《Ghost in the City》


 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2

    T-Two. I grunted as I forced myself up. Pushups were not easy, and my arms were still jello, but it was really good experience.

    *100 Body XP Gained.*

    Turns out I was now strong enough to do basic exercises, and while lifting my arms and working my incredibly weak body did give me XP after a while of doing it, actual direct exercise was a whole other ss.

    The first time I did an actual pushup I gained XP every rep. Of course I could only do one rep at a time at the start.

    But with the ability to go to sleep and wake up fully recovered. I was cheating while Jun was out of the house. Normally the amount of muscle pain I would be in would put me out ofmission for days. If not more considering how weak I still was.

    But with a nap I was back and ready to push myself again. Turns out I could actually adjust how much time I slept for as well. There was an actual 24 hour clock when I decided to sleep. I just hadnt seen it because I dont usually keep my eyes open when trying to sleep.

    Stupid weird Gamer system.

    T-Threeee! I grunted, managing a third pushup but it left me on my stomach gasping my arms burning and I realized they werent going to be any help getting me back on my feet.

    Okay Im out. I whispered as I simply rested on the floor for a while. Until I realized just how gross the floor was.

    Damn, when was thest time we cleaned this ce? I grunted being able to look at the ground I could see just how much dust and trash had been stuffed in the corners.

    Grumbling I rose up mostly without my arms since they were dead and I wandered around the apartment really taking it in. We were really poor huh? I couldnt help but think. Most of the stuff was old. Worn or badly repaired. With that I realized I was looking at the metal ts that blocked the window and pushed the button to open them. Taking in the world outside the apartment for the first time since the drive home.

    The world was full of trash.

    But there right outside the window was a pretty sakura tree in full bloom. The pink petals not the only color I could see, but they were the only natural color, surrounded by faded graffiti or punks walking around in neon clothes.

    It sorta fit. This city. It wasnt a prison like a certain girl once thought.

    It was just Overgrown. A neglected garden.

    Huh. Ive been inside too long. I''m getting philosophical. I couldnt help but mutter to myself as I decided to refocus.

    Exercise like this might be pretty boring. Wearing out every part of myself until I couldnt go on, and then sleeping for a few hours until I was fully recovered to do it again, but there was something

    Well it was like ying a game. Grinding out some stats in a game, except this was more real. More important. So instead of drifting off in my head I got back down on the floor and started trying to do a crunch.

    It didnt go over well, but the effort gave me some more XP.

    --

    *Body Leveled up!*

    I blinked, breaking my concentration on my failed attempts at squats to stare at the alert.

    I quickly threw the alert to the side and opened my stats.

    Body level 1. Im actually human again. I muttered as I rose up my body was burning and I was sweaty, but this time as I rose up.

    My body didnt wobble. I didnt feel weak other than normal exercise tiredness. I started walking around the small apartment and it didnt tire me out, or make me feel like I should stay close to the wall.

    I breathed in deeply and let it out. I felt Normal.

    Well

    I was hungry. I headed into my room and put on a few more clothes. A jacket over my light shirt I had been wearing while I exercised, a hat over my head, the hat looked like it was something I wore when I was younger. With a cute cat image on it, that had been covered in Tyger w stickers but I put it on anyway. And then my shoes. Which were weird.

    Crazy neon boots. This fuckin city.

    But with that I stepped out of the apartment for the first time since I entered it. The hallway was quiet other than old equipment struggling along. I decided to take the stairs to start. See if I could handle them, plus get some extra exercise.

    I opened the heavy gate with the code I had and started down. My body handled the strain easily enough. Even if my legs were still aching from my previous exercise. But it felt nice, to just. Go.

    Not be trapped inside anymore.

    Two weeks. Not bad. I was partially thankful that Jun was sort of an idiot. He hadnt thought it was weird that I was already able to walk. Just thankful that I could.

    The doctors probably hadnt bothered to tell him it should have taken me months to be able to walk on my own again.

    I wasnt going to bring that up to him. Instead I steadily walked down the stairs enjoying the feeling of moving farther and farther away from where I had been stuck until I hit the bottom floor.

    What a trash pit. I scowled, noticing plenty of trash lying around. The whole bottom of the apartmentplex was a mess. As I entered the lobby I noticed the two old asian men sitting in the corner

    Since I was hungry I walked over to the vending machine only to swiftly turn around as I realized what it was they were offering.

    SchwabSchwab Grape sold grape vored fried ants.

    I shuddered at the very idea of that. So instead I turned around and walked out into the street where a street vendor was cooking up some sort of meat balls on a stick right outside the door.

    Did I have any idea what they were? Nope. But they werent ants.

    I spent a couple eddies on buying one as I looked around.

    People were walking back and forth all around and for a moment I felt like This was real. These were actual people, not just NPCs in a video game. I couldnt help myself but keep moving.

    Even if I promised myself just a once around the block. I didnt want to be gone for too long.

    So I walked. The smell of the city was Strong. But it was the people that I watched. Hobos sitting in filth and just Dying. Punks kids that were looking towards their future even if they had no idea what it would entail stalked around. Some in the neon looks of Tyger ws, a few of the other gangs wandered. I saw a Mox girl saunter down the street, a bag of clothes or something hanging from her elbow.

    She caught me watching and threw me a wink. I just smiled at her as I walked past. There were so many people. So much life, and so much death. I could hear shoutsing from alleyways. Which I purposefully made sure to walk as far away from as I could. In the distance over the sound of the vehicles rumbling around I heard a gunshot and then two, and then twenty. But it was far in the distance.

    And all the while people just lived. Chattered either to each other or on a call. As I circled the block I came across a little restaurant out on the side of the street. The set up was cooking more of the meatballs on a stick. Still hungry I stopped and ordered a second helping, the taste was better at this ce I noticed to my pleasure. Passing the eddies over and thanking the cook who looked quite pleased and gave me a very Japanese bow, which I returned.

    Then I continued on. I realized where I was as I turned the corner. I could see the little underground shopping area. It took me a few minutes of walking before I found the name on a sign to confirm. Cherry Blossom Market. Nice I live right next to it. I muttered looking down into the ss roof into the market.

    I decided to keep walking though. That would be an adventure for another day.

    Continuing on I noticed the massive concrete structure that led up from the street lots and lots of stairs.

    I walked around them for now, but I already had an idea forming in my head as I continued my walk around the block. I reached the front of my apartmentplex. Giving a nod to the vendor that I bought the food from as I stepped back inside.

    Time to get back to work.

    I stopped at the bottom of the steps. Five floors. I reminded myself. As I started walking up the steps.

    *100 Body Experience Gained.*

    --

    Ah Jun-Nii, wee home. I called out as I continued to do my crunches.

    Ah Thanks. He muttered, having stopped to stare as I continued to do my exercise.

    You arent overdoing it right? He asked finally after a few moments but I shook my head on my upward bend.

    Nope! Just making sure my muscles arent all jello! I tell him as Iy back down to get ready for another.

    Body had leveled up again. Being able to do some basic running and be able to do more than just wave my limbs around had caused my XP toe in much faster.

    Which did allow me to learn how leveling stats worked.

    Each stat needed a thousand XP per level which multiplied by the level up. So to get to level 1 in a stat. I needed a thousand XP. To reach level 2 I needed 2000.

    Of course as I learned, sometimes it was actually easier to level once you hit a point. Since I could do more than one pushup at a time, the amount of experience I was earning had gone up crazy fast. Which is when I learned that the more pushups I did the less experience I would get for each one.

    I guess as my body grew stronger, weaker exercises wouldnt help as much.

    But for now it still gave me XP and I had switched to lots of different exercises to see. Crunches pushups squats jogging. Using the stairs in the apartment to go up and down.

    All of it gave XP. Hence why I was already at Body 2, and working towards 3.

    Well dont overdo it. He demanded with a growl before wandering into the apartment losing his gear as he did, slowly going from a gangster to an irritable teenager.

    Oh, do I have a weapon? A knife or a gun or something? I asked as I continued exercising.

    What? Why do you want a weapon? He demanded. Did someone bother you?

    No no. I ugh hold on. I groaned, taking a moment toy back and catch my breath. My core was absolute fire. I rolled onto my side and got up that way knowing my stomach would be no good for a while. No, I went out on a walk earlier.

    You what!? Motoko you dont know anything! You can barely walk, and-

    And I can walk better actually. I told him as I stood up and walked around showing him just how firm I was as I walked around the apartment. And I know I dont know a lot, which is why I need to learn. But from what I can see its dangerous out there, so I wanted to know if I had a weapon or something?

    Your katana was lost when You dont currently. Ill get you something. A knife, and a gun at least. He tells me firmly as he turns his back and plops a pair of burritos onto the table. Come eat first. You must be hungry.

    We have to talk about your burrito obsession Onii-San. I say inly as I sigh and grab the burrito. Causing Jun to look surprised as he looked at his own burrito in confusion.

    Whats wrong with them?

    Nothing. Nothing at all.

    --

    Jun was a teenager of his word. The next day he came home to me doing pushups as I listened to the Netrunner guide, which had surprisingly given me some Intelligence XP as well. So I was definitely doing something right there.

    Here. He said as he reached into his jacket and pulled out a pistol, and abat knife. Laying them on the table.

    Oh. That was fast, Jun-Nii. I told him. Thank you. I grinned as I went to check them over but his hand firmly pushing them against the table kept me from touching.

    Do you even know how to use a gun?

    Mostly? I offered which was the truth. I knew enough to at least not idently shoot myself, or someone else. Although I didnt have a lot of practice firing them. Shooting hadnt been big on my hobbies in myst life.

    Then Ill walk you through some of it. Im not going to have you kill yourself after everything. He ordered settling down on the couch as he grabbed the gun and casually unloaded it, putting the magazine and bullet that had been in the chamber down on the table. Alright, first this is a Unity handgun. Twelve round standard magazine. Let me show you how to hold it, so you dont shoot yourself. Or lose control of it. He started firmly.

    After an hour of focused training from Jun I felt my alert sound off.

    *Handguns Experience Gained.*

    *Skill not unlocked, no XP gained.*

    *Handguns Unlocked.*

    I smiled as I felt myself growing more confident. Whatever I was doing was right. And a skill? Yeah I liked that.

    --

    I slept like usual that night, waking up the next morning feeling refreshed, and instantly got up to grab my pistol.

    My normal exercise right in the morning usually left me pretty wrecked to do anything else. So instead I was going to practice with my handgun to make sure the skill was raised up.

    I didnt want to die after all, and a handgun was only like barely above unarmed in this city.

    So as Jun continued to sleep as I opened the windows in the living room spotting the Sakura tree with a smile I began practicing drawing and falling into a stance with my pistol. Over and over, Every few times it gave me an alert.

    *125 Handguns Experience Gained.*

    Over and over. Because drawing your weapon and getting on target was more important in real life than just uracy.

    Although I would like both.

    Slowly I was even gaining Reflex XP as well as I was training in moving very quickly, and not just exercising.

    At least I had found a way to raise that one as well. It was currently at 1. Just like most of my stats, other than body.

    I grumbled 1 Intelligence? I was smarter than that! Stupid Gamer system!

    With a grin I got another alert.

    *100 Handguns XP gained.*

    *Handguns skill level up!*

    Instantly I felt it take effect. With a gasp I went from my own guessed draw of my handgun to a smooth surety.

    I knew a better way to draw my handgun. Not guessed, knew. It wasnt like it had been downloaded into my head, it was more like I just knew instinct muscle memory. The whole thing.

    I could feel my grip shifting bing better. My stance adjusting naturally to better aim and control the gun.

    It felt great. I kept grinding, if this is what it was like at level 1 Handguns, what would level 2 be like?

    Unfortunately no Handguns alert came, only a few more for reflexes until finally I stopped to check my stat screen.

    What happened?! It had been way way too long since I got something!

    Then I noticed it.

    Handguns was listed as *Max* at level 1?!

    With a bit of struggle I managed to focus on Handguns and that is when I noticed it.

    Good knews. I would be able to raise my skill above level 1. Bad news, skills were limited by their governing stat. Without raising Reflex which had Handguns listed under it, I couldnt raise Handguns anymore.

    Which was like the Cyberpunk game, now that I thought about it.

    Dammit. I cursed. I had really wanted to keep that feel good gamer feel. But now I am stuck, unable to raise the skill anymore! Ugh. Nothing worse than being mid grind only to have to stop.

    What is it? Jun asked sounding tired as he stuck his head into the living room.

    O-Oh. Sorry Jun-Nii, I was just Its nothing. I was practicing my draw a bit. Just in case. I told him with a sigh as I realized I was already feeling pretty sweaty this morning just from that.

    Ugh. I hadnt even done my morning workout yet either.

    Alri-Yawn!-ght. Just dont blow a hole in the wall.

    Its unloaded!

    Just dont be a gonk. He reiterates and turns back around to his bed. I guess it was still pretty early for Jun. He was a teenage boy and it wasnt even noon yet. I sighed before settling the gun on the table beside its magazine.

    Then my hand twitched towards the knife.

    I would still have to practice with that too. If I needed to stab some.. Gonk. Heh. Gonk. If I had to stab some gonk I better know how to stab.

    So I grabbed the knife and started working into a rhythm of stabbing outward. It was awkward. I was really d Jun had gone back to bed, because if he saw how awkward I was he might just take it away.

    But that didnt matter because minutes into the practice I got an alert.

    *des Experience Gained.*

    *Skill not unlocked, no XP gained.*

    *des Unlocked.*

    With a grin I continued to practice. Rushing towards that high of gaining a skill up.

    I became a lot more practiced with the gun in just one skill up, how would that trante to my Knife?

    *100 Reflex XP Gained*

    Another alert popped up reminding me that moving like this wasnt just increasing my des skill.

    I smiled. Even if it was awkward, even if it was weird, even if it was kinda boring, although I did turn the radio on quietly so I didnt wake Jun, just to have some background noise. Being able to see my own improvement, made it impossible to stop.

    In the real world this would be the most boring thing I had ever done. Just jab and sh with a knife over and over again at thin air. The fact I was already tired from before meant my arms were aching. My breath wasing out in puffs, but just the idea that with a bit more work I could see the numbers go up?@@novelbin@@

    Numbers make Motoko brain go brrr.

    I grinned at the joke as I continued. I wouldnt stop until it was too much. Until I had to stop and go back to sleep and recover. Then I would start again.

    It honestly felt like I was in a tutorial space. That the outside world was barely impacting me for now.

    But I knew the truth. This wasnt a game. It wouldnt wait for me to get ready before kicking me in the head.

    So I had to train. And train hard. Whatever happened that caused me to get picked up by Scavs, it wouldnt happen again.

    --

    I could hear Jun wake up ande out of his room but I ignored that because hot water over my shoulders was niiiice, and all I cared about at that moment.

    I hadnt managed to hit the next level of knife or reflex, but I would be good to go once I wake up after a shower. I had sweated like a pig, I didnt want to make a mess of my bed.

    Hey. You alive in there? Jun called out, and I groaned.

    Im alive. Just enjoying the water on my muscles. I called out. It was kinda awkward how open? The bathroom was. The only real privacy was a row of blinds that fell down from the bathroom door not that there was a door.

