Note: This is my first Fan-fiction ever published always toyed with the idea of writing one but never had the courage to do so but I love Cyberpunk 2077 and all the characters in it. I am also madly in love with Panam and the Aldecaldos and I hope that shows in my writing. Some events may not line up with the game exactly and I hope no one holds that against me but without further ado here we go!

(Also, there are adult themes present in this story and most likely in others this is a warning for those not fond of those themes)

Please enjoy, like, share and comment.

"This is a list of what we need and all of it done in one transaction, we have the eddies but we need to know if you can deliver."

Saul said to the man sitting across from him as he slid the tablet containing the manifest of the supplies the Aldecaldos needed. The man who picks up the tablet is a short overweight man with a high end Militech right arm painted gold and wearing designer gaudy clothes that could barely fit him if it wasn't for the captain's hat, he wore you would never suspect he was a Captain of a Biotechnica cargo ship. Saul, Mitch and Cassidy had come to this ship docked in the Watson port because they heard that this ship was selling supplies under the table to the less than reputable denizens of Night City. This was good news as it was part of the Aldecaldos plan to leave Night City decided on by a majority of the clan but they weren't set to leave just yet without getting an ample amount of supplies of food, water, fuel etc. The Badlands provides little and the Aldecaldos knew that better than anyone else, they needed these supplies, the future of the clan depends on it but Saul put on his best face trying not to let that desperation show. The captain took a puff of a cigar he had lit while listening to Saul's request, as he scrolled down the list before handing it to another man who Saul assumed did the logistics for the ship.

" We can accommodate you ... fine gentlemen with everything on your list and can do the deal all in one transaction this is our price ".

He motioned for the other man to hand back the tablet to Saul with the total cost of their order at the bottom of the list. Saul looked at it and immediately looked at the captain with a look of anger and confusion

"What is this!? 250,000 eddies!?"

Mitch and Cassidy also shared in their chief's confusion Mitch spoke up

"That's a load of bull! Even if you are marking up to pad your pockets it shouldn't be more than 175,000 eddies!".

Two of the men who had been waiting behind the captain stood forward, muscle from the looks from them tattoo's marking them out as Animals but their intimidating presence had no effect on the Aldecaldos. The captain waved them off and took a puff of his cigar and let out an exasperated sigh

"Gentlemen, please I'm not sure where you are getting, your information from but these are the prices of doing businesses in Night City."

He sat up much as he could and looked Saul in the eyes with a stare one looked at a child with, Saul kept his cool and listened to the captain talk

"Our operation works by manipulating shipping manifests and bribing other ships to 'loose' cargo then we bribe officials both city and corpro alike it's a delicate balance and what help keeps that balance is eddies, now if we are ready for the transaction this is the price."

Saul stood up and said "We weren't born yesterday we know how this works but we also know when we are trying to be fleeced thanks but no thanks, we can find another way to get what we need"

Saul gets up with the others and begins to leave as the captain speaks

"I guarantee you gentlemen you won't find another place in Night City that can facilitate your needs, I've made sure of such a thing, also for wasting my precious time when you come back the price will be 300,000 eddies. Please escort these gentlemen off my ship"

He waves to the two Animal goons behind him. Saul had half a mind to turn around and strangle the captain but knew that would risk not only his life but the lives of Mitch and Cassidy and by extension the clan and so grinding his teeth and clenching his fists till the whites on his knuckles were visible they exit the captains' quarters and are escorted of the ship.

They pass through the main deck where the shipping containers form a wall around the deck which hide a makeshift bazaar where members of the ship are selling goods straight from the containers all exotic goods pilfered from other ships next gen Cyberware, the latest Militech weaponry as well as luxury and organic foods. Saul could see more Animals providing security it seemed the captain wasn't bull-shitting them, from the goods on display anything you would need you could find on this ship. As they left the bazaar and made their way back to the docks where the men escorting them told them

"Have the money next time or you won't be walking off this ship"

Before going back to the ship. Mitch turned to say something but Saul and Cassidy urged him forward and once they were a distance from the boat, they had a make shift meeting.

"What's the next play Saul according to Dakota's intel this place was our best shot"

Mitch told Saul

"We can trust Dakota she's been here for the clan for a long time if she said this was the only place, we could get the supplies in one go and this was it"

Cassidy said

"I know it looks bad but maybe we can piece meal everything we need from other sources" Mitch said offering an alternative "

We talked about that last night at the meeting, it would tell everyone in Night City that we are preparing something and anyone who has grudges to settle would come after us"

Saul said back to him annoyed at the situation they were in . The men stood there for a while contemplating their situation when Saul decided to speak up

"We should head back to camp, discuss it with the others as to our next move, I'll call Panam and let her know we are on our way you guys go get the trucks ready to head back ".

"You got it chief try and give her the news easy you know how she can get when things don't work out"

Mitch said as he and Cassidy began to walk down the dock past some food stalls to the semi-trucks, they brought with them to transport the supplies.

"Haaaaa better get this over with".

Saul picked up his phone and dialed up Panam the phone rang once before he heard Panam's voice on the line

"Saul! What happened? How did it go? Did you get the supplies?"

She asked, a sense of uneasiness in her voice

"Panam …."

"Oh shit, oh god dammit, what happened be straight with me Saul"

Panam retorted

"The plan didn't go through the guy is trying to fleece us for the supplies we need at 250,000 eddies told him we weren't stupid and got up to leave he said if we come back then the price is higher, for wasting his time"

"FUCK, that motherfucker"

Panam all but yelled into the phone causing Saul to pull the phone away from his ear.

"What are we going to do Saul! we need those supplies if we are going to do anything we can't leave until we have them and we need them if we are going to be able to fight of Raffen in the Badlands, I should have been there I would have strangled the fucker till we made a deal!"

