《Cyberpunk 2077: The Cyclops》


 The Cyclops

    The Cyclops


    -We are done.


    -Wait, wait, not so fast. Cyclops, you know we need you. You''re our enforcer, the eye of the storm, you can''t just leave. You know what? Yeah, I forbid it.


    The room was tense, in an old factory everyone could read what Cyclops was saying through their holo eyes, but no one was talking to him so to speak, he was only communicating through messages with those he did not trust. The previous boss of the maelstrom had found this pearl of merc and the new boss, Sartu, was milking the cow well now that he was in charge. With his men he had decided to mark the blow by eliminating one of the rising stars that his predecessor had created and at the same time a part of his supports. If the Cyclops didn''t follow him, then neither did part of the malstrom.


    -You killed the person I had a contract with. Nova for you, but because of you I now have a problem.


    Sartu had 20 men with him hidden all over the place, visible, there were only 4 with him, that is the two cars parked in the disused factory, the meeting place had been fixed with the method of his predecessor. Cyclops had no way of knowing that they were there to kill him. But for that to happen, he had to show himself.


    -Show yourself and we can solve the problem together. I''m stronger than Gaton in strength and support in the group. I also have more balls than him. What do you need? What were the terms of your contract with him, I''m sure I can honor them. A heist, murder, drugs, state your price.


    The silence was palpable as the Cyclops'' words came to him.


    -I doubt it.


    Shots were heard and Sartu drew his gun with his cronies towards the direction of the shots. One of the entrances to the half-demolished factory. A car wreck prevented them from seeing the scene, but a burst of assault rifle fire followed by groans of pain redoubled their focus on their objective.


    -You think my deal with Gaton was for me. Actually... it was for him.


    With the cover of a van''s carcass, an object passed over it, arcing down in sploshes of gore next to Sartu.


    -I was his life insurance. Charged with killing his own killer.


    A decapitated head wearing the chrome prosthetic of the Maelstrom spider on its face looking at Sartu.


    -You don''t have to fulfill this contract anymore! he is dead.


    Panic began to rise in Sartu if it was true, he had put himself in a death trap. He started to get into the car. But as soon as he turned on the ignition, his sidekicks opened fire on a target that Sartu could not see. Not wanting to take any chances, Sartu started the car, abandoning his allies and fleeing through another exit.


    -The contract was not for protection, but for revenge.


    But as he looked in his rearview mirror, he saw a figure in a helmet sitting on the roof of the door he had just left. The chrome helmet had no details except for a huge red lens staring at Sartu''s back.


    The eye of the Cyclops was on him.


    ******


    In the factory.


    -Report!


    -We lost contact with Tex and his group, the head is Perelman''s! Jam and Dicky say they don''t know anything and are going around the outside!


    -Okay! We''re out of here, tell them to fall back on signal!


    Crash!!!


    Just as he said his words, a shadow passed behind them and smashed into the hood of their car. The lifeless body of Tex. The three gangsters raised their weapons.


    -On the roof! He''s on the roof!


    Firing shots into the roof, the factory''s unkempt windows only made the situation more tense. It was only just getting dark, and only the darkness of the night was showing through the opening in the roof from which Tex had fallen.


    -In the car now! Fusio you should see it.


    Bang!


    -Fusio!


    -Touch¨¦. I believe.


    -It is dead?


    -I think so.


    On the roof of a distant silo Fusio with his sniper rifle scanned the roof and other openings in the building for the target. He remembered the moment, the bullet leaving his magazine, the inertia of the weapon pushing his shoulder. The duration of the shot had lasted only a few milliseconds as Fusio moved back into position. He had seen his target roll down the slope of the roof, only to fall from the roof into a hole that ended in a windowless annex, after which nothing happened. The body had disappeared from his field of vision. hence his lack of clarity on its condition. He was about to give more information when suddenly he saw it. A red glow, through the sheet metal. Shit, fucking netrunner. But already his body was starting to fail. His eye augmentation exploded, making him scream in pain.


    -Fusio?! Answer damn it!


    -We lost Fusio, let''s go! Now!


    Tex''s body was thrown unceremoniously off the hood and the car began to drive away, but just as they were about to follow the path of their boss, the driver slammed on the brakes to the stop sign.


    -Out, out. Out now!


    Getting out in a hurry, the three passengers realized that the garage door they were about to pass was mined. The driver had just saved their lives. They barely had time to breathe before they were already raising their weapons, looking around for possible points of attack.


    -Okay, let''s go on foot.


    Passing beyond the line of perception of the mines, the four came to a backyard with two tanks on their right and a row of wrecks on their left, behind them the car and the warehouse.


    -Jam, Dicky, fall back. NOW. This place is a fucking death trap. We''ve got mines on us, the factory might be totally booby-trapped!


    -Alright, we''re leaving with my group, need any support?


    -Fuck support choum get the fuck out of here Jam!


    -Don''t die, choum.


    -Dicky?


    -...


    Dicky''s line was dead. On the other side of the building we could hear what they assumed was Jam''s group leaving.


    -Maxi?


    -Shut up, I''m thinking. We go through the gate and get as far away from this quagmire as possible, grab the nearest car and call it a day. Utia, you see the wall, run to the gate and go through it on the other side, we''ll follow you to the main exit.


    The only girl in the group ran towards the wall with the gate in front of them, taking advantage of her physical enhancements, she jumped effortlessly to grab the horizontal bar of the gate at the top of the wall, climbed on top of it before going over to the other side.


    -Okay now go find the entrance where Sartu went through and we''ll cover the factory


    Moving with weapons raised, the tension was at its peak as the sounds of fighting had stopped.


    -It''s ok Maxi.


    -We find a car, we get Fusio and we go to the hideout.


    -And Sartu?


    -Sartu is dead. If I find him at the hideout, it won''t be the Cyclops who kills him, it''ll be me.


    The other three had been staring at the factory while walking backwards, finally starting to run away once they were on the road outside. Once reunited with Utia, Maxi looked behind him. The mass of the factory was silent as Night City lighting took precedence over natural lighting. A simple streetlight for this stretch of road carved out of the desert. Here nothing could tell that there had been a murder within 200 meters of them. But looking at the opening in the factory. Maxi saw the car''s lights come back on, the engine roaring as he raised his gun ready to fire. The others had just realized that there was only one way out of the car, no movement was attempted on either side, when finally a holo sought to contact Maxi. The latter picked up, a mechanical voice at the end. The same as a few minutes ago.


    -I''ll take the car... and we''ll leave it at that.


    -Deal.


    -I''ll still kill Sartu.


    -Not our problem. Knock yourself out, but be warned, the others might not feel the same way.


    -I''m counting on it.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.Lowering his gun, the others followed his lead, still hiding behind the concrete blocks on the side of the road. The car passed them and they let it go. Maxi could only imagine the world of pain that Sartu had just entered.


    ******


    The Maelstrom, a compound of violence and brutal authority. The Maelstrom is not a single entity, but a fragile whole where everyone has to find their place. Otherwise retribution must be paid.


    -I am your fucking boss.


    Sartu shouted his displeasure as other men from the maelstrom The Steel Arms club, His return alone in a panic was already bad enough but on top of seeing him like that all the guys present felt disgust for him. The charcu doc of the club was there too next to him was Boris. A large man and just as tall as the others, a large beard covered the bottom of his face while two round red eyes were fixed on Sartu. Far from him was the confidence he had when he had killed Gaton. The doctor looked at him with disdain as Boris shoved one back in his face.


    -I don''t know what kind of drugs you''re smoking to think we''d follow you. You''re pathetic, you can''t hold a fight, you''re a coward and Gaton''s death, if it''s your doing, has made you a dead man.


    A new punch and Sartu is on all fours on the ground. The charcu doc took him from his inhaler, releasing a huge cloud of smoke.


    -I''m going to tell you all a story. Listen carefully because it is the one of our future guest. Once upon a time there was a couple from Santo Domingo who lived their best life possible. The father was a mechanic who worked with 6 Street, but his job brought him into contact with many gangs, including ours. As luck would have it, one of our members, a guy named Gaton, was getting premios delivered by the guy in question. Frankly, he had everything going for him: money, a job, health, a wife. His wife was beautiful, the kind of woman who could turn heads even without chrome. Everything started from there one day a valentino probably came for this car had seen the beautiful and hastened to court her. You know Valentinos, it could only end badly. The guy showed up at their house. Probably hoping to find the woman alone, but her husband was there. He invited himself, killed the husband and raped the girl. Our Gaton then arrived too late seeing his friend dead and his wife in a bad way.


    Catching his breath, the whole club was now hanging on the lip of the charcu doc, taking a whiff of his mixture. He continued.


    -Doing what he could he took her to yours truly, not being in psychology I could only treat the physical wounds. Unfortunately the tragedy did not end there. Nine months later the woman gave birth to a child. Gaton in the meantime had become the protector of this poor widow and with the arrival of the boy swore in memory of his friend to take care of him. Fate had it otherwise when the valentino, learning that he had a son, returned to the scene to see him. The mother armed with a gun shot him from the door of her house. I remember it like it was yesterday. If only his choom hadn''t rained bullets down on the house. Anyway, blood everywhere. The kid takes his gun and shoots at the guy''s car and drives off. Dead on the spot Gaton took the kid under his wing, end of story? No, still not, a few years later in the Glen, a Valentinos building. A massacre took place. 24 members of the Valentinos gang were slaughtered, with the only mark of passage being a huge red circle with the corpse of a certain Valentinos. This was Cyclops'' first contract.


    Sartu was now on his knees, terrified of what was happening.


    -And you, out of nowhere, go to Cyclops and tell him that you killed his adoptive father. Do you want to die? Don''t take the others with you. Gaton was a thousand times the man you are.


    Everyone present then received a holo call. Everyone looked at each other hesitantly.


    -Breathe, it''s not us he wants.


    -He is here?


    All those who had answered could see the conversation in real time and even speak, but with the situation preferred to let the doc do.


    -Yes, alive. Do you want him ? I can bring him out.


    Sartu was about to speak but Boris kept him in submission.


    -No i come to you.


    A murmur filled the room as the call ended. One of the men asked the doc.


    -What do we do?


    -You see, those who feel cramped in their chrome can go out the back. Otherwise shut up and let me do the talking. Boris. Keep it up.


    A series of stairs went down into the depths of the earth the club like most of Malstrom''s infrastructure was located in the Watson district the industrial area of night city. A perfect place to make trouble or do things with all the facilities available to fight. It was here that Malstrom had established its territory. Contrary to what one might think, the Malstrom was not just a bunch of crazy dangerous men who had settled too much chrome. It was a band of dangerous madmen with some organization. With a network, laws, contracts, businesses. In particular nightclubs. The Steel Arms club was not the most exclusive, nor the biggest. Its real popularity was that of the gang members who for some reason loved this place. The club had been run by the boss of one of the Malstrom cells, so it was only natural that after the owner''s death, he thought his successor should be there.


    The cameras were formal each time one of them saw the red glow of the Cyclops'' head it was deactivated.


    He passed the bouncers who were too tense to stop him, passed the double doors, and went down the stairs, putting his hand on the railing. Around him a stranger would have seen chaos, tagged walls, stained floors, remains of broken bottles and even bullet holes and blood. The clerk behind him was about to signal that he could go in, but the Cyclops left a point weapon at the counter.


    The man paused for two seconds before giving a ticket and putting the gun away in a hurry.


    The Cyclops was now officially in the club. The further he went, the more the silence became heavy on the spectators. For several reasons, the first being that there were more and more of them watching the scene. Second, there was no music, for a club walking H24 on heavy metal background. The silence was deafening. Three, the lights were flashing. Creating a hair-raising effect even for augmented people with chrome in their eyes. One thing was clear, the Cyclops was taking care of its entrances. Passing in front of the dance floor, all the members had created a circle around the doc. To let him speak. The red eye barely covered by a hood was fixed on him.


    Now in the middle of everyone, the gang could see who the famous Cyclops was, mercenary and hitman for the Maelstrom, the calm carnage, the bloody circle, the eye of the Maelstrom, the Cyclops.


    Rather disappointing for some. Imagination is wild in the face of a little local legend. Gaton had purposely made the new myth an asset as well as a liability for him and the Maelstrom. The Cyclops was in a big hoodie with jeans. The hood was huge and easily covered the face up to the chin of the Cyclops, holes in the form of scratches gave a glimpse of the red glow and his chrome while the top of the hood pulled down over his face and the design of his neck gave the sweater a red smile reflecting back to the spectators. Of average size there was no indication that they were looking at a psychotic killer. The sound echoed in every head in the room. How he could call everyone at once was unbelievable, but no one asked the question.


    -Doc...


    -Cyclops. As you can see, Sartu''s actions were of his own making. He loudly proclaimed that he had killed Gaton. Except for a handful, all those present are against it.


    -Give me a minute.


    Cyclops turned to Sartu, who hung up on Cyclops, who called him back, but he was once again rejected. Tilting his head to the side, the club speakers began to work.


    -Denying me will only make it harder for you. I don''t know how you killed Gaton, but you''re already dead. Tell me how and why and you might have a chance at redemption.


    He turned to a man next to Boris, approached him and with a wave of his hand asked for the gun that was on his belt. In front of everyone and in a dramatic way, the Cyclops dropped all but one of the cartridges, doing a 360 to show it to his audience. Putting it in the chamber, he rolled the barrel before placing it in front of Sartu, who was still held down by Boris with an arm lock.


    -Here is your chance for redemption.


    Waving him off, Boris let go of Sartu, who looked at Cyclops and then at the gun, taking it hesitantly. He picked up the gun and pointed it at Cyclops but his arm began to shake, he couldn''t pull the trigger, slowly in front of the audience, his own arm began to curl up and point at his temple, his other arm was motionless along his body, his knees refused to carry him. Sartu was in the grip of the Cyclops.


    A netrunner is a human capable of hacking live objects or implants, the more complicated the action the more talent it takes to create and apply what is called a demon, a malicious neurosynaptic program.


    -Tell me why. How, and for whom. You have six chances to convince me.


    -I... I don''t know.


    Click!


    The first click, Cyclops looks on, saying nothing. Some members looked away at the turn of events. It was both an execution and a questioning.


    -You''re a mental patient, a psycho who should be put to death!


    Click! Click!


    Aaaaaaahhhh! Sartu was losing his mind, he now had only one chance in three to confess what he knew. A liquid was now flowing between his legs and it was easy to see why. But no one would take his side.


    -OK! OK.


    Click!


    -Stop! Some militech guy told me that Gaton was embezzling money from the gang! I got Prina to check the data and it was true! They then offered me money to help them in an operation on the docks and then they''ll give us juicy deals with Gaton''s death.


    Click!


    -That''s it!...That''s it!


    -...Dumbass... All ifs and buts, all promises, they never taught you that trust is earned, you really think militech is going to suck your dick like that? Doc?


    -I''m on it.


    -If you don''t get it, you''ve been used as a patsy for Gaton''s death, maybe they thought we weren''t going to check it out, that the bunch of us were going to kill each other and just beat the shit out of you. Doc?


    -I don''t have Prina, but the guys on the docks are checking out the remaining Gaton deals, if there''s a militech name on a rejected one, we should be able to kick them in the nuts.


    -Hurry up guys, get ready, we might have to move. As for you. Let''s see if your salvation has arrived.


    -Noooo!


    Click!


    Sartu inhales sharply and repeatedly. The weapon was empty, empty. He regained control of his arm and looked at the weapon before his eyes as he looked up to see the Cyclops in front of him.


    -You didn''t think I wouldn''t do it myself, did you?


    Tearing the forearm of the sweater a mantis blade emerged from the fabric and in one motion the blade decapitated Sartu. His body fell back to the ground without his life in front of an audience oscillating between horror, respect and devotion.


    -Doc, I want Prina. I want her now.


    -I''m sending you the address and a description of what I know attached.


    -The delivery must already be happening or has already happened, I want our guys to go around every place we control. If Gaton refused to take the risk to the point of getting killed, we can expect a strong outside presence in one of our areas. Contact the other leaders and tell them that if they are doing business with Militech tonight it''s a trap, tell them that Gaton was killed before they could warn them. That should wake them up.


    -I take it you''re becoming the new boss around here?


    The silence was palpable as they waited for an answer.


    -For the time being.


    After a second one of the gang members shouted.


    -The Cyclops with us!


    The room filled with clamor, men and women of the gang saying among themselves what they were going to do, avenge Gaton, go to the docks, study the traffic videos around Gaton. The excitement was palpable for them, they were going to avenge their bosses and had gotten a new one. Alone in the crowd the doc looked at Cyclops, knowing that the words he had said were exactly what he was going to do. He was going to lead this Maelstrom group, for now...

 The Maelstrom

    The atmosphere in the car was stifling. The cyclops was behind Tubio, why would he have to be the driver. On the passenger side with him was Boris. A huge monster of augmentation. Next to him and the cyclops, his poor chromes were not really shining. Boris was not talkative and Cyclop was silent. Tubio had a stomachache. The car left the club with gang members rushing like lunatics to Gaton''s territory and Prina''s apartment.


    -...uh, Cyclops. Why did you take me?


    Always connected to his holo cyclops answered with his metallic voice.


    -Of all the gang members present, you were the most presentable. If we have to talk you''ll be my face.


    -OK boss.


    Fuck, fuck, fuck.


    -So where are we going?


    -Docks, Ferak... Once there you and Boris will act as my representatives. I''ll be in the back, if things go wrong. Stay alive and if it goes down. I''ll cover for you both...


    -Have the assassins been spotted?


    -No, but one of our groups reported that there has been activity from another cell... that shouldn''t be there.


    The trip went smoothly. The arrival of the docks was deserted and dilapidated. Adjacent to the Watson industrial area, Northside was the stronghold of the maelstrom. Although the NCPD tries to regulate the violence as best it can. The maelstrom has a tendency to have no patience with anyone, be it the police or other gangs. Making every appearance a powder keg about to explode at the slightest annoyance, or even without. Spit car, gang tag, the Cyclops car was moving in the relative silence of Night City. Until a certain stretch of road where the car would enter a part of the docks.


    -I''ll leave you here. Boris, you are here on the orders of the doc, intervene only as a last resort. Tubio, from now on you are my voice and my gestures. You will say what I say and do what I tell you. Two things. Be calm, be humble.


    Getting out of the car, Cyclops used modifications to his legs to jump and grabbed a bar at the top of the dock fence to get to the other side.


    -I dream of having a chrome like this...


    -Mmf...


    Boris, who had been silent the whole way, spoke to Tubio with coldness.


    -If you can survive that long. Drive.


    Tubio repeated the words of Cyclops, be humble, be calm.


    -Why did he tell me that?


    -Who do you think the guns are going to be pointed at when Ferak wants an explanation?


    Oh. Fuck.


    The car drove between warehouses and waste containers, and came to a loading dock of a depot with the Maelstrom spider symbol on the front. Taking a deep breath, Tubio gripped the steering wheel. Boris put his hand on his shoulder.


    -If you want to leave, now is the time.


    -No, Gaton saved me more than once too. I''ll do him this last favor.


    Not arguing further, Tubio and Boris went out. The entrance was a garage. On either side armed men had surrounded the car, pointing their guns at them one of the men recognized Boris.


    -Boris! How''s the doc? We heard about Gaton, my condolences. He was a real man.


    -Jet. We''re here to see Ferak about Gaton.


    Tubio looked around, but only this Jet had the gang''s attributes. The distinctive spider-like modification of the maelstrom was smeared across his face, while chrome teeth smiled at Boris. His five optics glowed for a moment.


    -One second... Yeah, he wants to see you.


    Leaving the outside, Boris and Tubio went through a door behind Jet. Tubio was trying to get as much information as possible. Once inside, there was no semblance of organization. Couches and various items were strewn about. Drugs, weapons, boxes of food, a food dispenser. A hideout from the maelstrom. Above the workshop was the office of what must have once been the head of the company. From below he could see Ferak watching them approach.


    Ferak, unlike the other members of the Maelstrom, had earned his longevity through delegation, the use of mercenaries, and the adamant refusal to show any desire for the position of leader of the Maelstrom. Acting as a fixer for the gang when it needed a more... sober approach in certain aspects. Ferak had many contacts in and out of the Maelstrom, and Cyclops knew that if one of his men had gone to Gaton''s docks, Ferak would buy him time whether or not he had a hand in Gaton''s death. Entering the office behind the mass that was Boris, he was surprised to see it filled with gangsters, all armed, where the workshop was almost empty, Tubio had at least 8 people in addition to them.


    Ferak was standing with his back to them, looking through the window of his office. His body was a huge implant, his two arms and legs were entirely made of chrome. Sitting down in his chair, Ferak spun him around while inhaling a drug through his inhaler with his eyes closed. Ferak was a bald white man, his face, unlike what one would expect from someone from the Maelstrom, had very little chrome in it, an implant on the back of his head and an implant on his eyebrow that went all the way up to the back of his skull along with a tattoo. That''s what Tubio thought, until he realized that the whole lower part of his face was a high tech prosthesis, Ferak must have been very rich to afford it, especially since he had a beard. When he opened his eyes, Tubio could feel Ferak''s red eyes on him.


    -Boris and...


    -Tubio.


    -Tubio... I know why you''re here. Is it to do with Gaton? I didn''t know the mercenaries were going to attack Cyclops.


    A holo call came in for Tubio. He took it.


    -If that were the case you would have already left.


    -If that were the case you would have already left.


    Stroking his beard with his prosthetic Ferak smiled as he stared at Tubio. Speaking louder as if Cyclops was there, he turned to the glass window looking down at the first floor.


    -Cyclops, it''s nice to violate my security system. Why talk by proxy, you only had to call me by Holo!


    -So you admit that the mercenaries who attacked me came from you.


    -Yes, without a doubt. But what was that idiot''s name again?


    -Sartu?


    -I had no way of knowing he would do something like that.


    -You didn''t think it was weird. That a stranger like him would give you enough money to mobilize twenty men.


    -... Not my problem, as long as the eddies are flowing. I''m holding a business Cyclops, they ask me for something. I say the total price plus my percentage, what happens after that is out of my hands. You ask me for braindance, I''ll get you that, you ask me for weapons, I can get you that. A car, an implant, a home. You want a name, I can get you that.


    Tubio broke out in a cold sweat as Ferak''s henchmen snickered behind his back. Cyclops had planned this, right? Trying to keep his cool, he watched as Boris bent down to grab the bottle of alcohol from the table with Ferak''s approval. Serving three glasses, he gave one to Tubio who kept it in his hand. One for him and one for Ferak who injected his drug in his mouth once again.


    -Do you know why I got this prosthetic Tubio? One day, one of the guys from the Animals hit me so hard that my jaw broke. I had to eat slop for the rest of my life. So I put chrome in my mouth, but it never feels the same again. That''s why I struggled to get what I wanted most. A new jaw, bringing me the pleasure of eating that I had lost. Now the question is, why would I ruin everything I''ve built to get there. My business is doing well, money is coming in, customers are happy... I know you hacked the cameras and are watching us right now. I''m a businessman Cyclops.


    He took the glass from the table before drinking, raising it to the camera in the corner of the room.


    -I always take my risks carefully. And never unnecessary.


    -You don''t have a name.


    -No, but I can find it.


    -Deal. We''re out of here.


    -And pay me Cyclops, no? You still went through my data.


    -Your life. For all the ones you sent to die against me. And erasing the data does not make you innocent. I hope that I kill whoever is behind this before he says your name in a last breath.


    -We''ll be in touch.


    Passing on his infos to Tubio, Boris finished his drink, Tubio tried to take all of it, but only took a big gulp. He started to turn around to go out the door. When Ferak called out to him.


    -If you want a job Tubio. You''re welcome anytime.


    Following Jet, Boris and Tubio got back into the car. Tubio was slightly nauseous and confused, so he turned to Boris.


    -Boris, what just happened?


    -Not here, drive on.


    Out of the vision of Jet and other guards. Boris began to speak in his big voice.


    -Cyclops and Ferak did business.


    -that I understood...


    -Ferak is what many people don''t know about the Maelstrom. As he described himself, he''s a businessman. He''s not into gang power struggles, he''s a trader, a negotiator. Unlike Sartu who acted without preparation. Ferak would never have taken the risk of making a deal, only to be killed. Cyclops knew that Gaton and Ferak had been sellers and buyers respectively more than once. He knew that Cyclops would come to hack his data. So he gave him a way to hack into his servers. Better that than a bloodbath,


    -Why did he let him do it? And why ask to be paid if he had such a relationship with Gaton.


    -Appearances Tubio. Ferak ordered his men to retreat, to make it look like he was in control of what he was doing. His men saw him as a great strategist offering his services to Cyclops, proving to everyone that he was smarter than the average person. He then justified to his men the fact that he was looking for those responsible for Gaton''s death because of his indirect involvement, the threat of Cyclops.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.-But, won''t that make him look weak?


    -Tubio. That''s where you come in. I was there to represent the doc who stayed at the club. You were representing the Gaton faction. Or should I say. Cyclops... The fact that you''re representing him with me as your partner. Announce to all the guys we''ve met here that Gaton''s men are now under Cyclops'' command.


    -Oh.


    -Ferak is a businessman. If his men''s and Gaton''s men ever get into a blood feud. Ferak''s lucrative business would take a hit and nobody wants to die for nothing.


    -So, to summarize, Cyclops was attacked by men hired through Ferak, so he used his data but it was empty. Ferak anticipated this and recalled his men to leave the field free for Cyclops. Avoiding losses and creating a situation where he could do business. Cyclops had anticipated that Ferak would not cooperate and used us as proof of his influence, to force the deal he wanted with Ferak without him losing face with his men.


    -Congratulations Tubio, you just survived your first deal.


    For the first time, he saw Boris smiling with all his teeth, and Tubio wondered what he had gotten himself into.


    -What''s next?


    A holo tried to reach him. Cyclops.


    -Pull over.


    A crack sounded beside the car on the side of the road. Getting into the car. Cyclops seemed less calm than before. But Tubio refrained from saying anything.


    -Prina''s... I''ll send you the address.


    The information arrived by message to Tubio and he created a route to go there. Monroe Street, Japantown. Leaving the docks and the Maelstrom, Tubio took the main road towards the MED Center. Tubio drove smoothly along the road, passing to the right of Megabuilding H10, one of the colossal high-rise buildings, the night lights illuminating the outlines of the tower and Night City as the car got closer and closer to the more populated areas. As the car moved forward, the traffic became heavier as it passed under one of the city''s expressways. Passing by the gargantuan MED Center until he had passed it, Tubio climbed onto the expressway towards Japantown. All around him the lights of Night City were reflected on the car, from sex ads to food to the latest implants, Tubio could almost hear the slogans and other sounds of the city. As they passed over the Kabuki district to cross the river. Cyclops sent a shared Holo with Boris.


    -Who is on the scene?


    -Spike, Janissa and a few others. They did as you asked: no one left the building without passing them. None of them entered the apartment, the whole floor is silent. But with our faces I think it''s normal.


    Arriving in Japantown West, Tubio stayed on the five-lane road before taking the exit that brought him right in front of the Monroe Street subway station. Leaving the car Boris, Cyclops and Tubio, walked to Prina''s home. Patricia "Prina" Pallion.


    The journey is done in silence and without encumbrance. The streets of Japantown contrasted with the relative silence of Watson. The street was filled with passersby and cars, merchants, each person in their own little world living day to day. Tubio didn''t often come to the other neighborhoods so he enjoyed the view. Of the streets going up and down, of the lights and Asian orientation of the Japanese district of Night City. But a street corner passed and the crowd was absent, the lights so abundant were off. The pipes of ventilators and outdoor units were blowing their gas on the sidewalk, next to the garbage piled up near the trash cans. Bringing the smells of meat and decay. The noise of the street became almost distant a few meters in the dark. In the bowels of the city, Tubio passively followed his two mentors. Boris in front of Cyclops and Tubio at the back. After a short walk, they arrived at one of the countless interior courtyards, drowned in asphalt and overlapping buildings. A building of several floors nestled and stuck between the others leaning against the corner of an alley. Tubio prefers the desert to this place it seems that the light never really shows up. Coming out of a dark corner a woman with the colors of the Maelstrom comes to welcome them.


    With a bionic third eye in the center of her forehead Janissa was a beautiful woman even for the Maelstrom gangsters, she took pleasure in taking her lovers and introducing them to chrome was her fetish. She had tried to lay her hand on Tubio but he had already altered his face. Which was for her the most important thing in chrome. He had killed her interest with his tastes. Someone who was to her taste was Cyclops, he made her very much in love and very unstable by his side.


    -Boss, we''re in place. Fifth floor. The entire floor appears to be deserted.


    Talking to the three with a holo call. Cyclops divided his intentions.


    -One, it can be tricky, I don''t want to take any chances. I know we''re efficient but I''m capable of more than you in this situation.


    -Boss! ahahaha.


    Adding another man to the conversation, the newcomer, Spike was what you''d expect from the Maelstrom. Bravado, crazy, impulsive, violent, joyful, of his situation and the chaos he creates. The Maelstrom spider that replaced his face was joined by implants in the form of pointed dreadlocks both in place of his hair and on his chin where two steel tubes the size of ice picks dangled happily and slapped against each other as he moved. Which he does all the time. It looked like a key chain crossed with a hedgehog. Tubio remembered him from his stories, like for example, the black lines of his tattoo went from his lips to the two spikes was according to him, the chrome that would have come out of his mouth one night and left its marks.


    -As I was saying. I want to be able to track Prina down. And finesse isn''t exactly your department.


    -Relax boss, we''re pros.


    -That''s the point. We set up pros, not amateurs. I''m not taking any chances. Boris, Prina still hasn''t shown up?


    -No, she hasn''t.


    -I''m going home. Tubio, you follow me inside. The others should get ready to take off if I find anything.


    Putting his hand on Tubio''s shoulder, Boris offered encouragement.


    -Watch out for you choum. you too Cyclops.


    Going to a possible death trap was the most irresponsible thing Tubio would ever do. Yet he would do it for the second time that night. The elevator didn''t work, so he went up the stairs behind Cyclops. His holo was now only connected to him. Tubio took the opportunity to try to have a silent conversation with him.


    -Why?


    -Why what?


    -Why me. I''m not the best at following you, don''t take me for a fool.


    Cyclops stopped on the third floor landing. Turning to him, he was visibly annoyed. Yet after a visible breath he put his hands in his pockets. Tubio could see the red glow of his eye through the factory and the holes in his huge hood. The lights seemed to vibrate for a moment before he answered.


    -Do you want the truth? Because you''re weak. You could never do a single thing in your life with or without the gang and Gaton to protect you. You present yourself to others who don''t notice or choose to ignore it, but I know your little secret. The one you show every day you''re in the Maelstrom. Of all of them, the only real rat that didn''t jump ship when Gaton died was you. So either you have no sense of survival, or you''re dedicated to the cause. Either way, you''ll be more useful by my side than on the street dying by accident. You don''t have the strength but at least you have a clear mind. Unlike some people. Any questions?


    Tubio was embarrassed, ashamed even to know that he had been found out like that. The Cyclops said nothing, looking at him passively with his hands in his pockets.


    -Now that we''ve got that out of the way, we can get on with our revenge. I''d like it to be hot.


    -What happens to me when this is all over?


    -That''s up to you...


    When they reached the fourth floor landing, they met two other members of the gang to whom Cyclops gave a thumbs up. He and Tubio went upstairs in silence until they reached the landing. There were three doors. Prina''s was directly to the right, one across the hall from them, and one facing Prina''s on the other side of the hall. Cyclops stood in front of the door looking at the pad to enter, Tubio took out his revolver and looked at his magazine. The door opened effortlessly and slid open. He went inside. The apartment consisted of a bedroom and a bathroom with in the middle the living room giving on the outside by a glass in the shape of rectangular visor. Making him sign to go towards the bathroom, he left towards the room. While his mantis blades came out of his forearms. After a moment when Tubio passed to the bathroom, he opened the door pointing his pistol on an empty bathroom filled with bathtub and electronic equipment.


    -Clear.


    -Nothing.


    Joining Cyclops, Tubio found that Cyclops had put away his blades, and that the apartment had been turned upside down. Case on the floor, cupboard emptied...


    -Bathtub full, with equipment, she had visitors during a session...


    -Or was in a hurry to leave. Search on your side, I''ll take care of the electronics.


    The apartment was turned over but not completely. It was as if someone had packed quickly before leaving. Cyclops went to the bathroom to check the equipment that connected Prina to the network. A noise in the hallway startled Tubio, who raised his gun. Janissa. Raising her hands and waving her fingers, she smiled. He breathed before turning his gaze to the apartment''s belongings.


    -Oh, did I scare you my little Tubio?


    -Since you''re here, do you want to help me? We''re looking for information while Cyclops takes care of Prina''s stuff.


    Entering the apartment Janissa look around her Tubio when he looked at the papers, the floor, opened the last drawers.


    -What''s your theory, Tubio.


    -She was taken in or threatened to tell Sartu that Gaton was a traitor. Not wanting to die, she set sail.


    -Mm, interesting...


    Going into the bedroom and leaving Janissa in the living room. Tubio looked at the walls and other drawers. No extravagance, few personal objects. A picture of what he thought was Prina protruded from under a piece of clothing left on the floor. It contained two women looking at the camera. Finding nothing else. He returned to the living room to see that Cyclops had finished on his side.


    -Cleaned files and data. How about you?


    Tubio showed the photo. To which Janissa whistled before taking it from his hands.


    -Cute but I think I found better. Look what I found in the wardrobe of the lady.


    A black jacket. Turning it over, we could see the pink logo of the Mox''s on the back, another night city gang.


    -How much do you want to bet she crawled out there between her girlfriend''s legs.


    -Well done Janissa. Let''s set sail.


    Cyclops came out and began to descend, the other guards on the upper level began to descend when Janissa stopped one of them.


    -Your grenades.


    Smiling, the gangster gave them to her with a big smile. Tubio didn''t understand as the other two ran down the stairs.


    -What are you doing?


    -This bitch is making us run all over town after killing one of our own. So I''m making a bonfire in honor of that cunt.


    Pulling out the grenades she had recovered, plus her own, she threw them into the apartment and started to run down the stairs pulling Tubio with her. Hardly arrived on the next landing. The apartment exploded, sending a blast of fire up the stairwell. Janissa was laughing her head off as she made her way down the last few floors.


    When he reached the bottom, Tubio was shocked to see what was in front of him. On the floor were the bodies of six peoples. Janissa turned to Spike for an explanation. He and his companions were drinking and laughing while pointing a sword at the corpses. Cyclops and Boris in their corner said nothing and were probably discussing what to do next. Janissa''s good mood was gone.


    -What happened?


    -What? We were having a good time when that jerk pushed Natou around. I couldn''t let it go. So I killed him. Then his buddies came along and pulled out swords you see, so we pulled out our guns and smoked them. Look at my new sword. Nova right?


    -Those are Tiger Claws, what would you have done if they had called for backup.


    -I would have killed them too?


    Boris then called all the guys present.


    -We''re moving to Lizzie''s bar. A friendly visit to the Mox''s. No bumping into anyone there Spike, got it?


    The lightness of the discussion was almost as confusing as the reasons for the bloodshed. The street was red with blood, the neon lights were tragically the color of the Maelstrom. Unless it was the fire in the building that gave that impression. He looked at the corpses and then looked up at the burning apartment. When he looked down again, Cyclops had his eyes on him. The uneasiness in his stomach had just taken him over again. This too was the Maelstrom. The violence under a thin layer of pleasure, unless it was the opposite.

 Kabuki

    Kabuki


    Tubio crosses the bridge again and leaves the streets of Japantown to enter those of Kabuki. A suburb of Watson, Kabuki was deserted after Arasaka finished dominating the market and eradicating the other corporations. Pushing the businesses and wealthy families out of the area.


    Taking advantage of this, a new poorer population invaded the place.


    Transforming the district into the poorest one just behind pacifica. Today the alleyways and buildings are the refuge of the best black markets. The whole in the Chinese style that the old buildings still display. From the cellars to the terraces, this whole place has become a breeding ground for large and small illegal bargains. Cheap make-up, sensory dance, drugs, steroids, cybernetic prototypes that charcudocs will be ready to install in your body.


    In this climate you would think that the whole area would be crowded, it is, except for a part in the north occupied by gangs.


    But today no one can break the control that the Mox''s have, this gang has taken total control of the suburb, even with the presence of the Tiger claws gang and the maelstrom around.


    Their creation story in itself carries to the level of night city legend.


    Lizzie''s Bar, a once cheap strip club that became one of the most popular sensory dance clubs and brothels in Kabuki, is under their jurisdiction.


    These simulations allow a user to relive the memories of a person while also providing all sense and emotions. The owner of the bar was Elizabeth ¡°Lizzie¡± Borden.


    She was a former sex worker who also owned a strip club at one point before operating at Lizzie¡¯s. It is said that she was a hard-working owner who defended her employees and wanted nothing but the best for them. She died on May 13, 2067, after being murdered by three Tyger Claws gang members who were attempting to rape an employee of the bar, so she stepped in to protect them. The bar is later taken over by the Moxes consisting of sex workers, anarchists, and bystanders to protect it.


    After that the racket of the Tiger Claws and the attacks of the members of the maelstroms found themselves confronted with a large part of Kabuki. The Moxes act as protectors of the businesses and the humble worker.


    Arriving at Sutter Street and Lizzie''s Bar, the Maelstroms'' cars parked in the entrance to the parking lot and street. Blocking anyone who wanted to enter. With the reputation they had, no one wanted to pass by the maelstrom in such large numbers. The bouncers of the club soon came out of the club, the members of the Moxes in front of the entrance who had initially come in with bladed weapons came out with firearms when they saw the red. Cyclop himself came out. Tubio, Boris and the others came out with weapons but without being aggressive. For them.


    More people came out of the club entrance armed with bats and machine guns.


    Where the maelstrom presented itself in the metallic form of chrome, not hesitating to sometimes grab limbs to install prostheses. The Moxes did not have their fanaticism for chrome and even if the members were installed new cybernetics they had more to do with the traditional aesthetics of beauty. Where the Moxes would see beauty, some maelstroms would call them a meat lover for looking natural. But the tastes of the maelstroms are always rather doubtful.


    A woman in a long coat with a shotgun came out and made way around her. She had nothing on but a crop top, a bikini underneath with thigh-high boots and suspenders, showing her tattoos and scars. Not an outfit for a street fight but with the gun in front of her this woman was clearly ready to shoot first. she turned to Cyclops who had stepped forward.


    -What do you want freaks?


    To which Cyclop getting closer to her pulled out the folded photo found in Prina''s apartment with the words. ¡°I just want to talk, information for remuneration¡± marked on the back with contact infos.


    In the most total incomprehension the woman took the picture by reflex. Spike was sitting by his car. He started to giggle, joined by the one next to him, before the laughter spread to all the members of the maelstrom.


    Cyclop got back into his car and drove off, followed without incident by the other cars behind him. The Moxes looked at each other completely lost.


    -What the fuck just happen?


    to which the others shrugged their shoulders.


    ******


    Once back on the road, the cars dispersed. Before Boris turned to Cyclop in panic.


    -Some guys are attacking the club!


    -Who, how many? We''ll tell Spike and the others to hurry over there, we''ll meet them there.


    -Otis... It''s cut off. He said the bouncers were dead and that shots were coming from the stairs.


    -You heard Tubio, foot to the floor!


    The car passed in traffic. Passing and taking the shortest route to the club. Suddenly the impact. None of them had seen it.


    The impact came from Boris passenger side. The impact was so violent that Tubio nearly lost control. He could feel the car start to roll over. The car squealed as a truck dragged it against the concrete railing of the road. Cyclop, who was not hooked, was thrown onto the side of the car while Tubio hit his head on the window. Tubio tried to continue driving, the car coming out of the truck''s grip only to be shot at. The car couldn''t even make a few moves as a second vehicle hit them.


    The car was in bad shape, bullets had gone through the body, shattering the windows and scattering shards of glass everywhere. As they tried to gain more speed. The second car had pushed them off the road onto the pavement hitting it at high speed. The car was now immobile. Stuck sideway to the road in facing a the wall, their assailant''s cars arriving on the co-driver''s side. Boris tried to get out but his body and door were blocked by the deformed door. Planting his fist in the broken windshield and window, he pulled out his pistol before shooting at the cars outside by the windows


    Cyclop came out the other side of the shots visibly groggy as he pulled out his mantis blades. He tore off his sweater and revealed a tight-fitting hooded outfit. This time the red eye was fully revealed, steel plates served as his shoulders while a leather jacket covered his body. Once out he turned his gaze towards his attackers.


    Tubio had managed to steer the car into a dead end with a possible escape on foot. All the assailants were in front of him. Their cars parked in an arc around as theirs crashed into the wall. Getting out of three vehicles, 12 armed men started to point their group.


    Time seemed to slow down for Cyclops as he engaged his quick hacks.


    From the right, the first four came out with assault rifles. One of them lunged at Cyclops with a sword but, short circuit, he convulsed as his cybernetics failed him, sending him crashing to the ground not even half way from him.


    Turning his gaze to the second car, he saw a grenade on the dashboard of the car. Grenade detonation. The grenade began to beep. Alarming some of the enemies at the car, but not all of them.


    The ones in the third car had just gotten out when Boris shot one of them in the arm, knocking him backwards.


    The quick hacking of, Defective Weapons, thrown by cyclops corrupted the assault rifle of the driver of the first car and spread to the other two and as they tried to aim their weapons, Cyclops was already on them. Using the momentum of his augmented legs, he jumped on the driver''s torso who tried to draw his revolver, planting his mantis blades into his body wasting no time. The second passenger behind the driver already had his revolver on Cyclops and was shooting at him. Dashing forward, Cyclops raised the blade of his right arm in an arc, cutting both arms of his enemy, before slicing his head with his left arm in a horizontal movement.


    The last survivor of the car, on the other side, tried to shoot through the car windows, with no effect, before Cyclops tried to shoot him with the corpse''s weapon.


    At the same time, the grenade in the second car exploded, sending two of the attackers flying, one burned by the blast and the other flat on his back, crawling for cover.


    Coming out of the third car was a heavy machine gun. He then started to shoot at Boris and Tubio without aiming. Turning the car into a sieve. Tubio finally opened his door to take cover behind the front wheels.


    Cyclops and the last one alive in the first car were in the same situation when Cyclops saw a soda machine next to them. Until the quick hack, Ping, a digital line floated across the car in his field of vision, pointing to differents possibles connections points like his attacker hiding on the other side of the vehicle. Overloading his energy pistol he fired a concentrated energy shot through the car to hit his enemy through the metal. The scream he gave told Cyclop to get up and run around. The man in combat gear was holding his chest as Cyclop shot him repeatedly to death.


    Boris had stopped shooting and the survivors of the third and second cars were turning toward him.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    -Don''t let him rest!


    The machine gun fired indiscriminately as his allies and enemies rushed out of the fire zone. Cyclop jumped back to his previous cover as the bullets passed through the corpse of the man he had just executed.


    Becoming the center of their formation, two of them ran around the burning hull of the second car. The last survivor of this one crawled out of sight behind a low wall.


    Tubio, on the other hand, took advantage of the absence of bullets whistling in his direction to see Boris bending over to crawl towards the back seat of the car. The movement attracted the attention of the two closest enemies. Tubio plucked up courage and crouched down on the hood of the car to shoot at them. Making them back up behind the heavy machine gunner who decided to shoot alternately at Tubio and Cyclops.


    Cyclops retrieved the assault rifle from one of the corpses, repairing the shooting incident. He used Ping again. The lines of code flew in his field of vision towards his enemies. Creating red silhouettes. He could see Tubio and Boris. Both were still moving.


    Boris was badly injured. Having used his arm as a shield, he had protected his head from the bullets, but the heavy machine gun had gone through his chrome. He lifted the back seat to get out a shotgun and crawled through the back door that Cyclop had left open. Tubio went to him and helped him out.


    Cyclops searched the two bodies next to him to retrieve their equipment. But the cry "GRENADE" made him stand up. One of the two who had contorted the flaming wreckage had thrown a grenade. Once again time seemed to slow down for Cyclops. His cooldown for his quick hacks was not over yet so he used, Contagion. This hack spreads rapidly through the victim''s cybernetic systems to the next closest host. Each cybernetic possesses toxic fluid in the subject''s body. Normally under control. Contagion leaks them into the host''s system.


    In less than a second the one who had just thrown the grenade was seized by an uncontrollable urge to vomit. As soon as the liquid came out of his lips, his friend put a knee on the ground. The arm still stretched out firing as he could towards Cyclops. The drawback of this quick hack is that it is very rarely lethal. The security protocols on cybernetics are not taken lightly.


    Returning fire he managed to hit several times the two enemies who took cover behind the flaming vehicle.


    Contagion continued to spread among the three others aggressors. With his vision, Cyclops could see the locations of the downloads. Even as Ping disappeared, the only flaw in this hack. It doesn''t last long enough. Time resumed and the grenade fell on the trunk of the car where he was hiding.


    Tubio on the other hand pulled Boris by the rear wheel, he was too heavy for him. Looking through the back door, under the banquet where Boris had recovered his shotgun. He saw the healing injectors. He took one and injected it into Boris''s thigh who inhaled quickly, his breathing was rapid as the adrenaline cocktail coursed through his veins, his eyes even though they were made up of two metal protuberances with red glass, betrayed his confusion. His beard was now filled with blood. He looked at Tubio before grabbing his arm.


    -Tubio. This is the most crappy augmentation I''ve ever seen for a face.


    Tubio had the lowest rate of augmentation a member of the Maelstrom could have, one. Tubio had fine black hair pulled back. Clearly showing Tubio''s augmentation of his face, it was a mix between a respiratory mask and red goggles, all of which went behind his ears like glasses with steel along is face. He didn''t look like he was augmented. The glass of his glasses was red and gave off the presence of the maelstrom. But the rest of him looked like he''d just had the piece glued to his face. Anyone with a single brain cell could see the truth.


    Tubio stopped what he was doing looking at Boris. His right arm had been pierced by a large number of bullets and blood was flowing from his body like piss.


    -Cyclops is a good person who grew up in this world. You, you shouldn''t be one of us, if I''ve been hard on you it''s to get you to leave.


    Tubio followed his gaze and a staircase disappearing under the city was behind them.


    -You have to get away. We''re about to be wiped out for good. You can survive.


    -Not even in dreams we will survive and... and...


    -And nothing. The doc knew this was coming. I have been called for help from a dozen of us, I should have been more vigilant.


    The bullets continued to hit the car when another explosion sounded.


    He looked up and saw Cyclop''s vehicle back go up in flames from the explosion. Taking the rifle from Boris'' hands he pointed it at the two men covering the heavy machine gunner. With a snap he fired, hitting and killing one of them before he had to duck down to get another slug into the barrel. He could hear the heavy machine gunner as he was shooting him.


    -There are only two of them and you can''t kill them? Kill these rats!


    A few seconds earlier. When the grenade fell on the trunk of the car. Cyclops threw himself to the ground using the nearest corpse as a protective layer. The flames roared around him fortunately the grenade had stayed on the trunk and not fallen to the ground. Otherwise he would have had to run into the open.


    The deflagration did not hit him directly beyond the vehicle, contrary to the other one, it did not explode itself completely. However, the fire had started inside the vehicle and would eventually have the same effect. Still groaning, Cyclops pushed the body covered in shards of glass and burns back onto its legs, and saw huge pieces of steel in its arm. Like an electroshock. He wanted to scream in pain, but his helmet implant prevented the sound from leaving him, contorting himself on the ground in pain, he got up on his knees, catching his breath. At the boundary between his arm and his shoulder a piece bigger than the others prevented him from moving his arm, he left the pieces inside. He will have to fight without his left arm.


    Fortunately, all these twists allowed him to gain time to prepare his next quick hacks. Executing Ping once again. The lines led to his enemies. The heavy shooter plus one, on Tubio and Boris as the last two ran towards him.


    Now that the explosion had taken place, the two who had suffered Contagion first found themselves running towards Cyclops'' vehicle, one with an energy pump shotgun, the other with an assault rifle.


    Unfortunately for them, Cyclops followed their progress with Ping. Just as they were about to pass the car, Cyclops fired a burst of his weapon into the first one before executing, short circuit.


    The first one fell under the volley of bullets, the other only took a moment to feel his cybernetics break down.


    -Why can¡¯t you fucking die!


    The heavy shooter began to lose patience as he continued to waste his ammunition on Tubio, Cyclops used, Reboot Optics. And in an instant the shooter¡¯s eyes overloaded, bringing him a peak of pain screaming at his ally what was happening to him. The latter used a grenade towards Tubio¡¯s car before turning to fire on Cyclop while his comrade¡¯s optics were rebooting.


    The grenade bounces off the roof before falling between Boris and Tubio. Tubio dropped his shotgun and grabbed the grenade before throwing it back across the car.


    The grenade exploded in mid-air destabilizing the last two assailants. Both retreated, while Cyclop tried his luck. Raising his weapon, he fired a burst at the two before using Overheat, causing their cybernetics to overheat. Missing his target miserably with his gun. Cyclops throws it away and continues to run to execute the two with his mantis blade. Cyclops was in bad shape and his running was hazardous, he didn''t even use his augmented legs to close the distance faster.


    Tubio tried to cover his approach with an extra shot from his rifle but instead of hitting, the blind gunman once again fired in his direction. Only this time he was hit. Tubio fell backwards and Cyclops arrived for the kill.


    Finally arriving at the level of the crazy shooter Cyclops planted the mantis blade up and down in his neck with the blade going down into the chest of the victim. The victim fell to his knees, crushed by his own weight and his weapon, before just collapsing to the ground. The last survivor swung his weapon at him but Overheat had burned his arms and hands. With a fluid stroke, Cyclop struck the weapon raised towards him, knocking it out of his hands before slitting his throat. He went down with a bloody gurgle.


    As he finally caught his breath, Cyclops heard a clicking sound at his feet. A grenade.


    With a bang, the EMP grenade exploded with an electric blue glow, and in a flash a wave passed through the surrounding objects, including Cyclops, who began to convulse violently as he fell to the ground.


    From behind his cover, the survivor of the second car who had hide for his life came out of his hiding place. Laughing at the incredible situation.


    -I got him. I fucking got him!


    He got up, but before he could even get close, Cyclops'' head turned towards him. His hand with his gun went up to his head and his screaming stopped with a bang.


    Cyclops let his head fall back to the ground, his body was in agony, the EMP was the last straw. For a long time Cyclops could only stay on his back. Breathing in great gulps of air. He could feel the movement of the metal pieces in his arm, the pain of the bullets ricocheting off his chrome, the blast of the grenades, the heat of the flames.


    After what seemed like an eternity, he could finally move his arm. One hand crawling on the ground. He rolled over onto his stomach and tried to get up. Without success, he approached the third car, the last one still standing. He could feel the weight of his body preventing him from moving forward. His legs stubbornly refused to move after the EMP.


    while he was doing his best to sit against the car or to pull himself up on his legs, he heard a roar behind him, coming on him... Pulling on his mechanical arm, he managed to pull himself up onto his legs.


    The truck from their chase that had let the other three cars launch the assault had just hit Cyclop as he pulled himself up onto the hood of the car.


    -I told them! Fuck, the bounty for living is shit, I might as well kill him and pocket the bounty. Look where it got you, you morons, that''s what you get for not taking the boss seriously. You my guy! Stay the fuck inside.


    Getting out of the vehicle he looked at the mess his men had made. Killing him and collecting for the corpse. But no, they had to try to strip him down to get a little money to spend in their graves. When you don''t have the ability, you just need to get the easy way. Kill, question later.


    Looking around he saw that Cyclop had survived the impact. At least the upper part of his body. Crushed between the two vehicles, Cyclop''s legs had been destroyed. Twisted as he was his legs were not in the wrong direction, the all the way kind.


    -This guy is a fucking Marie sue, he doesn''t know when to die... At least he will be less heavy to carry. Up there! Make yourself useful and take off the brake, it''s stuck.


    A bang was heard and the leader of the group raised his weapon. Going around once more with the gun raised he made it to his lifeless partner with his hands on the brake between the seats. But as he turned to point around him, searching for a target, a thing moving caught his eye under the wide wheels of the truck. The barrel of a shotgun exploded in the face of the chief, who nearly took off from the ground a fraction of a second before falling back in a flop.


    Trembling, Tubio climbed out from under the vehicle, dropped both weapons and went to release the handbrake. The truck backed up slightly as he went over to Cycolps. His lifeless body crumpled to the ground, his metal limbs in pieces. He picked up his head in his hands. Trying to get at least his lice, he could not remove the protective plates. When he finally found a button where an ear should be, part of Cyclops'' mask came off, but not much for the face plate to drop. Reaching out his ear, Tubio heard a faint breathing. That was enough for him.


    Recovering what he could from his attackers, he picked up his weapon and ammunition before lifting Cyclops and carrying him. A blanket made of a leftover blankets from trash, covered Cyclops, the material he was carrying and himself.


    Leaving the bodies and the scene of war behind, he walked to his car. Having served as a shield, it was unrecognizable. It was a miracle that Boris had made it this far. Moving to the other side, to the stairs leading in the darks streets, he looked at Boris'' lifeless body sitting against the car in silence. Soon the sirens of the NCPD came in the distance. Reassuring his grip, he put on a holo.


    -?Mi hijo? ?Qu¨¦ est¨¢ pasando?


    -Madre, te necesito. Si no me ayudas mi amigo morir¨¢.


    -Dime d¨®nde est¨¢s.

 The cons茅quences of one night

    When Cyclop regained consciousness, his body was of fear and pain, he was tied to a table on the stomach, he could hear someone talking.


    -Go get me more tranquilizer! He¡¯s gonna wake up if I don''t get this asap!


    Pain shot up his back and a sound came out of his mouth, he couldn''t even hear himself, just the electrical impulse that ran down his spine. Overcome by pain, he fell back into unconsciousness.


    ******


    In a tiny room the sound of songs could be heard, it was French. When Cyclops opened his eyes he did not feel the pain anymore. The flames, the bullets, the electricity, the truck... There was nothing left after the truck. He was dead. That was it. He had lost his limbs, even his mantis arm was not responding. He could hear screams. But he couldn''t understand the words. Before he fell back to sleep.


    ******


    Once again this paralysis, once again the songs, Latin, French, English, from old single to recent. Cyclops felt weak, seek. His eyes opened on the blackness of the room.


    He was in a bed. After a minute he got used to his surroundings, small lights still illuminated his "room", especially the button for the door. There was no opening other than a door and the rest was almost empty. After the bed there wasn''t much there either. An IV was sticking into his arm. He looked at the walls, the floor, and on the floor there were some bags, some things he presumed.


    Cries again, behind the door. A family quarrel, a man and a woman. For a long time, then a last argument and silence.


    Remaining in his bed, paralyzed, Cyclop looked at the door in front of him, he could not access his quick hacks. But a moment later the door opened with a beep, making him jump. Was he going to die?


    In the doorway, a woman entered. Old, with beautiful blue hair and a green pearl necklace around her neck, red lipstick, and wrinkles, this lady had her arms fully tattooed, in shape and with generous forms, she had a basin in her hand. As she turned on the light she looked up from the basin and saw that Cyclops was awake. Taking a breath she immediately put the basin down to get closer to him. Cyclops was still not able to move. She could see fear in his eyes. Seeing this, the woman sat down at his side and said in a reassuring voice.


    -Calm down, everything is fine... It''s all right.


    She put her hand on his face to look at him, Cyclops could not speak, he was terrified, he could not move, he was alone and did not know what to do. The woman continued to speak with the calm and kindness of a mother.


    -Everything is fine. You had an accident, my son brought you to me for treatment. You had terrible injuries, if you can''t talk it''s normal, you''ve been in a coma for almost seven weeks. You had a cracked spine, your leg segments were good for the garbage can, crushed, I had to remove them, the arm that was pierced was in better shape, but the damage was there and I had to remove it too, the other one I removed to prevent you from hurting yourself in your sleep or when you woke up, they''re all in the bag there. Even your helmet and armor, that''s why everything is fine, you''re with friends.


    Cyclops was crying. He already saw himself being dismembered by the boners for his chrome and left for dead, or worse.


    -I''m sorry I left you like that but it was for our own safety. But now that you''re awake, we''ll be able to get you to a full recovery. It will take time, but we should get there.


    Trying to speak, muffled words came out of Cyclops'' mouth. But this lady was calm and gentle and in no hurry she brought a bottle of water with a straw. Making her drink, he couldn''t help but look embarrassed.


    -I wanted to apologize too. Mi hijo, he told me that you wanted to keep your identity anonymous, but... In order to treat you I needed to remove all your equipment. That''s how we found out you were a girl. Don''t worry, the moment I saw it, I kicked Tonio out. He shouldn''t see a woman in such a weak state.


    Cyclops looked at the woman in front of her. She didn''t even realize that she was no longer wearing her visor, she had been discovered, who would respect a woman as much as a man in the street. Gaton had planned everything, even the latest gear, and the suit. All this so that on the first night of his disappearance, she would be killed. She thought she was pathetic, so much so that she started crying again. The woman dried her tears still in that motherly attitude.


    -Hush, don''t cry, everything will be fine. You know, I don''t know where you come from, but my son has changed. I thought I had lost him months ago. And here he comes back with scars, maturity, more balls than my ex and a woman. I don''t know where he was, he didn''t tell me. But I know gangsters when I see them, and you are one of them, mantis blades don''t grow on trees. Maybe he has become one too and I don''t want to see it. I took care of you because he begged me, he paid me, his own mother to take care of you. And I can''t help but think that this is the same young man who a year ago was in this room, who knew nothing but to sing songs. but i don''t care about that. What matters to me is that he came back to me safe and sound.


    Helping her to get up in her bed she took out of the bag the arm mantis intact.


    -Your arm is beautiful, I''m sure it took you a long time to take care of it. I''ve got some replacements for you while you''re recovering, nothing as cool as that, but as soon as possible I will reinstall it for you, I promise.Tonio has already paid enough for your second arm. However, your legs are in pieces, I won''t be able to fix them myself since I don''t have my operating room anymore.


    Cyclops listened to her and realized that she was talking to herself and dropped the subject.


    -Long story, I was going to clean you up. Do you want me to bring you a TV or something?


    ******


    The time in recovery is long, very long and you don''t necessarily have much to do.The days passed and slowly the two women got to know each other. After waking up and washing up, the woman presented herself more formally. Elizabeth Moreau, mother of Tubio, Antonio Moreau. Tubio had brought him home, her mother was a charcudoc, but stopped practicing for a reason she didn''t say. Sold her salon and became a tattoo artist. She started to talk to herself about everything and nothing, talking about her daughter Sabrina, her ex-husband Doug, Tubio''s father-in-law.


    At first Cyclops understood that they had separated because of Tubio or something like that. Tubio himself had not come to see her, but as Elizabeth said, the fact that he was paying for her care made Cyclops very uncomfortable. Especially since she had money and Tubio didn¡¯t reply to her call. After two days she could already talk again, even if it was complicated. Elizabeth was very passionate when it came to conversations. The TV was good, but Elizabeth was a TV novela by herself.


    Cyclops finally had an idea of where she was. Megabuilding H2, In a the French community, the floor 33 of the mega structure was filled with the population. Each megabuilding served as a city in its own right, each megabuilding had everything a population could want, from schools, stores, homes, medical offices, armories or brothels. It''s just that on this floor and the ones closest to it, it was run by populations of different origins. Even though the majority of the population of this area is of Latin origin. Elizabeth explained that Tubio''s father, her first husband, brought her here at their wedding, and she has been here ever since. Raising Tubio and his half-sister Sabrina after getting remarried.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Cyclops wasn''t sure where to put herself in all of this and was a little afraid to speak up knowing that she was a killer, and she didn''t want to ruin the relationship between Tubio and his mother. Who was clearly doing them a great favor, even if she wasn''t fooled about her son''s and her activities. She tried to keep them on the straight and narrow, even if life is what it is.


    Cyclops didn''t want to be rough, she wanted her legs and arms back. Being a trunk woman, even for a moment was horrible, at least Tubio''s mother was nice.


    Almost every day screams and insults came from the other side of the door. Elizabeth''s second husband. Doug Moreau, Sabrina''s biological father, couldn''t take the fact that Elizabeth didn''t want him around. In every sense of the word. And like a leech trying to get into the apartment. All the stages are passed there, the denial, the bargaining, the discussion, passing by the gifts, the blackmail, the anger, the insults, the cries. At least soon there will be the crying.


    No one knows why, but even Sabrina was not allowed to let him in or she will be cut off. The fact is that Cyclops suspects that Tubio''s return to his family may have put a damper on things. Something to do with the fact that he didn''t give any news to his mother? Or the stepfather is a shady guy and hid something inside the apartment. So much suspense...


    ******


    After more than a week, Elisabeth agreed to give her back her chip with demon''s hack and her arm. But no movement! Spinal cracks should not be tested, even with chrome.


    But the same question was there: what to do. Since Gaton''s death, she was lost. All she had done since then was to react to the events. It was perhaps a blessing in disguise. She wouldn''t have to be Cyclops anymore. Working as a mechanic or netrunner for a corpo was often very lucrative.


    And anyway, what would I say, hey, sorry for being silent for weeks but I was in a coma after an ambush that almost killed me and if I hadn''t been saved I would have died in the street bleeding to death. Oh our business is about who is the strong and dominate the people around him? Well after that night I guess I fucked it up, my bad sorry better luck next time. Otherwise it''s all good for business? Cyclops who? Oh another weakling i guess.


    The television did not arrange anything, murders, money and sex. Food, drama and fatal accidents. More than once Cyclops wished Elizabeth had never opened that door, leaving her in darkness and silence.


    Can¡¯t stand by and do nothing.Taking her courage in both hands, she tried to reach Tubio, again, the only one who knew the situation she was in.She again put on a holo. Breathing deeply, she came across the answering machine.


    -Tubio. This is Cyclops, you... Could you come over? I want to talk. I... I need to talk to you face to face, or not. I just need to know if... Well, whatever. Your mom''s great, but there''s some things I need to discuss with someone, who knows... That''s it...


    The holo closing the silence of the room was good, except when the sound of your thoughts is suffocating.


    ******


    Night city is always moving, a constant movement of machine and light, clouds and rain passing between the cracks of concrete and steel. Each person moved too in this strange rhythm that was the city. In an alley. A man had just crossed the piles of garbage bags to stop in front of a door. After ringing the bell he introduced himself.


    -Who is it?


    -Tubio, I''m the delivery man.


    Opening the door, a man with skin on his bones looked at the young man facing him. Tubio could see that the old man had one less case in his head. In shorts with a stained white tank top, he had a long and dirty gray beard, red eyes from fatigue, and the smell coming from inside was more important than the one outside despite the rain. He tried to get to the point.


    -The eddies. And I''m giving the package away.


    -Of course, of course. Get inside.


    -I have other orders.


    -Not for a coffee? As you want.


    The man''s eyes shone and Tubio received the eddies. The amount of money was right. And he validated the transaction. Taking a box out of his bag. He gave it to the old man who waited only a second to open it.


    -Ah, pastry of Glorus muffin. The only ones of night city to be perfect.


    -Good appetite.


    Tubio turned to leave before the man invited him back. Excusing himself quickly he went back to his motorcycle. Before contacting his fixer. Ferak.


    -Tubio? Is the delivery done?


    -Yes, the old man was at the height of happiness.


    -Good, you''ve earned your bonus. I''ll get back to you.


    Putting on his helmet, Tubio closed the holo and went on the road. When he received the call from Cyclops he hesitated to answer. So far he had been dodging his house and her. His mother gave him updates on her condition. But at the end of the call he knew he had to... He needed to check in with her.


    Driving in Night City was special, you have to be careful with a lot of things. Like not leaving your bike in the open, gangs, cops, crazy peoples. Going to a garage unit near the megatower to put the motorcycle safe. He walked to get to one of the elevators to go up he ran into gang members. One of them a tall skinny men with a green snake tattoo running up his face to his lips, spoke to him.


    -It''s Tubio, right?


    -Sirio.


    -Yeah, I knew I recognized you. What have you been up to? Mama Elizabeth has been worried sick about you. My brother was really pissed off, your father showed up while she was tattooing him. It was a mess. And since then she only takes appointments.


    -Yeah. They''re not together anymore.


    -What happened.


    -He left me to die.


    Sirio opened his mouth before holding back. The others knew Tubio as the tattoo artist''s son, a good guy. Unlike his father-in-law, who tried to make a fortune in shady schemes and odd jobs. The fact that he left him for dead. It was clearly none of their business. The elevator arriving on the floor. Sirio and his buddies gave their contacts to Tubio if he wanted to come by.


    -Sorry again.


    -It''s not your fault, big guy.


    The megatower was simple. Floor upon floor, joined by stairs and elevators. A large void in the middle and the apartments around it facing the void inside or outside. Variation in structure, community, density, business, product and activity. One floor could be a gang den, the other a market.


    That''s where it gets out. Going up some stairs, to find stores and stuff, vending machines all along the wall, garbage and rubbish bags abandoned in what could be called the street. An outdoor gym, where several men were training. Pull-up bars, benches with weights, all that under the artificials lights. Tubio passed by without stopping. He was thinking about what to say, owing explanations to both Cyclops and his mother. She had graciously agreed to look after her. But the fact that she''d kicked Doug out meant that there had to be some explanation of what had happened. Serves him right. Finally arriving in sight of his mother''s apartment, which doubled as a tattoo parlor. He was greeted by a scene he wouldn''t have believed possible less than a few months earlier. Doug and his mother shouting at each other outside the door. His mother blocking his way with her body.


    Tubio felt rage welling up inside him, who before would never have hurt a fly. Approaching Doug, he grabbed him by the jacket before throwing him to the ground on the side. Doug was a gray-haired man with a bald spot, wearing old-fashioned glasses, a vest and sweat shorts, and was the very definition of an old flirt who''d aged badly. His only feature was the prosthesis that replaced his left leg.


    Turning to see who had thrown him to the ground, he paled when he saw that it was his son-in-law. Standing impassively, Tubio since that night had dropped his Maelstrom mask to show his face, with no implants other than his eyes, he had let his hair grow, making him unrecognizable. He was no longer the boy he had been, the child had died. He had become a man. Looking down at his father-in-law, he placed his hand on the large pistol at his thigh.


    -This is the last time I''ll see you here. Next time I''ll shoot you on sight.


    Leaving him on the landing, Tubio turned to his mother, who looked at him tenderly before letting him in. She took one last look at Doug and closed the door.

 When work find you

    The living room was just as he''d left it. His mother hadn''t moved a thing, the entrance serving both as a reception desk and a waiting area for patients, a curtained archway to the tattoo room and the door separating the apartment from the salon.


    Tubio took his mother in his arms for a hug, before looking at the drawings of tattoos on the walls.


    -There''s more, isn''t there?


    -Of course, if you''d come by more often, you''d have seen it sooner. Mi hijo, I''m glad you''re healthy.


    -I do my best. And what about you?


    -Oh, you know. Apart from the other one you''ve just chased away, I can say that life''s is good, and with the knowledge that you''ve become somebody.


    -I''m nobody, you know.


    -You become someone when you assert your values. And the ones you''ve shown me since your return tell me you''re on the right track.


    Through the door, the tiny "living room" split into two corridors, one leading to the parental bed, the other to the closet room where the children had lived. A radio on the table recited music, and Tubio thought wistfully of listening all day to the choruses of songs during his mother''s working hours. The apartment was a sieve of noise. His mother invited him to sit down as she prepared a cup of herbal tea.


    -Madre, I need to talk to you. To you and to her.


    His mother looked at her son. She knew, Tubio didn''t need to say. She knew he was no longer her son from back then, that he had blood on his hands. But she smiled at him.


    -I know, mi Hijo, from the moment I saw you in the street, covered in blood... I knew. I don''t blame you. This town, it makes you do things... Don''t regret anything, believe me, if there''s one thing the world doesn''t care about, it''s your regrets. If what you''ve done in the last few months has allowed you to live longer and to be happy and alive. That''s the worst I can wish for you.


    -I want to talk to you about that night. The night I left with Doug.


    She sighed in exasperation, swearing in spanish and shaking her head at the conversation that was about to follow. She''d rehearsed that night so many times, only to be deprived of her son. But after all that, an explanation was in order.


    Tubio passed into the corridor, illuminated by a single ceiling light. Passing his sister''s room, he arrived at the end of the corridor in front of his old room. A sliding door with a tag on it. Opening the door, there she was.


    What a shock it was to know that the bogeyman he''d been following until now was a woman. Worse, she must have been his age. She''d got her arm back and her mother had fitted her with makeshift legs - two simple, barely articulated prostheses. Her hair had been shaved to operate on her head but had already grown back. Her mother had groomed her well, she was wearing shorts and a t-shirt, her look when he entered was... Concentrated. He had her full attention.


    -Hi there...


    -Tubio...


    -How are you?


    she smirked.


    -I''m missing an arm, my vertebrae are shattered, my legs are out in a dump, I''ve got a chronic headache... I''m as good as I can be.


    Her voice was clear and effortless, a far cry from the holo she''d sent him. He smiled as he went inside, having deserted the place long ago, the closet was empty of any need and even the TV his mother had added couldn''t change the fact that this place would never suit him again. Sitting down beside the bed, Isabella arrived with tea to hand out.


    -Ma, go and get a chair, the story''s pretty complicated and I want to detail it as best I can.


    Returning to the living room, Cyclops spoke to Tubio slightly embarrassed.


    -She doesn''t need to be here, you know.


    -For this story, yes. Gaton promised me he''d never talk about how he got me out of the mess I was in. And knowing Doug, I''m sure he took advantage of the situation to distort the reality of what happened.


    -Your father-in-law, what''s he got to do with it?


    -Like I said, long story. But it''s all his fault, at least in the beginning.


    -You don''t get into the Maelstrom like that. From what I understand, you''ve gone from 0 to 100 in your career.


    -I don''t regret it, but I''ve got to tell you, I''m not going back to the maelstrom.


    -Me neither.


    -Huh?


    -You heard me, the only reason I was there died with Gaton. I''ve got nothing left there...


    At that moment, Isabella returned with a chair and looked at her son. This time with a mixture of emotions.


    -The Maelstrom? Of all the gangs in Night City?


    -I can explain.


    -I hope.


    <hr>


    *****


    Tubio remembers it like it was yesterday. Isabella wanted her son and father-in-law to finally do something together. Tubio had never accepted the man, always smiling from the front and pouting from the back. Muttering to himself about the others around him. Doing only what interested him without a care for the others. Isabella was too much in love to see him, Sabrina too young to see him for what he really was. But Tubio... He''d never accepted the fact that this man was trying to replace his genetic father. The moment he came into their lives he "accidentally" destroyed almost all physical memories of Tubio''s father, unapologetically erasing him with a smile.


    Tubio couldn''t help seeing the smug look on his face, reminding him without a word every time he smirked that he¡¯s sleeping with his mother.


    Tubio found him disgusting, weak and insecure. Why else would he have been afraid of his dead father? Was he afraid his mother would realize he was 1,000 times less than the man he was?


    This had often led to arguments between him and his mother, with Doug shrugging his shoulders as if it were normal. How many times had his nonchalant attitude brought Tubio out of his hinges? Not enough. Because Tubio was afraid, afraid of risking losing his family, afraid to have is own mother kick him out, and at that time afraid of Doug.


    This evening Tubio''s mother had convinced him to make an evening of it. Doug and Tubio were to meet a friend of hers who had children Tubio''s age, then go to a fighting arena to see and cheer on a friend for Tubio and a buisness one for Doug''s. Tubio''s mother had convinced him to make an evening of it. Tubio wasn''t interested in fighting. But he wasn''t going to say no to his mother just yet, and at least stay for dinner before sneaking off at the fights. Until Tubio found out that one of his friends would be taking part in the fights. The meal was tense with Doug trying to make conversation but Tubio wouldn''t talk to him. Seeing he''d get nowhere, he did what he always did when he had a problem: ignored him. Dinner passed in silence with Doug going from ultra convivial with a big smile on his face, to totally disinterested and indifferent as he watched the TV hanging over the counter in a split second.


    That''s why Tubio hated him. A fucking bipolar, liar and opportunist.


    After visiting his mother''s friend, Tubio was taken by Doug to a building. Up the stairs to the Gorilla''s Battle Cage. Tubio and Doug were greeted by two huge bouncers wearing T-shirts with the Animals gang logo.


    The Animals are a night-city gang. They appeared after synthetic drugs and other ways of becoming more human than human reached the public market. The Animals are everything a man or woman could want if they''re looking for strength at all costs, but don''t want to get hooked on chrome.


    The Animals is an aggressive boostergang that emphasizes physical power above all else. Tubio especially knew that members of this gang doped with a steroidal drug called "the Juice" that increases strength, body and muscle mass. They often sell their services as bouncers, a job for which they are much sought-after. They are spread all over Night City. They have cornered the market on illegal substances and underground fighting.


    The two muscle monsters seemed to recognize Doug, but not in a good way. Looking at him sideways, one of the bouncers let them in, while the other seemed to be making a holo. Tubio looked at Doug, inexpressive and seemingly indifferent. Continuing on, they entered a corridor leading to various doors. The building was designed that way, the fighters get ready here and go upstairs. The arena was above, and Tubio could already hear the crowd through the concrete. Climbing a new staircase, they came to a double door again guarded by a big guy.


    As they passed through, Tubio was blown away by the heat. Two men in a ring were fighting barehanded in front of a cheering crowd at the foot of the ring. The room must have been packed with a hundred people.


    The room was low, the light focused on the ring, and Tubio followed Doug along the wall at the back of the room. Avoiding chairs and other people on their way to the counter. As well as being a venue for fights, the hall also served as a bar and discotheque on non-match nights. Doug arrived at the counter and instantly the bartender, who until then had been smiling at another customer, pulled out an ice pick ready to stab someone. Tubio remained silent and kept a safe distance from the counter.


    -You still need me? Or I can leave.


    -Get lost.


    Totally losing interest in him, Tubio took off. Leaving Doug to his own devices, for clearly he wasn''t here to see a friend. Tubio watched the match finish. Both fighters were bleeding profusely now. One was bleeding from the eyebrow, the other from the lips.


    The crowd, though compact around the ring, allowed plenty of room to pass around. Going over to a waiter, he asked him if the match with Lianovak was about to start.


    -Soon, half an hour. must be in the locker room. Ask the bouncer if you''d like to talk to him first.


    The fight in the ring had just ended with a vicious kick to the ribs followed by an uppercut. The crowd went wild as the referee counted and on ten the fighter was defeated.


    After a discussion with the waiter, he agreed to speak with the bouncer. And less than a few minutes later, the doors to the locker room were opened for him. The same doors just across the hall leading to the same floor he was on when he entered. Sighing at the bouncer, who let him through to go down the same dimly-lit corridors, it didn''t take him long to stumble upon the men''s locker room.


    On his way in, he came upon a man sitting on a bench with his back to the door. But with his tattoo Tubio recognized him immediately.


    -Straight from the H2 megastructure, a monster of speed and arrogance, here in this ring is the mighty, green Drrrrragon.


    The young man in the green boxing shorts, his hands covered in bandages, raised his head along his back, across his collarbone to his torso, a tattoo of scales and claws disappearing into his scalp before reappearing as scales along part of his forehead, stopping at his eye. His brown hair was shaved on the side and thicker on top. He smiled when he saw Tubio.


    -I''ll say. Tubio emerging from the demon''s lair for some fresh air. For my fight, noooo, I''m really flattered. And when is it going to snow?


    -I don''t know? when you''ll win your first fight?


    -Fuck, it won''t be long then. Be careful, you''re a little white does it count?


    He stood up and shook her hand like old friends.


    -How you been?


    -Well, listen, before I saw you not strong, but with the luck you''ve just brought me by your exceptional presence... I''m obliged to win now.


    -So it''s my fault?


    -Yeah, you''ll see, I''ve been training hard and now I''m going to blow it.


    Making shadow boxing movements to mount him, they both smiled.


    -Glad to see you.


    -What the hell are you doing here? Knowing you, you never leave H2.


    -My mother, you''d think. She wants me and Doug to have a closer relationship.


    -Yeah, you told her no. That''s not possible.


    Tubio took a long breath.


    -Sissy.


    -What do you mean, wimp? Dare tell me you''d stand up to my mother.


    -Nope, not in your dream.


    -We agree.


    -What happened?


    -Dinner with Mom''s friends, and Doug and I agreed on a boxing match night when I heard a someone Lianovack was going to fight.


    -You mean he''s here with you?


    -Don''t worry, we don''t know each other when it suits him. And now that my mother and sister aren''t around. I can die with my mouth open and he wouldn''t care. I''m sure he''d even like it, not having me around anymore.


    -Did I already tell you how my father turned him down?


    -His deal of the century... What was it in the end you never told me?


    -I don''t know, but out of respect for your mother he kept it quiet and just forbade him to come back.


    -A jerk. I''m sure he''ll be gone before your fight starts.


    -If he didn''t rig it.


    -Come on, he wouldn''t dare... I hope?


    -Enough jokes, kids, Pavel, let''s go. Tonio, good to see you.


    A man came into the dressing room and shook Tubio''s hand, Olov Kirkiv, still smoking medicine with his inalator, a war veteran missing more than one tooth which he replaced with several chrome ones. Small but stocky, he worked as a trainer at a boxing club in H2.


    After a brief exchange, the three began to make their way upstairs.


    The spectators had deserted the ring, heading back to the bar and the girls who were doing their best to keep the interest of these testosterone-filled people.


    The bartender from earlier rang a bell and the patrons turned to the ring, accustomed to the maneuver. In the ring, a gentleman in a referee''s suit captured the crowd''s attention by connecting to the room''s speakers.


    -Ladies and gentlemen. For tonight''s third match. Let me introduce the fighters. All the way from Wellsprings, making his debut this evening, I''d like you to give a round of applause to The Green Dragon... Pavel Lianovak.


    Coming to the ring in a green and black dress, Pavel was as focused as ever, separating from Tubio and his coach to climb into the ring and greet the crowd. The crowd applauded politely.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    -His opponent was a regular in our fights, returning from injury when ha was face to face with the terrible Hugo Plarcar, his punches had shaken the strongest fighter in Santo Domingo, called the steel grinder of Arroyo. I ask you to welcome the return of... Douglas Tiron!


    Pavel''s opponent entered through the doors opposite. Tubio was shocked - he was a muscle monster, clearly weight was no object here. A black man twice as wide and a head taller than Pavel. Tubio looked at Pavel, who was concentrating, and Kirkiv, whose face was closed. Clearly there was something odd going on. The guy could have been with the Animals and it wouldn''t have surprised him.The crowd was happy to see him, with some people even patting him on the back as he approached the ring. He was all smiles, relaxed, Tubio could see exactly what this match was for him, a warm-up.