    Which meant that pooping or showering left me feeling a little exposed.

    Good. Dont make me go in there and drag you out. I need a shower before I leave too.

    Right right. Im done. I grumbled, shutting off the flow as I grabbed a towel weakly with my tired arms.

    The only problem with my heavy skill grinding was that it left me feeling pretty worn out anytime I hadnt just woken up. But when I woke up I felt great and wanted to make my numbers go up.

    This was going to be an addiction wasnt it? I couldnt help but ask myself as I sighed. Drying off and wrapping the towel around me.

    Hey Jun-Nii? I asked as I walked past him. Youre safe right? When you leave? I mean I wont have to worry about you just disappearing one day right? I mean what is it you do anyways? I asked as I stopped at the entranceway to the bedroom.

    My question obviously surprised the Teen who scoffed. I work at a casino. Im protection and sometimes help out at the bar. Its perfectly safe, no one is gonk enough to try and break in or rob us. We have a lot of guards. You dont have to worry about me imouto. He said as I automatically tranted the japanese.

    Well your little sister is worried You are all I have Jun. I dont even know enough about life to survive without you. I inform him seriously. So be careful okay?

    He is quiet for a moment before nodding to me. Im respected even for a kid, cause I dont klep the merchandise at the Casino, so they trust me and pay me well. I dont need to run around and klep stuff for some eddies. Dont worry imouto. Ill make sure I stay safe.

    I nod once firmly. Good. I kinda liked Jun even with all of his attitude and obvious hot headedness. Like I said he seemed to have a rough life, and he was taking care of his kid sister. I could respect that.

    No, I did respect that. Whatever happened with my Gamer skills and stuff. I would remember Juns efforts.

    With that I got dressed into some clean clothes and crashed into bed.

    --

    *des Skill leveled up!*

    I wasnt breathing too heavily when I finally got the alert that afternoon. After waking up, I went back to it.

    I hadnt quite reached Reflex level 2. But it was getting close.

    But instantly I knew. I had been holding my knife like a gonk. I was more likely to lose my knife in a stab than actually shank someone. My grip shifted, my body adjusted and this time when I made a stab it was fast and smooth.

    I grinned as I felt how much smoother I was. Yeah that was cool. I rose back up, adjusted the grip on my knife as if I had been doing it for years and ced the knife on the table next to the Handgun.

    There was just one more problem.

    I really need a sheathe and a holster. I grumbled. The gun and knife had been handed over bare.

    How was I supposed to walk around with my weapons on me without any kind of holder? Stupid Onii-chan. I joked to myself sounding like every anime little sister ever for a moment.

    I stopped for a moment remembering that Cyberpunk Edgerunners was an anime.

    I guess that means I can make anime real. I whispered to the room before bursting into giggles at the stupidity of that meme.

    Oh man. I need to get out more. I''m breaking down at my own jokes. I told myself as I decided to check out the market. Maybe I could find somebody with something that I could use. Getting dressed in my outdoor clothes once again I put the knife in my jacket pocket although I winced at how it felt like it was going to cut something, before sliding my now loaded gun into the back of my pants.

    It might be a stupid ce to put it, but it was probably the safest ce for now.

    With that I wandered down the stairs through the lobby and took a right. Turning towards the Cherry Blossom market.

    I still felt weak, but not because I was exactly. More because when I walked past a guy that was eight feet tall and probably weighed in at a ton of chrome it made me realize how easy it would be to get killed here.

    No wonder people are terrified of Cyberpsychos. Suddenly I am too.

    I shook it off and headed into the market smiling at all the little stalls full of random junk. I didnt end up stopping to talk to anybody as I walked around, just enjoying the sights even if nothing I saw was what I was looking for.

    Eventually I came across a little shop with a woman that looked partially familiar. As I watched trying to piece it together I noticed her turn and start working on a radio.

    Something twigged. I think she was part of a quest or something?

    Huh.

    How weird. To see a person where before I had seen a video game character.

    Can I help you? She finally asked suddenly turning to look at me, and I realized I had been staring for a while.

    Ah sorry sorry, no I was I guess you looked familiar for a moment and I was trying to figure out why. Its nothing you just remind me of someone else I met.

    Huh. Well do you need work done?

    No. Not at the moment anyways You wouldnt happen to have a gun or knife holster? I asked quietly after all I had gone through the whole shop and hadnt seen a damn thing.

    Not something I deal with. I just do repairs. If you want something like that you would need to find a gun store. They would have what you need. She answered with a shrug.

    Oh yeah that makes sense Is there a gun store around here?

    My question must have been super weird because she actually looked up from her radio that she had turned to to look me over. Whats your deal? I can see you have some imnts. Your eyes arent natural at least. So whats the problem?

    I uh. Dont know what you mean?

    A bit slow aint ya? Check your map. You have the cyberware for it. Get outta here girl. You''re wiggling me out. I dont want to know if you are just an odd one or a Cyberpsycho waiting to happen. She said a bit brusquely.

    I blinked. Wow that was pretty rude. Sure. I offer walking back home for now. My trip to the market was a bust but at least I had some new info.

    That and something to see if I could figure it out.

    I didnt have a map in my list of options on my imnts hud At least I didnt see one

    Ugh these stupid eye things! I had no idea how they worked, it was like moving my eyes wrong would close everything, or just spin the whole hud making it useless. I felt like one of those old people alwaysining about losing their program when they just minimized the damn window.

    I really needed to get a primer on my cyberware. You think I would have by now, but its not like the inte worked the same way here. I couldnt just connect to google and ask.

    Plus Jun hadnt quite understood my questions either. It was so natural to use for people here, that he didnt understand my confusion.

    Stupid Onii-chan!

    I grumbled all the way home as I flopped onto the couch and started to once more pull up the hud system.

    It was so weird. How was I supposed to know that flicking my eyes upwards very fast would alter the huds location? But flicking my eyes slowly would just scroll through the list? Seriously I kept causing my hud to flip going from the right side of my peripheral sight to my left.

    Whoever designed this equipment needed to be shot. No wait, calm down Motoko, that is how you go Cyberpsycho but it would feel pretty good.

    Eventually the woman was right. I was able to find a map icon. It just wasnt on my huds dropdown along the sides, it was an actual icon like a damn desktop icon. I hadnt seen it, because it was on the other side of my periphery whenever I was using the dropdown. Thankfully it was lonely, the only other program installed from what I could see.

    I remember Jun saying they had reinstalled most of my cyberware while I was in thea, so whatever extras old Motoko had installed must have been reset.

    I guess that was good. I would hate to find out if people stored porn on their optic systems

    Shaking that thought out. I hit the map and had to blink as a 3d style map was now the center of my attention, with a grin I started trying to move through it only to realize.

    I couldnt use my hands on this either. Stupid design. I grumbled but slowly poked at it with my eyes until I got it moving around a bit. It reminded me of the map from the game

    Which basically meant it was useless. Any part of the interior city was too cluttered to get any use out of it, but it did have an icon system for the big things. I was able to search for Ripperdocs in the area, and to my surprise, there were actually two!

    There was the one in Jig-jig street which was that creepy asshole. But there was one just outside of Cherry Blossom Market too! I blinked. I had been pretty close to it on my walks. It was just across the street from the little food market I tended to get a snack from.

    Huh I would check that out and see if I could get a Cyberware primer.

    Then I did a search for gun stores.

    Unfortunately the nearest one was a few blocks away. Definitely in walking distance, but it would still be a trip. I would have to prepare.

    --

    Turns out I could actually set waypoints like in the game. I mean I doubted they could ever work like in the games where the quests would auto update and the like, but if I had an address I could set it up so my imnt would give me directions. Basically just cyberware GPS.

    So after a bit of exercise I suited up again with my weapons ready and started walking to the gun store.

    I headed straight out from my apartment across the street. The first time I had done that in the city. I made extra sure I was checking each way even with the crosswalk telling me to walk.

    I didnt trust Night City residents not to run me over.

    Then I had a few blocks to walk almost a straight shot as I wandered down a sort of shopping district, lots of little shops on either side of the long street. I even saw a clothes shop on the other side of the road that I might want to take a look at. It had a very asian feel to it. Might find something cool.

    At the very end of the street I crossed the way and found the gun shop. Sliding inside I hesitated a bit. This ce was full of weaponry and the fact the owner was standing behind reinforced ss with a weapon that looked strong enough to shoot back through the ss at the ready made me a little nervous.

    But I wasnt here to cause trouble.

    Since he wasnt dealing with anyone I walked up.

    Im looking for a holster for a Unity, and a sheath for a knife. I told him after he gave me a nod acknowledging my presence.

    Got the knife on you?

    I nod gently pulling it out making sure it was a slow motion.

    Didnt want to get shot by automated turrets or whatever other security this guy had.

    Hmmph. Might have something that will fit. Gimme a sec. He called turning away to go wander around the back room he had, only to return again in about 30 seconds. Two pieces of metal and cloth in his hands.

    Holster for a unity and a sheath. Should fit the knife. Let me check. He demanded waving at me to push the knife through the gap under the ss.

    I did so and he slipped it into the sheath adjusting the sheath for a moment or two before nodding and showing me how it fit snug.

    $50 eddies.

    I winced, that was a majority of the eddies that Jun had left me. I didnt end up spending much on food since Jun kept bringing home his gross burritos every night, but I did need this, it wasnt safe to keep the gun in my waistband, or the knife in my pocket.

    Alright. I agreed, sending him the money before he slipped both items back through the ss. I spent a moment getting everything situated. The gun holster was actually meant to go in the small of my back, which the shop owner told me after I was trying to figure out how to get the weird clip to attach to the side of my belt. It left the gun in easy reach behind me instead. Which would take a little getting used to.

    My jacket was definitely not long enough to hide it. But I guess in this city that was a good thing?

    The knife went onto my left hip. That way I could draw my gun with my right hand, and my knife with my left. Satisfied I threw the owner a thumbs up which he simply gave me a nod at as I headed out.

    As I stepped out I noticed that I felt Better. The whole city was now seemingly there in front of me, and here I was a lot more protected and now visibly armed.

    I wasnt just a civilian open to any gang banger to mess with.

    I was dangerous in my own right. It made the city infront of me look different. Look Well curiosity had killed plenty of cats.

    I decided to head back towards home, but stop at the ripperdoc.

    I really needed to find out more about my cyberware.

    -

    Stepping inside a ripperdoc was an odd experience. The shop had a little office at the front that felt like I just entered a dentist.

    Can I help you? The receptionist asked, looking me over.

    Yeah I need some information, rather than a ripper exactly. Do you have a primer, or instructions on use for optical cyberware?

    The receptionist seemed to blink confused at my question. Umm, Im not sure I understand. She offered and I sighed, seriously what is it with these people and not understanding?

    I dont know how to use everything on these. I offer pointing to my eyes. I need some instructions, or a how to.. Or something. I mumbled waving my hands a bit at how annoying this was.

    The receptionist took a moment before I could see her lips twitching a bit. When she spoke next I could tell she is holding backughter.

    We dont have anything like that. That is something that is handed out to Children. She chuckled. Did you never get chipped as a kid? The receptionist asked, but I knew she wasnt really wondering.

    She was just being a bitch.

    Listen if you dont have it. Im outta here. Have a nice day. I snarked back at her, and was just about turned around when a gravely voice called out.

    A moment. I stilled because the woman that I was looking at had twigged me about where I was. I remember this shop. The old asiandy that was the ripper here, looked like she got into a fight with a bear. Her face was a little scarred up.

    She was thedy that had a Cyberpsycho go off on her on the operating table. I remembered her little dialogue blurb in the game.

    Come on in girl. I can help. She spoke ignoring her receptionist who looked like she realized she might have gone a bit overboard.

    Bitch.

    I entered into the docs office scoping out the many many guns set up next to her chair.

    Its rare to see a girl as old as you not know how to use her cyberware.

    Yeah well I hesitated, but fuck it. Amnesia will do that to a person. Got picked up by some scavs apparently, they klepped a bunch of my chrome. I was rescued but in aa for a year. When I wake up, I dont remember anything. I mean, other than how to talk and stuff. Still getting used to my cyberware again. At least trying to. It keeps moving around on me.

    Ah. You were re-chipped after the scavs?

    Yeah.

    You are still in user setup mode. She said simply waving me over as she took a long drag on a cigarette she was holding in her chrome hand. Come sit. Ill show you how to get everything setup to your liking.

    Oh. Thanks. I said taking a seat and a few momentster the woman was walking me through how to actually setup my HUD interface.

    Most people dont remember how to do this. They set it up as children with their first Ripper and never have to do it again. Cant tell you how many frustrated adults Ive had to deal with after they had aplete reset of their chrome, or lost their chrome like you. She tells me as I am adjusting a few settings after finally finding the damn settings menu. What is this crap? I had to do a fucking Konami cheat code to get it to pop up!

    Look up, down left right in a circle faster circle. Reverse that circle and then close and open your eyes. What a load of shit! Anyway. With that the full hud was revealed to me covering my eyes and letting me adjust where everything was to my liking. It would also mean my stuff would stop moving around on ident with the wrong eye twitch. It would be locked letting me more easily ess everything.

    I had literally been stuck in setup your hud mode which is why stuff kept shifting constantly.

    Piece of shit.

    Finally done I blinked my eyes now able to see everything again and after a moment able to ess my hud including my gamer options with almost startling ease.

    I literally sighed in relief, feeling my stress drop.

    Thanks Doc.

    Sure. Come by when you want to get some more chrome. I get the feeling Ill be seeing you again. She tells me with a nod before shooing me out. I hurry away almost feeling like skipping as I ignore the receptionist and head out onto the street.

    I exhaled in relief. I actually felt like a person that belonged now.

    Time to grab some yummy street vendor food and go home Oh wait. I was broke. Dammit.

    I pouted all the way home.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3

    Twelve. Thirteen. Fourteen. I grunted doing pushups. I was so close to Body 3. Pushups were hard. They hurt, and I struggled even past a few of them, but it wasnt like I had to worry about the pain after taking a nap, so there was a certain urge to just keep pushing in me.

    Home. Jun called out as the door opened once more his favorite burritos in his hand.

    I really need to talk to him about diversifying his diet.

    W-wee home Jun-Nii. I called out as I finished another pushup before flopping onto the floor with a grunt.

    I really needed to clean up the apartment a bit. It was gross down here.

    I grunted as I rolled up to my feet.

    Hey whats that? He asked, suddenly pointing towards the holster I was wearing in the small of my back. I was trying to get used to wearing it so I was going through most of the exercises while keeping it on.

    Holster. Went out to get it today. Wanted to be able to keep the gun on me while out in the city.

    You shouldnt be out there at all.. Its dangerous. You still dont know anything. He practically growled at me.

    I cant stay inside forever Jun-Nii. I cant even stay cooped up for much longer. I tell him with a sigh.

    He growled seemingly wanting to argue that I definitely could but to my surprise he kept himself from snapping and instead flopped onto the couch with a groan as he stared up at the ceiling for a moment.

    You always gotta be difficult. You just got out of the hospital. Out of aa! You dont even know anything.