"And that's why we agreed that I would go, look I'm not stupid I know you are mad about this because it was your plan as vice chief to make this deal for the good of the clan, and now you feel like you've let everyone down".

Saul paused before speaking again

"But no one is thinking that, everyone knows how you scraped together enough jobs for us to afford buying these supplies, everyone in the clan has seen you put in the work to make this deal happen, if you are going to be chief you need to be prepared for moments like these to happen and take that feeling of pity and put it into a way of getting out of this mess and move forward".

The line was silent for a second before Panam responded with a hint of sadness in her voice

"... How am I supposed to look at everyone in camp now, they all believed in me and my plan I sold them on a plan for the future and now that's all gone to shit".

"Look at them the same way you've always have, as family"

Saul said with a smirk on his face

"God you can be so corny sometimes"

Panam had told him he could tell she was smiling on the other side of the phone.

"Grab a couple of brosephs for tonight Cassidy and Mitch are getting the trucks ready now we will make a couple of stops and see what we can do before returning to camp, and then we will discuss our plans from there"

. "Ha get them yourself!"

Panam retorted quickly making Saul smile

"Fine I'll see you soon" before he went to hang up Panam spoke up

"Hey maybe we can ask V to help us out!"

"V?" Saul said perplexed "Look I know you and he are …... close but I don't know how an NC merc is going to get us what we need or convince that sleazebag to give us the supplies at a decent rate"

"Hey give him a chance you've seen what he can do! Remember when we saved you from the Raffen?"

"As if you would ever let me forget, but I don't see how that applies to this?"

"All I am saying is that he has some skills that aren't just being a gun for hire and maybe he can offer some insight on how to solve our problem"

Saul thought on this for a moment

"Let's have another meeting tonight and if we can't think of a way to solve this ourselves, we can bring him in"

"Thanks all I'm asking is to give him a chance, I'll let everyone know we are having a meeting tonight I'll see you when you get back".

After hanging up the phone Saul began walking down the port to where they had parked the trucks so that they could leave but saw Mitch and Cassidy hanging out at a food stall next to the trucks drinking Beer.

"Those no good …" Saul said to himself walking over to give them an earful before he stopped and saw the one person, he had just been talking about the NC merc V.

"Hey Saul! Come over pull up a chair and grab a beer my treat!"

V yelled at him jovially from the stall. Mitch and Cassidy turned around quickly trying to pretend they weren't goofing off just now. Saul composed himself before walking over to talk to V.

"Sorry V me and these guys have business to attend to and have to get back to camp in a hurry, maybe next time"

"You mean trying to get those supplies you guys need?"

Saul looked at him shocked before V continued

"Mitch was just telling me about it" Saul immediately turned to look at Mitch with anger clear in his eyes as Mitch looked away as if I he couldn't see him.

"Don't worry about it I got you guys covered and try to not be too hard on Mitch, he asked me as a friend if I could help and as it turns out I can"

Saul looked back at V with confusion on his face, all of the anger at Mitch gone in an instant "

"Wha …. how" before Saul could even finish his sentence V told him

"Look me being here isn't a coincidence, I am on a gig, I have business with the captain of that ship I'm just waiting for a delivery from a friend now I can't go into details of the plan right now but I need you guys to be my muscle."

"What is this gig? And how exactly is it going to help us get what we need? I need details I won't put members of my clan in danger they don't need to be in"

Saul said to V in commanding tone. Knowing Saul means business V sighs and looks at the owner of the stall and passes him some eddies and says

"Mind giving us a couple of minutes" The stall owner gave the eddies back to V and said taking off his apron

"Hey for what you did for my cousin protecting him from those punks from messing with his stand and ride you can have all the time you need"

"Thanks, I'll call you back over when were done talking and I'm gonna want some more synth Takoyaki and another round of beer!"

V said waving to the stall owner before looking back to the Saul and the guys

"So, look the plan is going to go like this..."

After filling them in on the plan he could tell the guys all had different opinions Mitch was onboard and believed it could work, Cassidy was on the fence but looked to his chief for the go ahead while Saul looked entirely unconvinced and spoke up

"I don't like it anything goes wrong and it turns in to a bloodbath for us you push too hard and they'll find us at the bottom of the harbor tied to cement blocks this plan relies too much on unknowns"

"Unknowns? Or it relies too much on me?"

V said looking back at Saul

"It's not that I don't trust you V, you saved me from the Raffen, defended the clan from the Raffen in the Basilisk but you're asking us to trust you with this plan that could affect the future of the clan and that's not easy"

V took a minute to process what Saul had just said before sighing and speaking up

"Look, you know I used to roll with the Bakkers in the past and let me tell you that wasn't really a clan that was a group of nomads who were all out for themselves and that's when I left, I came to Night City with no one and after being here for a while I made some friends but no one who I could really call family, you guys the clan and"

he took a moment before speaking again his face turning a little red from a flush

"Panam …. are the closest thing I got to finding something like that, and I don't take that for granted so please let me help you with this I know I can come through for you"

Saul looked at V straight in the eyes and could see that even if the plan didn't work V had the determination to make it work. With an exasperated sigh Saul said

"Fine, we go with your plan we got your back"

Mitch and Cassidy took a breath and readied themselves for the job to come.

"Hey were done! I'll take 3 brosephs and everything on the menu put it on his tab!"

Saul said to the stall owner who had just finished a cigarette while pointing at V.

"Make that 4 brospehs!"

V said smiling motioning the guys to take up the seats next to him. Cracking open the beer the vendor had given him Saul looked at V and thought to himself

"Wow she was right, her intuition was right on the money"

"What's up Saul?"

V said noticing the Aldecaldo chief looking at him

"Nothing just thought that the big bad NC merc we all know is wrapped around the finger of our little Panam" Mitch and Cassidy heard that and began to laugh as V spat some beer back in his bottle and looked at Saul retorting

"Hey c'mon man I just poured my heart out and you and you go and diss me like that!"

