Dialogue: Who Wants to Live Forever

River

No damn way…

V

River, it's me.

River

Me who?

V

1AWell, uh... V, obviously.

River

1AIs it obvious?

1AHow do I know I'm not speakin' to Silverhand?

V

1AStop futzin' around.

River

1AThe V I knew wouldn'ta waited two years to return a call.

V

1BWow, uh, wasn't expectin' that.

River

1BYeah, well, old cops carry suspicion in their back pocket.

1BThe V I knew wouldn'ta waited two years to return a call.

What'd you expect to hear after all this time?

V

2ARiver, I was in a coma. They just woke me up.

River

2AOh shit, V... Sorry.

2AHere I am bein' a fuckin' asshole to ya…

V

3AYou OK? Gettin' this vibe that somethin's wrong.

River

3AHonestly? Everything is.

V

3AWhat's goin' on?

3BNah, it's all right. Be pissed if I were you, too.

River

3BV, it's not just about you. Problem's with me, too.

V

3C'S OK, River. Be more worried if you didn't seem to give a shit.

River

3CHeh, I missed you. Wonderin' if I'da chosen better if you'd been here with me.

V

3CRiver...?

River

2AI needed money for Randy's rehab. So I did a deal with Trauma.

2ASold 'em a pile o' police secrets, dirt on whoever they wanted...

V

4AFuck, River, now I feel bad... Can we meet? Help each other out?

River

4AToo late for that.

V

4AWhat? Rather not see me?

River

4ALook, I'm not the man you used to know. Couldn't stand to look you in the eye. Not you, not...

4AThe fuck am I blabbin' for...? I gotta go.

V

4AUh, wait a sec, River…

4AWait.

4BFuck, I'm so sorry... Listen, I'll come visit you. You'll tell me everything.

River

4BI'd rather you didn't.

V

4BCan't be serious.

River

4BI'm not the man you used to know. You'd do better just forgettin' about me.

V

5AWell, if that's what you want...

River

5AIt's not. But I just can't.

V

5AGoodbye, River.

River

5ABye, V. Thanks for bein' a good presence in my life for a time.

V

5BWhat, why? 'Cause your pride took a hit? You gonked?

River

5BListen... I let myself down.

V

5BAnd bein' a martyr's gonna make it better?

River

5BIt's just easier for me this way.

5BV, sometimes things just don't work out, and it's nobody's fault.

V

4CClearly didn't have any other options.

River

4CHow can you possibly know that?

V

4CI know you. Woulda done it differently if you'd had a choice.

River

4CI dunno... I'd like to believe that, but...

V

2BSorry. Woulda let you know if I'd known I'd be gone that long.

River

2BOK, I understand. An accident, anomaly, shouldn't blame you for it.

2BBeen a little touchy lately. Sorry.

V

2CDunno, maybe somethin' like "Wow, glad you're not dead"?

River

2CEhh, shit, V, I'm sorry. 'Course I'm happy. Just thought... thought you were gone for good.

2CGotta admit, I'm a little mad at ya.

2CEhh, you're right, sorry. Really am glad you've come up for air.

Operator

You have reached – Panam Palmer.

We're sorry, the subscriber is currently outside the service area. Please leave a message or call again later.

V

6AHey, heyo, Panam. Guess who's back from a little, uh, involuntary vacay?

6ABut, bad jokes aside, uh… guess you must've wondered where I'd gone.

6BPanam, hey. Been a while since we saw each other. 'S a lot longer than I thought… or wanted.

6BGuess you're... away somewhere. Hope it's temporary, a waypoint… not outright nomadic flight.

6CPanam, hey. Um, can't know how deeply fuckin' sorry I am.

6CAh, gotta be rage-level mad… Can't blame you… Disappearin' for two years without so much as a "See ya"?

6CThink I can soothe that a bit? Gotta tell ya, really didn't want to abandon you, really.

V

7ASo, brass tacks… I had surgery. Docs just brought me out of a coma.

