AISubs v3.5
Electric coupling module.
You said it was nothing serious when I came in. You said you were sure.
Guess I was wrong. Can always look for another shop where they won't ask a lone nomad why he's hugging the border.
That's fine. Step aside.
What?! Got any idea what I do?
I'm gonna bypass the coupling and rig a hotwire.
Compressor will run on and on. Put these out.
Did anyone ask your opinion?
Okay, let's see what happens.
It's like I was telling you!
Not shabby at all. Question is, how long it'll last you?
Eh, it'll get me to Night City. I figure something else out there.
Right.
Antenna on this heap don't seem like it packs a punch. Not liable to hear much.
You don't say.
Hey, Mike. Didn't know you had a customer.
Rolled in a few hours past. I thought he'd at least called in to you.
Don't you sweat it, Mike. We're gonna hash it out.
Don't you know you owe the sheriff a word when you pay his town a visit?
To tell him what's brought you here. Maybe even over a cup of coffee.
No need to worry. I won't be staying long.
Didn't answer my question now, did you?
Name's Andrew Jones. Probably heard of me.
I can't say that I have.
Served in spec ops during the last war.
Silver show guns? Bring any bells?
I can't say that it does.
Don't like to get along, do you?
That a Nomad vehicle? Might expect that.
I'll just fix it and go. I've no reason to linger.
Nope, you sure shit don't.
Nothing boils my blood like a fuckin' strain. Where'd your clan pitch camp?
There is no clan, there is no camp. I'm here alone.
They ain't buying it. Nomads always stick to their packs.
My family's in pieces. That's why I'm headed for Night City.
Makes you an outcast among outcasts. Sure as hell hope you'll be on your way before long.
I saw broadcasting comms tower on my way in. My antenna's down and I need to radio someone.
What you need's to high-tail it outta here without another warbird.
Ain't got no mind to see you drifting around these parts. Got it?
I've made it clear. I don't want any trouble.
Then stop looking for it and hit the road. Quick.
[door opening]
[footsteps]
Hello?
Come in! Come in!
Ah! Raised you finally!
Willie McCoy. It's good to hear your voice.
Fee... Wish I could say the same.
I need your help... one last time.
One last time... again?!
I have to find the client with my payload, but I don't know where he is.
Hmm... right place, right time. You were there?
'Course I was. Maybe the client left a message. Could you check for me?
Hmm... sure. Last time, though. I mean it. Client's name?
Jackie Wells.
Huh. Actually left a message. He's waiting on a farm. Flicking you the geoloc data.
Thanks, Willie. I owe you one.
You do. Just don't get yourself killed. And don't call again.
Oh, I was worried I'd have to turn to farming.
Sure hope you're here for me.
I believe I am. Are you...
Name's Jackie Wells.
V, seems you have cargo that needs to be moved.
Oh, where I'm from you share a bit about your soul before you talk biz, eh?
It's kind of like a custom. Or just good manners, you know?
Why don't we start with you, then?
NC native, right here. Got Haywood in my blood.
I've never been to NC. That doesn't mean much to me.
So, imagine a place where everyone's like your bro or sis. Or distant cousin, at least.
I think I understand. You don't have to like each other, but it's family.
That's Haywood. That and everyone's back in iron. And you?
I guess one could say I'm from my own Haywood.
You and me, we're gonna get along fine.
The cargo.
Let's load it in the car.
Okay.
Started thinking you might not come.
I got held up. And you weren't exactly easy to find.
I decided to lay low, you know?
The sheriff looked like one grouchy motherfucker.
Yep.
What a fatass.
So, we headed out?
Do you have the manifests from the transport?
Of course I do. But the fixer didn't give you the job deeds?
He... he did. I was just... making sure.
Listen, friend. We're both professionals, ain't we?
Sure you've moved contraband before?
Why, are you nervous?
Me? Ha! Nah...
Ready? Border crossing up ahead. What now?
Nothing. Then scan us and check our papers.
Okay...
I'll do the talking.
Please direct your vehicle to the inspection area.
Remain in your vehicle. The security check will begin shortly.
I got a real bad feeling about this...
Hand me the manifest. Don't need to see it.
Grab these.
Let me see... It's marked LOA. Perfect.
What's that mean?
"Lost on arrival". It means the cargo is flagged as "to be lost" as soon as they cross the border.
Oh... Something no worse smuggling?
They're about to find out.
The owner of the vehicle in the inspection area will report for further questioning.
Chinkanaomadre... What now?
Relax. It's all in line with procedures. It's all part of the plan.
Hey, guess you know what you're doing, huh?
If we want the customs officer to turn a blind eye to our dubious docus, we'll need a sweetener.
Do you have the credit chip with the bribe?
Oh... Yeah... Forgot about that...
Right... You forgot.
I'll keep the engine running... In case of a cock up.
Do that.
If you're armed, place your weapon here.
Whoa now!
Now please report to room number two.
Please sit.
Papers?
I know the rules. Everything's there.
It might be, it might not be. We'll see.
Hmm...
What are you transporting?
It's all in there.
Everything?
There's one additional enclosure to the manifest.
Ah, yes. Remind me, you drive for which nomad clan?
I don't think that's any concern of yours.
Is that what you believe?
You know, whenever I see someone like you, I am oh-so- grateful not to be on that side of the table.
The feeling's mutual.
Go on, now. Your associate's waiting for you in the car.
Don't forget to take your personal items.
Be careful with that toy.
And welcome to Night City.
Those little shits imagine Night City as some kind of paradise.
What can you do?
What happened?
I'll tell you soon. We need to get out of here.
Yeah, okay.
You gonna tell me what happened back there?
The customs dickhead got nitpicky.
And that ain't normal?
Not to that extent.
Smelling trouble 'round the bend?
Drive, Jackie, just drive.
Someone's coming our way.
This does not look good.
Stop your vehicle immediately.
Let's get out of here!
On it!
You are transporting contraband that is corporate property.
I repeat, stop the car!
Ah, those bedevils are stubborn!
Shit! Let's get out of here!
Not sure my nerves can handle this.
Keep driving. We can't stop here.
Place looks deserted.
I'm gonna stop here.
Need to sort out a few things before we go on.
Fucking hell.
Son of a bitch!
I almost tagged our asses!
Is that what you call smuggling?!
Chicago!
It was supposed to go smooth!
No problems!
If you think this is my fault, at least have the balls to say so.
I don't know yet.
Is it?!
Border security tipped off the corporation that we have their cargo.
What's the deal with these borderlies flipping us the finger as they fucking please?!
With no consequences!
He took a risk.
He assumed we didn't have a clan backing us.
And he was right.
Ridiculous.
He hasn't disappeared as soon as we crossed over, but...
you're alright.
So you tricked me.
Oh, well, apologies for offending the spotless moral code of a smuggler.
So, what's next?
Now we take a peek inside.
Open it!
Aw shit. It says Arasaka on the crate. We are robbing some heavy hitters.
Then maybe we'll make some heavy money.
Oh, my miss. A real iguana. A, uh, lesser antilian, I think.
You think you can make some money on it?
Sure. Think it'll make us happy.
Us?
Yeah, partner. We'll go halfsies.
Any decent fixer will find a loaded gok interested in a rare gem like this.
It's kind of a shame, though. I always wanted a pet.
Got the name "Manny" all thought out.
Hey, by the way... you, uh, got any plans for what you'll be doing in Night City?
I don't have any plans.
I've spent the last years traveling between states with my nomad family.
They'll probably be waiting for you somewhere, huh?
No. We decided to go our separate ways.
That must be tough, huh? Having no one to go back to.
But don't you worry. Let me help you find digs. You gotta live somewhere.
It's important to have people you can turn to. You know, like family.
Maybe you'll find your own down in Night City.
Thanks. Much appreciated.
Hey, come on. It's nothing.
It got chemistry, you and me.
Be a crying shame to waste it... partner.
Hey!
Aww... cuddly little fucker.
Okay, partner. Time to grab the lizard and scurry out of here.
Hello there, Night City!
Stanley here with you, and we got another day ahead of us in this city of dreams!
Ooh, I love this town! Love it like you might love a mother who popped you out on the steps of an orphanage once and now stops you to ask if you got a smoke for her!
Every new day here means a hundred new arrivals! But only half these gods will survive a year — and that's if it's a good one!
And why do these peeps come to NC? Well, to be street samurai like Morgan Blackhand and Waylon Boa Boa!
"The greater the risk, the bigger the voucher," kids! Or so they say!
But you can only be a major league player for so long — the faster you live, the faster you burn out — if you don't get a bullet to the brain first!
NC's legends — know where you'll find most of 'em?
The greater the risk, the bigger the voucher — kids!
Matters not where you're from, matters not where you start — what matters here is the walk you walk!
In Night City — the city of dreams!
Check we're lookin' for is somewhere in this building.
Probably crawlin' with the pendejos — the kidnappers.
Eyes and ears open, all right?
Speakin' of which — got you a little somethin'.
Militech training shard — in case you need to, uh, brush up on your dance moves.
Down for some target practice and VR?
Sure — why the hell not?
So? Not bad, huh? Now we can get down to business.
Let's do this.
Jesus fucking Christ.
Think I got her. Got her target.
Did we make it? Is she alive?
About to find out.
V, jack into our biomod. Need to know what we're dealing with.
Jacking in.
This does not look good.
Sandra Dorsett, NC570442. Trauma team, platinum.
Platinum? Shit. Trauma should have swooped in if she sneezed.
Guessing they jammed the transmitter, Sig.
Looking at a hacked biomod, firmware reconfig, or a neurovirus...
Garajo, G-Bug. You ain't seeing this place.
This is...tobs, ice, hooks, and cleamers!
Hmm. Scott Muncher's hack, huh?
Got an idea. Check her neurocord.
Find the shard? Yeah, pull it. That'll be what's muting the biomod.
Found the shard. We're moving now.
Check the biomod. Anything change?
Greetings, Sandra.
If you are conscious, assume recovery position now.
An emergency evacuation unit has been dispatched and is due to arrive at your location in 180 seconds.
Biomod claims trauma will be here in 3 minutes.
Your premium plan will cover 90% of the projected costs of your rescue and treatment.
Ay, pobrecita. Let's get her off that ice.
Ah, fuck! Flatliner!
V, need to know what's going on!
Jackie, air hypo! Fuck, this is bad!
Hey, catch, vato!
I think... Holy shit, it worked!
Fuera, cabron! Get her outside!
Fuera! Get her out! Terris!
Landing. Stand clear.
Initiating security protocol. Follow all instructions.
Stop in the doorway!
Place the patient on the ground!
Five steps back, now!
TT-133 to control. Patient NC-570442 secured.
Stimulus being administered. 70 milligrams dopamine, 110 norepinephrine, 800 fibrinogen...
Let's get out of here. Elevator gets us to the garage direct.
Good work. Shit show's over.
Cutting my wires now. See you in the near future.
Listen, mano... I got this thing. Mind if I borrow your wheels?
I got a date with Misty, bud.
Won't leave you hanging, Jack.
Sick of my ass, V. Thank you.
How about I drive you home, huh?
She's all yours. I'm beat as it is.
Oh, almost forgot.
Should get Wakako in the hollow. Tell her the job's done.
Ahem. V, how did it go? Our client is alive and well?
Of course she's alive and well. That's what we agreed, isn't it?
Splendid. Your payment awaits you, ready to come and grab whenever you like, even right away.
But I guess home is the only place you wish to be now.
The N.C.P.D. has surrounded Watson. The district is closed. If you're to make it past the cordon, you must move fast.
Thanks for the heads up. Swing by to see you later.
Word's out the N.C.P.D.'s gonna put Watson on lockdown. If I'm gonna sleep in my own bed tonight, we better put it in fifth.
Leave it to me, mano. I'm driving.
[door opens and closes]
[computer beeps and whirs]
Tell Misty I said "aye."
I will.
Adios, amigo.
Hello Night City, Stan. The man here employed with last night of his vulture...
...reported a heated exchange in Santa Fe between the Sixth Street Gang and Night City's finest.
But who's shot first? Depends who you ask.
Whoa, V! You get any sleep?
Ah, no matter. Time you got up!
Think I might of caught something... when I jagged into that corpo's biomine.
I don't know... neurovirus or...
Need to see Vic. Let him tell me what's got my head reeling and my stomach churning.
Okay, let me take you. I brought you a ride. Throw in some threads and meet me downstairs.
Mmm, man of the hour. Jeez, took you long enough. Worked up an appetite just waiting.
Sit down, let me finish this. Then we can drop in on Señor Vector.
You mentioned something about a surprise yesterday.
Am I remembering right, or... you just had a brain fog?
Probably both, 'cause you usually forget shit.
But it just so happens...
I think I might have bagged us a sweet-ass J.O.B.
Go on.
I mean, maybe it's not as big as that, but...
Just that he's fronted by a little-known someone named Dixter Deschamps, man...
Only the top fixer in night-fuckin'-city...
Badass black Jesus of the afterlife...
Three hundred pounds of partly-gold-plated coop...
So what's the gig? We meant to come out in one piece?
Our lord and savior wants to tell you everything himself, face-to-face...
Well, no pressure, but, uh... this whole deal...
He's writing on you now, I see...
All right. Let's hear what ol' Dix has to say. Set it up.
Dix is the real deal when it comes to fixers.
Don't get me wrong, I don't got nothing against Andre or Makako, but...
Dix is an evil as all, man. You know what I'm sayin'?
Not really, no.
It's always the same story...
You land on fresh turf, local fixer waves his dick around, but...
He's smilin', sayin' you'll be up to your neck in gigs and eddies...
Still, all you are is another name in their little black book...
Nifty tool for gettin' them a fat slice of whatever half-baked shit by their client put on the table...
Sure, you crack jokes over drinks, but in the end...
It's biz.
Gracias, Dios...
Brought your wheels?
Gave 'em to my guy yesterday to smooth over the dents after our, uh... dust-up with scabs...
Thanks, Jack. Much appreciated.
Some top-notch work Miguel did. Rides like it looks - factory new.
We'll see about that.
So we rollin' or what?
Let's feel this factory new ride.
First stop, Ripper Duck and Holmes. Easy on the gas, huh? Like yesterday either.
Yeah, this is it. Come on, V. Find me what Vick's ducked up to for circuits.
We'll hash out what Dex has cooked up for us.
Vickie, surprise every old Ripper. It's good to see you.
Good to see you too, V. It's been a while. What do I owe the pleasure today?
Last gig, had to jack into a client's neuro socket. Think I might have gotten spiked.
Experiencing migraines, nausea, hypersensitivity to bright lights?
Old kit and caboodle.
All right, kit. We'll sort you out in a flash. Besides that, how are things?
Need some new kit. But tools, not toys, Vick. Time I bumped up my sights and got a grip.
Really? Now? Finally?
Vick, shit's gettin' real. Got a job from Dexter, Sean. Hittin' the major leagues. Any tactic can perform.
"The" Dexter, Sean? Well, that is something. But let me guess... hasn't paid you yet.
Quit crying, Vic. I'll bring you the eddies later. With interest - you know I will.
Hmm... last time, you hear?
Chair, please. Sit down and relax.
Kiroshi optics - best I've got, and should be about right under the circumstances.
Now jack in.
You peruse and choose while I scan - and see what's going on inside.
Mark one, like I said - decent enough scanner. Displays data on your cornea.
Cherry on the top's a built-in external lens disruptor.
In layman's terms - any surveillance cam will capture your face as a blur.
And just remember - your body will still show up as crystal clear.
Hmm - this should do the trick. Talks to Kiroshi tech too.
I'm ready - carve away.
Excellent - let's do this.
Yes.
Lay that major league arm of yours right here.
Just like that - thanks.
Now - a bit of anesthetic and I can start cutting.
Feel anything?
Play by play though.
Really doc - makes you sound like a dentist - always going on and on.
Don't be mean now - remember I'm old - I got a shaky ganic hand - could slip.
Lights out for a minute, alright?
Okay, let's test this. See the magic in action. Linking you in.
You might feel a little discomfort at first. Blurred vision, low contrast, glitches...
Well, how's it look? Feel alright to you?
Oh, this is fantastic, Vic.
Oh, beautiful.
Time for the scanner.
It might take you a few seconds to adjust, but first time's rarely the charm - with anything, really.
Scanner should eventually sync with your thought processes and read your intentions.
I also injected an ncpd file search.
Running tenny nair do wells? You know exactly what they nair did well.
You should see your ammo count in a brand new sight.
Shit, Vic, they're not bad. I don't know what to say.
Say you'll take this and remember the dosage - two whiffs now and another two in an hour.
Thanks again, Vic. You're the best. I owe you.
Go on, kid - show 'em what you're made of.
And once you hit the big leagues, don't forget where you came from.
Hmm... Your heart chakra looks a little out of whack, babe.
I can release it for you, but you'd have to watch out for negative energy fields. And avoid mean reds.
V! Yo, listen up. I had talked to Dex while you were in with the doc. He's waiting in his ride... for you.
Ain't but a hop to where he's parked... next to Gramsci Burgers.
Okay. Do my best to talk us up.
V, listen. I've got this delicate matter. It's why I called you.
The number of cyberpsycho attacks in the city is on the rise.
Now, that's probably not news to you, but this issue matters to me... for a few reasons.
There are people who say cyberpsychosis can be treated.
Right.
And I know exactly how that sounds, but I believe even an unproven therapy is still better than a bullet to the brain.
If I get a tip about a possible attack, I'll give you a call.
Maybe you can investigate before Max Tack hits the scene.
But remember, you're not there to execute anybody.
Try to incapacitate the attacker, and I'll send someone to pick them up.
I hope that's all clear.
Thank you for watching.
Yo, Mr. V. A pleasure.
Dexter DeShawn in the flesh. Ample indeed.
Let's roll.
Mind if I ask you something right off the banger?
Would you rather live in pieces, Mr. Nobody, die ripe, old and smelling slightly of urine,
or go down for all times in a blaze of glory, smelling near like posies, without seeing your 30th?
It's first place or no place, Dex. Cost isn't a factor.
Classic. I'd expect nothing less from eager, supple youth. Respect.
No! No way!
Alright, listen close. Scanning a serious job now. Playing gargantuan compared to smashing up a scav home.
Let me hear it. What's the job?
There's this... prototype tech. A biochip to be precise. Jobs to grab it. Simple.
Yeah? Guessin' it belongs to a corp.
Mm-hmm. Arasaka. Surely that's no problem.
Corps don't deserve special treatment.
Shit. You ain't playin' around.
Got a feelin' this could be the start of a beautiful friendship built on heaps of eddies.
You work this out? Got a plan?
Two things. First, a conundrum with the Maelstrom boys. Needs active resolve in the band.
Second, a rendezvous. Simple.
Client who brought us the job's anxious. She wants to parley with one of the team.
What's the issue needs resolve in the Maelstrom? Got a beef?
Slot in the shot.
I got a classic tale for you.
Psycho gang doing its thing two weeks back.
Jumped a military convoy.
Got away with the gear.
Corp don't even know maelstrom's involved.
Now see, convoy was carrying a flathead,
a little combat bot, a prototype.
And I need me that bit of high-grade military kit.
'Cause if we don't get that bot, we don't get no socket chip.
And we sure as hell don't get no happily ever after.
But don't get excited.
It's a single-use toy.
Now, I flat-out purchased the damn thing from maelstrom.
Problem is, I did so from a gent went by the name of Brick.
I say "went" 'cause Brick was the leader.
Three days after we'd sealed our deal,
his friend and gangmate one Simon Randall, a.k.a. Royce,
a plane dropped in his ass.
Royce is in charge now.
And I got no way of knowing if he aims to honor his predecessor's word.
To add to this shitstorm,
one Meredith Dowd of militech has developed an interest in said convoy.
Who's the prima donna?
Corporal agent, internal affairs.
Been skittin' 'round town askin' after the convoy as if her life depended on finding it.
The one lead she's got zip-tied in her trunk.
Stick up her ass ain't growin' any shorter, so she must be gettin' desperate.
Be wise to think how you could use that.
Course, to do so you'll need that frazzled cat's info.
Sendin' it now.
Client. What's her thing? Why's she need to meet?
Woman's name's Evelyn Parker. Vetting her wasn't easy.
Put the word out I was lookin' for any kind of intel.
Right, and?
Some brothers from Pacifica got back to me. Told me to stop lookin'. And the convoy.
Anyway, our little client insisted on meeting someone with skin in the game.
You know, who'll be there for it all.
Yours truly will be remote, T-Bug ain't no people person, and Jaggy's only good at some things.
I know you know what I mean.
Pretty much leaves you.
Think I got everything. Time I got to work.
Well, that's just music to my ears.
I'll set up the meet with Miss Parker at Lizzy's Bar.
Flathead, though, is gonna be all you.
Welcome.
Later now.
Jagster, talk to Dex.
Yeah, Cortito's a big deal. Literally a nine, yeah.
I'm going to want to check our procred.
But to me it feels more like he tangled us up with Maelstrom and Militech.
There's this combat bot, military prototype - Maelstrom clapped it.
Then Dex paid to take it off their hands just before the gangoons had a switch up in management.
Right, right - heard about that. Royce versus Brick - hostile takeover.
That sums it up. Dex once was talking to Royce - gave the deets of some Militech agent too, but...
I don't know how much help she stands to be.
Hah - she'll know.
Then there's the other thing - gotta meet the client who put the job on the table - Evelyn Parker.
You?! Well, what's Dex gonna do - ride around in his limo, chat chicks up on the hollow?
Parker wants to meet someone on the crew - Dex gave me the number.
They must know what he's doing. So - how you want to play this - Maelstrom or Parker - who's first?
I say we knock on Maelstrom's door first - pound, actually.
Orale - in that case, I'll hit the all foods and put my nose to the ground.
Just around - like a stunner wiggle.
Ah - there you are.
Let me hear what you squared away.
So DEC's already paid the maelstromers for the corpo bot.
Thing is, can't be sure the gang goons are still willing to hand it over.
You paid up front?
Eh, well, whatever. Let's go get this tech.
New scheme yet? You got a plan?
Doubt shit can go smoothly. This is maelstrom.
Gang world ain't too complicated. Might's right, the strong survive.
Either you fuck others, or you get fucked.
So... into the Borg beasts' den?
Let's go see these bastards.
Alright, let's knock on their door. See if they even open up.
I hate these Borg fuckers. Must've had to be them.
Just a gang like any other, right?
Now take the Valentinos. They follow God and the Santa Madre.
Honor means something to 'em.
You know what they want, how they get it, and what pisses 'em the fuck off.
With maelstrom, you just never know.
Go on, let 'em know we're here.
Heh, don't know you.
Wanna talk to Royce? Dex sent us.
Main room. We've been waiting.
Ah, cozy place. Could use a few plants, though.
Oh yeah, they look damn well prepared.
Don't think I've ever seen security like this in a chow factory.
Gear from the jack convoy, gotta be.
Must've been all over it like maggots on dead meat.
You hear about their boss, Royce?
Dex mentioned him. Called him "special".
Get in the elevator, fuckin' sheep!
Stay cool. They're just trying to spook us.
Alright, chill B. Remember, we're on their turf.
So what do you want?
You got a bot. Model MT-0D12. Called the Flathead.
And? The hell you care?
Guy I represent already paid brick for it. I'm just here for the pickup. I can talk direct to Royce if necessary.
Nah. You talk to me. Name's Dumdum. Now couch. Planet.
Well, shit. Goes for you, too.
I'll stand.
This so fucking hard? Fucking ask on the fucking couch!
Make me.
Thought you'd never ask.
Jack, sit down.
This ain't gonna end well, but... shit.
Well, alright.
Come on. Got to lighten up. Take a hit.
Thanks. I'm good.
Whatever you say, straight-edged princess.
Here we go.
The flathead, model LT-0D12.
Need to see it.
See yourself.
Fucking tricked out, this thing.
Dynamic thermo-optic camo armor.
Full cognitive immersion with a raven control.
Pimped-out prototype actuators made of titanium- vanadium cavilar composite.
And watch this!
Fully integrated link tube, so when the spider starts crawling up walls, dangling from ceilings...
Could lose you lunch.
So what you think?
We'll take it.
Free. Sure. Yeah.
Brick got it. It's all paid up.
Brick got it!
I don't see any fucking brick around here, do you?
Come on. Can't expect me to pay for this thing twice.
And who the fuck are you to say what can and can't be?
You'll pay twice because I say you'll pay twice.
Fine. You want the flathead? I better see some eddies.
Seems you already got the eddies for me.
What'll you offer us in discount? Big one.
A discount?! Fuck.
You know, you never did say who sent you.
Never did say who you're working for.
Dexter Deshawn. That's who.
Dexter Deshawn!
The lardass who's punching animal fucks out of Pacifica?!
You mean he ain't dead?!
Nope. He's alive, well and kicking.
And he sends his regards.
So you're gonna consider my offer now?
I don't want it!
Bring it, cocksuckers!
Get the hell out of me! Cut those bits!
Let's take out 'em!
Merda. Cut off.
Grab the gear. The bottom could full shine. Quick!
Gotta find a way outta here.
Got the set, bot and controller.
Then let's go! Quicker the better!
No begging, no debt, no corporeal strings attached. And the flathead's ours. That's the way to do biz, V.
Tough to argue.
Yeah, 'cause I'm right. Always. Nice of you to know this.
Jack Snow, we got his toy for him.
How are things looking, Mr. V?
Got the bot.
And how'd it go? Run into any trouble? And what about the Militech angle?
Sure, of course it was trouble. Royce couldn't have given two shits at you and Brickett shaking on it.
How'd you get him on board? You use the corporal woman?
Did it without Militech holding my hand. Didn't want to risk it.
So how'd you get that cat Royce to hand over the flathead?
Only way I know that it always works - brute force.
You got some balls, Mr. V. What about the meet with Evelyn Parker?
Still on the to-do list.
Mm-hmm. That meet's the only thing that'll get you a chance at grabbing that chip.
Parker will be waiting for you at Lizzy's bar. Good luck.
Looking a little put out there, input. Interest you in a prime B.D.?
Sure. In I go.
Hold it! House rules first. There will be severe penalties for any unauthorized recording.
No drugs, no groping.
Someone catch your eye? You do not grab 'em.
You find 'em in the catalog, ask for a B.D., and get yourself a box.
I really look that green to you. Like I don't know.
Mm-hmm. Door's open.
Have fun, input.
Welcome to Lizzy's.
Hey!
Get you something.
I'm looking for Evelyn Parker. You know if she's here?
Who's asking?
Name's V. She and I have a, uh, date.
Well, V, it's a pleasure. I'm Mateo.
Uh-huh. So, everyone?
Club's big. Gonna have to look around. Can't do it for you.
It's all right, Mateo.
Evelyn Parker.
