She loved people watching.
It was her favorite... hobby.
With everything that happened in her world, it never failed to amaze her how people acted when they thought nobody was looking.
A loyal husband would cheat on a decade long marriage just because nobody who knew him could see.
A maelstrom recruit would leave out food for a stray cat he found, always making excuses as to why he was sneaking off.
And her could-have-been brother would bury himself in a pile of bottles and weep over an old flame.
Behind the scope of her rifle, she watched him toss another bottle away. This one smashed on the wall above the trash can. As he worked open another bottle of booze she idly toyed with the idea of turning on the laser sight, wondering if he'd react in a panic. Judging from the way he was cradling his head, he was back to hoping for some threat to throw himself at.
It was no wonder her father thought of her could-have-been brother as a failure. All you had to do was drive the needle into the right spot and his hardened armor would crack and shatter. It was just too bad her could-have-been brother's weak spot was her sister-to-be. Father may think otherwise, but she was certain that sister-to-be wasn't going to be worth the investment.
Even if she provided an adorable nephew to toy with.
She sucked in a breath between her teeth. Her fun was about to be interrupted.
Her adorable dolls noticed the intruder encroaching upon his rooftop roost before she did, forcing her to stand and roll her eyes.
No doubt her father would give her a lecture for being reckless again.
The rooftop door was kicked open, the rental security guard rushing in with a unity and an obvious desire for an excuse to shoot.
Her darling Delta grabbed him by the ankle, and lifted him into the air.
The waste of bio-matter couldn't even keep a grip on his gun. He was too busy covering his face and head.
To be fair, he was faced with Epsilon's rifle an inch from his bulbous nose.
Gamma and Alpha stood on opposite sides, their knives out. Their pose questioning.
She rolled her eyes. Father was too busy making friends with the wanna-be warlord, and her brother was being a sad sack. She was in no mood to clean up the evidence from her toys playing around.
"If you want to have fun with him, you have to keep him from bleeding. No evidence remember? And no having Charlie cover up for you afterwards! He's busy covering the data trail."
The featureless faces drooped, a playful mockery of disappointment.
The excitement seeking flesh sack started making noise. The usual protests and demands, bargaining or whatever. The handle of his gun was forced into his throat by Delta. As she expected, Delta wasn't generous enough to keep holding the flesh sack if it wasn't being used for target practice. Several massive steps later the sack was dropped over the edge of the building.
She let out a sigh.
"Now I have to find a new roost to spy, you idiot!" She playfully protested, kicking Delta's support strut like legs.
She really wished she could do more than scuff Delta's rubbery synth-skin but, like everything else about him, he was built to Father's overreacting specifications.
With the petulance you would find in every other teen her age, she packed up her gear with a sullen pout that nobody paid attention to.
[ERROR]- [ERROR]-[ERROR]-[ERROR]-[ERROR]
Foxtrot's driving was the same as always: a professional bodyguard mid-pursuit.
It wasn't enough to stop her keen eyes from spotting something familiar as they entered Watson.
"Pull over." She commanded, keeping her eyes on the group she had spotted leaving the parking lot that lead from the Afterlife.
She recognized them. Names slipping her mind but faces and appearance clear:
The Has-Been gangoon who was could-have-been brother's closet friend.
The Mystic who seemed to know something about everyone, even if she just met you.
The twig of a Cyclops who filled the roll of being a great ally, if you could get past his perverted nature.
The Nurse who had once accompanied could-have-been brother, now aligned herself to sister-to-be.
The four of them were standing outside, seeming to be discussing plans if the various directions they were pointing were any indication. Cyclops frowned at something Nurse said, making and Mystic laugh. It was almost endearing watching Nurse proceed to whisper something in Cyclops' ear, making him change color under the neon lights. He nodded enthusiastically before throwing one of his arms around Nurse and pulling her close...only to do the same thing to Mystic and Has-Been a moment later.
Has-Been said something that brought about another round of laughter, before the four of them started walking away from the club.
She turned her attention from the group to Foxtrot for a moment. "Follow them. Stay close, but don't make them suspicious."
Instructions given to her chauffer, she slipped out of the car herself and took to following the four on foot while Foxtrot maneuvered back into traffic to follow the quartet. They walked from The Afterlife over to Urmland street, stopping before the shuttered facade of the Esoterica. Only then did she realize what was happening with the group.
