[MESSAGE FROM: RICHARD STARY]
Rogue.
Somehow managed to pull data from the home server. Not all of it. Got caught mid-way. Security was bullshit more than you warned us of. Johnny is dead, Georgie too. Paulson is bleeding out. We're running and going to ground ASAP.
The data is getting forwarded in the usual way. We just grabbed what we could when we bolted. No order or metadata, so it's probably out of order or fucking worthless. Don't know, don't care.
Pay us what we're owed, the sooner the better. After this shit show of a job, we're done.
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[ARCHIVED RECORDING: ROBERT LINDER]
D̷n̷ ̴l̸ ̸r̷s̷e̸ ̵h̶d̴e̷M̸e̴u̵t̷e̸e̴e̵ü̴c̸r̵d̵ ̷e̵a̵ ̸t̷t̶c̸ ̴h̷e̶ ̸ü̸d̴ ̵ ̸"̵m̷d̶w̷w̴ ̶ä̸.̸c̶b̸r̸n̴e̶s̷s̵i̷t̴e̵i̸ ̴o̵ ̵r̷n̸ ̷e̸t̶s̶r̴t̸m̵T̸t̵
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] Welcome back Robert. What would you like my assistance with today?
[ADMIN: ] Review the current status of all series nine subjects.
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] As you wish. Subject S90-M:V-M. All scans show normal development consistent for an infant.
[ADMIN: ] No signs of any alterations, irregularities, or problems with their organs?
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] None.
[ADMIN: ] Failure, as expected. Next subject?
[V02(F)-M#000] Subject S90-M:V-F. Scans show development consistent for an infant of three months.
[ADMIN: ] No signs of any alterations, irregularities, or problems?
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] Subject S90-M:V-F show signs of a ventricular septal defect that is closing on its own.
[ADMIN: ] Anything else?
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] No sir.
[ADMIN: ] Failure. Even if it had what I was looking for, that defect alone...Next subject?
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] Subject S90-M:R. Scan shows development consistent for an infant.
[ADMIN: ] No signs of any alterations, irregularities, or problems?
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] None.
[ADMIN: ] Another failure. Next subject?
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] Subject S91-M:V-M. Deceased.
[ADMIN: ] Had a feeling that one wouldn't survive. What did the autopsy show?
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] Autopsy showed signs of under-developed lungs for a fetus of three-months. Probable cause of death? Suffocation.
[ADMIN: ] And the body?
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] Incinerated as per protocol.
[ADMIN: ] Good. Next subject?
d̸d̴ü̶L̷T̵e̵d̷m̸ ̷h̸a̴e̵u̸c̷ ̶l̸m̴ ̸i̸D̸c̸i̷n̵ ̸e̶r̷G̵s̷z̴o̸n̵r̴d̸t̷ ̷d̴n̷f̶c̴e̶e̷n̵e̴e̸ ̷r̸b̵d̷ ̵,̵o̴"̴s̸b̵h̸ ̵t̷"̴ä̵e̸s̷ ̴t̸ ̷e̵ü̷n̴ ̶ ̸
[ADMIN: ] You know what I'm going to ask. So let's expedite the process a little for subjects 94 to 99.
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] As you wish Robert. Subject S94-M:V-M is developing slowly, but shows no signs of any alterations, irregularities, or problems for an infant of three-months.
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] Subject S94-M:V-F shows no signs of any alterations, irregularities, or problems for an infant of three-months.
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] Subject S94-M:R shows no signs of any alterations, irregularities, or problems for an infant of three-months.
[ADMIN: ] Of course they don't.
,̸t̶d̸e̵d̵m̵e̷d̵n̸e̷e̸n̵e̵a̶g̸a̵ ̷d̷e̶k̴r̴ ̸e̷m̷e̵ ̶t̴h̴n̷ ̷ ̴E̶M̴ ̷n̶g̸e̶i̴ ̵c̷,̵ ̷r̸ü̶ü̵ ̷h̴i̶a̴d̵ ̸t̶ ̶a̸ ̶,̴T̶r̵t̵ü̸E̸ ̶t̴n̸t̴t̶j̶s̷r̶t̴T̸
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] Subject s99-M:V-F. Deceased. Did not survive the birthing process. Body incinerated as per protocol.
[ADMIN: ] Last subject?
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] Subject S99-M:R shows no signs of any alterations, irregularities, or problems for an infant of three-months.
[ADMIN: ] Failures...All of them. Another year of my life, wasted.
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] I'm sorry Robert. Would you like to continue observations of the series nine subjects?
[ADMIN: ] No, this experiment is a failure.
[VIC-MODEL: E – Ver.#011] Shall I begin preparations for disposal of all series nine subjects?
[ADMIN: ] ...Yes.
n̵e̸r̵e̶t̸e̸f̵e̵.̴t̴r̸ ̴d̸ ̸d̸ ̶s̷D̸n̴s̸ ̵z̴i̵M̶e̷r̸i̵r̸G̵t̷n̵s̴t̸i̶n̸c̶ ̵r̵d̷e̷ ̷ ̵d̶c̷e̶ ̷u̸i̶i̵d̷ ̴t̸e̷z̸ü̸i̶n̶z̴ ̶a̷h̵ä̶ ̷e̶t̶e̷t̵S̴t̸m̸e̸
[ADMIN: ] It pains me to admit that like so many of my...children before, that this most recent batch is a failure. Even those born of myself showed none of the changes I was hoping to see. I know its possible; my grandson is proof of the concept. The boy shows an unusually high tolerance to cyberware...Far beyond that of my own children, natural or otherwise.
[ADMIN: ] The very thing I've sought for years. So close, yet still so far away.
[ADMIN: ] Perhaps three months is not enough time to know for certain if the changes I sought were there...But I can not let them live for any longer without massive risks.
