We've been riding like that for eternity. Me still laying on the floor, jumping up with the van on every pothole and trash Eiger ran over. Glory was like a stone, marble-white skin and dark eyes undisturbed by any emotion or movement. And Dietrich? He kept holding an unopened hip flask, clenching his hands so tightly the knuckles turned white, his face still twisted into grimace of terror.
Sudden halt meant we've finally arrived at Kreuzberg and from there, only one road led further. Tumbling out of the van, now parked in hidden garage of derelict building, we slowly descend below the ground onto disused U-Bahn station, Berlin's metro. Fake wall at the far end retracted and granted us entry to our haven.
Funny. Few hours before it almost felt homey. But when we came back, all I saw was dingy, underground safehouse with bad lighting, litter here and there and a lot of empty space where certain blonde always was. Before I could do or say anything, shadow emerged into light. Man in steel-rimmed glasses looked even older than usual. Paul Amsel, our handler, fixer and business-wise guardian angel. And now, an old man with expression of a father who just lost a child.
"Something happened, hasn't it?" He asked slowly. He scanned our faces, blood on our clothes, Monika's absence and finally sighed. "How did she...?"
"Black IC." I wanted to say it but only whisper came out through my clenched throat "Something in the vault's security caused biofeedback strong enough to...To..." I break right before Paul motions for me to stop.
"She suffered a stroke from the feedback." Glory spoken flatly. I still don't know whether I admired or hated how detached she was there.
"And idiot who let that happen stands right here!" Eiger snapped, jabbing her finger in my chest. Oh I felt it, a red hot poker through my mind, making me raise my stare at the troll and silently battle her fury with mine. She dared to blame me for Monika's death! Me! Stupid troll, if only she'd know my history with Schafer she'd never-
I slowly exhale, venting out as much anger as I could, then look at Eiger again. "That's bullshit, Eiger. You don't know what really happened there. You've only heard..."
"Exactly my point!" She jabbed her finger again. "If I were in that room, none of this would've happened!"
"Eiger-"
"No, You don't get to say anything anymore!" She yelled at me "I've left my friend with you and now she's a corpse! Rotting in that manor!"
"That's enough Eiger!" Detrich pushed her away from me "Rai's right on that one. You weren't there. You weren't stuck in a basement full of bullets and guards! If we haven't bailed like we did, there would be four corpses left in there."
"That's not-"
"No?" I've cut in, feeling reason getting clouded by fury "What would you do in my place, soldier girl? Call for backup? Look up a manual?!" I got into her face as much as I could "What's your plan on getting out from under fire of dozen paramilitary guards and bloody fuckin' orc with a minigun?! Enlighten me, Miss Perfect and tell me how would you save the day!"
Judging from stares of others I've realized last sentence I've screamed in english instead of german. Even better if she haven't understood that...
"Enough!" Amsel's hoarse voice breaks our staring contest. "Rai? Eiger? You can jump at each other's throats later. Now we need to take actions against client who set you all up!"
Eiger huffed and walked away, leaving me under scrutinous stare of everyone else. Taking another deep breath I've ran fingers through my hair, brushing red strands on my scalp, usually tucked under the hood to prevent getting into my eye.
"What do we know?" I've asked, inviting brainstorm to begin.
"Client gave false information. Not many would risk that." Paul begin, tapping his chin.
"Milk run mein asche!" Dietrich snorted "There was no vault at all!"
"Some lab or facility. We've seen something we shouldn't." Glory picked up "That orc said he'd let us go but we've seen too much."
"I've seen schematics, decoded by Monika's virus..." I begun recalling images and bluprints "It wasn't just a lab. It was a whole complex. Huge thing going deep underground."
"That means we're still in danger. Grave one if they have so much firepower." Glory summed up.
"Agreed. But we have no leads." Amsel commented.
"Feuerschwinge..."
"What, Rai?"
"Monika, right before she died, she said something like...Feuerschwinge. What is it?" I've asked dumbfounded seeing Amsel's face going ashen.
"The most terrible of Fire Dragons. While others quickly settled down, Firewing was all about destruction. Years ago she was brought down and never heard again, officially killed. Strange that Monika mentioned it with her dying breath."
"How it was killed?"
