Dialogue: We Gotta Live Together

Teddy

Over here, V! Take a seat! We have this little ritual we engage in.

V

1AWhat's this ritual about?

Teddy

1AA few cold ones ahead of a raid.

V

1AAh, that kind.

Teddy

1ABut this isn't your average brew. It's one of the last bottles from our very first run. We kept a few crates, for good luck.

Bob

1AWhat was it someone said, then...? Tsk, shit, can't remember who. Someone said, "When we finish 'em all, the Aldecaldos' luck will run out."

Teddy

1AAa, superstitious bullcrap is your hobby.

Carol

1AHeh, says the brother who's hand is all shaky when he pops one open.

V

2AThanks. Rather keep a clear head, though.

Teddy

2AI can't say I get it, but I respect it.

V

2ANext time.

Bob

2ANow that's what we should drink to.

V

2BWhere's Mitch?

Teddy

2BHe was here just a second ago.

Bob

2BHe said the panzer needed some fine-tuning.

Carol

2BThat basilisk's seen better days. If I know Mitch, he be up to his elbows in grease till the crack of dawn.

Bob

2BWe all have our own rituals.

V

3AI'll take a swig.

3AWell, well, not bad.

Teddy

1ATo tomorrow.

Carol

1ATo goddam safe returns.

Bob

1ATo Saul and Panam. Because if they don't kiss 'n' make up, everything's liable to go tits up.

Carol

1ABob – you just always the optimist, ain't you.

Teddy

1AV, you must know where they stand. Do you?

V

4ATalked to them. They've buried the hatchet.

Bob

4A"Buried the hatchet"? Well, I'm really glad they've come to agree on sending us on a suicide mission.

Teddy

4ABe cool, now, Bobby.

Bob

4AIt's nothin' personal, V. I'm just sayin' how things are.

V

5AThis is all my fault – I'm exposing the entire family to danger. I'm sorry.

Bob

5AYou've got nothin' to be sorry about.

5AThe situation is fixin' to be a doozy, sure. But if the Aldecaldos are to rise from the ashes, it'll be thanks to you. And thanks to this raid.

Teddy

5AHuh. For once I agree with him.

V

5BMight wanna give Saul a fair chance here. Planned everything as best he could.

Bob

5BHe should start planning his own retirement.

Teddy

5BWould you wanna take his place?

Bob

5BHeh, not in a thousand years.

Teddy

5BSo I thought. Let's focus on tomorrow. We can talk politics once the dust's settled.

Carol

5BAmen.

V

7ACan promise you one thing. Aldecaldos will survive. Make sure of it myself.

Bob

7AEasy on the promises, V.

7ABut you're right. This clan has a chance to rise from the ashes.

Carol

7AI'm of the same mind. If we come back from Mikoshi, if this crazy-ass plan works – it'll be a fresh start for the Aldecaldos, I say.

Teddy

7AMhm. This feels like the part where Bobby says "IF."

Bob

7AHey, now. I'm no defeatist, don't call me that.

V

7BAll right, best be goin'. See you tomorrow.

Bob

7BI'm just worried about that wall. How the hell are we gonna get over it?

Carol

7BWe gonna start worrying about that after tomorrow.

Teddy

7BBut once we're down south, you know where we could go? Bertie's.

Carol

7BYou talking about that beat up old diner down by El Cajon?

Teddy

7BWhat're you callin' beat up? They have the best spare ribs I ever had.

Bob

7BTeddy's right. You haven't tasted nothin', heathen woman.

Teddy

7BDo you fellas really think we'll find anything of value there?

Bob

7BIt seldom happens, but they both seemed to agree on that point.

Teddy

7BI'm going to buy myself a vintage RV.

Bob

7BAheh, old age is hittin' hard, huh?

Carol

7BHaha.

Teddy

7BAh, screw you all.

V

5CThink Panam knows exactly what she's doin'.

Bob

5CBut does she know what she wants? Useful if she wants to take the clan wheel.

Teddy

5CCool your heels, friend. No one's takin' over anything just yet.

Carol

5CWe need to focus on tomorrow, brothers. Let's all get back in one piece – then we talk clan politics.

