Chapter Nine:
Lot B-7 there sat parked a blue Shion Coyote with gold trims. Just as promised. I ran my fingers across the sides of it. It was a wonderful automobile, league ahead of my old rust bucket I left behind. I used the key to unlock the door and planted my ass on the soft seat, starting the baby up it came to life with a soft purr. Slipping the shard in my head, the visuals of the targets day to day schedule appears and his next stop for the evening was Lizzie's Bar. Even have a image of the poor bastard so I know who I am after.
I knew the location just never been, so I begin to drive off, out of the underground parking lot and out into the main road. Sunset was breaking over the horizon as I turn onto the freeway over and pass Japan Town. The skyscrapers whiz by one by one, the radio playing smooth jazz. Something about the musical arrangements just speaks to me.
I found jazz to be an aid to quieting the mind and release tension. I hit traffic coming towards the bridge leading into Watson. Trauma team was scraping some poor shit from the pavement. Net Watch was here en mass. Something happened and I didn't care to find out. This is Night City after all, it never rests or relents.
Ding. It was text message from an unknown number.
Bartmoss Collective: We once was like you, slaves; cattle. To a almighty corporate regime. But we've transcended beyond walls and world's, where in zero's and one's deal in unfeathered absolutes.
"Crying out loud not this shit!" Mottly curses letting his displeasure be known.
"What's the Bartmoss Collective? Never heard of them? What's the beef?"
"It was before your time so you wouldn't truly understand but... Rache Bartmoss was a legendary netrunner in the early 21st century, gain a certain level noriety, becoming infamous. As he was the man who caused the DataKrash and killed the Net." Mottly said ominously.
"Sheesh, I regret even asking. Something's are just best let alone." I say racking my mind around it.
"As for the Collective, probably a bunch of idolizers, agent's of chaos who's sole mission to spread his manifestos to the slumbering masses."
"Still what's the beef with him or them?" I ask as the flow of traffic resumes.
"He killed the Net, and in it's wake AI's went berserk. Thus the Black Wall was created to keep them imprisoned. It's why AI are given a bad rep. His actions are the reason if Net Watch ever discovers us. Not only will they utterly delete me, but kill you as well." Mottly tone became grim.
"I get the gist of it, I can't lose you, wouldn't know where I be without you Mottly. You're the only family I have."
"That's not true, Maine and the others there family now too. So don't ever act like loosing me is the end of the world." He says scolding me.
"Thanks, I needed to hear that." I say to him as we turn off the bridge and back into the main road.
Watson: Lizzie's Bar.
It was half pass seven, he should arrived by now. Once I was parked I made my way to entrance. A tall dark tan skin woman in blue fluffy hair and orange eyes in a crop top and rather loose pants stood with a spiked bat in hand.
"Welcome to Lizzie's cutie, we've got preem BD's inside. Rules are simple, you like something you like, no grabbing or groping. Select them from the catalog and get yourself a booth."
"Copy that." I nod at her. And she opens the door and I walk into the modest night club.
A worker at the desk smiles at me and I return it back as I enter the main hall. I stroll deeper inside. Music blasting at full capacity. I somehow over hear an argument. Two women to be exact.
"Your to damn idealistic, Judy. Your ideas will only bring problems to our doorstep. The Moxes exist to protect ourselves and the worker's in this field."
"Someone has to stand up to the Claws, hell even knock em down a peg or two. How many of our people need to suffer for your cowardice, huh Suz!"
"That's the problem with you, acting above your station. I'm still in charge here and I refuse to start a war which will see countless more workers get injured. Then one or two incidents which rarely happens."
"Screw you Suzie, you know I'm right. You know I'm right!" The two women walk away. I walk over to the bar where the light skin woman stood at. Downing a shot.
"You look tense love, you know I can help with that. A male stood next to her. Putting his arms on her shoulders.
"No thanks." She replies breaking free of his grip which he only uses more force to hold her still.
"Listen bitch I pay good money, and I want something ganic, raw." He grumbles in her ear.
I rushed over and the Synaptic Accelerator triggered and everything began to slow down, I grab the man's head yanking him back. Time reverts to normal.. "I believe the woman said no!" I shout slamming his head hard against the bar, knocking him out.
"Holy shit that was our target, now that what I call lucky." Mottly alerts me.
"Um thanks." She says turning to face me.
"It was no problem. I hate people who can't take a hint."
"Same. I'm Judy by the way."
"Ryan." I say, lifting him off the floor and placing him over my shoulder.
"Eh what you doing with him?"
"Oh this fucker, just consider me taking out the trash." I say with a laugh.
"Well I'll leave you to it. Stop by Lizzie's soon, drinks will be on me."
"I'll hold you to that Judy."
"I'm sure you will Ryan." She says heading backstage.
I left the bar and no one batted an eye even when I slip him into the trunk of my car.
Watson:Docks.
It's called the Donzo, the outbound Cargo Freighter, bound for Kyoto. I lifted the bastard and placed him into an food container and sealed it once he was settle within. He has air, food and water, enough to survive the trip across the Pacific.
Even if they find him, before docking it'll be too late and they're not gonna turn back. So that's Mikal Donovan dealt with. I tell myself rushing off the boat as the crew ready's for departure. The cover of night has served me well.
"Might as well get Faraday over the Holo." Mottly says as I take the driver seat.
Outgoing Call -
Faraday: I'm surprised to be hearing from you so soon, I hope it with good news.
Ryan: Mikal Donovan has been neutralized. As we speak he's inbound on a cargo ship to Kyoto.
Faraday: Ah wonderful, I was right to put my faith in you to handle this job. Maine should be receiving the credits shortly. Contract closed. Till next time.
Call Ended-
I recline in my seat and kick my feet up on the dashboard to get some, R&R. I deserve a short break. Perhaps I could-
Ring Ring Ring.
Shit!
Incoming Call-
Lucy: Ryan? It's. It's...
She was stuttering and unable to form her words.
Ryan: I'm here Lucy, what's wrong.
Lucy: David's been taken. I can't reach the other's besides Kiwi, I need help.
Ryan: Send me your location, I'm on my way.
Call Ended-
I peel out of the dockyard and out into the streets under the waning moonlight. I rush to help my friend's.