"With weapon developed by a man named Adrian Vauclair. His invention managed to overpower Firewing and make her fall into radioactive wasteland of SOX. They called it The Dragonfall."
"I'll have to read about it later. But if Dragonfall happened years ago, it won't help us now...Anybody taken a good look on that orc with minigun?" I've asked Glory but she shook her head.
"Older guy, pretty old for an orc really." Dietrich spoken up. "Skin grafts, that armor looked like welded to him. It could be some prosthetic exoskeleton. Expensive, custom work."
"Maybe we can check after hospitals or corporate clinics? Grey market runs books tight." I suggested and Amsel nodded lightly. Then an idea sparked.
"Paul, who set up the run? Who was the client really?"
"I don't know. Monika was contacted by that person, not me. She knew all the details. All I got was the name Green Winters, formerly a prominent F-State activist that went underground."
"So we're hunting that guy. We need to get him fast...You're connected all over Berlin, Paul. Who can have info on that cocksucker?"
"A turk named Altug Burakgazi. He owns a coffee shop here at Kreuzbasar called Cafe Cezve. For our pockets and reach, he's our best bet." Amsel replied, adjusting jacket of his buisness suit.
"Right...I'll go talk to that Burkagzi-"
"Burakgazi."
"Right, sorry." I grimace, once again caught up with nuances of another langugage. "But first I gotta take care of Eiger."
"Before you do, Rai...I have a little message from Monika." Paul adjusted his glasses "Her personal computer is your to use and holds information that could be vital to you. She made me give you this in case she wouldn't make it from the Manor..."
I raise eyebrows while staring at original Zippo lighter I've given to Monika years ago when we were parting ways. 'I don't smoke anyway' I've made an excuse to give her some memento of me. Seeing her smile back then in Seattle and years later in Berlin, I think I did not needed to make that excuse.
"Thanks Paul. It means a lot to me." I nod to the fixer and stride across not so big safehouse to the corner where beat up computer rests on a desk. Don't judge the book by the cover, I knew that machine holds hardware and mostly software worth thousands if not more. Thrice that in potential information.
On my way I bump into Dietrich and see him even more worn out than usual. Tough as nails old timer, he must've been a mean handful in his prime time. Having so many scars he proudly displays on naked chest under leather jacket, and knuckles buried under callouses, he had to be a pit fighter or something.
"Rai!" He booms as always "A bottle of schnaps needs sharing! And our fallen comrade needs a toast!"
Oh I see. Drink yourself into stupor and talk about good times, not leaving any negativity to hit. Works for me.
"To Monika! Prost!" I call and take a hearthy gulp from the bottle. Burns like fire but tastes like caramel and honey. Decent hooch for lowlife runners like us.
"I've been meaning to ask, Rai..." Dietrich looses drunken cheer and looks straight in my eye. "What made you come to Berlin?"
"I've had reasons, nothing really original." I try to deflect by Dietrich frowns at me.
"Come on boss. I'm tryin' to know who I'm workin' with." He shocks me, speaking in fluid english, only barely accented.
"Alright D, you've won." I've sighed heavily, trying to swallow bile in my throat. "I was running a low key job back in Seattle. Had it all figured out. Milk run, yeah? Only it wasn't...And only I made it out alive."
"Explains why you were so tense at the Manor, you felt something was off." Dietrich wizzed in a breath "Why your run went south?"
"One of our guys got picked up by another crew. He spilled the beans without much effort and sold us out. Other guys set up an ambush when we were delivering the goods to the client...They've massacred us."
Long minute of silence between us wasn't so calm for me, relieving the night barely month earlier. The screams of Nico as he was bleeding out and Cash trying to crawl out from the car wreck; the sight of stumps of her missing her legs...
I inhale a few times, doing my best to supress tears. I couldn't remember when it was last time I've cried, but since leaving Seattle I've felt one or two steps from it, dancing on the edge too often for my comfort.
"So you went off grid all the way here?" Dietrich's voice pushed me back into reality.
"Y-Yeah...I mean, I was considering options and had very few of them when Monika contacted me out of the blue. Once I've heard she needs help in Berlin, I've jumped the ship. Literally."
"Ah Monika. It all comes down to our girl, ja?" Shaman smiles and hands me the bottle again. "One last thing then, Rai. You and Monika were close? You two were...special when near each other. I've seen that before."