V

4BThink it's really that bad between 'em?

Bob

4BThe truth is we need cash. And fast.

Teddy

4BAmen.

Carol

4BThis Mikoshi's a personal thing to you. But Saul, he sees an opportunity for the clan.

Bob

4BIf anyone of the family is still left standin' tomorrow.

V

4CHad it up to here with the Panam versus Saul debate.

Carol

4CJoin the club, child.

V

4CHow're things goin' with you guys?

Teddy

4CNot much to say. All seems set for tomorrow.

Carol

4CWe still waitin' on some intelligence from the drone. Should know more come morning.

Bob

4CApart from that, we're keepin' our toes crossed we don't get fucked tomorrow. Pardon my French.

Dakota Client

I need me some ammunition. Three or four packs' worth. Do you got any left?

Dakota Trucker

I might have. You have to look around.

Dakota Client

So maybe I'll take two more forty-fives, seein' as Dakota seems to be feeling generous today.

V

10AWhat's this? Yard sale of some sort?

Dakota

10AEssentially. Take what you want.

V

10AAnd the occasion would be...?

Dakota

10AThe end times.

V

10AWorthy gesture. Dramatic, even.

Dakota

10AActually, pragmatic. I'm giving away my stock to you so you survive tomorrow's mad hell and come back to me.

V

10BYou, uh… mad at me?

Dakota

10BI once found a dead magpie under the hood of my car.

10BIt had been a cold night. The magpie, looking for warmth, had found the engine. It couldn't get out next morning, got cooked alive.

10BI still remember the smell – charred feathers, misery, death.

10BThe moment I met you, that vision appeared before my eyes. Today, I understand why.

V

10BUhh, OK... Sorry I even brought it up.

Dakota

10BBut your future is not etched in stone, V – remember that.

V

11AThink we'll pull through tomorrow?

Saul

11AI know these people. Some better than myself.

11AThe focus of mind, sense of purpose, calm before the storm. They'll give it their all.

V

11AHuh, bet they will.

11BEverything prepped 'head of tomorrow?

Saul

11BNo worries. Everything's under control.

V

11BGood.

G'night, Saul.

Saul

Wait.

V

Hmm?

Saul

I feel I need to make one thing clear.

You've done a lot for this clan. And for me, more than... anyone ever has. But the family comes first.

V

Saul…

Saul

Let me finish.

I also know there's just one thing that could break it up at this point. If Panam and me… if we went our separate ways.

The Aldecaldos would not survive that split were it to occur again. Do you understand what I'm trying to tell you?

V

12AYou're helping 'cause you got no choice. Want the clan to think you and Panam are actin' as one. In other words, you're playin' politics.

Saul

12AIt isn't that simple.

12AV, I'll send these people to their deaths tomorrow. So I have to know I'm not doing it just for you, me or Panam.

V

12ABut for the good of the clan. I get it.

Saul

12AYou'll understand eventually. That jacket wasn't for nothing.

V

12BYou're usin' me. The clan'll grab spoils from Mikoshi, while you do Panam a favor by helpin' me out. Hm, not bad, Saul.

Saul

12BYou don't even believe that. You think I'd put the clan at peril for my own gain? What for?

V

12BNot the kind of guy to willingly surrender power.

Saul

12BAnd if all is lost tomorrow, who will I govern? Dust and ghosts?

12BYou're wrong, V. This isn't about power. That jacket wasn't for nothing, V. You'll understand soon enough what it's like to be part of a whole.

V

12CWonder if Panam feels the same.

Saul

12CYou all think Panam and I are facing off, there's a... wall between us.

V

12CIsn't there?

Saul

12CQuite the contrary, V. Panam cares about this clan as much as I do.

12CGranted, we don't see all things the same way, but oddly enough, the family stands to benefit from that. I've seen it, and soon, you will, too.

V

13AHow about us, Saul? We good?

Saul

13AIt's an important day tomorrow. Get some rest.

V

13BHope so. Take care, Saul. G'night.

Saul

13BGoodnight.

Scooter

No, no. C major, then G.

Singer Spectator

'Kay,' kay, hold on!