    I know. But I wont learn by hiding in the apartment until the outsidees in and drags me out. I have to learn, have to do. I tell him, which he grunts out sounding displeased.

    Yeah maybe. He grumbles but instead of arguing further he grabs his burrito. That holster cant have been cheap.

    50 eddies, for the knife sheath and the holster. I tell him and he chokes a bit on his burrito.

    50!? He sighed Expensive. Probably worth that much but we could have found something a lot cheaper. He chides me.

    Oh. Sorry. I mutter realizing I probably had rushed ahead without actually bringing up the issue with Jun. I had just decided to take care of the problem myself Gamer brain. I realized. I had thought of it like a quest almost.

    No, it''s fine. Should have realized you would want something to hold them. Guess I was he trails off going from sounding annoyed to tired. Guess I was trying to keep you inside longer. My bad.

    I think we are all just a little bit afraid, Jun-Nii. You are afraid for me. And Im a bit afraid in general. So thanks. For worrying about me. I offer instead as I settle on the couch and decide to do something I hadnt really done yet. I initiated a hug.

    He rxed and returned the hug for a minute before seeming to have enough and pushing me off as he thrust a burrito in my face. Eat!

    Ughhhhh. I groaned but devoured my burrito.

    --

    Now that I had a holster and sheath, I needed to get used to drawing from them. It was different. The back holster wasnt something I had ever used before, but it was natural after a bit of practice, and I had to admit, the holster itself made the practice a lot more effective.

    That and I was getting Reflex XP a lot more consistently, as I kept practicing the draw.

    *100 Reflex XP Gained.*

    I nodded pleased. While I wasnt gaining Handguns XP at least I was getting something out of it.

    Finally after practicing my draw for a lot longer than I wanted too, I got the alert.

    *Reflex Leveled up!*

    I sighed in pleasure at the alert. Finally! I could train my Handguns and des skill again now.

    I stretched a bit, my right arm was getting a little tired so I decided instead to switch to something else for a bit. I settled and started training squats.

    I would be ready for whenever something crazy happened. I wasnt just expecting it. I knew it would happen. Jun was in a gang. He would eventually run into trouble, and I was a cute young girl. Someone would make trouble for me eventually.

    When they did, they would get a knife in the kidneys and a bullet to the head. At least that was the n.

    Gotta keep improving, gotta make sure Im safe.

    *Ringing*

    I stumbled during my squat nearly falling on my ass as I looked around for a phone. Only to realize the noise wasing from my head.

    Unknown number?

    I shrugged. Hitting ept.

    Hello?

    EEEEEeeeee! Moto! You really are alive! I ran into your cute brother today at a meeting and he let slip that you were awake! I cant believe he didnt tell anyone until now! And you didnt call me? Your best Choom? Your sister!? The girl''s voice squealed into my ear and I quickly messed with the settings to lower the volume a bit.

    Owe. It wasnt my ear, but it still kinda hurt.

    Umm Hello?

    Shiiiit. Jun-Chan wasnt kidding. You really do have amnesia. I cant believe thats an actual thing! She sounded shocked before her voice picked up. Forget that! Iming over. Jun-Chan refused to let us see you in the hospital but I have to see this. Bye-Bye!

    The call ended.

    That is my best friend? I asked a little disturbed. She seems way way too high energy for me. I barely got a word in!

    I groaned as I stood back up. If someone wasing over I should probably clean up a bit. I was sweaty from my exercise.

    -

    I was just throwing a hidden burrito wrapper hidden in a dark corner into the trash when the door burst open.

    Seriously, did nobody knock?

    Moto-chaaaaan! I was suddenly pulled into a hug by a shorter girl as she grappled onto me. Honestly all I could see was neon green hair because she had an actual full sized mohawk and it was basically bashing me in the face. It was full of so much hair spray, or whatever these people used to make their mohawks in the future.

    Umm. Hello? Really what else was I supposed to say!? I didnt know this crazy girl!

    Oh girl wow you are different. She said, pushing me away to look up at me.

    Her face was chrome and neon. I thought. Her cheeks were chrome, with neon etching on the chrome making her look like she had cat whiskers made of green neon.

    Was she trying to be a cat, or something else? Because mohawks dont really register cat to me

    Wow, look at you. You look so Standard. Has Jun not taken you out to get chipped, or at least a haircut? Your hair is so long!

    I blinked my hair had been down to my shoulder des when I woke up. The nurses had cut it, while I was in thea, but more just chopping it down. I had mostly just been throwing it into a ponytail.@@novelbin@@

    Is that bad?

    Not for me. I like my hawk, but you usually keep it a lot shorter girl!

    Did I?

    Jeez! Its so weird. Here. This is what we used to run around looking like! She said and her eyes shifted color before I got a text including a picture.

    I blinked because this was the first time I had seen a picture of myself from before.

    Motoko was a street gang wannabe for sure. I noticed instantly how different we looked. She had been a lot more chromed than I was. I hadnt thought I had lost that much to the scavs, since I had been rescued I thought I just had my standard eye system lost. But no, she used to have a lot of chrome on her face like This girl.

    Oh whats your name? I asked. And that caused the girls jaw to drop.

    Oh. She seemed a little hurt for a moment before shaking it off. Im your bestie Hiromi! She offered acting cute and throwing her fingers against her cheeks.

    I just nodded and swiftly added her number into my system. There I added your number. I told her which did earn me an actual smile.

    Good. Now cmon let''s get out of here, everyone will want to see you are still alive!

    Everyone? I asked as I resisted her suddenly tugging on my arm as she attempted to drag me out of the apartment. Unfortunately, it was obvious she was stronger than I was and I was dragged out the door barely given enough time to grab my shoes as she wasnt listening to my arguments.

    This girl was definitely a force of nature. Then she dragged me out the front of the apartment and I did everything I could to stop her.

    You have to be kidding. I argued instantly, but it was no use.

    What? Cmon youve ridden bitch on my bike plenty of times before. Get on. She argued as she finally let me go to hop onto a motorcycle.

    I knew this bike. It was a Yaiba Kusanagi. The coolest motorcycle in the game in my opinion, but of course she drove the goofy high backed version that made a sleek killer bike look like something stupid.

    More importantly. I was fourteen and Hiromi was definitely the same age. Also crazy.

    I didnt trust her to drive me anywhere!

    Not a chance Is it close enough to walk? I could use the exce-eeee! I squealed as she hopped off the bike long enough to drag me the rest of the way and practically push me onto the bike before hopping on and starting the engine. Literally starting to peel out despite me only sitting side saddle!

    Hiromiiiiii! I screamed as she cackled driving out onto the street and slowing at a light before turning to me.

    Better get situated Toko we are going!

    While the idea of jumping off and making a run for it ran through my head, the light was already changing and I quickly settled behind her gripping her around the waist tightly so I wouldnt fall off as she started driving.

    I was wrong, she wasnt a crazy driver. She was a Cyberpsycho driver! I kept my eyes closed for most of the drive as she swung through traffic driving in between people and cursing and flipping off anyone that honked or got in her way.

    This is how I die. Crying like a bitch on the back of a motorcycle.

    Of course it didnt happen, other than constantly forcing other cars and vehicles to swerve to avoid hitting her we made it to wherever she was taking me.

    I shivered as we drove down deeper into the city. Kabuki? I muttered noticing the signs after I decided to be brave enough to open my eyes.

    Yeah! We are going to Ho-Oh! Its a Tyger w hang out! I guess you forgot all about it huh? Well its great. Everyone will be d to see you!

    I just blinked. Ho-Oh. Why was that name familiar? Other than the obvious Pokemon reference.

    Hiromi slowed pulling down a small street and then slowing to drive around a pair of barricades that blocked off a small side street she slipped right through them and then drove through to a small open area full of Tyger w style cars and bikes. And a club.

    I was twigging pretty hard. I had definitely been here before in the game.

    I just couldnt remember why.

    Cmon! Hiromi called as she already slipped off the bike and was urging me to follow. I took a deep breath and slipped off the bike.

    I wasnt feeling very confident right now. I didnt like this at all. I didnt know any of these people but some might know me. Worse? I didn''t exactly fit in. Sure I had on my Tyger w jacket, but the rest of me was more normal. I didnt have neon or tattoos or anything that would show I was meant to be here.

    Plus I didnt really like bars.

    I followed after Hiromi who burst into the bar. Im baaaack! And guess what bad bitch is back among us! Back from the dead! I grimaced. I was pretty sure I never died.

    I stepped in and interest in me was pretty light. Hiromi of course was chattering away like everyone was cheering and happy to see both of us.

    But I realized the truth. We were fourteen. Most of the people in the bar were a lot older, fully Tyger wed out, and had no interest in a bunch of noisy kids.

    I gave an apologetic bow to those that were ring before hurrying over to Hiromi.

    Maybe less shouting. I urged her as I tangled my arm with hers pulling her away from a brewing argument with an older guy that wasining at her for yelling so loud.

    She scoffed at him, threw him a finger but let me pull her away, and then instantly turned it on me. Tugging me towards a corner where I noticed younger teens were hanging out they were all dressed up like gangers but I could only see them as wannabes.

    I realized that is probably what they were. Future chaff for the gang. If any of the real Tyger ws needed something done, they could go grab a kid and have them do it.

    Huh. Made sense I guess.

    Yo yo yo! Look who''s back! Hiromi called out here instead and actually got some interest as I was tugged toward the back table.

    Hey wait, is that Motoko?

    Wait your right! The teens called out in surprise at my appearance. Thought you got tlined?

    No, just aa. I told them as Hiromi pushed me into a seat.

    She also got amnesia like on the TV. Cant remember anything. She didn''t even know me!

    Seriously? Thats hrious! So you dont know who I am? A boy asked, wearing a jacket with tiger stripes and a set of clunky almost ill fitting sun sses.

    Im sorry I dont know. I guess some of us were friends? Its nice to meet you all again? I answered amnesia made it a little confusing.

    Pfft. This is great! Hey you really don''t remember? You owe me $20 eddies, you know?

    Fuck off Malcolm. She doesnt owe you shit. Another spoke up punching the boy in the shoulder earning a yelp from him. She doesnt remember shit huh? Thats rough. The boy offered. He seemed the best dressed of the group. Everything seemed to actually fit him unlike most of the others.

    Im Ichi, short for Ichinose. Weve run together since we were kids. Bit wild you dont remember. Anyway Malcolm is cool, just dont listen to anything he says.. Ever.

    Fuck you choom!

    You already know Hiromi, our crazy bitch.

    You know it! Hiromi called out as she grabbed a drink from the table and downed it, uncaring at the yelp from Malcolm as it had been his drink.

    And that is-

    I can introduce myself Ichi. Omaeda, we never met. I joined this crew about three months ago. He offered. The boy wasrger, but not from muscle. He was just a bit fatter than most of the others. He also had a Netwreath on his head. And a case that I recognized as a Netdeck. Mostly because I had seen one while channel surfing. The massive thing was old, massive and banged up, but it was arunner kit.

    Nice to meet you. I offered simply which he returned with a nod. Umm nice to see you all too?

    Heh. Look at this Ichi! Our hellion Motoko is all demure and sweet now! Hiromi mock cried as she pulled me into a side hug. Next thing you know she is going to start talking about bing a corpo and working in an office!

    That earned a chuckle from everyone but I shook my head.

    Probably not. I dont think I would fit into an office well. Ive heard about how cutthroat the politics are in those ces.

    Huh. Only got a few memories left but still remembers how fucked up Corpos are. At least you got some sense. Hiromi tells me with augh.

    Everyone settled in then and started swapping some stories about me from before. Apparently Motoko really was a hellion, the kind of girl that was fully on board withmitting any crime to get her way and fully onboard the Tyger ws.

    I had actually been the one to drag Hiromi into the Tyger ws orbit. Before she had been a girl that kept her head down.

    Go figure.

    Learning a bit about me was nice. Even if I refused the drinks. Instead just grabbing some weird carbonated drink from the vending machines in the back of the club.

    I snorted into my drink in the middle of Malcolm talking about him klepping a Rayfield Caliburn with a tech jack he had klepped from a techie he had done a job for only to have to bail on the car and run for his life from a kill team of Arasaka ninjase to kill him.

    No one around the table believed him for an instant and I had to assure Hiromi I realized he was lying as well as she had started looking at me worriedly once he started the story.

    That is a new face. A voice called out from behind me and instantly I saw Ichi stand from his seat and offer a bow.

    Shobo-Sama. This is Motoko, an old face actually. She just got out of the hospital. He offered and I turned.

    The man was wearing a white suit and a purple bowtie. I didnt recognize him though. So I rxed.

    Nice to meet you. I offered with a small bow of my own from where I sat.

    Hmph? I dont recall, Ichi. I have some work for you. Come along. He demanded and turned to walk away, Ichi urgently slipping out from behind Malcolm to hurry after learning Hiromi grumbling.

    I know its important to help out Shobo-Sama and all, but it always annoys me that he only wants to use Ichi. We can all work, you know? She offered before sighing and leaning back. Alright I guess we should head out. I better take Motoko home before Jun-Chanes and kills me.

    Hell no. I tell her instantly, pushing at her face as she moved to stand up. You are drunk. Youve been drinking for thest three hours.

    Wha? I drive better drunk!

    Somehow I dont believe you Keys. I demand from her holding out my hand.

    What? Im not giving you my shard key. I drive just fine drunk you gonk. Pfft. Hiromi startedughing at me as I rolled my eyes.

    You arent driving until you sober up. I tell her firmly. Not letting you kill yourself in an ident. I said firmly no give whatsoever. Something about what I said though made her start smiling.

    Fine. You can just drive then. She offered with a grin as she pushed into my personal space. You havent had anything to drink so you are good to drive arent you?

    I dont know if I even know how. I informed her calmly. Earning a wide smile from Hiromi.

    Perfect! No time like the present to learn! Cmon Motoko! Time to learn to drive! She offered with a drunk grin.

    I dont feelfortable with this! I told her as she dragged me out of my chair and towards the front.

    -

    So driving a motorcycle was kinda I mean it wasnt thatplicated. Mostly thanks to Hiromi practically jumping off the bike wanting to throw hands with anyone that looked at her funny. But I got the hang of it after a few minutes of driving real slow around the block that club was on.

    More interesting than that. I got a new skill.

    *Driving Experience Gained.*

    *Skill not unlocked, no XP gained.*

    *Driving Unlocked.*

    The thing was driving wasnt a skill in the game. At all. Which had thrown me off a little. I had been going along with the understanding that my system was Cyberpunk 2077. But if driving existed and to my pleasure it existed under the Reflex stat. Then what other skills could I try and pick up?

    Testing would be required!

    I pulled into the parking garage for the apartment parking the bike with a sigh.

    Not too bad.

    You drive like an old granny. Hiromi offered behind me as sheughed and hopped off the bike.

    You drive like a drunk. Even when you arent drunk.

    Which is why I drive better drunk!

    No one drives better drunk you gonk. I sigh and then have to quickly grab her and pull her away as she made a move to get back on the bike. Whoa whoa whoa! What are you doing?

    Going home?

    Not a chance! I hissed. You are drunk and you arent driving around on a motorcycle. Cmon you can crash at my ce.