I knew it was you as soon as you walked in.
Why not say hello soon?
I wanted to get a good look at you first.
And? Like what you see?
If I didn't, rest assured, you'd know.
Come on, know a place we can talk where ears won't prick up to listen.
We'll be in the lounge, Mateo. If anyone asks, we're not here.
I don't need you around. I don't even need a guy like you.
I just told you.
I don't need you around. I don't even need a guy like you.
Dex had a load to say about you. Called you professional, effective and trustworthy. I hope he wasn't overselling.
Let's talk biz. I mean it's nice, but I didn't come here to get my ego stroked.
No. You're here to gain some knowledge. The life- changing kind.
Well now you got me all excited.
Your... target. I trust you know what it is.
Relic. Secure your soul trinket. Key tech in the program actually.
We're tangling with Arasaka. Making this heist one dangerous, risky motherfucker.
Mhm. Arasaka's poured billions into personality transfer technology. But me... I just want the data on this one.
The chip is tucked away inside Kompeki Plaza, the hotel. You ever been?
Classy corp hotels? Yeah, no. Out of my price range.
Hm. Other decors to die for. Best you'll see for yourself.
So where's this chip hiding exactly?
In a suite, on the top floor. The room's occupied by Yorinobu Arasaka.
Yorinobu Arasaka? He's in town?
Don't you read the scream sheets? The media couldn't get enough of Yori coming to Night City. It was all over the headlines.
Anyway, he's heir apparent to the Arasaka Empire. Saburo Arasaka's only surviving son.
What, so Arasaka Jr.'s planning to grab the reins while in Night City?
Only a handful of people in Night City know what the Arasaka's real plans are.
Telling me you're one of 'em?
Look, if you've got any spare aces up your sleeve, now's the time to show 'em.
Now this should make your prick perk up.
Yorinobu recently swiped the chip from an Arasaka laboratory.
He's made a deal with Netwatch - aims to sell it to them.
Have you spotted my ace yet, or do I need to spell things out?
Fine. So no Arasaka security on the device 'cause Yorinobu whistled away in secret.
Now, where's he hiding it?
Likely in a specialized container - one that mimics an organic neural environment.
On the outside it looks like an ordinary briefcase.
And the case is?
You'll see for yourself soon enough - provided we're done gossiping about the Arasakas.
Okay. What's next?
Now comes the best part. Follow me.
I've got something for you. Should help you plan.
Braindance from Kompeki Plaza.
How's a braindance supposed to help? Need facts, not thrills.
Think BDs are only good for fondling virtual tits? Jacking off to you in those boxes?
No - they can be a very useful tool.
Good for analyzing details human perception - even boosted, doesn't grasp - exactly what you need.
What's on the tape?
Yorinobu Suite - the glorious interior.
You'll need to locate the relic yourself - hope I grabbed enough detail to make that possible.
Mm-hmm. Yeah, yeah, I'll see you.
Would you like anything else?
I, uh... it's a bit...
All right, Mom!
Hold up. Mean to say you recorded this?
Mm-hmm. BD-REC implant. Why, you object?
Supposed to be your and Obu's pad on the tape. Means you were inside. You know each other?
How else could I get all this intel? I know him pretty well, actually.
We have... an arrangement. Strictly business. Suits us both, I think.
Let's see this brain dance.
Judy'll help. She's a mox, too. Besides, we go back... years.
Yeah.
V, this is important. Judy's always been there for me. Always helped out. I trust her.
But she's a mox, not the latest member of your crew. Try not to forget.
So... you'll be a good boy. Tread lightly... and keep that tongue on a leash.
Relax. Believe it or not, I'm no stranger to tact... in biz or life.
(clears throat)
Mm-hm.
V needs to get deep inside - that's most important.
So, let's calibrate. Tune it to him.
Believe me, I've dealt with worse. You should see the jig-jig street porn we gotta contend with sometimes.
So we... drop the inside. Let him look, let him rummage around, right?
How about a V... raw brain dance? Ever taken a dip before?
Think I can handle it. Let's just do this.
Right-o. Sit down, settle in, and we'll get you going.
Gotta create your sensory profile first.
Okay. Hit me. Just promise me it won't hurt.
It won't. Not this time.
Now sit still, look at me. Gonna run the analysis soft. Should feel a slight tingle.
Mm-hmm.
Okay, now let's set the optics and other sensory sigs. Look smack into these two screens. Pretend it's an eye exam.
Am I gonna have to do this calibration dance every time?
Not necessarily, but it's worth the wait. Give me two more minutes and you'll see exactly what B.D. analysis is capable of.
One more sec. I need to get the pain receptor limiters in.
Okay. All set?
You need to test your profile first. Tossing in a sample of B.D., you can use it to get to know the editor.
Now let me see... where could we...
Can't he just use my recording? Why are we wasting time?
So we don't risk our necks? Sighs won't take a sec. Got something here. Shouldn't be perfect.
Boot it up.
Mm-hmm. Let me give you the tailored version first. Let you get your bearings, and we'll jump into editing mode.
We'll be diving in in three... two... one...
Plan's simple. Do nothing odd. Don't get creative.
You go in, snatch the cash, get out, and we sell the B.D. to those psycho freaks from your studio.
Got it, got it.
And remember, everything on full blast.
They'll spot us extra for a wicked adrenaline high.
Okay, on you go!
Now, everybody! On the ground! For what I see you kissing and devouring! Money! Now! Or I will fucking drop you! I swear to god!
Whoa! Yo! Hey!
Now! Before I blow your fucking head off!
Come on, blockers. Nothing happened. You're alive and well.
That was... too much. Felt... could feel the guy's... pain... his stress... his... hope... hope wrapped up in something else.
Mm-hmm. Probably took a booster just before. You'll be fine. Got everything set up? Let's switch over to editing mode.
I'll sever the link to the B.D. Roller's sensory array. You'll be able to look around freely. Whole scene's yours.
Full cam control in analysis mode, so move around, zoom in and out, whatever else you come up with. Think of it as your own little sandbox.
So analysis mode, you control playback. Can even pause when you feel the need. Then you use the editor console to unpause. Try it.
Plan's simple. Do nothing odd. Don't get creative.
You go in, snatch the cash, get out, and we sell the B.D. to those psycho pricks from the studio.
Got it, got it.
Dream is hell, right? Well, that's not all. You can speed things up or rewind, whatever you like.
Give it a try. Rewind, roll it back to the top.
Got it, got it.
You go in, snatch the cash, get out, and we sell the B.D. to those psycho pricks from the studio.
All good, neat. Now try fast forwarding a bit.
Plan's simple. Do nothing odd. Don't get creative. You go in, snatch the cash, get out, and we sell the B.D. to those psycho pricks from the studio.
Okay. You can also reset the recording. That'll take you right back to the beginning. Try it.
Now for some fun. This here's why you came in the first place.
In analysis mode, you get to view and even scan details of the enviro recorded by the B.D. roller.
Focus on the heat - the gun this gonk gets from his buddy at the beginning. Now scan it.
Plan's simple. Do nothing odd. Don't get creative. You go in, snatch the cash, get out, and we sell the B.D. to those psycho pricks from the studio.
Got it, got it.
Everything on full blast.
Okay, right here.
Excellent. Let's move on.
Now heads up, in analysis mode you can ferret out background noise and conversations if the roller got close enough.
This tech records everything, every little detail, even the sights and sounds the roller was never aware of.
To see the sources of the recorded sensory signals, switch to the audio layer in the editor.
Go ahead and try that now.
Okay, good. Now you should see several sound signatures in the store. Choose one and hone in on it.
Pack of cigs, case of roseph and a couple of zappers.
Okay. We're here with you to pick up two flavors - curry and surf and turf.
Everybody!
So, any thoughts?
Unbelievable. Seriously, like it was happening right next to me.
Yeah, it's how bd recording implants work. They pick up everything - all the elements in the background.
Then an editor tweaks 'em - makes 'em pop.
Keep playing with the sound, explore it a bit - we'll move on when you get bored.
That's... like the limits of the reality recorded by the bd roller.
The editor won't let you outside - makes sense?
Sometimes you can analyze extra layers in the raw - stuff the rollers' cyberware picked up.
Like what?
Ev's got Kiroshi optics that grab infrared - meaning you should be able to grab heat signatures from her recording.
Huh - hella nice.
Now let's wait 'til the guy punches out the gonk at the counter.
Scanning works on peeps, too - walk up to the wounded chick, try scanning her.
Alright, next thing - scroll forward to the part where our artist gets a lead injection.
See that? They shot him and he never saw it coming.
But you will - here it comes, my favorite part of the game.
See the blinking thing over the entrance? Surveillance cam.
Must've caught our shooter - you'll see in a sec.
Cam feeds to the screen behind the clerk.
Roll back to where the screen's in the kid's field of vision, then scan it.
His own chumba shot him - probably planned too all along.
Must've got a nice slice of cred on the black market for a BD like this.
BD freaks are ready to pay a prim for a real flatline.
Anyway, if you've seen enough, you can exit.
Yeah, it's impressive, right? It's too bad most of the BDs we do here are only good for flogging the log. Anyway, you ready to do this? Look at your wreck?
To no way. Let's take a break. Still feel like that kid when... Oh yeah, you think I'm done?
V, there's no time. Get it together, please.
Okay... okay... go ahead. Just need T-Bug to link in.
Whoa, whoa, whoa... who?
Runner for my crew, security specialist. She'll tell me what to look for while we analyze. No problem, I hope.
Actually, it is a problem... not what we agreed, Ev.
Judy, T-Bug's a professional, discreet to a fault... you can trust her.
Why, 'cause you say so?
Please, Judy... I'd never expose you to any danger... you know that.
Okay, V... call T-Bug and we'll dive in.
Hey, V, what's happening?
Bug, listen... I got some useful footage from Konpeki Plaza. It's a brain dance.
Konpeki... oh, thought as much...
Someone there with you?
Not important, T-Bug. Please focus. Need your help. Got no clue what I'm supposed to look for once I'm in.
Alright, see if I can walk you through it. Jacking into your tech now.
You've got to give me access. Opening port one seven seven nine. Secure protocol?
Good, I'm going in. Should be getting my requests... now.
Got it. You ready?
A millisec. OK, connection confirmed. Now some quick dip ice and we're clear.
Ready to dance.
Fire her up, Judy.
All right, V. Eyes open. Gotta find out where you're a know-who's keeping the relic.
You look like a cut of fuckable meat, are you?
Evelyn... She... I felt a fear. Sure got it under control quick, too.
I said "no"!
They'll have my head for this. Then you shall perish for good cause.
But... Make yourself comfortable. I need a minute.
Listening on that conversation, V. Could be something important.
Finish.
Don't overdo it.
Wait a minute.
Same bubbly, you'll be sipping in real space soon.
Norit, in...
Hmm, hung up. Go back to when they first start talking. Need to hear the whole thing.
In fossilized vision of a world that no longer exists. Of a world that may never have existed.
We have not seen eye to eye for the past twenty years. I am quite sure we won't now.
Is it... over? I need a minute to finish.
The program is still in the trial phase. We cannot take it to market as is.
We shall see soon enough.
Please speak with your father. He's taken a particular interest in this project. He can certainly explain the risks involved.
My father's a tired, visualless old grey beard who thinks nothing will change. And he'll live forever in his tiny, frozen bubble.
I should not even be listening to such things.
You will listen to this. Saburoi is an adult despot, utterly removed from reality.
Stuck in some fossilized vision of a world that no longer exists. Of a world that may never have existed.
We have not seen eye to eye for the past twenty years. I am quite sure we won't now.
Read the documentation carefully. The relic requires specific storage conditions. You must provide them.
No!
Heard that? Relic docks gotta be around here somewhere. Look for them.
Sorry to make you wait. Business.
Oh, come on. Come on. Thank you.
Patchy...
A moment. It will pass.
Please work on that.
We should keep pushing it.
That's normal. Okay?
Okay.
You were hitting it fine last time.
Good. Nice.
Okay, I'm gonna get it.
Okay, Matt.
I'm just sad you're doing it right now.
Uh, okay.
Okay.
Loaded. Safety's on.
Good to know, though.
Once you're in there, don't forget about that iron.
Manual details of special tint-controlled container. Relic needs to be kept real cool.
So, chip's gotta stay in the freezer.
Yep, could damage it otherwise.
Okay, switch on thermal layer detection in the editor.
Should be easier to spot where your nobu's keeping the chip.
It's hot.
I'm sick of waiting. I can't wait.
Oh, Donagies. Looks like Mr. Arasaka had something to celebrate.
Really think you'll find the chip in there?
No way. Temp's too low. Could fluctuate.
Nice try, though.
You know, if I'm not on the right...
[radio chatter]
Just a fancy-ass fridge.
Tip doesn't match the guidelines. Won't find a thing here.
[radio chatter]
Right. Grab the heatsink. Matches the spec in the docs.
Your and Ubu's got the case here. Guaranteed.
Mm-hmm. We got it. Good work. Looks like we got everything we need. Quit out of the editor.
Get everything you need?
Yep. That'll do. Thanks, Judy. We got it. Later, T-Bug.
Nice work today. See you soon.
I'll wipe the cash and your data. You were never here.
Keep it. I'll put it on Ev's tab.
Portable device for handling BDs. I already uploaded your calibration settings.
Not as sophisticated as what we got here, but should do the trick.
And it keeps you out of harm's way. Clever.
Speaking of harm's way... know what I see lookin' at you? Walking, talking corpses.
Judy, relax. Nobody will ever know.
Evelyn, please. No shortcuts. You go that route, city'll always win. So be careful.
'Course I will be. Besides... we'll talk in a bit.
V, let's walk.
Well? What do you think?
So, what now?
V... do this job for me. I mean me alone. No splitting the pay out with anyone else. No middlemen. No decks.
If I agree, there'll be hell to pay, for sure.
I know. Whatever you decide, it stays between us. I can offer fifty percent. Eddie's enough to do whatever the hell you like.
I'll be finished. Decks won't forgive a dirt move like this.
Decks isn't the only fixer in town. But my offer's the only one you'll ever get.
Let me think about it.
Mm-hmm. If you need me, call. I'll send you my number.
Okay.
Now go. I need a few words with Eddie.
How are things looking, Mr. V?
Turns out everyone's recording from Compaqui was worth our time.
Beautiful. T-Bug already called. Said she's working her magic.
We're all set and ready to go. What now?
Now we do the job I hired you to do - grabbing that biochip.
We'll talk about the rest at the afterlife. See you there.
Great. Be there in no time.
See you, Mr. V.
Damn, about time, holmes.
What's new with Señora Wells?
Uh, you know - can't help herself, you know?
Checking to see if I'm not rotting in some dumpster - like most of the Wells boys.
It's really starting to wear on me.
The more I tell her everything's okay - the more I feel like I'm straight up lying.
But - that's done after tomorrow.
"Afterlife" - here we go, baby.
"The Afterlife" - known far and wide, that name.
Oh, yeah?
Some of the Nomad Clan's biggest jobs are scored right here.
Don't surprise me - ain't no better place in Night City to land a gig.
Ready to get your cherry popped? Yeah - come on!
Place used to be a morgue - you believe that?
Who would've thunk?
I know, right? Way before our time, that - but proper burials were still a thing.
And who am I to you, clowns?
Name's V - this is Jackie Wells.
Oh - is that supposed to sound familiar?
It will soon - we're here to see Dex.
Yo, Dex - got two live ones sayin' they're here to see you - yeah?
All right, then - says he needs a second or two - go get yourselves drinks or somethin'.
Way ahead of you, Yeffel.
Go hard or night, city - that's it right there - beating - hear it?
Can you imagine - Susan Forrest, Boa Boa - maybe even Morgan Blackhand?
Looks like we're up.
You see that old lady there? That's Rogue - best fixer in all of Night City.
Thought Dex was the best.
Rogue was lining up jobs when Dex was still shitting in diapers. Place belongs to her.
What can I get you?
You order.
Two tequila old fashions with a splash of cerveza and a chili garnish.
Duo of Johnny Silverhands, coming up!
Right on, chica.
Somebody did their homework.
Looks like the dog ate mine.
Aged old tradition - drinks are named after our regulars.
Say I wanted a drink named after me - what would I have to do?
Snuff it - in mind-blowingly spectacular fashion - and it all would be bust.
Ah, what a beautiful tradition.
Guess dying's a small price to pay for going down in history.
Gotta live like a legend first, though, huh?
Death - it's nothing but the final flourish.
Tonight's city.
And the afterlife!
Ha-ha!
Oh, and by the way - name's Jackie Wells.
You wanna write down my recipe?
Hmm, sure.
Shot of vodka on the rocks, lime juice, ginger beer - oh, and most importantly, a splash of love.
Ha-ha! I'll remember that.
Heard you were Dex's latest finds.
Just biz - no big deal.
Mr. Deshon, see you now.
Mr. Deshon, no like wait.
Break a leg.
Thanks.
How do you know?
My job to know.
This way.
Look around.
How do you think Mercs earn their reps?
Gossip rivaling that of school girls, that's how.
Damn, Holmes, you're huge.
Workout?
Same here. No, in the ring.
You do some kind of exotic shit?
Kenpo? Jinjutsu?
Think you could take me? Drop me?
In here.
Este pinche tipo.
That's right. Excelsior.
Cold, hard eddies, as per usual.
Gotta bounce.
Well, if it ain't Mr. V.
Whole family in one place!
Ha! Finally!
First time in real space.
And the flathead?
Let's see this bad boy.
Uh, Mr. V?
All right, then.
Set your butts down and come with me.
Sweet booth.
Is soundproof?
Jackie...
Now, now.
Mr. Wells is right.
We're gonna be going over some sensitive material.
But if it's all right with y'all...
I'd like to start with a question for Mr. V.
Evelyn Parker...
How'd you fare?
Well, as I could have, I guess. Walked around Kompeki Plaza and sighed from that raw B.D. she scrolled.
Mm-hmm... Bug already filled me in.
So you know the target... Yorinobu Arasaka - the emperor's son and heir apparent.
Mm-hmm... Man with the millionaire name and no talent to back it up...
Evelyn Parker's special friend...
So she just wanted to see what's good, or was there something else?
Think she just wanted to see what I was about...
Wanted to see what you was about, huh?
How about we go over the plan? What you got for us, Dex?
This...
Well, here goes nothing.
Me and Dex have already covered the fine deets. Ops- wise, should be a stroll on the beach.
Elaborate. I wanna hear it.
A dealer man will drop your asses at the front door of Kompeki Plaza.
You'll stroll right in, thanks to your false identities.
Then, with Bug's help, you'll breach the hotel's subnet.
Mine and the flathead's help.
Last but not least, you slip into your inobu's penthouse and clept the relic.
Goes without saying, we do this on the hush. Ideally, no bodies - not a one.
You'll have T-Bug on comms for the duration.
Time for your burning questions.
All clear to me.
Perfect.
I got a question.
When do we get to the real reason we're all here?
Cut for fresh talent's always the same.
Non-negotiable.
Thirty percent.
Bro, thirty?!
Every part in this drama carries its risks.
That's the value of yours as determined by me.
Come on, Dex. Isn't that a little low?
Hey, hold on, holmes.
Who got the flathead?
Who pulled the intel from the braindance?
And we're going in a hotel full of soccer men to swipe some fuckin' toy from the boss's son!
We are the job!
Hmm. And who's providing transport?
A top-tier netrunner and a lead-proof plan and intel?
You sure you wanna go down this road?
Eddies aren't ever most important, Jack.
You got it right. Are you out of your fuckin' mind, V?
Interesting. So what does qualify as "most important"?
One what everyone worth a damn wants — to be remembered.
People, after hours, place like this — fifty years on, talkin' about what I pulled off.
You wanna build crag — your rep — with you a hundred on that?
Hm, respect. Cut you thirty-five for that alone.
Last thing — Kempeki's got a strict no-iron policy — security gates, the works.
So you dogs'll leave your lead-spitters in the ride, take the flathead inside in its case.
Got some deft suits, so you'll look the part, too.
Gee, thanks, T.
So, not to count chickens, but when do we see our eddies?
All depends how Ms. Parker avails herself of her role — but a week, two tops is my guess.
And what do we do while we wait? Sit around, suck air?
You sit tight, heads down — 'cause old Uncle Arasaka be watchin'.
Now, as that old Greek dog says, life's a banquet — so don't go thirsty, but don't get drunk, either.
Your chariot awaits outside.
My cue to Delta II — gotta prep to jack in. Be there when you come on comps.
Any other issues — now's your chance.
I'm good, no questions.
Let's get to work.
So you ready to get goin', or what?
Let's roll — no point in waitin'.
Ain't gettin' rich, you mean —
Welcome on board this Delamain service. With Delamain, you leave your problems at the door.
Son of a bitch — you better fuckin' believe I will!
I see no reason why you should be using expletives.
Oh, yeah? What about that time I wanted to hire you for my cousin's bachelor party, huh?
Unfortunately, we do not take on such contracts.
Three months I'd been saving up scratch.
Eh — water under the bridge. Hit it, Del.
Before we begin our journey, I must verify the identities of all customers.
Please proceed to connect your personal links.
Thank you. Excelsior package activated.
Excelsior?! This just keeps getting better!
Excelsior.
The Excelsior is a package tailored to our premium clientele.
Top quality don't come free, you know. Now watch.
Delamain, initiate combat mode.
My apologies, but you do not appear to be in any sort of imminent danger.
Oh well. Trust me, you'll mow down an army of sucker ninjas if it comes down to it.
Dex ain't skimping, is he?
At least we got some clue where his sixty-five percent's going, huh?
Excelsior...
This is how you want to cruise into the major leagues.
Wouldn't get overly excited.
Hm?
Haven't gotten there. Not yet.
I don't know, Jack. Kind of feels like you're losing that steel grip of yours.
Seems to me like it's you who's got some kind of problem.
I need you to keep your head clear and in the game. We got a job to do.
It's never, ever been clearer in my whole fuckin' life.
Let me explain something to you, V.
My whole life I've spent in this shit around us... but I ain't going back.
- Hey, how's things? - We are nearing our destination.
Smooth as fuckin' sandpaper.
We'll be, uh, pulling up to the hotel soon.
Listen, set up a direct encrypted line to guide you through Kempeki.
V-ring Jackie now, see if we're in sync. Can't be too careful.
And?
Got static. Say something, bug.
The greatest crimes issue from a desire for excess and not from necessity.
Say what now?
Aristotle. Guess you read me, then.
Yeah, I read you. Not so much your Greek friend, though it was kind of exciting.
Could give it some thought. Try to understand. How about you, V?
Read you loud and clear.
Perfect. Okay. Tech checks out, looks like.
That's for the best.
Stay in touch.
Thank you for choosing the Delamain service, and best of luck. I shall await here for your return.
Shit's finally happening. Almost forgot, no iron, huh?
Alright, Harry. Let's go.
Iqbal and this is WNS news.
Hold on. Let me grab the flathead.
We're out front, Bug.
Member, reservation's in your name, Ramon.
You're there to meet Hajime Taki, military tech department rep.
Members are for the flathead.
No sweat.
Her birthday! She wanted them!
Welcome to Kompeki Plaza. Please come through single file.
You got it, hol... uh, sir?
Hold on. Got something.
Sir, care to explain why you're bringing a combat bot onto Kompeki Plaza premises?
We're arms dealers.
Excuse me?
Ah, you are here to see Taki-san, am I right?
Please, accept my apologies for the confusion.
This should only take a moment, sir.
Go ahead.
Welcome. Greetings and welcome to Kompeki Plaza.
We'd like to check in.
Of course. Just a moment, please.
The name on the reservation is...
Victorino.
Double room, two adults, one night, correct?
That's the one.
Perfect. I'll go ahead and notify Taki-san of your arrival.
Shit, no good. Not part of the plan. Talk her up, Vi. Stall.
That won't be necessary.
We'll go freshen up first, notify him ourselves.
But...
Taki-san is expecting you...no?
Señorita, do you know how long we've been traveling?
Eighteen hours from New Barcelona...
With the delay on Medichi 'cause some cyberpsycho blew himself into bits inside the terminal...
Oh, a nightmare...
Of course, I understand.
You'll be in the Lapis Lazuli suite on level forty-two.
Oh, one more little formality...
Please validate your S.I. digit.
Honor's all yours, Harry.
Everything seems to be in order.
We wish you a pleasant stay.
Thank you.
Better get going.
New Barcelona, really?
It's called improvising. You should try it.
What do you think, Harry?
Hm?
Quaint, cozy...
Not like the hotel we had in Zurich for the convention.
Don't need that, Jack. Enough.
What? I'm taking this seriously.
The top of the ninth bar don't look too shabby. They will remember nothing.
Welcome to Kompeki Plaza!
We don't do reservations weekdays, so feel free to grab any available table.
Or a couple of stools at the bar, if you prefer.
Could bring Misty here one day... when we, uh... close this deal.
You will, I'm sure. Now let's go check out our digs.
You nailed the part or what? How do I look?
Can't believe I'm saying this, but... not bad at all.
Yeah, I look good in everything.
Thank you for watching.
I don't think you're wrong. At least when it comes to contact.
Honey, you remember how we tested this technique on our guys, right?
Simplicity is sometimes toughest to master.
Aurelius? Aristotle? Who's it this time?
Yours truly. That one's mine.
Where's the shaft?
Boot up your scanner. Look around.
Flathead prepped to go?
Almost there, carnal.
Got a winner.
Good.
Loser.
Systems are operational. Charge at a hundred.
Shit. Little cock stuck.
OK, got a clear view.
You can't just go locking people out of their homes and places of work.
Arasaka will cover the cost of any and all penalties assessed.
This isn't about the money - it's election season.
How do you think this will make me look?
People will start saying I've lost control of Watson - district I'm from - a week.
That's all we can promise you.
We will try - and that is all I can promise you.
Okay, flatheads in.
Patching you into next cam now.
What makes you think it was for you?
Uh, bug? Gotta hitch.
What now?
Housekeeper's in my room.
Gotta distract her.
Let's see what's on the subnet.
Alright, I'm on it.
Am I the only one that just gets puke and used condoms?
Holo projectors, baby?
Nope.
What would you say to a TV?
I'd say - keep lookin'.
Terrarium's got a control panel.
Who? Somehow I doubt it.
Good looking, wealthy, rich -
Terrarium's got a Tempen Airquad lead controller.
Crane, yeah - stick the flathead on.
- the Yarenobu Arasaka.
Men like him are always single.
Might wear expensive suits, but he's a biker at heart - always itchin' for a ride.
I'd give him a ride and wipe him out.
Honey, stick to wiping that glass, huh?
You're leaving streaks everywhere.
Uh, Cat... something's up with the tank.
Hey, Bug, it worked!
Can't say nothin' yet!
You got any idea how much those things cost?