"Am I wrong?"

Saul said back to him, V took a pause and then a huge swig of his beer before smiling and saying

"No …. I guess not, but were not here to talk about that we got to kill time for my friend to get here, you guys want to hear a story?"

An hour goes by, before a van pulls up to the harbor and out walks a young woman scanning the surroundings looking for her gonk of a friend. She hears a lot of commotion coming from a nearby food stall and smiles knowing that V is definitely over there, she and V had been through a lot together and if she knew one thing it was that wherever there was noise and commotion V was usually not far from it. As she got closer, she could hear V and see many people even fellow vendors gathered around the stall listening to V

"And so, this guy was in pain and I mean extreme pain he is screaming at me 'drive faster it's killing me!' and I'm trying so hard not to laugh and as were speeding down the street, I slam on the brakes and the guy is like 'what the fuck are you stopping for? and what do you think is crossing the street?"

Everyone around V is smiling waiting for him to finish the story

"It's a group of kids holding hands on a school trip and this guy is sitting in my passenger seat telling me to run them over and I just let it out and start laughing"

The crowd erupts into laughter at V's story of 'The flaming crotch man'

"If you thought that was funny wait till, he tells you the story about the clown!"

the woman yelled cutting through the noise of the crowd.

"Judy!"

V got up from his chair and made his way through the crowd that began to naturally disperse. V walked up and gave Judy a hug which she reciprocated before V began talking to her

"Did you manage to put it together?"

"Of course! You do remember I do BD editing for a living?"

"I know Jude but I got a lot more riding on this now than just the gig"

V told her with a hint of worry in his voice which Judy picked up on as V is usually more sure of himself, she than saw Saul, Mitch and Cassidy remaining at the stall where as everyone else had left.

"They with you?" she asked

"Yeah, they're with me and need this job to go off more than I do"

V said still looking at Judy worried

"Well, I got what you asked for here"

Judy pulled out a shard and held it out for V to take it but as he pulled Judy didn't let go and spoke up

"Hey the stuff on this shard is..."

"I know Judy believe me I wouldn't have asked you if I didn't need the best, but don't worry I'm going to bleed this guy so much that he won't even think of doing something like this again"

"Good make sure you do"

Judy gave V a hug that lasted a little longer than usual but V knew why she was acting this way and just let it happen. Judy than broke the hug and sniffed

"Alright merc go do your thing I'm going to bounce and head back to my apartment got a couple other BD's to edit, girls gotta eat right?"

"Thanks Jude, I'll send you a message when it's done, take care"

V stayed and watched Judy get in her car and leave before turning around and heading back to the guys who were strangely quiet until Saul spoke up

"So who was that?".

"A friend, and a hell of a BD editor she got us what we need you guys ready?"

V told him while checking his jacket pocket for a device he had inserted the shard into before putting the device back,

"In a minute, we need to discuss your friend and how friendly you are"

V looked and saw that Saul had a serious look on his face as did Mitch and Cassidy who had positioned themselves behind V.

"Jesus you guys think that... no man Judy is a friend a friend that's it I would never do that to"

V was interrupted by Saul who had downed his beer got up and looked V in the eyes and said

"I know because I would bury you in dirt up to your head and leave you to rot if you did, now let's get this job done and you can tell Panam about your friend"

Saul got up and motioned the guys to follow as they headed back to the ship while V stood there and looked at the group

"Man and I thought I was cold blooded"

V paid the vendor for all the food and beer before following after the guys and heading to the ship.

They arrived and some Animals halted them and began checking them for weapons, iron was ok to carry on the ship but they were looking for cyber devices or bombs. They finished checking Saul, Mitch and Cassidy but stopped V when they pulled out a device form his Jacket.

"What's this"

the thugs asked looking at the device and then to V

"It's an old BD display, projects the BD in holo for everyone to see it's old tech"

"Got any hot BD's on here?"

the thug asked while looking for the power switch V quickly told him

"Yeah, got a holo of me giving it to your mother and sister some hot ball slapping action that something you like to see"

Saul was taken aback by what V had said and immediately feared the worst and began to reach for his iron fearing V had just fucked up the whole gig before the thug began laughing

"Hahahahaha you got balls kid, take your shit and get going before I rip your arms from you socket"

V smiled and took his player from him and walked into the ship after they were onboard Saul grabbed V and pinned him to the wall violently.

"What the hell was that! Were you trying to get us killed!?"

Saul all but yelled while Mitch tried to get Saul to back off V spoke up

"I had to get him distracted if he had turned it on and saw what was on it this whole gig goes bust"

V told him coolly Saul took a couple of breaths and released V

"Sorry ….. *phew* but no more cowboy shit like that, your life isn't the only one on the line here"

"I'm sorry Saul but I had no time to think of a better way, now come on the sooner we get this done the sooner we can get you guys your supplies"

V held out his hand in front of Saul and shook it to let him know they were cool. The group moved through the bazaar quickly and made their way to the staircase leading up to the Captain's quarters before another Animal guard stopped them

"The fuck you want"

"Here to see the captain on behalf of Wakako Okada to talk business"

V responded

"And them?"

The guard asked pointing to Saul Mitch and Cassidy

"Hired muscle here to make sure I don't get mugged some crazy cyber-psycho"

The guard looked them all up and down before pulling out his phone and calling someone

"Hold her for a moment gotta check with the boss"

Cassidy whispered to the group

"This is one of the idiots that was with the captain earlier, I think he recognizes us"

"Keep it cool, let this play out you guys don't have any beef we won't take care of later"

V whispered back Mitch could see Saul was worried but held his tongue. The guard turned around and said

"Ok you guys are good head on up"

The guys began walking up the stairs taking deep breaths before the hardest part of the job was about to start.

