Dialogue: The Rescue

T-Bug

Target's Sandra Dorsett. Target's biomon went mute a couple hours back. Suspected abduction.

Target could've possibly flatlined already. Not sure you're in time.

Jackie

We're in time, Bug – we. Sure, you're on 'phones, but... that don't make you any less a part of this squad.

T-Bug

"Squad." Charming.

V

All clear. Go!

T-Bug

Lookin' for twelve thirty-seven.

Target should be inside, but I got zero eyes on her biomon.

Fingers crossed it's not too late. Ugh, hate this life or death shit. Hurry.

Try hackin' the door.

Think you can trip it on your own, V?

Old Lady

Han, is… is that you?

V

2ABug, could at least try to be... nice.

T-Bug

2AYou want nice, supportive? Call a damn helpline.

V

2BCalm the hell down, both of you. Almost there.

Jackie

2BYeah, Bug. You focus.

T-Bug

Cam just inside. Slip in and zap it.

We wanna surprise 'em all.

Jackie

<mothertongue l="mex" m="Órale" b="" a=", lead the way, chica."/>

T-Bug

Think you can trip it on your own, V?

Jackie

Body's gotta disappear. Can't eat it, so we gotta stash it.

Nice. I couldn'ta done that better myself.

T-Bug

On your toes. More bodies incoming, they're almost on you.

Jackie

Fistfuck these reapers.

Jackie

1A<mothertongue l="mex" m="mira" b="V, " a=", eyes up, pendejos ahead."/>

1ADrop him quiet, V.

Wait for your chance. Pick the prick off.

Take one down! Just real quiet.

Hey, grab the one closest.

Drag that corpse over here, don't want 'em to notice. Wanna surprise these cocksuckers.

<mothertongue l="mex" m="mira" b="V, " a=", eyes up, pendejos ahead."/>

Jackie

Well, that's not my favorite way to roll, but... nova anyway.

All down, limp meat. But probably not the last of 'em.

Move on, move up. Right behind you, V.

Scav Following Wheelchair

God, you suck! Watch it, will ya?! Fuckin' cripple!

T-Bug

Got a vizh from the cams. Careful, goliath-ass scav up ahead.

V

Colorful naming, Bug… Any way around 'im?

T-Bug

Scanning cam feeds…

Next room, got a breach in the wall, should be large enough for you to slip through.

Jackie

V – head in the game. Check if that's her!

V

1ASandra Dorsett's protected under echelon II corpo immunity. Our girl's top shelf…

1AThis one's packin' black market Zetatech repros. Typical back-alley fix-ups.

1ANot our lucky gal. Let's keep lookin'.

Jackie

1AGrr, are we fuckin' late?! Is that her, IS that our target, V?!

T-Bug

Nice! Scavs just lost their last eyes.

You've been made! Reapers headed your way!

Jackie

Rip 'em to shreds!

Hey, V! Head down!

That all you got?!

Juice 'em 'tween the eyes, V! You got this!

T-Bug

Scavs're still crawlin'. Clean it up. Clean it out.

Don't wanna be bringin' the target out under fire. And definitely don't want a slug in your back.

V

No way, not neither.

T-Bug

I repeat. Leave no stragglers. Can't afford surprises.

V

Jesus fucking Christ...

Jackie

Shit, V. I mean, I got a stomach o' steel, but... this, waa, this…

I wasn't made for this shit, you know – chop shops? What they do to people…? Fuckin' scav psychos.

Av Speaker

Landing, stand clear! Initiating security protocol. Follow all instructions.

Stop in the doorway!

Tt Soldier2

Place the patient on the ground!

Tt Soldier1

Place the patient on the stretcher!

Tt Soldier2

Place the patient on the ground!

Tt Soldier1

2AFive steps back. Now.

Tt Medic1

2ATT-133 to Control. Patient NC570442 secured…

2AStimulants being administered – 70 milligrams dopamine, 110 norepinephrine, 800 fibrinogen…

Tt Soldier1

2AStep back!

Jackie

2AAy, had to hurt… Shoulda followed orders.

Tt Soldier2

Place the patient on the ground!

V

Found the shard. Removing now.

T-Bug

Check the biomon. Anything change?

Biomonitor

Greetings, Sandra. If you are conscious, assume recovery position now.

An emergency evacuation unit has been dispatched and is due to arrive at your location in 180 seconds.

V

Biomon claims Trauma'll be here in three minutes.

Biomonitor

Your premium plan will cover 90% of the projected costs of your rescue and treatment.

V

3AUgh! Fuck!

Jackie

3AShe's flatlinin'!

V

4AJackie, airhypo! Fuck, this is bad!

4AI think…! Holy shit, it worked!

Jackie

4AHm... Scavrats abandoning ship. Musta seen Trauma, decided to cut their losses.

T-Bug

3AV, need to know what's goin' on!