    Aww a sleepover? We havent done that in ages! How cute.

    I threw her an annoyed look as I walked out of the parking garage and across the street to the apartment. We rode the elevator up with Hiromi chattering away about nothing in my ear.

    Jun thankfully was home when I got there.

    Thought Hiromi would be the one to drag you out. Make sure you call when you are going to be gone so long next time. He ordered instantly as I walked in which I threw him a thumbs up. That was fair.

    Hiromi is going to crash here tonight. She got drunk and I wont let her drive home.

    Jun gave me a weird look. But she drives better drunk.

    No one drives better drunk! I hissed at him even as Hiromi whooped at Jun agreeing with her.

    So she is going to im the couch-

    Nah, we can share your bed. Hiromi countered, already sauntering past me throwing Jun a wink. Unless Jun-Chan wants to share instead.

    Nope. He replied instantly shutting her down much to my relief, and to Hiromi''s now displeasure as she pouted.

    Fine. She huffed heading into my bedroom.

    Sorry Jun-Nii.

    No, its fine. Im used to her being around. It feels Normal. Did you have fun?

    Hmmm. Fun? Not exactly, it was nice to meet new people and former friends I guess? But the club wasnt really my thing.

    He blinked at that. Really?

    Yeah alcohol kinda smells bad, and the cigarettes everyone was smoking made the club a little smoky. The music was okay But thats about it.

    Huh. Another change I guess. Good. He offered with a nod before I followed after Hiromi who to my surprise was already half naked.

    Do you want to borrow some clothes? I offered only for her tough at me.

    Just climb in Choom. We havent had a sleepover in forever.

    I sighed. Doing just that after taking off my jacket and shoes. Sliding in I could smell the alcohol on her breath as she muttered sleepily to me.

    Eventually she did pass out, and once she was snoozing on my shoulder drooling lightly did I choose to sleep and the timer for how long popped up.

    --

    The next morning I woke up just like I had been since the hospital feeling great and ready to start my day.

    Hiromi was not. She grumbled and groaned when I prodded her, so I just covered her in a nket and left the room to start my morning exercise.

    After a quick breakfast of hallway vendor burrito. Gross. I got to it. Using the 25% XP sleep buff to my advantage as I ran through my gun draw. Now that Reflex had finally leveled up I needed to get Handguns and des up there to match.

    An hourter Hiromi came practically crawling out of my bed with tangled mohawk and tired eyes to see me staring out the window constantly drawing my gun from my back holster.

    Damn. She muttered a bit blinking before walking over and grabbing a drink out of the fridge. At least it wasnt alcoholic. What are you doing?

    Exercise! I chirp back at her happily as I continued my work. I was definitely getting better at this, but the XP was starting toe in really slowly. There was only so much XP I could grind from drawing my gun and never getting a chance to shoot it.

    Might have to talk to Jun about that. He did say to bug him about stuff I needed instead of running off and doing it myself.

    Looks boring.

    It can be! I offer as I finally decide to switch from gun to de. Holstering the gun for thest time I took a moment to stretch out before my left hand went to do the same thing with my knife, Draw into stab. Thankfully I could train des a lot easier since I didnt have to worry about shooting holes in the wall with it. Letting me keep the XP grinding.

    I was almost at level 2 des.

    You are better with a gun than you were before. You were kinda hopeless, but you are worse with a Knife. Hiromi eventuallymented as she watched me practice for a minute.

    Really? I was good with knives?

    No but you were good with a Katana. You taught me some things after all. She mentioned which surprised me. I didnt know Hiromi used a Katana, she didnt look like she was armed at all really.

    Heh I dont carry it around. Im not part of the Tyger ws yet. Some of the men dont like it when people walk around with their weapons. I only use it when I want to show off.

    Cool. I might have to get one.

    Oh right. You dont have your Katana anymore. She muttered looking sad as she thought about it.

    Was it special? I asked as I continued to work through my stabs. I dont really remember it.

    It was your moms. You carried it with you everywhere, used to piss off the Gangster ws, but you are generational, so they always had to leave you alone about it.

    Oh. I guess the Scavs took it then.

    Yeah. Probably hawked it at a dropoff too. Fuckers.

    I shrug Ill either find it again, or I wont. Do you have a picture of it, or was it special in any way?

    No. Sorry. It was a pretty standard Arasaka Katana. I doubt you will ever see it again. Or even know it from any other. Dammit. Hiromi cursed sounding pretty upset about it.

    Dont stress Choom. I dont even remember it to miss it. Im just d Im alive. The Katana is just a Katana.

    Yeah Yeah I guess. She offered. You are the most boring amnesiac I ever met. She said, sounding amused.

    Im just exercising! I got out of aa a few weeks ago, remember? My muscles were all jello.

    And a knife?

    The city can be dangerous. I mean I was kidnapped apparently. I want to be able to protect myself. Ill switch to pushups and other stuff soon. I told her as I continued drawing and stabbing. I wanted that sweet sweet level up.

    I grunted as I continued on, my arms tiring, but I was gonna push for the grind.

    *100 des XP gained.*

    *des skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    I slowed to a stop. My hand on my knife had grown confident. I knew for a fact I could do all sorts of things with it now. My control and confidence in my knife work had gone up.

    But what was a Perk?

    Like in the game with the perk tree? I hadn''t seen anything like that.

    I quickly pulled up the Stat screen. And my Reflex stat was blinking. I clicked it, and then des was blinking. Clicking that I saw that I had an option.

    There was a little icon that revealed a list of perks I could choose from. All had something to do with des.

    I read through a few of them. Concealed de. Letting me better hide a knife on my body to bypass some scrutiny. Parry. To better deflect iing des, which I noticed had a greyed out Perk below it, and then another one below that. I followed the tree until it came to the end.

    Bullet Deflection.

    Cool.

    But I kept reading for now. Wanting to know what other options there were. Lots of them looked interesting but a lot of them were very niche. What I did notice was a perk that actually had some use outside of me fighting with a de.

    Ambidextrous: Use either hand aspetently as the dominant hand.

    This was a perk that would buff anything. And could be pretty useful since I was training for a knife in my off hand.

    I decided. epting that perk and a momentter my left hand felt like a wave of cold ran down it, and then as if it was waking up from falling asleep my brain seemed to read the limb as Different. I blinked away the stat screen, and with a bit of a knife trick that I felt pretty confident with. I swapped the knife to my main hand and drew my gun with my off hand.

    It was just as quick as the main hand even if the holster slowed me down a bit as it was designed for right hand draw.

    I shifted using my left hand to aim and adjust and it all came naturally to me.

    What are you doing now? Hiromi asked as shey on the couch her chin in her hand.

    Im ambidextrous. I tell her, sounding a little surprised about it.

    What no you''re not. You''re a righty. Hiromi says confidently.

    Maybe I was. But Im not anymore. I told her showing how firm I was as I continued ying around with aiming the pistol and knife in concert.

    Huh. I guess the Scavs messed up your brain I guess thats a good thing?

    Yeah its cool. I tell her smiling as I once more swapped knife and gun with a showy toss of the knife to switch hands before sheathing and holstering them. You look bored.

    You done?

    Not really, but I can take a break. Youre my guest right now.

    Pfft. We are chooms. Im not your guest. But alright. Cmon I want to get some chow.

    Okay.

    --

    After a brunch where we sat people watching as we ate Hiromi finally said she had to get home so her parents wouldnt kill her. We shared a hug and I waved as she drove down the street.

    I winced. She was still a terrible driver.

    I went back inside and got back to grinding. Body was close to level 3! If I remember right, that was the starter score for V in the game. If I could reach 3. I would be at a baseline that I knew was fairlypetent.

    Unfortunately the morning workout didnt push me into level 3 just yet. And I took a break to take a shower and head back outside for a while. I figured doing some aerobic exercise would be a good change. So I decided to start jogging around the block. The massive concrete stairway that led to the level above was used as part of the path. Jogging up the steps to the midpoint before going down on the other side spit back out on the same side of the block.

    It was hard, my legs ended up burning, but it was great exercise.

    Plus as I jogged I got another skill!

    *Athletics Experience Gained.*

    *Skill not unlocked, no XP gained.*

    *Athletics Unlocked.*

    I smiled. That would be super useful! Especially if I ever had to run away! It was also under the Body tree. So that was nice.

    I kept it up. Jogging around the block once before I was too tired to do anymore. But I knew I would go take a nap and probably do it again right after.

    Of course as I was heading in, I heard a word that stopped me dead.

    ...Scavs again.

    I shifted. That was a word I had been hypersensitive to. Kidnap and try to murder steal my body once shame on you. Do it twice, shame on me.

    I stopped but the two working ss guys were just grumbling. H-hey excuse me? I asked, deciding to interrupt. I walked over to where they were both eating from a vendor. Both guys gave me a suspicious look as I approached.

    What do you want, kid. If you think we are easy marks, get lost.

    No nothing like that. I heard you say Scavs I had a run in with them a while back so Im a little I trailed off while wiggling my hand. They arent set up around here or anything are they? I honestly couldnt help the hint of fear that entered my voice as I spoke.

    The two men kept a look on me for a moment before the one that said Scav to start finally spoke. Not around here thankfully. I came across a nest while on a job fixing some apartment lights. Over in H2. You are plenty far away from those bastards girl.

    H2. Megabuilding H2. I repeated to myself nodding. What floor were they on?

    Both men looked at eachother. Listen kid, I dont want to be responsible for you going off and trying something stupid. Those fuckers are dangerous.

    I know some Tyger ws. Might be worth it to them to hit them Scavs, Thats all. Not a fan of them. At all. I said and the guy hesitated a bit before shrugging.

    Floor 24. A whole side of the building is blocked off by them. They had hooked into the power supply which is why the lights were failing. But thats all I know. Dont be stupid.

    Thanks. Really. Thank you. I offer them a bow and turn and start jogging off.

    H2. Floor 24.

    The gun in the small of my back felt heavy.

    --

    Hey Jun-Nii. I call out as my brother gets homete that night. Oddly he usually stays out most of the night.

    Imouto. He greets me back checking me over and seeming pleased with the sight.

    Hey Jun-Nii. Is there a ce I can go to practice shooting this? I asked nodding towards my back as I continued to do pushups on the floor. My question startling Jun for a moment as he thinks.

    We can go shooting yes. We will go tomorrow. Together. I looked up in surprise at his words.

    Dont you have work?

    I can take a day off. And since I will be going to shoot, I can tell my boss that I am taking the day for training. He offered with a smile. Looking pleased with himself about his n.

    Nova. Thanks Jun-Nii.

    It is what I am here for. he assures me before heading into the room to rx.

    He really wasnt though. I wanted to say. That he didnt have to bepletely responsible for me But I was still like a child even if I wasnt actually amnesiac. Even if I still knew things this wasnt my earth. This was Night City. The rules here were different. I mean I was still working on prices for stuff to make sure I didnt overpay again.

    I turned back to my pushups just a few more, and I should get Body 3.

    Just a few more.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5

    A few dayster I started my morning exercise. Thest few days haven''t been fun.

    I had killed three people.

    Yikes.

    I had been hiding in my room over thest few days. Only really seeing Hiromi as she hade to pick up her bike''s shard.

    She had been irritable, the blow to her head thankfully hadnt done anything permanent but it still hurt ording to her. She had hung out with me on the couch for a few hours before bailing to pick up her bike.

    Ichi and Malcolm had both sent me a text to ask how I was.

    Nothing from Omaeda, but that was fine he didn''t strike me as the chatty type.

    But yeah. I had killed three people. And not only was I given a certain amount of respect by the Tyger ws as the story spread.

    I also gained a benefit in my system from it.

    People were XP bags That was probably a bad way to phrase it.

    Turns out that I had an actual level system for myself as well. I hadnt noticed because I had never gained a single XP towards leveling until then.

    Now I had. With three murders.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *750 XP Gained.*

    I had leveled out of it.

    *Level up achieved!*

    *One Stat Point Gained.*

    *One Skill Point Gained.*

    I had points I could just put into one of my stats, and skills apparently. So for the small price of cold blooded Or Cold Blood murder. I had things I could upgrade.

    That and I had also gained another skill under the Cool stat. Which might exin a little why I had been so Floaty when it was all over.

    Cold Blood 1. I had gained it for murdering three people.

    This could be a problem.

    I might have fallen into a grinding addiction there And that could really lead to some fucked up shit if I wasnt careful.

    I really liked grinding after all. Numbers make Motoko brain go brrr.

    I grunted as I continued my pushup routine. I still hadnt used the points. It felt wrong. Like a drug. Tempting and addicting, but dangerous.

    I sighed. I had been way too far into my own head since that day. What a mess.

    At least I got loot out of it. Two SMGs and a revolver Well I refused to keep that stupid crap so I sold that off for a nice chunk of eddies.

    I had actual money now. Especially after Ichi had given me my cut. That on top of the shards I had klepped from Gonzales and his boys I had a nice little nestegg. It wasnt buy a car level, but I had enough that I could go clothes shopping or something.

    I had not gone clothes shopping. I hadnt left the apartment since then in fact. Hadnt even gone out on a jog.

    The outside was the outside, and dangerous and full of murder. The inside was quiet, and safe. And not full of murder.

    See simple.

    Motoko. Jun called out a few hourster as he slipped out of the room, a bit of bed head still causing his swoopy hairstyle to stand on end. Get dressed. We are going to get some noodles for lunch. He told me and then walked past me to go to the bathroom as if he hadnt just told me to go outside.

    I cant go outside! Murder is out there!

    J-Jun-Nii! How about you go get some noodles to go! Wont it be nice to eat inside! Yeah likest time. Much better idea. I called out, following after him a bit and pacing in the kitchen. A momentter the sink was running as Jun was cleaning himself up.

    After that he stepped out of the bathroom looking more put together.

    No. You refuse to leave the apartment on your own. He says gruffly, but he was obviously fighting back against his instinct to simply snap at me, instead he walks up and puts his hands on my arms.

    Jun?

    You are a strong person Motoko. Dont let your fear control you. I dont know if forcing you is the right thing, but its the only thing I can think of. So let''s go. He tells me bluntly and as he turns towards the door to collect his shoes.

    I sort of panicked. How do I react to that!?

    But eventually Jun-Nii sort of came over and guided me to my shoes where I put them on, and then despite dragging my feet Jun-Nii pushed me over the apartment''s doorway.

    I was on the outside. With all the murder.

    I swallowed a little but Jun-Niis arm was over my shoulder as he guided me to the elevator and then we were on the bottom floor.

    And I was walked out onto the street. It was loud, and alive and people were all over, and there was a street vendor right there that wasnt selling those fucking burritos Jun-Nii loved so much.

    I swear a few days of nothing but Jun brought burritos

    Okay lets get some noodles. I grumbled right along my tummy rumbling and Jun I could see was smiling as we walked to Cherry Blossom Market and settled into the noodle shop.

    And damn if that Ramen wasnt some pretty great shit. It wasnt the best I ever had, but it was pretty damn good.

    I guess the outside had Murder And Ramen This would need some further examination. I decided as I slurped my noodles.