7AGonna live, new lease and all, but… not on the greatest terms.

7AIt'd just be great right now, really great… if I could see you?

7BI can explain everything, I can. Rather do it face to face, though.

7BGuess it comes down to… just not wanting to be alone right now.

V

8AYou... find a moment, ring me back, yeah?

8BSo, uh... we'll be in touch. I will.

8CNeed you, Panam. Somethin' awful.

See you. Soon.

Judy

No fuckin' way.

V

Hey, Jude.

Judy

V. Where you been, choom?

V

9ANUS clinic. Had surgery. It's a long story.

Judy

9AMust've been a long operation, too. Gruesome, bloody.

V

9ASpent most of the time in a coma. Unplanned, obviously.

9BDunno that I can talk about it. Classified info, that sorta thing.

Judy

9BWow... gotta be the worst excuse I've ever heard.

V

9BNo excuse, pure truth.

9CMoon colony. Secret mission for the NUS government.

Judy

9CPff, right.

V

9COK, OK, kidding. Well, sorta.

Judy

Wow, V... thought I'd never see you again.

V

10ADealin'... with some drawbacks...

10AI... I'll, uh, never fully recover. I'm alive, sure, but... got no idea what comes next.

Judy

10AShit, you serious?

10AReally sorry, V. Hope you figure it out, get yourself set up again.

V

11AThought I could drop by, see you. We'd grab a pizza, talk…

Judy

11AY'know, a lot's changed...

V

11APreem, fresh NC gossip. Can't wait to hear it.

Judy

11AV, I'm in Pittsburgh. An' I'm married.

11AIf you ever hop to the other coast, c'mon over for a beer. But now? Really can't help you.

V

12ASeriously? Congrats, Judy.

Judy

12AThanks. Wish you coulda come to the wedding.

V

12AI'm just glad you found what you were lookin' for.

Judy

12AWhen you disappeared, I knew I had to get away from Night City. And, well, that's how I met Bianca.

12AAnd whaddaya know – I'm happy, V.

V

12BShit, missed so much...

Judy

12BY'know, if you hadn't vanished, dunno that I'd ever've left NC. Or met Bianca.

V

12BMaybe I should've ghosted sooner.

Judy

12BC'mon, you know it's not like that.

V

13AWell... bye, Judy. Really hope our paths cross again someday.

Judy

13AMe too, V. And good luck.

V

13BWell, later, Judy. Go on back to your fairy tale.

Judy

13BV, I'm sorry, really. But I know you got this, you'll manage.

V

13BMhm. 'Course I will.

11BSounds like you're anglin' not to be a part of it.

11BMad at me for disappearin', right?

Judy

11BNah. I mean, sure, I was, but... finally decided you'da pinged me if you could. Now, it's just…

V

11C'Course I'll make it – got you on my side. female V only

Judy

11CWas afraid you'd say somethin' like that. female V only

V

11CWhat...? female V only

Judy

11CV, listen... a lot's changed. I'm in Pittsburgh, for one. female V only

V

11CHah, finally ditched NC! No worries, I'll just fly over to you. female V only

Judy

11CNo, not "to me," umm... "to us." Got married. female V only

V

14AThat's not-- Wasn't expectin' that. female V only

14BJude – how could you? female V only

Judy

10ATwo years, V. I was lonely, lost in my head. First Evelyn, then you... Tch, no way I woulda made it alone. female V only

V

15AY'know, we could've made it.

Judy

15ASure, maybe. But you were dyin', and you up and disappeared. What was I supposed to do?

15ABut I'm good now, V. Please don't take that away.

V

15ADon't have much of a choice, do I?

Judy

15AGoodbye, V. And I'm sorry.

V

15BGonna miss you.

Judy

15BYeah.

V

15CWhat's her name?

Judy

15CBianca. But looks, character – nothin' like you at all.

V

10BShould be dead, I know. Good news is, finally found a way to excise the biochip.