I don't know why, but I chuckled at blunt question invading my usually guarded private life.
"We were...very close once. For a short time." I confessed, feeling my heart skipping a beat when realizing now there is no way I'll ever hear her voice again. That suave, sassy girl whom I've met in a pub during a brawl I've started. "But it was long time ago and we parted on good terms...She just couldn't stay in one place, always chasing the ideals while I just wanted to keep doing my gigs and lay low."
"Figured as much, about you being close I mean. Monika never said anything about her life before we all formed here but I knew she must've left something or someone far away, she zoned out once in a while then giggled to herself." Dietrich laughed and drained the bottle. "I appreciate for talking with me Rai, trust and honesty are rare commodities these days."
"Thanks for the drink, D." I give the shaman a half smile and make another three steps before tumbling over pile of fur. Before I could get my bearings, a wet nose pokes my face.
Dante, Monika's mongrel that looked like mixed bastard of every aggressive race that ever existed. He sounded like a lost puppy, whimpering as he was in pain.
"He started whimpering few hours ago...Then just went howling." Amsel spoken across the room. "I knew something bad happened then. He knew it."
I got on one knee in front of him, feeling the urge to be straight with dog who stared at me with more intelligence than many people did.
"I'm sorry lad. I wish I knew-I wish I could've done something more for Monika." I've uttered, seeing understanding in Dante's eyes. Dog whined shortly and rubbed his large head against my leg. I've scratched him gently, hoping it would comfort canine like a pat would comfort a man. "We'll get it right, Dante. We'll make them pay for Monika." I've made a solemn promise that I had full intention on fulfilling.
Standing up, I've felt poke of wet nose against my palm again. Dante sitting on his rear paws, waiting. Looks like I got myself a tag-along...
Pushing the fabric working as doors away I step into another one renovated basement that got joined and turned into our safehouse. Large figure sitting on a bunk bed in the far corner, reminded me of pressing problem. Damn, why out of all people I'm gonna have to try to intimidate an ill-tempered troll soldier, surrounded by weapons? One holding a grundge against me and not entirely without reason?
Damn my luck...
"Something you want, fearless leader?" Eiger growls at me. Seeing her only in plain t-shirt, I can easily see muscles of her arms tensing up.
"We need to talk about Monika." I take my stand against her.
"No we don't...Not today." She shakes her head, letting loose blonde strands to cover her horns. "One day, soon, we'll hash it out. Words or fists, so be it. But right after such clusterfuck, we won't get anything settled."
"Fine. I'll give you some space. Peace out, Eiger. Then we'll talk." I relent for now, hoping it was wise.
"Oh we will, american...You can bet on that." I hear her grumble and then go back to cleaning her gear. Obsessive gun duty was another one of numerous indications that Eiger was not just military but some special forces. She needs rigid discipline so she wouldn't have to think or care. Been there done that already. It doesn't work in a long run.
Moving forward, I notice room I haven't seen before. Well, room was an exaggeration - tiny space barely bigger than a closet, with uncovered lightbulb hanging from the ceiling and folding chair in the middle. Glory was sitting in it and staring at the wall. I thought she was busy with something but no, sitting there stiffly, staring at blank concrete and only movement being slight rise of breathing and sporadic blink.
She was beautiful. I've seen a lot of great looking women but Glory was whole another level. That hail of raven locks, dark eyes and reddish tint around her eyes...Wearing cut down vest that exposed enticing stomach was a nice bonus. Only that robotic lack of emotions ruined everything. That and heaviest cyberware rig I've ever seen on human, not even mention a woman who seemed of average build once. Whole arms, shoulders and base of her neck covered in carbon steel and elastic titanium. First-generation stabilizers and connectors ran under her skin like second set of ribs and collarbones.
She was far too young to get something that invasive out of neccesity. Question was, why then?
"Rai." Her flat, cold voice freezes me as she finally moves her gaze onto me. "Can I help you?" She didn't asked. She inquired like a programmed bot.
I wasn't one of those magically talented folks, but I knew how to read people. Maybe it was some aura reading thing I got by accident or simply a gut feeling but connecting what I've seen and felt around her...Glory held something really dark inside her, something connected to that bulky armor she was locked in and carried around like a prison.
I blink, realizing Glory keeps looking at me but now with one eyebrow raised. That was as much of expression I got out from here to day.
