop.

Keep playin' with the sound, explore it a bit. We'll move on when you get bored.

Sometimes you can analyze extra layers in the raw, stuff the roller's cyberware picked up.

V

Like what?

Judy

Ev's got Kiroshi optics that grab infrared. Meaning you should be able to grab heat signatures from her recording.

V

Huh, hella nice.

Judy

Scanning works on peeps, too. Walk up to the wounded chick, try scanning her.

Now let's wait 'til the guy punches out the gonk at the counter.

4AHis own choomba shot 'im. Probably planned to all along. Musta got a nice slice of cred on the black market for a BD like this.

4ABD freaks are ready to pay a preem for a real flatline.

4AAnyway, if you've seen enough, you can exit.

5AAll right, next thing. Scroll forward to the part where our artist gets a lead injection.

5ASee that? They shot him, an' he never saw it comin'.

5ABut you will. Here it comes – my favorite part of the game.

5ASee the blinking thing over the entrance? Surveillance cam.

5AMust've caught our shooter. You'll see in a sec.

5ACam feeds to the screen behind the clerk.

5ARoll back to where the screen's in the kid's field of vision. Then scan it.

I'll sever the link to the BD roller's sensory array. You'll be able to look around freely. Whole scene's yours.

Full cam control in analysis mode, so move around, zoom in 'n' out, whatever else you come up with... Think of it as your own little sandbox.

That's... like, the limits of the reality recorded by the BD roller. The editor won't let you outside it. Make sense?

That's... like, the limits of the reality recorded by the BD roller. The editor won't let you outside it. Make sense?

OK, let's get back to those leadheads.

Easy-peasy, right? When you're ready, just reset the recording and we'll move on.

OK, now the editor'll fill in the missing data and we'll find out who the shooter is. Go ahead, unpause it.

I'll sever the link to the BD roller's sensory array. You'll be able to look around freely. Whole scene's yours.

Full cam control in analysis mode, so move around, zoom in 'n' out, whatever else you come up with... Think of it as your own little sandbox.

OK, scan around.

Thug

Money! Now! Or I will fuckin' drop you, I swear to God!

Clerk

Whoa! Yeah! Hey! I'm…! I…!

Thug

Now! Before I blow your fuckin' head off!

The fuck you staring at, bitch?!

Down, everybody! On the ground! Wanna see you kissin' the flooring!

Client

They're not past their best before date, are they?

Thug

The fuck you staring at, bitch?!

V

Aaaah!

Judy

Slow, deep breaths. Your cortisol and adrenaline spiked, but the soft activated your hormone blockers. Nothin' happened, you're alive and well.

V

1AThat was... too much. Felt... could feel the guy's... pain, his stress, his... hope? Hope wrapped up in somethin' else...

Judy

1AMhm. Prolly took a booster just before.

V

1BThat flash of... intense shock. Can still feel it, I-I-I remember... Fuck, that last second... Coulda warned me how much it hurts to die.

Judy

1BTrust me, real death hurts much, much more.

V

1BNot so sure about that...

Judy

You'll be fine. Got everything set up. Let's switch over to editing mode.

Yeah, it's impressive, right? It's too bad most of the BDs we do here are only good for floggin' the log...

Anyway, you ready to do this, look at your rec?

V

I dunno, I... Bleh, let's take a break. Still feel like that kid when... Yeah, think I'm done.

Evelyn

V, there's no time. Get it together, please.

V

OK, OK... Go ahead... Just need T-Bug to link in.

Judy

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Who?

V

Runner from my crew, security specialist. She'll tell me what to look for while we analyze. No problem, I hope?

Judy

Actually, it IS a problem.

Not what we agreed, Ev.

V

2AJudy, T-Bug's a professional, discreet to a fault. You can trust her.

Judy

2AWhy? 'Cause you say so?

Evelyn

2APlease, Judy...

2AI'd never expose you to any danger. You know that…

Judy

2AOK, V. Call T-Bug and we'll dive in.

V

2BRelax, Judy. Everything'll be fine.

Judy

2BYou don't quite grasp the risks I took by lettin' you in here, what I'm risking pokin' around with this stuff.