Heh, I stink at this.

V

15AWhat're you playin'?

Scooter

15AKnow this number?

V

15BHey. Know any... Samurai songs?

Singer Spectator

15BOn a night like this, I'm not thinkin' about anarchy. It's all about unity, sister.

Scooter

15BKnow this number?

14AYears, lone roads

14AIn cinders scattered, glowing

14ASet this boy to roam

14AIn his heart a fire unseen

14ARaging, growing

14AA life, a home

14ABusy streets a shadow

14ACrowds a bygone drone

14AAnd the starlight high above

14ANow his hearthstone

14AOoo-oo, but the fire flamed high, boy's heart howling 'bout a life busted

14AThen a badge with a grudge, picked a fight, oh, this boy got dusted

14AWith that fire raging hot, he kept on gunning for vengeance

14AAnd the badge's slug doused the fire, made this boy a legend…

V

14AHow're things, Jake? All good?

Scooter

14AGreat, I'd say. The kidney's taken just like a new oil filter.

14AYou have my thanks, V.

V

16AIt's Benedict, right?

Benedict

16AV! Hey, how's things? Is everything going all right?

V

16AIt's goin'. Yourself?

Benedict

16ADakota told me to sit tight for a while longer. Militech's still sniffin', just have to wait it out. Startin' to get itchy hands though, y'know?

V

16ABest not fuck with Dakota – that's good advice. And... look out for yourself.

V

17AYou all right?

Tanner

17AYesss. Do you know what I realized today? That I'm one lucky son of an Irish gun.

V

17AHeh, that so?

Tanner

17ADon't look at me that way – I'm clean. Look, there was the mine first, then that whole mess with the Wraiths…

17ABut I'm here now. And you know what else? I'm not going anywhere.

V

17AGlad to hear it, Tanner. Lemme know if you need anything.

V

18AHey, how ya been, Bruce? Sprouted your first shy roots yet?

Bruce

18AHey, V. Got a worn-out truth for you – camps aren't all alike. Feel at home here. I mean, like…

18AIt's possible I'll make this my home? Dakota says I got valuable knowledge, like, safe passages south, areas to avoid… I dunno, but… feels good.

V

18AGlad to hear it. Good place for you, this.

Bruce

18AYeah, hope it will be. Thanks again, V.

V

19AAim to prep for tomorrow?

Cassidy

19AYou could say that.

19A"The trick is to hear silence in your mind at the bang."

19AI heard that a long time ago, 'round about when I was your age. I remember it to this day.

19AI’m expecting bangs in good numbers tomorrow, so I'm trying to remind myself of that silence.

V

19BRevolver, empty bottles, middle o' nowhere – perfect.

Cassidy

19BHmph. I'm a believer in old ways and legacy tech. I can't tell ya why, but I don't quite trust chrome.

19B"The trick is to hear silence in your mind at the bang."

19BI heard that a long time ago, 'round about when I was your age. I remember it to this day.

19BI’m expecting bangs in good numbers tomorrow, so I'm trying to remind myself of that silence.

V

20AMind if join ya? Doubt I even remember what it's like not to hear my mind churnin' away.

Cassidy

20AIf you like.

20ATwelve bottles shattered in fifteen seconds. Full focus – tha'ss your only chance at doin' it. I'm doubtful you'll pull it off.

V

20ALet's find out.

Cassidy

20AAre you that confident? Well, I'll bet my revolver you can't do it.

20AI'll start countin' as soon as you step on that line.

Begin!

The line, do you see the line?

One more time, now.

The line, do you see the line?

Stop!

Piss poor. This doe'n't bode well for tomorrow, kid.

V

Break a leg tomorrow.

Cassidy

Oh, I'll break more than that, kid.

It'll do. But I swear I heard your thoughts rumblin' on.

That'll do almost, kid. But practice makes perfect.

Not bad. You coulda done better, but you coulda done worse.

Twelve bottles of beer off the wall. It like in those westerns o' yore – "I got nothin' left to teach ya."

V

"The trick is to hear silence in your mind at the bang." Learned somethin' after all.