"Sorry I'm a...That's a little confined space. I don't like places too small for my comfort" I mumble nervously trying to weasel out with supposed claustrophobia. "Anyway, how are you holding up, Glory? That run was...To tell you the truth I don't know how to call it."
"Do not worry about me. I'm solid. Fine." She replies without even making one spare muscle movement.
"I'm no specialist but when people stare at the blank wall after shistorm like the one we got out from, that is worrying."
"I'll be there with you when it counts. Right now I don't have to."
"Just...Remember I'm here if you want to talk, okay? Anytime, any topic." I leave after that, hoping I didn't misheard and she really let out a soft 'hmpf' that sounded quite emotional for her and lacked hostility.
Ultimately, I've backtracked across the safehouse and stood at the corner housing the computer that belonged to Monika, in her own separate room. Gingerly hitting the power switch, I stare at digital middle finger and prompt asking for password. Oh you gotta be-That's it, I'm going for a walk.
I unlock one more hidden doors and climb up the stairs onto ground level, now standing in dust-covered former antique shop. Amsel is the owner so nobody would ever wonder in, either by accident or on purpose. Hearing hurried shuffle I notice Dante following, a bit more cheerful than moments ago.
"Going for a walk with me? Good boy." I half-smile and pat furry head. Zipping up my jacket and putting hood on, I step onto cold, dark night lit up by fires and neons. Kreuzbasar...Haven't done sightseeing much since my coming to Berlin, not really feeling like interacting with people then, especially as a foreigner.
Not that I'm feeling for it now, but what choice do I have?
Trotting down the street I bump into stall ran by dwarven girl with blue mohawk. Practiced smile of a vendor blooms on her face, despite late hours. Behind her, few racks nearly break from the weight of tech equipment. Data Heaven, the hand-written plaque on digital screen says. Making a superb work of understanding her clipped german, I've bought a few items that I could afford. Mostly some combat software since Monika being out, I was the only decker in the team. Everybody had to rely on me and my skills to get info we needed to get that Winters guy...
Leaving the vendor before I'll slip into another melancholic trip, I catch her name she advertises to reccomend friends. Mallit Holyey...I wonder how offensive it would be if I'd call her 'Mai' or something. After so many years in America I just can't pronounce all of these names correctly.
Mired in thoughts, I've stopped when bright neon struck my eyes. Cafe Cezve it said. That was the name Amsel mentioned. Huh, everything's right at your fingertips at Kreuzbasar. Stepping in I'm welcomed by gale-force fume of soykaf and bustle of packed establishment.
Before I could say anything to tall man with slicked hair, Dante barks shortly, snapping man's attention.
"Dante! Water dish coming up!" He announced cheerfuly, already producing metal bowl full of water and sliding it under the counter to the dog. "And some fine coffee for a friend? Freshly grounded."
"Herr Burakgazi? Paul Amsel sends his regards." I recite, trying to show no nerves bubbling in me. At hearing Amsel's name, Turk drops the play and his olive-skinned face get more serious.
"Very good. Please send my thanks to Mr. Amsel for his patronage. Always happy to do more catering jobs for him." Burakgazi nods with a smile. Ah, some cloak and dagger eh? Let's try...
"Paul Amsel is always pleased to send business your way. Right now I've come for special order. Coffee that's green, Winters the name?" I hoped it wasn't too cheesy. Should've read more espionage novels instead of net- crime.
"Ah, of course! Finest green coffee...Kami!" Altug adresses last word behind him and immediately young girl bustles from the back, chewing gum so loudly I could hear it through the ruccous of patrons and noise of coffee grinders. Burakgazi said something to the girl, probably in turkish as she quickly bursted a bubble from her gum and nodded.
"Right away uncle." She grins at me then hurries back behind.
"As you may know friend, coffee like that will take few minutes to be prepared." Altug begun anew sardonically "My girl Kami will see to it be perfect but for the time being...There is a matter where you could help me immeasurably. It's a trifle really but I'm anchored in here and have no spare hands."
"Anything for a friend, herr Burakgazi." I half smiled.
"It's nothing but little walk...You see, I've tapped into Matrix fiber network. As part of my civic duty of course, you see these taps provide free access to the Matrix for everyone in Krezubasar. None should be denied basic commodities, no?"
