Act 0: The Prelude

"At this year's Federalist national convention, the ex-Miltec CEO Rosalind Myers announced her intent to run for president. Her campaign slogan, "A return to unity," and a promise to "strengthen the nation" send a clear message of the president's desire to quote "strive for unification on every possible front" According to a poll in 2054 approximately 78% of night city residents would like to see the city join the union. Time will tell if the hopes of these many people will be realized."

February 2 2070, 02:09, California

The sounds of gunfire and explosions reverberate off the desert valley as the battle in the distance starts to putter out with the early morning sun rising, a visible luminous red and orange. The camp stirred to life. "finally thought they'd never shut up, god I bet its fucking D company." said a large man as he cleaned an SPT32 Grad sniper rifle the parts splayed out onto a table as he wiped off the sweat from his shaved head.

"Mannn you never shut the fuck up Daniels y'know that." said Barnes as he lounged in a lawn chair, with a beach umbrella concealing him from the suns rays as the desert floor shifted and blowing sand across it. "but yeah you're probably right, it's probably those retards from D, I just wanna know when we getta go, I mean this war is as good as won and I cant stand this fucking place" he says wiping some stray sand from his black forehead.

"Haha yeah remember them trying to take the one enemy camp 2 months I mean seriously they might as well be the national guard."

Barnes let out a chuckle as he leaned his head back, remembering that day.

"We won't have to wait long" the authoritative voice of the colonel called out. Instantly, the two stood up at attention, dropping whatever they had been doing.

The colonel was an older, bald man with a mole under his right eye. Behind him trailed two others; on his left stood their Lieutenant squad leader, an average man with long ginger hair and beard with a pair of taped glasses sat on his face. To the colonels right stood Jacket, practically a kid with short blond hair and a cigarette loosely hanging from his mouth.

"At ease gentlemen we got a new mission for ya and we're gonna need all hands come on let's go" he continued walking with the four men trailing behind as they entered into a command tent a map laid out upon an old wooden table. "we're in the home stretch now boys Night City is practically in our grasp. We got the Devolutionists on their last legs, and the separatist Free States are as good as finished, and we just got orders to finish this up and to wipe the little shits out"

"We're going to take Night City?" asked Daniels.

The colonel scowled his face, turning frustrated as he spat onto the ground.

"Unfortunately, not that honor goes to 'Kurt Hanson' that Militec lapdog."

The colonel took a second sighing deeply before continuing.

"No, we are going to clear the outskirts for them to make way for his team." practically rolling out the red carpet to Pacifica... What horseshit." "you're lucky that we are an elite group still doing all of this with four soldiers. There's nothing good about this mission I'll be honest."

He let out another sigh before gesturing towards the map.

"Most of the army is pushing down I-95. You are going to clear out the Badlands and you'll be dropped off at Laguna Bend from there. You'll push to capture the solar station on the outskirts of Pacifica."

As the colonel outlined the mission, each member exchanged knowing glances. They were used to the harsh realities of war, but something about this mission felt different. The suicidal nature of it felt off The tension in the air was palpable, a sense of foreboding hanging over them like a dark cloud.

"HQ has little to no idea what type of resistance is at the plant or what's even inside but apparently there's an underground storage facility but that's all we have going in the way of intel."

"Not only that but the bastards have made sure not to mention it in any of their reports…bastards."

"We head in a few hours. I want you guys prepped and prepared."

As the group dispersed and left the tent, the gravity of the situation began to sink in.

"Lieutenant hold on a sec." called out the colonel.

Beard halted in his tracks turning around to address him "Yes sir?"

The colonel walked over close to Beard looking around to check if everyone was gone he soon continued.

"Son I won't lie this is probably a suicide mission…I mean I always felt like command's had it out for us sending us on these types of damned missions,no support Nothing, not even modern fucking GEAR OR CYBERWEARI mean were still using exo suits for christ sakes, fucking exo suits I mean what year is it 2030!?"