She pouted, having been hoping for a chance to spend some time stalking could-have-been brother's friends. Then again, maybe it was only the Mystic who had to go home. Moving close, she listened in on their conversation:
"You actually live here?" Nurse gestured to the building.
"Might as well." The Mystic laughed, "but seriously. I actually live in one of the apartments in that building. Really makes the commute so much easier."
They all laughed, leaving her wishing they would split-up quicker.
"Anyhow, I'll catch you all tomorrow." Mystic gave Has-Been a kiss, before making her way inside the building, leaving the other three outside.
Her head tilted to the side as the remaining three talked about some gig or another that was coming up. Interesting, but not the information she was looking for.
"Who to pick?"
Has-Been knew him the longest, but that came with the side effect that he'd probably respect his privacy.
Nurse might have been running with them on business instead of pleasure. Given how lucrative a job it seemed to be, she doubted the woman would spill any important details if asked.
That left the Cyclops, and while he seemed to know could-have-been brother about the same amount of time as Nurse. He also liked to talk, as his mouth had barely stilled the whole walk back. That might be something she could take advantage of...if she could get him alone.
The Sex addict chrome clearly pressing against the inside of his pants was proof enough of what method would get him to run his mouth.
It seemed serendipity was on her side, as no sooner did she pick her target did Has-Been drive away on a motorcycle.
She kept to the shadows, following the remaining two as they moved towards the nearby Megabuilding.
"Last chance to change your mind and come home with me tonight." Cyclops' eyebrows wiggled as the pair stopped at the entrance to the NCART station. The sight made her curse. If he hopped the train, she'd have to follow and be more cut off from Foxtrot and the rest than she'd like – connected only by comms.
"Told you, I've a shipment coming in tomorrow that I need to sign for." Nurse pulled Cyclops into a hug. "Maybe after I get my shipment we can meet up, alright?"
Cyclops nodded, and the two shared a kiss before she wished him goodnight and moved into the station. Cyclops just stood there a moment, watching until she was out of sight.
She stopped, noticing a truck come rolling up that he was heading towards. Foxtrot rolled up shortly after Cyclops had hopped in the truck to make the drive to wherever he was staying. She hopped in her own car and pointed, all the instruction needed as she settled into the back seat.
She reached under the seat, pulling out a large case and resting it on the empty seat beside her. Opening it revealed a collection of clothing, wigs, and other accessories that rivaled those of major theater companies.
"Nurse seems rather plain, should probably keep it simple." She pulled her loose hair into a ponytail, tying it off with pink elastics. She slid out of her slacks, opting instead for a knee-length skirt the same color as her hair elastics. The simple black v-neck short-sleeve she was wearing went well with the skirt, and so did her current choice of footwear. All that was left to do was make up; some light eye shadow and peach lip gloss and her appearance was perfect.
"How do I look?" She asked, pitching her voice higher and adopting a more 'valley girl' accent. "Think he'll go for it?"
Foxtrot gave no reply, instead bringing the car to a stop and gesturing outside.
They were in Northside, pulled to the side of the road near a parking lot. She could see the truck turning into the lot, and taking one of the spaces.
"Cover me." She stepped out of the car, keeping her eyes on Cyclops as he triple-checked that he had locked and activated the truck's security. Even though he was going home alone, Cyclops seemed happy. There was a smile on his face as he moved across the lot, humming a tune under his breath. It wasn't any song she recognized, but would make a great ice breaker.
"Nice song, what's it called?" She moved out from behind a nearby car and fell in step beside him. Clearly he wasn't expecting company as he physically jumped to the side. Nor was he expecting said company to be a young girl if the height of his eyebrows was any indication. "Sorry choom, did I scare ya?"
She grinned, hands clasped before her so he could see she meant no harm.
"Not really, just wasn't expecting to run into anyone. Especially someone so..." She felt his optics giving her a once over. "Young."
"Aw, I'd say you're a sweet one." She rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet. "But I bet you say that to all the girls."
"Only the cute ones." He replied, and she smiled. "What are you doing out here anyways?"
"Just spending time with you." She grinned, starting to childishly swing her hips back and forth. Rising up and down on her toes like a pre-teen with too much energy. "Come on, take the bait pervert."
"Woah! Slow down there!" Cyclops put his hands up. "I wasn't exactly complimenting you when I said you looked young!"
"But I am cute, right?" The smile on her face was at odds with the boredom she was feeling inside as Cyclops seemed to be hesitating on his next move.
"Well, yes but...How old are you exactly?"