V

2BWe're all takin' risks here. That's the job. So either T-Bug patches in, or I'm on my way out.

Evelyn

2BJudy, please.

Judy

2BHuhhh... Fine, call 'er. Let's get this over with.

T-Bug

3AHey, V. What's happenin'?

V

3ABug, listen. I got some useful footage from Konpeki Plaza. It's a braindance.

Judy

3AKonpeki? Ohhh, thought as much...

T-Bug

3ASomeone there with you?

V

4AUnimportant, Bug. Please focus. Need your help – got no clue what I'm supposed to look for once I'm in.

4BJudy and Evelyn. They're chill. They're helping me work through this BD.

T-Bug

4BUh-huh... All right – you gonna tell me what this is about?

V

4BListen... need your help. Got no clue what to look for once I'm in.

T-Bug

3AAll right, see if I can walk you through it.

3AJackin' into your tech now.

3AMh, you've gotta give me access. Opening port 1779... Secure protocol? Good, I'm goin' in. Should be getting my request...

3A...now.

V

3AGot it. You ready?

T-Bug

3AA millisec. OK, connection confirmed, now some quick temp ICE and... we're clear.

3AReady to dance.

V

3AFire 'er up, Judy.

V

5AEvelyn? I won't get a damn thing out of this without T-Bug.

Evelyn

5AJudy, please...

Judy

5AEv, she wants to bring a 'runner in. What part of that don't you understand?

5AHow do I know she'll only perch in this footage, observe, not fuck with anything?

Evelyn

5AMe – I'm your guarantee.

Judy

5AYeah, right...

Evelyn

5AHelp me this one last time. I promise everything'll work out – just like we planned.

Judy, please...

Judy

Ev, she wants to bring a 'runner in. What part of that don't you understand?

How do I know she'll only slip into this footage?

Evelyn

Me – I'm your guarantee.

Judy

Yeah, right...

Evelyn

Remember our agreement?

Help me this one last time. I promise everything will work out – just like we planned.

Judy

Everything all right, V?

Sag schon, wie fühlst du dich?

Just breathe slowly, calmly. You're OK, it's all right.

Smasher

You look like a cut of fuckable meat. Are you?

Yorinobu

I said no!

Anders Hellman

They'll have my head for this...

Yorinobu

Then you shall perish for a good cause.

Anders Hellman

But I--

Yorinobu

Make yourself comfortable. I need a minute to finish.

Anders Hellman

The program is still in the trial phase. We cannot take it to market as is!

Yorinobu

We shall see soon enough.

Anders Hellman

Please speak with your father. He's taken a particular interest in this project, he can certainly explain the risks invol--

Yorinobu

My father is a tired, visionless old greybeard who thinks nothing will change and he'll live forever in his tiny, frozen bubble!

Anders Hellman

I should not even be listening to such things.

Yorinobu

You will listen to this – Saburo is an addled despot utterly removed from reality, stuck in some fossilized vision of a world that no longer exists! Of a world that may never have existed!

We have not seen eye to eye for the past twenty years. I am quite sure we won't now.

Anders Hellman

Read the documentation carefully. The Relic REQUIRES specific storage conditions. You MUST provide them.

Yorinobu

Noted. Enough.

Sorry to make you wait. Business... can be stupid.

Evelyn

Mmh, it wasn't long. Not even long enough for me to grow bored.

Is everything... all right? You seem tense, edgy...

Yorinobu

A moment. It will pass.

Evelyn

Ahh, I can get to work on that... Just one condition.

Yorinobu

YOU wish to make demands of ME?

Evelyn

Only one. Focus. On me.

Oh, got any candy left? Stuff was preeetty fun last time.

Yorinobu

Bedroom. Nightstand.

Evelyn

I've got an idea. Be right back.

Yorinobu

Very nice... But come here already.

Evelyn

Just a sec, looking for the perfect thing... Oh, you'll like this.

I know.

V

Evelyn... She... I felt her fear.

Sure got it under control quick, too.

T-Bug

Listen in on that conversation, V. Could be something important.

V

Wow, champagne's decent. The taste boosted somehow?

T-Bug

Nope. Just the price. Same bubbly you'll be sippin' in realspace soon.