Keep movin'. No time for backpattin'.
'Kay.
Dwellers just beyond the door. Flathead can jimmy the lock.
Looks like he's having trouble.
Shit. Gotta be another way. Lemme think...
Got another cam other side of the door, but it's disabled.
Want me to enable?
Yeah. Look around for a CCTV port.
Okay, he's at it.
Now, toggle over to the other cam.
Dwellers inside.
Justice planned.
Still weird, the hotel's only got one runner.
Decent dwellers, as good as a dozen rank and files.
Flathead ought to be able to neutralize him.
Good thinking.
Let me graft a demonoid onto your link.
And you know you gotta jack the Flathead directly into his chair, right?
Make it sound like I'm new at this.
OK, sent. He's all yours.
You'll have to get the Flathead in there first, though.
Shaft may link both rooms, looks like.
Let's figure it out.
Now, toggle over to the other cam.
Might have found our way in.
Send the Flathead over there, then toggle over to the second cam.
Flathead into the chair, V. Jack in.
Love those demons.
Flathead stays, right?
To keep an eye on the dweller, yeah.
Punching into Kempeki's main net, you go ahead and log out.
How you feeling?
I'm fine. A little dizzy, that's all.
Bug, how you doing on time?
You there, Bug?
Yeah, yeah, I'm here.
So, listen, ice is thicker than I thought. Piercing it'll take a couple hours.
Couple hours? Can't do it any faster.
Want my brain to burst into flames? Just sit down and enjoy your snazzy suite.
Thanks, I will.
V, you take it easy, okay? Rest up a bit.
Cops can snap his fingers and turn half the fuckin' planet into a nuclear wasteland.
But instead you're like, "nah, fuck it," and what do you go do?
Start a fuckin' gang?
Steal dragons or some shit?
You ghost from your fam?
Chip some real skin and play gang leader for a few years?
For what?!
Went down the same road, didn't you? Hooked up with the Valentinos, spewed some lead, then walked away.
Hey, that ain't the same thing. Haywood's not some fuckin' palace in Japan. I didn't have no choices. And I paid a price for it too, 'member? Three slugs to the chest. Feels like one's still in my left lung.
Don't be puttin' me on a level with that hijo de puta.
Hmph. Fuckin' tourist.
Tourist or not, he just walked into the lobby. And we are back in biz.
Penthouse security is neutralized.
Perfecto. Let's start the show.
Hey, Buck. Where, uh... where you and Combs that whole time?
Three and a half hours.
Uh... how about that stick up the ass?
Mean, the one up mine?
Uh... slip of the tongue, you know?
I know. Now's your chance to make up to me.
There's the awkward silence. You, uh... wanna hear a joke?
Now? Seriously?
Okay. So why'd the rockerboys output "kick him out of the apartment"?
'Cause he wasn't chippin' in.
Jesus Christ.
Not bad being heir to the Arasaka empire.
Sure is shit better than being a son of Raul Wells.
Guys, focus. The safe. And make it quick.
Why?
Sing on your nobos gone dark.
What is he, a fuckin' sorcerer?
Some kinda dead zones, my guess. Have 'em back in a sec. And you, do your damn job.
There, under the floor. Look around for a switch.
Bingo! Got somethin' ejected. Come here, V!
Looks like Yorinobu left us a parting gift.
Ain't much, but it'll...
What now?
Jack in your personal and make us rich.
On it.
Your turn, Bug.
Gimme two.
We got winged visitors. Bug?
Uh, don't know who, but staff's abuzz. All 200 on their feet, can't keep still.
Can't say I like this.
How much longer, T?
Shit, you're Nobu's penthouse bound.
Fuck him! Open the safe!
Almost got it. Done!
Freedman.
Let me look to this, huh?
Relic intact?
Bioshard integrity... 100%.
Guess that's a yes.
Good! Let's go!
Fuck, too late! You're Nobu's about to walk in, buy cover!
Where?!
That pillar! Try that!
You fuckin' kidding?!
No! Inside it, now!
We're in.
Which don't solve our problem, T.
I fuckin' know our problem's still there.
Let me think for a sec, okay?
It's the...
It's the Adam Smasher!
Bodyguard.
Horse.
Night City legend.
Bleak motherfuckin' one, too.
What's the play?
We wait.
Are they here yet?
They approached from the landing pad.
Fuck are they talkin' about?!
Buck, who got in coming?
Nuh-uh.
No fuckin' way.
This isn't happening.
Sapporo are a suck.
The Emperor...
Yet another ass-lickin' legend.
Shush.
Doubt this could be soundproof.
Didn't I tell you not to stick your head in there?
Oh, fuck.
Shh.
Phew... close... too close...
- Fetus sniffed us out... - But he didn't...
- Not quite...
- Un-fucking-believable...
Sapporo, Arasaka...
- Did you think I wouldn't notice?
- You've never cared about me in the first place.
That's your problem.
You think the world revolves around you.
Arrogance!
- Yorinobu...
- Why are you here?
Are you here to humiliate me and show me who you really are?
- You say it all the time...
- Can't you say anything with your own words?
- Do you know what you've done?
- You can't give our achievements to outsiders.
Our future...
- Our future?
"Our"?!
That's a mistake!
You only think about yourself!
And about this company!
"Our"?!
- I knew this day would come one day.
You've finally crossed a line you shouldn't have.
I've kept my eye on you.
But that's as far as you go.
I will never forgive you for betraying me.
I'm glad your mother isn't alive.
Because I saw you without your son.
And I didn't hurt you.
Now I don't have to forgive anyone.
4... 5...
1... 2...
I wish... I wish to put the hotel on lockdown.
May I ask why?
Saburo Arasaka has been murdered.
Code red initiated.
Attention! Code red has been initiated throughout Kenpeki Plaza.
Please remain in your rooms and follow all instructions given by staff.
What's going on?
Someone... Someone poisoned my father!
Poisoned?
That's right, Yorinobu.
But...
Takemura, what is your job?
What are you talking about?
It's a simple question. Answer me!
I'm Arasaka's chief of staff.
I hope you'll take full responsibility for this.
Please forgive me, Master Arasaka. I will not disappoint you.
What the fuck just happened in there?
You're in over... just offed, Subaru.
What?!
Don't fuckin' pop.
You know what this means? Security's gonna swarm the place any second.
Oh my god, we're so fucked!
Bug, need you get us out of here. Now!
Gimme a sec!
We don't have a sec!
Fuck!
Okay, got something.
Window, now!
Releasing the lock.
Should see a ladder.
Ladder... oh, fuck!
Oh, no, no, no, not now!
I've been made!
Bug!
Bitch, it was Santo Vedito!
Just lost you!
Fuck!
Fuckin' made you eat!
Happy now, Jackie?
Yep! That's fuckin' high!
Shit! That trauma?!
If they're here for Saburo, they're a little late!
Just hope they didn't see us!
Time to bail!
Oh, shit!
Close one!
The relic!
Madres!
Oh, this ain't good!
Jackie, you're bleeding!
Worry about me later!
Get the relic!
Container depressurized!
Pile chip integrity at ninety-four percent!
You're fuckin' droppin'!
Carajo!
Parker! Call her!
And tell her we fried the case?!
Just do it!
Come back, he's all over the feeds!
What the fuck's going on there?!
Got a problem!
Cryo case is damaged!
Pile chip's integrity at... Jackie?!
Eighty-six percent!
Eighty-six percent and drop it!
Shit!
Okay, listen to me. There's only one thing you can do.
One of you's gotta slot the relic into your neural port.
What the hell are you talking about?!
The relic can't be isolated.
It has to be nested in a safe environment.
Well, someone's gotta do it.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Jackie! You okay?!
No, no... I guess... I don't feel any different...
Once you're back, we'll take out the relic and run a full brain scan and sweep.
But you two need to get the fuck out of there first!
We're working on it!
Del... We'll be there in a couple! Be ready! Got it?!
Certainly, Mr. Wells.
Better be fuckin' certain...
We gotta somehow... reach the lobby...
Only chance to hit the garage...
And we best be quick...
Oh, what I see...
Gray!
Let's go secure the floor.
Elevator! Alvy!
Move!
You're only making it worse for yourselves! I'm out!
So... where'd that come from?
One of the ties lets you waste no time in entering the vehicle.
Go, go, go!
Delamain, got it!
You're welcome.
Delamain, drop the gun and open the door.
Well, I'm proud of you if you don't fucking drive!
Not bad!
Client feedback noted.
How's our ride looking?
Tip-top. Though, alas, we are being pursued.
Sweet motherfucking shit!
Delamain!
Please remain calm.
Roadblock ahead.
Oh, he puts fireballs!
A hostile enemy aircraft has appeared.
Leave it to me!
They just give up!
Phew!
Maybe... but hold out.
I suggest you try to keep Mr. Wells conscious.
We'll be getting prime jobs left and right now.
Hear me, Jack?
Yeah, good.
No, Jackie! We're gonna be rich! You and me!
Mr. Wells has passed. Where shall I take his remains?
W-what?!
The Excelsior package provides for the disposal of passenger remains free of charge. I merely require a destination.
Vic Vector will take care of him. His family shouldn't see him like this.
Of course. Understood. Mr. Deshawn awaits you in room number 204.
See you in the major weeks, Jackie.
Come in.
He waiting.
WFS... N54... Even the pirate networks...
You blown up everywhere!
And the Jackster... He out in the car?!
We return to this week's biggest story...
Yeah, he's there... dead.
Saburo Arasaka... The longtime head of the Japanese military...
Condolences, friend... and the relic.
Got it right here.
Hmm... I was afraid of that.
What?!
Saburo Arasaka... dead.
You got any notion of the shit you pulled me into?!
You offed the fuckin' emperor! His majesty!
Anyone with so much as a pinky toe dipped in this mess is as good as dead!
You're the one who got us into this mess!
Let's start with your prep work!
You had no idea Saburo Arasaka'd be at the hotel!
I don't have access to his personal fuckin' schedule!
And besides, nobody asked you to kill the old man!
That wasn't us!
No shit! Tell that to the Saka ninjas they send after you!
Yeah!
All right, settle down. Gotta be tactical about this.
Parker, Eddies, then we leave the city limits behind.
But first, your face. Got blood all over it.
Bathroom's there. Go get yourself cleaned up.
Can't risk it, V.
Remember our first combo?
Seems I've chosen the quiet life after all.
I'll fucking kill you!
No place in Lord for me.
Hey!
I can't let you on!
Hey, hey, we're show!
Of course you're high.
I can't let you on!
Hey, hey, we're show!
Money's money. Can't fuck around with it.
Speaking?
You're wasting your lives following us around like dogs.
We're curled up your ass!
How much you want for it?
Johnny! Wait up!
Don't do this! You could still change your mind!
Wanna see me give up? Sounds like something you'd do. Know why?
'Cause you've always been a fucking pussy, Carrie.
Offer you one piece of advice. For old times' sake, stop being one.
Time to bring on the future.
You're late!
Love it when you're mad! Gets my southern blood pumping!
Get in, or I change my mind!
Silverhand! Hey, Satan!
Get us in the air!
Here, put this on and it stays on! Got it?!
Viewers are on fire! Pacificus is caught off shutdown! Make me cease on the streets of Watson!
Sons of bitches!
Skullcracking out there! That us?!
Johnny's idea! Weyland's drawing Arasaka's attention away from the tower!
Collateral damage part of the plan too!
This isn't the Cub Scouts, Johnson! Chew it up, spit it out!
Target range acquired!
Make it rain!
Kill it all! Do it!
Fire! Fire!
Taking over.
Move!
Murphy! Found their access point. Get moving.
Johnny, remember the plan.
Get the payload on the elevator, arm it, let gravity do its thing.
Explosion rocks the foundation, tower crumbles, chaos screaming roll credits.
Exit window's gonna be tight.
Jacking in.
Is grass green? Do birds fly? Do cats eat bats? Do rats shit gnats?
Mainframe's not your playground, Murphy. Come on!
EVAC announcement! Broadcast it across all frequencies and let's get moving!
Sheesh! Who wrote this manifesto?
Really need me to answer that question?
Jesus, Johnny. You've gone off the deep end. And that's coming from a chair jock.
Come on!
Get ready! Attack!
♪ ♪
Johnny! Payload!
♪ ♪
Bushido Two, bomb's name was what?
Wrap it up! We got a delta!
The Demolitron. We're good to blow.
Shotgun elites incoming! Run for it!
♪ ♪
Shoot the cables!
Not done yet. Still need to feed this to their subnet.
Fucking knew it! This was never about corporate colonialism. This was about your groupie output, wasn't it?
No, you wouldn't understand, Rogue.
I'm giving you four fucking minutes! Chopper's not gonna wait one sec longer!
Door lock breached. Arasaka's sons of bitches incoming!
Love you, spider.
Hold up, last minute!
Rogue! Shoot it down!
*epic music*
closing in on the outpost
Sweet icebreaker. Foreign, right?
Just wonder if we know anyone who can switch the subnet protocol.
Hilarious. You gonna help or not?
Do spiders spin webs? It's time we caught some flies.
Thanks, Marth.
Now, just for good measure...
Holy cyber-cow. We're on TV! Take a look!
Take a look!
Hopefully he can shed some light on the situation as events unfold.
All set. Now get out of there!
They're moving up! Hit the roof, quick!
Shit! That's Adam's smasher!
Johnny, run!
Murphy?!
Door's sealed, but it won't hold for long. Run, Johnny! Like the wind!
Smash her!
Told you, Johnny boy! Told you I'd end you someday!
(sound of motorcycle)
Yes, he's still alive.
Understood, I'll head over.
Let us try once more. You are socialists. Who are they? How did you acquire fissile material?
Gonna give good cop over there a chance to say something? Come on!
Which terrorist organization do you belong to?
How did you acquire fissile material?
Hey, Gramps! I know you!
Take it off. I'll talk to you directly.
Ah, damn. Done and gone.
My husband died in that tower.
But there are fates worse than deaths.
I didn't want him to die.
Why did you do this?
People lie and deceive themselves.
But doctors are different.
Doctors are wise, but they never lie.
There is cowardice in the words of doctors.
Begin.
Yeah!
And you, who are you?
- I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it. - I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it.
I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it.
Ugh, heavier than he looks.
Now, listen, dog. I have done exactly what you asked.
So lest you and me figure this-
Hmm...
Lord Arasaka, we've caught up with your father's murderer.
This man is no mistake.
Yes, sir.
He'll be here in an hour.
Help me...
Quiet!
Shit! It smells terrible!
You hear me?! I need your help!
*Heavy Breathing*
*Explosion*
That's enough of you!
Don't you dare faint again.
Keep your eyes open.
We both could use medical attention. Do you know a ripperdoc whom you can trust?
You... you're... at... Kempeki Plaza...
We must get to ripperdoc. Quickly!
Victor... will... fix... us... up...
We have to get there somehow! Call someone! Anyone!
All right, all right!
Greetings. My scanner indicates you are outside the service area.
Just come... pick... me up...
I need to get to Misty's... east of Zerica... for an affix...
Of course. A vehicle is en route. It should arrive in less than 20 minutes.
What are you doing?! Hey!
The personal link is damaged.
Please proceed to insert the jack below the ear, though not too deep.
There should be auxiliary neuro-sockets between his lymph nodes, beneath the SCM muscle.
If I hit the vein by mistake, he will die.
Indeed, as he will if you do nothing.
I think I have the sockets.
Now proceed to connect.
Let's get him inside.
I cannot hold it.
I need to rest.
That your blood?
Misty!
Precious tanking!
It's neurogenic shock. He's dying.
Gotta cut my way through the occipital bone. No other way.
- There is risk of... - I know what I'm doing!
- I know what I'm doing!
- How is he? - Slower on the men than you, but looking better every day.
- V? You in there? - Agh! My head...
How you feeling?
I don't know, Vic. Ears are ringing, but I'm seeing shit.
These...hallucinations...describe 'em to me.
Blinding lights...it's loud...I'm on stage and I almost can't breathe...
I'm so damned full of...hatred...
Then I let it all out into a mic...and I realize it didn't help...but I don't feel any better...
And then...promise not to laugh...I plant a bomb in our socket tower...
Nothing there to laugh about.
They killed me, Vic...never been so afraid...
It was too real...even for a lucid dream...
You weren't dreaming, V...those were memories...
There's a personality construct on that shard...dreams you had...were from his past...
Saying I experienced another psyche's memories...how's that possible?
You two are connected in a way I can't make head or tail of...
Two...me and who, Vic...who's the other?
Johnny Silverhand...the terrorist...real talk of the town back in my day...
Anyway...it's not what's important right now...
What is?
The biochip...it's basically a bomb...fuel's lit already...you don't have much time left...much...life...a few weeks, tops...
Silverhand's construct is overriding your consciousness...gradually taking over your body until...one day you'll just be...gone...
V...it's important you get all this...
You'll fix me up, right...Vic?
If I could...I would, V...believe me...but this is...it's way beyond what I know how to do...
You're the best of the best, Vic...why can't you help me?
You want the long story or the short?
I have to die...I. AM. GOING. TO. DIE. That's what you're saying...prove it...
Hmm...Deck shot you, right? The bullet damaged your chip slot and your brain...
The biochip revived and...short-circuited you...started uploading data...into your head...
As far as it was concerned, your brain was...an empty vessel...that needed to be filled by the engram it was carrying...
Empty vessel...but I'm right here...all of this...is me!
The shard doesn't read...it writes...headache of yours? It's the biochip rewiring your neural pathways...building new neural structures...doing away with the old...
From where the shard's sitting...you...what's left...it's all a tumor that needs to be excised.
Vic...you've always come through for me...if there's nothing you can do to help me...then...well, what the hell do I do? Tell me...please...
Vic...
I wish I knew, kid...
Misty...
You're asking too much from an old-timer like Vic.
Come on, V. Let's get you home.
And then he died.
And I thought I was gonna die.
With him in my sleep.
Sleep's a small hint of death.
The inevitable.
Can't actually tell if I'm awake now.
I mean...
I could be dead already, right?
Not something to focus on, V.
Let it go.
Here.
Got some meds for you.
Omega blockers.
Taken regularly.
They'll keep things from progressing too quickly.
Also...
They should keep that guest of yours calm.
And quiet.
Pseudoendotriazine's from me.
Effect'll be opposite.
It'll speed things up.
Free the demon, so to speak.
I gotta lie down.
Here, got one more thing for you.
Vic pulled this out of your skull. A lucky charm?
Promise you'll try to get some sleep?
You're lovely, Misty. Thanks.
Goodnight, Vic. Sweet, peaceful dreams.
Sweet dreams.
Gotta get out of here, understand?
And I'll kill anyone who gets in my way... you included.
Need a smoke... where'd you stash yours?
Where did you even come from?
How are we even talking?
How the fuck should I know?
The fuck kind of droid toy are you supposed to be?
Fucking ghost dog!
Who you work for, start talking!
Fuck.
Fucking chip...
Rip the thing out myself!
No, wait!
I'll take control.
I'll find a way.
You hear me?!
See you never, asshole!
Now like that!
Stick some iron in your mouth and pull the trigger!
I can feel it... our minds... touching...
I'm like mold on fruit... creeping into you...
Nothing I can do about it!
You hear me?!
I'd puke if I fuckin' could!
It's just a copy of the engram...
I'm out there somewhere... gotta be!
Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuckin' fuck!
Kill you, do it. What are you waiting for?
Oh, fuck me.
Takebura here. We must meet. Come to Tom's diner.
Why would I do that?
Because I am the one who saved your life.
I haven't managed to get my head straight yet. Not after everything that happened.
That will not happen anytime soon.
And so what?
If you intend to leave, you must re-enter the ring.
The bell has already tolled.
Tom's diner. I am waiting.
Sit.
You do not look so bad.
Then, in the car, I doubted you would survive.
What's it you actually want from me?
To begin, you must tell me where to find Evelyn Parker.
Evelyn... What's she to you?
She and Yorinobu Arasaka had intimate relations. She knows how to get to him.
You're thinking I would have a word with her myself. She promised to help me get rid of the chip.
I would not count on that. She's likely gone very far away.
You just answered your own question about where Evelyn is. Long gone.
Why do you believe she could help you remove the chip? Does a corporation help her?
Got no clue.
Evelyn was knowledgeable about the relic, had a large chunk of classified info - an enigma to be sure - but she showed that slyness you get in corporal agents. You know the kind.
I too possess this slyness you speak of.
You got tossed out, lumped with the outcasts - easily - or have you forgotten?
Sorry I couldn't be of any help. Don't have any time to lose, so...
Hey, wait. I need you.
Yorinobu Arasaka must answer for this crime of patricide.
Looking for justice? In Night City?
I seek revenge. Much more feasible here.
I have allies prepared to bring Yorinobu to his knees.
The only thing I need is proof.
And you think they'll trust a word of a merc?
I have nothing better now.
Also, I know no one here.
And I am a fugitive. I am hunted.
So what? We stroll into Arasaka HQ and announce that Yorinobu's a kin killer?
That he murdered Saburo?
We'll get the hearing before reasonable people - in a neutral location.
Certain procedures will be used to establish the truth.
A lie detector? Forget it.
In that case - another option.
You are dying. You do not know how to save yourself.
A chip - the relic - is a culprit.
Technology made by Arasaka - technology they alone know.
This corporation can save you as easily as it can make you disappear.
It is merely about getting the right people on your side.
Politics.
You mean people like Anders Hellman?
You know this name? How?
Prepped for the heist. Thoroughly. Relic is Hellman's design, his creation.
Untrue. He's a pawn. I was thinking of one much more powerful.
Besides, Anders Hellman escaped to Arasaka. Betrayed it.
It's an honor to meet you, Lady Hanako.
Likewise.
Huh.
Hmph. At least one of you's got some fuckin' sense.
Thanks for the offer. Need to think about it. Get back to you.
I need...time...to plan...organize... You stand to gain much if you help me. All I ask is that you do not leave the city.
Leave? Why would I leave? Need help? Best chance I'll find the right person here.
Someone other than Arasaka specialists? There's no one. No alternative.
Actually we just talked about some. With a bit of luck, I'll track down Evelyn.
If she could not help you before, she will not manage to now.
Honor among thieves. Ever heard of it?
Yes. I felt it ironic. Thieves have none. There's just honor, I believe.
Your noble Arasaka would agree, I'm sure.
The Parker woman will not help you. Were I you, I would think about the plan B.
Anders Hellman. He invented the relic. If I want to get rid of it, he's my man.
And if that means picking another fight with Arasaka, so be it.
Hellman defected from the company. I myself spent many days looking for him.
He...what's the expression...dropped off the face of the earth.
Why you lookin' for Hellman?
He was the one to alert Saburo-san to Yorinobu's schemes.
He knew both of them well and could be an important witness.
Corporal rats will squeal when hangin' by their tails.
For several days, I collected the information.
All leads point to one place - the club called "the afterlife".
I was quickly dismissed by the queen of fixers there - Rogue.
She take you for a suit?
No - she saw me as Saburo-san's killer.
Rogue's well-informed - gets wind of most things that happen in the city.
Might be worth asking her about Hellman.
I wish you luck - the woman is choosy, expensive and rude.
I cannot stay here any longer.
Do what you want - look for Parker, Hellman, whoever.
I must see some friends - call in some favors.
When my people in Arasaka are ready to listen, I'll call you.
Till then, I guess.
If by some miracle you find Hellman, please notify me.
He and I have unfinished business.
Zapper-dumples and filth - in some ways, Night City never changes.
Arasaka's still a despotic machine and the world's on a collision course with chaos.
But hey, at least Rogue's still alive.
You know, you got some nerve.
First you had to kill me - now you wanna be my pal.
Make like nothing happened.
You know you don't gotta speak out loud to talk to me.
What do you want?
And I've processed some shit, changed my mind. Don't want you dead anymore.
Go fuck yourself, dickwipe.
Hey, wasn't easy for me, either. You woke up in a landfill, I woke up in your head...
wrestling with your thoughts, memories... think we're even.
And I've taken a step back, looked at things... think we might be able to help each other.
We could start with Rogue. Her and I go back to the Stone Age.
You're the ghost of Kristen's past, asshole. Any friends you had are either dead or so old their memory's gone.
Johnny Silverhand died a legend, nobody forgets that.
So you fuckin' know Rogue. What do I say to her?
"Got a talkin' brain tumor, claims it's her old friend Johnny"?
Trust me, Rogue's heard dumber shit than that. Way back when you weren't even an inch in your daddy's ballsack.
Don't need convincing. Seeing your memories... gross.
Rogue will dance to any tune I play or just get us to the afterlife.
There is no "us".
Get it?
No. This trouble? Danette around me? You won't. You know it! I lost everything!
Let me be plain. Again. Solve your own problems. Clean up your own shit.
Go fuck yourself!
Be careful who you bargain with.
Rogue. Wanted to talk.
It's okay.
Not here. Not there. Who are you?
Name's V.
And what is it you want, V?
All these years. It's really her. Fucking Rogue. Just kicking it back on a couch in the afternoon.
Don't mess with her services.
Need you to do an MRI. Gotta track a guy down.
Anders Hellman. Hotshot engineer. Worked for Arasaka.
Millisec. Anders Hellman. Pinpoint him for me?
Huh. Thanks.
Jump in too soon. First, my help's got a price. Second and third...
Dexter Deshawn. Jackie Wells. T-poc.
Multiple bells ringing, V. Left a lot of bodies behind. Death walks in your wake.
Chalk that up to bad luck?
There's the bitch I know.
Ask her about Sakata. How they shot me up right in front of her.
Wanna go through obits? Really? Fine.
Johnny Silverhand, zeroed inside our socket tower, before your very eyes.
Got more if you want. Or we could just talk.
Got balls on you, boy. Don't like that on everybody, but they seem to suit you.
Anyways, feelings be damned, I've always said.
This is pure biz. You need my help, so get those eddies ready.
Uh-huh. And if I don't have the scratch, it's fuck off and have a nice day?
No, more like come back when you do. Them's the brakes.
Then see you. Soon.
You know where to find me.
Hey! Haven't I seen you here before?
Got a good memory for faces.
We're closed right now.
You need to talk to Evelyn Parker.
Hmm... Not here right now. Been a while since she has been, actually.
You know where she's to be found?
I ain't her BFF. Better off asking Judy.
How about Judy? Is she in her den?
Yep. Take the stairs down. I'll let Judy know you're coming.
Whoa, whoa! Start again! What is it you want us to do now?
Beat some senses with? That don't work! I dunno, use lead! I... I don't care, I just want my room back!
Judy's embarrassing herself like...
Hey! Where you going?! Nothing to see back there!
Stop telling every joy toy you meet to come here! What the hell I'm supposed to do with them all?!
You so concerned about strays? Go take care of your guest.