"Didn't your mama ever tell you not to ask a girl her age?" Her patience was wearing thin. "But I'll let it slide since you're such a nice guy."
She adjusted her top, giving him a teasing glance at her chest. Or at least, he might have been looking at her chest. "Always so hard to tell with monovision."
"Oh no, not playin' this game." He crossed his arms, and she could tell one of his hands was resting on a gun concealed in his jacket. "What the fuck d'you want you crazy bitch?"
"I want an older brother." She leaned in close, batting her eyelashes at him.
"No, no thank you." Cyclops uncrossed his arms, taking a huge step back and away from her.
"Come on, I just want an older brother to look out for me." She pouted, it wasn't an outright lie. "Someone to spoil me. Buy me gifts, let me beat him up so I feel strong."
"O~okay. Gonna stop ya right there." He held his hands up as she started moving towards him again. "Big brothers are either caring assholes or indifferent but protective. You can't have it both ways."
"Oh come on, I bet you'd keep me all safe and warm..." She hoped this would be worth it. She hated wasting her time. "Just break already."
"Shit. The hell is wrong with you!?"
"Would you like it better if I called you Onii-chan?" She'd had enough Japanese lessons to keep her false-accent perfectly in place. The added discomfort on Cyclops' face at that word adding to the vague amusement she felt. "Come on, I want a place to stay... I've got ways I can pay you back?"
"No, thank you." He shook his head frantically, continuing to back-pedal as she advanced. "Look, I'll admit I've watched some fucked up porn, and I know where you're going with this, but that's a line I won't cross."
"Please? You're just gonna leave me out here on my own?" This time, she combined the pout with batting her eye lashes.
"Jesus..." He shook his head, "Nope. No way. Not happening. Not goin' to jail over this. I'm not that kind of criminal!"
"Not even if I can make it worth it, onii-chan?" She brought the smile back, even as he started muttering information she didn't care about. It really didn't matter to her who Rebecca and Nadia were, but it did tell her one thing. "Shit, he's loyal."
"Fuck no. Get outta here you degenerate brother-fucker!" Cyclops turned around and ran for the building he had originally been approaching. She watched as he ran across the road and disappeared inside.
"Damnit, that was a waste of my time." She dropped the accent, snapping her fingers twice as Foxtrot brought the car over. Taking one final glance at the building and looking for observers, she returned to her car and instructed Foxtrot to head for home.
[ERROR]- [ERROR]-[ERROR]-[ERROR]-[ERROR]
From all her studies of her target she'd come to realize there were very few things in could-have-been brother's world that could cause him to feel fear.
Boredom was easy, common even. Happened all on its own, all too often. Excited was less common, but if you knew what buttons to push then it was simple to get his heart pumping just that little bit harder.
Anger was difficult. Years of holding himself back, restraining his thoughts and actions on a daily basis, made drawing out those negative emotions an uphill battle. You had to take him by surprise and overwhelm the corporate trained killer to loosen that stranglehold enough for the fury to vent out. Since Sister-to-be had entered the show that was getting easier and easier.
Getting him to show fear however...
There was only one thing in all her observations and recollections that could make could-have-been brother's blood freeze in the vein, his pulse fade, his skin turn so white an observer would worry about desiccation taking hold.
A Father who could-have-been brother foolishly proclaimed unworthy of the title in every way possible.
Which made the meeting she'd arranged for the two ever so sweet.
The restaurant at The View was high grade, a public eatery for the elites seeking to waste time in Reconciliation Park. It wasn't the type to make or take reservations. It was made for a stream of clients to go in an out for maximum profit.
It had plenty of nice big windows for her to rifle scope to peer past.
Concealed in her newest roost she watched with a sadist's grin as could-have-been brother flinched at the sound of the sound of someone snapping their fingers twice.
The smile widened as could-have-been brother tucked into himself when he heard a, no-doubt, dreadfully familiar voice give the order to clear the building.
If she were any less professional, she'd have laughed when could-have-been brother stilled himself, like prey hiding from an apex predictor.
Her pre-planted bugs could hear everything as her kin conversed for the first time in years.
"Hello, Son." She could already tell the route her father intended to take. Polite, powerful. A venomous python that was too busy sunning itself to care about you.
"Sir." Could-have-been brother kept the tone as distant, polite, and professional. The voice could-have-been brother used when he tried to keep distant.
"Come now. Is that any way to greet your old man?" Her father was polite, but the mockery was there.
