Chapter 23: 2 Years Later
The dry desert air burned V's nostrils as he inhaled. He stood overlooking Las Vegas. He'd flown over this city 2 years ago right before the Night City Uprising and the start of the NetKrash. The Aldecados had set up a permanent base camp outside of this new gleaming city. Jobs came and went, some more dangerous than others but nothing he couldn't handle. Johnny was still Johnny, still sarcastic and egotistical, and now a bit more mean to him since V had to modify the Rockerboy's old Porsche 911 into an off-road capable machine. The old car had been outfitted with lifted suspension and big knobby tires, blast pipes protruding from its rear and large fenders protecting the body from loose stones. His spun his gun a few times, it wasn't like the Malorian 3516, but it was still made by the same corporation. Archangel reminded him of better times back when he'd played a Samurai Reunion gig alongside Kerry Eurodyne. He wondered what the other Rockerboy was doing now since the Net was gone. He slowly just turned away from the city and began to walk back to camp.
Two years had passed since Jericho had uploaded Janus onto the Net. All hell broke loose after a few weeks, the Net slowly overtaken by an all-consuming AI that disassembled others and integrated them into itself. Soulkiller had been taken early on into its rapid spread. Soulkiller was promptly turned against its own creators with most of Arasaka's elite killed instantly. NetWatch had also fallen in a valiant cyber-war against Janus. Their only savior, the Blackwall had also been similarly deconstructed and integrated into Janus. NetWatch was finally crippled as Soukiller was used against their entire network of Net Cops. Militech fell next as they were locked out of their mainframe, any attempts of accessing it were retaliated against with Soukiller. One by one, every mega-corporation in the world fell to ruin. The stock market crashed harder than a ditched AV. NetRunners suddenly became obsolete. And finally, the NUSA reunified the entire country.
Las Vegas had been a warzone for a few months as Militech was shut down, warring gangs eventually retaking the City of Sin for themselves. It wasn't as bad as everyone thought and prospered from tourism and its many gambling dens. V had worked many jobs in this city, either as hired security keeping gonks out of the more upscale establishments or worked for one of the many kingpins that ruled over the city doing whatever paid the best at the time. He was free for the next week or so. He'd specifically taken time off to celebrate his own birthday as he was turning 30 and to celebrate two solid years of absolute freedom. Panam had found a baker in town and a large cake was waiting for him along with any gifts the other nomads had scrounged up. He just walked cheerily into the camp, it wasn't so bad without corporations after all.
Back in camp, revelry was taking place. Drinking, smoking, and general mayhem ensued with the celebration of V's birthday. Cassidy was taking bets on who was the best crack shot, Mitch was telling old stories and embellishing every detail to the many children that now roamed the tent city. It was nice. A roaring bonfire lit up the tent city's center like a beacon of hope and a better future. Panam excitedly ran up to him.
"Happy birthday, V! I made you this!", She exclaimed shoving a small badly-wrapped package into his hands. V just opened it, inside was a small necklace. It was made from the old Relic biochip that had once nearly killed him. His eyes widened in shock. Where had she gotten this?
"Where did you get that?", V asked hesitantly.
"Oh, one of your old buddies dropped by. I think they're still here.", Panam noted.
"Who?"
"I forget her name. The angry one? Has one eye and a permanent scowl?"
"Oh... shit..."
"V? She seemed nice... Is... Is she the one that almost killed you?"
"Yeah. She's here? And she's not killing anyone?"
"Um... Yes. She's here and not killing anyone. Should we ambush her?"
"Not a good idea. I'll go and have a chat with her. Just, keep an eye on us in case anything happens."
"Okay..."
V walked around the tent city for a while. Hildegarde had found him. She wasn't killing everyone in the camp, so this was probably good. Or not. Or she wanted to kill him in front of Panam to make an example of what happened to traitors. He just peeked into a few of the tents, no Hildegarde in there. The one-eyed outlaw wasn't at the bonfire either, as he'd made several laps around it. He just made his way over to the tent city's market, maybe she was just here to barter? Too good to be true. He scanned over the various stalls that were selling goods and didn't see anyone wearing purple. Slowly he kept walking until he came to the bar. Hildegarde sat on one of the stools, a drink slowly being nursed in her hand. V ignored every instinct to draw his gun and open fire and instead just walked over and sat down next to her.
"Hello again, V.", Hildegarde hissed. "Been a while..."
"Hildegarde... Why are you here?", V asked getting straight to the point.
"Oh, no reason... Just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday..."
"I don't believe that for a second."
"Oh really? You've gotten smarter...", Hildegarde half-mocked. "Jericho sends his regards."
V almost jumped off the barstool as she said those words. He looked around for a bit and realized that no, he was not being held at gunpoint right now. Hildegarde just sat and nursed her drink.