Cassidy

Let this be a reminder to ya.

V

21AThanks, Cass.

Cassidy

21AYou earned it.

V

21BThanks, Cass, but... I think you should keep it. Suits you more.

Cassidy

21BHm, maybe you're right.

V

Break a leg tomorrow.

Cassidy

Oh, I'll break more than that, kid.

Christ! What kind of machinery have you got in there? You should be givin' me lessons.

Fine shootin', kid.

Bob

I'm just worried about that wall. How the hell are we gonna get over it?

Carol

We gonna start worrying about that after tomorrow.

Teddy

But once we're down south, you know where we could go? Bertie's.

Carol

You talking about that beat up old diner down by El Cajon?

Teddy

What're you callin' beat up? They have the best spare ribs I ever had.

Bob

Teddy's right. You haven't tasted nothin', heathen woman.

Teddy

Do you fellas really think we'll find anything of value there?

Bob

It seldom happens, but they both seemed to agree on that point.

Teddy

I'm going to buy myself a vintage RV.

Bob

Aheh, old age is hittin' hard, huh?

Carol

Haha.

Teddy

Ah, screw you all.

Cassidy

"The trick is to hear silence in your mind at the bang."

I heard that a long time ago, 'round about when I was your age. I remember it to this day.

I’m expecting bangs in good numbers tomorrow, so I'm trying to remind myself of that silence.

Stargazer

Do you know where I saw the most stars? Mount Sinai, at the peak.

Stargazer

Since when were you in Egypt?

Stargazer

I used to work on a tanker – so I've been pretty much everywhere. But those stars on Sinai... millions of them. At the tips of your fingers.

Stargazer

You think someone's, you know... out there?

Stargazer

I mean, the Milky Way has at least a hundred billion stars, right?

Which means you'd be looking at around two hundred billion planets that could support life. And that's just in our galaxy.

Stargazer

So why haven't they made contact yet?

Stargazer

Because they don't give two licks about us. I mean, look around. Would you?

Letter Bartender

Don't tell 'er this might be the end! You outside o' your head?

Letter Writer

She wants to quit her job in Colorado to come here. Except there might not be a "here" tomorrow!

Letter Patron

Brother, we don't know that. But if you send that, she's going to imagine the worst. Is that what you want?

Letter Writer

So what'm I supposed to write?

Letter Bartender

That you miss her, love her, you'll see her soon, and so on.

Letter Patron

It's not a lie if you don't know what will happen. That there might as well be the truth.

Warrior Poet

Listen to this – "Barbarians do not travel, but simply advance toward their destinations or conduct raids."

"Fluidity, mobility, illusiveness – these properties belong to the civilized."

Warrior Poet

She knew what she was writin' about. She felt it – deep down.

Warrior Poet

Well, because her world was like ours – fragmented, divided, broken into pieces.

Some folks used to laugh at them Europeans – all them countries, tongues, cultures on top of each other. We had the melting pot – we just threw everyone in.

Warrior Poet

Well... History is a blind, malevolent bitch, isn't it? I mean, look at this country now.

Warrior Poet

What country?

Warrior Poet

Exactly.

Or how about this – "In spite of all the dangers, that which is in motion will always outlast what is at rest, for change is more noble than idleness."

Well, that's why we're out here. And we're not there.

Drone Tester

The sensors malfunction at higher altitudes.

Drone Tester

Well... we can't let it hover just above the ground. Not in those conditions.

Drone Tester

I'll see to the sensors, you keep checking the thrusters. Maybe something is loose.

It has to glide quick and quiet over that construction site tomorrow.

Radio Operator

I had it just a second ago, I swear.

Radio Operator

You probably just caught CB chatter from some Raffen. Militech broadcasts on modular frequencies. Forget it, trust me.

Radio Operator

And if I do latch onto their signal, and we find out who's on the site? What then, huh?

Radio Operator

Hey, if you manage to get past their jammers, and their 'runner doesn't surge your walkie or pinpoint our location, then the next round's on me.

Radio Operator

Ah, deal.

War Painter

Just wait till I'm finished with her.

War Painter

That clunker of yours won't scare anybody. Not even if you spiked the rims.