The colonel let out an exasperated sigh rubbing his eyes as he straightened his uniform.

"They don't care…live or die succeed or fail we are here because they need people like us people who are only good for one thing…violence"

"I'm receiving a promotion to Lieutenant colonel. isn't that something." he stated his tone almost bitterly. "If you boys are able to make it out I'll be sure you get recommended for some medals."

"Thanks sir I promise to try and bring back everyone in one piece"

The colonel nodded at this making his way back toward his command tent leaving Beard to marinate in his thoughts.

He had always known that whenever they were sent out on missions there was a possibility he might not come back , but now they were being sent to clear out an entire power station, alone. The challenges ahead seemed almost insurmountable.

He soon walked over to where the rest of the squad was as he sat on the ground, leaning against one of the concrete barriers of the bases defenses as they conversed.

"Fuck man this is totally bananas I mean really we're suppose to do all this with just the four of us if its sooo important you'd think they give us some support or something."

Barnes grumbled, scratching his head underneath his green bandana.

"Yeah it definitely doesn't look good though we were finished with missions" Beard said.

"Here, I was thinking I'd be out of this shithole, maybe open up a place of my own" Barnes said, shaking his head.

"A place of your own?" Daniels said, eyebrow arching up

"Ye man like a bar or something get all the classy Corpo customers and I'll be rolling in eddies."

"Makes sense you do like drinking" Daniels said snorting "The only thing you'll be rolling in is vomit from the cyberpunks"

Barns rolled his eyes, giving Daniels a curt middle finger "well what are you going to do after we get to go home."

"I'm a Teacher, remember I already got a job, probably going to pick up where I left off busting punks watching XBD'S."

"Sounds like you got it all figured out."

Daniels simply hummed, looking out to Night City just on the horizon.

"What about you Lieutenant got any big plans?"

Beard scratched his head as he stretched his back "anywhere where I don't have to shoot people or carry a gun who knows maybe open up a little convenience store or something" "kick back get one of those eyes that you can watch TV on and sit back all day, relaxing"

"Well look like you got it all planned out huh." said Daniels

"Well I try not to think about it too much." "things never turn out the way you expect them to."

Just then the colonel stumbled in front of them, on his face he wore a skinned cougar head, wearing the face as a mask, an odd symbol carved into the forehead of the beast as he raised his blood soaked hands like a preacher delivering a sermon.

"Do you see this? ... Can you see my face? This is my true nature. OUR TRUE NATURE! You see, don't you? This is who I am! This is who we all are. We're animals! ... There's no denying it! A bunch of goddamn animals! They're sending us out to slaughter or be slaughtered... And here we sit until they tell us what to do, and how to do it! No will of our own, just mindless obedience! All we know is that deep down, somewhere in there, we enjoy it. Destruction and violence... it's just part of our nature."

The men are visibly unsettled, Beard slowly standing up "Are you okay sir?"

The skinned face of the cougar soon slipped off landing with a wet splat to the ground. The colonel's face is covered in blood from the beast. He soon calms down looking like he's been snapped out of a trance as he clutches his head.

"I….I think I had a bit too much to drink…I feel… tired I better get to bed."

"That might be a good idea, sir.." Beard states as the Colonel hobbles away.

"I wonder what type of fucked up stuff he's been drinking." Barnes finally said after a few seconds.

"Probably just battle fatigue is all." Beard said although he was really asking himself rather than anyone else.

"Yeah probably…well I'll get back to it gotta clean the dust that's probably all over that damned sniper." Daniels said although it was clear it was more of an excuse rather than a genuine concern, walking off and back to his table with everyone soon following walking off to make final preparations ,preparing for the violence that's to in the distance a mass of black angry clouds swelled slowly floating towards the desert landscape.

Beard and Jacket made to leave as well until someone called them out.

"Hey wait" an unfamiliar voice called out. A strange man quickly jogged out. He sported no military garb instead sporting an orange button up and a lime green polo shirt and standard black work pants. He had long brown hair sporting sideburns and a handlebar mustache. "Excuse me guys…you have a second?" "I'd like to get a picture if you don't mind" he asked, raising a white camera, the top popping up with an inscription of DAKAI on the handle strap.