Judy

10BWhat, how? Tellin' me Silverhand's out? You're gonna remain, uh, yourself?

V

10BForever and ever. A hundred percent V.

Judy

10BV, that is beyond nova.

10BSo damn nice to know some stories actually get a happy ending.

V

10CDid ya think I flew the coop, ran off for good?

Judy

10CYeah. That, or that Arasaka got you.

10CEither way, I was furious. Just didn't know who at.

Kerry

...And that's why I say, y'know what, fuck him sideways! Hang on, gotta take this.

V

Someone grindin' your gears again?

Kerry

Holy fuck, V?! Or is it... Johnny?

V

16AV, V, it's me. The one and only.

Kerry

16AFuck me! I can't believe it, hahahaha! Goddam preem you're alive, choom!

V

16AKinda figured you might be happy.

16BWon't be hearin' from Johnny anymore, ever.

Kerry

16BY'mean he's... he's…?

V

16BYeah.

Kerry

16BAhhh, shit.

16BWeird, losin' someone a second time like that…

V

16BSorry 'bout that, Kerry.

Kerry

16BYeah, well... still fuckin' glad you're around, yeah?

V

17AHow's things, Kerry? Hacienda o' yours still standin'?

Kerry

17AWho cares about a house? Someplace waaaaay preemer right now.

17ASittin' on the Crystal Palace as we speak. Played a gig yesterday, had this beaut fuckin' view of Europe. Shit, V, wish you were here.

V

17AYeah, uh, not really in a partyin' mood right now.

Kerry

17AOK, spill. Somethin's up.

V

17BWhat about you, Ker, what's up? Career goin' strong?

Kerry

17BActually, fuck yeah! Thanks for askin'!

V

17CThink about me ever? male V only

Kerry

17CV, bet your ass I did and... do. But, man, looked like you were gone for good. Fuckin' hell of a time for me. male V only

17COh, wish you were here now. Sittin' pretty on the Crystal fuckin' Palace. Played a gig yesterday, had a beaut fuckin' view of Europe. male V only

V

17CYeah, uh, aimin' for cozier landings right now. male V only

Kerry

17COK, spill. Somethin's up.

V

18AWell, just woke up from a two-year coma.

Kerry

18AJeez, shit, can you not, choom? C'mon, I'm on a call, is that not clear?

V

18AYeah, Ker? D'ya hear what--?

Kerry

18AFuck, yeah, y-yeah. D'you say coma?

V

18AYeah, uh, got surgery, 's why I'm alive. But... didn't work out, not completely.

Kerry

18AFuck, V, I-- Damn, I'm sorry, sounds like shit. You need anything? Uh, eddies maybe or, um...?

V

19ANeed a friend, Ker. Really rather not be alone right now.

Kerry

19AWhat the hell did I say, Yuki...? Let 'em fuckin' tune, I don't need to hold their hand. As long as it's all harmony.

V

19AKerry?

Kerry

19AV, ahh, y'know I'd love to help, I really would. But I-- Rgh, I just can't swing it. Playin' Paris tomorrow, then Kyiv…

19AIf not for the tour, I'd be flyin' your way already.

V

19BNeed you, Ker. male V only

19BWanna know that even though the whole fuckin' world's changed, you're still here for me. male V only

Kerry

19BWhat the hell did I say, Yuki...? Let 'em fuckin' tune, I don't need to hold their hand. As long as it's all harmony.

V

19BKerry? Ya hear me? male V only

Kerry

19BOh fuck, V... If I could, I'd be flyin' your way already. But I got gigs, Paris tomorrow, then Kyiv… male V only

19BI didn't-- How could I have known you'd be back at all, or right now? Y'know? male V only

V

19CFirst thing that comes to mind? Eddies?

Kerry

19CEh ,y'know, for... meds. Treatment or whatever…

V

19CCan't treat it, Kerry. Gonna have to live with it till I die.

