Thief Team: Alpha
"Comms check. Come in Beta, Gamma." Lynn pressed a finger against the throat radio. After a few minutes of each team going their separate ways, it was probably safe to check. Just in case the heat was interfering with the signal.
Her earpiece crackled slightly as two voices responded in kind.
"Beta checking in. We read you loud and clear, Joker!" That was Mona.
"Gamma here. We read." That was Ann.
Satisfied, Lynn gave a quick "Copy that. Stay in touch." before turning to her own partner, Shiho. Lynn gave a smile. It had been a while since their little heart-to-heart in Madarame's Palace. Things had gotten so hectic that finding the time to sit with her and discuss things just wasn't feasible. Until now, that is. With Madarame's change of heart in the works, and V's mission in full swing, now was as good a time as any to catch up. "How are things on the Hunter front?"
The girl shifted as she moved. Keeping low to the ground, both Shiho and Lynn stalked the path slowly, being sure to check corners and watch each other's backs.
"The therapist I've been assigned seems kind of… weird. I feel really uncomfortable during our sessions."
"Weird how?"
The two scaled a steep incline and entered into another amalgamated tunnel. The sudden change in temperature actually managed to force a shiver out of both girls. "It's hard to explain. It's… like she doesn't care? Like she doesn't really listen when I talk. Her questions are all generic and barely related to my case, too. I think she might just be reading off of a script." That last little suspicion brought a bittersweet grin to Lynn's features. Kawakami had been given a script for their sessions, so it wasn't completely out of the question. Shiho's therapist was assigned by the school, after all.
The cynic in her made the observation that Shiho was lucky it was actually a qualified therapist that got given her case.
The two ducked behind a corner, avoiding a single patrolling Shadow. From its size, it was only a Lesser. Putting their conversation on a brief hold, it was better to let the thing pass. They watched as it shifted and shambled down the hallway. It occasionally stopped to mindlessly gawk at the various billboards that lined the walls. Eventually, however, it moved on and the two thieves were free to continue.
Hunter lived up to her namesake and stalked out from cover, keeping low to the ground and eyes keenly focused forward.
Once they were sure the threat had well and truly moved on, Lynn continued with the chat. "Have you looked into hiring a private therapist?" Dumb question, of course, and Lynn likely knew the answer already. Shiho confirmed as much with a wistful nod.
"Seeing as my parents live in Kyoto and pay for all my living expenses here, I can't ask them to cover something like that. Even with health insurance." And thus, Shiho's kind hearted, considerate nature had gotten in the way of her own wellbeing. Putting other people's concerns over her own. "I had to beg them to let me stay here as it is. They wanted me to move back to Kyoto after everything with Him came out."
Lynn didn't know a lot about Shiho's parents. They at least sounded concerned with their daughter's struggles. Although a more cynical point of view pointed toward them not wanting to pay any more money. That opinion was quickly sealed away in the back of Lynn's mind.
"Do you think you'll ever go back to volleyball?"
The girl stopped in her tracks.
Had Lynn accidentally triggered her friend? Worry set in and she was about to apologise when Shiho turned to face her with a smile. "Honestly… I don't know. For a good chunk of my life, volleyball was pretty much my only focus. I was good at it. I enjoyed it. I got into Shujin on an athlete's scholarship, even. Funny… I actually used to idolise Him when I was in middle school." Her gaze drifted off into the near distance, dwelling on memories and emotions long passed. "So when I found out He was going to be my coach, I was over the moon! That didn't last long. The abuse was instant and for the longest time… I just endured it. My passion for the sport had been replaced with dread and - eventually - hatred. He has poisoned the game for me. So, to answer your question; I don't have any plans on picking the ball up again. At least not for a while."
Her fists clenched and her jaw stiffened. Her eyes darkened and a haunting, silent rage set in. Even below the bear pelt hood, Lynn saw the anger on full display. Chilling was an understatement.
Shiho was such a kind, honest girl. So to see her like this was heartbreaking.
"And that's completely fine. I'm not going to spout dumb stuff like 'it'll get better' or 'time heals all wounds' because that's just insulting." Shiho was much stronger than she gave herself credit for. She just needed reminding of that every now and then. "However, I will say this; whatever you need, whenever you need it, I'll be happy to lend a hand. We talked about finding an outlet for your anger in Madarame's Palace. I think I have an idea about that. Once we've helped V, let me take you somewhere."
The girl's brow raised. Though a sudden movement caught both their attention. They had just crested over an incline and made it to the first of three small caverns. A structure jutted out from the cavern wall, like it was built into the volcano itself. Or perhaps it had been shoved in from the outside and left there.
Rubble lay strewn across the rocky floor, making the terrain even more of a pain to walk on. The movement they had seen had come from inside the structure.
Shiho readied her spear and with a silent nod, began to inch forward.
There was an opening that was probably once a door frame. It led into a neon glow of pink and blue. Perhaps it was another bar-like ruin? Lynn planted her back against one flank of the opening and gestured to Shiho to do the same.
[If you kids think you're being sneaky, I have to burst your bubbles.]
A woman's voice came out from the pink and blue glow. It was authoritative, cold and a little mocking. Even still, it shocked both girls and Lynn couldn't help but let out a tiny, girlish squeak.
A smirk lined Shiho's lips. A blush dusted Lynn's cheeks.
She straightened herself up, resumed her original stance and put on a demanding tone of her own. "Friend or foe?"
[Well that depends on who's asking. You Tyger Claws? This ain't your turf, little kitty.] If only Mona were here. Internal jokes aside, the voice likely belonged to a cognition. Someone from V's life in Night City. Given they weren't outright hostile, it was hopefully a friend of hers. Something Lynn could use.
"I'm here on behalf of V."
There was no response for a few seconds. The glare from the neon had effectively obscured any detail within the ruin. She could only make out vague shapes and brief movement.
[Is that so. I wasn't aware that the oh so great Overlord was in the biz of proxies.] Whereas the bouncer at the main entrance was openly devoted toward this Overlord persona of V's, this woman was pretty snarky about it. That said a lot about who she was, clearly someone higher in authority than V but held at least some respect for her. [Alright, let's drop this gonk standoff. I'm not about to pull iron on you. Provided you are here on V's order.]
The neon light dimmed, allowing a much clearer view of the inside. It was some kind of office. Although that was being generous. It was more like a storage area pretending to be an office. Boxes upon boxes lay stacked atop one another, computer screens lined one side of the wall, a large desk lay cluttered with disposable coffee cups, empty takeout cartons and the occasional pistol. Behind the desk sat a lone woman. A steel gaze locked onto Lynn, sending a chill down her spine. The woman's defined jaw was framed by long, silvery hair and cybernetic implanted skin running down her throat and chest.
"Who are you?" Lynn stepped out from her cover and holstered her weapons. Despite the cognition saying otherwise, Lynn still felt on edge, worried a fight would break out at any second. Instinct had her place a readied hand over the Beretta's grip, primed to pull at a moment's notice.
A stance that the woman seemed amused by. [Well, at least you have some self preservation. The name's Rogue. The… ugh… Overlord… works for me. At least technically speaking. I Fix her jobs. The whole 'Fortune for Favour' bullshit.]
So this was the infamous Rogue that Mona was intimidated by.
She definitely lived up to the reputation. Even if this was just the cognitive version, she was definitely not a woman to mess with.
"I'm Joker. This is Hunter." Said Lynn. Rogue was quite unimpressed with the unconventional names. "There should be a Private Lounge up ahead. We need to gain access." That earned a curious raise of a brow. The woman leant back in her chair, her gaze searing straight through the two thieves.
[Biz or… pleasure?] Her eyes were oddly fixated on both of the thieves' attire. Even if Lynn loved her thief outfit, the stare managed to bring up a wave of self consciousness.
"Uh… biz."
The woman chuckled.
[I can give you access…] Shiho stepped forward in eager excitement. Lynn knew better. [For a price.] And there it was. [If you don't have the scratch, then perhaps a little job in exchange.]
Did they have a choice? For all Lynn knew, the Private Lounge they were headed to was another case of an impassable obstacle like that huge peacock door was. "Fine. I scratch your back, you scratch ours. What's the job?" Satisfied, the woman nodded and stood up. With a strong sense of self and the confidence of a wizened warrior, Rogue strode around the desk and toward the two girls.
[Some gonks are butting in on Afterlife turf. Sixers if you can believe it. I need you to get rid of them. Zero them, spook them off, I don't care how. Do that, and you'll have your access.]