"Uh…sure but who are you?"

"Oh excuse my manners Evan Wright, war correspondent out here covering the conflict" He extended his hand Beard, returning and shaking it.

"Huh well sure…could you send it to me."

"Don't worry about it, it's a polaroid." he said smirking

"A polaroid Huh… seems a bit retro."

"Yeah, but it's reliable and when my job is the story there's nothing i'd rather have"

With that he made ready to take the picture. beard held his hand up "Hold up…Hey kid over here."

he called out, Jacket looking over only half listening to the conversation. He soon stamped out his cigarette making his way over.

As he walked over Beard then threw his arm around his shoulder, pulling him in as he then threw up a peace sign. Jacket was taken a bit off guard before he recovered a small smile on his face as he looked at the camera with a thumbs up.

The camera made a small click before two polaroids were dispensed out the back. Evan grabs one and hands the other off to Beard.

"Hey this came out pretty good…"

May 30 2070 06:30, California

They were ready as ready as one can be for a mission like this. Thought Beard as he walked near the makeshift helipad with everyone standing around making final adjustments to their equipment tacking on grenades or stuffing healing inhalers or ammo into pouches.

The Colonel then slowly walked out his face clean and washed a groggy look in his eyes as he strode out. All eyes hovering towards him.

"Lieutenant…"

"Yes,sir?"

"I don't feel very good right now."

"A bit too much to drink?"

"That's got nothing to do with it,unfortunately."

Turning to address the rest of the men, a stern expression replacing his tired features.

"I've gotten word that you boys are getting sent home tomorrow…Lord knows if they're lying or not. But that's not the issue. I'm afraid that this is your last mission, and that they'll be sending you boys home in body bags…"

He took a second letting the words settle in before taking a large breath to steady himself before continuing to speak.

"Alright boys you've seen the plans you know what to expect" "there's nothing good about this mission you'll be walking into a heavily defended and strategic area, that may decide the course of the war…I have little doubt that they aren't prepared for you." "Remember, stay frosty and look out for each lock and load, and godspeed gentlemen" He suddenly walked over towards a table with a tarp covering it. pulling it off revealed an assortment of weapons for the members to pick from

Beard walked over looking at the weapons, deciding to pick up a large Constitutional Arms M2067 Defender LMG, the exo-suit making the weapon feel much lighter.

Barnes was next as he instinctively went towards a Kenshiri-Adachi F-253 Flamethrower with a sly smile on his face.

"Make sure not to waste fuel, but knowing you it's redundant to say." Commented Daniels derisively. Himself holding his sniper the nickname 'DETENTION' inscribed across the barrel.

"Don't worry I got my back up right here," he said, pulling out a large Kukri knife. The edge of it shimmered…freshly cleaned a trophy from many battles past.

That just left an old NV4 Assault Rifle for Jacket to pick up; he'd used it on multiple missions; an old and slightly outdated weapon, it was still useful and reliable, he'd even got the colonel to acquire him some of the old depleted uranium rounds they used to issue, although old they should still work.

"Hey, think suddenly tossed a pair of long grenades toward Jacket who quickly snatched them.

"Jamming grenades could come in handy, you can never be too safe."

Jacket nodded, stowing the grenades on his belt.

Just then a low thrum fills the air quite at first but it soon grows louder until a Militech Manticore comes flying in over the horizon within a few seconds it touches down, the ramp dropping down waiting for its new occupants as the sand around gets kicked up.

The colonel straightens as he gives a final salute, each man reciprocating the gesture before they step inside of the vehicle, soon flying toward their objective, the horizon illuminated by Night City.

The ride was tense as the Manticore flew just above the ground speeding across the desert at blistering speed leaving a wake of dust behind it as they closed in. Beard drew in a breath gathering himself. Pulling out a small halo projector he pressed one of its buttons, a blue 3-D gridded map popping up.