"Welcome, welcome come on in and sit down and oh you brought some good friends of mine may I ask for your name?"

The captain said as he ushered V from the same seat he was sitting in when dealing with Saul and the others.

"The name is V I'm a merc working under Wakako, and I thought you'd recognize these guys I hired 'em as they were coming off this ship they were grumbling about needing some money so I thought I'd help them out"

V told the captain while taking the seat across form the captain, Saul and the others decide to stand behind V mirroring the Animals standing behinds the captain.

"Yes, well I hope you are paying them well enough they need it"

The captain said while smirking at Saul, Saul's fists immediately began to clench behind his back but Saul kept a cool face setting the example for Mitch and Cassidy.

"Actually, depending on how are deal goes here I'm expecting they will be well compensated"

V said nonchalantly bringing the captain's attention back to V.

"Yes well, I was under the impression that her order was already delivered? Unless you are here to discuss another order?"

The captain said

"You could say that"

V said before planting the BD device on a table between the two of them.

"What is this?"

the captain said confused by the gesture

"it's the start of our buisness discussion, I'll just come out and lay our terms Wakako wants a 25% cut of the profits of this ship and a flat 15% discount on all orders from here on out"

V said without any hesitation

"Wha... what the fuck did you say to me?"

the captain said clearly agitated by what V had said

"You heard me those are the terms, or the contents of that BD makes its way to the higher ups at Biotechnica"

V replied.

"That old bitch thinks she can fuck with me! She must have lost her god damn mind; I don't care what's on that BD"

the captain said while clearly getting angrier before shouting

"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I FUCKING AM? I CAN HAVE YOU AND YOUR GOD DAMN NOMAD RATS DROWNED IN THE OCEAN!"

Saul and the rest became uneasy at how things were progressing but had to put all their trust that V could pull off what he told them. V took a minute let the room stay silent before speaking

"I can see that you aren't convinced yet let me show you what we are offering you first."

V Then began to fiddle with the device to turn it on.

"I don't give a fuck what's on there if you think you can"

"Haaaaa unnn haaaa"

the captain was interrupted as the device began to play and everyone could see in the room that it was the captain having intercourse with a woman. The captain while initially shocked began to laugh

"This is it? This is your big bad me sticking it to a whore? Get the fuck out of here you have nothing and tell that old bitch Wakako that she is cut off and that if she ever tries this shit again, I'll..."

"Oh, this isn't what is important it's this part coming up"

V said as the BD skipped forward

"You stupid bitch did you think I wouldn't notice?"

The Bd showed the captain with a roll of eddies in his hands yelling at the prostitute he was just with.

"I'm sorry please just let me go! I won't do it again I promise"

The prostitute begged

"Oh I'll make sure you don't do this again"

The captain said as he began beating her with his fists. Many in the room looked away Mitch Cassidy and even the Animals found it hard to watch how thoroughly he was hitting this woman. V then turned off the device and stared at the captain who had a look of rage on his face.

"So what the bitch was stealing from me, I talked to Wakako after and she said it was fine"

He said with little remorse

"It would have been fine if you just told Wakako she would have handled it in house, but you took it into your own hands and beat that girl into a coma making it into more of a mess for Wakako and she took that personally now she wants compensation or this makes its way to the higher ups at Biotechnica"

V told the captain all friendliness in his voice gone.

"You're bluffing Wakako doesn't have connections that go that high up and even if she did, I've got people that high who owe me and would throw that out before it got there"

The captain said sweating with a smirk on his face.

"You know she thought you might say that so she wanted you to see this live footage of her at Konpeki plaza"

He said as the device came on again showing the bar of Konpeki plaza and Wakako sitting in a booth V pulled out his phone and put it on speaker phone

"V how is the job going?"

Wakako asked from the phone the captain could see that the display was showing live footage as the holo projection said the same words that had just come from the phone.

"It's going ok but I had to play our final card can you please show the good captain here we mean business?"

V said out loud

"Of course, make sure he is watching"

Wakao said as she put the phone in her sleeve and she got up from her booth and walked over to another table where a man in a suit seemed to be waiting for her as he got up and hugged her.

"Is that..."

The captain said his face gone completely white

"Yeah, that's the president of the Biotecnica America branch"

The BD showed Wakako and the president going to sit at the table before she apologized as she pulled out the phone and said

"V give my friend my best I'm going to have dinner now"

"No problem, Wakako"

V said as he hung up the phone and turned off the BD display and looked at the captain

"All this because of ssssssome whore?"

the captain said stuttering clearly shocked by the footage.

"No this is about you being a piece of fucking human garbage, and laying your hands on a woman when you could have just walked away, least that's how I see it to Wakako this is business."

The room was dead silent for a minute before the captain spoke up defeated realizing the reality of the situation he was in.

"9 % and a 10% discount on future orders that's the best I can do"

"Oh, come on you can do better than that Wakako is letting you keep you position and continue doing business 20% and the 10% discount"

V said the captain then slammed his fists into the table

"No! Any more than 19% and my margins go down people will start asking questions people I don't want asking questions in the first place, and then I'm more fucked than I am now"

V looked at him with pity and leaned forward

"Look Wakako told me to negotiate if things weren't panning out so here is what I'm going to do, we drop the discount and you cut in Wakao at 12%"

"What's the catch?"

The captain said seeming to relax a little more

"My muscle here told me they needed supplies but you went and upped the price on them and drove them out, seeing as how I'm going to be light on eddies until Wako gets her cut you give them their supplies for 75,000 eddies"

Hearing that shocked Saul and the others who couldn't keep their stoic face anymore looking at V

"That's outrageous I can't drop the price of those goods that low"

The captain sweating so much so from the emotional roller-coaster they have been on that his gaudy designer shirt was drenched and began to stink.