It sounded simple. Joker glanced at Hunter - at which she nodded back in agreement. The easiest way forward was just to play along.
"Deal. Just point us in their direction."
[You look like a smart girl. You'll figure it out. Don't bother me again until those gonks are gone.] With that, Rogue stopped addressing them and went back to whatever she had been doing. It was one of the most abrupt and strange experiences Lynn had ever had. And that was saying a lot. Did this make her an Edgerunner, now?
Truth be told, she didn't exactly like that idea.
Thief Team: Beta
"Beta checking in. We read you loud and clear, Joker!" Mona was quick to respond, ever the professional.
"Gamma here. We read." Lady Ann's melodic voice responded in kind. Whenever she spoke, Morgana's little heart skipped a beat. Infatuation aside, he had a job to do. He didn't like having to babysit the newbie, but at least Yusuke could handle himself.
Joker's reply ended the communication. "Copy that, keep in touch."
Their goal was in sight, but getting to it was another matter entirely. If Morgana was by himself, he could probably conjure a strong wind and glide down into the ruin. Before he met Lynn and the others, that was what he would have done exactly. Being small and light had a lot of perks like that. Now, however, he had to recalibrate his mind to think as a team. Yusuke had no such ability, so that meant the two had to take the conventional route.
"What a pain…" he muttered.
"Hm? Is something wrong, Mona?"
"Oh, nothing! Let's get going. I don't want to fall behind the others."
The artist nodded, sharing the sentiment. This Palace was definitely among the more unique Mona had seen. Granted, he couldn't remember if he had been in any others besides Kamoshida's and Madarame's. Deep in his gut, he knew that he had. His life couldn't possibly have simply sprang into existence the moment he entered Kamoshida's Palace. Could it?
His identity crisis was still on-going and there was no hint of an answer in sight. It was frustrating and terrifying not knowing.
But now wasn't the time for it.
Dragging his mind back to the Palace, Mona tried to make sense of it all. V's brain was - quite clearly - a jumbled mess of ideas, desires and emotions. Damaged seemingly beyond repair. Yet the rush of relief Mona had sensed when freeing the first chain definitely said otherwise. Joker was right, however. The act was a huge shock to V's cognition, so removing each chain one by one could do more damage than good.
Something else was worrying, too. They had yet to encounter V's Shadow. Would it even be around? In reality, V was in a coma, so how would that affect her Shadow?
Curious indeed.
The Shadow was no doubt somewhere. However, they would simply have to cross that bridge when they got to it. Mona focused on what was right in front of him. The path to the Braindance Parlor. As straightforward as the tunnels looked on the map, they were bound to have at least some Shadow patrols.
As if on cue, a small group of Lesser's led by a single Greater came into view not too far away. They were shambling through a more open section of the tunnel. From the trace amounts of architecture that was spliced across the area, it looked like a public restroom. A grossly under maintained public restroom. The scent alone was enough to turn Mona's stomach. "How unsightly…" whispered Yusuke. "Should we engage?"
"Let's wait and see if they come closer." The feline-adjacent thief took cover behind an outcropping rock. Yusuke followed suit, forcing himself into a small alcove.
From their hiding spots, they watched the patrol.
The Greater Shadow moved with more awareness than its subordinates. It avoided dubious puddles on the ground, refrained from touching appliances and actually made the effort to look around and investigate its surroundings. A minute passed before the patrol made way for the tunnel. They were slowly heading straight for the two thieves lying in wait. Mona silently gestured and with a mental countdown, he timed his ambush. Just as the Greater Shadow passed Mona's rock, he pounced, calling for Yusuke to follow suit.
Flashes of cold steel and howling wind sliced the humid air. The patrol could barely even make a sound before bursting into vapour and ichor.
"Cleanly done, Fox. Nice!"
"Naturally." With a simple nod, the artists gestured into the ruined restroom. "As unsavoury as this section is, we best proceed with haste."
Morgana didn't need to be told twice. With that said, it was likely worth at least giving the place a once over. If not for valuables, then for potential traps and fall back plans. Something to keep in mind; it was a good retreat point. Perfect for breaking the line of sight from potential pursuers. Mental notes aside, there was little in the way of anything useful.
The rest of the path leading to their destination was barren of any Shadow activity. It was a straight shot, effectively. That said, as the two emerged back into the main cavern, they were on the same level as the lake itself.
The heat was undeniably unbearable.
For Mona each step felt like a thousand. He could feel his energy drain like an open faucet. Yusuke, meanwhile, was slightly less affected. With a cool aura curling around his body, the ice from Goemon was serving him well. Nonetheless, Mona needed to endure it. The Parlor's ruin was just ahead. The heat faded with each step closer until finally, they crested over its threshold. As if a switch had flipped, the ambient heat turned to a strangely chilling cold.
Cool steam washed over the ground, gently flowing from large vents. In terms of decor, the Parlor was incredibly stylish.
At least in terms of Night City style.
Neon gently lit the room with an ice blue hue. A small bar area - stocked with decorative bottles of dazzlingly coloured liquid - sat off to one side. A central, circular seating area surrounded a tangle of machines, wires and headpieces. Similar in appearance to the ones they had used during V's training. Circling the machinery were several screens, all of which held a single message. "Awaiting User Input"
"I don't see the console anywhere. Any ideas, Fox?"
The artist seemed equally at a loss. Arguably more so. He wasn't there when V had introduced the concept of Braindances, so this whole scene was completely foreign to him. "Perhaps there is something we must do for it to appear?" The obvious answer was to use the headpieces. However, that posed an issue. Recalling what V had said about the subject, one needed to have compatible cyberware implanted in their bodies to view Braindances. That was out of the question for a number of reasons.
That said, this was the Metaverse. There was a chance that they could bypass that requirement. Gingerly, Mona reached out and took one of the wreaths in his paws. Turning it over, he examined the tech.
An apprehensive glance wandered up at Yusuke.
"Are you familiar with this technology?"
"Kind of. On V's side of the Metaverse, people use this kind of thing to share the experiences of other people. I think it's like watching someone's memory from their point of view." At least that was how the little thief understood it. Truth be told, the whole thing seemed more like magic than actual science. "Maybe we have to find the console in V's memories. That's just a theory, though."
"Fascinating…" muttered the artist, picking up one of the other devices. "The myriad experiences of countless other people all at the beck and call of an individual. And for entertainment, no less. Truly, I would never have imagined such beauty could be possible."
That was a refreshingly idealistic view of it. If not overly colourful for Mona's tastes.
Simply trying it couldn't hurt. If it didn't work, they would have to figure something else out. Carefully, the diminutive thief took a seat, placed a wreath over his head and sat back. One of the many screens beeped and a quick static distorted its display for a moment. A new message popped up reading "Starting BD Playback." The wreath lit up and a droning sound reverberated over Mona's head. Pressure weighed down on his brain, causing his vision to completely turn white.
The next thing he knew, he was no longer sitting in the Palace. Not only that, he was someone else entirely.
V, herself, to be exact. Mona's mind had been placed wholesale into Valorie Garcia. Her thoughts, feelings and emotions seamlessly became his own. Or rather a singular emotion; excitement.
Pure, unfiltered excitement.
So this was a Braindance?
Thief Team: Gamma
"It's sooooooo hoooot…"
That was the sixth time Ryuji had complained in just as many minutes. It would have gotten under Ann's skin if she wasn't feeling the heat too. Even with her natural tolerance for it, the closer to the lake the two got, the more she felt like she was melting. The thought that they had to actually cross the lake just added to the misery.
A part of Ann felt a little cheated. Lynn had given the orders and from how it was turning out, she had given herself and Shiho the easiest of the three. Panther sighed. She wouldn't have minded it so much if Ryuji wasn't so insistent on complaining.
"Skull, it's a volcano. The fact there are cooler bits at all is a miracle. Let's just focus on finding a way to get across the lake, alright?"
"Well… what about that boat?"
Ann hadn't taken her eyes from the ground in a while. She growled at the dumb suggestion and was about to snap when, sure enough, the sight of a lonely row boat gently bobbing atop the lava caught her completely off guard. Held in place by a single, ragged rope tied to a wooden stake driven into the rocky shore. By all accounts, it should have been nothing more than burnt charcoal, instead, it looked almost new. Even decorated with slate-grey paint and blood red lanterns hanging off of its bow and stern.
Sinister.
That's what word Ann could have used. Suspicious was another.
"A boat and a lake of lava. Where have I heard that one before…" Ann pushed her mask up and rubbed her eyes. Was it really so simple as to just take a leisurely boat ride?