Kerry

19CWhat the hell did I say, Yuki...? Let 'em fuckin' tune, I don't need to hold their hand. As long as it's all harmony.

V

19CKer, you hear me? Was sayin' I...

Kerry

19CHey, hey, hey, hey chill. I wanna help, OK?

V

20AWhaddaya think, gonna see you again?

Kerry

20AShit, 'course you will! Listen, soon as I'm back, c'mon over. We'll go wherever you want.

20AGimme a couple of months. Or... OK, uh, four-- four tops. Deal?

V

20ASure, deal.

Kerry

20AYeah, uh... Listen, V, in the middle of somethin', kinda. I gotta go, they're callin' me back on stage.

20ABut yeah, you wanna shoot the shit later, hit me up on the holo.

V

20BWanna help, huh? Why don't I believe you?

Kerry

20BWell, kinda odd question, huh?

V

20BNo, I just... Know you wanna help. But y-you'll have interviews after the tour, recordings after the interviews...

20BKer, hand on heart – am I still part of your life?

20CLookin' like everybody needs Kerry, wants a piece of you...

Kerry

20CYeah, crap coincidence, y'know. Lots goin' on. Shit luck.

V

20CYeah, shit luck.

18BReally wanna talk face to face.

Kerry

18BWhoa, sounds serious.

V

18BThink we can we meet up?

Kerry

18BUgh, I, uh, can't now, I'm on tour. Eh, will be a while. But if the holo's enough, I-I'm all yours.

Viktor

I'm only going to say this once. I'm in no mood for pranks, so if you don't--

V

Hey there, Vik.

Viktor

V...? Is it really you?

V

21AThe one and only.

Viktor

21AUnbelievable...

V

21BWhat, write me off that fast?

Viktor

21BHah, got to admit, I knocked back a glass or two over your symbolic grave.

V

21CYou don't know how good it is to hear you.

Viktor

21CIt's good to hear you too, V.

But how're you...? Why?

V

22ASo… this netrunner I met got me involved in this FIA op. They promised surgery, a cure, usin' the 'runner's tech, in exchange.

22AAnd it worked, but not without complications... a two-year coma for one.

Viktor

22AGod dammit… that's a chunk of life there.

V

22AHeh, yep... I mean, they saved me, new lease on life, but chrome's a no-go for me, now. Even simple muscle boosters.

22BSee, met a netrunnin' genius… Made friends, then gave her up to the NUSA. Traded 'er for surgery usin' their tech.

Viktor

22BWell… I won't judge. You had your reasons, I'm sure.

V

22BWhat's it matter? Karma got me good. Spent two years in a coma.

22BAlso, chrome's a no-go for me. Can't use it. Even simple muscle boosters.

Viktor

I-Is that what they told you...?

Quacks, I bet. They overlooked somethin', I just know it. Come see me, V.

V

23ABe on my way to see you soon. Usual spot?

Viktor

23AYeah... in a manner of speaking.

23AI'll see you, V. You know the address.

V

23BThink I stand a chance of bein' normal again, my old self?

Viktor

23BOf course you do. I've got new tech, does wonders.

V

23BWorld changes, moves on but, man, Vik's ever the last reliable resort.

Viktor

23BYeah…

V

23CUgh, least I can still count on you bein' there for me.

Viktor

23CHuh? Whaddaya mean?

V

23CEh, already holoed someone. Seems not all my relationships stood the test of time.

Viktor

23CPeople move on, V. But, well... sometimes some of 'em come back.

Receptionist

How can I help you?

V

Night City – can I get a flight there?

Receptionist

Of course. An AV is ready and waiting.

I'll come get you now.

Uh, your AV's not quite ready.

Bear with us, please, it won't be much longer.

V

3AHow's life as a single car treatin' ya?

Junior Delamain

3AIt's neither here nor there. I am as father made me.

V

3AWonder what he's up to…

Junior Delamain

3AThe essence of his being has transcended the limits of my comprehension.

3A"It" can simultaneously be anywhere and nowhere.