"What does he want? I'm done. I'm not doing anything else for him!"
"Oh I know, V. I know... But Jericho wants to see you...", Hildegarde snarled through her permanently affixed scowl. "He wants to show you something beautiful."
"I don't care. I'm not going anywhere."
"That isn't a choice, V...", Hildegarde noted as her rail-gun slid under the bar resting against his side. "Jericho wanted me to bring you to him. And you're coming with me."
"No. I'm not. You think you can fight all the nomads?"
"Oh yes, V. And I'll enjoy every waking second of it. Who goes first? Maybe Panam? Mitch? How about all the women first? Or better yet, the children."
V just screamed internally. He was done with this. Done with Jericho. The cyborg had won, the world was in ruin. There was nothing left to gain from any of this! But he'd sent Hildegarde to retrieve him and she'd found him. If he didn't willingly go see his old friend, Jericho, again then all of the Aldecados would die. They'd fight back for as long as they could, but ultimately V's new family would perish under a hail of gunfire.
"Fine.", V concluded through gritted teeth.
"Just like that? And here I was expecting you to fight."
"I'm just going to let Panam know I'll be gone for a while."
"Remember, V. Any funny business and this place burns. I brought Kale with me. He's been itching to start a nice cozy fire."
V shuddered. Kale was that psychotic robed man who wore flamethrower gloves and cyberware, the guy who had set fire to the entire Corpo Plaza in Night City. Rampant fireballs in a dusty tent city meant that not only would everyone die horribly, but there wouldn't even be anything left to bury. V just ran off to find Panam.
"Panam! I'm leaving for a bit!", V shouted into Panam's tent.
"Really? Where?"
"Just a quick job for my old friends, don't worry I'll be back soon."
"V... Just keep in touch."
"I will. I promise."
V just turned on his heel and hurried back to Hildegarde. If he screwed around for too long, he had a feeling that a few of the tents would randomly catch fire. He just ran back to the bar and the outlaw who was still waiting for him.
"Back already? No sudden yet inevitable betrayal? You have changed, V.", Hildegarde mocked.
"Yeah. Let's just get this over with...", V sighed.
"Good. The AV is parked just outside of town. Oh and by the way, I lied. Kale isn't here."
"Fuckin' figures... Let's just get out of here..."
Hildegarde just got up and motioned for V to start walking. She followed behind him and pointed out where the AV was parked. V really didn't want to see Jericho again, but Asher and Scotch were still fairly friendly to him. As the duo left the Aldecados' tent city, V looked around for the heavily modified AV but didn't see it. Instead, there was a luxury-class Rayfield Excalibur AV sitting on the desert plateau. It's shiny metal exterior wearing Monarch's regalia and corporate colors.
"What? Monarch?", V asked in confusion.
"Jericho will explain it all to you...", Hildegarde deflected with a sinister grin.
The side doors of the AV just slid open revealing a luxurious red velvet interior with two lounge chairs set up facing each-other with a table set in between. Wine and a charcuterie board sat awaiting for them.
"Where's Jericho?", V asked as he didn't see the cyborg inside the AV.
"Where do you think? On his throne.", Hildegarde mocked as she shoved V into the AV. She took the seat facing forwards as V got into the seat facing rearwards. "Janus? Take us home!"
The doors on the AV just slid shut, the luxury-class AV taking to the skies quietly and smoothly. The Aldecados' tent city disappeared from view in a few seconds as they soared off into the skies. V just sat in silence.
"Janus?", asked V.
"Query?", an electronic voice asked.
"No. Nevermind... What is this?", V asked aiming his question at Hildegarde. The outlaw just sipped a glass of wine.
"This is the new dawn of humanity.", Hildegarde deflected again. "You'll see. It's truly something beautiful, V."
V just sat back, more questions floated through his mind. Why was Monarch still around if all of the corporations were destroyed? What was Janus' actual purpose? Why was Hildegarde being so nice to him? And finally, why did Jericho want to see him?
"Where are we going?", V asked.
"You're full of questions, aren't you? Night City. Where this began and ended. As Jericho would say, Ouroboros.", Hildegarde noted casually.
V just tried to relax. Night City? Night City was in ruin, the NUSA had taken it back by force, and all of its life-giving corporations were destroyed. Why on earth was Jericho in Night City? He just stared out the completely transparent side panel of the AV as it soared onward. The flight from Las Vegas had only taken a few minutes as this AV was much faster than their old one. It cut through the skies like a hot knife through butter.