V

5AJack, look sharp, not done yet! Don't know who's out there.

Jackie

5ALocked an' ready, V. Do your thing.

Ooh, this does not look good…

V

Think I got her. Got our target.

T-Bug

We make it? She alive?

V

About to find out...

T-Bug

V, jack into her biomon. Need to know what we're dealin' with.

V

Jackin' in.

She's in a tub of ice... crammed in with another. Fuck – like slabs of meat!

T-Bug

Keep it together, V. If she survives, she won't remember a thing. Tiny scar on the subconscious, that's all.

V

Heard people who live through shit like this get panic attacks. 'Thout ever knowin' why…

You'll be sippin' a glass of ice-cold water and suddenly your hand's shakin'.

T-Bug

V, jack into her biomon – we need to know what we're dealin' with.

V

Sandra Dorsett. NC570442. Trauma Team Platinum.

Jackie

Platinum? Shiiit, Trauma shoulda swooped in if she sneezed.

T-Bug

Guessin' they jammed the transmitter sig.

Lookin' at a hacked biomon, firmware reconfig or a neurovirus...

Hmm... Scopmuncher's hack, huh.

Got an idea. Check her neuroport. Find a shard? Yeah, pull it – that'll be what's muting the biomon.

V

Is that even safe...? Can't we just get her outta here?

T-Bug

We found her still breathin'. Can't lose her. We need that biomon working, checking for hemorrhages – whatever! Find that shard and yank it!

V

I think…! Holy shit, it worked!

Jackie

We outta options, here! Bug, you got eyes on this shithole? Anything?!

T-Bug

Room he's in looks out on the balcony.

Got a window on the left. Gimme two secs to grease the lock.

Jackie

OK, V, flank him and draw his fire! I'll do the rest!

T-Bug

Hack on the door's just cleared. Watch yourselves.

Don't see any movement on the sensors. Looks like you got 'im. You're clear to go.

V

Shit, where the hell's our target?!

T-Bug

Look around, gotta be there somewhere.

Jackie

Run him down!

Jackie

Let's get outta here. Elevator gets us to the garage direct.

T-Bug

Good work. Shitshow's over.

Cuttin' my wires now. See ya in the near future.

Jackie

Oh, almost forgot. Should get Wakako on the holo – tell her the job's done.

V

Word's out the NCPD's gonna put Watson on lockdown. If I'm gonna sleep in my own bed tonight, we better put it in fifth.

Jackie

Better call Wakako. Get her caught up an' all.

Wakako

Hey, V. I have a job for you.

A client of mine is making an arms deal. He needs... protection.

It could get hot – very hot. The gun dealers are Maelstrom.

Alas, nothing ever transpires as planned with them. You better gear up for this.

So, V – are you... willing?

Wakako

Ahem! V? How did it go? Our client is alive and well?

V

3A'Course she's alive and well. That's what we agreed, isn't it?

3BUh, relatively well. Trauma Team took 'er off our hands. She'll recover.

Wakako

Splendid. Your payment awaits you – ready to come and grab whenever you like, even right away. But I guess home is the only place you wish to be now.

The NCPD has surrounded Watson. The district is closed. If you are to make it past the cordon, you must move fast.

V

Thanks for the heads-up. Swing by to see you later.

Huhhh…

Jackie

I got a date with Misty, but... heh, I can't take the metro! How's that gonna look for me?

V

Won't leave you hangin', Jack. But don't get used to it.

Jackie

Aah, savin' my ass, V, thank you. How about I drive you home, eh?

V

She's all yours. I'm beat as it is.

Scav5

How many we got?

Scav2

Four. Two of 'em chipped with tin-bit shit, but they'll sell in Watson.

One's getting scrapped for boosters at the clinic.

Then there's the corpocunt…

Scav5

Need to find a single buyer for her.

Score big on that preem-ass chrome she's got.

V

1ASo you can be nice when you feel like it.

Jackie

1AWhen am I not nice?

V

1AUmm... always.

Jackie

1AI'm always never not nice.

V

1BShe took a likin' to ya.

Jackie

1BThe devotion I demonstrated grabbed her by the gut.

V

1BRiiight…

Jackie

1BI'm loyal, stable in my affections…

V

1BMhhhmm...

Jackie

1BAnd unassuming. You get it.

Made it. Almost at your place.

V

What about you? Not likely to make it back to Heywood now…

Jackie

Chill, V. They'll let me through.

V

Sure about that?

Jackie

Oh yeah. I'll play nice Jackie again.

Sweet dreams, then.

V

2ATell Misty I said "Hi."

Jackie

Can't stop diggin' Night City.

V

City like any other. Just bigger.

Jackie

Morgan Blackhand, Andrew Weyland, Adam Smasher.

Legends are born here.

Police1

Watson's on lockdown till further notice. Necessary security measure.

Jackie

Officer, ma'am! Damn are we ever lucky we ran into you.