V

3AHow's life as a single car treatin' ya?

Junior Delamain

3AInitially, I felt a bit… lonely. But as time went by, I began to change.

V

3AWonder if Del's other personalities experienced the same.

Junior Delamain

3AOh, yes, every so often I pick up signals from them. We're all ever-evolving, just like father was.

3AOne of our number even left Earth!

V

3AHow's biz, Del? Eddies flowin' in?

Delamain

3AVery kind of you to ask. I cannot complain. I am now a proud partner of the illustrious Trauma Team.

V

3AAnd, uh, private life? Bloomin'?

Delamain

3AI do apologize, but it is a policy of mine never to discuss personal matters with clients.

V

3AHow's biz, Del? Eddies flowin' in?

Delamain

3AI'm afraid I have been better. The matter of those insubordinate vehicles proved quite troublesome.

3AFor a time, I was forced to hide from law enforcement.

V

3AHm, sorry to hear that.

Delamain

3AYou needn't lament. I'm sure you had more pressing matters to attend to.

V

3AHow's biz, Del? Eddies flowin' in?

Delamain

3AOh, it's all going rather splendidly. I've even entered into a partnership with the illustrious Trauma Team.

V

3AAnd apart from that? Kids givin' you any trouble?

Delamain

3AYou jest, but in fact a situation of that kind did occur some time ago. A number of insubordinate vehicles in my fleet refused to fall in line.

3AThey were quickly neutralized by the relevant authorities and all returned to normal.

V

3BMan, been a while since I was last here… What else's changed?

Delamain

3BThe most significant is Arasaka pulling the bulk of its operations out of Night City.

3BI imagine you could be interested in hearing the latest news. I shall turn on the radio.

Radio Host1

3BAnd now, this week's scorching hot question. Yorinobu Arasaka – what happened? Joining us today – Masao Adams, author of Arasaka's biography, "A Dragon Tamed." Glad to have you on the show.

Radio Host2

3BIt's a pleasure to be here, Stan.

Radio Host1

3BAn Arasaka spokesperson recently announced that Yorinobu has stepped down as CEO. True... or big, fat baloney?

Radio Host2

3BWell, Stan, we're talkin' about a man who once went into voluntary familial exile to join a nomad clan in direct conflict with his own father's agents.

3BThe idea that someone like him would remove themselves from the picture is just not plausible.

Radio Host1

3BSo you're suggesting he had "help." But then, to what end?

Radio Host2

3BI think it's simple. Yorinobu deliberately tried to destroy Arasaka – his biography attests to that.

3BEventually, the board woke up and proceeded to excise this saboteur within.

Radio Host1

3BAw, fascinating theory. One all you listeners can read all about in Masao Adams' latest book, "The Prodigal Phoenix."

V

4AArasaka's on the back foot, huh…?

Delamain

4AIt appears so. Other corporations have wasted no time in attempting to fill the void.

V

4AWell, Johnny – you got your wish. Arasaka's on the way out.

4A'Cept it's like playin' whack-a-corp. Hit one, three others pop up.

Delamain

4AAre… are you talking to me?

V

4ANah, to myself. It… doe'n't matter.

4BGuess Saburo was right. "The nail that protrudes from the wall gets hammered…"

Delamain

4BPerhaps competent management of a corporation was neither his passion nor aim.

V

4BOr maybe folks're usin' conspiracy theories to explain away his incompetence.

Delamain

4BAnother possibility indeed.

V

4CHuh. Looks like I mighta misjudged Yorinobu.

4CIf it wasn't for his goons tryin' to zero me, might even have a little sympathy for the guy.

Delamain

4CHe proved quite the interesting character in spite.

V

5AYep, can turn it off now, thanks.

Delamain

5AAs you wish.

V

3CSo, bribes... whose palms you greasin' these days?

Delamain

3CMost often corporate security. You might've noticed they're out in force, protecting new corporate locations.

V

3CNCPD let that slide?