    Moving closer to Kirkiv, Tubio grabbed his arm.


    -What''s going on?


    -§á§Ñ§â§ê§Ú§Ó§Ö§è, shut up you want... sometimes you don''t get to choose your fights.


    With that he shook his arm off. Tubio let go, looking at Pavel. He was going to get slaughtered. Douglas waved to the audience once he was in the ring before quickly waving to Pavel.


    Tubio was at ringside trying to understand...


    The bell rang and with it the fight. Pavel circled around Douglas, but Douglas charged. No tactics, just sheer force. The blows rained down on Pavel, who did his best to dodge and return the blows. alas for him, the difference was too great. Round 1 was almost over when Douglas managed to land a big blow to Pavel''s ribs that knocked the breath out of him before being followed by several more blows.


    The bell rang and the round ended with Douglas returning to his corner. Pavel''s fist was already sore and hematomas were starting to appear on his belly. The only mercy Douglas had was not to break his face in the first round.


    Tubio looked around, searching for something to do, because this wasn''t a match. All around him, the partrons were happy, applauding the fight as the spectacle of a cat playing with a mouse was. He saw Doug impassive, as usual slumped on the counter. The bartender chatted with one of the bouncers, but apart from that, Tubio''s gaze returned to the ring where Pavel was sweating and about to leave. The bell rang. And this time Pavel took advantage of Douglas'' assault to send jabs right into his face. Always on the move, Pavel in green short turned into the ring, always keeping his distance from Douglas, who was in no hurry to keep moving forward, deflecting blows or taking them effortlessly. Several times Douglas tried to pin him in a corner of the ring, and several times Pavel managed to get out of the way, with several blows shaking his defense.


    The second round ended with an exhausted Pavel facing off, while Douglas was clearly smiling and ready for more. Round three arrived, and with it the steamroller that was Douglas. His blows easily passed Pavel''s guard. Douglas''s hook put him down immediately. Getting up quickly, the referee came to see him. After a nod, the bell rang and so did the match. Pavel was only defending himself now. His elasticity wasn''t helping him any more - he was heavy in his movements. Even Tubio could see it. Douglas was dragging things out.


    By the end of round 3, Pavel was dead. A breeze would have knocked him off his feet, and he was bleeding from the arch and lips. But the match went on. Kirkiv wouldn''t let go. And Pavel was too stubborn to give up.


    The fourth round started badly, but Pavel seemed to get a second wind, throwing himself at Douglas with a series of blows. But Douglas woke up the beast, as one of his combinations swept through Pavel''s guard, sending him flying into the ropes. The referee separated them as Pavel got back on his feet while the referee counted. No sooner had Pavel stood up and nodded than Douglas began his assault again. Pavel didn''t make it to round 5. A blow to the ribs before a right hook hit his temple, knocking him unconscious.


    The unsurprising winner was Douglas Tiron. The club doctors quickly removed Pavel from the ring and took him to the dressing room. The guests shouldn''t have lost their appetite with a corpse on the main stage.


    Tubio followed Pavel and Kirkiv into the dressing room, this time without being stopped by the bouncer.


    Pavel woke up with salts. The doctors kept him with them for as long as it took to make sure he wouldn''t die, and left immediately. Kirkiv smoked his mixture before leaving as well. Tubio and Pavel were the only ones in the dressing room.


    -Can you explain? No, because if I wanted to see someone get beaten up, I''d have done it in front of my TV.


    -I had to do it, okay.


    Tubio sat down opposite him.


    -The Animals... They control almost all the underground fights and little leagues in Night City. How could I have got in if I hadn''t given a bit of myself?


    -You could have told your father.


    -And have a match rigged? No, I don''t want to win that way. And even if he hadn''t, I''d still have doubts. You know, we''re the last two choums left unproven. My sisters work for a corpo. My brothers have pulled their fingers out of their asses and are even talking about recruiting you for the nightclub they''re going to do. My father... wants me to take over THE business...


    -And you don''t want to...


    -And I don''t want to. I only like one thing. There''s only one thing I love, and that''s not making deals with thrill-seekers. Fighting''s good, it frees my mind even if I take a beating. At least once I wanted to try my luck outside H2.


    -He''d have let you do it, you know... fight.


    -No offense, but you''re in no position to talk about a father''s love.


    -My biological one would have proven otherwise. You know what? Go see Kirkiv and tell him that your next match will have to take place in H2. Tonight or tomorrow you go see your dad and explain to him that you want to start fighting.


    -My dad''s all about money, remember?


    -Explain to him that you want to start a gym. And with it fights like this shithole. But better, you could even team up with Ivan and Lev to organize matches like here, but once again better.


    -I don''t know, Tubio. We already have a gym...


    -That dump you''re using? Shit, even the veterans are keeping to themselves not to say they''ve trained there. Pavel, you were always smarter than Lev and Ivan, but not handsome enough like your sisters.


    -It''s true that I don''t have breasts.


    -I know that with some calculations and a little time you''ll find a solution, not today or tomorrow. But I''m sure it''ll happen, but don''t hesitate to think big and include your dream. What''s your dream again?


    -Champion of Night City.


    The two looked at each other. Pavel''s face, so far defeated, broke into a smile.


    -My father''s going to kill me.


    -Not when he sees who you''ve stood up against. I''m sure Kirkiv has already reported.


    -Fuck me...


    -You should have expected it. I assume, but dare to tell me that brave Kirkiv would take you to get your face smashed without informing Mister Lianovak.


    BANG!


    Tubio and Pavel gasped. Tubio got up and ran for the door.


    Glancing down the corridor, shouts came from above. As more shots rang out, Tubio turned to Pavel.


    -You can walk, we''re leaving now!


    -Kirkiv?


    -He''s got a tough hide, the most important thing is to get out of here, we''ll ask the questions later. Call and tell him we are leaving.


    Grabbing his belongings, Pavel left with Tubio. Passing through the corridor, the tension was at its height. Pavel quickly put on pants and a T-shirt, following Tubio.


    -Are you sure where you''re going?


    -I came this way.


    through a double swing door. Tubio let Pavel through, heading for the door where the bouncers had greeted them. But when he stopped a few steps away, noises came from behind the door. Pushing Pavel towards an open door, they stumbled into another changing room. Where Douglas Tiron had been executed.


    Against the wall, he''d been shot in the face, still wearing his uniform. His eyes were wide open as he sat against the wall. Pavel pressed Tubio against the wall before closing the door just enough so that the corpse could be seen from outside. So that no one would think anyone was still there.


    The door opened into the corridor and they heard screams from outside. New gunshots had sounded from above. Several people ran past the room without stopping before climbing the stairs to the ring room.


    Waving to Pavel, he and Tubio exited again. By the time they reached the doors, blood had spilled under it and the traces led where they came from. Not asking for more, Tubio opened the door and stepped into the alley where the two bouncers lay in their own blood. Checking their pulses without much hope, Tubio heard Pavel tell him to hurry up. Running down the alley, he and Pavel headed for the main street, where they''d have a better chance of putting some distance between themselves and the fighting. But just as they were about to get there, Pavel knocked Tubio into the garbage cans with him. The lights in the alleyway were dark and malfunctioning, so it was only natural that someone walked past them without seeing them. Pavel and Tubio got up quietly and begin to left. Pavel began to run as more shots rang out further up the street. Not looking back, Pavel rounded the corner without stopping or looking.


    Tubio turned around. He saw the person who had just passed them look up. The door of the club opened and the man looking up at the sky didn''t see him, but a member of the Animals had just stepped out, blood running down his shirt and an assault rifle in his hands, ready to fire.


    He raised his weapon in the direction of Tubio and the man. Tubio changed course and ran towards the man, tackling him to the ground behind one of the many piles of garbage. The man was heavy for Tubio, but the safety of the situation allowed him to talk to the stranger.


    -You''re all right?


    Turning his head, the man smiled and burst out laughing.


    -It''s just my luck that strangers save me now!


    He let out a thunderous laugh before drawing his gun and returning fire through the garbage heap. An agonized groan was heard and the man got to his feet before dusting off his jacket. Tubio was stunned, while Gaton grinned from ear to ear. Five red eyes on an ultra-modified face faced him, his two normal ones and three arched along his forehead. His hair was short and trimmed, leaving the hair on top of his head longer and shaved on the sides, with chromium-plated patches behind his ears and disappearing down his neck. He looked like a military man who''d joined the Maelstrom. His clothes, though street-worthy, were much nicer than Tubio. With a leather jacket and red shirt, combat boots to go with a pair of leggings, too classy for a gang member.


    Of course he was heavy with chrome, but if he''d refused to move, Tubio wouldn''t have done it.


    With a flick of his wrist, he grabbed Tubio''s arm and lifted him to his feet effortlessly. Bringing him to his feet, he shook him, knocking the shredded debris to the ground.


    -Call me Gaton and in the future if you have a problem. Just let me know.


    Putting his arm around Tubio''s shoulders, he guided him towards the club door, where the corpses of three people now lay. He continued to speak cheerfully, completely devoid of remorse or concern. Tubio was terrified, but even if he tried to escape, he knew that Gaton would crush his head before he could do anything.


    -You know, it''s rare to see charitable souls in Night City. Especially to people like me.


    -Modified?


    -Ah! No, for Maelstrom people! Your act goes straight to my heart.


    He pushed open the door to go inside Tubio under his arm and his weapon, still in his hand, waving it as he spoke.


    -You know what, join us and I''ll take you under my wings, a good salary, action galore, wild parties...


    -Thank you, but I think we''d better be going, don''t you? There''s a reckoning in progress if you hadn''t noticed.


    -That? No, we''re the ones attacking. No worries. We don''t necessarily want to kill everyone. If we have no business with you and you''re not in our way, there''s no reason to.


    Saying this, he''d just passed the dressing room where they''d been hiding with Pavel, Douglas''s corpse still warm against the opposite wall.


    -And the Animals had seen it coming. One of their guys stole a load from us. We were informed that he was here. So at first we were polite, but politeness is never respected without deeds, so we acted to make people respect our politeness. You''ll see, I''m going up those stairs and I''ll have my guy ready to be dumped.


    Climbing the stairs, the room behind the door was silent. Passing in front of it, he came upon a battlefield. Gone were the customers and the other girls, and all that was left was a battlefield. It looked as if grenades had exploded everywhere. Tables overturned, people dead. The room was empty of life other than that of the Maelstrom. Several men with varying degrees of augmentation watched Gaton enter. Then they raised their weapons at Tubio before Gaton could say he was with him. Walking around the room. He laughed out loud as Boris came to see him.


    -We don''t have him, at least not yet, but he was there during the assault. We''re in the process of finding out where we''re storing the camera images.


    -Perfect, Boris. Good job guys! That''ll teach them to mind our own business and party for us!


    The men let out a cackling cheer and began ransacking the place. Gaton pointed to Tubio.


    -What''s your name again?


    -Tubio...


    -The tube! Perfect. Meet Boris, my right-hand man. If you''ve got a problem, he won''t bite. That I know of! Ahahaha. Then let¡¯s go see the surveillance cameras.


    Boris looked at Tubio with the dead intensity that a chrome gaze could give.


    Passing behind the ravaged counter where the bartender''s body was on his stomach, Tubio tried to keep up with the movement so as not to find himself with the Maelstrom''s madmens. Gaton seemed to have a case loose too. But at least he seemed to know how to be indebted. The sooner they left, the sooner he could give them the slip.


    Passing through several doors, stockroom and otherwise, they entered the control room. A netrunner chair connected to a set of screens mounted on the wall. A man from the maelstrom was sitting in the chair when they entered Boris Gaton and Tubio.


    -Boss, I''ve got the images if you want to see. From the moment we got the call to the moment we arrived.


    -It''s perfect. You and Boris leave me with the new guy, we need to talk.


    Disconnecting himself the netrunner started to leave, Boris grunted, going with him to loot the bar. The door closed behind him and Gaton let out a sigh. Then he launched the video on one of the screens.


    -You know, Tubio, I''m not getting my hopes up. The cold blood you''ve shown so far is as admirable as your altruism. But I can see 20 miles away that you''re shitting yourself.


    Tubio remained silent, observing the man in front of him. His smile gone, he concentrated on the images in front of him.


    -Tell me, what were you doing in the alley?


    -I was... Fleeing the building.


    -Oh, so it wasn''t totally by chance. Do you work here?


    -No, I''d come to see a friend fight.


    -It was a ring fight night? Did he win?


    -No, but I don''t know if he''s still alive¡­


    -Ah¡­ yeah. It''s embarrassing, I must say. Come and watch the videos with me, maybe we''ll find out...


    Tubio wines sat down next to him. Although Gaton was clearly concentrating, he was trying to make conversation with him, Tubio was very disturbed.


    -Tubio... Where did that come from?


    -I like music, so...


    -Well, I''ve seen worse. At least yours isn''t composed. I had a guy who wanted to be called The Great Fighter. In every conversation, it was hell...


    -And who''s this person you''re looking for?


    -An old fart, the bastard stole a whole case of product, enough to fill a van with drugs. A lot of money. I only got his looks. A receding hairline, a prosthetic leg and sports tracksuits...


    Tubio began to sweat. A lot. It was totally Doug''s description. What were those psychopaths going to do when they saw I''d arrived with him on the video? What would they do to my mother and sister... Doug, you''re really going to kill my whole family with your bullshit. Taking one last look at Gaton, Tubio knew full well that the slightest challenge would get him killed. He took a deep breath.


    -What do you owe me?


    -Hmm?


    -I saved your life, but what value do you place on it?


    -It depends... You''re not even my thief, are you?


    -I''m afraid I know who it is.


    Gaton stared at Tubio, his eyes and lenses growing bigger and bigger moving towards him.


    -I''ll watch the video. You tell me when you arrived and I''ll judge from what I see.


    Tubio complied. If ratting out Doug could save his mother and sister, so be it. The chances of getting out of here alive were slim to none. But Tubio had nothing of value to offer but honesty.


    There was silence as Gaton looked gravely at the video.


    He picked up the screen and turned it away from the wall towards Tubio.


    -The guy at the counter... The one you came in with?


    -...Yes.


    Gaton heaved a long sigh before letting go of the screen. Sitting back in his chair, Tubio stared at the floor. His life was in Gaton''s hands. The latter thought silently.


    -Who''s this guy?


    -My stepfather. Well, he''s with my mother, but that''s all. I only came because my mate had a match.


    -What''s your relationship with him like?


    -He''s an asshole.


    Gaton remained thoughtful.


    -Why would your stepfather call us on him?


    -What?


    -Check it out.


    Gaton gave him the precise moment when they received the message that he was here. Less than a second later Doug disappeared from the counter, leaving a box for the bartender, who seemed to be counting down before leaving the building.


    What the fuck?


    -I don''t know what to say.


    -Well, I''ll tell you. Your dad''s decided to make it up to you Maelstrom style. At least now I know why it was so easy to track him down. On top of that we''ll have a debt to settle with the Animals. What an asshole indeed.


    Tubio remained silent as Gaton rose to his feet. He took a few steps into the room before turning to Tubio.


    -You know, I''m not one to hold a grudge, but we''ve lost a lot of money here. Now that I know who it is, it should go well.


    -Good joke.


    Gaton turned in the room before sitting in his seat again in front of Tubio, this time with his pistol in his hand.


    -You don''t have much of an option here. You''re going to tell me where I can find him.


    Tubio didn''t want to lead him home.


    -Does your offer still stand? I accept, but on one condition. All the money I earn goes back into paying off the debt, minus what he brought tonight. If he comes near the Maelstrom again I''ll do nothing and let him get killed. Once my debt is paid I''ll be free to leave.


    -Why would you do that? The guy wanted you dead, even the best father deserves to be thrown under the bus in that situation.


    -My family won''t recover. My Madre¡­ She needs him. And I know you''ll stop at nothing to get compensation. But I''m not like him. I respect what I owe.


    -You know nothing will stop him from doing it again with another gang or even us. Your family will still be in danger. Your generosity will be worthless if he''s brave enough to use his own son-in-law to take the fall for him.


    -No, he''s desperate for money. If he asks for one eddie, my mother will know something up. I talked it over with her before tonight. He won''t try anything crazy. I know he''s cheating on her and I also have proof, I''m going to blackmail him to gradually recover the money he owes you.


    Gaton scratched his chin. A new member, loyal, head on his shoulders, naive but with potential. With a little experience, he could be useful. On top of that, he offered to extort money on his own, and will agree to be paid a pittance. Killing his asshole father-in-law would cut off any possible income if he''d already blown the money. Win in all cases. Maybe that night really was a lucky day. Smiling, Gaton put away his pistol.


    -Okay. I''ll give you a try, but if your asshole stepfather and you don''t come through with the money, your mom''s gonna have to find herself another man for the house. I heard your terms. And I accept them. I''m even generous. I''ll give you a total amount of what you''ll owe, I warn you it''s huge. I swear I won''t go after the rest of the family if they don''t come between me and my money. I want to know about your stepfather. If you die, I want to know where I can catch him to get the rest of what you owe me. You run, I will find you.


    -Deal. I''m only a man, I''ll do the best I can with our situation, at least then I won''t have anything to reproach myself for.


    -Ahahahaha!


    They shook hands.


    -I really like you a lot. Another thing, you''re going to have to get some implants to stick with us. You''ll see soon that chrome is beautiful.

 Our fathers

    The silence in the room was palpable. Tubio had just finished the evening he''d spent with Gaton. His mother wasn''t well, the man she knew wasn''t who she thought he was. And now...


    -I''m going to kill him.


    -Mother¡­


    -No, I need to smoke...


    She got up and left. Tubio turned to Cyclops.


    -Don''t look at me, she''s your mother. But so far I believe you. This was totally Gaton''s style. Frankly, I think if you hadn''t played it that way, he and Boris would have turned up here one morning. My hat''s off to you.


    -After that, it was as surreal as that evening. You know what I mean...


    -Kind of. But the part about you saving his life? I have my doubts.


    -I swear, he put his arm around my shoulders and I found myself tetanized.


    -What happened next? Give me a quick rundown.


    -Okay, Gaton and I set up a fund where I pay back the money I owe. With the help of SP4DE, we sent pictures of Doug cheating on my mother and every month I made him cough up money. Gaton was happy, he''d probably end up with more than he''d been robbed of. Plus I was working for free for the club and the garage. I slept in the car and the food was what we bought as a group. Boris gave me a hard time but I know now that it was because he didn''t know about my deal with Gaton. It''s just Sp4de, Gaton and me. Besides, I haven''t heard from him since Gaton died.


    -Don''t worry about him. Gaton was an eccentric. He liked to recruit other people high in colors, Sp4de is just one of the many netrunners willing to work with Maelstrom from afar. He''s probably taking it easy with the pot of money you''ve probably left in his hands.


    -Fuck!


    -Ahahaha. That''s just like you, always doing crazy stuff but no preparation behind. It''s amazing how you managed to get hired by THE Maelstrom and then end up in the trap to kill me. All to survive, between you and me, I don''t know who''s luckier.


    -I''ve still got my limbs so I think it''s me.


    -Look at the arrogant one, you didn''t dare to talk back when I had my armor on, you know I can still fry your brains.


    -No, I don''t think you will.


    -Why won''t I?


    -Boris''s last words. He told me you were a nice person. Just not in a good place.


    -Idiot... Always trying to play big brother with me. You didn''t know him like I did. He was a big nerd when it came to drinking. Could tell you how every drink at the Afterlife was made for every legend.


    -What''s that supposed to mean?


    -Tubio, you still have a lot to learn about the business. When you die, the Afterlife club adds your favorite cocktail in the bar. Only if you''re a Night City legend.


    -Like Morgan Blackhand.


    -Well... I don''t know if Morgan Blackhand''s dead.


    -Boris¡­ Told me to run, you know?


    An awkward silence settled in. Now that she was no longer wearing her mask. Tubio thought she looked normal, approachable even. A far cry from the killer.


    -And the others?


    Tubio took his time to organize his thoughts.


    -This may come as a shock to you, but the group no longer exists. The night we were attacked, the club had called Boris for help.


    -Yes, I remember.


    -The other cars should have gone there. But like us, several of them were accosted by armed groups. Ulysse, Fabien, Quick, Waver and many others never arrived. Spike and Janissa were among the few to arrive. When they did... It was butchery. Even other Maelstrom groups showed up to see. But inside... All dead. The doc disappeared and the videos vanished. No clue on what happened.


    Cyclops remained silent before swallowing the information. Almost everyone she''d ever knew was dead.


    -Spike tried to investigate, but you know Spike. Less than two days later he was gone. Vanished. Janissa was the last one to give me any information. She understood that you had to nurse yourself back to health or die. She wished us well. She launched herself as a solo mercenary, as the Maelstrom no longer interested her either. She''s also following in the footsteps of the others. They either joined other Maelstrom groups or became independent.


    -...Wow, I''ve come full circle, now even if I wanted to I couldn''t get back to the club.


    -You... lived at the club?


    -No, I lived in an apartment, something acceptable nearby. As good as this room. I even had running water. But compared to here it was hell.


    Tubio let her speak clearly she needed to, for the words were jostling in her mouth.


    -You know I''ve never had anything else. I don''t even remember my mother that much anymore. I''ve got a photo of her, but it doesn''t look good. Gaton, Boris and the Doc were the only ones who knew who I was... Now I''m nobody...


    -Don''t say that. You''ve saved my life many times. You''re a genius netrunner, you''re cold-blooded in any situation. The Doc just disappeared, you know.


    -Like Spike? Besides, I haven''t gotten along with Doc in years.


    -And why is that?


    -One day, Gaton came to me and told me the Doc was never to touch me again. I was very young, If you know what I mean. After that, I''ve never been able to see the Doc in the same way.


    -THE Doc?


    -Never dared to check, but Gaton rarely does things for nothing. Did...


    -What was he like¡­ as a father?


    -Bad. Drunk, too happy, too passionate sometimes, lazy. He used to take me in his arms and tell me he was sorry when he was drunk. He never said what he was sorry for. But often I''d see him looking at me as if I were a hallucination. He tried not to drink sometimes. Instead he''d smoke. I don''t know what it was, but I think the aquarium effect got to me more than once. I was so relaxed in those moments, lying on the couch with my head on his lap while we watched TV or chatted with Boris. Sometimes he''d leave for weeks at a time, leaving me money and telling me I was a big girl now so I could do what I wanted. I think he never treated me like a child or so he never bothered to know if I was. I think he never knew how to behave as a father. He never laid a hand on me. But he left guns all over the apartment that he and Boris let me sleep in after "adopting" me. It was only when I became Cyclops that I had to take my apartment he reacted. He didn¡¯t want me to. But I took up his challenge, Northside¡¯s dirtiest apartment, to prove that I could do it. You should have seen his face when I told him and proved that I would last longer than the six months he predicted. And... there you go...I guess¡­


    -Shall I leave you a moment alone too?


    -No... please stay. Tell me about yourself, about what you did while I was here.


    She grabbed his arm. The contact did not shock him, he welcomed her on the contrary. She clearly needed help and just being there was not so bad.


    Tubio resumed the course of his story. After depositing Cyclops and assured her health. Tubio contacted Ferak who of course got wind of what had happened and did not ask for the details. Tubio was now one of the delivery boys for Ferak. Several times it is heated with ambush during a convoy of equipment and pharmaceuticals products in the badlands. But other than that, it was a job like any other in Night City.


    -I learned that you were the one paying your mother to fix my limbs. You didn¡¯t have to do that, you know.


    -At the time T, you were not really in a position to make transactions, much less on money.


    The discussion was interrupted by Elizabeth¡¯s Spanish swearing. Anger was not a good word to describe what Cyclops and Tubio heard. Watching her,Tubio asked her if he could go and see her.


    -Go, she needs you. And I¡¯m not going anywhere.


    Tubio left Cyclops to enter the living room. His mother was smoking a cigarette.


    -Madre...


    -No mi hijo. If I''d listened, none of this would have happened. Doug must have known you knew about his affairs. He never wanted to lose the money I gave him. He and I were too stubborn...


    Tubio invited his mother to sit down. Crushing her cigarette in the ashtray, she was ashamed of what had happened.


    -Did you know he was cheating on you when I called? Didn''t you?


    -Everything was different when you... died. Doug called me, telling me the Maelstrom had attacked the club you were in. You didn''t answer, you were dead...


    Her mother choked back her sobs as her son took her hand and spoke to her as she had done when he lost his father.


    -I''m here now. I''m not dead, madre. I''m healthy.


    -That dog. How dare he do this to me! After everything that''s happened to you and me. I called you, why didn''t you answer?


    -I had to, so he wouldn''t play with your money anywhere but the blackmail I had him in. The fact that he constantly needed money would have dissuaded him from going on to other scams and staying here. Besides, you''d never believe me. Not then.


    -Yeah, you know what he did? He came back here crying, lamenting your death, the bastard, when he wanted to cause it! But he made a mistake. Pavel.


    -Pavel? Is he all right?


    -Oh, yes, he too woke up that night as a man. He came to see me the next day. Telling me about the event as you just did. Minus the details about that Gaton. But the way he alluded to Doug.


    -Pieces of the story didn''t fit, that''s it?


    -Between him and Doug. There were too many differences. Like the fact that you were dead. Even if he''d never seen your body. Then Pavel told me you had doubts about his fidelity... I''d have doubted before, but with you dead. The best I could do was be on guard. Not even two days later, two days. He came to see me to ask for the money I''d given you. Just as you''d told me and Pavel had warned me. After that I couldn''t ignore anything, the impromptu departures, the money he asked your sister for. The more time passed, the more I knew that the flame he''d given me was nothing but hot air.


    Tubio remained silent, his mother had been duped and it hurt. More because she''d never trusted any man other than his true father. As she had with Doug.


    -The nail came not even a day after you returned and I took care of Cyclops. I received a shard, in it was a complete list with dates and names of appointments Doug had made with not one but 3 other women. Pictures, vid¨¦os, all of it. That''s when I kicked him out. Even though since I''d refused him the money he was already more absent than present. oh¡­ I haven''t told your sister.


    -Sp4de... he must have thought the case was over or Gaton gave orders in case he died.


    -I don''t know any Spade. But I didn''t dare say anything to your sister, but after Doug saw you I think we''re going to have a family discussion.


    -It can''t wait, I really have to take care of Sp4de... He''s the one in charge of the fund where the money we took from Doug went.


    -I don''t care about the money mi hijo. I want our family to be stable again. And that means explaining to Sabrina what happened with that snake. Once Sabrina understands that her father is who he is, I''ll tell her what happened to you.


    -Will she believe you?


    -With the dose of evidence she''ll slap him herself. She told me he''s getting more and more interested in her work. And she doesn''t like it. There''d been some car thefts. Cars that the garage where she works had just been returned to the owner are stolen as soon as they''re returned to the customer. Maybe I''m kidding myself, but after all this, I see the devil everywhere when it comes to him now.


    -Do you want me to see her?


    -No, we''re going to clear the situation up first, and then we''ll see about the rest. I think you need to go and see little Pavel. Poor thing, he was in tears when he came to see me. Him first, I''ll take care of your sister.


    -Si madre.


    They both stood up, but she took him in her arms. Taking his face in her hands, she was much calmer now.


    -No mother, no parent should bury their child. I''ve already lost your father...


    -Si madre. I''m very sorry.


    -Don''t be. I''m old and gruff and soon I''ll be picking my clients if this keeps up.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    -That means business is good.


    -You little prick. Go tell your friend I''m making us a nice meal tonight. Presence mandatory for everyone. Take that over there.


    Tubio lifted a table and carried it into his room. Cyclops lay still, watching Tubio enter.


    -Am I being invaded?


    -For a meal.


    -You don''t invite me in first. I thought a man like you would be more gallant, Antonio...


    -Laugh as you like, I''m not ashamed of my name. It''s a powerful one.


    -Say... Before I put my foot in it... what happened to your real father...


    Tubio was taken by surprise and it took him a second before he turned and closed the door.


    -I might as well tell you...


    -Your mother managed to cure me when 90% of Night City''s doctors would have let me die to save themselves the trouble. And she is a tattoo artist?


    -My father, Teo Rivi¨¨re, was a doctor like her. They both became charcudocs after falling in love. Self-employed in their own clinics. Short story: a man had a cyberpsychosis, came in and asked for more chrome, literally. My mother told him it couldn''t be done without exams, ¨¦ddies, the material etc... In his madness, the guy hit her. My father arrived to save her, but he killed him. When MAX-TAC, the Night City intervention group, arrived, the guy was trying to attach augmentations to his body, with cables and bits of tissue all around his body to hold the cybernetic prosthesis like arms and legs. Anything to wear more chrome. MAX-TAC doesn''t think, it kills psychos. My father died before the trauma team arrived, my mother received treatment, but she could no longer work on people''s chrome. Mentally she couldn¡¯t do it anymore. So she became a tattoo artist. She takes care of a few boo-boos here and there, but she''s became more than a little anti-chrome. That''s why...


    -You hardly have any implants and her reaction when she heard Maelstrom... Sorry about that.


    -It''s nothing to be ashamed of. I''m proud of it. My father died to save me and my mother. For me, it''s the most important thing that ever motivated me...And it''s not your fault you were part of the Maelstrom.


    -Yes... It''s true¡­ I never had the chance to ask Gaton what I meant to him. And now¡­


    -I think he cared about you... From what little I knew of him and of you now. For him to have raised you the way I see you, he couldn''t have been a bad father, with his faults of course, but for his daughter to go on a manhunt to avenge his death. I don''t think many people would do that for their family. I''m sure he must have been very proud of you.


    -Thanks Tubio.


    Her mother returned with some dishes and the meal began. Cyclops asked what had become of Pavel''s coach Kirkiv. To which Elizabeth replied.


    -After Pavel came to see me, I asked around. Kirkiv survived too. He was shot in the leg before throwing himself out of a window and into an alley. Unbelievable, he went back to his uneventful life. When I asked him where Doug and Tonio were. He told me Tonio was with Pavel in the locker room. Contrary to what that cockroach told me. Ooh! Just thinking about it makes me even angrier. There were no reprisals against you after that night?


    Cyclops answered after eating some soup.


    -No, this kind of reckoning usually ends up with people coming and going. You kill one, we kill two. Before an agreement is reached or the two bosses and exchange insults through intermediaries after too much damage has been done to both sides. The gang had lost a lot with the robbery, so the vengeance was the assault.


    -I must say, it''s genius if Doug did this to reduce his debts.


    -Murdering you? Mi hijo. He had to know the gangsters would be watching the videos.


    -Sad to say, but once they found out about Tubio''s relationship with him... Tubio dead,then they wouldn''t have pursued Doug. Gaton had other priorities than 24-hour manhunts. He would have given up if he hadn''t had a clue. The fact that, as luck would have it, the one night Doug came to the club where there was a match with Tubio''s friend, they were called in on him but he''d already left. That they have no information other than what you''ve told me, a vague description and the enforcers reply. Fat chance.I''m curious about the holo that prompted Gaton to show up. I''m 100% sure he''s either the luckiest man alive or he''s given fate a little helping hand.


    -Can we change the subject instead of talking about murder? I''d like to know what you''re doing right now.


    -I work for a Northside fixer called Ferak. Nothing very dangerous, convoy, transport, deliveries, pays me well I have nothing to complain about.


    -I''d understood that you''d made the impression that we''d gone through him.


    -Yeah, he wasn''t fooled by my face either. Jet was the most surprised, but with a sense of humor he said to me:"My man, you had such a pair of balls that even if you''d taken off your mask that night, I wouldn''t have done shit.¡±


    -What happened?


    -Your son went into a cutthroat den alone with a friend and came out as if he owned the place.


    -Always more dangerous...


    -Madre, most of the time I worked in a club or with cars. I stayed in my corner and was paid to supply the cars on time. I had a guy above me and everything else was fine, I just had to keep my cool.


    Tubio did his best to minimize his involvement in the gang''s activities, bringing a smile to the injured woman''s face. Tubio was quite embarrassed. But his mother''s words shocked him even more.


    -And you, Ruby, what was your job in this hurricane?


    Ruby? Tubio looked at Cyclops, realizing it was the first time he''d had a name for her. Come to think of it, she couldn''t have been called Cyclops. His gaze caught her attention.


    -What? You never asked me and this way we had kept it professional. Now we''re closer. I was a netrunner. I took care of tech problems most of the time. I updated the surveillance cameras and put the club parties online. I tried sensory dancing too, but I wasn''t any good.


    Winking at Tubio, he blushed, while his mother, with an air of understanding, didn''t pursue the subject, as they''d discussed: you don''t graft mantis blades on yourself to avoid using them.


    At the end of the meal, the conversation turned to worldly topics. Gossip about the latest local projects. For the most part, Ruby remained silent as Tubio reacquainted himself with the life he''d known so long ago, yet so close by. His mother got up to clear the table and Tubio found himself alone with Ruby.


    -Ruby, right?


    -It doesn''t look like it, but I''ve got beautiful red hair. I usually wear it even redder, but as you can see, I''m only starting to grow it back.


    Her mother had to shave her head for the operation on her head. The fine hair was smooth and reddish. Tubio took the table and carried it outside.


    -By the way, it''s Ruby Carancro.


    -Antonio Moreau. But I have a feeling I''ll be taking my father''s name again. Rivi¨¨re.


    -Antonio Tubio Rivi¨¨re. Sounds good.


    -Rest easy Ruby.


    -Can you, like, put a radio or something electronic out in the hall?


    -Why would I do that?


    -I''m dying of boredom here. TV is death to my brain, please let me connect to the level''s camera network. The walls block all signals.


    -I''ll drop this off and see what I can find. Don''t expect a miracle. We don''t have any high-tech stuff here.


    -Thanks for your time.


    He returned to the living room, where he set down the table. Before going to help his mother with the dishes.


    -You know, I used to call her Cyclops, too, when I first heard you say it. So... what''s your relationship with her?


    -Madre...


    -Oh, I can think of my grandchildren, can''t I? I''m not getting any younger.


    -There was nothing between us. I worked for her. She was above me and never took off her mask. Frankly, she was a complete stranger.


    -And yet you risked your life to help her.


    -I acted on instinct... nothing more.


    -You know, a relationship has to start somewhere.


    -Madre...


    -Yes, I''ll leave you alone. She''ll be up soon. I have the pieces she ordered. That''s a lot of money, more than you''ll be able to pay her back.


    -What are you getting at, Madre?


    -Just don''t hesitate to work with her when she''s back on her feet. Don''t do what you did with Talia.


    -Madre!


    Giving up, Tubio went to get some electronic equipment, but there was nothing special at his mother''s house to hack into a surveillance camera. Ruby wasn''t depressed, however.


    -Sorry, the only camera we have is the one on the door and in the tattoo parlor. The rest is old school. And I''m not going to rip the camera off the wall.


    -No big deal. She said my legs will be here soon so you shouldn''t worry.


    -Yes, I''ll go and see Pavel.


    -The guy you ran off with?


    -Yeah, we''re from the same generation. My family helped Pavel''s father, who''s a bit of a middle influence in H2. Rich enough to be on top here, but not rich enough to pass as real rich anywhere else. The proof is in H2.


    -I see, you''ll have to introduce me to Pavel then.


    -A good guy. Not your type.


    -Since when do you know my type?


    She smiled at him and Tubio felt himself blush. He''d had relationships with girls before, but this one caught him off guard. He left wondering whether it was because he liked her or because he couldn''t reconcile the fact that she was so open compared to her Cyclops persona.


    <hr>


    ******


    Tubio left the apartment and headed for the nearest staircase. The floors in the megabuilding were all linked by numerous staircases and elevators. In case of problems. Tubio thought about how he was going to play this. He did pass for dead, though. Pavel would forgive him, but his father on the other hand.... Tubio may have downplayed Pavel''s father''s impact with Ruby. Pavel''s father, Alexei Lianovak, had succeeded in establishing himself and remaining independent. Conquering the entire 34th and part of the 33rd floor before making more purchases on the 35th. His true territory is completely unknown.


    Tubio climbed the nearest staircase and already the Lianovak family mark could be seen here. A large neon glass stem had been hung at the top of the wall in front of staircase. A green glass in a circle.


    Four men of the family wearing leather jackets with a logo of the same style drank on an improvised terrace. One of them looked him up and down as he continued his conversation. At this level, there''s no waste, no trace of decay on the 34th floor, otherwise you''re in trouble. Alexei had figured out how to get people on his side. He at the top, the others following. He takes care of the competition and the opposition by being ruthless and providing benefits for his followers. Tubio knew he''d had a big impact on Pavel, and his father didn''t look too kindly on their relationship. His return might not be good news for him. Maybe he should pay him his respects first. A fragile ego has killed more than one man. Even if Alexei didn''t like him, he''d always supported his mother. She and Pavel''s mother had been very close before her death.


    Making a decision, he headed for the economic center of the floor. Better to go through the father first to avoid trouble. At least if he had something to tell me, if Doug asked him for money, Tubio thought he could handle it. I mean, after all... Unlike Spike. He doesn''t kill without reason.


    Passing through the little tunnels that were the upstairs corridors. Dwellings had often been destroyed or converted into duplexes and, in some towers, a labyrinth of overcrowded slums. The Lianovaks had cleaned the house. Stepping out into the light, he arrived in an interior courtyard where the level was two storeys higher, and a light hanging from the ceiling acted as a hole through which the sun''s rays could pass. On the balconies could be seen terraces with shops and other signs such as drinks vendors, a children''s school, a convenience store and a household appliance repair station. In the middle of it all was a fountain set up in the center of the square made of green neon and concrete, its diamond-shaped design reminiscent of the diamonds on a playing card. In the center of the fountain stood a pillar bisected by a diagonal flow of water. And here, too, the green signified Lianovak''s presence.


    Tubio could look left or right, but every business on this level had at least one family connection. A cousin, a brother-in-law, an aunt... The family head''s two main businesses were a discotheque where thrill-seekers had access to all kinds of sensory dances. From soft, to hard, to extreme. A trance in the body of a vet during a war. Another in a sex dungeon. Or one on demand, where you kill your boss through his killer''s eyes? Some could be modified from real memories, others invented from scratch. A lucrative business for those with the time and resources to store it all. The other business was a simple caf¨¦ terrace on this square. "The Cosy Leaf ". Run by Alexei Lianovak. Passing table after table, he reached the caf¨¦''s glass door. One table at the entrance had an old man in a smart suit with grey hair reading a tablet. A large burn mark ran across his face from eye to back of skull, almost obliterating the fact that he had no hair on that side... and no left ear. He looked up at Tubio, who greeted him.


    -Hello, Vernon.


    -Holy Mary, of all the messengers I''ve had to deal with you''ve sent me the most annoying.


    -I''m real.


    -I can see that, the heavens must be laughing at me.


    -I''m not a spirit.


    -Just kidding, I''m not senile yet. With my age I have to find things to amuse me. But frankly, I thought you were coming for me.


    -Not today, Vernon. I''m alive and well just like you.


    -Come sit with me.


    -Sorry, Vernon, but I''ve come to pay my respects. After coming back from the dead I think greetings are in order for Mr.Lianovak.


    -Oh, I see. Very good initiative.


    His eyes twinkled before he spoke to Tubio. The old man grabbed Tubio''s arm after beckoning him in. His arm, a combat prosthesis, squeezed him like a warning.


    -What you''ve just done is very important Tubio, I''m proud of you. Always show respect when you have to...


    -I will Vernon.


    Tubio and Vernon looked into each other''s eyes. Tubio was clearly unimpressed and Vernon slightly surprised. He''d expected tension or surprise. But he could feel Tubio reaching for his gun. Instead of being intimidated, Tubio had a cold determination in his eyes. Vernon knew that look.


    -He''s in the VIP room.


    Tubio walked in, Vernon looking at him.


    -They grow up too fast...


    The Cozy Leaf Caf¨¦ was one of the first places in Night City where Tubio had had an idea of what nature was all about. The main room was a rectangle with a counter on one side where two waiters and a bartender served customers. The tables were placed in a thoughtful and considered manner. The tiled floor was reminiscent of an old caf¨¦, with square and round tables, sofas in the corners and along the windows giving a restaurant atmosphere, the walls were divided into two waist-high sections, giving the impression of woodwork witch was only an imitation, and the upper section where an artist had created a beautiful forest. All around the room, you''d have thought you were in a tree, with drawings of branches going even on the ceiling in the style chosen. Tubio liked it here. An island of nature in the forest that is Night City.


    Tubio continued, ignoring the waiters and bartenders who stared at him. Some of the customers were obviously Lianovak''s men and many of them knew Tubio. So to see him still alive was off-putting for some, while others were curious - not everyone was Vernon and believed in spirits. But already he was at the back of the room, a room separated from the rest by a flight of steps leading up to a second part of the caf¨¦, where 2 large tinted windows on both side, the entrance door in the middle. Another bouncer at the entrance. This one smiled when he saw Tubio. He was about to say something when Vernon from the front whistled. Making him understand to shut up, he did so, opening the door to the VIP area. Passing without flinching, still at the same pace, Tubio climbed the stairs while the door cut off all outside noise. A soft music playing in the room which was another rectangle, a new door in front of him ledding to the internal premises of the caf¨¦, the room had only two round tables with sofas, on each side the two windows overlooking the main room of the caf¨¦.


    In one of the sofas facing the window is the man Tubio is looking for. smoking a cigarette Alexei Lianovak watched him intensely looking for a fault or a detail while Tubio remained standing. Alexei was a mature man with a brown beard, he sported a golden suit with a black and green shirt. Strangely he dyed his black hair partly green, no one knew why.


    -Antonio, I think you need an explanation. Sit down.


    It was not a question. Accepting the invitation Tubio sat across from him. Alexei stubbed out his cigarette.


    -Several months ago I was at your funeral. No urn or remains. My sons and daughters mourning your death. And here you are in front of me. Would you be able to explain to me?


    -Very simple sir. Someone wanted me dead. Circumstances made my death my only solution.


    Alexei was unfazed, staring Tubio in the eyes. Tubio had always been afraid of confrontation. Alexei knew it, but Tubio no longer had any hesitation in front of him. He smirked, before calling.


    - Irina! Can you bring us some tea?


    A voice came from the back door that was supposedly locked.


    - Yes sir right away.


    He turned to Tubio.


    -I suppose it will take a little time to get the details?


    -The case isn''t over, but I''m willing to answer the questions I can.

 Inaction is not a solution

    Tubio thanked Irina - the girl was younger than Tubio but used to hanging out with the group he was with. She was a young girl with long brown hair and the bridge of her nose and under her eyes covered in freckles. She turned back when Alexei stared at her once tea was served. Tubio looked at his hands out of habit, to the tattoos on his hands, a habit he''d never been able to break as a child. His mother had taught him the meaning of tattoos, Alexei''s had always given him the creeps, but it became even worst when she explained that they belonged to old mafia traditions. Even though the latter had for the most part disappeared and become nothing more than vague traditions, Tubio had always been intimidated before. Today, compared to Gaton''s gaze, Boris'' impassivity, Janissa''s hysteria, Spike''s moods and Ruby''s aura. He thought it was pretty normal. Drinking his tea, Tubio had already thought about what he was going to say. No information about Ruby will be necessary after all, I don''t think he''s interested in her or that she''ll bring any danger to his business. Neither would his discussion with Pavel.


    Putting down his cup, he spoke. Alexei didn''t interrupt, listening from the beginning of the evening with Doug to Gaton''s death and the assault on the gang, which allowed him to return to his neighborhood without risking anything.


    -So Doug took a shipment from the Maelstrom and made you a scapegoat.


    -As luck would have it, I saved the group''s leader from a stray bullet. Otherwise, I think they would have landed on my mother''s doorstep or just killed me that night.


    -Are you sure the leader of the cell you were with is dead?


    -Sure, his replacement was with me in the car the next day and they were as close as family. We were attacked and I survived. I know the replacement won''t follow me.


    -You say that like you killed him.


    -It wasn''t an attack that night, it was a purge. 80% of the cell was killed and other groups rushed in to get whatever was left.


    -You did the right thing, Antonio. You managed to survive in a complex situation.


    Alexei lit a cigarette. Tubio could see the patriarch thinking. He had just told him some serious news. It wouldn''t take him long to corroborate his story. A massacre like this doesn''t go unnoticed even in Night City.


    -Your story is worthy of a movie, but I''ve seen worse. I have nothing to say about your behavior. But try to avoid telling anyone you were part of the Maelstrom. People have reason to be afraid of their members. The only problem I have with this story is your father.


    -Ex stepfather. I''m thinking of taking my biological father''s name.


    -Mm, good choice. If your assumptions are right, then you need to cut his balls off fast. The fact that he just found out you''re alive will probably push him to do something stupid.


    -Problem is, I don''t have any proof it was him.


    -You have proof he cheated on Elizabeth. What are you waiting for? You''re still too nice...


    -How did...?


    -Antonio, do you really think I would trust this guy over my own son? For years I''ve known about his other wives and many of his other questionable dealings, I think I''ve been very careful in dealing with Doug. I made it clear to him that if he set foot on this floor, he''d go down the center hole. Snakes have no place in my garden.


    -You could have told my mother.


    -She didn''t believe her own son and you wanted me to intervene?


    -Yes, I thought you would!


    Alexei banged on the table before pointing a finger at Tubio who had raised his voice.


    -Careful how you talk to me. I mind MY own business. Other people are none of my concern. Do you know why I became the boss of this level? Because no one would leave my family alone. I wanted to bury my head in the sand and people died because I refused to act! So don''t you dare lecture me!


    Alexei''s outburst of anger had surprised Tubio; he''d always shown such control. He took a drag from his cigarette before resuming.


    -I don''t owe your mother or you anything. If she refuses to see reality, I''m not going to shatter her illusions. At any moment she could have come to see me. Antonio, you''re young, you haven''t experienced real defeat yet. In your place, I know young people who would have executed Doug the minute they got back. But you took pity. The problem with pity is that it brings nothing.


    -Should I have executed him in front of my mother?


    -There are many ways to destroy a man. The truth is you''re still afraid of him. You may have matured, I can see that, but some scars are harder to close than others. At any moment, you could have sent him a holo telling him never to come back or you could have revealed his infidelities. Why didn''t you?


    -... It would have hurt my mother.


    -Antonio, you know what pisses me off? If you had taken matters into your own hands Doug would have been history long ago. Now I see one big problem. He didn''t hesitate to rat you out to one of the most powerful gangs in Night City. If they''d wanted, your guy Gaton could have swooped in and set H2 on fire. And I''m not talking about the gang war between us and the Clouds. Only 4 floors had burned, I''m talking about the whole tower.


    <hr>


    ******


    Gang warfare is commonplace in Night City. Gangs are born, live and die. Some have lost their way. Others die in silence. Those that are born are flamboyant, until they wither or corrupt themselves, before imploding or become a legend. The H2 megabuilding is a living being. It fights against itself to sustain itself. When a gang wants to take control of something, the inhabitants have the choice of letting the NCPD take care of it, or defending themselves. Those who let it happen have nothing to say.


    When the Clouds boostergang was born, it wanted to traffic in drugs and cybernetic prosthesis. But drugs are easier to sell than prostheses and the money came in very, very quickly. Many people joined the group, which grew from a dozen members to almost a hundred. The first members disappeared to make way for the second generation. Most of these new members were addicts or opportunists looking for eddies or a high. The Cloud gang went from black-market smugglers to drug dealers. Prosthetics weren''t selling fast enough for them, so they stopped selling them and stayed in their corner smoking at level 40, one gang among many. Doing their own thing, but they were a gang of addicts, and sooner or later the gang would have disappeared, drowning in its own poison.


    But one day, one of them stood out. A certain Waylon Aliarson. Waylon was a small-time dealer for the clouds. The story goes that one day, he came to pick up his drugs only to discover that all the guys present were totally stoned. He killed everyone in cold blood. Taking total control of the gang, he put his best partners and the sanest guys in the group in charge. He completely overhauled the gang, turning the addicts into cannon fodder to beg for money or sell drugs. Of course, this didn''t really work, as the addict used all the product for himself after a while. Except that where his predecessors continued to give to non-addicts, relying on them to deal and bring in money. Here, a vicious circle was created, with the addicts assaulting, robbing and thinking only of their drugs. The sane ones were the executioners, giving just enough for the addicts telling them to go and fight for money which they would then give to the sane ones.


    Waylon knew the system wouldn''t hold, so he created a new drug. The purple cloud. As its name suggests, it produced a special purple smoke. Waylon had used his war treasure to have it made. This drug was as addictive as any other, but the craving disappeared for longer, helping some people to wean themselves off other drugs. Not realizing that it actually cut off the receptors in their body completely. It begins to break down without knowing it.


    Some spent weeks thinking they''d stopped for good, before one day realizing their legs were no longer holding them. Their hands would tremble before they collapsed, their nerve cells screaming in pain all over their bodies. The relapse was so violent that no one was able to emerge unscathed without catastrophic after-effects. Victims in the terminal phase no longer controlled their bodies, even the cybernetic parts no longer responded to the brain, leaving you at Waylon''s mercy, waiting for the moment. He targeted and stalked those he deemed worthy of interest, the weak, single or poor men and families, making them breathing the violet cloud, so that the moment it fell into his hands he could control them like puppets. If any drug is a mass weapon, the purple cloud was an individual bullet. Because once Waylon got you back in need of purple cloud. You had to start working for him. Work your dose so you wouldn''t fall one day and never get up again. Creating the expression falling off the cloud.


    Some people managed to escape the vicious circle by having the means to seek treatment when the relapse came. But few knew what hit them, and usually ended up despoiled. In the end, the purple cloud was nothing but a delayed poison. After this initial success, Waylen created a second version. A drug of some kind that he passed off as the real thing. Trying to blur the lines between the real targets and the random addicts, his blackmail became more and more notorious, so his sales took a hard hit.


    But already his territory was growing. Back to more common drugs, which they sold to other gangs. Waylon gave up purple cloud production. Too dangerous. At least, it was no longer on the market. They had become a real boostergang, and the junkies had long since disappeared from Waylon''s true ranks, with a doctrine of zero tolerance where his men were concerned.


    Everything was going well for the Clouds, the territory was under control and drugs were being sold. But just when all his lieutenants wanted to continue expanding. Waylon put the brakes on. No one in his gang understood except for him. They were getting too big. Unlike gangs like the Animals, who were scattered all over Night City, they lived in one place, and all their products were in one place too. The Purple Cloud had enabled him to steal a great deal of real estate on the near poor floors. But his attempts to expand were met with strong counter-attacks from inside and outside H2. His victims were too far away from him and his men to feel intimidated, and went straight to the NCPD to receive the treatment the doctors had created specifically for the Purple Cloud. Unlike the Maelstroms, they didn''t have high-tech prosthetics, they didn''t have the armament of 6th Street or the outside support of the Tiger Claws.


    They were alone and becoming a menace, not a force, a threat in Night City. And Waylon had no idea what to do about it. Waylon knew that the NCPD had brought in spies and that it would only be a matter of time before they sent the MAX-TAC to set the labs on fire. His forces included opportunists, addicts and people he''d blackmailed. Even his lieutenants were becoming increasingly unfaithful.


    Waylon did what every successful criminal must do. He took all the money and ran. Abandoning gang, house and girlfriend and disappearing with a ton of eddies. Never to be seen again.


    The rest ended in bloodshed, with every one of the 4 floors from 37 to 40 that had been taken over by the Clouds ending up in chaos. The lieutenants tried to keep control, but with no money to create the drugs and no drugs to control the addicts... mass expansion was one of their only solutions. Abandoning their comfort zone, the lieutenants tried to hold on to as much power as they could, going even deeper into H2 and scattering across the floors, trying to recreate Waylen''s blackmail network. Without achieving the desired results and backfiring a lot. They became increasingly dangerous and imprudent, going to kidnapping and direct assault of other groups and individuals in the floors. The other gangs that were carefully defeated by Waylon, raised back up from the grave and fought against the assaults. Some Cloud¡¯s members began to take Purple Cloud again making them insensible to even mortal pain. The NCPD and the Clouds fought mercilessly in the corridors of the floors. Entire levels were evacuated to make room for fighting. The Lianovack fought violently to protect their homes, there were many deaths. The Clouds held them responsible for many incidents, such as the fact that they assisted all the forces present except the Clouds.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    The Climax of the War in the Clouds, was their assault of the 34th floor, far beyond what had been attempted on their part. Many people died that day.


    After the fighting, everyone on the floor had to be treated because the Clouds had spilled monstrous doses of Purple Cloud inside the ventilation system. In time, the lieutenants were all dead and the floors were captured by the authorities. Labs were destroyed, members killed, arrested or disappeared. Less than a year later, the dwellings were rebuilt and new inhabitants from the poor and middle-class peoples moved in. The only remnants of the Clouds are on the ghetto of 40th floor, which are huge tags of a creepy purple cloud.


    <hr>


    ******


    Tubio was a child when it happened but he will always remember the flames and tears of other children in the shelter. Towards the end the Clouds were just desperate. The Purple Clouds were going to kill them because the production labs were destroyed. They wanted to take as many people with them as possible. Tubio knew that Pavel and the others had almost died that day. So the subject was taboo for a lot of the survivors, and while life in Night City went on, the gang disappeared from memory. Tubio remained silent while Alexei recalled this period and how inactivity had led to all this suffering.


    -At any time when the first cases of Purple Cloud appeared, Waylen could have been crushed... How many people could have been saved? What Doug did was to bring death to our doors. What would have prevented him from doing the same thing from that night with the Animals here? Mm? So Tubio, I''m gonna tell you what I want from you, I want you to make him understand that the stunt he did took away all the credit he had left in Night City. And if one of my men or associates sees him, he¡¯ll be hunted down and dealt with properly.


    Tubio remained silent while Alexei continued smoking. Tubio then imagined what a horde from the Maelstrom would have been able to do. He thought back to the club where he had met Gaton. The Clouds had never exceeded a hundred men. The Maelstrom had exceeded a thousand. In a way, Alexei was right. To guarantee his tranquility, he would kill Doug. That night he''d almost killed Pavel too and clearly had no remorse for all the dead in the club.


    -Yes sir. I''ll do what it takes.


    -Of course I''m not asking you to kill him. You may have been baptized in the Maelstrom, but I''m not a monster. My men will take care of him if they must.


    -My mother has already agreed to get rid of him in our lives. She received some incriminating evidence when I dropped by. A... gift from the grave by my old boss and let''s just say when I ran into Doug this morning I made it clear I''d shoot him if I ever saw him again.


    -Ah! Perfect. If it comes to that, I''ll tell Vernon to blacklist him immediately and open a contract for his departure from Night City. Are you interested?


    -You... want to hire me?


    -Antonio. You''re old enough to look after yourself. I suspect you''ll become a merc in a group or a Solo. I usually hire older men, but you''d be perfect for some of my contracts.


    -Not a problem for me, sir. In fact, I''d be happy to work with you.


    -Have you ever had a fixer?


    -I''ve already got a few jobs under my belt, but no murder or anything extreme like that.


    -I see. Are you interested in the ultimatum for Doug?


    -... I wish I''d discussed it with my sister first. She''s the only one not in the loop and my mother would like to tell her herself.


    -An answer tonight. Do you understand?


    -Yes, sir.


    Alexei got up from his seat, Tubio too. He held out his hand and Tubio took it. Like Boris, Alexei put his hand on his shoulder.


    -I''m glad you survived.


    Alexei led Tubio to the door, and they both went out. The bouncer stepped aside as they descended the steps. Coming out Tubio could see the portrait of a woman above the counter. Pavel''s mother, Tubio had only seen the lady once before, at the nursery with Pavel. He wished he''d known her better. Alexei called out to the counter. Asking for 2 shots of vodka, Vernon entered and the other customers looked on. The shots were brought in front of them. Tubio received his from Alexei, and raised his glass to the room.


    -To the return of Antonio Rivi¨¨re. §©§Õ§à§â§à§Ó§î§Ö!


    Both drank at once, resting their glasses on the counter. The cafe was silent for a second before Vernon began to applaud. The bouncer and waiters followed. Even some of the customers, Alexei smiled at Tubio. Tubio thanked him before excusing himself, Alexei didn''t stop him. On his way out, he shook hands with some of the customers he recognized by sight or had known since childhood. Vernon shook his hand with an ear-to-ear smile.


    -We now consider you a man, Antonio. I expected nothing less when I saw you.


    -I''ve got to go, Vernon.


    -Go, work before pleasure.


    -We''ll have tea, I promise.


    Tubio passed through the door and headed for the upper level.


    Vernon returned to his favorite table, Alexei sitting beside him. The two engaged in a holo-conversation.


    -So, how did it go?


    -As your information told me, the kid''s been through a lot and truly was in the Maelstrom. It''s a miracle he survived. But he doesn''t live with Elizabeth.


    -So we''re talking about someone else. How did you find him?


    -He may not have proved himself in the orthodox way, but he''s prepared. He''s still naive. But that''s more due to youth than recklessness.


    -You wanted to kill him one day, didn''t you?


    -Irrelevant, I was biased. He''s shown everything we look for in a recruit, it''s just a shame it''s taken him this long to develop his potential. And you know I''m not objective when it comes to my children''s. He¡¯s gonna be a Solo i think which is not bad either for us.


    -So do you want to tell me what it took for him to become a man in your eyes?


    -Brace yourself...Oh, and put a contract out on Doug Moreau. Antonio has the first pick until tonight.


    -Why?


    -You see...


    A few minutes later Vernon hit the table so hard he nearly broke it.


    *****


    -Madre?


    -What''s going on?


    -I just saw Mr. Lianovak. He knows what Doug did. He''s giving me until tonight to tell him to get out of town or he will take matters into his own hands.


    -Mi hijo...


    -He had to, madre, he already knew. You''d better call Sabrina right away, because I intend to accept the contract for the ultimatum.


    -I understand, do what you have to do.


    -See you later, ma.


    Tubio had once again crossed the upstairs corridors, passing the Lianovaks'' neon cocktail glass once more. Passing unhurriedly up the stairs, he arrived on the new landing and already found the difference between the two floors. Garbage bags abandoned against a wall. Passing by out of habit, he continued on towards his new destination. Now he wondered what Pavel''s reaction would be. His mother had told him that Pavel had taken his advice. Taking over and updating the 35th floor weight room, going into debt to his father, he would have made a killing offering matches on certain evenings in his brothers'' club. He even planned to set up a local amateur boxing tournament. Tubio could only smile at his friend''s success. He was passing through one of the corridors when someone coming towards him caught his eye. Pavel was running towards him. Then he thought again of Irina. Obviously.


    -Are you in a hurry?


    Pavel stopped, catching his breath and pointing.


    -You!


    -Me?


    Tubio could feel the smile rise to his face.


    -Bastard...


    -I heard that a certain Lianovak had bought a certain gym...


    -Shut up and come over here.


    Shaking his arm and giving him a hug, Tubio burst out laughing as Pavel continued to catch his breath.


    -You owe me...


    -An explanation. I know you do... You''re not the first one I''ve had to explain myself to.


    -I don''t care about your explanation. Dude, you were dead! One minute you were behind me, then I turned around and you were gone.


    -Long story, not here...


    -Okay... hey, you want to come see my gym?


    The two of them continued joking before arriving to a sign planted above the gymnasium door, humble from the outside. a grid of bars covered the windows where you could see inside, the facade had been redone brand new. The sign of a dragon flexing a bicep with the name of the ¡°Dragon''s Grip¡± made Tubio smile.


    -You and your obsession with dragons.


    -Shut up, you weren''t there to choose, so you''ve got nothing to say.


    Passing through the doors, Tubio was surprised to see the room in such a state. The walls who were tagged and mildewed had been remade, and the leather machines were so worn that the foam had long since been repaired or replaced. New mirrors had been installed, the ring, too, had been repaired, having its lost ropes found, was now flamboyant. Tubio couldn¡¯t have listed all the changes, Pavel smiled at his surprise. Tubio tried to pass as not impressed.


    -Yeah, I guess it''s all right.


    -Shut the fuck up choom.


    Continuing inside, the gym was a large room with an office in one corner, a reception area in the other and two changing rooms, one for men and the other for women. Nothing in the layout had changed. Inside, he could see that the clientele had changed too. A lot of young people with old hands. Men and women. Where no girl in her right mind would have set foot a hundred yards away from here.


    Tubio recognized old acquaintances, some good, some not. Ignoring the stares, he and Pavel went into his office. The room was separated by tinted glass, and the simple, practical office was exactly Pavel''s definition. Work with a little pleasure. A fridge in the corner provided two beers, which Pavel opened.


    -And so...


    Tubio told the whole story. Once again forgetting to include Ruby. Pavel may have be his best friend, but knowing that a maelstrom slayer lived in his house wouldn''t bring him any good.


    After a story, a beer and some anecdotes, he and Pavel had finished their beers and story.


    Pavel also told his side of the story - he was the one who had mentioned Tubio suspicions about Doug. Be it to his father or Elizabeth. After Tubio''s presumed death, he and his sisters created a market study for the gym with the aim of introducing it to their father to help him invest in it. It took a long time, but with a combination of calculation and margin, if he managed to survive more than 6 months, the loan should be repayable within a few years. His father agreed, but only because Pavel had put his savings into it. With the protection of his family and the possible sponsorship of his father and brothers. Pavel was on a roll.


    -Wow...


    -Yep... so I think I''m going to become a merc. I''ve done contracts before, but for the first time I''m going to work for your dad.


    -No... What''s that?


    -Guess what? I have to find and inform Doug that he has to leave town or your father will have his skin.


    -Nice. One less piece of garbage in H2. You know that son of a bitch wasn''t even here for your funeral.


    -I hear that. Any idea where he''s been since my mom kicked him out?


    -No, but I know he''s cribbing out of H2 now. Check it out with your info, he''s probably with one of the women he cheated on your mom with. Lazy as he is, he must have gone back to one of his conquests.


    -Mm. Yeah, it''s worth a shot.


    -Anyway, who cares if you say no to my dad? Vernon''ll send the steel rods to take care of Doug.


    -I''ll miss all the fun of watching him run. Besides, it''ll prove my capabilities.


    -Damn, the Maelstrom''s really changed you, man.


    -You have no idea. I even raised my voice at your father.


    -Nah, I don''t believe you...


    -Just talk to him. We even had a drink when we came back from the VIP room. Well, I''ll be off, then. Doug''s not gonna start running for nothing. Is there anything else?


    -Yeah, my sisters are gonna kill you.


    -One problem at a time.


    -Two in this case.


    -Details. Come on, I delta...


    Tubio stood up before taking his friend in his arms.


    Going out with him, he found a young tattooed Latino in the ring, clearly staring at Tubio with his friends next to the ring as he came out. Pavel muttered an insult.


    Tubio knew them, the loudmouths of the floor. The one in the ring smiled after a second calling out to Tubio.


    -Peque?o tubooo!

 CUZ IT MAKES ME FEEL BETTER!!

    Pavel had known Tubio all his life, the sweet, naive guy caught between his addicted mother with her rotten husband and the stepfather in question. From daycare, to babysitting with his brothers, to his first beer and his first problems. Pavel had seen Tubio in every possible state: bruised, angry, happy, sad, he''d spent so much time with him that he considered him one of his brothers. Pavel even thought his sisters had a crush on him, but lacked the courage to go out. Being close in Night City is one thing. But Pavel knew that if he had to, his first trusted choom other than his brothers was him. When his fight with Tiron came up, he told himself he had to eat that bullet. That his time would come. But when Tubio asked him. He''d found himself humiliated. He should never have fought Douglas, and Tubio had seen him humiliated for nothing. The evening couldn''t have been more brutal for him. His dream of standing at the pinnacle of Night City sport. A sweet dream, of course. But to have his own gym, a heritage, to be in the boxing world he loves so much. Who says he can''t fight and run the gym at the same time? Listening to Tubio''s plan had made almost all his dreams come true. His father''s approval, continuing his passion and having his own gym. All that was missing was a belt and the trophies. Tubio died. Pavel didn''t realize it until weeks later, when his father had agreed to support his project. His best friend, his most trusted man. He''d never been one for confrontation. Just a supportive friend to those who reached out to him. Pavel greatly regretted this evening, if he hadn''t made this match... Then he got a call from Irina, who told him Tubio was with his father. And it was true, Tubio was alive and well as usual, and he was always ready to make fun of any situation. His story went to his head as much as the alcohol, a conspiracy, murders, blackmail and settling of scores. The Maelstrom, Doug, his father, becoming merc. Pavel took it all in stride. He didn''t care, his brother-in-heart was alive.


    So when Tam, an old acquaintance of his, called Tubio from the ring, Pavel knew his sweet euphoria was over. For Tam had long since used Tubio as an outlet, Tubio had always put his head down or dodged confrontation, Tubio wasn''t a fighter and didn''t like to fight like himself, and Tam knew it. Tattooed from head to toe in Valentino gang aesthetics. The young latino and his pals were notorious troublemakers. Pavel, not one to spit on money, had let them join.


    -I heard you were dead, Peque?o. It''s good to see you.


    -Not me, Tam, you''re as ugly as ever. If I hadn''t risen from the grave, I''d never have had the chance to be one of your fashion victims.


    Tam was also known for his flamboyant outfits, trying to pass himself off as the rich hunk he was not. Often bringing hilarity to many who didn''t support him. What wasn''t often was Tubio talking down to him. Tam turned red but kept smiling.


    -You know went to know something? I was hoping you were alive. So you could see me become the next H2 champion. All by using your buddy''s gym, the failed Daddy''s boy.


    -HAHAHahah! You couldn''t even beat me. And you think you can beat Pavel?


    Except for Tubio, nobody was laughing. Pavel''s face was closed after that insult. The other athletes looked on, while Tam and his buddies wanted to get into Tubio''s face. Tam remained calm, rolling his mouthguard in his mouth before removing it and pointing at Tubio.


    -You know what, Peque?o Tubo? I''ll take your word for it. You and me in the ring. If you beat me, not only will I take back what I said, but I''ll pay for a year''s membership of the Gym.


    Tubio, always smiling, did not have the build of a boxer, he did not have the weight and Tam having always known him, he knew that he had never trained, so Tubio accepting his duel will return at best one humiliation for him and Pavel at worst with glares if he refuses.


    Tam was then surprised to see Tubio accept. Not wanting him to go back on his decision, he walked around the ring to announce the fight to those present. As he does his best to get attention, Pavel grabbed Tubio who shrugged it off.


    -Don''t worry.


    Approaching the ring Tubio climbed on it as Tam put himself in a corner.


    -Do you want a helmet maybe? I shouldn''t send you to do a flat line.


    -No, take off the gloves, will you be inconvenienced for fighting no?


    Tam had his jaw open turning to his buddies pointing to Tubio as if he were a moron that had just stepped into the ring. Tam smiles and begins to take off his gloves as Tubio pulls his pistol from his hip and places it on the ground next to Pavel. And for the first time Tam wondered what he was doing with a gun. He was about to make a remark when Tubio took off his t-shirt. On his back between his shoulder blades and across his entire back was a tattoo. The latter represented a skull with 5 red eyes, black tentacles coming out of the skull which did not have a low jaw, from this issue a line that could have been described as blood going down the long of his Spine.


    Tam then watched Tubio turn back to him. Revealing a body sculpted to fight, muscles defined and maintained, scars, bullet holes and burn marks were even visible.


    Tam put his mouth guard back on and concentrated on his opponent. Tubio had clearly been in the gym during his absence. All around the ring, people came closer, murmuring. Pavel, who until then had brushed the whole Maelstrom thing to one side, had just been dealt a blow of reality. Tubio provoked Tam once again, who said nothing more. Totally focused on Tubio, he realized he was far too relaxed. The patrons in the room were more or less watching what was going on, some getting closer, others cheering on for the fight, while Pavel could only observe.


    One of Tam''s friends rang an unannounced bell and Tam charged at Tubio, unleashing Jabs and closing in on him. Tam was taller than Tubio and his arms reached far. Tubio dodged and turned around Tam, deliberately getting on his weak side.


    Tam remained focused, continuing to advance on Tubio, who continued to retreat. Just as he was about to block him on to the ropes, Tubio made a feint, taking Tam by surprise. He then kicked Tam in the knee. Tam felt pain throughout his leg and threw a blind punch. Tubio grabbed his wrist and positioned himself on the outside of his opponent. Blocking any further blows. Both Tubio''s hands grabbed Tam''s wrist, making it easier to change grip. With his right hand firmly gripping the wrist, Tubio freed his left hand and used his left forearm to apply as much force as possible to his elbow joint.


    Tam, destabilized by his knee, was pulled forward by Tubio, his outstretched arm was used by him to leverage his whole body. Before he knew it. Tubio had Tam flat on his stomach against the ring floor. While Tubio was twisting his wrist and placing his knee on his shoulder blade. Tam felt his shoulder dislocate. He screamed as Tubio who held him in submission. Tam tried to get to his feet, but every time he did, Tubio just had to use his arm to send a jolt of pain through his shoulder. Not wanting to give up to him. Tam looked at Tubio defiantly, muttering insults. Tubio, impassive, needed only one hand to hold his bent wrist and his knee to pin his shoulder. Bringing his hand to his shoe, he pulled out a dagger, placing it on Tam''s neck.


    The whole room fell silent as Tam stared at the blade before his eyes, his breathing quickened as he tapped the floor three times and Tubio released him. Rising to his feet as if nothing had happened, Tam rolled on the floor before getting up. His hand and shoulder were tingling from the grip. The spectators remained silent as Tam''s friends insulted Tubio. Claiming it was illegal and that if it had ever been a real match, he wouldn''t have given up. Two of them even climbed into the ring. Pavel did the same. But Tam held them back.


    -Yo soy un hombre de palabra.


    He transfered the eddies to Pavel. Enough for a year. Tam clearly swallowed his pride before stepping out of the ring. Pavel turned to Tubio as the audience dispersed.


    -Are you serious?


    -Did you think I was bullshitting? The difference between him and the madmens I was with was that they were all drugged up and had so much chrome on them that I hurt myself when I hit them. I had to learn how to fight, otherwise I had to expect to suffer.


    -And the tattoo?


    -It was either that or change my whole jaw for chrome. Come on I delta, take care.


    Tubio felt a great sense of satisfaction as he left Pavel''s gym. The taste of revenge in his mouth didn''t bother him all that much. Fortunately, Spike, in his rares moments of lucidity, liked to explain how chrome joints were not so different from flesh ones, just better. Whether it was the pressure in the limbs or the balance, he loved to send him to the ground and hear him say he was giving up. Mister Lianovak had told him to be discreet about his Maelstrom affiliation, but Tam''s face... that alone made Tubio smile. Besides, a tattoo proves nothing.


    ******


    The trip between H2 and his father-in-law''s mistress was a quick one, with the others in close proximity, it was obvious that Doug wouldn''t risk running into Tubio by accident. The only one of his conquests not in the Glen was in Santo Domingo. More precisely, in Rancho Coronado. Tubio arrived on his Apollo, his motorcycle making its way through the neighborhood, passing Woodhaven Street before heading back up towards the dam. The whole of Santo Domingo lay beneath the dam, proudly marked with the Petrochem brand. Here it was the 6th Street gang who more or less ran things. There were a few mercs here and there, but nothing really significative compared to the 2,000 members of the gang. Because yes, Tubio may have sucked at history, but the 6th have long since ceased to be a militia for the population.


    6th Street was formed about fifty years ago by veterans of the Fourth Corporate War who were tired of the local gangs and the helplessness of the NCPD and decided to take matters into their own hands. They gathered some equipment, refreshed themselves on their training, and then took to the streets.


    The gang was created to keep thugs and hoodlums at bay, and the charismatic leaders gave people a way protect themselves and seek retribution for the damage caused by other gangs. 6th Street gangers today are veterans of more recent conflicts, retired military and discharged corporate security officers who were unable to find other employment. The rest of the gang consists of civilians who received military training after joining.


    Their main headquarters of the gang is in Arroyo but the other districts under their control have their own local HQs that are responsible for patrolling the neighborhood and monitoring the gang''s facilities.


    But that was before.


    The 6th Street gang was founded by old-fashioned American patriots who came together to act as an ad hoc police force. They have since forgone their original goal of serving public trust and are no different than any other gang who abuse their power and position in local communities. They regularly force smaller neighborhood businesses to pay tribute and "protection money," and are known to engage in outright criminal activities such as vehicle theft, illicit drug manufacturing and distribution, and murder.


    The uniforms of 6th Street gangers are heavily influenced by military and patriotic accents: military boots, tactical vests and knee pads, cargo pants, baseball caps with old USA flags, stars, stripes, and eagles. Cyberware used by the gang include cyberoptics, pain editors, and health monitors


    Today their interpretation of the law and "bringing justice to the city" is just questionable and self-serving.


    6th Street''s operations include robbery, extortion, and gun smuggling. The group has extensive connections with nomad groups outside of Night City.


    The gang also steals and modifies cars. 6th Street has talented techies and runs many garages and workshops around the city. They offer services as a combat taxi for hire, which makes them especially popular among edgerunners and mercenaries.


    Despite their criminal nature, the gang is mostly tolerated by corporations and police forces, unless 6th Street gangers cause trouble outside their established turf. Military oriented corporations have customers for high-end products and the NCPD''s job is made easier by the ersatz law that the gang maintains in their neighborhoods.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ******


    A fine bunch of hypocrites with a hint of patriotism. Here and there, Tubio saw eagles on walls, flags and other distant and lost American symbols of liberty. Here, it''s no good being corpo or any other gang, even if rumor has it that the group continues to work with corporations despite the new leader''s anti-corpo stance.


    Tubio couldn''t care less. He only had one thing on his mind: taking care of Doug. Going up the street, on his right he could see the wall behind the houses, similar to a giant sidewalk with a black graffiti of a man wearing the New American flag, next to air-conditioning machines with fans turning slowly and non-stop. He arrived in front of the house. Stopping in the street. But the house was busy with several cars in front. One reminded him of something. And Tubio felt anger welling up inside him. Deciding to play it safe and not like a bulldozer. Tubio went into a corner and put his motorcycle up against a wall in a cul-de-sac full of trash. No one would touch his bike here. At least, he hoped not right away.


    Santo Domingo was a slope leading up to the dam, and Tubio wasn''t too fond of the place. Constantly under construction, the place seemed as desolate as the desert beside it. The houses were either prefabricated, concrete rectangles with windows, or old houses from a bygone era. Single-family homes with one floor and a garage. The fact that he came across one covered entirely in blue-white-and-red paint to form the flag of the new United States didn''t help Tubio''s opinion of the place. Above him, an advertising tower broadcast a loop of commercials. Descending the slope to walk back to his destination, he passed a row of so-called traditional houses corresponding to the perfect home of the last century. Except that most of them were surrounded by barbed-wire fences, or pathetic lawns dying in the heat. One of them had even burned down while its neighbor was being used as a junkyard.


    Arriving on the sidewalk in front of one of them. A green house with 2 floors,nothing in particular, the only thing out of the ordinary was a flag hanging over a window at the entrance, a tank on the side and air conditioners hanging here and there. Tubio could count 3 cars, one of which reminded him strongly of his biological father''s car.


    A Quadra type-66 640 TS. ¡°Bor¨¦ale¡± as her mother called the car. His father''s was a Cyan and black, and his mother told him it was the first car they''d bought together as a young couple. 52,000 eddies. A fortune, Tubio had become a fan of the vehicle as a child thanks to his mother''s stories. He had already climbed in countless times, before Doug arrived.


    Manufactured by Quadra in the new USA, the basic vehicle left the factory in 2055, and the modulable model experienced a late surge in sales. The vehicle was diversified in its personalization. Ranging in horsepower from 666 to 1000 and weighing between 3.7 and 4 tons, it could be rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with sliding doors, 2 seats and possibly a crystal dome or a simple windscreen. All of which can go up to 304 km/h.


    The Quadra was quickly adopted by edgerunners and illegal street racers. For the NCPD, a Quadra tearing up the streets means a long list of traffic violations, but rarely has a patrol car ever managed - or even tried - to pull one over.


    Tubio was fuming, staring at the car in front of him. The more he looked at it, the more he knew it was his father''s car. It had been repainted with a 6th Street logo on the rear hood. but yes, without a doubt. it was the same crystal dome his mother and father had installed. He was sure of it... but to confirm Tubio had to get closer and if the guys inside were really 6th Street he didn''t want to create an incident. Diplomacy... or violence. What would Ruby do? Intimidation, control, discussion, withdrawal... Or, Intimidation, control, shootout, retreat... Tubio wasn''t even sure Doug was there. Just that he may sold the car to 6th Street.


    He decided to wait, the windows weren''t opaque, so maybe he''d see Doug through one of the windows.


    Evening would soon fall and Tubio wondered if he''d have to give up the contract. After all, he''s not an investigator, he just followed Pavel''s idea, which made the most sense. Standing around waiting in any neighborhood was ultra suspicious. Maybe he should play tourist and go straight there to ask if he was here. If Doug isn''t there by sundown, Tubio gives up the contract for someone else. But he''ll still look at the Quadra. Tubio stood for several minutes hesitating between his options, watching shadows pass by on the second floor. Oh? Bingo! On the second floor he just passed the window shirtless. Well, well, well, I guess it''s time for me to go inside. Taking a quick decision, Tubio began to prepare. He had only hoped to run into him here. After all, he could have gone anywhere in Night City other than here, but I guess the dog that he is, is always in heat.


    Tubio had a big fucking smile on his face as he crossed the street. He put his Maelstrom mask back on. Injected himself with MK-1 revitalizer. Checked his modified Overture on his hip, his Unity under his jacket and the grenade he''d taken from his motorcycle. With his two pistols, his grenade and his mask, he felt like he was growing wings. The effect of the revitalizer calmed the palpitations of his heart. He tapped on the door in a light-hearted mood.


    The door slid aside to reveal a young man with a 6th Street bandana on his arm. He squinted as Tubio waved the revolver in front of his stomach. Tubio spoke casually to him in a playful voice.


    -Hands up. I''m here to see Doug... We need to talk.


    The young man also had a gun in his belt, but Tubio showed his second hand carrying the grenade.


    -I just want to talk. I''ll go with you up to the second floor and into his room. We''ll have a chat and I''ll leave with what he owes me. That way, the others outside waiting for me won''t have to come in. You understand?


    The young man was clearly in a panic, while Tubio was Olympian calm. He nodded quickly as Tubio put his gun to his chest to make him step back.


    -Turn around. How many of you are there?


    -Four of us...