War Painter

I think you swerved a little there...

War Painter

Agh, don't you all have somewhere you need to be, huh?

Drag Race Mom

Watch the differential. We don't want it screeching again.

Drag Race Racer

It won't screech. I oiled it up.

Drag Race Mom

What about the bearing?

Drag Race Racer

Jesus, mom, I checked! Would you cut me some slack?

Drag Race Nomad

All right, boys. On your marks...

Get set...

Go!

Drag Race Mom

That's my boy!

V

Not as much as I'm afraid for you.

C'mere.

V

1ATime to head back, maybe?

Panam

1ANo. Let's sit here a while longer.

1AThis is doing me good, more than I thought.

V

1BI could sit here with you all night.

Panam

1BI think I'd like that.

1BYou have no idea how much I needed that.

V

1CEnny for your thoughts?

Panam

1CI'm thinking about the first night I spent up here.

1CI'd been on the road, was on my way back and wanted to clear my head before hitting camp.

V

1CAh, before another likely shouting match with Saul.

Panam

1CIt was completely dark, empty. Not a star in the sky. All I heard was the wind and a few engines in the distance.

1CAnd I sat here waiting for the world to fall away. For my mind's RPM to drop to zero.

V

1CDid it?

Panam

1CNo. I realized that night it wouldn't happen again. That my mind would always be on the road, even while I was sitting, freezing on a cliff.

V

2ADarn, so nice here.

Panam

2AMhm.

V

2BSo this is where you escape when you need to think.

Panam

2BI never escape.

V

3AEnny for your thoughts?

Panam

3AI have none. I mean, I don't even know.

V

3BSomethin's gnawin' at you, I can tell. Whatever it is, you can tell me.

Panam

3BNothing's gnawing at me. Stop, this is irksome.

V

3BPanam.

Panam

3BHave you...

V

3CWhat a view, huh?

Panam

3CScrew views.

V

3CIs, uh, somethin' the matter?

Panam

I'm so tense I barely caught a wink last night. It's likely to be the same tonight.

V

What's eatin' ya?

Panam

Well, let's see.

Tomorrow I'll lead my whole clan to near-certain death.

As if that's not enough, Saul is suddenly concurring with everything I say. And I don't even know if that's good or bad – fuck.

People are doubting us... I can feel it.

But they still believe if it all goes to shit, Panam will be there for them. Because who else, right?

V

4AYou feel responsible for them. Who in their right mind wouldn't?

Panam

4AIt's not the responsibility I'm worried about.

4AI'm just looking at this with a cool head.

4ASaul has made all the wrong decisions to be a little more like me.

4ABut only I know what I'm good at and at what I stink.

4AI'm not a miracle worker, V! I'm scared to the bone something will go wrong. That everyone will--

V

4BExactly. Who if not you?

Panam

4BThat's what I mean! It shouldn't be me, it should be...

V

4BSaul?

Panam

4BIf only he hadn't gone and made all the wrong decisions to be a little more like me.

4BI'm scared to the bone something will go wrong. That everyone will…

V

5ANobody's dyin' tomorrow, Panam.

Panam

5AYou don't know that.

V

5AThe fam, they're tougher than you think.

Panam

5ABullets don't distinguish between tough and weak.

V

5BSorry to've dragged you into this. Sorry.

Panam

5BV, stop.

V

5BAccept me into your family and how do I repay you? By taking you on an excursion through hell.

5BIt isn't fair of me, Panam. I wasn't fair from the start.

Panam

5BYou know what's not fair? That you want me to massage your bruised conscience.

5BWell, I won't do it. We're all in this together.

V

5BAhhhh, you're right.

5CBe right there with you tomorrow. Whatever happens, we'll be together, we'll manage.

Panam

5CI don't know what I would do without you.

V

5CYou'd do what you needed to.

Panam

5CWhat do you know.

V?

V

Yeah?

Panam

Are you not afraid to die?

V

6AI am… all the fuckin' time.

Panam

6AYou're great at hiding it.

V

7ATime to head back, maybe?

Panam

7ANo. Let's sit here a while longer.