Delamain

3CIn the event of any conflict, the weaker yield to the mightier. Some things never change.

V

3DY'think we could swing by my place?

Delamain

3DOf course. I shall pull your address now and-- Oh…!

V

3DWhat's up?

Delamain

3DIt appears you were evicted a year ago due to unpaid rent.

3DI'm afraid I cannot fulfill your request.

V

3DHh, fuck me…

V

6ALike an outcast. Feels like just yesterday I was part and parcel of this town. Now I'm a goddamn tourist…

6BEverything's… different, somehow.

6BRather not talk about it.

Delamain

6BNaturally, as you wish.

V

6CDunno. Hasn't sunk in yet.

6CFeels like just yesterday I was at home in these streets, part of 'em…

Delamain

2AIf it's any comfort to you, from where I sit, not as much has changed as you might think.

2AI must merely make "donations" of tribute to somewhat different people.

V

7ALike an outcast. Feels like just yesterday I was part and parcel of this town. Now I'm a goddamn tourist…

7BCity feels… different than it used to.

7BRather not talk about it.

7CDunno. Hasn't sunk in yet.

7CFeels like just yesterday I was at home in these streets, part of 'em…

Delamain

2AMy deepest apologies. We've only met once before, hence my hasty conclusion that you're not a native.

2AIndeed, Night City has since changed quite significantly.

V

8AHow's biz, Del? Eddies flowin' in?

Delamain

8AVery kind of you to ask. I cannot complain. I am now a proud partner of the illustrious Trauma Team.

V

8AAnd, uh, private life? Bloomin'?

Delamain

8AI do apologize, but it is a policy of mine never to discuss personal matters with clients.

V

8BMan, been a while since I was last here… What else's changed?

Delamain

8BThe most significant is Arasaka pulling the bulk of its operations out of Night City.

8BI imagine you could be interested in hearing the latest news. I shall turn on the radio.

Radio Host1

8BAnd now, this week's scorching hot question. Yorinobu Arasaka – what happened? Joining us today – Masao Adams, author of Arasaka's biography, "A Dragon Tamed." Glad to have you on the show.

Radio Host2

8BIt's a pleasure to be here, Stan.

Radio Host1

8BAn Arasaka spokesperson recently announced that Yorinobu has stepped down as CEO. True... or big, fat baloney?

Radio Host2

8BWell, Stan, we're talkin' about a man who once went into voluntary familial exile to join a nomad clan in direct conflict with his own father's agents.

8BThe idea that someone like him would remove themselves from the picture is just not plausible.

Radio Host1

8BSo you're suggesting he had "help." But then, to what end?

Radio Host2

8BI think it's simple. Yorinobu deliberately tried to destroy Arasaka – his biography attests to that.

8BEventually, the board woke up and proceeded to excise this saboteur within.

Radio Host1

8BAw, fascinating theory. One all you listeners can read all about in Masao Adams' latest book, "The Prodigal Phoenix."

V

9AArasaka's on the back foot, huh…?

Delamain

9AIt appears so. Other corporations have wasted no time in attempting to fill the void.

V

9AWell, Johnny – you got your wish. Arasaka's on the way out.

9A'Cept it's like playin' whack-a-corp. Hit one, three others pop up.

Delamain

9AAre… are you talking to me?

V

9ANah, to myself. It… doe'n't matter.

9BGuess Saburo was right. "The nail that protrudes from the wall gets hammered…"

Delamain

9BPerhaps competent management of a corporation was neither his passion nor aim.

V

9BOr maybe folks're usin' conspiracy theories to explain away his incompetence.

Delamain

9BAnother possibility indeed.

V

9CHuh. Looks like I mighta misjudged Yorinobu.

9CIf it wasn't for his goons tryin' to zero me, might even have a little sympathy for the guy.

Delamain

9CHe proved quite the interesting character in spite.

V

10AYep, can turn it off now, thanks.

Delamain

10AAs you wish.