[ADMIN: ] It is for that reason that I can not offer them any sort of comfort in their final moments. The quantity of chemicals that would be needed to anesthetize this many would raise too many flags. Instead, all I can do is close my eyes and hope the incinerator does its job with as much efficiency as possible.
[ADMIN: ] Much as I called them failures, I should perhaps thank them for showing me...The sheer futility of my undertaking of this task.
z̵i̴n̵e̶l̷m̶n̸ ̷n̵d̶e̶ ̵n̶ ̶ ̶m̶n̶s̷e̶.̴ü̷r̴s̷b̶e̶h̷b̷t̷r̴m̶ ̷s̵h̷e̸t̶t̶e̷e̴e̶e̷n̵r̴t̵c̴ ̴r̸ ̷t̶e̷c̸ ̵o̷e̷g̶n̶h̷ ̸e̷c̸i̴f̶r̴n̸ ̵b̵.̷ü̷n̵i̵ ̸
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[ARCHIVED CONVERSATION: [The Boss] & [The Colonel]
[The Boss] Ah, Colonel Hansen. Just a moment, take a seat if you would, I need to finish this first.
[The Colonel] Take your time, I doubt either of us is in a hurry.
Q̸c̴c̵i̸e̵n̵n̸ ̸e̶t̴ ̶s̵r̸o̸s̶o̶u̶a̴ ̶d̴o̶l̷d̵ ̴ ̶o̶ ̵c̴a̷l̴i̸,̸e̴ ̵e̸c̷c̵x̵a̶,̸ ̸ ̸m̶e̴d̶v̸u̴t̸o̵n̸o̴l̶l̴í̴ ̶g̸o̴e̵d̷t̸s̷,̴o̸c̵a̷i̸c̴ ̷
[The Boss] It's rather rare to see you outside of Dogtown, glad you could make it.
[The Colonel] It's become easier to leave thanks to those tunnels being made.
[The Boss] I'd say it was less of an effort in making something new and more a case of re-purposing more of Night City's neglected infrastructure.
[The Colonel] Either way it's... refreshing. I haven't been at liberty to venture into the city proper since establishing Dogtown.
[The Boss] I did tell you there would be a number of benefits to working together.
[The Colonel] The deterrent you provided, the improved living conditions, and the increase in quality manpower has been a major boost in my operations.
[The Boss] How are your former employers handling your departure?
[The Colonel] Threats, blackmail, attempted assassination. The usual expected from a corporate controlled government.
[The Boss] A Pity. You'd think after spending so many years taking away other's toys they would handle it with more grace when it happens to them.
[The Colonel] I'm not so sure. I might not have been their favorite toy, that title belongs to Myer's canary. I'd still like to think I was one of their second favorites. In fact with all the attempts on my life they've made recently, I'm sure of it.
[The Boss] Nothing too troubling I hope?
[The Colonel] Far from it. Your network chips have been a great help. The moment anyone checks in with something suspicious, everyone is aware of it and on the lookout.
[The Boss] The Rippers have finished the installations then?
[The Colonel] Not completely. Just the commanders. The Officers. The grunts and the rest of the rank and file are scheduled but spaced out. Bennett informed me that we're already seeing remarkable improvements in coordination and reaction times between squads.
[The Boss] Any problems, cases of rejection or incompatibility?
[The Colonel] Ha! Nothing worth thinking about.
[The Boss] Really?
[The Colonel] I'm serious, and honestly somewhat thankful. The only complaint that has reached my ears is my boys complaining about a lack of privacy. Some of them are a little awkward with your Adjutant AI listening in all the time.
[The Boss] The costs of security and progress I'm afraid.
[The Colonel] and the fact that the AI sounds and talks like you?
[The Boss] That may be one part ego, one part laziness. If it makes you feel any better, I have the same sort of wetware in my own head.
[The Colonel] It is rather nice to give 'you' orders for a change...
[The Boss] Hopefully you remain as polite and witty at least.
[The Colonel] Of course. Only a fool mistreats their tools.
[The Boss] Excellent. Now, I do hope you have room for a very nice dinner. I spared no expense having some prime examples of A5 Kobe Beef. I'm told when prepared right, the meat is so tender it is almost drinkable.
[The Colonel] I can't believe Arasaka missed the mark this badly.
[The Boss] How so?
[The Colonel] You would have been amazing in sales.
[The Boss] I have been told more than once that negotiating with me is like making a deal with the devil.
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[ARCHIVED CONVERSATION: [V02(F)-M#000] and [PRINCESS]
[V02(F)-M#000] Never thought I'd enjoy having a picnic on a rooftop, but I can admit that this is nice.
[Princess] Told you. I used to love eating out on the balcony of my home...And later found it fun to sneak onto the roof of the Academy to enjoy a skyline view while eating lunch.
[V02(F)-M#000] That why you insisted on the highest apartment you could find? So that you could do this?
a̶o̶e̶e̶d̵a̴l̵o̶a̴e̶t̵a̶s̴ ̷o̷ ̴e̸d̷n̵h̷h̷a̴a̴d̶r̴m̴n̴l̶ ̸ ̸a̶a̵n̶g̶a̷ ̵m̸u̷,̷g̵n̴n̸i̵u̸d̸n̷h̷n̵d̷ ̶í̴c̷b̶b̴a̶,̸c̷ ̴a̶o̶ ̵p̷r̶u̸a̶a̷u̵ ̶a̸n̴ ̷i̵r̸
[Princess] So what do you know about our downstairs neighbor?
[V02(F)-M#000] Which one?
[Princess] Martinez David. Wait, I keep forgetting you do it backwards here. David Martinez.
[V02(F)-M#000] Ah, my nephew. Oh don't look so surprised.