"You are my superior in the company. I have been instructed that it was only proper to greet you with the respect your position is due." She wondered if shooting could-have-been brother for the sass would be a bit much.
"How... disciplined. Don't tell me you've been this distant with your mother?"
She could tell that could-have-been brother was biting his cheek. Probably hard enough to bleed if the dimple that formed was any clue. "I haven't spoken to your wife lately."
"You really should take the time to call her sometime, she's been in excellent spirits since I've returned." Her father mentioned casually, a lion playing with the mouse in its claws. "Just the other day she mentioned trying to invite you to dinner. Apparently when she went to visit your address, she found out you had moved."
"It was a recent event. I felt I could use a new view, and was tired of the neighbors bickering."
Could-have-been brother's lie couldn't have been any more transparent.
"A bit of wanderlust was it?" Her father asked jovially."You still should have taken the time to update your mother with your newest residence. It's only polite."
"It was hard to find the time with work the way it is, you know how it is at Arasaka."
Her could-have-been brother's choice in words was beginning to irk her. If she wanted to hear doublespeak she'd peek in on a corporate board meeting. Her could-have-been brother was such a disappointment, if he wanted to be respected he should at least have the courage to stand his ground and tell daddy to fuck off like he wanted.
Not be such a spineless scopstain.
If her father shared her opinions, he did nothing to give it away. Even the keenest eyes would think that he was looking at a wayward son with fondness in his eyes. "So you're still working with Counter-Intelligence? Surely by now you would have earned yourself a promotion or two. Been leader of your department at the least."
"I like my job. I enjoy the work I do, and the benefits it provides." He gestured to the view of the city, as if that was a benefit.
"Such a disappointment." She thought.
"I'm sure you do. Such a shame you decided to shy away from field work. You excelled when working abroad."
"He really did. Neo-Qaxaca was a work of art, even if it was a desperate ass-pull move." She thought.
"I felt I served the company better here in Night City." He bowed his head just slightly with that.
"Such a whipped dog..."
"Really. I can think of several better uses for one of your talents."
"I'm glad you do."
"Look out people below. This cute lil sis is gonna puke because my kin are making me sick..."
"Does that mean you would be open to some fatherly wisdom?"
"If I heard it from an appropriate father figure." She knew the mistake was there the moment he finished speaking.
Their father continued to smile, but a hint of hideous fangs were visible past that kindly smile. "Careful now. I'm not beyond metaphorically giving you a spanking. Your friend's bar can always be made into another warehouse for Arasaka wares, or another parking lot."
"Yes, Sir." Could-have-been brother said, cowed and submissive, just as always was.
"For the sake of keeping the peace, I'll ignore your rudeness. Now, how have you been? Be honest, I've heard you were in Trauma's care recently."
"How did you-" She wondered if someone had literally shocked could-have-been brother with how he jumped.
"Corporate policy my dear boy. Our dear Emperor's policies don't just let you keep an eye on my health, but allows me to do the same for you."
"Oh."
"Oh indeed. Imagine my surprise when I learned you've been replacing your company given wares with street supplied machinery. Naughty, naughty."
"There's nothing in the corporate-"
"Yes, yes, nothing against regulations about a drone casting aside corporate chrome. However, it is suspicious when a drone gathers extensive remodeling materials for themselves and then says they're content with a desk job. I'll spare you the lecture about being less suspicious and return to my original question: are you well?"
The tone was kind, caring, like a revered father looking over a wounded child.
The amount of revulsion trickling down could-have-been brother's spine was very easy to miss. For her keen eyes it was easy to see how their father's words made him visibly shudder.
"I... I am okay I suppose." He fixed his jacket. "Nothing a little medical care, part replacing and a Bounce Back couldn't cure."
"Good, that's good. I would hope that means no permanent damage?"
"Not unless replacing cyberware counts."
"It does not."
"Then no, I'm fine. Apart from fatigue and joint pain, the rippers at Trauma gave me a clean bill of health."
"Very good. Then that means you will have no problem attending a family dinner."
"I-uh," could-have-been brother scratched the back of his head. "Listen with the current assignment I'm on, I don't think I can spare the time."
"Yes you can. And yes you will. If you think Abernathy's pathetic machinations or delusions of importance means you will miss dinner with your family then you are both mistaken and a soon to be transfer to my department. Am I understood?"
"Yes, sir." His head was bowed again. Shame.
"Don't act like I've killed your pet. It's not like I'm demanding you bring Gloria or my grandson to the table, however nice it would be."
