Padre Ibarra, Muamar Reyes, Sabrina Pereda, and Varg Mikkelsen were discussing their options for the imminent war against Saburo.
Padre and Muamar were both adamant that they bring the former merc and his newfound nomad clan into the fold. While Sabrina and Varg were skeptical on the abilities of the one known as V or the capabilities of the Aldecaldos, they did listen as the two former fixers made the case in their favor.
"They will no doubt be mere fodder in the war to come," Varg implied, "But we do need foot soldiers for the front lines. I would not oppose the idea."
"So it is agreed?" Padre inquired.
"It is," Varg concurred.
"Make the call, mano," Reyes suggested.
Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away...
It was peaceful in the Arizona desert. A far cry from the hell hole California was with its rampant megacorpo influence. Despite only having months to live, V was still here, three years later. However, at this point, his functionality had fallen off a cliff. He was now paralyzed from the neck down. He was wheelchair bound and needed assisted living, but he was happy to be alive. As was his partner.
Panam counted every day that V was able to draw breath as a miracle at this point. Even though she had to bathe and feed him, even though he was no longer able to perform in bed, she still loved and valued him above all else.
It was definitely not easy both leading a nomad nation and being a caregiver. Luckily she had Mitch and Cassidy to help with the former.
One day, V noticed Panam was crying. He had assumed it was because the stress was finally getting to her.
However, that was not the case.
"V."
"Panam."
"I need to tell you something, and for now it must remain between us. Just the two of us."
"Uh, sure."
"I was contacted by Saburo Arasaka via holo."
"Holy shit, does this mean he found us?"
"Yes."
"Panam, we certainly have to the tell the others!"
"No."
"No?!"
"V, listen to me. I bartered a deal. Your life, for mine."
"Panam, what the hell are you talking about?"
"Saburo has the means to not only prevent your death, but repair the damage to your nervous system."
"You actually trust that gonk?"
"I don't, but we don't have a choice."
"And what fuck did you mean, your life for mine?"
"Meaning I surrender myself to Arasaka for the crimes we committed, so you can live your life."
"I refuse!"
"It's too late, V. They will be here soon."
"Panam!"
Tears threatened her eyes. "I'm sorry, V. While I cannot be happy without you, I could never live with myself if I let you die."
Hours later, an Arasaka AV descended upon the camp. Just as Saburo decreed, Hellman and a small security detail would be the only ones aboard the AV. Hellman possessed the newest relic which would restore V to his former glory. The process did take days, however the Arasaka detachment allowed Panam to witness V's recovery before returning her to their master.
"Holy shit, Panam, it worked!" V was ecstatic after the recovery process had concluded.
"I'm so glad I could help you, V. I finally managed to repay my debt to you."
"Wait, Panam!"
The Arasaka security detail then cuffed the woman who saved his life and shoved her to the ground.
Mitch and Cassidy were quick to show their iron, but Panam ordered them to stand down.
After the AV departed, V growled as he punched the dirt below with his fists.
After V was done venting, Mitch inquired, "So what do you plan to do now, V?"
V shot him a glare, as if he should have known damn well what was to come next. "I'm going to fucking flatline the Arasakas and their legacy, once and for all."
"I figured that much, but how?"
"I have no idea, but it seems I have to return to Night City."
On that note, he received a holo call out of the blue from his old pal Padre Ibarra.
"Padre, you called at just the right time."
"V, it is good to see you are still amongst the living."
"Yeah, about that, I've been outfitted with a new relic, once which restored the damage done by the previous."
"I am relieved to hear that, V."
"Anyhow, I hate to ask this, but I do need a favor."
"Ask anything you wish of me, V."
"I know this is a tall ask, but… I want to destroy Arasaka. If you could help in any way…"
"As it turns out, I think I can."
"For real?"
"Yes, V. El Capitan and I have been monitoring Arasaka's activity quite closely the past few months. Given Saburo's crimes against humanity, we are attempting to assemble an elite task force to destroy Saburo Arasaka and his confidants."
"Padre, tell me where and when, we'll be there! And I'm bringing the entire Aldecaldo nation with me!"
Ibarra smirked. "I knew I could count on you, V. Call me once you reach the NUSA checkpoint, we'll have the Animals take care of the border patrol."
"Wait, you struck a deal with the Animals?"
"Apparently one of El Capitan's contacts is their leader, and he agreed to assist in bringing down Arasaka."
V snickered. "Say no more, choom. We'll be on our way."
"What's got you so giddy?" Cassidy asked.
V announced. "Aldecaldos, the time has come to take the fight to Arasaka. As you are aware, they have taken our leader hostage, and I blame myself for that. But this isn't just about Panam. Arasaka is a fucking cancer to the whole world, and it needs to be cut the fuck out!"
The nomads screamed in excitement.
"I know I have no right to ask you to join me, but anyone willing to fight for our right to live peacefully, I humbly ask for your assistance!"
The crowed repeatedly chanted, "V! V! V! V!"
"So you're with me then?"
The crowed cheered, which multiple "Death to Arasaka!" chants accompanying. It would seem his support would be unanimous.
After rallying the Aldecaldos against the seemingly invulnerable Arasaka, V couldn't help but feel immense guilt that he was leading them to their death for the second time. However, for his dearest Panam, he would go through hell and back for her.
He clenched his fists tightly as a tear rolled down his face. He then vowed he would save Panam from Saburo's clutches or die trying.