Already found those docs. Look somewhere else.

Heard that? Relic docs gotta be around here somewhere. Look for them.

One more time, rewind. Didn't catch all that.

Hm, hung up. Go back to when they first start talking. Need to hear the whole thing.

V

Hm, smells like...

T-Bug

Yep. Cedarwood, black pepper, benzoin, vetiver...

V

Yeah, yeah, those. Shit, that's his cologne!

Oh fuck – i-it's like I'm really...

T-Bug

V. Eye on the prize, focus.

V

Oooh, this BD's starting to get pretty adult.

No, wait, that-- That was... disappointing. Weird.

T-Bug

Is it, though?

Listen in on that conversation, V. Could be something important.

All right, V – eyes open. Gotta find out where Yorinobu's keepin' the Relic.

1AManual details a special temp-controlled container.

1ARelic needs to be kept real cool.

V

1ASo – chip's gotta stay in the freezer.

T-Bug

1AYep. Could damage it otherwise.

1AMhh, pretty sure you caught the heat signatures we need back there.

V

1ALet's take another look.

T-Bug

1AOK, switch on thermal layer detection in the editor.

1AShould be easier to spot where Yorinobu's keepin' the chip.

1AYorinobu's PDA. Could be something important on there.

2ALoaded, safety's on. Good to know, though. Once you're in there, don't forget about that iron.

3AHearin' a drone – ventilation and cooling? Servers, gotta be.

3AFancy doodads in here need to be controlled.

4AMhm. Looks like all their security systems are linked to the hotel subnet.

4ARight, here's the plan. We use the Flathead to pierce their central server.

4AI create a connection, wreak some havoc. Should be enough.

4AWe need the Flathead. No other way to shut down these systems.

V

4ACan't get around them ourselves?

T-Bug

4ANope. Least I'm fresh out of ideas.

4AAlarm firmware's fresh, buuut... saw excited birds chirpin' on a BBS, somethin' about lots of seeds fallin' through this sieve.

4ALemme generate keys. I can forge their sigs.

6AAutomated turrets. Latest scanner model... Systems all connected to the server...

V

6ACan you shut 'em off?

T-Bug

6AExternally? No way. Gotta get in, check out how they link into the system first.

7AShit, cameras packed with newtech – motion sensors, heat sig activators, IFF.

V

7AYou skilled enough to kill it all?

T-Bug

7AMucho more than enough. Just need access to their subnet.

V

"Clouds"? That a club of some sort?

T-Bug

Mhm. Think exes – exclusive, extravagant, excessive. Tech-heavy escort agency for the rich and bored.

Clouds targets celebs, high-ranking corpos, high-rolling mercs, business dicks and cunts...

V

Somethin' to look forward to.

T-Bug

Hm, same guy Yorinobu was yakkin' with at the start.

V

Hellman wants the Relic back somethin' bad. And not just 'cause he's squirt-shittin' at the thought of Saburo.

T-Bug

Worked on it himself. I dunno, think it could be personal?

Beef between 'em's pretty clear. Either Yorinobu wants the throne, or Saburo's planning to disown him. Or both.

Wait, just checked. Get this – Yorinobu's got no position at Arasaka, not even on the payroll.

V

So the chip biz is definitely a rogue move on his part.

T-Bug

10AOooh, Donaghy's. Looks like Mr. Arasaka had somethin' to celebrate.

10AReally think you'll find the chip in there?

10ANo way. Temp's too low, could fluctuate. Nice try, though.

11AJust a fancy-ass fridge.

11ATemp doesn't match the guidelines. Won't find a thing here.

12AAir conditioning. Standard model for hotels of this caliber.

12ATemp matches that stipulated in the docs. But no way the chip's hiding there.

12AToo risky – temp fluctuations, risk of damage.

14ARight, grabbed the heat sig. Matches the spec in the docs.

V

14AYorinobu's got the case here, guaranteed.

T-Bug

14AMhm. We got it. Good work.

14ALooks like we got everything we need.

14AQuit outta the editor.

14AScan's showing a lower temp. Gotta be a cooler of some sort.

16ALight's givin' off heat. Standard stuff.

16AGotta learn to ignore the mundane.