Police1

Really… What's it that makes me so special?

Jackie

Aa, a heart o' gold? 'Cause only somebody with a heart o' gold can understand just how much I need to get back to my girl.

Police1

Your… girl?

Jackie

Uh-huh. Gonna be worried sick if I don't show.

I mean, I'm tryin' to be a stand-up guy. She giving me a chance, waiting.

Police1

Hm… that's a shame.

V

3ALook at 'im. No model citizen, maybe, but he's a good kid.

Police1

3ALet them through. But they're the last.

3AOK, on your way.

Jackie

3AYou have a good evening, now, officer... ma'am.

Damn. They're pullin' out all the stops.

V

Fuckin' drive, Jackie!

Jackie

Come on, V, shoot!

V

Can't! Keep her steady!

Jackie

Is it just me or…

Agh, fuckin' knew it! Van on our ass – tailin' us.

Hold tight, V!

Got you, assholes!

V! Aim for the driver!

Agh. Scratched your baby up pretty bad. Sorry, V.

V

Aah, it's OK – it can wait. Let's just focus on gettin' home.

Jackie

Take my iron!

Man, I'm starvin'. Let's grab a tight-bite. Whaddaya say?

V

Jackie – they're lockin' down Watson, 'member?

Jackie

Ah, shit. You're right.

Bandit Big

Outta the car! Now!

Bandit Male

C'mon! Ain't got all day!

Aa, shit, they're here!

Bandit Big

Fuckin' shoot!

V

1ADoesn't look like your average bust...

Jackie

1A'Cause they ain't your average badges. That's MaxTac – NCPD's apex predators.

1AMTac rolls in when things fly outta hand. Gonks out there, though, just a midday snack for 'em.

1AWelp, show's over. Poor bastards... but they had it comin'.

Bandit Big

Outta the car! Now!

Bandit Male

C'mon! Ain't got all day!

Bandit Big

Fuckin' shoot!

Bandit Male

Aa, shit, they're here!

Jackie

Welp, show's over. Poor bastards... but they had it comin'.

Mb Resident1

Ugh, stupid gate's busted again. Third time.

Mb Resident2

Paid to get it fixed the last two. Gotta be some kinda scam.

Mb Resident1

Gonna have a word with the super, oh yeah…

Ziggy Q

Good evening, Night City! My first guest tonight is the President of the Church of Eliyahu the Last Emancipator – and bane of Arasaka's PR department – one Reverend Colver.

Reverend Colver

Praise be to thee, our Father in Heaven.

Ziggy Q

Aaaand our second guest is Karina Lee, host of the "Chip In" program which promotes the use of cybernetic implants. How's life treating ya, beautiful?

Karina Lee

Can't complain, Ziggy. Thanks for having me.

Ziggy Q

Now, I'd like us to talk about the most exclusive and highly sought-after implant on the market today – Arasaka Corp's "Relic."

But maybe we oughta make sure our fair audience is up to speed. Karina, what is Relic, exactly? In a word, if you could.

Karina Lee

In one word? I'd say... immortality.

Ziggy Q

Immortality? Really?

Karina Lee

That's right. Relic allows you to transfer the consciousness from a dying person, finding a new home for their soul on a transferable chip.

This person... They'll never leave your side, a companion forever with you in your own consciousness. Just imagine if--

Reverend Colver

Child, child... Think for a moment about what you're saying.

This "Relic" is an abomination that feeds on human misery. It is an unnatural likeness, a golden calf born by false prophets.

Arasaka speaks of preserving the soul, but they can promise nothing more than a heartless, mindless algorithm speaking with the voice of the departed.

What's more, this technology is just another tool of coercion and corruption. Only the wealthy and powerful elite will have access. And they will pay any price in exchange for a chance at this so-called "immortality."

Karina Lee

Well, th-that is true that Arasaka Corp. has specifically limited access to the Relic in order to--

Reverend Colver

Your promise is a lie! An evil lie motivated by greed and lust for power that--

Ziggy Q

Ha! Now that is rich!

Reverend Colver

E-excuse me?

Ziggy Q

False promises, greed, a lust for power... Why, sounds an awful lot like a church to me.

Karina Lee

Hahaha…!

Reverend Colver

Wha-- How dare you!

Ziggy Q

Do you not promise a life after death? Do you not charge funeral fees to a family in mourning? Maybe the reverend is just afraid of some healthy competition, huh?

Reverend Colver

"C-competition"?! You believe everything in this world can be counted, measured, rationalized...

Karina Lee

And wouldn't we be right? We can construct artificial brains, create new consciousness...

Reverend Colver

But I ask you "Why?" What does that give us? Are we, as people on this Earth, any happier for it?