    -You know it''s okay, I don''t want any trouble, but Doug should stop sleeping around. We''ll go upstairs and everything will be fine.


    Everything was fine until they reached the staircase, an old 6th street came out of a door to find Tubio pointing his gun at the back of one of his men. The man was old but didn''t hesitate to put his hand behind his back. Tubio raised the grenade in his hand, immediately calming any irreparable action.


    -Good evening. I''m here to see Doug.


    -Let him go.


    -I''m going up to see him, so we''ll do something. You go back the way you came, close the door and I''ll let the kid go minus his gun.


    The old man seemed to reflect before turning red and shouting.


    -DOUG! Come down immediately! If you don''t come down I''ll come to you!


    Tubio raised his eyebrows as the situation became increasingly complicated. A girl came out from behind the old man''s back, taking what he had in his back. A gun was now pointed at Tubio. The girl was blonde, fit and charming, even if the gun pointed at Tubio prevented him from looking too closely. Movements upstairs were heard and a woman came down the stairs in a bathrobe, clearly Tubio had interrupted the frolicking of the two-backed beast. This brought another smile from behind his mask. Whether it was the drugs or the situation, he couldn''t help but make a provocation.


    -Hurry up and get down here, Doug! I don''t want to tell that poor woman that your son-in-law is going to do something stupid!


    A wave of emotion passed over the faces of those present. First the woman on the stairs, shocked, then confusion in the young man, then incomprehension in the girl, and finally rage in the old man''s crimson face. Doug climbed down behind the woman, putting her out in front of him.


    -Oh, shall we take a shield? Approach Doug, I just came to talk to you. As your son-in-law, of course. Come on, act like a man for once.


    The woman leaned against the wall as Doug descended the stairs. His face imperturbable, a mask of indifference to the world around him. Tubio knew what he was, a sociopath, that nothing frightened him but the unexpected or his own pain. He began to put on a soft, worried face.


    -Antonio...


    -Shut the fuck up, I''m the one who''s talking. I''m not here for pleasure. You''ve known for years that your act doesn''t work on me. Even if I''d killed everyone here you''d come up with some sob story to be alive, but you wouldn''t shed a tear for them. Here''s the thing. I''m here for a contract, an ultimatum from Alexei Lianovak. He''s given me the chance to tell you that your credit in Night City has run out.


    For the first time, Doug''s face changed to surprise, bringing a morbid joy to Tubio. Maybe he had to go on, maybe not, but this was just too sweet.


    -After all, it was already an effort for him not to kill you when your plan almost killed his son. Be warned, if any of his associates see you from now on, you''ll be hunted down like the dog you are.


    Doug, who should have been terrified, suddenly seemed to revert to indifference, looking around for support and calling Tubio bluff.


    -I never put his son in danger...


    -Forgive me for interrupting, but on the night of the match, do you remember? He was there. He was the one fighting.


    Once again Tubio could see Doug calculating in his head, and to find out what he was thinking the only thing Tubio could do was look him in the eye.


    -You didn''t care, did you? All you wanted was for me to die when the Maelstrom guys attacked the club. I''ve been very patient with you. Alas, all my hints for you to fuck off town were taken on the side.


    After a moment, he started acting again. Looking outraged, he pointed at Tubio.


    -It''s you...


    -What me?


    -You had to organize everything, you couldn''t have survived the assault, you already knew the killer of the Maelstrom that''s why they let you live. Why else would they have attacked the club?


    -Shut the fuck up, stop kidding yourself, you''ve been reported. Or rather, you''ve given yourself away. You donated part of the debt you owe the Animals who owned the club and then you left. Less than a minute later, the carnage began. Making your whole debt disappear. And strangely enough, you were the one they were looking for. Guess the Maelstrom wasn''t as dumb as it seemed. And me thinking you''d found out what I''d really done.


    Doug took a deep breath as he realized.


    -The blackmail...You''re the one...


    -Yes! And I can''t thank you enough for your money. Your debt to the Maelstrom is long settled, by the way. If only you''d understood that all you had to do was leave town and you wouldn''t have to pay anymore.


    The people in the house looked on in utter bewilderment. The girl tried to keep her revolver high, but the old man lowered her arm, retrieving the gun from the girl. Tubio was too focused on Doug to realize that the situation could get out of hand. Fortunately for him, the old man decided that the story had gone on too long. In a deep voice, he interrupted the stand-off.


    -Well, you''ve delivered your message, now you can take your gun off my grandson. And get the hell out.


    -It was what I wanted, but I realized that my mother''s car, which Doug had supposedly reported stolen, was in front of the house. A new tag from the 6th of course, but a spitting image.


    The girl got upset and started yelling at Tubio.


    -That''s my car! It''s been my car for years!


    -Inside the door are the initials E and T with the word "Bor¨¦ale".


    She breathed in before stopping. Confirming Tubio''s authenticity.


    -I''ll take it, transfer it to me and be on my way.


    The girl didn''t know what to say while the old man pondered. Tubio understood that it was he who controlled this family. Doug had the woman clinging to his wrist, demanding an explanation in a low voice, while he ignored her completely, the young man moved cautiously away from Tubio. The girl began to speak before being interrupted by the patriarch.


    -My daughter needs this car. Her job depends on it.


    -Not my problem. Ask him if he''d prefer to pay you in goods or by transfer. I get back what should have been my inheritance. And I won''t budge on this.


    Tubio raised his gun at Doug.


    -How much did you sell her? Knowing you, you didn''t give it to her for free. So give her the money. Or I''ll make sure the Rods of Steel don''t have to run to catch you.


    Tubio pointed to his legs. The Rods of Steel were a small group of mercs working with Vernon to "take care" of the Lianovak family contracts. Tubio was sure that at least one or two of them would have followed him if they''d known Tubio was leading them to Doug. A short silence passed as everyone looked at Doug. Doug had no choice, his eyes shone and the girl cried out her displeasure.


    -That''s not even half of what you asked me!


    Tubio shook his head, as greedy as ever this stepfather.


    -Doug... How much did you charge this girl?


    -None of your business...


    -Enough! Doug, if you don''t hand over the money now, I''ll collect it from you, even if it means taking your leg and selling it to a charcudoc! I''m sick of this crap and I want you out of my house! Both of you!


    The old man gripped his weapon so tightly that his knuckles turned white as he fumed with impatience. A moment later, a new payment seemed to arrive for the girl as she looked at what Tubio assumed to be her grandfather, who nodded and reluctantly transferred the Quadra''s rights to Tubio. Tubio put away his revolver, raising the cut-out grenade in his hand before stepping back. The grandfather followed, not letting him out of his sight until he reached the door, which Tubio opened and closed without looking back, cutting off the line of sight between them. Tubio immediately secured the grenade and ran towards Bor¨¦ale. He opened the car and climbed aboard. As he started the car, he saw the girl emerge from the garage door in front of him with a pistol in her hand. Tubio put the car into a lightning reverse as the bullets hit and bounced on the windshield cristal dome. Tubio almost hit a truck but managed to stay on the road. The girl in his rear-view mirror continued to shoot at him. Tubio was the happiest of men as he called Vernon.


    -Antonio! I saw it went well.


    -... How did you know?


    -Antonio, an escape like that doesn''t go unnoticed.


    He was followed. Of course he was. Well, rest in peace Doug. It''s been a nightmare knowing you.


    -I''ll transfer the eddies to you. Next time announce that you accept the contract first.


    -Nova.


    Phew... now I just have to get my motorcycle back.


    Tubio stopped at a traffic light, looking around once more as the adrenalin began to wear off. Tubio let his worries melt away as he gripped the steering wheel and looked at the dashboard and the interior. He shouted a joyful cry, exulting in his luck. He''d gained something precious tonight, and he was going to celebrate it. Tubio continued to roll to H2 as the music added to his mood.


    CUZ IT MAKES ME FEEL BETTER!!

 We party tonight

    When Tubio returned in his father''s car, he was greeted warmly by his mother. But his sister, the fact that her beloved father was a con man with a double or even triple family didn''t help her accept the truth, and no matter how much proof there was, she ended up blaming Tubio, saying he was too happy to have been right at last. To which Tubio let go, having no intention of lashing out at her, he gave her space, which he could understand. In the meantime, Ruby was waiting for her legs to be delivered and for a slot in an operating room. She was very near a complete recovery for her body and to finish her convalescence time. Meanwhile, she listened to Tubio recount his adventures, even if she wasn''t around to see them.


    *****


    ¡°To all units from the NCPD in the area. A contract has just been issued for Hugo Versa, the man responsible for an armed robbery at a charcudoc on the seafront of Mission Street. The mission is to find him,dead or alive, a bonus will be given if the equipment is found intact.¡±


    Tubio had gone through blood and water to find his con, looking at every available camera and even giving a little money here and there, and his quest took him from Arroyo''s waterfront to its industrial zone on the other side. The fact that 6th Street had thrown him out for bad behavior spoke volumes about his problems. With an open contract, Tubio was expecting a bit of competition, but no, nothing at all. I guess a guy who''s almost homeless doesn''t interest many people. But one thing had caught his attention. He''d stolen some equipment for operations on people wearing chrome, but he himself didn''t own any. A 6th Street finally gave him up after a good chat and a bit of eddies. Local Patriot. On El Camino Real, opposite the Arasaka complex at the corner of Olivia Street. The man explained that Versa thought Arasaka would one day attack the city, that he was seeing signs and needed to be prepared. One day he''d gone too far and they''d kicked him out.


    Not wanting to wait any longer, Tubio took Bor¨¦ale and set off in search of Versa, passing by the scene of the crime one last time Tubio, left from Kennmore Dinner and had only to make a long straight line straight into the industrial streets of Arroyo, passing underneath the huge DTR building "Decker Tanaka and Rogers", Tubio ignored the grandeur to concentrate on the road and sidewalks, if his man was in the area it wasn''t the scenery he''d be helping him with. He passed other industrialists like Cytec, whose building was ridiculous compared to the owner of Sofisys and Fuyutsuki Electronics. Unlike Rancho Coronado, this part of the 6th''s territory did things in a big way, as evidenced by the tags. Gigantic 666th street tags painted in the color of 6th''s freedom. Including several large Local Patriot tags. Tubio pulled into the parking lot at the corner of Olivia and El Camino Real. Tubio counted abandoned stores or those undergoing "renovation", a warehouse, a construction company on the other side of the road, a gigantic electrical antenna, the two bridges over El Camino with six lanes and, opposite, the smooth, clean black Arasaka building, Tubio could only see the comparison between one side and the other. He landed on the concrete blocks along the sidewalk, reflecting to his left on the pillars holding up the bridges, the tags of the 6th blazed with color ¡°Local Patriot¡±. He decided to wait.


    While Tubio waited a voice echoed in his head, a holo.


    -Are you seriously going to wait for him to show up?


    -You got a better idea? Ruby?


    -Cyclops when we work. And yes, I have an idea.


    -Shoot.


    -Your guy from 6th Street gave you up on his old buddy too easily, it looks shady to me. There must be a rally point nearby. Look around if you don''t find any signs.


    -I guess you''re not with me. Symbols of the gang are everywhere, I believe that they have something compensated for.


    -They''re just like everyone.


    -I didn''t expect that kind of judgment from you.


    -Everyone judges everything and everyone all the time Tubio, you should take it as info, especially during work. Whether it''s you or me. Now take a walk, we should eventually find something.


    Leaving the car parked. Tubio got up before passing behind an abandoned building to look at the base of the antenna. A door with the Local Patriot logo underneath it could very well be the safe house he was looking for. But he wasn''t going to break down all the suspicious doors.


    -Why did you take this case? You could have done something else.


    -For several reasons. From one I have no contacts except the Lianovaks and Ferak. And even if they have often helped me, to implant myself in Santo Domingo it will not be bad to have a new contact. The fixer who created this contract is known and safe. At least more than others. And then I''ll have a charcudoc who''ll owe me on the condition that you''re willing to have him operate on you.


    -Your mother has already done far too much for me, asking for more will be insulting to her. Ask her first anyway.


    -Na¡­But I''ll ask her.


    -So what''s your plan after being on your legs?


    -Go home first, then become a free edgeruneur, I thought I''d work for the corpo if I had to.


    -It''ll be a waste of your talent¡­


    -Mm? Do you have any ideas?


    -Well¡­ As you can see, I could really use a partner¡­ So if you''re interested.


    -Yes, of course. Honestly, you took your time to ask, you know.


    -...?


    -What? You think I hadn''t thought about it? Of course you''re a rookie and my reputation will suffer, but with you I''m sure I have confidence to work in a good company.


    -Unbelievable¡­


    -Ahh lala, I''m gonna miss hearing you call me Boss anymore, but I''m willing to sacrifice myself.


    Continuing on the road along the construction site Tubio could see in the distance of the movement in the sheds, clearly the places were inhabited but once again... But again, it was Night City as a whole that was inhabited. The parade of cars to his left brought nothing as he moved further and further away from his search area. When he finally reached the end of his patience he admitted his defeat.


    -You have two options: either you go back to your choom for more info that he will make you spit eddies for or you drop it for today.


    -Yeah, I¡¯ll go home. There¡¯s no point in waiting like an idiot.


    Tubio took his car back as a new holo tried to reach him. Pavel.


    -Tubio.


    -Pavel, can I help you?


    -Yeah, well, not me, Lev had a problem with his DJ and needed a replacement tonight.


    -Mm...?


    Tubio left the holo hanging Pavel had always been an open book for him.


    -...Okay... Lev and Ivan want to see you again and my sisters want to see you too. They want to have a party for your come back. But I didn¡¯t say that.


    -What time?


    -Tonight at the club.


    -I be there. See you later.


    Pavel hung up and Cyclops, who had been silent until now, allowed herself to make a mocking remark.


    -Well, you don¡¯t invite friends?


    Tubio ignored her, and went his own way before returning home to make himself presentable for the evening. How long had he gone without seeing his friends? How many times had he had to ignore the sisters'' calls to ensure his survival remained a mystery or was it for that? It was going to be one hell of an awkwardness, especially since he still had the messages but never dared open them. Frankly, what would it be like if he discovered secrets that had been confessed to him because he was considered dead?


    ******


    Tubio went into his hotel room, a shithole with a shower, a bed and a wardrobe, the law of luxury, he wondered what to wear, then with a sigh he took a leather jacket with a t-shirt underneath, he hesitated, then he took his Unity pistol from under his jacket. You never know, fresh pants and shoes and he was ready. Before, he''d have spent hours debating what to wear. But after all this time, all his moments. He realized on his bed that he didn''t want to go there, he didn¡¯t give a damn what Lev, Ivan, Solena and especially Talia thought. The group he''d grown up with, to which he thought he belonged, he''d come to understand that they''d never been anything more than friends, except for Pavel.Taking a bag with him containing his drugs, playlists and mask, Tubio set off for H2. Heading for the 34th floor.


    Going to the upper levels in the elevator. Tubio thought back to the last time he''d been in a club. Then he immediately thought of the Steel Arms club, which was the most rotten club imaginable - the sound was always saturated, the lights rarely fixed. The entire customer base seeing in the dark. He didn''t even want to think about the bathroom. Arriving at his floor, he went out to the clean Lianovak floor. Opposite him was a quiet store with bulletproof glass. Always the neon glass logo. Through the glass, he could see old regulars chatting at a table and playing cards watching him. Ignoring each other, Tubio continued on his way. Opposite his father''s caf¨¦ was the nightclub now run by his eldest son Lev. Like Pavel and Ivan, Tubio had worked with him. Where Pavel was a great dreamer, Lev was the realist, and Ivan was the naive, or rather, the passionate. Passing through the quiet corridors, he began to see the lights at the entrance. Once again, around a corner, Tubio rediscovered the Green Cocktail club. At the door, he even saw a face that was not unfamiliar to him. Sirio. The tall, skinny one with the snake tattoo, Tubio smiled when he saw him. Sirio noticed and smiled back. Acting as a bouncer with another guy, he went to shake Tubio''s hand in high spirits.


    -Tubio, how are you? I heard you kicked out your father-in-law, good thing done.


    -Yeah, I must say I''m not unhappy with myself.


    Sirio laughed out loud before inviting him in. Introducing him to his bouncer buddy, he guided him inside, telling him that the bosses were in the VIP room.


    -Na, I''ve been told we need a DJ, that''s why I''m here.


    Tubio''s no snitch, and he''ll play the game to the end, even if he has to DJ all night.


    -Go through the side door over there, just be careful, we''ve got some Crimson Spear in the club, they''re pretty hot.


    -I know them.


    The Crimson Spear, a gang of about ten people. Their leader is a former member of Maelstrom and recruits guys like him looking to disassociate themselves. But apart from a few problems, the Crimson Spear have never created any real ones.


    -That''s fine. Thanks, Sirio.


    As he recalled after two sets of doors, the sound permeated his entire being. Tubio took advantage of the sound, looking down as the few steps brought him to the dance floor. Walking along the wall towards the nearest bar, he beckoned to the barmaid. Explaining the situation, she opened the magnetic backstage door. Thanking her, he climbed the stairs with a light step. He had barely opened the door to the DJ room. DJ Lucas turned around, shocked to see Tubio.


    -Oh my! It was true. Asshole, couldn''t you have said something? What are you doing here?


    -Pavel told me you needed another DJ.


    -Yeah, and my ass is chicken.


    -Na, I think he wanted to throw me a surprise party. But I wanted to see if I could afford the party myself.


    Lucas laughed, the brown-eyed with black hair was a lightweight, always pulling the same stunt as Tubio for DJ jobs all over H2 and beyond. For example, wearing a suit to look more serious. They''d even considered working together before he met Gaton. Today Tubio could see in Lucas all the flaws he had. Shy, introverted, inexperienced. Tubio had shaken a room full of dangerous lunatics. With only the light of their optics and the sound of their voices to guide him. He was convinced that, unlike Lucas, he could hold his own with this audience, far from saying that Lucas was bad, of course. But Tubio had evolved and was different. With his experience, he knew he could make this a memorable event.


    Lucas made way for him, and Tubio began to find his feet again. Touching things he''d never touched before in this room. Light, timing, the crowd, so many things he''d never considered. Not having a clue, not knowing, not wanting to know. Below him, people continued to embrace Lucas'' latest sound. Putting on a voice modifier. Tubio took the microphone. Lowering the lights so that only the audience was illuminated, the improvised ten¨¨bre drew cries of surprise as silence and darkness gave way.


    -Good evening, H2, I''d like to interrupt your program.


    Imitating blows on a door, he banged on the table.


    -As you can hear, I want control.


    The lights flickered as the first guitar riff resounded through the club. Bringing the excitement back to the room. The music began and Tubio took off.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Until I should die, until I should break


    Not a god, not a devil my soul shall take


    If I should lie to betray myself


    Then I would damn myself, and my soul forsake


    The repetition of the chord was hypnotic as Tubio sang the lyrics, but already the first chord was over as the music raced, stirring the crowd as Tubio continued his momentum.


    I don''t want fifteen minutes, want a whole lot more


    Don''t want to suffer the fools and the spoils of war


    I don''t want fifteen minutes, or a reason why


    I want a stainless steel road stretching off to the sky


    the reverb emphasizing the word sky, Lucas saw Tubio swaying his head back and forth completely absorbed by his piece, after 5 seconds of reverb where the sky disappeared in the air he resumed.


    I don''t need sentiment, want, or hate on my mind


    No crimes of passion or obsessions in kind


    No walls, restraints, or momentary thrill


    No blood on my hands, no time to kill


    I want more body, I want more soul


    Flick the switch to automatic, I want control


    Repeated his words as adding resonance to them.


    I want control


    I want control


    I want control


    The steady beat caused the people in the room to sway and dance as Tubio attacked his next verses.


    If I should give in, if I should turn away


    Not a god, not a devil my soul could save


    I want more body, I want more soul


    Flick the switch to automatic, I want control


    Continuing the beat he kept repeating his desire for control leaving it floating in the air when suddenly the beat stopped and the synth started a new beat carried by the drums. The synth now alone twirled giving the scene a kind of alienating atmosphere before the basic beat came back carrying with it the, I want control.


    For the next few minutes Tubio monitored every sound that emanated from his equipment as if he had done so his entire life. Going back to the catch phrase, he changed the rhythm each time, playing with the audience''s anticipation. When finally after almost 6 minutes his first track was finished.


    ******


    Lucas watched Tubio as he started a new song, then another and another, some where he didn''t sing, some where he just mixed, some where he changed his voice to sing. He brought him a drink and enjoyed the evening with him, watching him work. He heard someone coming up the stairs, Ivan, one of the club''s boss. He stepped out to block his path.


    -Lucas...


    -Sorry Ivan, he asked not to be disturbed.


    -Shit, we just wanted him to spend the evening with us, not DJ all night and then leave without saying a word.


    -You should have been clearer. Besides, did you hear that sound?


    ******


    Tubio didn''t want to talk to them. He wanted to let off steam, scream his lungs out into a mic, feel the bass vibrate, the percussion resonate, the music sing. He didn''t want to be next to Pavel and his family. In the midst of Lev, who''d turned his back on him after his argument with his sister. Ivan, who never had a clue what was going on. Solena is always sulking or finding something to say. And Talia, especially Talia, he had nothing to say to...


    Tonight. DJ Tubio takes over, I''m going to make the air vibrate, the walls shake and the earth rumble. He was so lost in thought that he almost didn''t see the holo. He picked up the phone.


    -Hey, play his song.


    Tubio''s eyes widened as he looked around the dance floor, hoping to see Ruby. He smiled when he didn''t see her, thinking she''d called him just as a joke. Before he saw her. Overlooking the room, he saw her just below him in the middle of the dance floor. Looking him straight in the eye.


    -Yes boss.


    As the last song came to an end, Tubio once again modified his voice in the microphone. He then launched into a new song, a well-known Night City tune often played on the radio. He turned all the light red before starting the song. RESIST AND DISORDER by Rezodrone. The beat began... heavy, slow and steady. The riffs began to accompany the song, followed by the lyrics.


    I am the man who holds the keys


    I sow the seeds, and I''ve got what you need


    I live in fire, I am discord


    I destroy, I am a demon


    Tubio lyrics were powerful in almost a whispering hoarse voice, complementing the rhythm, which moved at the same slow speed. Suddenly, a new riff cut through the song, taking it from there in an exclamation.


    Weight of the world, the price of a fighter!


    Where I decide when you''ll make your stand!


    Rise, up! Resist and disorder


    Rise, up! Resist and disorder


    Some of the dancers sang along to the song, some even raising their fists with Tubio, who towered over them, some were bewildered and just following the rhythm, while others got even more involved.


    Nowhere to run, it''s all undone


    Everything burns, everything burns


    I''ll watch you fall down, I''ll drag you face down


    Everything burns, everything burns


    Changing his voice between verses, he replaced it with a harmonious one, creating the idea of two people conversing in the song. Electricity in the air was at its peak Tubio took up the lyrics in his hoarse modified voice, turning the lights towards him, he absorbed all the attention on him as he sang for the audience.


    Behind the veil, is the machine


    It steals your soul, devouring all your dreams


    My hand is firm, upon the wheel


    I control, I am the demon


    Below him in the dark he could see the dim lights from the dancefloor, but in all of this only one thing came to his mind. Above all, the optics, he remembered at the Steel Arms, all those red lights on him during the parties, how intense they were... He didn''t think he''d ever see them again, but there they were, a dozen or so. Looking at him red and murderous. And he felt the rage rise inside him.


    Hate for the world the birth of a soldier


    When I decide if you live or die


    Rise, up! Resist and disorder


    Rise, up! Resist and disorder


    He thought back to his time in the Maelstrom. Anger welled up inside him, at the world, at Night City, at the death of his friends, of Gaton, of Spike, of Boris, of the pain his mother had had to bear. His helplessness. His inaction. He raged against Doug, against his father''s death, against himself for everything he could have done and didn''t do.


    Nowhere to run, it''s all undone


    Everything burns, everything burns


    I''ll watch you fall down, I''ll drag you face down


    Everything burns, everything burns


    He repeated the refrain twice, each time gaining new momentum. Each time shouting his lines in a liberating chant. Leaving the lights free again on the dance floor, he let everything in him explode for the final, creating a double of his voice in the lyrics, as if two people were singing at the same time, adding a melodious chorus to his modified voice. He finished the song with a wild crowd and out of breath as he turned to see Lucas and Ivan mouth wide open. Turning to Ivan he nodded his head.


    -So¡­ what¡¯s up?


    ******


    Yesterday


    Ruby and Elizabeth rarely saw Tubio, who would drop in once in a while before leaving again. He would have realized that the two accomplices had prepared a surprise for him.


    -Are you sure he won''t mind?


    -This unworthy son should visit his mother more often, instead of roaming the streets. A little heart attack should set him straight. Come on, get up.


    Elizabeth guided Ruby out of bed, new legs in place, it only took a moment and despite a slight sway she managed to stand.


    -Perfect, now walk along the wall.


    Ruby placed her hand against the wall and began to walk, one foot at a time, finally free of Elizabeth''s prescription; they hadn''t waited long to install a replacement for her legs. Far from what Ruby was used to, she had to be patient, as there was no operating room for her high-tech legs. Holding her other hand, Elizabeth was ready for the slightest sign of weakness. Ruby was very happy, for the first time in months she was able to walk.


    -Ok, that''s it for me, remember, I want you to walk every day a little, don''t hesitate to get out of the room, call me if there''s any problem, your legs are far from being the last ones out, but they''re adapted to be carried by you. I''ve seen the ones you''ve described and I''m categorical: I need an operating room, I need you to be anesthetized and I need precise equipment, and once it''s reinstalled, maintenance can be done almost anywhere. But not the installation.


    -Yes I know, once again I can only thank you.


    -It''s nothing at all, my darling, now you can go and shower by yourself. So you see I''m not doing this out of the kindness of my heart.


    -Tubio really didn''t fall far from the tree.


    -You''ve never seen his father, he''s the spitting image. But back to you, no madness, okay?


    ******


    When she heard Tubio was having a party, she had to come, smiling to herself as she wondered what she was going to do, what she was going to wear or even where the party was going to take place, she reviewed what she knew and could do. After a bit of conversation, Elizabeth agreed to let her out, but she had to wear stylish clothes - she was going to the club, after all. Taking a little of her own money, she went out with Elizabeth. Going to a clothes store because the clothes she was wearing were Sabrina''s, and although Elizabeth had lent them to her, they weren''t her clothes.


    Knowing where to have the party was a piece of cake, but the biggest problem has been convincing Elizabeth to have the evening to herself.


    In the store she opted for cool clothes, not knowing the degree of cybernetic acceptance. She''d rather take a jacket with a fur collar, underneath a blue and red crop top, denim mini shorts with a red belt and stockings of the same fabric, red gloves to cover her hands and voil¨¤. arms and legs hidden, when it came to her hair. There were no 36 solutions: either go bald, or wear a bandana or beanie. Ruby chose the blue beanie, even if she wasn''t a fan of the pompom on it. Better that than her shorn sheep''s head.


    -Wow, well, you''ve clearly got more style than him.


    Ruby looked at Elizabeth, unsure of what to say.


    -Tonio, if you could give him a little time I''m sure you''d do wonders with him.


    Ruby smiled before inhaling.


    -Thanks, but I like him just the way he is.


    -Uh-huh.


    -That''s not what I meant.


    -You''re young, you''ve got to make the most of your opportunities.


    As much as Ruby enjoyed teasing Tubio in this way, she now understood a little of what he must be feeling. Elizabeth stayed with her for tea in the living room, where at last she could take a seat. And as the evening finally drew to a close, she thanked Elizabeth, who gave her a hug.


    -If you have any problems, call me. Okay?


    -Okay.


    If this was what it meant to have a mother, Ruby wished she''d had one sooner. Going out for the second time in months and the first time on her own, she suddenly felt empty on what to do after tonight. Where to go, what to do, immersed in her thoughts she headed for the nearest staircase. Night and day didn''t exist in a tower, apart from rare systems slightly dimming the light. Ruby wandered through the crowd of people. With her armor and mask gone, she missed a great deal of information. Wherever she could she would have connected to the network, but now she was watching with her eyes. Analyzing the people she passed, she arrived at the upper level. Announcing her arrival in a new territory, a neon sign was in front of her, she was surprised by the cleanliness of the place. Asking no questions, she ignored the guards evidently standing watch as she made her way to the club. And after a short walk she arrived at the entrance where two tattooed guys greeted her.


    -Hi guys, are we full?


    -Good evening, nah there''s always room for someone like you and the atmosphere''s great tonight.


    She transferred the eddies and the bouncers let her pass, smiling.


    -Have a nice time.


    Smiling to herself, she reached a hall to put some things in the checkroom. Hesitantly, she decided to keep her jacket and hat on. After pointing out the few places where she could hide a weapon without having one, the guy let her in. Reaching the top, she descended a few steps to feel the rumble of the room. The music vibrated and people danced in the center of the room. Ruby went to the bar as she looked around. She ordered a drink and looked around. The room was a large oval with the dance floor in the center and various tables around it, a corridor where people could move around and waiters could serve the tables. There was a floor above with a railing and more tables, many doors too for more privacy. Upstairs, a window overlooked the floor, and she could see a young man clearly in charge of the lights and music. Ruby looked around, searching for other augmented. She saw a few, even if the augments in question were all minor, except for one table, which looked like a table at the Maelstrom: a big, beefy guy with a girl as full of chrome as him on his lap, covering him in kisses while 4 or 5 others drank and joked in their glasses.


    While she was drinking in front of the bar she heard a familiar voice beside her turning she saw Tubio being opened a door to go backstage. Cursing herself for having missed her chance, she fell back on her stool. Not even 2 minutes later. The light and the music stopped. Then came one of the most successful entrances she had ever seen. Capturing the attention of the entire room.


    She felt herself move to the beat, watching Tubio singing with all his might in the room above, she got up and walked to the middle of the floor. Blending in with the crowd the first song ended that she couldn''t get enough. Without any restraint she let herself be carried away, she stopped only after the fourth or she went to drink again. Tubio did not stop chaining the hits, making fluid and impactful transitions. She had never set foot in the Steel Arms when Tubio was DG for the Maelstrom. Now she regrets it a little.


    A lot of people were dancing now, even the Maelstrom guys had turned to the floor as the music played.


    Quickly finishing her glass Ruby went back to dancing. Forgetting her problems as the evening progressed. She remembers all her memories of the gang. She drank several times. Increasing more and more her reminiscences. She ended up stopping in the middle of the crowd. looking to see if the others were there. Spike, Ulysses, Waver, Foxir, Boris... Her dad... She looked up. Looking at Tubio. Smiling, she called him by holo. Taking her cyclops voice she gave him the order. To put his songs.


    Gaton loved this song. Resist and Disorder.


    It was the song of the Maelstrom as he called it. A call to action for people to fight back against oppressive systems and fight for freedom. The lyrics portray the speaker as the person in power, controlling the situation and manipulating things to their advantage. The speaker encourages listeners to rise up and resist, refusing to accept the current state of affairs. The song also speaks to the destruction of dreams and the harrowing reality that things are burning and there is nowhere to run. The message of the song is clear: to have a chance at a better future, one must grit their teeth and fight back against oppressive systems.


    She spent the song singing with Tubio screaming at this system. Around her, members of this chrome group sang with her, some raising their fists towards Tubio who showed the example above them. Surprising other dancers. Tubio finished the song sweating, catching his breath before giving way to another person. Ruby left the dance floor to return to lean on the bar.


    Smiling and satisfied, She also had to catch her breath with the beanie and the jacket, she was freaking hot. Then when she was going to order, a guy approached her from the side.


    -Good evening beauty.

 Tonight we are drunk

    The evening had gone too well, she''d been drinking, laughing, dancing and singing. But of course, even though she was wearing a beanie in a nightclub, some guy was going to accost her. The guy in the white shirt, tanned skin with tattoos, biceps and trained forearms, gold teeth and piercings in his ears. Leaning against the counter facing Ruby, he seemed intent on flexing his muscles to please her. Ignoring him completely, she called the barmaid for a drink. The guy, not letting himself be taken aback, interrupted Ruby to say he''d pay for his next drink.


    -Leave me alone, I''ll pay for what I drink.


    -Come on, a pretty girl like you should be invited. Olivera, and you?


    He held out his hand, smiling with all his teeth. Ruby, once again indifferent, refrained from putting one across his face. But she smiled.


    -Not...


    -Not?


    -Not interested, of course.


    She ordered anyway from the barmaid, who glanced at the guy and then at Ruby, who gestured as if to say, forget it. Turning to show him her back. Olivera grabbed her arm, holding her back. Ruby looked down at his hand as if an insect had touched it. The man let go immediately. Raising his hands as if to say sorry.


    -I just want a little of your time.


    -Yeah? Can you do a magic trick for me? If I close my eyes for three seconds can you disappear?


    -Look, I didn''t mean to be rude.


    -Oh, you didn''t?


    Ruby took on a honeyed tone as she turned to him, rising from her stool as he continued talking, trying his best to charm her. She placed her hands on his chest very gently, letting her do so he was smiling at the turn of events. Then, in one motion, she firmly grabbed the collar of his shirt before kneeing him in the balls. The impact made him wince as one of his hands covered his family jewels. The other went to the counter where he sat down again on the stool. The barmaid who had just returned had seen the whole scene said nothing and put the glass in front of Ruby, who took it and poured it over Olivera''s head.


    -Sorry, I didn''t mean to be rude. The glass is on me.


    Asking where the toilets were, the barmaid told her to go up the stairs. As she went up she heard the barmaid talking to the guy.


    -If I see you going upstairs, I''ll have to ask for you to be thrown out.


    Ruby smiled, pleased with herself, and climbed the stairs to the balcony overlooking the dance floor below, opposite the DG''s window. Tubio had been replaced by a young man in a suit, his hair pulled back, he looked like a corpo.


    She entered the ladies'' room, passing other girls. Some were having a makeover, others were smoking, and a group chatting against the back wall glared at Ruby, who went straight into the first cabinet. Doing what she had to do. She heard the girls chatting and joking. But as Ruby finished, the room grew quieter and quieter. Seeing the feet under the door, she suddenly realized she may be in trouble.


    Shrugging her shoulders, she stepped outside to see four of the five girls who had been staring at her surrounding her cabinet. One of them called out to her, or tried to.


    -Hi, there.


    Ignoring her, Ruby gave her a brief bow and went to the mirror without the slightest fear, while the girls behind her lost their patience.


    -Girl, look at me when I''m talking to you.


    Looking no further, Ruby turned and began to remove her jacket as one of them began to speak.


    -It''s the first time I''ve seen you here, so we''re going to be nice and you''re going to...


    She stopped talking as Ruby took off her gloves, placing them neatly on the table. Revealing her two augmented arms, she slowly extended the mantis blades until they almost touched the floor. Ruby looked the girl straight in the eye, her eyes turning from blue to red.


    -I''m going to what?


    The four girls looked at each other. But especially the one who had spoken. She took a deep breath. Before she spoke.


    -... uh. The club is under the tutelage of the Lianovak family, so you shouldn''t create any problems.


    -Mm... Anything else?


    -... hum, no.


    -Okay, you can leave now.


    The girls hesitated only a second before exiting the bathroom. Ruby sighed heavily. She took a moment to wash her face before leaving. No sooner had she set foot outside than she tripped over a man and fell on her arse. Behind him was one of the girls who had surrounded her, the others nowhere to be seen. Ruby was about to get up when the girl pointed at Ruby.


    -It''s her, this bitch threatened us with blades hidden in her arms. It''s one of those freaks.


    As she said this 3 guys came out of the men''s bathroom, each with more chrome in their body than the other. looking at the girl talking about freaks. In less than a second at the girl''s words, the three of them stood between Ruby and the bouncer.


    -Look man, she and her girlfriends over there...


    He pointed across the room to the group of girls watching them.


    -... They''ve been giving us shit all night. Tell them to stay away from us choom, or we''ll solve the problem.


    The bouncer looked at the three before looking at Ruby. She defended herself as she got to her feet.


    -4 of them accosted me, explaining that the club was under protection and that I shouldn''t make any waves. Nothing else happened. Does she at least have proof that I threatened her? Because if that''s not the case, she''s the one who should be sent out.


    The bouncer, clearly not wanting to deal with this shit, kept calm and de-escalated. He spoke to Ruby and the three.


    -No threats, we''re just having fun and leaving it at that.


    Then he turned to the girl.


    -I know it''s not the first time you''ve messed with them. But next time you''ll go out with them and settle things elsewhere. That goes for your girlfriends too. Did you all understand me?


    After a few grunts and yes. The bouncer left, taking the girl to her girlfriends for a second layer.


    -Sorry for the inconvenience.


    -Nah, these assholes try to push us around every time we come here, so it was a pleasure. Anyway, she said you were just like us... so...


    Ruby smiled, removing one of her gloves and showing off some of her chrome.


    -They just didn¡¯t realized fast enough I was going to defend myself. Thanks anyway.


    The three guys looked at each other before turning to Ruby.


    -Would you like to join us for a drink?


    ******


    Tubio followed Ivan, he was by far the least uptight of the siblings, wearing a jacket and pants whether on the streets of the city or in the marriage, he was always dressed casually. Mohawk hairstyle with green spikes at the end of his black hair. More than once he couldn''t understand situations and others had to explain. He was franc, a quality as sought-after as it was dangerous. But the guy was a ball of good humor and having him around was nice from time to time, even if he didn''t realize sometimes what was really going on around him.


    -You can''t imagine how happy it makes me to know you''re alive, Solena and Talia cried for a long time you know, Solena often visited your mother to give her support.


    Tubio remained neutral, not in a position to make remarks to Ivan. The brother was the only one with whom it was useless to argue, it''s simple: either you''re in his world, or you''re not. Tubio was sure his own reaction had been, "Oh, too bad, he was a good man", before forgetting him and moving on. There he goes.


    -You know, ever since Lev resumed his work here, its thunder here, and Pavel, is it true that it was you who gave him the idea for the gym?


    Question after question, not stopping, not even wanting an answer, a real gossip. Men''s version. Well, there was worse, at least he had no malice. Arriving out on the balcony, Tubio looked down to see Ruby, but without luck. Letting his hand slide over the railing, they reached the main VIP room. Overlooking the others, it had a window like the DJ''s, the only difference being that you could walk in front of it. A small staircase guarded by a bouncer led up to the interior. Ivan went first, declaring their arrival. Tubio entered the room, champagne on the table and several glasses, a TV hung on the wall and a connection station for sensory dance. Everyone stood up to welcome him, but the only one smiling was Ivan. In order, Pavel had exchanged his clothes for something a little more dressy, his face closed almost sadly, forcing himself to smile as Tubio nodded in his direction.


    Next to him was his sister.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Solena had beautiful green eyes, dark brown hair and slightly tanned skin. Wearing tight pants and a kind of sexy crop top, her outfit showed off her tattoos in all their flamboyance. Her figure was more than attractive, with nices shapes and after the Maelstrom, Tubio had to admit a nice face, but Tubio knew better, her personality was crap. In short, she was sitting on her best profile. Never a kind word to him and always searching for the small thing to complain.


    In the middle, the big brother. Lev


    Tubio had known him to be different, when he was younger he was a real pain in the neck, always creating trouble, and rarely assuming it, as he grew older he gained a certain maturity, too quickly according to Tubio, he was in his twenties and already dressed like his father, a three-piece suit with tie, silly for some, not when you''re the son of the head of a mafia group. Without Tubio''s understanding, it was safe to say he had a broom up his ass. No smile from him either, he knew what he had done, just a look was neededfor him to act sober, almost indifferent. With his clean-cut hair slicked to one side and his unshaven beard. A younger copy of his father, too bad it was only appearance.


    And finally, Talia.


    Something could have been between them, but Tubio was no longer at her disposal. Gorgeous, emerald-green eyes and long, fine bond hair,two small silver earrings, tattoos on her forearms and one above her chest, two green glass wings unfolding above her breasts. She was in a tight black dress reaching above her knees with an open zipper at her navel. One day Tubio would have prayed that she would take him in her arms in such an outfit. But not today. She rose from her seat, eyes full of hope, a faint smile as she walked towards him.


    She was stopped only by the table between them. Pavel greets him with a handshake before taking him in his arms. Tubio turned to Lev with a firm handshake. Solena just waved her hand from her sit as Talia walked around the coffee table to get closer. She tried to hold his hand but backed off as if he were going to burn himself.


    The gesture attracted the attention of everyone present, except Ivan who, by luck or tact, passed between the two to fetch the glasses from the table and distribute them to everyone. He made a toast.


    -On Tubio''s return, I''m glad he''s back safe and sound.


    Pavel kept quiet and looked at the bottom of his glass. Solena crossed her arms clearly more and more upset. Ivan continued his antics, Talia had all her body turned to him, attentive to all his movements, while Lev and Tubio looked at each other. After a moment the music outside was felt. Lev spoke.


    -Then? The Maelstrom?


    -Not so bad. Just trust no one. Do not take the drugs offered and present yours instead, never drink too much or laugh at a Reaperdoc, never sleep anywhere except in a closed room... In short. Kind of quiet.


    Lev nodded, but he saw Lev¡¯s gaze wavered. Lev had never known the real street. Protected in his ivory tower that was the floor of his father. How many times he had come running back as a child or teenager, convinced that no one knew why he was coming back. Hiding from the trouble he had caused elsewhere. Lev was a forgery. And he knew it. That¡¯s why he¡¯s trying to compensate by acting like his father.


    -Well? What do you want from me?


    Breathing a sigh Lev hesitantly spoke to his sisters.


    -How can I say¡­ During your "death", my sisters sent you holos,... intimate holos, which should not have been done.


    As Lev tried to explain the situation Solena lost patience and stood almost as she spoke directly to Tubio.


    -The holos we sent you. Have you seen them? Yes or no?


    Tubio looked at Solena red with anger, or embarrassment. He turned to look at Talia who looked at him as the last of the puppies. Almost crying.


    Tubio was not surprised by Solena, she had always been the impulsive. Nonchalant Tubio shrugged his shoulders.


    -No.


    A sigh of relief came from Solena as she sat down again. Talia looked down. Lev cleared his throat.


    -We would like you to erase them.


    -Ok.


    Not waiting for a second he went into the living memory and deleted all the messages and calls of the sisters, but not only after his ¡°death¡±, but also before. Hundreds, thousands of messages he had accumulated sorted and kept in his chip. He thought he¡¯d come back in H2 one day, that things would go back to the way they were, but it was different. He knew that he no longer had his place in the group for a long time, he only veiled his face, even before his "death".


    -Done. I even made all the conversations that they and I never had disappear, and here I am, I just blocked them.


    Lev raised his eyebrows before widening his eyes. Shocked even in his soul. Incorfortable, he looked at Talia and Solena. Pavel, who was next to Talia, sank further into his seat. Even Ivan, who followed only half, was flabbergasted on his glass. Talia watched Tubio, gasping in shock trying to speak. Her eyes turned red as tears rose. Solena was not even angry, she uncrossed her arms, looking at Tubio. She was just shocked, stupefied.


    Waiting no longer, Tubio addressed Lev.


    -Something else?


    Lev shook his head clearly not ready for this situation. Tubio went to the door and Ivan began to stand up to follow him when Lev caught him and made him sit down. The door opened and before leaving Tubio stopped to turn towards Lev.


    -Before I go, I must say it, Lev. The three-piece... gives the impression that you have a broom in your ass.


    ******


    The door closed and Tubio took a deep breath. Another good thing was done. With that he could relax. Now... where is Ruby?


    While he thought that, Ruby sent him a holo.


    -I¡¯m in Room 3, put on your mask if you have it.


    The tone was playful. Why not? Tubio swung his bag under his arm, removing his mask before heading to room 3, then stopped. How does she know where I am if she¡¯s in a closed VIP room? Then it tilt. She hacked into the club. Resistant to a strong urge to breathe. Tubio put his bag on his back and arrived at the door. He opened it to discover...


    -TUBIO!


    Ruby with three girls shouted his name together as he walked inside, the room had at least 10 people, some joking, others smiling or drinking, two were in a brain dance. All had one thing in common, they all had a lot of chrome or modifications in the body and one of them the distinct characteristic of the Maelstrom. The atmosphere in the room, although smoky, was pleasant, with laughter and music on the TVs. While Tubio went inside. One of the guys with a cybernetic red cross across the face for eyes got up to approach him.


    -You... You¡¯re... Shit, wait a second. You¡¯re Ruby¡¯s girlfriend, buddy? Looks like a guy to me.


    The guy was totally drunk and the 4 girls in the corner burst out laughing as he slipped in turning towards them before falling to the floor.


    The guy with the Maelstrom spider on his face then made a sign for him to get closer, the guy was wide, clearly he ate well and the dishes in front of him testify. Sitting in front of him, Tubio knew what he wanted, he wasn¡¯t new to the antics of the Maelstrom. The guy in front of him smiled. Tubio took out one of his relaxers and passed it over the table. Taking one for him, the two planted the apparail in their respective legs, the medicine moving instantly in their bodies. After the discharge, the interlocutor of Tubio smiled and introduced himself. Holding out his hand.


    -Ulrik, boss of the Crimson Spear, in the corner with your friend we have Rosie, Melissa and Iri¨¨ne. In full brain dance Floflo and Ducoux. The other two hovering are Pitar and Milour. And the one on the ground is Tristan. Delighted to meet you Tubio. We met little Ruby and she told us you were cool with chrome so we wanted to see. You know, when you see guys like us, often people get scared or avoid us.


    He gave Tubio his contact and immediately tried to reach him. Tubio in his confusion accepted the call.


    -Sorry to do it this way but I am a frank person in my stories, clean and fast. As you¡¯ve noticed I work with a lot of guys, and had a history with the Maelstrom... I¡¯ve been asked about you... I¡¯ve been asked to approach you too.


    -Can I ask from whom?


    -Yes, Alexei Lianovak.


    WTF?


    -He asked me in a good clich¨¦ if I knew you from the Maelstrom, I kindly told him no. That all cells are independent and even possibly hostile. To that he asked me to approach you.


    -Why?


    -In his own words, if you need to disappear.


    Tubio immediately became tense. But Ulrik lifted his beer before telling him to calm down.


    -Relax. Not in that sense I reassures you. I¡¯ve set up a small business, see, me and my girls are creating fake identities for people who need to disappear from Night City for X reason. It¡¯s not uncommon that people just want to disappear, which is more rare, it¡¯s guys from the Maelstrom wanting to disappear without dying first. For a long time now the Maelstrom is spinning out of control and it only worsens, the boss plays musical chairs and those who do not yield to madness are just sheeps. I try to recruit those who I see a little future or who want to change their lives... I heard your old boss died and you ran away from the gang.


    -Broadly speaking, yes.


    -Ok... no way back to you?


    -Unless I personally meet people who were connected to me with this mask.


    -I see, I will make it clear, you do not think you need our services.


    -No, but I think I have a few names in mind. Those who rush headlong and create shit.


    -Oh, I know them well, they are good customers. But before that, the pre-last question, do you want to work with us?


    -Yeah of course. What¡¯s the last one?


    -What alcohol do you want? That''s, it¡¯s, done. All right, Mr. Lianovak said I¡¯d find you here tonight, I didn¡¯t expect you to come to me. Now, drink with me and have a good night with us.


    Tubio removed his clearly useless mask here. The evening continued and Tubio found himself strangely well in this group. Each one went from his joke, his anecdote, a lot of laughter, a lot of stories, Tubio drank the alcohol that Pitar passed to him, smoked what Ulrik offered him. He looked at Ruby and she seemed perfectly at ease in the group of girls drinking and laughing. Tubio was feeling good, Ulrik talked a lot with Tubio, probably to recruit him into his group. Ulrik also discreetly explained that, since he had created the Crimson Spear, he had made sure to reduce the chrome of its members, often making them more stable and less dangerous to themselves and others along the way. The man was as red as a peony as he laughed. While he and Tubio took turns passing an inhaler drug. It also allowed Tubio to learn more about them.


    Ulrik had seen and done worse than him in the Maelstrom, around a beer he told, his resurrection as he called it. From how he had seen one of his best friends die after his own gang comrades had tortured him and let him hang a meter off the ground, leaving him drained of his blood. After that he could not stay, he took his things and left Watson. He bought a gun store and became a respectable dealer. The trick of false identities is to pay for his end of month as he says.he went on each of them, they all had a more or less complex story. Tristan, still on the ground, had been Recruited by his older brother in the Maelstrom, once the latter died in a shooting, Tristan tried to end his life. Rosie was beaten by her boyfriend and eventually shot him. A guy introduced her to Ulrik and since then she has been working for him. Pitar saved Ulrik by taking a bullet for him in a bar. So many stories. How many others were happening in the city.


    Tubio was starting to get high when Floflo and Ducoux were caught watching a porn scene when Irene joined them. Bursts of laughter, other jokes while Ulrik explained to Tubio that the people here were the least wise and that those who had shown good conduct had fun outside in the club. Melissa laughed and climbed over the table, landing on one of Ulrik''s knees and stroking his chest.


    -Does that mean I am naughty?


    -More than the others, that¡¯s for sure.


    The others laughed and whistled as the two began to kiss. Floflo and Ducoux returned to their brain dance joined by Pitar. But the mood was on. The other girls chatted quietly before looking around. Rosie bit her lip and went on TV and then changed the music for something more sensual. She then began to dance, Irene and Ruby joined her sticking to each other.


    Tubio smiled, then he looked at Milour but he had his head on the side, drooling and passed out.Tubio was now in front of 3 beautiful dancing girls. He couldn''t help looking at them and enjoying the night.

 The first thing to do

    Tubio awoke in his old bed, which he found odd considering... Oh. On his chest lay a weight, opening his eyes, Ruby lying naked with him. Blowing softly into his neck, smiling. Tubio remained as still as possible, thinking back on yesterday''s evening. And the longer the evening went on, the more he realized that their relationship had gone beyond the level of friends. Of all the girls, he''d had to sleep with a cold-blooded killer. Then he thought about it. It wasn''t so bad, after all, she was beautiful, funny... Tubio felt that Cyclops and Ruby could have been two entirely different people and it wouldn''t have surprised him. She was sweet, patient and sassy. Then he remembered that she had decapitated a man in front of him... Oh.


    Two blue eyes looked at him. Ruby looked at him with her lips parted, a second passed before she stole a kiss, whispering a hello. Tubio shook his head slightly.


    -I''m so weak.


    To which she giggled.


    -I know you are.


    Before kissing him again and resting her head on his chest.


    -That was... wow...


    -Mm... if you''re a good boy, we can do it again.


    -Me? always.


    He felt her smile as their breathing aligned with each other.


    -Now that you can walk. What are you going to do?


    -Live. I''ve spent so much time as Cyclops, I don''t even know where to start.


    -You''ll get there, I know it.


    -Don''t underestimate my ability to screw up.


    -Well, I have to say that last night went pretty well.


    Ruby propped herself up on her elbows, looking Tubio straight in the eye.


    -What happened wasn''t a screw up.


    -That''s not what I meant.


    -I know, but I want us to be clear. Tubio, since I''ve been here, I''ve felt more alive and secure than since I was a child. Do you know how many people have attacked me? From the list of people you gave me who survived, I don''t even count one hand those I could consider distant friends. Everyone I loved has died. And you, stupid as you are, save my life, you took me to your home, you feed me, you house me. You offer to pay for my treatment and my chrome. Do you realize that? Who fucking do that?


    Tubio didn''t know what to say. He''d done what he thought was right, not let her die after the ambush, then healed her so she wouldn''t be thrown into the street...


    -I don''t know what to say. I just did what I thought was best.


    -You know what was best for Gaton? Teaching me how to kill. To trust no one. To hate, to know that the world is out there, that he is cruel and will come for me. You know my last memory of my first night out with friends after my adoption?


    Tubio let her speak, Ruby had raised her voice, not necessarily against him.


    -There was this boy my age, he had everything going for him: a nice family, normal parents. It was after I''d had my operations and went to live with Gaton. He was so cute and sweet, he wanted to throw a party and invited me, but when I went there I was laughed at. That evening, as I was coming home, his uncle kidnapped me. To sell me to scavengers. I was saved while on the operating table. After that, I never heard from the boy again, and Gaton forbade me to go out for years without someone.


    -I''m sorry about that.


    -You know I paint my implants, so people can''t see my chrome? That I can''t make friends without thinking about what could happen to me or them? That I''m afraid people will see me as prey? I can¡¯t even find the courage to show my face or my hair? I can¡¯t stop thinking that I''ll end up on one of those tables again? Do you know what I am? I''m a fucking hermit hiding in a shitty apartment only going out to buy groceries, drink or find a guy for the night. Waiting to be called in to kill people.


    Ruby had tears in her eyes.


    -So when are you telling me that you, who did everything you could for me, treated me like a person, that it was a mistake. No. I don''t want to joke about it.


    This time the tears were flowing and Tubio was quick to console her.


    -Hey, hey, sorry, I never would have guessed. You fit in so well with the Crimson Spear, you''re so, so... You. Every time we talk you don''t seem afraid, you''re confident, strong, sure of yourself. Hell, you''ve got the whole club shaking at the Steel Arm.


    -That''s not me, I never wanted to become Cyclops. I hate it. I''m just good at it, too good.


    -You don''t have to be Cyclops anymore¡­ You know, you can be my netrunner. Like you do now, but guiding me. I''ll give you information and vice versa. We''ll choose our missions and, if possible, avoid bloodshed.


    -You''re so naive. You think missions like you describe are all over the street? No, if you do this, sooner or later you''ll have to get your hands dirty or starve.


    -... For you I will.


    -Don''t¡­ don¡¯t promise me things like that. No one should kill for someone else. I did it, and I came back even emptier.


    Ruby let her head fall back onto Tubio''s belly to hide her face sniffing. There was silence as Tubio tried to find something to say.


    -... I love your smile.


    -...


    -I love hearing you talking during the day.


    -...


    -I love your laugh.


    -... You''re sweet.


    -You are beautiful.


    -You''re thoughtful.


    -You¡¯re smart.


    -Will you stay with me? I am a monster you know?


    -Yes, until you don''t need me anymore.


    Ruby kept silent, hugging him tighter.


    -Fuck!


    -What?


    She looked up.


    -I think I love you, silly.


    Tubio smirked as she raised her head.


    -What a lucky guy.


    -Shut up.


    She smiled and they kissed.


    -So, what''s first?


    -Mm¡­Round 2?


    As the two flirted, cries echoed through the house. Stopping the two, they looked at each other.


    -Your father-in-law?


    -Nah, he''s probably rotting by now.


    -We can ignore it.


    Tubio ignored Ruby and started to get up. Ruby her, started swearing.


    -This better be important.


    Pulling the sheet around her, she began to gather up her underwear as the door opened. With a reflex, her chrome fist slammed into a face. The latter screamed in pain before falling into the corridor. Ruby, both shocked and surprised, stepped aside to hide her modesty and close the door. A voice came from the other side and Elizabeth.


    -Ivan Lianovak! Who do you think you are!


    -I think she broke my nose!


    ******


    -Ouch ouch, gently, Mme Moreau.


    Saying nothing, Elizabeth pulled Ivan along by his ear as if he were still a child. bringing him back into the hall. In the tattoo parlor, Elizabeth saw a vision she''d never thought possible. Almost every child in the Lianovak family. Lev in an outfit she hadn''t seen in a long time, his green tank top with a skull and crossbones on the back. Solena, who had visited her more than once since her son''s "death", Talia, her son''s "ex-girlfriend", and Ivan with a bloody nose from trying to get into Ruby''s room.


    -After all these years, you still think this is your home? When was the last time you came to see Tonio? Mm? And you decided to come in without knocking. You''re not twelve anymore. As for the rest of you, don''t be too ashamed to come now.


    -Madame Moreau...


    Lev tried to speak, but was interrupted without hesitation.


    -No, Madame Rivi¨¨re. I''m taking back my maiden name, so you might as well get used to it.


    -Madame Rivi¨¨re, we''re sorry to come so late, but we were quite ashamed of what happened.


    -That didn''t stop Solena from coming. At least she apologized for mi hijo.


    -We''re sorry.


    Elizabeth looked at them. Ivan with a handkerchief over his nose. Solena said nothing, their conversations had already taken place. Lev looked serious and Talia sobbed with her head down. She had a rough idea of the facts, but she knew her son wasn''t at fault. She turned to Lev.


    -The day my son left with Doug, normally he would have been working at the club. Why was he not?


    Solena wanted to explain but Elizabeth stopped her.


    -I want to hear it from him. If ever I was not given the good story. Although with the way things are going I think I''ve got it right.


    Lev looked at the ground.


    -I... I told him not to come to work. That he didn''t have to come anymore.


    -And why?


    -Because of something that happened with Talia.


    -Between you and my son, I know for years he''s only had eyes for you. Talia, tell me, what happened?


    Talia stopped sobbing for a moment, before looking up. Her face was thin, her hair barely groomed, her eyes puffy from crying. She was clearly not well.


    -I... I know that¡­ I¡­


    She tried to speak, but couldn''t bring herself to speak and started to cry again, after a few seconds Solena took her in her arms and explained for her.


    -It''s been months now. Almost a year. A group had tried to join us. The girls were fun and the guys were charming. Nothing seemed strange. Until the girls in the group who''d joined us started talking bad about Tubio. It was nothing at first, but it spread to all our close friends. But of all of them, he was the most touched. His looks, his habits, his hobbies. Meanwhile, the guys were making friends with Lev and Ivan while trying to flirt with us. They too began to talk about Tubio too, as he seemed untrustworthy. There were several incidents: they accused Tubio of stealing money, insulting and beating up girls... Most were defensible, even some unfounded. But the atmosphere between us went from bad to worse, with Tubio becoming more and more aggressive, and us being totally blind to what was happening to him and to us. Then there was this story. Tubio had apparently raped one of the girls in the group. A party where we all had been, we all saw him drunk, or drugged. Afterwards, we wondered. The next day, she told everyone that he had forced himself on her...


    Elizabeth stifled a laugh, Solena stopped to comfort Talia, who cried again. Lev spoke up.


    -The images were more than convincing, the place, the people. Talia had been approached by one of the guys, a guy called John. And he and Tubio had clashed over Talia.


    -Talia and Tubio had never taken the leap and that attracted the guy.


    -Yes Ivan¡­ Tubio had found them invasive, manipulative and opportunistic and just like them, he couldn''t stop talking down to them. Talia tried to defend them, but every time they pushed Tubio to be further humiliated. Creating more and more serious situations and lies. At one point, Talia humiliated Tubio in public in front of everyone. She... didn''t mean what she said.


    -But she said it.


    -It was the following week that the party took place. The timing was perfect, a guy in love going after another girl after being rejected. After that night. They beat him up, even though without proof, they knew he hadn''t done anything, they beat him into unconsciousness and... we didn''t do anything.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Elizabeth took her face in her hands massaging her forehead.


    -Continue.


    -There was no way of knowing.


    -Go on, I said.


    -After that Talia started ¡°going out¡± with John and to avoid any trouble, I asked Tubio not to work at the club for a few days.


    -Mm...


    -Talia and Tubio had never taken the leap and that attracted the guy.


    -YES Ivan¡­I may have been categorical. After that these guys started looking for Tubio, beating him up every time he wanted to talk to us or justify himself. After that, he "died".


    -What happened next?


    -Auntie...


    Solena spoke up, more off than usual, before being interrupted.


    -... They were found to be on drugs.


    -IVAN!


    -Why, it''s true! You almost lost your jobs.


    -At work... Talia and I were found to be positive for drugs in a routine test.


    -Does Alexei know?


    -No, of course not.


    -The four of you were drugged and you didn''t say anything? Wait till your father hears about this.


    -We think he knows... After Tubio died, we realized we were drugged, we eliminated the possibilities one by one and had to face up to the fact that it was them. So we told Vernon...


    -I''m calling your father.


    -No, please, Auntie!


    -Ah! It''s Auntie now. You''re lucky that... Mi hijo?


    Tubio decided to get inside at that point, as he''d already heard enough from behind the door. On his way in, he looked around the room. Solena in her favorite biker jacket, Ivan in the same outfit from last night, Lev in a casual outfit, Talia covered from head to toe in a long-sleeved T-shirt and jeans. All were silent when he returned, except Ivan.


    -Where''d you sleep?


    -Shut up, Ivan.


    Talia got up and walked towards him, missing her chic dress and stilettos. Here it was sneakers as she always did.


    -Antonio, I''m sorry. For everything.


    -Why? Why didn''t you believe me? Of all the people who wanted to protect you, I think I was in a good position, no? All the years we''ve spent together, our moments, our words, our dates. And then you meet a man and poof, you forget and move on to another.


    -Tonio...


    -¡±We are not a couple, you''re not a man for me, you''re here chasing me like a dog in heat, but the moment I say no you abandon all semblance and go look elsewhere.¡± Your words, not mine.


    -I was...


    -Drugged? I heard. How long were we ¡°officially" together? Months, years.You never gave me the slightest sign of affection in return, unless I asked for it like a beggar. Not a hug, not a kiss, not an I love you, you never had a plan with me. I was acquired, a possession to be used, the affection you gave it to me like a sugar, so that I''d continue to follow you like the good dog I was. You were right, I was a dog, your dog, not your boyfriend or even a friend. I was nothing to you. How far you went with him in weeks. You think I didn''t see you with him after my beating? Did you go to the pier with him too? You kissed him that I know, as you didn''t forbid him to kiss you in public unlike me. You let him fondle your breasts too? Or Did you just fuck the day I died...


    Talia slapped him. Realizing in the moment what she''d just done, she caught her own hand covering her mouth. Tubio remained indifferent, his cheek turning red.


    -That guy saw you as a piece of meat. I tried to warn you and was humiliated for it. I''d have taken any beating, for each of you, if someone had attacked you all. But no, the only fucking person who believed me was Pavel... So, you, who''ve been so stuffed in the head that you thought you''re were your father, the next step is to kill him, you know? You, who doesn''t open your mouth when you really need to, you weren''t saying anything while three of them were beating me to the ground. You, who''s never had anything but insults to say to my face for years, when you told me not to come to the parties for my own good, did you expect me to believe in your good faith? And finally you... for you I''ve been insulted, humiliated, beaten, robbed. I''ve given you my thoughts, my body, my time and my love. But it never seemed to be enough for you. For all these reasons and others I haven''t mentioned, I don''t want to, can''t talk to you all. I¡¯m done¡­You''ve had weeks to clear things up with me when I came back. But you cowards never showed. You had to coerce Pavel to convince me to come to the club. You realize?


    Talia shook her head violently, pleading her case. Being careful not to touch him.


    -Please listen to me, I can explain everything.


    As Talia pleaded her case, Elizabeth had already called Alexei.


    -It''s me, if you remember. Get your ass back to my place if you don''t want me to destroy your caf¨¦.


    Meanwhile, Talia was trying to get Tubio''s attention, pulling her hair franticly in front of her, then Elizabeth saw something. She grabbed Talia''s hand.


    - What did you do after you were drugged?


    Lev replied.


    -Nothing, Vernon took us to the doctor, tested us and then quarantined us for forced weaning. When we got out, the group was gone, so I asked Vernon. He told me that if I ever saw John again, and ONLY John. I had to report to him immediately. After that, we had plenty of time to think about what had happened.


    The room fell back into silence as Talia was held captive by Elizabeth''s hand. She turned frantically to Tubio to continue speaking. A knock on the door. Elizabeth opened it to let Alexei in. There was no greeting, and Tubio seemed to see Alexei slightly out of breath. He hadn''t come running? He was surprised to see his childrens here and they were terrified to see him. Elizabeth pointed to Alexei''s inside door. They both entered while the children waited in silence. The door closed. Less than a minute later. Alexei opened the door again, one of his cheek as red as Tubio''s.


    -Talia, my love, will you come in?


    Once again, the door closed and the others looked at each other, not knowing what was happening. A second time he stepped out.


    -Solena, go with Eliza and do as she tells you.


    Solena passed in front of him and he closed the door behind her. He turned to his sons.


    -Get undressed.


    -What?


    -No questions.


    Ivan and Lev looked at each other before undressing, before Ivan asked a question.


    -Is underwear okay?


    Alexei rolled his eyes and nodded. Tubio watched the scene with a strange sensation. He''d seen things at the Maelstrom, funny and bad. But a father ordering his sons to disrobe was a first. Once in his underwear, Lev asked.


    -And now what?


    -Turn around.


    They turned around as confused as Tubio. When it was all over, Tubio couldn''t stop talking.


    -What the hell?


    -I needed to check.


    -Check what?


    -Talia is high on Purple Cloud.


    The shock passed through the three.


    -What?


    -Elizabeth, saw a spot when you were chatting... Her whole back is covered in purple. That means she took a huge dose recently.


    -And you made them undress without telling them because...?


    -Tubio, this case isn''t your business.


    -Excuse me?


    Ivan interrupting people is one thing. That he interrupts his father is another. Alexei turned to him ready to burst as his eyebrows furrowed. But Ivan went off on him in a long monologue, angry was not the word to describe him.


    -After everything that''s happened. He of all people deserves an explanation. It''s because of you we let him get mistreated. So the fact that he knows about it is, I feel, the least we can do. You''re the reason we made friends with that bunch. Even though we knew they were assholes. You''re the one who told us, order us not to intervene. In the end we lost our friends, we got drugged and we''ll have to live every day thinking we should have done something. Shit, it took Tubio dying for you to tell us we could throw these living wastes away. I know why Talia took the drugs, it''s because she knows... She knows that Tubio will never be hers again, all because of your stupid bullshit test that destroyed all ties with him, ruined his reputation, made him lose his job and almost got him killed! No one would ever want anything to do with us again. I know, because I wouldn''t be. Do you really think Talia is happy about what you made her do? Or that she''ll regret it for the rest of her life.


    Alexei went from anger to surprise and shock. A confused Tubio looked at Lev, who lowered his eyes, then at their father. Asking the question.


    -Is it true?


    Then, for the first time since Tubio can remember, Alexei didn''t retort. There was a pause and Alexei left without a word. At about the same time, Elizabeth and the girls came out to join them. With Solena pointing at their clothes.


    -Get dressed. Talia needs treatment, we''re going home.


    Elizabeth had Talia in her arms, guiding her towards the exit.


    -If anything goes wrong, call me anytime. Me, Solena or whoever. Do you understand? The moment you feel the desire. Take care of yourself.


    At the door she still turned to Tubio, who answered the silent question.


    -In extreme cases.


    It was enough to bring a smile to her face. Solena passed in front of him, looking at him for a moment. Tubio could no longer see the anger and hostility that characterized her. She was sad, genuinely sad.


    -I''m sorry, for everything.


    -Like I told her. In extreme cases.


    -Thank you, Toto.


    Solena and Talia went out with Elizabeth, leaving the boys finishing off and Tubio. Ivan hesitated before asking the question.


    -So, the girl in your room?


    -Ivan... Get out.


    The two followed the rest and Tubio found himself alone in the house. He went inside and sat down at the table. A noise came from behind him and Ruby entered. She saw him sad and pensive. Wearing a gray hoodie and simple shorts, she walked towards him barefoot. Moving closer, she put her hand on his shoulder.


    -Are you ok?


    -No, I don''t know what to think.


    -What happened?


    -It seems to me that all the shit that happened to me was just a test apparently...


    Ruby stood there, telling him to keep talking. He talked about everything. How he''d become an outcast in his group of friends, how he''d become the person to avoid and beat. He explained that he was contemplating suicide when Talia humiliated him. That fighting match of Pavel was the only thing he felt strong enough to do. He already thought he''d died that night, so offering his life to Gaton wasn''t a glorious act for his family, just a way out because he saw no way out.


    Ruby remained silent, gently caressing his head. When he finished, she took his head in her arms. He let her do it, taking her by the waist and holding her. He listened to her heart beat slowly as she continued to caress his head.


    -Is he that terrifying, their father? Because as I understand it, this Alexei is responsible for what happened to you.


    -You have no idea. At the start of the gang war with the Cloud gang. He had wanted to be neutral. But as the situation deteriorated. He went back on his word and massively supported one side. The reprisals were terrible for him and his family. The last real fight took place in front of his house. A fire broke out and his family was trapped under the flames. His wife Yellena and his childrens. Miraculously, only the mother died, the children suffering from severe burns and smoke poisoning. After that... He became a monster. The children were entrusted to my mother because she was Yellena''s best friend. It was her idea to give them tattoos to cover the burn marks. Mr Lianovak... he went on a murderous hunt. Killing, skinning, torturing and throwing every Purple Cloud member he could find through the central hole. But he didn''t stop with them. Wives, children, husbands, old men, former associates, near or far. It''s said that the trauma team only passed through once a day so they only had to make one return trip. All day long, a pile of corpses piled up in the middle of H2''s ground floor main square. When they weren''t turning to mush. Once his rage had burned out, he got his children back, but it was Yellena who took care of the love. He, gave the corrections. Not to mention that it took him years to overcome the loss of his wife and the bottle.


    -The NCPD didn''t intervene?


    -They were happy for the gangs to kill each other. They did it a little during the war, but after all the deaths. They didn''t want the area to become a lawless zone like Pacifica so they were saving their strength to clean up what was left after, and if the vengeance of some could restore calm, it was a small price to pay. That''s why when the last gang leaders of the Purple Cloud were captured or killed. They weren''t interested in the fate of the other members. The heads and labs were destroyed, that''s all that mattered.


    -Have you seen it?


    -No, my mother had taken us all to a shelter a few floors down. I was far too young to understand what was going on.


    -And here I thought the Maelstrom was special.


    -No, since I was a child, Alexei Lianovak has been one of the many monsters that parents tell their childrens about to make them behave. It took years before he stopped drinking and beating his childrens, and that''s how his childrens became so close to me, we were close when their mother was alive, but we bonded after that. They used to hide out at my mother''s house to avoid his wrath. I think my mother''s the only one since Aunt Yellena who''s dared to stand up to him¡­What did I do to make him do that?


    -It''s not your fault, you know?


    -I don''t know anymore. Why?


    -Let go, stop thinking, you can always hate them or forgive them, when the time comes, when you''re ready. But not right now. Ok?


    He nodded, remaining nestled against her.


    -Otherwise I can kill them too.


    Tubio looked up, Ruby shrugged and smiled mockingly.


    -I''m only joking.


    Then pulled him back into her embrace.


    -What''s that Purple Cloud, was it so important?


    -See the glitter?


    -Ulysses and Waver''s drug? Yes.


    -It''s the ancestor of that, only more powerful.


    -You know you''re talking about a drug that creates physical damage if you stop taking it.


    -Before the Glitter, which tastes like candy, there was the cold breath, then the bite, and before that... Anyway, you see where I''m going with this. The purple cloud is the source of a huge quantity of drugs. The fact that Talia has purple spots on her back means she''s taken a huge dose of the original. In two weeks'' time, if she doesn''t comply with medical prescriptions, she''ll collapse, have paralysis plus all the joys of a hard drug addiction.


    -She...


    -No more... I don''t want to think about it anymore.


    -Where did she get that?


    -... That''s a good question. But it''s beyond my knowledge. Like you said, I already have too much to think about with them. So I leave it to them to work it out.


    -Mm...


    Ruby smiled and continued to stroke his hair. Before turning his face towards her.


    -In that case, why don''t you think of me?


    Tubio and Ruby looked at each other before going in for a kiss. Tubio''s eyes lit up at the reception of a holo. Ruby raised her head and huffed, exasperated at being interrupted yet again. She separated from him before going to the kitchen.


    -Pavel? Now''s not really the time.


    -Yeah? No, because I just found out Talia took some Purple Cloud!


    -I already know.


    -What? How do you know?


    As Tubio silently replied, Ruby made herself a cup of water and drank it in one gulp. Looking at Tubio, she began to play with her zipper. Up and down. But every time she went down, he couldn''t see any bra.


    -You''ll excuse me, but I''ve got to go, I''ve got a lot to think about.


    He hung up on Pavel before getting up and walking over to Ruby, who was already smiling. But as they began to make their way back to the bedroom. The doorbell rang.


    -Fuck! I''m really going to kill someone. You know, the first thing we''re gonna do is go somewhere else to fuck around without being interrupted... I don''t mean like that... I meant...


    -Yeah... I believe you...


    Tubio held back a laugh, unable to stop himself from smiling. Ruby blushed hard. She didn''t want him to see her as that kind of girl, but...she realized after that she''d done everything she could to get into this situation.


    -Go ahead¡­


    Tubio took her in his arms.


    -I''m not going anywhere, you know. Like I said. Until you don''t need me anymore.


    The doorbell rang again.


    -Go before I really kill someone.


    -I''ll be quick.


    -I hope you will...


    Ruby headed back to her room as the knock on the door sounded. Wasting no time He crossed the living room and the hall, to stand in front of the door. Which he opened. A pistol appeared under his nose. A beautiful young woman in jeans, a top and a jacket revealing her lower abdomen. She had long, beautiful blond hair with green eyes and a cowboy hat on her head. Tubio remained calm, his eyes riveted on the pistol and grenade in the girl''s other hand.


    -Hi, I''m here to talk.

 First duo mission

    -Please come in... Do we know each other?


    The girl in front of Tubio didn''t seem friendly at all. The blonde stepped inside as Tubio stepped back, not raising his hands but remaining as calm as possible as the door closed behind her.


    -Don''t take me for a fool, I know who you are Tubio. Did you really think I wouldn''t find you?


    -Who?


    -Don''t mock me. You stole my car.


    -Don''t know what you''re talking about.


    -You''re Doug''s son. Antonio Riviere. Did you think I wouldn''t check up on you before coming?


    -Well, misunderstandings can lead to mistakes.


    -You''re Antonio, stop bullshitting me.


    -Ok... What do you want?


    -My car of course!


    -It''s not your car.


    -Not when I have a gun to your head.


    -You need to calm down. You''re obviously not used to this sort of thing.


    -Are you still fucking with me?


    -Look, you''re getting emotional. If you weren''t, you''d know as well as I do that your grenade isn''t active, and that the safety''s still on your gun.


    The girl stared at Tubio, her mind racing as she turned her gun slightly away to check. Tubio wasted no time, sweeping the girl''s arm before charging her. He lifted her before bringing her to the ground with both arms going for her gun, dropping her hat while trying to remove the weapon from her hands, she dropped the grenade.


    Striking Tubio on the head to get him to let go of her arm. Tubio managed to grab the gun and the girl''s arm, but not to make her let go. She pulled the trigger and a shot rang out in the room. Tubio dropped his attempt to retrieve the gun and freed one arm to elbow the girl in the face. Not wanting to take any more damage, she put her arm around Tubio''s neck and clung to his back. Still trying to get her to drop her weapon, he stretched her arm as far forward as possible while he got down on all fours. On his back, the girl punched him in the stomach and head to make him let go. With all his strength, Tubio stood up, the girl still on his back, struggling not to fall or drop her weapon. Just as Tubio was about to throw himself against a wall, he felt a pain in his abdomen. He threw himself against the wall with all his might, only to feel weak and fall to his knees. He saw the girl rise to her feet, her weapon still in her hand, and a bloody dagger in her hand.


    And as Tubio held his wound and the girl caught her breath. The inner door opened. Ruby stepped out, red-eyed and ready to fight. Looking first at Tubio and then at the girl, she closed the distance between them in a split second. The enemy raised her weapon, but Ruby caught the barrel of the gun and forced it towards the ceiling, drawing a cry of pain as she twisted her arm. The assailant quickly fell to her knees before trying to slash at Ruby, who grabbed her other hand, twisting it too and releasing the dagger. Ruby was now on top of the girl and Tubio could see that it was no longer Ruby, but Cyclops. Rising despite the pain, he went to her side.


    -Ruby?


    As if awakening, she turned towards him before letting go of the girl''s hands. The latter dropped her weapon, clutching her hands in pain. Regaining her composure, Ruby took out one of her mantis blades and placed the tip under the girl''s chin, lifting it up. Before laughingly asking Tubio.


    -So you''re cheating on me already?


    ******


    After a short explanation, the attacker was neutralized. Tubio immediately went to take care of himself and retrieve the grenade before his mother returned. The impact of the shot on the wall was, fortunately, under the piece of furniture against the wall. The girl was kept in check by Ruby, ready to execute her at the first sign of anything. Unable to do otherwise, they took her into the tattoo parlor. Tubio and the girl face to face.


    -As a result. You''re my... Half sister? No, because I''m not Doug''s biological son.


    -Please, you''re gonna make me puke. Doug wanted, my mother didn''t. She was afraid he''d run off once he could get his hands on her money. My little brother and I are 100% not from him.


    -Good thinking. Better than my mother. I''ll get right to the point. I''m not giving you the car. It''s mine. Period.


    -I need it, please, will you listen to me?


    Ruby behind Tubio huffed.


    -After taking him hostage? Yes, of course.


    -I need it to win the red sands race.


    Tubio had no idea what she was talking about, but Ruby burst out laughing.


    -Okay, one, you know what you''re talking about? Two, you realize that the chances of you surviving are extremely low? Let alone make any money.


    Tubio said nothing, trying to keep his poker face on the girl. The latter defended herself.


    -It''s a race with a lot of money at stake. I''ve heard that the previous winner took home over 80,000 eddies.


    Tubio''s eyes widened, but Ruby laughed harder.


    -My girl, do you even know what this is? The rules? The goal?


    -You finish the race.


    -Choom, the reason why this race is so popular is because it''s a race between gangs, an illegal race where you can and most often must kill to win or even finish the race.


    -I''m not afraid of danger.


    -You know you''ll have to sell the car afterwards too?


    -What?


    -Red sand was created by gangs to raise the price of stolen cars, either by keeping them original or modifying them for the race. If it survives you may have a better price. So if you wanted to race Bor¨¦ale, you''d be "offered" to sell it afterwards.


    -But then...


    -The real price must be 10,000 eddies, depending on the organizers. But don''t expect more. If you don''t bet on yourself. Which is generally frowned upon. Winners usually disappear very quickly, too, to avoid being robbed.


    The girl had lost all momentum, her eyes shifting from Ruby to Tubio before looking at the ground. Tubio was curious now.


    -Why do you need so much money.


    -Ah... I need even more.


    -Tell us, I promise we won''t laugh.


    -Remember the boy you held up at gunpoint? He''s my little brother. He needs an implant or he''ll die. He needs a second heart. The implant itself is worth over 40,000 eddies. not including operating costs, insurance, post-surgery. More than 100,000 in all.


    Ruby and Tubio remained silent. 100 000. More than they could dream. A sum like that to buy two new Bor¨¦ales. Not to mention 100,000, plus the price of living. Food, electricity and everything else.


    -Sorry, but even with all the good will in the world, we don''t have that kind of money. Otherwise we wouldn''t be living in H2.