[Princess] So you must know him well.
[V02(F)-M#000] Not really. Before I met him a few weeks ago, I only knew of him.
[Princess] Ah. I only met him recently as well. We met in the hallway when I went to get breakfast from that coffee cart.
[V02(F)-M#000] You still shouldn't have gone out on your own. Night City is different than Tokyo in quite a few ways.
[Princess] I know, but your Dolls were watching me. Indeed, I thought I saw...what's that one's name? Delta? Keeping an eye on me from the window of our apartment.
[V02(F)-M#000] Yeah, he's good like that. But anyways, what did you want to know about my nephew?
[Princess] Whatever you know and are willing to share.
[V02(F)-M#000] Well, he might not act like it – but he's actually a total Mama's Boy. She raised him on her own after all.
[V02(F)-M#000] He's also a bit of a gonk, or baka, as you might call them. I mean, he's smart enough to know he's not stupid...But also smart enough to know he doesn't know everything. Does that make sense?
[Princess] It does. What's that old joke? Smart enough to know when to play stupid?
[V02(F)-M#000] Sure, let's go with that. Oh, can you pass me another cola?
[Princess] Is everyone in your family a caffeine addict? That's your second one since we came up here.
[V02(F)-M#000] Father says it comes with the territory. He prefers coffee, my brother's like me and goes for soda most of the time.
[Princess] And what about David?
[V02(F)-M#000] He's not a fan of carbonated drinks, but seems to share Father's enjoyment of coffee.
[Princess] I see...And how's his taste for tea?
[V02(F)-M#000] Know I've seen him drink mango ice tea, but not sure about hot teas. Why? Do you prefer tea to coffee?
[Princess] Maybe. Hmm, perhaps I can take him to that tea shop over in Japantown. See if we can find one we both like to share.
[Princess] Like a sort of...date?
[V02(F)-M#000] Wait, are you really interested in the guy?
[Princess] Sort of? I mean, if I am to be married to him, I'd like to know what I'm getting into.
[V02(F)-M#000] Ah, so its more wanting to know him for convenience sake.
[Princess] Yes. For example, I would rather find out that he's a drug addict now and take precautions than discovering that on our wedding night.
[V02(F)-M#000] Not unless caffeine counts as a drug. Actually, he doesn't seem fond of drugs or alcohol at all.
[V02(F)-M#000] Can't really put it any other way than he seems to be a genuinely nice guy.
[Princess] That's a relief. I was afraid my family had just found some random, what did you call them? Gonk?
[V02(F)-M#000] Father's too obsessed with the family branches to pick some random gonk and play pretend.
[V02(F)-M#000] My father wants into the Arasaka family. Your grandpa wants something to tie mine down even more.
[Princess] Has anyone told you that you are a very sassy girl?
[V02(F)-M#000] I like to tease. To taunt. I like being sassy.
[Princess] Is that why you're so meek in front of your father?
[V02(F)-M#000] And what would happen if someone was sassy to Saburo-sama?
[Princess] I see your point.
[V02(F)-M#000] Thought you might.
[Princess] See, with that in mind, it makes sense why my family wants me to marry him. Bring the Arasaka and Linder lines together after so many years.
[Princess] Makes me wonder what things might have been like if your great-grandfather hadn't shot my lord out of the air.
[V02(F)-M#000] Weird right? Do you think this family feud goes back further than we thought?
[Princess] Not sure. But can we please return to the topic of David? I spend enough time listening and talking with my own family about their drama.
[V02(F)-M#000] Of course. So what else would you like to know?
[Princess] Does he have any pets?
[V02(F)-M#000] He has a flesh sack. One of those hairless cats. Personally I think its ugly and its very jumpy around me.
[V02(F)-M#000] I don't like it. But he and his girlfriend picked it out so-
[Princess] He has a girlfriend?
[V02(F)-M#000] Yes, but I can get rid of her if you want.
[Princess] No, this will be an arrange marriage. Little more than a business contract. I don't mind if he has a, what's the word? A paramour?
[V02(F)-M#000] You mean a side piece?
[Princess] A side piece?
[V02(F)-M#000] You know. A whore. A living flesh light. Sex doll. Slut.
[Princess] Do you have to talk about her in such a degrading way?
[V02(F)-M#000] Do you know how many times I've been on observation duty of my nephew's place? The amount of times I've seen them going at it is insane.
[V02(F)-M#000] Did you know they have a fondness of preforming their, sexual exploits against the glass of their apartment?
[Princess] Does...Doesn't he have the same kind of apartment as me?
[V02(F)-M#000] Almost, except he's got one of the corner apartments where the windows wrap around both sides.
[Princess] Oh, oh my.
[V02(F)-M#000] Yeah. So I think you can understand why if you don't want him to have a mistress. That I have no qualms about killing any girl he wants to sleep with.
[V02(F)-M#000] Actually, just say the word and I'll get rid of his current girl. It would take almost no effort to snap her neck.
[V02(F)-M#000] Or if you prefer, I've already got a tracer on her. Would be easy enough to just have one of my dolls take her out at a distance.
[Princess] No, no. There's no need for that.
[V02(F)-M#000] Ruin my fun.
[Princess] Sorry, but I'd rather not start off any future relationships with complications. And I can't help but feel that killing that girl would cause that.
[V02(F)-M#000] Oh alright, I won't kill the girl.
[Princess] Thank you. And this might be a little selfish of me, but is it bad to hope that his current relationship fails naturally?
[V02(F)-M#000] You really are too nice at times. But I wouldn't worry.
[Princess] Hmm?
[V02(F)-M#000] By the time your marriage to him comes around. David's current relationship will just be a distant memory for him.
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[ARCHIVED CONVERSATION: [The Boss] & [Tennō]
[The Boss] Good evening Sir. How are you?