As they drew nearer, distorted shimmers blinked to existence. Two figures emerged from the dizzying display of warping reality. One sat proudly on the boat's stern, perched on a throne of luxurious leather and gold created as if from thin air. The second stood, stalwart and stoic like a statue. Built thicker and taller than the first, the second figure appeared to be holding a long wooden rod which was dipping into the lava. Licks of flame flaked around it, yet it didn't seem at all affected.
Details quickly came into focus. Features formed a wisened and wrinkled expression of an elderly, heavily tattooed man. Gold jewellery adorned his neck and fingers and a distinct air of dignity flowed free.
The second figure, however, was as though he was chiselled from the volcanic rock itself. Imposing as a giant, the man stood in an everlasting vigil.
[Two more lambs wander to my beacon? Greetings to you.] The elderly man gestured a warm welcome, a calming smile tugging his specked lips. It immediately set Ann at ease. As if her own grandfather was welcoming her home. However, that easy feeling held a strange instinct of caution. Beneath the friendly, outwardly welcoming tone was a sense of presence that Ann couldn't quite identify.
"Who… are you?" Ann asked, her hand ready to reach for her whip at a moment's notice. Even if the man was outwardly trustworthy, the other, silent one was another story.
Ryuji, ever the socially ignorant, groaned at the question. "Does it matter? The dude's got a boat and we need to cross the lake!"
["The righteous is a guide to his neighbour, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." I am merely a humble guide to the lost souls wandering the lake of fire in this twisted place. A shepherd if you will, for each lamb lost to the fires will become part of my flock. My name is Sebastian Ibara.]
A faint memory poked at Ann's mind. A warm, cosy sense of familiarity. "Proverbs 12:26…" she muttered, a small twitch of fond remembrance tugged her lip.
[A woman of God, I see.]
Oddly, Ann found herself blushing at that. Though it could have just been the heat. "Oh, not really. My Grandpops was the priest in the family. He used to teach me stuff about the bible." She didn't consider herself to be particularly religious even if that was the case. Even still, the memories of her grandfather were happy ones. This Sebastian fellow reminded her a lot of him. Which explained why her easy, relaxed feeling outweighed her caution. "Are you a friend of V… uh… the Overlord?"
Sebastian smiled. Fondness sparkled in his eyes for a brief moment before it faded to a melancholic gaze into the lava. [Though she is not of my blood, she is my family. As was her brother.]
"She has a brother?"
[Had.]
"Oh." Ann's chest tightened. His tone and expression said everything that needed to be said. "I'm… sorry for yours and her loss." Sebastian nodded in appreciation. A part of Ann felt guilty for learning about all this without V's knowledge.
"Sheesh… that's rough," muttered Ryuji, scratching the back of his neck. He shuffled awkwardly on his feet, quite visibly unsure of how to act. "Not to be all rude, but… we do kind'a gotta get across this lake. Think you could help us, gramps?" Ann shot him a look of pure fire. Was this really the time to be so blunt? Even if he was in the right on this one, she still couldn't help but find it a little insensitive.
[It is my job to ferry lost lambs to their destination. Like I said, I am a shepherd. Be warned, however. These waters are home to a beast of the most vile nature. A demon cast into the lake of fire in eternal punishment, its anger still boils the very earth to this day. If you still wish to cross, I require but one thing; your names.]
"I'm Skull! I'll bust that demon's ass, no problem! Hah!"
"Panther, sir. Sorry for my idiot friend."
Sebastian chuckled, gesturing to a newly formed second set of seats. The boat was becoming more like a car with each passing second. [Zeal is good among the youth. So many of the little shits these days forget their spine the moment things turn sour.]
Like a scratching record, the idea of a dignified gentleman Ann had developed completely shattered.
Suddenly, the gold jewellery and tattoos came into focus. Religious as Sebastian might have been, it was obvious now what he really was. Like something straight out of a gangster flick, Sebastian held the disposition and mannerisms of a mafia boss. A top dog of a criminal empire. That was the caution staining an otherwise relaxed atmosphere. With that realisation, Ann hesitated. Meanwhile, Ryuji was as gung-ho as ever, leaping into the boat with reckless abandon.
Still, if he considered V as family, he was probably trustworthy. Plus, this did seem like the best and fastest way over the lake.
The mention of a beast didn't give her much confidence, but they would just have to cross that bridge when they came to it. With that, she gingerly stepped into the boat. Expecting a rocky, barely stable mess, the boat remained still and stalwart.
Immediately, the ambient temperature shifted to a pleasant cool. Like a well air conditioned car.
Even the leather seats were as comfortable and luxurious as a high end cruiser vehicle. The boat was more like a mobster's limo. [Now, where are you going?]
"We need to get to the Netrunner Den. We have business there." Ann replied, making sure to mind her words. The man nodded slowly before allowing his gaze to drift up toward the other man who had yet to even speak a single word.
[Marcus.]
The towering man grunted. With practised movements, he unhooked the boat's bow and with a mighty heave, pushed off from the shore with the huge pole in his hands. Once they were on the way, the ride was as smooth as the luxury car the aesthetic evoked. If Ann closed her eyes, she would never know it was a boat gliding across a lake of lava. It was almost peaceful if not for the harrowing surroundings. "So cool…" Ryuji muttered under his breath. Like a gleeful child, he looked around with awe and wanderlust. Ann would have been lying if she denied she wasn't in a similar state. The sheer grandiose nature of the volcano's main cavern was incredibly hard to ignore.
[I can tell you are here to help V. The look in your eye when you mentioned your destination told me everything. A determination such as yours is hard to come by, especially in such dark times. In that sense, the two of you both remind me of V herself.]
"R-really? What do you mean?"
[Headstrong and focused, yet at the same time both of you have an unbridled impulsivity. For better or worse.] A crooked smile graced his expression, his eyes showing his inner admiration. At least, that was the surface level. Ann knew better than to take a person's words at face value, especially when they were so honeyed and flattering. And yet, even with previous experiences aside, Ann couldn't pick up on anything malicious in his words. Calculated and careful, sure, but not sinister. [V has strayed to a darker path. Her will to survive and her drive to change things has distorted into uncontrollable anger. Her wrath is beginning to consume her and I worry it's beginning to consume others.]
"We're doin' our best to help, gramps. We're tryin' to remove that tower up there," Ryuji gestured to the relic still stuck into the cavern's ceiling, "that's why we're headin' to the Netrunner Den." As well meaning as Ryuji was, his lack of tact was his downfall. Ann still didn't fully trust Sebastian, but Ryuji was clearly completely sucked in. Not that she could blame him.
Sebastian gave a warm chuckle. He didn't respond, but something in his eyes struck a chord with Ann. Gratitude. Any subtext or ulterior meaning had vanished for that split moment.
Only for the passing second to be interrupted by a rumbling. Lava bubbled and rippled in disturbance a few yards away. Sebastian's expression quickly shifted gears to a calm yet concerned frown. [The beast has stirred. You kids carrying?] Carrying? Carrying what? Ann was confused for a second before she remembered what kind of man Sebastian actually was. It dawned on her like a slap to the face.
Without even thinking, she drew her machine pistol and flipped off its safety.
Ryuji was right there with her, eagerly railing a shell from his shotgun. Silence briefly fell over the boat. For that moment, it seemed like whatever threat there was had passed on.
That notion was quickly shattered by a bloodcurdling screech of rage, agony and pure instinct. The surface of the lava broke, erupting in a burst of roiling flame and ash. A gargantuan figure emerged, thrashing and clawing at the air and magma around it.
It was the figure of a man. His face was a featureless hole of abyssal darkness. Lava clung to his body like a mantle. It burned the skin and melted the clothing still hanging from the torso. Military gear from what Ann could tell. Torn and shredded fabric was flecked with licks of fire. It screamed once more, threatening to deafen Ann. Some of the magma covering its body was blown away with the screech and what it revealed caused her to gasp in horror.
A large hole pierced through the figure's chest. Like a tunnel through its flesh, Ann could see straight through to the other side. Cinders and ash flaked off the rim of the hole giving it a scarred and fractured look.
Sebastian remained calm, sitting in his seat like nothing was happening. Only his brow had wrinkled and pure hatred poured from his gaze.
With a dry, malicious cackle, he spoke up with another quote. Menace and fury dripping from every word.
["And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone."]
Thief Team: Alpha
"We're still in the Palace, right?" Perhaps an odd question, yet Shiho spoke with such bafflement, even Lynn started to question herself.
