Date: 2nd of June 2062
Location: Outside of Night city, Badlands
POV: Victor Von Doom
Just why was this bitch following me still? Reaching some rocks overlooking Night City I decided it was better to just ignore her.
"Don't think you can run away from me!" She shouted. Just how do people tolerate her? Perhaps I should've chipped in early and got mufflers of some sort. Or at least get some air buds. Lesson learned: carry earbuds around just in case I ever get involved with someone annoying. Can't even kill her too. Attempting to ignore her voice I stared at the city, the sights quite charming from afar. Seeing that Panam quieted down I noticed that she too was encapsulated by the sight as well.
"Are you enjoying the sight, monkey?" I asked.
"Not much, Rat," She spat, her counter leaving me silent. Unable to rebuttal her words I decided to remain silent. I had already stated that she was a lower life-form, any more banter would further tarnish my image. I hated this.
Here I am out here in the sand, when I could be at home training, studying to be better. Yet here I was out in the middle of nowhere in the chilly weather, the sun now coming to a close. Stuck with some stank ass Nomad girl who probably hadn't seen a shower in years. At least in the city no one dared to offend me. Here, some random girl dared to speak against him. Such blatant disrespect would not be forgotten. Just you wait Panam, my father will hear from this!
Sitting there awkwardly not knowing what to do we continued to stare at the city, our gazes both telling a different story. While I looked on knowing it's ugly truth she looked on at its beautiful lie. That was how the city drew you in and that's how it trapped you. Mr Night knew exactly what he was doing when designing the city and even after his passing the city continued to draw people to its light. While some say he envisioned a perfect city full of opportunity that was a lie that would make any corpo and prole laugh. Similar to the American dream you had to be asleep to believe in it.
As Bubbles would say "Night city is like an open flame, where the proles are moths. The smart ones stay away."
"What's life like in the city?" Panam asked genuinely. Deciding to humor her I decided that it was best if she cooperated then be a pain.
"Depends on who you are… For me, it's just another city. I live on top of the world in the night city. I'm a god compared to the monkeys below and with a single word I could topple empires. I'm a god walking amongst men, to me night city is but a single place my influence spreads." I responded.
"Tch, typical corpo thinking highly of themselves. Not everything has to involve Power and schemes you know. You think low of me, but have you felt the wind through your hair? Have you ever felt free? To me you seem like just another rat stuck in their cage. The only difference being that compared to other rats your cage Is bigger and fancier." She expressed, to which I only smiled.
"When you live like this, I'd rather be a rat in a diamond encrusted cage, then a monkey not knowing their place," I barked. How dare she. Does she not know where she is in the food chain? I could order an artillery strike right now on her family. I could send a death squad that could tear her to bits. Hell, bubbles could very well destroy every single nomad present in a second if he ever so ordered it.
"I live in the comfort that the water I drink, the food I eat and air I'll breathe will be present for tomorrow. Do you ever go to sleep knowing that you whole family could be slaughtered?" I asked.
"Don't you dare threaten my family! How could you ever sleep knowing what your family does? I know what you people do. I know exactly who you are. The Von Dooms are a family full of psychopaths! I wish auntie would come back home, you people are plane evil," She slandered, feeling my hands almost reach to end her. I stopped myself. I must swallow my pride for my mother. In the end father will deal with these people. I can't ruin her happiness simply because a monkey dared to bite back.
"I will have you know my family is generous compared to other corporations. We offer fair compensation and affordable healthcare to all. Even to your kind. To our employees we offer competitive salaries' which would make any Arasaka or Militech employee jealous. We also include family benefits with their children being able to be safely looked after without the fear of being flatlined like some random fodder," I chimed.
"But at what cost? I've seen your people raze towns of people simply to build factories. I've seen the bodies you've laid on the ground to ensure you're on top. Stop hiding behind chivalry and heroics, just because you save a few and help a drop doesn't excuse the destruction of thousands," She stated.
"And so? Who cares about those individuals? We've ensured that those who cooperate are compensated fairly, hell I would dare say we compensate quite charitably. Any other corporations would have razed them down without a second notice." I explained.
"A lesser evil is all you are. What even is the difference between you and Arasaka? At the end of the day, you're still a dirty rat. All you do is take and destroy. Just because you're nice to a few doesn't mean you're any different. You still leave bodies in your wake and take what you want by any means," She continued.