    --

    Hey hey! I heard you finally went outside again. Hiromi called as she walked into the apartment without knocking startling the fuck out of me as I sqwuaked and fell from my crunches on the floor.

    Hiromi! Ever heard of knocking? I grumble.

    Nope! You feeling better? She asked as she instantly joined me on the floor sitting cross legged.

    I guess? I saidying back on the floor. I guess I wasnt really expecting to tline three gonks.

    Neither was I! Okay you are feeling good enough to talk about so Im gonna fuckin gush a bit. Holy shit Motoko! You were awesome before and everything, but Ichi told me exactly what happened and it was so PREEM! She cried out throwing her arms up in the air. That was total Edgerunner shit!

    It was Luck. Really. I dont even know how close they came to shooting me back, but I think it was pretty close. I was just freaking out so bad I didnt really notice at the time. I told her. They had both opened fire. I was just lucky that plugging them a few times had thrown off their aim.

    Pssht that''s not the point. That was so cool! No listen I can see you startin to frown so let me just say. Thanks. You got them back for tryin to tline me. So even if you are different and everything. Thanks Choom. She says and actuallyys down beside me a bit to throw an arm over me in a hug.

    You''re wee Them hitting you really freaked me out.

    Yeah I know! You tlined three guys! Hiromiughed. Ah man, Im sooo mad I missed it. Ichis storytelling is the worst. Sheughs and I chuckle along with her as she startsining. I felt a bit of the anxiety dissipate. I guess

    I would probably do it again. To get revenge for hitting Hiromi. For trying to kill Ichi. I guess I would murder again.

    I would have to think about thatter. Right now Hiromi wanted toin about how long it took to get her bike back after everything. She had to take the train, and she wasnt happy.

    Oh. Umm also my parents They want to thank you for what you did. They werent happy that I got hurt, but you know I had to exin everything. So they want to see you again

    Okay?

    Hiromi winced, looking a little guilty. Right, you dont remember. Listen, my parents are They are corpos. Like high up in Arasaka. You dont remember, but they didnt really approve of you before all this. Since you sorta dragged me into the Tyger ws. Last time you met them it didnt go well, and they They are total gonks. But they made me promise to invite you over.

    I looked over at Hiromi in surprise. She didnt look like a rich kid. Well other than the motorcycle And the constantly changing expensive outfits. Even if they were gangster looking Oh I guess she was probably a rich kid huh.

    Okay. Ille if you want.

    I Well I guess I do? My parents know you are different and stuff now so I kinda want to see how they handle the new you.

    Ille then.

    Great! Come on! Lets get you cleaned up and dressed! She jumped to her feet and pulled me up as I let her drag me to my room to sort out my clothes to pick what to wear.

    I vetoed everything she chose and picked a more simple style with as little Tyger w insignia as possible.

    Although I still put my fuckin gun on my back Even if it made my hand shake to touch it.

    --

    We drove over the bridge to the other half of Japantown and Hiromi pulled into a secure underground garage leading me up to an elevator that she had to give an ess code to open.

    The area is a little messy, but this building is used by a lot of corpo families. They keep it secure or whatever. She told me with a shrug as the elevator hummed along.

    Its nice. I told her, because it was. The elevator was clean and didnt smell like mine did.

    Its horrible. She muttered, but I bumped her shoulder this time and that perked her up a little. The door opened to a nice hallway with two apartments on each side of the floor. Hiromi grumbled as she walked up and the door slid open. Leading into a high end apartment. It wasnt quite at the point of having multiple floors, but it was a pretty big apartment for a small family.

    This is home. She told me and I nodded, noticing the coat rack by the door. I pulled off my Tyger w coat and hung it up only to turn and see Hiromi giving me a look.

    What?

    You are such a gonk. She told me with a grin. I just shrugged and took off my shoes like she did. It was a Japanese style entrance way.

    I followed her deeper into the apartment noticing that everything was spotlessly clean except I noticed areas Hiromi had obviously spent time in. A mess of what looked like Hiromis breakfasty out still on the living room table where she had eaten, probably watching TV since there was a floor to ceiling TV set there.

    Oh? You actually brought your friend. Hiromi. A woman''s voice spoke from behind me and I turned to see a well dressed corpo woman step out of what had to be an office with how it was setup. Honestly considering Hiromis normal looks they didnt really look much alike.

    Course I did. Motoko is my choom. I could see Hiromis mothers face twitch at the word. I guess she wasnt a fan of ng.

    Good to know.

    Its nice to meet you Or re-meet you I guess. I offered a small bow as I said that. What I had said or how maybe startled the woman because she refocused on me with an odd look.

    You said your friend had amnesia, but I dont think I really believed it.

    Its gonk right? She is totally different, but still Motoko. Hiromi chuckled, throwing an arm over my shoulder.

    Is that so? The woman asked, looking me over top to bottom. While I still dont approve of Hiromis choice in friends, nor where it took her, especially now since she got hurt. I can at least approve of her friends defending her. I heard you killed the men that harmed her?

    Yeah something like that. I muttered but the woman simply nodded.

    Good. Someone that will kill to protect my daughter is someone I can approve of, at least mildly. She uttered with an almost thoughtless casualness.

    Right, I forgot. Corpo people are fuckin insane assholes. Why did I agree toe here?

    Hiromi, take your friend to your room, dinner will be here soon, your father isnt going to make it. She said simply before turning around and reentering her office without a further look.

    Wow.

    Tell me about it. Hiromi grumbled. Cmon I guess I do want to show you my room, just not because my Mom said I had to. She grumbled her obvious rebellion fighting against already wanting to do just that.

    So I followed her into her room and looked around a smile twitching at my lips.

    Its very you.

    Oh shut up. She grumbled at me as I took in every inch of her room covered in Japanese decorations and Tyger w paraphernalia.

    I think you have more Tyger w stuff than I do. I mentioned which ended with Hiromi throwing a pillow at me to shut me up. I caught it and noticed it was a embroidered with a Tiger. Which I showed her and quirked an eyebrow.

    Her face was getting pretty red so I stopped teasing. Its nice. I told her with a smile as I started poking around a bit.

    Its expensive. Not nice. I hate it, but I have to spend my parents'' money on something. She admitted as she fell back onto her bed.

    Im kinda surprised. Old Motoko used to give me so much shit for being a rich girl. But you dont seem to care.

    I dont. Its not your fault for being rich, anymore than its mine for being poor At least I dont think its my fault. I hope not anyway.

    Pfft. Nah you did a good job doing street kid stuff to bring in extra eddies. Between you and Jun working with the ws, you both were prettyfortable. She tells me and I shrug. I doubt she knew the whole story, but I hoped it was urate I hoped my whole issue hadnt put a huge strain on Jun.@@novelbin@@

    Dammit.

    Cmon I want to trash you on some games.

    Okay. I smiled as she revealed she had some future tech game system.

    --

    Dinner was very very awkward.

    Where do you go to school now Motoko? Hiromis mother asked as we all sat around a kitchen table and ate some delivery meal that was pretty fancy.

    I havent gone to school since I got out of the hospital. So Im not sure? Honestly I just finished my physical therapy to get myself moving again a week or so ago, so Im still recovering.

    Hmph. Well at least you have an excuse for not going to school. Unlike my Hiromi.

    Arasaka academy is for losers. Hiromi muttered and although I could tell her mother heard her, she didnt bring it up.

    Awkward. Hiromis mother was so straightced and yet she had this weird sense of disconnect. Like murder arson and jaywalking were so normal and expected it wasnt seen as a crime but just how the world works.

    Well you saved my daughter from her own youthful exuberances. The woman said as the dinner was finishing up. Despite dragging her into this life before, I can admit to some ease of my worry that she apparently made a connection to someone that will assist her when she needs it. She will need someone like you when she joins Arasaka.

    And a momentter five grand in eddies was transmitted to my ount. I blinked.

    Hiromi looked confused, and her mother simply finished popping in thest of her weird stir fry dish. Before nodding. Hiromi, ensure your friend is sent on her way. Have a good night. She offered as she rose and left the room.

    Your mom just gave me 5 grand. I told Hiromi once the woman was gone.

    Ugh! That bitch. Hiromi growled before shaking it off. Whatever, enjoy it. We can go shopping or something She always does this, tries to buy off my friends.

    Thats kinda fucked up. I say with a shrug. Whatever I guess. Parents can be massive gonks. I tell her earning a smile before she stands up.

    Cmon we can finally get out of here.

    Sure.

    We ended up driving around the city for a while. Hiromi showing me a few spots that we had hung out, or done stuff before the scavs.

    It was nice.

    -

    I sat on the couch. Staring at my guns.

    Jun had said we were going to the gun range again today. Apparently he had gotten a message from grizzled gun range guy.

    I didnt know.

    I stared at my pistol. No problem. I pick up the pistol. My hands start shaking.

    Fuck.

    I put it down with a sigh. I was still having some issues from cold blooded murder. Who would have thunk?

    I red at the gun. It wasnt its fault. It was mine. I had chosen to act. To do. To protect and for revenge. I had acted, and now I had to live with the consequences.

    I reached out again. Grabbed the gun and held it, ignoring how my hand shook. How I felt Fear.

    This world isnt safe. I reminded myself. Human life is seen as worth less than nothing to a lot of people. To the big corporations. I took a deep breath. I had to get over this. I needed to get over this.

    I had to be able to defend myself. No leeway. I had to.

    So I took a breath and held the pistol. Let the feel of it in my hand flow through me.

    I must not fear. Fear is the mind killer. I muttered the start to an old quote. A good one though. I quoted it as much as I could remember. Letting the fear flow through me, filling myself with eptance.

    Only I will remain.

    What? Jun asked startling me as I yelped and opened my eyes.

    Nothing, just talking to myself. Im trying to get over the shakes.

    Jun frowned, noticing my hand still a little shaky as I held the gun. I could see a trail of emotions run over his face, but it was obvious he didnt know what to say. Its not like he could just tell me not to pick up a gun again.

    This wasnt that sort of city, and we werent rich enough for that.

    Cmon. Lets go. He eventuallynded on, and I nodded. Holstering the pistol and following him out of the apartment.

    One step at a time.

    --

    To my surprise Jun had actually brought along the SMGs I had collected. Held them in a backpack and so when we entered the range he actually guided me into the backroom with Grizzled gun range guy and popped them onto the table.

    Picked these up on a job. Any issues with them? He asked in the small soundproof workroom I had been guided into. The same man was sitting behind a little workbench desk with a disassembled assault rifle on the table in front of him.

    Saratoga? Not bad guns. No Smart system, or anything, Ill clean em up and take a look. Put them over there. he ordered and Jun did just that. And then we headed out to the range.

    We had ane again and then Well I had to shoot. I didnt put it off. I just grabbed my gun and started. I quick drawed like normal and aimed and the trigger just wouldnt pull.

    I sighed. This was so stupid. I took a deep breath, let it out and aimed, and this time the trigger went off.

    But I flinched. Badly. Stupidly. My bullet didnt even hit the target.

    Hands were shaking too much.

    Jun started firing and I jerked for a moment before rxing. I was being so stupid. Cool. Motoko. Be cool. I took a deep breath and released it. Grabbing the gun and despite the shakes, I fired a few rounds. A few hit the target, but it was more luck than anything.

    Damn.

    I ran a magazine through the gun, reloaded, and shot another, but I wasnt even getting XP for this. My Handgun skill was already maxed until I leveled Reflex again. And I certainly wasnt doing a good enough job here to earn any XP that way.

    I sighed as I pulled out my second spent mag and started filling it back up. I would just have to push through it.

    Third magazine was better. Not really but I technically hit more, so there you go.

    Girl! I didnt quite jump but I certainly jerked, d the magazine was empty. Grizzled guy was there, with one of the SMGs. No, the Saratoga SMG, held in a hand. Come with me.

    He demanded turning, expecting me to follow. I looked at Jun who shrugged but also holstered his pistol to follow after.

    Back inside the workshop room the man had put the gun back down.

    The Saratogas are fine. Make sure you clean them after use. He reminded us before turning to look at me.

    You killed.

    That was blunt.

    I nodded slowly. He nods. Youre struggling with it.

    ... I guess. I offered, not sure how to respond.

    Everyone struggles at first. Would you do it again? Same circumstances? He asked and I had to nod at that. I would. I would absolutely shoot both of those fuckers, again. And Gonzales too, even if he had just been trying to fight for his life.

    Alright. He said simply, before pulling out a shard from a box on his desk. Take this. I find it tends to help. He offers me the shard and I slot it in.

    The Solos Manual?

    ckhand knows what he is talking about. Check out chapter four. The old man offers simply before handing Jun the first Saratoga. Take it out there and put some rounds through it. He orders us both and shoos us out of the workshop.

    We both turn to each other and shrug a little. I head out to the alley, and decide fuck it why not. As I take the Saratoga from Jun and start grinding assault. Ignoring how my hands shake, I nced through the book.

    Despite myself I was pretty engaged.

    *Assault skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    I blinked away the Manual, I was on chapter five now, reading through about setting up Gigs, what you should expect, and what you should run away from.

    I took a deep breath and took a moment to look through the Assault perks. Just like Handguns most of them were about using a rifle, or SMG better. Fast reload. Bullet counting. Which I considered because that would be useful for Handguns as well, to always know how many bullets you had in a mag. But that was also something that some cyberware could take of.

    But in the end there was only one choice that I kepting back to.

    Gun Nut. It didn''t sound like much but reading the description. Pick up any gun and know its quirks and difficultes. Sounded pretty good. Weapons in Night City could be verymon, to monsters of modded parts and pieces.

    Knowing instantly when I pick up a gun how to safe, or unsafe, and fire it could save my life.

    So I picked it. Shivering a bit as the knowledge just was there. I grabbed the Saratoga and knew that it was a solid weapon, although it did have an overheating problem. If someone fired more than a hundred rounds through it, the upper receiver could warp, and cause a small jam, but that it could be cleared with a quick re-racking.

    I blinked. Neat.

    -

    Jun and I practiced for a while longer before heading home. My hands were still shaking a bit by the end.

    But not as much. Grizzled gun range guy had been right. Morgan''s Manual had helped. It made me consider what would push me to kill. No more like it had made me start making some rules.

    And with rules came control.

    I wasnt just some crazy Cyberpsycho killing anyone around them. I was a Solo. A Merc. I killed when I had to, and yeah it came with some advantages. It did for everyone too. A street kid murdering some gonk and stealing his eddies probably felt pretty good too.

    I just also had to worry about the XP addiction. So I had rules. I didnt go out and just murder people for funzies. No. I if I killed someone it would be for a reason. Because I took a job to do it. Because they were threatening me or mine. Or because They were evil vile fuckin scavs.

    Scavs were always on the list.

    So that night after Jun had left for his Tyger w stuff. I stared at the pistol on the table. A pistol I had killed two men with, a pistol that I had used to save the life of a friend.

    I picked it up, popped the mag cleared the chamber, spun it on my finger because fuck you I could, and then aimed it out the window.

    Bang.

    My hand slowly stopped shaking. I could do this. I could live in this city.

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9

    An hour of spiraling thoughts ended with a decision to go to the Gym.

    Punch stuff until I feel better, it was the only option.