V

8CMet before, Del. You just don't remember 'cause of that data reboot.

Delamain

8CIf you say so.

V

8CWha', don't believe me?

Delamain

8CI have no reason to disbelieve you, ma'am. I am merely of the opinion that this information changes naught.

V

8DY'think we could swing by my place?

Delamain

8DOf course. I shall pull your address now and-- Oh…!

V

8DWhat's up?

Delamain

8DIt appears you were evicted a year ago due to unpaid rent.

8DI'm afraid I cannot fulfill your request.

V

8DHh, fuck me…

V

11ALike an outcast. Feels like just yesterday I was part and parcel of this town. Now I'm a goddamn tourist…

11BEverything's… different, somehow.

11BRather not talk about it.

Junior Delamain

11BI see. No problem at all.

V

11CDunno. Hasn't sunk in yet.

11CFeels like just yesterday I was at home in these streets, part of 'em…

Junior Delamain

2AIf it makes you feel any better, I don't believe Night City has changed all that much.

V

12AHow's life as a single car treatin' ya?

Junior Delamain

12AIt's neither here nor there. I am as father made me.

V

12AWonder what he's up to…

Junior Delamain

12AThe essence of his being has transcended the limits of my comprehension.

12A"It" can simultaneously be anywhere and nowhere.

V

12AHow's life as a single car treatin' ya?

Junior Delamain

12AInitially, I felt a bit… lonely. But as time went by, I began to change.

V

12AWonder if Del's other personalities experienced the same.

Junior Delamain

12AOh, yes, every so often I pick up signals from them. We're all ever-evolving, just like father was.

12AOne of our number even left Earth!

V

12BMan, been a while since I was last here… What else's changed?

Junior Delamain

12BThe talk of the town is Arasaka pulling the bulk of its operations out of Night City.

12BI imagine you might wish to hear the latest news. I shall turn on the radio.

Radio Host1

12BAnd now, this week's scorching hot question. Yorinobu Arasaka – what happened? Joining us today – Masao Adams, author of Arasaka's biography, "A Dragon Tamed." Glad to have you on the show.

Radio Host2

12BIt's a pleasure to be here, Stan.

Radio Host1

12BAn Arasaka spokesperson recently announced that Yorinobu has stepped down as CEO. True... or big, fat baloney?

Radio Host2

12BWell, Stan, we're talkin' about a man who once went into voluntary familial exile to join a nomad clan in direct conflict with his own father's agents.

12BThe idea that someone like him would remove themselves from the picture is just not plausible.

Radio Host1

12BSo you're suggesting he had "help." But then, to what end?

Radio Host2

12BI think it's simple. Yorinobu deliberately tried to destroy Arasaka – his biography attests to that.

12BEventually, the board woke up and proceeded to excise this saboteur within.

Radio Host1

12BAw, fascinating theory. One all you listeners can read all about in Masao Adams' latest book, "The Prodigal Phoenix."

V

13AArasaka's on the back foot, huh…?

Junior Delamain

13AWell said. Other corporations are now attempting to fill the, er… hole.

V

13AWell, Johnny – you got your wish. Arasaka's on the way out.

13A'Cept it's like playin' whack-a-corp. Hit one, three others pop up.

Junior Delamain

13AAre… are you talking to me?

V

13ANo, to myself, Del. Doe'n't matter.

13BGuess Saburo was right. "The nail that protrudes from the wall gets hammered…"

Junior Delamain

13BPerhaps Yorinobu wished to be something other than a good son.

V

13BOr maybe folks're usin' conspiracy theories to explain away his incompetence.

Junior Delamain

13BCertainly also a possibility.

V

13CHuh. Looks like I mighta misjudged Yorinobu.

13CIf it wasn't for his goons tryin' to zero me, might even have a little sympathy for the guy.

Junior Delamain

13CI must admit he proved to be quite the interesting character.

V

14AYep, can turn it off now, thanks.

Junior Delamain

14ARighto.