"Go on."
"Well, ethics of law aside, these taps need to be restarted to keep them 'anonymous' to any third party. All I need from you is to go over three taps and reset them by clearing their buffers."
"I was going for a walk anyway, I'll be back in a few." I nod to Turk and notice Dante finished with his bowl. "Come on lad."
"Your order will be waiting for you, arkadas." Altug's voice ushers me out.
Just stepping outside I grimace, realizing I did not get any coordinates nor guide where these taps are. But before I've started cursing around and walk back, I've noticed opened box resembling fusebox, adorned with giant yellow arrow and words 'Free Net' under it.
"I'm starting to like that german straightforwardness." I chuckle to myself and approach the box. Let's see...Fiber clamps with wires running into the main core, jury rigged with simplest deck processor-Aha! Small keypad served as navigation so all I had to do is just scroll through some commands displayed on tiny screen then hit the OK button. Short beep and protocol buffer was empty. One down, two to go...
"Oh, hoi Rai! Have you seen Monika?" I hear teenage voice calling from the side. Oh crap...It's David.
"Kid, take a seat." I replied to him, suddenly feeling it won't be the last time tonight I'll be bringer of bad news. "Sit." I push him gently and he slides onto nearby bench, confusion painting on his face.
"Where's Monika?" David asks again.
"I have some bad news for you David. Monika is...She's dead. She didn't made it. I'm sorry."
"Dead...Oh no..." David's face twisted into grimace, with all his acne and grime he looked like an early-stage leper. "I need to be alone..."
"I'm sorry kid." Was all I could say and walk away. I gave him space and pretended I haven't heard him crying. Poor kid, always following Monika like a puppy. Probably developed some crush since she always went soft on him.
I steer clear away from magical curio shop. Two bowls illuminating doors with green fires were enough indicators that tech-oriented, non-magical guy like me had nothing to look in there. Moving past the shop I've stumbled upon skimpy clothed elven girl, dancing lively to music playing from box near her. Had to give it to her, she knew how to use her looks to earn some money, as the cardboard sign next to music player asked for some 'goodwill donations'. After few minutes of watching sensual dance that would probably make my blood boil if not for grim circumastances, I've thrown 20 nuyen into the box.
"Merci cherie" She purred at me and went back to swaying her body. Walking away with a smile, I'm sure I'll see in Kreuzbasar even stranger things than elven half-naked beauty dancing on the street and talking in french. Monika was right about Krezubasar - there was no other place like this one.
Crossing the street and some more buildings I arrive at another brightly lit trading lane. Main point of interest being arms vendor. Unlike that dwarf Mallit, this bald headed human offered no smile or even a word to me. He only glanced, towering above me.
"If you're interested in business then welcome to Mettbach Arms and Ammunitions. If not then keep on walking, fast." He grunted finally, not even taking out old-fashioned pipe from mouth hidden under impressive moustaches.
"Oh I am interested. If you have the goods I'm looking for." I've shot back, seeing this guy wasn't a chatter. At least he doesn't pestered me about Monika yet.
"I have the finest combat gear in Kreuzbasar. Anyone who say otherwise is a damn liar." Mettbach replies and motions to racks behind him. My pocket felt a lot lighter while my arm got burdened by a bag stuffed with grenades and ammunition. Wish I could afford to buy better rifle or maybe that grenade launcher...If I had something like that back at Harfeld, maybe I'd be able to take that damned orc down. Just thinking again about him, about Harfeld Manor and mostly about losing Monika made me clench my fist and grimace. I knew I won't get free of that thought, not until I'll make these people pay. Yeah, I'll have to carry that demon around with me for that time.
Once again zoning out, I've nearly crashed into a large troll; Managed to stop one step in front of the standing mass. Altough he wasn't standing all that much. One look at overused and crudely maintained, vintage leg protethics and solid crutch under one arm, I knew this guy was running on fumes of existence.
"Do I know you?" Troll bellows as he turned toward me, surrounded by humm and click of the whole cyberware strapped to him.
"If you knew Monika..."
"I know Monika-Hold on..." Troll trails off, twisting already scarred and maimed face into even worse image. "Something happened on the run."
"You heard anything about it?"