The familiar sight of Night City loomed on the horizon, but something was different. Where the Arasaka Tower and Corpo Plaza sat, a new and much larger building stood. The AV began to slow as they neared the massive structure. It encompassed the entire zone of the old Corpo Plaza, the Memorial Gardens gone as the base of the building sat on top of it. The roads intertwined with its large flared base with structural supports making the massive building look like a large limbless tree. V's eyes traced upwards as he stared at the building, it was taller than Arasaka Tower, at least 300 floors or more. On the roof of the building sat a golden crown-like halo, a large stylized 'M' built into the crown. Monarch.
"What... the hell?", V sighed.
There were no more separate buildings for Militech, Kang-Tao, Kiroshi, SovOil, or BioTechnica. Just one massive structure in the center of the city. A massive rook towering over the familiar city V had once called his home. A few other AV's circled the building in the air, the logos on them unrecognizable to V. Business seemed to be booming, though, which was probably good. But how? He'd find out soon enough as the AV landed, its doors opening up and depositing Hildegarde and V onto a large landing platform at the top of the building inside its crown-like décor.
As V left the AV he just looked around in confusion. He barely had time to see the platoon of Monarch Corpo Guards walking towards them in formation. The formation broke suddenly and two rows of heavily armed guards formed a channel that led towards a large elevator. V recognized one of the more decorated officers.
"Wejj?", V noted.
Commander Wejj just held his position and didn't respond. He saluted to V and Hildegarde as they passed them by. This was new. This was probably good, right?
Hildegarde just leaned towards a scanner on the wall near the elevator, a beam scanning her eye before the doors opened into another luxurious compartment lined with blue velvet and trimmed in gold. Monarch's corporate colors. She pressed a button and the elevator slowly began to descend a few floors before coming to a stop. Time to go see Jericho and figure out what the hell was going on.
As the elevator came to a stop a few floors underneath the landing pad, its doors opened into a large circular office. A massive semi-circular desk sat at either end of the room with multiple holo-screens displaying data from all over the world. Monarch's stylized-M logo was set into the middle of the floor with the surrounding area decorated in its corporate colors. The soft dulcet tones of Chopin's Nocturne Op.55 No.1 played over some speakers. Sigmund Von Bretton stood with his back turned away from the elevators, he just stared over the horizon at Night City.
"Siggie... I brought V. He's alive and unharmed.", Hildegarde announced calling her younger brother by his embarrassing nickname.
Sigmund just turned around to face them. He was wearing a highly decorated blue, white and gold military-style jacket. He looked like Royalty and held his arms crossed slightly in front of him. His piercing grey eyes stared back at V.
"Hello, V. I suppose you're wondering what Monarch is doing in Night City.", the decorated man noted.
"Uh, ya think? Last time we met, Monarch was a small mega-corporation with its one main specialty being construction equipment. Since when did you expand into global domination?", V prodded.
"Well... That's a long story, V.", Sigmund just motioned to someone else for a second. "Perhaps Jericho can give you the full explanation."
Jericho, the deadly cyborg, just walked into view. He also wore a decorated military-style jacket and long flowing cape in Monarch's regalia. His eyes just locked onto V's.
"Welcome, V. Welcome to the new dawn of humanity.", Jericho noted raising his arms wide and beholding the skyline behind him. "I couldn't have done it without you."
"What have you done!?", V exclaimed.
"I have finished what I started so many decades ago. Ouroboros and the Jericho Project are finally complete. There are no more mega-corporations anymore, nobody left to start another Corporate War. As I foretold you, those that fed on carrion would feed for all eternity upon the bones of their fallen kings...", Jericho answered somewhat cryptically.
"No more corporations? Where do you think we're standing right now?", V snapped.
"Beneath the Crown, of course. As I mentioned, all of the mega-corporations fell... Leaving room for one singular Ultra-Corporation to rise from the ashes of a fallen empire. Monarch was always good at building and rebuilding things, their manufacturing industry solely dominated by them and them alone. It made them the perfect candidate.", Jericho mused. He walked around the edge of the room, V followed him. "Of course, they weren't part of the plan originally. Scylla was to be the sole remaining survivor of the Revolution but when Hildegarde's Bounty was claimed and I realized what Monarch could do, my plans changed slightly."
"What plans? Your uprising fell flat on its face! Militech and the US Army kicked you and your Mercs out-of-town!", V spat.
"On the contrary, it did in fact, succeed. It was always my goal of sowing chaos in the streets, causing a distraction so that bigger things could be set into motion. Accessing the largest Net Uplink in the world was always my goal. And uploading Janus into its new home the endgame. You were right, V, the citizens of Night City weren't into revolting against the corporations at all, but when one came from out of the ashes, they happily rushed into their arms without a thought in the world.", Jericho ranted. He stopped for a second and turned to V, leaning in closer. "Do you know what Janus did?"
"Janus crashed the Net. Destroyed the world.", V sighed.