Suze! We're not done here!
Oh yeah, we fuckin' are!
Yeah.
What do you want?!
Listen. Have you seen Evelyn? We need to talk to her. It's important.
Why? So you can make her your scapegoat for your trainwreck of a heist?
Can you just answer my question? I'm trying to find Evelyn. That's all you need to know.
Better start looking, then... black.
Listen, if you don't know where she is, just tell me. I don't have time for verbal volleyball. Do you know or not?
All right, enough. Get lost. You care so much? Find Clouds. Look there.
And where's Clouds?
SID case on my desk's got the address. Just take it and go.
Mega Tower... luxurious.
So... clouds?
It's a dollhouse.
Evelyn a regular there. Or a drone.
Forget Evelyn. Admit it, this is about Judy's virtues, isn't it?
Hey, look!
They call me Mr. Hands. If you're looking for Pacifica jobs, call me.
Name's V. And what? No, at least to meet you?
I'm truly honored to meet you. If you've got any business, call me.
The way I see it, only thing waiting for you here is getting off or getting offed. Place your bets.
Remind us this time. Enlighten me.
Braindance, chick, is hiding something. No coincidence we already saw two tiger claws.
They must control the building.
Mr. White here, drop that little toaster table and rush to the nearest store for a taste of sweet, sweet, sweet clean speed.
'Cause life is too short to be slow.
Let's go.
Welcome to Clouds, where we know what you're looking for.
Would you care to jack into the terminal?
All right, let's do this.
This will be a live session, so events may take an unexpected turn.
But don't quit if you feel uncomfortable.
You could miss out on something truly remarkable.
If you feel unready to handle what comes next, you can interrupt the session immediately.
Now for your safe board.
Afterlife.
And... saved.
Now, bear with me a moment.
Scanning your personal profile... you should see compatible dolls in just a second.
[chime]
Two matches... interesting.
Is that normal or...
Who can say what is "normal"? You're clearly a unique person with... unique tastes.
Our system can handle it. So who will it be - Angel or Sky?
I think an Angel looks good.
I couldn't have chosen better myself.
Now for the payment... and you'll venture into the clouds.
There you go.
And... the payment's come through?
The entire floor is open to you if you wish to wind down first.
Angel awaits you in booth six. Disconnect, please.
That it?
Ahem... we have a strict no-weapons policy here at Clouds.
Please deposit any and all hazardous items with me.
Only too willing to spread their legs for you... sad.
Go eat a dick, Johnny.
Guess that makes you...
Vincent, right? I'm Angel... your Angel.
Sure. Why not? Do what you do best.
I know that you're dying...
Afterlife...
What... what happened?
You interrupted the session?
Did I do something wrong? Were you not satisfied?
Evelyn Parker... what do you know about her?
Wait just a sec... that's not how this works. You can't ask me about the dollhouse or anything like that. I could get in serious trouble! Go, please, just go!
You gotta help me, please. I'm no threat and she could be in trouble. I just want to talk to her, find out if she's okay...
Look, I barely knew her and I have no clue where she is.
Nobody came looking for her. Nothing out of the ordinary happened.
There was an... incident... with a client.
I don't know the specifics. One doesn't ask about these things around here.
Tom might know. He and Evelyn were close. Go ask him. And please, leave me alone.
Tom, who's he?
Friend of Evelyn's. Was in a free moment they weren't together.
Where'll I find him?
He's a doll here. Works the VIP area, booth two.
Thanks.
Shh! Don't ask for me again. Ever!
What... what do you want?! D-don't shoot me!
Relax, you're not in trouble. Just... wanna talk for a little.
Where's Evelyn? Need to talk to her urgently. It's important.
A-are you mad at her or something?!
No! Know where she is or not!
Uh... she's not here. Tried calling her more than once - no answer.
Heard she was chipping a new faceplate in a clinic in Osaka.
No, no - Oslo. That was it.
Evelyn tell you personally she was going away?
Um... no. Just... didn't show up for work. Wasn't picking up either, so... I asked Woodman what was up.
Don't know she left - like I said.
Woodman - who is he?
Mr. Forrest - but we all call him Woodman. Never really known why.
Okay... Mr. Forrest, then. Who is he?
Um... he's kinda like our caretaker - finds new talent, deals with ugly situations...
I see...
Could it be - Woodman finally shed some light on this shitshow - and can only dream?
The skull sponges and these dolls...
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Bad fucking situation!
Who are you?! What do you want?!
Chill. Keep calm. I'm looking for a girl.
OK, Cap. Interesting word choice for someone who plowed through, massacring all along the way.
Things got out of hand, I'll admit. But cooperate and no one else will get hurt.
I don't negotiate with terrorists.
Well, aren't you the king of fuck-ups?
You're not helping. Now what?
Hell, why don't you just scan the truth from his gray, lifeless eyes?
Or...scour his cop?
That just might work.
Aha! Ouch!
Sold her off to a ripper.
Ship was busted. Go to center to get it patched up.
A ripper named "fingers" in a back alley for hookers.
Sounds like a joy toy's wet dream.
I'm required to return your weapons, even though I'd rather not.
Nice work back there. Ever thought of applying for the diplomatic corps?
You think finger's got her? Think we'll find her there?
V, if I could see that far, I wouldn't be a fuckin' ghost on a chip in a corpse's head right now.
You think finger's got her? Think we'll find her there?
V, if I could see that far, I wouldn't be a fuckin' ghost on a chip in a corpse's head right now.
You think Finger's got her? You think we'll find her there?
V, if I could see that far, I wouldn't be a fuckin' ghost on a chip in a corpse's head right now.
Cut me loose and let me go! Don't do this!
...systems have announced a breakthrough in the fight against multiple sclerosis.
There's MS is one of them.
You had a plan. You tried. It fell flat.
Now you're flat.
Don't look in any condition to find help.
Ah, fuck!
The hell is that?!
- No, no, no... - Damn it!
Jesus, the fuck do you want from me?!
It's all going too slow.
Gonna decommiss before we learn how to rip the chip out.
Wanting me dead? Said so yourself.
Made it pretty clear since that I changed my mind.
Want you to live now.
Asked you already. What the hell you want from me?
I got a "get out of jail free" card.
I'd be a fucking fool not to take advantage.
See, me and Arasaka...
we got a half century old score that needs settling.
And I plan to do it.
That's what I need you for.
You might even laugh if it didn't hurt so much.
Listen, I know things.
Where we can save your life...
who can help us do that?
You'll get rid of the chip...
I'll smash Sokka.
Win-win, kid.
Soulkiller's what we need...
and Makoshi's how we grab it.
Okay, so...
this Makoshi... what is it exactly?
Okay, basics. If you're jacked in, cruising the net, Arasaka can use SoulKiller—an AI—to trap, fry, and pack away your psyche, your mind, and your soul. Following so far?
Sure. That's how you became a construct.
Exactly. Now, Makoshi's the place SoulKiller operates out of, where it stores its victims' engrams.
Still don't see how Makoshi's linked to my chip problem.
Not the brightest bulb on stage, are you? Fifty years back, ops on the human mind, Makoshi was the sole place on Earth where they did anything like that.
Bet it still is today. Tellin' you, all roads lead there. It's where we'll settle our bids. You yours, me mine.
Feelin' a bit better now, so scram. Got somethin' important needs doin'.
One last thing... Alt Cunningham... she's the ace up my sleeve.
Well, fuck off. I'm tired of hearin' your voice.
Don't blame ya, but you'll hear me yet. And don't get killed in the meantime, will ya?
I think you're perfecting yourself for a loved one.
Think I'm scared of your skinny ass?
You will be when every mox in town descends on this shithole.
You got a financial claim? Take it to court, you pussy!
Hope that teaches those candy-ass scott suckers not to come 'round here no more!
Made it all the way here.
Somebody messing around!
What the hell?!
What the...
Hey! This isn't some eskife den in Pacifica!
Sit and wait your turn!
Where's Evelyn Parker?
I know she wound up here at your... clinic.
Evelyn... Evelyn...
Hmm... Think real hard now.
You see, my patient here is likely to feel ever so slightly awkward if I leave half her face off.
Tell me where Evelyn Parker is.
Yes... But I have a procedure I must finish. May I?
You can go back and play doctor once you're done with us.
I guess you'll have to wait, darling. Circumstances what they are.
My fuckin' eye can't wait!
There, there. Wipe away your tears.
Don't want any short-circuiting now, do we?
You, tiger claws! As far as I know, I'm all paid up!
We're with the Mocs.
The Mocs?! Why didn't you say so?
So, what brings you here?
Already told you. I'm looking for a woman named Evelyn Parker. Need to know where she is.
Step into my office, please.
Many girls come through here. So many.
But let me put it to you this way.
I believe in giving each of them the personal touch.
Ask anyone.
I'm more than a... I'll be more than glad to show you around.
But, um... Later, perhaps.
Of course. I can't remember...
I suggest you start remembering all you can. Either that, or I'll make sure you never forget my face.
Two beefers from a B.D. studio took her. Didn't even know their names!
They mentioned a moth of all things! Virtues with a death's head! Said she'd be good for the moth!
Need air. I'll be outside.
And let it go back to clouds.
Losing our cool won't do us any favors. It's a waste of time.
Oh, I'm cool! Real fuckin' cool with the fact that Ev's probably already dead!
You don't know that! And I'm sure as hell not gonna squander precious minutes we could spend lookin'.
Only lead we got's an XBD. Where's that get us?
We also know we're lookin' for somethin' related to the debt's head. It's better than nothin'.
I don't get your optimism.
Lynn, can you talk? It isn't important.
What's important?
I may have found a solution to... the problem we share.
I have established contact with an old friend from Arasaka.
What's up with you?
He's here in Night City now. He's well-connected to certain... influential people.
That's gonna help us...
How, exactly?
There will be a meeting - you, me, and this friend of mine.
You will tell him what you told me - the truth of events at Koppeki Brother.
I have little hope that he will be convinced... but it will be a start.
Fine. Where's the meet and when?
Japantown. After sunset. I am sending you the precise location.
I'll see you there.
I need to figure out where they're scrollin' this stuff.
Gotta be a rat hole of some sort - doubt they do much shootin' on location.
Yeah, gotta be somewhere quiet, out of the way.
Could be we'll see somethin' appointed us in their direction and one of their virtues.
Ugh, have to be real gonks to leave a clue.
Got a better idea?
Matter of fact, I do.
A domain called "pleasures of night city" - there's a twin of it on the dark net.
Every kinda thing goes on in there - might stumble on something useful.
Tell me quick!
I'll wait in the van.
What's this one do? Use your imagination!
We're looking for, uh... something special. A brain dance to really...
You mean... smut?
Nah, more... hardcore.
Won't find it here. But there's a guy on Jig Jig Street who has a whole lot of peculiar flicks. And I mean peculiar.
We're looking for, uh... something special. A brain dance to really...
You mean... smut?
Nah, more... hardcore.
Won't find it here. But there's a guy on Jig Jig Street who has a whole lot of peculiar flicks. And I mean peculiar.
I didn't sign up for this!
Looking for something re...
I'll come back some other time.
Betting on it.
How about you? You buying or just gonna stand there like a pig under cover?
Looking for B.E.D.s. That particular kind.
Particular?
You a badge?
Give me the best of the best. The ones with the DEAD's head.
Didn't know I was dealing with a connoisseur.
DEAD's head'll cost you, though.
Got anything that might interest me?
Pleasure doing biz with you.
Hop in.
Hey, B.
Let me get everything prepped. You make sure the wreath's snug on you.
You'll watch while I edit in real-time. The old one, too.
Ready when you are.
I want you to describe what you see.
You might catch something dangerous.
Scab, got it?
Man, he's doing it without thinking twice.
Horsefucker.
Scalve woman. Who knew that sides chopping people up they were scrolling xpds.
Don't see anything? Nothing useful or important? Try switching layers.
That's all for now. Thank you for watching.
Electric corp patch in the coveralls.
Can beat that rich synth goth aroma. Cheap shit, cold too. Mmm, buck a slice.
Ordered recently.
Coffee was cold... like... from the day before. Pizza looked fresh, though.
So?
Means someone's grabbing bucket slice regularly... which is not something someone does for the flavor of fresh ingredients.
Pizza shares its DNA with styrofoam... nobody's gonna slap across town for it.
Okay... we're looking for an electric core power plant located near a bucket slice.
J.C. used to have a big ol' complex in charter hill... bucket slice checks out too.
How can you be sure, though?
Here we go... old electric core power plant in charter hill.
Gotta make do with this for now... nothing else to garner for this scroll.
No time to lose, we gotta go there.
Definitely. Ride with me?
Let's get going.
On our way.
Still can't shake it... that virtue sample we saw with the dead's head moth...
If all these scrolls snuff, then...
Stop it. You'd have to be utter gongs to waste her on something like that.
What do you mean?
We're talking about a girl who's not only a natural at what she does, but also's got a doll's implant.
I mean, that's not a package you find lying out in the street.
9. If you haven't already taken this chance, there's a link to them at the end of this video.
...being placed on efficiency and anti-nomad barriers.
And that is it for your latest local news.
After the break, we have a look at our world report...
And here we are.
We going in?
Wait. Never did tell me why you're looking for her.
How do I know you won't be any worse than whatever's going on in there?
Gotta find out who hired her.
Whoever they are, I need their help and quick.
Otherwise, I'm screwed.
Figures. Wouldn't expect anything less from a merc.
Great. I'm glad. Now can we go?
Find us a way inside.
I'll hang back, scan the subnet...
See if there's any blueprints of the complex lying around.
Join you as soon as I find something.
Let's link on holo 'til then.
Alright. Going in.
Let's go.
Let's find her. Hang in there.
Come out!
It's Evelyn.
Just don't touch her!
If she's recording you'll scramble her brain.
Wait until I cut her link.
Grab it and tell me when you're gonna yank it.
I'll break the link at my end at the same time.
Alright, let's do this.
Wait for my signal.
Here goes.
Ready... and...
Now!
Thank God...
Eve? Evelyn, you hear me?
Let's get her somewhere safe.
Fast, too.
Which way?
I sealed the doors and managed to power the elevators.
Elevators it is, then.
That's all for now. Thank you for watching.
Come on, is it really that hard? Please, just one. For me?
Fine, Abby, you're away. Smoke to your lungs' content.
Ah, finally. Something better than exhaust in the stench of the city. Don't tell me you don't feel it, too.
We going in?
What's there to wait for? Didn't go through hell and back just to stand in front of a door.
She's sleeping. At least I think she is. Her eyes are closed and she's not shaking anymore. I would have already killed her by now if I didn't feel so bad for her.
You're mad at her? Why?
When you asked me to scour her behavioral chip, I was just about done dealing with your shit.
Judy, I didn't have any other —
It's OK.
So I don't get why —
You'll find out in a sec. I'll show you the virtue I found.
OK, show me.
Give me a sec while I set the parameters.
Guess we'll find out if our doll really did lose her tune. Come on, V.
I'll be the first to admit — this does not look good.
Have a seat.
All right, roll it.
Data was in pretty rough shape — not all that editable.
Glad you managed to salvage them in the first place.
Needs a second to load.
Quality's lousy, but I did what I could.
What am I looking out for? Every single piece of tech I see? Security?
We need a layout of the whole room. We will get everything else we need from the Virtue.
What about his messages?
Only if you can do it and be parfait bourrée.
It's most important that he suspect nothing. Try to be your usual relaxed self.
And if he starts talking about the biochip himself, should I...?
Biochip? Will you hear this? That is not of interest to you.
You spend the Virtue, you come back here. We give you the 80s. That is your one job.
The rest is none of your concern. Understand?
There it is. The net, son. The net.
You spin it. Take a look around if you want.
Can't see your face.
Under normal circumstances, that could mean pressure's easy to crack.
But not this time. Whoever she is, she's got serious net-running to do.
That, or someone's working it for her.
Might not be important.
Maybe.
All the way from the front Pacific.
When I was down there searching for something...
What am I looking out for?
Hmm. I think I recognize these.
What are they?
Vive markings.
You familiar with them?
Not enough to know what they actually mean.
Heard of who might use them, though.
Who?
Could be the Voodoo Boys, but... that's just a hunch.
Can't be 100% sure.
The spine-chillin' Netrunner crew? Hard to find 'cause they don't wanna be. I wouldn't know where to start. What now?
Looks like I'm goin' on a field trip to Pacifica.
Alright, think we got everything.
Looks like Evelyn.
You're telling me... If I'd known what she'd gotten herself into... I'm so mad at her.
Her only job was to record at Virtue. It's pretty damn amazing she managed to organize a full-blown heist... and swipe the biochip from under her boss' noses.
So that's where you came in. She hired you... and brought this all on herself... on you two.
There's one more recording. Wanna see it?
Sure, why not? Nothing can surprise me at this point.
Yes, you're right. You're right. You're too smart for this to work out well.
Don't be angry. Besides, it's the best way for us to win in order for us to reduce our losses. We have to do something about it.
Do you have a better idea?
Very well. If you decide to criticize me like that, I'll continue my work.
I'll do my best.
Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
We have to know what they're saying. It could be important.
Fine. Just found the auto-translate package. Should get along fine with your system. I'll install it now.
I'll install it now. It could be important. It could be important.
Fine. Just found the auto-translate package. Should get along fine with your system. I'll install it now.
Very well. If you decide to criticize me like that, I'll continue my work.
Like me, you got any idea?
Honestly, no idea at all.
Can you give me a minute? I need to go over some stuff... in my head.
Of course.
These people... what could they want from Alt?
How the hell should I know?
Got no notion whatsoever?
One way or another, everything leads back to that Netrunner.
Finding her is our biggest priority.
If she knows as much as I think she knows about the chip, she can help us out.
Thought you said nothing could help us.
Nah, just find us that Juju Wirehead, okay?
Wait... you got any idea how to get in touch with the Voodoo Boys?
Listen, I'm gonna run. I'll ask around, make a few calls.
Well, good luck. I hope you won't need it.
Thanks, Judy.
No, Lee. Thank you. You're... you're a good person.
Evelyn could never see what was under people's skin.
If she could've gotten to know you a bit better, then...
who knows... things might've turned out differently.
Control yourself!
V, what's shaking?
Need to make contact with the Voodoo Boy's chief if you can swing it.
All right, all right! Straight to heavy business.
Hmm, now, that'd be Memon Brigitte. Be tough getting a word in to her.
You really don't do any biz with them?
Not with the chefs, chefins, priests and whatnot.
All got dirigible-sized egos, won't talk to lowly me.
But if you insist I can ask around, try to set something up...
I'll just need some details first.
Got something they want.
Truly? Want to sell something to the VDBs?
Trust me, they don't want it, they don't need it.
They're isolated, insulated, they got their own contracts, tech, networks...
But, have it your way.
Okay, I'll see what I can do and get back to you.
It is good to see you again, B.
Seems pretty, uh... secluded here.
It is appropriate for such a secret meeting.
Friend you mentioned here?
Order? He should be here any moment now.
Willing finally to give me the speck on him?
He's Hanako-sama's bodyguard.
Hanako Arasaka's? I'm the carrier and anchor in the bay.
Saburo's daughter.
Yes. And if he believes you, we'll next meet with her.
And what's to stop her little errand boy from selling us out?
He will not do that. He is a man of honor.
Right. 'Cause Arasaka's ranks are chock-full of those.
Do not confuse true honor with the petty morals by which you live.
By God, huh. A good sign. He is usually camouflaged.
He's right behind us.
Takemura-san...Oda...
Is this him...your thief?
He's my witness, B.
Can't speak for myself, you know.
So speak. I have been told you know things.
Was there...saw what happened.
Yorinobu strangled the old guy...
Silence! Not one word more...
You will bring death to your door.
But it is the truth. Hanako-sama must hear it.
My one concern is to keep her safe in this city forgotten by the gods.
Is she in danger?
Now? No. Yet during the parade to honor Arasaka- sama...
Most certainly.
I bring you this witness to his murder...
And you dare to worry about a silly parade?!
Fool!
Correct?
We can't ignore the truth!
Correct...
Unlike you, I have not yet failed to keep my oath to do my duty.
You will regret those words.
The only thing I regret is that I came here to meet you.
There is a price on your head.
I do you a favor now...
By not cutting it off and taking it straight to Yorinobu-sama.
What would you do now? Were you in my place?
I do no favors.
I would deliver you ahead to Yorinobu-sama.
Consider your...
What?
We're talking about a guy who killed his father to seize control of Arasaka.
Gonna take an interest in this or not?
I will not.
But I will let you leave this place...
This city...
Unharmed.
If I see either of you again... I will not be so lenient.
Be very careful, my friend. We are all so far from home.
Good fuckin' riddance. One hour's suck of whack job is already plenty.
Well, can't say we didn't try.
We tried, yes... And obtained something useful.
How do you figure that?
What Oda said... They return to Tokyo after the parade.
Do you not see? That parade... It is our chance, perhaps...
If, somehow, we can get to Hanako-sama...
We must do a proper reconnaissance first.
We'll need a precise map of Japan Town.
- Hold on... - It is your turn to call on friends.
Do you know a fixer who could help?
Not just a fixer dame...
Okaku Okada... Runs a pachinko parlor on Jig Jig Street.
We must pay this woman a visit.
Will you join me?
Sure. Why not?
Let's go.
J.J. STREET. WHAT IS THIS NAME?
JUST A NIGHT CITY NAME.
BEWARE. YOU MOCK ME. TOO OFTEN.
YOU ALRIGHT, GORO?
YES. WHY THE SUDDEN CONCERN?
I WAS JUST ASKING... DOES EVERYTHING WITH YOU HAVE TO HAVE AN ULTERIOR MOTIVE?
I APOLOGIZE. THAT CAME OFF WRONG. I... AM... I AM SIMPLY NOT USED TO SUCH QUESTIONS.
PEOPLE LIKE ME... EITHER WE ARE DOING WELL... OR WE ARE IN A GRAVE.
ANY IDEA WHAT'S GOING ON AT ARASAKA?
ONLY WHAT I CAN SUMMARIZE FROM WHAT I SEE ON TV.
YORINOBU AND HIS PUPPETS GLEAN AT THE CAMERAS AND INSIST THAT EVERYTHING IS UNDER CONTROL...
BUT THE WIDER THE SMILE... THE BIGGER THE LIES.
Welcome to N54 News. I'm Jillian Jordan.
We begin now.
I need a man, just a short one.
How I miss the sound.
Rogue, my sweet, this has got to be a misunderstanding.
I've no idea who jumped your team, but the claws...
No, never. My boys know their place.
I'm sorry, got to go. I have... guests.
V, so nice to see you.
And your charming friend is...
Happy to be working together, that's all.
I'm Goro Takemura.
Ms. Okada, it's an honor to meet you.
Ah, a true gentleman.
Shame only that he's being hunted by all of Arasaka's teen soldiers.
And you, V, bring him to my door.
Give me one reason why I shouldn't notify the proper authorities right away.
Eddies is why. Always about eddies, Wakako.
You want to make 'em, we got biz. Doesn't get any simpler.
So tell me, and mark well I still have my phone at hand.
Need intel on the parade that's scheduled to come through Japantown.
So it's Arasaka... again.
What I fail to understand is... why come to me?
Did Mr. Deshon not come to the phone?
Come on, got your finger on the hood's pulse. Know everything.
Parade honoring Saburo Arasaka?
You're prepping in some way, no doubt.
Won't see me dressed in mourning.
But the rest is true.
Everything's on the shots.
How much does this cost? My pockets are empty.
Clearly. My gift to you, it's free.
Okada-san, what is free often proves most costly.
Gonna take them or not?
Japan Town. Whole district is to be sealed off for the parade.
Dashi platforms, the main attraction, they'll fly this way, high above street level.
Along the parade route, balconies, foot bridges and vantage points affording good views.
Hanako Arasaka, a guest of honor, will deliver her speech from the largest float.
She'll do this exactly.
Here, got no idea about security, but given recent events, expected to be tight.
Our last parade, Arasaka undercovers infiltrated the crowd.
Not to mention a smattering of sharpshooters, drones, and if that's not enough fun for one day, a netrunner, one at least.
They use the city cctv to observe everything.
Main access point, here, it's an old automated control center.
If you ask me, most useful by far.
At the end, the floats'll float out of Japan Town and we'll be left with trash up to our elbows that no one will collect.
That's it. It's all I have.
It must be enough.
Then go. Be on your way.
Thanks, Okako.
We appreciate this, Okada-san.
A delightful, mature woman.
This information, it could be just what we need.
But I will try to investigate further.
I will stay here some time and call some associates.
The moment I learn something new, I will let you know.
Stay safe, Goro.
You as well.
Until next time.
Got the cred for the helmet job.
Fine.
Anders Hellman, flip me the deeds.
Two, please.
Make some room.
Sit down.
Hope you found him.
Don't see that often. Determination like yours.
Must really need this guy.
Matter of life and death.
Haven't heard that for a while, either.
Bottle stays.
Go ahead. Enjoy.
Thanks, but I'll pass.
Hell's wrong with you.
Good stuff. Your loss.
Thanks, Nix.
Queen of the afterlife. Who would've thunk?
Got a shard for you. Intel. Interesting stuff.
Let's see what you got.
Your helmet's not on any payroll - not officially, anyway - but he does pop up in GNT's confidential stacks.
It's a Kang Tao subsidiary - Chinese corp. Kang Tao's been using them as a fig leaf for years - their mask for more sensitive operations. All that clear?
Probably keeping him hidden from Arasaka. Must've worked on a top-secret project.
Mm-hmm. Hidden from Arasaka or any other megacorp that wants what he knows. Decrypted map of upcoming Kang Tao convoy routes.
Think Hellman might be in one of 'em? Thing is, which one?
Take a look at the specs on this one - alone AV, no ground support, no linked cargo manifests either.
Weird.
Sure, Kang Tao sometimes transports stuff unregistered - if they wanna push it onto the table - but... catch the load on this AV. Already approved in the system, but too low. So definitely no cargo on board.
Huh.
But... there's a passenger list. Kang Tao security detail plus one VIP. Transfer from Chianti.
Our boy Hellman.
That was the good news.
There it is.
So what's the bad news?
Bad news is the extraction site. Look - Night City airspace. All this.
Mm-hmm. No way to jack the transport without the NCPD picking up on it.
And here, we're too close to Kang Tao. We even give that AV a dirty look - their backup hustle will be on us.
But... right here's Jackson Plains. Narrow corridor - just outside the city and just out of Kang Tao's reach.
Guess it's your lucky day.
A dead zone... I'll grab 'em there.
Gonna need a native to the area - someone who'll set up the op', cobble together the gear.
I am the man.
So a native.
Know any hickmarks?
Just one - Pan Am Palmer. She can't count on her clan anymore - but she's a true nomad. She knows those lands - and she will help you.