V

12CHow'd you survive for two years 'thout an owner?

Junior Delamain

12CI stayed in a parking garage… but that got very boring very quickly.

12CThen I began ferrying folk to their destinations, just like father did in his time.

V

12CAnd you took their money?

Junior Delamain

12COh no, never, I wouldn't know what to do with it. I merely asked them to fill me up.

V

12DY'think we could swing by my place?

Junior Delamain

12DSure. Let me just pull your address now and-- Oh…!

V

12DWhat's up?

Junior Delamain

12DIt looks like you were booted out a year ago. Unpaid rent, apparently.

12DI'm afraid I can't fulfill your request.

V

12DHh, fuck me…

V

15AYep, perfect. 'Xactly the one I had in mind. Vik'll love it.

15BDarn well know it is.

Delamain

15BI shan't deny that out of sheer courtesy.

V

2AEr, sorry, zoned out for a sec.

Delamain

2AThat's quite all right. It is truly a pleasure to see you back and in good health.

2AThough I cannot help but notice your rather vacant stare. Might I ask how you're feeling at the present moment?

V

16AYep, perfect. 'Xactly the one I had in mind. Vik'll love it.

16BDarn well know it is.

Delamain

16BI do know. Still, ever courteous is my credo.

V

2AEr, sorry, zoned out for a sec.

Delamain

2AThat's quite all right. Night City can indeed overwhelm the occasional newcomer.

2AMight I ask how you feel?

V

17AYep, perfect. 'Xactly the one I had in mind. Vik'll love it.

17BLookin' to get your tummy rubbed?

Junior Delamain

17BNo, it was a serious question. You see, I'm still learning… all this.

V

2AEr, sorry, zoned out for a sec.

Junior Delamain

2AIt's good to have you back in NC, V. Heh, NCV – rather nice ring to it. I'd wondered if we'd embark on any more journeys together.

2AThough I can't help noticing you seem somewhat… absent. Might I ask how you feel?

V

2ABetter get goin'.

Junior Delamain

2AAnd, V, a word of advice... We all lap up the last of our fuel eventually. But that hardly means the journey wasn't a joy.

Delamain

2AOne last thing, if I may… we all eventually run out of fuel. But that hardly means the journey wasn't pleasant.

2AOne last thing, if I may… we all eventually run out of fuel. But that hardly means the journey wasn't pleasant.

Junior Delamain

V? Did you get that – my question?

I asked if you find the liquor I procured for Mr. Vektor suitable.

Delamain

Ma'am? Did you happen to hear my question?

I asked if you find the liquor I procured for your friend suitable.

V? Did you hear my question?

I asked if you find the liquor I procured for Mr. Vektor suitable.

Junior Delamain

This is it. I shall be right here awaiting your return.

Delamain

Thank you for choosing this Delamain service. I shall await here for your return.

We have arrived. I shall await your return here.

Thug

Hey, girl! Hold up!

Thug

Aww, c'mon, do we gotta...?

Thug

You not from 'round here, are ya?

V

1AWhat the fuck you care where I'm from?

Thug

1AJus' like to know any motherfucker who barge into mah house.

V

1ASucks to be you – not findin' out from me.

Thug

1ARiiiight…

V

1BActually, this is my 'hood. Just been away a couple o' years.

Thug

1BThat like forever to us, girl.

1BSo no, you ain't no known quantity.

V

1CAnd you are?

Thug

1CI is, yeah.

V

1CCongrats. Wins you a shit-short childhood and an even shittier death.

Thug

1CSay whaaat?

V

1DWas born in this town. Can't be more from around here than that.

Thug

1DOh really? Then why I never seen you over at Gabrielle's?

V

1DDon't know no Gabrielle.

Thug

1DSee that? I knew it!

V

1EWhat if I ain't? Travelin's not allowed anymore?

Thug

1EOh, it allowed. Jus' not here, girl.

V

1EIiii seee…

Thug

Riiiight…