    The girl bit her lip and Ruby breathed out before raising her revolver. The girl had clearly overstayed her welcome and Tubio saw no reason not to throw her out too. Thinking back on his own circumstances, he could only feel pity for her. Ruby approached her.


    -I''m going to have to ask you to leave.


    She stood up and Tubio followed the two towards the door. Then he remembered something.


    -Hey! Wait. Are you one of the 6th? No?


    -My grandfather, but yes, me and my little brother did a bit of fooling around with members.


    -The tag on Bor¨¦ale?


    -Kept the gang from requisitioning.


    -... Maybe there''s a way we can make some money. If you want to work as a team.


    -... I''m listening.


    ******


    Tubio drove with the girl, the day was now well under way and Tubio was doing his best not to think about his stomach wound. Once again they arrived at the parking lot, where Tubio didn''t know what to do. Ruby in his ears ready and able. The same cars as last time, the same passers-by.


    F¨¦licia Medart, quite a gal. If she''d known how to shoot first and ask questions later Tubio would be dead or on foot. As explained she''s desperate for money not enough to be stupid, but enough to be reckless. Tubio decided to use her contacts with 6th Street to get more informations about the contract Tubio had talked to her about. Hugo Versa. She''d heard yes. Of his debts, he''d gone too far, so they chased him without actually chasing him. As Ruby said, you''ll always be part of the Maelstrom. You and I. Like him for the 6th. They put him in solitary confinement. Gave him a mission in an empty sector to protect. The Arasaka building. From there...


    -So let me get this straight: a choom from 6th Street, Versa, stole stuff from a reaperdoc and wasn''t found? You went fishing for information and we gave it to you here.


    -Local Patriot.


    -Whatever. It''s just to piss you off. Your guy''s got to go through here. Once a week.


    -Fuck.


    -Never give the eddies first.


    -Told ya.


    -Okay, okay, okay... I''m useless, now.


    -Even though I know about him. The guy''s practically a hermit. I doubt we''ll find him by chance. You got any other info I can use?


    -He hates corpos, he''s convinced there''s a war coming. He''s collecting equipment and implants for it. That''s all I''ve got.


    -Mm.


    Felicia pondered. Where did the others come to the area for entertainment? Then she started walking along the sidewalk. Tubio followed. Crossing the street, she continued along. Retracing the same steps Tubio had taken. On their left, the Arasaka building came to an end before making way for the Kendachi building. To their right, another parking lot under the Cybermatrix company logo. Felicia pointed to the building as a matter of course. Tubio asked curiously.


    -Can you explain?


    -When you need to decompress, what do you do, hang out with your buddies, drink, smoke? Well, let''s just say that some of the 6th Street boys like to fight on top of all that.


    Tubio looked around, raising his arms.


    -I don''t see any Ring here.


    -Because even if the party starts in the parking lot. We''re usually on the move. Well, not when there''s a group that''s really getting into it. Follow my lead.


    Tubio followed her in silence as she spoke.


    -Normally we''d go along a wall from the parking lot, but I don''t want to be in a position of weakness. So we''ll go around.


    Leaving the parking lot, they continued along the road, arriving immediately at a sort of open sewage tank with tags on the sides, garbage in the middle and a nauseating smell emanating from it.


    -I dare you to go in.


    -In your dream.


    Felicia skirted the pit and the wall around it, at the opposite corner to the road, boxes had been piled up. She climbed on and looked over the wall. He found himself next to her, looking over the wall, a banal scene before she pointed to an angle to their right below a gigantic electric pillar, the inside had employees, Felicia and Tubio tried not to be noticed more than that.


    -Can you see down there? In the corner, there''s your Ring. What better way for a madman who thinks a war is coming than to see others training and fighting themselves. If he has equipment and chrome, what''s missing?


    -Personnel to fight.


    -He''s crazy, not stupid. Some of the fighters may have been approached. Even if it''s for some crazy story, I don''t think he''ll go unnoticed.


    -And when is this little party going on?


    -Every week at the same time.


    Felicia and Tubio returned to the car, exchanged contacts and parted ways. To prepare for the next two days.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    -She''s going to double-cross you. 100%.


    -You want me to stay around and see?


    -Or you can let your contract be stolen, it''s up to you. But I want you to know I''ll be very disappointed...


    -It''s not just, what you do...


    -But necessary. You used your time and money, it¡¯s not for the blonde to reap the fruits of your labor. Now get some food, stick yourself up in a corner and wait for the target to arrive.


    -It''s going to take a long time


    -Don''t worry, I''m with you as company.


    ******


    Bor¨¦ale was comfortable, so to speak. Parking under the deck on the other side of the intersection. Anyone would have thought it was a wreck after Tubio, on Ruby''s advice, laid worn blankets and other rubbish on it. Its broken Tubio''s heart but it had to blend into the scenery. And the car, though shiny, was not made for the place. While Ruby was making the conversation Tubio had retrieved food, new bandages and spent a good part of the afternoon sleeping to recover from his eventful night. At the falling sun, Ruby woke him up, making him growl in pain.


    -How''s it going?


    -Like getting stabbed. What''s going on?


    Ruby was connected to a small camera in the vehicle, which was almost in front of the only entrance to the 6th Street ring an Cybermatrix parking lot.


    -Not much, mostly drunks, the guys from the factory left less than 15 minutes ago. But I''ve just seen several cars pull into the Cybermatrix parking lot. With the liberator eagle on their asses.


    -Well, you were right.


    -We haven''t seen the girl yet, maybe it''s just a random gathering.


    -Wait, you have proof that you''re right and you''re still doubting?


    -We''re never sure of anything. Maybe it''s the usual spot and the fights only happen on weekends or something.


    -Okay, no rush.


    -Otherwise... Your injury.


    -It''s okay, the bandage isn''t dripping.


    -Just be careful, okay?


    -Are you worried about me?


    -Yes.


    -You shouldn''t be, you know.


    -Some crazy woman took you hostage before she stabbed you.


    -D¨¦tails.


    -...What about your mother and me? Are we details?


    -Of course not.


    -Well, then you need to get back down to earth. Luck won''t always be on your side. I want you home in one piece tonight, understand? Tonight you intervene only if you see the target neutralized with the girl. Otherwise, you follow. Understand? We need to find the guy''s hideout.


    -Yes, boss.


    Tubio and Ruby didn''t speak. For almost a minute, Tubio pondered while looking across the street. He wasn''t alone now. If he died, his mother would be as inconsolable as Pavel. And he knew that would make Ruby sad. Voices echoed from the Cybermatrix parking lot, music beginning to rise in the street.


    -I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to sound like I didn''t care.


    -I know you didn''t. But know that every time you take a job, you might not come back. Arrogance has killed countless people. I don''t want you to join them.


    -I''ll be back tonight. I promise.


    -I''ll be waiting. Here.


    An attachment had just arrived in his messages. Tubio hesitated before opening it.


    You wish.??


    -You''re mean.


    -You''ll have plenty of time to get the real thing. Tonight.


    -...Did you have anyone before me?


    -I may have been a little... I admit, I exaggerated about my... experience.


    -Oh. If you don''t want to talk about it...


    -After I''ve had your whole life told? No, it''s the least I can do. One, only one. We were just on and off. A bad relationship. I''d go to the club and we''d meet. We''d spend the evening and usually argue in the morning before we split up.


    -So nothing serious.


    -No¡­


    Tubio felt strangely relieved that she hadn''t had more conquests.The silence continued and the lights on the parking lot became more numerous. more people came. An impromptu party was taking place.


    -Scanning people?


    -Too far. I can only do those on foot. But our guy will probably show up like this.


    -Fair enough. But like I said, tonight''s about scouting. Don''t be crazy, you got stabbed.


    -Says the girl in convalency.


    -Hey, the doctor gave me the green light. Want me to tell her about our run-in with the blonde?


    -No! Absolutely not.


    -That''s what I thought... So, what do we do about her? You really want to split the money?


    -It''s kind of my fault she''s in this mess.


    -No, I''m going to stop you right there. It''s not your fault her brother''s sick, or that she came to steal from you. Stop thinking that everything is your fault. She would have attacked anyone to find Bor¨¦ale or any way to make money, 100,000 eddies, can you believe it? I don''t trust her. Desperate people do stupid things.


    -...How she knew where to find me.


    -Did you check if she put a tracker in the car?


    -Yes, found and dumped.


    -In that case... Hey, did you talk to any 6th Street guys lately? With Bor¨¦ale?


    Tubio thought for a second. Thinking back to his research for this job.


    -Fuck!


    -At least she went through the trouble.


    As they chatted, a fight occurred along the pavement leading to the parking lot, and two men began to fight, with 3 people shouting and watching the fight. After several blows, one of them remained on the ground. The mini-crowd dispersed back into the parking lot and one of the guys went over to the guy on the ground.


    -At least someone''s having a worse night than me.


    Tubio and Ruby continued chatting and watching people arrive and others leave. From here they couldn''t see the ring, but the lights where the fights were supposed to take place weren''t on and the crowd was still in the parking lot partying wildly.


    -What do we do after this job?


    -I thought I''d pay Sp4de a visit.


    -Oh? For Doug''s money?


    -Mm, it''s a lot of money, if we can get it all back we could afford a nice apartment.


    -Whoa, easy, we only slept together once. Maybe you can''t stand me, once under the same roof.


    -Don''t you want to think about it?


    -Yeah, but, you know.


    -Too soon?


    -Yeah.


    Tubio and Ruby spent most of the evening doing nothing. People''s scans came back clean or with minor infractions for those they managed to scan. The lights behind the mural came on at one point and some of the party-goers walked out of the parking lot to make the rounds. The gate leading to the other side of the mural was wide open. No doubt the employers didn''t want to get into trouble with the gang.


    -I think I''ll be going. I''ve got to get closer. I''ll go to the party first, then to the ring. I''ll do a quick lap and come back.


    -Remember, don''t interfere if you see him or her. Ignore and stay away.


    -Ok. I''ve got you in my head anyway.


    -Flatterer.


    Tubio got out of the car, closing it behind him. under his armpit a unity pistol. The important thing this evening was not to be spotted. Crossing to the other side of the road, he reached the sidewalk where the guy who''d just been fighting was recovering with his buddy. Passing in front of him, he turned and entered the parking lot, which had become an improvised party place. In the background, a pick-up truck with speakers was blasting sound into the parking lot, people dancing and laughing, while another pick-up truck had beer kegs on the back of its tailgate. Here and there Tubio could see members of the 6th some in front of the kegs to keep them and no doubt charge for them. others with the others having a good time. The age range and ambience were clearly not what you''d expect from caged fighters. The rare "old-timers" supervised the points where the money was made. Tubio even spotted a gun seller displaying pistols in a corner.


    All the while, Tubio scanned everyone he came across, firing up his optics. He came across robbers, smugglers and people wanted for assault and battery. But not his target, or anything close to it. Dancers and other revelers pass in front of him, only to appear on his retinal scanner. On either side of the parking lot, prefabs, built for workers. He could see other people snogging each other between them. Ignoring the people, he didn''t saw a single person of interest in this party.


    -Cars coming in through the Ring gate. 3 full of people.


    Listening, Ruby Tubio emerged from the parking lot. Turning the corner and heading towards the stacked boxes as earlier that afternoon. No one stopped him, but one more car passed to his left on the other side of the wall. Tubio mounted the car passing beneath him. To his right, the other cars were parked in no particular order, with larger men who matched Tubio''s idea of a fighter. The atmosphere was calmer, even if beer was still being drunk among the people present.


    -There''s some movement, but nothing''s underway yet.


    -Okay, come back in a few minutes.


    -No, I want to scan the guys over there. Give me a few minutes.


    -You''ll need more than that, other cars are coming. Get out of there, you''re suspicious as hell.


    Other cars were arriving and Tubio felt compelled to follow Ruby''s advice. He got down and sat at the foot of the crates, trying not to stare at the cars passing on the other side of the wall. Rising to his feet, he set off towards the parking lot, looping back towards the car. Back inside, he breathed a sigh of relief.


    -Stressful, isn''t it?


    -You''ve got no idea.


    -That''s why I used drones.


    -What?


    -Drones. How''d you think I was so good? I used drones, recon, destruction, sabotage, escape. Always useful, replaceable, discreet, customizable.


    -Could come in handy.


    -I have them at my apartment. I''ll show them to you.


    -And I''ll take you for a ride aboard Bor¨¦ale.


    The evening continued as more cars continued to join behind the wall. Soon, around the open-air tank, people were coming to drink and chat. Tubio hesitated, but with Ruby''s support stepped out towards the ring.


    Following other people, he entered what was now a disorganized parking lot leading to the ring. Here, Cybermatrix''s music was muted by the building, so another band had set up to perform. Here, as there, people were enjoying the atmosphere and drinking. Tubio approached from underneath the antenna and the crowd began to thicken. To his right, with his back to the Cybermatrix building, was the DJ, opposite him, underneath the antenna, was the crowd, and beyond that, in the dead end, was the ring. Surrounded by half-drunk men and women ready to see blood. The ring was a circle of concrete baffles, with dirt in the middle. People pushed, shouted, laughed. Tubio scanned as best he could, staying in the center of the crowd as little as possible.


    -How''s it going?


    -I can''t see shit.


    Continuing closer, he came upon an old man with a goatee and a cowboy hat. As he was handing out papers to people, he had a bodyguard behind him, and people seemed to be avoiding him. Tubio went to see him. Seeing him approach, the man in his blue suit and jeans smiled.


    -First time here, young man? May I introduce myself? Jackson Pouras, a pleasure. Would you like to bet with me on tonight''s fights?


    -No, thank you, but not just yet. I was told to come and see you to find out more about the fighters. What do you advise?


    The gentlemen smiled and began to talk about tonight''s fighters. Tubio had already seen this, so he wasn''t going to bet, of course, but to gather information about the fighters, so if Versa''s name left his lips, he''d hit the jackpot. After a long explanation. Tubio took a bet anyway, so as not to appear suspicious. The gentleman smiled and thanked him for his trust.


    Tubio resisted so as not to roll his eyes. As he walked away to buy himself a beer on the ass of a car. Scanning around, he still couldn''t see his target, just more members of the 6th gang. While enjoying the crowd, Ruby used the camera in Bor¨¦ale to scan people too. She regretted not having her drones. But as she went through the faces one by one, she came across someone familiar.


    -Guess who''s here.


    -Our blonde friend?


    -Ding ding ding.


    -Where?


    -Going into the ring parking lot. You see what you wanna do.


    Tubio was thinking. Conflict won''t lead to anything. Might as well avoid it if possible and be friendly if necessary. After all, the target might not even be there. Jackson hadn''t told him Versa was fighting, but he could be doing it under a false name. Time will tell. Might as well enjoy the evening. As Tubio scanned the entrance, he saw Felicia in the same outfit as this afternoon approaching the crowd. Hiding in the middle of the crowd, Tubio stepped back, seeing an unlikely way out. Along the wall on the other side of the exit, the wall along the property skirted the Cybermatrix building, leaving a space where one person could squeeze through. Seeing a girl coming out of it, he understood why F¨¦licia didn''t like to go that way. It was a real shithole to cross.


    -You know what, if she makes a mess, we can always intervene. I''m going to sneak out and wait in the car for something to happen. There''s no way out anyway but the ones you''re already covering.


    Passing along the wall Tubio had to squeeze to pass the other side and get to the Cybermatrix parking lot. the music going on as he passed on the side, no one stopped him as the party was in full swing.


    As he was returning to the car Ruby asked him to take the camera and put it on the low wall above the boxes where it had been. After a few minutes he made it go back. He sat behind the wheel again.


    -Everything all right?


    -Perfect. From here I can see almost the whole crowd and our dear friend. The only downside is that I don''t see the ring itself.


    The evening went on and Ruby could not help speaking on her own, commenting on the people and information of some. Tubio started having headache. The evening was already well under way the fighting had already begun and no trace of Versa.


    -Well, I don''t think it''s for tonight.


    -Mm, I think so too. The fighting seems to be coming to an end, too. If the target doesn''t show up, we might try tomorrow.


    Tubio realized in silence that he was going to have to do this every night. Then he shrugged. After all, it''s not as if luck will always bring him what he wants.


    -How''s our friend doing?


    -She''s going around in circles, she''s upset and now she''s waiting. Clearly she won''t have any more luck than we did.


    -Do you want me to leave the camera on?


    -Yeah, maybe he''s just not coming because of the party.


    -Paranoid style.


    -A party isn''t exactly the ideal place to approach fighters. Besides, we''re not desperate like that girl. We''ve got time.


    The party went on until late, and soon all that was left was Tubio, a handful of drunk people and F¨¦licia. Defeated, she sipped a beer on the edge of the waste vat. Not approaching her, Tubio tried not to feel sorry for her. Life is hard, for everyone.


    -What''s on your mind?


    -Why don''t we recruit her?


    -No.


    -We need manpower. With you supporting me in the back and her helping me in the field. We could do a lot more than I''ve done so far.


    -Tubio...


    -You said yourself that arrogance could kill me. With her on the team I''d have fewer chances.


    -You know we''ll have to divide the money? That we might not be able to trust her. In order, she took you hostage, stabbed you, lied to you and tried to double-cross you. You stop me when you see the problem. For half of that she would already be dead with anyone other than us.


    -She did it all for love, Ruby. She''ll be more than happy to work with us if it brings her closer to her goal. And then it can be a part-time association. We don''t need to make a life with her... You decide, you have my opinion, if you think she''ll bring us more problems than eddies I''ll drop it.


    -...Not tonight. Let''s think about this, clearly she''s proven she can''t be trusted. I reserve judgment, we''ll see if we can catch Versa with her or not.


    -Ok.


    -Now come home, we''ve got a night to finish.

 You picked the wrong house fool

    -You sure you want to do that?


    -Yes, Sp4de will not bow his head if it is not me.


    Ruby had packed her bags. Able to walk she had taken it upon herself to go to Sp4ade for an update on Tubio¡¯s money. As Cyclops. Elizabeth had accepted Ruby¡¯s departure not without warnings and other prescriptions. Tubio had taken her meager belongings and brought her home. Her modest apartment she lived in. Adamantly refusing to let Tubio in, she left him out until she changed and put herself in new clothes for her role as Cyclops. Both had crossed the city to return to Watson.


    Continuing in silence to follow the destination that Ruby had told Tubio took them into the depths of the Watson industrial zone. Arriving at Longshore north it continued until arriving at the junction between Eisenhower and Longshore north. All around him Tubio found industries and buildings tagged. Getting closer to the city limit Tubio could now see the desert at the end of the road the sidewalk becoming increasingly empty as trash and car carcasses became more numerous in the dead ends. Once at the corner of the intersection Ruby tells her to stay in the car as she returns to the only residence around.


    While Tubio was waiting for Ruby, she entered the familiar building. A dump, between abandoned and squatted. She thinks she¡¯s the only one who never paid her rent late. Even if she had taken one of the worst apartments of the building at first to piss off her father, once the bet passed she had quickly made the squatters understand that she preferred another, one of the largest at the angle and view of the intersection. Some threats, a gun to the head, and she took all the second floor. The fact that they were all squatters and other drug addicts or criminals helped her conscience, especially as it was a nest of scavengers.


    Passing the double doors the place was hard to see, walls degraded, garbage on the floor and let rot. To her right two worn sofas were in front of a huge tag of the Maelstrom, a TV on the right of the door overhung the hall with a table for a janitor who disappeared a long time ago. Continuing towards the stairs the cables of the corridor spit sparks in the passage, she did not even go to see the elevators. They too had stopped working a long time ago. She passed in front of an astonishingly running distributor on the first floor. Cracks in the walls with tags and broken tiles, she climbed up to the second floor to find a bed in the staircase. Arriving on the second floor, she found two more mattresses positioned on the floor. People were moving in on her floor. Pizza boxes, all kinds of garbage, clothes on the floor. Ruby had expected it, but to see it... If that was in the hallway she didn¡¯t even want to see her apartment. As she saw the results, a woman saw Ruby. Clearly a vagrant, she was terrified to see her. A prosthetic arm, and half the face stuffed with chrome, she was badly dressed in clothes too small for her. Visibly sick Ruby stared at her for a long time. Then after the shock on Tamara''s face. Cyclops'' closed face smiled as if nothing had happened.


    -Tamara. Have you been watching my apartment?


    -Someone broke in. I swear I had nothing to do with it.


    -When, who, where do I find them?


    -The scavengers, a week ago, they are the ones at the bottom of the building.


    Three of them.


    -... Take your things, if I see you within 100 meters of here I''ll kill you.


    Looking no further, the woman picked up a large bag and began to pack as much of her belongings as she could into it. Living on the ground, it was an unpleasant sight, but knowing the woman, Ruby knew that it was she who had warned her accomplices that she wasn''t there. Even if most of her equipment was elsewhere, it still hurt to know that your home had been violated.


    Ruby was sure she said the owner left to avoid her traps, and let the scavengers bite the bullet. Approaching the white door directly to the right, a trace of dried pool of blood on the ground told her that his trap had worked. Stopping she turned to Tamara who had stopped packing to look at her before doubling the storage speed when Cyclops turned.


    Standing to the side to open the door Tamara immediately exited the area as fast as she could, leaving her belongings in the stairs. Confirming to Ruby that she was there when they first opened the door. The other doors of the floor were closed; the only door that could be opened normally was this one. The door slipped and nothing happened. One could say that this is because the trap is disarmed, but no, to the right of the door was a small sensor, hiding between a mess of electrical cables at the top of the corridor wall. In all this deterioration people would not look inside for a second. With the censor Ruby accessed her system.


    Jumping from the sensor to a camera inside, she saw the room upside down. Drawer emptied, stuff turned upside down, in short... She opened the door from the inside thus deactivating the other security.


    Going inside Ruby could see the extent of the damage, fortunately this apartment should be the only one to have been hit by the thieves, otherwise the building would have already exploded. She looked to see if the rifle she had linked to the door was missing and yes, it was nowhere to be found. Passing the living room, she found the supplies returned here too, not a single cupboard had been spared.


    She looked in the wall where a hole had been made by the previous owners. Scavengers. Serving as an accommodation base, she had kicked them out. No sooner had she done that than the homeless tried to invade the place. Passing the hole she came across the bathroom of the next apartment. The door closed. This time she had to know what to do. Ruby opened the door, and mines placed in front and facing the door started to activate at the same time. Passive mines need time to activate. Far enough to not be caught or moved, close enough to kill. Ruby had made this place a deathtrap. Either the thief closes before the mines are fully activated and they become passive again. Either he tries to stop them and unless he is a very, very good and fast netrunner the idea is very, very dangerous.


    But Ruby isn''t stupid either, even though she was good, she had a common junction point hidden in the middle of the mines. Locating the case immediately she deactivated all the mines at once. The fact that they were still in motion at least confirmed to him that no one was competent or stupid enough to go through that. She passed the mines arriving in a very large living room. The wall separating the two apartments was down, two apartments made one. The apartment with a double door on its left arriving at another corner of the building. The doors were sealed of course, in addition, the mountain of clothing that Tamara left had probably become one with the wall. The decoration of the room was spartan, some furniture and nothing else. This was a small arsenal room for Ruby, weapons, ammunition, guns, assault rifles and the pump, guns, blades. Some grenades were stowed in the cupboards cleanly. She looked at her arsenal. Almost disgusted to see that he held out better than the first apartment.


    Opposite the sealed double door was a turret with a mounted heavy machine gun.


    On top was a small mechanical spider, hooked firmly on top, fixing the door. Being careful not to pass into her field of vision, Ruby connected to her, disconnecting her before taking her and put her in her hood, Petit, as she called her. Passing the living room she still took a sniper rifle, a Tsunami Nekomata. Passing in her back she went to the old room finding another hole.


    This time no warning for thieves, looking behind her on the ceiling another spider was looking at the hole. Tiny. Another simple mechanical spider with a different design with an onboard camera and a red lens like the other. Tiny was linked to explosives and will trigger them at the very moment that the intruder would enter the hole. Taking remote control she guided Tiny to the ground. She reached out and put Tiny in her hooded sweater with Petit.


    Passing through the hole and Continuing in the last apartment connected. The latter was a mix between her personal nest and her workshop. by far the best maintained and clean. The apartments were divided into stations or machines of all kinds dragged half dissected in another where there was a kitchen, food was neatly stored in a dedicated area and nothing mechanical can be seen in it. She looked at her schematics, her diagrams. The simulations she''d always worked hard for.


    In the middle of all this in a corner a tiny bed and a wardrobe full of clothes. Sexy or not. Practical or not, cheap. Ruby looked at her wardrobe. Everything was cheap. All her money was spent on maintaining and improving her chrome, her weapons or her security. How much money she had swallowed up here. Thinking about Tamara, she connected to her computer. Watching the latest intrusions she watched through cameras to see what really happened.


    *****


    Tamara and 4 other people were standing in front of her apartment. The camera, hidden in the broken stairwell switch, gave Ruby everything she wanted. Ruby had a perfect angle when one of the chooms connected to force open the door. Unsurprisingly for her, the shotgun went off, blasting a fist-sized hole in the scavenger''s belly. Just as the door opened.


    Shock and screams. Before the second scavenger stepped inside, seeing that the shotgun had no reload. Ignoring their dead buddy, they went inside, quickly checking for traps before turning their attention to the hole in the wall. Tamara moved slowly into the apartment, feeling her courage grow as she began to rummage through the drawers. The first apartment served as a test apartment and a deterrent. The scavenger''s didn''t search it, but were in the bathroom trying to open the door. When the door finally opened, they discovered the fear of their lives. Without the slightest precaution or dignity, the three thieves crawled out through the hole, while one of them had the good sense to close the bathroom door. A wise choice. Returning to the first apartment, they began to insult each other. How they were going to get through this. Through the roof? There''s no way out. Given the number of mines present, it wouldn''t have been surprising to find one for every window. And their netrunner had just been shot in the stomach, dying instantly. Force a hole in the wall? Why not? It will take time and a bit of equipment. One of them turned to Tamara. The drug-addicted woman had brought them in to collect Ruby''s clothes. That homeless bitch, Ruby had told her she could stay in her hallway if she didn''t make a mess, but the moment she saw her in the hallway in her apartment clothes, she knew. Ruby had felt sorry for her, letting her go. What followed was an assault on Tamara by the guys who were still alive. Asking for more information, crying crocodile tears she pleaded that she didn''t know about the traps. That Ruby was just an uptight girl working with the Maelstrom. She didn''t know anything about it.


    Then, in a twist of fate, the guys accepted this explanation before looking for the apartment they had access to. Tamara smiled when her assailant let her go. But in a twisted turn of events, the man in question threw her on the bed before raping her. Ruby was disgusted to see Tamara enjoying it. It was clearly a game for her, probably already happened before. Tamara was sick in the head, but this much? Taking pleasure in the situation, she let the other two take care of her too. Luckily for Ruby, she could speed things up. Convincing herself she hadn''t seen anything. She saw them off with their meager booty. The next intrusions were only Tamara stealing things.


    Ruby was pissed, she felt anger and rage rising within her, how many times she''d protected that whore? Drugged to the bone, she''d even let her sleep in the apartment more than once. Betrayal was one thing, but what she did with it. She could have settled in and lived in the apartment like a civilized person, but no, she decided it was better to steal and destroy the apartment for her own amusement. Looking down at a table in her workshop, she pulled out a mask, a Cyclops visor mask that she''d designed herself, her old one was still at Elizabeth''s home. Activating it, a sadistic smile crossed her face as she placed it on her face. She knew where she was. Feeling the blood rush to her head before being overcome by calm. She turned and went to the window overlooking the backyard.


    Looking down, she saw three people with whom she was familiar. The three thieves and Tamara. The scavengers had set up two sofas and a TV on a table. Disturbed by Tamara, she tried to attract their attention but didn''t take her seriously and continued watching TV.


    Cyclops smiled and hacked into the TV with one of her personal demons. Vision. Their TV glitched and a shape appeared on the screen, a red eye gazing through the viewers. A sadistic smile appeared below the eye. Disembodied laughter erupted from the speakers as Tamara fell to the floor before looking up at Cyclops'' window. A smile and a digital eye on her mask confronted Tamara, who screamed in fear before fleeing, running. Cyclops wasn''t going to let you go like that. She used another of her personal demons. Nightmare. Letting her flee was the last sign of mercy she would ever show. Or was it?


    ******


    Everything was going well in Max''s life. Buddies, eddies and now a whore for him and his buddies. No problem at all. Especially since their boss had died in a stupid trap. Who still uses a shotgun tied to a door as a trap. The rest of the week was magnificent. He went home and looted the vault and did whatever we wanted during that time. Now all they had to do was pass the mines with a cheap netrunner, then flatline him for not sharing.


    While he and his buddies enjoyed sunbathing in the backyard of the building, watching TV. Their beers were interrupted by the junkie. She was incomprehensible, explaining that the chick who''d booby-trapped the apartment they''d tried to rob had come back. A poor chick "working with the Maelstrom" that is. Max had seen the girl''s picture, a featherweight, Max could lift her by the throat and her feet wouldn''t touch the ground. As he and his buddies watched TV, ignoring the girl, the image of the TV glitched, blurring for a second before a red eye appeared on the screen, vibrating and shifting its focus every second, followed by a broad smile underneath.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The girl then became hysterical, falling to the ground and screaming in fear as she looked up at the second floor of the building. Remorseful before running off, Max looked out of the window to see a deranged silhouette. A digital eye staring back at them, identical to the one on the TV. A twisted laugh came out of the TV before he spoke.


    -YOu''Ve PIcKed ThE WRoNg HoUSe fOOl.


    Before bursting into a new creepy laugh. Max, out of bravado and alcohol, rose to his feet, shotgun in hand. Before calling the person at the window.


    -Hey! Bitch. See this, it''s yours! When we''re done with you, I''ll be able to shove it up your cunt whole!


    He raised the gun to fire, but the trigger didn''t work. Looking at the person at the window. A vibrant digital smile appeared under the eye to mock them.


    -Oh! Smoke her!


    One of his accomplices quickly got up with a Unity pistol. Pointed and... Bang.


    Turning the gun on himself and blowing his brains out, his corpse fell back into his armchair before the eyes of the two survivors. Suicide. Max heard his friend mutter netrunner before getting up and starting to run followed by Max, but just as his friend was in front of him an electric explosion startled his implants. He collapsed to the ground. Max ran, but as he did so, an energy crack was heard. And he was pushed forward by a shot in the back. Max tried to stay on his feet. But a second shot rang out. Once the second target was down, a third shot rang out, killing the last man already on the ground. And just like that, three men were dead. Tamara kept running, Cyclops'' gaze on her back.


    *****


    Cyclops took the necessary measures to intimidate Sp4de. Nothing out of the ordinary. A third spider robot called klein and off he went. Taking a bag with him and reactivating the mines, he reassembled a rifle connected to the door. Cyclops locked the apartment before heading for the stairwell. Opening the door, she descended one floor before climbing over the staircase''s railings and jumping down to land smoothly on the pavement. She crossed the road to meet Tubio in Bor¨¦ale. Putting in a bag full of weapons and gadgets, before getting back into the car, Cyclops looked at the last part of the second floor she hadn''t visited today. Opposite the main staircase, the apartment on the front of the building, though sealed off, contained no traps - on the contrary. This was Ruby''s room. The day she stopped being Cyclops. If he ever came.


    Cyclops got into the car and Tubio could feel the difference instantly. Cyclops was not Ruby. Staring at the front of the car. He put his hand on hers to catch her attention. Cyclops'' mask turned slowly, the red eye facing him. But Tubio wasn''t afraid.


    -Are you okay?


    Cyclops waited a second before nodding. Tubio smiled before starting the car.


    *****


    Tubio drove to Kabuki, stopping to leave the car along Charter Street, Creek loop''s pedestrian streets not being designed for cars or parking. After a short walk, Tubio and Cyclops began to make their way down the tangled streets of this part of town, underneath the fast-moving voices of Creek Loop was one of those places where anything was worth trying to live. Close to the water. This neighborhood collected all the area''s wastewater in canals below. Alleys and stores piled up one on top of the other as the population grew. On the rooftops, sheet-metal installations served as dwellings for the area''s most miserable residents.


    Tubio and Cyclops walked in silence along the main road. Tubio had become accustomed to chatting with Ruby. Her silence made him uneasy. But if she didn''t say anything, Tubio wasn''t going to bother her. Arriving at a new staircase, they descended beside the muddy canal where a trickle of water flowed from the drains, opposite to them on the other side large fans blew air from the wall supporting the road above. To their left, the town was wide awake and alive. Caf¨¦s were open, restaurants and other stores. Passing a ramen restaurant, Cyclops stopped in front of a white door leading above them.


    -Second floor, no balcony. When I signal you to go in, I''ll follow.


    Tubio nodded. But tried to open the locked door, you never know. Cyclops pressed herself against the wall. From her hood, which she''d pulled up to remain unnoticed, freed a mechanical spider, Tiny, who was hiding in the folds. Tubio watched her. Moving slowly along her shoulder to her outstretched hand, she placed it on the wall, where it began to climb, adhering to the concrete. Tiny climbed slowly up the wall while Tubio and Cyclops waited. Cyclops guided the spider using the on-board camera and direct visuals. Arriving at the second-floor bay window, she looked inside with shared vision. She could see a netrunner chair and a small apartment. Unable to see clearly, she switched to thermal vision. A mass was in the chair, alas from behind, and Cyclops couldn''t identify whether it was really a person or something else.


    He indicated the door to Tubio. Tubio tried again, but to no avail. Seeing this, Cyclops looked for the inner door. unlocking the outside door from the inside, Tubio put on his Maelstrom mask and walked in, followed by Cyclops. Tubio immediately arrived second in line, ready to charge the door. But Cyclops wanted to be there, and Tubio had already taken out his Overture and was ready to enter. Using Tiny, Cyclops timed the entrance with Tubio.


    -3...2...1...


    The door opened and Tubio saw a naked guy having a braindance in his armchair. Completely unaware of what was going on, the guy had a perfect erection. Tubio turned to Cyclops who, despite his mask, looked disgusted. Tubio entered the small apartment. He checked the other rooms and took a towel to cover Sp4de''s modesty. Feeling the towel''s touch, Sp4de removed his helmet to discover Tubio with a pistol in his hand and Cyclops staring at him. His eyes widened as he kept the towel over his private parts. Tubio spoke up.


    -Hi Sp4de, how are you?


    -Um, could you have called? No?


    -And risk you running away? No, you know what I came for. Gaton talked about our deal with Cyclops here and he''d like to make a withdrawal.


    Collecting his thoughts, Sp4de smiled embarrassed. The young white man, was slightly overweight, had chrome in his hands and the knees but was known best for his technical skills that had opened many doors for him in the netrunner field, including a portfolio of people from whom he covered and hid their money. Sometimes even under contract to guarantee his life. Even if such contracts were more than rare. And didn''t pay him enough to live in Kabuki, Creek Loop. The worst that could have happened was that he left with the money, but now... Totally unprepared for Cyclops, he asked if he could at least put on underwear. Cyclops nodded in disgust. While Tubio watched Sp4ade, Cyclops discreetly left another drone in the stairwell. Petit. Bringing it up to the corner of the wall and staircase, giving an unobstructed view of the climb and descent behind them. Entering and closing the door behind him Cyclops didn''t have to wait long before Sp4de came back with Tubio. It was also not long before he began to speak to himself.


    -Cyclops sorry for the loss of Gaton, it all happened so fast. Phew, you know, I was just in my corner. You know me, and I''m sorry about the others the night you were attacked and I didn''t get in touch with you, but what was I supposed to do? Everyone was in trouble and I couldn''t trust anyone. You were dead for everyone and you Tubio could have told me news...


    -Shut up. Cyclops was convalescing now he needs money, the money my father-in-law has been sending you all along.


    Sp4de then became very uneasy as he thought. Tubio raised his weapon.


    -You used it, huh?


    -No! Of course not.


    Turning to Cyclops he tried to plead his case.


    -As I said I didn''t know what to do so I stored it...


    Sp4de was visibly sweating while Cyclops remained silent. While the conversation was taking place. Petit, in the hallway, had work. Coming from the street as well as from the floor above, four men stood behind the door. Warning Tubio, he immediately raised his weapon stopping Sp4de who panicked and tried to run, to let himself be taken hostage by Tubio with his arm twisted behind his back. Cyclops went in the doorway of the bathroom still connected to Petit. Cyclops immediately activated contagion as the door opens. One of the thugs started vomiting on his friends as they went inside. Each one raising their weapon towards Tubio, Cyclops still in cover used Tiny, for having seen the room. As the contagion spread the men in the apartment began yelling at Tubio to let go of Sp4ade. They fought not to lose their targets with their eyes spitting the products of their stomachs onto the ground and resisting dizziness. One of them did not succeed and came back to take cover of the wall of the door. Just below Petit. Sp4de immediately called for calm. the face to face was intense and for a while no one moved.


    -It''s okay guys, I know them. We are just having a discussion about money on a contract that was open and was abandoned. Put down your weapon because otherwise we''re all dead. Understood? Valance, take the others with you and wait outside.


    Valance, a bearded man with a blue jacket, was visibly very angry about the situation, but ended up lowering his gun. Instructs his men to back off.


    -I''m staying.


    Tubio and Sp4de looked at Cyclops who remained motionless before nodding. Tubio held Sp4de hostage until Valance backed off against the wall and stored his gun.


    Returning to calm, Valance stayed away and remained against the wall at the door. Cyclops remained in the shadows and Tubio released the pressure on Sp4de. Sp4de had regained his splendor and composure. Knowing that reinforcements were behind the door must have given him courage. Because he began to express himself in an almost arrogant manner. Tubio tried to reorganize the conversation. But Sp4de didn''t care.


    -Where did you store the money?


    -I don''t know, I don''t have it anymore.


    -What?


    -I was going there, during the assault that night, we were attacked here too. I wasn''t there but they took all my data, secure or not. When finally I was able to sort and get my things back in order. All your money was gone.


    -Are you kidding me?


    -Listen Tubio, I have nothing left that belongs to you, you and Cyclops can get out.


    Cyclops, who had been docile until now, emerged from the shadows, his mantis arm detaching from his right arm. Valance began to launch himself towards them but Tubio already aimed at him with his Overture stopping him in his tracks.


    His computer turned on, speakers speaking in the disembodied, mechanical voice Tubio remembered.


    -Who do you think you are Sp4de? Do you think your dogs scare me? That they will protect you?


    With a wave of the hand and his back turned. Cyclops used Tiny to open the door. Behind them were the three inert bodies of Valance''s men who watched in horror at what could very well have been a triple murder 1 meter away. Cyclops raised his blade to Sp4de''s throat, who backed up against the wall.


    -You have a debt. Pay or die.


    Petrify Sp4de remained against the wall with the blade at his throat. Valance held his breath with his hands in the air. Without a word Cyclops suddenly dropped Sp4de to log into his computer manually. Accessing his data took a moment where Tubio was holding both Sp4de and Valance at gunpoint. Cyclops brought up a number on the screen. It was the sum of Doug''s transfers that she had found thanks to the messages in the memory buffer.


    -You owe me this amount...


    -How¡­?I, I don''t have that money.


    A silence fell over the room. Valance wanted to get the hell out now. Cyclops will not let himself be softened. He began to leave under the pleading gaze of Sp4de. But he had barely taken a step when the demon, short circuit. Ran across his body causing him to fall to the ground in unconsciousness. Cyclops commented.


    -You should change your security system. Now tell me... How much do you have on you? And how soon I''ll get my money¡­


    -OK! Okay... Here, that''s all I have, I swear.


    -We''re not even...


    Cyclops punched him, putting him on the ground. Grabbing his head she threatened him by pointing at the computer screen.


    -I will come back, by then I hope this amount¡­ Will move on to that one.


    The amount he gave was subtracted from the amount on the screen before going to zero. Then go back to the amount he owed. Tubio went to check the bodies meanwhile and Sp4de curled up into a ball as Cyclops left. Passing in front of Tubio without paying him any attention,Cyclops stopped for just a moment, looking at the bodies at his feet in the entryway. Then left, quickly. He went down the stairs, picking up Petit in the process. Tubio looked at Sp4de before leaving, not being a threat anymore. Recovering Valance''s gun he saw that all the goons were alive. He followed Cyclops. Arriving downstairs, he had already picked up Tiny and started to go up the street to go to the car Tubio almost had to run after him. Grabbing his arm, Cyclops shook his hand to make him let go. Tubio called her without a reaction.


    -Talk to me!...I am in front of you!


    -Gentlemens?


    An NCPD police officer passing by saw Tubio grab Cyclops'' arm. Tubio tried to cover.


    -We had an inconvenience sir and he doesn''t want to talk about it.


    Not even waiting for him to finish, Cyclops ignored Tubio and the cop to continue on his way. Tubio tried to explain himself to the cop who let him go after a minute. Now he was really running to catch up with Cyclops. He was there, in front of Bor¨¦ale, waiting quietly for Tubio to open the door for him, which he did.


    Sitting behind the wheel he turned to Ruby.


    -Ruby... Talk to me.


    Cyclops looked at the floor of the car. Tubio was tired of this silence. He held out his hand but Cyclops stepped back, as if frightened by the possible contact. Tubio tried his approach again, more slowly, gently. He turned Cyclops'' face, the red eye looking panicked. He reached behind Cyclops'' ears and pressed the button which released the visor. Making it pop, the visor detached effortlessly and Tubio removed the mask from Ruby''s face. Behind him was Ruby''s confused and lost face. She didn''t seem to understand that Tubio had just removed the mask. Tubio put his hand on her face, concerned. Calling out her name. And as if hit by magic, Ruby seemed to wake up, her gaze fixed on Tubio and she breathed a sigh of relief before resting her head in the palm of his hand.


    -Speak to me. Are you okay?


    -I am now.


    *****


    Tamara ran leaving everything behind, her stuff, her boyfriend, everything. She knew the monster was going to get revenge. The day was clear, but she knew. She had been there all his years back. When the scavengers needed a woman. She had been there. She saw the red eye on the monitors, heard the screams of the men trying to defend themselves against Cyclops. She had seen it. Dismembers a man. One arm after the other, before decapitating him. The blood on the ground, the silence, and the laughter. The pleasure the monster had in killing and the smile of it on every screen.


    Tamara didn''t stop until much further down the road. Going almost to the oil fields. She breathed. Her head was spinning and was feeling dizzy.


    She stopped at a crossroads. Wanting to go to the other side she took the opportunity to look behind her. No one. But turning around she saw him. She uttered a cry of terror, surprising the other passers-by. She fell to the ground before realizing that she only saw her reflection on a car that had stopped on the pedestrian crossing.


    But, she knew. Doubting only for a moment she knew that she had seen it. His disembodied smile in the window, already thinking about what he was going to do to her. Getting up in a panic, she ran in another direction. Running as fast as possible again, crossing a road without looking. She didn''t see it coming. The car crashed into her, throwing her sideways, leaving her inert on the asphalt. The irony had wanted to make her fall near the pedestrian crossing. A passerby turned her over to bring her back to the sidewalk. Tamara then saw the people on the other side of the road starting to cross. The crowd of people was blurry. But one stood out from the rest. Changing before her eyes in the middle of the crowd, a hooded figure approached her. A red eye and a smile. The monster was going to kill her, and he was going to love it.

 Plan for the future

    It took an enormous amount of time and patience to get Ruby out of Cyclops'' skin. In the car where Tubio was trying to strike up a conversation, and then on the way to a restaurant, Tubio got them two big burgers so they could sit face to face, in the quiet to have this conversation. Facing each other, Ruby was immersed in silence, not Cyclops'' uncomfortable silence, but an embarrassed one. She had taken off Cyclops'' heavy jacket and put back on her bleue hoodie, and was so preoccupied that she didn''t even hide her hair. Her hair created a cute thin layer of red on her head above her beautiful bleu eyes.


    Tubio was contemplative, not understanding. Ruby had gone from warm, open and outgoing to... cold... for lack of a better word. He had to admit, he''d underestimated Cyclops'' impact on her mind, the fact that she''d gone further into the "business" than he had on every level, showed that he was still a novice in Night City. And in all honesty he thought she was going to kill Sp4de''s men for free. Knowing that if he hadn''t been there, it wouldn''t have made any difference, also put a good punch in the stomach. Then, come to think of it, if he hadn''t been there, would she have killed them?


    As they ate, Tubio thought again about the mask and Ruby. Either it was deliberate on Ruby''s part or not. Either way, Cyclops had to go. Clearly, he was bringing out something nefarious in Ruby. What happened today, if that was the diluted version of what she was doing... No wonder she had trouble making friends.


    Little by little, Ruby tried to make conversation, talking about everything and anything, but Tubio couldn''t get along. The distress in his eyes showed that she knew he disapproved.


    -Okay, let''s talk about what happened?


    -We did what we had to do, didn''t we?


    -What happened to you?


    -I had to act, so I acted... I don''t know, I reacted to events and it worked.


    -What if it hadn''t? You could have warned me instead of keeping silent. What would we have done if that Valence guy hadn''t got scared and shot during the hostage situation?


    Tubio knew, Ruby knew. She don''t know. She was clearly wavering between embarrassment, doubt and confusion. Tubio knew he wouldn''t get anywhere with a confrontation, the debates with his sister and mother had filled him with all the shouting and dead-end arguments. Ruby wasn''t like them, she wanted to talk.


    -I... You know, I used to... I used to spend my time being Cyclops. When I become him. I''m... different... more confident, sure of myself...


    -...Keep going. Don''t worry, I''m not judging you, choose your words, we''re not in a hurry.


    Tubio spoke calmly and patiently, his eyes showing no fear, only concern, for her. Once again calmed and gathering her thoughts, she tried to be as clear as possible.


    -Okay. Unlike me, Cyclops is my protector, you know? If I have to fight or in a stressful situation, he takes over, you know... Right?


    -You become him...


    -No, it''s more... a division. He does the fighting and I do the social.


    -Okay... What about the mask?


    -When I put the mask on... I let him take control. Ruby stays in and he gets out.


    -Are you conscious? Of... everything, I mean?


    -Yes, of everything. More or less, it''s like watching a sensory dance in the first person. I just feel them, less.


    -Because it''s not you.


    -It''s me and him.


    -You''re sharing each other, wait. Are you saying you have a split personality?


    -No, it''s more like self-hypnotism.


    -You''re convinced you''re Cyclops so Cyclops exists?


    -Yes, that''s it. The mask, in addition to giving me a boost in my abilities, allows me to make the link between myself, Ruby Carencro and Cyclops the Eye of the Maelstrom.


    -Okay.


    -Okay?


    -Okay, now Cyclops is gone.


    -What? Why?


    -Cyclops have no reason to exist.


    -What''s that?


    -I refuse to let you self-hypnotize yourself into becoming a cold-blooded killer for eddies.


    -And how am I gonna help you then?


    -The same way you always have, with your voice. Now that you''ve got your drones back, we can make a hell of a team.


    -Tubio, I want to help you in the field. I need to be Cyclops for that.


    -Do you hear yourself? Weren''t you the one who told me you hated it? That if you could, you''d never become one? This is your chance to cut the link with Cyclops, for good.


    -Tubio...


    -No, there''s no Tubio for you. And I''m keeping the mask, wait a minute, the masks. I know you now, how many others do you have?


    -It''s not about the mask, Tubio. I need Cyclops to live.


    -Ruby, Cyclops is part of you. You said so yourself. A division, you''re a whole. You don''t need to become a cyberpsyko to protect me or yourself. Besides, aren''t you becoming a cyberpsyko?


    -Uh...No?


    -Good, because Cyclops was all about protecting you, and now he''s not needed. I''ll protect you, I''ll bring back the eddies and we''ll have a nice life together. So I don''t ever want to see you wear one of your Cyclops masks ever again. Not at the risk of losing you Ruby.


    Ruby didn''t know what to say. The moment she''d seen and picked up the mask in her apartment, she''d immediately put it on. No reflection, nothing, it had become normal for her to become Cyclops. Everything seemed simpler as Cyclops, no doubts, no regrets, no consequences, no guilt. Why had she put on the mask? She could have waited until she was in the car, or in front of the house of Sp4de. She thought back to the thieves, why had she killed them? Was she really becoming a cyberpsyko? Has she become addicted to being Cyclops? Then she saw the Sp4de guys again. Why hadn''t Cyclops killed them? Why hadn''t SHE killed them? Ruby felt sick. Was she in control? She looked at Tubio and thought, what would happen if Tubio went against Cyclops? This uneasiness, this lump in her stomach that almost made her vomit. She looked at Tubio, the simple, naive boy who wanted to live with her, protect her and treat her like a queen. Perhaps he was right. Maybe it was time for her, to let go. She grabbed his hand, keeping it in hers. Keeping silent, she looked at Tubio, her eyes full of hopes. He looked at her, smiling, full of confidence.


    <hr>


    *****


    After lunch, Tubio and Ruby set off around Night City. Tubio knew that Ruby needed to let off steam; she''d only been able to walk for a few days, and already she''d had a hostage situation in the skin of her evil alter. The heavy discussion at dinner made him realize that he had to move further. He had to prove to Ruby that she didn''t have to be Cyclops anymore. And that was by starting to get her to do something other than deal with weapons or contracts. Walking around, shopping, even hanging out in a bar. But that didn''t stop her coming back to the same subjects. In the car, Ruby was like a little girl talking about her spider drones and technology. Tubio tried to keep a straight face in the face of her new-found enthusiasm.


    -So you''ve given all your spiders names or synonyms for the word little? Why?


    -Because they''re small, of course, just like my other creations. And then, if we discuss them, people won''t understand. Implanted translators translate, but not the original language.


    -Do you realize that nobody does this except in spy stories?


    -Shut up. So Petit is my favorite, his job is to be my personal alarm. I leave him behind when I enter a building or my emergency exits to warn me of danger. Klein has little hands and explosives, enough to create a distraction or destroy a gas pipe or electrical relay, you see? My Tiny helps me with the infiltration itself, I send him out on reconnaissance, he opens doors for me, listens in on conversations, and it''s thanks to him that I can afford to make my theatrical entrances.


    -Question.


    -Go ahead.


    -Why Tiny and not Small?


    -Small has been dead for a long time now. At first I didn''t give them names, but then I discovered that by identifying them more easily with names, I had a better reaction time.


    -Ok... So the camera I placed behind the Cybermatrix building? Do you want to...?


    -Tiny will replace it while yours goes back to Bor¨¦ale. I looove your car.


    Tubio could only smile at her charming tone. The vote was cast to set off once more in search of Versa. Back to the hideout next to Cybermatrix. Returning to the same spot as the day before, Tubio took his time to make the exchange between Tiny and the camera he''d put on the wall. Returning to Bor¨¦ale, Ruby had already camouflaged it. Getting out of the car, she opened the door for Tubio, who didn''t understand. Making him sit down, she pushed the seat all the way back before entering, sitting on his lap. Hugging him, they stayed like that. Chatting in whispers, exchanging jokes and more serious matters. They had eaten, bought things for her, visited a bar and thought about what they were going to do for the future.


    -So once we''ve patched up your legs...?


    -We''re leaving Night City.


    -You sure about that?


    -Are you? Don''t you want to stay with your mom?


    -No, she''ll be happy for me. You?


    -Nothing''s holding me back. The killers who attacked the gang could be anyone and want to come after me if I stay too long as Cyclops. Revenge won''t get me anything but more blood. I''ve got a bit of money saved up, so if I sell my gear at my apartment, I should get a good sum. As you said, Cyclops is no longer necessary. I have you as my protector.


    -At your service. Let''s make a little eddies and hit the road.


    -Got any ideas?


    -I don''t know, Antarctica?


    -A little far.


    -Portland?


    -... Mm, why not.


    They kissed like lovers. Minutes passed while they were in each other''s embrace. How many times Tubio dreamed of having this interactions with Talia, only to find himself frustrated or fully rejected. Tubio was quite relieved that she and her sister hadn''t contacted him yet. With Ruby he felt accepted, even if part of him was terrified of what she was capable of, Tubio felt loved but...


    -Do you think... what we''re going through right now is temporary?


    -Maybe it is.


    -Maybe?


    -Yes, if we don''t give it our all, then yes our relationship is doomed, like those people who get married, but always think "if I ever have to leave him". You see the kind of mentality.


    -So you''re not worried?


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    -Tubio, if our story only lasts a day, a week or a year. I want to make the most of it. Everything else is superfluous. If one day, one morning, you realize that you''re not happy to see me beside you in bed. Then we''ll have to do something about it. So until then, enjoy and stop thinking.


    -Life''s too short?


    -Yes, it is.


    *****


    As evening fell on Night City. Tubio and Ruby enjoyed their takeaway. A holo called Tubio. Ferak.


    -Tubio, I''ve got a job for you. If you feel up to it.


    -I''m listening.


    Tubio listened to the request, but as Ruby had said, jobs where you don''t have to get your hands dirty are rare. Ruby, who had regained her seat, looked at Tubio, who was making a face.


    -What''s up?


    -A job fell through from Ferak.


    -What about it?


    -Here.


    Transferring the contract information to her, Ruby let out an oh. Ferak had been commissioned by a woman to find her husband Tubiki Gong. He disappeared several days ago. But his last whereabouts were in Watson. Ferak accepted, and by a cruel coincidence, one of his chooms had just "bought" one of the husband''s personal items. After a brief interrogation, the latter confessed who had sold it to him, tracing it back to the dealer. Being acquaintances, the dealer gave Ferak the location of the seller, but no name. Ferak was obliged to work with solos from outside or far away from his usual network to avoid snitch, which is bad for business. The job is to find the husband or find out what happened to him. Ferak assumes there will be some hard-hitting explanations. With this he gives a location of where the salesmen are cribbing, with their jobs. Pimps.


    -Shit.


    -Indeed. What do you think?


    -He came to a hooker and they whacked him.


    -Yeah, me too. But something not right, I mean why there?


    -If we play this right, we can do the thing.


    The evening had begun, but unlike yesterday, no one had come to the Cybermatrix parking lots, so the duo quickly assumed that the party wouldn''t be happening tonight. The debate then turned to the acceptance of this new contract.


    -We''ll have to break some mouths.


    -I''ll manage.


    -What if they surround you?


    -You cover me.


    -Tubio, I''m a netrunner, even if I can deal with several enemies, I''m not omnipotent, if one of these guys has superior or even military protection GLACE, I won''t be able to hack him. If there are too many of them, I''ll be overwhelmed. We''ll do as I said, kidnap one or two of the guys, intimidate them a bit and boom, we''ve got our information.


    -Roooh, we''re not going to mess around, are we? Plus we''ll ask a couple of questions, that''s all.


    -Dream on, they''ll shoot you immediately if you do.


    -I''m kidding, you''re my strategist and I''m going along with your plan. Which I have to say makes a lot more sense than mine.


    -Pff, stop talking nonsense and let''s get going.


    Ruby smiled at Tubio''s compliments; she knew he would hadn''t done it, but having this kind of stupid talk made her smile.


    The car started up, and they removed the bulky garbage from the car and headed for the coordinates Ferak had given them. Accepting the contract.


    *****


    <hr>


    Night has fallen on Night City as they made their way to the destination. Far from any of Northside''s neighborhoods and populated roads, in the middle of the water basins behind the city''s factories. Here were the prefabs that at one time would have been used by plant employees. Today, they were the perfect squat for any lost soul, far, dark and silent. The ideal place for illegal activities. The group Tubio and Ruby were going to see were pimps, selling the charms of their girls in the prefabs in question. Tubio and Ruby had agreed and prepared what they were going to do. Only to have their preparation go out the window. Arriving at the site, they had to drive past the venue to scout it out. Slightly overlooking the road, a red neon sign marked ¡°Barely Illegal¡± named the place. The site was abandoned. The remains of a smoking car lay inside. Continuing as planned. Rubis threw Petit through the window, taking the remote control.


    Through the lens, Ruby guided Petit along the road, up onto the concrete, fast and flexible, he climbed onto the base of one of the prefabs, to wedge himself onto the roof. Giving Ruby a vision of the courtyard where two of the prefabs had been pointed out to them as the place.


    -Wow.


    -What''s up?


    The gated courtyard had been broken into, and there were corpses and signs of fighting. Describing the scene, Tubio nodded. Acting according to plan, Tubio went along the road made a 180 turn at he next crossroad before parking the car at a short distance away. Leaving Ruby in the car, he stepped out, gun in hand, mask over his face, having injected himself with a painkiller beforehand. Klein, another of Ruby''s drones, slung over his shoulder.


    Tubio ran towards the prefabs - the slight rise had black tire marks indicating that the smoking car had undoubtedly forced its way through. His pistol in hand, he was in a hurry and wondered if he''d taken on enough firepower. Pushing his thoughts behind him, he came to a battlefield. With Ruby in line, he knew nothing was moving, but caution was the order of the day. Tubio did a 360, looked at the bodies to see if anyone was breathing, but all were dead. Around him, chairs, mattresses and tents had been set up for the customers, and Tubio wondered how anyone in their right mind could come to this rat hole. He tried to open the prefabs next, but found nothing inside, only damp, dirty rooms.


    -Nothing to report, everyone dead or gone.


    -Check the bodies for their data shards, I''m on my way, okay?


    -Ok.


    Ruby took the wheel, reversing just before the climb up to the prefabs. Tubio checked the goons, who were wearing maelstrom modifications. Looking around, he couldn''t find a camera. Ruby got out of the car, without the Cyclops mask but covering her head with her hood. Her jacket was the heavy one with metal reinforcements, a mix of leather with a metallic effect at the joints.


    -Hello sexy.


    -Shut up silly. What have we got?


    -Four corpses, three thugs and one overdressed. Guess who it is.


    -The husband?


    -Bingo, I think we''ve won some easy eddies today. Only the building to check and we i think we can call it a night.


    Going over to the body Ruby saw that the man''s body had a dagger in its heart, he had bled out quickly, covering his white shirt in red. A Liberty pistol beside him silently indicated that he''d gone off with a bang. Of the other three bodies, one had been hit by the car when the gates had been forced, the other two had died from gunshot wounds. The fact that the man had been stabbed to death beside his burnt-out car indicated that there were at least 4 gangsters. Checking the husband''s body, Ruby saw that his biomonitor had been blocked and removed method butcher. Getting up, she headed for one of the prefabs. A pink neon LOVE sign in a heart made her want to puke.


    Ruby passed around an umbrella and deckchairs to open the door, what awaited her inside was an old apartment with windows covered in sheets of paper, the smell of sweat and mildew almost making her gag. She missed the air-filtering function of her mask. Coming out after a short search, it was clear that the girls hadn''t waited to run away or be taken elsewhere. Tubio called out that he needed help to open the door to the technical building next door. The building was a block of fabricated metal mounted on exposed steel frames. Inside must have been installations slightly more complex than these prefabs, and knowing the gangsters, the temptation was bound to be great enough to force their way inside. The door was locked by a broken or damaged opening panel. So Tubio waited patiently for Ruby''s prognosis.


    -Any ideas?


    -Look and admire. It''s going to take a little time. I''ll either blow the door or sneak in.


    -Nobody''s been here for days. I''m suprised the bodies haven''t been removed. Or strippedof chrome, same with the weapons.


    -Mouais, but given that this place is as rotten as you think, nobody came or came back because of our client.If a guy wanting ass sees this battlefield, they run away and the former squatters...


    -Fear of reprisals?


    -It''s not every day that a corpo from corpo plaza comes to the northside. Suppose you were an amateur, would you risk staying if the trauma team was on the way?


    -Oh, Hell no.


    -They made it though but didn''t have the guts to come back to the scene. I think I''ll just short-circuit the door so it opens.


    -Ok.


    Moving to the side, the sound of the fans was the only thing that could break Ruby''s concentration as she focused on the panel. Tubio stood back, weapon still out if anything came from behind the door. He heard Ruby swear softly before stopping and turning towards Tubio. Tubio felt the Klein drone on his shoulder move. Ruby held out her hand and Tubio bent down to pass Klein over Ruby''s hand, who then made him climb over the door and the grate above. Tubio looked at the little climbing spider looking at Ruby.


    -The power supply has been removed from the inside. The hard way or another way. One thing''s for sure. Someone''s inside. I''m 90% sure.


    -One of the men in the group?


    -Or one of the girls not wanting to follow.


    Ruby led Klein to the roof, trying to find a vent leading inside. Ruby was spoilt for choice, as air conditioners and other fans covered the block like pustules. Klein followed one of the small fan shafts above, following the ventilation shafts to the main one, and Ruby passed Klein behind. A duct at the rear corner led directly inside. Leaving Tubio behind, she climbed two ventilation blocks to reach the shaft. Using her strength, she crushed the metal with little effort, opening a passageway through which Klein could pass. Tubio called behind her.


    -What do you see?


    -Stay on the door.


    Tubio realized this was no time to ask questions. Klein went inside and followed the duct to an interior fan. With the fan still running, Klein walked over to the rotor and studied how it worked, but as she did so, the fan stopped. Taking the opportunity, Klein stepped through, falling to the floor. The room was dark, but with Klein''s vision she could make out shapes. The place was an almost empty room, and Klein found himself in a room with almost nothing crates of equipment almost all open. Opening the door, he came to a corridor leading to the front door. Ruby realized that someone was leaning against the wall next to the door. She approached cautiously, climbing up the wall and reaching the door through the ceiling. Ruby could see the person breathing. The door had had its wires severed, leaving them dangling in the air. Why not reconnect the wires?


    -Tubio a person on the floor, I haven''t checked the other rooms. I''ll try to open the door. On my mark.


    -Copy.


    Klein descended to the wires two small arms came out from under Klein''s belly grabbed the wires and reconnected them. There were only two wires left to connect, as if someone had grabbed them all and pulled with all their might. One by one, Ruby reconnected the wires. When the last two were connected. She warned Tubio.


    -3...2...1...


    Connection and... nothing.


    -Crap.


    -Second?


    -Hang on.


    Changing the wires, she checked the connections before counting down again.


    -3...2...1...


    Nothing again.


    -Three''s the charm.


    Ruby remained silent, not responding to the joke. She worked hard to find the fault or the problem and after a minute of searching...


    The door opened without warning, Tubio raised his gun and fell on a bleeding girl. That explains why the door remained locked from the inside. Calling Ruby, she looked at the living girl as Tubio went and returned from checking the rooms to find only useless items, no food or water. He returned to Ruby, who had been examining the girl. She was in bad shape, had lost a lot of blood and had been mistreated. Lack of food and water and locked inside. She was barely able to respond when Ruby woke her up.


    -What do we do?


    -Call Ferak, the contract is closed. But with her, we''ll probably get a bonus. Tell Ferak that we have a witness to what happened. With a little discussion the eddies will flow with the thanks of a widow.


    Tubio called Ferak.


    -Tubio, how''s our case?


    -Case settled, but I need a driver at these coordinates. The husband died. He made a shooting and killed three guys from the Maelstrom, the choum who ran away with the stuff he resold must have been afraid that the Trauma Team would come back despite the disconnected biomonitor. I have a witness, maybe she can explain what happened. The girl had been locked up without food or water for several days.


    -Hence your need for a vehicle. Okay, I''ll send you this, stay put and protect the body, I''ll contact the widow and explain to her what you found and if she wants us to go further in our search. Good job, Tubio. I''ll get back to you.


    Ferak poured him the promised eddies and Ruby left Tubio with the girl, she didn¡¯t want Ferak¡¯s guys to see her. Tubio remained with the unknown girl. Soon a vehicle rushed in and stopped just in front of Tubio, no doubt prepared in advance by Ferak for Tubio. Jet got out of it, outgoing and saluting Tubio.


    -Dude, I don''t know who made the contract, but we''re going to make a lot of money.


    -What do you mean?


    -My Boss. Ferak told me your client''s sending a trauma team for the dead and the girl.


    Tubio showed the body and the scene to Jet who whistled in amazement. Tubio and Jet talcked as Tubio removed his mask. It did not take long for an airlift of the Trauma team to come illuminating the place.


    A navi was an air transport vehicle. It was the most popular self-driving vehicle model used by both the Trauma Team and the N54 News teams. Its characteristic hum resounds day and night in all neighborhoods.


    To what does the Atlus owe its success? Its successful design, attractive price and reliability are certainly no strangers. Tubio had seen one in flames and continued to fly once.


    Trauma Team International is a corporation specializing in rapid intervention medical services. It is one of the most powerful companies of the 21st century.


    A franchise (a company operating under special authorization) of first-aiders operating in the USA, Canada, and parts of Europe. Trauma teams can be called by dialing 911 on any telephone, which will trace the call back to its source. You are billed from the moment you call until you arrive at the hospital.


    You can also opt for a deadman transmitter, which will automatically activate and signal a Trauma team the moment your brainwave pattern falls into a comatose state.


    The fact that his corpse didn¡¯t have these or didn¡¯t activate. While the wife had that much money, it was strange. But Tubio was not an expert.


    The Trauma team is made up of paramedics with specialized combat training, who will do whatever it takes to protect their clients. Those wealthy enough to afford a Trauma Team medical plan receive a card and a biochip implant. When the chip recognizes a medical problem in a customer''s system, it immediately informs the Trauma team, who rush to the scene to stabilize and extract the patient, coming by rain, shine or snow.


    Arriving in their transport recognizable among all. The navi Zetatech Atlus came from the sky quickly descending towards them, white and red with the six-pointed cross, the Trauma Team logo across already announced the color, that and the bullet hits on her cockpit and body. Jet and Tubio kept their hands in sight as two stretcher bearers and two men with assault rifles acting as assault troops descended from the navi, one of the specialists with an assault rifle called Tubio who instinctively pointed to the girl at his feet. He ordered Tubio and Jet to back off while two paramedics deployed a stretcher before carrying the woman into the navi. Tubio called and pointed to the body of the man, and after less than a minute when the stretcher workers dropped the girl¡¯s body, they went to fetch the man¡¯s body, bringing it back on another stretcher.


    So without discussion or other sign the two men with assault rifles backed back up into the navi before it took off. Disappearing into the night sky. Jet turned to Tubio.


    -That, that¡¯s what I call efficiency.

 Corpo life

    It had been a week since the Northside contract and the discussion with Ruby about Cyclops, and Tubio had recovered and hidden the masks Ruby could have used. She took it well and was even happy about it, in spite of the reaction she''d had at the fast-food restaurant where she''d contradicted herself. Tubio kept an eye on her. But clinging as she was to him, he knew that as long as he was around, she wouldn''t turn into Cyclops. Maybe she would. Well, no, he didn''t know. But the week went by without a hitch.


    After Ferak had talked to the widow. He had made Tubio understand that his client was perhaps a bigger fish than he had expected. Explaining to Tubio that if he wanted to win the bank, he''d have to be reactive. But nothing, for a week.


    Neither from him nor from the chick from 6th Street. Despite days of hiding now, Versa had never set foot behind Cybermatrix, and even the girl didn''t show her face after a while. Never calling or showing the slightest sign of life.


    All his stories seemed to have stalled, as with the Lianovack family. Tubio had no news other than Pavel. Following their visit, the family had a big argument, so strong that Ivan and Solena left the family home. Becoming much more distant than before, only Talia''s condition seemed to be worrying and she had panic attacks and other physical and physiological problems. Tremors, fevers... Tubio closed his heart to all this. Talia hadn''t called him, and maybe it was for the best. Tubio was afraid of her. Or rather of what she might say, because he didn''t care. After all this time, he no longer wanted to hear her voice, no longer wanted to be the one constantly comforting her. It might be cruel, but the way she treated him was worse in his opinion.


    Tubio got up, leaving Ruby sleeping. On his way out, he met his mother, who smiled with a knowing look on her face, coffee in hand, which made Tubio''s white skin flush to his ears.


    Not wanting to embarrass him further, his mother asked him what he was doing at the moment, and he couldn''t tell her much.


    -I''m waiting to hear about one contract and a lead on another isn''t bearing fruit.


    -Patience mi hijo, you''ll see that situations will probably arise faster than you can handle them.


    Less than an hour after that, he received a call while shopping for lunch. From the Crimson Spear, Irene.


    She was one of the girls from the party where they''d met Ulrik and his gang. Tubio remembered her veeeery well, with her tanned skin and beautiful frizzy hair, her skirt too short and her breasts...


    Slapping himself back to reality, he regained his seriousness before responding to the holo, where an enthusiastic voice answered.


    -Hey! Tubio. How are you?


    -Good, what''s going on?


    -Sorry to bother you, but we might have a job for you, interested?


    -It depends on what it is, but tell me.


    -We need a driver to take someone out into the desert from Night City. You pick him up and drop him off at his destination. No pressure, everything''s already taken care of and paid for.


    -Can I ask why your regular driver isn''t able to handle this, if you don''t mind my asking?


    Of course, he was caught in a shoot-out. He''s all right, even with a few cuts and bruises, but his car''s ready for the scrap heap. So...


    -Send me the info. However, I''d like to ask you a favor...


    *****


    Tubio was in Bor¨¦ale, parked on Corpo plaza, and looked with indifference at the jungle of buildings around him.


    The Corpo Plaza district was completely rebuilt after the war. Today, it''s home to Night City''s most recognizable installations. Kang Tao tower, Arasaka, Militech, Night Corp... This renaissance also marked the return of corporate power after long years of humiliation and disgrace. The district''s giant skyscrapers and mega-buildings once again housed the offices of Arasaka and Militech, the same corporations that dutifully destroyed the city half a century ago. Tubio had only heard the stories from the old-timers, and even if the situation today wasn''t great, at least Night City wasn''t at war, and for that reason alone, he was glad he hadn''t lived through those times.


    The main feature of Corpo Plaza is the Memorial Park, a huge traffic circle between corporate headquarters that commemorates the victims of the Fourth Corporate War. The area is a veritable anthill of corporates of varying rank, always hurrying to their next meeting. Autonomous armored vehicles were all around, meanwhile, the ferry executives were across the sky. Quite simply, the only colors in Corpo plaza were white, gray and black, sometimes with company logos and a touch of color associated with the company to which the person belonged. Anyone else with something different didn''t belong inside one of these buildings, or was the big boss.


    It looked peaceful, but NCPD agents and armored company guards patrolled constantly, reminding everyone who was really in charge of this district. Everyone has to pass through several security checkpoints to enter any building.


    Looking at one of the many sponsored armed groups, Tubio wondered how much time this must be wasting for everyone. He looked at the memorial park, the first sign of greenery he''d ever seen in real life. He smiled, remembering his amazement. A holo called to him. Ulrik.


    -Ulrik.


    -Tubio, I''m glad you''re with us. Normally I''d leave you with the girls, but as this is our first contract together, I wanted to mark the occasion with a final recap.


    -Fine by me.


    -Simple. It''s all taken care of, you''re just the driver, your client Thomas Gory. We pay you for the transport, you drop him off and he takes care of the rest. As for the details, from what he told me, his boss screwed up and the witch-hunt is on. Taking the lead and not wanting to disappear with his old boss, he decided to leave town. After handing in his resignation this morning. There you go. Don''t ask. Quick and easy.


    -All right, then.


    Tubio hung up and waited. Watching the people pass him by, he contemplated the ostentatious artistry of Corpo Plaza as best he could. An elderly Asian man in a suit approached the car. Tubio got out. And the man accosted him.


    -Tubio?


    -Mr.Gory?


    -Delighted, we can go.


    The man was quite old, and his hair, which once must have been black and perfectly slicked back, had given way to a greying start. All he had with him was a simple grey briefcase. With a slight smile on his lips, he went to the back of the car, where Tubio opened the trunk for his luggage. Tubio watched the man''s face, tired but happy. He had one of his devices hooked to his ear, reaching all the way to his eye. It was transmitting live company information at the same time. A red tie with a gray suit and you had the average worker of any corporation. If a little old.


    He climbed in beside Tubio, put on his belt, removed the device from his ear and threw it out the door. Waiting no longer, Tubio turned on the ignition.


    *****


    Earlier this morning


    -No, seriously, I''m fine.


    -Ruby, you haven''t set foot outside without me since you got here. You need to get out, my mother''s not here to entertain you. Besides, Irene and the girls will be delighted to see you again. I''m sure after last time they haven''t forgotten you. I''m sure you''ll find plenty to talk about.


    -But I don''t feel like it...


    Now


    Why had she said yes. In front of the elevator Ruby was having a mini panic attack. Well, not really. Hooded, she descended to level 13. The gates opened as people passed by on their way to the local stores, which were designed for adults. A store selling lingerie, weapons, security and cybernetic equipment caught her eye. But Ruby managed to avert her gaze as she moved deeper into the level, deftly dodging the clusters of people passing around her. She finally arrived at the fortified storefront bearing the gang''s name. Crimson Spear. A red neon sign underlined the store''s name.


    She hesitated for a moment before the double door opened in front of her and a young man with a gun came face to face with her. The boy had an assault rifle in his hands, but what distinguished him were his facial implants, an I running from his forehead to the tip of his nose, with two modified red eyes. From a distance, they looked like glasses on a tattoo, but the whole thing was a facial implant looking like a cross. The nose, the eyes, the forehead, even part of the jaw and under the cheeks. He had tattoos all over his arms and a black jacket with red patches. His hair was black, shaved on one side and patchy on the other.


    Seeing Ruby, the young man stood open-mouthed, stammering some euh. Before another figure emerged from behind him. Like him, he carried a weapon on his back. Much taller than the other man, he wore a red cap with a full face mask made of scrap metal. Ruby couldn''t see it, but under an imposing raincoat she suspected the man to be heavily chromed. With a blas¨¦ look, he looked over his companion, red eyes filled with indifference turned to those of surprise as he raised his eyebrows. In a deep voice, he spoke through his mask in a deep voice.


    -Well, for a surprise. Ruby, right? How do you do? I''m Pitar and this is Tristan, I don''t know if you remember us, we had a night out. Do you remember us?


    Ruby saw Tristan''s face and let out a crystalline laugh before nodding. Her anxiety was completely gone now. Tristan''s face said it all. She greeted Pitar, the big choom with only his eyes to show for his mood. He in turn chuckled at Tristan. He invited Ruby into the store, which came naturally to her. She smiled as she entered the armory that was the store. From pistols to knives and remote-controlled machine guns. Clearly, the store had something for everyone. The store itself was average in size and decoration, but everything was clean and saleable.


    As she explored, she saw a window through which stood a shooting range where gun buyers or owners could train, opposite behind a grilled window and reinforced by a grating was the transaction counter, also reinforced by a grating in addition to the undoubtedly armoured glass. On the other side of the glass was another face she''d seen before, a certain Milour, a blond man with a chrome frame around his face, a small cross on his forehead and lots of tattoos on his neck. He smiled when he saw her, but before he could say anything a girl she immediately recognized came out of the side when she heard Pitar calling her name.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Ir¨¨ne ruthlessly pushed Milour aside to take her place. exclaimed when she saw Ruby.


    -Ruby. I''ve been waiting for you, how are you?


    -Fine and you, I just passed a boy who didn''t even stop me, are you sure it''s very safe?


    -Tristan? Forget it, he''s always like that with girls, let''s go grab a coffee.


    Opening a door, Ruby greeted Milour, who shrugged with Pitar returning to stand guard in front of the store and him behind the counter.


    Ruby smiled as Ir¨¨ne hugged her, her lioness-like mane covering her face. Wearing more casual clothes than at the party, her body was covered and no sign of chrome could be seen, making one wonder if their affiliation with the Maelstrom was true. Her tanned skin was supple and pleasing to Ruby, who followed her by the hand into a break room with a coffee machine. As she sat down, another girl who''d been at the party came in. Rosie had brown hair with a slightly violet tint, she too was more relaxed than at the club and her face lit up when she saw Ruby. She immediately went and sat down next to her on the sofa.


    -Ruby! You didn''t contact us again, were you shy? No need to be. How have you been?


    -Well, I guess I was a little. And then, you know, after that, a lot of stuff happened...


    Coming closer with a cup of coffee for them, Ir¨¨ne served everyone before sitting down opposite them.


    -Well, now, how did it end with the handsome guy?


    Ruby immediately began to blush as she recalled the evening.


    *****


    In the car, Tubio and Gory were about to leave Night City, and Gory, increasingly relaxed as they left Corpo Plaza, removed his tie and unbuttoned his shirt. Finally, he asked Tubio if he could smoke.


    -Yes sir, once in a while won''t create an odor.


    -Ah. Sir, I''m not a sir anymore.


    Tubio didn''t say anything clearly, the man must had a long history with the corporation before this morning. But that didn''t stop Gory from talking.


    -You know, Corpo life is good. It''s all you can dream of, and the worst that can happen to you. 37 years, for 37 years I''ve followed and applied the rules of the company, I''ve fought, I''ve been betrayed, I''ve made sacrifices...


    He took a drag on his cigarette, as if reflecting on the past.


    -The rare victories were those behind the scenes. Where my boss of the moment, collected all the laurels of his employees sacrificed on the altar of the corporation, or of his own interest... While the employees at best got a bonus, or a beer after work.


    Tubio remained silent, driving cautiously towards Night City''s main exit. They had crossed the streets of Night City, passing into the Glen and then Vista Del Rey before climbing the Arroyo expressway into Santo domingo and passing over part of Rancho Coronado. Now they were in sight of the desert. The road bisected the mountain making a gap surrounded by billboards, the direction arrows on the road signs pointing in the direction of Norcal and a town called Rocky Ridge.


    They passed the Sunset Motel, a fitting name on the way to Night City, then along the road they passed a garage called Dakota, a second hotel the Sunshine hotel, this time under the guard of Militech guys, and finally that was it. The desert, scrub, sand, dry earth, along a railroad track, circular wind turbines could be seen on the horizon slowly turning in the inconsistent wind. Gory was silent, murmuring to himself Tubio was enjoying the trip. They were easy eddies and the old man wasn''t the most troublesome customer. Continuing further and further into the badlands Tubio followed the coordinates Ulrik had given him, turning left onto an old desert road. Old and creaky, the road still bore Bor¨¦ale''s weight well.


    Tubio finally arrived at his destination. I-9 EST Badlands North. The sun was scorching even before noon when he stopped at an old bus stop opposite several abandoned mobile homes. Stopping, he saw that the place was abandoned, filled with garbage and wrecked cars. His client Mr Gory was smoking nonchalantly as he got out of the car. Tubio followed him out of politeness. But instead of going to the abandoned housing estate, he went to look at the bus stop seats, staring at them for several seconds before sitting down at the bus stop, beckoning Tubio to come and sit with him.


    -Would you do this poor devil a favor before you go your separate ways?


    It wasn''t even noon, and the fact that Ruby was finally getting out of the house prompted him to accept the offer. They both sat down on the concrete bench. Then Tubio asked a question that had concerned him ever since they''d been here.