"I would not expect a nomad what it is like to live my life like the way I do. You do not have what it takes to see the bigger picture. To take what is yours. While you play checkers, I play chess. You look at the street, I look at its continental borders. One day this world will be mine Panam." I revealed.
"That's exactly what I mean. You're power hungry. I wouldn't expect a corpo to know what it's like to live as a nomad either. I live knowing I'm free. Dying tomorrow or today… It doesn't matter, I've got family, people I cherish. I could go to any of the thousand people here and they'd genuinely love me. Who can you name that'd say the same besides the muscled-up freak with the weird haircut and your parents?" She answered.
"I don't need anyone else's love or sympathy that is simply beneath me. My parents are my biggest honor and do not ever dare insult Bubbles! That man has gone through hell to be where he stands. He has sacrificed many things to ensure that he's on top. What would you know of sacrifice and hard work? Do you think pushing one load of cargo to the next is tough? You're simply mindless drones that pilot one piece of cargo to the other and even then, you are less capable than our actual shippers." I barked.
"What do you mean what do I know of hard work? Look at you? You've been basically given everything in life. What have you amounted to that anyone else could have done in the same position? You're nothing without the name Von Doom. You're simply a cog to your family machinations," She spited.
"You…You dare!" I spat. How dare she undermine my capabilities.
"I have done many things which have helped my family. I am neither a cog nor a part of the system. When you live and know what I have. I am the god that made the machine," I exclaimed.
"Yet, you're still human. You're as much flesh as I am. For all that talk of being God it won't take much to end you as it would me." She sneered.
"I am merely on my journey to God hood. When I rule the world, you will be the first to see it. The people will bask and beg for my embrace. They will scream my name in reverence, and you will beg for my mercy," I exclaimed.
"Mere delusions of a child!" She hissed.
"What do you mean? You are but a little child too!" I tossed.
"I'll have you know I'm thirteen years old! So, I'm not little. I'm a teen,``she confessed.
"Yet you speak like a little gronk!" I flamed, slowly realising she was around my age. What an odd coincidence… Gross. I shared the same birthday as this idiot.
"I'm not the one who speaks like an old man though. You're the real gonk here and it's Gonk not gronk you gonk!" She snapped.
"It's Australian slang you illiterate fool. I should've known a monkey like you would be stuck here. I've been places you'd dream of only going," I explained chuckling.
"Why would I ever want to leave here? My family is here. You only seek to roam the world to look for a dick to fill up that void in your heart and ass loser," She swore before running away.
"Tch, vile beast," I muttered. Seeing her departing figure, I looked on at Night city. Nomads… Stupid creatures they were. How my mother and father ever came to be, I wondered. Such lifestyles… Were never meant for each other. One demanded order, structure, and safety . The other embraced chaos, freedom, and danger. While my father was stoic my mother was emotional, one could tell her emotions by the look on her face, while my father was a mixed equation to ponder his mind was to wander the ocean. You'd drown if you went too deep.
I had once pondered his machinations and ended up laying in my bed dazed. I had been so obsessed that my mother had been left worried. If not for my mother's warnings I most likely would have been hospitalised. Worse drowned forever in my own thoughts. At times I felt as If I had been trapped in some sort of world of my own. A landscape which entitled every conceivable thought of mine.
I'd often get lost in my mind. Sometimes literally, as I had the unique power to enter it. In it, I would ponder the future, life or randomly think of nothing. Because of this, studying was ever so easy. A single glance would be all that I needed. Night city had become my playground. Due to the schematics of the city being seen by yours truly I could transverse in night city with my eyes closed. Every weapon schematic in my system was memorised. All was known to Victor Von Doom… Or so I thought. This had been an enlightening awakening. I could not just rely on the devices of my father. I had to be vigilant. Perhaps this was his test to me.
Yes, my father was brilliant. In such an indirect way he placed me here to humble me of my incompetence and complacency. I had to be better. I had to break outside the box that I had created for myself. I had to study more, experience more and create more. The known had to become known, the truth must be exposed, all stones shall be set.
Entering my mindscape which was filled to the brim with blank space though I would always be greeted with the sight of five flames each one signalling a power or essence. I had unlocked all but one in it's first tier. Such essences were Essence of the Sorcerer Lord, Essence of the Artificer, Essence of the binder, Essence of the Archmage, Essence of the Inner world/home. The essence of the binder had been locked to me, its grasp so close to me. The varying abilities I was granted with each corresponding essence was: A body above peak human ability, The ability to recycle random junk into usable components, Perfect memory with infinite storage and an unlocked inner world I was very much in. While knowledge of its uses were gifted to me such powers were heavily restricted into tiers or levels. It was due to my weakness. Perhaps, I was far too weak as of now to fully capitalise on these boons. With time they would come. As they say, "Patience is a virtue."