On Rogue's orders, they had set off to find their quarry. Only to find themselves in a bustling series of back alleys packed with street vendors, trash piles, random citizens and flashing neon. It was a full scale assault on the senses. Muffled music pounded in the vague distance, loud enough to mask most of the chatter happening on the street. It was giving Lynn a headache.
"We're still in our Thief forms, so yeah. Look, that sky's just a projection. I can still see the cavern ceiling behind it." As realistic as the sky seemed at a glance, it didn't hold up to closer scrutiny.
A faint shimmer of a digital glitch here, looping cloud movements there.
That wasn't the main issue though. They had a job to do and they needed to get it done quickly. Firstly, Lynn pinched at her chin, racking her brain.
They were here to get rid of a group of trespassers. No information was given about who they were or how many there were. Not even if they were Shadows or Cognitions. She swept her gaze across the ocean of cognitions populating the area. A lot of the citizens were simple, regular people going about their business. Others were of the poorer sort, beggars and homeless people sat among the trash and filth. A sad sight and no doubt one that reflected the real Night City. The groups that stood out were small clusters of thuggish, cybernetically implanted people. Rowdy and loud.
It was a mixed bag of aesthetics, too.
One thing was held in common, though. The underlying need to stand out.
"I feel like that Rogue lady gave us some sort of hint that we just haven't caught on to yet." Shiho pondered for a moment. Her logic was as sound as ever. "What did she say again? She… called our targets something specific, if I recall."
"Sixers. I think."
A wheezing cough from behind them caught the two girls off guard. Sat against an overflowing dumpster, a ragged, filthy man made his presence known. Missing both an arm and leg, he made himself as comfortable as possible on a soggy sheet of cardboard. [You young'uns shouldn't be wanderin' round these parts spoutin' shit like that.] He hacked up a glob of saliva and mucus and spat it into a rusted cup, wiping the inside with a thumb. [What'chu want with them Sixers anyway? Bad news, those punks.] Another wheezing cough racked his frail body. It was rare for cognitions to be so vocal when they weren't particularly big parts of the Palace Ruler's life. Even still, the man was going out of his way to talk to them. It would be rude - not to mention stupid - to ignore him.
"Oh, sorry to bother you, sir," Lynn bowed her head, "we just have some questions from… our boss. You get it, right?"
[Ha! Sir? You kids ain't from 'round here.] The man laughed with an almost maniacal twang, before it devolved into another coughing fit. [Y'know those gonks tend to shoot the messenger, right? Well… yer funeral… but I ain't in the business of sendin' kids to flatline.]
"We can handle ourselves, sir. We're friends with V… I mean… the Overlord."
[Well ain't we special!] Another laugh, another hacking spit into the cup. [Gracin' us peons with yer fuckin' presence. That Overlord and her people are just as bad as the fuckin' gangers. Mercs say they'll help, but all it takes is eddies for 'em to drop yer ass in a landfill with a new hole in yer head.] Was this how V thought the public of Night City saw Edgerunners? Some kind of self depreciation wrapped up in a homeless package?
They probably weren't going to get anything out of this guy by playing the polite messenger. Especially after that little outburst.
Lynn pieced together all her experiences with Night City and its denizens together in her head. One thing carried an individual through the grime. One thing distinguished the rabble from the rebel. One thing was what everyone respected in this city.
Power.
A sinister, toothy grin crawled across Lynn's jaw. Her silver eyes gleamed with the malice of a demon on the prowl. She channelled Arsene's power to build an aura of crimson and steel flame to pulse around her body. She took a step forward and bent down, looming over the man.
"Listen you little shit," she spat, the cursed fire growing more intense, "I tried to play the nice girl, but it's obvious you're to fucking stupid to get that." Her grin grew from ear to ear. The homeless man visually shrank in on himself, forcing a gulp of air down his throat. "Now, I'm only going to ask this once more, and if you value your pathetic, miserable little life of filth, you're going to answer it. Where are those fucking Sixers?"
The man let out a whimper, his disgust and bravado replaced with unfiltered fear. He made attempts to speak, only managing squeaks and murmurs. Lynn hated doing this, but she needed to play it through to the end. She lent closer and let out a chilling growl, controlling the cursed fire to curl and lick at the man's chin. [Fine! You want to flatline so bad, be my fuckin' guest!] The cognition finally let go of his tongue. [They're gatherin' in a run down apartment buildin' down the street! Fuckin' I don't know why! They shift crates around, harass folk… what do the mercs do 'bout it? Nothin'! There are good folk here. Honest. That's a fuckin' rarity in this fuckin' city!]
As if a switch had flipped, all the malice and hostility Lynn pretended to put forth vanished. Her twisted and demonic grin had shifted to an apologetic, sheepish half-smile. All the cursed flame surrounding her faded into the air.
She wanted to apologise.
Instead, she withdrew and left the poor man to his own devices.
It was easy to mistake something like that as a real, living person. The homeless man was so lifelike and full of character it actually fooled her for a minute. She caught Shiho's concerned side-long glare and could only shrug. After all, the gamble had paid off. Despite his individuality, the homeless man was just a basic concept given form thanks to the Metaverse.
V saw the general public of Night City as strong willed, resilient and fiercely independent.
However, she also seemed to believe they hated those working in V's field. Like Edgerunners held the belief of being above the general populace. Better than everyone else.
Lynn could at least understand where that perspective on mercenaries came from. Edgerunning sounded incredibly chaotic both for the Runner and anyone unlucky enough to get wrapped up in it. With how hostile V made Night City sound, gunfights in the streets seemed like a daily occurrence. Lynn liked her firearms, sure, but that was no life she could ever even consider living.
"So, these Sixers are building a staging post? It sounds like they're making big moves." Shiho had decided to drop her concerns in order to focus on their task. A thankful Lynn gave a nod. The two headed into another alleyway, away from the homeless man and other prying eyes and ears. "I can't say I know much about gang warfare, though. What do you think?"
It took a few moments for Lynn to sort through her thoughts. "If this is a reflection of reality, something similar is happening to the real Afterlife. Or maybe just in the general vicinity of it. If V was conscious, we could have done a similar thing to the Peacock door in Madarame's Palace…" she hummed, making a point to keep an eye firmly on the street just ahead, "but that's out of the question. We're going to have to take these Sixer people out ourselves."
"They're just cognitive beings, right?" Shiho asked. Lynn replied with a simple nod. "Then I suppose I have no objections."
"Alright, let's do some recon first. Get an idea of their number and firepower." The grin returned. More controlled and confident than earlier. "Then… we go hunting, Hunter."
Thief Team: Beta
Music pulsed. Lights flashed. Drinks flowed.
Feeling the buzz of her last shot of hard liquor, Val let herself go on the dance floor. She let the beat carry her movements in an almost hypnotic way. The others were in much the same state. Each losing themselves in the sensations and euphoria of the mood. 'Dorf was one hell of a kick. Apparently it was strongest on the first ride.
Val one hundred percent believed it.
Vince had always said to stay the hell away from that kind of thing. Vince wasn't here.
And the gang had just pulled their first job off without a hitch.
They deserved to celebrate. To cut loose. Blow eddies on dumb stuff.
Coming to Atlanta was definitely the right call. A new city, a new start. Free of all the weight and depression of that septic tank people call the City of Legends. Jackie wasn't here with her, and that sucked hard, but it was his call. He couldn't leave Mama Wells alone.
She shook the budding guilt. The beat of the music pounded at her like thunder. Just focus on the music. That's all she had to do.
A half-lidded smile caught her attention. Kayne gyrated her hips with a rhythm completely different to the thumping and booming tones of the song. It's what Val found so intoxicating with the Netrunner. Always moving to her own beat. Status quo be damned. The long, flowing electric blue plume of hair - usually worn tied up in a sleek ponytail - was let loose, falling a few inches past her butt, and coiled around Kayne's lithe form like a ribbon with each twist and sweep of the hip.
It could have been the 'Dorf, but Val could swear there was some sort of mystical energy flowing from the arcane-like neon tattoos climbing up her arms. As though she were in Cyberspace, bewitching ICE.
Val was smitten and unafraid to admit it.
Another, less welcome expression came into focus. The obnoxious, goofy grin of a skinny, arrogant young man. Derk. Self proclaimed heavy weapons expert. The gold tooth he was so proud of glinted in the strobe light of the club. The gonk was good for a laugh, but not much else. Given his ropey frame, he couldn't shoot his big lead spitters for shit. Even still, he was enjoying himself like it was him alone that did everything.