Could-have-been brother paled like a corpse with the last drops of blood being sucked out. Her broken kin's eyes bugged out, and every sign of panicked thinking was starting to show in his body language.
"What are you talking about?"
He tried to play stupid. Nothing pissed her father off like trying to play stupid and being stupid when you do it.
Father's expression was anything but amused. "Do not play dumb with me son, you are no good at it. Spats or arguments aside. I know you're seeing Gloria again, I know she carried her child to term, and I know you're spending time with your child."
Could-have-been brother couldn't have been struck dumber if his long-dicked minion had slapped him in the face with the prosthetic. That agitation in his body language was getting worse.
She shifted her rifle, scope aimed for the heart. Even the best protections wouldn't stop her bullet from piercing. Her dolls were all tense and waiting for her command.
Fear was replaced by panic.
Panic gave way to anger.
That desperate anger took hold, and could-have-been brother drew his gun.
The tech pistol managed to clear his holster and his side before it was stopped mid-air by the bodyguards, and every portion of personal space around could-have-been brother's head was invaded by a charging tech weapon.
She relaxed a little.
"Gentleman, stand down. My son was just overreacting to some surprising information... He isn't a threat to me."
Could-have-been brother found himself forced back into his seat, a pair of hands from different guards keeping him held onto the seat.
"Ahh, the Apparition. Quaint little name for a six shot side piece I suppose." Their father examined the pistol with a keen eye, even scanning it at one point. "I see, you tore out the overclock monitor and added a Wallpuncher. Risky. I do wonder who was nice enough to supply you with some of Militech's more risque project prototypes."
"Couldn't tell you. Seller sent it to me via proxy. No face to face or tells." More bullshit. Figures.
"Hmm, no matter. I can find my own soon enough."
"What are you planning for them?"
"Do calm down, you're acting like I plan on killing them."
"That's a surprise. Figured the moment you knew she was around you'd waste no time trying to zero her."
"I know we've had our rough patches but do you really think so lowly of me?"
"Yes."
She was more than willing to admit the feeling was more than mutual.
"Well, tough. She's my grandson's mother and has earned everything that entails."
"What do you mean?!"
"She is family now Vincent. And soon enough that will be made legal as well."
And didn't that thought make her feel all sorts of sick.
"She's not part of this. She doesn't 'deserve' to be! Isn't that what you told me?!"
At the end of the day, she was a daughter that was everything her father asked of her. That didn't stop her from wishing he'd hadn't kept the opinion consistent.
"Young David has earned her the right to be one of us, and you will do her right and marry her. Soon. I'm not so cruel as to ruin your impending marriage by forcing some crass shotgun wedding. You will romance her, win her over. When your relationship, union, or whatever fools in love call it, has gotten to that level you will marry her."
"Why are you doing this?"
She supposed that her could-have-been brother was capable of asking smart questions at some point.
"You and your mother are so alike sometimes it is uncanny. 'Why are you like this?', 'What are you up to?', 'What are you planning?', I swear it's like the two of you think I cannot make amends!"
"Amends?! For what?"
"Oh, that's precious. She never told you. Ah, irrelevant now I suppose. To keep it short and sweet, I was too... let's call it hasty, when you were younger. I made a few rash decisions that could have caused me to miss out on an important revelation in life. So now, as way of an apology I intend to have you and her share marital vows with our family's blessing and support. I'm even having the hotel where it will happen remodeled so that everything can be perfect."
"Great. We can be just one big old happy family. Is that it?"
She was not looking forward to the day sister-to-be became sister-in-law. If she wasn't certain her father would get annoyed at her for doing it, she'd faux-gag at the thought.
"Exactly, you and Gloria will get hitched without a care in the world and David can do the same down the line. I'm feeling very charitable after all."
"I'll believe it when it's on a contract witnessed by the Arasakas and made by their family lawyers."
She thought could-have-been brother was being such a drama-queen.
"The things I do to earn your trust. Fine. I will see you again when the papers have been drawn up." Their father snapped his fingers again, in the same double pattern. The hand's released could-have-been brother from their vice grip as the guards began to escort their principal out of the building.
"Be at our house, Thursday at Five on the dot. Do not be late or I will be displeased." Father gave a merry wave, as if he'd not threatened fire and brimstone if he were not obeyed. "Bring a nice dessert, your mother has been craving rich chocolates lately."
As the patrons trickled back in, could-have-been brother stared at the pistol still laying out before him and she hoped he was thinking if things wouldn't be easier if he bit the barrel and pulled the trigger.