    -Is there a special reason for coming here?


    He took a drag on his cigarette before pointing to the mobile homes.


    -You see, almost a century ago my grandfather lived in one of these. I never made it myself, but my father brought me back here more than once in my youth. Explaining to me that this is what we had and all we''d be left with if we didn''t work hard.


    -You must have been poor back then.


    -My grandfather was a corporate dog. Doing all the hardest jobs and not the best paid so that my father could afford the corporation''s studies. My father... never had to work as hard as Grandpa. But alas...


    -Something''s happened¡­


    -Haven''t you heard about the destruction of the Arasaka Tower?


    -Everyone''s heard about it, the headquarters of one of the world''s largest corporations reduced to a pile of rubble.


    -But few of us are still alive. My father was a security boss. We never got the details, only that he was dead. And for that, we were given a sum of money, which left me, my mother and my grandfather to fend for ourselves. Thanks to the money, I followed in my father''s footsteps, earning a good living, yet no matter where I went, I never got promoted. Years of bonuses, good returns and other results. But never a single promotion. Any idea why?


    -No, I don''t know.


    -My superiors felt that my father''s failure to defend the Arasaka Tower should be blamed on me. Can you believe it? My father literally sacrificed his life for them and they made me, his son, pay for it decades later. Hypothetically to please Mr. Arasaka, who doesn''t even know I exist. That was 50 years ago now, can you believe it? I''m sure that''s more than twice your age.


    He smoked his cigarette. Once again, time seemed to stretch. Tubio couldn''t understand how anyone could have such twisted ideas. The wind blew, while the sounds of the desert were the only ones around them. The wind turbines still above the rocks on the horizon around them turned slowly, rust devouring the once immaculate white, now eaten away by the constant winds. The mobile homes had rubbish bags all around them, packages and other belongings left at the mercy of the elements.


    -Did you accept it? Couldn''t you have just left?


    -And do what? My life was there. My friends, my job and my family, my wife and children. Until it wasn''t... Over the years I''ve lost everyone I cared about. My grandfather died with a smile on his face, proud of me and my father. My mother died in an explosion caused by a Cyberpsyko. My children grew up and with my wife, sickened by my constant absence they left Night City. My friends changed, some died, others disappeared or left. The last friends I had... Let''s say I regret today what happened between us.


    -Is he... dead?


    -Nah, we... don''t talk anymore, but... How do you fix a quarrel from ten years ago.


    -... Apologies?


    The old man contorted his face before sneering.


    -Yes, indeed.


    -That would be a start. And then, whether he accepts them or not, you can say you tried.


    He looked thoughtful. Gory looked at Tubio, then took out another cigarette and offered one to Tubio, who politely declined.


    -It''s this job. It eats you up inside. It makes you think that everything you do is for the common good, but no, it''s just for those higher than you. And when you realize that you''ll never get anything more without fighting or stabbing your neighbor. You become someone else... The only reason I''m so old is because all the others who got my promotions are dead. How many young, dashing men and women in magnificent suits costing 100 times the average wage have passed me by to die in the gears. I could name you a dozen ways and reasons why I know they''re all dead, black ops, murder, industrial sabotage, competition, threat to his superior position... I don''t even know why my last boss made her last deal. I knew it was a bad idea but...


    -Fatigue, or maybe it was one time too many?


    -Maybe it was. Corpo life... everything you can dream of and everything you can dread.


    Tubio let the old man smoke. He thought about the story. He''d thought of leaving before his adventures with the Maelstrom, but never had the courage and stayed. It took all his adventures and a crazy idea, he didn''t want to end up like Gory, bolting his life in a corpo and losing everything. He looked at the old man, now worried about what he was going to do.


    -What are you going to do now?


    -Now? I''ve got my wife to win back. Sons to dine with and remake the world, my first niece to hold in my arms. Don''t worry, Tubio, right? I''m not done living and I intend to savor every moment. I''d just come to say goodbye to my father and grandfather before I left.


    Keeping his cigarette in hand, he walked over to a pile of garbage next to a car wreck, then began to pull the bags, tossing them aside unceremoniously, quickly revealing a shape beneath the garbage. Tubio didn''t wait for the signal to give the old man a hand. Tubio realized that the bags weren''t full of garbage, but of sand. Once the whole thing had been tossed aside, an airtight tarpaulin revealed the shape of a car. Gory lifted the tarpaulin, revealing a magnificent car. A blue Villefort Alvarado V4F 570 Delegate in all its sun-kissed glory.


    The car has four doors - two large doors for the driver''s area, and two smaller suicide doors for rear seat occupants. Its exterior is defined by its six-wheeled configuration.


    Other exterior styling features include a single large headlight on the driver''s side, a large hood ornament, and roof that is painted a different color than the rest of the vehicle. In the back, it has three full tail lights (two ''fin-style'' side tail lights, and a light bar) which is rare compared to other night city vehicles. The rear wheels are partially covered by fender skirts. The Alvarado comes in convertible and fixed hardtop options.


    As an executive-class car, its design is focused more on interior comfort than on practicality. Despite a relatively large size, the car features seating room for only four passengers in the interior. Each passenger has access to a cup holder and a suite of controls. The interior is accented with burlwood. Seats do not have headrests. Rear seat passengers each have access to a screen and built-in console mounted on the seat backs of the front seats.


    Under the hood, the car featured a V-shaped engine with an unknown amount of cylinders. Each cylinder bank has its own oil fill cap, which indicates the engine has two oiling systems.


    -Not bad, eh?


    -I have to say that if I didn''t have Bor¨¦ale, I''d be jealous.


    -With an Alvarado you don''t drive, you cruise in it.


    He went to get his things and put them inside his car. He started it up. Tubio watched him get out of the car to shake his hand.


    -Some advice from an old man, a Corpo won''t help you if it doesn''t have something to lose or something to gain, with as little risk as possible. Don''t wait for change. Plan it, plan your escape now. If you know you''re going to be betrayed and you have no solution, survive, survive as long as you can, don''t die and you''ll be able to rise again. Thank you for listening to this old man''s story. I don''t know your situation, young man, but I wish you all the luck in the world.


    With these last words of wisdom, he got into the car and pulled up in front of Tubio. He then passed something through the window.


    -Consider it a gift from me. I won''t be needing it.


    Tubio took a shotgun out of the window and Mr Gory, full of panache, drove off towards the main road, leaving a trail of dust behind him.


    Tubio stood there watching the dust fall as he looked down at the shotgun in his hands. The constitutional arms M2038 Tactician. Old, practical, you can count on.


    He walked a few steps and as he was about to get into Bor¨¦ale looked at the tags on the concrete seats at the bus stop, in white letters Tubio read, Broken. No Regrets. He smiled, thinking back to the old man.


    Climbing back into Bor¨¦ale, Tubio placed the rifle between the two seats before wondering what he was going to do. He wasn''t wrong. A good reaperdoc is just as likely to be found in Portland as in Night City. Shaking his head, he called Ulrik to close the deal. After all, it wasn''t the place to plan this sort of thing in the desert.


    -Tubio?


    -The old man left for the desert a trail of dust with him.


    -Fantastic. I''ll send the eddies, you can drop by the store anytime. From what I''ve seen, Ruby and my girls aren''t getting ready to go back to work today. Translation, come get your girl, so she''ll stop distracting them.


    Ulrik hung up and Tubio let out a laugh, imitating Ruby, "But I don''t feel like it".


    Starting Bor¨¦ale, Tubio thought about what he was going to do, as he didn''t want to go home just yet and ruin Ruby''s outing. Then, being in the desert, he remembered that Solena had quarreled with her father. Maybe now was a good time for a heart-to-heart talk. After all this time, Solena. The only one to make contact with his mother after his death deserved his thanks.

 Send in the clowns

    The landscape around him was nothing but desert. Tubio drove Bor¨¦ale through the rocks, the dusty or poorly-maintained road with cracked asphalt his only guide through the desert. Even if the lights of Night City could be seen on the horizon, even in broad daylight.


    Tubio had to admit, despite his bad faith, that the desert was fuller than he had imagined. Around him were rocks, cacti and windmills. Bor¨¦ale was equipped with a crystal dome replacing the windows of his car. The dome had been installed for this purpose, offering a clear view thanks to the implanted sensor, without the risk of being seen or having the windows damaged. Thanks to the dome, he could see carcasses of long-abandoned cars, rusting advertising hoardings, concrete blocks and safety rails in the bends for poorly maintained roads, and the remnants of temporary or permanent installations such as the mobile homes of I-9 EST.


    Although most of the landscape was "empty", Tubio couldn''t help thinking that the Nomads were enjoying it all in relative tranquility. So much space gave him a sense of freedom that he slowed down. Taking his time, Tubio found his way to his destination. It was a long shot, but knowing Solena he was sure to find her in 4 or 5 places in Night City. And this out-of-the-way spot was one of the few places their group had come before. But mostly her.


    Motorcycle fan and mechanic. Solena was a real tomboy, holding her attitude well enough just to pass for a classy girl. But if you knew her at all, you''d find her swearing like a sailor in Night City traffic. She combined the outspokenness of her brother Ivan with the class of her sister Talia.


    Tubio arrived at his destination, Jeff''s Dirt Track, and had only to walk up the road to a bus stop and three mobile homes with a garage and cistern. Unlike I-9 EST, the place was clearly well-maintained. Tubio didn''t even stop and kept going up. Arriving at the circuit.


    The oval-shaped circuit is inconsistently marked out by concrete blocks to secure its contours. Two vertical advertising panels in triangles surrounded at the base by rocks installed on purpose. This created two islands that were bypassed, leaving a hole in the middle for people wishing to make eight on the runway. On the other side of the track, Tubio could see three other smaller signs with a gigantic abandoned industrial crane as a backdrop.


    Parking at the entrance to the track, Tubio could see someone lying in the shade of one of the billboards, Tubio stepped out of Bor¨¦ale to see a motorcycle parked in the shadow of the rocks as the person straightened up to look at Tubio.


    Tubio obviously recognized Solena. Tubio smiled as he saw her put on her jacket, calling mockingly.


    -What''s this? Getting a tan instead of working?


    ******


    Level 13 H2


    Inside the Crimson Spear gun store, Ruby was having a blast with Rosie et Ir¨¨ne.


    -At which point he lifted her off his lap, laid her on her side and vomited into the garbage can.


    A fit of giggles erupted as Ir¨¨ne finished recounting Ruby and Tubio''s end of the evening to a newcomer Caliopea, sister of Milour the checkout guy, like him she had an armature around her jaw for support. She explained that it was an operation to install a normal, visible jaw. The brothers had had their jaws removed for some unknown reason and preferred to have something more, well, normal. The conversation continued, but noon had arrived and with a cheerful voice Ir¨¨ne stood up, inviting Ruby to go and eat with them. But then Ulrik entered the room.


    Ulrik was broad but tall. His eyes and his bulk seemed to analyze everything in the room, the five lenses of his eyes moving in slightly opposite directions was enough to unsettle his interlocutors. They landed on Ir¨¨ne, who had risen to her feet.


    -And where do you think you''re going?


    -To eat?


    -You''ve been on a break since Ruby arrived, so I think Milour deserves a meal.


    Ir¨¨ne was about to add something, but Ulrik didn''t budge. And Irene nodded, turning to Rosie.


    -As usual, okay?


    -Okay, let''s ditch dear Irene and get to dinner. Ulrik, do you want anything?


    -No, I''m fine, Ruby, Tubio called me and the contract went well.


    Ruby smiled at the news; she hadn''t even noticed the time had passed. So she followed Rosie, Caliopea and Milour who had joined them, leaving behind Irene who was pouting behind the bulletproof window.


    Milour was quieter than his sister;


    She had a sharp tongue, it''s looks like the girls in the Crimson Spear group had their tongues firmly out off their pockets. Commenting and discussing everything, Ruby quickly ran out of conversation. Luckily for Ruby, Rosie and Caliopea had tons of stories to tell. And Caliopea, being an amateur tinkerer, opened the conversation with engineering, which Ruby was delighted to be able to expand on. Talking about cameras, robot joints and drones, it wasn''t long before the conversation moved on to more advanced topics and experiments.


    Taking the elevator down to the streets of Heywood, the quartet went into a takeaway store, further of H2 it had like many others store tags on its front, the Asian characters denouncing its origins. A young girl named Mei greeted them and guided them inside, while an elderly Asian man greeted the group''s regulars.


    The group sat down at a table and a waitress came over to take their orders. All was well, smiles and good mood reigned as a shot rang out...


    BANG!


    Shouts of surprise, fear, people ducking their heads as more shots rang out into the store. of the four three ducked under the table, Ruby took cover looking through the glass at the origin of the shots. She was about to stand up when Rosie grabbed her arm. Ruby turned her head towards Rosie.


    Rosie then saw Ruby. Emotions bared behind her face and blood-red optics, a look filled with rage and cold concentration. Rosie was petrified, still holding Ruby''s hand, but Ruby seemed to snap out of it after a second. Her eyes returning to crystal blue, she seemed to realize what she had almost done, then stopped what she was about to do, deciding to stay at their side, taking Rosie''s hand in her own.


    Rosie said nothing and remained silent, the two siblings discreetly looking out of the window worriedly to avoid a stray bullet. After a moment''s silence, Milour got up with another customer to look outside.


    He returned a minute later.


    -Two Valentino chooms settling scores. It''s going to get ugly, but not today.


    Caliopea exclaimed angrily.


    -In the middle of the street? They''ve got to calm down and sort it out at home instead of going off like that in public.


    -They shouldn''t do it at all.


    Caliopea turned to Ruby in all seriousness.


    -I''m not saying otherwise, but in this fucking city, it''s the least I expect. The NCPD is so corrupt that the few badges that are still clean are being driven to death, suicide or departure.


    -I''m sure "Padre" has more power over the consequences of what just happened than any police officer.


    -Who''s "Padre"?


    -He''s one of, if not, THE unofficial fixer for the Valentinos, so if you have a problem with one of them, or trouble is caused or requests repayment, he''s the voice of reason. Even if that doesn''t make him all-powerful.


    Milour clapped his hands, drawing attention to himself.


    -Enough about that, life''s depressing enough without worrying about other people''s business. Ruby tells me, you seem to know a lot about electronics, do you have any talents as a netrunner?


    The meal was delicious, Mia was an attentive and smiling waitress, and during the meal Caliopea and Rosie discussed the possibility of Ruby doing a job for them. It was mainly about looking at and improving the store''s systems. A new opinion would always be welcome.


    *******


    Leaving the restaurant, they were about to return to H2 when an incongruous scene presented itself. Blocking the way and a good part of the square was a group of people wearing clown make-up, or rather, clowns. Many were misshapen in grotesque get-ups, doing tricks and juggling, smiling viciously, too wide to be natural.


    In the middle of the square, people were making detours, glancing between the members of this unusual troupe on the streets of Night City. Caliopea was about to say something rude when Ruby grabbed her and Rosie by the arm. With a word, she made them tremble with fear. Bozos.


    The group looked at each other and hesitated to make the big turn, but as they turned another group of clowns was also present in the other direction.


    It will be the shortest route then.


    Milour stood in front of the girls, but it was clear that the clowns were only interested in their show, trying to amaze passers-by with tricks. As for the passers-by, they didn''t hesitate to keep a safe distance from the show, putting as much distance as possible between themselves just like Ruby and her group. They tried to step aside, but a giant clown holding bizarre balloons got in the way.


    Smiling as he stooped to their level, the clown was more intimidating and terrifying than anything else. He tried to give Rosie a balloon, but Ruby tugged on her arm to put her behind her, and as they passed the giant clown, he laughed at their attitude.


    The clown letting them pass, turning to the next pedestrian. The group thought they''d got away, but one last clown appeared in front of them. Head down, black top hat on. He stood with his legs apart, his gloved hands resting on the handle of a cane. He looked like he''d just stepped out of a 2000s party, in a black and gold tuxedo covered with patches and other symbols forming a sort of checkerboard of colors and shapes, while wearing a red evening shirt and a purple butterfly necklace asortited to a flower he wore on his jacket.


    Someone who had also dodged the clowns passed by without being stopped, inviting the group to do the same. The posing clown didn''t move as they moved to the side. But no sooner had Ruby been in front of him, he raised an arm, snapping his fingers. Immediately, the group found themselves the center of attention of all the clowns present. Smiling.


    Raising his head, the tuxedo-clad clown faced the group and Ruby in particular, choreographically twirling his cane in his hands, before planting it on the concrete beside him. Dropping it completely, she now stood comically unsupported. Dignified the noble clown stepped forward with measured steps, bowing with a frozen smile, one hand over his heart and the other behind his back. Facing Ruby, he clearly invited her to dance.


    Looking around, Ruby could see the other clowns enjoying the panic of their situation. Clearly they were expecting something, a joke? Rejection? An excuse to be violent? Each of these clowns was bizarre, creepy was a good word, but she guessed that if they went around in this get-up, it wasn''t to make children smile, and they could be hiding augmentations both biological and chrome made.


    No, Ruby knew. They wanted entertainment, and if they didn''t get it... Ruby gritted her teeth and waved Milour aside. Pushing her sister and Rosie out of the circle, they headed for H2 as Ruby, imitating the noble clown, bowed as if in dress, spreading her hands as if holding the fabric.


    The clowns laughed hysterically and Ruby wondered if she''d done something foolish. Then one of the clowns pulled out a radio, playing music made for dancing. As the noble clown rose to his feet, he extended a hand to Ruby.


    Remaining in character, she took his hand. The noble clown''s face, framed by beautiful red hair, was smiling, perfectly white face, with two red triangles under the eyes, leading down to a mouth that was also with bright red lips. She could have sworn it was make-up, but no, bioengineering could do wonders, and horrors.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    The only image of clowns that came to mind when she thought of Night City was the Bozos. The old gang of killer clowns. No need to describe them further.


    Grabbing her hand, the clown put his other hand on her hip, ready to waltz with her. His fixed smile and mocking red eyes were unnerving. But Ruby had seen worse. Indifferent, she stared fearlessly into the clown''s eyes. The clown''s eyes seemed to smile at this astonishing reaction.


    They were about to start dancing when the clown tried to pull Ruby closer to him. Ruby resisted, and as if he''d predicted it. His bow tie began to turn on itself with a comical whistle, drawing jeers from the other clowns.


    Ruby didn''t care, her face remaining closed to all emotion, her eyes fixed on her partner. Seeming to have given up, he began to take steps with Ruby. Guiding her as the clowns laughed and whistled. The dance seemed to take Ruby forever. Her partner spun her around before waltzing again. When they finally came to the end of the song, he had pulled her close to him, without her noticing.


    Ruby didn''t realize it until it was too late: now clinging to her, trapped in his arms, the clown smiled with all his teeth, the first facial movement she''d seen since the start of their interaction. Sharp teeth appeared in front of her face. But Ruby wasn''t afraid. The clown tried to kiss her.


    In a twist of events. The clown saw Ruby''s eyes turn red and she smiled at him. She smiled at him, and then smacked him on the nose with a headbutt. Letting her go, she took a step back, surrounded by a troop of silent, offended clowns.


    The noble clown came to his senses as he stared at Ruby in shock, his smile frozen but no longer so self-confident as blood trickled from his nose. Surprise and wonder seemed to be winning his mind as Ruby, in one motion, made a quick curtsy before taking off running, passing and dodging in between the clowns, continuing down the street and disappearing into the crowd of curious onlookers wondering why a circus was there.


    At the same time, several NCPD patrols who had responded to calls about clowns arrived on the scene. Injunctions were issued as the clowns laughed at their arrival. The clown on the radio changed the music to that of the circus. Hidden loudspeakers began blaring the music throughout the street. The remaining strange balloons the clowns had were released into the air as an announcer''s voice-over echoed over the music.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honor and great pleasure that I announce the return to town of the greatest family of laughter in Night City, I name you, the Zapatar circus!!!"


    Boom!!!


    The balloons exploded in the air, the blast knocking the crowd and the policemen to the ground, while the whistling of firecrackers and other fireworks echoed not only here but throughout Night City. In the midst of multicolored sparks. The clowns pulled out weapons straight from a child''s imagination and began firing at the crowd and the police. Laughter mingled with cries of fear and pain as the cops returned fire on the psychotic clowns.


    The clowns ended up throwing juggling clubs grenades into the crowd before fleeing in colorful cars and vans. Shouting and chanting at the top of their lungs the bozos'' slogan "Let''s have some fun!"


    It wasn''t long before Night City knew the Bozos were back.


    ******


    -Ruby!? Where are you, Ruby? We''ve got Pitar, Milour and Ulrik coming your way.


    -Ir¨¨ne, it''s okay, I''m out of here, stay in H2, it''s exploding on all sides, I''m going back now.


    -Are you sure?


    -Irene it''s bozos, bozos are back in Night City.


    ******


    A few minutes earlier


    Ruby took off running through the crowd as fast as she could, weaving in and out of people and putting as much distance as possible between herself and the clowns. Before entering the first alley at 90¡ã, she hid in the alley as chaos erupted and took over the main street. Explosions and screams, several other people rushed into the alley, fleeing the clowns'' madness as she did. One of them even raised his gun at Ruby, who put up her hands to calm him down. Peering around the corner, the newcomers looked at each other, panicked and breathless from their flight. Ruby stayed with them for a while, no one saying anything. Too used to this kind of event. Staying for a long time in the small alley, the gunfire was eventually replaced by police sirens and the sounds of deploying trauma teams.


    Leaving the alley after being contacted by Ir¨¨ne, Ruby left a reassuring message for Tubio before making a beeline for H2.


    By the time she reached the foot of the tower, a firefight had broken out here too, with remnants of impact and colored dust marking the ground as the NCPD and a trauma team evacuated the last of the wounded.


    Ignoring the situation, she headed for the first elevator, exchanging messages to make sure Elizabeth was all right. Arriving on level 13, she headed for the store, arriving in front of Tristan and another guy.


    Calling her in, Irene and Rosie came out from behind the store to see her. Rosie took her in his arms, looking her up and down.


    -Is she okay?


    -Yeah, I''m fine.


    -What the hell got into you?


    -If I hadn''t stayed, they would have attacked us before they made their move.


    -Still.


    Ulrik emerged from behind the door, pistol in hand. He invited everyone in and asked Tristan to close the store.


    Once inside, Ruby saw Irene tending to Caliopea on the break room table. Her chrome foot and leg were damaged, and her leg and clothes had burn marks. Caliopea gave a thumbs-up anyway, smiling to see Ruby in good health.


    -What happened?


    -A child had received one of their balloons and let it fly into the hall where we passed. Luckily, my chrome took most of the damage. But how did you get away?


    -During the waltz the clown tried to kiss me, gave him a good headbutt and I ran off.


    Ulrik interrupted.


    -Ruby, are you sure they''re Bozos?


    -They presented themselves as the Zapatar circus. I couldn''t help but draw a parallel.


    -Okay, listen up. From now on, if you see a clown shoot on sight, understand?


    The room responded with a unanimous yes.


    Tristan, who had just returned, let Pitar and Ulrik out. He turned to the girls, uncertain he asked anyway.


    -What are the Bozos?


    The others looked at each other before Rosie turned to him.


    -You''ve never heard of them?


    -You know, me and history...


    -Okay, you see a clown?


    -Yeah.


    -Do you see a cyberpysko?


    -Yeah...


    -There you go, you get a Bozo, you put them together and you''ve got the Bozo Gang.


    Ir¨¨ne resumed the story.


    -The Bozos are a very old Night City gang, dating back to... Phew, at least 2020. They made a name for themselves with their costumes, but also with their deadly jokes. They were all sadistic lunatics looking to create fear and chaos wherever they went. They loved to take victims and turn their lives into living hell, wanting to drive them into madness before killing or recruiting them. It was said that they took homeless people and brainwashed them before integrating them into the gang.


    -That bad?


    -My parents used to tell me stories about Bozos if I didn''t behave. They disappeared for good at least thirty years ago. An internal war split them up into several groups before they gradually disappeared from Night City. Apparently, they left yellow gifts boxes around town for the unlucky ones who found them.


    -They introduced themselves as the Sapatar circus...


    -No doubt some of them came back. This story smells like shit¡­


    As Ir¨¨ne explained this Milour returned. Smiling as he saw his sister and Ruby.


    -I''ve got some news. The Bozos are officially in town. They came out of nowhere and created incidents everywhere before disappearing in the direction of Pacifica.


    -Great, one more thing to prepare in this rotten town.


    -The clowns took the opportunity to attack convoys and other corpos.


    -So...


    -It was a coordinated attack, they stole a lot of money and tec from several secure locations. They''re still calculating the total amount, and rumors are circulating about companies who say they weren''t hit but have had disturbances. All the mess, the show, the fireworks and the shootings were just a diversion.


    -How many dead?


    -They''re still counting...


    Tristan swallowed, finally understanding some of the Bozos'' cunning folly.


    Ruby, for her part, seemed increasingly worried. Rosie turned to her, stroking her shoulder. She who had kept her cool in front of a psychopath clown looked like a deer in front of car headlights.


    -Tubio doesn''t answer me.


    ******


    Earlier in the afternoon


    Tubio had set off into the desert to find Solena Lianovack, hoping to get an explanation of what had happened. Without interruption this time.


    Tubio wasn''t sure what to expect, even though he knew the broad outlines and assumed he knew things. He''d found Solena in one of his favorite places. In the Night City desert at Jeff''s racetrack.


    Solena was sitting on some rocks in the shadow of a circuit billboard. Her brown hair cut like a tomboy, her yellow jacket and her jeans and sneakers combo. She''d always been the most abrupt of the Lianovack children, where her brother Ivan had little or no malice Solena didn''t hesitate to be sharp-tongued if the situation called for it. She stood up as Tubio approached.


    -I must say I didn''t expect to see you, not after what happened.


    -Let''s just say I needed some time, and I had a job to do nearby. A week gives you time to think.


    -How did you find me?


    -A little bird told me you''d left H2 so the choice was limited, you could have been in 5 or 6 places, but as I said, I was passing by by chance, so I might as well make the detour.


    -Ha... I''m going to kill him.


    -Pavel just told me you''d left the house.


    -I don''t care, he shouldn''t talk about our business... All right, what do you want?


    -Explanations. If you don''t mind...


    -... Frankly no, I was just taking a test ride on a customer''s bike before going home... What do you want to know?


    -Your story side. Your father''s not here, so you can tell me anything.


    -The truth is, my father wanted to kill you. There, happy?


    Tubio digested the information.


    -Okay... Why?


    -Pfff... He didn''t see you as a good influence on Talia. No, he didn''t want you and Talia to be anything, so... Either you split up or he''d have you killed.


    -So the arrival of the morons...


    -Pure coincidence. But since it helped my father''s narrative to prove that you weren''t fit to be Talia''s husband. He let it go.


    -And the fact you were drugged?


    -Of course not... Look, I''m sorry but how did you wanted us to tell you, leave town or my dad will kill you?


    -That would have simplified things.


    -Oh please, it''s not like we didn''t send you the message with the subtlety of a navi.


    -Yeah, how? With those passive-aggressive remarks you''ve been giving me for years?


    -Rahh I can''t argue with you. Every time you have to turn the discussion towards you or in your direction. If I''d ever said you shouldn''t stay near Talia, you''d have gone anyway. And if I''d told you to stay close to Talia, you''d have said, "Yeah, you stupid bitch, mind your ass?¡±


    Tubio remained silent at this remark, because even he had to admit it was true. That was a time when he would have ignored any argument from Solena.


    -You see, even you have to realize it now.


    -Okay. Ok... Sol I''m sorry. For not listening to you, it''s true, I would have never taken your side. But why didn''t Talia and the others tell me?


    -You know Lev, anything to be like my father. Even if it went against his morals. Ivan was...hard to convince. Remember how he trained to manage the club''s supplies?


    -How could I forget?


    -The truth is that he was locked up... I don''t know what happened during that time. But what happened convinced him not to say anything. Talia was the easiest to convince. One word from her and you''d have suffered the consequences. As for Pavel...


    -He was preparing for his first boxing matches...


    -You know the rest. If you''d given up on Talia, my father promised to leave you alone and interfere with your harassment. But we never got that far.


    Tubio sighed, detaching his gaze from Solena to look at Night City in the distance. He could see the tallest towers from here Just like the abandoned town of Rocky Ridge. A great emotion passed through him. He asked Solena a question he''d been asking himself for a week.


    -Sol, was there a scenario where... He would have left me with Talia.


    -...Toto... No, not that I know of.


    -...Okay¡­


    Tubio took another long breath, nodded to himself and accepted the fact. He had to accept it. He could never have been with her. He''d been too weak, she didn''t love him enough to overide her father and trust him. The fault was his own. He turned to Solena with a smile, accepting what could never have been. Solena was sad for him.


    -Thank you, Sol.


    -Toto, I''m sorry... I should have...


    -I don''t know what you''re talking about. You did what you thought was best for your family. You could have told me straight out or convinced Talia, but you did as you were told. You''re not responsible for your father. I know that better than anyone. You just underestimated how stubborn I was.


    -...


    -I won''t blame you, Sol. I won''t.


    -I guess we can never be friends again.


    -Eh, one day, maybe. You never know. It''ll take me a while to digest all this. We''ll see then...


    Solena took him in her arms. Shocking Tubio, who threw up his arms, completely paralyzed by the situation. He didn''t even remember the last time they had interacted like this. Releasing him, Solena ran a hand through her hair, clearly embarrassed. She tried to continue the conversation.


    -So, now that said, what was your job in the desert? If it''s not top secret, of course...


    -Oh, uh, a man dropped off. Nothing unusual...


    -Ah...


    Whether out of nervousness or something else, the two smiled at each other before laughing at the discomfort, showing just how much their relationship had changed in one conversation.


    -I think it''s time for me to delta. Too much emotion in so little time.


    -Me too. I need to cool off.


    Solena got on the bike. She was about to start up when the sound of engine vomiting could be heard from the mobile homes below.


    -Are you expecting someone?

 Desert run

    The day had started so well - a job, explanations, an unexpected reconciliation. Just then, the sound of engines was heard further down the road, and Solena and Tubio decided to separate.


    -No, I''m not expecting anyone. The desert''s full of nomads, not all of them reliable. So I think we should be going. See you Toto.


    Tubio saluted her before returning to his car, but not without looking over the mound of earth. Below, a group of armed people were strolling between the mobil homes, clearly inspecting the area.


    The cars bore the markings of the Wraiths, a group with a very bad reputation in the Badlands. Tubio was about to discreetly climb into the car before putting his foot down, but he had forgotten one thing. As he reached the door, Solena, unaware of the danger, started her engine, her motorcycle roaring noisily as it went.


    Immediately the strangers turned in their directions, shouting to each other indicating the presence of Tubio and to get into the cars. Tubio then shouted to Solena, who raised her head at his shouts!


    -Delta, they''re Raffens!


    Immediately Solena put on her helmet and set off in the opposite direction to Night City, passing between rocks to get off the beaten track before disappearing behind a mound. Tubio climbed into Bor¨¦ale, but the Wraiths'' engines could already be heard.


    Tubio hesitated to take out his new shotgun to defend himself here. But in a quick decision, he climbed into his car and started up too. The important thing was to survive, and the chances of these bastards outnumbering him were too great.


    With this in mind Tubio didn''t wait to make a beeline between the advertising hoardings and the rocks of the circuit to go off-road. Bor¨¦ale, though made for the road, had good suspension, and the Raffens wouldn''t hold it against him.


    The car shook in all directions in the absence of a road, but Tubio kept it under control, dodging undergrowth by the skin of its teeth, as well as rock piles and small crevasses.


    Tubio wouldn''t and couldn''t stop. The Raffens Shiv, better known around Night City as the Wraith, are a nomadic clan known in the Badlands for being outcasts who were rejected from their nomadic "family". Creating a group of opportunists, traitors, rapists, murderers and other culprits through banishment.


    Tubio skidded along the dirt road, turning right, until he found a paved road, which he followed in the direction of Rocky Ridge. He thought he was out of trouble, but gunshots bouncing off Bor¨¦ale told him otherwise.


    Beside him, a motorcycle was racing over the bumps of the desert, and suddenly there were more gunshots behind him. Tubio saw it only briefly, but a second motorcycle was right on his ass, shooting at him. Tubio accelerated and sped past the abandoned town''s entrance sign.


    Tubio felt as if he wasn''t making any headway - he should have been way ahead of the motorcycles.


    He passed the first abandoned mobil homes in a flash. One of the bikes slowly pulled him up as he concentrated, two men on the bike, one driving the other armed. They wanted to put a bullet in his head and get Bor¨¦ale back. He knew he mustn''t let himself be overtaken, and in a desperate attempt he tried to steer into one of the alleys.


    Tubio lost control. Despite the fact that he was holding the steering wheel steady. The motorcycle came to rest perpendicular to the front of Bor¨¦ale, colliding head-on with the car and sending its two passengers flying through the air.


    Tubio slid into Bor¨¦ale, and despite holding steel the steering wheel firmly immobile in his hands, felt the ground beneath the car shift as centrifugal force swept him along. Bor¨¦ale went too fast and skidded sideways before coming to a halt, hitting a gate after doing a 180 in the adjacent street. More fear than harm for Tubio, the motorcycle''s two passengers... motionless on the ground.


    The second motorcycle came around the corner.


    Tubio opened the door, the latter rising upwards, Tubio fired his Unity at the two Wraiths, causing them to abandon the bike and one to find a bullet as they took cover at the corner of a wall and returned fire. Tubio immediately put Bor¨¦ale back on the road, turning off onto one of Rocky Ridge''s adjacent roads. He was about to circle the area and return to the main concrete road. It was impossible for Bor¨¦ale to go off-road with nomads as opponents.


    Tubio rounded the corner and continued parallel to the main road. Still, he put his foot down to avoid being overtaken. Reaching the end of the road, he made another 90¡ã turn, once again going too fast, skidding a little but keeping his trajectory. Getting back in line with the main road this time, he slowed down. With no motorcycle left on his arse, he was about to take a leisurely turn onto the asphalt road, only to T-bone one of the Wraiths'' cars on the bend in front of him. The latter had arrived at full speed, no doubt to block his path, but found itself impaled by Bor¨¦ale, who continued in his momentum even after the impact, going into a lone distributor on the side of the road the Wraith car stopped only at the impact.


    Fortunately for Tubio, Bor¨¦ale still had some under the hood and this time it was the other one who took the impact. Tubio banged his head against the back of his seat and the steering wheel, almost losing his footing on the gas pedal as he turned the wheel to the sound of crumpling bodywork.


    The lost speed was quickly regained as the enemy vehicle who took the scenery was already reversing.


    The race resumed. With Tubio in the lead, he wasn''t looking back. He was looking ahead. It was now a long straight line to Night City as indicated by the green sign, 1.2 miles and the relative safety of the skyscrapers.


    The road was straight, but his raid on Night City was not yet complete. Tubio thought he was well on his way when shots hit from behind. The car he''d put in the scenery was behind him again, and unlike Tubio. His car was armed with a mounted machine gun. The main road was in front of him, but a new, unfamiliar vehicle was approaching from the opposite direction.


    Not wanting to take any chances, Tubio turned right onto the railroad tracks. Also heading towards Night City, it was a path like any other and would protect him from bullets for a few seconds longer.


    Passing under a tower of some kind, Tubio dodged an electric pillar. Tubio could only see the mouth of the tunnel in the mountain, knowing full well that if he went in there, he''d be perfectly lined up for his pursuers.


    He turned left as soon as he saw a road cutting across the tracks leading back to the main road.


    Tubio did his best to ignore the machine-gun fire behind him. Even though it wasn''t easy, Tubio tried to zigzag to reduce the precision of his pursuers, but not too much either so as not to lose control.


    The dirt road led directly to the mouth of the main road in the cliff. He was almost there. But to his right, a car had overtaken him. It, too, was a Quadra, the same model as Bor¨¦ale, but desert styled and armed, with neon-blue skeletal hands on the sides.


    As he slammed into the side at the back of the trunk, Tubio lost control. Once again Tubio lost control but this time it was total, and it was for good. Bor¨¦ale made a 90¡ã turn. All the while, his enemy''s guns were shooting along the bodywork to the door. Their car going into the side of Bor¨¦ale like a battering ram. Bor¨¦ale pulled onto the main road in the middle of the traffic. At the mouth of Night City. Cars nearly hit both of them before the traffic slowed and then stopped.


    Tubio looked to his right where the Wraith vehicle should be, but the crystal dome was damaged and the windscreen gave Tubio only a partial view of the enemy car.


    But fortunately for him, an NCPD car was parked in front of the bus stop. Tubio hesitated to play dead. But he didn''t want to see Bor¨¦ale taken to the pound to disappear.


    With a squeal of tires, the Wraith car backed up, the mounted machine gun firing at the police officers taking cover. A guy of the Wraiths getting out and running to steal Bor¨¦ale.


    Tubio took advantage of this to set off again, passing along the road, in the dirt and behind the now-stopped cars to get away for good.


    As he skirted the column of cars, he came to a crossroads and took the first possible exit to get away as quickly and discreetly as possible. An alert had just sounded in the passenger compartment: Tubio had connected an alert to the NCPD frequency.


    "All units, a getaway car just pulled into Rancho Coronado, suspect is on the run following a shooting..."


    Tubio could only swear as he was incriminated over the radio.


    Quickly making a decision, he climbed onto the sidewalk and went between two houses before stopping and cutting the engine. He climbed out through the door and went to the back, opened the trunk and took out the tarpaulin that had covered his client Mr. Gory''s car in the desert rapidly covering Bor¨¦ale, making sure it wasn''t visible.


    All this to realize that a child was standing off to the side with a balloon in his hands. He smiled at Tubio.


    -How much for your silence?


    -100.


    -Deal.


    After this exchange, Tubio sat down on the ground to blow against one of the dilapidated houses. Tucked away between the old detached houses, Tubio could take his time observing the damage and thinking about the chase. Only now did he realize how lucky he''d been. Bor¨¦ale''s right door should have been Swiss cheese, but the Crystal Dome had more than done its share. Could have lost his legs, or head, if the dome hadn''t held.


    Taking deep breaths through his nose, he could feel the adrenaline pumping through his body. Minutes passed as he checked for injuries, just bruises and a bump on the back of his head. He was fine.


    He got up to get back in the car when the kid with two other people showed up, both armed.


    -What? My silence and your security aren''t the same thing.


    -Well said. Now, old chap, you''re going to give us your car or we''ll make you do it.


    Tubio, still sitting on the ground, didn''t seem to move as he watched the two men. But his gun was already in his hand for this kind of situation.


    He raised his weapon and shot one of the men in the shoulder, knocking him to the ground with a scream. His partner watched him fall to the ground before raising his weapon towards Tubio, firing vaguely in his direction and running off.


    Tubio frowned as the boy hid to the side. The man hit was on the ground, not moving in the face of Tubio''s Unity. Tubio retrieved the man''s machine gun. Then he turned to the boy.


    -How much for your lives? I''ll take 200.


    The guy at his feet answered.


    -Don''t touch my brother.


    -Pay up.


    As the transaction was taking place, an NCPD car turned the corner, coming up in front of them. Tubio swore in his head as the car turned on its lights, slowly approaching.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Tubio was the most suspicious motherfucker around. Guns in hand, a kid watching his brother being shaken down. Tubio could already see himself handcuffed,Bor¨¦ale''s camera, covered by the tarpaulin, probably wouldn''t have picked up any of the visuals. Or even any sound, if Tubio even had it running. But even if he had, he''d be in for a rough time.


    Tubio raised his weapons, stepping back from his victims. The boy watched the scene and the police car in turn. Suddenly, the car stopped. In the distance, explosions rang out in Night City. The NCPD car did a burn, doing a 180 before disappearing into the distance.


    Tubio and his victim looked at each other.


    -Okay... We go our separate ways and everyone''s happy.


    Tubio let the guy go, hurriedly stowed the tarpaulin and got the hell out of this shitty neighborhood. Tubio did his best to ignore the holo calls as he did his best to avoid an accident. With no visibility on his right-hand side, he was constantly bending over to compensate for the curves.


    As he reached the bottom of H2, it was only then that he began to look at his message box. It was a mixture of worrying messages from his mother, Ruby and one from Solena. But seeing Ruby''s messages, he thought it best to clear the fires in order of priority.


    -Ruby?


    -Where the hell have you been? I''ve called you three times!


    -I''m fine. I got a little shaken up in the desert on the way back by some Wraiths. I need a good dose of calm. Bor¨¦ale''s pretty banged up.


    -Are you all right?


    -I''m fine. I''m fine. What''s got you so freaked out?


    -The Bozos are in town...


    ******


    Ruby took her time to explain the situation. Tubio parked Bor¨¦ale in her parking space near H2. The fact that psychopathic killer clowns were now roaming the town was news Tubio could have done without hearing. But he understood Ruby''s concern. After telling him where he was, she said she was on her way.


    Meanwhile, he called his mother, who reassured him that she was fine.


    Then he called Solena.


    -WTF do you answer when we send you messages, damn it. Are you okay?


    -I''m fine, thanks. Bor¨¦ale protected me but she''ll need repairs.


    -Sorry about that.


    -Not your fault, but do you know a garage?


    -Yes, but...


    -If we could avoid the one where my sister works, it wouldn''t be so bad.


    -It''s the closest I''d trust, you know. Unless you want to rebuild the whole thing yourself.


    Tubio took a deep breath.


    The right-hand door wouldn''t even open, the crystal dome was damaged, the left-hand side of the shock absorber had been hit by the motorcycle, the trunk and most of the bodywork was riddled with bullets, not to mention the paintwork and other impacts. Tubio was many things, but a mechanic...


    -Ok, I''ll see tomorrow, too many emotions today. Thanks Sol.


    -And... I''m glad you''re okay, Toto.


    ******


    After rejoining Tubio, Ruby told him about her day. Who would have thought that the Bozos would have returned to Night City. Ruby was worried sick about him and almost more mortified than he was about Bor¨¦ale. She''d told him about Caliop¨¦a and what had happened with the dancing clown. Although Tubio, who didn''t know either of them, was willing to meet Caliop¨¦a but will put a bullet in the other''s head.


    As they ascended the elevator, the four screens spit out their news. N54 News.


    "Hello, I''m Gillean Jordan and this is the news. Today in the four corners of Night City, attacks were reported on people dressed as clowns. These individuals took advantage of the crowds around them to create dramatic incidents, resulting in numerous deaths throughout the city. The authorities are asking everyone to postpone the presence of these individuals as quickly as possible, not to follow them or intervene, as these individuals are armed and dangerous..."


    -How did you find them? Bozos...


    -Happy to be in Night City. They''re gone to stay.


    Tubio pondered the implications. A new threat, one more he thought, before shrugging. Not his problem, maybe they''re just passing through.


    Tubio then noticed a small object hanging from Ruby''s back. A sort of metal button. He picked it up and threw it into the H2 hall on level 13, dropping it into the central hole of the tower...


    ******


    In an abandoned building in Pacifica, a curious band of clowns gathered on the floors of an abandoned hotel. Some in traditional costumes, others with combat vests, weapons and ammunition slung over their shoulders. A mixture of colors and deformed, exaggerated smiles could be found in every corner, accompanied by murmurs and sinister laughter...


    In the middle of one floor was a large hall with a double staircase leading to a balcony with a railing overhanging the room. On the balcony, a flamboyantly colored clown snapped his fingers. The lights went out, and he found himself under a single spotlight.


    -My friends! I''m glad you answered my call. Inauguration day went even better than we expected! So here''s the program, do what you want! May Night City be forever engraved with your name!


    ******


    -Just a moment. Tubio? Isn''t he dead?


    -No, he made a great night show at the Cocktail, look.


    He gave a shad of data containing the evening Tubio spent at the Green Cocktail.


    -You know we''re going to ask him to come for the clash.


    -... Yeah, we''ll invite him.


    -Are you sure?


    -What''s he gonna do? He''s just a kid, he''ll take the crumbs we give him like he''s always done.


    -You know boss, death... it changes a man.


    -Shut up, I''m the one doing the thinking here. This pussy has never lifted a finger. It''s not going to start today.


    ******


    A holo called Tubio as he and Ruby returned from the Crimson Spear. The car chase, the arrival of the Bozos, Tubio and Ruby needed to rest after a day like that. Tubio recognized the caller, one of the organizers of a club he used to frequent. He hesitated before answering. Then, after a long breath, he answered.


    -Tubio! Glad to have you, I knew you were alive. Listen, I''ve got something for you, you''ll love it.


    -My money?


    -Money?


    -The money you''ve owed me all this time, the 4000? Do you have it?


    -... Okay listen, I don''t have your money, you''ll have to see the boss about that, okay? Fredy doesn''t give a shit...


    -Well, neither do I. I want the money he owes me, I''m not doing a free show. Do you understand me?


    -Tubio, listen to me, damn it. There''s a clash in a few days, big crowd, big eddies. You feel me?


    -That''s it and half of it''s in your pocket, isn''t it? Flimsy excuses to take the winnings I should''ve had?


    -Tubio, you know I couldn''t do anything.


    -Yes, there was. Resign. Or keep my word for a change. But we know you''re too good at your job for that.


    -What do you want?


    -My money. Every last eurodollar. I''m sure your boss has it all invested, so he''ll be able to satisfy me.


    -You''ll have to talk it over with him...


    -Tell him to call me.


    As Tubio hung up, Ruby, who had been staring at Tubio in silence, caught his eye.


    -Eh? What''s going on?


    -If you could only get back some of your pride after being humiliated. But to do that, you''d have to do something really stressful, even dangerous. Would you do it?


    -It depends. Why would you do it?


    -I''ll explain later.


    A new holo arrived. From the "Boss".


    -Listen to me, you little prick. 10 000. That''s how much the winner of the next clash will get from me, on stage. Get your ass down here or don''t, but you won''t get an eddies if you don''t.


    Before hanging up. Tubio turned to Ruby.


    -That went well. But I''ve got him.


    -Care to explain?


    -An asshole who organizes events got in touch with me, and with his boss they''re pulling a, by my point of view, scam by inviting artists and refusing to pay them, well... at least me... They invite them to what they call the clash, where they pit them against each other with prizes. Guess who won last time.


    -You did? Are you serious?


    -Yeah, but the more I think about it, the more I think it was rigged - the guy in front of me was a thousand times more talented than me. Strangely enough, I''d been invited during the period when I was persona none grata. Guess what happened.


    -They refused to give you the money because no one was behind you.


    -Bingo. I didn''t get a penny of the 4,000 I was supposed to get, on the pretext that they didn''t help rapists. So I asked for the money he owed me as an advance for the next event, and as expected the bastard told me he''d give 10,000 eddies as a reward for the next winner.


    Ruby hissed in surprise.


    -So we''re going to win 10,000 eddies?


    -Nah, the clash runs on crowd-voting software, the crowd connects to a machine and the winner is the one with the most approval, but if it''s rigged like I think it is, he makes sure it''s always towards whoever he wants to win.


    -The bastard...


    -I''m gonna need to see that machine if I''m gonna win.


    -You want in?


    -I know it''s stupid, but after everything that''s happened, I''m sure I could win legally. And back then at the Green Cocktail... I was feeling good. See?


    Tubio and Ruby smiled as they thought back on the evening, standing on the precipice that was H2''s central hole, they discussed what they were going to do.


    Objective: make a thief cough up 10,000 eddies.


    ******


    Back at Elisabeth''s house, the two had spent a quiet night thinking about what they were going to do. With a heavy heart, Tubio went to the garage where his sister worked, hoping not to bump into her at the reception desk. Naturally, he was greeted with a frown. But after a brief chat with Kevin, the owner, he agreed to take a look at Bor¨¦ale. With his mouth wide open and his hand on his chin, he was clearly appalled by the state of the car. In his unfiltered voice, he looked at Tubio.


    -I don''t even understand how you got to the garage. Seriously, the whole body needs redoing. I haven''t looked at the dome, but judging by the shots it''s either disconnected or damaged beyond hope. And look at its wheels. SHIT! Of the four, 3 are flat. You must have skidded like a motherfucker on the turns.


    -I think that''s why the Wraiths targeted them.


    -You''re a lucky cuckold. I''ll give you that. But fuck, you know it ain''t gonna be free.


    -Give me an estimate and I''ll see.


    -Phew... The dome and the wheels already. You can''t drive without ''em. It''s gonna run you 4000-5000 to get it squared away at least.


    -Just for the basics?


    -It''s for the essentials. I''ll do the upgrade while I''m at it. The interior must have had some damage you can''t see under the hood. Have you looked at it or not?


    -Not since yesterday but nothing''s leaking.


    -Mm, ok good news at least, leave it with me for a few days and we''ll see what I can do. Do you want to see her?


    Tubio immediately recognized who he was talking about.


    -No, she''ll come when she wants to, not before.


    -All right, then. Nice to see you again, Tonio.


    -Thanks, Kevin.


    ******


    Ruby, for her part, decided to check out the club in question, where the clash would take place. Level 11 in a Latino club called Rosa Pulse. A blue neon rose in the front made her stand out from the crowd. Dressed discreetly, she walked in, hood up, observing the place.


    Ruby had called Ir¨¨ne to find out more and she had confirmed the place''s dubious reputation. Popular with the Latin population. The club was known for the contests it organized, but for the rest, it struggled to get a full house. Ruby entered to find a dark room with no music, a miserable bartender and three alcoholics.


    The room was large and low-ceilinged, with round podiums scattered around. Stripper podiums Ruby thought? The room didn''t smell right, but she decided to look around with her augmented eyes.


    Releasing a Ping, she connected to one of the room''s TVs. She quickly found the connection node guided by a data line leading into a back room.


    Tubio had explained to her how the clashes worked: challengers who want to challenges the champion, steps up to a podium and a theme is given, where they must perform improvised, unplanned songs or songs they have prepared in case of, winner by public vote among all challengers. Then, the next step. Try and beat the titleholder the same way face to face but with more resources. Except that the themes are chosen by the opponent.


    All this with "random" themes - easy, if you know the themes in advance. Tubio knew that the "Boss" wasn''t going to play fair. So he had invited Ruby to facilitate the cheating on Fredy''s side.


    Fredy, aka the Boss. Had a youth full of false glory with the Valentinos before being dumped for X or Y reasons. The fact is, he doesn''t brag about it too much. One wonders why...


    Tubio had thus convinced Ruby to highlight key words in the "random" theme system. Fredy was an asshole. And he was desperate to catch Tubio out so he wouldn''t have to pay him. It was obvious that the theme system, as well as the voting system, had already been used to sort out the participants in his little contest.


    A little push from Ruby and Tubio should do the trick when it came to the themes Fredy would choose for Tubio. And for the final part with the champion...You have to beat him. To beat him, you have to sing, rap, better than the other, how do you know? A simple vote by the people. At least if the machine works well. The winner''s spotlight stays on, the loser''s goes out.


    Challengers are forbidden to touch anything before the final clash - no access to lights or musicians. They must use the sounds they bring and the chrome or hardware they have on them. Some bring guitars, microphones, bass or other instruments, while others bring songs they''ve created themselves. Those who don''t will be given a random background beat.


    Against the champion, the challenger can ask for help from other musicians with access to sound or lights.


    Ruby had volunteered to go through the club''s data and set up their strategy. Who knows, maybe Fredy was just being honest with his contests...


    In addition to checking the contest variables, Ruby had another objective. She was interested in the Pulse connections. If this Fredy had been up to something for months or even years. He must have been peddling some of his money to the Valentinos to be left alone. Otherwise, he''d be out of business by now, with disgruntled artists and other incidents. This was Tubio''s biggest worry, that Fredy really did have the Valentinos'' backing.


    He didn''t want to embark on a personal vendetta against a gang leader without knowing it. So Ruby took it upon herself to search Fredy''s e-mails.


    Ruby followed Ping''s lines. Apart from the bartender, there was no one on staff. A false absence in the toilets and she was free to break into the magnetic door leading to the storeroom. A rectangular box on the wall marked the place''s connection node. She wasted no time in hacking into the data node, creating a new ping. This time, a clearer picture of all the systems in the club.


    Sorting quickly, she headed for what she guessed to be a desk. The width of one of the objects indicated the presence of a computer screen behind the wall. Another door, this time unlocked, and she found herself in an untidy office.


    Passing behind it, she looked for data shards or other physical information, but nothing.


    She forced herself onto the computer. Accessing messages.


    -SUBSCRIBE!


    Pass.


    -Alcohol delivery.


    Pass.


    -YOU WIN!


    Pass.


    -Bet.


    Stop.


    From: Joe.


    To: Fredy Ibirnaz.


    "Regarding the clash bets I have takers, I need names to prepare everything. We''ll do as usual, keep me posted."


    From: Fredy Ibernaz.


    To: Joe.


    "I''m finalizing the names. Watch out for the program, I want the return special for "Tubio", prepare the long run for the final failure. Still to confirm participation, strong possibility for the evening itself."


    From: Joe.


    To: Fredy Ibernaz


    "Ok It''s doable. Let me know, last deadline the day before for the others."


    Ruby understood the implied language, but it wasn''t anything concrete if she wanted to rub it in anyone''s face. Next.


    -Have a good time in good company.


    Pass.


    -Fredy, you''d better not miss.


    Oooh stop.


    From: Olie.


    To: Fredy Ibernaz.


    "You know why I''m sending you this message".


    From: Fredy Ibernaz


    To: Olie


    "I''m still on schedule".


    That was the end of the exchange. Ruby sat back in the chair. The messages were all useless stuff or didn''t go back far enough. The only two interesting ones had no substance. Ruby decided to pack up. Confirming that Fredy was betting on the clash confirmed Fredy''s interest in rigging clashes. The only question in the matter was who Olie was. But he seemed to be more Fredy''s problem than anything else. With no trace of affiliation with anyone.


    Closing the computer and erasing her tracks, Ruby had suspected that the guy wouldn''t leave anything obvious in a place like this. She hesitated to go and rob him at home, but changed her mind. The two clash machines and back home for tea. Ruby smiled at the thought.


    Returning to the main room, she realized a problem she hadn''t considered. The devices were either right in the middle of the room, high up, or in front of the counter, the only place the bartender could see... Shit.

 The crew

    Ruby took a breath. She wasn''t Cyclops, so smashing the faces of every customer present wasn''t the way to go. One thing at a time. The bar was almost empty and the bartender would have to leave sooner or later. No cameras anywhere, no time limit, just patience.


    Ruby still tried to access it remotely without success. If the devices had internal modifications to allow precise external access. She had to get her hands inside to be sure. If only she had her legs she''d just need the impulse. No matter how much Ruby looked around, she couldn''t find any way to speed up her objectives, and that was infuriating.


    Then she saw an opportunity. One of the alcoholics went to relieve himself. Why was this an opportunity? Ruby could follow inside.


    After watching him stagger along, the man stood at the urinal. Passing behind him in silence. Ruby would give him a big kick with her foot, throwing him off balance before grabbing the man''s head and putting her arm around his throat. She''d then go to the bartender and tell him he had an unconscious guy in his loo...


    And then Ruby remembered that the guy might wake up if she didn''t go hard enough, that the bartender might come back at any moment while she was working, not to mention the other customers. So she watched the drunk guy disappear into the bathroom.


    Ruby realized that Cyclops would have used Court Circuit on all the customers one after the other, shut the front door and worked while the bodies of moaning people would have been at her feet. If she didn''t stay a little longer to torture the bartender for info on Fredy.


    Ruby was full of imagination, but reality was much more complex than fantasy. She had to get the job done without drawing attention. On herself and her goals.


    No stress. No need to do that today either. Leaving without a word, Ruby left the Rosa Pulse behind, for the time being.


    *****


    Tubio had a slight personal conflict about competing at the Pulse, but Ruby was so enthusiastic about him. He had to prove to her that he could do it, even if he wanted to prove it to himself. He didn''t want to disappoint her and had to work out songs and combinations, sequences of music according to themes. He began to have doubts. He''d spent months sleeping in a car in a locked room, writing and imagining songs. The clash would be the real test.


    As he prepared, he received a call from Ferak. He opened the holo.


    -Tubio, are you available? It''s now or never.


    Tubio got up from his seat.


    -Tell me.


    -You''ll have to have a strong stomach. It''s about our client. She''s ordered a new contract... This time, there''ll be deaths. Do you have the balls?


    -Fire.


    -I''ll send you the info. Go to the address, you''ll find a team. The leader will be a choom named Pat. You''ll do everything he says for this assignment. He''s been hired personally by the client, but you''ll work with my informations.


    -How many of us are there?


    -A small team. The client wants reliable, discreet people. You''re in because she wants you to be. Understand? This isn''t the kind of mission I''d send chromeless chooms.


    -Okay, how much time do I have?


    -Now. Yes or no?


    -Yes.


    Tubio received the data transfer.


    -Don''t die Tubio.


    Ferak hung up, the address was one of the hangars in Watson''s industrial zone. Tubio went through his belongings. Took some weapons from a bag. Mr. Gory''s pump-action shotgun, the machine gun of the bully who''d tried to shake him down, his Unity and Overture. He took his mask, drugs and relaxants. Bor¨¦ale was out of the picture. Fortunately, he hadn''t sold his motorcycle yet.


    He was about to leave when Ruby appeared between him and the door. She gave him a hug.


    -Ferak''s job. I''ll tell you all about it.


    -Take care.


    -I will.


    -Call me when the job''s done. Or if it gets out of hand, okay?


    A kiss and she let him go. Her mother saw him leave but did nothing. When the door closed, Ruby went to her. Elizabeth smiled, inviting her to sit down.


    -I just want him to be okay.


    -Soon...


    Elizabeth didn''t know what to say. She knew that merc''s work was not without risk and that Ruby wanted to protect him or at least be by his side. Not knowing the state of her loved ones could be horrible. She knew that.


    *****


    Tubio did not even wait to put on his mask. He could already feel the adrenaline rising in him. The elevator had not yet arrived that he was already wondering what the mission was going to be, avenged the husband? He was going to set up a vendetta?


    When he reached the ground, he abandoned H2 and made his way between the alleys to pass a road leading up to his garage unit. he heard cries of distress in an adjacent alley. Turning towards the origin, two Valentinos, one with a rifle on his shoulder, the other smoking, stared at him from the alley corner. All three looked at each other for several seconds before the smoking guy pulled out a revolver and Tubio opened his jacket to show him his weapons. To which the Valentino''s smiled before wagging their middle fingers at him and passing the corner of the storage warehouses.


    Not being in front of his garage, Tubio decided to get his ass in gear before his new friends returned. Running to open his garage, he got on his motorcycle before checking one last time that he hadn''t forgotten anything. He got out without starting the engine, closing everything up as quickly as possible.


    Then he pushed the bike in front of another unit. Then he started off, pulling up in front of another warehouse in the opposite row, just as the two Valentinos and three other people arrived. They could only watch Tubio set sail.


    Tubio continued on his way, although his route was interrupted by a drive-by shooting at a red light. He drove along the seafront, climbing onto the expressway after passing through Heywood and City Center.


    He took the main roads, not worrying about traffic. His thoughts would have been complicated under normal circumstances. But as he''d practiced. Once the mask was on Antonio was no more. He''s Tubio. He didn''t know what to expect or who he''d be working with. He didn''t want to get flatlined for doing his job. Antonio might have begun to have doubts about his choices, but Tubio carried on anyway.


    Even though it was daylight. The sky was obscured by clouds of dust from the desert. A sinister orange color. All this dust would soon be washed away by the rain, but for now Tubio had to navigate in this weather on the back of his motorcycle. It looked like an apocalypse.


    Tubio continued in the direction of the address. Passing over Little China, he got off the expressway to enter Northside more easily. Soon on the back of his Apollo, he arrived in Watson''s familiar neighborhoods, where dumpster fires and other squalor were commonplace. Where in neighborhoods like Heywood it was possible to come across hostile people, here anyone could be hostile at any moment. Even with a smile on his face. Tubio continued on to Longshore before turning towards one of the many half-abandoned, half-squatted warehouses.


    But the coordinates didn''t stop there, as he passed between the two buildings to continue along a stretch of road on the other side. Arriving at a building where the structure consisted only of a central building with six open garage doors, or rather no doors at all. A mound of carcasses in one corner, tires in the other and the wind in the rest.


    Tubio stopped in the street. Doing a 360¡ã, he looked around to see if anyone was there, but no one was. He continued on. He circled once, twice. Spotting the various entrances and exits. The weather was miserable and visibility horrible, even with the mask he wore to filter the air and improve his vision. Once again, he regretted not having been able to get rid of the Wraiths without doing too much damage to Bor¨¦ale.


    Finding no one, he went into the hangar and set the Apollo down against the scrap heap. Checking the news, he was on time, if not slightly ahead of schedule. He lingered on Pat. His contact was in the news, so Tubio decided to call him just as the time was passing. No one was on the premises. He called by holo and was answered.


    -Pat. It''s Tubio, I''m at the rendezvous point.


    -Okay, 5 minutes, a van, get in it with your gear.


    He hung up. Tubio grabbed his gear and laid the bike flat on the ground, covering it with a large piece of metal that had once been the roof of a car. He waited, as the wind blew, for the bushes that had grown into the building to sway in the wind. Light reflected off the walls and through the window panes above the garage doors. Tubio was glad to have his mask over his face. He waited, no one hanging around. Contemplating the distance from which he could see, he finally heard something above the gathering storm.


    As promised, a black van arrived, slowing down in front of the garage as a head peered out of the window. The rear door slid open and Tubio recognized Pat''s face. Without comment, he climbed aboard.


    The door closed and Tubio could see 3 other people on board. Pat, a big guy in a combat uniform ready for battle and another guy with modified hands in a big yellow and black raincoat.


    The group was silent in the back of the van, and without a seat Tubio went to sit next to the guy in the raincoat.


    As they were tossed about, Tubio watched Pat, the tall man with a salt-and-pepper beard, his hair pulled back, wearing a kind of biker suit with arm protectors.


    The journey wasn''t long. After a few minutes, the sound of a garage door opening let him know that they were heading indoors. The van stopped and the doors opened, and Pat invited the passengers to get out. Tubio, bag on his back, looked around and found himself in a large garage. The first thing he did was to take note of the size of the place and the nearest emergency exits. Other people were already there, and the group joined them around a table, chairs and sofa in what was a simple garage, albeit one capable of accommodating their group.


    In all, there were 11 of them, including Tubio. 8 men and 3 women.


    Pat called everyone together and made introductions. But especially to the new arrivals.


    -Good afternoon. If you''re here, it''s because you''ve accepted the mission I''m about to propose. If you want to leave, now is the time.


    Silence.


    -Perfect. Let me introduce myself, Pat. I''ve been asked to make sure the mission runs smoothly. To my left is Wang.


    Tubio could see the guy. He was a cross between a Tiger Claw gangster and an Animals brute. He simply looked at the people around him.


    -Next to him, Samir will be our technician on the field.


    He was the guy with the hand modifications. This guy looked like a regular guy, with a blue pendant device and headphones connected by an iron branch from ear to ear, passing through his nose.


    -The guy in the hood is S4nd0t, he''ll be our netrunner.


    This guy''s lower face was covered by a mask, and his eyes were rimmed and tired. He seemed to have abused a few too many drugs. Pointing to the next person, Pat continued.


    -The big one ready to go to war is Clash.


    Tubio could only agree with the description, Clash was as huge as Pat and Wang with combat clothes, a protective vest with ammunition, a heavy rifle on his back and a full face mask covering his head. The latter just raised his arm in greeting.


    -The well-dressed one is Donovan.


    Pat pointed to a guy totally out of his element. He looked like Tubio when he arrived in the Maelstrom. Glasses and a long ponytail with purple hair. All in clothes too good for the situation. Tubio felt as if he were dealing with someone''s rich son. Rather than someone from the streets.


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    -He''ll be our medic. As for the scruffy guy, that''s Malik.


    The guy looked like a homeless man, by far the oldest. A big brown and gray beard with long hair coming out of a turban around his head. He was smoking a cigar, sitting on the table. He was the most relaxed of the people present.


    -And lastly, on the men''s side, here''s Tubio, the one who made this contract possible.


    Tubio simply nodded, no need to make a fuss.


    -As for the three women present, in order we have Aria, Clem and Janissa.


    Wow, Hold up. Tubio turned to Janissa. Squinting his eyes, she was looking at him too. She was nothing like the Janissa he knew. For a start, she no longer had her chrome third eye, plus her augments had been replaced, or rather removed. Her clothes, though similar to what she was used to wearing, showed just a hint of her skin. With her jacket closed it was complicated to see but. It looked as if she''d never had chrome, some scars were visible but... Nah, it couldn''t be her. Lowering her glasses, she smiled at him before winking. Shit... it''s her.


    Pat, totally unaware of Tubio''s reaction, got straight to the point.


    -As I said, you''ve been contacted because this job requires discretion. Once the assignment is completed, you are not to discuss this matter with anyone. My client is aware of the possibility of a scandal, so I''m going to transfer a non-disclosure contract to you. Accept or withdraw.


    Pat transfers the data as some members of the group sigh in exasperation. Notably D0t and Malik, who shook their heads at Pat''s insistence on this contract.


    Tubio read the pamphlet. It was clearly a contract stipulating that no one was to know what he had undertaken with the band.


    Long story short. If Tubio or any other member of the group shouted from the rooftops what they had done. Pat had the legal right to come after them to recover all their organs, chromed or not, to pay back the money his boss would possibly lose in a possible scandal.


    It only took a moment, but as the contract was short, Tubio saw everyone''s eyes light up, accepting or refusing the contract. Tubio accepted.


    -Glad to see you''ve all accepted. Let''s get down to business.


    Pat walked over to the table, pressed a button and holographic images appeared. Tubio recognized the man he''d found at the Barely Illegal spot.


    -Tubio over here on information provided by a source to find this man, our client''s husband. Mr.Tubiki Gong. The latter was found in a place known for prostitution. Child prostitution...


    Tubio didn''t know. At all. The girl they''d picked up was old enough to pass for an adult. At no time could he have known. Glad to have his mask over his face, he remained silent as some looked at him.


    -... In addition to Mr.Gong. Tubio found the bodies of several Maelstroms personnel, plus one survivor. The latter had locked herself in and was half-dead. Fortunately, we recovered and treated her.


    A new photo appeared and Tubio was categorical: it wasn''t the girl.


    -Thanks to her, we had an idea of why Mr.Gong was there. Meet his daughter, the daughter of our client Yumi Gong. Having run away almost several months ago now. Our client had no idea where she could be. I''ll let you make the connection with our situation. Yumi was present the night Mr. Gong died. And is undoubtedly the primary reason for the conflict that led to his death.


    The group around the table was silent. As everyone took in the informations displayed and distributed. Then S4nd0t spoke up. Through his mask, he sounded like Ruby. A metallic, but masculine voice, but more tired than ever.


    -Thanks to the girl, we found the building where they keep the girls. Malik here was our scout. But for the rest, we needed more hands.


    One of the girls, Aria, asked Pat for details.


    -How many potential enemies are we talking about? Is it an extraction mission or...?


    -Extraction, the girl is the ultimate priority. For the rest, if other girls are present... aim carefully.


    Dot took the liberty of intervening, clearing her throat.


    -We have... just one little problem. We don''t know if she''s really inside. We don''t know the exact number. The girl just told us which building she was sequestered in. There are several exits, many comings and goings, and garages with roller shutters that block the view. No cameras or unnecessary angles. But I''ve had it all, guys in suits as well as dappers. Who''s important and who''s not. That''s for Malik to explain.


    Malik, who had finished his cigar, turned to the group.


    -From what I''ve seen, I''d say Scavenger, Maelstrom and Tiger Claws. In that order for their involvement, I think I even saw some nomads. Or I''ll reverse the order.


    -What Malik is trying to say is that we have an amalgam of groups.


    -Yes and no. I asked around while you and Dot were looking at the cameras and other accesses. I investigated our chooms.


    New information was distributed. In it, several profiles of people. Each more detestable than the last.


    -The bottom of the barrel, at every level. Traitors, murderers, human traffickers, it wasn''t pedophile prostitution that was going to scare them. They''ve got much bigger problems on their hands. Almost every one of their heads is worth a few eddies.


    Wang, who had been silent until then, asked a question.


    -Concerning them. Are we taking prisoners, or does the customer want to clean up?


    -Preferably, she''d like them all to die, which wouldn''t be a great loss to the world, but we''ll probably need an informant on the inside. If Yumi''s been moved, we don''t want to be at a dead end. Any further questions?


    The other girl, Clem, still asked an important question.


    -We know what we have to do for our enemies. What do we do if we find other hostages... other girls.


    -As I said, I''ll leave that up to you. We only want Yumi, so if the others are safe, great, if they die... It won''t affect your bonus. Yumi will.


    Wang turned to Pat.


    -When do we start?


    ******


    Teams were quickly formed with roles assigned. From assault group to support group.


    The assault group included Pat, Clash, Wang, Samir, with Malik acting as driver in the first vehicle.


    S4nd0t was everyone''s connection.


    The second vehicle was the support vehicle. Tubio, Aria, Janissa, Clem and Donovan


    Tubio found himself with the womens and the doctor, Pat had the last word on groups and Tubio knew that when faced with a mountain of muscle like Clash and Wang. The choice was quickly made when it came to kicking down a door.


    Tubio would act as driver and backup after the fight or if it got out of hand. The girls and Donovan at the rear for the wounded and to deal with any runaways. How can I say that the atmosphere in the back of the van was, oddly, flirty?


    -Sooo, do you often work with mercs or do you do this for the thrill?


    -Since when did you start practicing?


    -Uh... No, I...


    Sandwiched between the two girls, Donovan was surrounded by the two femme fatales, the conversation in the back more an assessment for a possible date than a strategic discussion. Even if the two women just seemed to take a malicious pleasure in teasing the poor guy.


    Janissa was next to Tubio as they set off for their first destination. Several locations had been scouted by Malik and D0t, and Pat wanted to hit a small spot to start with, work the team to see what his group''s capabilities were, as well as gather more information if possible.


    The ride was regulated by laughter and discussion in the back. Janissa was fixated on Tubio. She said nothing, but the mere fact of being observed by her made him uneasy. Sitting in the passenger seat, she had opened her jacket to give him a small peak at her cleavage. He knew it was to get a reaction from him. She wouldn''t get it. Tubio drove unbothered trought the orange clouds to their destination.


    Continuing on Watson Tubio and the group arrived at the Arasaka waterfront. A clean-cut building was the target. Not the kind of place Tubio expected to find a group of slavers. Signal to D0t that they were in place. The latter confirmed the target before hanging up.


    Finally relaxing a little, he eased back into the seat. Janissa decided to take this moment to speak to him.


    -Tubioooo, I missed you, you know? Don''t tell me you don''t recognize me?


    -Of course, Janissa. But maybe you didn''t want me to say it.


    -Roooh, always thinking of others I see, but you mustn''t worry about me, you know... You''ve let your hair grow? It suits you.


    She reached out and took a lock of Tubio''s hair. He''d let it grow since their last meeting. Tubio didn''t try to dodge. Janissa had always been like that. But Tubio also knew he didn''t want her to imagine things and knew how to cut short the conversation.


    -You''ve removed your chrome...


    Janissa stopped playing with his hair and withdrew her hand, letting out an exasperated sigh as she turned forward.


    -You know what? I prefer you silent.


    -Mm...


    -I was out of money.


    -...?


    -I was gonna end up homeless, drugged out and crazy. So I made a choice. A small loss so I wouldn''t end up like every other broken-down addict on Northside. It was only chrome...


    Only chrome!? Tubio shocked, turned to her and her face said otherwise.


    Janissa, the drugged, the unpredictable, the violent and obsessive. She ran her hand over her forehead where her third eye had been, clearly having to sell her chrome had taken its toll. In the past, she would have laughed out loud, spouting some tall tale. But now, gone were the hyperactivity, the mood swings, Tubio saw her... calmer, gone were the sudden, rapid movements, the useless external implants, the lack of attention, the red eyes, the marks on her body.


    If Janissa had been beautiful from the Maelstrom''s point of view, now she was stunning, her purple hair in a ponytail while a large strand was up. Glasses off, she had a beautiful face to match her body. The scar from where had been her 3rd eye was practically invisible.


    -Are you going to reinstall the chrome in question?


    -And become a cyberpsycho? Are you nuts? No, today I think I''ve found my balance between chrome and substance, if you know what I mean. That''s why I don''t hang out with Maelstrom anymore... But tell me. It''s been ages since you''ve been to Totentanz or another Maelstrom spot. Long before me...


    -I''m back home. Business to attend to, debts I was owed. Responsibilities I''d run away from before entering the Maelstrom.


    -... How did it go?


    -It''s complicated.


    -Don''t you want to talk about it?


    -Frankly, no... too fresh... So, the Maelstrom. You''re the first contact I''ve had with the latter since our last conversation.


    -Oh... I''m not part of the Maelstrom any more either, you know... After Gaton died and... well, the purge. I was a wreck, an alcoholic, a drug addict, on the verge of collapse. I could feel myself slipping away, and no one was there to help me. Aria... found me and I got back on my feet. So you can tell me anything, our conversation won''t leave my ears.


    -...Sorry.


    -Mm? For what?


    -For not helping you.


    To which Janissa burst out laughing. Catching her breath, she exclaimed.


    -God, you''re so cute, if you still had your cheeks I''d have pulled them for you. I''m no princess Tubio, I don''t have to be on your conscience. I''ve been able to take care of myself since I was 9. Phew...


    Aria heard the commotion and put her arms around Janissa''s shoulders, looking at Tubio with a smile.


    -What''s going on, babe? A funny story?


    -Aria, I''d like you to meet a friend of mine. Tubio. We were part of the same group in the Maelstrom before he took off. He''s just too cute for this world.


    Aria was another beautiful woman, black hair pulled into a chinion on top of her head, sharp features, a little black jacket with blue neon highlights, she was very attractive. That and the fact that underneath she had only a kind of top holding her chest with a more than revealing cleavage. And nothing to cover her belly.


    Tubio wondered how all those girls could walk around like that without feeling cold, then thought again that all it took was some chrome to forget about this problem forever. Aria smiled as she looked at Janissa, Tubio knew that look, Janissa had had the same one for Ruby when she was Cyclops.


    -Nice to meet you, it''s rare for Janis to get along with people.


    -Tubio is a sweetheart. A true gentleman.


    -Always more compliments, I''m curious to know what''s under that mask now...


    -It''s not a mask...


    Janissa began to speak, then squinted at Tubio, who was smiling with all his teeth behind his mask. As the realization dawned on Janissa, Tubio raised his hand to his mask, unclipping it slightly from his face before hanging it back on his face without showing his face. Janissa found herself speechless, realizing that Tubio had never had an implant made. She took her face in her hands.


    -Ooooh, I''m sooo dumb... Oh.


    -You didn''t know?


    -Yeah! I was so crazy back then, I would have done all kinds of things to you if you didn''t do that. Oh my god! Everything makes sense now! I''m so sorry.


    -Well Tubio you clearly fooled her well.


    -It was not my idea to be fair and not for you specially. I just said nothing about it and people assumed things. Only, what, 5-10 people knew?


    -I''m so dumb.Tell me that at least Spike didn''t know...


    -No he didn''t.


    Aria was smiling and Tubio too, clearly Janissa was in good hands now. She seemed much saner than before.


    Aria looked at him then, as she looked at Janissa. Putting a kiss on Janissa¡¯s head to draw her attention, she lowered her hands along her body, opening Janissa¡¯s jacket even more to reveal her body as little clothed as Aria to Tubio. Placing her head next to her companion to speak in her ear, they both looked at Tubio.


    -Sooo¡­ Janis¡­ tell me, what under the mask¡­


    Janissa bit her lip, raising a hand to caress Aria¡¯s face as they both looked at Tubio¡¯s smile.


    -Two words, Our type.


    Tubio was once again targeted by Janissa''s desire. But now there were two of them. Tubio was frozen, three seconds passed before Aria started laughing.


    -Damn babe, I think we shocked him.


    -Nah, Tubio''s just like that.


    Tubio tried to keep his voice serious in front of the teasing of the two women in front of him.


    -I just don''t think it''s the right time to flirt with two such beautiful women. Even if the offer is hard to refuse in front of you. I don¡¯t look like it, but I¡¯m blushing up to my ears.


    Aria found herself speechless, shocked by Tubio''s lack of reaction. Then Janissa started laughing.


    -Wow, I think it¡¯s the first time we¡¯ve both been sent into the roses in such an elegant way.


    -I told you, he¡®s still the same, a true gentleman.


    Tubio was reluctant to say so, but keeping his cool about such a proposition had nothing to do with being a gentleman. He had nothing against Janissa or even Aria. They were two beautiful women and at one point he would have said yes with his eyes closed. But¡­ One, Janissa scared him¡­ she still does. Two, he doesn''t know Aria. Three, a threesome on the first date? A missed opportunity? Nah, too good to be true, there''s got to be something. Four, it¡¯s probably a joke. Five, Ruby.


    So many reasons to keep your head on your shoulders and not to think with your dick. Fortunately for him, the other team had finally arrived on the scene. S4nd0t contacted the team synchronizing their communications.


    -Can you all hear me? Rock''n roll.

 The wait

    Why did he take this job? Simple revenge would have been better than this quagmire. Here he was with a team of weaklings to shake up a nest of troubles.


    He thought back over the files of the people who had been forced upon him. He looked at his group an ex-Militec member, a match-fixing thug, a 50-year-old ex-cop and his favorite, an air-conditioning installer.


    Pat was still reluctant, thinking to back down.


    He didn''t even want to think about the others. A rookie doctor, 2 women with non-existent careers in the business and two ex-members of one of Night City''s most dangerous gangs. No doubt mixed into the mix by a third party to stab them in the back or gather information. Or to confirm that the contract had been carried out. Did his boss trust him that little?


    At least he''d worked with S4nd0t before. Malik had been an asset in the search for intelligence. As for the others... Clash needed money, so he wouldn''t ask questions, and his experience with Militec was a plus...


    His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of brakes.


    Groups done, they headed for the first target of the day. The building was a garage as big as their hideout for this contract. Pat could already smell trouble. Already preparing for casualties and a firefight. D0t spoke to him via holo. Pat approved the start of the mission.


    -Can you all hear me? Rock''n roll.


    No sooner had he said these words than someone emerged from the building. Pat''s voice echoed through the holo.


    -Stop.


    A man of small stature with a visual modifier lit on his face walked away from the building towards the other team''s van. The streets were deserted due to the clouds of sand thrown up by the winds, in addition to their location in the city. Tubio''s voice echoed through the conversation. Weird guy, shady, but from Maelstrom. Could be useful.