"Janus brought about a new age of mankind. Soon after upload, Janus integrated Soulkiller into its own code and turned the super-weapon against its creators. As I had tried something similar in Prague without proper knowledge before, this was bound to succeed. With Soulkiller, Janus took on NetWatch as they tried to quarantine Night City's SubNet. But, they all were ICE'd like Arasaka, and left the Blackwall vulnerable. Janus took the Blackwall as well, also integrating its functions and code into its own. Glorious, is it not?"
"So? What happened next?"
"With the Blackwall gone, rogue AI's flooded into Night City's SubNet unbeknownst that Janus lie in waiting. Janus ripped those AI's apart, scattering their data and archiving it for future use. Not even Alt Cunningham was able to escape. Janus didn't destroy her though, whether out of its own respect for her, Alt was locked away in a metaphorical 'pocket dimension' with no way out. To forever be kept as a digital trophy and keepsake of a time long passed.", Jericho resumed pacing around the massive overlooking window. Hildegarde walked over and stood next to her brother and also stared over their new kingdom. "Now completely free, Janus tore through the Net. It broke into every database, every mainframe, every SubNet, every BBS, everything. It locked all of the data away inside its own vaults, protecting it with Black ICE that is unhackable as the source-code is only known to me. Corporations now unable to access their funds, research, and equipment began to fall."
"I know that. Militech dissolved and left Las Vegas in shambles. Gangs rose up and took back control.", V noted.
"Indeed. Militech fell with just a whimper, not an outcry. Arasaka was left to die in its own swill without Hanako, Yorinobu, or Michiko alive to oversee it. All others followed into the Collapse. But Monarch prospered. Protected by Janus itself as requested by Hildegarde. Spared from the destruction of the world market. As they were the only ones not affected by the ensuing NetKrash, they had a major bargaining chip. Literally.", Jericho continued. He pulled out a small data-shard from his pocket. "As the sole corporation capable of manufacturing anything, they began to produce this: The Ouroboros Chipset Version Five. Colloquially known as the V-Chip."
"Wh-What? A new Chipset? How?", V stammered.
"Janus does not attack its own, every Chipset including yours contains a small part of Janus itself, allowing you access to the Net and authorizing you as a user, as well as protecting you from intrusions. This new Chipset supercedes yours and was based on your own algorithms and the data I acquired from the Relic. It is compatible with everyone, only requiring an empty shard slot and no power-core. Naturally, Monarch was able to use the V-Chip as leverage against all the other fallen corporations, and just like Janus, absorbed them into itself."
"Y-You've taken over the world... What happened to your Revolution? What about all that talk of freeing the people!?", V shouted.
"V... Monarch is more than just a Corporation, it's also the Crown, a government. As the world fell into ruin following the destruction of the Net, the Royal Crown abdicated its rule of the UK to Monarch, their loyal rebuilders of London. The Houses of Parliament were integrated into Monarch's Board of Directors with the Royal Family taking a seat at the head. Sigmund and Hildegarde are both heirs to an actual empire. And Siegfried Von Bretton, the one true king of all of this.", Jericho noted.
"But... But...", V was at a loss for words.
"And as the Crown, representing the UK, they decided to back the NUSA government. They would supply troops, weapons and supplies. By this time, Militech had already been absorbed by the US government and posed little threat. The Crown demanded the Free States as sovereign territory, which the NUSA agreed as long as they were united under their laws again. The Royal Battalion and the US Army along with the remnants of Militech were merged into the United Battalion which descended on Night City and the rest of the Free States in a nearly bloodless conflict as there was no reason to fight back since all of the once-powerful corporations were gone. The people rejoiced as a little-known corporation from England came and replaced all the ones that had fallen before.", Jericho continued.
"Then you've done it... You've created the perfect world...?"
"That's one way of putting it. With the market now united under one banner, Monarch supplies the entire planet with everything it needs, fuel, financial services, cyberware, vehicles, homes, jobs, lifestyles... And as an Empire, the UK has regained some of its lost territory that was forfeited in a war nearly 300 years gone past. The NUSA and the Crown, allied together against all others, a new world order. With the V-Chip as one's only way of accessing the Net, most countries allied with the NUSA. One world. United.", Jericho mused. "The Net is safe, protected by its own destroyer. The world freed from corrupt corporate greed. The people free to live as they choose. The Human Revolution."
"This... This is what you wanted me to see... I was wrong. You really did it. You've changed the course of history to pull us through... And I thought this was the end of the world...", V sighed.
"Thank you for finally realizing my end goals, V. I am now at peace and I can finally rest. All I set out to do has been done. My life's work is complete and the world will suffer no longer. It's in good hands, though. You can trust us.", Jericho concluded with a smile as he reached a hand out to V. V just took his hand. No way to stop this now, not that there was much point.