"Just a few words, news travel fast around here." Troll replies shifting his weight "Besides Monika always vistis-um...visited after each run. She's overdue and now you're here, with Dante, bumping around and bothering people. Judging from your face and some blood left on your jacket, she isn't just severly wounded."
"No. She died." I clarify, inhaling deeply to prevent any breaking. I won't allow this in front of strangers, in front of those who never knew me before and would never understand...
"Shame. She was a hell of a runner and a good friend."
"Yeah. It's a shame." I agree. "Name's Rai. Guess with Monika out, It'll be me bothering you all now."
"Aleksi Laine's the name. And do go bother others, doing it just right was Monika's specialty. Keeping the sprit alive."
"Thanks for the advice man, I'l be going then." I leave Laine with shrug, not showing to notice that he moved few steps away and rested against a wall of nearby building, evidently going through the same process as David was earlier.
Moving along, my ears catch discussion of two orcs. Approaching them, one shuffled away while the other, dressed in a working suit and wearing elegant glasses measured me with severe frown. Second later his expression softened, taken over by tired, neutral smile.
"Uh...Hello human. I am in the middle of conversation with my assistant here." Orc says and can't say I'm surprised that after all hospitality now I'm getting some hostility. Bad for them I was still thinking about that nasty, steel-clad orc from the manor. Subconciously I must've flashed equal fire of anger as the orcs were giving of hatred, as businessman suddenly waved at his assistant and cleared his throat. "Apologies, that came out...impolite. Can I help you?"
"I've overheard your discussion. I take it you run a charity of some sort?" I inquire, ignoring rising tension.
"Yes, we do actually. Nothing much but we do what we can to help our community."
"Oh? Like what?"
"Shelter for disposessed, soup kitchen and even a small library. All to improve living for people of Kreuzbasar." Orc finished with unhindered pride.
"That is very noble of you. It's good that someone strives to help those who can't help themselves." I compliment without much exaggeration. Altruism was and still is a dying virtue that very few even remember these days.
"I-Thank you. It is rare for anyone to notice what we do." Orc visibly eased up "Unfortunately, charity means a non-profit work and today without a profit it is very hard to survive."
"Do you accept donations then?" I ask, sensing that noble cause or not, money is the best way to get myself into good graces of someone with pull among the Krezubasar. I needed allies If I was to fill Monika's shoes.
"We are desperate for any help, to put it bluntly. With 250 nuyen we could outfit entire shelter with enough blankets to keep everyone warm and healthy, allowing them to search for employment at full speed."
I do mental recall of my funds and decide that price of two grenades or less isn't all that high. "Then please accept these, compliments from fellow person who wants to help people." I offer money with a smile.
Orc's eyes go wide as he gently takes the money in his hands. "That is most generous...Thank you mein freund"
"It's my pleasure." I nod and was about to leave when the man stopped me.
"I haven't got your name but I think I've seen you few days ago with Monika Schafer."
"I'm Rai. I am an...associate of Monika's." I reply evasively.
"Samuel Beckenbauer." Orc bows lightly "Thank you again, Rai. And please relay my compliments to Miss Schafer."
Having not enough nerves to go through it again I only nod and leave the activist, hearing him already contacting assistant and ordering bulk purchase of blankets from somwhere. Huh, at least he isn't wasting any time...
"If you got the cash ol' Zaak has the flash!" Melodic voice catches my attention and I stride through the stalls onto more secluded corner, seeing a tall elf waving at me intently. Approaching closer, I feel my sixth sense of trouble kicking in as elves usually look smooth and clean no matter what, while this one...He clearly have seen better days. Like 'before some serious drug addiction' days. And these dirty bandages on his knuckles seem off...
"Are you here for some magic? Because Zaak Flash is your magic man!" Elf speaks and once again I feel hair on my neck standing up. They all sound so smooth, higher pitched while this guy's voice is low. Something's not right here.
"Sure, I'm always into new things, whaddya got there?" I purposely butcher some words with english accent, making the shifty elf grin even wider.
"Ah, mein freund! You're not a local ja? I know that accent everywhere...An englishman!" Zaak beams and I have to force myself to keep a straight face.
"You got me here man." I've replied with equal grin "Ya know I've been looking for something real good...You have any?"
"Oh, of course! I got you all covered. Zen, hyper even some novacoke. Whatever you fancy...I even have my special concoction that fly you into the stars..."