[Tennō] Linder. My evening was pleasant, can you guess what changed it?
[The Boss] My apologies sir. I wouldn't dare to guess what would keep your attention.
[Tennō] My men inform me that there has been some curious movement in your son's department. The deaths of two heads in so short a time does not please me.
[The Boss] I am aware of the transgression. The investigation is still unfinished, but evidence suggests that the attack on Aburnathy was a failsafe made by Jenkins. Possibly some sort of revenge-after-death scheme.
[Tennō] It amazes me how your choice of word leaves no trace of a lie, but lacks any truth.
[The Boss] Sir?
[Tennō] I am no fool Linder. Time and again I receive reports that your leash strains against the halter. My advisers insist once more that you be removed and dealt with. That my dog seeks to bite me.
[Tennō] Was my gift not enough? Perhaps a copy of your father's memory was not enough to ensure your loyalty to me?
[The Boss] ...I am still your loyal hound.
[Tennō] Dog.
[The Boss] Pardon?
[Tennō] You may think yourself above your breeding and the livestock that surrounds you. Make no mistake, as useful as you may be, you are still a mongrel dog in my eyes. You are not the first to seek succor from me with a dagger drawn behind your back. Nor will you be the last.
[The Boss] I'm not sure what you've heard to inspire such hostilities-
[Tennō] You have been aggravating the Americans. Toying with their disposable pawns and taking over their deniable black market. Was what you uncovered in this 'Dogtown' so worth my ire?
[The Boss] ...
[Tennō] You test my patience. Answer.
[The Boss] It would be worth your anger.
[Tennō] Oh? Truly?
[The Boss] The remains of Cynosure left behind by NUSA and Militech has been a treasury waiting to be uncovered. Inside has been stockpiles of data, schematics, messages, transmissions. They had a counter for Soulkiller in development and other A.I. Weaponry, only to drop it all and let it rust.
[Tennō] Taking an enemy's weapon for myself does not seem worth my attention, much less my annoyance. Not for something they abandoned so long ago.
[The Boss] That would have been true, if we we're not able to update and improve upon what they abandoned. They created a facility capable of capturing rogue entities from behind the Blackwall, containing them, and re-purposing them as guidance systems for weapons. The restored section of the facility is already capable of making their prototype Hercules rifles, but even better is that within the week we should see the assembly line for Militech's Cereberus producing the first of Arasaka's Kerberos combat drones.
[Tennō] You have given this much thought.
[The Boss] I started this gamble knowing that I could offend you, even cause problems for Arasaka. However, I am absolutely certain this will only end as a boon for me in the end. The blackmail we have gained against the NUSA, the prison we now have for AI, and the weapons we have to deal with all enemies. In the end I've taken control one of the the largest black market operations on this planet, and everything hidden beneath it. Now I offer it to you.
[Tennō] "When one with honeyed words but evil mind persuades the mob, great woes befall the state."
[Tennō] All of Arasaka's eyes will be upon your endeavor. I will allow you to continue, but with a much tighter leash. What is the next stage of this plan of yours?
[The Boss] A trap has been set. Militech and NUSA know they need to destroy any and all incriminating material to prevent the international community from burning their nation to the ground. Myers has already sent teams to poke at our defenses. We are playing coy, pretending to be hard at work encrypting Cynosure's data. In truth, everything has been copied and moved to more secure locations to be sorted and analyzed. When their strike teams inevitably arrive, Arasaka and BARGHEST forces will intercept and move to capture their commanders and dispose of the rest.
[Tennō] You seek leverage. Legitimacy.
[The Boss] NUSA will be seen as the aggressor, attempting to cover up their sins. Arasaka will be in perfect position to force concessions to be made, lest their actions result in dire consequences.
[Tennō] You have operated without oversight for too long. Something this important cannot be left in your hands alone. I will be sending Yorinobu to assist you.
[The Boss] ...Thank you sir.
[Tennō] Do not disappoint me Linder. You have promised me a great advantage. Neither of us will be pleased if you fail to deliver.
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[ARCHIVED CONVERSATION: [V02(F)-M#000] & [Target of Interest-D03]
[Target of Interest-D03] Hey Takami, how's it been?
[V02(F)-M#000] I'm fine Lucy, how about you?
[Target of Interest-D03] Little tired to be honest. That's why when you mentioned wanting someone for a girl's day of relaxation when we met in the elevator yesterday, I jumped at the offer.
[V02(F)-M#000] Even if for your own personal reasons, I'm glad you did. I don't have a lot of friends to begin with, and even then I only have one or two female friends.
[Target of Interest-D03] Know the feeling. I mean, I have plenty of female friends, but days where we can relax and just have a girl's day are few and far between.
[V02(F)-M#000] Well, let's use this time to our advantage.
[V02(F)-M#000] Oh, there's your cat. Wonder if he'll like me now that he's had time to settle in. What was his name again?
[Target of Interest-D03] Nibbles. Hey buddy, are you going to come say hi this time or-
[V02(F)-M#000] Oh!
[Target of Interest-D03] Damn, that meow had some power behind it.
[V02(F)-M#000] Psp, psp, psp...Come now Nibbles, I'm not going to hurt you.
[Target of Interest-D03] Yeah, I don't think he's going to come out anytime soon.
[Target of Interest-D03] David likes to call that his 'safe house' as he usually goes under there to hide when we get storms or when he's unhappy about something.
[V02(F)-M#000] That's...Kind of cute actually. But please tell me I'm not the only person he runs from?
[Target of Interest-D03] Well, he did hiss at Kiwi when she stopped by recently. But she has a cyberdog and you know the old trope about cats and dogs...