"Okay guys this is gonna be a rough one so stay close and remember your training. Daniels you're overwatch for Barnes who will clear the south outside area. Me and Jacket are going to push into and clear the west side of the power facility. After that we'll link up at the main core of the facility as there should be a service elevator that takes us underground. We'll see if we can also capture their commander, we exfil via another elevator to the right of these underground service tunnels." he said pointing at the red dots on the blue holo map.

The Manticore began to slowly decelerate as it stopped hovering mere feet off the ground Beard and Jacket both pulled the door handles a mechanical click and whirring noise as the doors opened each member one by one hopping out.

"Enjoy the walk." The pilot called out a grin on his face as the Manticore's doors soon re-closed.

Turning back from where it came from and speeding off in the horizon. Alone the only sound was the desert as insects chirped and called out with the sand blowing and shifting. Reaching the gate

"Alright Ghost Wolves move out and remember…no mercy."

"Man I can't believe we're stuck on patrol fucking chilly out here and i'm pretty sure I got sand in my ass crack,God!"

"First off, TMI, and second, maybe we wouldn't be on patrol duty if you kept your dick in your pants, Dmitri!"

"Pfff whatever, she was just another joy toy anyway. I don't know why Sarge cares so much. Plus, it's not every day I'm in the state; I should be able to enjoy myself."

"He cares because, y'know, whatever now looks like what we're stuck doing."

Just then, the distant sounds of gunfire and explosions erupted in the distance as another battle started up, both men stopping.

"Geez relax Takimura you Arasaka are always so high strung, look on the bright side at least we're here instead of over there."

Takimura gave an ice cold glance to the soviet before the radio started to crackle to life. Dmitri meanwhile turned around to smoke, as he pulled out a gold lighter.

"くそ頭"..."This is P-Unit 6 ove-"

A wet squelching noise cutting off Takimura's sentence. Dmitri stops mid-light, as he turns his head towards the odd noise being met with the sight of Takimura's nearly decapitated head hanging, swaying slightly from a strand of flesh still attached as blood gushes and wires spark out from the stump before he crumples to the desert doesn't even have time to process what he's seen before a man charges from the shadows as he buries his knife down into the skull of the man, yanking it out as he too falls to the ground.

"Hey freeze, motherfucker." A soldier calls behind him, and a group of around six more soldiers slowly approaches with their guns raised and level. Just then, on the other side of the facility, gunfire rings out as alarms begin to blare. The soldiers are caught temporarily off guard as Barns throws his knife into the eye of the closest soldier, his head jerking back from the force as he falls to the ground. Before anyone can do anything, another soldier's head explodes in a violent display, his body tossed to the side, the sound of a sniper shot echoing throughout the area, thinking quickly. Barns runs, diving behind a small boulder jutting out of the ground, gunfire following right behind him. Another soldier is shot in the chest, the bullet punching a large hole out of his back. "Fuck sniper, east!"

The soldiers quickly lay down, moving towards a low sand berm. The lull in gunfire is all Barns needs; grabbing the gun part of the flamethrower, he jumps high into the air as he then dashes forward, landing to the side of everyone. Squeezing down on the thick trigger of the weapon, a torrent of fire erupts from the nozzle, consuming the rest of the soldiers as they wail and scream, running around or flailing before eventually dropping to the ground, fire still eating and burning away the corpses.

"Alright, head to the main station and link up the rest of the guys I'll cover." Daniels called over comms.

Amidst the chaos of battle, Barnes swiftly takes action, seizing a Nowaki rifle from the first fallen soldier, as well as his knife, yanking it out of the man's skull and sliding it into its sheath. Making another large jump, he lands on top of one of the solar soldiers soon close in as they open fire, Barns leaps forward, hopping from one solar panel towards the facility. Bullets fly in Barn's direction, the familiar crack and wiz as some come dangerously close.