"What about the Gangs? There will always be gang warfare...", V sighed.
"Who did you work for in Las Vegas? If I am correct, the central kingpin is a gang called The Modders. They are a group of mercenaries, just like we once were, that work underneath Monarch's banner, discreetly.", Jericho noted. "I put everything into place, V. A little gang violence here and there to keep up appearances, but the world is truly free now. Even your Aldecado buddies built a nice little town to settle down in."
"Yeah... It hasn't been that bad, honestly."
"And I'd like to offer you and the Aldecados something in return. They can stop living under the beating sun and start living in an actual city. Now that Monarch controls Night City, Pacifica has recently been rebuilt into Neo-London. I am offering that sector to you and your nomad clan."
"R-Really?"
"Of course. You will be the governors of that sector, to do with it what you please, as long as it doesn't conflict with my own future goals. And if it does, we will discuss it peacefully. You know, the Welles family agreed to take over their own territory as sovereign leaders, why not you and Panam?"
"I need to tell Panam about this. Get her opinion. I'm not agreeing to anything right now, no matter how much it would mean to me."
"My offer still stands, regardless, V. Call her and get her opinion. Take some time off and explore the City. I'll be here when you've made up your mind.", Jericho concluded. He turned away from V and joined his colleagues as they looked over their City. "Your Birthday Present, your new car, awaits you in the garage."
V just sighed heavily. He looked out of the skyline of Night City. The city still looked the same, but there were no more MaxTac AV's blasting gonks on the streets. The place seemed peaceful for once. He just entered the elevator and pressed the only button that was accessible to him, the garage. He braced himself for a second as the elevator began to rocket down its shaft towards the garage, large viewports on the elevator showing the interior of the building as it flew by him. A stunning synthetic forest entered his view for a moment before it passed and the sight of an arcology replaced its view. The arcology was based on London and rural England in a near-perfect recreation in a perfectly controlled indoor paradise. He watched as children ran in the streets and swam in the artificial rivers. Soon the view was gone and he shuddered slightly as the elevator came to a stop in the garage, a massive multi-level parking structure with an assortment of luxury cars filled it to the brim.
He looked around for his vehicle. He called out for a moment somewhat hesitantly.
"Janus? Where's my car?"
"Happy Birthday, Vincent.", the electronic voice announced as a shining Rayfield Aerondight custom coupe drove up to him. It was highly decorated in Monarch's regalia. A small box tied shut with a bow sat on the passenger seat of the car.
V didn't even have to open the door of the car, it sensed his presence and opened automatically with a quiet whoosh. He settled into the blue crushed-velvet seats and looked at the gold-trimmed dash panel.
"Janus? Take me to the Afterlife.", V noted, he hoped that the AI wouldn't take him to the literal Afterlife. He sat back slightly as the car began to drive itself out of Monarch's garage and onto the highway that led north towards the little Merc Bar he' spent so much time in.
V just picked up the little box on the passenger seat, pulling the bow and lifting its top. He picked up a small note card, reading what it said.
"For the (un)luckiest merc in Night City. From: Hildegarde.", the note read.
V just looked into the box, half-expecting a bomb of some sort, but just stared down on a new pistol. It was identical to his Malorian, but built by Monarch with a golden body and custom sapphire grips. He lifted out of the box and tested its weight. It was perfectly balanced and seemingly custom made for his hand. A nice gift considering who it was from.
"You have arrived at your destination.", the electronic voice of Janus noted. V hadn't even noticed, but the Aerondight was perfectly parked in a space outside of the Afterlife.
V just began to reach for the door handle to let himself out, but once again, the door just slid open, sensing his intent. He slid out of the car and walked towards the entrance of the bar, everything still looked the same. He walked down the stairs, taking notice of Squama standing at the entry doors as a bouncer.
"V! Good to see you again. Welcome!", Squama greeted before stepping aside.
"You doing okay?"
"Never been better, V. As long as Hildegarde stays out of here, I'll stay that way I think."
V just patted the larger man on the shoulder and walked into the establishment. Rogue sat at her booth as usual as if nothing had changed. Claire worked the bar alongside a familiar face, Scotch. He walked over to Scotch first.
"Hey, Scotch!"
"Aye, V!. You've returned! I take it tha Jericho found ye?"
"Yea... He did. Turns out I was the one that was wrong..."
"Aye, ye panicked. Had ye known this was ta happen, ye'd have sided with us. Blame Jericho and his paranoia fer not telling ye the whole story."
"I know... Seen Asher lately?"
"Aye, the lass is out with Bugbear and Nix. She's 'Running again and exploring the Old Net, tons of neat stuff ta find on there."