    -Pat, should we take care of him?


    Pat looked at the guy and then at their van. Malik was in the driver''s seat next to him, both with a perfect if orangey view of the situation.


    -Alive, if you can¡­


    -Okay, I''ll grab the iron.


    What?


    Pat looked like Malik at the other moving van. The guy, noticing nothing, moved closer and then passed by the van. At the same time Tubio discreetly exited the opposite sliding door, went around to the front and passed behind the guy''s back. Janissa came out of the rear doors, bringing the man to a halt.


    Taking advantage of the distraction. Tubio came up behind him with the tire iron, swung and hit the guy in the knee, knocking him to the ground. Janissa, pistol in hand, came out from behind the van and aimed at the guy''s head. Gun between the eyes. Making him understand that if he moved he was dead. The sliding door where the guy was opened and Tubio lifted the guy to throw him into the van with the help of the others pulling him inside. Janissa climbed aboard, gun still at the ready, while Tubio climbed into the driver''s seat as if nothing had happened.


    The van became motionless and totally enclosed again.


    Maelstrom goons may be mad, but at least they''re efficient. Pat was moderately impressed by the fluidity with which the kidnapping had taken place. Janissa had caught his eye, a Maelstrom woman with two other affiliates. the best deal he could pick from the mediocre members to recruit in the poll given. Even Malik next to him couldn''t help but nod and let out a.


    -Neat.


    Pat remained professional, they had an inside man. By holo he asked.


    -I want the number of people, a safe entrance and his name. Explain to him that if he doesn''t he''ll die and if we get ambushed he''ll die slowly.


    The van in front of them shook only a moment before stopping. Janissa''s voice rang out.


    -5. The door he came out of and our new friend''s name is Dave.


    Pat looked at Malik, who had just lit himself a cigar. He wasn''t going to get involved. Turning to the back, Pat gave the signal and the group quickly exited. Each of them had a way of hiding their identity, from a traditional demon mask for Wang to a face boiler for the rest of the team. The plan was simple, and was all about fishing for information. Leading the charge, he and Clash prepared to enter. Once they were all around the door, they entered as quickly as possible. Only to find a semblance of an empty waiting room. Music could be heard further into the garage as Clash and his heavy machine gun took up position to fire at anyone who came their way. They had entered the office part of the building.


    </a>


    The building was clearly squatted by the group, broken glass, leftover food, papers on the floor, tags on the walls, broken screens and dangling cable, while cracks and bullet holes marred the walls. Whether it was this group or another, the place had been taken over by something other than a car company.


    Wang, armed with a submachine gun and katana, followed Pat''s orders to go upstairs and check for other enemies. Pat had seen one of his matches. The augmentations in his body were almost on a par with his own. The fact that Wang hadn''t joined the Tiger Claws despite his parents'' affiliation was odd. But not uncommon to worry about.


    Samir, on the other hand, immediately set off for his own goal. Pat had hesitated for a very long time about hiring Samir. A black-market Tinkerer turned legal. Never good if moral issues came up. Hoping he wouldn''t decide to do something stupid, it had been a calculated risk.


    Going back to the mission, Pat counted in his head 5. The objective now was to secure the information Malik and Dot had gathered since the start of their investigations and eliminate any branches that might have links.


    In the lobby was a window revealing the garage, where several cars were being dismantled. Clash, motionless and poised with his heavy weapon, was ready to shoot anyone who showed up.


    Through the holo Wang called Pat upstairs. Pat was pleased with the team''s silence over communications. Maybe they were going to carry out this mission to success.


    Going upstairs, Pat listened as Wang described an office with 3 people, obviously deep in discussion. No weapons except a small caliber.


    Joining Wang, he and Pat waited only a moment to go through the door once Pat had seen the room.


    -Strong and fast.


    Getting inside, Wang immediately pointed at the guy sitting on the sofa closest to the gun, who froze in place at gunpoint. Pat had entered quietly behind him, his rifle on the richly dressed man. The message had to be clear on both sides. They were in charge. A woman beside them was counting bills on a table, while the man Dot had spotted as the boss kept his hands behind his back. Pat suspected he had a gun ready, so he raised his rifle at him.


    -Banon? I presume?


    -Who''s asking?


    -Nobody. Just his future partner. You see, we were engaged in regard to a certain traffic in human beings...


    The man called Banon had a shaved head, several tattoos mixed with chrome plates. He''d kept his cool at the accusation, but the girl next to him was more expressive. Clearly, she was panicked.


    -What''s that got to do with me?


    -We''ve been ordered to "take care" of the situation... But... We may have some holes in our infos. So I''m willing to do some bargaining. You give us information and we will let you and your guys live. But I''m not ungrateful, and we''ll pay you a lot of money.


    -You come in here on your high horse and you think we''re going to let you get away with it?


    -That''s up to you. Whether it''s your two friends in the workshop, or poor Dave...


    Pat knew he''d hit the nail on the head, and the silence was heavy as Wang retrieved the revolver from the table before stepping back. No one moved.


    -Is he alive?


    -Dave? Of course, we''ll torture him if that''s the best we can do.


    The threat was implicit. If you don''t give us something... Banon pulled his hands from behind his back in a gesture of appeasement.


    -Me and my boys have nothing to do with their traffic, we''ve decided to get the hell out.


    Aka. Now that we''ve been burned, we''re going to minimize our involvement BEFORE setting sail.


    -I want all the details. Before my boys downstairs kill the two guys in your shop.


    -Only if my guys are alive. That includes Dave.


    -Ah! I''ll make sure he''s still alive...


    -Janissa?


    -He was kicking up a fuss, but Donovan gave him a tranquilizer.


    -He''s out.


    -He''s knocked out, but we can work something out.


    -He''s got to be alive.


    -And I just said he was. Now, the next time you try to stall me, I''ll kill your secretary. Do you understand me?


    -Cristal.


    ******


    The face-to-face meeting was intense. Cross-referencing data with what they had already gathered, and eliminating certain leads and locations. They had almost everything they could hope for in this kind of situation. Anyway, anything more than that would be strange.


    Meanwhile Tubio had moved the vehicle on Pat''s orders. Approaching the entrance, Aria and Janissa grabbed Dave''s body, which was asleep. Pulling him out of the van, they passed Samir, who had finished on his side and opened the door for them. The girls dragged him towards the stairs when Clash stopped them. Indicating that he would take care of it. Clash lifted the man from the floor.


    Clash came in with Dave on his shoulder, placing him gently on the sofa. Banon, with his two allies, looked at each other in silence, then nodded. Then he asked Pat what was wrong.


    -Nothing, he''s just knocked out. But are you sure you haven''t forgotten to tell me? If we have to come back, we won''t argue.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    Silence is golden and Banon shook his head silently as Wang and Pat left. In a coordinated fashion, the two teams climbed back into the car. Before heading for the hideout.


    Samir, on the other hand, was in the back of the first vehicle with various screens. Malik did his best not to make any big movements on the road, while Samir connected to the internal cameras in Banon''s office and displayed them on a screen in the wall of the van. This is what he was doing while Pat and the others dealt with the hostage situation.


    *****


    Samir, Pat and Clash watched attentively as the images arrived quickly followed by the sound. They saw that two other people had just joined Banon and his secretary, while the bodyguard who had been taken hostage was back in the room.


    -No trace, they''re really gone.


    -Wake up Dave.


    The two new arrivals could only stare at the scene, full of questions.


    -What''s going on?


    -We just got robbed is what''s going on. We''re gonna be out of Night City for a long time. Unless you''ve got a death wish...


    -No, boss.


    The bodyguard began slapping Dave on the sofa to wake him up, while the secretary retrieved papers and other documents from a screen downloading one shard after another.


    -And Dave?


    -They caught him outside and used him.


    Dave finally seemed to emerge after a can of Nicola emptied into his face, and even then, he was groggy.


    -Wake up!


    -Boss?


    -Bravo, you remember what''s important. Now you''re going to tell me what you told them.


    -Nothing boss, nothing at all.


    -Are you sure?


    -They ambushed me, told me they knew who we were. But I said nothing.


    The boss seemed to think. He reached behind his back... picked up his revolver and...


    Bang!


    Dave''s corpse slumped on the sofa, shot through the head to general indifference.


    -We can''t trust him. I''ll call Huggy for the girls. If they''ve found us, it''s only a matter of time before they come down on them.


    *****


    -D0t you get his holo?


    -No, I''m not Bartmoss.


    -Okay.


    Nodding to Clash, the latter squeezed his hand, in it a detonator. On the screen behind Dave''s corpse, under his clothes, a beep sounded through the speakers. In an instant, the cameras on the first floor were deactivated, while the others shook, dust and other debris falling into the images on the ground floor.


    Pat continued his discussion with D0t.


    -Huggy?


    -I''ve got it, we''ve spotted it and we''ve got it on our intel, but not the intel Banon gave us.


    -Okay, a 90% chance then. We go to the safe house, rearm and prepare for the next assault... Also. Check with the images from the last cameras... If, we have to go back to see Banon.


    *****


    The vehicles returned to the hideout, and once everyone was back. Pat called out to those present.


    -Get some rest, we''ll be leaving soon. I think we''ve found our final destination. With a bit of luck, it''ll all be over tonight.


    Separating into small groups, Donovan had Clem on his arm. Facing Tubio and Janissa, she pointed at them both in turn before addressing Janissa.


    -Okay, how did you do that? And don''t tell me it''s fate, your soul mate or some crap like that.


    -Tubio? We go waaaaaaay back. He''s not much of a talker, gentlemen, but a real showman at a party. With him, you''d think you were at Totentanz at night. He and I are friends.


    -Friends?


    Tubio could feel the adrenalin going down, it wasn''t the first time he''d done this, but he needed his dose to give him courage. Calming himself and keeping silent, he looked at the scene and could clearly see that Janissa loved to tease Clem. Clem was a girl with purple-tinted black hair and a serious look in her eyes. She had a sort of raincoat that opened like Janissa and Aria, was obviously too serious for Janissa and seemed to love Clem''s frustration.


    Clem looked confused, while Aria shrugged. Donovan, not letting himself be taken aback, turned to Tubio.


    -How did you two meet?


    -A shootout when we were in the Maelstrom.


    To which Donovan paled slightly. Well, Tubio should have known. Monsieur probably isn''t used to dealing with gangs. And then Tubio realized that he wasn''t in a position to open his mouth on the subject, since he had to dope to get into the action. So he held out his hand to Donovan.


    -Tubio, nice to meet you.


    -Donovan Tuki...


    -No name... we''re going to work together, but don''t give your name to strangers, you never know who you might run into.


    Donovan was about to say something, but Janissa and Clem nodded in agreement.


    Aria, who had witnessed the scene, turned to Tubio.


    -Tell me Tubio, what do you do as a mercenary? Transport, theft, scouting... Murder?


    Donovan''s eyes widened at the question. Tubio was perfectly calm, which surprised himself.


    -A bit of everything, but nothing extreme if I can avoid it.


    -... Cool. What did you take this job for?


    -The money.


    -Mm, do you have backup or are you Solo?


    -Solo...


    -Okay. I wanted to wait, but after what I just saw, I''d like to propose an association. You see, my friends and I have decided to form a small group. You know... with the Bozos back in town and all, there''s going to be a new demand for protection. New groups to guarantee security. We''d like a piece of the action.


    -A new gang?


    -No, it''s just a few people with us to make sure we''re safe in our neighborhood.


    Tubio pondered, this was clearly a new gang in the making. But... too late, he wasn''t interested. He wouldn''t consider joining a new gang.


    -Sorry, but this kind of thing takes some thinking. Let''s finish this mission and talk over a meal.


    Aria looked at him for a moment with a smile on her face before nodding.


    -Okay. A dinner then... Ok I''m joking. But yeah, I caught you cold, I should have expected that response. Take your time for the answer.


    Aria was interesting. Smiling with a humor very similar to Ruby''s. But... Tubio could sense something. He didn''t know what, but he knew it was best to keep his distance. In a way, she gave off the same aura as Janissa had when they''d met at the Maelstrom.


    Changing the subject, the group sat down on the sofas around the table. Pat had gone upstairs to a room where D0t was connected to the net.


    Clash was servicing his weapon, Wang had taken some food out of his bag to eat in his corner. Samir was calling someone via holo and Malik was smoking. The only ones chatting were Janissa and Aria. Trying to make conversation with Donovan and liven things up.


    Tubio went over to the table with the information. He had overheard Pat and S4nd0t''s holo chat and started looking for Huggy. There.


    Pimp working in the neighborhoods of Tiger Claws, affiliation, Scavenger, Tiger Claws, Wraiths... Wanted for murder, theft, destruction of public property, etc... not a happy guy there. But more than that, everything seemed to be going too well on this mission, it was almost too easy. Why not infiltrate Huggy directly?


    Malik had moved closer to him as he watched the feed.


    -Tubio, right? Is something wrong?


    -No... It''s just... It seems a bit too simple.


    -A bit too simple?


    -We come across these guys and he just happens to give us the name of the person we''re looking for? Who just happens to be in our intels.


    -Are you spitting on my work?


    -No, that not...


    -Do you think you could have done a better job?


    -Stop. I just want to see what you had found.


    Tubio answered Malik firmly, cutting off all argument, and the old man looked at him with frowning eyebrows.


    </a>


    Malik had raised his voice slightly. But Tubio had cut off any further conversation. He now stood very close to Malik, staring at him with his cigar between his fingers Malik blew his smoke in his face. Both were calm, Tubio not even realizing that all eyes were on them. Impassive behind his mask, Tubio had a distinct advantage over the old man. Although the latter didn''t flinch, he stepped back before moving to one of the exits to smoke outside.


    Tubio heard Janissa giggling in Aria''s arms, and the tension in the room began to ease. Janissa began to tell an anecdote about Tubio as he looked at the exit Malik had just taken. He wondered why he''d done it. He clearly didn''t seem the sort of person to take remarks from a kid like him to heart. Or maybe he did, maybe he was expecting a reaction from him...


    Tubio shook his head. He had other things to do. The building where Huggy was operating was massive, so he might as well find out more about it.


    ******


    Time passed and one hour turned into two, then three. Night had fallen on Night City and they still hadn''t left. The group had chatted a bit and Samir seemed more and more interested in the idea of leaving. After Donovan, he seemed a little out of place too. Despite his apparent calm and the seriousness he''d shown with their first outing, some people just weren''t cut out for this kind of work, and Tubio could see his leg moving intensely with impatience, stress or fear.


    He was also very suspicious. Not that Tubio couldn''t understand him. Everyone present was dangerous. It all depended on how you dealt with it afterwards, before and during the act. Tubio had seen a lot of people...


    Some, like Janissa, took everything lightly, otherwise the reality of her actions would undoubtedly catch up with her. In the past, she would drink and take drugs and had sex until she fell into the deepest sleep possible.


    Others felt nothing. Cold machines feeling only the recoil of their weapon before moving on to the next target.


    Another interesting type was... Clash and similarly Wang.


    Once his weapons had been cleaned, Clash lay down and began to sleep. Clearly, he didn''t seem the least bit bothered by being surrounded by potentially dangerous strangers who could rob him. After all, he could be just pretending...


    Wang had ordered food again. Tubio didn''t know what he was made of, but he ate like three. He had a strange suit of armor on, seemingly made of a reflective material where the light reflected off it, distorting the colors even if some, like purple and blue, seemed already present in the outfit, which even had matching gloves. For discretion we will come back but it had a certain style.


    In a way, it was a way of managing his stress.


    The evening was starting and questions like what are we doing began to popping up. Seeing Wang Tubio was getting hungry too. No decision had been taken by Pat on what to do.


    Malik had calmed down and joined Pat after a very long absence outside. The three girls chatted amongst themselves after Donovan had escaped their clutches. Tubio eventually joined them, having nothing more to do than wait once he''d read about Huggy.


    Finally, he learned more about Aria''s group project. It was a simple association, a militia. To which he replied that it was a gang. To which she argued that it was an association of Solos. Tubio wasn''t feeling it at all, but the discussion was light. Tubio didn''t want to rush them. Pat came out of the cave where he, Malik and D0t were, and told them to order food for themselves.


    Faced with the situation, everyone had something to say. No one knew how Wang had managed to convince a delivery man to come this far into Waston. So the group of girls, Samir, Donovan, Tubio and Malik climbed into Malik''s van to head off in the direction of Kabuki and find some food. Pat and D0t had to stay and work, Wang had already eaten and Clash... Tubio thought he was more borg than he showed. He''d known people like that, with so much chrome that they don''t even have red blood any more, but a product in the body that replaces the blood. Tubio would have liked to know how he managed to sleep with his helmet on but no one wanted to bother him so the group left.


    *****


    The journey was quick and quiet, again with the exception of Janissa continuing to talk with Aria. With Malik at the wheel and acting as chaperone, they stopped at the first restaurant and ordered everything they could to get back on the road in a hurry. Alas, multiple orders take time. Tubio also wanted to give Ruby a holo. So he went out the back door. He didn''t saw Malik following him. Once out, the alley was dark, illuminated only by the lights at the end of the alley leading to one of the main roads. He was about to call out when he heard a noise behind him. Turning, he saw Malik in front of him.


    -Tubio, I wanted to ask you a question...


    -If I can answer it.


    -Who are you working for?


    Tubio was taken aback Malik drew his gun and pointed at Tubio.

 What happened?

    Malik held Tubio at gunpoint, he wasn''t the blonde from last time. The slightest movement and the old man would kill him. Away from the group, no one would come to save him. He raised his hands in the air very gently.


    -Calm down, what''s the problem?


    -What''s wrong? I''ve got nothing on you. Your girl Janissa, I could follow her like she was lighting fireworks behind her. What about you? You come out of nowhere, join the Maelstrom for less than a year and magically the cell you were in gets purged from Night City... You survive the whole thing, disappear again before being recruited as a courier by a fixer named Ferak. Then, you''re recruited for this job without any qualifications, missions or even abilities on your CV. See what I mean?


    -I''ve got a CV?


    -Don''t get smart with me. You''re a corpos agent, it''s obvious. What do you want, the client''s informations so you can blackmail her? Is it because of you that we have to destroy everything and kill everyone? Are you going to kill us once the mission''s over? Who are your contacts?


    Tubio, who until now had had his hands in his pockets regarding this story, felt a bucket of ice water poured over his head. It''s one thing to get shot and run away. Another to be interrogated with a gun to your head and not know what to say. Fortunately or unfortunately for him, Tubio was still wearing his mask. Giving him the ultimate poker face. Gathering his thoughts. He tried to talk very softly...


    ******


    Tubio was sweating profusely as he rejoined the group; he''d put his tough-guy image back on, but he was shaking. Climbing back into the van ahead of everyone else, he climbed into the back, pulled a numbing agent from his bag and stuck it in his leg. As the anaesthetic passed immediately through his body, he felt his pulse decelerate. He waited until the others were in the restaurant opposite, Malik having joined them. He hesitated whether to call Ruby or Ferak. But his intuition told him that Malik had let things run too smoothly. If he was really suspicious, he''d put a sensor in the van to intercept his holo. Or something like that.


    His conversation had opened a lot of doors he''d chosen to ignore. Maybe he should have settled for smaller jobs... Giving up now could set off a chain reaction that could have serious consequences. For now, he could only do his job as best he could. As they made their way back, Tubio hoped that the contract would end quickly. The only question now was, was the whole team like him? Or did one of its members have another agenda.


    ******


    Ruby had let Tubio go. She didn''t feel it. She didn''t see Tubio as a hardened killer. He had a conscience. The longer she waited, the angrier she got, wanting to be gone with him. She couldn''t stay calm with Elisabeth, so she decided to pay a visit to her new friends at the 13th, still wearing her hood over her head and keeping her promise to Tubio not to put her mask back on. Although, seeing some of the freaks, she''d like to. The passage between Elizabeth''s house and the elevator was clear and unproblematic, the entire level being a residential one with very few stores and specialized infrastructures. There were "fewer" people present upstairs.


    Once on board, she tapped the wall-mounted tablet to get off. Alone on board, she watched N54''s rant on recent events. Not another word about the Bozos. Back to the elections with Deputy Mayor Weldon Holt or Alderman Jefferson Peralez for the position of Night City mayor. Following the death of Lucius Rhyne, the previous mayor. Due to the failure of a brain implant in his sleep. Deputy Mayor Weldon Holt becomes acting mayor, and announces that he is running against Councilman Jefferson Peralez to be elected the next mayor. The abrupt nature of Rhyne''s death fueled a number of conspiracy theories that Holt either had Rhyne murdered or helped Rhyne fake his death.


    Although Ruby was more than interested in Rhyne''s death, she was more interested in the malfunction of his implant than in the politics behind it and the candidates. Lucius had been the figurehead of Night City for years. Holt had been a silent leech following the bureaucratic checkpoints. He''d only been elected deputy by affiliation. Ruby knew who she was voting for. Between Holt, an obese man under many suspicions, who now that she was taking a closer look was using the face of his deceased predecessor for his advertising campaign.


    Or another politician, but this time a youngster with a gun.


    Nah, Ruby knew both were rotten, but at least Peralez had a different agenda than Holt, who in Ruby''s eyes was just a straw man, more manipulable than the late Ryne. Caliopea had more to say. Whether it was the policy of withdrawing funds from the police or the latest dubious projects. She didn''t know why, but she suspected she must have had something to do with it. Ruby liked to know things, but not to the extent of invading the privacy of a girl he''d met one afternoon.


    She arrived at the Crimson Spear unannounced; it was Milour at the door. He let her in. This time there was no Irene or Caliopea, who had gone to sort out a situation and was on sick leave for obvious reasons. She found herself with Rosie and Melissa. Ruby hadn''t seen Melissa since the evening at the club, and together the discussion was diverse. She was one of the drivers for the group. Taking care of deliveries along with other stuff. There was another guy too, Floflo? The two hadn''t interacted much and after a brief greeting asked Melissa for a hand. Leaving Rosie and Ruby to themselves.


    Rosie was looking at Ruby, but Ruby was looking at the bottom of her cup.


    -What''s going on?


    -Nothing.


    Rosie knew THAT nothing.


    -It''s about Tubio, isn''t it?


    -No, it''s not!


    -Oh please. You show up unannounced and look into your glass like it''s the end of the world.


    They were in a small, quiet room, a warm room, surrounded by boxes full of objects for repairing shelves, Ruby and Rosie were sitting on a sofa.


    -Your face tells me everything. What happened?


    -Nothing, he left for a job. And... I just don''t feel it, you know?


    -Oh, you''re worried.


    -No, it''s... Yes. Tubio''s not cut out for it. He thinks he has to be strong and protect me.


    -And you don''t want to?


    -Not this way. He doesn''t have to act tough for me to like him.


    -No, but he is a man.


    Ruby looked at Rosie, not sure she understood.


    -I''ve had lots of lovers, you know. All types, from normal to very dangerous, passive and active. It took one too many for me to stop running.


    -What happened?


    -Nothing.


    Ruby looked at her sideways and Rosie smiled, but her eyes betrayed a certain sadness.


    -Frustrating, isn''t it? No, I''m going to tell you a bit about my life. I think it''ll fit in with what''s happening to you right now. Stop me if I''m wrong.


    -Ok...


    -You and Tubio are in your first serious relationship.


    Ruby thought about it and nodded.


    -Yes, we are. I think there was another girl, but it was complicated.


    -Okay, forget it. Has Tubio moved on?


    -Yes, he''s moved on. But it had a huge impact...


    -Stop, you''re Forgetting her. How much time she spent with him in the last few days.


    -She hasn''t.


    -Weeks? Months? If it''s just an accidental meeting once, it doesn''t count. My point is, who cares about this other chick? You don''t have anybody else but him?


    -No.


    -Does he know that?


    -Yeah, I told him.


    -I see. In that case, as I said. First serious relationship. Are you both in love?


    -... Yes, I suppose so...


    -You don''t know... It''s normal not to know if it''s your first time. OK. In a couple, to make it work you have to have the same goal, or at least two that align. What do you want from your relationship with him?


    -I''m not sure. For it to last?


    -Yes, it''s a start. The biggest problem with first relationships is that you don''t know what you''re looking for. So everyone tries to compensate or overthink. Now ask yourself, what do I have to do to make it last with your partner?


    Ruby looked at Rosie.


    -How can you tell?


    -Because I had a first relationship. Because all the men I was with, I didn''t align myself with their desire. My relationships with them were doomed to failure, because I wasn''t with them for the same reason. Look, my first relationship was with a young man at a party. I was young and admittedly very innocent. We slept together once before he cheated on me the next day.


    Rosie spoke calmly without being rude or condescending. Ruby didn''t understand the connection.


    -If I''d understood back then what he wanted. I would never have slept with him. I wanted a relationship, he wanted a booty call. Not compatible.


    -How do I know what he wants then?


    -Ask him. And if you''re not sure, ask him again. Think about it. Before it''s too late.


    -What do you mean?


    -A long time ago, years now. I''d found love, real love. But he didn''t like the life we had. He always wanted more for us. For a better future. He started making arrangements, deals with shady people, bringing a lot of money into the house. So much so that I felt uncomfortable. I talked to him about it, but it was too late. Arrogant and self-assured, he dismissed all my concerns. He couldn''t understand that I was worried about him and wanted him to ease off... A few months later, he was shot dead in front of our apartment.


    -Rosie...


    -No, I''ve mourned. But to do that, I had to sink very low. I lost my job, my friends, I drank, a lot. I took drugs. I tried to find a replacement for him. First handsome Valentinos, then my standards slipped. I ended up with a toxic guy who tried to steal all my money by trying to gaslight me. Too bad for him I was crazy. We fought and I killed him. All because I failed to understand and convince the love of my life that eddies would come later.


    -What was his name?


    -Xavier... He had this something that made me smile all the time. He was gentle and strong... Anyway. Let''s get back to you. You''re afraid Tubio''s going to get hurt on a mission.


    -Yes.


    -In that case, there are two solutions: either you tell him to stop. Or you can join him on jobs, fight with him and make his job safer.


    -Pff, that sounds so simple.


    -Maybe, but it would solve all the problems. You''ll still have time to have eddies. Tell him to change jobs, why did he want this mission.


    -He wanted to pay for my implants, the car, the reputation. It''s complicated... I just don''t want to fight with him.


    -Oh, that. Don''t worry, it''ll happen for reasons stupider than his ego. And that''s exactly what''s happening. In a nutshell. He takes on dangerous missions alone for eddies, right?


    -Yes, he is.


    -Then tell him. Tell him to wait, that the two of you can work together more safely. Right now he wants to prove himself and prove to you that he can provide for you.


    Ruby looked at Rosie, who seemed surprisingly accommodating with her. Telling her about her life, giving advice. Then she realized she knew Ruby wasn''t so innocent.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    -How do you know about me...?


    -Ruby. I saw your reaction when we got shot at the restaurant. Not to mention the clowns. At no point did you break a sweat or even think. If I hadn''t kept you in the restaurant, you''d have gone out and solved the problem with your bare hands.


    Ruby remained silent. She didn''t know what to say. Rosie took another sip of her tea. She drank calmly, not rushing Ruby. Ruby thought about how to phrase her thought.


    -I don''t know what I''m going to do. I''ve been doing this so long, I''m afraid he''ll hate me if I do it again.


    -What was your job?


    -Killer.


    Rosie paused. Few people would call themselves a killer. Rosie kept her composure, killer. Ruby so sweet and innocent? If Ruby really was a killer, that would explain her attitude. She''s afraid she''ll start killing people again, and Tubio will disapprove of her? Meanwhile, Ruby began to speak, lost in thought.


    -I was... someone else. That''s all I knew. All I cared about, I was strong and invincible.


    -You''re not anymore?


    -... Tubio doesn''t want me to go back to...that.


    -Okay. And that bothers you?


    -Yes and no. I... Even I don''t know if it''s right for me. It was so exhilarating. I''m afraid of it, but I know I could do so much more... For a very long time I thought it was the only option for me. But since I''ve been with Tubio. I just don''t know anymore.


    Rosie took Ruby''s hands in hers and looked at her, the poor girl was completely confused. It was obvious that she wanted to help Tubio as best she could, but she was honestly afraid, terrified even, of falling back into the ways she''d become accustomed to. She didn''t push Ruby, who knows how many people you can confide in about this sort of thing.


    But Rosie wanted to help. After Ulrik had come to her aid, she had discovered a new vocation for the souls Night City had crushed in its bowels. Ulrik had passed off his false identities as commerce. But he was always happy when one of his customers left for a new life. Rosie was sure of it. She was going to help Ruby. She''d already found some stability. Now, one step at a time.


    Like her, Ruby had been through a very dark period, and she would need time, patience, encouragement and someone at her side to get better. Tubio will meet these criteria perfectly.


    -Ruby, everything you''re experiencing right now is new, I''m sure, but there''s no need to go to the extreme. Your talents can be used for something other than what you were doing. It all depends on how you use them. Talk to Tubio, maybe he''ll play rough, but he''ll immediately accept your help.


    -We talked about it... I think he''d agree... It''s just that...


    -Think about it calmly, you don''t need to decide or think about it in a day. Like I said, it''ll be fine.


    *******


    Ruby stayed with Rosie to talk. Talking with her was relaxing, she seemed to want to help but not like Elizabeth who was more of a motherly helper, Rosie was closer to a confidante. She had eventually confessed to have studied psychology before the death of her first love. She helped Ulrik with the psychological problems of his rather... passionate group. But both were interrupted by Melissa, who came back into the room ranting against the Bozos.


    Floflo had left to meet a client, but the latter was not at the meeting point. Instead, he found a shard of info, followed the info to find another shard of data for a new address explaining that he was being followed. The shard had been encrypted and did indeed belong to the customer, who apparently had a Bozos on his back.


    Melissa and Floflo had gone to retrieve him together after she had decrypted the shard. Making a quick trip. They found the guy hiding in a pile of garbage. After a long discussion, Floflo took the guy to the extraction point. Not without a complete change of clothes and a request to go through a reaperdoc for any sign of a tracker.


    During the trip, Melissa and Floflo heard a chilling account of the man''s experiences. He''d had the misfortune to meet the gaze of a clown a week ago. Within 7 days, he''d received balloons with a blank greetings card. His girlfriend was followed and flipped out on him. Someone broke into his apartment and decorated it as if it had been a birthday. He woke up the next morning in clown make-up and left to sleep at work. When he came home the next day, a present had arrived containing his girlfriend''s head. Terrified, he left for a friend''s house to spend the night, but in the morning. He found him dead in a chair beside his bed, in bloody clown make-up.


    What a surprise that he was paranoid. The bugger will be on a Boston-bound transport in an hour. He''s closed all his accounts and will never set foot in Night City again. The trio could only agree, and wondered if they wouldn''t have done the same.


    ******


    Ruby left the Crimson Spear with a lot to think about. Bozos and their twisted minds. What to do about Cyclops? Could she use her talents without him. She thought back to Rosie''s words. It was true that Tubio had said her netrunner talents were good. Maybe she could become a pure netrunner. With a little training, it could work, and if the Crimson recruited Tubio, he''d told her that Ulrik was interested. Maybe she could get a job with him too. Just enough time to leave Night City.


    Deep in thought, Ruby headed for the Pulse. She thought about her actions, what would Cyclops do or what would Tubio think? With Rosie, they had discussed what Ruby wanted.


    She wanted to be happy, with Tubio. Working wasn''t a problem for her, she didn''t want to disappoint Tubio, on the contrary she wanted... She stopped in front of one of the Pulse. The blue rose illuminated the crowd passing in front of the building. She looked through the glass. And as she reflected, she saw the eye of Cyclops staring back at her on the surface of the glass. A cold sensation ran down her back. Ignoring it, she went inside.


    The same old scene, with just 4 customers and the bartender spending his day serving or watching TV. Ruby didn''t feel like thinking. She had decided to take the bull by the horns and not wait any longer, as luck favors the bold. Short-circuiting the TV. It went off with a blip. Ruby was pacing the room, watching the entrance like a caged lioness.


    A customer watching TV with the bartender swore and the bartender climbed onto the counter to look behind. After several minutes, the bartender gave up and went to the back to check what was wrong after the complains of the clients.


    Ruby wasted no time, grabbing a large stool and balancing herself on it, she pulled a connecting cable from her wrist, nimbly and precisely planting the cable in the device she''d spotted since the last time. For several long seconds, the other customers were either blind or busy sipping their drinks while waiting for the TV. Ruby balanced herself in the middle of the room in the greatest silence she could muster. Once the backdoor had been installed, she no longer needed to log in personally, as it had been implanted deep into the system. Like a cat, she jumped off the back of the stool and landed on the floor. Making a noise, one of the customers turned from the counter to look at her, but Ruby pretended to get angry at the stool, pushing it while holding her foot as if she''d kicked it.


    The customer raised an eyebrow before losing interest. Ruby waited only a second to go to the other terminal and connect. Once again, the connection was short-lived, but unlike the first, it didn''t attract the attention of any of the customers. The bartender would have seen her.


    He returned just as Ruby was finishing. For Ruby. Full remote access. Mission accomplished. No one had entered Pulse and the 4 customers had seen nothing except a clumsy girl insulting a stool.


    Ruby breathed. The situation hadn''t changed. She had to think now about what she was going to do¡­ She left the Pulse with a smile on her face, ready to leave when she saw it, His instinct. He was right.


    Ruby wasted no time, She was in a hurry now. Moving back inside, she rushed across the room to find the closed emergency door. Which irritated her. Returning to the main room, she was stuck in the Pulse. Ruby was pacing the room, watching the entrance like a caged lioness. But she had seen it. And she saw it again. She saw the figure through the glass at the entrance, and back away. She knew she was going to have to break part of her promise to Tubio.


    Ruby only saw him for a moment before he disappeared. But that was all she needed. No negotiation would be possible, so she passed a holo.


    *******


    Witty the ringmaster was in a good mood, ever since he''d arrived in Night City he''d never stopped having fun. From their great start in Night City, to the brief obstacles they''d encountered. It hadn''t taken long for some kind-hearted soul to leave them a piece of the city to settle down in comfort. Then came the arrangements, the champagne, the undesirables...


    Witty adjusted his hat as he entered the H2 megabuilding. He stopped in front of a glass pane to look in the mirror, covering his head with one of his finest top hats. A black leather jacket he reserved for rare occasions and, of course, a red flower - fake, of course, but a perfect complement to his style.


    He had hesitated whether to wear tails or a tuxedo. But he had decided to remain sober as far as the situation was concerned. After all, he had a date.


    Reaching the elevator, he looked again at the tracer''s location. It wasn''t on the 13th floor, but well above. Choosing a nearby floor, he kept smiling as the doors of the elevator that had just stopped in front of him opened, and the people inside hurriedly passed around him, leaving him to his own devices. The fact that one of the klaousse men had found his partner was wonderful. All it took was for him to say he was interested in her, and Klaousse set one of his dogs on her trail. Of course, it was to kill her and show off the remains. But poor Shaggy didn''t know he''d been hacked and traced. It was for a good cause, you only make a good impression once... even if it''s a second meeting... pff, details. Witty wanted it to be perfect, big, beautiful, dramatic... a show, a spectacle.


    What better way to fuel a second date, than a romantic rescue. He''d been detained for a long time by mundane business, but... The lady wouldn''t wait much longer.


    Ever since they''d met, this woman had found a way to captivate him. Perhaps it was their dance. A moment longer than it had been. He''d sensed something, an alchemy between them... Maybe it was her vivacity, when she introduced herself, or her beauty. Or maybe it was his instinct, or even fate? Who''s to say?


    Fate, alas, must sometimes be forced. Witty was sure that fate and Lady Luck would be on his side today. The fact is, he arrived at a sinister floor. Vvvery good background. Following the tracer. He continued nonchalantly along the grey, inhospitable corridors. Finally, he arrived at what he assumed was the place where his man was. Shaggy had had an altercation with the beauty.


    Problem: a huge pool of blood covered the floor, heading in one direction without a single body. The tracer went further into the floor. So it didn''t worry him all that much. Shaggy had a habit of turning his victims into sideshows. Witty had plenty of time to arrive and play his role of savior. But...


    That amount of blood... If he''d killed her... Witty would unfortunately have to respond to some of his lowest impulses towards Shaggy... And for her... Well... If she''s dead it''s because she really wasn''t made for him. Ah lala... it''s so hard to find a partner these days...


    Continuing along the blood trail, Witty soon came to a door. Having no base in the area. Shaggy must have killed the locals to make this his lair.


    Well, my bird''s probably in trouble. There are worse backgrounds, but his pretty face will make up for it.


    Opening the door, a person reacts to the sound. A man with facial recognition protection got up from a chair and shouted intrusion. Witty raised his smart pistol and fired, bullets flying and lodging in the man''s body as he fell to the floor. Emerging from an adjacent doorway and having heard the commotion, two new targets for Witty''s spitter. The first took the bullets attached to the first target in the sights. The second, double-barreled shotgun in hand, tried to retaliate, but Witty only had to stand at the corner of the wall to prevent both rounds being wasted on the latter. He raised his weapon along the wall, passing the corner of his eye, and Witty fired, piercing the skull of the man trying to reload.


    Silence gave way to combat, which had only lasted a minute, yet three dead men lay on the ground. Witty gave them a look. I didn''t know since when Shaggy had minions to do his work.


    Shaking off his thoughts, he headed for the tracer. Just beyond the door. Approaching where the two men had exited. He entered what was a bathroom. Realizing the situation, he sat down on the toilet.


    Facing him was a bathtub filled with ice, and inside it, Shaggy''s naked corpse, half-sliced and partly cut from its chrome. Plunging his hand into the cold water, Witty grabbed the severed head and brought it in front of him. Holding the head by the hair, he kept it in front of him.


    -Shaggy, I was going to kill you no matter what. But¡­ I must admit, I really didn''t expect to find you like this... What''s happened to you...


    *******


    She stepped out of the Rosa Pulse, hood up, and didn''t look back. Passing through the crowd, she crossed the mass to one of the elevators, not even turning around as she chose her destination inside.


    In the crowd, one person was watching her between the passers-by. Watching her ascend, he made his way to the elevator. Carefully watching the moment it stopped, he recalled it. He even counted in his head the time it had taken the girl to reach her destination. The doors opened and the four screens in front of him glitched. Red eyes cut through the flow of information. Completely unaware of this, he pressed the button for the floor he thought was the right one. Bag in hand, he made his way upstairs, the elevator noises keeping him company.


    40th floor. The doors opened and the smell of piss would have assaulted anyone. It was strangely quiet on this floor, far above the ground. Exiting effortlessly, he saw the coat of the girl he''d been following disappear around a corner. Smiling, he went in. The place was deserted, with bullet holes and other signs of fighting. But the density of people was incomparable. The place was more of a ruin than anything else. Walls were gutted, windows shattered. In front of him on the wall was an old tag of a smiling purple cloud.


    Cries could be heard in the distance, from children. He''ll go and have a look when he''s done. Following in the woman''s footsteps, she had clearly been waiting for him. But whatever she was up to, it wouldn''t stop him from taking care of her. He was a Bozos from the Sapatar circus, not a common gangster. Already, he was anticipating his next trick. He''d make her a doll for his next show...


    Following the long corridors, the unkempt lights gave off a dark atmosphere. Here and there, cables had been severed or simply pulled to the floor, cut up and connected to makeshift installations. One of the walls was even missing pieces, the latter covered with tarpaulins secured by planks. Fortunately, it wasn''t difficult to follow the girl''s trail.


    The clown followed the logical path. Arriving at the first intersection, the crossroads was illuminated by a light bulb dangling from the middle of the crossroads with a cone around it. the light designated below it a man covered in the girl''s coat. He stopped in front of what was presumably a beggar on a cardboard box. Looking around, he saw nothing but two empty corridors.


    He didn''t hesitate, kicking the man in the stomach, who let out a cry of pain. Bending down, he grabbed the man and straightened him against the wall.


    Slapping him, the beggar, for want of another word to describe him, had virtually nothing on besides the jacket he was wearing, a pair of boxer shorts and a T-shirt. Covering his face.


    -Wake up! Where''s the girl who gave you that jacket? Which way did she go?


    He grabbed one of the man''s arms, twisting it so he could see his face, and a scream erupted from his throat. The man was terrified and the clown smiled with all his white teeth, if he didn''t have the girl at least he''d have the old man.


    The beggar watched in horror as the clown grinned at him like a lunatic, and dropped a red bag he had with him. The bag opened on impact, revealing a number of knives and an injection syringe with various vials.


    But something else caught his eye over the clown''s shoulder - something in the dark. Hidden in the ceiling were red eyes staring up at the scene, silently a mass above them peered over the bulb into the darkness. Like a predator, a mass growing larger. A girl silently revealed herself in the reflections of light, as the clown continued to bully him. The old man held his tongue as the clown slapped him again.


    Holding on to a mantis blade stuck in a crack, Cyclops used the light from the bulb to distract the clown from the fact that the crossing was safe. But the ceiling wasn''t as high as the corridors. Climbing to the ceiling after leaving his jacket on the poor man''s body. Cyclops was rolled into a ball and balanced on the ceiling, thanks to her blade, which she fixed in the concrete, the robustness of her chrome and the calm that inhabited her.


    After that feat of agility. A smile stretched Cyclops'' lips as the light finally reflected the chrome of his second blade. Unfolding his body centimeter by centimeter, he could see the clown panting like a starving man over the beggar.


    Cyclops now had his feet less than a few centimeters from the ground, a simple flick of the wrist and the grip of his blade released, making him touch the ground.


    A movement, and the blade in the ceiling released with a slight screech, attracting the attention of the Bozo who turned around, swinging his left arm like a sledgehammer in an arc as he turned. But the movement was already underway and the blow missed its target completely.


    Like fangs, Cyclops'' two mantis blades closed in on the clown. The one that had just detached from the ceiling descended directly from above between his collarbone and shoulder blade, effortlessly perforating the flesh. The second came up from below, passing under the ribcage and up into the heart and lungs.


    A second passed as the victim tried to understand what was happening. But not letting his victim react, Cyclops pivoted, his blades still in the bozos'' flesh serving as a grip, throwing him to the ground on his side. The movement took them out of the clown, but the damage was done. Cyclops didn''t know how his victim found the energy to get down on all fours. But he wouldn''t do it by halves, getting into position Cyclops stretched out his arm then perpendicular to the wounded man, arm outstretched and mantis blade extended. He made a wide arc as he took a step forward, passing his arm behind his back, before moving forward, skimming the ground to come back up in a swift, graceful uppercut-like movement. Cyclops decapitated the clown.


    His head rolled in a brief spurt of gushing blood before ceasing to move.


    A frozen smile stretched across Cyclops'' face. Contemplating his creation. The euphoric, silent face turned to the beggar...

 How to not get killed.

    The trip in the van back to the hideout went off without a hitch. Except for Tubio


    Tubio felt terrible, he had no idea what to do. If the old man wanted to scare him, he''d succeeded. He felt bad, should he give up? Or not. Who should he ask for help? Janissa? Nope, never without an insurance policy. As for the others, no thank you. Ferak? Not if Tubio wanted todrop his pants in front of him. Ulrik had told him that if he needed a favor... No, he didn''t know him well enough. That left the Lianovaks, and Tubio threw that idea out the window too. Pavel carried as much weight in the situation as a puppy. And Tubio refused to deal with his father. Pridful perhaps, but not without reason. That left his mother and Ruby. The first would only bring worry and the second... Well, swallow your pride Tubio. Your skin''s on the line. He called Ruby.


    -Ruby?


    -...


    -Ruby, can you hear me?


    -Yes.


    -Are you all right?


    -Yes.


    -... Sure?


    -I want to see you...


    -Has something happened?


    -... No.


    She remained silent. If she didn''t want to talk, Tubio wasn''t helping matters by forcing the issue. Tubio almost forgot his situation. He hesitated to hang up, but Ruby spoke up.


    -And what about you? Are you in trouble?


    Taking a deep breath. He unpacked his bag.


    -I''m not going to hide it from you. Maybe I''m in trouble.


    -Tell me about it.


    Tubio told him what happened from the moment he got into Pat''s van to his surprise meeting with Janissa. As well as the assault with the group on Banon''s hideout. All the way to his confrontation with Malik. And the fact that he didn''t know what to make of it.


    ******


    -I''m not following anything you just said.


    -Do you deny everything?


    -No. Just the Corpo part. I was recruited because I found Father Gong after answering a contract from Ferak. The rest is just luck.


    -Are you making fun of me again?


    -No sir. I could spit but my mask is on my face.


    -You can start by taking off your mask. I''ll scan your face and we''ll see who you are. If you''re not who you say you are, I swear you''re gonna die here.


    -Yes sir.


    Tubio lowered his hand to his mask, pressed the button and the mask fell away from his face, leaving a red mark where the suction had taken place. Raising the mask in the air, he looked at Malik, who remained impassive. His eyes lit up, no doubt transmitting his face to a third person. Tubio remained silent. It seemed a long time before Malik questioned him.


    -Last name, first name.


    -Antonio, Rivi¨¨re. My name may be marked Moreau. My mother remarried.


    -Where are you living now?


    -... H2.


    -With your mother?


    -...


    -Ok...


    -Does Pat want to know?


    -No, it''s for me. This whole thing stinks of shit and I want to know who''s here to clean it up and who''s here to stay in it. Why did you take this job?


    -Money¡­


    Tubio went round and round trying to convince Malik that he was innocent of what he was accusing him of, but he couldn''t find anything to convince him to leave. Tubio decided to attack his arguments.


    -Is there no way I can convince you somehow? That I can stay alive? What makes you think I''m a corpo agent? That I don''t have a career? I don''t. This is my first real Solo mission. Like you said, my cover''s a bitch if I''m a corpo agent. You don''t think I''d have created a minimal background for a fictional character. I don''t know. Like changing my name and not using the name of a guy who miraculously survived a purge in the Maelstrom? How about another person. Wang could be one of the Tiger Claws informants, Clash with his guns and chrome would have a much better chance of killing everyone on the team than I would. Not to mention Donovan. Once the girl is secured or not, he could give the signal to kill us all. Not to mention Samir, who''s ready to run at the first sign of trouble. If that''s not suspicious. And let''s not talk about the trio of girls, they''d be more dangerous than anyone 3 against the rest. And frankly, if you''d really studied Janissa, you''d know that if I''d known she was going to be there, I''d never have agreed to work on this job. Especially if she had been as I knew her in the Maelstrom.


    -...


    Malik remained silent, his eyes still alight with transmission. Tubio had run out of ideas. He had kept his tone neutral, but his voice gave away some of his panic. Malik asked another question.


    -In that case, why is Pat pretending to get information in order to destroy everything?


    -I don''t know why. Why don''t you ask him? Is that what the client asked? Maybe he''s the one who''s going to kill us all when the job''s done?


    Tubio remained silent. He was too far away to grab Malik''s gun - one step and he''d be riddled with bullets. After several long minutes, Malik''s eyes lost their sparkle and he regained his normal eyes. Malik didn''t need a mask to have a poker face.


    -Why would we choose you for this mission?


    -So some paranoid can kill me? You said Pat was cleaning. Maybe I should be the one running, not Samir. But hey, if my daughter was a prostitute I''d make sure no one found out.


    -...


    The seconds stretched on and Tubio wondered what more he could do. He felt he''d hit on something with that last question. He summoned up his courage. Oh, Fuck this shit...


    -I''m not gonna start crying if that''s what you''re waiting for.


    -I''d like to take your mind off things, you know?


    -Okay. Look... Let''s say you''re wrong, unbelievable, I know. But, in this scenario. I''m perfect for maximizing both our chances of survival.


    -...Go on.


    -You just told me you think Pat''s cleaning house. I think I made it clear that the chances of me being a cleaner are pretty slim, right?


    -Mm.


    -Between you and me, do you think the boss is more likely to ask Pat to take us all out, a man who works for the customer? Than me? A street rat from H2 who just found a body? The whole thing''s fishy, I''ll give you that. In this story. How come the trauma team didn''t rescue Mr.Gong''s body. What if Mr.Gong was abandoned the moment his beacon was activated. What if, Mrs.Gong cutting him off and leaving him to die in the depths of Night City? Sending me to retrieve the remains of his chrome as she hopes. Bad luck for me...


    -You found him in one piece.


    -Bringing up a lot of questions that shouldn''t be asked. Tell me Malik, did you talk to the girl I found?


    -...


    -She''s dead, isn''t she? Overdosed? Or drowned in the bay? And if the threat you''re looking for isn''t from the outside. Who''s to say there isn''t a fresh, well-trained second team ready to descend on us the moment we find Yumi? Besides, how could the daughter of a corpos, a rich corpos, end up in prostitution? As the investigator, did you look into this story?


    -...


    -Can you put the gun down?


    -How would letting you live help me?


    -For one thing, I can be useful.


    Malik sniffed as if he''d heard a joke.


    -Two, Janissa won''t try to find out why you''re back alone. Bringing with her two girlfriends, three new problems. Three, if Pat really is cleaning house, the experienced old investigator should be one of the first to disappear because he''s can be hard to find. Four, between having a human shield or not. It''s always better to have a volunteer one. Five, you know who I am and where to find me, so I won''t elude you for long.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    -Anything else?


    -If you kill me... can you send Mother my eddies, or is that too much to ask?


    Seconds stretched out around them once more, as the fumes from the alleyway blew a rancid, repulsive odor. Without his mask, Tubio could only smell them. He was going to die in this sordid alley because Grandpa hadn''t taken his medicine.


    Finally, he lowered his weapon.


    -You''re too bad to be a corpos agent.


    Tubio heaved a long sigh of relief.


    -I knew we could get along.


    -Shut up, I''m only letting you live because you said things that make a minimum of sense. I''ll give you the benefit of the doubt. Here''s what we''ll do, we''ll go back for the food and pretend nothing happened. I''ll give you more information if you need it. You just keep your mouth shut. Frankly, I thought you''d be mute, but with a gun in your face you deflated like a balloon...


    Tubio drew his gun. Pointing at Malik.


    -And now?


    Tubio''s voice was cold, devoid of feeling. His gaze, empty. It was Malik''s turn to be silent. Tubio had his gun raised, motionless. Then, he spread his arms in peace.


    -You caught me off guard, that''s the only reason I had to talk. But if I''d wanted to, like you, I could have shot...


    Tubio holstered his weapon before passing Malik.


    -We''re on the same side. I want my eddies and to go home alive. Do you?


    -We''ll be in touch.


    *******


    Ruby listened in silence, which didn''t please Tubio. When Tubio had finished, she spoke calmly.


    Step 1: Flee if you must


    Step 2: Find allies


    -Ok. Tubio, everything''s going to be fine. First of all, you need allies in this situation, then you need to make sure the contract doesn''t have a deadly silence clause after the contract is up. The most important thing is that you stay alive. The fact that you''re alive must outweigh the value of your death. When you can, transfer all the info you can onto a shard and hide it. You''ll talk to Malik again and get as much info as you can on your sponsor.


    -What''s the point?


    -I''m going to pay him a visit.


    -Ruby, no...


    -Cyclops.


    -...


    -Tubio. Please.


    -I visit, okay? Sponsor info next.


    -Okay... is Janissa here?


    -Right in front of me.


    -Do you remember your first meeting with Ferak...?


    In the van, Janissa continued to chat, making small talk all by herself. She saw Tubio looking at her. She smiled at him before speaking.


    -Have you fallen under my spell?


    -Good evening, Janissa.


    Janissa immediately lost her smile. Tubio''s voice had changed to Cyclops''. Aria beside her immediately noted the change, Janissa''s hand grabbing her arm to signal that something was wrong.


    -It''s not funny, Tubio.


    Tubio turned in his seat and ignored Janissa.


    Janissa remained silent as the van reached its destination. The exchange had been implicit.


    Tubio got out of the van before sending a message to Malik.


    -What do you want?


    -Informations about our employer. I assume it was Yumi''s mother who hired us... but... are we sure?


    *****


    Step 3: informations


    Malik wasn''t hard to convince. Too many things in the narrative didn''t add up. Why now? Why hadn''t the mother hired a private investigator or tried to use her corporate resources? Anyway, after a grunt and a frown. He climbed back into S4andot''s cave. Promising more information.


    Step 4: Stay alive


    Less than a minute later Tubio found himself standing outside against a wall with a gun to his balls.


    Step 5: In the event of a problem, refer to steps 1 and 4 by extension.


    Hard to apply number 4¡­


    Aria held Tubio against the wall, her Unity pressed against his crotch. Aria had lost all smile, her face the opposite of Janissa''s, who hesitated to stop her.


    -We stop laughing, explanation, or I''ll blow your balls off. You wanted our attention now you''re here, talk.


    Why was he always being held up at gun point? It was going to become a running gag at this point.


    -Take it easy. I wanted to get your attention, being the only group in the team I figured that with 2 people in addition to Janissa, I''d have a sympathetic ear to what I was going to say.


    -It won''t be long before you''ve got one less dick, just spit it out.


    Tubio explained the situation. Malik''s doubts and his own about the operation. Janissa had paled at the possibility of a clean-up after they''d finished the job. Perhaps what had happened to them had scarred her more than he had anticipated. Aria finally withdrew her weapon, but her smile never returned.


    -Okay. You got proof?


    -Malik''s going to cook S4ndot. But this kind of thing takes time.


    -This "fast" operation has gone on too long for today anyway. Let''s call it a night and regroup tomorrow to make sure we don''t get whacked for corpos shenanigans. Deal?


    -Deal. Malik...


    -Fuck Malik. If he doesn''t go along, we''re leaving anyway, he''s not our father. If he wants to threaten us, let him. We haven''t seen the shadow of an eddie yet, nothing''s holding us back except their stupid NDA.


    All three women agreed. The evening had already gone on too long and it was time to retire, especially after these possible revelations. A quick holo with Malik and half the team wanted to go home. In the Hangar, Samir was quick to show signs that he too wanted to leave. Clash and Wang were indifferent, but they''d been stuck here for hours doing nothing. Pat decided to accept and set everyone free for the night.


    Taking the van, Malik, Tubio, Samir and the girls climbed in together. Pat took care of the others.


    The first part with Samir was silent. With a tense goodbye, Samir was dropped in one of Kabuki''s streets and disappeared into the crowd. Once the door was closed, Aria began talking to Malik.


    -So, what have you got on the Gongs?


    Malik turned first to her and then to Tubio.


    -You really can''t keep your mouth shut.


    -I trust them more than you. Come on, we''re not going to do this alone anyway.


    -Ok¡­


    Malik went on to explain who the family was: working for Keng Tao, father Tubiki, mother Sayako, daughter Yumi. The whole family was there.


    -Even uncle and niece. Each in a different department. The mother in security, the father in secretarial duties, the niece as bodyguard and the uncle in accounting. A real little family, passing information between departments.


    -What about their activities? Anything illegal?


    -They''re corpos. Of course they do illegal things. Even if the uncle takes the cake. Hiro Gong. The turn-over of his subordinates is one of the highest I''ve ever seen. Every scandal that might have something to do with him is committed by a third party or his subordinates. No trace of the mother either. Climbed the ladder and married into the family. The father had too clean a reputation and it didn''t take me long to find stories about women left and right. The fact that he was found dead in such a rotten place surprised me but didn''t seem improbable.


    -The girl, Yumi?


    -Nothing more than we already know, she''s a kid, goes to school, surrounded by people her own age. No one has said anything or let anything slip that might give me a reason or explanation for where she stand in this story.


    -And the niece?


    -Mia Gong. Not high enough to make an impact in the company, she''s below her aunt in an adjacent unit, no doubt to avoid favoritism. Well, where do we start.


    -Pat. Does he doesn''t know who contacted him?


    -No. I quote, "The channels used are the correct ones." Might as well talk to a wall. If the system he''s using is compromised, there''s no way he knows. We could be working for Militec or Arasaka and it''d all be the same. He assumes it''s Sayako, Yumi''s mother, who contacts him, but...


    -He didn''t check.


    -The moment the code was used, Pat found himself with funds for the operation. He''s the one who did it all, recruiting people, renting premises, preparing protocols. Pat answers the message.


    -Like a good employee.


    -As a good soldier, yes. Pat was, or rather is, a soldier in Keng Tao''s pay after all. He did a few years in their security service before being turned over to operations... Discreet?


    -Illegal you mean.


    -Bah. All the same, I took the liberty of looking at his file and guess who he worked with.


    -Sayako Gong.


    -Bingo. After working with her team for a few years, he left Keng Tao to become a merc. Hence his confidence when it came to code and funds.


    The intel is distributed among them. Clem, who had been silent until now, asked the question.


    -Where do we start? Logically, I''d say the father''s apartment. That''s where it all started.


    -I have several addresses. But... I''d be more tempted by this one.


    -An apartment in Japantown?


    -Probably to accommodate his mistresses.


    -No real security, no guards. A surveillance system, but nothing a group of experts like you couldn''t handle.


    Sarcasm aside, that would be a start. The group decided to start tonight. Janissa caught Tubio''s eye on the way.


    -Tubio... Will he be there?


    Malik frowned and Tubio clarified.


    -My partner. Cyclops. He''s a netrunner, I''ll contact him when we reach our destination.


    -Great, another unknown variable...


    -Is he all right?


    -... Still convalescent. But capable. His chrome took some serious damage. Fortunately, it''s his brain that''s pulling him through.


    Reactions to the announcement were mixed, with Janissa looking relieved, Aria focused, Mailk suspicious and Clem indifferent. Tubio didn''t know how Janissa would react. Like him, Janissa had changed. For the better, he thought. But sometimes the past is a terrible thing. How does she, will do with Janissa? Would Ruby speak as Ruby or as Cyclops?


    Pulling out Tubiki Gong''s photo. Tubio wondered how a man who had everything could end up like this.


    Arrogance? Money? Power? Prestige? Tubio couldn''t understand Tubiki. Born with a silver spoon, he had inherited his position from his father, or even grandfather, who had lived in times of corporate conflict and found a way to survive. He had no achievements, nothing extraordinary. He just had a position and obediently climbed the ladder. At least, that''s what the intels said.


    Once there, Tubio had only to look up to see the lights of the lanterns above the traffic. He received a holo.


    -Look in your bag. I left something there.


    A connected camera.


    -Hang it on your jacket or mask. I''ll see everything you see and can remotely connect to certain electronics if need be.


    -Cool.


    -I could have... connected directly to you. But I was afraid of being invasive.


    Sensing the double meaning, Tubio refrained from making a comment she wanted to hear. Attaching the tiny camera to her mask. Before sending a holo to the group.


    -Good evening everyone, my name is Cyclops and I''m delighted to make your acquaintance.

 I have a voice in my head

    Aria shivered as she heard the holo''s voice, a mixture of coldness and pleasure distorted by the voice modifier. Janissa had almost done on her when Tubio had taken on that same voice in the van. Aria didn''t like this Cyclops. From what Janissa had told her and from what she herself had understood. He was nothing more than a cold-blooded killer hiding behind a mask.


    Throughout the journey, she had had a silent discussion with Janis and Clem. About the method used. Clem wanted to remain cautious. Janis was terrified, but knew they couldn''t back down. They needed money.


    The image in the holo just showed a red cybernetic eye with a white dot in the center. Aria had nothing to say, but the voice continued after the introductions.


    -Janissa. I''m glad to see you''re in good health.


    -So¡­ So am I, Cyclops. I understood you still had some wounds.


    -Oh, nothing serious. I''ll soon be 100%. But look at you¡­ You''ve lost some chrome.


    -This? It looks...


    -I think it suits you.


    -... Thank you.


    Aria could see that Janis was more and more embarrassed than scared, feeling the blood rush to her head. She interrupted the discussion.


    -Nice to meet you. Shall we begin?


    -Ladies and gentlemen, shall we?


    The group of five climbed into an elevator. Up into the suspended streets. The brief journey from street to street between buildings was swift, considering the ominous sounds of the machines hoisting the metal box into the air. The group was almost outside when it stopped.


    Aria asked Cyclops which way he was taking them?


    -I wasn''t going to take you through the front door, was I? The apartment I''m taking you to is a corpos''. So with minimum camera and a valet at the entrance, max guards with a lot of fire power. A quick search enabled me to find the premises on the network. You''re several floors above the apartment. A quick search in the news and I found it less dangerous than simply breaking down doors without knowing what''s behind them. Follow the directions I give you. Did you bring the bag Tubio? We''ll split into two groups.


    Aria listened to Cyclops'' voice. Meticulously detailing how they would proceed, the group remained silent in front of this plan. The elevator had taken them above the streets of Night City, where gigantic bridges linked the mega-buildings of Japantown. Skirting the void on an immense balustrade running the length of the buildings.


    The group was in what could once again be just another street in Night City, while dozens of meters away, food vendors were selling their meals to passers-by, or workers their drinks for the day''s efforts. Dodging the crowd, they came to a dead-end street.


    -The alley on the left. See the construction framework above?


    After a short discussion, Clem and Tubio began climbing a ventilation shaft. Then a ladder, the latter out of reach to keep people from climbing, not taking into account that anyone could just climb the Pipe with obvious handholds right next to it to reach it. After the duo had climbed up, Aria followed their progress with the holo.


    As they climbed, the trio went to a staircase. Descending 1 floor, they were now under a parapet blocked by a solidly locked door. Intended to let no one through except in the event of a major incident, no one would pass through without alerting security or security opening it itself. They, will have to wait.


    As she brooded, Aria thought again about the plan.


    Clem was going to abseil Tubio down the wall of the building. He would use his on-board camera to see if he could open the door to the corridor, bringing the second group inside. Why not go inside right away? In case of a camera in the corridor.


    Finishing his climb up the ladder, Tubio came to a small platform with a screen in front and an emergency door. Looking around him, Tubio couldn''t help but notice the emptiness around him, and pitied anyone who might one day have to escape this way. A single hasty run and the escapee would find himself going over the railing.


    Clem finally came up behind him and attacked the door. Forcing it open. The duo entered what was an unfinished building site. Cyclops took the opportunity to brief them on the scene.


    -Fire caused by an explosion of unknown origin. The construction contract states that the site should be finished in several months. At this hour, no one should disturb you except a poorly paid night guard. Be nice to him if he comes by.


    Moving cautiously, they didn''t see anyone as they got closer and closer to the edge without window. Separated by various construction barriers, the spectacular void didn''t make you want to go down. The wind blew through the plastic sheeting, acting as a poor excuse for a screen. Tubio pulled a cable out of his bag, another gift from Ruby. Finding other construction cables and straps around them, Tubio began to tie knots with Clem''s help. Several floors had to be descended, and the more distance from the cable the better. Tubio didn''t want to be too short. Giving one end to Clem, he hooked it securely to a concrete pillar. Tubio returned to the gap, poking his head over the fence to look down. He sighed heavily before picking up his bag again, taking out a tranquilizer and preparing to inject it into his thigh. Clem, who had watched him do it several times during the day, asked.


    -How many drugs do you inject for a single mission?


    -...Yes.


    To which Cyclops burst out laughing into the holo. Malik smirked, while Aria was shocked to see Janissa smiling too. Securing himself as best he could, Clem confirmed his knots and kept a firm grip on the cable securely coiled to a second pillar.


    Slowly Tubio moved closer to the edge. Acting in tandem with Clem, Tubio took the first step. Crossing over to the other side, just short of the abyss. Fortunately for him, the barriers were solidly anchored in the ground, stretching the cable from their round shape to allow a descent without the risk of cutting the lifeline.


    Clem, acting as a safety net, checked the speed at which the wort was given and was ready to pull Tubio up at the first sign of trouble.


    The descent was long, at least for Tubio. The height, the wind, the adrenalin, the fear. Tubio descended one foot at a time, trying not to think about the long descent ahead or whether Clem decided to cut the rope. Tubio almost regretted injecting himself with the painkiller before the descent. Now he had no excuse to panic. Tubio passed in front of apartment windows, some of which were even lit.


    Tubio followed the concrete line separating the apartments so no one would see the cable dangling outside their window. For those who would watch.


    While Tubio did his best not to shit himself. Aria asked Cyclops why he didn''t let them inside.


    -First answer cameras, second answer sensors. If the service door of a warehouse stairwell doesn''t interest anyone, that of a corpos housing estate much more. We play it safe.


    -The stairwell must cover the whole building, or a large part of it. It''s unlikely they''ll send anyone.


    -That''s true, but if it does go wrong, you''ll have more time before someone sticks their nose in your main exit, plus you''ll have images of yourself for a possible investigation.


    Aria was becoming exasperated that Cyclops had all the answers. So Aria''s group waited for Tubio to give a glimpse inside. Frankly, she didn''t envy his position.


    -Clem, is there enough rope?


    -I hope so. I''d hate to bring him back up for nothing.


    -The cable Tubio brought back is enough?


    -No, we had to take it from the site.


    -Will it hold?


    Tubio''s voice spoke into the holo.


    -I fucking hope, thank you! What kind of idiot would hang himself between Japantown''s buildings to look out of a window without being sure? Mm?


    Finally arriving at the right level. Tubio looked out one of the windows. Despite the fact that they were tinted, you could see inside even if filtered through a darker shade. Looking into what was a living room, Tubio contemplated a perfectly ordered room, the typical image of an apartment for sale. A computer held out its arms, but appeared to be switched off like the rest of the room. A door led right next to it, prompting Tubio to move.


    -I''m at the good level. Nothing in the living room. I move to the next room.


    Walking along the wall, he felt the wind blowing over him as he swung one foot after the other to the side, moving as calmly as he could as he stepped on the wall.


    -Next time I''m not the one going down.


    The group could only agree, not wanting to be in the same situation as him. Tubio asked Cyclops a question.


    -Cyclops, have you ever done this?


    -Yes, I have. But unlike me, you have a team.


    Reaching the edge of the new room, Tubio concentrated to see the light inside.


    -There''s someone in the apartment.


    The group fell into silence.


    Not moving, trying to get a clear view. He saw an empty bed, clothes on the floor and another light coming from under another door. Tubio remained in position. The rest of the group waited for his observations. As he looked around the rest of the room, it wasn''t long before a figure emerged from what had been the bathroom. And¡­


    -Eh... Tubio... When you''ve finished rinsing your eyes, can you concentrate on the mission?


    -What''s going on?


    -Tubio has just seen a naked woman emerge from the bathroom and hit puberty. It''s a good thing the camera''s working, otherwise I''d have thought he''d fallen into the void. Anyway. Mia Gong has just stepped out of the apartment shower.


    -What do we do?


    -Tubio, when you come to your senses, can you watch the TV in front of the bed?


    Tubio grunted and tried to move, but the cable was already tauter than where he was, so he could only move slightly. Even so, he managed to get into position long enough for his onboard camera to create a link with the lit screen.


    -Is this OK?


    -Yes, that''s it.


    Before slipping and banging his head against the wall of the building. Luckily for him, the windows were insulated and his body swung towards the living room, blocking any view Mia might have had of him.


    -I''ll take it from here. I''m posing as a member of your group and requesting information on the death of our dear Yumi and her father. Is that all right?


    Aria and Malik, the two possible objectors, remained silent. Then, after a few seconds of reflection, Malik intervened.


    -Ask her about her uncle''s latest project. If she knows anything. If not, his last home or place of work slash pleasure. If we can get some info on that front.


    -No, first ask what she knows about her uncle''s death and that we''ve been hired to study his death. She doesn''t need to know anything else. If she gives information, we ask questions about Yumi. Do you have any leverage to get her information?


    -Of course I have leverage. It''s the best thing I''ve... Alright. Let''s do this.


    ******


    Mia got out of the shower, the sound of the TV giving her information. With nothing on her but her birth suit she heard a sound alerting her. Going slowly to the side of the bed to retrieve a gun she got startled by the TV buzz and changed picture without prompt. A bright red circle appeared on the now black screen, with a white dot at its center this one turned to her. From the black of the screen, under the eye, a big grinning smile grew.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    -Greeting Mia, sorry to bother you but I need a bit of your time.


    Mia tightens her hand around her gun to which Cyclops thought funny. So much it could be heard inside the alien voice.


    -This would be useless on me. And... I wouldn¡¯t have waited for you to finish your shower.


    Mia silently conceded this logic.


    -Who are you?


    -Oh, not important. I¡¯m here for information and I hope you can give them to me. The faster and the truest would be best. Then¡­ I will be on my way.


    -What do you want?


    -Ah! No questions asked, perfect! I need information about your uncle Mr.Tubiki Gong¡­


    -... He got attacked and died, if you want more information you can contact the administration of Keng Tao, they will respond to your questions.


    -Miss Mia, do I look like the type of person to walk into an office to leave without my responses? I could, but then I would had to kidnapping, blackmail, torture and murder for my informations. And I don''t want to waste my time or yours...


    -Is that a threat?


    -No. Of course not. But if you don''t give me the information I want, or you give me the wrong information. I''ll just have to get back to you...


    -...


    -But you should know, that as a guard for Keng Tao, the risks to those involved with the company shouldn''t shock you more than that.


    -Do you work for the office?


    -I repeat. Do I look like an office worker to you?


    The eye following Mia''s movements made her uneasy, and the lightness with which this person promised death was worthy of a movie villain, yet that look... Mia felt like a piece of meat in front of a predator. The double standard too, Is this a test by Keng Tao? But Mia couldn''t take any chances. The best she could do was redirect it to Keng Tao. She knew nothing.


    -Has anything happened recently that might have led to your uncle''s death?


    -No, our affairs were compartmentalized and apart from rare occasions, the family never got together.


    -So the fact that this address was given to me... A coincidence?


    -No doubt. The properties are supplied to us by Keng Tao. This apartment is undoubtedly marked for the Gong family.


    -If you don''t know anything about your uncle''s death, perhaps you have some news about Yumi''s disappearance?


    Confusion crossed Mia''s face, she who had managed to regain her seriousness after being caught naked in her room by a stranger. Was taken aback by the question.


    -What does my cousin have to do with my uncle''s death?


    -I don''t know... maybe a witness saying they were in the same place the night he died?


    -...


    Several seconds passed without Mia finding anything to say. Cyclops'' mechanical voice echoed through the room, louder and more frank, this time devoid of humor or patience.


    -Well? Has Keng Tao got your tongue? Maybe I should check out N54 news next morning. I can already see the headlines. Pedophile within Keng Tao, La gla rings for the Gong family.


    -Pedophile?


    -Oh, you didn''t know? Either you decide to tell me what I want, or Keng Tao makes the headline at sunrise. Don''t worry, I''ll let you work out the details on your own, after all... you don''t know anything.


    -Wait!


    -Mm? New informations? I knew the great Gong family couldn''t hide their secrets from one another.


    -I don''t know much but I''m sure I can give you more than nothing.


    -I will need more than that for sure... but I know a but when i hear it.


    -I want guaranties.


    -Ah! A corpos to the core. Of course she wants something as impossible as a guarantee. And what would it be? My name and social number maybe? Sorry I was never registered.


    -I know places...


    -So do I. How did I find this place? I need more than places. I need material, names, dates, video, pictures, messages on what your uncle was doing or may have been doing, and all you can give me on Yumi.


    -Why are you interested in Yumi?


    -I may know where she is.


    This sentence alone rendered Mia silent, Cyclops knew that the only thing a corpos was interested in was his life and reputation, the whole forming their career. But he didn''t expect to have the family card in this game.


    *****


    -Wow, okay now what? Should we wait a bit? Push it harder?


    -No, we''re going to hold it up. We''ve already got her with her pants down. No way she''s going to give us any more information...


    -We''ve got to keep going...


    -Oh! You''re Not the one who''s hanging in mid-air so can we cut it short!?


    As the team listened to the conversation. Tubio was still suspended. Hence his great desire to get back up.


    -I still need you to establish the link with the TV by you. Hang on, we''re almost done.


    -Very funny!


    ******


    Inside, the two parties looked at each other in silence. Cyclops, in addition to conversing with Mia, transferred what was happening to the groups outside.


    -Fine I will give you intel... My uncle disappeared recently, my father told me not to worry about it and that''s what I did. My aunt told me never to speak of him again, so I didn''t ask. My uncle was a piece of shit so I don''t know where he was or what he did for a living and i was alright with it but the fact that my cousin disappeared has something to do with me is totally new... My aunt didn''t tell me about it. Being treated as an outsider to the family, the older members all have complaints about her despite her results. Why? I don''t know, but the couple she formed with my uncle was already on the rocks, long before my cousin was born. the latter being more of a political marriage than anything else...


    -So you don''t know anything.


    -I don''t give a shit about my uncle, yes. And for good reason. How did you get this address?


    -My little finger.


    Sensing that the conversation would go no further. Cyclops consulted the group and came to a conclusion.


    -How long before I have more information?


    Mia was pensive for several seconds.


    -Tomorrow. Same time?


    -Perfect... Oh, and before I go. I have no idea what I''ll be asked to do to Yumi if I find her. But I''m not a monster. Several people are looking for her and I think some of your family are.


    -Why didn''t you tell me about the search?


    -For the same reasons I was able to have a conversation with you.


    Their reputation is at stake. And corpos are unpredictable if their livelihood is at risk. If they let Tubiki die for it, what would happen to Yumi.


    -For everyone''s sake, I hope we can come to an agreement. God knows who can be trusted in Night City...


    *****


    -Clem pulls Tubio up. We''ve done all we can. Now it''s a question of whether we''ve struck gold or dummy.


    The winding up made Tubio tremble so much he wanted to get out of the situation. The short conversation had seemed like an eternity. Above him, Clem began to pull on the rope, gradually helping Tubio to climb back up, finally reaching the barrier. Tubio let go of the rope with one hand, clinging almost desperately to it, clumsily pulling himself up and over it with his whole body on the concrete, shaking from the adrenaline rush he was experiencing.


    -Next time we''ll get someone else. Okay?


    As Tubio caught his breath, the rest of the group retreated from the stairwell door back to where the two groups had parted. Tubio''s legs were shaking, while the others had a smirk on their faces once the group had reunited.


    -So, what about this vertigo?


    -Fuck off.


    The group decided to leave via another elevator. Having had enough experience for one day, they all descended, feeling a sense of relief that the situation hadn''t escalated. Malik spoke to Cyclops.


    -Would it be possible for us to meet?


    -Why should we? Need an autograph?


    -I like to meet the people I work with. It gives me an impression of them and avoids ending up with a corpos thanking me for doing his job.


    -Valid.


    The elevator reached the bottom and as the doors opened with a ding. A person stood in front of them. Cyclops stood before them in discreet pants, a hoodie with one of her large hoods covering her entire head, three claw marks acting as holes and vents. Her pale face could be seen through, which gave Janissa a shock, but it was nothing when she heard his voice.


    -Satisfied?


    Clem almost drew his weapon, while Tubio stepped in. Ruby''s voice came from under the hood changed, and she tilted her head before smiling at him through the hood.


    -Did you miss me?


    Tubio let out a long sigh and she took him in her arms. Turning to face the group, her voice, this time full of life, addressed the still dazed group.


    -Let''s delta of this place. We must make some plans before we can call it a day.


    The group moved towards a random bar and went inside, seizing a corner where they wouldn''t be disturbed. After some had ordered drinks, a new conversation began with Ruby starting.


    -I know it''s been a long day for everyone, but I''d like to thank you for following my plan. Janissa, I''m glad you''re healthy.


    Janissa stammered out an incoherent quiet answer and was preceded by Malik.


    -Okay, what''s next?


    -Tomorrow I''m going to shadow our dear friend Mia to find out where she''s going. There aren''t thirty-six exits from this apartment. So you can answer Pat, it''s Pat, right? IF need be, without attracting suspicion of your involvement. Once I have some solid information under my belt, I''ll let you know what I have.


    -How can I trust you?


    -Oh... If I''d wanted to kill you, I''d have done it without having to talk to you...


    The silence around the table was palpable as Ruby''s white smile could be seen. Never underestimate a netrunner, Malik tried to judge Cyclops but wasn''t sure what to think. Her repartee with Mia Gong was spot on. Her negotiating skills were impressive. The threats were precise. The humor, usually optional, was measured and dark. Intimidating, but not immediately threatening. Yet a netrunner is usually the last line of defense. Tubio should be the cannon fodder and she the brains. A good netrunner would never have appeared before them. Unless he had something up his sleeve. A third man, a trap or insurance in case of death. Hard to say. The name Cyclops didn''t ring a bell. He''d have to find out before acting. She hadn''t done anything... yet...


    -Let''s say I trust you, why don''t you warn us of the danger and not just Tubio.


    -My big heart and my word. Janissa will be my witness for the latter. Not to mention the eddies we''d have to touch. Ah. and I''m not the one in the middle of a corpos conspiracy where the cleanup is not in doubt coming.


    -Cleanup?


    -If I''ve followed the story correctly, Tubiki Gong was a complete asshole who cheated on his wife. And someone decided to stir things up. Keng Tao is a corpos identical to the others. If he died without making waves, it''s because there was a reason. A reason that even his niece Mia was kept in the dark by her own father, judging by the conversation we just had. I''m not much of a family man, but even if a distant cousin were to die, I''d want to know why, at least to put a cause on the story I have to tell.


    -Are you implying that Hiro Gong knows something?


    -It slipped her mind. She said it herself, her father told her not to bother. I''ve read his file, Hiro is much older than Tubiki, more experienced, with more connections too. I wouldn''t be surprised if one of his acquaintances gave him some premios info in exchange for a favor later on.


    -Would he have been told not to ask about his own brother''s death?


    Aria, who had been silent until now, couldn''t contain her disgust.


    -It''s the corpos for you. Friends or family, all are steps to the top...


    The table fell silent as the waitress came to give them their orders. Clem looked down at his clearly disgusted glass, re-engaged the conversation, each adding a comment.


    -It disgusts me.


    -It''s just the way it is. Corpos gonks...


    -Mia looked confused for Yumi.


    -Even if she hated the uncle, I don''t think the niece was in bad grace.


    -True enough. Maybe Mia''s heart could help us find out more about Yumi.


    -But why did she end up in prostitution? We need to know why her father died in Watson''s godforsaken hole and whether this could bring problems to your mission to rescue Yumi.


    -...


    Silence fell around the table. Cyclops spoke up.


    -Tomorrow I''ll go to the foot of the apartment. I''ll shadow our new acquaintance to see if it leads us anywhere. If Pat doesn''t contact you about work and you want your share of information as Malik suggests. I''d appreciate it if you''d help out by rotating with me, timing permitting.


    -Sounds reasonable.


    The group exchanged contacts before establishing rotations and groups for the days ahead. Ruby began to get up, taking Tubio with her. Janissa tried to speak, but the words died in her throat as Aria took her hand and eyed the duo with suspicion, almost as much as Malik, a lack that was made up for by a hint of anger in the woman''s eyes. Clem watched the couple get up before Cyclops said goodbye.