"You can and you will this is the best deal you are going to get all day, now accept it so I can get the fuck outta here you're starting to stink up the place"

V told him the captain closed his eyes and put his hands together and thought before he finally spoke up

"Badger!"

One of the Animal goons stepped forward and spoke

"Yes boss?"

"Find Sergio and have him meet these guys on the deck in the bazaar and have him get them what they need"

The captain said and then looked at V with his hands still held together

"12% and the supplies …... deal?"

"Deal, Wakako will take her cut in the drop with her usual order"

V said and got up picking up the device and taking it with him

"Fine now get the fuck out of my sight"

The captain said as he waved them out of the room and the guys left down the stairs and went to the deck.

"Holy Shit V! You were on fire in there you stuck the bastard like the pig he is, got us our supplies and saved us a huge number of eddies!"

Mitch said as he grabbed V and put him in a head lock and ruffled up his hair.

"You can thank me by letting me go"

V said trying to pull Mitch's arm away.

"I don't know what else to say but thanks kid, this is a huge win for us"

Cassidy said offering his hand to shake which V did.

"But is your fixer going to be ok with the deal you made? You sacrificed a lot of her cut and her discount just to get our supplies, I don't like the idea of owing multiple people"

Saul interjected kinda hampering the mood the other guys had but not V as he waved them closer so they would be able to hear

"She'll be fine she, never wanted a discount on her stuff she just wanted a cut of the profits of this operation, I just said she wanted the discount to set up getting the supplies cheaper once I wore him down"

V said smiling. Mitch once again tried to grab V ecstatic saying

"You crafty little bastard".

"You got the devil's own tongue kid glad were friends"

Cassidy said nodding in appreciation to V.

"But the video and the meeting with the Biotechnica Ceo, all that and she is going to be satisfied with 12%"

Saul said still worried.

"C'mon Saul this is a win for us, just let it be a win"

Mitched told Saul trying to get him to be happy about their turn of luck, just then they saw a man dressed in the uniform identifying him as one of the crew begin to approach them but as he did V whispered to Saul

"I'll fill you in on the details later but you have nothing to worry about, you don't owe me or Wakako nothing".

Saul looked at V still a little worried but decided to leave it for later as the man approached

"Are you V?"

The crew man asked

"Yeah, are you going to get us our supplies?"

V asked the man back

"Yes, I am, I need a list of the things you need and the payment, we will drop them off on the dock I hope you guys have transportation"

Saul stepped forward handing the man a small tablet that contained the list of supplies

"Here is everything we need and my men have semis to transport the goods, can we transfer the eddies to you?"

The crewman took the tablet and nodded back to Saul

"Yeah. I can take your eddies have your trucks go to loading bay 4 we can have the crane drop off the stuff you got to load it yourself though"

The crewman said as he scanned the list and handed Saul the tablet back and also held out his own with a invoice and a screen asking for a transfer

"Mitch, Cassidy go get the trucks and get ready I'll finish paying and meet you there"

Saul ordered them

"Got it boss"

Mitch said and turned to V and waved goodbye, Cassidy simply tilted his hat to them as he left.

"Can I ask you guys something?"

The crewman asked meekly.

"What is it?"

V asked

"Are you guys corpos? The boss is really pissed and he only gets that way when the suits cone here and demand more eddies"

He asked Saul looked at the crewman like he was an idiot for even thinking that V just smiled and said

"No, we aren't, but we did make a deal that wasn't to his liking anything we can do to lighten his mood? Make your job less stressful?"

"Unfortunately, no it's better to just leave him alone when he gets like this"

The tablet suddenly beeped signifying the transfer went through

"Looks like you guys are all set, please stop by and check out what we have on the deck. If you spend a little money here maybe the captain won't be as mad"

Said the crewman as he left Saul and V.

"You gonna stay and check anything out?"

V asked Saul

"No, I should get down there and help out the guys start loading the trucks so we can get them back to camp faster"

"Well I'm going to check out a couple of things and I can head down there and help"

V said.

"I can't let you do that you already helped us out today anything more and you'll make me feel like I can't wipe my own ass"

Saul told V who began to chuckle

"It's fine Saul besides you can pay me back by giving me a ride back to your camp I was going to go there today anyway to hang out with Panam today, she's been texting me she was having a hard time lately and now I know why"

V told Saul who simply sighed and said

"Fine we can give you a ride I'll shoot you a message if we finish loading the trucks early, we won't leave without you"

Saul said to V as he began to walk away. V began to look around the deck there was tons of stuff he wanted to buy but thought did he need to buy them he then spotted a cargo container that was open and had some good on a table in front of it with a man selling them and V smiled and said

"That's perfect she'll love this" as he walked over and talked to the man.

"Damn were still not done yet?"

Mitch began complaining while sitting down, as the boat crew dropped another cargo container for the guys to unload and put into the trucks.

"Start loading and complain later, these are all supplies we'll need if were to move the clan, besides would you rather be back at camp and listen to Panam worry about this deal going south all day?"

Saul said opening the container and grabbing a box to load into the truck.

"You didn't tell her the deal went through yet?"

Mitch asked surprised as he got up to begin loading as well.

"No not yet, I want to see the look on her face when we come back with everything" Saul said smiling.

Cassidy chimed in "She'll blow out your eardrums yelling at you first then talk your ears off asking every little detail about what happened."

"That's true, you did call her and tell her the deal didn't go through she is going to think you lied to her to get her all riled up"

Mitch said, Saul quickly realized the guys were right Panam had a habit of thinking the worst first and responding to it with anger he knew that once she saw they had the supplies she would start yelling before he got one word out

"Well, we can deal with that when that happens right now let's just finish getting this stuff loaded"

Saul told them trying to set the example and work faster just then they heard a familiar voice speak up

"Hey make sure to leave room for this!" as they turned to see V carrying his own container the size of a trunk on his shoulder.