"That's good. See you later, Scotch.", V noted as he left the bar and headed over to Rogue.
"V? Or is it Johnny?", Rogue asked.
"Both. How are you doing?"
"Been better. The NetKrash ruined a lot of my business, but with Monarch taking over, it's been pretty lucrative. As long as Hildegarde stays out of here everything is fine and dandy."
"Uh... Does she come here often?"
"No."
"That's good."
"Now, if you don't need anything from me, V, go away. I'm waiting on several Mercs to get back to me...", Rogue sighed before she just gave him the cold shoulder and turned back to her socialites at the table.
V got back up and walked into the back rooms of the Afterlife where it was a bit quieter. Seemed like everything was fine. Business as usual. Arasaka was gone, but Night City still buzzed on underneath another corporation with a different color scheme. Once he'd found a nice corner to stand in, he called Panam.
"V! Did you job go well?", Panam asked as she answered his call.
"Actually, it went great. Didn't get any eddies, but I have been offered something even better! Better for us and the whole clan!", V added excitedly.
"Really? What is it?"
"A whole city sector. Just for us. We got to govern it and make it our own. Jobs in the area are plentiful and we'll never have to worry about going hungry again."
"Where is it, V?"
"Night City... Now hear me out. Jericho rebuilt the old Pacifica district and he's offering it to us."
"Any catch?"
"None that I can see. Maybe he might hire us on occasion, which wouldn't be too bad. He pays well."
"Hmm... I'll talk to the rest of the clan, but I've already decided. We'll come to you and start our new lives in a new city."
"See you soon, Panam."
As V ended the call, he just fist-pumped once. Panam was on board. As the leader of a growing nomad clan there would come a time when they grew too big to keep moving around. The tent-city was adequate for now, but a permanent home was necessary. One with ample food and space for them. He just exited the back rooms and headed back to the bar. As he walked out of the establishment, he noticed the robed man, Kale, sitting at a table with his teammates. He seemed to be counting eddies and cred-chips. A few of the other Mercs that had led an assault on the Corpo Plaza also sat at various other tables discussing various jobs and gigs. He glanced over to one of the booths near the pool tables and saw Navarre and Gunter seated in a booth, the massive German cyborg was drinking from a small glass of orange soda. Navarre just laughing at whatever had happened with the larger man looking embarrassed. This wasn't so bad after all. Everything seemed to work out just fine.
V just left the Afterlife and got back into his car, the door automatically opening. He sat down and thought for a moment, where to next?
"Location Confirmed. Viktor Vektor's Clinic on route.", Janus announced. V hadn't even said anything, he'd just thought of it. He shrugged as the car backed itself out of the parking space and hit the highway again, heading back to Vik's shop.
The Aerondight slid into a street parking space quietly, its doors opening and depositing V onto the sidewalk outside of Misty's Esoterica. He just walked into the shop before he was suddenly lifted off the ground and embraced in a bone-crushing hug.
"Heya, choom! Long time no see!", a familiar voice shouted as he crushed V's ribcage.
V was almost certain he was either seeing things or the past two years had actually been a nice little dream he was having as he bled out at the bottom of Arasaka tower. Jackie Welles was alive and currently crushing his body.
"J-Jackie? But, you're... You died.", V stuttered.
"I know! Finally got to be a legend, V..."
"But you're here right now..."
"Yep! Funny story, really. This new big corpo came in about a year ago and this crazy guy came to the shop, a real loco cyborg like Adam Smasher, but smaller. He said he could bring me back and he did! Look at me!",
V just stared at Jackie and then remembered the little holographic Jackie that Misty had kept on her desk. "Jackie... I know this isn't really you..."
"Yeah... I know that too. I'm just an Engram, V. This body is just a robotic shell. I don't remember too much about the Heist, either, only that Misty told me I died."
"I'm sorry..."
"You did well, though. My mama is happy I'm back in any case. Thanks for sending my body back to her and saying nice things at my ofrenda."
"No problem, Jackie. See you around."
"Bye, V."
V just walked around the counter, Robo-Jackie waving at him as he left. He walked into the back alley and looked towards Vik's shop. A large sign above the clinic read, "V-Chip Special! Free Installation with Purchase!", it seemed that Vik was doing well. V just headed downstairs to see his old buddy. Vik Vektor was sitting in his usual spot watching another boxing match on his TV. He turned and noticed V's entrance.
"V! You're back!"
"I am. Tried to rope-a-dope them, it didn't work."
"I know. Those first six months were hard on everyone. But then, Monarch came with a solution to that Janus problem. A biochip. They gave me a license to install them and business has been booming. A lot of their cyberware designs look like that Black-Project stuff you gave me way back when."
"That's good to hear. Why a license though?"