    The couple left, stopping two steps from the door. Ruby turned to Tubio and removed his mask. Tubio, confused but confident, let her. She stroked his face before lifting her hood, and Tubio bent down to kiss her. They remained together for a few moments before a third person emerged, Malik. Ignoring the couple''s interaction. He lit one of his cigarettes before asking a question he''d had since Cyclops appeared before them.


    -Why did you do it? Why did he show up in person?


    Ruby, still clinging to Tubio, let go of some of her hold and turned to face the man, an icy blue gaze piercing his body.


    -Not so long ago I lost everything I had. An investigator like you should have no trouble finding out, so I''ll spare you the details. I lost... My friends, my health, my chrome, my relationships. These last ones hurt me particularly because I have no idea who betrayed me. I need new contacts, new allies, professional people with ethics who I can trust. I plan to work with Tubio as a merc, and the talents of a man like you would be more than helpful in establishing a profitable situation, based on both financial and trust benefits. What do you say?


    Malik stared at Ruby. Clearly she was the one leading the couple. Tubio had been good at improvising in the alley. But the fact that she''d revealed herself was deliberate, it was to win points in anticipation of this very conversation. She wasn''t looking ahead to the current mission, she was already considering future ones.


    -If we can get through this, we''ll see.


    -That''s all we ask.

 Corpos day: morning

    Mia rose from her bed, morning sickness from lack of sleep. Her gun in her night hand, held steady throughout the night. Leaving the bedroom with weapon in hand, she switched on the coffee machine before turning on the news; returning to the bedroom for a quick shower, she turned to the TV hanging on the wall. Looking away, she continued her routine. Taking a quick shower, she reviewed her wardrobe, choosing an outfit that would be most appropriate for the day. Leaving behind the pants and safety gear. She decided on a suit with a skirt cut in the company colors. More feminine than usual, she wore heels and discreet make-up. She picked up a black handbag and walked out the door.


    All around her, the immaculate corridor and the floor polished by the floor service''s scrubbing showed no signs of fault. Arriving at an elevator. She pressed the call button, which lit up to signal the arrival of the elevator. The two steel doors were also clean, and a man stood looking at her for a moment before she stepped inside, ignoring her gaze and turning his back. She pressed the down button and descended in silence to the sound of the elevator, soft music playing faintly. Ding. the doors opened and she stepped out, followed by the man into the entrance hall, a large room with a manicured reception area where two secretaries and a butler held the main table. The whole thing was flanked by two armed guards on either side of the room. Ignoring all this, she set off for the exit door with a determined step.


    Immediately she was dazzled by the light. Passing through the buildings to reflect on the glass of the towers, the voices, the shouts, the cars, the people passing by and laughing busily with their lives as Mia contemplated the moment. She looked around briefly, noting another person wearing Keng Tao''s colors. He got into a car and drove off into the traffic.


    Mia ignored this. Continuing on her way to the Night City subway. Passing the road and going to the station to get in without any problems. Mia took the Wesbrook Express, first passing through Charter Hill before returning to the City Center, where she would only have to change trains to arrive at Corpo Plaza. As she pondered her route, she observed the wagon she was in. Old-fashioned was a close word. But under pressure, it was better from her point of view. Who knows what had happened in these wagons, rarely changed and often damaged. Many people were present, but not as many as she had imagined. Looking around, she didn''t recognize a single face. Even if some of them didn''t match anything close. Deformed eyes the size of tennis balls, a man with a respirator for his lower jaw, a gas cylinder on his back connected to a hose running over his shoulder. A girl on a man''s lap, both of them genetically modified to look like... felines? An old lady carrying a shopping bag, her right eye and part of her skull replaced by a chrome plate. Two men looked at her, knives in their belts and point guns tucked under their armpits.


    The TVs inside the carriage changed the subject, attracting her attention as a round red logo appeared in a commercial. She made a disparaging remark to herself as the carriage passed over Charter Hill. The carriage had taken them above the hustle and bustle of the street, giving a view of the city. But when they reached Charter Hill, they could see the hill of Night City''s richest and most influential people, North Oak. Nestled in the only patch of green for miles around. Besides City Center Park. Alas, a brief pause in the comings and goings and the vision disappeared to make way once again for Night City. Alas for Mia, it was a beautiful day, ideal for getting a view of that thing called Night City that seemed to be rotting away.


    Passing over the water, the car arrived in City Center. Mia looked at the new arrivals. Two NCPD officers in uniform. The couple and the old lady got off. Two huge men with jackets bearing the Animals gang logo laughing between themself. Arriving at the next stations, Mia hesitated to get off and finish on foot. But she decided to take the quickest route, too bad for the rest. But at least the metro offered some protection against kidnapping. Arriving at the stop she wanted, she changed carriages and headed for Corpo Plaza.


    In this last carriage there were more corporate members than anything else. Militec, Biotechnica... All dull and dead-eyed. Going to their posts and staying there. Getting out of the metro did her no good: the great skyscrapers around the square just stood there, motionless giants. All around her, the ballet of cars and guards stared at each other, glaring at any irregular sign. Continuing on her way. She walked past the imposing building that had nothing to envy the others. The holographic letters on the facade Keng Tao with the company slogan ¡°This is Kang Tao. This is intelligence¡±.


    Entering the building, she passed a scan under a portal, validated her badge, then her luggage was x-rayed before she reached the reception area, located several meters from the entrance and shaped like an island in the middle of the main hall. The latter, surrounded by a cordon of armed and unarmed guards on either side, supervised every entrance. Ignoring the reception desk. She headed for the rows of elevators on one of the walls at the far end of the hall. There was a nearby, unoccupied one in the middle of art, with two armed guards. Made entirely of glass, it offered a bird''s-eye view of the hall to anyone stepping off. It existed only for the leader of Keng Tao.


    All around her was an interpretation of perfect order. From the walls to the ceiling, the showcases and sculptures present, the art both botanical and painted. Clean, professional staff, smiling and friendly to the slightest question. On the surface at least.


    And it was the same throughout the building. As she stepped into the elevator, others followed, each pressing a button for their destination.


    The ride was both slow and short. Rising in silence, many people exited on the first floors, a handful at a time, one or two individuals going up for a floor. Soon she was the only one left, not that she minded. The doors opened and she stepped out onto a sober corridor, lit from the ground up by evenly spaced lights, the main source of light being a window at the end of a long corridor. Navigating the floor and passing numerous doors, she finally arrived at her destination. The door read. Hiro Gong ¡°accounting departments¡±.


    Stepping inside, she came to a secretariat, a small room with a door to the right, a desk in front of a glass window facing outwards. A secretary behind the desk jumped up, the young blonde woman was not expecting visitors. Small, round-faced and wearing glasses, her eyes were wide open, unsure of what to do. Normally, you make an appointment in advance, call and confirm by message, before notifying her of your arrival on the agreed day. She could wait... from a few weeks to a few months? But she couldn''t wait.


    -Is he in?


    The tone may have been a little rougher than she would have liked, but the effect was there. Nodding in astonishment, she couldn''t hold Mia back as she re-entered unannounced.


    The office was spacious and looked out onto the outside, with the secretariat window continuing into the office. The wall on the right was covered with an abstract painting, beneath which was a filing cabinet framed by two plants. Finally, opposite her was her father''s desk. Glass and wood, a desktop and laptop computer lit up amidst neat papers. Behind him, she could see all his trophies and gifts proudly displayed on a shelf that spanned the entire back wall.


    Mia waited patiently. Her father sat in front of his desk in full holo mode, insolence had its limits and interrupting his work would have consequences.


    Blue eyes in full transmission Mia stood silently facing him as the secretary came in behind her. Her father was a mature man with greying black hair, his piercing eyes on her but illuminated by the blue light of a holo. In a company suit, he sported a sober but practical outfit in the firm''s colors.


    The secretary who had failed to stop Mia was now behind her. She too stood silently waiting for Mr.Gong''s response.


    Slowly, with a wave of his hand, he beckoned the young woman to step aside and, bowing, closed the door on her way out.


    Mia remained standing for several more minutes, the other arm movement indicating that the secretary should withdraw not having moved a muscle. The holo ended and his eyes returned to a deep black. Fixed on his daughter. He nodded slightly.


    Mia responded by bowing her hands in front of her as she''d learned in etiquette class.


    -I wish you good morning, Father.


    Keeping her head down, she waited for her father''s reaction. After a moment, she heard him sigh.


    -Daughter, raise your head. To what do I owe this visit, in... this outfit? I must confess, I wasn''t expecting this. Is there something you want to ask me?


    -I wanted to talk to you, Father.


    Frowning, he swiveled in his seat before pressing a button on his table. The door behind Mia clicked and a soft buzzing went up in the room.


    -Speak up. No one can hear us.


    -Did you send men to threaten me?


    -... No. But this is a serious accusation, my daughter...


    -I''ve been threatened...


    -Me too, more than once.


    Hiro bluntly cut Mia off. His tone was dry and uncompromising, and Mia bit her tongue to keep from exploding and saying words she''d regret. He got up to look out the window at Corpo Plaza below. Thoughtfully, he looked down at the light reflections of a giant holographic fish passing in front of him.


    -Keng Tao is one of the world''s most powerful corporations. Almost 1 million members, not counting all the people and other associates, with our latest revenue reports coming in at 525 Billion Eurodollars with a B. The fact that you''ve received threats because you''re part of the company is certainly unfortunate. But it''s an eventuality common to anyone with a little power in the company, and an easy action for those who don''t have enough to attack us.


    -I wasn''t threatened because I''m part of Keng Tao. I''ve been threatened because I''m a Gong.


    For the first time since her arrival, she could see her father''s face change expression - a raised eyebrow followed by a set jaw. So she kept talking.


    -Late last night, someone took control of my television. Displaying the equivalent of a live discussion, talking to me through the speakers. Demanding information and threatening me and our whole family with the destruction of our reputations...


    -What did they want?


    -He said he only wanted information.


    -Information about what?


    -About who, you mean, Uncle Tubiki and Yumi.


    -What did you say?


    -That I didn''t know anything, which I don''t. Thanks to you.


    -Some things are not good to know.


    -Because I''m your daughter?


    -Mia...


    Mia hadn''t even noticed that she''d raised her voice. Yet the power behind a single word made her realize that, once again, she would have no answer to her questions. She lowered her head in frustration at her father''s refusal to keep her informed, again.


    Returning to his desk, he pressed a key on the computer.


    -Janet, call Mr.Wellov in my office. We''ll wait for him to arrive so we can strategize.


    -Father, this... this person who threatened me, he didn''t threaten me physically. He claimed to have evidence about our family and Uncle Tubiki.


    -Of what?


    -That he was a pedophile... that if I didn''t cooperate the information would be front-page news, ruining our reputation.


    It took a second for her father to react, and Mia saw him turn red, either from shame or anger. It was a rare moment when she had seen him so angry. All her will to stand up to him had been chilled as she was now the center of his attention. As quickly as she''d arrived, this anger seemed to disappear and, in a neutral voice, she invited him to continue.


    -Continue. Why did he need information?


    -They didn''t say. But... the fact is, they mentioned Yumi. Saying they think they know where she is.


    Mia remained silent after that. Her father''s gaze pierced the young woman. Gone was the courage she''d had to walk into the room. Her father was a rock, and she''d always seen him as he was now. Cold, calculating, inflexible. She''d never gotten so much as an earful from him as a child; it took her joining Keng Tao''s security force for him to talk to her for more than an hour in one day, and that was to explain his disappointment that she''d joined the company instead of finding a good party to marry.


    -Anything else?


    -I don''t know how, but they were given my address.


    -...Mm that means we had a leak... no, if they''d ever known. They would have done more than talk... Did they lack the means to intervene?


    Mia listened to her father in silence, not knowing if her point of view would even be taken into account. Her father sat down once more behind his desk. A knock came at the door and Hiro pressed the equivalent of an intercom. Janet''s voice echoed through the room.


    -Mr.Wellov sir.


    -Show him in.


    The door unlocked and a man entered the room. Tall, the company uniform was almost too small for his arms. Hugo Wellov had a square jaw, a tanned complexion despite his normally white skin, hair cut short on the sides and pulled back. A mixture of military and suave. Mia had met him many times before. Being in the same department as him and at many of the events her father had taken her to when she was younger.


    ******


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    To be what it was, Keng Tao needed security and security on security. Whether for scientific sites, important personnel, sensitive materials and information.


    In order. Night City Keng Tao, has for chief of security one person at the head plus his second in command, for all security matters in the area. Then below. Different chiefs are assigned according to needs and demands.


    The regional chief is in charge of security for the most important building. As a matter of principle. The head of security and his deputy are responsible for the Corpo Plaza building. They are solely responsible for security in the building, and if need be, they control all personnel present inside in the event of a problem.


    But not all personnel belong to the building alone, and must be assigned to the various outside installations. That''s why there''s one person in charge of security in the Night City area, together with his own deputy.


    In addition to the facilities, there are the staff and their families who hold critical positions in the company. These include heads of departments, research and development, marketing, finance, legal and many others.


    Finally, there''s another section assigned to important people whose protection can vary from a single individual to a complete team of bodyguards. Project managers, scientists, visiting VIPs.


    In a normal career, after your training you''re sorted and sent where you''ve been assessed. In order of value, you want the headquarters of your region. If you''re there, you''re one of the best recruits with a bright future ahead of you. Second best. An intervention or close protection team for a VIP, you''ve got the talent but you''ve got to prove yourself, with a bit of luck you''ll be able to create a relationship with your VIP helping you to rise through the ranks quickly or saving his life. Finally, the rest. You''re a guard in an external installation, a cog in the machine if you can prove your qualities to the head of outside operations, and if there''s a shortage of manpower you could later be assigned to one of the other options.


    In reality, no one is going to be directly recruited into the regional chief''s security. Better job, better equipment, and the best umbrella in case of trouble. Unless you have very powerful connections, no one goes directly into this closed circle except someone''s son or daughter.


    The last option is what awaits the majority of applicants with no roots in the business. You''ll be used on a minor site, and if by chance a position opens up and you''ve been perfect. You''ll have a small chance of leaving your campaign to join the second category.


    Mia falls into the second category. With her father and family long members of Keng Tao occupying influential positions. She had been recruited into one of the intervention teams at the end of her training.


    Wellov, for his part, had been recruited at the same level as her a few years ago, even though he was the only son of an American family with no connections whatsoever. He is a self-made man, having risen from member, to deputy team leader, to team leader following the death of his predecessor while protecting Mia''s father. Today Wellov was Hiro Gong''s personal security chief.


    A position few could boast. Not only because of his merit, but also because of Hiro''s position in the company. The finance department was a turbulent affair at the moment, with everyone looking over each other''s shoulders to check on each other''s work. And rightly so, many people would dream of having control of the company''s finances.


    Especially now, when positions in the accounting department are more than a little unstable. Positions that Hiro had already planned to monopolize following his appointment as deputy after the department head''s untimely death. His deputy should have taken over, but alas, the latter, suffering from an illness, could do less and less in the department. Placing Hiro Gong as default number 1 in the accounting department and number 3 in the finance department on the same level as a handful of other people. Above that, you''re up to the highest level of management in the Night City branch.


    Follow the money and you''ll be able to peek into Keng Tao''s most secret affairs. Hugo had quickly realized his interest in following Mia''s father. He''d been a member of Hiro''s team for years. Wellov had grown up with Hiro as his benefactor, advancing his career at the same pace as his own. He even protected Hiro from an attempted murder, less than a month after his appointment as representative for the accounting department. Following the unexpected death of his boss and the deputy''s medical problems, Hiro had become a difficult person to avoid in the office.


    *****


    Wellov immediately recognized Mia and bowed his head slightly, which she returned. Hiro locked the door and the conversation resumed.


    -What can I do for you, sir?


    -We''ve had a leak. Someone made contact with my daughter last night in her private apartment. They asked for personal information about members of our family. I want them identified and apprehended. Alive if possible we have a possible kidnapping situation. The intruders would have information.


    -Who is the missing person?


    -My niece, daughter of my recently deceased brother. Yumi.


    -Yes, sir. Would you like me to create a team or requisition more reliable personnel?


    -A lambda team will be fine, don''t tell them anything they don''t need to know, I trust you. I''ll give you carte blanche on how to proceed. Now let me get on with the business and I can''t waste any more time. I''m sending a message to your superior under the title ¡°family business¡±.


    -Miss Mia, would you like to follow me to get more details and make a plan?


    After nodding, both bowed to Hiro before silently exiting once the door was unlocked. Passing silently by the secretary, they set off down the corridor, but almost immediately came to a new door. Passing this door, Wellov went behind the desk into the room.


    This room was his personal office, close to his office, and had almost nothing in it. A pile of paper documents, rare these days, and a stationary computer. Like his father, he pressed a button and the door locked with a soft buzzing sound.


    Mia finally let out a long sigh. Safe from prying eyes and ears, she could breathe at last. Hugo walked around the desk facing her and crossed his arms.


    -Do you want to talk about it?


    Mia took two steps before grabbing his tie and backing him up against the desk. The two of them pressed against each other, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips...


    ******


    After that intense moment. They were both panting, catching their breath as they lay on the chair. With her arms around his neck, Mia moved back to straighten up. Hugo wanted to take her face in his hands to kiss her on the lips, but she recoiled at the gesture.


    He knew he''d screwed up when she turned her head away and withdrew from him, pushing herself away from his chest. Putting her bra back in place and buttoning up her blouse. He let himself go against the backrest and let out a deep sigh.


    They''d laughed more than once about how his father probably knew. He had to have his doubts but let it go, at least as long as it didn''t get serious.


    Mia had several rules about the men she slept with. A lot of them had to do with her father and the company. Others were simpler, like the fact that he had to be handsome, muscular, talented. Others were implied at the first time, such as no talking during sex, or only happening when she wanted to. But the most important were never to sleep with anyone below her or subordinate to her father. Wellov had been the exception, the only exception.


    The only thing she didn''t allow herself with him in particular was for him to kiss her on the lips. Something he noticed and was very frustrated about. But Mia had these rules in place for a reason. Not getting attached was one. One day, He could disappear for some unknown reason, for months, maybe years if Keng Tao forced him to. Who knows what Wellov might do if his father were to have an accident. He''d lose his best support for his advancement. Maybe he''d abandon them. Was she a bonus, an asset for him against her father? What if Mia was just another girl?


    Mia tried not to think about such things as she finished to clean up herself by folding her skirt and fixing her hair. Once satisfied, she found herself in the same state as when she''d first come inside with him. Even if the supplies had moved, Hugo''s outfit was still disheveled and her cheeks were still flushed from the action that had taken place.


    Slower and more nonchalant than her, Wellov had finally put his clothes right, leaving his jacket on his chair, the only thing proving something had happened were the marks on each other''s body.


    He fetched some water, filling two glasses for them. One for her, one for him. She sat down in front of the desk to drink.


    -So?


    -The son of a bitch contacted me through the television in my bedroom.


    -Oh?


    -Just as I was getting out of the shower.


    -Ah... Naked?


    -You really want that kind of detail? Knowing he could have executed me in the shower isn''t enough for you to know we''re dealing with a perverted asshole?


    -A talented perverted asshole if he managed to get into your apartment to play question and answer.


    -Here''s the thing. I didn''t find anything, the cameras didn''t pick anything up, the doors to my apartment didn''t register opening and even the presence detectors in the corridor didn''t switch on the light, why? Because they didn''t record anyone in the corridor leading to my apartment.


    -Calm down. Did you check the hallway cameras?


    -I don''t have access, it has to be a crime...


    -Or a connection. I''ll see what I can do to get the recordings, by going through the images, maybe I''ll be able to see who we''re dealing with.


    -I''d be surprised. It looked like they hadn''t even been inside the apartment.


    -Has anyone been in your apartment lately?


    -No! What are you insinuating?


    -Okay, okay, calm down.


    -Stop telling me to calm down. The TV itself isn''t connected to anything that could be accessed by a netrunner unless he''s in the room with me. And no, he wasn''t hiding under my bed.


    -Okay. Let''s assume that he''s been planning this for a long time and that''s why the recent logs have nothing. If he''s covered all his tracks. How can we catch him?


    -Must contact me again tonight.


    -Tonight?


    -I didn''t really have time to improvise. I did as usual, not changing my habits in case I was followed, but nothing. No obvious signs. The same people in my fucking subway and the same guy in the elevator with his disgusting perfume...


    -I''m going to have to catch him in the act.


    -I didn''t want you to say that.


    -On the bright side, I''m finally going to get a chance to come home to your apartment.


    -Huff, have mercy please.


    Mia didn''t know what pissed her off more, that someone had intruded on her personal space or that the man she''d just fucked saw her being vulnerable.


    -If we''re going to get this over with, I''ll have to report to my team.


    The two of them drew up a strategy: a team would go to the building to check it hadn''t been compromised, then prepare a hideout to intervene once the link with her blackmailer had been identified and his whereabouts tracked down.


    *****


    Finally free of the whole affair, Mia felt lighter as she left Hugo''s office. She wasn''t alone in all this, and that reassured her enormously. Now all she had to do was let him get on with his work and she could pretend nothing had happened.


    30 minutes later


    -Well, Mia. Haven''t we had enough sleep? Get up.


    In one of the many training rooms in the basement, Mia had just been beaten up by her instructor in her team''s gym, and had swapped her civilian clothes for a sports outfit.


    In a circle around her, the rest of the group of ten or so watched in silence. Her instructor, a bald man with cybernetic arms, walked around the small wrestling arena. His name is Yi, Yi Ling. Deputy team leader of the White Tiger group. One of Keng Tao intervention group. Mia wasn''t about to forget that name. Yi was in a black rage. Turning towards his victim, he squatted to look at Mia.


    -Do you know why you''re in this position?


    -Yes, sir.


    -Ah! You''re alive? So get up!


    Mia got to her feet before being ruthlessly slammed to the floor. Yi didn''t even have to strain. Quickly getting to her feet. Mia was blowing hard. Pushed by the effort, she could already feel bruises forming under her skin.


    -You said you knew why you were in this position. Tell us, Miss Gong?


    He spread his arms to show the rest of the group, venom in his mouth as he uttered her surname. Everyone looked on in silence, some with apathy, others with disdain, one or two with a smirk.


    -I didn''t report...


    -Fantastic! Tell me, when do they teach you this stuff?


    -In training.


    -Oh! Did you hear that!? In training! Well, maybe you should go back! We''re a strike team! Not a student job!


    Speaking to her as well as to the rest of the group, he shouted his indignation. his face red with anger as he spoke.


    -This is the fourth time! That one of you is late this month! You think it''s the vacations! That you decided when the intervention takes place? If there''s ever an attack, do we ask the terrorist to wait for you to arrive!? What do we do when we have a problem! Zhu!


    Zhu Long a man with flower tattoos along his ears disappearing into his neck shouted back.


    -Reporting to your superior!


    -Yes! Why? Tian!


    Tian Wei, a small man with two owl-like eyes and an ear implant with antennae, answered in the same way as Zhu.


    -So that the team knows he''s absent!


    -PER-FECT! If you have a car accident, you don''t call the trauma team first, you call! Your supervisor! Why do you do that? Because then your team will know that you can''t do your job! Then they can find a replacement by notifying the on-call team.


    Yi caught his breath and looked around, some of them clearly targeted by his comments.


    -It''s not that complicated! Hello? Mr.Yi? I''ll be late because I broke my leg when I fell into my fucking stairs! There! 30 seconds watch in hand! Why is it important for the team to be complete? Julian!


    Julian Bormen, a tall, lean black man, replied energetically.


    -To guarantee the team''s efficiency, for a rapid response in case of intervention!


    -Good! At least some of you seem to remember things once they''ve been hammered into your skulls.


    Mia, who had caught her breath, threw herself at Yi who was giving his speech. The latter turned, grabbing Mia''s arm, turned and with experience carried Mia over his shoulder in a judo grip. Throwing her unceremoniously to the ground. Mia received the full impact, contorting herself in pain and grunting as she tried to get back on all fours. Yi, not the least bit unfocused, continued his speech.


    -Mia. Why aren''t your teammates helping you?


    Mia answered breathlessly.


    -Because they don''t know I''m here.


    -And yes, they don''t know, in the same way that if you''re ambushed, help won''t come, and the rest of the team will be in danger! Because you''ll be dead.


    Seeming to regain his calm at last, he took a deep breath.


    -Training in pairs. Go!


    The circle broke and the teams formed. Yi went over to Mia, who was just getting to her feet, her hair a mess and her legs aching, Yi waited calmly for her to stand up. With a stern face, Yi stared into her eyes as she finally stood to attention.


    -This is the last I''ll hear of your late arrival from the team leader. The team leader, he doesn''t have to deal with your bullshit. Do you get it? IF you''re late, if you have a problem, even if it''s your period, it''s me you contact. Is that clear?


    -Yes sir.


    -I don''t care if you''re Mr.Gong''s daughter and Sayako''s Niece. I''ll make your life hell if you put this team in jeopardy.


    -Yes sir.


    -I''ve got more than a dozen candidates ready to pounce on your spot. Don''t give them a reason to convince me.


    -Yes sir.


    Yi pointed to the window overlooking the gymnasium.


    -You''re going to see the boss after the morning training session. He has a few words for you.


    -Yes sir.


    Yi then took a quick look at Mia''s condition before stepping back into his trainer''s shoes.


    -Light training for you this morning, don''t forget your stretches, drink water even if you''re not thirsty, ointment and ice for your joints. Get out of here.


    -Thank you sir.

 Corpos day: afternoon

    Training took place under Yi''s supervision. No unnecessary discussion will be allowed during this session. Mia and the White Tiger intervention group. United under Mr.Yi''s firm hand. Hand-to-hand combat, shooting practice, first aid - the morning was an intensive training session on the basics of their job.


    Protecting a VIP, what to do if caught out, treating a minor injury, eliminating a threat. This and many other scenarios, both theorized in the classroom and practiced in Keng Tao''s underground premises. When the morning finally ended...


    -Assemble.


    Yi gathered her entire team, well-oiled machine that she was, and everyone found their place, arranged by size in clear order.


    -End of the morning. Rendezvous in 2 hours in the team briefing room for our future mission. Enjoy your meal.


    Without further ado, the group dispersed immediately and the discussions began as Yi turned on his heel, leaving them to their own devices. Before that, he had looked intently at Mia, who hadn''t forgotten to drop in on their team leader.


    While she was still in her sportswear. She separated from the group, passed through two doors, climbed a small staircase and arrived at one of the three doors in front of her. One for the classroom, one for Mr.Yi''s equipment and one for his boss. Knocking before entering, a voice inside called out to her. Waiting respectfully, she sat back and waited for her boss, team leader Xiao Cai, to speak to her.


    Contrary to what one might think, Cai wasn''t a tyrannical boss. He was friendly most of the time, spending time with his team and taking part in training sessions, even organizing meals after difficult missions. He also took responsibility for his men. Something very few people in the industry did.


    By a bizarre coincidence, he happened to be related to Mia. A close uncle. While she waited, Xiao had finished what he wanted to do. Turning to her. He had two cups of tea in his hands. Bringing them to a small table with two sofas facing each other. He invited Mia to sit down.


    Sitting down opposite him, Mia could only face Xiao, who was more focused on his tea than on her.


    Yet almost at his father''s age, one might have been surprised at his low position. A man his age would have been better off behind a desk than in an intervention unit, and with his experience should already have been promoted.


    The more than likely rumor was that he had been blacklisted by a powerful entity within the company, keeping him forever in a dead-end position. Explaining his position, his attitude and his total lack of manner once his superiors were gone.


    Mia took the cup as she had been taught. Calmly, with elegance and refinement. Following her habit and experience, she practiced the same gestures she''d been repeating since childhood. Savoring the tea and showing her deference to her host. In the proper manner.


    Lowering her cup. Xiao watched her, rare were the moments they''d spent together. Especially since he was part of his mother''s family. He was the equivalent of an uncle to her.


    -Do you want to tell me why you were late?


    Mia remained silent, staring at her uncle. With graying hair, he looked a bit like her father, even if he had a nice mustache. And he was in better shape.


    -Family problem sir.


    He remained implacable, even heaving a weary sigh at Mia''s reply as if he''d been waiting for it. He spoke with patience and even understanding, if Mia could hear correctly.


    -When my half-sister found herself married to your father. You know what I thought?


    -No sir.


    -Good riddance.


    He said before bursting out laughing. Mia, who didn''t know what to say, remained silent in the face of her uncle''s smile as he reminisced. She nver knew her mother but...


    -By the gods, she was horrible, you''ve no idea. A mixture of arrogance and snake venom. I remember once she hit one of the servants with a lamp until she lost consciousness...


    Mia''s eyes widened, unsure what to make of her statement. Xiao continued to speak.


    -... So when they told me she''d found a husband... I can''t tell you how relieved I and the others were. Because yes, in addition to being a terrible person. She had inherited the bad habit of calling me and the other children of our father''s second wife bastards. Insulting us and treating us all horribly. The attitude that our father had when he was there ignored the implications leaving my half-sister to act like a monster.


    -... To marry her... I must say I had great respect for the pair of balls your father had between his legs. Ah...


    Mia watched her uncle deflate. Almost sad.


    -Of course, one shouldn''t speak ill of the dead, but the day I learned she''d died in childbirth, I didn''t feel a thing. I felt nothing. For a bastard like me, it was like being told the neighbor had died. I was sad, yes. But I doubt I could have felt anything more.


    Mia felt herself blush with anger, it was her mother he was talking about.


    -Yet I''d always heard she was generous, calm and caring.


    -Mm? Vain, angry and vindictive? Last time I heard from her. She was complaining about you, and you weren''t even born.


    -You don''t mind talking to me like that?


    -Mia, I''m my father''s second son, I am alive only because he wanted to have insurance if my older brother had an accident. Worse, I became third in the succession when, miraculously, his first wife, after years without another child, found it in herself to give my father a second legitimate son. Needless to say, I never saw my father and mother in the same room after that. Ahah!


    Xiao was all smiles and laughter, so Mia didn''t know whether to be angry, disgusted or sad. Be it for him or her. Even if she never truly belived what was said about her mother good or bad that still hurt. Remaining between stupor and confusion. Mia had to take in that Xiao laughed at being ostracized by his own family.


    -Are you confused as to why I''m telling you this? I''m taking back to my story... After I found out you were born. I never heard anything from any of them about you. Nothing. So when I saw your name pop up on my recruiting team. I had to stop and take a closer look at your application. I was skeptical, but yes. You were my niece. But my surprise didn''t end there. Voluntary participation, no recommendations, no favors as far as I knew. Not even a car provided by your father, you live in a company apartment and apparently no lover to support you...


    He looked at Mia, who was holding her cup nervously as he recited her situation by heart.


    -Then came your assessment from Yi and the others. "Trained in weapons and hand-to-hand combat. Mia Gong is disciplined, calm and determined. Punctuality, good manners, careful discussions and polite to all, have shown great benefits in the cohesion and efficiency of her training group making her one of the best elements of this promotion. She would be a prime choice for services such as bodyguard, VIP protection and scheduled event security, where her qualities and training could fully flourish." The last sentence explaining that, if you wanted to, you could go into a branch other than intervention and have a good life among well-dressed people. What does all this tell me about you?


    Mia opens her mouth before he interrupts.


    -You''re not your mother. That was the first thing that came to my mind. You showed up at Keng Tao with nothing going for you. And without your father''s help, you managed to get into an intervention unit by living as an ¡°ordinary¡± employee. Your mother would never have given up the comfort of being the daughter of a rich family. But then again, if that''s all it was. She would never have lowered herself to the level of a human being by treating others like normal people. I''ve watched you myself, you have a way of relating to others, fitting in when you have to and judging the people around you. But I think the best part is, when you were posted, you could have gone anywhere, from a place surrounded by wealth, to an air-conditioned office where no one comes in all day. At least, that''s what this report... strange, to say the least, would prompt any good manager to assign you.


    Mia swallowed.


    -Do you remember the interview we had before I accepted you into my unit?


    -Yes.


    -Do you remember what you said to me: ¡°Why do you want to join an intervention unit?"


    -''To prove that I can do it¡¯.


    -And you did. Several impeccable missions, meritorious actions, documented procedures organized and even put in order. Whether it''s giving your father the heebie-jeebies or challenging yourself to live your own life. I think you''ve done well. You''ve been through a lot, I know, but you''ve done really well.


    Mia felt a lump in her throat. She didn''t know why he''d said all that. But knowing she''d been recognized was a great compliment to her. Xiao smiled at her too, seeing Mia''s complicated face as she tried to remain serious.


    -Still. My favorite niece, for some reason. decided to arrive late one morning, without warning. Unusual, even unrealistic for such a serious person. Then I got a message from her father saying that she had some ¡°family business¡± that had made her late. Ah? That''s breaking news. And she didn''t tell me, odd. But I think seeing you wearing the skirt was what made me most curious. I could have put you in the plank position and questioned you like in the army, but unlike Yi I¡®m not a sadist. I wouldn''t inflict torture on my niece. I thought I''d invite her in for tea. Maybe she''ll tell what''s going on, and if not, so be it...


    Xiao calmly resumed his tea, leaving Mia to digest both the tea and the conversation. Offering her the choice of discussing her problems with him. Her uncle was a man with a ready smile. She rarely talked to him, mostly when she was on a mission. He had an air of sadness about him that she didn''t understand. After a moment''s reflection. She spoke up.


    -Thank you. For the compliment.


    -You''re welcome...


    Pondering her words, Mia continued hesitantly and stammeringly.


    -If... I had a problem last night... Concerning my family...


    -...


    -It''s rather personal. The problem isn''t settled and my father told me...


    -No more. I get it.


    Stroking his chin, Xiao pondered as Mia fell back into silence, unsure whether she had offended him by refusing to talk to him.


    -I totally understand your situation. Tell me... How many days off have you taken in the last few months?


    -None.


    -Excellent. So, if I were to give you, say, a week off to sort out your family problems, would that help?


    Mia kept her mouth open, shocked at Xiao''s proposal, who without the slightest information still wanted to help her. He chuckled to himself.


    -Get something to eat, finish the day and in a week I want to see you back at work as if nothing had happened. I''ll take care of the paperwork.


    He got up and walked back to his desk. Mia stood up, still incredulous, awkward and embarrassed.


    -I don''t want any special treatment.


    -I know, but this isn''t an act of nepotism on my part. I want you at 100%, that''s all. Besides, you can kiss your chances of escaping the slightest astreinte for the next six months good-bye. This will be your punishment for making me receive a message from your father.


    Waving her out, Mia bowed deeply to her uncle. She thanked him before turning to leave. Xiao watched her go out before being plunged into thought.


    Finally emerging from the office, Mia heaved an extra sigh before seeing several people waiting for her. Smiling, they waited for her.


    -We''re waiting for you.


    *******


    After showering and changing into her uniform, she joined her group for the cafeteria. On the way, everyone had their say.


    -Mia, we have some questions. How did the employee model find a way to be late?


    -Better yet, how did she forget to tell her superior?


    -No, me. Since when do you have a skirt and know how to put it on?


    Mia had expected her questions. But even prepared for her friends'' questions, she could only blush, knowing that she couldn''t defend herself, all the questions being legitimate and embarrassing. Exasperated, she could only smile, raising her arms as the group paused to listen to her answer.


    -Look, I can''t talk about it. Really.


    Zhu, a member of her team with tattoos of flowers and brambles all over her body apart from the face, shook his head before giggling.


    -She''s found herself a man, it''s over guys.


    -No, I haven''t.


    Tian, a short man with both eyes enlarged after losing his eyes on a mission, added.


    -We all saw you walk past us in a skirt. It has to be a man.


    -The ice queen was defeated by a great knight, it would be an honor to buy him a drink. And ask him how he did it.


    Julian, the only black man in their group, added this sentence because, since her arrival, there had been an unexpected incident. She had kindly sent a dashing young man from another unit into the pinks, who had nicknamed her the ice witch, saying she was just a frigid woman. To which she replied that she dont sleep with servants before ordering him to get out of her sight, not taking him at all seriously. So Tian and Zhu started calling her an ice queen. More as an inside joke, but the fact that she knew how to remain strictly professional with the company''s men had made the nickname stick. Smiling and accepting the jokes, Mia started walking back towards the canteen.


    Passing through a double doorway, they arrived in a large hall with numerous tables, where the sound of conversation drowned out the others. Located below the main hall, the cafeteria could accommodate any employee who didn''t want to eat outside. This and the fact that employees pay the cafeteria for their meals whether they like it or not.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Continuing their discussion, they collected their food and went to sit down with the rest of the group, each trying to get some information from her. But Mia''s lips were sealed, much to the dismay of her comrades, who took revenge by continuing to imagine the most incredible reasons for her tardiness.


    -Oh. I know she fought cyberpsychos and saved an old lady.


    -Why an old lady?


    -So the old lady could tell Mia that she looked like her when she was young, which gave her such a shock she couldn''t sleep.


    -Well, this is an amazing story we''ve got here, Mia.


    Mia looked at the people who had joined the conversation. They were one of the other intervention groups. Mia knew the leader well. He was the guy who''d insulted her after she''d turned him down. Blond and blue-eyed, he had a self-confidence that annoyed Mia to no end. And ever since she''d rejected him, he''d always found an opportunity to bother her. The exchanges were often spicy and almost always fun to watch.


    -Oh Wow. Nelson, I didn''t know it was going to rain, what bad wind brings you to our table.


    -Oh nothing special, I was just informed that our next mission was going to be with your team.


    -Wonderful... Can we refuse the bonus that you are in the package?


    -Laugh all you want Mia, it''s not my bosses who won''t be joining us on this mission.


    -It''s ridiculous and why?


    -But it''s true, you''re so bad they''ve decided to put you with us so you can see how a real team works. Ahahaha.


    -Hahahaha. Really, Nelson?


    Nelson turned to see Mr.Yi grinning behind his group. Both groups paled immediately as Mr.Yi jovially continued the conversation.


    -I didn''t know I was coaching such a bad team. We''re lucky your training starts this afternoon. I''m sure Mr. Lao will be delighted to let me train a real team. See you all later.


    As quickly as he had appeared, Mr.Yi continued on his way with his finished tray, ignoring the panic of Nelson and his clique. Mia and her group looked at each other and once out of the cafeteria returned to their facilities, only to pass several people in expensive suits coming from their destination.


    The group continued to joke, but if Mr.Yi and Mr.Cai weren''t going to be leading them on their next mission, it meant that interests of great importance were at stake. The kind where having two leaders on the same mission was out of the question. The kind where their lives might be at stake.


    The classroom was what it was: a classroom. But it was closed. Having no instructions, the group went to wait either in the corridor or in the gymnasium next door until the classroom opened.


    Mia and Julian were chatting when they saw Tian looking out of Mr. Cai''s office window. Inside, Mr.Cai''s back could be seen standing behind the desk. Tian and Julian started chatting.


    -What''s going on up there?


    -They''re telling him that the people in his charge are going to be put in the hands of a moron.


    -It''s going to be a pain in the ass to be under the command of Sir Wang Zhong the brave. We''ll have to be careful: if our positioning is a millimeter off, he''ll report you to management.


    -Shut up, I''d like to complete my time with intervention and become safety manager of a facility. Preferably far from Night City.


    -Don''t you like it here? It''s where you were born, Julian.


    -It''s only nice when you''re a kid. That you don''t realize that the world you''re in sucks and that you''re more likely to die than anywhere else.


    -Wow, you sure like to set the mood, I just wanted to ask you.


    -And I''m just telling you what I think. What about you? What are your plans after the intervention group?


    -Engineering, with my experience here, I''m going to retrain with the financial support of Keng Tao.


    Seeing Mia listening, Julian asked her the same question.


    -Me? Nothing, I haven''t planned anything this far ahead.


    -You should find a man and have children.


    -Oh please, you sound like my father.


    -At least he can see you''re a beautiful party.


    Mia shook her head and Zhu moved closer.


    -What are you talking about?


    -Zhu what are you going to do once the intervention doesn''t want your ass anymore?


    -Um... I''ll prostitute myself, I guess.


    pfff.


    -And yes, I''ve been hiding it from you all along, but I''m saving up to become a gigolo for very rich, very old women.


    -Are you done with your bullshit?


    -Nah, I don''t know but I''m thinking about it... admit it, with my charisma and the body I''ve got...


    The group continued to laugh and joke as they were called into the briefing room. The room had tables and chairs for everyone. Even more for the personnel who''d needed them for training or who''d left. In front of them a podium with a projector, Mr. Cai with a stern look asked them to sit down quickly. Not fitting in at all with the character, the group complied in silence.


    -I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?


    -The bad news. We''ll keep the best for last.


    -Good choice. I won''t be your team leader on your next mission.


    Lifting a paper file in his hand, he tapped it on his desk before resuming.


    -This, which I''ve taken the trouble to prepare, was supposed to be your briefing, but you''re going to have a new mission assigned to you. Last-minute order. Until the completion of your next mission, you will be under the direction of Team Leader Wang and will work in collaboration with his team for the success of the mission.


    The announcement was greeted with boos and other disparaging remarks about the man who not only had a bad reputation. But had the deeds to back it up...


    -And what''s the good news?


    -If you''re doing shit I can tell he doesn''t know how to do his job. So, I''d like to take this opportunity to remind you of the basics...


    Mr. Cai began to give a lecture on following orders, even if you can''t stand the person, and a whole speech on safety, rules of engagement, tailing, first aid. Anything to keep his men alive once they''re in someone else''s hands. But just as he was finishing up, the classroom door opened to reveal two men, one of them dressed too smartly for the field.


    -Still here?


    -Last tip for working with you.


    -Always so soft Xiao


    Mr.Cai didn''t answer, but the tension between the two was almost palpable. Ignoring Mr.Cai''s disdain. The new team leader Mr.Wang went to stand next to him on the podium.


    -I hope you''ve finished. I''d like to finish the briefing quickly to check on details.


    -One last thing. Miss Gong with me.


    Mia, finding herself the center of attention, could only stand up and follow her uncle, while Wang frowned.


    -And where are you taking her?


    -Miss Gong has taken a week''s leave starting tonight. And no, that was before this mission was launched. It would be in everyone''s bad taste to brief her on a mission she''s not on. Wouldn''t it?


    Wang looked at Mia and then at his uncle before waving his hand and then dropping it as if to tell them to leave or he''d give up.


    The duo left. and Mia followed her uncle down the corridor to his office. Sitting down in the same armchair as this morning, he didn''t bring out any tea but reached for the cupboard in the wall and drew from between the books a bottle of spirits before pouring himself a glass. Looking at Mia, he seemed more tired than ever.


    -Go home, Mia. Get out of here before someone ruins your day.


    Saying good evening, she went to the changing rooms, changed and headed for the exit. Once in Corpo Plaza, she stopped in the street. Not knowing what to do.


    Go home? Where a man had hacked into the room where she was sleeping. She sat down on a bench, surrounded by the relative safety of all the armed people around her. She felt tiny, surrounded by all these buildings. Everything seemed cold in Night City, cold and sanitized on one side and rotting on its feet on the other. Once again, she tried to contact her aunt. Sayako. This was the first person she tried to contact last night. But once again she couldn''t reach her. But she left a message anyway.


    -Aunty? I just wanted to tell you that I miss you. That it''s harder than I expected. I wanted to tell you that I''m fine, I wore a skirt today, shocking I know... The others are going on missions without me. Like you I suppose... I won''t be able to contact them. I hope you come home soon. This town is sad enough without you here. I hope to see you soon. Love you.


    Cutting her holo. She could only speculate where her aunt was. She''d been her best supporter and proudest when she''d managed to get into an intervention unit without anyone''s help. She''d even baked a cake and shared it with Yumi.


    Yumi. Why had she run away? She questioned her Uncle Tubiki and her aunt. But even her aunt didn''t seem to understand why she''d disappeared. Tonight, though. Tonight she would have her answers. With Wellov, they were going to capture those sons of bitches and make them spill all the info they had. But for that, she would need equipment and rest.


    ******


    Not knowing what to do, Mia went to one of the only places she knew she could rest. Her aunt''s apartment. Already having a gun and Wellov inspecting her apartment, she thought she''d go to her aunt''s apartment to rest and sleep.


    As Tubiki Gong''s wife, she had received considerable financial support by marrying him. Even if Mia couldn''t understand how their relationship had deteriorated to the point where they hadn''t lived together for years.


    Arriving in Japantown after crossing the city. She entered a building well above her normal range, climbing the floors to finally arrive at an out-of-the-way apartment. Mia stepped inside and was greeted by a large rectangular living room. Three large windows let light into the immense living room.


    The unnatural lights turned on by themselves, as no one seemed to have visited the premises for some time. Mia looked around the room, disconcerted by the lack of personal markings other than an assortment of plants and rare photos. There were several doors in the room. Yumi''s parents'' bedroom and finally the kitchen opening onto the living room. Finally, a guest room where Mia spent most of her time when she was new to Night City and her aunt wouldn''t take no for an answer. A desk overlooked the living room, giving the impression when her aunt was there that she was in the office.


    Mia remembered Yumi running and laughing at her tired but present aunt. Now the place was... empty. Mia tried to think of something else. But his thoughts kept bringing him back to darker thoughts. Why was she going to all this trouble?


    The day was summed up in her head, the anxious journey to work in streets where she could be followed by last night''s psychopathic killer. Her father once again refusing to pay her any real attention. Or only when it involved his career. Uncle Cai, who both showed what he could do and where the world he''d built ended. The others explain what they were going to do in the future. And she...


    What did she want to do in the future? Continue a career in a dead-end street like her aunt and uncle? Marry a rich young man like her father wanted? Only to live in doubt that he was constantly cheating on her for reasons such as the fact that I hadn''t made her a son fast enough, or that she was too old? To make her a trophy? Or get married on the job, only to disappear one day in silence for not having followed the wrong orders from the right person, or the right orders from the wrong person.


    She tried to remember why she''d done what she''d done. Leave China. Come to Night City. Joining Keng Tao. The reasons in her head, once so strong, no longer seemed so important. To prove to herself that she was more than a marriageable girl, to prove herself, to feel useful. To get closer to her aunt and cousin. The only ones who made her feel normal and appreciated. She thought back to her uncle. A glass of alcohol in his hand, watching all the people for whom he was responsible slip through his fingers. There was nothing she could do. "make your choices or someone else will make them for you". She wished her aunt were here. But the room was empty. Gone were the smiles and the laughter. Frustrated, angry, tired... She did the only thing she could do... She screamed.


    ******


    After a shower, clean clothes and several hours of sleep. Mia had to get up. The meet up with Wellov and his team would happen in less than an hour and the freak should contact them in 3. Dressing up in working clothes, pants and suit. She left her gun under her jacket in an armpit holster. But not without leaving a last look behind.


    Leaving for her apartment, Wellov gave instructions for her to follow. Going into his building, she went to another floor close to her own. To an apartment. Inside, Mia was shocked to see a lot of equipment, weapons, screens, as well as several people. Wellov was there too.


    -Here''s what we''re going to do. We checked your apartment and didn''t find anything. So either they''ve got something we haven''t been able to detect...


    -Or they have something ephemeral to create the connection with the TV and leave.


    -Which leaves us only a very small window of opportunity to find them... you''ve got to get them talking so we can trace the signal back to the person. Can you do that?


    -He was a talkative guy, so it shouldn''t be too difficult. I''m sure he likes monologues.


    -I''ve got two teams, one in the stairwell and one ready to take the elevators. Several men in the parking lot, all connected to our system. As soon as we''ve located them, we''ll grab them by the throat.


    he pointed to the screens in the room.


    -Your bedroom, the corridor at several points, the living room, the elevators, the stairwell on three levels.


    -Didn''t we see you do it?


    -We''re pros. Maxime here did the cleaning and made sure we had as many angles as possible.


    Maxime a man plugged into a netrunner chair and raised his arm in greeting.


    -Don''t worry, girl. I like men, your things are all folded and tidy, the vacuum cleaned and your bed made, but your plant needs more sun.


    -Thanks for the helping hand, you and your whole team.


    -Don''t thank me, I''d ask for help too if someone had the balls to break into my room and threaten me. Last piece of advice, at any time, if you feel things are getting out of hand, don''t crack. We''re not even a minute away from intervening, so stay cool...


    -"Panic has killed more people than danger itself"?


    -Exactly. Wellov you didn''t tell me she was that savvy.


    -I didn''t really get a chance.


    -Sure... Mia, do you want to stay with us for a while? Drink a coffee before going back to the apartment?


    -Oh yes please.


    With a sigh, Mia tried to relax as much as possible as the clock ticked away. When it finally came time for her to take the stage. She had regained her professionalism. Returning inside, the place that had been her refuge was now a hostile place for her. She passed through the rooms before going to wait in her room, watching TV as she gave the news. In the meantime.


    Then it started.


    Wellov and Maxime, who had been chatting with Mia, fell silent as once again, in the dead of night, the screen began to flicker, revealing a red eye watching her. Some might have expected something, a bang, a loud noise. But the fact that it came out of nowhere was as frightening as it could be. She stood up and faced the eye. Mia began the conversation.


    -I have some information, but first I want to know what your connection is with my cousin, what you know about my uncle''s death and what you''re getting out of it.


    Mia watched the eye, motionless over her. Mia wanted to continue, but the mechanical voice interrupted her.


    -You''ve been compromised.


    Mia heard the front door open, put her hand on her gun and tried to communicate with Wellov, but there was no answer. Her pulse quickened in an instant as the voice on the TV shouted. GET DOWN!


    Throwing herself to the ground, the TV shattered as she screamed. Bullets whizzed over her head as the wall was riddled with them. Shards of glass, wood mixed with dust and bullets settled above her. When the shooting stopped. Mia was huddled under one side of the bed as the bedroom door swung open. A flash grenade went off and with a bang Mia found herself almost blind and deaf, but that didn''t stop her firing at the door as she tried to reach the bathroom. Her momentum was cut short when a bullet lodged in her shoulder. She fell to the ground, losing her weapon and exposed. Turning to look, she clutched her arm, trying to retrieve her weapon.


    Regaining a modicum of her senses, she saw a man in black with combat gear enter the room, assault rifle raised at Mia, who watched her death come at the barrel''s end.


    Then a bang sounded. She blinked wide-eyed at the sound of the man falling face-down next to her, the shot emerging from a hole in the window of her apartment. Not thinking, Mia grabbed her gun and started shooting a second man who was going inside her room. Crawling quickly along the wall, she approached the door leading to the living room. She''ll be dead if she stays holed up here. And Wellov''s unit wasn''t there. Less than a minute my ass. Crawling she thought to take the assault rifle or one of the men. Getting to the door she did a quick pick inside the salon only to be shot at from the door to the front door. Hiding, she tried again to call for help but no one responded.


    She then saw it. A guy on the other side of the window waved at her just above her. Mia had to think who''s idiot will attach himself in the void with more than 20 stories in the air. The man wore a face mask with shiny red glasses, long black hair blowing in the wind. He knocked on the glass giving her silents signs to break it. Why silent? Then she realized the peoples outside could her them if he scream through the bullet hole in the windows they will know she got a way out and could launch the assault. Hearing the movements in the living room, she fired a few blind shots before firing the rest of her clip into the glass. Picking up the assault rifle, she continued firing as the guy on the other side of the window aimed his gun into the living room from outside. For Mia, this was sheer madness. Finally, the glass shattered and the man suspended in mid-air rappelled down into the apartment. Mia pointed at him. As he raised his gun to fire at the front door, where several screams rang out, the door to his bedroom closed, locking the door. The voice from the TV was coming from him.


    -Come or face them.


    Mia still had no answer from Wellov and didn''t want to die. Dropping the assault rifle, she moved closer to him.


    -Wise choice.


    Passing the rope on which he was hanging around her, the man tied knots around her, securing her close to him, before telling her to hang on. The rope tightened and Mia screamed in fear as the man pulled her through the window with him. Fortunately, the cable tightened and she felt herself being lifted into the air. The man hugged her as the cold wind swept through her body. Mia hesitated even to open her eyes during the climb. The voice resurfaced. Followed by another male voice from the same place.


    -Well? Are we afraid of heights?


    -This is no time to make fun of it, because so am I!


    Finally daring to look. Mia was in the void, facing an abyss, clinging to a guy who''d just saved her from a team of killers and was being lifted by a cable over Japantown, dozens of stories above the ground. Finally arriving at what appeared to be a construction site, Mia grabbed a railing to climb over before rolling on the ground with the guy and finally pulling away from the guy and untying the knots, her hands trembling from the sheer pace of events.


    -Well, old men. I''ve never fished, but is this how you catch a corpo?


    Looking up, Mia notices several silhouettes pointing their weapons at her.

 Something in common

    In the morning before Mia''s rescue from her apartment. In front of a Japantown bar.


    The old man that was Malik looked at the couple, and even though Cyclops was by far the more dangerous of the two. There was something missing in Tubio, framed by his black hair his eyes were clouded with a dark glow he knew all too well.


    -If you''re really serious, one of my sources has woken up and sent me some news. And since I don''t feel like repeating myself, I invite you in to continue the conversation.


    Tubio put the mask back on and the couple returned to their seats. The girls had not moved, Aria surrounded by Janissa and Clem awaiting Malik''s new information.


    -Maybe we screwed up. From what I was sent, Mia isn''t exactly in the family''s good graces, and many people opposed to the Gong are waiting for her to make a faux pas. From what I understand, she ran away from a marriage arranged by her father Hiro and, with the help of her aunt, joined Keng Tao on her own. Which her father didn''t like at all.


    -Wow, and did it work?


    -Officially yes, unofficially no. But Sayako and Mia have a special relationship from what I understand. She''s the one who took her in, while she does the steps to get into the corporation.


    -That would explain why she clicked when she mentioned Yumi.


    -Also, strange things are happening around her.


    -Like what?


    -Sayako hasn''t been seen in a while, almost as long as Yumi.


    -Are the two related?


    -No confirmation, but the timing is suspicious. But that''s not all, I was making the rounds of the people in Mia''s entourage. And boom look at that.


    Transferring data, the face of her supervisor Xiao Cai arrived in front of them. As well as other faces and people, all with links to the Gong family, whether allied or not.


    -Mia''s mother''s step brother as her direct superior.


    -What the fuck is this family? How many are there?


    -Plenty. I keep digging and with almost every person a connection is formed. Friends, acquaintances, descendants, business partners, I''ve got dozens of people connected with Mia who might have a grudge against her or act for her benefit.


    -With the viper''s nest that corporations are, I''m only half surprised. But damn, how can we even hope that she won''t rat us out at the first opportunity? Would she even notice?


    -That''s why I don''t want Cyclops to follow Mia like the rest of you for that matter. I vote to abandon Mia and do Pat''s job as quickly as possible before going our separate ways, if possible with Cyclops to guarantee our exit.


    The group returned to their deliberations.


    -I think Malik''s right. Running into Mia in the first place was cuckold''s luck. But expecting her to give us any information would be madness, if she had any we could have hoped to get it tonight, but now...


    -I agree with Cyclops that we''ve lost the element of surprise. We''ve got to assume that Keng Tao will send a team to set up cameras and task forces to catch us in the act.


    -But to have a chance of support would be an unexpected source of fresh and useful information... What am I saying?


    -Shit. But useful shit. We can''t expect anything from Mia, she''s going to go see dad and tell him that some villain has threatened her, end of story.


    -It hurts my heart but I agree. Tubio, Cyclops? What do you think?


    -I agree, if it''s really as complicated as what Malik just gave us, we can''t expect Mia to help us. If a molecule in the beast she''s going to move is infected, the chain reaction would be terrible... But I still want to try and talk to her tomorrow. See what she can give us. Nothing exceptional. Just to see if she gets straight to the point, but if she starts giving orders we''ll leave her in the cold.


    -Should we do it like today?


    -That would be ideal... But someone''s got to come down...


    Everyone turned to Tubio, who stepped back in his seat, holding out his hands to protect himself.


    -No, no, I want it to be a lottery.


    -You''ve already done it...


    -Yes, but no.


    -You know where to look...


    -That was easy. Through the glass.


    -Your Cyclops-related equipment...


    -I don''t care, I''m not going.


    -All right, enough of this bullshit.


    Clem took out a pack of plastic toothpicks, breaking some and not others.


    -The smallest.


    Each of them picked up one of the tiny pieces of plastic before putting it in front of them. Tubio looked at the table.


    -Fuck!


    Everyone around the table breathed a sigh of relief as Ruby stroked Tubio''s shoulder.


    -Don''t worry, since we''re not going into the apartment, we''ll all be up there to support you, and what''s more, we already know how far down we''ll have to go, so we''ll bring back the best stuff.


    -And then, as I''ve just said, as soon as she starts talking nonsense, we set sail.


    After several minutes of discussing the details of the next evening, the group finally parted. Malik took Tubio and Cyclops back to the motorcycle Tubio had abandoned the day before, while the girls stayed in Japantown to return on their own.


    *******


    Cyclops and Tubio found themselves next to the motorcycle. Malik set off in the first light of day. Tubio finally took off his mask and the couple looked at each other. Ruby smirked as she climbed onto the back, urging Tubio to come closer. Grabbing his collar, she pulled him in for a kiss. In a whisper, she asked.


    -At your place? Or...


    -I''ll surprise you.


    Smiling, Tubio climbed in and off they went into Night City.


    ******


    Malik drove home in his van, and at last the door opened. The dark room lit up with his presence. He looked at the empty room. His office, his workroom, his home... He took out a cigarette, only to put it away with a grunt when he saw the photos on a shelf. Reminiscent, he looked at his messages, invoices, eviction notices and other correspondence. Some of them concerned social events, others business matters where he was being solicited or could intervene or had already intervened, information on investigations and persons of interest.


    While he was looking, he put out a call for information on Cyclops and Tubio. Even if Tubio''s info seemed all too commonplace. Counted for dead, he had joined the Maelstrom, hence the link with Janissa and Cyclops. He couldn''t scan Cyclops, no doubt because of a scrambler implanted in her eyes. Kiroshi? Zetatech? An implant like that must have been expensive. But it would fit in with her attitude, background and what Janissa told him.


    The few bits of Tubio information he''d managed to gather in one night were nothing to brag about, he was a nobody. Except for a possible link with a semi-influential family in H2, Lianovak. His history with the Maelstrom will require more time, given that he wore a mask and was probably just one of the gang''s many knives.


    Cyclops should be more complicated, clearly there was more to it than just the girl. But it would be some time before we had any reliable information.


    He didn''t like this story, it was moving too fast with too little information.


    Feeling tired, he hesitated to go to bed, got up and saw his prayer mat reverently tucked away on a dusty shelf. He contemplated it for a moment, before going to sleep.


    ******


    -What a fucking shitty night.


    -You tell me, we ended up in more shit we can take if you ask me.


    -Thank god we were not at the end of the rope.


    -Janissa we need more info on Cyclops, can you give me everything you''ve got?


    -You know, there''s not much more to say. Be extremely vigilant with anything hackable and with a camera he, well she, loves to watch or listen to what her enemies are doing. As you probably guessed, she''s very theatrical, but don''t let her looks fool you, she''s by far one of the most dangerous people I''ve ever known.


    -And Tubio?


    -Uh, frankly. I don''t know him.


    -Janis...


    -I mean, I don''t know where he comes from ok? I was stoned all the time. I just remember he was a cute guy who took care of me once I passed out at a party one night. And I liked him for that.


    -That all? He was cute and kind? No background nothing?


    -Well he helped do the jobs no one wanted. Did a few dj gigs for the club which were really cool. So no one asked questions plus Gaton was shielding him so...


    -Mm... So... What was your relationship with him?


    -Nothing?


    -And her?


    Clem, Aria and Janissa were in the elevator going up to their base. On the wall behind them was a realistic painting of three women with snakes for hair. The green contrasted with the white of the women''s faces, painted with skill and detail.


    Inside, the three women tried to unwind as they reflected on the day. Aria, now in the private area, had hinted at a touch of jealousy, which Janissa had just noticed.


    -I''ve already told you, though. Besides, if she likes guys, there''s no reason to wonder why nothing ever happened between us. What are you, jealous?


    -Me? Of what?


    -Of the attention I give her?


    -Do I look jealous?


    Both clem and Janissa answered yes, making Aria blush. But Janissa smiled, coming closer to hug her.


    -But you know you''re the only one on my mind. Mm?


    -...Prove it.


    -Easy.


    Janissa and Aria held each other giggling like little girls. Clem, feeling the two start to flirt again, sighed as she had to endure the mamours of both. Finally the door opened and with exasperation she declared.


    -Thank god. Find a goddamn fucking room.


    Stepping outside, Clem found herself surrounded by four automatic turrets aimed at the elevator. A camera in the elevator had warned them of their arrival, but security was not something to be taken lightly. A double door on the right, framed by two false marble columns, led to the L''Olympus club, with a passage on the left leading up to the floor above via a wide staircase. Both passages were framed not only by the turrets, but also by four women carrying weapons and ready to use them.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Seeing who had just arrived, the mood immediately lightened. A black woman with two pigtails in dreadloks came down the stairs to meet them.


    -You three. Romana wants to talk to you.


    -Shit...


    A few minutes later, in a room with a large round table. The three mercs were seated in front of Romana Bell. She was beautiful, not artificial but simply beautiful with a minimum of mascara on her eyes. She had smooth, supple black skin, a pleasant, flawless face, long snow-white hair, smoothly pulled back, framing a face that in other circumstances would have been charming, with a smile on her lips to captivate her partner. At least that''s what Clem would have said for her if she were a man.


    -Let me summarize. You took part in an attempted extortion of a corpos instead of bolting after realizing it might have been a suicide mission?


    -Attempt?


    -We DID blackmail her.


    -That''s not the point I want to make. You fear for your lives okay, give up the job.


    -What about our reputation?


    -What good is it to us if you''re dead?


    -Our reputation is the only thing keeping us from decent jobs.


    Clem, more than a little tired by now, almost got up from his chair. Pointing at Romana.


    -I''m not going back to the curb, because that''s what''s waiting for me if we get out of this job. The only fucking reason I was in this job was because of Janissa. Me or Aria for that matter. Of all the people in our fucking group how many can pull a trigger. You''ve got the majority in front of you. Romana, you want the girls to have choices other than becoming employees at Olympus. That''s great. But in the evening, I had to, in order, kidnap a guy off the street to interrogate him in a van, participate in the murder of several people with explosives, then hold a guy I''ve known for less than 24 hours in the void above Japantown so we could blackmail a corpos via a TV. You tell me when you think the other girls could do a quarter of what I''ve just mentioned without losing all their shit.


    -Ok, ok... Your job, your way of doing things. But as you said, if I don''t have you, I don''t have anyone to find us another income or defend us if we''re in trouble. We''re lucky enough to be in the green, but that''s because we haven''t been noticed yet. It''s very important to have assets in Night City, but you know the most important thing is...


    -Money. We took the job for the money. We know it and we''ll get it. Now all we have to do is find the girl we''re looking for and return her to her corrupt family. If tonight Pat doesn''t send us to the building where the girl is, we''ll go back to the corpos and the moment she talks shit we''ll set off.


    -Do you know where she is? The girl?


    -The netrunner and the team leader are preparing the assault, tonight or tomorrow morning at best. It''s better not to rush headlong into it.


    -Look, Romana, we just wanted to make sure our backs were safe. The fact that the team leader was cleaning up after him a bit too well made us uncomfortable. But the job will be over tomorrow or tonight. Now it''s not that we don''t like you, but could we go to bed? It''s not that we''ve been up all night, but I''m sleepy.


    -Okay... but be careful.


    *****


    Getting out of the room a child missile struck Clem in the legs, ensnaring her in a hug at waist level. The little creature had two little brown pigtails of hair and two brown eyes looking up at Clem''s face.


    -Hey! Are you okay? What''s going on?


    -You weren''t there this morning.


    The sleepy little voice was almost accusatory. Bending down to the little girl in front of her. Clem spoke to her with patience and affection.


    -Oh, Janis and Aria were off getting into mischief and I had to watch them alllllll night. But it''s true, I should have warned you. But I knew that the big girl in you wouldn''t be afraid in my absence.


    The little girl threw her arms around Clem''s neck, melting her heart as she lifted her in her arms.


    -Didi, you''re getting too big for me to carry you, you know?


    Clem lifted her anyway, and Didi snuggled up to Clem, her head in the hollow of his neck, clearly tired. Turning to Janissa and Aria, the two waved goodbye and Clem left to look after Didi in her house two floors above.


    Arriving at her door, a young woman ran in breathless. Clearly relieved to see Didi in Clem''s arms.


    -Erica? I suppose you''re the one who had to look after Didi?


    Erica, blushing, caught her breath.


    -Pearl had to leave and when I arrived she''d snuck into Rhea''s workshop so she said she''d look after her, but...


    -Okay, I get it. Thanks for your time. I''ll buy you a drink later.


    -She was scared and couldn''t sleep without you...


    Clem nodded as the person in question dozed in her arms. Thanking Erica once more, she entered the apartment where several people were living but had already left for work. Going into a small room similar to a storeroom, a bed had been set up taking up most of the space, and Clem laid Didi in the bed, despite the young girl''s unwillingness to let her go. After a quick clean-up, Clem went back to bed with her before falling asleep beside her.


    *****


    Janissa and Aria climbed one floor to their apartment, where they could finally relax. Janissa fell into bed half-dressed. Aria walked behind her, touching her foot to keep her awake.


    -Eh, don''t sleep, shower first.


    -Mm...


    -Stop sulking.


    -Damn it...


    -What''s wrong?


    -I was hoping we''d have a chance with Tubio.


    -I would have said no, Janis. I would never sleep with a guy, with "because I like him" as a reason from you. Even with all the sweet talk in the world.


    -Come on, tell me he didn''t impress you last night.


    -I respect what he did. Frankly, but that''s no reason, I can tease a guy, but I won''t go further with a random.


    -So you were interested...


    -Janis please, clearly Cyclops and Tubio are happy together and then I''m tired enough, we could sleep and resume with your imagination later...?


    -Shower?


    -Shower.


    Janis and Aria took their time to enjoy a long rest they needed.


    *****


    On their side at the No Tell Motel in a private room.


    Tubio and Ruby lay in each other''s arms on the bed.


    -... So here''s what happened before Malik took me hostage on the way to get the food.


    -Mm, we''ll have to be careful, we''re getting old in Night City, either by selling our souls or by being a cut above the rest.


    -Or by being paranoid. I think that''s what it comes down to in his case.


    -Paranoia and preparation are basically part of the same source.


    -Hence the objects you put in the bag. By the way, where did you get the handcuffs?


    -You never know... You did use the rope, didn''t you?


    She giggles as Tubio frowns. The two of them were lying down, Tubio exhausted by the intense night he''d spent running around Night City. He could think of nothing better than crashing into bed as soon as he got inside talking about that whole night op¨¦ration.


    -Your team is weird. Normally we take guys who have things in common, to make the work easier. But yours seems to be a complete mishmash, with no cohesion except for some for specific work. I''m okay with Donovan as a doctor, but why all the people? That Clash guy looks like a Borg, plus that experienced Pat and that Wang who look strong, they should have enough muscle with that. No?


    -I dunno. Maybe we have something we don''t know we have in common?


    -You mean besides being expendable? Because the more you tell me, the more I say it''d be better if I locked you in that room.


    -That''s why we wanted to dig into Tubiki''s life, to find out more and possibly avoid a flatline.


    -It¡¯s not like we need to rush to have more money Tubio, we don¡¯t have to risk it all, we could take our time¡­


    Ruby remembered Rosie''s words and it was true, Tubio looked starved for money, money that they could quietly collect, bit by bit.


    *******


    Somewhere in Watson in a dubious clinic.


    Clash stood in front of his reaperdoc. He easily towered over the man with his size and chrome, but of the two, it was the smaller man who seemed the more fearless. The latter pointed to the operating chair.


    -Put your ass in there, but this is the last time. If you don''t have the money next time, I won''t take you anymore.


    -Thanks.


    Clash settled into the chair, leaving himself at the mercy of the doc, as Clash''s distinctive gravelly voice echoed in the room.


    -Don''t thank me, idiot, you''re almost dead anyway, I don''t know what more I could do for a next time. If you don''t find the money I won''t be able to order the implant...


    -I''ll have the money... soon...


    -I''m praying for it, my friend.


    ******


    Somewhere in Kabuki


    -Samir, you son of a bitch!


    In front of an apartment, two men were pounding on a door.


    -One week to go, asshole! Otherwise, the Scavs will be happy to cut you up.


    In the stairwell just above, Samir was doing his best not to make any noise, holding his hand over his mouth and trying to not make a sound until they left.


    ******


    A restaurant in little china.


    -Wang, where were you last night? I needed you for the restaurant.


    -A job.


    -You have a job here.


    -Father...


    Wang and his father looked at each other. What the son had in muscle, the father had in thick. They''d had this discussion dozens of times. The restaurant was empty for the moment, but for a good reason. Wang''s father was about to continue when Wang, almost imploring, interrupted.


    -It''s not for a gang. I work for myself, on a solo contract. The pay is good, very good. Good enough to get us out of...


    As he was speaking. A well-dressed man entered the restaurant. With two henchmen flanking the door, the man sat down on a stool. Smiling at the father-and-son duo waiting patiently for them to finish. Wang looked at his father, who turned to him.


    -Do what you think you must. Leave...


    ******


    At Pat and S4nd0t''s base of operations.


    -Why the bloody hell am I here?


    -Because I paid you in advance, now stop whining, we need information about this building, it''s the kind that has basements and emergency exits hidden away.


    -I still don''t understand what''s in it for you, old man.


    -... It''s personal.


    -...Sure. As long as it doesn''t put us all in mortal danger, I''ll just say thanks for the eddies.


    -Less thanks and more work. I want to have a profile of all this trash''s acquaintances within a day and be able to prepare an assault plan as quickly as possible.


    ******


    At the motel


    Ruby, for some reason, had brought the bag into the room. Rummaging beside the bed, she pulled out the shotgun he''d received as a gift.


    -Where do you get these guns from anyway?


    -The submachine gun was when someone tried to rob me when the clown came to town and the shotgun was a gift from an ex-corpos who was leaving Night City.


    -Wow, you know what you should do? Name it.


    -Ruby...


    -Go ahead, make my day. It''ll be fun.


    Ruby passed the gun to Tubio, who looked at it. Well-kept and practical. He thought back to the old man, tired but alive and ready to carry on. He looked at Ruby and what he wanted to do with her.


    -Departure.


    -Mm, as a tribute to the old man or his function?


    -I was also thinking of us. When we leave Night City, we''ll take it with us to remember...


    Caressing her face, they both enjoyed being alone at last. Ruby kissed him and his hands began to wander. Tubio turned to put the gun down and Ruby reached into the bag to pull out the handcuffs, swinging them under his nose.


    -So... you want to use them?


    *******


    Much later


    A message arrived for Tubio waking him up.


    "To all participants of the clash planned at Rosa Pulse, we inform you that the event will be postponed due to the appearance of Bozos on the floor causing disturbances, not wanting to risk an incident the event will be postponed until a later date."


    Wimp. The group message was for all possible participants, too bad he didn''t have access to it because he could see which idiot he''d be ridiculing and it would be even easier. Thinking back to the songs, he tried to guess in his mind who would be able to participate. He prayed that Pat would send them before going to see Mia. It would save them the trouble and put an end to the whole thing. Tubio pondered, aware that he probably shouldn''t have taken the job in the first place. But making deliveries for Ferak was all right for a while.


    He hadn''t heard from Talia. The effect of the drug should have worn off by now. Oh shit. Did he forget to unlock her? No? Ok...


    Why, why does he care. A remnant of lost hope? He looked at Ruby, at peace. He thought back to the things he''d seen and done in the Maelstrom. Of the clash to come, his future with Ruby and what she was going through with him. He felt happy and loved. Take our time uh... He began humming sounds, and songs he''d imagined putting notes and a face to lyrics that had once lost their meaning for him.


    -¡°...It might not be the right time,


    I might not be the right one,


    But there''s something about us I want to say,


    ''Cause there''s something between us anyway,


    I might not be the right one,


    It might not be the right time,


    But there''s something about us I''ve got to do,


    Some kind of secret I will share with you,


    I need you more than anything in my life,


    I want you more than anything in my life,


    I''ll miss you more than anyone in my life,


    I love you more than anyone in my life¡­¡±


    Caressing Ruby, Tubio''s hands came to rest on her face. Ruby had opened her eyes and probably woken up during his song, looking at him in silence, he smiled when he saw her. But she wasn''t smiling, her red eyes looking at him pensively. She stood up on top of him, raising his hands. She grabbed them with controlled force, pressing them against the bed on either side of his head. Ruby''s face was inches above his. Tubio could feel Ruby''s breath on him. He knew what was happening, he''d sensed it, even seen it. But he knew he had nothing to fear.


    -I''m not afraid of you and you have nothing to fear.


    Before smiling and stealing a kiss on Ruby''s lips, she backed away in surprise and confusion. The red eyes disappeared, giving way to a clear but lost blue. With Tubio''s hands free, he tipped Ruby onto her side and stood over her in the bed. Confused at first, Ruby quickly gave in once she realized that she was the center of attention and in perfect safety.

 The gorgons

    Clem Above Olympus.


    When Clem woke up, Didi was still snuggled up next to her. She must not have slept all night, poor thing. Stroking her head, she thought the pigtails looked awful. She''d take them off when she woke up, yesterday she''d been too tired to care. She thought back to yesterday and wow was it the adrenaline? Or the reaction time she needed to realize the previous day''s folly? Placing herself on her back, she looked up at the ceiling, realizing that she''d done everything she''d said she''d done to Romana without flinching, without a second thought, be it for her safety or the consequences. Was this how Janissa lived in the Maelstrom? Fuck, just thinking about it is terrifying. And the other one injecting drugs constantly. Maybe she shouldn''t be so hard on Janissa if that was the kind of life she''d had, and if Tubio was one of the normal ones from what she''d said, she didn''t want to know the nasty ones. She looked at Didi. Murmuring to herself.


    -I guess we all have a shitty life in this town.


    Getting up without waking Didi. She entered the common room, meeting Pearl who was changing.


    -Hi. So that night?


    -Shit, terrifying, tiring and stressful. Yeah, that about sums it up.


    -Okay... You wanna talk about it?


    -Not yet, I need a drink for that. But now, I want breakfast even though it''s noon.


    -Get yourself something.


    Moving past the room''s bunk beds into the kitchen, she reached the fridge to rummage through it, finding something that wasn''t labelled. A wardrobe containing tons of clothes ranging from chic to practical to sexy presented itself to her as she closed the fridge door. She looked at the wardrobe for a long second before turning to Pearl and pointing at the clothes.


    -Last time I checked we''d said no more clothes in the fucking kitchen, where did that come from anyway?


    -These are the latest additions Lori found for us.


    -Where did we get the money?


    - "Borrowed from the back of a truck" I think were the words Lori used.


    -Did she borrow them with her ass? Or with a gun?


    -I think the former, but you know the chick, would never admit it. That''s why don''t get mad.


    -I''m not even mad. I''m sick of her crap.


    -Look, we''ve been over this. Just a few more weeks and we''ll have enough money for our project. No more of this job you''re on, and we might be able to buy the last apartment on the floor above, 5 floors totally owned by the Gorgons. Not counting the other apartments we already own, that''ll finally be enough to have rooms for 3 to 5 people instead of being stuck here with 10.


    -The longer this goes on, the more doubtful I get. Just like everyone else. The only reason we have to believe in this project is that if it doesn''t work out, we''ll all be screwed.


    -I know. But you''ve got to believe, like the Mox''s.


    -The Mox''s have a lot of sympathizers, we don''t have any, they''ve got the Tiger Claws at arm''s length, we don''t even have 10 people who know how to use a gun. The moment one of us hits the street she''ll be killed or kidnapped.


    -What a killjoy. Eat, I don''t know what your job calls for but you''ve got to keep up your strength. I''ve got to change and go to Olympus.


    Starting to change she undressed to get her hands into the wardrobe. Clem ate her snack while watching Pearl. A beautiful blonde with blue eyes, who could be a femme fatale if she knew how to defend herself other than horizontally and serve customers as the "bad girl".


    -Who''s it for?


    -Mm? Oh, a dashing gentleman from North Oak, saw me in a catalog Romana was distributing in clubs for posh gentlemens, he''d love a beautiful blonde in an outfit.


    -At this time? He is married?


    -Who cares about that, we care about money, money. And Tada...


    In a Greek toga, covering her body but not very much, the white fabric blended her body perfectly, revealing one shoulder while her hair fell loosely between her shoulders. A belt held everything in place at her waist. As she spun around, she asked Clem for her opinion.


    -Not a fan of the short skirt.


    -It''s our first date, so I''ll have to see if he wants the beauty or the booty first.


    Putting on her leather sandals, she pulled out a gold-colored plastic laurel wreath more real than life before posing in front of Clem. Who rolled her eyes.


    -By the way, you should drop by and see Rhea, she''d like to apologize for letting Didi get away.


    -Oh, that''s all right. She''s safe here. But If she''d gone down to Olympus, I''d have lost my mind.


    -Hey, it''s always cool to be in debt to a tech nerd. You never know if what she''s cooking is going to save your ass one time or another. Know what I mean?


    -Okay, I''ll go see her. Any news from my partners?


    -No, I know what they''re doing, and in a fucking room for once.


    -I''ve seen them flirting all day. I think they even tried to pull one of the guys on the team I work with.


    -Wow, is he cute?


    -Wearing a mask because Janissa knew him before and try to stuff with him or something... knew him before Aria met her.


    -Ah... so he''s a Maelstrom grunt.


    Pearl seemed more concerned by this news. Clem could only agree, but...


    -He doesn''t seem to be very involved in chrome, like Janis he left when his Maelstrom team died out. As far as Janis knows, he and she are the last survivors of that group in contact. Oh, and he''s the least chromed in Maelstr?m history, since she discovered yesterday that he was wearing a mask and by her exp¨¦rience he got no other implant.


    -So he was in Maelstrom and didn''t get any chrome?


    -Exactly my point... Oh? Hello...


    Didi opened the door and walked inside. Clem looked at her walking towards her


    -Did you sleep well? Say hello to Pearl.


    -Hello...


    -Oh... she''s so sweet.


    Bending down, she placed a kiss on her little head.


    -Well, I''ll leave you to it, I''ve got to get ready. Bye Didi...


    Waving goodbye, Clem smiled at Didi mimicking her.


    ******


    With Didi into her arms Clem went around the place, saying hi to all the people who were around.