"And just how much stars you've seen when they were operating your ears to make you look like an elf, eh?" I cross arms on my chest, finally realizing what was so off with this Zaak. When he leaned to me earlier I've noticed surgical marks on his ears. Yup, seen enough of this thin lines on too many women in every possible place of their bodies to mistake these for anything else. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a poser here.
"Calm the shit down okay?! Don't blow my schtick or the sales would drop!" Zaak hisses at me, paling from fear.
"Tell you what Zaak...I'll cut you a deal." Now it was my turn to lean to him "Do all you want, sell anything you want...But the moment somebody in Krezubasar will get hurt from some really nasty, toxic drug or because some bootleg concoction would hit the market, your ass is the first on my to-shoot list. Understood?"
"Hey, hey! I'm not selling any bad shit okay?! It's bad for business!"
"Good. Then keep it that way. And talk to anyone around what will happen if anyone would get bright idea of cutting expenses and poisoning people even more than they already do."
"You're not some cop, aren't you? Or one of those pharmaceutical corporations enforcer?"
"No, mate. I'm picking up where Monika Schafer left off. And I've already hunted down greedy drug dealers in America. I may as well here if they'll upset Krezubasar. Clear enough for you?"
"Sure man, anything you want!"
"Good...I'll see you around Zaak." I leave shakened elf poser. Why I went so rough on him? Because I hate drugs. Combat stims are one thing but those 'civilian' drugs people take to break away from shitty reality taken too many people I knew back in Seattle. And in London...
Everything is for people but some are just too fragile to draw the line between relaxation and deadly bliss.
Near an interactive, tirelessly talking monument of someone, I've found second Matrix tap for Altug. In few second I clear the buffer and then my attention snaps to derelict phonebooth standing next to me. The phone was ringing. Normal person would think of it as some glitch or a prank call. Paranoiac who seen too many vids would be afraid of getting entangled into some imaginary conspiracy.
Me? I've just approached the booth and picked up the phone. And just like in the novels I've read, a monotonous and distorted voice begun speaking.
"The Schockwellenreiter's contact for this kiez is no more. Rai is a follow up contact from now on. If you are a supporter of our cause, continue to listen and follow given instructions."
Huh, somebody already knows my name around here...
"We have phone booths placed in strategic places across the city. Each of them holds a request for a specific information. If you'd obtain such information, put it through the slot below the speaker. If the information is authentic we will post it onto Matrix ourselves. It is our goal to keep information free, un-redacted and available to everyone. For your retrieval of such information, you will be compensated."
Find information and get paid for it while these Schockwellen-something will put it up on the Net for free. As long it won't be my personal bio or anything like that, why not?
Moving back onto main streets I bump into thin girl who looked way too worn out for her years. I've tried asking her about Monika but she was too high on something to even notice me. She was exactly the example of why I'd love to drown people like Zaak and every other dealer in the nearest sewer...
While working on the last data tap, I spot a jury-rigged earplug attached to some device connected to the deck core. Putting the plug into my ear I've gotten something like conversation from poorly placed listening device. I've done my best to make the most sense out of it but interference was tragic. Still, somebody invoking Monika's name, Krezubasar, Flux State and even indirectly me as someone who was to take over Monika's supposed reigns over Krezubasar...
This just got a lot more complicated than it already was. What were you playing here Monika? What secrets you hidden from me?
Dante's bark breaks my stupor and pushes me automatically towards the cafe to collect whatever the Turk may have on Green Winters.
Entering the cafe I was met with the same rustle as before, minus the overly eager welcome from Altug.
"It's done. Only somebody was using one of the taps as listening device, amplifying their gadget with decker core you've installed." I inform Altug, expecting outrage.
"Of course they did efendim! This is Berlin afterall. Everyone spies and everyone wants to know what's what." His answer baffled me but hey, it's not my problem anymore I have enough on my own plate already.
"Well, that's enough of that. I'd like a coffee now. Black." I order and earn broad grin from Altug. Few minutes later I was enjoying real, freshly grounded coffee. Expensive thing but considering everything I went in less than few hours...
"A menu for Herr Amsel." I hear chirpy voice and see Kami standing in front of me, still loudly chewing her buble gum. "Please give him our sincerest condolences, death of fraulein Schafer must've hit him very hard." she asked while handing me a paper bag with grinded coffee and something solid rolled into paper. Memory stick hopefully.