    I wasnt violent!

    Usually.

    The machine was so useful. I was d I found it. Even with XP slowing from just punching a machine, it was really nice to punch something that actually responded and changed, it let me fall into the zone as my mind was taken up with the challenge of getting my punches to connect. Even if the machine was actively blocking with its extra arms, trying to push my punches to the side to miss.

    I fell into the rhythm, trying to outsmart the machine, sometimes when I seeded I would be rewarded with XP. A perfect system. Endorphin rush every time I got an alert. Satisfying my addiction.

    Not bad kid. A voice startled me as I was adjusting the difficulty up again. You got a good strike. Where you train? The massive man that spoke was probably 67 or taller and he was at least four times as wide as me, his massive muscles shifted into gori arms half way down.

    He wasnt the same guy that had first drawn me into this room, but there was no ending to the amount of massive men and women in the room at any one time. They were shifting constantly. I just didnt pay attention to them mostly.

    Uhh.. here? I said looking at the machine and then back to him. Having to crane my neck up a bit.

    No I mean who taught you to fight, you go to a boxing Gym, or a Dojo?

    No. Ie here. I like the machines. I added after a second.

    Hoo? Really? No one taught you?

    No?

    Huh. Not bad. Give it a few years and you might get an invite to some of the rings. You should find a coach. Check out Tripple Extreme Gym some time. Its In Rancho Coronado, just gotta prove yourself a bit, and you will be wee.

    Im not really looking to join a gang. I tell him bluntly. Im sure the Animals are cool and everything, but not my scene.

    Hah! You knew that right off. Good head on you. Well I suppose it was obvious. Think about it. No better ce to get some real strength. He chuckled patting me on the shoulder hard enough to nearly knock me off my feet before turning and heading off.

    I wasnt really interested. I didnt even really want to fight hand to hand. But now that it was brought up. It might be a good ce, and mostly safe ce to get some XP.

    But did I really want to be a Pit Fighter?

    No. But a part of me that whispered XP, made the idea more tempting than it should be.

    --

    I was getting anxious again. I was doing some grinding on the stupid Baby''s first Cyberdeck again. Since I already went to the gym today and I just

    Didnt want to go outside.

    But it wasnt quick XP, and continued silence from Jun was making me nervous.

    At least I had gotten to the point I could breach our radio and turn it on or off or even change the volume from the couch.

    So that was cool. I guess.

    I eventually got bored at the highly technical work before flopping back on the couch.

    Someday I would be a scaryrunner that could make people blow their own brains out with a look.

    That day is not today.

    Unfortunately nothing else was going on. Ichi didnt have any jobs. Shobo was keeping everyone close in case there was another attack on his club.

    Hiromi was out of touch again.

    I wish Jun was here. That way everything would be safe again and I wouldnt have to feel this need to rush.

    Maybe I should try to make some eddies?

    I sighed the only thing I could think of was to kill. Im not sure if it was the city, where murder was just the fastest way to doing most things, or if it was me. The urge to kill to get what I wanted.

    I needed something to do with my hands. I realized. Exercise was fun, but it wasnt giving me any XP now unless I went to the Gym, but I still needed an indoor hobby.

    Maybe one that wasnt Netrunning

    Well there was a skill I hadnt done anything with yet. I realized.

    Crafting. Or Technical Ability But I didnt have a lot of eddies to start something like that. I groaned.

    Money or XP. Both were hard to get without doing something Wait.

    If I want a job, I can just get one. I reminded myself. Fixers were a thing. Hell. Wakako was over in Jig-jig street. Which I could almost see from my apartment window.

    I stood up. Sure I was a kid. And she might not even see me But it was something. Something that I wanted to try!

    I grinned as I got ready wishing I had found the rest of a cool outfit, but at least I had my cool jacket and gloves. I suited up, unfortunately leaving the Burya. I didnt have a holster, or ammo for it.

    Outside the sun was shining through the small sections of the city that could see the sky, and I jogged down the block and crossed the street.

    Then I took a right down Jig Jig Street.

    The ce was just how I remembered it from the game. Dark, seedy, full of people looking to do bad things.

    I think I was probably the youngest person there. But that was fine. I wandered the streets until I found it.

    A pachinko parlor. The only reason I remember the exact location of Wakako was because of how funny it was. One of the most powerful Fixers in Night City hangs out in a tiny room with a TV in the back of a Pachinko den.

    I entered, noticing the woman at the counter eyeing me up.

    Im wondering if Wakako has a moment. I asked the Neon haired girl who raised an eyebrow at me.

    Being fourteen kinda sucked.

    But I held my gaze.

    Doubt it. If she isnt already in contact with you, you arent on her radar. The girl eventually offered even going so far as to lick her finger and turn the page on the magazine she was reading.

    Im aware Im not on her radar. Thats why Im here.

    The woman sighed looking me over. Do you have any idea how many Street Kids we geting in here?

    A lot.

    Yeah, a lot. The woman finished as if that was the end of it.

    I bet a lot of them ask to be tested too. A gig to prove that they arent hot air.

    Save me from irritating overconfident children. The woman muttered at me before her eyes went gold. A few momentster she nodded and then she looked at me. Go on in. If you want.

    I nodded pleased. It seems I was right. Wakako couldnt only hire people that are the best of the best.

    Sometimes you needed street rats.

    I turned to the left and walked through the door way blocked only by the weird beads that people seemed to use here instead of doors.

    It was a cozy little back room, an executive style desk and Wakako. The Fixer of Japantown.

    The older woman was casually looking over to the tv that was to my right as I entered giving me a single nce assessing me and then going back to the TV.

    Thank you for seeing me. I say with a little bow to her. She had been high up in the Tyger ws. Well her husband Husbands, had been.

    Dont tell me your name. I dont want to know it. She said simply, and her eyes went yellow. A text came in. Finish the job, and return then maybe I will bother to learn your name. Or dont. The door. She offered simply a very brusque quick interview.

    I could kind of respect it.

    I didnt say anything more. Just turning and leaving.

    I had my job.

    I ended up on the street before I looked at it.

    A man had an info shard. Wakako wanted that shard. Simple.

    No other information other than where the man potentially was and a picture of him.

    Thats it. No orders about how she wanted the job done, or anything.

    I understood. Most street kids would probably go loud. Cause a riot.

    The smart ones would go quiet klep the shard and get out. Hopefully without causing an uproar. Wakako wanted to know what kind I was.

    I could do that.

    -

    I ended up grabbing Juns bike as the guy was hiding out across town. I ended up finding a parking lot a few blocks away and stashing the bike before continuing.

    A light jog to warm up and I was there. I slipped behind a parked car as I scoped out the old auto shop. The garage door was open, but it was obvious it wasnt open for business. No, a group of Valentinos were hanging around. Some were using the garage to work on their cars, it was still doable, except for one thing. A guy was outside in the parking lot, sitting on the hood of a car and drinking a beer while the radio yed.

    Damn. This wasnt going to be easy.

    I started looking for entrances without finding much. The auto shop had a big office side to it, two stories tall connected to the three door garage, but again. There were Eight cars parked out front? That was potentially a lot of people to get caught by.

    But I had a chance.

    The back of the lot was covered in a high fence. It might have barbed wire around it, but I had parkour. I could definitely reach the roof from another building next door.

    That was my entrance.

    I moved. Moving across the street as naturally as I could before starting my climb up. An old burned out car, to the AC unit of a warehouse, to the roof. Keeping low I crossed the roof of the seemingly abandoned building heading closer to the roof of the auto shop.

    As I was getting close my new view let me see a hup. A security camera.

    On the back of the building keeping an eye on the back yard which wasnt empty. It was full of cars. Newer cars. All of them missing pieces.@@novelbin@@

    I guess the Tinos were using this ce as a chop shop.

    But I could get through. I just needed to find an entrance where the camera couldnt see. While also avoiding making any noise, or letting the Tinos out front notice I was on the roof.

    Easy.

    First step. I waited and when the music hit its crescendo. I leapt from my roof to the next. Landing as quietly as I could, which still wasnt really quiet. I waited, for a minute and then another.

    Nothing. I started moving, crawling across the roof staying low. Letting the noise of the radio and sounds of the mechanics at work hide me away as I crawled across the roof until I reached the office building side. No windows opened out to the roof of the garage which was irritating. No they were on the front and back of the second floor of the office, making my job Difficult.

    I scooted towards the back of the building keeping an eye on the camera so I was out of sight when it looked away from me. I looked around for an entrance I could use.

    There was a back door, but it was right under the camera.

    No go.

    I grumbled quietly. Why wasnt this as easy as the games? Where was the obvious secret door? Or the window that was always left open?

    Right. This was real and not a game. I calmed myself down, took a few breaths and started looking around again. The camera was well ced. Giving it a solid view of the entire backlot. Which I suppose was the point. Why would someone put a camera down that only looked at half of what they needed it to?

    I had to go back. I crawled back towards the front of the shop peeking over the ledge.

    Yep, that was a Tino sitting on a car right in front of the building. No way I could use the front of the building while he was there.

    Dammit.

    I was just about to give up entirely, I would just have to call Wakako back, when I got the alert.

    *Ninjutsu skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    I felt it flow through me, allowing me to adjust my position just a tad to make it a little harder to notice me as I slipped back down.

    A perk? That could work. I opened up the list in the shadow of the second floorying down on the roofpletely hidden from the ground.

    I had been hoping for something cool. Phase into shadows. Or invisibility. Or something amazing. But nothing that mystical showed up. As usual my perks were more knowledge based, more surgical in what they gave than Ninjutsu as a whole.

    I did find the one that I really liked, as it was the one most likely to save my life in an emergency.

    Danger sense. A moment''s alert before you are seen.

    For a thief that could be really useful.

    I picked it without another thought going back to my current problem.

    I had to get in, find the target, and find the shard.

    As I was still figuring out a path inside a new vehicle pulled up. I nced over the roof and watched as Was that Dexter DeShawn? It was! I recognized that fat backstabbing asshole anywhere!

    He was too far, and the radio blocked the voice but the guy that had been waiting out on the hood of the car was chatting with him, and over the course of a few minutes something changed hands.

    I couldnt tell if Dexter was given something, or if he gave something.

    I really hope that wasnt my shard. Thinking quickly. I took a picture of the handoff. Even if my eyes werent Kiroshis like Vs I could still take pictures. I just couldnt scan. See through walls. Smart Link Okay you get the point, My eyes were civilian eyes.

    Which also reminded me that old Motoko had likely lost her eyes to the scavs God. I am really d I don''t have her memories now. Remembering Scavs tearing your eyes out? I shuddered.

    Dexter got back into his massive car and drove off. And to my pleasure the guy who had been waiting outside? He went inside.

    The front was clear!

    While I didnt want to get to the front door. The front of the building did have a window. I krept over to the front edge of the roof looking down just to make sure no other straggler was around. Nope. Everyone was inside. I could just see the boots of some guy under a car as he was working on it.

    Perfect. I stood and snuck over to the point where the second floor of the office and the mechanic shop met, and looked over to see the window on the second floor. Peeking in was awkward but I was able to see it looked like the boss'' office, and it was empty. I reached out to test the window.

    I grinned. It wasnt locked. It slid as I pushed my hand against it and pulled.

    Now was the hard part. It opened towards me. Which meant to reach the opening I would have to jump. I sighed. Thankfully Parkour was there. And after a moment of looking it over I had the path.

    I leapt feet first. Grabbing the bottom of the window sill heaving up wards. Letting my shoes hit the window sill on the opposite wall to give me half a second of grip and keep me from flying out into nothing, I rolled sideways forcing myself into the window.

    I didnd with a thump. No helping it. But I tried to keep it as quiet as I could. I quickly checked the room looking for any hiding spot just in case, but there really wasnt much.

    So I waited. Wondering if I was going to have to leap back out the window. Instead it was quiet. And slowly I untensed. Then I started searching around. I needed the info Shard Wakako wanted. I went through the drawers of the desk and then around the room.

    Nothing.

    I took a deep breath and moved to the door, opening it a crack to see out. The floor was a bunch of desks put together like cubicles. But it was empty. Noputers on the desks or anything. The ce was abandoned. I slipped out, checking every corner of the room as I did. No one had been up here in a while I realized. So I moved towards the stairs. The staircase in the back of the building was an open design, the entire first and second floor were basically one massive room, just with a floor in the way. I peaked my head over the steps peeking through the top stairs to see the floor below.

    And the man sitting at an old corner desk, a newptop open as he typed away.

    Target found.

    But so was the man that had been waiting for Dexter outside.

    Fuck.

    Well is it what we need?

    It is. Everything I said. See! I am good on my word. You get what you want. I get out of here.

    Well Choom, a deal is a deal. Start getting packed up. We will roll once we get confirmation. The man said with a pleased smile as he pped my target''s shoulder heavily.

    T-thanks. He grumbled, not sounding thankful at all.

    What the hell was going on? Wakako just wanted an info shard, but this guy was about to bail! I narrowed my eyes. The Valentino to my relief left the room after that heading back into the shop. Saying something in spanish as the door shut.

    I moved.

    I had to. I didnt have time to y around anymore. Not if I was going toplete this gig.

    The target was still buried in hisptop tapping away. More than distracted enough for me to get close.

    The noise from outside would keep any noise from inside muffled enough.

    I hoped.

    I came up behind him as silent as death. Ninjutsu was more than just stealth. It also had info on how to disable someone. Combined with Grapple. My arm came around the Target''s neck with all the force I could. A hard jerk to startle to disrupt breathing and then a solid force against his carotid. It wasnt oxygen that knocked people out with a neck grab.

    It was blood flow.

    He struggled of course he did. His hands iled at first and he kicked out kicking the table a few times.

    Rx. Im not here for your life. Go to sleep. I whispered into his ear as I slowly pressured him down to the ground. His attempts at ripping my arm from his throat failed.

    He wasnt chromed, and I had a solid hold.

    Very soon his struggle died out and he went limp. He wasnt faking. Ninjutsu told me. I let go.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *Level up achieved!*

    *One Stat Point Gained.*

    *One Skill Point Gained.*

    I blinked back the alerts. Now wasnt the time. I went to work, searching the man I took every shard he had on him just to be safe, then since I kinda wanted to fuck up Dexter DeShawn. I took not just the shard that he had dropped off, but the Laptop my Target had been working on.

    I took everything.

    I was probably screwing this guy over pretty bad. I admit, but I was probably also causing trouble for Dexter. Which I would ept as a trade off.

    Cause fuck that guy. He is just as bad as Faraday. Thats a fixer that needed a bullet to his head.

    I hurried back upstairs in a rush. My goal the open window. Once I was there I peeked out. No one out front still. Good. Theptop was a pain in the ass. And I had to slip it into my pants and shirt using my belt to tighten it down to make sure it didnt shift as I climbed out the window, and using Parkour fell down grabbing the window sill breaking my fall and then falling the rest of the way.

    Inded with a thump, but it wasnt that bad.

    Cat-Likeing in clutch.

    I quickly dashed around the corner disappearing from sight.

    Gigplete.

    --

    I walked into Wakakos a few hourster with a backpack that I had stopped at home to grab. Seriously bring a bag when on a mission Motoko you idiot.