You claim that this Relic gives eternal life, but all I see is an eternity of suffering. Rather than say goodbye, we haunt ourselves with their voices, their prescence. But deep down in our hearts we know that--

Ziggy Q

What do you folks think? Who holds the truth? Is it Ms. Lee, or maybe Reverend Colver? That is up to you!

Send "Colver" or "Lee" to 7892 to cast your vote and enter your name for a chance to win tickets to this year's playoffs!

Audience

ZI-GGY! ZI-GGY! ZI-GGY!

Ziggy Q

Until next time, Night City! Toodles!

Jackie

Woah, V! Tsk, you get your beauty sleep? Hah, no matter. Time you got up!

V

Think I mighta caught somethin'. When I jacked into that corpo's biomon... Dunno, a neurovirus or…

Need to see Vik. Let him tell me what's got my head reelin' and my stomach churnin'.

Jackie

OK, lemme take ya. I brought your ride. Yeah, throw on some threads, meet me downstairs.

V, hey! Wie geht’s dir?

V

2AI am up. Just don't see any reason why I should be.

Jackie

2ADamn, V. Still carryin' yesterday's grief, huh? Want me to call later?

V

2BBe nice, asshole. Yesterday was shit and you know it.

Jackie

2BShoulda drowned your grief in tequila like I did. Want me to call later?

Damn, V. Still carryin' yesterday's grief, huh? Want me to call later?

V

Think I mighta caught somethin'. When I jacked into that corpo's biomon... Dunno, a neurovirus or…

Jackie

Wait, wait... like, you seein' trippy shit?

V

Heh, I wish. No, feels like a hangover for the fuckin' ages. Think I might vom…

Need to see Vik. Let him tell me what's got my head reelin' and my stomach churnin'.

Jackie

OK, lemme take ya. I brought your ride. Yeah, throw on some threads, meet me downstairs.

Stanley

Hello, Night City! Stan the man, here, and boy, was last night a scorcher!

Reports of a heated exchange in Santo Domingo between the 6th Street gang and Night City's finest. But who shot first? Depends who you ask.

NCPD's placed Watson on lockdown. Official word to locals – it's a drill, but I'd take that with a generous pinch of salt.

If you're down in Wats and see the NCPD doing what it does best, holler at your man Stan. We're one call away from the truth.

In other news, Hanako Arasaka sailed in at dawn on her aircraft carrier! But just what could the heiress to the corporate throne want in Night City?

And now, a shout-out to all the lowlifes over at the Atlantis. Ladies and gents, here's that all-time classic from Johnny Silverhand – "Chippin' In."

Fatman

Piece of shit! Come on!

V

1ALet's do this.

Fistfight Human

1ALight on your feet. Keep that head movin'!

V

2AHow's it goin'? Fights about to start. Not gonna watch, take notes?

Fistfight Human

2AMalone versus Hernandez? Heh, naah, our chrome friend here don't watch TV, don't talk neither. Only way he communicates is with them fists.

V

1BNah, not today. Thanks anyway.

Fistfight Human

1BWhatever. I'll be here.

V

1CWhere'd you get 'im, Fred?

Fistfight Human

1COff the street. Saw 'im lookin' up at me with these big, sad eyes. So I took the poor pup in, fed him, clothed him…

1CHeheheh, nah, for real. He's a military bot. Got a sweet deal, and a choom o' mine tossed in a few upgrades. Now, here we are.

'Ey yo, V! How 'bout a round or two? Whaddaya say?

How you like my new Punchin' Bag? Just gave me a nextgen ass-whoopin', he did.

Be curious to see how he handles the likes o' V... Heh. So how 'bout it?

How 'bout a round or two. Whaddaya say?

Anytime you wanna train, just swing by.

Fistfight Human

Heh, not a bad start. Find some time, we'll work on your technique.

Vendor

Oh, no, no, no. Fourteen is no good, it's just not enough.

Wait, you mean fourteen a day? Well, that's different, better.

Need to discuss it with my partner in crime.

Yes, I call you. A good day to you.

Dex

1AHeheh. Let's roll.

1AMind if I ask you somethin' right off the bangle?

1AWould you rather live in peace as Miss Nobody, die ripe, old and smellin' slightly of urine? Or go down for all times in a blaze of glory, smellin' near like posies, 'thout seein' your thirtieth?

V

2AIt's first place or no place, Dex. Cost isn't a factor.

Dex

2AHuh, classic. I'd expect nothin' less from eager, supple youth. Respect.

V

2BYou're either somebody or you fizzle out into nothin'. Night City don't let you choose.

Dex

2BOh, but it does. See, in my line of work I choose to be Mr. Chill. But folk who try to take advantage, well, they see the beast inside…

V

2CThis some sorta test?

Dex

2CMh, just a pet topic o' mine.

V

2CY'mean... riddles?

Dex

2CNo, Miss V. Ontology.

1AA'ight, listen close. Scannin' a serious job, now. Plain gargantuan compared to smashin' up a scav haunt.