Won't have a choice.
Won't have a choice? Does not sound enticing - not for her and not for me.
Enticing comes at a price you can't possibly afford.
Can't possibly afford to blow this chance at an Aben helmet.
Your operation - your call.
Got a bad feeling, V.
Why's Pan Am gotta help me? I sense a catch - a pretty big one.
Occasionally - Pan Am moves merch for me. Last job - well, it wasn't a good day for her.
She run into a hitch?
Complete bust, actually - lost the goods and her ride. Pan Am will do anything to get the load back - means her dignity - I know her.
Okay - guess I can try to help her - but if we don't know where to look - I mean -
We do - I do.
Fine - let me hear what you know.
Rocky Ridge - ghost town just outside Night City - Pan Am knows where - you'll go there, get the merch back - wheels too.
Naturally - you'll call her first - sending you her deets.
Ah, finally - let's get out of here.
All cleared - thanks.
Good luck.
Hello?
This Pan Am? V here.
V who? V where? How did you even get this number?
From Rogue.
Ah - great! Fuck - where's that old warhorse wanna kick me now?
This thing between you and Rogue - couldn't care less. Got a job for you.
Good - but I'm overextended at the moment.
With the merch and your car - getting them back - I can help with that.
The rail freight yard on Benita Street - the one hugging the city line. We'll meet there.
See you.
Hey, Pan Am?
So you're V. Where's my car?
Agree to help me? You'll find out.
Oh, fuck no! You will not jerk me around! Tell me where my car is!
Hey, come on. Calm down.
Don't tell me what to do!
Fine. Know where to find the cargo and your car.
You go alone, you won't get 'em back.
And you could lose somethin' else, besides.
So let's figure somethin' out.
What do you want?
One guy I gotta talk to. A corpo travelin' by corp convoy.
No, I don't do abductions. Besides, you'd need many more bodies and heaps of gear to take a convoy.
It's just one A.V.
Planned route'll take it over Jackson Plains.
Fuck.
In return, info on your cargo. Help in getting back what's yours.
You got a deal?
I dunno. I...
Shit!
Alright, deal.
But if you want your thing done, we'll need to get my Thornton back first.
So where is it?
Cars in Rocky Ridge.
You're supposed to know where that is.
Cars there, goods are there.
Nash, you dirt-eating bastard!
I will strangle you!
Rocky Ridge. Let's go.
Hang on! I... I should think this through.
Fuck.
Yes.
We'll need backup. We have one brief stop to make on the way.
Wanna tell me where?
Give me a sec. I should call the client. Convince them to leave the bastard hanging.
Going ahead with the deal behind Rogue's back. Brave, I guess. Or fucking dumber than a drug.
Boz! Hey! Nash's gonna pass you the merchant rug. Boz, I will take care of it. I just need you to give me a chance.
Boz, come on. How many times have I moved things for you? And how many times have I failed?
You have my word. After dark? Okay. No, don't call off the meet. Just don't show up. I'll take care of everything.
Do you even have to ask? Of course I will! Thanks, Boz. You won't regret this.
Okay. I have bought us some time.
So... where to now?
The Aldecaldo camp. I need to see some of the old clan.
Don't seem too excited.
That's not your concern. I still have friends there.
Good. Let's roll.
Get in.
Nice ride. Lots of space. Practical.
Say no more. Please.
How the hell'd you land in this mess?
I like the color. The air freshener and booster seat came extra.
You know I don't mean the car.
What am I supposed to tell you? That I'm not about to let my partner rob me and get away with it?
That my fixer made me look like a goddamn fool?
What about you? Why do you need that clown from the AV?
This particular clown's got intel I need. I've been running out of time to get it.
So why didn't she tell me she knew about Nash?
Rogue? You'd better not to wonder what her agenda might be.
Goddamn, I can't stand the vision.
Know what? Screw Rogue. Can't see why you even care.
'Cause I need the money.
Don't let her push you around. She's not the only fixer in town.
Yet you're only here because she sent you.
But I'm not the one bitching about her.
You don't know her. Not at all.
Did she tell you she was the one to bring me and Nash together?
Did she tell you it slipped her mind to mention Nash was Raf and Shiv?
I might not have known that side of her.
Don't make me laugh. A fixer of her standing knows.
She probably knows we're talking about her right now.
Nash and I had a role to play in her game.
Her plan. That's it.
Rogue's a frigid old bitch. That's the truth.
Well, would you look what the cat dragged in.
Is that a ghost or is it just my hangover?
Fuck you, too.
And who's this?
My babysitter. Lee, this is Scorpion. Mitch, two old friends.
Hey, guys.
Hello.
What brings you to these parts, city girl?
The big city got too small for her.
Do you have any idea how angry the old man's gonna be when he sees you here?
I've just come by for a spell. Saul needn't know a thing.
Pan Am, time's short. Come on.
I know. The Raffen screwed me over. I'll get them back, but I need your help.
Come with me. We'll thrash 'em, the four of us.
You know we would do anything for you, sister. But now? Now's hard.
Seriously? You won't help?
Well, the old man told us to sit tight and get those generators back up after the batteries went kaput.
Generators? You won't help because of some goddamn generators? Is this another joke?
Really could use your help.
Not this time. We're needed here.
Fuck! I don't believe this!
So you'll stay put because Saul told you to? You couldn't care less about me!
Pan Am, this isn't about Saul. It's about the Clan. You know that.
Listen, we can't leave camp. No chance. But... but Saul never said a thing about gear.
Okay. Well, I'll need that rifle of yours. And some of my own stuff.
Take whatever you want. And take care of yourself out there.
Yeah. Thanks, guys. I'll grab the gear. Then be out of your hair.
Yeah.
Looks like you're stuck with me.
Mm-hmm.
You disappointed?
I don't know. Quick feet! Come on!
Hey, Pan Am. Are you staying a while?
No, I'll be going again soon. We'll talk next time.
Jess? What's up?
Hey, Pan Am.
Have you brought someone new? Does Saul know?
Not your concern, friend.
I wanna get myself chipped.
Straight to the point. I like it.
Our biz won't settle itself.
Will you help me with this?
What's inside?
A few odds and ends that should be useful. Take it.
Alright, that's everything. Let's go.
Did you figure out your differences with Sol? Will you come back?
Pen-am! You'll stop by later, right honey?
Next time Ellie, I promise.
Put it in the trunk.
We can go. Hop in.
So... I'm off.
Yeah, yeah. Go on, go already. Call us sometime.
Keep an eye on her, V.
Seems you got a real problem with authority.
What?
Rogue Saul... He your leader?
Their leader.
Seemed in a hurry to delta the hell out of there.
But let's just say Saul wouldn't have been happy to see me.
What happened?
The reason we came to California was because he promised a change for the Aldecaldos.
He claimed we would turn over a new leaf.
But you saw it. We got a handful of tents on a heap of sand.
A hell of a promised land.
I wanted something different. Better.
Saul's a damned coward. He'll be the end of the clan, I'm certain.
Okay. We have arrived.
What do we do?
We get ready to greet the ravens. And we've little time for that. We'll need to improvise.
We should scout first, to look for anything that might be useful.
Without Rocky Ridge could be any better. Everything's down, nothing works here.
Well, have you found anything?
No dice, nothing's up, all cut off.
Well we'll make it work.
The raffins will roll in after dusk.
We will have a surprise ready for them.
We just need to get some power flowing.
Let's check the substation.
Okay.
Let's go.
First, we don't know how many are coming. My thinking is it'll be a sizable crew.
Second, we have to create an opening to get to my car. If they're bunched together, we won't stand a chance.
So we give 'em a little light show at the intersection?
Yes. We'll breathe some life into this dusty old town.
Soon as they see the lights, they'll have to check who, why and how.
Nova...
Yep, first we start up the control terminal below. The gear on the roof is a hunk of junk.
Come on, we'll give it a boost from the car battery. That should do the trick.
Wait for me by the substation. I'll bring the car around.
I'll bring the car around.
The panel looks to be in good shape.
I'll make a bypass circuit to the power supply. That should do it.
We'll just have to get it up and running.
Grab the jumper cables from the truck.
We'll boost it from the car battery.
Red cable connected.
Give me a moment. I need to hook everything up here.
And done. Now the black radler.
There she goes. But the old jalopy served us well.
Okay, I've got voltage. Start the terminal inside. And once the power is on in the building, get on that roof.
You got it.
I'll set up on the tower. We'll have the whole intersection on a platter.
You flip the breakers when I give you the signal to do so, understood?
Yes, ma'am.
Switchgear's got power.
Thank you for watching.
Now we wait.
Remember, as soon as we see them, you give us power.
Got it. Cover me, just in case.
Of course.
They're rolling in. In my thorn! You see her?!
Really, really hard to miss.
Let's take 'em by surprise. Let's try to do this quietly. If anything happens, I'll start picking them up. Sound good?
Sounds great.
[Engine roaring]
You, wait for him here.
Get good and ready.
The show starts... now!
Let there be light!
Ha ha ha! You think I hate you?!
Haha, you lost! It's killing time!
That might've been the cherry on top.
Let's pack it in.
Wait for me in the car.
*car starting up*
Move. I'll take the wheel.
Sure, sure. Leave the driving to the pros.
At last.
And? She's prime whales, isn't she?
Dreamy indeed. I'm surprised you wanted her back.
She completes me.
See? Managed just fine without Mitch and Scorpion.
Listen, V, it's not over yet.
It's not? You got the cargo, you got your car.
I did not get Nash, who was not in Rocky Ridge. The fucker didn't show.
Panam...
Listen, I have a plan.
And I don't care. The car and the merch, that's what we were after. We got 'em.
Sixth Street awaits words and I...
Just listen to me for fuck's sake!
I know where their little hidey hole is. We'll take the old unfinished freeway nearby.
They will not be expecting us, I'm sure of it.
And Nash Hunt wasn't part of our deal.
Only because I thought he would show up in Rocky Ridge!
But he didn't. He might not even be in their hideout.
I know he's there, V!
That fucking raffen cheated me! I can't just let it go! I can't!
Do you really not understand that?!
Alright, so where's this hideout?
A hop and skip away.
Thanks, V.
What Nash did...
Are you tired?
I placed my trust in him.
He was the first person I worked with after leaving the Aldecaldos.
After I came to Night City.
And I granted him my trust.
I get it. I know how you feel.
Had someone betray me just like that once...
And did you make them pay?
Never got the chance. Someone else got to 'em first.
But if they hadn't? Would you have done it?
No doubt. Without skipping a beat.
Let's get this over with.
Are you ready?
Let's get 'em.
Game on!
Hello, Rogue.
Pan Am?
What did you say again? Solve your own problems? Clean up your shit? Nash is dead.
And the 6th Street merch?
Nash can't deliver it anymore. But if you ask nicely, I might be able to help you.
Help me? I took my cut up front, honey. But I guess I'm touched.
Was actually wondering if you wouldn't forget about Biz while you were out chasing down a vendetta.
Fuck!
Let's get out of here.
What bitter cold bitch, that Rogue. Think she might have lost the plot.
Mean to say she used to be sweet in the luring?
Ha, never that. But she's no stranger to the other end of the stick. Think she might need a nice strong shock.
Hey boss. Got your cargo?
No, no fast ones. Come on, let's meet. Sunset Motel.
I know you're not kidding. I'm certain to be there.
Okay, I arranged our meeting. Let's do the deal and start working on Hellman. Agreed?
Should be fun.
They're here. Let me do the talking.
Sensing trouble?
No. At least I don't think so.
[gun cocking]
Hey, boss.
Panam! How's Nash? Doesn't seem to be answering his phone.
Don't call him anymore. There's no need.
Heh. You got balls, girl.
What's this? A bonus of some sort?
We work together.
Hmm. Change tunes like you change clothes, girl.
There. First class merch.
Mm-hmm.
So, everything's in order?
Check your account. Should be pretty plush in a couple minutes.
It's been a pleasure. But I believe Rogue's the one who is to pay me.
You're all right. Think you earned a tip. Let's roll.
That went well.
Come on, let's get a drink.
Raffen's wiped, Sixth Street's pleased - pretty good day for Pan Am Palmer.
The day's not over yet. You still have a chance to piss me off.
Hello, Noah.
Hey. New biz or new friends back there?
Take a wild guess.
Is everything good with you? Did those bozos come around again?
Raffens? Nah, it's been quiet.
They'll be back, sure enough. But this place has seemed worse.
What can I get you?
Broseph. Two of 'em.
So that package for Street - what was it?
You didn't peek? Valoparadol - drugs for the cyberpsychos in our midst.
They trade in 'em?
Yes. They have deals - with black clinics, rippers...
Well, here's to that thorn of yours.
Thanks for everything... partner.
Another one over here.
Thanks, Noah.
Cheers. Let me know if you need anything else.
All right. Time we look to my needs. What's the plan for Hellman?
I've come up with a plan. A first draft. But I need to sleep on it. Work it out. Then we can talk about the details.
I think it best to rent rooms here. Just to stay in the area. We'll get to work around midnight. It'll help keep us out of sight. Agreed?
Good idea. Let's do it.
Noah, we'll take two rooms. Just for tonight.
I'll go catch a few winks. See you later.
Let's go.
[beeping]
My name is Dakota Smith.
If you're looking for jobs out here, you will find them with me.
What nation you ride with, Dakota?
The Aldecaldos. But I do not ride anymore.
I'm V. Rode with the backers.
You rode... past tense. And now?
Now I don't.
I see. We will be in touch, V.
Hey.
Hello. I'm just checking the suspension.
The hydraulics have to be shipped shape. We're in for a bumpy ride.
Did you sleep all right?
Can't complain.
Come up with anything? For helmet, I mean.
As a matter of fact, I did.
Look here.
Okay. Tell me.
We're the wrench. The cutter is the A.V.
And the screwdriver is where the A.V. should bury its nose cone in the dust.
Now you must be wondering how we get the A.V. to do that.
That'll H.M.G. you viewers.
My gun will be useful elsewhere.
This caliber would barely dent the armor of a heavy hitter like that.
There are other ways.
Here. The clamps are solution. A satwave power station.
Um... satwave power station?
Yes. We need to break into it.
Mm-hmm. So far, so good. But then what?
And then we strike. We hit the A.V. with an E.M.P.
Course we do.
As soon as the A.V. is in range, we cause an electromagnetic pulse.
The onboard electronics should fail outright.
Meaning what? Engines will shut down?
Everything will shut down. Engines included. Drive, navigation, communication systems...
All right. Let's ride.
Great. Hop in. It's cold out here.
Who owns this power station? Gov or corp?
Is there any difference? Who do you think pulls the government's strings?
Hey, I'm just wondering whose toes we're about to step all over.
V, look around. It is simple. Everything you see is owned by a corporation.
You like to mess with the corps, huh?
Whatever gave you that idea.
Oh, wait. Scratch that. Rogue, Nash, the Raffens...
You're on thin ice, V.
You just like to mess with everyone.
Well, then I suppose it's a good thing I'm on your side, isn't it?
Mm-hmm.
You like to mess with the corps, huh?
Whatever gave you that idea.
Oh, wait. Scratch that. Rogue, Nash, the Raffens...
You're on thin ice, V.
You just like to mess with everyone.
Well, then I suppose it's a good thing I'm on your side, isn't it?
Mm-hmm.
You like to mess with the corps, huh?
Whatever gave you that idea.
Oh, wait. Scratch that. Rogue, Nash, the Raffens...
You're on thin ice, V.
You just like to mess with everyone.
We've almost reached the dam. We'll make a quick stop here.
We need to calibrate you with a turret. I want you to be able to use the gun, too. It showed up our chances in general.
Connect here.
How should I connect? Personal link?
How else? Just watch the jack. Sometimes you have to jig a little bit.
Wired in.
Wait a moment. Diagnostics first.
Shit. It keeps giving me an error. Odd. Let me work around it.
And now, Pan Am, here's Johnny. Out in the middle of bumfuck nowhere. Great work, man.
Hey, I think your implant has a virus. The one in the nape of your neck.
It's not a virus. Just a little malware you'll get used to eventually.
Screw you.
Will it affect the calibration?
We shall see.
Okay. Here goes nothing.
See that pile of junk? Fire a short burst into it.
Good. Next target. Single shot.
Okay. Just one more. Longer round.
Great. We're done, I think.
Now, that wasn't so bad, was it?
Uh-huh. Just wondering how it would work with me.
Uh-huh. Just wondering how it would work with moving targets.
The gun is calibrated. You'll have system support. Just be car-
Hey, if you'd rather daydream, please wait until we're done calibrating.
So where's this power station?
You will see in a moment. I know a spot. We'll have a decent view from there. I just want to be sure the area is clear.
Sabotage a corpo power station. Jump a corpo transport. Kidnap a corpo suit.
Is this a plug for the word "corpo", or do you have a point?
Know what? You're starting to remind me of me, fifty years back. Minus the charisma and impressive cock.
Hmm, maybe we can just get along.
Let me remind you, I want Hellman for me, not to stick it to Arasaka.
This is life or death. My life or death.
Hellman, let me remind you that Saka and their fucked up tech is what got you here.
Who gives a shit about motives. Ends justify the means and right now your end is to survive.
All looks clear. The area looks deserted. I see no patrols.
The huge thing is the collection unit. And see the antennas?
Each antenna collects microwave energy from satellites in orbit. That's then converted into electric power.
Huh. Antennas run all the way down the interstate.
Mm-hmm. And they're linked, which is to your advantage.
We just need to mess with the collection unit. A chain reaction will follow.
Each one of the antennas will emit an EMP burst.
The AV will be like a fly headed for a spider's web.
We just have to fire off the pulse at the right moment.
Let's go get her.
Once we reach the station, I'll set up a bypass for the detonator.
You just overload the systems.
Overload the system? Yes ma'am.
When do I start? Though... hoping that's not too complicated. Is it?
It shouldn't be. You just turn everything up as far as it'll go.
Crank it up to eleven. Got it.
So what now?
We wait. We should time our arrival to the AV flight.
Got it.
Good. Time to roll.
Done anything like this before?
Downing an AV? By myself? No. Why do you ask?
Power station, EMP, the systems, networks... You came up with a really solid plan.
Thank you.
How you approach things, that's the trick. Minus the triple A.
Wait, what now?
Assessment, assembly, action.
Whatever your task, you do three things.
Start by assessing what you already have and what you'll face - the problem.
Then you plan with those variables in mind.
Take what you have, get what you need, assemble things, people...
Finally you take action. Simple.
Got one board for you. T-shirts.
Triple A. It's all you need to lead the good life. That and the occasional cold beer.
What if, uh, something goes ass up?
Well, in your ass I'd better improvise.
Did you really think I'd just give you a foolproof secret to success?
Gotta say, almost had me believing just that.
You're too much sometimes, V.
Okay, we'll be there in a moment.
One last time - we drive in, fuck up the system, and get the hell out of there.
Hold on tight - this could get a little bumpy.
Get ready...
Okay, I'm ready.
Go!
I'll deal with it.
Deal quick, before they hit us! Good enough.
Is that all of 'em?
Mm-hmm - provided we hurry.
Find the controls. I'll connect the detonator. Quick, V!
Ah, shit!
Ah, shit! Think we might've overdone it, Pat M.
Still survived!
You see that? All lit up and blinking like a Christmas tree.
Girl, you wanted eleven - you got eleven.
Fuck yeah! Let's get outta here - before it lights us up, too.
V, get the fuck out before something happens to the chips - Thanks for the tip - you know, I was just about to set up a picnic - maybe lay out - work on my bandstand - I mean it - watch out - the next one might - Johnny? Johnny!
Fucking hell!
Okay, I'm fine - it's - it's okay, just - it's okay, I'm fine, you know - just - delve to the fuck out!
Not the cleanest job, perhaps - but it still went well!
What about the detonator - is it working?
Yes, it's working - and I don't even see a drop in the signal strength - we just need to drive far away enough to keep the pulse from blasting us, too -
The cliff there - we'll set up - it should give us a good view of the antennas - and then we wait
Okay
Here
Always wanted to push the big red button on something like this - how do we know when?
Don't worry - I'll have eyes on it - you just wait for my signal - then set off that pulse - they won't know what hit them
And by the way -
What?
We are about to knock a multi-million euro dollar Kang Tao asset clean out of the sky - how does that make you feel?
Blasted shit - exactly what the doc ordered!
And that's exactly what I like to hear
Just noticed -
What?
It's quiet - the hum of the city - people's voices - the smells - it's all gone
Wind just intensifies it - think I forgot quiet exists
Mhm - though maybe not the smells - I mean the coyotes - rather hard to miss
Thought that was just the air freshener in your Thornton
Haha - screw you - you'd do better to focus on the AV - keep your eyes open
It's there - coming from Pacifica - all right - get ready - one more second - one more - now!
Boom - there she is
Shit - what's happening?
Great - just great - fan-fucking-tastic
Bullseye!
Pan Am - the engines are still running - fuck - they're getting away!
They're going nowhere
We gotta go after it
Give me a moment
Pan Am - what are you doing?
That's how you do it!
It's losing altitude!
We got the bastard!
Let's go!
We got it!
No way it stays in the air after a blast like that!
We either land or crash!
You catch that? Over.
A.V. unmarked. Losing out.
Mitch! Scorpion! What the hell are they doing?
Finishing up at the generators! Follow 'em! On my way in a bit!
Mitch! Scorpion! It's Pan Am! Don't go near that A.V.!
Pete! Do not approach the A.V.!
Good. On the way. Or I'll start the party without you.
It's Kang Tao! Wait for me! I better get the hell out!
They probably want to help the survivors.
Without knowing it's a corpse.
They can't hear me! The pulse is interfering!
Shit!
I have three on radar!
Drones?
Yes. Get ready.
They're trying to slow us down!
We won't let them! We have to reach Mitch and Scorpion!
Shit! Probably jammed again!
Hold on tight! Going on autopilot!
Seized up, son of a bitch!
I know!
Fucking latches! Don't want to open!
Nothing. I'm fine.
Okay...
For the time being at least.
"Time being" is all we need.
Saw it! Behind that hill!
Well, one less thing to worry about.
Pan Am, you okay?
Fucking ricochet.
Think you can manage?
Sure. I'll live. Don't worry.
Hey man, where are you? Hello?
Perfect! Keep broadcasting over an open channel, just in case they missed you the first time. God, I swear!
Something's not right. Did you hear those shots?
V, something happened to them!
Let's check it out!
I see the wreck. But no Scorpion. Or Mitch.
Looks expired.
Fuck!
V, connect to the drone. We'll scan the area. We have to get our bearings.
Let's roll. You connected to visual?
Mm-hmm.
V, if they got the Alticaldes... If they got Mitch and Scorpion... I can't... I don't...
I know, I know. Connected. I'm in control.
Oh no, no, no!
I'm sorry. Your clan?
Alta Keldos. Yes. They're dead. All of them.
V, if they...
Don't worry. We don't know for sure.
Fucking corporate rats!
Mitch! He's alive! They have them!
They've set up the launcher. They'll tear us to shreds if we get too close.
Can't we take it down somehow?
Maybe. But we have to get there first.
Got five Kangs on patrol.
Combat drones. Defense system's active.
They secured the area. They're waiting for reinforce...
If not for those damned glitches, I could have warned them!
This is all my doing! Why in the hell were they following the AV?!
Probably keeping Hellman in the AV.
False.
Mind that launcher. It will blow us to bits if we approach.
You're already blown to bits.
Don't be an idiot! This is just a scratch. Let's take out the launcher. I will try to...
No! You stay in the car. Sorry, but you're just gonna slow me down.
Fucking hell, V! Those are my people out there!
Listen. I get that launcher out of the way, I'll let you know. Then you go in and help me with the rest. Deal?
Yes, sir.
I still have Mitch's rifle. I will try to cover you from here.
Good idea. Let's move.
Now!
Step back! Back! Toss your weapons or I'll shoot! I repeat - drop your weapons - now!
I'm too late.
Are you alright?
Eh, just some scratches.
You fucking morons!
It's nothing. Let's go.
They regrouped so fast. Started shooting rockets and shit. I lost everyone.
Everyone? Scorpion, is he here? Mitch? Mitch?! He's... he's safe, right?
Pam, I'm sorry. I didn't make it in time.
No! No! Are you sure?! No, he...
Scorpion, the rest... I'm sorry we didn't get here sooner.
They were good people. Great people. They didn't have to die here.
I should have stopped him.
I tried. He wouldn't have listened to you either. Never was much of a listener.
Stubborn bastard.
I'm guessing since you were out here, you were out here for the AV. Question is why?
I need the guy who's riding this AV. You know anything? See anything?
Took him with him. In our cars.
Where?
West. Small unit. Your passenger's entourage.
Must be looking for a way to call base.
So you're the ones who hit him with that EMP?
Yeah, we tried to warn you, but... couldn't connect.
If they took your cars, we might be able to follow their tracks.
Pam, listen. I know it's not the best time, but I need help. I promise to help. That still hold?
I always keep my word.
Mitch, I will find those sons of bitches. I swear.
Go. I'll call the crew. Get all this cleaned up.
We'll leave my ride here, just in case. Just watch the gun - it likes to jam. We'll go by bike.
Sounds good. Kang Tao lost contact with their AV - probably looking for it. Better hurry.
But, Pennant...
What?
You're coming back for her, right?
I promise.
Let's get going - before they send a rescue party.
Let's ride - hope they didn't go far.
We'll see. The tire tracks start there - we'll follow them.
They're coming for 'em - don't worry.
You know what?
What?
This is my life - these tracks lead up past the hill to a known filling station. I wager that's where they're holding hell.
Let's go.
- Who sent you? - Hey, easy! We gotta talk.
- Who are you working for? - Yorinobu Arasaka.
- Do you wish to take me back or... - What a shit - eating brat.
- He's about to either scream or run. - Shut him up already.
- Not a fan, I take it. - You haven't found a fan in him either.
Motherfucker doesn't know who to be scared of more, you or Arasaka.
Don't take this personally.
I seem to recall you were gonna tell Takamura when you got helmet.
Yeah, just a sec. I'll call him.
Drop any weapons and come out!
Just remember, you have helmet and that's one hell of a card. Try to win something with it.
- Takamura saved my life, remember? - Because it was in his fucking interest to do so.
Still just biz. He's no friend of yours.
- Takamura, good news. Got helmet. - Alive? What did he say?
Alive, alive. Not too talkative now. Taking him to the Sunset Motel.
- I will come to you. Keep him there until I arrive. - You got it. See you.
- Better take him somewhere you can talk in peace. - True.
- Looks like you're nearing Shinbosu in a year. - Is that him?
- Sure is. - Take him outside. Toss him on the bike.
- So the guy, Mitch and Pan Am came out to rescue him?
- That is the word. The A.V. that came down and the scorpion... - Right there.