7AThis is doing me good, more than I thought.

V

7BI could sit here with you all night.

Panam

7BI think I'd like that.

7BYou have no idea how much I needed that.

V

7CEnny for your thoughts?

Panam

7CI'm thinking about the first night I spent up here.

7CI'd been on the road, was on my way back and wanted to clear my head before hitting camp.

V

7CAh, before another likely shouting match with Saul.

Panam

7CIt was completely dark, empty. Not a star in the sky. All I heard was the wind and a few engines in the distance.

7CAnd I sat here waiting for the world to fall away. For my mind's RPM to drop to zero.

V

7CDid it?

Panam

7CNo. I realized that night it wouldn't happen again. That my mind would always be on the road, even while I was sitting, freezing on a cliff.

V

6BNo, I'm not.

Panam

6BI envy you.

6BI guess.

V

6CTry my damndest not to think about it.

Panam

6CSo do I. But the harder I try, the worse it gets.

There's a nice spot up there. Quiet.

V

Wouldn't you rather be alone, maybe?

Panam

Oh, please.

I just need to get away from everything, but for a minute.

To gather my thoughts before tomorrow.

V

Try not to bother you, then.

Panam

Nice of you to be a good listener, but some input would be nice, too, from you.

V

Sorry.

Panam

Will you say something?

Hm, nothing?

Don't just stand there. Have a seat.

Panam

All right, let's go before our asses freeze over.

Saul's back. Let's go.

Maybe he turned up something new.

V

Looks like everyone's ready.

Panam

As ready as they can be. It's not your usual raid, a first for many. Mitch probably roused them.

Aldecaldo f 2chat

We get one shot at this. And it has to work.

Aldecaldo m 2chat

Whether it works or not, we're done here, need to leave. Did you know that?

Aldecaldo f 2chat

I did, I do. But... one crisis at a time is all I can handle.

Aldecaldo m 3chat

Apparently, we didn't manage to gather much intel. We got not idea what Militech is gonna send our way.

Aldecaldo m 3chat

We will know soon, sooner than I like.

Panam

Do you feel that?

V

The tension?

Panam

It means they've realized what they're stepping into.

Saul

I just got back from doing some reconnaissance.

You'll wanna see this.

V

1AThanks.

1BGet any sleep at all?

Saul

1BThe older you get, the less you need.

1BBesides, I wouldn't've slept a wink before a raid like this.

1BAnd good intel is just better than a good night's sleep.

1BTake a gander.

Panam

Now that is a sight I will never tire of seeing.

We'd best not keep them waiting.

Aldecaldo M

Tanks full, fluids checked, topped up, gear loaded. We are prepared to go.

Aldecaldo F

And everything else? If this goes to shit, we'll need to break camp, in a rush.

Aldecaldo M

We're prepared to do that, too. And nothing is going to shit.

Saul

The plan is simple.

We have two objectives. One – get into Arasaka Tower and assist V in accessing Mikoshi.

And two – take advantage of the confusion to gather as much equipment as we can. Prizes like that will see to our cash-flow problem.

The only way into Mikoshi is to dig through to Arasaka Tower's underground levels.

Which means we have to hit the maglev tunnel construction site and hijack a Night Corp SERC.

Last but not least – intel from our recon drone has showed us a couple of weak points.

This valley leads to the site.

I doubt they'll be expecting trouble there.

All the same, we'll want to move quickly.

Panam

Time is of the essence. We can't allow the guards to call for backup.

V

And if we're too slow?

Saul

That will be a job for Bob and his jammer. We'll just have to get close to their comms antenna and start transmitting.

Panam

Let's not kid ourselves. It won't stall them for long.

Saul

Let's hope it keeps them busy just long enough.

Panam

Are there drones there, early detection systems... anything?

Saul

It's not Fort Knox, yet Night Corp is using Militech for security, so you never know. I guarantee you they're patrolling the area.

In any case, our drones will match theirs. Teddy will be on the lookout to raise the red flag.

V

Construction site's walled in. Our Panzer's gun big enough for that gate?

Panam

You bet your ass it is.

V

Sounds good so far. What else?