"What the hell did you buy?"

Saul asked seeing V put down his container on the floor

"Just a couple of things, how much do you guys have left to load" V asked

"Only the rest of this container and the one over there you here to help? "

Mitch groaned to V as Cassidy smacked Mitch on the back causing Mitch stand up straight.

"Sure, am then you guys are gonna get me some of Teddy's stashed away brew so I can watch Panam yell at Saul"

V said grabbing a box from the shipping container and loading it into the truck.

"See! Even V knows you're fucked when we get back to camp"

Mitch said looking at Saul who only sighed knowing they were all right

"Just load the fucking truck, Mitch!"

Saul yelled as Mitch began running into the container to grab something V looked at Cassidy and told him

"Yeah. Saul's screwed"

As they both shared a smirk before continuing to load the trucks themselves. Even with V's help it still took the group a while to load the two trucks they had brought and even then, it was a tight fit, there we gallon drums for fuel as well as boxes of ammo and ammo components and spare parts for weapons, medicine and spare parts for Cyberware as well as an ample amount of food, they loaded the food last as they didn't want it to spoil. As they finished, they met up to talk

"Ok V and I will take the lead truck anything happens don't stop and head to the camp these supplies need to get there"

Saul told Mitch and Cassidy

"You got it boss were right behind ya"

Mitch said tossing the keys to Cassidy to drive. Saul turned around and waved V to follow him as they got into the truck.

They had been driving in the truck back to the camp in silence for a while before Saul decided to speak up.

"Listen I just wanted to say thanks again we were in a tight spot and you helped pull us out of it, and I don't forget deeds like that especially when it comes from people outside the clan."

"Don't worry about it Saul, just glad I was in the right place and right time to lend a hand. I know how hard it is dealing with city folk for supplies when I rode with the Bakkers, always want to take advantage of nomads cause they know that they don't have any other choice"

"Mmmmm"

Saul responded checking his mirrors to make sure Mitch and Cassidy were still following.

"Speaking of city folk, you going to call your fixer and tell her about the gig?"

"Shit, I forgot thanks for reminding me she is usually the one who calls me after I finish a gig"

V pulled out his holophone and dialed up Wakako

"V my dear I trust everything went smoothly?"

"Yeah, managed to squeeze him for 12% of the total cut he should be dropping it with your usual orders for your restaurants in Westbrook"

"Hmmmm 12% you say... You should have been able to get him to agree to 15-17% with that altered BD, V you aren't thinking of crossing me, are you?"

"C'mon Wakako you know I wouldn't think of it" V said trying to sound as innocent as possible.

"Well it was your plan to begin with, so I guess I can be satisfied with 12% it at least puts me at the table and gives me room to work with in the future."

V sighed

"Sounds like you have everything already planned out and my humble fee?"

"3% as promised, but your less than stellar performance gives me pause to go through with this deal"

"I promise next gig will go through no unexpected surprises" V said with authority letting Wakako know he meant it.

"See that it does not become a habit V, talk to you when I have another gig lined up for you" she said as he ended the call.

"You didn't tell her about us?"

Saul asked questioningly as he was able to pick up the entire conversation.

"She'll figure it out eventually but by that time she will have made so much eddies that she'll forget about it"

V told Saul rubbing his face as the exhaustion of the day began to set in his body.

V then began texting on his phone letting Judy know the gig went through without any hiccups and kicked over some eddies for her work.

"You texting your 'friend'?" Saul asked

"Yeah, and paying her for the preem work she did that BD was originally the Biotechnica president meeting one of the girls from Us Cracks"

"Shit" Saul said surprised "Looked so real I couldn't even tell"

"That's just how good she is" V said smiling looking at Judy's response saying that she hopes that fat fuck is regretting the day he stepped of his boat.

Saul let the silence continue for a while before asking V

"So, what's the story between you two? There a reason she was acting the way she did after handing you that shard?"

"Picked up on that did you?" V said looking out the window a little sad

"The story of how we met is too long for the ride back to camp" V took a beat before speaking up again "She was just reminded of something that happened a while back, friend of hers was beaten and raped by some sick scav fucks, we rescued her but the trauma was too much for her and she..."

"Fuck... it's ok you don't gotta say anymore. Sorry I brought it up I was just looking out for Panam" Saul said seeing it was making V remember a bad memory.

"You really do care about her don't you? All clan politics aside, don't you?"

Saul took a moment before responding

"I care about everyone in the clan don't you doubt that for a second but Panam is the only one in the clan that has taken a stand against me so openly and called me on my bullshit it sets her apart and hell I even respect her for it. Which is why I making the decision to make her Vice chief and help lead the clan"

V took that all in and couldn't help but feel the same. In all his interactions with Panam up to this point she always made her point known and called out anything she didn't like she was like a storm couldn't argue with it just had to do your best to endure it and when it passed you come out stronger for enduring it.

"You tell anyone what I said and I'll cut your tongue out and feed it to the coyotes" Saul said looking at V as they began to enter the Outskirts of the city.

"Ha nice one Saul! My lips are sealed"

V sad laughing at Saul's joke

"Good and it's not a joke"

"Ahem …. ok Saul understood" V said straightening himself out

"Looks like we made it to the camp Mitch and Cassidy are right behind us as well" Saul began honking the truck horn three times signaling the people at camp that the trucks were friendly and to gather up everyone. V could see the lookouts get down and run into tents getting everyone's attention the kids had been the first ones to run up as the trucks came to a stop in front of the camp. \

"Welp here we are" Saul said cutting off the engine and taking the keys out of the ignition. "Any chance you can distract Panam for me so I can address the clan?"

" 'Fraid you are on your own on that one gonna find myself a spot to watch the show" V said ducking out of the truck first as the crowd of Aldecaldos in front of the truck grew.