Daniels lets out a slow breath as he methodically picks off the group. Barns is then left to deal out his own response as he shoots anyone directly in front of him, clearing a path before landing onto the road.

From the other side, Barns spots Beard and Jacket pushing up to the solar power station as they exchange fire with the enemy, their numbers dwindling as one by one they go down to the near constant stream of fire the two are dishing out.

"Shit cars coming up on your six hold on" Daniels calls out.

Driving down the road a convoy of three armed pickup trucks comes barreling down the road as the operators on the roof open up with their HMG's. Barnes immediately hits the deck as puffs of sand and heavy caliber rounds wiz past him.

"Breath…deep breaths in…deep breaths out" Daniel takes a second as he tracks the lead truck, his scope a few inches ahead. Holding in his breath he squeezes the trigger as his sniper fires, the bullet flying through the air before ripping through the armored window passing through the passengers and drivers head in a violent display.

Barnes watches as the lead truck suddenly jerks to the right rolling multiple times over with the two other trucks suddenly slamming into each machine gunners atop of the vehicles are either crushed or were thrown out. The trucks tumbled and smashed into one another for a couple more yards before settling a fog of dust obscuring the carnage.

After a few seconds soldiers started to slowly emerge from the vehicles as doors screeched opened. Two of the trucks sat upside down with the other on its side. Barnes, wasting no time, rushed towards the wreck getting close before pulling out his flamethrower, as he doused the overturned vehicles and men with fire as they thrashed and rolled on the sandy ground in a vain attempt to put themselves out. Finally after a few seconds With a hiss, the stream of fire ceased as the last of the fuel was expended,Barnes unstrapping and chucking the flamethrower aside.

"It looks like they have the situation under control." Beard remarked to Jacket as they Observed from across the station. A bullet then flew by Beards face far enough away so that it didn't hurt him but close enough for him to feel its heat and smell its metallic tang. Ahead dozens of soldiers poured out from the workers quarters, blue doors swinging open as they rushed out. Beard, not wasting any time, brought up his weapons, letting loose a shower of lead as he swept the LMG across the group, cutting down anyone not fast enough to retreat back inside as most died where they stood. Jacket was next quickly dispatching anyone else before then firing bursts into the buildings themselves, the DU ammo easily penetrating the doors and walls striking anyone who was left inside. After a few seconds of constant fire they stopped quickly, continuing the only sound being the blaring alarms and the occasional crack and automatic fire from Daniel's and Barnes cleaning up the few stragglers.

Quickly another noise fills the air as a high pitched hum grows ever louder as several drones come into view. Without missing a beat Jacket quickly pulled Beard out of harm's way just as bullets rained down where they had stood moments before.

"Whoa! good spot, see if you can buy me time while I'll try and get this gate open."

Jacket quickly complied, pulling a fresh mag and reloading as he quickly ran across the road firing controlled bursts aiming for the vital components with four of the drones going down. jumping high above he landed onto the roof of the soldiers quarters, quickly dashing and taking cover behind one of the many yellow pipes snaking throughout the area as the drones began to open fire. Pulling out the long jamming grenade he pushed down on the button and quickly threw it out. After a few seconds an electrical pulse burst out from the device with the street lights blinking out alongside all the drones as they immediately stopped their assault, falling harmlessly to the ground with a clang.

Peeking out his head, Jacket jumps down running over to the gate, observing Beard as he pulls out a small crumpled piece of paper.

"Please work." he types in the code in the number pad. After a tense second a beep sounds as the shutters quickly go up. "Alright! First time the intel is right." Walking in the room was illuminated by a soft blue from the core's water below.

"Over there." Beard pointed to an elevator tucked in the corner,doors already open.

"Hey! missed us." called out Daniels holding in one of his hands a fallen enemy shotgun Barns beside him.

"We found the elevator, come on." The group quickly piled into the elevator pressing the only button as the doors closed and they descended. Soft jazz soon started to play filling in the small space.

"So,you think they're waiting for us…" Barnes asked, a sinking feeling developing in his and soon the rest of the squad's stomach.