Saul

Once you're inside, you'll need to reach the SERC and get it do your bidding.

Panam

Enter Mitch and Carol.

Saul

Get that drill up and running and the road to the cellars of Arasaka Tower will be wide open.

From there, V, Panam and I will get to the laboratory and find a way into Mikoshi.

Panam

And while we're drilling in? Should we expect anyone to crash our party?

Saul

If everything goes as planned, nobody should know where we are or what we plan to do.

Feel free to look around more if you want.

We still have some time left.

V

2AThink I've seen enough.

Saul

Well, that about does it. V, you ready?

V

3AReady as I'll ever be.

Panam

3AIs everyone up to speed?

3AStart your engines, folks.

Panam

4AV, get in and let's go.

V

3BHow'll we get back from there?

Saul

3BThe same way we'll go in. And fast, both ways.

Panam

3BOur people will try to hold the road while we're inside.

Saul

3BSo, V. You ready?

Panam

V, let's get you linked in.

OK, let's move.

Panam

The panzer, V… it won't hold up much longer. Systems could go down any second.

I'd do anything to make it in one piece, anything. After that, I can improvise.

V

We can do this, Panam, hang in there.

Militech Security Broadcast

You have ignored all warnings and calls to halt. We have no choice but to open fire!

Panam

Stay with it, V! Don't let them get a lock!

V

Doing it, Panam, doing it!

Panam

Teddy, is there any chance that he's, you know...?

Teddy

None. I'm sorry, Pan.

Panam

We have to keep moving. We're almost there.

Shit, there goes the main power – all systems are offline!

Saul

Can we fix it? Right the hell now?

Panam

Shit!

Something's busted! All the circuitry is dead!

I'll try to work it out – but V, you need to somehow get rid of those drones!

V

1AOn the drones! You deal with the panzer!

Panam

1ASystems are lighting up. We're good to go!

Saul

1AOK, Bobby, the panzer's moving again! Hang tight, we're coming for you!

Bob

1AFinally! I was starting to miss you all!

1AI got just one son of a bitch left, and he's about to get a--

Panam

1ABobby!

Mitch

1AJesus Christ... Bobby?! Bobby, do you read? We have to go and--

Saul

1AI'm sorry, Mitch...

1AWe can't afford to stop – not now.

Mitch

1AShit!

Bob

1ASaul, they know we're coming! Drones deployed, headed straight for us!

Saul

1AWe need more time, Bobby! Can you hold them off?

Bob

1ADo I have a choice?! Look after yourselves – ol' Bobby's got this!

Saul

1APanam, how's it looking? ETA?

Panam

1AA minute! Fire's under control. Switching to emergency power. A couple of systems will be analogue, but she should be mobile.

1ANo, no, no...! Fire in the cockpit! Goddamn power surge!

V

1AYou got it, can you put it out? Get the fuck out if not!

Bob

1AChrist, people, where are you?! I'm out here by the transmitter. What's the hold up?!

Saul

V, eyes open! You almost turned me into a crater!

Panam

Go right through the gate, V.

V

Right here. Let's delta outta here!

Saul

OK, Bobby, the panzer's moving again! Hang tight, we're coming for you!

Bob

Finally! I was starting to miss you all!

I got just one son of a bitch left, and he's about to get a--

Panam

Bobby!

Mitch

Jesus Christ... Bobby?! Bobby, do you read? We have to go and--

Saul

I'm sorry, Mitch...

We can't afford to stop – not now.

Mitch

Shit!

Panam

Gate's down. We're going in!

Your turn, Bobby. Do you remember the jammer?

Bob

Sure do. We're on it.

Saul

Godspeed.

Teddy

I see more drones on the road to the construction site.

Standard corpo security. Nothing we haven't seen before.

All down, it looks like.

Panam

Good work.

Mitch

Is everybody reading loud and clear? I've got us on a group channel.

Teddy

Coming to you live from the Badlands, this is your host...

Panam

Teddy.

Teddy

All right, all right. Sheesh.

Panam

Did you fire up that drone?

Teddy

The little bird is humming away.