V

3ALemme hear it – what's the job?

Dex

3AThere's this… prototype tech – a biochip, to be precise. Job's to grab it. Simple.

V

3AMmh... guessin' it belongs to a corp?

Dex

3AMhm – Arasaka.

3ASurely that's no problem?

V

4APff. Corps don't deserve special treatment.

Dex

4AShit. Heh, you ain't playin' around.

4AGot a feelin' this could be a start of a beautiful friendship built on heaps of eddies.

V

4BNo, no problem. Just a death sentence. NC's Arasaka's turf, nobody fucks with them here.

Dex

4BWhat can I say, Miss V – high risk, high reward. First rule of the Afterlife.

4B'Sides that, I'm no leadhead. Ain't gonna leave no trace for them to follow 'cause we gonna do this clean an' on the hush-hush. We understand each other?

V

3AYou work this out? Got a plan?

Dex

3ATwo things. First's a conundrum with the Maelstrom boys. Needs active resolvin', that.

3ASecond's a rendezvous. Simple. Client who brought us the job's anxious. She wants to parley with one o' the team.

V

5AWhat's the issue needs resolving with Maelstrom? Got a beef?

Dex

5ASlot in the shard.

Dex

6AGot a classic tale for ya. Psychogang, doin' its thing two weeks back, jumped a Militech convoy, got away with the gear. Corp don't even know Maelstrom's involved.

6ANow see, convoy was carryin' the Flathead – a little combat bot, a prototype. And I need me that bit o' high-grade military tech.

6A'Cause if we don't get that bot, we don't get no 'Saka chip. An' we sure as hell don't get no happily-ever-after. But don't get excited, it's a single-use toy.

6ANow, I flat out purchased the damn thing from Maelstrom. Problem is, I did so from a gent went by the name of Brick.

6AI say "went" 'cause Brick was the leader. Three days after we'd sealed our deal, his friend and gangmate, one Simon Randall, AKA Royce, plain dropped his ass.

6ARoyce is in charge now. And I got no way of knowin' if he aims to honor his predecessor's word.

6ATo add to this "shitstrom," one Meredith Stout of Militech has developed an interest in said convoy.

V

7AWho's the prima donna?

Dex

7ACorpo agent, internal affairs. Been skittin' 'round town askin' after the convoy as if her life depended on findin' it. The one lead she got's zip-tied in her trunk.

7AStick up her ass ain't growin' any shorter, so she must be gettin' desperate. Be wise to think how you could use that.

7A'Course, to do so you'll need that frazzled cat's info. Sendin' it now.

V

7BCorpo agent – what's she playin' at?

Dex

7BHell if I know. Been skittin' 'round town askin' after the convoy as if her life depended on findin' it. The one lead she got's zip-tied in her trunk.

V

7BMhh... Sounds like she was waitin' on the transport, got stood up. Monochrome in the back's probably her chief suspect.

7BGot nothin' from him or on 'im, so she's keepin' him just in case. But she needs to find the stolen gear before her bosses learn she fucked up.

Dex

7BWell, Miss V. That is some impressive deduction. Naturally, use that intel as you please, preferably well.

7B'Course, to do so you'll need that frazzled cat's info. Sending it now.

V

7CRoyce guy – what's he like?

Dex

7CA straight psychopath, chrome-lovin' kind.

V

7CBig club in this town.

Dex

7CI'll give you that. 'Cept few of its other members, no matter the stakes, would put a friend and associate through an industrial microwave dryer.

7CApparently, first thing to burst are the eyeballs. Get a nice, clear "pop!" Then the rest goes goulash.

V

5BClient. What's her thing? Why's she need to meet?

Dex

5BWoman's name's Evelyn Parker. Vettin' her wasn't easy. Put the word out I was lookin' for any kinda intel…

V

5BRight, and...?

Dex

5BSome brothers from Pacifica got back to me. Tol' me to stop lookin', end of convo, heheh.

5BAnyway, our lil' client insisted on meetin' someone with skin in the game – you know, who'll be there for it all.

5BYours truly'll be remote, T-Bug ain't no people person, and Jackie's only good at some things – I know you know what I mean. Pretty much leaves you.

V

5BClient. What's her thing? Why's she need to meet?

Dex

5BWoman's name's Evelyn Parker. Vettin' her wasn't easy. Put the word out I was lookin' for any kinda intel…

V

5BRight, and...?

Dex

5BSome brothers from Pacifica got back to me. Tol' me to stop lookin', end of convo, heheh.

5BAnyway, our lil' client insisted on meetin' someone with skin in the game – you know, who'll be there for it all.

5BYours truly'll be remote, T-Bug ain't no people person, and Jackie's only good at some things – I know you know what I mean. Pretty much leaves you.

V

5CThink I got everything. Time I got to work.

Dex

5CWhy, that's just music to my ears. I'll set up the meet with Miss Parker at Lizzie's Bar. Flathead, though, is gonna be all you.