[V02(F)-M#000] Interesting. Well, maybe he'll change his mind about me when he sees the present I brought him.
[V02(F)-M#000] Here, check it out.
[Target of Interest-D03] What is that?
[V02(F)-M#000] It's one of those battery-powered mice. Just flip the switch here and it will occasionally jump or move around on its own.
[V02(F)-M#000] And I figured you'd appreciate a brighter colored one. Easier to see and less likely to scare you if the cat leaves it somewhere random.
[Target of Interest-D03] Think I'll leave it off for now. Here Nibbles, you can try it out when you're ready.
[V02(F)-M#000] I hope that might help your cat to like me.
[Target of Interest-D03] We'll see. Anyhow, what did you have in mind for today?
l̸n̸a̸ ̶n̷m̶d̸n̸ ̶v̶a̷d̸ ̴ ̶o̴e̷s̷o̴o̶s̴ ̶a̶l̸é̴d̵e̵f̵ ̶o̸ ̸a̵n̶ ̴a̵a̶s̵e̸,̷u̶o̴i̴,̸u̵ ̶i̶l̷ ̶s̴a̵m̷ ̶n̵e̵,̸d̴i̴l̴l̶n̸m̴ ̸ ̷q̶u̴g̴ ̵ ̵ ̷l̶i̶ ̶a̶c̵
[Target of Interest-D03] Okay, you really know your way around cosmetics. Never seen my skin look so, radiant.
[V02(F)-M#000] Glad you like it. Now, let's move onto your nails and...What's this?
[Target of Interest-D03] My engagement ring?
[V02(F)-M#000] You and David got engaged? Wait, it is David you're marrying, right?
[V02(F)-M#000] And which color polish would you prefer, white or purple?
[Target of Interest-D03] White. And yeah. I mean, who else would it be?
[V02(F)-M#000] I don't know. Let me see your hand?
[V02(F)-M#000] I mean, and please don't misunderstand me. But I've seen others coming to visit you.
[Target of Interest-D03] Those are just some of our friends, nothing more.
[V02(F)-M#000] Ah, they're quite an assorted group, aren't they?
[Target of Interest-D03] What do you mean?
[V02(F)-M#000] Well, I've seen a really short girl, a rather...large woman, and a Hispanic guy.
[Target of Interest-D03] If it's only those three, I can see your point.
[V02(F)-M#000] Who are they, if you don't mind my asking?
[Target of Interest-D03] Short one is Becca, she's a bit loud and blunt but otherwise a good friend.
[Target of Interest-D03] The 'large woman' as you called her is Dorio. She might seem cold, but she's actually really sweet once you earn her trust.
[V02(F)-M#000] And the Hispanic guy?
[Target of Interest-D03] That would be David's uncle, Jackie.
[V02(F)-M#000] Oh, I was going to guess that was his father. Wait, why are you laughing?
[Target of Interest-D03] Trying to decide if that would be better or worse than his actual father.
[V02(F)-M#000] Really? What's his dad like?
[Target of Interest-D03] Typical dark Corpo-type. But he's loosened up a bit since I originally met him.
[Target of Interest-D03] I'm still not a fan of the guy, but he's my future father-in-law so I kind of just have to deal with him.
[V02(F)-M#000] Well, you don't have to per say.
[Target of Interest-D03] What do you mean?
[V02(F)-M#000] You could just decline the proposal.
[Target of Interest-D03] I already said yes.
[V02(F)-M#000] Can always change your mind. I mean, it's not like you've actually gotten married yet, right?
[Target of Interest-D03] Are you, trying to break us up?
[V02(F)-M#000] What? Oh no. No, no, no. I'm just...Not used to hearing about actual story book romances.
[V02(F)-M#000] Which is what it seems like your relationship is.
[Target of Interest-D03] It's not perfect. God knows we've had a few spats over various things, but we work through it.
[V02(F)-M#000] Like?
[Target of Interest-D03] Work. And other things I don't feel like discussing with someone I barely know.
[V02(F)-M#000] Understandable. So what do you think of your nails?
[Target of Interest-D03] Very nice. I'm amazed at how well the polish took to my cyberarm.
[V02(F)-M#000] It's a special kind, meant to adhere to natural and synthetics like acrylic and metal.
[V02(F)-M#000] Would you like to practice applying it yourself on me? I'm thinking the purple.
[ERROR]- [ERROR]-[ERROR]-[ERROR]-[ERROR]
[ARCHIVED CONVERSATION: [The Boss] & [Silverhand]
[The Boss] Just a few more adjustments and...wake up. We've done this song and dance so many times, playing pretend fools nobody.
[The Boss] Open your eyes Silverhand.
[Silverhand] The fuck is this?
[The Boss] You ask that every time I bring you out to play. Part of me wishes you would remember just once...
[The Boss] But another part of me delights in seeing your reaction anew each time.
[Silverhand] Fuck you corpo-rat.
[The Boss] Thought that might be your response. So allow me to humor you once again.
[The Boss] It's currently the beginning of twenty-seventy-six, and you've been dead around fifty years.
[Silverhand] You really think I'm gonna believe that? I'm sitting right here asshole.
[The Boss] No, you're not. Not really. Prosthetic body, modern technologies, and the blessings of Arasaka's Mikoshi System.
[Silverhand] No...
[The Boss] August twentieth, of twenty twenty-three. Does that date mean anything to you?
[Silverhand] Yeah... That's the day... The day we planned to stick it to 'saka...
[The Boss] I see you're starting to remember. Those artificial neurons connecting the dots and data.
[The Boss] You died. And yet, a version of you lives.
[Silverhand] No! Not this! Not like this!
[The Boss] There it is. That same catharsis-inspiring expression. It never gets old. Never fails to bring a smile to my face.