- It's all related. - The cavalry has arrived.
- Mitch gathered the country... - So, the road was clear, I don't think we were spotted.
- It would still be better not to hang around too long. - You mean, all these things have started off step.
- Mitch... - What do you plan to do with him? - We should talk to Mitch.
- Just gotta ask him a few important questions. - I sure hope you get some important answers.
- Saul... - Everything's done here. All clear.
- I heard Mitch is alive thanks to you. - Thanks to V and Pan Am. They both saved my ass.
- I just hope he was worth it. - Saul, I tried to raise Scorpion.
- Maybe I could help out somehow? - I think you've helped enough.
- I tried to stop him. - Sure, just turn around now. Let it all be damned. You're good at that, aren't you?
- Look, Saul, it really wasn't Pan Am's fault... - Careful. You and me are not buddy-buddy. Besides, nobody's blamed anyone for anything... yet.
- Sure, right. - Pan Am was just helping me. It was my doing. My fault that A.V. got hit.
- Without me, Scorpion and his people wouldn't have gone out to grab it. That's the truth... - When you were in Aldecaldo, you were always responsible for yourself and your people.
- The circumstances change nothing. Perhaps Pan Am should ask herself if she's still in Aldecaldo.
Damn it all!
Glad to see you, Mitch, but why'd you even come?
Saul - he came with our people. We took care of the bodies, I told him what happened - and he told us to up and follow you.
He was worried something would happen to you - to Pan Am.
Saul?
Look, maybe you two don't see eye to eye at the moment, but you're family - and Saul will do anything for family.
The thing is - am I even part of the family anymore?
You know you are. Come back to us.
I understand.
Sorry you had to witness that. Things just get complicated - dramatic sometimes - but I will manage.
And you - you look out for yourself, alright?
And that's it. Until next time...
They're coming! You gotta admit it!
Let's move!
Until next time... Take care of Scorpion's bike - it's yours now.
Hey, where am I? What is this place?
I want to talk about your little invention - biochip you made for Arisaka.
Fine. But let's get one thing straight first - Yorinobu Arisaka didn't send you?
No.
This means you must have an offer for me. If your boss will pay more than Kang Tao, I believe we can talk.
Nobody sent me. I got a problem and you're gonna help me.
And what does that have to do with the biochip?
Your tech's trying to kill me - pretty sure that's not how it's advertised.
If you wish to file a complaint, I'll need more details.
I got Johnny Silverhand's construct stuck in my head and I don't want it dead.
Silverhand? Construct? That's impossible! Where did you get this biochip?
You have to remove the biochip from my system.
It's not that simple.
Look, you made the thing, didn't you? So where's the problem?
If you're telling the truth, you slotted in a new experimental version of the biochip.
How's the prototype version different? It's got a different engram, something more...
Aware? Aggressive?
The biochip is what's unique, not Silverhand's engram.
The previous version of the chip was only used to communicate with pre-saved engrams.
And it was rare as fuck and cost a fortune.
Yeah, this one's rarer - meant to install and activate the engram in a new body.
When I left Arasaka, the project was still in the trial phase.
Huh. Imagine my luck - to be so fucking unique, so fucking exceptional.
That mean you'll help me?
Well, well. I would have to see it first.
Okay.
[music]
Hmm. Unbelievable. It looks like...
Can't believe this suits the one who's gonna help us.
Oh, fuck.
Impressive, isn't it?
What a pity I won't be able to examine it fully.
Yeah, real shame. You could've been his guinea pig, too.
Tell me how to get rid of it.
I'm afraid I have bad news.
Your neural network has completely deteriorated.
It can no longer function independently of the chip.
- The only thing I could do... - Woohoo, it's bargaining time.
...is to give you information on a good clinic in Sweden.
They'll help you through the terminal stages, minimize the pain.
What exactly is going on in my head?
You tell me.
What's it like to have two personalities?
Because it's not like you're hearing voices.
You are both yourself and Silverhand, simultaneously.
Didn't come here for the philosophy lecture.
It's not philosophy. It's neurobiology.
And your evidence just confirmed my hypothesis.
Have you noticed the construct's influence on your decision-making?
She's giving me...
You will start doing things that were once unthinkable, at least to your old self.
And you know exactly who he was.
- A fanatic, a terrorist, a suicide bomber... - Oh, fuck me.
Who's trying to mess with your head now?
That is why I believe it would be better for you to consider clinical isolation at this stage.
You know what? That's enough.
You're just playing for time, because I can't tell.
Are you trying to convince me you're useless?
'Cause I mean, in that case, I can just shoot you in the head and save us both some time.
Ah, finally.
I will try to help you... if you come with me to Kang Tao.
Forget Kang Tao. Got any other ideas?
If you think there's anyone else who can help you, I could give you the blueprints.
Complete project documentation.
Kang Tao offered quite the sum for it.
You got it with you?
He's gone to Gonk's fucking useless without 'em.
Hey...
Takamura?
What the hell is he doing here?
He's got a few questions of his own for you.
You play nice, he might even save your ass.
I'm almost done.
The blueprints.
Better than nothing. As long as we find someone fluent in technobabble.
He's all yours. I'll give you two some space.
I hope we can come to an understanding.
That is certainly in your best interest.
B, I will remember this.
Ugh, this heat. My throat is positively parched.
B did not give you anything last night.
You see that? Fuck me, just look at that.
That is not me. You will see the difference.
I will eat you out in buckets.
Sons of bitches.
Whatever you gotta say, say it.
Got something eatin' at your code, that's clear.
Been tryin' to learn how you're wired this whole time.
To know who I'm dealin' with.
Thought you were just unlucky at first.
But I kept watchin', and finally realized what your problem is.
You were a kid from the badlands. Family was your crutch and co-
But in NC you're nobody. Best you can do is steal from scavs.
Or janitors.
But you seem to know a lot about my past.
Well, seen flashes of your past, just like you've seen flashes of mine.
Pisses me off that our memories blend. Don't have my own anymore.
- Ship's the worst thing that ever fuckin' happened to me. - Mean to say I haven't earned the top spot yet?
- An arrogant asshole's no small problem, but it ain't my biggest. Dying is. - Death by becoming someone else. You didn't do anything to deserve that fate.
- You afraid of death? - I'm afraid of wasted opportunities.
- Like Arasaka Tower? - Came through it, as you can see. And I ain't done with 'em yet.
- Your goal's to bury Arasaka. Demolish it. Mine's to stay above ground. You seem pretty clearly defined, both. - Actually aligned pretty nicely, too.
- You need Mikoshi to save your life. That done, I can burn it to the ground. - Gotta go. Hang in there, bud.
- Put together, the gross income of these companies runs in the bank.
- I do not understand. Does Arasaka not have enough of its own people?
- Look around, Zip. - Oh, perfect timing.
- Why, what are we doing here? - You shall learn soon.
- I have acquired some information of my own.
- Do you know who most wished to honor Arasaka sama with the parade?
- His murderer. The irony makes me sick.
- Still don't see how this gets us anywhere.
- I have had an idea. Look to the sky.
- The dash floats will pass precisely this way.
- If I could just get onto Hanako sama's float, I could speak with her in private.
- Get there how? - Wide jump, of course.
- And I aim to manage that.
- While you are occupied with your shady dealings, I learned more about the floats.
- They are all kept in one place - Arasaka Industrial Park.
- It is there that they prepare them.
- We need only to break into the compound, find the right float and inject a virus into its system.
- You will then be able to disable any security before I sneak inside.
- Right. Then what?
- I have an infected shard.
- It was not cheap, but the man who sold it to me guaranteed it will work.
Let us move on.
To take control of the float is one thing, but not all.
The security concerns me, the snipers especially.
I will be an easy target.
But I may have an answer.
Okada-san mentioned the city camera.
If we gain access to them, we will see exactly where the snipers are.
You can deal with them as I advance.
Sounds like a plan.
You agree just like that?
The risks are considerable.
Yeah, well, getting more and more used to that.
And now, what would you say to a small test?
We must try the shot.
The camera control room is in front of us.
You must get inside and infect the network.
That is all.
Uh-huh.
And in the meantime you'll do what?
Crack open a can of suds?
I will not touch alcohol.
At work, I will watch your back.
Now, get to it.
B, it's a good thing you answered. I could probably use your help.
"Probably"?
Fine. I could really use your help. Can we meet?
Just tell me when and where.
You don't know how good it is to hear that. Swing by the Aldecaldos camp. I'll explain it all.
The Aldecaldos... I thought you parted ways.
Look, it's a long story. Just hurry over. I'm here.
Fucking worked!
And?
Done. System's ours.
The shard works. Good. The easy work we have done.
To break into Arasaka Industrial Park will not be such a bed of roses.
But before we discuss that...
Sint, I have not eaten since yesterday.
Give me the best on the menu.
I highly recommend the yakitori today.
Anything that isn't local, please.
See you tomorrow.
Can't believe I'm saying this, but this Saka's scum might actually prove useful.
He's a well-trained dog. Needs orders, that's all.
And when he outlives his purpose, we'll flatline him.
A bridge we might cross, but only might we see.
Glad we're on the same page. You never know what a dog's thinking. Might be the same thing.
What is this?!
OK, I have laid the plan.
One, we break into Arasaka Industrial Park.
One and a half, we hack Hanako-sama's float.
Two, during the parade, with my help, you eliminate any snipers.
Three, I get onto the float.
Four, I convince Hanako-sama of the truth.
Well, sounds like a suicide run, but none dumber shit than this, so...
Things even more stupid than stealing from Arasaka.
None dumber yet, no. Set the bar pretty high with that one.
Now, we part. Reconnaissance is required.
Got enough on my plate as it is. I'll let you handle that.
So I shall.
Good! Louder! Louder!
Got enough on my plate as it is.
He eliminated the last obstacle between himself and complete power.
They surrendered it to him.
What do we call the murder of my father?
Was that not a provocation? Was that not a...
Arasaka. An empire built to last.
Before Yorinobu set fire to it from the inside...
All of this began with him.
The factions. Power struggles. All of this.
Shit!
Why does Saburo tolerate it all? Can't get my head around it.
Could've kept the son in a short leash.
Arasaka-sama was a strong and disciplined man.
The strongest man I have ever known.
And yet, at a critical moment, he showed a weakness...
- For your nobleman? - For his daughter.
When Yorino formed his band of hounds, declared war on his own family...
Arasaka-sama could have crushed him with one word...
Yet he did not. For he did not wish his daughter to suffer.
When Yorino returned, his tail between his legs...
She persuaded her father to give him a second chance.
Do you understand? Hanako-sama saved Yorino from the consequences of his deeds.
HANAKO-SAMA, I WISH YOU WELL.
Feels like that's about to change...
As long as we get Hanako to believe our version of events...
Conscience could also come into play...
As soon as she's got one...
We must reach her first...
Time for some reconnaissance...
Wait for my call...
Everyone here knows you, Michonne. He's been waiting for you for a long time.
He's been waiting for you for a long time.
Like I kept...
You are V? We have been waiting.
You want a contact? So you're finally gonna tell me about this job?
I'm just a man in the middle. You will learn more... soon.
Wanna talk with Michonne? Is she here somewhere?
No. Shopping centre by the intersection. Go to the butcher shop there. Ask for Fassid. He will tell you the details.
- Any job? - What is this, huh?
He hasn't come out yet, like he always does.
- He hasn't made any sense... - Looking for Posid.
Placid.
Look here.
It's the same. Continue.
Placid, look here.
Can you proceed?
I want to talk to your boss.
You told me at the chapel you're the one to talk to?
Mr. Hann sent me.
Said you got merc work needs doing?
No here. Come with me.
Where we headed?
A hotbed of controversy. A city within a city.
This way.
A new life beginning on Night City.
Welcome to Pacifica.
All back to normal.
Welcome to Pacifica.
You know Pacifica well?
Nah. You guys aren't exactly great at rolling out the welcome mat for outsiders.
Was to be it's own city where suits would burn their headdies.
They close circle.
The cops feed their sheep.
They spit their cash back out.
All the toys here are grown from corporate cash.
Our interest is now in the G.I.M.
The Grand Imperial Monarch.
Pacifica's biggest, ugliest temple to greed.
But never finished.
Until last week it was deserted.
Empty.
But now?
Animals crawl there.
Me the nest.
Hey, Placid, wake us up and buy us!
Okay, Mepham Philly, Peter.
Placid, Peter, what do you want?
What do you want?
What do you want, Peter?
Placid, you have to do it for us.
My good man, your respect.
Thank you.
Let's go, let's crowd them.
Let's go, let's go, let's go!
Let's go!
Let's go, let's go!
You deal with animal before?
Yeah, a few times.
You want the animals out of the gym?
Extinct?
That why you hired me?
You'll learn everything soon.
I mean it makes no sense them being here. Middle of Pacifica, no back up, cut off. It's your turf. Hell, even badges don't patrol around here.
They're trying to provoke you? Make you do something stupid?
They do not leave GIM.
How many we talking about in there?
Thirty. Maybe more.
Vinina, we talk here. You sit.
When do I see Brigitte?
You do job, that is first.
Whoa, what the hell you doing?
Well, at least he's not likely to talk your ears bloody.
Why not send your own goons to the GIM?
This not our way.
How's Abham working out for you?
Work good, good more than bad.
You're calm, shaman? It is Victor.
Is that at all relevant or just a cheap scare tactic?
I need you to be able. I need know.
This chip, it have no signature. What is it?
Chip's why I'm here. Why I want a word with Brigitte. Doesn't look at all familiar.
It should. Why? I see only it is damaged.
Got a bullet to the brain. Hasn't worked since. That's how.
So, am I right for the job? Good to go?
The commuter.
Twenty thirty five. Zero seven. Three second before, poof.
We try to learn where the commuter come from.
Tech looks pretty advanced. Doesn't scream "meathead" to me.
They watch it very close. It is important whatever it is...
Prasid, Batman Kelly up there some more going?
Femme Portra!
Animals aren't the play here, are they? They're hired muscles, someone else needed them.
Someone with a van full of netrunner tech. And that's where I come in? To sniff out who?
Mm-hmm. Start with the commuter. Hide from all eyes. Only see the city as you.
You have now seen through this, Oagwe. Assemble it.
Why? What for?
You are my vessel now. Through Oagwe, I see what you see, hear what you hear. I will guide you through your aim.
Another voice in your head. Just what the Ripper Doc ordered.
So... Aim to keep an eye on me.
Shows trust.
All right. Anything else I should know?
Find our people and name all. They will show you how to get inside the beast.
Got it. So I do this and you put me in front of Brigitte. Right?
Yes. Sortie at end of the hall. Go down. My people will let you pass.
We are done.
They are my people. Talk with them.
You "we"?
Know the way in? We was told you would.
Yeah. Garage in the back. But shhh! Quietly, yeah?
Anything interesting happen over there?
Since we are here, all quiet.
No one in? No one out?
Well, they went out for supplies once.
Get to work!
Just keep working. Dreams will come true someday.
The fuck have you done?!
Hey, stop!
Fix you like it, huh?!
While I got you here, mind tell me what we're looking at?
Dataflow map of Pacifica, behind Agwe.
Who is "they"?
Netwatch. They always out to fuck us.
Okay, so what's on me to do?
You must reach the agent. Easy now to find him.
Look at the map - he is in cinema.
Step away now! This isn't your fight!
Matt!
What? Proceed, what?
You're caught. Pushed out.
They'll run and know you are here. Hunt him.
Okay, so what do I do once I find you?
I will tell you this - the agent man tries to cut you off.
There is a gate behind the commune - I will open it.
Step away now! This isn't your fight!
Oh, god, the fucker!
Okay, now to the second floor - the cinema.
Now, go watch her.
You think she's had enough?
We need access to their data. Clear? You must fess...
Proceed?
Whoa! Hey! Easy.
What did you do?
Well, now we can talk in private.
Just severed the connection to the rest of Pacifica. Gives us a little time.
Okay, no more fucking tangents. Fess up. Who are you?
Bryce Mosley. Netwatch special agent.
Can we talk?
Had a spectre on you, didn't you? Saw and heard all you did. You follow these orders?
No idea what the voodoo boys are paying you, but our pockets are deeper.
Not interested. Not a money job for me. Just needed an in with Mama Brigitte, voodoo chef.
Brigitte and her lapdog, T. Neptune, have been frozen several days now. Ever since we shrouded their subnet with ice.
And you?
Well, you were sent here to free them.
Do you know why they didn't tell you everything? 'Cause you're a rannion.
That's what they call outsiders brought in for special jobs, floor rags.
When you're no longer needed, they chuck you. A fate for all rannions.
Think I'll just stick to my plan?
[Engine roaring]
[Grunts]
[Beeping]
Hey, V, you all right?
Oh, what happened?
The net pig was right.
Voodoos were blowing smoke.
Soon as you gave 'em access to the Netwatch web, they roasted all the agents - and you.
And then why is my brain not a pile of hot goo?
You know, you finally grew a pair - toughed it out.
Think the Voodoos freed Brigitte?
Seems that was their plan - worked, thanks to you, I'd say -
after the Voodoos turned you into a fuckin' kamikaze drone.
Who'd take a job from us spooky-ass Voodoo boys?
Placide took you for pathetic gutter trash - someone who no one's ever gonna come lookin' for.
So what - I should've spilled the truth?
No - we take this to Brigitte - saved her sorry ass, after all.
Wouldn't mind a quick word with Placide, too - shouldn't let this lie.
Head to Batty's.
Grumpy motherfucker - hope he likes surprises.
Well, we'll have to deal with that.
Oh, fuck! Levi Van!
You wish to talk to Placid?
Is that what you want?
B-because I can take you!
Lead the way.
How? How you manage this?
You set me up!
You bastard!
Enough!
Who are you?
I am Utewe!
Yes, but I also saw his scans. He is no Ranyo.
I will kill you.
We are not safe here.
You must be Brigitte. Hard woman to find.
You have something for me.
You know about the biochip, don't you?
Yes, and we must check its condition.
How much you know for my scans?
More than Placide, I'm sure.
You recognize the biochip 'cause you were looking for it?
We must examine you.
If you survive the gym, it is at the chip's cost.
Should have thought about that before you tried to kill me.
If I was here, the chip would never be in danger.
If it is in good condition, we offer you a fair price.
Perhaps more for the emotional toll.
Biochip's not for sale and you're not ripping it out of me.
Thing was in shit shape already before I strolled into the gym.
It does not function.
Not that bad. Problem is,
no one I've talked to can yank it out without risk of... death?
As soon as you commission the thing's theft, I figured you might know a way to help.
How do you know all this?
How did you find us?
Evelyn Parker. Name ring a bell?
Ah, the doll. The whore.
You found us because she led you to us.
She has proved not completely useless, after all.
Listen, can you help me or not?
Yes of course, but not here. We will go to the crib, where you must give us access to the chip.
Once we have the data we need, we will do our best to help you.
Then... after you.
You guys sure seem to love this place. But honestly... you don't give off a strong religious vibe.
We left our gods on Aichi, yet we are strong here without them.
This way.
So, how come Placide didn't know about the biochip? He didn't recognize it in the scans.
Few of our people know about Kompeki Tower, but Placide, he is...
...your bet de bas.
Where are we going?
Soon you will see.
[coughing]
[groaning]
The Watcher did not notice the biochip in you. Strange.
Never gave 'em a chance.
Good. It would complicate our work.
This an old subway tunnel?
No. Part of the transcontinental maglev system.
When all states were connected, like the net, it too crumbled after the war.
View est courant.
Everything's ready. We can start.
Good.
From whom?
What's your plan to contact Alt?
We try to cut out a unique piece of Silverhand's engram from the biochip.
Alt will know it. If something of the human is left after years beyond the black wall, she will answer.
But what? You said nothing about breaking through the black wall.
Well, now you know.
Deletion connected.
Connection stop.
Let's do this.
Whoa!
Oh!
Kimon, you're not protected.
Stay on it. Don't kill it.
Okay. What now?
It's ready.
Go dive.
Johnny?
Where are we?
This is our B.B.S. - Data Fortress - Bridge to the Deep Net.
So... what now?
We can begin. All is ready.
We enhance your link to Silverhand's neural network for a short time. To grab the fragment, we must find the data on Alt - Alt alone.
It should only take...
We'll never fade away!
Johnny! Jimmy!
The fuck, Holmes! Out of line! Way out!
What next? Were you gonna take it?
Were you gonna drag a corporeal rat on stage, make him kneel, douse it with gas and light him up?!
It's not your band! You know solo acts!
But I'm the only one with a vision!
So unless you got a better one, like I said, go fuck yourself!
Fuck.
Just shut up! For once!
You're fucking hopeless!
You don't know fuck all about me! This is all we have! All we are!
Where you going?
Got somewhere to be.
Silverhand! Hey!
Come on, I'll walk you home.
Good noise, chum.
Ran out of boosters, didn't you?
Playing again tomorrow?
Uh-huh.
You could draw a bar on me.
Still don't get it, do you?
Let's get out of here.
Join us for a drop, silver rocker.
Fuck off.
Whoa, short fuse on this one, huh?
Let go of me!
No!
Fuck off! Leave me alone!
Johnny! Let go of me!
They really did you, didn't they?
I don't know what you're talking about.
[ominous music]
♪ ♪
[grunts]
Come on, rise and shine.
Been a while, Johnny boy.
How long'd you say?
Two weeks since I last cobbled you up?
Where's Holt?
Where's who?
Woman who was with me.
He brought you and you alone.
Fuck, they grabbed her.
Nobody saw it?
Ask your savior.
Said his name was Thompson.
That you back there and what?
We gotta talk.
All right.
It's spittin' glue, but she's holdin' tight.
Get some rest.
Even a few hours, but the stitches said at least.
Uh-huh.
Johnny...
Ah, fuck it. You won't listen anyway.
How much you see?
Not much more than you.
They wanted her.
You... you was just home.
And you, just stood there, dick in hand,
gawking and dreaming of tomorrow.
Would've shredded us both if I jumped in.
You see the guy's reflexes?
Course not, he was that fast.
Tech like that you don't find in a dumpster.
So, what are you after?
Chasing down a story, fresh for the scream sheets?
That why you scraped me up off the pavement?
Nah, had my story.
But then some cats tossed her in the back of a van and sped off.
You, uh... introduce something about it?
She was your output, wasn't she?
Alt's kidnapping, it's collateral shit.
They swiped her to get at me.
You even know what she does for a living?
Girl's one of the best runners around.
Arasaka wants her. Abduction was a standard inner corp extraction. Nothing more.
Okay, so what are they after?
Soulkiller. An A.I. Sound familiar at all?
Course. Urban legend with the shittiest name ever.
It's no legend. Soulkiller's real. And your choombas at Arasaka just hired the runner who wrote it.
Take that in. Saka with Soulkiller to do with as it pleases. Grim, my man.
You even imagine that, Rocker? Arasaka will-
What a steamin' load of shit. Let's go.
Okay. What's your take, then? I'm all ears.
Oldest tritest tale in the world. Arasaka was out to provoke me. And it worked.
So what'll it be? Coming with?
Where to?
Arasaka Tower. To grab Alt right back.
Just you and me? You out of your fuckin' mind?
Swing by the Atlantis on the way. Got some tunes there.
I'll be in the car. Can't wait too long, though.
You'll wait as long as you need to.
Where the hell is Rogue?
Sit. Stay.
Silverhand, got an I.O.U. here with your autograph on it.
Fuck you. Nothing of it matters.
You seem broke.
She's upstairs. But I heard you two weren't, uh...
Well, you heard wrong.
Fucking fuck.
Johnny! Give me a hand here.
Heard you weren't talking to me.
Dunno. Seem to be talking to you.
How about now?
Now you can go fuck yourself.
I didn't know who he was talking to!
Johnny?
How's things? Angles?
Guy had a private meet going on in there.
Rogue back there too?
Yeah, just...
Yeah, yeah. Private meet. So you said. Promise to be super unobtrusive.
God, I hate this fucking town.
Johnny!
Need your help.
We're waiting for a client. One who values discretion.
You still mad about that thing?
What thing, Johnny?! That you fucking lied to my face?! Put my peeps on the line?!
Or that you were fucking three other women behind my back before we were through?!
I got a job, that's it. Urgent, but I got the euro.
How much?
Butt out. This isn't your biz.
Is now? Rocker just pulled out his wallet.
Don't you get it? He's not here about any damn job. He's fucking with me.
Last time he...
So this time you'll be smarter. Take your eddies up front.
So, how much, Rocker?
Pay's double your standard rate.
Triple it. And you come with us now.
Because if she doesn't trust you, neither do I.
Deal.
That it is. Urgent indeed.
Shit, Johnny! Didn't notice you had a fucking tail!
Mr. Silverhand...
You coming with us?
Here to take me to halt?
Hmm... Just like I thought.
- Enemy contact! - Shut the whole fuck up!
Aren't you Mr. Popular?
Is this real?! Who'd you piss off this time, Johnny?!
Let's finish this quick.
Shoot!
You're gonna pay for this!
Get out of here!
Elevator! Quick! Not even "sorry" for you!
It's gonna take much longer.
There'll be more at the bottom, bet you a thou.
We're parked outside. Coming?
Thompson's waiting for me in the car.
Media you wouldn't know of.
That healer's coming back!
Yep!
Faster! Let's get the hell away!
We'll be right behind you!
Arasaka! If they hit the car, we're fucked!
Hmm, don't have that.
Now what?
Gotta lose him, quick!
You hanging in?
I think we're clear of them.
I'll park somewhere. We'll chat.
All right, so who we gotta pull out of Arasaka?
Alt Cunningham. Netrunner from ITS.
Oh... yeah.
The tower. What's taking her there?
This gets better by the minute. How you wanna play this? Either of you gonks got a plan?
Yep. Distract 'em. Make some noise.
Set up right under Arasaka's windows and crank it loud. Blast the pains out. It'll be a gig to remember.
It'll be a gig to remember.
Start the riot. Start the riot.
Judgement, destruction, violence between us and kids.
We do not as yet have word on the exact number of people hurt in the riots.
But our reporters are on the scene at Arasaka Tower.
And they all agree, a psychoactive agent has been dispersed at the site, affecting those in the crowd.
All right.
You recording this whole thing?
Uh-huh. Why? Want to say a few words to the folks at home?
Do what you gotta do. Just stay out of my way.
Thompson. Know him well?
No. Why does it matter?
Don't like the guy? Don't trust him. And media's their bad luck.
What?!
Bad luck. Say someone finds a tape later - a tape of us breaking into Arasaka Tower.
Worry about that if we make it out.
C'mon, we don't have much time!
Fine.
Give me a sec, I'll get it open.
Cover me.
Ready or not, here they come!
Got four in three, headed this way.
Get ready.
Got four headed our way.