[ERROR]- [ERROR]-[ERROR]-[ERROR]-[ERROR]
Following her failure to get any information of value from Cyclops she was left with a bitter desire to correct the mistake.
It was time to consider all the ways she could possibly meet the remaining members of could-have-been brother's crew.
They had information, and she wanted it.
It was just a question of who to target next.
The car loving Cowboy was too much of an enigma.
The Netrunning JoyToy was too distant.
Her nephew's Runaway was too cautious around Suits and strangers.
And she'd probably kill Gremlin on sight due to how close she was getting to could-have-been brother and sister-to-be.
That left Cripple and Tomboy.
And Cripple was probably her best bet.
The man clearly had a soft spot, a dangerous trait in Night City.
The fact that he was working to keep his crew happy even at the risk of his own health proof enough.
Thus it was simple enough to arrange a meeting with him.
She had gone to Dino Dinovic, knowing the Fixer didn't ask too many question with a simple request that Cripple's crew would fit easily.
Bodyguards.
Less than a day later and she was contacted by Cripple, who wanted to meet with her to discuss the details.
She let him pick the place, and was utterly un-surprised when he chose Turbo's.
Lessons had yet to be learned.
So here she was, walking towards the diner while Foxtrot watched from the car.
Alpha and the others were already in position. Some in disguise, some on the roofs. She was confident her dolls would not be spotted.
For this encounter, she upped the Corpo factor of her appearance. Hair pulled into a bun, held in place with a gem-studded hair pick. A dark blue pinstripe pantsuit that bordered on black covering the white collar button up underneath. A pair of Mary Janes in the same color as her suit with a silver buckle and matching clutch purse completed her outfit. As before, she kept her make-up to a minimum; some blush to give her cheeks color, smokey eye shadow, and soft pink lipstick.
She spotted Cripple right away, the man waiting just outside the door.
Despite his size and rough appearance, he was a gentleman when introducing himself. He held the door for her, and offered to pay if she wanted something to eat or drink while they discussed business. He also let her choose where to sit, and she made sure to pick a booth in line of sight of her car. She caught him following her gaze outside, no doubt noting what she was looking at.
"Sorry this isn't somewhere nicer Miss..." He prompted, sliding into the seat across from her.
"Marwood. Victoria Marwood." The fake name rolled off her tongue easily. "And don't worry about it. It's a nice change of pace compared to where I usually meet to discuss business."
She ordered a cup of light and sweet coffee and on the hostess' advice after saying she felt like something sweet, a synth-berry shortcake.
"Heh, that's Dorio's favorite thing to order from here." Cripple chuckled as the server took her leave. That little comment was more than enough of an icebreaker for her to keep Cripple distracted while she scanned him and made notes about his crew and chrome.
"But getting down to business, Dino said you were looking to hire some bodyguards?" The question came up as the server returned with their drinks and food.
Showtime.
"Yes. See, I recently broke from my boyfriend and let's just say he didn't take it well." She took a sip of her coffee, trying not to grimace at how bad it was, even with artificial sweeteners and synth-cream to mask the taste. "He joined up with the Animals. Started bulking up and more than once I've seen him hanging out near my work. Or around shops I like to visit."
She added a little more sweetener to her coffee, continuing her story.
"I'll be moving out of my old place in a week's time, and I need a team to keep an eye on the place. Make sure that he doesn't try to interfere or mess with my property."
"Sounds simple enough, and I'm not complaining. But why hire mercs instead of employing one of the actual security services?"
"Security services stick out like sore thumbs, even when trying to play casual." She saw Cripple nod. "I need some muscle that can blend in almost anywhere, while still able to do the job. Dino said you've got some experience on that front?"
"Yeah, we've done a few. Heck, Dorio was working part-time as security at a club in Pacifica when I met her." He smiled, and she returned it with ease.
"Care to tell me about a few of them?" She ate a bite of her dessert, surprised at how good it actually was. "I'd like to know what I can expect before making a commitment."
"Of course." Cripple seemed rather loose-lipped about some of their past jobs. Much of what he said was in line with what she had observed, or had gleaned from her scan of the man before her. Overall, they were a surprisingly competent crew and, aside from the convenience it had been at the time. Understood why could-have-been brother had chosen them.
"Well, I can see you and your crew are more than qualified for this job." She finished off her shortcake before placing her clutch on the table. Popping open the small latch, she mimed thumbing through it before pulling out a cred chip that she held up for him to see. It looked normal from the outside, and only a scan from a knowledgeable runner would reveal the truth.