Credit where it was due, he did supply the gig with preem iron.
Val's attention glided off across the crowd of dancers and up to the mezzanine lounge area. Leaning against the railing and consumed in the attention of a random guy was Riley. She didn't talk about herself much. The only thing Val knew about her was that she used to be a working girl. A Joy Toy. Apparently even having one of them Doll Implants.
Still, despite not being in that industry any more, Riley still enjoyed the company of men. It was like she was always hanging from the neck of a different guy every time Val looked away for five minutes.
Each to their own. Val wasn't one to judge. She let the music take her body again and twisted to the beat. Colours blurred together with the motion. Dizziness briefly took over and she stumbled over her own feet.
Right into the formidable, hard metallic back of the fifth member and final member of the crew.
A freight-train of a man named Redline. As borgs went, the guy was a delight. Truly, he had a heart of gold. In fact, Val would bet eddies on it literally being made of gold. Redline was the kind of man to both be the cause of and solution to a child crying in terror. Even if his Sigma-Series frame was several years out of date, it was still devastating and not something one wanted charging at them at forty miles an hour. A speed that the man managed quite easily. What an ex-Media needed a full borg rig for was beyond Val, but again; she wasn't one to judge.
The 'ganic half of his jaw curled into a grin when he turned to face Val. With the joy of an excited sportsball player, he made the ever universal motion of a high five.
Val had learned her lesson from the first time she tried it. The pain still haunted her even now. Instead of a full forced slap, she jumped up and lightly bumped her 'ganic hand against the metal palm. Redline let a boisterous bellowing laugh rumble above the music, catching the attention of every other dancer on the floor.
Not that he cared. He was also in a full 'Dorph bliss.
The only one not indulging was Riley. She was - as always - indulging a different vice. In fact, she had disappeared from her perch and Val caught the sight of her leading a different guy from before into the restroom.
Oh well.
More for the rest of them. Tonight was just beginning.
Blinding light slowly enveloped the scene. A buzzing pressure felt like a needle piercing bone.
Seconds passed and Mona's senses were his own once more. The nightclub had gone. There were no more dancers. The crew had disappeared. Mona was back in the Braindance Parlor along with a distracted Yusuke. His attention solidly fixated on the many screens above the cat's head. "Fascinating…" he muttered to himself, "absolutely fascinating! Were those Ms. V's memories?"
"W-whoa… urph… I feel…" Mona fought the urge to wretch. He had gone from very drunk and high to stone cold sober in a split second. "I feel like I'm going to be sick…"
"So you felt what Ms. V felt!? Superb!"
Again, the feline thief fought the urge. He wanted to keep his lunch firmly inside. "That's not… the word I'd use… ugh." He spent a solid minute regaining his composure. Thankfully a long swig from his water canteen did the trick. "Any changes around here?"
The artist - with sorrow in his eyes for a flash of a second - shook his head. "Nothing. Only the visual playback on those screens."
"I don't really want to do that again…"
At that, Yusuke lit up and with a restrained glee to his tone, spoke; "then would you mind observing whilst I view one of these Braindances? The experience would be invaluable!" Mona could only shrug. It was probably better for Mona to remain conscious, anyway. If something changed in the Palace while Yusuke was out, he would be able to sense it.
As such, he hopped off the seat, removed the wreath and gestured for the artist to take his place.
Without even skipping a beat, the boy sat down with the excitement of a child in a candy shop. Again, Mona shrugged and took up a position atop a nearby table. He had to admit, seeing Yusuke express anything other than the stoic dispondance he usually wore was quite a nice change of pace.
Thief Team: Gamma
With a mighty heave, Marcus pushed down on the pole, forcing the boat to the side. The boat groaned under the sudden momentum shift. Lava battered at its hull like storming waves.
Both Ann and Ryuji held on for dear life as Marcus attempted to manoeuvre the boat away from the hulking beast. A large, burning arm swung out, trying to claw at the boat. Globules of lava were flung toward them and for a moment, Ann dreaded the worst. The globules struck an invisible barrier surrounding the boat and harmlessly dribbled back into the lake.
[The Lord's protection won't hold forever. The beast's anger and fury will continue to grow in power and strength if left unattended.]
"How are we supposed to fight that thing? Also… what even is it?" Ann was too caught up in her own terror to even consider actually fighting back. One slip up and they all would be taking a hot bath.
No amount of heat resistance would save anyone from that.
[It is the vestiges of a memory. The monster that tried to take young V's innocence by force.] Sebastian's words were like a sudden jet of cold water. As though all her fear and hesitance had been washed away, Ann fully understood what that meant. Terror had turned to anger. [I see your resolve, Ms. Panther. We must force the beast back into the fires of its cage.]
"Just tell us what to do."
Ryuji let out a squeak. His whole body was still shaking, clinging to the leather. His previous eagerness for a fight was nowhere to be seen. Ann couldn't blame him, of course.
"Are you crazy, Pather? Ain't no way in hell we can fight that thing from here!"
[Rain down the wrath of God on its wound. That hole in its chest.]
The beast let out another roar. In a mad frenzy it threw globule after globule at them. Each one striking hard against whatever force was protecting them. Marcus kept the vessel as steady as he could, but it was clear they were slowly growing overwhelmed.
"Skull, have Captain Kidd support Carmen. We can't do much, but our Personas can." Ann grabbed her feline mask and tossed it into the air. "Carmen!" With a burning flash of flames, the form of Carmen spun into existence as if appearing mid dance. With a tittering giggle, the Persona leapt forward and rained fiery orbs down on the raging beast.
The attack crashed against its body, eliciting a piercing roar. Despite the mantle of lava covering its body, it still seemed affected by fire. If only superficially.
[My my, sweet Panther. You do bring me to such extraordinary places!] The Persona nimbly stepped to the side with an elegant twirl. The lava was like a solid surface to Carmen. She was treating it like a ballroom dance floor, weaving out of the way of each frenzied attack like she was merely performing a fiery waltz. [I prefer my partners to be much more gentlemanly, but alas, I also enjoy the thrill of bringing unruly peasants to heel.]
"Captain Kidd!" Ryuji had gathered enough courage to at least call upon his own Persona, tossing his mask clumsily into the air.
A chorus of dry cackles rattled through the air as a bolt of yellow lightning struck the mask.
In a burst of energy, the bow of a pirate's ship charged forward, kicking up a stream of spectral waves. Riding the ship like it was a skateboard was none other than Captain Kidd, the skeletal pirate of legend.
[Avast! Bring to bear and fire all broadside cannons! This beast be a mighty trophy!]
The pirate skidded along, kicking the ghostly ocean into a choppy spray. Lightning and thunder cracked through the cavern as several cannons fired from the ship's broadside. Blasts of electrically charged iron struck hard against the beast. Staggered, it screamed in rage. Jets of lava erupted all around it, attempting to spray the Personas. Carmen danced and glided around each one with grace. Kidd, however, enjoyed the challenge of weaving in and out as if it were a skating slalom.
With a calm tone, Sebastian issued his orders to Marcus. He was to keep circling the battle and remain close enough for Ryuji and Ann to have a clear view of the unfolding conflict. It was easier said than done. The roiling waves of lava forced Marcus to fight against the current with all his formidable might.
"Damn it, Carmen can't get close enough! That lava cloak is a real hassle… ugh, god, this would be easier if Fox was here!"
"Sorry I ain't tall, dark and handsome!" Ryuji growled. He brought his shotgun to bear and fired a few blasts. The pellets made purchase, though didn't seem to affect the beast much. He let another growl free and directed Captain Kidd to move in for a heavy melee strike.
Crackling with chaotic yellow electricity, a large cutlass appeared in the skeletal pirate's hand. He let out a grunt of effort and brought the blade down.
The beast lurched in the lava and lifted an arm up in defence. Sparking energy and razor sharp steel bit into the carapace of lava and then flesh. It forced another deafening cry from the monster. Kidd pushed further and with another shift in weight, the blade finally tore through the limb, severing it completely.
"That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!"
[Ya har! Need a hand with that, ye curr?] Bellowed Captain Kidd. Chortling with glee as the severed arm fell into the lake. [Fair lady, perhaps a kiss for the wounded miscreant?]