    I would never tell anyone that I had to ride home with aptop stuck in my pants. Notfortable.

    I walked past the girl at the front. Simply going up to Wakakos doorway and knocking gently.

    Get in here. She said simply and I did so.

    You got the shard?

    And more. I answered opening the backpack and cing the shard that I was pretty sure was the info shard she wanted onto the table along with theptop and the shard that Dex had dropped off.

    Hmm and this? She asked only after she took the first shard and slotted it into a slot on her desk.

    As I was entering something interesting happened. I forwarded her a text with the image of Dex doing a handoff.

    Oh?

    The shard in theptop is the one he handed over. Theputer belonged to the target. Not sure what the whole situation is, but the target was making a deal to leave the city, in exchange for something that Dex handed over. Considering your brief didnt mention a timeframe. I figure something is going on. Either you appreciate the info, or its useless. Either way. You got what you wanted.

    Correct. I did get what I wanted. As I always do. Motoko Kusanagi. She said obviously dropping my name.

    If she expected me to react I didnt. A good pair of eyes could scan people and get their NCPD database instantly.

    I suppose that means Im interesting enough for you to know my name.

    A clean op. You handled it like a professional. I like that in my Mercs. Here is payment. Your name is added to my contacts. I will be in touch. She gave me a serious look as her eyes suddenly glowed blue. A deposit in my ount came through. Five grand. I looked surprised for a moment before nodding.

    I look forward to it. I said as I turned and left.

    I felt. Better. Productive. I could do this.

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12

    I jogged into the apartment after hitting the gym.

    Unfortunately while I got a few body XP alerts while pumping iron. I didnt get anything for an hour of using the punching bag. I think I was running into the end of the diminishing returns for that particr grind.

    The idea of finding a fighting pit was getting more and more tempting

    I shook that off and decided to check my stats.

    Motoko Kusanagi

    Level 2

    Body 5

    -Athletics 5

    -Street Brawler 3

    Reflex 3

    -des 2

    -Handguns 3

    -Assault 2

    -Driving 2

    Intelligence 2

    -Breach Protocol 2

    -Quick Hacks 2

    Cool 2

    -Ninjutsu 2

    -Cold Blood 2

    Technical attribute 1

    2 Stat point.

    2 Skill point.

    Perks.

    Ambidextrous des 2

    Quickdraw Handguns 2

    Gun Nut Assault 2

    Parkour Athletics 2

    Grappling Street Brawler 2

    Drive By Driver 2

    Cat-like Athletics 5

    Cool Nerves Cold Blood 2

    Danger Sense Ninjutstu 2

    Wall Breaking Breach Protocol 2

    Cyber Security Quick Hack 2

    That Technical attribute was looking real low But I also knew that it was going to be an expensive stat to train. I didnt have a lot of junk stuff I could mess with, and without a car its not like I could drive out to the dump to grab scrap.

    So I pushed it to the side for now. Soon. Very soon I would set some time down to do some crafting. Cause crafting is broken.

    Instead I refocused on my other stats Body was high because it was easy to just exercise.

    Reflex was high-ish, but mostly because It had a lot of skills. But it was also not moving a lot.

    Intelligence was the same, but it had less skills So far. Although I had noticed it would pop when I had studied the Netrunner guide. So studying would help that felt really boring though.

    Cool. I shivered the only time it went up was when I killed. I wasnt sure what its deal was. But I had a way of grinding it. I just refused to do it.

    For now.

    Then there at the bottom I saw something I had been pretending didnt exist.

    Stat and Skill points.

    I could level a stat and skill twice. They were just sitting there. My initial thought was to bnce out my skills, but that was a trap. Specialization at low levels, jack of all trades at the end.

    I could level Cool. I told myself. The idea of increasing my stealth was Appealing. It was one of the biggest force multipliers I had. Dont have to worry about getting shot if they never knew you were there.

    But was it the right choice? Intelligence might be better. It was hard to level in a way. More time intensive at least. And I could upgrade my Netrunning. That appealing future where I walk into a group of enemies and they kill themselves without me having to lift a finger was tempting.

    Or I could increase my Reflex. Since I had so many skills under that stat it would give me a lot to grind. Not that I wasnt already able to grind most of it.

    Ughhhh. I groaned as I rolled over and put my head into a couch cushion and groaned as loud as I could.

    Ive always been terrible about deciding. I reminded myself. Hoarding items or stat points in games until long after I should.

    I shook it off. I shouldnt be getting lost in my own head. I have lots of things to keep grinding. I reminded myself even if my XP was slowing down.

    I need a job. Something to get me out of my head. I spoke up to the empty room. I think I was past the point of hiding in my apartment and grinding basic skills. I think it was time to start acting like a real Street Kid.

    I sent a message to Wakako, and Ichi.

    *Got any Gigs lined up?*

    Then I rose up and started doing some Knife training. I probably wont get much from it, but I wasnt going to sit around doing nothing.

    --

    An hourter I got a message from Ichi, saying he had nothing currently.

    Then I got a response from Wakako about a Gig. I had practically cheered jumping up and down for a moment in the apartment, as I rushed to get dressed in my gear before I checked the message and deted.

    It was a courier run.

    I sighed. pped my cheeks a bit to focus myself, and stepped out of the apartment.

    A gig is a gig. I needed to prove myself still. I was only a kid. Not every job is going to be about sneaking into a Tino chopshop to steal data.

    It was incredibly boring, doubly so since I didnt have a car. I picked up the package from a small noodle shop over in Heywood. Took the bus or train up to Kabuki. Handed it off at an old apartment to a girl that didnt even fully open the door along with a chain holding her door closed. Got paid in practically ennys. And walked home.

    *Package confirmed. Gig is closed.* That was all Wakako sent me.

    I was back home and groaning into my cushions within an hour.

    --

    The next day I got another Gig from Wakako. This time it was a woman that wanted to get something from her boyfriend''s apartment after a fight, and wanted protection.

    It ended with me pistol whipping the boyfriend. Which did give me an alert for Street Brawling XP which was nice, and the woman got her Shard she had left behind.

    *Client is happy Gig is closed.* Wakako sent me as I was on the train back home.

    --

    Wakako ended up sending me a Gig request without prompting the next day.

    A woman had been carjacked and robbed by a small time gang. Some group of chooms that decided that their little family meant they were a gang and had started doing some carjacking in Rancho Coronado.

    I wasnt hired to bring back the car. Or get revenge on her car jackers. No, that would have been fun.

    No she just wanted her wedding ring back and was actually paying the fuckers ransom for it. I was the middleman.

    I had even asked if they wanted them dead. But nope. The ring was the absolute priority.

    I sighed and ended up taking the bus down.

    They wanted to meet in a gas station parking lot.

    I internally cringed when I read that detail. A gas station? Not an abandoned warehouse or a gang house? A gas station?

    I sighed as I stepped off the bus. Taking in the dusty gas station and rundown neighborhood.

    This was the ce.

    With a grimace I noticed five teenagers, the youngest probably younger than me all waiting on the steps infront of the Gas Station.

    Dammit. They fit the description. Worse? They definitely noticed me just get off the bus.

    Fuck how embarrassing.

    What kind of merc took the fuckin bus. There goes my rep.

    Unless I tline them all?

    No. They were kids. I sighed, shoulders slumping as I approached them.

    Archer and the Bad boys? I grimaced as I asked.

    Thats us Choom. Shit youre just a kid? You our middleman?

    Apparently Wakako has a sense of humor. I informed them although none understood. I did. Wakako you bitch. Send the teenager to deal with a gang of teenagers? Yeah I got the message.

    Maybe she was a little pissed with me bothering her every day? I would have to figure it outter.

    You got the ring?

    Yeah? Maybe, maybe not. You got our eddies? the tallest boy. Their obvious leader stood up a shotgun gripped in one hand and resting on his shoulder asked.

    Confirmation of the item first. Payment after. No need to turn this into some XBD action star bullshit. Client wants the ring, willing to give the eddies. Dont make this difficult. I told him a little bored. Honestly. What did Wakako think I was?

    He didnt seem pleased at how bored I was, and his little groupies were looking trigger happy, but none of them really worried me.

    I was 99% sure I could outdraw them all.

    Even if the idea of killing a bunch of kids didnt sit well with me, even with my gamer brain. I sighed. Just prove you have the ring. I will transfer half. You give me the ring I transfer the rest. You got me outnumbered. I am sure you want the eddies more than you want a ring. Right?

    Yeah. Guess so. He said ring a bit. Dug around in his pocket with his off hand never taking his hand off the shotgun before pulling out a little wedding ring. I did a quick checkparing it to the image I had been sent.

    Match.

    Alright. Here is half. I said, my eyes going blue as I deposited the eddies in his ount.

    Honestly it was pocket change. A few hundred eddies. This little gang was probably pretty hard up.

    Alright. He took a step forward and offered me the ring.

    When I went to grab it I caught it. A motion out of the corner of my eye.

    I almost sighed.

    My gun was drawn and pointed into the face of the boy that had been moving up to brain me with a pipe.

    I had a gun pointed at me a momentter along with a few pipes and a knife.

    I wasnt gonna tline a twelve year old. I just wasnt.

    You really want it to go down this way? I prompted as the leaders shotgun was aimed at me.

    Why not. I think we got you outnumbered and outgunned. Bet you have some eddies on you a rich girl like you. Bet you got some other things we can use on you as well.

    Rich? Im a Street Kid working as a merc. I do odd jobs you gonk. You did see me get off the damn bus right? I mocked before sighing. You really want someone to die over this? You are already getting what you want. Dont turn this into a gunfight.

    Maybe I do. Maybe I want that shooter you got. Looks preem.

    Save me from Street kids with more balls than brains. I moaned. I was gonna have to do something.

    Fuck it. I pulled the trigger.

    At the same moment I rushed the leader. Of course I didnt shoot the kid, shot right over his head, but a bullet going off real close? Causes everyone to jerk and dodge. I hit the leader full bore. I might have been smaller than him, but he was an underfed Street Kid ying Gangster.

    I was a Gamer Wait, that came out wrong. I was The Gamer. Better.

    I grabbed his shotgun and pushed it up. Moron was still holding it one handed like some Chromed out borg. The shotgun went off, and he probably just wrecked his wrist. Which is about when I pistol whipped him.

    He went down with a yelp blood already streaming from his nose as I held his shotgun. I flinched as a bullet whizzed past my head.

    I turned the kid with the gun. He looked second oldest. God was this whole little group just a family of brothers?

    His gun was shaking and he was definitely trying for a second shot.

    So I did the only thing I could think of that wasnt shooting him.

    I chucked my Unity at his head. He flinched another round going off, and I really prayed that he hadnt just shot me in my gonk brain. But he went down a momentter crying out as the pistol bounced off his head with a loud thunk.

    Alright! I think that is enough of that! I yelled as loud as I could racking the shotgun as I stormed over to the kid securing both pistols as the other boys all flinched brandishing their melee weapons.

    Fuckin batch you bwoke my nose! The leader cried out as he started to stand back up looking furious.

    Until I turned and shot a round of his own shotgun over his head. He hastily dropped back down and the boys were all freaking out.

    You really did this? You turned a simple fuckin job into a shootout. Well congrats, you are now outgunned and disarmed. The rest of you put those pipes and knives down or else. I growled looking around as the boys were all hesitating and not looking great. The youngest looked like he was gonna piss himself since I had pointed a handgun at him.

    I reached down not taking my eyes off them, and picked up my Unity reholstering it and then grabbing the Lexington I realized the moment I picked it up that the kid had.

    Alright. All of you shut up. Stop your moaning. Now before anything else. You Gonk brain. Give me the ring. I demanded waving the shotgun at the leader who looked at me like I was crazy.

    I wasnt crazy! I didnt fuck up a perfectly easy ransom deal because I got greedy! That was crazy!

    Cmon stop looking at me, Does it look like I have the ring? No! Hand it over! I yelled to startle the group.

    Fwuck you. He grumbled as he looked around checking his hands and then his pockets before he realized he didnt know where it was.

    Oh Choom. Dont you tell me you dropped the ring and now you lost it. If its gone I will tline you just to deal with my frustration so you better find my target quick fast. I say absolutely level as I cocked the shotgun again, not caring that I sent a shell flying.@@novelbin@@

    I just wanted the noise.

    It worked. The teen hurriedly looked around his feet his chooms were nervously looking around but mostly just staring at me.

    Finally he found it and wiped it down a bit. I checked it snatched it out of his hand and stuffed it into one of my leg pouches just to make sure it wouldnt disappear again.

    Then because I felt like being that sort of bad bitch. I sent the rest of the money. Next time remember you will just get zeroed if people cant trust you to keep to your word. Now. Onest thing you owe me for this bullshit. Lady''s car you klepped. Where is it?

    Downt got it. He mumbled and I rolled my eyes at his words.

    I didnt ask if you had it. I asked where it is.

    Donnys. The second oldest said from where he was sitting rubbing his head from where I had donked him. Chop shop run by 6th St. We sell our cars there.

    Transfer the deets. I demanded and the teens all sort of wavered before his eyes shifted into a yellow and I got a text.

    Alright. Now learning experience here chooms. You make a deal that earns you some Eddies? Follow through, dont turn a simple thing into a mess. Or people die. Be d I dont like killing kids. I said before simply turning and walking down the street.

    Gotta wait for the fuckin bus. So embarrassing. I settled in near the bus stop across the street and literally watched as the kids picked themselves up and sort of limped out of the parking lot and back home.

    What a bunch of gonks.

    --

    The ring got left in a dropbox, the deets about where the car was sent to Wakako. Wakako sent a confirmation not long after. Couple more Ennys in my pocket, but not nearly enough to cover dealing with such a massive shit show.

    At least I had a shotgun now.

    I had gotten an alert during the fight but hadnt checked it.

    *Annihtion Experience Gained.*

    *Skill not unlocked, no XP gained.*

    *Annihtion Unlocked.*

    Cool. This skill covered Shotguns, and Machine guns. I really needed to hit that gun range again. Jun had been quiet ever since he came back chromed up. Right now he was out of the apartment. I hadnt seen him in two days. My messages at least were getting a response back, but it was usually something like.

    *Busy.*

    *Cant talk now.*

    *Here is some eddies for food.*

    Stuff like that. I was growing frustrated by it all. The Worst thing was I knew exactly what he was doing. The Maelstrom-Tyger w gang war was heating up. Tyger ws attacking Maelstrom back had only pissed off the other gang instead of ending it.

    Apparently Maelstrom wanted more territory in Kabuki.

    Tyger ws took offense to that.

    It was getting nasty. Not quit at the level of total war on the streets. But gang hangouts or fronts on both sides were getting hit daily.

    It was even on the news.

    I walked into the apartment after a long awkward ride on public transit. Having everyone staring at me and my new shotgun was super awkward. I had even pretended to make a call so my eyes were glowing yellow just so I could pretend I wasnt paying attention to them.

    I walked into the apartment and sighed setting the shotgun on the table and flopping onto the couch.

    My anxiety was rising up again. Jun was being a butt. I was tempted to head out and hunt him down and stick to him on his little raids. Watch his back.