Cover me! Reloading!
Last second, everyone. Ready?
Anyone else?
Anyone?!
Let's finish this quick.
No.
Meet them!
Got it!
Got to go.
Water!
No surprise there.
Oh you son of a whore!
This is it.
Fucking blue pharmacy will take you to the bank. Solutions, anyone?
Let me try.
Son of a bitch!
Try this.
Ah, now I see why we brought him along.
Three, two, one...
Open fire!
I will advise you not to disturb her.
What you do to Alt!
I prefer to work on a project of a lifetime.
Get out of my way!
Alt...
Alt, come on! Don't do this!
Is she...
Fuck!
Johnny...
The hell are you doing?! Are you still rolling?!
This is all we can do now, my man. Show people the truth.
Won't change it! She's not...
Johnny!
Stop that! You have to kill him?!
We gotta go.
Johnny!
She's dead.
Well, spit it out before you burst.
Never even told me half that about Alt.
Really? Any examples?
I don't know. That you were a couple. That she wrote Soulkiller. That she's dead.
How the hell is she supposed to help us now? As a ghost?
She's not dead. Managed to escape.
I saw the body.
Alt fled. Into the net.
When'd you find out?
When she made contact a little later.
And? What'd she say?
That she was a captive in the Arasaka subnet. But they couldn't hurt her. And she told me not to come looking for her.
So... what did you do?
Got my hands on two thermonuclear charges.
Then headed back to Arasaka tower.
Ludaboys think they know where she is. Beyond the black wall.
Where nobody can touch her.
Brigitte's primed to go there. Break through. Just to contact Alt. Talk to her.
Too much for our little pro?
Wait a moment.
So, did it work?
Yes. We extracted necessary fragment of Silverhand's engram.
We are ready now to make contact with Alt.
First, we must dive deeper.
Few have gone through to the other side, and none have yet returned. She will be the first.
I held up my end of ordeal. Your turn. Before we pass through that wall, I want Johnny's psyche removed.
We will not pass through. You will take the code to the other side.
Don't got much for options, do I?
I'll lay.
How do I get to the other side?
Brigitte...
Halt!
You cannot remain near.
Alt Cunningham.
Alt...
What's going on?
We will talk here.
Relax. Let me handle this.
Johnny...
Came through the black wall to meet me.
That mean we're good? Things are chilled between us?
I have recognized your engram code, but I do not know why you are here.
To give you a chance to pay me back for getting you out of Arasaka Tower.
V, this is Alt. Best netrunner Night City's ever seen.
Alt, this is V. You need to save his life.
This chip... the relic... it's killing me. Construct on its worm in its way through my neural system.
I see this... but why is it my problem?
Why the fuck isn't it? You created Soulkiller.
You handed Arasaka a fucking superweapon that dismantled me, you and half the runners in Night City.
Your death was of your own making.
Jesus, Alt. I dove in after you. Gonna tell me now this ain't your problem?
It is not. The Alt Cunningham you strove to save in Arasaka Tower no longer exists.
This should be obvious to you, as you were responsible for her death.
Okay, I get it. You hate Johnny's guts, but what about me?
I cannot help you.
Can't or won't?
Can't. To attempt to do so, I would need access to more advanced technology.
What? But it's your tech. You created Soulkiller.
The program I created has little in common with how Arasaka has since repurposed it.
Fine. So how about Makoshi? That advanced enough for you?
If I could gain access to Makoshi, it would cease to exist.
Good. We can work with that.
We'll get you inside Makoshi and you'll help V, deal?
What can you do for me, exactly? Everyone I've met so far said I'm too far gone.
By "everyone" you mean Hellman, Saburo's personal ass-munch?
With the Soulkiller resident inside Makoshi, I will create a construct of you, then disentangle your neural network from Johnny's.
I shall then inject your engram back into your mortal form.
Right, so we got a plan.
But how will you reach Makoshi? I've created armies that fail to reach it.
They were children of the Net. There's your problem. We're banking on the human factor.
We'll crack a window and slip you into Makoshi.
So, we agreed?
Yes, we are agreed. Find a path into Makoshi. I shall prepare a program to help you navigate the local Net.
I'll like contact you once I'm ready.
This is a BBS address. It will be our secure communication channel.
Voodoo Boys, what about them?
They shall let you pass unharmed. Those were our terms.
Gah... ah... ah... uh... uh... ah...
So you managed to survive.
No thanks to you, I'm sure.
You must not take any of this personally.
We seek silver hands' construct.
You are unlucky - have accident, get involved...
So it's okay to make me the fool? That how you do biz?
Maybe I ought to give all to heads up.
You dare now to lecture me?
Think I'd rather give you your due?
Bet other ranyons never live to enjoy this moment.
Enough.
Old can protect you in her realm, but here and now you are in mine.
Think I'll be all right anyway.
*thud*
Fuck!
Third trimester, cramping's not like my gun.
You sure? Can't be that bad if you make it light.
Fuck!
That was your tickle. Sit and rest.
Don't need you flatlining while we got a job to do.
Blah, blah, blah. Fuck Arasaka. Blah, blah. Smash Toshi.
You really are turning into me.
Can't say I'm excited, 'cause you're a manipulator, an egotist and a cynic.
Everytime you open your mouth you gotta bury someone.
You know, we get along as the need arises.
Maybe it's time you started trusting me more.
Every cell of my being dislikes you.
How can I trust you?
Do I gotta remind you how this came about?
Let's not get wound up. You're not yourself.
That's it. Had enough Johnny today.
Got shit to take care of.
See you pop back in your box, genie.
Fuck you, V.
Thanks. Eyes peeled.
V, my reconnaissance is complete.
It worked. Can hear it in your voice.
Everything is ready. I am sending you coordinates. Join me as quickly as you can.
Excellent timing.
How'd your recon go?
I believe I have collected enough to try.
The complex is well guarded, but we should manage.
The floats stand in the main warehouse.
Your task is simple - to get inside.
How?
The more quiet, the better.
But you are the thief. I will not question your skills.
Once there, you must locate the largest platform and infect its system.
Where you gonna be?
I will create a diversion.
They should not discover our intentions.
Do you know what Arasaka despises the most, confuses them?
When communication fails, when they cannot talk to each other...
They are first to cry - sabotage!
Don't confuse me.
I'll be in touch.
OK. Both sides to do with as we please. Flight to Tokyo, one.
(fire crackling)
Fucking worked!
Excellent work, B.
Okay, what now?
Now we retreat into the shadows and arm ourselves with patience.
I will contact you before the parade.
Until then, try not to get into any more trouble.
As if I wasn't in enough already.
The parade will soon start. I will wait where we met before.
By the stalls. Just stay out of trouble, okay?
Yo, yo, yo, my choomers, schroomers and goomers, Mr. White is here! Drop that!
Be... just in time.
Hey, girl. Wow, you look like a million eddies.
Is that so? That is not how I feel. I ate what you call "mascot food".
Aha! And what do you think, tasty?
Ask the people below.
The parade will soon begin.
I adjusted the data from Okada-san. I advise you to examine it yourself.
To begin with, the malware works. Truly, much better than I anticipated.
Our eyes and ears are in the guardroom. I observe the CCTV and I know where the sniper positions are.
They are a trio. You must make each harmless, before they do the same to me.
There are many ways to reach them. The first is nearby. He should not be a problem. The second is worse. You will have to climb.
As for the third, he hides on the footbridge over the street. We are here.
Hanako-sama's platform will stop here, close to the emergency exit we will use when all is done.
From these points you will have a clear view of the parade, but the snipers will see things even better.
If they notice you, bang! No more a thing.
If this sounds dangerous, consider that I must leap to the float, enter through a window and meet Hanako-sama face to face.
The last is what I fear the most.
Is all this clear? Are you ready?
Clint's fucked beyond all recognition, yet here I am.
I know, and I thank you for this.
Thank me once it works and I get in position.
Very well. Wait for my signal.
Stay safe, Goro.
[sniffles]
The floods have started. Remember to be careful where you will face Arasaka drones. I also spotted a Netrunner in a Arasaka uniform. She is somewhere - hidden.
Okay. Good to go.
Then let us begin. You must reach Old Snipers before Hanako-sama's flood appears.
Control yourself!
Saburo Arasaka, reporting for check.
A shooter patrolled the footprint.
Who we are?
Yes, apparently. Well done.
But problem remains.
That is...
The Arasaka Netrunner.
She has taken control of all the networks.
You must get rid of her.
You will not be able to hijack the flow otherwise.
She hides in an unfinished apartment building.
Get to the second sniper's nest.
Okay, on my way.
Oh, shit! Not good!
Now me! I have attention! Pull up a link!
Been on a while. Time for a break.
Fuck!
Of course you're here!
I want you!
I... I managed to...
Oona, is he dead?
He's breathing... for now.
Please, V, show him mercy.
There should be nothing standing in your way now. We press forward.
[computer beeping]
Okay, Prem. Online and in the system.
Hanako's inside.
What is she doing?
Trying to call someone, I think.
Try to listen.
Do not forget to disarm the alarms. I must be able to enter.
He warned me it was dangerous. I can't get in touch with Oda...
Something's wrong...
If we cancel the parade, they'll think we've taken advantage of their weakness.
Weakness? Whose weakness? Yours?
Ours.
I'm not here to persuade you, Father. I'm not here to be your puppet.
Everyone has a role in this show. Michiko hasn't complained.
But if you insist, we can cancel it.
Let's end it all. Your safety comes first.
Brother...
Let's end it.
Thank you, Hanako.
This is a rare opportunity. If we don't end it, we'll have regrets.
Goro, our system's jammed. It's now or never.
Father...
Hanako...
You...
Please forgive me. Please listen to me.
Saburo...
Don't talk about my father.
This is the last thing I can do for you.
I can't reveal the truth about Saburo's death...
Hanako, I don't want to be your puppet! But...
V...Rem!
B, are you secure?
Yeah, for now. Lost your fucking mind?
There's no time to explain. We must meet.
Where are you?
An abandoned apartment block on Pine Street, second floor, number 303. Knock four times. Hurry!
Thank you for watching.
Okay. Come inside. Quick.
I feared they had caught you.
Now you're gonna tell me what the fuck you were thinking?!
I used a sedative.
She tried to enable her tracker.
I had no choice.
I offered her some tea.
You kidnap Hanako Arasaka and offer her a cup of fucking tea?!
Yes. She respectfully declined.
Tell her the truth about Yorinobu.
No embellishment.
And state your terms clearly.
Perhaps to you, she will listen.
Lady Hanaho, he is the murderer. Please listen to what he has to say.
I was undamned determined and got nothing to lose.
I got your prototype relic jammed in my head.
By freak coincidence, it stopped.
Then helped me survive - a bullet.
And now, it's slowly killing me.
One of your personality engrams is overriding itself onto my psyche.
And if I don't find a way to stop it...
Well... it won't end well for me.
Lady Hanako, this is living proof of the terrible crime your brother committed.
We can confirm every word he speaks, if only you will help him with the relic.
Lady Hanako...
Did you hear that?
Go uncheck.
I got a bad feeling about this.
Well done!
Damn it!
(Explosion)
Last chance to get the fuck out of here!
Can't leave 'em back there!
Forget 'em, guys!
Toast!
Unless you wanna wind up like him!
Keep it goin', guys - radially! They're in the hallway!
Ugh, what the hell?
Don't you fucking dare float off! Not now! Come on, gotta get the fuck out of this city!
V, one of my missing vehicles could be near your current position.
Think they make these motels especially for royal fuck- ups like us?
ACs busted, dirty needles under the mattress, shitters clogged...
No, for real, who fucking comes here to sleep?
We're a couple miles outside Night City.
Someone leaving town just keeps driving.
Somebody going there sleeps in the damn city.
What good's a motel in the middle of nowhere?
Johnny...
Yeah?
Shut your gunk mouth, please.
Same random shit ain't gonna help anyone.
How the tables have turned...
Johnny, for crying out...
We're the ones sitting around waiting for SACA assault squads to storm in.
Anyone knocks, blast the fucking door.
No warning.
Not keen on us ending up like Takamura.
Hear that?
Car.
At this hour, in this place?
Fuck.
Just one?
Finger on the trick, V.
I have a message for V.
Don't touch that door.
Are you asleep? Time to wake up!
Who's there?!
I said, who's there?!
Want the whole motel to hear or will you let me in?
Alright, gonna let you in.
Finally.
That on the wall, is that... blood?
Yeah. Knocked the last star off this dump.
So, you were saying... got a message?
Something right here.
It'll start soon.
What'll start?
It's a doll... or a proxy.
I must make one thing clear... I still think you are mad, but...
Hanako... is that you?
But I can fool myself no longer... I believe you.
Okay... so now that you know - and believe - what's next?
You're a no-boo planted at Tanto and the corporation's very heart.
I must act while the wound is fresh - and you will help me.
You are living proof of his crime and treason.
Decided already - is that it? You're in no position to set conditions.
And what if I... obliged you to cooperate?
Have to send a swarm of proxies to do that.
This here - talking - is because you're alone.
You don't have anyone else you can turn to.
This is true... so what are your terms?
I want to know everything you know about Mikoshi.
Mikoshi... one of my father's flagship projects.
A data fortress with servers situated on orbital stations all around earth.
Think of it as an archive of personality constructs - digitized psyches.
Try a prison.
A matter of perspective.
In any case - that is not where you will find salvation.
Not without extensive knowledge of the relic and the construct creation procedure.
Track down your runaway - Hellman was hiding under Caintao's wing.
We chatted - think sooner or later the engram will completely consume me.
Process can't be stopped.
A surprisingly deterministic conclusion for a man of science.
At the very least - I got my hands on the relic's schematics.
Got detailed information about its inner workings... project tech documentation...
All useful - even more so, given that Hellman is still alive.
I will contact him and explain that one does not leave Arasaka by the back door.
Managed to make contact with Alt Cunningham.
THE Cunningham?
The very same who invented Soulkiller - using her modified version now.
That should be more than useful.
That's about the extent of what we've got. What now?
Let us meet in person. At Amber's, in the city centre. It is discreet.
Just remember one thing. From now on we both must exercise extreme caution.
Well, that's my job done.
You know what?
What?
I think I'd rather have had a wave of soccer meets bunch in here.
We got what we wanted. Don't tell me that proxy got to you.
Fuck you!
Come on, think about it.
Yesterday Hanako was living in a world that was completely safe for her.
What's she got on her hands now?
A foreign city, a homicidal brother and a fucking thief.
That's why she sent a proxy.
She's alone and she's shitting herself more than we are.
Uh-huh.
Clink.
What?
Did you say "clink"?
Uh-huh.
Sound of her attaching her leash.
Fuck!
Shit. Get ready.
Fuck!
Johnny!
You ain't dying yet. I got you.
Ugh... Johnny!
That smell's the sea breeze.
Get up. Pacific's beautiful this time of day.
Almost flatlined by that attack.
Almost.
We in, uh... Pacifica? What's this building?
Old hotel. The Pistis Sophia. We're her sole guests right now.
Wanted to show you something. Come on.
Why... why bring me here, of all places?
Gimme a minute. You'll see.
You took over.
Couldn't just leave you there, could I?
Ow!
Remember, there's no need to be reassured.
Did you want to pop the pill?
- -died in 2067.
Cool your chrome.
If I'd wanted full control, I'd have taken it already.
Lots earlier.
Think I woke up, derailed your plan in the nick of time?
And I think fear of death's got you spewing misdirected anger.
Climb through the window. Can manage that... I think.
You wanted to know why I brought you here.
There's a hidey hole where I'm standing. Open it. Empty it.
These yours?
They were. Belong to you now.
Why you giving me these?
Imagine we're deployed together, fighting in a war, side by side.
Would you take a bullet for me?
I would. Yeah.
Tags belong to a man who sacrificed his life for mine in Mexico.
I'm thinking about our... predicament.
Wanna be clear? I will do you no wrong.
When the time comes, it'll be my life for yours. I'll agree to get white.
Tags are proof of my promise.
I... I'd do the same for you.
Yeah. Thanks.
You seriously considering Hanako's offer?
Got a better idea?
Not yet. But I got a request.
Well?
Adam Smasher. Fucker who got the better of me.
Whatever happens to me, I want him zeroed, gone, tossed into the wind as mulch.
That you die in wish... revenge.
It's more than that. And I'll need you to take Rogue with you.
Not sure Rogue's the sentimental type.
"Bitter bitch these days" said it yourself. And it has been a while.
So I'll jog her memory myself.
You'll drop the pills for Misty. And I'll steer the ship for a bit.
I'm not at all excited about this plan. Realize that, right?
Just gonna have a quick chat with Rogue about Smasher. Then I'm out. I promise.
Need to know exactly what you plan to do.
I'll tell Rogue the truth. See if she's willing to help.
Hey, Satan kicked me out of hell. Thought I'd swing by.
All I gotta do is mention Smasher. Serve him up on a platter.
Muse over the old days. Easy.
Fine. I'll do this. For you.
Appreciate it, thanks. Take me to the afterlife.
Promise. You won't regret this.
Feeling better. Should get going.
Still feel a sharp something near your heart?
Doubt that's ever going away.
The hotel pissed at Sophia. That right?
Mm-hmm. Good place to die.
Just not today.
You're lying.
Of course I am. I understand.
I understand.
God, I feel sick. Don't like this at all.
This porcelain bitch is the worst kind of news.
Can you chill for two secs? We go in, we talk, we leave. That's it.
Lord Hanako is expecting you.
She emptied the place? Shit.
Excellent. You have come.
Let's step to it, then.
Before we discuss details, I feel I owe you an explanation. I must tell you why I changed my mind and wish to help.
You weren't sure of anything - if you could trust me, if you or Nobun killed your father. Now...
I knew. From the start.
You... knew?
All the board members knew. Not one soul even slightly interested in the matter believed in the poisoning. Details were disparate, inconsistent.
You knew - but didn't do a thing about it. Why? Suddenly sprout a conscience just yesterday?
My father had flaws. I know this. I harbor no illusions about it.
When a foe needed removal, my father ordered it without a thought to mercy - a way of being Yorinobu could not abide.
But to my father, En's ever-justified means... Saburo Arasaka has always valued just one thing. Do you know what it is?
Power.
Family. OUR family.
I was to be its heart, to uphold life and show continuity, stability... never to oppose it.
Huh. Guess your Nobu's instructions were a little different.
Yori Nobu raised his hand against our father, but he is an Arasaka. He is family.
I do not expect you to understand. I wish you merely to know I do not oppose my brother willingly... that it is difficult.
We were gonna talk biz, specifics.
Let us do so. Did you bring Soulkiller? As we agreed you would...
Finger on the trigger. Don't say a word.
Of course I didn't bring Soulkiller. Afraid we don't know each other that well.
You prefer to keep your guard up. Understandable, but unnecessary.
We are here because I know how to save your life. I can lead you to Mikoshi.
Meaning? Mikoshi don't exist in real space.
Yet its access points do - and one is very near.
Where?
Not in Night City. Beneath Arasaka Tower.
We oughta leave. Right now.
Wanna leave? What gave you that idea?
Quit button in, so I can hear her out.
This is gonna be a disaster.
Sit. We have little time.
You sure know how to prick up my ears. Go on, talk.
My brother...
You catch a whiff of that? Smells like shit. Careful not to step in it.
He must be made to take responsibility for his deeds.
Sounds like you want to avenge dead old dad.
I want the Arasaka Corporation to know the truth.
How you plan to do this?
Yorinobu...
Lady Hanako, it's about time you went back home.
I'll be right back.
Testify. Listen, mind if I'm straight with you?
Help me get rid of Yorinobu. I will help you get rid of the construct.
Offer's intriguing. Need to think about it.
Naturally. And... Yorinobu is on high alert after the parade. He may harbor suspicions.
Let's fly the fuck out of here.
V? Do you feel all right?
Huh?
You are bleeding.
Fuck...
It seems you are running out of time. Don't delay. Make your decision.
I'll think it over.
You could use some air. Right now.
Right now.
I warned you.
What? What are you doing?
What am I doing?
I'm showing you what it's like to feel fucking trapped.
Asked you. Warned you.
But you've insisted I'm not giving a shit.
Now this porcelain cunt's gonna use you in her fancy scheme.
You got a problem with that?
'Cause that's what we wanted.
The gates to Makoshi.
Yeah. Beneath Saka Tower.
And what's that give us?
What's that fucking give us?!
You want to lead an all-out assault on Saka Tower?
Jesus Christ! You can barely stand on your own two feet!
Great. You checking out again?
Am I?
No, it's not what you think. Not yet, by the way.
Be easy there. Don't move just yet.
Vic?
You're in pain, I know. Delirious when you arrived, so I had to dose you with Beta-Aliparado.
But light over sensitivity is a good sign. Means your optic nerves aren't damaged.
How... how'd I get here?
Dragged yourself here, beat to hell and back. Gave Misty a hell of a fright.
Then you shoved my patient at the time off the table and demanded you be treated immediately.
Talmant was your guardian angel.
Huh? I... wasn't completely myself.
Yeah, I know. And that's a bit worrying.
So... how bad we talking?
That bad, huh?
All right. That should be a little better. Try sitting up. Carefully.
Carefully.
I'll try. I think I'm getting some feeling back.
Slowly.
Another victory for the history books.
Well, looks like I can sit up all right. But I can tell you don't have good news.
How much longer is this going to go on?
You tell me.
Looking at you, not long at all.
Next attack, you will be able to crawl back here. You'll flatline in some back alley.
This is your last chance to take matters into your own hands. Understand?!
I know, Vic. I'll try... soon.
No. You'll do it now.
Now, see that setup over there?
Uh-huh.
You'll find something there that'll help you end this on your own terms.
If you can manage to cross those few yards, the rest will be up to you and you alone.
On your own terms, huh?
Really subtle there, Doc.
Give it a fucking rest, Johnny. It's my decision.
And I gotta think about it. Need to stretch your noodle? Fine.
It's not in this basement.
V, Christ, you're talking out loud.
What? Out loud? What?
Just go fix this thing.
I think I can do it.
Whatever you decide, let's make sure to get out of here first.
Can't thank you enough for all you've done, Vic.
Only wish I could've done more. Go on now. I don't wanna close up.
Take the meds and do what you gotta do, V.
Thanks, Vic. I will.
You hang in there, too. Shouldn't have had to.
Sorry... about that.
No need to be. I know what's going on. And I know it won't be easy... for either of you.
If you don't wanna decide here, I know a much better place.
Sure. Got a feeling Vic's had enough of me as is.
Don't be mad at him. His chakras are all blocked up today. Plus he's had too much coffee.
And let me guess... my R is sputtering?
Mm-hmm. Afraid so.
Sure. Lead the way. Why is this spot special?
I took Jackie there once. It's not far.
Jackie?! What's he gotta do with any of this?
You'll see. Come on.
That fl- He had the same glum face.
Who, Jack?
This is it, Chica. I'm done for.
Doesn't sound like the Jackie I knew.
That was a long time ago.
His mom had just found out he'd signed up with the Valentinos.
Trust me - Signora Well's on one shoulder, your gang Choomba's on the other -
no choice can ever seem right.
Mm-hmm.
Life wasn't easy for my Jackie, but...
he found the courage to bet on himself.
After...
I brought him here.
Ah, that's more like it. Air.
See that?
I come here when I need to get away. Be alone with my thoughts.
She's onto something. Oughta sit and mull through some shit yourself.
Thanks, Misty. You were right - choice spot.
So what... what'd Jackie decide of here?
Oh, you know... gonna be a legend in this city.
And I'm gonna leave you alone now.
Take your time.
Fucking scared me, know that? Thought you were on your way out.
No, I'm still here.
For now. You know, you should call anyone you wanna say goodbye to.
Worst case scenario... not what you expect.
No. But whatever you decide, risk's gonna be high - if things don't go our way.
Just fucking do it. Anyone you gotta talk to - now's the time. Pills can wait.
No, not really my style. Goodbyes.
You do you. Come a long way to get here, haven't we?
Just think... it all started in a fucking landfill.
Mm-hmm. Then you tried to kill me.
Exactly what I mean.
Here we are now, together, soaking in this piss of Night City.
My only regret's that I won't get to see how it all ends.
You're the one who rejects the only option we got left.
Cooperating with monsters like them, anything's better.
Makes it worth taking a chance in Arisaka.
The fuck was that?!
God, how you so fucking stubborn!
You inherited your finer traits.
You absolutely sure? No going back on this you know?
Yeah, just don't freak out.
Honestly, couldn't give a natch shit.
Got a feeling you're gonna regret this decision.
And the moment that dawns, I won't be there to help.
Could be my last ride, this.
If it don't work out, uh...
Just wanna be there for it.
Where?
See you inside, Makoshi.
Johnny?
Okay, just me now.
At last.
Your offer, I accept.
You took your time.
In the interim, Yorinobu has made his move.
What do you mean?
My brother has made me his guest at his residence in North Oak.
Locked you in?
Yes. His people watch over me for my safety.
Yeah? Well, I'll get you out. Can be pretty persuasive.
I thank you.
Where are you?
At Victor's, my ripper doc. Back behind a small shop called Misty's Esoterica.
I will send someone for you. They will drive you to the residence.
Then we shall visit my brother together at Arasaka Tower.
Is that you, V? Or...
Yeah, it's me.
So... what now?
Waiting for my driver.
Come inside. We'll wait together.
Since you have to wait, mind if I give you a reading?
Sure, why not?
Some believe uncertainty is an evil that should be dispelled through divination.
Others claim it's change that is evil. But that isn't true either.
Every minute of every day we each become someone new.
We shouldn't fear change itself, but only who we might change into.
Knowing one's path is most important.
I devised this layout especially for you and Johnny.
Your future is his future and vice versa.
Okay, I'm ready.
We'll start with you, V.
The Fool.
What a surprise.
Let's dig deeper to find its meaning here.
The Fool symbolizes the start of a journey, the announcement of something new.
It's the inner child, curious of the world but also naive and reckless.
Sounds a lot like the V I first met.
The Magician.
A person of great talent and charisma. A leader.
Sounds like Johnny.
The card is reversed.
That can mean a tendency toward addiction, mental instability.
Okay, definitely Johnny. He is one great disturbance.
The final cards are about your futures.
The Devil.
Got another deck lying around? A cheerful one.
This is no joke, V. An inverted Devil symbolizes subjugation, losing control, aggression, evil, a power struggle. Whatever you're planning, treat this as a warning.
Okay. And Johnny's?
The moon.
Whoa, that doesn't sound too bad, right?
I don't know, V.
The moon is mystery.
Hmph. I think that's for you.
Wait... is that... an Arasaka stretch?
That's right.
But... V... they killed Jackie and... and now you're working for them?!
Think I don't remember? Don't like it any more than you do. But all the other options were worse.