Thorny, flame wreathed vines lashed out from Carmen's body. She tittered a small giggle and with a gesture, the vines latched around the thrashing beast. [You ask much of a fair young maiden. Such ill mannered rogues ought to be punished! Haha!] That managed to earn a slight hesitation from the usually gung-ho legendary pirate. He even gulped, despite being a skeleton. [My kiss is much more dangerous than you might think. Careful, or you might get poisoned.]
Ann huffed and stomped a foot on the boat's floor, "will you two stop flirting and finish that thing off!"
That earned an affectionate - for lack of a better term - cackle from Carmen. With a strong tug of the thorny vines, the beast was reigned in, completely restrained and defenceless. [Be a dear and put that throbbing cannon of yours to good use.]
Mortified, Ann could only let a squeak escape her throat. Her cheeks had gone as red as her outfit. The wry chuckle Sebastian gave definitely was not helping.
Nonetheless, Kidd didn't need to be told twice. The cutlass burst into chaotic energy which then reformed, converging on the skeleton's arm. Within seconds, the large, destructive cannon formed along the limb. Recovered from his earlier lapse in bravado, Kidd chortled and rammed the weapon into the hole in the beast's chest.
Explosive electricity coursed through its body eliciting a deathly howl. Lava globules sprayed across the area. The scent of burnt flesh twinged at everyone's noses. The creature let out one last, pitiable grumble.
It reached out toward Carmen, rage in its eye. However, before it could do anything more, it buckled and collapsed into the lava. Sinking below the fiery depths once more.
[I be lookin' forward to our next dance! Ya har!] Kidd gave a skeletal grin, a bow and with a crackle of electrifying energy, dispersed, retreating back into Skull's mask.
Carmen wasn't far behind. Though not before giving a suggestive retort and a giggle.
Once the lake's surface had settled and Marcus had regained control of the vessel, Sebastian began to clap. [Well done, my friends. The beast has been quelled once more. It'll return, as it always will, but for now, let this small bit of peace soothe V's heart.] A steady calm fell across the lake. [Now, onward. The two of you still have a duty to fulfil, yes? Marcus, make haste.]
Another stoic grunt from the bodyguard was followed by strong movements of the steering pole. Once more, they were on their way to the Netrunner Den. As well as whatever horrors that would hold.
Thief Team: Alpha
[What is this shit we're movin' anyway? Trigger won't say shit. Just yells his tits off whenever someone asks.] The Sixer grumbled to his patrol partner. It had started to rain, yet the cover of the towering buildings did little to shield the two from its spray.
Orange embers flared from the end of a cigarette. The second Sixer sighed and flicked it away. [I don't fuckin' know. Tech for some half-assed play. Trigger's just a hot headed gonk on a power trip. Thinks he's the big shit now that he's been promoted. It's a fuckin' piss on the grave of our brothers. The fucker never even served!]
[Fuck, really? This gang's goin' to shit.]
The two dragged their feet along their patrol path. Grumbling and ranting about their situation.
Unbeknownst to the both of them, they weren't alone. A glint of silver in the shadow had been following them for some time. The deeper into the maze of alleys the patrol ventured, the closer they came to their doom. That said, they sure were running their mouths. A fountain of useful information. It was the only thing keeping them alive for now.
[Any word from our boys over in the Afterlife?]
[They went dark a few days ago. Probably burned. Figures… that Rogue bitch ain't no Jig Jig Joy Toy. You heard those stories? She ran with Silverhand back in the day!]
The first Sixer laughed with not a care in the world. [The old hag's way past her prime. Shame 'bout our boys though. We'll have to pour one out for 'em later.]
The conversation trailed into a bunch of useless back and forth. It was a shame, but their use had run its course. They were beginning to circle back to the hideout, too. From the drizzle and darkness, a whistling sound blew out. It echoed through the narrow alley and before the two Sixers could react, a flurry of movement converged on them.
The first of the pair looked on in horror as a spear ran straight through his partner's chest. It had pierced clean through his heart, not even giving the poor soul a chance to say anything.
The first Sixer reached for his gun.
A sharp pain running across his throat stopped his movement. Warmth began to spill down like a trickling stream of heated water. His vision blurred. He tried to speak, but no words came. Only gargling and spluttering.
His legs buckled and the last thing the Sixer ever saw was the silver glare and malicious, toothy grin of a demon.
As the two Sixer corpses dissolved into vapour, Lynn gave a long, drawn out sigh. "One patrol down. I think I saw a few more in the next street over." Despite her grin, Lynn wasn't enjoying this. The rain and abundance of trash was getting to her. Sneaking around might have been her thing, but sneaking around in filth and squalor was definitely not. Nevertheless, the drizzle made for an excellent noise damper. "What do you think, Hunter?"
Shiho cleaned the worst of the ichor from her spear as she thought. "These men mentioned someone. Trigger. From what it sounds like, he's the boss of this operation. Maybe we should focus on cutting the head off the snake instead of attacking its body?"
"True," replied Lynn, "thinning out the herd one patrol at a time will just raise the alarm. Question is, how do we slip into their hideout undetected?"
"It's an apartment complex, right? There might be a staff entrance or ventilation ducts we could use." That was also very true. As V had instructed, the best solution was almost never the simplest. Going in guns blazing was a good way to get herself and Shiho killed. If the two men they had just dispatched was anything to go by, the rest of them were heavily armed. "I know that my apartment building has a garbage chute connected to a utility room on each floor. If nothing else, we might find something like that."
"Let's… hope it doesn't come to that…" Lynn shuddered at the thought.
That said, knowing her luck, that was precisely the solution they would be forced into taking. With that dreaded thought in mind, there was no sense in delaying the operation any longer.
The rain overhead began to clear up as they moved. The thought of rain inside a cavern was a little strange, even if said cavern was mimicking the streets of a city. What made it stranger was that it didn't leave any puddles, nor did it have any effect on the two thieves' clothes. As if it wasn't even there.
Maybe it was just another side effect of V's cognition.
Granted, it was rude to look a gift horse in the mouth. Less damp, easier travel.
Their target building was much like every other one of its kind in the cavern. Tall, beat up and heavily defaced with graffiti. The only thing that differed was the style of graffiti. The number six was tagged everywhere. As well as a flag resembling the American Stars and Stripes. "NUSA" was scrawled along a particularly large stretch of wall, along with an insignia bearing the visage of a skull.
There was little doubt this was the place.
Both Lynn and Shiho observed the front entrance from across the street, concealed in a dark, filth covered alley. As expected, there was a heavy presence of Sixers standing by around the entrance.
Some were idly chatting, others were smoking, a few more were having fun scaring random passersby.
Way too many to take out quietly.
"Circle around. I'll try to get a vantage point from up on that lower roof. Keep on the comms, Hunter. Don't engage anyone unless you have no other choice." The leader issued her orders and with a resolute nod, Shiho practically vanished into the shadows.
Lynn then got to work scaling the walls as quickly and quietly as she could. The alley they were in offered plenty of ledges and footholds. The real challenge came from not alerting any of the Sixers posted out front.
The neon signage and general noise of a bustling nearby street market offered great cover.
Nimbly, she jumped from a protruding external ventilation unit onto a fire escape. From there, it was near enough a straight shot to the roof. As hoped, it was empty. There were some sofas and a drum fire crackling away, but whoever was using the place was currently absent.
From this vantage, Lynn got a better view of the surrounding streets. She could also partially see into a few of the front facing apartments. A few windows were boarded up, and a couple had their internal blinds shut, but from the few she could see into, she got a few key pieces of information.
One. The Sixers had more or less taken over the entire building. People were posted in each room she could see into. All of which clearly lent their allegiance to 6th Street.
Two. Guns of all kinds were everywhere. The Sixers looked to have an entire armoury's worth of firepower.
Three. The building itself was around four stories high, not including the lobby.
And finally, four. Trigger had still yet to be found. Lynn wished the patrol gave up a little more of a description other than just a name, but beggars couldn't be choosers. All she had to go on was that Trigger liked to throw his weight around and the rest of the Sixers weren't overly enthused about his promotion. Someone like that was bound to stick out somehow.
"Joker, I've found a staff entrance around the back. Guarded."
"Numbers?"
"At least eight."
Lynn bit her lip. Again, there were way too many to take out quietly. "Alright, keep looking, Hunter."
If they were lucky, there could be an unattended window easily accessible. There was always the building's roof. If they could even get that high without being noticed. Joker focused more intently. There had to be something they could do. Anything to avoid all out confrontation. Some kind of distraction. Diversion. Something to flush out a bulk of the occupancy.
"Fire Escape. Blocked off with a barricade."
Of course the Sixers didn't care about basic health and safety. Fire Marshals would have a field day with this one.