5COne more thing, Ms. V.

5CQuiet life or blaze o' glory? Hmm?

5CLater, now.

V

3BHang on. Got a question of my own, now. Why all this, Dex? Why me?

3BCoulda had Jackie or T-Bug sittin' here. Coulda just done this on comms…

Dex

3BCall me ol' fashioned, but I like to look anyone I do biz with in the eye.

3BHad the pleasure of meetin' the Jackster in the past. And sweet T-Bug helped this brother out two years ago. So here we are.

3B'Sides all that, got a special little pre-mission just for you. But we'll get to that.

1AYo, Miss V. A pleasure.

V

1ADexter DeShawn in the flesh. Ample, indeed.

Jackie

Mm! Woman of the hour! Sheesh, it took you long enough! Worked up an appetite just waitin'!

Siddown, lemme finish this. Then we can drop in on Señor Vektor.

V

1ADidn't figure you as the type for Asian. Woulda thought you'd find it too exotic.

Jackie

1AWhaddaya mean? What's there not to like?

1ANoodles – check. Synthsirloin – check. Get some more chili action up in here, and you're lookin' at Mama Welles' signature sopa de fideos, hahah!

V

2AMentioned somethin' about a surprise yesterday. 'M I rememberin' right or... just had a brain fart?

Jackie

2AProlly both 'cause you usually forget shit. But it just so happens, I think I mighta bagged us a sweet-ass J-O-B.

V

2AGo on...

Jackie

2AI mean, maybe it's not as big as that, but... Just that it's fronted by a little-known someone named Dexter DeShawn.

2AOnly the top fixer in Night-fuckin'-City! Fat-assed Black Jesus of the Afterlife. Three hundred pounds of partly gold-plated cool.

V

3ADexter DeShawn... What's the latest spec on him? Know you got info to spill.

Jackie

3AHe's been off the grid for about two years. Word on the street was... he took a little vacay.

V

3ATwo years? That's exile, not a vacation. Hell was he up to?

Jackie

3AAa, guessin' he shoved pizzas in his mouth while jerkin' off to hardcore virtus. Important thing is he's back, needs a fresh crew and he found us.

V

3BSo what's the gig? We meant to come out in one piece?

V

4AAll right. Let's hear what old Dex has to say. Set it up.

4BWhy do I gotta go? You and T-Bug draw straws without me?

Jackie

4BT-Bug and Dex go way back. And my face is yesterday's news. Aw, Dex says he needs to check you, talk to you.

4BLook, V, it's his job, his rules. I can't blame 'im for takin' a personal approach. An' it ain't as bad as you think, OK? Trust me.

V

4BGuess I got no choice, then.

Jackie

3BDex is the real deal when it comes to fixers. Don't get me wrong, don't got nothin' against the Padre or Wakako, but... Dex is in a league of his own. You know what I'm sayin'?

V

5ANot really, no.

Jackie

5AIt's always the same story. You land on fresh turf, local fixer waves his dick around, but... he's smilin' – sayin' you'll be up to your neck in gigs and eddies.

5AStill, all you are's another name in their little black book. Nifty tool for gettin' them a fat slice o' whatever half-baked shitpie their client put on the table.

5ASure, you crack jokes over drinks, but in the end… it's biz.

V

5BDon't get me started on fixers. They catch a client, find the cheapest gonk to do the job, then drop their corpse at a landfill.

Jackie

5BShit. Hit the nail on the head, V.

3BMann, bin ich vollgefressen!

3BBrought your wheels. Gave 'em to my guy yesterday to smooth over the dents after our, uh, dust-up with the scavs.

V

6AThanks, Jack. Much appreciated.

Jackie

6ASome top-notch work, Miguel did. Rides like it looks – factory new.

V

6AWe'll see about that...

Jackie

6ASo we rollin' or what?

V

7ALet's feel this factory-new ride.

Jackie

7AFirst stop – ripperdoc?

7AOh, was supposed to stop by Vik's anyhow. I got a date – me and Misty.

V

7AYou don't say…

Jackie

7AShe's sooo sweet. Really gets me, y'know?

V

3CHow did you manage to pull this? Trade in your spleen or something? Far as I know, we're not the type to get fingered by Dex.

Jackie

3CYou, me – nah. But T-Bug – she's the one that hooked us up, got us talkin'. Knew it was a done deal the moment he laid eyes on me.

3C'Cause, c'mon – ain't nobody who can resist this. Am I right?

V

3CHeh, sure, Jack. Whatever you say.

3DThought Dex bounced outta the ring a few years ago. Messed with a nasty crew in Pacifica, things got ugly.

Jackie

3DMhm. Gang wars two years back. Somehow Dex got caught up in the craziness. Lotta bodies lyin' in the streets by the time the shootin' stopped.