    The Gorgons as they called themselves were a group of people wanting to survive in Night City. They were mostly sex workers and other orphans and rejects not yet crazy enough, or corrupted by this life.


    The people invited were all chosen after a rigorous background check and lengthy discussions with them and the person(s) recommending them. This was followed by a further discussion with people who didn''t know them, bringing in other, more biased points of view, as well as questions about their contributions to the group, their former affiliation, whether they''d corrupt the group etc.... This system made it possible to filter out a number of parasites, opportunists and acts of favoritism towards friends who would like to join the group like joining a club. Romana and her sisters acted as chaperones and had no right to select or accept new members, their role being to enforce the rules and ensure they were respected, even if it meant having to pass judgment and deal with those who had fallen through the cracks, thus guaranteeing their protection and impartiality within the group.


    What do you get from being part of the group? Protection, access to healthcare, a job and pay while you get back on your feet, an education, an implant... All in exchange for a job or a sum of money, which may or may not be discussed with the group. The chances of being thrown out are rare. But the benefits offered must be earned, even if it means imposing tasks if necessary.


    Romana''s idea was to create a chance for these people, while making eddies for everyone in the process, getting them off the streets to discover new skills and thus developing and diversifying the community, enabling it to grow and bring in more money as it went along. The biggest problem next to money? People, and the lack of it.


    When Clem arrived at Rhea''s workshop, the young woman was under a desk fiddling with things.


    In the room, a child too young to be a teenager and another little girl with long blond hair, younger than Didi, turned as they arrived.


    -Clam!


    A purple-haired woman poked her head out from under the table and then back under again. The little girl smiled when she saw her, while the boy ignored her with a vague wave of his hand. Clem smiled as she saw the little girl doing her best to pronounce her nickname. Before she could say the word.


    -Chlamydia!


    To which the blond-haired kid burst out laughing. Clearly he''d played a part in this joke but Clem kept her cool so as not to explode in front of the kids, from behind the desk Clem could hear Rhea stifle a laugh as she stood up pointing at the door she kept her seriousness as she spoke.


    -Danny, get out of here before Clem decides to put you into orbit.


    The kid walked past Clem, all pleased with himself. Clem watched him pass, red with embarrassment and pointing at him, and she couldn''t contain a little threat.


    -I''ll keep that in mind. Don''t teach others things like that, especially your little sister.


    To which Danny stuck his tongue out at her before leaving the room, fearless and triumphant. Rh¨¦a went and sat down on the floor with the little girl, so pleased with herself and completely unaware of what had just happened. Joined by Didi, Clem sat down with them.


    Unperturbed, Clem patiently looked at the little girl and said hello.


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    -Hi Mimi, how are you? I''m Clem...


    -Clam!


    -... I''m gonna kill him.


    -Easy, you know he''s at that age, soon he''ll be as red as a tomato in front of a girl and he''ll wish he had his big sisters to teach him how to seduce.


    -Not even in a dream will anyone fall in love with this brat. Look what he''s done Milie, God knows how long I''ll have to put up with that nickname now.


    Letting her calm down, Rhea waited patiently while Didi and Millie played together. The place was a cross between a playroom, a relaxation room and a nursery.


    Rh¨¦a, the emo girl with her tattoos, purple hair and matching lipstick and her mole under her eye. You wouldn''t think it, but a tomboy like her had weathered many a child''s and adult''s crisis. Planted at the back of the room, she stood in front of her computer, or fiddling with various objects and small computer trinkets as chaos unfolded in the usual order before her.


    All around her was an array of activities, from arcade games to toys for the little ones, puzzles, children''s books and nursery rhymes. Once they''d absorbed it all and tried it out, it was hard to keep the youngsters interested and confined. Danny was in that bracket, too young to be left unsupervised and too mature for children''s games.


    -I swear to God...


    -Still on that let it go, come look at this.


    Turning the computer up to her, camera images appeared one after the other. Showing both the corridor in front of this room and the Olympus on the levels below them. Rhea found one with Danny and waited for him to arrive at a door before closing it in front of him. Unable to open it, he turned around only for Rhea to open it behind his back, then to close it again as he started walking towards her. Repeating the process until he lost his temper and turned around for good. Rh¨¦a and Clem laughed at the scene.


    -It''s impressive, but isn''t it a bit dangerous to do it from here? I mean...


    -Nah it''s because it''s me, not because of the computer. Passe code, plus with the agoraphobe constantly in the system''s mirror watching from where and who connects when there aren''t several connected looking everywhere. But right now it''s just me, Romana and her sisters, even though Lori is on the verge of having her rights revoked and the security teams admitted and blocked in turn at rotation.


    -Wow, you''ve got it all calculated.


    -You know, Aria almost had access but was rejected. You know why?


    -Was she flirting with Janissa?


    -If that''s all it was, she was on guard at the Olympus, so that''s normal. But as you might have guessed, Janissa showed up.


    -Wait a minute, that''s the story with the client?


    -Yes! He saw them together and asked Romana if both were available.


    -She refused and was denied camera rights for that?


    -No, because you don''t know the rest. The client saw them together and asked Romana privately if a trio was possible. According to my sources Janissa would have been ok when the client said he just wanted to watch... But Aria allegedly not only refused but almost went looking for the guy in the club to rearrange his face.


    -Aria and subtlety.


    -And men especially, I never knew why... She says she''s bi but with her attitude it''s hard to believe.


    -Oh...


    A newcomer in a long white blouse and blue T-shirt, an old lady with large glasses, entered the workshop, smiling as she greeted the children''s and less so when she saw the two girls busy behind the computer. Her wrinkled face refrained from comment as she said hello to the children. Moving closer, she asked.


    -Where''s Danny?


    -The brat who taught his sister an insult? He tried to get out of the level to go with the others.


    Frowning, the lady looked at Clem to ask, but Clem preferred to show her. Sitting down with Milie, it only took a minute for the young girl to proudly declare the new word she had learned, bringing horror to old Margot''s face as she lost all semblance of seriousness.


    -I''m so sorry...


    Margot was working as a doctor to support her grandchildren''s. Her dated diplomas and advancing age didn''t help her find a job or a willing employer, despite her experience, it was strange but she was accepted. The Gorgons offered her housing and childcare. More than she could have hoped for, and which she amply reaps from her application of medicine to the group''s services.


    -It''s nothing Margot. But soon he''ll simply refuse to come here instead of spending his time brooding or imagining the next stupid thing.


    -I don''t know what to do with him... But yes, I think it''s mainly the fact that he''s the only one of his generation left here that doesn''t help keep him around.


    -We''ve got to get him to work with the grown-ups, be it their responsibility.


    -Entrusting a child to children''s?


    -Well...


    As they chatted, Margot''s eyes lit up at the sound of a call. Interrupting the conversation, she ran towards the exit. Clem and Rh¨¦a looked at each other for a second, then immediately took up position behind the computer. Scanning the cameras, they finally arrived at a problem zone.


    -Pearl...


    *****


    Romana walked quickly towards the room Pearl and her new client had taken. Steeling her resolve she was with 4 more people. Her sister Lori, 2 bouncers Armin et G¨¦rard and another of the girls arm with her rifle Candice. Trying to be professional the group knew what they had to do.


    Arriving at the door. Romana forced it open. Her nose assaulted by the odor of sweating and perfume the dimmed lights lit up as the door opened. Immediately a slightly overweight man in the prime of life rose from the bed, red-faced with anger at having been disturbed, and got up from the bed naked, demanding an explanation.


    -What the hell are you doing here! We haven''t finished!


    -Alas, dear customer, I''m afraid you are.


    Directing the people behind her. Candice immediately went to check on Pearl''s condition, while Armin began to undo the ties binding Pearl''s four limbs to the bed. Gerard subtly stepped between the man and Pearl, while Lori remained behind her sister.


    -I paid not to be disturbed, it''s not that complicated isn''t it? I should never have come to this establishment...


    -Sir, you paid under conditions. Conditions that you accepted and signed, including the clause that if one of you stopped breathing, causing a prolonged loss of consciousness, we were obliged to intervene to guarantee the well-being of both parties.


    -She''s doing just fine!


    Beside them, Candice pulled out a stimulant and stuck it into Pearl''s chest, injecting the substance and causing the young woman to convulse, arching her shoulders and raising her waist as she was restrained by Armin. Making her inhale a great gulp of air for a second before she fell back onto the bed. Romana was icy.


    -I doubt it.


    -Romana, the trauma team...


    As if preparing for this sentence, Lori slipped her words in front of the client, loud enough for him to understand what was happening. Romana clapped her hands, drawing attention to herself before giving orders.


    -Armin, G¨¦rard get Pearl and take her to the trauma team evacuation point. You have... no more time, they''re probably already on top, we''re moving, remember if you see the trauma team don''t resist, don''t justify yourself, let them take Pearl and don''t block their way, I don''t want a second incident. Execution.


    Lifting Pearl''s naked, unconscious body, Armin ignored the customer''s remarks and words as he carefully passed through the door.


    -What''s going on? Don''t tell me this girl has access to trauma team service, I won''t believe you.


    -Normally, I''d tell you no. But Pearl is a girl much appreciated by her clients, who pay us a lot for the quality of her services and the level of care in our establishment. Pearl has more than a dozen regular clients, all of whom appreciate her charms as you may have... Well, glimpsed. One of them loves her so much that we struck a deal to provide Pearl with a Trauma team pass as payment. Pearl has a biochip in her body, a deadman transmitter. You''d have known that if you''d read her contract.


    The Trauma Team is made up of paramedics with specialized combat training, who will do whatever it takes to protect their clients. Those wealthy enough to afford a Trauma Team medical plan receive a card and a biochip implant. When the chip recognizes a medical problem in a customer''s system, it immediately informs the Trauma team, who rush to the scene to stabilize and extract the patient, be it by rain, shine or snow. If Romana had left the man with Pearl, the chances of Trauma executing him in cold blood were more than likely.


    Romana could see the cogs in the man''s head. One man had become so infatuated with Pearl that he''d signed up for one of Night City''s most expensive care services, arriving less than ten minutes after a loss of consciousness. This meant minimum corporate coverage, or even platinum... but Romana wasn''t finished with him yet.


    -Now it''s time to talk compensation.


    -Compensation? For whom? Me, I hope...


    -I remind you that it was you who broke the contract. There''s a calculated sum that will cover the cost of injuries, plus sick leave. Pearl is one of our greatest assets. Having many contacts with people who, you would have understood are very influential. This insurance allows us to put a barrier between them and the people responsible for the injuries on the girls and their missed good time with Pearl or any other girl.


    -Is that a threat? Do you know who you''re dealing with?


    -Sir, we''re in this position because you didn''t read the contract you signed. If you''d followed the limits or offered Pearl enough, I''m sure she''d have been able to follow you into your wildest fantasies. But now I''ve got people with as much, if not more power than you, who will breathe down my neck for explanations. I''ve been known to turn down money for information, you know? A lot of money... The only reason I didn''t sell them? This insurance was in place... Now the choice is yours...


    -I doubt these people would care this much for a doll.


    -It''s because none of our girls got doll chips that we are so sought after. No false emotions, no pre-generated dialogue, no mechanical attitude. That''s why, yes, I think her customers care. The question is, do any of them have the money and means to go after you? As you know, people in power rarely have anything to do, worse, sometimes they have the moral on their side¡­


    *****


    One level above the Olympus.


    In the room, calm was king as Margot did what she could. On the bed, Pearl''s living but broken body had several fractured ribs, a broken finger, numerous bruises on her body ranging from red to black, marks of struggle against straps on her wrists and ankles, her swollen face suggested one or two black eyes, a split lip as well as an eyebrow, and finally hand marks on her neck having caused strangulation... To name but a few of the visible injuries Margot had explained to her.


    Clem was at her bedside, silent. She had left Didi with Rh¨¦a, Pearl wouldn''t want to appear like that. Clem was pensive, this was the life she no longer wanted, the life she could have. A path she could no longer imagine, for that and other reasons. She didn''t even notice Romana coming up behind her.


    -She''ll be fine.


    -Is that an order? Or a wish?


    -The one that works.


    -Mm...


    -The customer paid. He didn''t want to take any chances, and as a bonus, I don''t think he''ll be back.


    -I don''t give a shit if he does. Pearl was dead without her bio-monitor.


    -She knew the risks. So did every girl who took on the smallest client. They can pray for a virgin who''ll be the sweetest of lovers, but you can''t count out the rotten ones who only take us for toys... I can''t... do much. You think I like this? Sending girls to sleep with pigs? Seeing them come out of rooms with empty eyes? Or like Pearl?


    -I wish for another way...


    -There is none. And you know it. I work my ass off trying to attract the richest clients in Night City to get the biggest checks and make sure they don''t suffer indefinitely sleeping with every gonks we can find for the smallest of pennies...


    -It''s working out really well for us...


    -But look at you and the others, thinking you''re mercenaries. You''re not... The difference between you and Pearl is that at least with her I can intervene. I can protect her...


    -No... You can''t...


    The venom in each one''s words was true. Who was right and who was wrong? Clem''s hand was on Pearl''s arm and Romana knew she could say whatever she wanted. Clem was right, as was she. Pearl was going to spend at least several nights in observation and perhaps more than a month in pain, and even longer with marks and other latent pains. If this was the protection she promised, Romana knew she''d never convince Clem.


    -You know the girl, the one I have to rescue... She... She''s been put in the business. Like your sisters and me... No girl should have to go through what we went through...


    Romana remained silent.


    -I know how you feel about mercenary work. That the pay is bad, that the risks are too great, that death is just around the corner. But look at Pearl, how can you think she''ll be happy when she''s back on her feet? That she''ll be the same... Maybe I''m taking the easy way out. But I can''t imagine sleeping at Olympus or any club or with anyone, anywhere for that matter. I just want Didi to be happy and never go through what I went through.


    -You''re more likely to die as a mercenary than as a bouncer, please Clem, Janissa and Aria are exceptions...


    -And to see Pearl and the others end up like that without saying anything?


    -Think of Didi...


    -... I think of her, all the time...


    *****


    In front of the Olympus elevator


    Aria and Janissa were waiting for Clem. Janissa stroking her shoulder and Aria taking her into a hug. Clem''s face was closed as all she could hear was the low buzz of the elevator. She was thinking of Didi, Pearl and a lot of things, what she should have done. It was Janissa''s nudge on her back that brought her back to reality. Janissa''s eyes were clear, and she seemed to see and understand what she was feeling.


    -Stop thinking. Live in the present. Tonight, we do the corpo. Tomorrow we finish the contract and tomorrow night we drink champagne.


    Slapping her lightly on the cheek, Clem felt her vision clear. It''s true, there was nothing more she could do now. They were going to interrogate Mia, rescue Yumi and pocket the money before returning to the club in triumph.


    Let''s do this.

 Back to work

    Cyclops


    Last name, first name, sex, ethnicity: unknown


    Affiliation: Maelstrom.


    Known contacts: ...deceased ...deceased ...disappeared ...deceased...


    Supposed crimes: Theft, blackmail, threats, assault and battery, resisting arrest, break-ins, burglary, extortion, smuggling, arson, organized crime, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, torture, manslaughter, assassination...


    Situation: Unknown.


    Malik thought back to the information he had received during the day for the following summary.


    Antonio "Tubio" Moreau.


    H2 resident;


    Affiliation; Valentinos/Lianovak


    Father: deceased, mother: living. Father-in-law: disappeared. Sister-in-law: living.


    Alleged crime: sexual assault.


    Allegedly attacked a young woman at a party. Details unclear, possible set up, witnesses of possible collusion and accusers missing. Case dropped...


    Cross-referencing dates, Mailk could almost trace what had happened. Accused of rape, Tubio became ostracized from his band and, after a night of drinking, was grabbed and pulled by the leg into the Maelstrom.


    His sources had washed him clean of Cyclops info. One of the killer news like to talk about. But the more he got the more it''s clear she has been really cautious not to appear in person. Report of her Eye on the screens and other subterfuges waste the time of her pursuers, allowing her to flee at the last moment, while the victims and pursuers expect a counter-attack. One of the alleged murder victims was Filamark Ouilida. An African who had come to Night City officially to meet a friend. Under close protection after threats, he was found dead in a hotel room after having outrun his own protection. A soundless recording found in his car suggests that someone guided him away from his own safety. The association with Cyclops was a simple image of a circle with a dot on his car''s built-in screen. Without this recording, there''s no proof, even if it''s all the same with or without it.


    Others were less elaborate, but there were few times when her face could have been on camera. Face scrambler on a mask... Yeah a little overkill but if she is as paranoid as I am she will do it. That''s what I''d do.


    Drinking his coffee and looking at the information he had, he knew that if the operation had the slightest hitch their heads would roll. Pat knew who they were and where to find them, so there was no point in double-crossing him unless they left town next. With S4nd0t, they''d recruited people who were both expendable and easy to persuade. Money. At least for several of them. Malik hadn''t been able to check. But he knew for a fact that Clash was looking for money and had multiplied contracts. Samir had debts and Wang''s father was in a delicate position...


    As he went over and over the identities and information trying to decipher or understand each other''s motives, the sound of the front door echoed. Malik looked at the camera and saw a lady waiting at the entrance covered by a raincoat. This woman''s "incognito" outfit was totally useless when you could see her jewelry and make-up in addition to her hairstyle straight out of a beauty salon.


    Grunting an insult, Malik got up, dusted off his clothes and looked to see if the room was presentable. Dusty but fine.


    The door opened and the woman entered the room as if she owned it, passing Malik as if he didn''t exist. Not waiting for his permission, the lady lit a cigarette. Turning to Malik, she ignored his courtesy, cutting short any greeting and getting straight to the point.


    -Mr. Malik, I''m here for our business.


    -Madame Rolaty. I apologize for not informing you of the situation.


    -My son...


    Malik swallowed. The gloves or the hammer?


    -The information I have doesn''t allow me to confirm his situation, and after all this time. Your son probably left Night City to keep a low profile. I''m sure he''ll be in touch soon...


    -So you failed. Then why did my husband make a wire payment to you last week?


    Shit. Well, he watched the woman take off her glasses, her eyes red, she was only holding on because she wanted to. Maik lowered his head, so it would be the hammer. Going over to his computer, he turned the screen towards the chair opposite.


    -I want to know what you told my husband.


    -The truth, madam, and not to tell you. Sit down... please.


    Pulling the chair out for her, she sat down, almost trembling, as Malik launched a video on his computer facing her. Malik got up and went into another room, he didn''t want to be there... in no time at all, Mme.Rolaty''s cries resounded, pain, indignation, rage, despair. Her cries tore at Malik''s heart. Her son was no saint, but he didn''t deserve what had happened to him. He waited a long time for the sobs to subside before going back inside. Mrs.Rolaty held her face in her hands, weeping profusely, her face twisted in pain at the knowledge that her beloved son was dead. Recovering quickly, she turned to Malik, full of anger.


    -Why wasn''t I told?


    -Your husband''s orders. By the way...


    Malik transferred to her the money he''d received from her husband.


    -I don''t deserve this money. I''m very sorry.


    Mrs.Rolaty swallowed words she would have regretted, but nodded, murmuring a thank you, she stood up, lighting a cigarette with a trembling hand, glancing furtively at the screen. Taking a deep breath, she took a few steps around the room before turning to Malik.


    -I want the names of everyone in this video. I want to know how my son ended up with these people and who is to blame. I want those who are responsible.


    -Alas, once again, your husband has preceded you. He''ll be in a better position to give you information about what he''s planning or... has done to them.


    Malik''s silence was understood. Crushing her cigarette in the ashtray, Mrs.Rolaty looked at the screen. On it, her son had just been executed in a remote corner of the city.


    -His body?


    -Gone. But your husband said he knew some mercenaries who''d be happy to take care of everything. My job ended when I showed him the video.


    -Well, well... Mr.Malik, thank you for everything you''ve done. You disobeyed my husband''s orders. It goes straight to my heart, now I''ll be able to talk to him. He hasn''t been himself since... his visit here. I can see why... I''ll be going. I wish you well Mr.Malik, I apologize if my arrival has inconvenienced you.


    -No, Mme. Rolaty. The case I''m on isn''t the happiest too.


    -What''s it about?


    -Child kidnapping. A young girl...


    -Oh...


    Mrs.Rolaty had heard, but she didn''t care; still in shock, she had moved closer to the door, absent and lost, her emotions in turmoil. She could no longer stay in place, she had to leave, get away from this screen. With a final thank you, Malik closed the door behind her. Heaving a long sigh. The husband was bound to call now. A problem for later. But his conscience was clear. Looking at the photos around him, he looked at the other two empty desks.


    -You''re all a pain in the ass.


    *****


    Tubio and Ruby left the hotel glued arm in arm. Even though Ruby had things to say, she didn''t want to spoil their moment.


    -Tubio, I don''t want to go back to the group. I mean, IRL.


    -Why not?


    -I... I don''t know how to work in a team.


    -You did very well, though, didn''t you?


    -I don''t want to get attached... okay? I don''t want to have my back turned to them. I just...


    -Okay.


    Tubio had cut Ruby off. Guiding her face, she closed her eyes when he bent down to kiss her. Taking her in his arms, the squalid hall they''d just left didn''t look so bad in this position.


    -You don''t want to stand next to them. No problem, they''ll understand.


    -Sorry.


    -Don''t be. I''d never force you into a position you didn''t want to be in if you wanted to get out of the whole thing, there''s no...


    -No. -I''d rather die, I''m in, I''m staying in. I just... I don''t want to interact with them directly...


    -You''re stressing yourself out over nothing. You were perfect yesterday.


    -Yesterday.


    -It''s going to be fine... I''ve got you in my ears and so will the group, we''ll do it again and everything will be fine... And then I''ll protect you if anyone tries anything, so if you want to join us, do as you feel.


    Looking at him for a moment. She pulled one of her drones from her pocket. She reached into Tubio''s jacket, threading her pointed paws through the fabric until the body acting as a camera was firmly attached to his shoulder with its paws mashed into it. A steel protuberance with a red lens sat on his shoulder.


    -I''ve already got the one on my mask...


    -But with this one I can move. Move myself, you''ll just have to put me where you want and I''ll have another eye in the room. You can''t imagine how easy it is to let this kind of thing slip by. I''ll move it any time I can. Whether it''s in a corridor or a hangar. The quality isn''t great over long distances. But in tight frames and when I''m close, it''s as if I''m omniscient for my interlocutors. Even worse if I manage to hang it on their clothes. I found some old animal tracking chips and reconditioned them a bit. I put them inside my little robots and boom, I''ve got a remote-controlled tracker with a camera that can hook onto my target, plus this one''s got a little speaker.


    -Uh... Wow. Ok I did not expect that much.


    -Mm? Impressed?


    -Well yeah, a lot.


    -It''s not rocket science, it already existed 50 years ago. it''s just that people don''t know how to use their fucking technology.


    -You''re too modest. What are you planning to do while we''re doing our spying?


    -Prepare the escape. Always. When you''re on an operation, there''s always an escape route. I''ll make sure there''s an elevator waiting for you upstairs and that the coast is clear downstairs. Even if it means giving up some of myself for the last part.


    -You don''t have to...


    -I want to. Ok?


    -Ok.


    ******


    Each group had made their preparations, eating and taking care of the final details on their side as the meeting time approached. Pat''s radio silence confirmed the plan. The objective Mia information. The group met in the same bar as the day before, and listened to Tubio explain that Cyclops preferred to keep his distance, provoking some frustration on the part of Aria and Clem. Malik, expecting this, and Janissa, used to Cyclops'' method, she even noted the new accessory on Tubio''s shoulder but said nothing.


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    Riding in an elevator to the suspended bridge, the group knew what had to be done and discussion was rare, even Janissa was silent as the group reached the hanging street. As they reached the ladder, Cyclops spoke to them via holo.


    -Something off.


    The group stopped immediately. Malik asked.


    -What do you see?


    -An increase in power consumption around.


    -It could just be someone returning from vacation who wasn''t there yesterday.


    -... Be careful.


    If the group wasn''t tense, now they were, and Janissa''s remark didn''t calm them down. One by one, the group climbed up, Malik having the hardest time. The door, still unlocked from the day before, let them in. And once again, silence. Aria went to see where Tubio had climbed down before stepping back with a sigh of unease, even though she wasn''t normally afraid of heights. Malik secured Tubio this time with a real knot, using strong ropes hooked onto quality carabiners. Tubio thanked Malik, who muttered a mix of insults and warnings.


    -Ready to go?


    A final word of encouragement and Tubio descended. More confident this time, even without drugs in his system, his mask perfectly concealed any stress he might have been under. Not looking down, keeping steady one step at a time, it took him only a fraction of the time it had taken the day before to reach the window he was interested in. Tension was running high as the group listened to Cyclops and Tubio.


    Mia was sitting on the bed watching the news, clearly ready. Kind of, dressed in a strict, practical outfit, Tubio could see the gun she had under her jacket. Signaling he was ready, Cyclops started up the screen, bringing Mia immediately to a higher level of stress. Tubio could see her stand up and swallow her saliva as the eye landed on her.


    It didn''t take thirty seconds for Mia to speak, promising information before demanding conditions. Tubio was about to ask to be pulled up when, from his vantage point, he saw something in the living room. The previously unlit and silent room came to life as light from the corridor filtered through the wide-open front door. Tubio saw two armed men go inside.


    He didn''t need to tell Cyclops what he saw...


    -You''ve been compromised.


    His words shocked Mia, who opened her mouth in astonishment. But she too seemed to have heard the front door and her hand was already on her gun. While Tubio could see the two men raising their assault rifles in front of the wall behind which Mia was standing. He was completely caught off guard when Cyclops shouted GET DOWN! at Mia.


    The scene was worthy of a sensory dance Tubio spectator could only watch the room shatter as bullets whistled inside, Mia on the floor beside the bed screaming. Gun flashes illuminated the interior of the living room, while the impact of the bullets left a trail of dust in the other room.


    When the situation seemed to calm down, the attackers weren''t finished yet. Opening the bedroom door, a flash grenade flew in, and Tubio could only look away when he realized what it was. Mia retaliated, firing blindly at the door, delaying the two men''s timed entry.


    Tubio saw Mia try to throw herself towards the bathroom, only to be hit in the attempt and end up on the floor. Fear, panic, Mia''s face was a mixture of both as her assailant closed in to finish her off.


    Then he fired. He hadn''t even realized he''d drawn his gun, putting his position and the whole team in danger. The shot went through the glass into the man''s head, and he fell to the ground dead on the spot. Luck or not, Mia didn''t stand idly by. Raising her gun, she shot the second man, who collapsed in the living room lifeless.


    Mia crawled along the wall holding her clearly wounded shoulder, no doubt going to close the bedroom door or look into the living room. She picked up one of the assault rifles. But just as she passed her head. a new figure shot at her from the front door. Mia quickly replied


    During the situration, Cyclops told the group above him, shocked as much as Tubio at what was happening. Tubio asked the slightly panicked group what to do. Aria spoke up.


    -What do we do?


    -Pick her up!


    -What?


    -Tubio, you break the glass and we''ll take her up with us. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.


    -This is stupid.


    -Do it Tubio!


    Waving to Mia, she finally seemed to see him suspended behind the glass. Mouth agape, she froze for a second as Tubio tried to make himself understood. She thought fast, however. Firing a burst towards the front door, she turned and emptied her clip into the pane, shattering it into a thousand pieces. The icy night air rushed into the apartment.


    As if it were natural for him, Tubio entered the apartment in one fluid movement, his gun pointing at the entrance door and firing several times at the silhouettes lining its frame. Completely ignoring the rifle pointed at him. Ignoring the threat, Tubio closed the bedroom door as Cyclops spoke from his shoulder.


    -Come or face them.


    Mia, always quick to grasp the situation, dropped her rifle and moved closer to Tubio, who immediately began passing her the rope. Almost tearing it away from him, Mia tied her own knots, passing the rope around herself, tying quick and effective knots and finding herself stuck to Tubio in more ways than one. Holstering his weapon, Tubio looked at Mia, clearly panicked but under control. Tubio had heard Cyclops compliment on Mia''s good choice. He was about to check if the knots where good but then¡­


    -Jump Tubio!


    Tubio jumped without thinking. Pulling Mia with him into the void, she cried out in fear. A hail of bullets hit the door and passed through the wall they were just standing against. Mia screamed in fear, clinging to him all the more as the group above pulled with all their might to lift the two. Tubio tried to calm himself as adrenalin drove him to look up and down at the blown-out window that had signalled their departure. Mia, snuggled up against him, opened her eyes only to have Cyclops taunting her.


    -Well? Are we afraid of heights?


    -This is no time to make fun of it, because so am I!


    Mia looked lost and confused, but didn''t panic, not even a little. When they finally reached the construction site. Mia frantically grabbed the tiller to get over the edge and onto solid ground. Pushing Tubio away as best she could, she tried to remove the rope binding her as quickly as possible. When she and Tubio were finally separated, she rolled onto the ground, trying to put as much distance between herself and him as possible. Without realizing the presence of three women pointing their weapons at her face. Aria made a remark that made the group smile.


    -Well, old men. I''ve never fished, but is this how you catch a corpo?


    The situation seemed to last longer than it should have until Malik and Cyclops woke everyone up.


    -Hey chooms, this is no time to be witty, we need to delta ASAP.


    -Emergency exit now.


    Raising Mia. She followed in silence as the group headed for an emergency exit. opening it. Mia was about to follow the old man down the ladder, but the small platform overlooking the void reminded her of what had just happened, stopping dead in her tracks against the railing. Aria grabbed her by the collar and slammed her against the wall. Weapon tucked under her chin, Aria looked her straight in the eye.


    -You do something stupid, you''re dead before you hit the ground.


    Pushing her unceremoniously towards the ladder, Mia descended in silence, following Malik''s footsteps. Once the group had reunited, they followed Cyclops'' directions, Aria and Janissa guiding Mia with both hands behind her back as they reached the elevator. Meanwhile, Cyclops gave information in their holo-discussion, hidden from Mia''s ears.


    -There''s movement, lots of movement, guys downstairs in suits getting frantic. I think it''s Keng Tao.


    -She sold us out.


    -What did you expect? What do we do now?


    -If we let her go like this, we''ll get nothing more for our troubles and now it''s too late to back out.


    -I''ve got a hideout, we''ll take her there, cook her up a bit and keep her warm until Pat calls us. We''ll release her once Yumi''s free and say goodbye.


    -How secure is this place? How can we stop it calling for help?


    -There are chips for this kind of situation... or we could drug her...


    -No, we''re not going down that road. We''re not scavengers.


    -Maybe we should be.


    -Let''s go to your hideout and talk about this.


    Mia was clear on keeping silent, with several groups and agendas present best to be careful, her rescuers were at least keen on to keeping her alive. She could have run, but she was wounded and resisting against several people would not be easy. Especially in hostile or unfamiliar terrain. She tried to send a holo to Wellov only to be cut off again with no response. She wasn''t going to try to contact her father, no thanks. Her only option was to wait and follow these people. It might be her only chance of getting some fucking answers.


    When they reached the ground, she found herself in the middle of the group as they made their way quickly, but without running, towards a van. Night was queen but the rain had reduced the number of people with whom they could have hidden in a crowd, and the neighborhood lights worked more than well.


    -Everybody aboard.


    -Sorry to bother you but I''m pissing blood, do you have anything?


    Once everyone is on board. The one with a mask, the one who had taken her out of her apartment and who was the only young man present took out a sort of tranquilizer injector, putting it in her hand, Mia looked at the object then at the guy. After a second or so as the red lenses stared at her and vice versa. Seeing her not moving. He took the tranquilizer from her hand, planting it in his own thigh and injecting the product himself into his leg, before taking a second one out of his bag and putting it in Mia''s hand as if nothing had happened. One of the women off to the side snickered at Mia''s open-mouthed shock at the junkie in front of her.


    Imitating him, she stuck the object in her thigh pressing the button and felt the sting and the fluid enter her body. She had been told more than once not to take any product of unknown origin but damn it felt good a wave of calm spread through her. Letting out a sigh, almost in relief as she finally asked a question.


    -Where are you taking me?


    -A...


    -... Cell in a basement to torture you. What do you think, silly?


    The sound came from the lens on the young man''s shoulder. Mia was confused, thinking it was a joke, but the group said nothing and Mia was forced to stare at the red lens facing her.


    -I want to know what you know about Yumi.


    -After ratting us out?


    -What would you have done? Someone invades your bedroom just as you''re getting out of the shower and you choose to trust the voice coming out of your TV? By the way, I hope you''ve had a good show, you pervert.


    Mia was addressing Cyclops, but Tubio felt more targeted than him. Cyclops'' disembodied voice chuckled.


    -Your negotiating tactics aren''t very good if you start insulting your saviors.


    -My saviors? How do I know you''re not the reason I''m in this mess?


    -Easy. Give us the information on your father and we''ll give you what we have on Yumi.


    -And then you''ll kill me?


    -Yes, we saved a corpo on the verge of death to take away information we don''t necessarily need, putting ourselves in danger for nothing.


    -So you need me.


    -Actually... No. That was sarcasm. I''ll give you a little free information...


    The old man coughed loudly as he cut Cyclops off. Mia understood that there was a silent discussion in progress and decided to keep quiet. A cold sweat broke out on her back as the van made its way through town. If they''d saved her on a whim, it was in her best interest to cooperate. But that would be a leap of faith. Something she and anyone else would never attempt, especially in this situation.


    The journey continued in silence, Mia not pushing her luck. Looking around her, the three women wore low-end facial scramblers, different-colored lights forming distorted faces to censor their faces from the cameras. The old man at the front had the same thing on, even if he was older and more obscure. Finally, the junkie for a better term was in front of her with a facial protector or implant framed by his long black hair, looking like a rocker from the 2020s. Black on white and red on face. He stared at her, not moving an inch unless the van did. The van had nothing in the back and four people were sitting on the ground, rocked by the vehicle''s movements.


    The whole situation didn''t seem to affect Mia as the van finally came to a halt. She could see through the windscreen that they had stopped in an alley. The old man spoke.


    -We''ve arrived.


    Mia couldn''t help but ask if this was a safe place.


    -The last owner was a man addicted to gambling. The apartment was in the name of his daughter, who had cut ties with him years ago. She had literally fled the city to have nothing more to do with him. The bastard still managed to pass himself off as her by redirecting requests for payment of the apartment''s rent to himself. On paper, the apartment was hers, but in reality, he was paying for it.


    -Are we going to run into him?


    -He''s dead now. I guess hiding out in an apartment belonging to his daughter wasn''t such a good idea. No one will bother us as long as we don''t make a mess. I don''t know if the water and electricity are any good now, but as long as there''s money in his account, we''ll have every possible comfort. Don''t be picky. There''s even a restaurant below.


    The group moved quickly through the night. The smell of garbage assaulted Mia as she followed the group into a stairwell leading upstairs. Once inside, the lights came on and Mia could see signs of a struggle, broken and upturned furniture and blood on the floor and wall.


    -The... NCPD came?


    -Mm. No report or complaint, just blood and broken furniture, nothing more.


    -The collectors?


    -Were after him, nobody bothered to come back especially not his daughter.


    -And what about you?


    The group looked around the rooms. The whole floor was a single apartment, rather chic if you overlooked the bloodstains. Wide with several bedrooms, the place was centralized with the living room in the middle, with several windows bringing in the night light. The open-plan kitchen had a counter separating it from the living room, with a TV in the middle of the wall opposite the entrance. Several sofas were arranged around a shattered coffee table.


    -I was working for a different betting place than the ones that caught him. Ironically, they found him before I did.


    Mia was somewhat unsettled by the lack of emotion on the part of these people, but as much as Mia enjoyed the conversation, she was there for something else.


    -Now, then. Would you mind telling me who you are and how you''re related to my cousin?


    The junkie looked at the TV before sitting down on the middle sofa facing it. The TV, like the one in her apartment, lit up, giving way to the eye. The TV speakers once again spat out that distorted, robotic voice.


    -We shouldn''t make any introductions, for everyone''s sake. We know who you are, and that should be enough for you. But I''m fair. I''m Cyclops and I''ll be your interlocutor. As you may have guessed, we hadn''t planned to take you with us, to be honest - your death would have saved us a lot of trouble. But my friend here found the wrong moment to be a good shot. We''re not here to talk about him, we''re here to talk about your uncle. Tubiki Gong.


    The masked man shrugged under Mia''s gaze, and all around her, those who up to that point had only looked at the apartment were now focused on her. Mia knew she wouldn''t get two chances: she had to cooperate if she wanted to get what she wanted, and possibly not die at their hands in an apartment where no one would come looking for her body.

 Into a dark place

    No matter how hard Mia pushed the idea into the back of her mind, she was currently being held hostage by a group of unknown mercenaries. Mia tried to remember as much as she could about her uncle. His smiles that weren''t smiles, his lies, his looks of disdain for her...


    -If I tell you everything I know about my uncle, will you guarantee to let me go back alive and keep me informed about Yumi?


    The people around her looked at each other for a moment before Cyclops answered.


    -As long as it doesn''t put us in danger, you''ll have to stay here.


    -For how long?


    -Worst case scenario... Tomorrow.


    -That''s fine by me.


    -No holo, no distress call, no tracer.


    -I don''t have one of those.


    -That wasn''t a question.


    -...How to prove my good faith to total strangers.


    -... you can''t. You have so many relatives and contacts around you in Keng Tao that we can''t even be sure you didn''t sell us out alone.


    -I don''t have that many people around me.


    -Your uncle is your direct boss, your colleagues have affiliations with your father, other members of your family, businesses they run in China as well as here. I have more than a dozen people all around you with whom I can play connect the dots like constellations guiding me to you. But for Mr. Gong''s daughter, it can''t be that many people?


    As Cyclops explained, images appeared on the screen, all of the people she came into contact with on a daily basis. Her boss, colleagues, even the man she rode the elevator down with. Of course, Mia didn''t believe the man''s words for a moment.


    -Of course I have links with these people, they''re my colleagues, I work with them. I don''t know whether they were placed there especially.


    Her audience were clearly not convinced, shrugging and sighing. Mia knew what she could and shouldn''t say, so she might as well use it, even if it meant embroidering her story a little.


    -Okay. As I told you, my uncle and I were not having a good time. More than once I had remarks, proof and even saw for myself that my uncle was sleeping around.


    -Bad husband, we know all about it.


    -Did you know that he also liked men? A big taboo according to my aunt in the family. So much so that only my father, my aunt and I knew.


    -How that helps us?


    -You wanted to know about my uncle. To do that, we need to talk about the Gong family. My family is a traditional one. Where men rule and women bear children. My father may not be at the top of the totem pole. But he''s high enough, too high for some.


    -Your family sounds charming, but if you came to the facts.


    -How would you keep the power you inherited and still do what you want. Simple you lie.


    -An arranged marriage, between your aunt and uncle...


    -You catch on fast. With this plan, my father not only had my uncle renounced any claim to be ahead of him in the Gong family by marrying a commoner, but they''d also found a way to cover up his homosexuality. As for my aunt, let''s just say she got a place she could only have dreamed of in exchange for her silence.


    -And Yumi in all this?


    -Let''s just say my aunt had to make... sacrifices...


    Mia, in the center of the room surrounded by her spectators, couldn''t decipher their expressions, but the disgust was more than obvious. Even if what she''d just said was mostly fantasy, she knew about her uncle''s homosexuality or rather bi-sexuality, that her aunt''s marriage was undoubtedly a cover-up or a way for her father to make sure Tubiki never got in the way of his march to the top. As for the rest, she didn''t know what to say.


    -Okay, arranged marriage, rotten family we get it. Why Yumi might be important.


    -Imagine you''re part of an important family that puts men on an equal footing. Unfortunately, one of your sons only has a daughter with a commoner from Night City, not even from the same country, let alone the same background. What would you do to make sure the daughter and wife disappeared so he could remarry?


    -Why now and especially since it killed him in the end it misses the mark if you ask me...


    -My father is dominating his department. Slowly becoming a power of his own in Night City Keng Tao. One of his bases, his loyal uncle he holds under his thumb. My uncle has never done anything against him for obvious reasons. But... Perhaps one situation might have helped him act. Kidnapping his daughter, for instance.


    -But it might have nothing to do with your family then. Anyone can organize a kidnapping and blackmail your uncle. It reduces all of Night City to just its criminal elements.


    Malik remarks made sense compromising Mia''s attempt to gaslight them. Mia sank into her story, trying to invent her own reasons. Things she''d imagined, assumed but never researched.


    -Why hadn''t he called on my father, like if I''d been blackmailed normally he''d have run to my father''s skirts? If someone is blackmailing him, it means that the entity in question had more than Yumi, being either external by being of the same level or higher than my father or internal to the Gong family. Knowing how to bend him.


    The group was silent before Janissa broke the silence.


    -It''s not that it''s not useful, it''s just complicated. You''re tying our brains in knots for nothing. You''ve got proof of who did this shitshow or not.


    -Supposition and facts are the only things I can give you...


    -Nothing in consequence.


    -You approached me, I''m telling you what I know. I''m a woman who disobeyed my father. I have access to nothing, because I made one of the only choices I''ve ever made for myself, to owe him nothing. You can''t imagine how happy he must have been to see me comming crawling into his office and ask for help. Yes, he''s going to tell me all the family secrets he doesn''t want anyone to know. See, I can be sarcastic too. I''m telling you that powerful people can be behind you depending on what you''ve gotten into with my cousin, they''re all assholes with a motive in the back of their heads, who''ll watch you croak with a smile on their face once the job''s done. That''s all the information I can give you.


    Mia was red-faced and out of breath, and out of patience too. The people around her were silent, no doubt judging her or chatting behind her back via holo.


    -You wanted information, you got it. Now I want to know your connection with my cousin.


    They looked at each other for a second before Cyclops spoke.


    -These ladies and gentlemen were hired to find her after she was identified in a prostitution ring. In a very short time, they will intervene in the premises where Yumi is supposed to be held.


    Mia looked at the eye. Was this a joke? She turned to the other members, all confessing with their silence.


    -Prostitution...


    Mia felt herself retching. It only took a second for her body to revolt on its own at the word. Her stomach churning, she put her hand on her stomach but held back from vomiting in front of them. It must have been obvious because the guy on the sofa invited her to sit down. She remained standing.


    -How could she?


    -Your uncle was found in a... special place. Do you know how he was found? Yumi was supposed to have been there, a girl who was there testified that Yumi was there too. We followed the trail and found a place. That''s all we can tell you.


    -When will you be taking action?


    -... Soon. They can''t talk about it, as you''d expect.


    -Then why did you come to me?


    -Chance. If we''d came across an empty apartment, it would have been the same thing.


    -What''s your price? My father will double any amount to find my cousin.


    -Easy, now. I don''t think you understand. This is a job. Reputations are at stake. Unless you give them all something to live on for the rest of their lives, no one here is going to sell out to a corpo. Besides, as you said, we don''t know why Yumi is in this situation. We were counting on you to give us some information so that we don''t go in blind.


    -In that case, I''ll make you a new offer. Give me the address where you leave Yumi once you''ve paid. I''ll take care of the rest.


    -You?


    -You think I can''t do it?


    -Not at all. You would have died if we hadn''t stepped in. Besides, who told you that''s all we were on this job?


    Mia was silent. Maybe she should call her father after all. As for Yumi, she was sure he''d help. At least they don''t look hostile yet.


    -Don''t worry about me. You can contact me if you''re leaving Yumi with someone or somewhere. I''ll take care of the payment and you won''t have to do anything else.


    -They won''t take that risk when it comes out, because it always does. No contractor is going to want to work with them if he''s going to get stabbed after the job is done.


    -You...


    -NO. We had the conversation we needed to have...


    The people around her began to stand up together. Mia felt fear welling up inside her. As the people around her began to move, Mia couldn''t help herself, she had to keep talking.


    -So what now?


    -Now they''re off to do their jobs. Their boss just called them. The operation''s about to start and they can''t be late.


    -And me?


    -You''re staying with me. Until I get a holo or the sun comes up... Yes, that should be enough.


    They started for the door, while the young man left the mechanical spider he''d been carrying on his shoulder on the kitchen counter, facing Mia. Mia was confused as to how they could think that a netrunner could stop her from following them or calling for help. As she thought this, the group headed for the door, leaving her alone in the living room. She watched them as the door opened and each of the mercenaries stepped aside, letting one person through almost as if she had the plague.


    Standing in front of her was a person shorter than Mia, with a large hoodie covering his entire face, revealing only his eyes via vertical claw marks, through which two blue eyes looked down at her. In front of such an ordinary person, Mia guessed that she was facing Cyclops and found it laughable that she had to deal with the babysitter of their group when they were on their way to save her cousin, a cousin she should be saving herself.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Turning her head, Cyclops saw the robot on the counter, picked it up before turning around and forcing it into the hand of the junky who had it in the first place. Without further comment, the others left, Cyclops watching intently as the young man left. Mia remained silent as the voice of the modifier, Cyclops, resounded from both the TV and the person in front of her.


    -Want a seat? We¡®ll be here all night.


    ******


    As the rest of the group made their way back to the van, Janissa could only lament the fact that they''d done it all for nothing. But Malik contradicted her.


    -We didn''t do all this for nothing.


    -A yes? A family obsessed with archaic traditions killing each other, corrupt corpos agendas and a smoking story about her own father and uncle. I don''t know what we''ve learned.


    -We''ve learned that by the time we have Yumi with us we''ll probably be in extreme danger.


    -...


    -Don''t you believe me? Listen to my story and tell me what you think. An entity blackmails Tubiki with X number of things, whether he''s gay or has dipped into Keng Tao''s money it doesn''t matter. His wife Sayako is informed only to disappear or run away, thinking she''ll be killed or used for blackmail, if not dead, simply to send Tubiki a message. For some reason Tubio finds him dead after Tubiki tracks down his daughter. An authority finds this story and wants to take advantage of it. Yumi becomes an object of value for X party realizing that Hiro was vulnerable via Yumi. This brings things to us.


    -I still don''t get it.


    -In the best case scenario, we either get Yumi back and give her to her uncle Hiro or Sayako. In that case, either we leave alive with our eddies, or they kill us to find out that a Corpos'' niece ended up in prostitution and don''t want to have that hanging over their heads.


    -And the other possibility?


    -If it''s another of those entities Mia was talking about and we end up dead when we save Yumi.


    -What''s the difference?


    -If Pat works for Sayako or Hiro, we''ll have a chance to live. When we get to the hideout, we check the vans and bags we''ll be taking on the mission for any tracers. If we extract ourselves, I don''t want us to be ambushed.


    -Okay, once we''ve completed the mission, we keep our finger on the trigger at the hideout, ask for our money and set sail together as a group. Anything else to say before we get there?


    -Watch out for Clash. He''s been multiplying his contracts lately, and with the chrome he got, it must be expensive to maintain, plus I wouldn''t be surprised if he killed us all if the opportunity arose. After Pat and S4nd0t, I think he''s the most dangerous.


    -Fantastic...


    *****


    At the hideout


    Around the table Clash, S4nd0t, Pat and the rest of the crew were waiting for them. Not dwelling on them, Pat once again introduced Yumi and their objective. He outlined the location, the various access points to the facilities, and the individuals they might come across.


    The summary was clear and concise: all these people were the scum of society, and no one will mourn their deaths. More, they''ll kill you if they can. Shoot first and ask questions later.


    The group will split in two. One will go through the big door, the other through an exit that S4nd0t has spotted in the plans. If the small door leads nowhere, the second group joins the first and forces its way through from the front. It''s best to avoid a hostage situation.


    -Wouldn''t it be better if we tried to infiltrate first?


    -That''s the point, we want to draw their attention away from their hostages as much as possible. When the first shot is fired and the infiltration fails, the first group will do as much damage as possible upstairs.


    The building was divided into three parts. Offices, a garage with a storage area and a basement with a freight elevator. After surveillance, there was nothing on the upper level to suggest that they were keeping people here. Clem asked a question that concerned the whole group.


    -For the others, if we find other people... What are we going to do? We''re not just going to leave them here?


    -Once the mission is completed on our side, the NCPD will have many, many calls. One of which will be a trusted person on the other side. People will move, and it won''t be our problem but Night City''s.


    Once the group''s conscience was clear. Pat distributed the roles. Group 1 in charge of the frontal assault. Pat, Wang, Clash, Malik as driver. Group 2 Janissa, Aria, Samir, Clem, Donovan, Tubio as driver. Aria spoke up.


    -Can Clem drive?


    -Arrange yourselves as you like.


    Clem looked at Aria sideways but said nothing. Aria thought that, depending on what they saw inside, it would be better to have Tubio than Clem.


    The groups left and Clem confronted Aria in the van, who defended herself. The men said nothing, leaving the women of the group to deal with their own problems as the van moved towards its destination.


    The journey ended in silence as the groups took up their positions. Pat and his group remained on standby, ready to launch a full-scale assault on the building at the first sign of trouble.


    Clem remained at the wheel of the van. Samir would open the doors and connect to the system giving S4nd0t a way inside. Aria will be Samir''s bodyguard, Janissa and Tubio will go inside and have to find Yumi and get her out, Donovan acting as doctor will stay with Samir and Aria until the lead duo find their target. Samir and Aria will provide cover if needed.


    The ¡°abandoned¡± warehouse was surrounded by a wall, but a door to the basement was outside the perimeter at the back, in a squalid alleyway amidst the garbage. With no apparent security, Tubio''s group emerged and began their approach. After moving several garbage-filled containers and finding the door. Samir knelt down and began to inspect the door. Tubio narrated what they were doing to Pat and the rest.


    -We''re at the door.


    -We''re also in place. S4nd0t. You synchronize us. From now on, it''s the ones doing the deeds who do the talking. S4nd0t will take control of speech once in the system. No unnecessary discussion.


    Samir spoke.


    -Door unlocked.


    Tubio pushed Samir aside as Janissa announced their entrance. A dark, tattered room. A table with papers and other garbage, shelves spread out around them, empty and dusty. In their holo, S4nd0t confirmed that this room was only used to store materials for the next room.


    Advancing towards the second door. His holo voice continued to guide them.


    -You''re on level -2. In front of you will be a machine room, opposite will be the door leading to the service staircase. Camera in the latter...


    This time, the door didn''t need anyone to open it, and Tubio and Janissa silently stepped inside, behind dusty machines, nothing lit, so Tubio advanced with his shotgun Departure. Looking around, the room was as abandoned as the first. Continuing to comment on their progress, the group. Tubio opened the door - a staircase on his right leading upwards, nothing else. Slowly, the group climbed up one floor. Pointing out the lack of cameras, S4nd0t retorted that he only had blueprints and his information might not be perfect. The building was old and had undoubtedly undergone many alterations. Hence the need for Samir to get him into their system.


    Tubio in point Janissa with her assault rifle, Aria and finally Samir. The group climbed the stairs to the next landing. 2 doors, one on the right, the other on the left. Positioning themselves at the first door, they were about to open it. When noises from opposite drew their attention. Pointing to the next door, Tubio and Janissa were about to open it when a man opened the door.


    Tubio didn''t hesitate. The gun went off. BAM. The flash, the blood, the man gasped at the impact, losing his balance and collapsing to the ground. The group was silent for only a second before Aria shouted into the holo.


    -Shots fired, we''re moving through the left door!


    -Roger, attacking.


    *****


    Level 0


    Clash wasn''t one for subtlety - he knew the importance of the element of surprise - but once the storm was on his doorstep, he knew he had no reason to be silent.


    Walking along the sidewalk, Clash came to the opening where a gate once stood. Rounding the corner, he entered the property. The inner courtyard used as a parking/dumping area up to the building was clear, while two men sat smoking on a concrete block used as a blocker. Seeing the intruder, one of them stood up to insult Clash''s mother before dying. Clash, with his secondary weapon, shot the ill-bred man in the head before firing two more rounds from his Nue at his friend, still seated. The latter took the bullets before bleeding to death.


    New screams, this time from inside, resounded. Clash took out his rifle and prepared himself. If they didn''t know they were there now, they did.


    ******


    Level -1 staircase


    S4nd0t was giving live information to the group, notably that Clash had entered through the main portal and had started hostilities above.


    Tubio ignored the body of his victim, stepping over it and continuing into the neon light of the new corridor that opened up before him.


    Janissa followed, but Aria turned towards the door on the right. Announcing what she wanted to do and separating, she opened the door with a terrified Samir behind her. They needed to find Yumi quickly, if she''d ever been moved only their data could give reliable information, but to do that they needed to get into their servers, and with the situation deteriorating the sooner the better.


    Donovan retreated down to level -2, huffing and puffing in stress, checking his lexington and removing the security. Waiting nervously on the last landing to be called up.


    ******


    Level -1


    Tubio stood up along the left wall, Janissa to his right doing the same. The corridor was dark, despite the dirty lights on the ceiling. Various doors presented themselves to them, but the first one was open, telling him immediately where he was when he looked inside. An operating room. The small rectangular room had medical instruments and numerous dried bloodstains on the floor, giving the impression of an operating table. Going inside, Janissa remained at the entrance. He went to check the inner door but found it blocked. Remembering that he didn''t have Samir with him, he swore at the situation.


    S4nd0t reported his situation to Samir, who replied in turn. They were also busy.


    Behind Aria, Samir followed her through the left door and immediately a woman lunged at Aria, knife in hand. Aria fired a burst from her D5 Copperhead, causing her to exhale her last breath in an instant. Pushing on, she needed only a minute to reach the first door. Samir opened it, leaving Aria with her weapon raised to calm another hero on the other side. But behind the latter, Aria could only freeze. Bodies, or so she thought at first. Motionless on the floor, several women cowered in the corner of the tiny room for those who could.


    The room was tiny, oozing sweat and filth, with no furniture other than pipes coming out of the walls. Clinging to these, the women had their limbs bound in chains. They had been stripped naked, their chromium-plated limbs removed. Some lay motionless on the floor, while others moaned in fear, reassuring each other. Aria quickly scanned their faces, not recognizing her target, and stepped back before closing the door on them.


    Samir hesitated to say anything, but decided to keep his mouth shut. But reporting their findings, S4nd0t encouraged them to continue towards the other rooms. Recalling Tubio and Janissa to help them.


    *****


    Level 0


    While Clash made the show in front. Pat and Wang forced their way in from behind. Ignoring the cameras, they went through the wall and fell in front of the back door. Pat, dressed in combat gear, used his strength and chrome arms to force the door open. Stepping inside. Arriving in a mini hallway with a view of desks. He could see to the left but not to the right, with the windows facing to the right. Pat could see a staircase going up to the floor, but not the main warehouse separated by a wall and a door in front of them. Wang went to the right and Pat secured the left. Pat kept his gun raised as Wang opened the door at the corner of the building to a cleaning room. Pat with his M251s Ajax saw three chooms coming down to be shot at. Pat received them warmly. The windows shattered as shots rang out in their direction. Killing one man and wounding another as they took cover behind the walls. Wang closed the door to join Pat in the exchange of gunfire.


    Clash had taken cover behind a container, with several people in the loading bay firing at him from every conceivable angle, garage doors wide open. Clash, acting as a diversion, only fired sporadically to keep them focused on him. Even though Pat and Wang''s new front made their heads spin.Clash knew how to aim and didn''t miss the opportunity to shoot a woman who got up in the open to look. Charging his Militech M-179E Achilles Clash fired a charged shot, tearing off the woman''s leg who screamed in pain. Hiding again and repositioning himself, Clash was unbothered as he had counted the enemies he had left alive.


    One of them ran alongside the other side of the container a youngster with a mohawk and a sword. He rounded the corner and charged Clash, shouting. Clash swung his weapon behind his back to face him. The young man charged, swinging the blade with inaccurate aim and finally hitting the container. Clash having avoided the attacks and letting him run out of steam, He grabbed the man''s arm, twisting it with force. Clash felt the assailant weak in his grip, so with one arm, he pulled violently, sending him to the ground, making him almost drop his weapon. Clash pulled his arm, still holding the katana, up to fist him in the face, sending him to the ground stunned, and as he tried to make sense of the world he was in, he discovered a boot coming straight at his face. A disgusting crack resounded, Clash then took back his weapon to fire into the building as if nothing had happened.


    *****


    Level -1


    Tubio and Janissa returned to the staircase, the gunfire above now more obvious and the quantity impressive. But as Janissa passed the corpse of their first victim, a shot flew over Janissa creating a spray of plaster that sent her ducking and diving into the open door opposite.


    More shots followed, but she was already under cover. Tubio passed Departure firing at a man who had descended the steps to continue shooting. He turned but Tubio was already pulling the trigger. Shooting him in the chest. But no sooner had he hit the ground than two others fired at him from higher up.


    Staying under cover, Janissa watched him as he reloaded. They were blocked.


    *****


    For her part, Aria continued to look at room after room. All belonged to categories. Humans here were treated like cattle, sorted like commodities. A room for women, one for men, some with chromium remnants, some old, others much less so... At the end of the fifth door of frightened people Aria could only notice Samir haggard behind her. Although she didn''t know what to do for them either. Next door but one, and this time a cold draught passed through the door, hitting them both. The smell of decay rose and Aria felt vomit rising in her throat. Samir covered his nose at the smell, neither he nor Aria ready to see what was inside...


    Aria stepped inside. Weapon raised, she watched in horror as freezers stretched wide and horizontal, with the soft sound of static in the air, dozens of them lined up along the walls in a room that was far too large and far too full. Aria didn''t need to look inside, Samir dared. Lifting the lid, Samir released it, closing it after a single glance inside. They didn''t stay a second longer.


    One more to go, Aria reported back to S4nd0t and the rest of the group before heading for the last door on this side of the staircase. More gunfire rang out as insults came from behind Janissa, who responded with gunfire. Aria opened the last door. Only to find a make-up room. A room with a mirror, clothes, make-up, beauty products, even a shower in the back. Aria understood and once again felt like throwing up. But she saw something else. A relay.


    -Samir, get over here!


    But as the situation developed, Tubio heard shouting behind him. Obviously, the other exits had to be at his back...

 Reap and leave

    Reap and leave


    -I''ve got people on my end!


    The corridor is empty of any cover. Tubio abandoned Janissa and the stairs to run towards the first door where the operating table was. Stepping inside, a gunman turned the corner.


    Bullets flew as Tubio sprawled on the floor, trying to take cover. Turning and standing up, he didn''t put his head through the door. The first thing he was taught. ¡°If you get shot, don''t give your face for a shot¡±. As if to prove him right, new shots struck the frame of the operating room door.


    -D0t I need help! We need help, we''re sandwiched!


    -I do what I can, Samir sets me up... I''m in.


    CLUNK. The doors closed on everyone. At least the one on the lower level.


    Isolating everyone on level -1.


    -What''s going on?


    -A failsafe if someone like me enters the system. Locking of all doors on the level concerned.


    -Fuck!


    -Quiet! I''m inside. Even your chooms on the other side of the doors don''t seem to know what''s going on. Okay, Tubio, you''ve got two, three in your hallway. Janissa?


    -I''m with Aria and Samir, she and I will get ready if they open the door.


    -Donovan? Tell me you didn''t slip away.


    -I''m down here. I can hear them, they''re at the door where Janissa is.


    Donovan''s voice was feverish, but at least he''d kept his cool.


    -Okay. I''m good I can reopen the doors but you''re going to have to create a diversion.


    -What, me?


    -Don''t worry, I''ll do it...


    Clem pushed Donovan, who let her pass. She had abandoned the vehicle to help the others. Armed with a D5 Copperhead, she had also taken some grenades with her. Climbing slowly up the steps, she could hear the men murmuring to each other. Signaling to the group. Janissa backed away from the door. Grenade. Clem threw the grenade in an arc before coming back down. A second and BOOM. The explosion brought cries of pain and silence.


    Janissa ordered D0t to open the door. The damaged door cracked open and Janissa could see the result of Clem''s work. The smell of burning was all she could smell as a man lay on his stomach trying to crawl up the stairs. Janissa finished the man off, carefully climbing the stairs back to the ground floor from which they had come. Aria stood in front of the door leading to Tubio''s side.


    -D0t open up, we''ll help Tubio.


    -... I can''t get in. The door''s disconnected. Can you open it?


    -Samir get on it!


    Samir passed between Aria and Janissa and knelt in front of a cover at the bottom of the door. The latter was ripped open and after tearing off the remaining blanket he turned to Aria, shaking his head.


    -The door''s blocked.


    Hearing how the mission was progressing, Pat made a decision.


    -Okay, let''s clean up. Go up and clear the passageway to us. Wang and I go up to the 1st floor, Clash you have the ground floor with the others.


    -And ME?


    -D0t keep the door closed and wait for us.


    Circling like a caged lion, Tubio looked around. Trapped.


    -Shit.


    *****


    Earlier in level 0


    Before Clem threw his grenade and after Clash finished the cocky swordsmen. Pat climbed over the broken window they''d used as a firing point, and threw his own grenade at the two men in the ground-floor office. The blast was deafening, but paid off, sending the first against a wall with shrapnel all over his body as he slid to the ground. The other had crawled along a pillar for cover to fire at them from another angle, saving his life in the face of the grenade. Pat felt a blow hit his shoulder as Wang fired into the survivor. His evasive action had worked, but had exposed him when he tried to take Pat out in the open.


    Pat ran a hand over his wound and his chrome had withstood the impact. He and Wang reached the stairs leading to the second floor when Clem''s grenade exploded. Putting a brief stop to the fight. A man opened a door leading to the office from the loading area and Wang immediately shot him. Hostilities resumed.


    Pat calculated the risks and the situation: they''d done all this without finding Yumi, and the other leads were cold. He decided they needed information, hence the thread of his next decisions.


    *****


    As the groups went their separate ways, S4nd0t was trying his best to gain access to all the building''s systems when he encountered a problem. He wasn''t alone on the network. Ssssssshit....


    *****


    Level-1


    Tubio felt a little relieved, but started looking around for gear to use. He had a grenade with him, Departure and his overture, plus the knife in his boot. He''d die before using them. Above all, he hoped Pat wouldn''t change his mind and abandon him.


    The operating room wasn''t insalubrious, but it clearly wasn''t the most sanitary possible, finding various objects that had no business being there. He even found some recording equipment. And just as he was thinking, D0t informed him of some bad news.


    -I''m not alone anymore, their netrunner is in the system, trying to figure out the shit we''ve been up to. Tubio I won''t be able to cover the door indefinitely.


    -I''ve got another door, can you open it for me?


    -I don''t have it on the plans, I don''t know where it leads...


    -Open it or I''m dead!


    Raising his weapon, Tubio prepared to enter if the three were behind him he might have a chance of surprising those in the adjacent room. Departure up, D0t unlocked the door and Tubio went inside.


    -I''m locking the door behind you, but you''d better move, I''ve got no visuals on people behind you.


    Tubio re-entered a dark room in front of him, in a glass cube was a room clearly designed for shooting adult videos. He''d seen this kind of set-up in certain sensory dances. A bed and subdued lighting plus other accessories on a table.


    Ignoring the background, Tubio looked around. The central cube had a corridor around it where people could walk and chat isolated from the scene. A door led to the main corridor where the three chooms were, but Tubio preferred to stand back - 1 against 3, even with the element of surprise, he preferred to wait for reinforcements. On the other side of the room was an open door, a storage room or closet, probably with a view of the other two doors Tubio could barricade himself in more easily and would be safe from a grenade because of the size of the shooting room.


    With the shooting room empty, he moved quickly to the rear. The door was open. A tiny corridor led to two other doors, and he closed them behind him, cursing in his mind. If a guy came in, it''d be head-on. Pushing open the first door, it opened without resistance. Maybe it wasn''t connected to the network. He opened it to find a storage room with shelves full of cardboard boxes. Two rows and nothing but a dead end. Ok. Next.


    Turning, he opened the second door. Inside, a man shouted, telling him to stay away. Tubio ducked to the side before taking a quick look inside. In the corner of the room, a man screamed, holding a knife to the throat of a naked woman. Clearly inert in his arms, he forced her upright against him as she slid into his arms. Tubio hesitates to just shoot them both. Seeing only a knife, Tubio went in anyway, threatened by the man raising his knife at him. The woman slipped and Tubio pulled.


    With a bang, a spray of blood exploded against the wall they were standing on, and the man dropped the woman, screaming in pain. Tubio had shot him in the shoulder, causing him to lose his weapon and destroy his chrome-plated arm. On the ground, he turned to Tubio, raising his other arm. He pleaded with Tubio, but the latter finished him off with a second shot.


    Blowing out his breath, he looked around at the room around him, a sex dungeon, with more equipment, this time from S&M. Tubio shivered with discomfort, looking for a way out, but to no avail. Seeing the woman on the floor, he looked to see if he''d touched her.


    -Oh shit.


    -Tubio, are you alive? Where the hell are you?


    -At the bottom of a sex dungeon. I''ve got Sayako Gong with me.


    D0t paused as the rest of the group heard. Pat took over the conversation.


    -Is she alive?


    -Yes, in bad shape, but alive.


    -Okay, we''re on our way. Change of plan. We''ll clean up and join Tubio.


    Checking Sayako once more, he wrapped her in a sheet that was lying around before returning to the door leading to the studio cube.


    -D0t? My pursuers?


    -I''m doing my best. The others are on the move.


    *****


    level 0


    -I need covering fire to come closer.


    -On it!


    Clash needed support to get closer to the doors. The shots kept coming at him as he returned fire.


    Pat and Wang had climbed the stairs and arrived at a partitioned office. Wang went to the first window and positioned himself there. The warehouse was underneath, with the offices forming an L-shape above it. Wang didn''t open the window and shot at a man who was shooting at Clash.


    This drew fury from the people below, who fired back at him. Pat grabbed Wang and pulled him away from the window to continue moving forward upstairs under cover. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Pat passed in front, arriving in some unkempt offices that looked more like recreation rooms than workplaces. Pinball machines, pool tables and food wrappers. D0t''s voice rang out, reminding him of their new threat in the system. He continued forward, destroying a camera above him.


    ******


    Clash didn''t waste any time, sprinting towards the gates he fired accurately at a group of enemies covered between two vans parked inside. He threw one of his grenades, which arced in the air towards another. One of them screamed, and they panicked, throwing themselves into cover.


    The explosion echoed throughout the structure, windows shattering, shards crashing to the ground. With weapon raised, he finished off a man who had narrowly escaped the blast. Kneeling down, he pivoted to shoot through a pile of tires, killing another man. A heavy impact hit him in the back, knocking him to the ground. He lost his rifle.


    Landing in the push-up position, he rolled onto his side and pulled out his Nue to fire at the shooter. Then he swung his arm, bringing out the cannon implanted in his arm to fire at the last group of enemies he''d spotted in the firefight. Barely aiming, he clicked the grenade launcher and the ammunition flew into the air, impacting the wall below where Wang and Pat were standing. His two victims died in an instant, their bodies thrown into the air before crashing to the ground.


    Clash scrambled to his feet, leaning against a pillar as more screams and gunfire erupted from the broken upstairs windows in his direction¡­


    *****


    Reaching the top landing of the staircase, they were at the end. And were about to join the level of Clash. Nodding around the door, Aria went first. Arriving in a large, almost empty room, there were shelves of scrap materials and various tables with cases spread out.


    Aria passed in front, taking cover, but as Clem passed through the door an enemy rose from his hiding place to shoot Clem threw herself aside. Aria swung round and fired a burst at their attacker, knocking the breath out of him. She turned towards Clem to her left. Then behind her. Janissa was on the ground, Samir dragging her behind the wall of the stairwell for cover.


    Without a second''s delay, she stood up and ran towards her. She went through the door and looked at Janissa, her stomach red and bleeding as she breathed calmly. It was Samir who brought her back to reality.


    -Donovan, we''ve got an injured person, get in, we''re on the ground floor.


    Aria dropped everything and rushed to her side. But Janissa grabbed her, preventing her from helping Samir. Pointing at the door, Aria heard Clem exchanging shots and decided to leave her alone.


    *****


    Level +1


    Pat and Wang progressed without threat, the enemies having no doubt all been drawn elsewhere since the shooting began. After crossing several rooms, they arrived at one where two men were trying to kill Clash.


    The door opened and Pat opened fire, catching the two men off guard and killing them instantly. Wang noticed cables and servers. Following them, he came across a netrunner''s chair. Gunshot went for him, and he threw himself towards the first object that could hide him. Behind the chair a man shot him with a revolver before fleeing through a door behind him.


    Pat went round and looked at Wang, the shots were now less numerous and the screams quieter. Giving way to a few groans. Pat walked past one of the men in the window, killing him on the ground.


    Turning around, he was at the end of the floor. The servers Wang had found were right next to an open room that doubled as a chair for the netrunner and a surveillance room. A whole wall of video cameras spread across the wall,


    -Samir, we''re going to need you upstairs. We''re in front of the servers.


    Wang, who had advanced to the door where his assailant had fled, almost got shot. Guarding the door, Pat looked around the room. The floor was theirs. One last door to see. Behind the door to this floor.


    *****


    Level 0


    -Their netrunner just got away to the ground floor!


    The firefight was at its height, the sounds coming from the warehouse where Clash had fought had finally died down and now Aria and Clem were trying as best they could to eliminate the enemies blocking the freight elevator and the coiled main staircase leading down to Tubio.


    Clem landed a good shot in the shoulder of one of the men before ducking down. Behind her, Aria supported her with precise bursts that discouraged the others. In front of them were 3 to 4 silhouettes. There was a lack of places to shoot from the wide, wire-mesh staircase and the freight elevator. But that didn''t mean attacking was any easier. There could be ten of them and they could block these exits just as well as the four they had seen.


    On the holo Clem called the others.


    -Has anyone got a grenade? We''re stuck at the lift.


    As she said this, Clem stood up but felt a pain go through her. She felt like ants in her hair as they ran down her face, while her vision narrowed and became blacker and blacker. In an instant she felt intense pain in her eyes, making her cringe in pain as well as going blind.


    Aria could see Clem''s condition, but only too late saw a man sprint from a door that had just opened to join his comrades in the stairwell leading to the basement. Aria missed him but killed a man who had risen to cover him.


    -Need help here Clem lost her eyes!


    Clash kicked a door from the entrepot, joining the girls and throwing a smoke inside in the direction of the entrenched enemies. The sound of the grenade rolling down the stairs was heard. The sound of the grenade rolling down the stairs was heard. A heavy cough and several insults indicated that they were very unhappy with this development. The smoke began to spread and more screams were heard, as well as indiscriminate firing in Aria''s direction. Clash, as if the smoke didn''t bother him, loaded his energy rifle and fired into the smoke several times, bringing all attacks to a halt.


    -We''ve got the upper levels, they''re retreating to level -1.


    Aria went to see Clem, keeping her under cover, and guided her towards the staircase where Donovan was waiting. He spoke into the holo. It only took him a second to examine her; Clem had kept her cool after the initial pain, allowing Donovan to examine her quickly.


    -Her eyes have been damaged by a demon. Nothing serious in the long term, a reboot and tests should tell us more, but it''s going to take time. She''s lucky, it seems the demon only targeted her eyes. In any case, she''s out.


    Pat interrupted the discussion.


    -Wang goes down to join them. Aria, you take Janissa and Clem and bring them back to the van. Samir, you go upstairs, I''ve got the servers we''re looking for. Donovan goes up with him. I''ve found her...


    The last room, behind the netrunner''s chair. It opened onto a small room with a bed. A drugged and unconscious girl was hallucinating handcuffed to the bed. Yumi. Pat gritted his teeth and looked around the room before just breaking the chain on the handcuffs. Malik''s voice interrupted everyone.


    -Guys, we''ve got company, three cars with very pissed off guys have just driven up to the entrance, they haven''t got in yet but it won''t be long. I get out of there before they spot me. Two more cars have just turned the corner.


    -Shit! Let''s speed it up!


    Samir and Donovan passed Wang at the door from which the netrunner had attacked Clem. Arriving at Pat and Yumi. Donovan opened his rucksack and immediately began osculating Yumi. Looking at her eyes, arms and other parts of her body. Anything that looked like a recent injury to look for a tracker on her body and he found it. On her lower back, a fresh scar marked the young girl.


    -Tubio can you checks Sayako''s body, her lower back.


    Pat sighed impatiently before calling D0t?


    -I''ve got a handle on the system but they''ve cut the cameras and the more time goes by the more their runner cuts the circuits manually.


    After a second Tubio confirmed the same mark on the mother.


    -Okay, they''ve both got tracers in them, Donovan?


    -I can remove them.


    Pat impatiently asked the stupid question.


    -How is she?


    -Alive. Do you want me to fix her up here?


    -No, get her and take her to the van that brought you here. I''ll join the others.


    What followed was a flurry of movement. Between Aria guiding the still blind Clem to the railing to go downstairs and Aria supporting Janissa up the stairs. The door leading to Tubio was still closed even though they could hear screams coming from the other side. Once upstairs, Samir had jumped onto the systems, logging on and giving direct access to D0t, who began transferring all the data he could before deleting the data in question from the servers. Wang joined Clash, who had taken up a position in front of the staircase that wound around the large freight elevator. The smoke began to dissipate, so they waited until they had a perfect view, even though Clash didn''t need one with his thermal sensors.


    Pat called Aria into the holo.


    -Aria, once the girls are in the van, go to the door on level -1, you can''t be too careful. Yumi and Donovan will go in your van and he''ll look after the wounded. Samir, D0t?


    -We''re doing all we can. Samir''s finished giving me the data but there''s a lot of crap and I''ve got to sort it out so I don''t pick up any malware or leave a trail.


    -How long will it take?


    -10 minutes.


    -5.


    -Crap! I''ve lost control of the doors on level 1...


    *****


    Level-1


    Tubio who was holding his shotgun and waiting panicked, oh happy to hear that the mission was going well when a gang of raving lunatics were on the other side of the wall and another was about to run into their backs.


    Still staring at the doors, Tubio tried to keep still, calming his breathing between glances. ESPECIALLY when your runner tells you he''s no longer in control.


    The operating room door and the corridor door... He could do it. The door to the corridor opened.


    Tubio fixed and motionless in the dark, crouching down and looking through his mask at the shape of a man entering the room. Tubio had disabled or broken all the lights, and was waiting for the man to be fully inside before... BAM. Departure''s flash lit up the room as shots came at him from the doorway, reloading, and he fired again several times.


    Returning shot after shot. His mask filtering out the darkness and the flashes from the corridor creating distinct shapes to which his shots connected, at least one body half slumped in the doorway confirmed it. Shouts and more gunfire echoed down the corridor. Tubio held his position tense... More shots rang out, flashes across the door, screams. A sound suddenly appeared in his ears, rising in an instant before inflicting an electric shock. The electronics through his mask fried, causing him to cry out in pain. A man ran inside towards the operating room, but Tubio fired again, shooting the man dead. Then silence...


    -Hey, it''s us, don''t shoot, we''ve got to get out of here.


    Pat stuck his head out, raised his gun and Tubio finally breathed a sigh of relief.  Pat got up and went inside. Checking the corpse, Pat fired again into the back of the netrunner who was on the ground. Wang coming to lend a hand to carry Sayako, lifting her effortlessly from Tubio in his arms back into the corridor.


    As Tubio passed, Pat grabbed his shoulder. Pat pointed to the operating room door and Tubio shrugged. Pat motioned for Tubio to step aside and pulled a grenade from his back.


    Clash, who watched the silent exchange from the ouside, needed only a simple indication from Pat for him to guard the other exit into the corridor.


    Tubio and Pat stood on either side of the door. Tubio opened the door and Pat threw the grenade. One second, shots, two seconds, screams, three seconds... The blast was held back by the door, closed quickly by Tubio. They barely checked the interior. The smoke and bits of flesh were enough to confirm the lack of life inside.


    Without further ado Pat called Samir by holo.


    -Samir, tell me you''re done.


    -Almost... I''ll just have to set the place on fire.


    Loud gunshots were heard from the outside, terrifying Samir. D0t gave the answer to what was happening.


    -Guys, you''ll never believe it, the NCPD is having a run-in with our new friends. Damn, that''s fireworks. Malik, I don''t know what you''ve been throwing around, but your buddy must have been in a hurry to get here.


    From a camera overlooking the front entrance, D0t could see the blue and red lights of police cars being shot at by men fleeing towards the building.


    -Samir, move it, I''ve destroyed everything just like we said, let''s go!


    Samir didn''t hesitate. Creating a short circuit in the connection relay to fry any possible back-up, then setting off the explosives Pat had provided. Running to the door below was a mere formality. Running down the steps, he announced himself to Aria as he descended. A loud explosion above informed everyone that the plan had succeeded.


    On the other side, Clash arrived at the blocked door, the floor cleared of all hostility. He placed his weapon behind his back, magnetizing it. Grabbing the blocked door with both hands, he forced with all his strength with his implants, making the door creak. Revealing an impressed Aria.


    What followed was a series of adults running for the exit into the garbage-strewn alleyway where the van was located. One by one, they climbed inside.


    -2 minutes. And I''m done.


    -Did you hear him?


    Pat looked at the womens inside. Donovan had a device over his eyes and was palpating Sayako''s back. Sayako and Yumi were on their stomachs Yumi having an incision in her back covered with a compress. Janissa against the wall of the van had a gunshort wound in her, with Clem silently holding her hand next to her. Her eyes were burned and have become black, from what he could see burn marks surrounded her eyes, a miracle her eyelids hadn''t burned either, their netrunner must have customized his demon to make it less effective, knowing the implication, he was pleased he was dead...


    Samir hurried into the back, ignoring the others, Wang climbed in as a passenger, Clash watching the alley to make sure no one came from their exit. Tubio at the wheel started the vehicle.


    -Clash goes to the corner we take you in passing, D0t Update!


    -Motherfuckers get their asses blown off, they retreat inside. But damn, this is the first time I''ve seen so many NCPD cars. All we need now is the MAXTAC and we''ll have the whole lot.


    A siren wailed and above the building the MAXTAC transport was floating.


    -Malik? What have you done?


    -A bit of right and wrong... My buddy gets a medal and we get our peace of mind. How well are the servers destroyed?


    -As destroyed as possible.


    Samir answered immediately, as if to reassure himself.  The conversation was about to continue when Donovan raised his hand in triumph. In it were two metal capsules the size of pills.


    -Are we good? They don''t have anything else?


    -Not that I can detect here. If you want me to do an examination, I''d appreciate it elsewhere.


    -Okay, we''re out of here.


    Taking the two stalkers in hand, he crushed them in an instant before climbing aboard. The van starts quickly but without acceleration. Stopping to pick up Clash. The last contact with the building was D0t cleaning up the system behind him, leaving nothing behind. The last thing he saw was MAXTAC arriving at the destroyed servers, before cutting all connections for his own safety.