Cassidy

I think I just ran over somthn'…

Teddy

It's just your mind playing tricks on you.

Cassidy

I'm serious, it might've been a prairie dog…

Carol

Well, I sure hope our luck turns out better than that poor son-of-a-bitch's.

Teddy

Prairie dogs run three times faster than that rusted tin can.

Cassidy

Well, you've both reassured and offended me. That's quite the feat, Theodore.

Mitch

It's a drivetrain – the augment was too much. Insides couldn't handle it!

Panam

Shit, there goes the main power – all systems are offline!

Saul

Can we fix it? Right the hell now?

Panam

I don't know! Give me a minute!

No, no, no...! Fire in the cockpit! Goddamn power surge!

V

You got it, can you put it out? Get the fuck out if not!

Panam

Give me a minute! I can do this! We need the panzer – our lives depend on it!

Bob

Christ, people, where are you?! I'm out here by the transmitter. What's the hold up?!

Saul

Sit tight, Bobby. We've got a situation in the panzer, but we'll rendez-vous with you shortly.

Panam, how's it looking? ETA?

Panam

A minute! Fire's under control. Switching to emergency power. A couple of systems will be analogue, but she should be mobile.

Bob

Saul, they know we're coming! Drones deployed, headed straight for us!

Saul

We need more time, Bobby! Can you hold them off?

Bob

Do I have a choice?! Look after yourselves – ol' Bobby's got this!

Cassidy

Time to churn up some dust.

Bob

An Aldecaldo convoy. Now that's a sight to behold.

Cassidy

Mhm. And only this desert expanse can rival the star-studded void that hangs over our heads.

Saul

V, come take my six.

Mitch

Panam – did you check if all systems are operational?

Panam

Checking.

Nitro injector – clear. Launcher's also green. We're good to go.

Mitch

Then let the fun begin.

Militech drones. Heat incoming! Watch out for yourselves!

Militech Security Broadcast

You are trespassing on property protected by Militech SiteSecure!

Turn back now. I repeat – turn your vehicles around!

Panam

Try to hit something! They certainly mean to!

V

Trust me. They're junk.

Saul

Drones on intercept course!

Including some heavy sons-of-bitches. Get ready!

Carol

Damn, it's serene out here.

Cassidy

Only the desert expanse can rival that star-studded void hanging over our heads.

Teddy

I know a pass to the north of here like you've never dreamt of.

Carol

The one near that rocky, pillar thing? What's that called?

Cassidy

The Pinnacle.

Carol

Yeah. Real jewel, that one.

Teddy

Ey, Cass, you'll remember this – when the Aldecaldos were operating in LA on that huge contract after the earthquake…

Cassidy

Christ, Theodore, I'm not that old. But I do know the one you're talking about.

Teddy

Right – didn't that also involve a maglev tunnel?

Like, they had our folks working upstairs scooping up rocks while downstairs they were drilling the TransCon line?

And then - boom! A pack of Raffens raided the construction site. Half of our people didn't make it out alive. You think that…

Cassidy

We're on the right side of history, Theodore, even if we have to write it in our own blood. That's sure.

Time to churn up some dust.

Bob

An Aldecaldo convoy. Now that's a sight to behold.

Cassidy

Mhm. And only this desert expanse can rival the star-studded void that hangs over our heads.

Saul

V, come take my six.

I'll take the convoy to the mouth of the valley, then we can swap.

Mitch

Is everybody reading loud and clear? I've got us on a group channel.

Teddy

Coming to you live from the Badlands, this is your host...

Panam

Teddy.

Teddy

All right, all right. Sheesh.

Panam

Did you fire up that drone?

Teddy

The little bird is humming away.

Panam

Can you control him on the go?

Teddy

Don't insult me, Pan.

Panam

They're headed our way, V!

V

We will greet them duly.

They're closing, Panam!

Panam

I know! Be ready!

Mitch

We need to wipe the corpos aside, off the road, make it across the bridge.

Panam

No more mistakes, not a one. We're damaged, so much shit has hit us already.

V

We can do this.

Panam

There! Done!

V, get in!

Go, V! Look to those drones! Get outside!

I don't know! Give me a minute!