"Found the chute. Has an external outlet and I don't see anyone nearby. They probably don't think anyone's stupid enough to try something like that." Shiho's last little statement elicited a long, exasperated sigh from the leader.
"I guess it's too bad we're stupid enough…" unless some miracle solution came along, the only option was the chute. Lynn shuddered. Maybe brute force was preferable. No, she couldn't risk it. "Fine… stand by and I'll make my way to you."
No sooner had she stood up had a curved, crimson blade appeared millimetres from her throat. A katana with a visible thirst for blood. She gulped. She couldn't help but ask; had she seen that blade before? Its intent to kill was so familiar it sent Lynn's entire body into a full state of panic. Then a body pressed itself against her back. A slender arm wrapped itself around her waist.
Finally, a sickly sweet voice spoke in a cold whisper. As innocent as a kid on the playground, yet as threatening as a predator on the hunt.
[What'cha doooooin'~?]
Thief Team: Beta
"You want us to hijack a Millitech Mag Rail convoy?" The bafflement in Riley's voice was shared by all. The ex-Joy Toy stood from the couch and slammed a hand onto the desk of their Fixer.
Unphased, the older gentleman puffed on his cigar. His piercing gaze refused to break from Riley's own. The man was dead serious. Langley was a lot of things, snobbish and uptight among them. However, there was one thing he wasn't. A jokester. When he said something, that was exactly what he meant.
As with most Fixers Val had experience with, Langley had his own entourage of guards ready to step in at a moments notice.
One such moment was now. Four huge men all reached for their iron simultaneously, drawing them on Riley in mere milliseconds. She backed off immediately with the fear of god in her eyes. She was good at some things, but when it came to conflict, her spine went to pudding the moment iron came into play.
A simple gesture from a golden chromed hand stopped the huscle in their tracks.
With a grunt of amusement, Langley snuffed out his cigar in a crystal ashtray. The stetson hat lowered, its brim concealing his eyes for a moment. "Now, now, fellas. That ain't no way to treat a lady. Miss Riley's concerns are wise, y'hear. I ain't askin' for no milk run. Hard biz, y'feel?" His wrinkled features curled into a toothy grin. At his word, each of the four men stowed their iron and resumed their stance without a single word.
The fact they even made the move in the first place should have told Val everything she needed to know.
Langley trusted the crew about as far as he could throw them.
A red flag that Val had either missed completely or willingly chose to ignore.
Either way, they were in the thick of it now. A real shot at a career starter. As Jackie put it; the Major Leagues.
A Millitech convoy. A juicy target that even most well known mercs would stay the hell away from. There weren't many things more major than that. Atlanta was a vital pitstop for the trans-continental mag-rail to D.C. A bustling midway point on any long distance journey across the NUSA. As a result, it was a hotspot for corp transits, including Millitech. Val could only imagine the goodies onboard their target.
Redline shuffled uncomfortably. His huge frame definitely wasn't meant for standard seating. He was like a giant trying to squeeze his metal ass into a mug. The wood of the seat groaned with each motion. It was a miracle it didn't break the moment he sat on it to begin with. "So, why us? Why not some of the bigger names around town?" He asked with genuine concern. "Surely, this is a job for more experienced mercs?"
"You're cheap. Y'hear."
That was one hell of a slap to the face.
Even if it was to-the-point and brutally honest.
"Want the gig or not? I got hundreds'a other rookies that'd stick a few in the backs'a your heads for this job. y'feel."
"Deets first. No way in hell we're taking the job blind." That was Kayne. Up to now, she had been silently watching from next to Val. Langley let out a sigh and nodded. Adjusting his stetson, he leant back in his high backed chair.
The whole cowboy vibe he gave off was tainted by the fine and luxurious amenities surrounding him. Crystal decanters of fine liquor. Plush velvet cushions sitting on gilded furniture. Huge paintings of various subjects framed in heavy, elaborately carved wood. The whole office was something straight out of an old period drama. And in the centre was a rough and grizzled ex-Nomad.
Still, the man gestured for Riley to sit back down before beginning to speak.
"I get you, girly. I'll spin the deets, y'hear. Your target ain't anythin' physical. The convoy's got state'a the art data the client wants pullin', y'dig. What that data is, I got no fuckin' idea. Good news is y' dealin' with a skeleton crew. Minimal security. Go figure."
"That's about as tasty as 'ganic steak!" Of course Derk was all for it. In hindsight, the whole thing smelled like a turd, yet Val was also guilty of getting caught up in the prospect. "What about the eddies? When do we get the scratch?" Val was less excited about that aspect. She was here for one thing and that was to escape. A new life. Money was good. Escape was better.
"You'll get y' cheese as soon as the client gets the data."
"Wait… mid-op?" Kayne exclaimed.
Even Val knew that wasn't really normal for this line of work. Langley offered no response other than a steel glare and a slight twitch of his upper lip.
"We'll take the gig." Val spoke up and swallowed any rising suspicion. This was probably their only chance at making it in Atlanta. Two whole years had passed since coming here and all they had done so far was bottom rung milk-runs. Each of the crew whipped their heads toward Val. Confusion, irritation and worry was abundant in each of them. "Think about it. When are we ever going to get another shot at something more than sloppy seconds of shitty jobs? This is how we step up our game. Risky, you fucking bet, but we'll gain everything we've been aiming for."
For a second, no one spoke.
Then Kayne let a sigh escape. "Alright, Val. You win. I'm in. You'll need a Netrunner anyway and I doubt you'll find one as good as me."
"Tootin' your own horn again? Give it a fuckin' rest." Derk grunted with a grin. He then puffed up his chest with the pride of a gangbanger at the top of his game. "Even if it's a skeleton crew, this is Millitech. We'll need iron and a lot of it. I know a guy whose cousin is bumpin' uglies with a Midnight Arms factory worker. Without me, you'd be walkin' in wavin' that scrawny little piece you brought from NC." He gestured to the pistol safely stowed in its holster on Val's hip.
Seraph. A gift from Padre. Heywood tradition usually stated that a kid received their first iron from their dad on their eighteenth birthday.
Padre was the closest thing she had to an actual father, so it meant a hell of a lot to receive Seraph from him. She scowled at Derk's remark. The distinct lack of a comeback said everything. The man really didn't want to lose another "argument" with her. His eyes quickly lowered to the gold tooth hanging from a chain around Val's neck.
"You… know what I fuckin' mean. I'm in…" he muttered, almost to himself.
Redline fiddled with the tiny teacup he was given a while ago, its contents long since drained in a single sip. His large metallic fingers dexterously manoeuvered it from one side of his palm to the other. "Can't have you guys going by yourselves. Derk, your sis needs you. Kayne, you still have biz to take care of. Riley, I don't want you going back to that Dollhouse. Val, I'm worried about you the most." His metal jaw clenched. "I'm in."
Finally, Riley rolled her eyes and let a long groan escape. "Whatever."
That was just as good a confirmation as they would get out of the woman. It was settled, everyone was on board. The next step was figuring out how the hell they were going to pull this whole thing off.
Luckily, Langley seemed to have a plan already figured out.
The whole world slowly consumed itself in a blanket of white. Droning buzzed through the air and gradually, Yusuke's senses, thoughts and feelings became his own once again.
He blinked away the blurriness in his vision and looked around. Sure enough, he was back in the Braindance Parlor along with Morgana. The cat was currently investigating something on the other side of the parlour. For now, Yusuke allowed himself to recover from the experience. He had just become someone else and experienced the world through their eyes. Of course, it wasn't anything exciting, merely a snapshot of a meeting, but to Yusuke, the very concept was intoxicating. He already could feel a rush of inspiration.
"I got high and drunk…" Mona's voice muttered, "and you just got to sit around talking to some cowboy on a luxury kick… talk about unfa- oh… you're awake."
"That was… a wonderful and valuable experience."
"To you, maybe…" the cat huffed and looked back to his current fixation. "We're no closer to finding that console. I found this hatch, but there's no way to open it… no way that I can see, anyway."
"Very odd," the artist hummed and rose to his feet, "those people accompanying Miss V… do you know them?"
Mona's tail drooped in a strange, sad fashion. "No. She hasn't mentioned any of them. Which is a little worrying. From the impression I got, she liked them all a lot. Especially that woman with the blue hair." He rubbed his chin in thought. Two memories, two years apart from each other. From the topic of discussion in the latter, something big was going to happen. From what the screens above the circular sofa said, there were two more memories left to watch.