3DEh, Dex got lucky, though. Managed to slip under the radar till tempers cooled. Took a while… but he's made one hell of a comeback.

V

8AThis is it, Jackie – our break. Dex needs friends, needs us, we can use him.

8BGuy's up to his elbows in blood, Jack. And you wanna shake his hand, work with him.

Jackie

8BIt's the biz, V. Everyone's got blood on their hands. You deal with it, you move on.

V

2AMentioned somethin' about a surprise yesterday. 'M I rememberin' right or... just had a brain fart?

Jackie

2AProlly both 'cause you usually forget shit. But it just so happens, I think I mighta bagged us a sweet-ass J-O-B.

V

2AGo on...

Jackie

2AI mean, maybe it's not as big as that, but... Just that it's fronted by a little-known someone named Dexter DeShawn.

2AOnly the top fixer in Night-fuckin'-City! Fat-assed Black Jesus of the Afterlife. Three hundred pounds of partly gold-plated cool.

Aa, this is it! C'mon, V.

Find me once Vik's done dustin' your circuits. We'll hash out what Dex's cooked up for us.

Dirtboy

Sooo, what? You embarrassed?

Dirtgirl

No, that ain't it.

Dirtboy

What is it, then?

Dirtgirl

Just… later, all right? I got a clusterfuck on my hands right now.

Dirtboy

So you are embarrassed.

Dirtgirl

Fucking gonk piece a' shit.

Boxing Commentator

Malone drops his guard. Hah – you can see the fatigue on him. It's-it's-it's really startin' to weigh him down, startin' to take over!

Hernandez pounces on the chance, comin' in with a couple of hooks! Gainin' the upper hand pretty darn quickly!

Oh-ho-hoh! That musta hurt! Wow! Malone's in the corner, he's lookin' for a way out. Just-just lookin' for a breather, here! Tha-- That was the hardest punch of the round, no doubt!

Hernandez keepin' him cornered with excellent footwork, those Zetatech calves of his just shining!

Malone is on the ropes! Malone is in trouble! And... there's the end of the round! Saved by the bell!

V

1AViky, spry as ever, you old ripper. Good to see you.

Viktor

1AGood to see you too, V. It's been a while. To what do I owe the pleasure today?

V

1ALast gig – had to jack into a client's neurosocket… Think I mighta gotten spiked.

Viktor

1AExperiencing migraines, nausea, hypersensitivity to bright lights?

V

1AWhole kit and kaboodle.

Viktor

1AAll right, kid. We'll sort you out in a flash. 'Sides that, how're things?

V

2ANeed some new kit – but tools, not toys, Vik. Time I bumped up my sights and got a grip.

Viktor

2AHeheheheh. Really? Now? Finally?

V

2AVik, shit's gettin' real. Got a job from Dex DeShawn – hittin' the major leagues. Need tech that can perform.

Viktor

2AThe Dexter DeShawn? Heheh, well, that is something. But lemme guess – hasn't paid you yet.

V

3AQuit cryin', Vik, I'll bring you the eddies later, with interest. You know I will.

Viktor

3AHmm...

3ALast time, you hear?

V

3BVik... this job's my golden ticket. I'm talkin' life changing. Without the right tech, I…

3BMy wheels – give 'em to you as collateral. Fifty-eight Quadra Turbo-R series.

Viktor

3BHmm... Fifty-eight, you say? Black?

V

3BAs a moonless night.

Viktor

3BDon't have the heart to take your baby. Pay me when the job's done.

V

3CNot yet, but I'm good for the eddies anyway. Gotta invest in not fuckin' up this gig.

Viktor

2AChair, please. Siddown, relax.

Viktor

4AKiroshi optics. Best I've got and should be about right under the circumstances.

4ANow jack in.

Viktor

6AYou peruse and choose while I scan. See what's goin' on inside.

6AMK1, like I said. Decent enough scanner. Displays data on your cornea. Cherry on the top's a built-in external lens disruptor.

6AIn layman's terms, any surveillance cam'll capture your face as a blur. Now just remember, your body'll still show up as crystal clear.

6AHmm... This should do the trick. Talks to Kiroshi tech, too.

V

6AI'm ready. Carve away.

Viktor

6AEeexcellent. Let's do this.

6AHeh. Lay that major league arm of yours right here.

V

8ASo… what's new in the life of Viktor Vektor?

Viktor

8AHeh. Er, if I'm bein' honest? Not much. An' that's fine with me.

8AI used to live in a world where all that mattered was who's who, what's what and how's why.

V

8AAnd what happened?

Viktor

8AOne day I just dropped it and never looked back. I'll never be a legend in this town... but been sleeping nights ever since.

7AJust like that. Thanks.

7ANow, a bit of anesthetic and I can start cutting.

7AFeel anything?