"Shit" Saul said and took a couple breaths before he got out of the truck and went in front of the clan to give them the news.

"Ok listen up guys we got to..."

"SAUL! What the fuck is this?" Panam yelled as she made her way through the crowd. More like everyone knew to stay out of Panam's way.

Saul looked and saw that Cassidy had gotten out of their truck first and already brought out some supplies and showed them to the clan.

"Mother..."

"Is this some kind of fucked up test? Or some sick way of getting back at me for getting the Basilisk? "

"Panam.."

"That's it isn't it you still haven't gotten over the fact that everyone took my side and went and got the Basilisk behind your back!"

"Panam.."

"So you call me lie and tell me the deal is in the shitter making me scramble around camp looking for anyway to get us out this mess and, the whole the deal went through and all my extra work was for nothing!"

"Panam.."

"You know what Fuck you Saul! I thought things were going to change when you told me I was going to be vice chief, that we were going to be honest with each other and put shit like this behind us and move on for the sake of everybody in the clan but if you are just going to pull shit like this form now on maybe it's just better if I take my Thorton and drive it straight up your..."

"PANAM!"

"WHAT!?"

Saul took a moment and a big breath before speaking again.

"I didn't lie to you, the deal was going south when I called you and I was coming back here to discuss it with you ready to listen to any idea you came up with, but your intuition and insight as leader helped save the day and get us our supplies"

"What are talking about?" Panam asked confused and a little calmer though Saul could see her breathing was still heavy, before he pointed behind her at the other truck where Mitch and Cassidy were dinking brosephs with V watching the argument the two just had.

"Wha... V?" Panam said

"That's right!" Saul said as he stepped up onto the semi's hood standing over everyone trying to address the clan.

"Our original plan to buy the supplies went south and we were left in a bad spot but Panam never gave up on her plan and suggested we reached out to the outsider who has been helping us for a while now V."

Saul pointed towards V as he gave a wave to everyone who turned his way.

"V offered us a hand in our time of need and came through for us and now we got the supplies we need to begin to rebuild ourselves and set out from Night City and let the NUSA know that the Aldecaldos are the strongest and toughest clan around!"

Saul shouted getting cheers and woops from the clan

"So tonight, we honor Panam and V for the success of this plan and tomorrow start working on our new future!"

The clan began chanting V and Panam's name, the mood filled with one of joy and respect. People began to walk over to V and offer their thanks and others went to Panam to thank her and congratulate her on a job well done.

"Thanks guys but I didn't..."

"Make this happen?" Saul interrupted

"Yes, you did, you were the one that set up the plan originally and even though it didn't pan out the first time you were the one to point us towards V and thankfully things aligned and we came out on top even better!"

Saul pulled Panam aside from the clan and filled her in on the events that transpired.

"So, you're saying not only do we have the supplies but we are also managed to keep most of our eddies as well? Panam said almost not believing it.

"Yes, and those eddies we will reinvest in parts for rides and also parts for the Basilisk make the core of our clan stronger agreed?" Saul asked Panam

"Hold on, I'm still trying to process what you just told me. I don't think I can make any big decisions today" Panam said rubbing her forehead.

"Fair enough, I've kept you from the clan for too long already go enjoy yourself I'll make sure we get the supplies off-loaded and come to you tomorrow with proposals for our excess eddies"

"Thanks Saul, and for what it's worth try and enjoy yourself as well this is your win too" Panam said before walking away from Saul who smiled and nodded in approval before calling others to help him unload the trucks.

Panam was wading her way through the clan seeing all the faces filled with joy and hope she hadn't seen since before they came to California. She could feel the mood clear and brighten her mind all the supplies would go miles in helping the clan get back on it's feet. Plus the extra eddies would help outfit many vehicles and buy gear necessary for them to take on bigger jobs not to mention outfit the Basilisk with better gear.

"The Basilisk..." Panam said her face beginning to flush as she remembered the 'impulse' moment she shared with V inside it. It was that memory that reminded her that V was here, she cursed that she had forgot so much had happened her mind was racing. She walked around camp for a bit before she found V sitting in the middle of camp on the couch, they had setup in front of a fire.

"So, V what was your weirdest job yet?" One of the clan's smugglers asked.

"You know it's funny you should ask I just told that story today. Hey Panam!" V said seeing her approaching the group.

"Uh hey V can we talk?" Panam asked waving her hand away implying she wanted to talk alone.

"Ooooooooooooooooo" some of the clan members gathered around said some even whistled some cat calls. Making V smile and irritate Panam.

"Aw grow the hell up you guys!" Panam said somewhat embarrassed.

V got up from his seat and motioned for someone else to take his place as he got up and picked up the case, he was resting his feet on.

"Lead the way vice chief!?" V motioned in a jokingly manner

"Screw you" Panam said in jest while lightly punching V's shoulder

The pair walked to Panam's tent where she opened the flap allowing V in where he tried to find a spot to set down his trunk.

"So, what did you want to talk ab..." V couldn't finish his sentence before Panam had spun him around and gave him a passionate kiss. V returned the kiss while bringing Panam closer to himself in a warm embrace. After a while they broke apart looking at each other in the eyes as time seemed to stop.

"So, was that caused you missed me or something else?" V asked

"That one was me missing you, this one is to thank you for helping us out today" she said before planting giving him another kiss. This one was shorter and after Panam placed her head close to his chest as V still held her in an embrace the two were silent until Panam spoke up.

"What's in the chest?"

"Noticed that did ya?" V asked her letting her go.

"Of course, I did you brought it all the way here and it's a really odd color for you" Panam remarked the case she was talking about was a teal-colored case that stood at knee height and looked like it could fit more than just some clothes.

"Well, I saw some stuff and thought to myself what would a classy nomad guy would by for a classy nomad girl he was interested in" V told her jokingly as he knelt to fiddle with the case and brought out a bouquet of roses and handed it to her.