No one responded with Jacket instead raising his rifle to be level with the door, each member doing the same. The seconds seem to pass until,with a chiming noise, the elevator halted, the doors sliding open to reveal a long empty hallway lined with abandoned offices. Moving in sync everyone pushes out although upon further inspection it seems abandoned with smashed monitors and half eaten pieces of food being the only real signs that people had recently left.

"No point searching this area, nobody's here." Barnes commented as the group cleared the rooms one by one.

At the end of the hallway there was a final door. Daniel approached cautiously, attempting to open it, but it remained firmly shut. Immediately and wordlessly everyone soon stacked up beside the door, Daniel taking point. From behind a pin was pulled as Beard readied a 9-Bang, giving a subtle nod. Raising his shotgun, he let out another steady breath before shooting, breaking the relative quiet and stillness that had permeated throughout the largely empty facility. In a fraction of a second, the handle was blasted apart as fragments flew into the room. With his powered boot, Daniels delivered a swift kick before retreating back behind the wall, the door bending inwards being torn from its hinges. Simultaneously Beard tossed in the 9-bang as a series of loud blinding small explosions went off inside the room as each member rushed inside.

The Area itself seemed to be an old room that was converted to a headquarters with terminals, maps and radios, along with other miscellaneous equipment sat on tables alongside ammunition crates. Inside stood three men, two of whom were armed, all of whom were clearly disoriented, clutching their heads, groaning in confusion. Jacket was the first one to shoot, letting loose a burst into the closest man, the bullets passing through him slamming into the radio's and the wall behind as he crumpled to the floor. Daniels acted next, firing his shotgun into the stomach of the other armed man, the force throwing him back into the tables. That only left a single person left; a much older man wore a red beret atop a head of white hair and was decorated in a tan officer's overcoat with a black sweater and tie.

"WAIT, I SURRENDER." he exclaimed, waving one hand in the air the other clutched to his temple.

"DO NOT move one step or your fuckin dead, Jacket cuff him."

Barnes said, tossing a pair of metal restraints as he began to make his way over. The officer's eyes suddenly turned red,text scrolling across his eyes quickly as suddenly Jacket felt his entire body stiffen along with everyone else as their exo-armor locked up an error message popping displayed on the wrist mounted monitor.

"The Hell?!" "What's happening!" Barnes demanded attempting to move.

"He's hacking into the suits." Beard said a cold chill running down his spine.

"Damn netrunner, you're dead!" Daniels spat out.

The older gentleman only smiled walking around the group like a vulture above its prey. Jacket slowly pulled in his arms, teeth clenched his hand slowly moving towards his belt.

"Exo's, my god they're really sending you boys out with whatever huh." "I'll give it to you though you had me, I mean shit four people killing all my men so fast, You get an A, NO a S+...of course it matters little now.A shame too if I had you as soldiers you'd probably live and not get sent on suicide missions for a pointless war-."

"The Fuck you talking about it's over for you the free states are finished!" Daniels yelled out.

The commander scoffed, walking over to direct all his attention towards Daniels not noticing Jacket's hand slowly coming ever closer to his last Jamming Grenade.

"Ohhhh poor little soldiers even now you cannot see, don't get me wrong you have won many battles…but not the war no, that you are still blind too and will remain blind."

Alarms suddenly sounded out red washing over the room.

"Ah, I see this is my time for me to take my leave. But since you've fought so bravely I will give you a quick death as a show of respect." He said pulling out an overture revolver.

"Let's start with you." making his way over to where Beard was as he pressed the cool barrel against his forehead, the revolver's hammer slowly being pulled back.

Jacket's finger hovered over the grenade's button feeling the rubbery plastic as the suit fought him, using all his strength he pushed down, a small click as a seconds passed.

"Well what are you waitting for…do it."

A sudden electrical flash flared out as all at once the man seized up falling onto his back convulsing. Blood poured from his eyes and ears before a small piece of his head burst open skull and brain matter flying out as his body went limp, a small flame seeping out from the hole.