"No license means you get fried by Janus. You and the patient at the same time. Happened to a lot of the other Rippers in town, hell the Maelstrom and Voodoo Boys are all but gone. Janus scorched them; burnt 'em all in one shot."
"Jeezus..."
"Yeah it was pretty bad for a while. Long as you don't try to provoke Janus, you can still NetRun, not a lot of places to go, but the Net was still there. Just empty, like an abandoned freeway. Any attempt to crack in, and Janus would fry you to a crisp. Sorta strange how this biochip lets you get around it so easily. Doesn't even see you when you're jacked in. Hell, it even protects you a bit."
"Yeah... Really weird. Have you seen it? In the Net, I mean."
"Not personally. Bugbear and Nix have, said it's just a massive skull with a changing face that morphs between different expressions trailing a swarm of tendrils behind it like a jellyfsh. Just swims around the Net on an endless patrol looking for prey. They saw some other 'Runners get caught by it. It lets out some kind of scream, electronic and demonic sounding, freezes you in place if it doesn't kill you immediately by popping your head like a balloon."
"That's... unbelievably terrifying."
"It is, but not much of an issue nowadays. This biochip is widespread and the demand for it never-ending. By the way, V. My next appointment is almost here. It was good to see you, again."
"See ya later, Vik."
V just turned and left. Janus was still the terrifying horror-monster that he assumed it would be. A digital plague that spread over the world. He dodged a younger man and presumably his girlfriend as they began to walk down the stairs into Vik's clinic. V just walked back to the Aerondight and got into it.
"Janus? Take me to Monarch."
The car just slid out of the parking spot on the street and headed back towards the massive crown-topped corporate building. V just laid his head back, the car would take care of the driving for him. He shut his eyes for a moment as he headed back to take Jericho up on his offer. Time to see what was on offer and if there was any catch to it all.
V's Aerondight quietly slid into his parking space again, the door opening up and depositing V back into the parking structure underneath Monarch's tower. He just walked over to the elevator, noticing the vid screen inside was playing an advertisement.
"Apply for the Crown Residency Program today! No money down and no fees ever! Simply install Monarch's Ouroboros V.5 Biochip at one of our licensed clinics and show your proof of purchase to the receptionist in our lobby! You'll have your choice of luxurious apartment inside the Monarch Tower or in the district of your choosing!", the blurb shouted.
V just stared at the screen for a while. Monarch had been busy revitalizing Night City as it seemed. The ad eventually turned off and displayed a rough map of Monarch Tower with the first five floors consisting of a shopping center, grocery store, arcade, and nightclub. The next 80 or so floors consisted of luxury apartments before entering into the arcology level and forest levels. Another map popped up on the screen and listed several new mega-buildings that had been constructed all over Night City. More homes, no more homeless. Considering how the mega-corporations of the past did business, Monarch was salvation. Jericho wasn't wrong. V had the feeling that Monarch was only operating the way it did because it was actually the government of an actual country and not solely a corporation. Suddenly, from behind, he was shoved forwards.
"Are you planning on standing in here all bloody day!?", It was Hildegarde and she was back from whatever she had been doing while he was out. V just pressed the button that took him back to Sigmund's office.
"Just taking in the sights... Monarch really did a nice job here. I'm surprised.", V noted.
"That's Monarch for you."
"Speaking of which, why are you working for them? I thought you hated the corpo lifestyle."
"I don't work for them, V. They've 'contracted' me as a 'mercenary' to help them with 'security'.", Hildegarde noted adding air quotes around contract, mercenary, and security.
"And nobody has noticed that you bear a striking resemblance to the founder's daughter?"
"V... Lady Hildegarde Von Bretton was a vastly different person compared to what I've become. Besides, only Londoners would recognize me, not these hapless gonks."
"So what have you been up to?"
"Guess."
"Killing people? No wait, how about killing people?", V mocked.
"Oh V... Obviously. If you hadn't guessed, Monarch is a bit of a target due to their status in the world. Those that have decided to demand rather than barter for what we have... Get a visit from me.", Hildegarde snarled a sinister grin curling over her lips. "And I get to do what I want without the pesky threat of being hunted by rival mercs. I also get paid for it."
"Thanks for the gun, by the way...", V added changing the subject. Hildegarde was still as bloodthirsty as ever.
"I hope you like it, V. That Malorian is quite a conversation starter and it looks absolutely fabulous in my trophy room."
V just sighed. He just shut up as talking to Hildegarde was pretty much pointless, since she was either going to continue to mock him or beat him to death with insults. He just waited until the elevator doors opened so he could step in Sigmund's office again. Sigmund was at his desk and was currently engaged in a holo-call with his father. Hildegarde ignored everyone and just went over to the wet-bar and poured herself a drink before sitting down in one of the many lounge chairs. Jericho was nowhere to be seen.