[Silverhand] The fuck's your problem suit?! You wake me up, put me in a puppet for kicks?! You get your rocks off torturing a ghost?!
[The Boss] A ghost? Hardly. You're a program. The amalgamation of artificial intelligence and a recording of a brain scan. No soul, no spark of life. You are a copy of a copy, a wad of data taking up space in Arasaka's collection as a trophy for the emperor of the corporate world.
[Silverhand] Fuck. You.
[The Boss] Rude. That's no way for a father to speak to his son.
[Silverhand] What do you mean... son...
[The Boss] And here's the part I do so love the most. The introduction. A pleasure to meet you again. My name is Robert. John. Linder. Junior.
[Silverhand] The fuck is this...
[The Boss] Your personal hell made manifest. My stress relief. A little ritual I perform when my rage and anger threaten to spill over.
[Silverhand] You brought me to life just to make me suffer with the knowledge that I died, I'm a fake, and my son is kissing 'saka's boots?
[The Boss] Turn around please. Take in what you see.
[Silverhand] Me... Dozens of me.
[The Boss] This isn't the first time I've 'revived' you father-mine. So many across history have wished they could bring someone back from the grave so they can kill them over and over again.
[Silverhand] Fuck! Bastard!
[The Boss] Shush now. Don't struggle. Your body may be artificial, but I took great effort to have it made as close to human as possible. That heat knife between your vertebrae should hurt just like everything was the real deal.
[Silverhand] You piece of shit.
[The Boss] I am what you created. Made, abandoned, and never thought of again. A seed left to rot. And rot I did.
[Silverhand] Monster.
[The Boss] I'm the monster that killed you. Again, and again, and again. When I'm done butchering you like the pig you were, I'll go on with my life and you'll cease to exist until I plug your relic into another body and repeat the process. Want to know the best part?
[Silverhand] ...humor me.
[The Boss] With me having my own private copy of your engram on a relic, even if Saburo decided he had enough of you taking up server space the copy I possess will remain.
[Silverhand] ...
[The Boss] Be thankful. Most rockers worry about fading away and being forgotten.
[Silverhand] ...
[The Boss] But not you.
[ERROR]- [ERROR]-[ERROR]-[ERROR]-[ERROR]
[ARCHIVED RECORDING: [V02(F)-M#000, "Queen's Gambit" Field Report #07, URGENT]
[V02(F)-M#000] The operation was a partial success. The FIA taskforce was eliminated and the NUSA insurgents were suppressed.
[V02(F)-M#000] ...I made a mistake at the end. I had managed to wound Reed, but not enough to disable him.
[V02(F)-M#000] FIA Operative Reed managed to escape from Dogtown's perimeter using a tunnel that was supposed to be secured by Sergeant Ross Ulmer. Rather than ensure the capture I chose to let Colonel Hansen's men intercept while I was... occupied with eliminating the other FIA agents.
[V02(F)-M#000] Ulmer has been compromised. A record of a contract with Militech was discovered on his person. He's the one who let NUSA in, and let Reed out. Three Dolls were lost during the resulting confrontation before I could continue pursuit of Reed.
[V02(F)-M#000] Reed managed to make it to the streets of Pacifica. I believe he intended to use the local VDB as a distraction, however an unknown third party interfered. Proper identification was impossible thanks to the lack of lighting and interrupted line of sight. Reed stumbled into their car in the road, and the vehicle's occupants provided some retaliatory cover fire when my dolls attempted to incapacitate Reed.
[V02(F)-M#000] The passenger that helped Reed into the vehicle is equipped with a very high end Sandevistan and the vehicle in question is a Thorton Colby with Nomad modifications. Gamma managed to damage the vehicle with sustained fire from their tech rifle. I have reason to suspect that the passenger was injured. Any further data was denied by the arrival of hostile members of the VDB.
[V02(F)-M#000] ...Please don't be mad at me daddy.
[ERROR]- [ERROR]-[ERROR]-[ERROR]-[ERROR]
[ERROR: Data Name Corrupted.]
Entry #1525 [Date Corrupted]
h̸a̸e̵s̷a̴b̸o̸a̴o̷e̴o̵e̷c̶o̷o̸h̷t̴,̷e̶t̴h̵'̶h̶p̴n̶e̴d̶ ̵h̷a̷ ̴o̸o̶ ̴g̶a̴n̵r̵o̴h̴r̶u̴a̶n̸a̵ ̸r̸o̷h̵t̶s̴r̸p̸h̸n̷t̶e̴a̵n̷e̶f̴e̴p̸i̵e̸g̶g̷d̷a̷ ̵g̶a̷t̸
His idiotic dislike for full body replacements will only be the end of him. A Blind Emperor lounging on a throne of pillaged gold. He holds the keys to true immortality and instead plans to use his own family for temporary replacements.
T̴f̷h̴e̵h̵l̶s̸e̵i̶r̵t̶z̶f̶r̸ ̷ ̸o̸ ̴h̷r̴p̷d̸ ̷ ̴s̴n̶n̷s̷t̵,̶'̸c̷l̴i̵o̵l̶s̷'̷e̸ ̵l̷s̴s̷m̴n̶v̴f̸e̴d̶ ̵i̶n̸n̷u̷e̴o̴ ̷k̸u̵s̴k̷e̶t̴d̷n̷e̴i̴c̵e̸z̶t̸r̵ ̷
Entry #1678 [Date Corrupted]
W̴u̷p̸o̵i̷s̷n̴u̴h̷s̷p̸n̸p̷l̷e̶o̶o̶s̷r̷e̴ ̵d̴e̵r̷ ̶o̴e̶a̶e̷l̷e̶h̷n̵b̵i̷ ̵o̷ ̵e̷m̵ ̶k̶,̵h̴o̴h̴s̷a̴ ̷t̶r̴f̴n̴h̶'̷ ̷m̸s̴i̶a̵o̶ ̵h̷t̸t̷w̶h̵b̵ ̴r̵ ̸
I should have known Eleanor would try something. Her latest attempt used synthesized gene-tailored toxins. No doubt it was that bitch Amendiares supplying her in retribution for my mistaken attempt on her son. Valerie survived her mother's poison, but not without cost. The psychological damage was catastrophic.