"Roses! Really!?" Panam asked almost in disbelief.

"Not just that but this as well" as he went into the case and pulled out a box of chocolates and handed it to her. Panam accepted the gift but was kind of put off by V's choice of gift.

"Thanks V, but the roses aren't really built to last in the desert and I don't really have a taste for sweets" Panam said eyeing the gifts trying to keep a smile on her face.

"Pffffft" V let out while Panam was looking at the gifts. She looked up to see V taking a picture of her with his phone.

"Wha hey! Don't take a picture!" as Panam dropped the gifts on the bed.

"I'm sorry but I saw them on the boat and wondered how you would react to a gift like that and the face you are making is priceless!" V said chuckling showing the picture he took to Panam. She looked at the photo and couldn't help but chuckle at the face she was making.

"Ok I admit it was funny but show anyone that photo and I'll run you over in my Thorton!" Panam threatened light heartedly.

"Of course, no problem" V hadn't had any intention to show that photo to anyone he was however going to make it his phone wallpaper.

"But seriously here is your real gift" he said handing her a shard

"Thanks, but what's on it?" Panam asked confused

"It's targeting soft for the gun on your Thorton, remember I told you that you should update it? They had it on sale it's military grade latest gen" V elaborated.

"V is this another joke?" Panam asked happy once again but confused as to why he got it in the first place.

With a face full of concern V came closer to Panam and placed his hand on her waist where she had been clipped by a Militech drone.

"I just don't want something like this to happen again because of some lousy soft,
I know you can take care of yourself but I wanted to make sure you were safe regardless of the situation."

Panam had been silent letting V talk and grabbed his hand from her waist and brought it up to her face and looked him in his eyes.

"Hey I'm here, WE'RE here and safe and as long as we have each other nothing is going to change that not this city and not any corps, ok?

V took a minute looking at Panam and seeing her caring and sincere face before giving her a small kiss.

"Ok no more worrying, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to put that shard on your Thorton later" V jested earning a laugh from Panam.

"Hey come on it sounds like the party is getting started out there, plus I could use a bite to eat haven't eaten all day" Panam gestured to V as sounds from the clan partying grew louder.

"I thought you might be hungry and after talking to my inside informant I got something you might like" as V rummaged through the case one last time before pulling out some white take-out plastic bags and handing one to Panam.

"Is this... NO WAY!" Panam said excitedly as she opened the box of pireogis form a notable vendor on the dock.

"How did you? Who told you I liked these?" Panam questioned

"It's an inside source that I can't divulge. Now come on foods getting cold!" V said as he closed the case and left the tent.

"Is it Mitch?" Panam asked

"No" V responded

"Is it Saul?" Panam asked again

"No definitly not" V responded

"Cassidy?" Panam asked again

"Not saying!" V responded

This continued til they got to a table to eat where they sat down and enjoyed the food and some beer and enjoyed each others company. They eventually made their way back to the campfire and talked with the rest of the clan. Everyone was so excited about the future and what the clan would do next that was what anybody could talk about. Aftger a while everyone began sharing stories Mitch and Cassidy told everyone of their journey to the boat and the events that unfolded. Earning cheers from the clan for V and V thanking the guys for helping him out even if they were just there knowing they had his back, made him feel invincible. With the story told and the night waning on the crowd dispersed one by one some to go patrol the camp others to rest for the coming day eventually V and Panam retreated to Panam's tent where she offered V to stay. While initially uncomfortable at first the two laid in bed and talked until they fell asleep in each others warm embrace.

Panam woke up the next morning when her phone's alarm went off she shit it off and tried to feel around for V but he had left. Panam got up and opened ger tent in search of him and found him in her Thorton.

"See something you like in there" she asked half accusingly

"Sorry did I wake you up?" V asked ejecting his personal link from her Thorton.

"No, had my alarm go off. Did you install the shard?" \

"Yup didn't do a live test fire but it should work like new even took it apart and cleaned it" V said admiring his work.

"Wanna go test it out?" Panam asked grinning eager to see it work for herself.

"Believe me I'd like nothing more but I got a call for work in the city" he said less happy than he was a minute ago.

"Are you sure? Can't a merc take a day off?" She said poking him with her elbow

"Wish I could but it's related to what we talked about before" he said with a hint of dread in his voice

"You mean the relic?" Panam asked afraid that is what he was referring to.

"'Fraid so, I hate to cut and run but.."

V was cut off when Panam gave him a kiss on the cheek. V turned to look at her standing there with her arms crossed and a smile on her face.

"Then go give them hell and call me when you're done or if you need back up I'm here for you always" she said sternly.

"I know Panam, I know" V said as he signaled for his Shion "Coyote" and waited for it to pull up to them before getting in.

"Hey what about your case?" Panam asked V remembering it still in the tent.

"Is it too much to ask to leave it here? I Could store stuff in it when I'm visiting" V asked starting the car.

"I think I'd like that. See you soon V!" she told him

"See you soon Panam" he told her before closing the door and taking off from the camp to Night city.

Panam stood watching V go until he was out of sight before taking a huge breath of morning air and walking into camp and began getting people together to start work on reorganizing camp and making sure the Aldecaldos were ready for their new future.

End note: So? Did you like it? I hope you did and if not I hope you are having a good day regardless. I am eager for feed back on this story: did I nail the characters? Was there enough detail? Was there too much detail? Anything you guys can say is a great help and inspiration to keep writing. The plan or idea is to make this an ongoing series of short stories of what I would have liked/imagine what would happen after romancing Panam and progressing through the story.

I know I left Johnny out of the story and that's because I wanted to focus more on V and Panam and not have to deal with Johnny's personality making a mess of things so in this story's case I ask you to imagine that Johnny is disinterested in what's happening/ giving V some alone time.