Betraying a friend... you can't justify that!
Got no right to judge me.
You've changed... for the worse.
So... this is where Arasaka's finest technology wound up. Charming.
Where's the Vipper? Telling fortunes from rat bones in the back?
That's right. Matter of fact, just fool told I'd break your shit-spewing jaw.
Remember the last time I did that, I trust?
I do. But I also recall what we spoke of that day.
The construct in your head and how it could affect decision-making.
The same construct that, in its former life, detonated two nuclear warheads inside Arasaka Tower.
And now you and this construct have volunteered to sort things out in Arasaka.
Interesting coincidence, wouldn't you say?
I got Johnny in check with beta-blockers, and Arasaka's not on my radar.
It's simple - my life's on the line.
I shall be watching you. Let us go.
ARASAKA TOWN
Monaco?
I failed to see what you and your sharp wits are doing here.
You know why I am here? Driving master fee.
Easy on the road, right?
I'm gonna damage the fuckin' wheels.
What am I, your chauffeur? I didn't agree to this.
Neither did I, matter of fact.
So just shut up and drive.
Now for the fun part.
The limo is our soccer, but there will be guards past the checkpoint.
Try to act natural.
Or rather, just be still and calm and this will all go smoothly.
Yes, that is the last of Yorinobu's people. I await you.
I'm nearing the residence.
Good. Land by the pool.
These people... they simply left me no choice.
We have a job to do. We need to keep it together for all our sakes.
I need do nothing. It is just that...
I believe a war has just begun.
War is a bit much, isn't it? A little loaded word for any of us, Selka.
Is that what you believe?
Just counting bodies - you and me and a helmet makes three - actually, two and a half.
Anyway, against all of Arasaka and its armies, that's not much.
My brother is not all of Arasaka - not yet, at least. He knows this well.
It is the reason he surrounds himself with criminals like Adam Smasher.
That's supposed to make me feel better? Reality is we're on our own.
My father was on his own, and he built an empire.
Lease.
Is it not too early for champagne?
But if it helps you calm down, does anyone else have trembling hands?
No need. My hands are fine.
I might beg to differ, V.
Rest of me's up to scratch, too.
That is a lie. He faded out in the car.
Just tired.
That is to be expected. Your central nervous system is a shambles.
To be honest, it's a miracle you can still walk.
We must make haste.
Once Yorinobu has been dealt with, we shall attend to your needs.
Did you prepare everything?
Quite.
Thank you for watching.
Oh, fuck!
Will he manage?
You sure he will?
I'll be fine.
That's all for now. Thank you for watching.
This way.
Probably won't get another chance.
To do what?
To fill me in on your plan.
What if I have none?
Don't play dumb with me, Hanako.
You and Takemura had a plan the day of the parade. Moments later you had nothing. Your plan was in tatters.
And yet we are here now. Do you know why? Because sometimes you have to look the truth in the eye.
Back then, that is what I did. Thanks to you.
You have a... a very honest look.
That's how we're swinging the Arasaka board. You want me to stare at them?
Weapon at the ready.
If my charms don't work, we go for more tried and tested methods. I see what you're getting at.
Where are we actually going?
This is one of Arasaka's most closely guarded secrets.
Hang on... is this...
Father's office. A faithful replica of the original in Tokyo.
He ordered one made in every Arasaka branch on the planet.
Every last detail... every item... arranged as if he could navigate it blind.
That is the way he is - meticulous, fastidious...
Was.
I beg your pardon?
Meant to say "was".
Symbols are more resilient than you think.
The question is if the faction leaders remain loyal to Arasaka values...
and if they will find the courage to admit their mistake.
Honestly, wishful thinking at best.
My testimony's worth shit here.
Not as if you've got much leverage either.
We shall soon know.
Come.
Well, then...
We're going down.
I told you. Mikoshi can be accessed only from a room beneath Arasaka Tower.
Before we interrupt this board meeting, we must do one more thing.
Huh? Keep getting this weird feeling you're not telling me the whole truth.
Because I am not telling you the whole truth. I am cautious.
Thought you said we trusted each other.
There is trust between us now. That is why you are here.
So earlier, soon after you abducted me, I sought his counsel.
Uh, whose?
Father's.
His office is not the only replica he created.
What?
Father, it's this man.
You stole from our company and worked for us.
Fuck me, Dizzy.
And you joined the kidnapping of my daughter and now you're trying to bury my son.
It seems you have a lot of resentment against Arasaka.
You think I'll talk to you? Forget it.
Your opinion doesn't matter.
Me to deal with Hanako, not you.
Oh, I wonder about that.
You seem well prepared, Hanako.
Begin.
Father...
It is done. We may go.
Let's get out of here.
I... Johnny... Fuck no! Not now!
It won't be much longer, V. Will you stay with us?
We're only weaker by the minute. We gotta hurry.
Indeed we do.
These young people...
Meaning...
I guess it'd be all the same to them, wouldn't it?
That's why you brought me here.
Anyway, motivations aside, what's important is that they shoot in the right direction.
As Alaska's order, an order...
You mean when the board rejects every word out of our mouths?
If... not... when...
Then what? You mean to neutralize them, too?
Keep your weapon up.
Who is this "person"?
Security, we've had an intrusion.
I am late. Apologies.
Hanako, what are you doing here?
My brother... where is he?
He... told us to start without him.
Then... begin without him, we shall.
Begin what?
The removal of Yorinobu from his position as CEO of Arasaka.
Did I hear you correctly?
What... what are you doing?! You cannot...
Hanako...
I believe you owe us an explanation.
V, this is your seat.
I will not let you treat me this way!
You hear that? Plant your ass somewhere else.
This is outrageous.
Aren't you obliged?
Yorinobu murdered my father and exploited his death to justify his warmongering. And you knew of this. All of you.
Fascinating.
Absurd!
Careful what you say.
Yes, indeed. Worse than nothing else. Is this all you have?
I have an eyewitness.
It's true. All of it. Saw it with my own eyes.
What did you see?
I saw Yorinobu strangle Saburo Arasaka.
More interesting with each minute.
A serious accusation, admittedly. But nothing more.
If our testimony is not enough, perhaps you will listen to my father.
You lowly scum.
M-Master Arsaka!
I was deceived like a child, and I ran for my life,
but in the end, those who are responsible for it are pitiful.
This? Is this... to convince us?
Ah, magic, Drake!
Barhead...
This is what I should have said when you were willing to go to war with the Militech.
You lack three things...
Self-confidence, intelligence, and guts.
M-Master Arsaka, I...
It seems nothing has changed since then.
It's... it's him!
Master Arsaka, what is your command?
Follow your father.
Everything you say is in line with my words.
Objections?
Intruder detected.
What the hell's happening?!
Initiating Hayabusa protocol.
Clearly... someone objects.
Who activated the lockdown?!
Is it you?! Is this your doing, Hanako?!
To lock us in here so we devour each other like rats in a cage?!
Hear that?!
Have you brought more of this filth from the street?!
[gunfire]
Lay it on him!
Don't...neutralize us.
Yes, still my brother.
If you harm a hair on his head, our agreement will be broked.
Come out! Hands where I can see 'em!
At the end of the hall, there is an atrium and lift shaft. Be careful - I have heard there is fighting on this level.
I'll disable all the elevators.
The lockdown has been lifted. Be very careful - Yoriobu's men are certain to be in position. I will join you once we have the situation under control.
2067 - An Arasaka bodyguard shields the Emperor of Japan from an assassin's bullet.
2071 - Arasaka security forces prevent mass riots in San Francisco, saving the city from certain ruin.
2074 - An Arasaka investigation eliminates a terror cell in Rio de Janeiro, ending a string of attacks and executing those responsible.
2075 - An Arasaka security forces prevent mass riots in Rio de Janeiro, ending a string of attacks and executing those responsible.
Hard to take care of.
There is a large room ahead. My brother's most capable men got it. You know what to do. My netrunners have dealt with the doors. You can keep moving.
As if they were gonna make this easy.
Your mate is back!
Adam Smasher! I fuckin' knew it!
This is your end!
Don't try this at home!
Come here!
They're human and disgusting!
Mercy is disgusting!
Time to endure!
Strum out this rotten cow!
Once I finish you, everything will turn down!
You are nothing!
Is this...the pain...for the missing sixer?!
How about that, Johnny?
Almost...there.
I am as well. Remember...do not harm a hair on his head.
I remember. Privilege...is all yours.
Violent delights...with violent ends.
You?!
Where is my sister?!
Be here any sec now. Until then, supposed to watch you, so don't try anything.
What would I try? I have tried everything. Nothing else remain.
This... you won't need.
Just one bullet left. It's not for you.
Look. What do you see?
A guy... who lost...
Just one? I see millions...
Kyoto... Dubai... Paris...
These people had a chance today, but they lost it.
A chance? A chance for what?
To forget their fear.
This... is nonsense.
No... fear.
Ever since I can remember, the one thing I cannot deny him...
He knew... how to cause fear in people...
Saburo...
He once told me, anything of value is only a flag blowing in wind...
And wind is fear...
And then... you know what he did? Blew in my face...
That was the one time he was wrong...
And others? It worked on them...
They feared him...
Even now... You saw... Idiot's terrified of a dead man talking from a box... Pathetic...
I would change that... If only you did not appear...
I wouldn't have changed... The damn thing... You're exactly like 'em...
All you want... Is power...
Power? Huh? Truly... Power?
Fifty years ago, terrorists blew this building into smoke...
Yeah... So I heard...
And? What did it give us?
Not much... Nothing...
But I learned lesson... If planting bombs not enough... What can you do?
You'll become bomb...
Brother...
I've been waiting for this moment. When the world collapses... you'll be there for sure!
Stop it.
In front of people...
I must stay with my brother.
Come. Time to look to your problem.
Fate is a fickle mistress, isn't she?
Say what now?
You spend your whole life fighting for something...
only to become that very same thing...
who I once looked to be.
I'm tired...
Good night...
[electricity crackling]
It worked. I did it.
Johnny... Veronica kept her word.
Looking at you now... reminds me of the moment we met.
You still see that same small-time punk, little thief with his head in the clouds, haven't changed a bit.
Got it all wrong. No way that V would've ever made it this far.
Just... wouldn't have survived.
I had to grow stronger... and I did.
Maybe... but that V also couldn't stomach betrayal.
Wait, that's what you think? I betrayed you?
Worse... lots... you betrayed yourself.
Yourself.
You have no right to judge me.
Couldn't be more wrong.
Biochained and mourned just blend our memories.
That line that kept V in silver and was severed... well, faded a while back.
How's that give you the right to talk down to me?
I'm the V who mourns our pal Jackie.
The V who's fuckin' livid at Brigitte.
I'm the V with a heavy conscience.
And you... who are you?
I'm the V who chose to live.
Same drive that kept Silverhead going his whole life.
That drive and two thoughts... never look back, never look to those around you.
Just keep moving, look ahead, stare death straight in the eye.
You're not the only rebel around here.
And I'm not the only one to have missed the bigger picture.
We're a tangled web you and me... one in the same.
So if you're here to tell me something, it's 'cause you need to hear it yourself.
I wanna pour ways on good terms, Johnny... as friends.
Not sure that's possible anymore.
Listen... I'm on an operating table getting sliced open.
Our socket docks are taking the chip out as we speak.
I mean you knew it'd end this way...
that the day would come when I'd wanna be normal again... want my life back.
Normal is overrated.
If it exists at all...
they're cutting a piece of us out... and that'll be the hole forever.
That was the deal we made... I'd stay, you'd go.
Deal was to fight side by side, have each other's backs...
And we did that, we won.
Better to die on your feet than live on your knees...
You sold a part of yourself - of us - to a megacorp...
Was it really worth it?
If you're all paranoid about being thrown in another Arasaka prison, don't be...
They're gonna shred you...
You're never gonna get it...
It's not about Arasaka... not even about life and death...
Then what's it all about, Johnny? Enlighten me...
The principle, V... it's always about the principle...
Swap meat for chrome, live a B.D. fantasy... whatever...
But at the end of it all, it's the code you live by that defines who you are...
Ever get lost? It shows you the way home...
Bust up into pieces? It puts you back together again...
That rockerboy Silverhand's credo? Words he lived by?
Somethin' Johnny picked up from V... the old V...
Conversation's pointless...
Goodbye, Johnny...
Remember what Dex asked you? Quiet life or blaze of glory? Sure I remember... Shame you chose wrong... Damn shame...
In addition, numerous brain functions remain dormant.
The neural impulses have been rerouted to the neural processor - a temporary measure.
When can I expect a full report?
I will send it by the end of this week.
My congratulations again on your success. Goodbye.
Please prepare the patient's room.
Having... trouble remembering... how I got here...
Some memories you have lost permanently. Others will return in time.
You must stay calm. Your neural processor is overburdened.
Any unnecessary stress response will only make things worse.
Am... am I still V?
I... I died... twice... I...
Everything is in order.
No... I... Who am I?
Please take the patient away.
Notepad.
Progression and its further trajectory remain unclear. Removing the tumors proved a difficult task.
But the operation on the engram was the real challenge.
Let's go.
Is the ship of Theseus - dismantled in two component parts and reassembled - still the same ship?
We are pioneers - the first to ever separate mentally challenged people.
Yes. In the end -
I hear the cooker calling you - and long for Kyoto.
End of note.
Please rest. A doctor will be with you shortly.
COME HERE!
WAITING FOR YOU!
AVAILABLE NOW
Everyone at home has been notified of a breaking story.
Saburo Arasaka lives once more, though now in the body of his son.
The CEO was reported dead months ago,
but now it's been revealed that a copy of his consciousness was made before his death.
It appears his consciousness was used to overwrite that of his son and heir, Yorunobu Arasaka.
This shocking development was revealed at a press conference earlier today.
Welcome, everyone.
My grandfather used to say, "Dried flowers never return to their branches."
Everyone is afraid of death from the moment they become compassionate.
At last, the greatest fear of mankind has been overcome.
I, Saburo Arasaka, stand before you now, using my son's body.
I once gave my life to Yorunobu.
He gave it back for the sake of his beloved father.
While I was gone, Yorunobu made several decisions to change companies.
But they were all mistakes.
Under my command, Arasaka will regain its original form.
I promise you that a strong Arasaka will return and never waver again.
Thank you for your growth.
We must complete a series of tests. Please do not hinder or delay.
Parietal lobe examination.
Please use your kiroshi scanner and read the displayed text.
"And it was a sight to behold," he said, "how a soul would choose its life — sometimes pitiable, sometimes laughable, at times wonderful and strange."
That's enough.
Cognitive function test.
Solve the cube.
Hmm...
Please link yourself to the device.
Higher order representation formation, initiating test.
The patient is ready to be examined.
What are these tests meant to... test?
Initiate device calibration.
Respond to the key words, no thinking, just the first word that comes to mind.
Journey.
What?
Home.
Johnny.
Enemy.
The city.
Principal.
Johnny.
Betrayal.
Arasaka.
You're in a cornfield. Tall, green plants as far as the eye can see. The sun is bright, blinding. The stalks of corn part as you walk forward. You come across a clearing left by an automated combine in its wake.
What's this test for anyway?
It tests your level of empathy. The heat has made your mouth dry and sticky. You spot a rodent's nest at your feet. The machine has torn through the soft soil. You spot blind, newborn field mice around their mother. The machine has left her sliced in two. They lie in perfect symmetry - a tiny rodent rosette. Your mouth begins to water.
That's enough.
The test is necessary.
I said, enough.
We shall return to it later.
How'd I do?
We will see.
Motor function test. Please step onto the treadmill.
Motor function test. Please connect to the device.
What's this test all about?
Please walk. Gradually accelerate.
Shit.
Get up.
You can't stay here.
(door opening and closing)
(gun cocking and loading)
(grunting)
Welcome to N54 News. I'm Jillian Jordan.
The world remains gripped by the revelation that Saburo Arasaka has returned from the dead in the body of his son, Yorinobu Arasaka.
A letter of protest regarding the apparent "resurrection" has been signed by religious leaders, human rights groups, and Virtue100 company CEOs.
This is an abomination born of unchecked vanity, technocratic arrogance, complete moral collapse!
Our position is clear. Saburo Arasaka's seizure of power is in violation of international law.
International arbitration is absolutely necessary to...
Do we really want to live in a world where the rich and powerful can become immortal?
Where they can continue to take from the poor, not only their livelihoods, but even their bo...
YOU ARE GODS! YOU ARE GODS! YOU ARE GODS! YOU ARE GODS!
LIFE IS NOT FOR TRADE! LIFE IS NOT...
But Saburo Arasaka has issued his response in similarly strong terms. There will be no appeasement.
As for Arasaka Company's incident, there is no reason for outsiders to say anything about it.
Since there is no need for permission to be resurrected, we should assume that resurrection is also the same.
The claim that I killed my son is absolutely false. There is no legal basis for it.
A body's top layer can be classified as a type of skin and cannot be killed.
The condition for killing is biological death.
As you can see...
This body is...
Next test, please connect your personal link.
Fire order representation formation, initiating test.
The patient is ready to be examined.
Let's start this thing.
Device calibration. Please respond to each keyword with your initial association.
As quick as I can, no thinking, got it.
Illness.
Me.
Rebellion.
Johnny.
I, me.
Johnny.
The present.
Hell.
The future.
Death.
You're in a cornfield. Tall green plants as far as the eye can see. The sun is in your eyes. You come across a clearing left by an automated combine in its wake.
The heat has made your mouth dry and sticky. You spot a rodent's nest at your feet. The machine is torn through the soft soil. You spot blind, newborn field mice around their mother. The machine has left her sliced in two. They lie in perfect symmetry - a tiny rodent rosette. Your mouth begins to water.
Right. Enough.
Measurements complete. We will now move on to the motor function test. Please step onto the treadmill.
Motor function test. Personal link.
Really aced it last time, didn't I?
Slow walk.
No, no point to this.
The tests are necessary. They must be performed.
Not bad so far, huh? Try a little faster.
Accelerate by three.
Drop treadmill.
Testing concluded for today.
Communications have been unlocked. You may now phone home.
Berth.
Thank you for watching.
[suspenseful music]
♪ ♪
Cognitive function test.
Solve the cube.
Over the past several weeks, tensions between Arasaka Corp and Militech escalated to troubling levels.
Many pundits and analysts warned of a possible outbreak of armed conflict.
The exacerbation of tensions was heightened when your noble Arasaka assumed leadership following his father's death and accused Militech of his murder.
However, in an unexpected shift, the return of Saburo Arasaka appears to have diffused the situation between the rival megacorporations.
There is no need for change. This is the truth. That is all.
We need very precise data.
Can't stand this anymore.
Cognitive function test.
Solve the cube?
Place it up. Respond to the key words. No thinking. Just the first word that comes to mind. Loyalty.
No idea.
Please respond to each term with the first thing that comes to mind.
Quick as I can, no thinking, right?
Humanity.
Enough! No more tests! I refuse to take any!
Please step onto the treadmill.
No.
As quickly as you can, without thinking about it.
V...
No.
Cognitive function test.
Solve the cube.
Fuck! No! Enough!
I've had it! Fucking hate this place!
Fuck you all!
Enough! I'm done!
Fuck!
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Good morning. Please get up.
Didn't expect to see you here, of all people.
Life is full of surprises.
Someone really ought to clean this mess up.
What do you want?
They asked me to speak to you.
Fine. So what do you have to tell me?
I fear I'm the bearer of bad news. Listen to me.
The procedure was a success. We removed the biochip.
But the damage it wrote proved enormous.
At the genetic level, altered DNA.
The kind you would find in those suffering from radiation sickness.
And sadly, it's lethal.
No. I don't believe you.
The test results are unequivocal.
You could still be wrong.
Were I you, I would place my hopes elsewhere.
All the options have yet to be exhausted.
What other options are there?
Already gone under the knife once.
Arasaka Corporation has the capability to cheat death.
All we require from you is a dose of trust.
Trusted you once already. Fat lot of good that did me.
You may join our pilot program.
Secure your soul.
I fear your body is no longer of any use. You must abandon it.
We will create an engram of your mind and store it in Mikoshi.
Store it? Why can't I just get a new body?
We have yet to solve the compatibility issue.
Doesn't sound like you would much of a problem with Saburo Arasaka.
You have no offspring.
Nor do you have an entire clinic focused solely on your care.
How am I supposed to know this isn't another one of your tricks?
A trick?
Maybe Arasaka just wants to punish a pain in the ass thief.
Maybe Saburo just wants another soul in his collection.
The Arasakas have become gods. You are nothing to them. Insignificant.
So this has to be your sweet revenge.
Lucky you. Your life's work has turned Saburo into a god. Yet here you stand, a mere mortal.
That would make two of us. Why would I seek to punish my companion in distress?
My employer has made you an offer. We should finish discussing it.
So let's say I agree. Land in Arasaka's soul prison. Put myself at their mercy.
Do I even need to ask about the catch?
All is set forth in a contract. Guaranteed, therein. You must merely sign it. If you wish to live, that is.
Now, since a digitized psyche is not legally an individual, the contract entails relinquishing your rights. A temporary measure, naturally.
No. Not about to become the property of Arasaka Corp.
Current participants of the program are all well- known, influential people. We have yet to receive any complaints.
And if I refuse?
Your belongings are packed. A shuttle will take you back to Earth, and you will be dead before winter.
It's no easy decision, I know. You should think it through carefully.
I want to live.
As do most.
There's no point in delay. We can begin immediately.
See you... in the future... I hope.
Yes. See you. Our staff will take it from here.
Hey, what's your name?
Hajime.
Hajime, let me ask you something.
What would you say to a person who walked right into their greatest foe's jail, to save their life?
Hmm... I would say... alright, but do not forget the way home.
Avie, how's the earth looking from way up there?
Is she as pretty as they say, or is that just another lie?
Listen, don't forget - your implants were made for earth gravity.
Could start acting up in orbit.
What I'm trying to say is - don't ignore any error warnings, okay?
And when you're back - I mean, if you come back - I'll do a full checkup.
Maybe even give you a little discount.
Take care, Avie.
Hey, Avie. I was just wondering how you've been. Haven't heard from you in a while. Still living large in Night City?
I don't know.
All I think about is dropping everything and leaving. Yet, here I am, still.
This city's like quicksand. The more you try to get out, the more it pulls you in. Once you're up to your knees, you never get out like... like Evelyn.
Anyway, look out for yourself, okay? And call me sometime. Bye.
Hey V, it's Penn M. Remember me? The one with the car? Listen, you wouldn't happen to have any gigs to spare, would you? I'm not picky or anything. I'll take whatever pays the rent. If you've got something or you know someone who does, give me a call, okay? I'd really appreciate it.
So, yeah. That's it. Catch you sometime in the afterlife, maybe.
That's your second home. I will never forget what you did for us. And for me. It's a debt I'm happy to owe you. Head up, eyes forward, V.
V, hey! Can you hear me? Shit, is this thing recording?
Okay, well, all of us have been wondering when you're finally gonna drop by. We can get a barbecue going, knock a few back, do a couple of races, or pay a friendly visit to the Raf and Shiv. Guess what I'm trying to say is, well, badlands could use a badass like you, V. Don't know what you got on your plate right now, but remember you're welcome out here anytime. Alright now, take care.
Bye.
Gotta hand it to you, V. I'm impressed. When you told me you were gonna go after Hellman, I was sure you'd come back as a garbage bag full of smithereens. But you didn't. I'm not usually wrong about people and what they're capable of. I'm curious to see what else you've got in you. If you're looking for your next job, you know where to find me.
Hey, V. Orbital connections cost an arm and a leg, so I'll just get right to it. I was just thinking about you, so I laid out a quick tarot and... oh, dear.
The Fool, the Moon, the High Priestess... those, uh... those are bad cards. Keep a close eye on your new friends, V. I mean it.
Made my decision. I'm going back to Earth. Going home. You will die there.
Goodbye, Anders. Your offer was shit... but in making it, you gave me something better.
W-what are you talking about?
Before, death was inevitable... a fact of my shit life. You let me choose it... accept it on my terms.
The End.
We'll never fade away...
I see your eyes and know you see...
you're like a ghost out of your head.
Hey V, how's the earth looking from way up there?
Is she as pretty as they say?
Or is that just another lie?
Listen, don't forget, your implants were made for earth gravity.
Could start acting up in orbit.
What I'm trying to say is, don't ignore any error warnings, okay?
And when you're back - I mean, if you come back - I'll do a full checkup.
Maybe even give you a little discount.
Take care, V.
Hey, V. I was just wondering how you've been. Haven't heard from you in a while. Still living large in Night City?
I don't know.
All I think about is dropping everything and leaving. And yet, here I am, still.
In cities like Quicksand, the more you try to get out, the more it pulls you in. Once you're up to your knees, you're never getting out like... like Evelyn.
Look out for yourself, okay? And call me sometime. Bye.
Hey V, it's Penn M. Remember me? The one with the car?
Listen, you wouldn't happen to have any gigs to spare, would you?
I'm not picky or anything. I'll take whatever pays the rent.
If you've got something or you know someone who does, give me a call, okay? I'd really appreciate it.
So, yeah, uh, that's it. Catch you sometime in the afterlife, maybe.
Hello, V? Um, Saul speaking. Heard about something big happening in Night City. With a certain "V" in the lead role.
Um, don't know what that was all about or what you got going on.
But if you ever need a hand or camp's your second home, I will never forget what you did for us and for me.
It's a debt I'm happy to owe you.
Head up, eyes forward, V.
V, hey! Can you hear me?
Shit, is this thing recording?
Okay, well, all of us have been wondering when you're finally gonna drop by.
We can get a barbecue going, knock a few back, do a couple of races, or pay a friendly visit to the raff and shiv.
Guess what I'm trying to say is, well, badlands could use a badass like you, V.
Don't know what you got on your plate right now, but remember you're welcome out here anytime.
All right now, take care.
Gotta hand it to you, V. I'm impressed. When you told me you were gonna go after Hellman, I was sure you'd come back as a garbage bag full of smithereens. But you did it.
I'm not usually wrong about people and what they're capable of. I'm curious to see what else you've got in you. If you're looking for your next job, you know where to find me.
Hello, V. From what I understand, you have less than six months to live. I do not know how you plan to spend this time. Perhaps you have chosen to put your feet up, rest, ponder life's meaning. Or perhaps you continue to do what you are good at. If that is the case, my father and I would gladly retain your services.
You would be compensated generously. Six months will pass faster than you imagine. It would be a shame to let this time go to waste.
Hey, V. Orbital connections cost an arm and a leg, so I'll just get right to it. I was just thinking about you, so I laid out a quick tarot and... oh, dear.
The Fool, the Moon, the High Priestess... those... those are bad cards. Keep a close eye on your new friends, V.
Of course, sir.