"Willing to offer you two-thousand eddies in advance in exchange for you watching the place for a week." She slid the chip across the table, "rest of the payment to be given when the job is done."
It was no surprise that Cripple had accepted her terms, taking the chip without concern. She had thanked him, promising to send him the details about her apartment and ex-boyfriend either later that day or tomorrow, before excusing herself on the grounds of needing to meet with the movers.
Cripple told her to wait a moment, settling their tab before escorting her to her car before heading for his.
She paid no attention to which way Cripple went when he left, more focused on kicking off her shoes and putting her feet up on the backseat. She traded out her clutch for a tablet, opening up one of the programs she had installed on it.
It was a tracking program. One that connected to the cred chip she had paid Cripple with.
The program was simple enough; it would trace where the money was, and would flag it for her to find later.
She hoped she could get a better understanding of how could-have-been brother's crew operated.
At the very least, it might help her understand why he spoiled them as he did.
[ERROR]- [ERROR]-[ERROR]-[ERROR]-[ERROR]
It was finally time. The night of the Family Dinner her father had demanded.
As the clock became ever closer to five, she vaguely wondered if perhaps he'd finally have the guts to rebel.
At four fifty-five, the doorbell let out its cheery chime. The sound made her smile, knowing could-have-been brother was about to be brought to heel.
She moved to the front door, a skip in her step as her optical camo rendered her invisible to the unaided eye. She almost ran into Ebony, taking care to dodge the tray of food her Father's black-plate butler bot was carrying.
Her parents were already at the door by the time she arrived.
Father was dressed in his neo-kitch business casual, and mother was in a cream colored sun dress with silver highlights.
When the door was finally opened could-have-been brother stood there awkwardly with a pompous box in his hands.
"My baby boy!" her mother greeted, all cheer and smiles. Already approaching for a hug.
"Son." Father greeted.
Small-talk and awkward greetings were exchanged.
She was thankful she'd remembered to grab the external battery belt or she'd have to sneak away as the faux-family song and dance persisted.
Soon enough Mother recognized the box in his hands – it was from Night City's premier Chocolatier, so of course she would. At mother's request, he opened it to reveal an assortment of various chocolate truffles, cakes, and other confectioneries.
"Oh Vincent, those look delicious." Mother tried to grab one of the smaller truffles, but both Father and could-have-been brother were quicker. The former gently grabbed her hand while the latter closed the box.
"Now Eleanor, you know the rules." Father affectionately wiggled a finger at her.
"No dessert until after dinner." They chorused together, punctuating it with a kiss.
She and could-have-been brother both rolled their eyes as Mother excused herself then to check on how dinner was coming.
"Vincent? Why don't you hand that off to Ivory and I'll give you a tour of the house." Father gestured to the white-plaited bot that dutifully walked up to the two of them.
"No need." Could-have-been brother handed the box to Ivory, and he watched as the bot walked off with it. "Think I still remember where the bathrooms are."
That made Father laugh, and she delighted in seeing the momentary shock on brother's face as Father grabbed his arm.
"You might, but we've done quite a bit of remodeling since you left home." Father started to walk, and Brother had no choice but to follow. "For example, we've completely redone the atrium..."
Of course Father chose to brag about the recent renovations. It was one of his less liked traits in her opinion. Anything he was happy with he loved to chatter about.
It didn't stop her from persistently wishing that she didn't have to follow along on the house tour.
Last on her Father's tour was of course the dining room.
Father really had laid out quite the spread; Beef wellington served on a bed of wilted greens, roasted potato trio, salads, red wine and fresh baked rolls. All organic of course. The box of chocolates even found a spot on the table, and it wasn't lost on her that it was placed just out of reach of Mother's place at the table.
"Place setting for six? Are you expecting more guests?" Could-have-been brother asked as he took what she knew to have been his place at the table; across from Father.
"Wanted to be prepared in case you brought Gloria and my grandson." Father laughed as he took his seat.
"Robert, I told you to tell him to invite them." Mother playfully admonished him even as the robotic servers took to serving them. "She really is a nice girl. And I would have enjoyed hearing about my grandson's antics."
"Another time." Could-have-been brother's smile couldn't have been more forced as he gestured to their parents. "This seemed more like a you-and-me kind of dinner. A way for us to...catch up."