One of them had to have something that pointed them toward the console.
"I suppose there is little sense in speculating. Perhaps we should view the next one together? There are multiple wreaths here."
"I guess… alright. I just hope it isn't drugs and alcohol again."
They both took their seats directly next to each other and once more placed the wreaths around their heads. For the third time, they would plunge into the mind of V again.
Only this time, it wasn't excitement nor apprehension that hit them.
It was sheer panic.
Thief Team: Gamma
Ann stepped off of the boat and onto a run down wooden dock. Her legs shook and constantly threatened to completely give out on her at any moment.
The adrenaline from earlier had worn off leaving both her and Ryuji completely drained. Physically and mentally. Summoning Personas for longer periods always took a toll. After a tentative few steps on the creaky wood, the girl turned back with an uneasy smile. Sebastian and Marcus had gotten them past the lake. The least she could do was offer her sincere thanks. "That was… certainly a unique experience. Thank you, again sir."
[No need for formalities. You're welcome aboard my vessel any time. So long as you promise to rid V of her pain.]
"You bet!" She shot a more genuine smile as she reached solid rock. The heat had come back with a vengeance, but at least they had made it to the other side.
Both Ryuji and Ann bid the two farewell and turned to face their next challenge.
A rocky stairwell lay out in front of them, climbing up into a large, naturally sculpted archway. This was definitely the place they were heading according to the map. However, Ann couldn't see anything denoting a Netrunner Den. Not that she even knew what the hell that was.
"Guess we go up?" Ryuji grunted and began stretching. The staircase was a naturally occurring formation. Meaning it was horridly uneven, slapdash and pretty treacherous.
If Ann had to guess, it was probably once a lava flow that had cooled off and solidified. Quite some time ago too. That - at least - worked in their favour. She took the first step with a gingerly placed foot. The rock held strong. "Only one way to find out. Come on, Skull, we're probably falling behind everyone else."
Confident she wasn't going to step into an active lava pool, she moved upward. Closely followed by Ryuji.
"I hope there's a safe room up ahead… sheesh."
Ann could have done without the complaining, but for now, she let it slide. She was in much the same mindset.
Eventually, the two reached the mouth of the opening. With a long groan of relief, Ryuji slouched against the rock wall. His breathing was heavy and the boy was sweating up a storm. In a bid to replace the lost fluid, he chugged away at his own canteen. His gaze then fell onto the vast expanse they had just traversed. Wanderlust and amazement were two things Ann could make out.
She felt it too. The Palace's main cavern was gargantuan. From here, even the Relic tower looked like it was miles away.
The tower pulsed with its strange lilac light and casted a grim hue over the nearby rock. Sickly ash crumbled and scattered into the air. It had gotten worse. The atmosphere directly surrounding the tower had lost all colour. The tower's roots were expanding, snaking deeper into the cavern's ceiling. It served as an ever present motivator, but at the same time, it stressed Ann out just looking at it.
"Break's over. In we go." She put her canteen back on her hip. Ryuji didn't complain like usual. He had picked up on it too. The growing urgency. "Watch my back. This tunnel screams 'trap'."
As they traversed the path forward, she made the guess that this must have been some kind of flow from a smaller reservoir that fed into the cavern's main lake. Which explained the vastly different rock types scattered throughout. Deeper in, less natural additions adorned the tunnel walls. Huge, glowing cables. Twisting and crawling like veins. Then blocks of tech jutted from the rock. Servers, if Ann had to assume.
A strange feeling slowly crept its way up her spine. With each step, her vision became more distorted. As if watching static slowly take over the image on a TV screen. Her whole body began to feel lighter.
One step after another, it grew in strength.
Until finally, her foot met nothing but open air. She tumbled forward and before she knew it, she was falling.
Or perhaps not.
"Whoa! What the hell!?" Ryuji's voice called out behind her. She shared his confusion. They had found themselves in some kind of void. Floating in an endless expanse. Broken only by strange structures built out of what looked like computer code. Completely indecipherable to the girl. Visually, she was looking at an ever shifting and changing city-scape. It boggled her senses as she tried to comprehend it. "Uh… Panther… we're… naked."
"What?"
She looked down. She wasn't wearing her Thief attire anymore. She wasn't wearing anything anymore. Her body was a solid white, featureless version of her figure. Looking closer, she too was made completely out of strings of computer code. Each movement she made held a strange sort of lag, as if she were a video game character with faulty animation.
Ryuji was in an identical state. Completely naked. Completely featureless. Only his eyes and the general contours of his figure remained. He was also floating. Definitely not falling. "Geez! Can this place get any weirder!?" Ann cried, only to notice that Ryuji was obviously staring. Instinctually, she covered herself up. Even if there was no detail and she was just a collection of data now, she still found it incredibly embarrassing. "Will you stop staring? God…"
"Sorry! Sorry!" He made it a point to look in the complete opposite direction. His movements were overly exaggerated to make it extra obvious. Annoyingly. "Still… this place is effin' crazy. Is this the Netrunner Den?"
"We can only hope… if I remember correctly, V talked a little about what a Netrunner was." Ann thought back to their incursion into Andrew Carson's Seedling Palace. Judy had - according to V - entered Cyberspace to pull data from the Seedling. Was that where they were now? Cyberspace? "Let's try and look around. That weird code city looks like our only option. We might find something there."
Ryuji nodded.
Though before they could even make an attempt at moving, a voice froze them in their tracks. [I'd stay away from there. That whole area is swarming with a weird kind of ICE I've never seen before. Strange, though. They're guarding something.] It was a tall man. In the same form as the two thieves. He had formed into existence as if rendered on a screen. Notably, however, his - for lack of a better term - avatar wore a pair of small, circular sunglasses reminiscent of Morpheus from the Matrix. [Name's Nix. Afterlife's resident 'runner. Pleasure.]
"So this is your Den?" Asked Ryuji, which earned him a short chuckle.
[Was.] The man - now identified as Nix - waved a hand in a wide gesture. Screens popped up from thin air, each showing various images of the structures. Strange things were crawling everywhere. Ann hesitated to call them Shadows. More like clusters of data that resembled Shadows. [Ever since that tower showed up a while back, my humble Data Fortress has been overrun. Don't suppose you know anything about that?]
That tone was a little too accusatory for Ann's liking.
"We're here to try and get rid of that tower," Ann scowled, "there's a console somewhere in here that we need to find. Which… I assume it's somewhere in your… uh… fortress?"
[So that's what it is. Yeah, I've seen what you're after. It's in the deepest part of my Den.] Nix rubbed his chin and let a sigh loose. [The ICE is thickest there. You kids plan on launching some sort of assault? Ballsy. Where are you jacked in from, anyway? I don't see any IP address or Geo Loc data.] He studied both of them, gliding through the air as he spoke. Trails of binary code followed his motion, dispersing into the aether. [Well I'll be. You're not jacked in at all. You're here physically.]
He drew close to Ryuji and took a hold of his arm. Nix squeezed the limb and lifted it up. "What gives, dude?" Ryuji snapped and snatched his arm away. "We just walked in from the Palace. I ain't got any idea what you're talkin' about."
[That's certainly something. Physically entering Cyberspace.] Nix looked to ignore the protests and moved on, floating off a short distance. [That would definitely eliminate the cooling issues. I didn't think it was possible. To convert a physical body into pure data and remain intact. It shouldn't be possible.]
He was now muttering to himself.
Ryuji and Ann shared a confused glance. This wasn't getting them anywhere. "Hey, uh… Mr. Nix?" Asked Ann.
[Just Nix.] He replied, not breaking from his pacing or train of thought.
"Nix. This is your Den, right? So… could you help us get to that console? We need to get there quickly."
For a long, drawn out few minutes, Nix remained silent. His floating had stilled to gentle hover. He looked toward the Data Fortress in the distance. Emotion didn't seem to carry over to these strange bodies, yet Ann could tell the man was somewhat despondent.
Finally, he shrugged. [Fuck it. Could be fun. Haven't had the chance for a real challenge in ages.] His attention shifted to Ann and gave her an overly animated nod. [Alright, help me retake my shit, and I'll lead you right to your console.]
"Awesome! We're stormin' a fortress, now? V's Palace is so effin' cool!"
Author's Notes:
V's old Atlanta crew was a lot of fun to make. I even made Cyberpunk RED character sheets of each of them to add a little more authenticity.
In the future, if a chapter is noted as "Remix" it means the point of view will switch between the whole gang rather than just between Lynn and V.