The blast from the EMP had rendered the once stiff exo suits to now heavy and powerless as each member crumpled slightly from the sudden shift in weight although quickly recovering and slamming on the releases with the exo suits flowering out.

"Good stuff kid that was close, now let's get the hell outta here." Beard said rising up as they each ran out the room turning right and moving down the tunnels, their heavy footfalls echoing.

Barnes ran ahead of everyone else as Jacket was close behind reaching the elevator Barnes slamming down on the button the doors slowly cracked open to reveal an orange hot light….

Beards head span as a consistent ringing took up all that he could hear as he blinked the spots from his eyes he found himself to be on his back. Sitting up he saw Barnes motionless, the right side of his body completely mangled. Jacket a foot away was in no better shape with a large metal fragment jutting out his abdomen, the slow rising of his chest the only indication that he was still alive.

"BARNES!" Daniels immediately dropped his shotgun rushing over to where his fallen friend was as he held up his head"

Shakingly standing up, Beard made his way over to Jacket before noticing a locker covering something behind the wall. Without thinking he pushed the locker to the side revealing a hidden passage. Turning back he slung one of Jacket's arms over his shoulder.

"Hang in there bud." "Daniels! We need to go now, come on he's gone!"

Daniels didn't even look up as he held Barnes, they were running out of time. "God Damnit…" Turning around he began to walk into the passageway the way forward being only illuminated by the red alarm lights flashing. Beards Heart hammered as he continued walking feeling as though his legs would give out at any second. In the distance a small light stared back at Beard as he pushed on, eventually exiting the tunnel being met by a group of soldiers, the NUSA patch on their uniform as they surrounded the exit. The sight of Beard and Jacket caught them slightly off guard.

"Hold fire, they're friendlies."

Carefully a few soldiers walked over helping to lay Jacket a moment to catch his breath he swiftly pulled out a small radio, flicking it on and typing in a frequency.

"My Name is Ben Smith, My car has broken down on me…" "I need…I-"

"The Radio then crackled to life. "Can you repeat that? Over!"

"My name is….Fuck it!" "Look, we need a casevac here! I'm at 3007.54'N,3511.83'W!" "And step on it he's bleeding out."

Walking over to where Jacket layed it was clear that he was in rough shape.

"Hang in there, 'll be here real soon."

Jacket glanced over his arm extending out.

"No need to thank me, kid. It's on the house." "You would have done the same for me, right?"

"I think I hear the AV coming now…"

"Maybe you should take this, so you don't forget who saved your ass."

June 5 2070 18:27 Los Angeles, California

"Sorry to hear about like that are never easy."

"..."

"Well,yeah…you know what they say. time heals all wounds."

"..."

"Right." "So,you remember that photo we talked about,back when we were deployed?"

"Did you ever get around to sending me a copy of it?"

"..."

Right, Well whenever you get a chance, man." "Look, there seems to be something going on outside my shop.I'm gonna go have a look, okay?"

"..."

"Alright, I'll talk to you later. Bye!"

Hanging up the phone Beard stood up looking over his clone fruit section and noticed how low he was. He would have to go and buy more when he got the chance. stepping out he noticed multiple people looking off at something as he also tried to get a look until a blinding light washed over him a wave of heat burning his skin.

June 1 2077, Night City

Jacket awoke on his couch in a cold sweat. Another bad dream. Another bad memory, the TV was still on.

"Today marks the seventh anniversary of the Arvin Accord's and the Russo-Arasaka-NUSA Coalition and the end of-."

The TV quickly turned off Jacket, placing the remote back as the room was filled with a deafening silence.

The sound of the answering machine shrill beep going off startled Jacket if only slightly an old antique at this point….He should really replace it.

"You have one new message…"

Hey so this is my first writing project ever I'm currently working on the next chapter although I'm not sure when that will be out. If you have any criticism or recommendations please fell free to share. And New in the works