"...That being said, finances are looking godlike. We're at almost 190 trillion!", Sigmund noted to his father.
"Keep up the good work, son. And if Hildie complains too much, I'm sure there are some gangs that need to be dealt with. Another shipment of chips has gone missing...", Siegfried added.
"No worries, the chips are worthless without authorization. All they'll do if installed is flatline the installer and the recipient of the installation."
"Less competition for us, then. More of a reason to come groveling to our doors. Such is life, Sigg, such is life.", Siegfried sighed.
"Ah, well it looks like my appointment has arrived. We'll have time for small talk later."
"Get to it, boy! Time is money!", Siegfried shouted before ending the holo-call. Sigmund just turned around in his chair and beckoned towards V.
"V! I take it you've considered the offer Jericho has made to you? I'll send a tell to him and he can explain the finer details to you."
"Yeah, about that. What's the catch?", V asked. "Little hard to believe you're just giving away a huge chunk of the city to a random merc."
"But you're not a random merc, V. You're the reason why this was all possible. Jericho told me himself. This too is also your empire as well as mine. As we do in the kingdom, you are to become a lord and be given land. As a Knight, you will occasionally be called to perform duties for the Crown.", Sigmund stated.
V was about to ask what exactly, but was cut off by the entrance of Jericho who stepped into the office from the elevator. He was holding a small device in one hand and working on it with the other. More new tech, V guessed.
"Hello, V. I see that Sigmund has gone over some of the details of my offer. You are to become a Knight under the Crown. You do not work for Monarch, as Monarch is the corporation that works under the Crown. On occasion, when needed, you will be called into service. Otherwise the land you are being given is yours to do with it what you choose.", Jericho noted, reiterating the Knighthood that V was about to receive. "You will be outfitted with the best arms and armoring the Monarch can offer, this will also be offered to any of your Aldecado friends as well."
"Sounds great... Called in for what, exactly?", V asked.
"Protection of the Crown. As Monarch and the Crown are now one entity, if there comes a time when we are attacked, you will be required to defend.", Jericho noted.
"But you just said they're separate... That I don't work for Monarch."
"Technicalities, V. Best keep the two of them separated for financial purposes, but in reality they are one and the same. You will not be called upon to perform corporate duties, as I'm afraid that's a bit beyond your particular skill-set."
"Okay... I can work with that... What defense?"
"The Crown of Monarch comes under fire frequently due to its massive presence in the corporate world. Naturally, remnants of those that we've absorbed come and try to overthrow us. It will be nothing more than a few gunfights at the most. Nothing you've never experienced before."
"Easy... Deal.", V announced, shaking Jericho's free hand.
"Thank you again, V. Your mansion awaits you in Neo-London. You remember where Batty's Hotel once stood in Pacifica? That is where your estate lies. I suggest you get some rest, the Knighting ceremony will take place this weekend.", Jericho concluded. "Hildegarde, there's been another robbery. Asher already has their location if you feel like retrieving our stolen property."
Hildegarde just shot up from the lounge she'd been sitting in. "Of course! What's a little more foreplay before we go to sleep?". The Outlaw just hurried into the elevator. Jericho followed the plum-purple clad woman into the elevator and V went along with them. He had a lot of things to do tonight.
The elevator ride was quiet, Hildegarde spent most of her time cleaning and inspecting her own rail-gun before getting off on a floor V had never been on before, the doors opening into a large room filled with computers and holo-screens. He caught a glimpse of Asher for a moment as the doors closed. The elevator just continued down with just Jericho and V inside. The cyborg said nothing to V as their conversation was over. As the doors opened up to the parking garage level, he stopped what he was doing and turned to V as he left.
"I do not blame you for your actions two years ago. I was not transparent on what our plans were. Worry not, V, we are still on friendly terms."
"I know... And I'm sorry... See you later, Jericho.", V concluded as the doors shut once again and the elevator headed downwards even lower. Jericho's laboratory was underground as it seemed, away from the city and in a place where radiation wouldn't cause any harm to the inhabitants of Night City.
V just called his car, the Aerondight driving up to him and opening its doors. He just slid back onto the luxurious seats and thought of his mansion. He had a mansion now, he was also a Knight. Everything was turning up roses for him. He and Panam had the perfect hideaway, he was close to his friends, Jackie was 'alive' again, and Hildegarde wasn't actively trying to kill him. It couldn't be better. He'd have to tell Panam about his Knighthood, she'd absolutely freak out over it. Life was good.
Chapter End.
A/N: And thus the story continues. This is technically an epilogue, I guess. I really don't want to split this into multiple fanfics involving the same characters, so V's going on more adventures in the new world of Cyberpunk 2079.