"Yeah...We all gonna miss her." I finish my coffee and leave, this time right back to safehouse. Walking into 'general room' where Amsel resided behind the table and seeing Dietrich lounging on the battered couch while Eiger and Glory were standing around reminded me how tense others had to be then.
"Do you have the information?" Amsel asked me calmly. I retrieve the memory stick then put the coffee onto small kitchen table in one of the corners. Terrible thing to waste something like that.
"Drogenkippe...Not good." Paul says after few minutes of reading off screen of his laptop.
"Enlighten me."
"A stinky cesspool of a kiez. Poverty and anarchy usually doesn't mix up to anything good but Drogenkippe is the worst filth Berlin has to offer." Dietrich spoken to me from the couch.
"And Altug's agent followed Green Winters into hotel called Das Kesselhaus that is in the very middle of that Kiez." Paul added "This is where you need to go."
"Then what are you waiting for? Let's go people!" Eiger called and slung rifle over her back. She made two more steps towards the doors before stopping and seeing nobody moved from their places. "What are you waiting for?"
"Just a moment Eiger." Paul risen from his seat and approached her. "You are a fine, disciplined soldier and nobody here denies any of your service or accolades..."
Judging from the grimace and shock forming on Eiger's face she was coming to the same conclusions as I was.
"That is why we believe Rai should be the one leading the team."
"...What." Eiger's voice flat from the shock.
"Do not take it as if we do not acknowledge your contributions, Monika herself often praised your abilities however-"
"We all know she, same as us, was not comfortable in having a soldier in charge." Dietrich finished for Paul.
"You people are unbelievable..." Eiger slowly utered through clenched teeth "You want to put a rookie on point? Again?"
"Eiger-"
"Have you not learned anything from the last time?!" She snapped, finally adding that trollish roar into her voice that was always amiss.
"He's the reason we're still alive, Eiger." Glory's voice suddenly shuts Eiger up. Chrome brunette doesn't seemed to be bothered at all that she was facing 150 kilos of angry troll.
"Yeah, he pulled us out from there. He got the doors opened and he knew how to disable that orc's minigun. Without him, we'd be turned into blutenwurst" Dietrich added his two cents again.
"So you gonna throw more of that F-State politics and anarchism instead of common sense?! Anything and anyone except what reality dictates?"
"We're German. We like to mix political beliefs with everyday life." Dietrich shrugged lightly "Besides-"
"Besides this is a waste of time." My nerves finally snapped. "I wasn't asking for this, and sure as hell I won't enjoy replacing Schafer. But you know what Eiger?" I stop half step in front of her "I'm gonna go and see it to the end because I owe that to Monika. I owe her and rest of you a retribution. So stop this pissing contest, get your act together and give me the military support I need for that mission to see it successful. To make sure all of you come back home alive."
I've kept staring at Eiger, seeing how she boils under her skin, conflicted under my words. Yeah, that's what happens when someone tries to be cold professional while having personal stakes at the same time.
Dante broken the suspense as he pushed himself between us and stood guard to me. Schafer's dog accepting me as new master. Eiger blinked and looked down once, then again. I saw her bottom lip twitched, tusks made it more visible.
"I think Dante showed what he has to say." Dietrich broken the silence. "It's what Monika wanted, Eiger. You don't have to trust Rai just yet, but you did trusted Monika's judgement, right?"
"Fine." Eiger finally speaks, more tired and disappointed than angry anymore.
"We can have it out later. Now, let's focus the bigger goal of catching the slob that set us all up, hmm?" I suggest and earn tiniest nod from Eiger. "Then check the gear and use the leak last time. We're going out in ten minutes!"
Dietrich reached down and begun strapping his knife belt while Eiger was pedantically checking over every strap on her steel-plated battledress that served her as armor. Glory done nothing, acting as a sculpture.
"It's easier to get to Drogenkippe through the train from U-Bahn than through the van." Eiger spoken when we were moving out. "This and less chance these thugs will strip the train for parts. Leave a car in that kiez for ten minutes and you won't find even a trace of it."
"Alright, sound good to me." I agree and lead the rest towards nearest working station. Spot of luck, train was just in time.