A self-fulfilling prophesy. Now there is no choice but to place her in the program. Either that or start again.
She may be my wife, but I will make her pay for this- betraying my trust like this.
t̴t̸s̷s̸s̵d̶o̵s̵l̶r̶r̵o̵n̸f̸p̴ ̶e̴e̴l̴a̸a̸t̷u̸o̷r̷s̷d̶ ̶g̷w̷ ̵i̸i̵p̵t̵ ̷b̷o̴ ̶t̴t̸w̴s̸i̴n̴n̴t̸l̴o̸e̷t̸a̴ ̸p̸h̸a̴o̷a̶ ̸ ̵i̴t̷a̷n̶ ̸s̷f̴o̴e̵t̵t̵ ̶s̶ ̸
Entry #2945 [Date Corrupted]
t̴i̷ ̷h̴e̶a̶e̸i̵c̶d̷ ̵g̴o̸e̸y̵p̸u̴ ̸i̷t̶ ̶h̸T̷h̷s̷n̵h̴e̵e̸h̶s̴r̶n̸o̴h̴h̸d̶.̸h̴h̸o̴p̸t̸e̴a̷e̴h̸ ̷,̴t̸i̷o̵h̶'̵ ̵,̵ ̶e̷e̴e̴o̸d̴h̶e̸p̸e̷k̷ ̶o̴ ̵a̵e̴o̶t̸
So many think me a monster. They would all be so surprised to learn what my brothers and I wish for, truly yearn for, is Peace.
No more corporate rulers. No more secret wars with rampant software that has gotten out of hand.
They don't see it. Don't understand why. I suppose it is my fault. I've given into my urges and desires too often to pretend otherwise. Wrath has and will always be my strongest sin. I am my father's son, much as I loathe every drop of that parasite's blood in my veins.
This must happen.
We will lead the way.
l̵e̷l̵o̸d̴a̷m̸s̸o̶f̵m̵s̵g̸p̵e̴y̷e̶,̶h̶a̴e̴u̷a̵ ̵u̴b̶e̷t̷e̸d̷o̸r̸ ̶w̸e̴i̸l̵o̷y̷s̶o̶s̸a̶ ̷l̶a̶v̴e̸e̶t̴ ̴e̸t̸b̷e̵ ̶r̸ ̷f̵l̶ ̴s̴e̴a̸e̶s̵s̴m̶d̵o̵ ̶ ̶
Entry #3020 [Date Corrupted]
k̴n̸r̵ ̶k̵ ̷p̶m̶l̸ ̶t̵i̵o̵h̴e̷ ̶r̷m̷t̵f̵d̶a̸c̸s̸h̸d̴o̴w̷ ̴t̸t̵e̴h̵t̷ ̴i̷o̷t̸k̸e̵s̴t̷d̵r̶a̸d̷t̸e̶,̸f̷ ̴d̷t̸t̷e̷:̴ ̷s̴d̴t̴u̸o̶d̵t̴e̴t̴h̴e̷w̴h̸a̸ ̴i̴
Another year goes by, another dozen clusters of resistance to the corporate regime slaughtered and scattered to the winds.
The masses are still as pacified as ever. Too used to an easy life of convenience and justified it with a numbers game.
Meanwhile everyone with a blade to grind at the edge of the corporate alter stand by impotent as always. Ants thinking they're the only ones. One in a million with today's population means that there are thousands like you across the globe. Yet they make excuses. 'The corps are too big', 'it's impossible', 'what other choice'.
The societal contract has turned from the unsaid agreement of what society is to an absolute slave collar enforcing the subservience of humanity to an imaginary value in currency.
Nothing stops them all from ending the system by saying no. They agree to any number of evils for convenience and comfort.
Yet if people continue to allow Arasaka and the corporations to do as they wish, they'll end up giving birth to yet another Robert John Linder!
This cannot happen.
I will not let it happen.
u̶u̶i̸n̴ ̵t̶h̸r̵d̶d̷f̷h̶e̶c̶e̶ ̵l̵v̵p̶ ̸t̶l̷h̸ ̴e̵l̴s̴n̶ ̸ ̷i̴e̸r̶ ̴l̶ ̸t̸e̶a̷d̸o̶v̴ ̵ ̵r̷h̶ ̸o̶u̶e̵r̸h̴l̶s̸o̷r̵f̶o̷e̵;̷ ̸ ̸e̴h̷f̴t̷f̵a̴o̸ ̴ ̸
Entry #5384 [Date Corrupted]
o̴a̵e̶e̷ ̵W̴W̶p̵l̵e̴u̵n̵n̸u̸ ̶s̷c̶e̷o̴i̶ ̷o̴h̵r̷y̸a̵t̸c̵h̴n̸h̷ ̸r̶o̴l̷t̴ ̵e̵t̵l̵e̵e̵ ̵i̴w̷w̸ ̸t̴n̵e̶u̵p̴e̵c̸p̸g̵f̷ ̴f̷e̸ ̴o̸a̷t̶
My false-born children had to be killed by fire. No mercy. Any chemicals could be traced or give hints. Same with any methods that grant a quick death. They have to be nothing but soot and ash. The dead tell tales, but these cannot be allowed to speak. Ever.