V

9APlay by play, though? Really, doc? Makes you sound like a dentist – always goin' on and on…

Viktor

9ADon't be mean, now. 'Member, I'm old. I got a shaky, 'ganic hand. Could slip.

9ALights out for a minute, all right?

V

9BSame as always – don't feel a thing.

9BY'ask me that every time, you know. Not as if things're gonna be any different today.

Viktor

9BSure thing, kid, I mean… not like there's any risk of a stroke or paralysis. But... heh, what do I know? I'm just a doctor…

9BThat's what I thought.

9BLights out for a minute, all right?

7AOK, let's test this, see the magic in action. Linking you in.

7AYou might feel a little discomfort at first. Blurred vision, low contrast, glitches…

7AWell, how's it look? Feel all right to you?

V

10AWhoa, this is fantastic, Vik.

Viktor

10AHaha, beautiful. Time for the scanner.

V

10BSeen more dramatic improvements before…

Viktor

10BPatience, kid. Give it a minute. Time for the scanner.

7AI also injected an NCPD file search.

7ARun into any ne'er-do-wells, heh, you'll know exactly what they ne'er-did-well.

7AHeheheheh. It oughta work like a charm…

7ANow draw your weapon. You should see your ammo count and a brand new sight.

V

12AShit, Viktor, not bad. I dunno what to say.

Viktor

12ASay you'll take this and remember the dosage. Two whiffs now and another two in an hour.

V

13AThanks again, Vik, you're the best. I owe you.

Viktor

13AHahahaha… Go on, kid. Show 'em what you're made of.

13AAnd once you hit the big leagues, don't forget where you came from.

V

13AYou're the best, Vik. I owe you.

Viktor

13AHahahaha… Go on, kid. Show 'em what you're made of.

13AAnd once you hit the big leagues, don't forget where you came from.

V

14AWhat'm I lookin' at?

Viktor

14AA mild stim. Should boost neurotransmission in the short term and muffle some of the side effects while the implant takes.

V

12BHow 'bout the neurovirus, from the last job? Can ya check it?

Viktor

12BDone and gone while we were puttin' in your implant. Ran a full sweep on your soft and circuits. Zapped the critter. You're certified bug-free.

7AIt might take you a few seconds to adjust, but… first time's rarely the charm, with anything, really. Scanner should eventually sync with your thought processes an' read your intentions.

7AOK, let's test this, see the magic in action. Linking you in.

7AYou might feel a little discomfort at first. Blurred vision, low contrast, glitches…

7AWell, how's it look? Feel all right to you?

7AJust like that. Thanks.

7ANow, a bit of anesthetic and I can start cutting.

7AFeel anything?

Viktor

6AYou peruse and choose while I scan. See what's goin' on inside.

V

5AKiroshi? Whoa! Vik, nothing tops that on the market.

Viktor

5AHm. Sounds like it could come in handy, then.

V

5AGave you my word I'd pay you back, but this... might be too rich for my blood.

Viktor

5AWe'll work something out. Right now, I'm just out to make sure you get back in one piece – eddies in hand.

V

2BMet a new fixer, gave me a job. Name's Dexter DeShawn.

Viktor

2BKnown quantity, from the Afterlife. No denying you're movin' up…

V

2BBut? Somethin' you're not tellin' me, Vik?

Viktor

2BKeep your guard up, that's all. I've heard some things about Dex. He's not as "chill" as he makes himself out to be.

V

Same as always – don't feel a thing.

Y'ask me that every time, you know. Not as if things're gonna be any different today.

Viktor

Sure thing, kid, I mean… not like there's any risk of a stroke or paralysis. But... heh, what do I know? I'm just a doctor…

That's what I thought.

Patience, kid. Give it a minute. Time for the scanner.

Lights out for a minute, all right?

Assistant

Hey, V.

Dr. Vektor will see you now.

Jackie

I'll sit tight over here. Me 'n' Misty got a little catchin' up to do.

Assistant

You look pleased.

Jackie

'Cause I am, always! Makes for easier livin'. But…

We got a new job lined up. From a big hitter at the Afterlife.

Assistant

Oh, is it gonna be dangerous?

Jackie

V, yo, listen up! I talked to Dex while you were in with the doc.

He's waitin' in his ride. For you. Ain't but a hop to where he's parked, next to Gramsci Burgers.

V

OK, do my best to talk us up.

Assistant

And your aura… it needs tending, baby. You've gotta brush it daily. It's just no good if you don't.

Make sure your hands are clean and caress the filaments of light along their length.

They'll be strong, then. They'll be firm.

Jackie

Uh-huh. Firm.

Assistant

Mmm, your heart chakra looks a little out of whack, babe.

I can release it for you, but you'd have to watch out for negative energy fields... And avoid mean reds, anything red.

Jackie

Ah, thanks, Misty. You're the best.

V

Bug?

T-Bug

Forgot earlier – a runner I know has somethin' you could probably use.

Zippin' you her detes.