"Oh Vincent, don't act like we don't know about your latest accomplishments." Father picked up his glass and took a drink, a knowing smile on his face.
"But it would still be nice to hear it from my son and not second-hand reports." Trust Mother to be able to guilt could-have-been brother into opening up.
The chatter resumed, and her torment began.
The finale couldn't come soon enough. The Wellington had been cooked to perfection and if she didn't get a bite before it turned cold she would stab could-have-been brother for the inconvenience.
A half hour passed. The only thing to do was watch her family have brief bursts of conversation and listen to the clatter of silverware as they ate.
Impatience ate at her as the boredom tried to take hold.
They were close.
So very close.
She had to be ready.
The knife that would slip between the ribs.
It was only after the main course was taken away that the monotony was broken.
Mother stood from her seat gracefully, "Pardon me, I just want to visit the little ladies room before desert." And hurried off without a dismissal from father.
She smiled, still hidden unseen in her could-have-been brother's blind spot.
The unfilial stray tried to look calm and collected.
His fear was almost like a perfume lingering in the air. The thin sheen of sweat on the back of his neck. The tension in his arms.
"Are we done here?" He dabbed at his mouth with a napkin. "I came, saw the pretty dress-up on the house. We played family."
"So very hostile." Father sipped his wine again. "Aren't you glad to see your mother?"
"Not when she's acting like like a housewife from the nineteen-seventies with a side order of drugs."
"The sass is not appreciated Vincent." He shook his head.
"We both know that isn't who she is, no matter how much you say otherwise."
"She's happy now. Isn't that what's important?"
"I'd prefer it if she were miserable and her own person."
"Just another way we differ." Father's glass was empty now.
"So how long are you back in town now. Only a day? A week tops before you're back by the Emperor's side?"
"I see you aren't in touch with the office chit-chat." He held a hand over his glass, denying a refill. "No son, I am to be stationed in Night City for some time. Perhaps a year or more."
"Oh the joy. So, I take it that means you want to do the whole monthly family dinner thing. Pretend everything is all pristine and perfect?"
"It would be nice, but not necessary. I'd like to spend time with my family. Meet my grandson, and see my future daughter-in-law. Make amends and move forward."
"Pull my leg a little harder. It's chrome. Just takes a little elbow grease and pops right off."
"Was there a metaphor in there somewhere?"
"Sorry, I thought we were saying things that could have made sense but spun into insanity."
"I see your disbelief still persists."
"I lost her because of you." Could-have-been brother downed what remained of his drink. "You drove her out of my life. Now you want her to stick around? Just because we had a kid? I don't buy it."
"Age changes everything. Time lets you see new perspectives. Look at things from angles you didn't consider before. Now it has, and I have."
"If you wanted my bastards so badly I could always act like every other corporate sleazeball. Fuck whores and leave em knocked up."
"Does being bitter and prissy with me make you feel better after driving her away? Do you think provoking me will get you what you want? Make you happy?"
She watched as her could-have-been brother flinched like he'd been slapped with a backhand.
Could-have-been brother slumped in his seat.
"I don't want to play these games with you. Why am I here?"
Her father smiled and extended a hand.
Her signal to act.
"It is time you return to the fold, you and your wayward extensions to our family tree."
Could-have-been brother knocked the chair over as he leaped to his feet. "Not a cha-"
She struck. The taser discharged into the base of his neck, fifty-thousand volts that stunned him long enough for her to jack in her personal link and seize up his cyberware.
With a foot, she lifted his chair up once more. With care she lowered him into the seat, adjusting him and holding his head in place so that he'd be forced to look their father in the eyes.
"My Son..." Father began.
She felt what little of his body that wasn't under her control twist and thrash.
"My Boy." Father Continued.
Oh how he struggled.
Dozens of commands were sent to cyberware that wouldn't obey. A Cyberdeck that wouldn't launch. Mantis blades that would not open. Messages for aid were intercepted. A flood of junk data unleashed and swept aside like chaff in the wind. Several contingency programs that turned active and did nothing. Legs that would not stand nor move. All blocked or bound by a connection he could not cut.
She felt a little disappointed, she expected more from him. Better of him. He didn't even have an ace to play at the last moment.
"My Legacy." Their Father finished.
Beneath her grip she felt him still. Watch the tension bleed from his face. In his hardware she felt the device buried inside him activate for the first time in nearly two decades.
The broken rebel slipped away into nothingness, and her missing family member took his place.
She unhooked her personal link from his neck, and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"Welcome home, brother dearest."