Principal's Office

Should have expected this really, of course the blame would fall on him.

"Mr. Martinez, this sort of behavior is unacceptable for a student of Arasaka Academy. Do you have any idea of the damages you've caused to not only our system but to that of your classmates as well?"

"Like I've already said Sir, I wasn't the one to upload the virus. Your insinuation that I was the one responsible is not only insulting, but baseless."

Mom's hit to the back of his head was expected. What she considers rude is just how you had to talk around here to get anywhere. David had years to practice and get used to it, but it can be jarring to normal people.

"David!, don't mind him Sir he's sorry for what he's done. He'll take any punishment you see fit."

Oh, mama you're too good for this City.

"It's not that simple Ms. Martinez. David here has caused extensive property damage. The parents of the affected students and the school board are demanding retribution."

"We'll pay for it. Whatever the cost, please Sir he has to graduate from Arasaka Academy."

"Ms. Martinez, even if you could afford the cost, they're not looking for money. They want David's scholarship revoked and him expelled from School."

"They can't do that; David earned that scholarship and he doesn't deserve to be expelled over one incident."

"Be that as it may, perhaps David would benefit from a change in schools. Some place more appropriate for him."

David tuned out after that. They already made their decision. This was just an excuse to get rid of him. They knew he wasn't responsible, but it's not like they could pin it on Katsuo. His daddy being an Arasaka exec and a member of the school board.

David didn't really zone back in till they were already in the car and about half way home.

"D, you have got to start taking responsibility for your actions, you can't waste your opportunity."

"It doesn't matter mom, they'll never let a kid from Santo become a suit. Never really wanted to be one anyway."

David liked to get my hands dirty too much. Making things and tinkering was what he wanted to do. Not sit in board meetings talking about whacking someone from Militech.

"So you tell me what've I been busting my ass for then huh. Everything I do, I do for you D. Don't you see that, you're breaking my heart Mijo. My sweet baby boy, so smart, so talented. You're everything to me. I want to give you a fighting chance in this city and a good education. It's why I put in all those hours. Why I'm never home." (From the Show)

"… I'm sorry mom"

"You've got to show them D, my son all the way to the top floor of Arasaka tower."

"Yeah, no problem mom" Clunk

The window of the car was suddenly blown apart by a hail of bullets. Some animals were shooting at an armored limo next to them. They also tore through mom's hands that were holding the steering wheel. She lost control of the car and it began slamming back and forth between both vehicles. David reached towards the wheel to get the car under control but his left arm met the same fate as my mothers. Tore to pieces by the bullets. The last thing he remembered was his mother covering his body with hers to protect him.

The next thing David knew was waking up in a shitty hospital. It was the next day. His arm was gone, the doctor said they had to amputate. Same thing for his left leg too, it got crushed when the car rolled over. That and some burn scars across his torso, David looked pretty fucked up.

"What about my mom?"

"Sorry kid, she was dead on the scene. Nothing we could do." No no no, this can't be fucking happening. Fucking useless doctor. Shit.

"Listen I know this is tough kid, but she's down in the morgue if you wanna say goodbye. We can handle cremation if that's what you wanna do, but you've got to figure something out soon. We can't keep a body for more than 48 hours."

Hospitals like these don't do cyberware, so instead of at least a basic leg David got a carbon fiber peg leg. Like a damn pirate. With the help of a crutch David was able to make it down to the morgue.

It didn't look like her. So cold without a smile on her face. What he'd give just to hear her voice tell him it was all okay. Everything would be alright. The tears fell freely, this fucking city killed the best person in it.

"Fuck, what am I gonna do now?"

Well first things first, getting mom out of here. She deserves a proper burial in a place that will show her the respect she deserves. Only one man came to mind that he knew that could help out.

Ring ring ring

"David, good to hear from you."

"Hey Padre… I need your help."