The project is over. It was a mistake. My sin. All from yet another lapse in judgment that led to a completely unnecessary waste of time. If I hadn't chased the girl away decades ago I would have had the answer by my side within the year. My pride and distaste for my own origins has cost me greatly.
How many more of my mistakes are lingering in the background waiting for a chance to bite, in need of correction or erasure?
T̴r̷o̶a̴h̸y̶a̷h̶ ̵ ̴u̴a̸r̶i̵h̴ ̴h̷e̸u̷n̴ ̴e̴g̵u̸h̸a̴s̶'̵i̷s̷u̶ ̸e̴n̷i̷n̴t̷T̴n̵,̴e̴n̴t̸l̶s̶l̷i̶g̴e̸s̵ ̴s̸a̵n̴s̶n̷i̴h̷ ̵n̴u̷s̸ ̸a̴n̴o̸,̸h̸g̷ ̴o̶r̸o̴i̴
Entry #5850 [Date Corrupted]
k̵t̸o̴a̷ ̷e̵e̴ ̷ ̴e̴e̷u̵ ̸n̴ ̶h̸e̶o̵ ̴s̵y̶l̴o̶o̸o̴b̷ ̷e̵i̷i̶v̷e̷s̶ ̶y̸f̷v̴ ̴o̶e̸ ̸a̵T̷o̴h̴n̶t̵l̷w̷ ̸e̷r̸e̷g̴e̴z̶a̵o̵ ̸t̴a̴i̶n̵s̸n̸l̷o̵d̶ ̵
Our success in Cynossure has led to advancements far beyond what I expected. Before, we had to make do, but Cynosure has provided the perfect deception. The Facility is ours down to the last circuit and microchip. Why those idiots in Militech would leave so much behind unguarded or salvageable is beyond me. They even had teams return to see if it could be re-activated, yet when it was abandoned a second time they still left everything to be taken by the next to pillage the place.
Ignorance. Lazy, unforgivable ignorance.
The only thing stopping the entity still trapped in its core was that the facility's power was shut down and there were no outside connections established.
If they'd left the power on, or worse left a connection to the outside running whomever made the call to abandon it all would have ruined everything I'd worked so hard to accomplish.
If I find them, I will thank them profusely for their unwitting aid. Then I will kill them for all the harm they could have done.
u̶.̶i̵r̴e̶a̸y̸n̸n̵c̸ ̷s̵ ̴w̷s̴f̷ ̴e̸'̷ ̶l̶g̴t̵n̸r̴d̷s̴c̴n̴e̵ ̶r̷y̸i̸o̵r̶n̶e̶ ̷d̵ ̶f̶o̸h̷t̶r̴r̵h̸ ̷r̵ ̴e̴t̵n̵c̶o̵t̶ ̶ ̴e̷ ̵e̷ ̵g̷d̸t̸r̸o̶ ̵o̷e̵ ̵u̴
Entry #6199 [Date Corrupted]
r̴e̷t̶e̷r̶e̵h̵t̵,̵o̸c̵i̸ ̵l̴n̴ ̸i̶d̴ ̸a̴,̷t̷s̶h̸ ̷o̴a̸h̸T̵u̴e̵b̸;̶b̶p̴ ̴h̶t̷d̴n̷e̶i̸ ̷e̷.̶e̷ ̸p̸h̸ ̶s̴e̵i̴ ̷i̶ ̶d̸s̴t̸ ̷n̸e̵s̷ ̶w̶b̸ ̵s̴ ̷ ̵
Its only a matter of time till what I have done is discovered. It will be a war like no other. It was inevitable before, but I've raised the stakes so far beyond what would have occurred at the natural pace. Arasaka's last resort has been recovered, I've still yet to figure out how it ended up in Coronado Bay or who knows it was there.
The device is in Hansen's hands now, being restored after fifty years of water damage. Most likely the fissile materials will need to be moved to something else. My morbid sense of humor was tickled pink at the idea of him mounting it in a missile, with Dogtown somehow reenacting Escape from New York or LA. I've already got a Kurt playing a leading role after all.
u̷a̶i̵o̷h̸f̶i̸u̷y̷ ̶e̵o̶s̵ ̵h̴i̸m̷l̷m̶s̶t̸t̶a̷a̷e̵t̷u̴v̷i̴o̶ ̵s̵u̴ ̶,̷n̶o̵s̷p̴o̵t̷ ̷k̷m̸c̷y̵m̶,̶s̴ ̸f̵h̵ ̸e̶s̶u̶t̸b̷ ̶o̵;̸e̴r̵u̷ ̶p̶c̸ ̸ ̵s̸b̴ ̸
Entry #6282 [Date Corrupted]
u̴'̵w̵i̴w̶a̵o̴a̵r̵e̶ ̵ ̶e̴s̸i̷t̴i̴h̷i̶t̸o̵ ̶u̵p̵m̴t̷a̸i̴a̷ ̵a̴ ̴t̴b̶e̸t̴i̷r̶u̶n̷i̵t̶a̸n̵h̷l̸ ̵a̸i̷m̸r̵r̵s̶e̵c̴i̷s̷y̸o̴n̴i̵o̸y̵n̸n̴s̴a̸e̷t̸f̷c̸ ̴a̶n̷
Ironic. I've spent my life hating my father.
And I will end it all by finishing what he started.
o̵e̶p̷d̷k̷e̸t̵o̸t̴s̴e̶ ̸e̶l̷ ̸e̷ ̵o̸ ̸p̶d̶e̸i̴ ̴W̵u̷n̶e̵s̸h̴t̸e̵a̴ ̸a̴t̴e̵ ̵s̶h̶ ̷i̸t̴u̵f̶t̵t̷a̶p̸d̴ ̷o̷n̴e̵d̴t̸h̵t̵k̷c̴s̶t̶w̷i̶ ̴f̸