To be perfectly honest though Panams' assessment of my character was correct… For all my gifts I truly was lacking. I had been too complacent with comfort. What would others do in my position if gifted with such boons? They most likely would've have travelled the stars by now and for that matter I shall correct that. I guess I must thank her for truly opening my eyes. Again, my father intellect was in genius. This was truly a test to rid me of my complacent mindset. I had to be better and to be better was strive for perfection.
Date: 2nd of June 2062
Location: Outside of Night city, Badlands
POV: Panam Palmer
What a piece of shit that corpo was. Santiago was correct. Every corpo was the same. Preying on the common folk and doing whatever they wanted. Ugh the look on that suckers' face. If only I could punch the hell out of it. Thankfully I held it in though. Family was everything and by the rules I couldn't just place my interests before the family. Not until I was strong enough to protect them.
"How's our guests?" A voice asked. Turning to face him I saw it was just Saul who seemed to overhear everything.
"What the hell Saul! Where the hell have you been?" I asked, the damn bastard was missing the whole day.
"Been busy scouting the area just in case any wraiths decide to surprise us. Besides It's always the same when it comes to Auntie June. Guess things changed. Who's your little output?" He asked, the word leaving me pissed.
"Screw you Saul, I'd never date such an asshole. The guy never compromises and is hard stuck on his shitty beliefs," I swore.
"Sounds a lot like someone I know," He chuckled.
"Shut it Saul. Not in the mood." I replied before storming off. What a drag, I guess it was time to catch up with auntie. How she dealt with that little demon amazes me. Walking past the others slightly chuckled at my sight.
"Guys watch out Panams' on another strike today!" One of the boys teased me. Hearing his words, the others abrupted in laughter leaving me to silently wither in anger.
Getting back to the main campfire I saw many of them looking towards me chuckling, the heavy scent of whiskey, bourbon or whatever concoction spilling into the air.
"Did you guys hear that? Panam might have a new output!" Cassidy laughed as he continued down shot after shot. Seeing Auntie June, I asked her why Victor was such a pain when Auntie was so nice.
"Auntie why is Victor such a jackass?" I decided to ask bluntly.
"Panam! Mind your tone," Santiago shot, his eyes like a shotgun ready to put down a mule.
"No, it's fine," June softly swayed, looking me in the eyes. I was lost in them as they were as ethereal as her looks. She reminded me of the old photos of my mother. Her eyes were a mixture between hazel and gold. While they hadn't been sisters by blood they were by bond.
"Why you may ask… Well, it's simple. He was raised that way by his father. Under all that tough bravado and God talk is the real Victor Von Doom. My son. He simply acts that way because he doesn't know any better. It's simply the safest way. To push the unknown instead of embracing what his father has taught him. It is only until he has controlled the truth and manipulated all aspects can he accept his surroundings. With time he'll change, and perhaps he might even be as sweet as you and me." June smiled, her happiness now stretching across to me. For a moment I almost forgot that the two were related. Noticing now, seeing the difference between their auras I almost chuckled at the drastic difference.
"I don't know auntie, he seems firm on being an asshole," I commented, laying my head on her lap. Feeling her hands pat my head I nuzzled her in her embrace.
"I wish you'd never leave…" I muttered, my hands clutching her shoulder.
"Oh child… I wish I could too. Perhaps in another life sadly. I can only imagine what could've been if I had stayed here… Or at least raised Victor amongst us… Only in a perfect world," She muttered sadly. The whiskey now kicked into effect as she felt the liquor finally mellowing her out. Laying on her lap I eventually fell asleep… Until I was rudely awoken by the voice of the rat and weirdo. Slightly opening my eyes, I noticed that nearly everyone had gone to sleep on a very few standing guard.
"Fuckin Wraiths…" I heard Victor swore, his anger now drawing me in. What wraiths? What the hell had happened while I was asleep.
"You know for a Corpo you're a pretty good shot you know. Would've almost mistaken you for one of us with the way you handled that revolver. You sure you're not chipped in? Could've sworn you were possessed." Cassidy cheered.
"Yeah kid, haven't seen hand movement that quick since my teenage years if you know what I mean," Another oldie joked earning the laughter of some of the boys. Gross.
"Especially the way you took out their leader from over 200 metres away… That's some skill kiddo," Another chimed leaving me dazed… He did that, without being chipped in?
"Don't be so shocked, they were mere pests. How I disposed of them is of no concern. Such ease should be expected for a Von Doom." He praised me. How typical, what's next? Is he going to marry himself?
"Listen kid, how you manage to take em out does matter. It's all about style and finesse," Scorpion chimed. His hand wavering from side to side to orchestrate his point.
"Elaborate," Victor demanded.
"Damn kid, you've got quite the authority. Ain't no one gonna like that. Especially the ladies you know. Well besides Panam," He joked, the joke being totally unfunny.
"I insist you do not tie each other together. I'd rather have a partner that did not challenge my authority and is subservient, similar to my mother. That would be the ideal partner," Victor envisioned. Yeah, right like any female would ever want to be near you. They'd probably kill themselves before they ever dared touch you.
"Tch, with your skills and that money you might be able to afford one of those. Hell even that pistol of yours was packing some power. I haven't seen anything on the market like it. Guessing daddy's gift?" He cackled.
"I made it." I revealed, making the others sneer as if it were a lie. Jealous peasants, tch. Skipping what I said, the man continued his rant.
"But to finish what I was saying. The reason style and finesse is important is because it's all about rep. Do you know why people respect Morgan Blackhand more than Adam smasher?" Scorpion asked.
"Because one is a literal psychotic Borg who is sadistic in nature and the other is decked out solo who is at least sensible and follows orders to the dot." Victor answered.
"You're right yet wrong at the same time. Both got their contractors, so they'll be hired to do what they were intended to do but it's just cause Morgan Blackhand is more of a badass. Flatlining a guy is easy when it comes down to it, but have you heard of the time Morgan Blackhand raided an Arasaka compound and didn't kill a single person? The man walked right in and grabbed the tech he needed before leaving. The guy uses non-lethal weaponry for Christ's sake. The mans a living legend and his work is always preem." Scorpion fangirled, stop riding his dick for crying out loud!
"I see, but such things should not matter to me. I am neither a merc nor a solo. I do not require such a reputation. I only need to ensure that those who wish to cross me, that they will not survive an Von Doom encounter," He replied. Von Doom encounter? This guy must be a dorph head. It'd explain everything.
"True but here's the thing. How many bodies are you going to drop before it becomes too annoying? If yah do the job right once, the rest will understand. There will always be someone that gonna wanna mess with you. It doesn't matter if you're a part of the big three, there's always gonna be some Gonk that'll wanna have a piece of the pie. I say leave em a message. A dead body ain't say much, but a man living to tell that tale will," He remarked.
"A loose end is all I am hearing. I would rather finish the job then waste an effort on a possibility. Certainty is key in the business. Relying on such variability? Such concepts never ever end well for those who wish to live long. Johnny Silverhand the terrorist, believed that nuking night city would change it. Look at it after fifty years. He took his bet and lost. A Von Doom never bets for bets that are uncertain. Von Dooms are always certain," Victor replied before walking away. His words leaving the others silent.
"Cocky kid, eh," Cassidy muttered to Scorpion.
"His mothers right though. He's heart, just gotta warm up to us." Mitch replied, leaving me stunned as to why he would say such a thing.
"What gives? All I see is a little shit that's got too much attitude. He screams corpo runt more than anything. I give him a day or two till he goes crying back to his father. He's soft, ain't got no balls," Scorpion spat, at least someone understands.
"Who do you think was first on scene fighting the Wraiths?" Mitch asked.
"It was Saul," Scorpion replied only to be shocked by Mitches answer.
"It was Victor, while you were all drinking and partying, he was the first on site. The kid managed take twelve of em alone by himself before backup arrived." Santiago stated.
"But I swear Saul was on watch duty," Another chimed.
"Nope he was with me, unloading cargo. Knew some of y'all we're going to slack. Decided I'd rather help the family than to waste time. Whoever was meant to be unloading the payload forgot to do it. Apparently drinking was more important than doing their job. Almost cost us our lives too," Mitch countered.
"Do you think just cause we're near night city we can daze off? Member this chooms, we're nomads not corpos. We can't afford such luxuries." Santiago explained. His disappointment immeasurable. Wasn't he drinking last night though too? The hell was going on.
"While I was drinking it didn't mean y'all could slack off. We're a family not a bunch of street dunks," Santiago chimed before walking away.