    But I sighed. I didnt even have a vehicle. It would be stupidly easy for Jun to lose me even if the Tyger ws would help.

    Which I had a feeling they wouldnt. Mid gang war they werent going to let a kid chase after her brother.

    Which meant I had two options. Sit here and spiral into my own mind. Or get up and do some grinding, and maybe be ready to do something when Jun does get in trouble.

    The problem is speed. I had been happy slowly grinding up some stats and skills. Enjoying just living. But Jun was forcing me to escte.

    I was looking at the shotgun. Fingers tapping. Foot bouncing. That niggling feeling surging up.

    What was more valuable to me? Juns life? Or the lives of a couple Scavs?

    That was the thought that convinced me. That crystalized my resolve. The Solos guide had said to decide on the reasons that would force you to kill. For Jun? To be able to help him? To save him? Yeah I would kill. I would kill a lot.

    I was calm. Decided. I needed more stat points, and to use the stat points I already had.

    My hands stopped fidgeting. My foot stopped tapping, and I could feel my eyes narrow. I owed Jun. And in a way I owed the Scavs too. I had been afraid, unsure if I could do it. If I could even survive an assault on a Scav den.

    If that was the worry? Then I would just have to make sure I would. I didnt need stats alone to ensure a victory. Surprise, overwhelming firepower, and a few tricks would suit me just fine.

    It would be nice if I had a couple grenades dont ya think? I muttered, an old movie reference that I loved, that probably didnt exist in this world. I did know where the gun shop was And I had some eddies in my pocket thanks to my jobs for Wakako.

    I stood up halfway out the door when I remembered something else. A quick detour to pick up that stupid Burya and I was back out the door.

    Still needed ammo and a holster for that monster. Just in case I run into some Borg.

    --

    I walked out of the gun shop pocket light on eddies, but full of fun.

    Ammo and a shoulder holster for the Burya meant it was secure and hidden under my little jacket. The holster even had a few spots to hold the grenades I had bought.

    I was ready. I slipped onto the train and the whole way I was calm. I thought my hands would start shaking or my stomach would do flips, but they just didnt.

    It was time to kill some scavs.

    Idly I pulled up my stat menu. It was time.

    Two points went into Cool. And the two skill points went into Ninjutsu. Bringing them both to level 4. As much as it burned, I was once again maxing out the skill. I needed stealth if this was going to work.

    I exhaled as the information slipped into my mind. My body adjusting. A few simple shifts in the way I was sitting. The way I held myself. To better move silently. To better keep my movements from being picked up by the eyes all around me.

    To more easily reach for a weapon if someone did notice.

    Yeah. I was ready.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13

    Megabuilding H2. Floor 24. Just to make sure there weren''t any traps or eyes on the elevator. I went up to the floor above.

    Funnily enough it wasnt hard to see what section of the building below that was imed by the Scavs. As I circled around. Looking down into the massive open drop that made up the center of the megabuildings. I could see the section that they had taken.

    The lights were broken, the walls looked like they had been attacked with a sledgehammer. Then there was the smell.

    Blood.

    As I walked above the area I scoped it out. Marking the holes in my mind as potential entrances. Or killing fields the scavs had set up. I took note of elevator that was stopped right there next to the imed section. I would bet 50 eddies that they had hacked into that elevator to keep anyone else from using it. A way to transport their Goods. Up to their hacksaw clinic.

    The elevator would likely be watched. An instinctive thought entered my mind. If they had the tech ability to hack an elevator to keep it locked down, then they definitely had cameras for security.

    I found the ce I was going to slip in. My knowledge of parkour told me this was an easy jump. I climbed over the barrier. What little it was, and simply dropped. Ten feet and I was grabbing onto the concrete barrier of the floor below with barely a sound.

    It was a little tough to hold myself from falling, but Body 5 turned it into a simple trick. I hadnt felt a lick of fear at potentially messing it up and falling.

    I peeked over the railing still hanging over a few hundred feet drop as I nced onto the floor. The fact a lot of the apartments had their doors busted open told me a lot.

    I guess they had made sure no one else lived on this floor. At least in this section. My eyes narrowed looking for any sign of a camera or alert system.

    Nothing. I slipped over as quietly as I could and hurried to the first apartment. The door was already open. Broken in fact and I had to force it a bit just to be able to slip through.

    The smell of old blood told me everything that happened here. Broken doors and blood stains tell a frightening story. Unfortunately this apartment wasnt connected to the Scavs clinic so I would have to keep going. I slipped back out and started stalking along the apartments fronts. The hallways splitting off leading to deeper sections were checked with a few quick peeks before I slipped past them. Closer and closer to the section that was obviously their main setup. It was closest to the elevator.

    It was also barricaded a bit. Made to look like trash build up, but it was obviously done on purpose. A pile of garbage and old equipment blocking off the walkway that went around the interior of the building.

    As I approached I heard voices. Ducking down to hide behind the trash barricade.

    Russian voices.

    I rolled my eyes. I didn''t have a trantor chip. So I had no idea what they were saying, but they were walking over to the Elevator from down a hall, and in a few moments the elevator rocked to life and started heading down.

    The noise was perfect.

    I moved. A bit of Parkour allowed me to swing out over the massive drop to get around the trash barricade without a sound. Now on the other side of the barricade I hurriedly slipped up to the interior wall and peeked down the hallway the scavs had juste from.

    A camera was looking down the hall.

    Damn.

    Looks like I had been right. They kept an eye on the elevator. I considered hacking the camera, but I had no angle to start scanning to get its information much less to start the hack. I would have to go around instead.

    As I looked around I noticed my entrance. I could see a hole busted into the wall that looked like they might be using it to shoot out at anyoneing up in the elevator that they didnt wee.

    Like a crewing to clear them out.

    Or the NCPD actually doing something for once.

    I needed to get over there.

    I looked around before sighing. My Parkour instincts kicking in showing me a path.

    A very annoying path.

    I walked back along the trash barricade, hit the concrete barrier that would barely keep anyone from falling into the abyss that was the center of the megabuilding and slipped over it. Then I shimmied sideways, until I hit the elevator shaft. The metal had plenty of ces to grab, so I climbed on. Down below the barrier the camera couldnt see me as I shimmied my way around the entire elevator shaft until I was on the other side.

    Then just a bit more climbing and I was clear of the hallways vision and I climbed back over.

    I took a moment hiding behind some garbage to catch my breath and work out the tension in my arms. Couldnt have my arms be tired for what came next.

    I moved to the hole.

    Peeking in I noticed I was right. An HMG was resting against a table looking outwards.

    The room was empty, looked like a bathroom they had smashed apart to make space for their little bunker. I had to be quiet. Slipping in since I was more than small enough to slip through the hole. I did my best not to make a sound as the concrete under my belly shifted and crumbled but I made it through.

    I looked to the HMG.

    Looked to the door.

    Looked to the HMG again.

    Tempting. But no. Those things are heavy as hell.

    Next time. I promised it as I shifted up to the doorway. The stupid bead blinds that were popr at least let me see out into the next room.

    A Scav was set up on the couch in the next room, a BD wreath around his head.

    I slipped through the beads silent as a ghost. Stalking through the apartment, eyes roving every corner just to make sure there wasnt anyone else here.

    There wasnt.

    My knife slipped out of my sheath without a sound.

    The man didnt hear a thing. Didnt feel a thing. Not until my hand was over his mouth to muffle and my knife slipped into his neck.

    His quiet gasp muffled and weak death throes were ignored.

    I slipped my knife back into my sheath and settled a pillow against the mans neck. Hiding the blood stter.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    I moved on. My hunt had only just begun.

    Besides, right now? I was feeling pretty... Cool.

    The apartment wall had been broken out. Connecting the apartments. Into one massive hive of rooms. I slipped over to the hole and started making my way through a dark hole that looked like it had once been a storage area for the apartment.

    The next apartment was brighter lit, and the smell of blood hit me.

    It also wasnt empty. Bodies stacked up and Ripper doc chair with a corpse. Her chest ripped open like she was in an aliens movie.

    And a man walking around the body with some weird device in his hands that looks like an ancient torture device.

    The lights were out in the storage room I was slipping through giving me the perfect opportunity to move closer. As the man couldnt see his death.

    He looked into the hole in her chest and reached in. Obviously trying to pull something loose.

    My hand gripped my knife again.

    He was tall. I would have trouble reaching his neck for a strike. I nced around. My Ninjutsu instinct told me to check every corner. Every angle before striking.

    Even as my eyes kept him in sight.

    I stalked closer.

    He was bent over. Looking into the girls chest. I stalked right up beside him. I could tell the exact moment he would see me.

    Ninjutsu had taught me a lot about assasination.

    He nced over at the exact moment my knife slipped into his neck. I had walked right up beside him. So I could deliver my blow. I kept with the blow helping him drop to the floor dragging him away from everything a bit so his death iling wouldnt knock anything over. After a few moments his movements stilled.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    I looked around. This was definitely part of their main shop. I couldnt leave his body on the floor.

    I blinked when I saw it.

    Well if it worked for video game protagonists everywhere I dragged him over to a cold storage fridge. I had a feeling what I would find inside and I was right.

    Bodies. I grimaced as I hefted him up. Definitely struggling with his weight.

    I really needed more Body. But after a bit of back and forth I dumped him inside. Shutting the fridge.

    I took a moment to back off. Back into the dark storage room to rest up against the wall and regain control of my breathing.

    A minute.

    Thats all I needed. Then I was good to go. I moved on. The Ripper room led to a muchrger area. It had once been a living room, but everything had been torn out. It looked like It was a storage room. Full of crates that I bet if I checked inside would be full of Cyberware. I guess I found their stock.

    Three people were hanging around the room. One was putting stuff into one of the crates. One was just looking out the window smoking

    The third? He was the most dangerous. He looked borged out. I grimaced at the realization they did have some serious muscle to back up their operation.

    I looked around. There was no way I could take out all three of them without noise, but as I looked around I realized I could get around them. I smiled as I stalked into the room using the crates as cover to walk to my right towards where the entrance to the apartment would have been.

    These apartments had been absolutely broken apart. Obviously the scavs wanted their own path through things, and therge crates wouldnt even fit through the old apartment doors. So, walls, doors, and huge sections of each apartment had been ripped apart.

    Which also meant lights were down. I slipped into a dark section near the old entrance where the wall had been ripped apart. Noticing that I could continue on through a hole they had battered through the concrete. I slipped through moving right past the massive room without a sound.

    The room connected was another bunker room. No HMG though, shame.

    This one was upied instead. A BD wreath d Scav again.

    These scavs were making it easy.

    He died just as quickly as thest one.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    With that I slipped out the exit to the bathroom bunker and looked around. The next room was full ofputers and other equipment. Probably the ce they set up their sales and buys. I nced around no one was in the room, but I could hear cutting from next door. As I walked through something caught my eye and I snatched it up. A Max Doc.

    Didnt have any of those. Healing item get.

    Theputer system was nice. A multi monitor setup attached to a wall with a desk and chair under it. I could try to breach in, but I shook my head. Focus on the job of killing scavs. I could do thatter if I really wanted.

    I moved past. Following the noise of people sawing at something. As I poked my head into the next room I grimaced.

    This time the ripper wasnt alone.

    A man and a woman working together to rip off the legs off a dead man.

    I really fucking hated these people. My brain was still cool. So my mind swiftly found a path through them.

    I drew my knife. And as I stalked into the room. I grabbed an object from a table. A bigger cutting tool, more like a pair of industrial shears than scissors, but it would do.

    I attacked. The knife in my right hand sliding right into the mans throat before I left it and swiped at the woman.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    I was off. No. I realized she had dodged too fast to be natural. She had jerked her head back moving almost blurring fast for half a second before she realized what had just happened.

    She cursed loudly. Yelling something in russian.

    I threw my knife. She wasnt fast anymore. It whistled for half a moment before appearing in her chest with a dull thunk.

    She gasped, her legs failing her suddenly.

    *100 Reflex XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    Okay. Ninja mode disengaged.

    I moved. To the next room. A guy was already grabbing a rifle off a desk when I slipped in.

    He was scrambling for a rifle on a table across from him when I raised my pistol.

    The retort echoed through the apartments as I fired again and again, until the man fell to the floor.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *Level up achieved!*

    *One Stat Point Gained.*

    *One Skill Point Gained.*

    I dropped the magazine, and reloaded quickly. Well since this Scav was kind enough to pull out something a bit heavier than my pistol. I rushed across the room grabbing the rifle.

    Instantly my head knew what it was. Nokota D5 Copperhead.

    It was the AK of the future.

    I spun. I could hear footsteps approaching.

    Heavy footsteps.

    I looked around. The room I was in was thest unit in the row. There wasnt a second exit.

    So this is where I would have to make a stand.

    I raced back across the room. Using the doorway to the Ripper room set up. Rifle raised up and pointed, but I could hear the borg moving. Basically doing the same thing on the opposite doorway.

    Intermittent Russian called out as the three scavs talked to each other.

    Well if he wanted to post up near the doorway.

    I grabbed a Frag grenade from my chest rig. Ripping the pin out with my teeth which actually hurt a bit and wasnt nearly as easy as the movies made it seem, I popped the grenade holding it for half a second to cook before chucking it across the room.

    My Reflex and Ninjutsu helped make the grenadend generally where I wanted it to as it hit the doorway and fell into theputer room.

    But before it went off, it was suddenly spiraling into the ripper room.

    Did Did the borg seriously kick it? Asshole!

    I jerked back and the massive thump of the grenade going off in the room rolled past me. A few momentster something in Russian was called out mockingly.

    I dont speak Russian. I answered backpletely t.

    Then a surge went up my spine. Danger Sense. I was spotted? I jerked backnding t on my back just in time for a massive chunk of the wall I had been standing against disappeared.

    I held back a curse. Letting the cool feeling surging through my nerves keep my calm.

    Tech Shotgun? Tech Shotgun. I popped a Grenade off my rig quietly pulling the pin.

    Do you understand Russian now? The voice called back mockingly. A rough older man. Obviouslyughing.

    He thought he got me. I smiled. I heard his foot thunk. I popped the trigger on the grenade. Letting it cook.@@novelbin@@

    I feltpletely calm. My heartbeat didnt even stutter as I held the cooking grenade long past where I should have.

    Then as if I had done this a million times I chucked it through the hole he had just blown through the wall.

    Half a second was all the time he had. A moment to start cursing in Russian before the Grenade made it through the hole and exploded. I rolled away. ster and concrete shattered over me as the wall came down.

    My ears were ringing, but I brought up the rifle I had stolen, and as soon as I managed to roll to my knees I started firing into the smoke and dust.

    I could see the bullets make divots through the dust but I realized after half a magazine I wasnt able to tell if I was hitting anything. So I leapt to the side rolling until I was behind a desk just in case.

    Which was smart because the sound of a double barrel shotgun ripping through the room smashing concrete as it went right through where I had been a moment before told me I hadnt gotten him.

    Again more russian was called out, although it wasnt the borg, but I got the gist.

    Kill her this time?

    No. Nyet was some of the only russian I knew after all.

    He thunked into the room like the fucking terminator. Already reloading his shotgun.

    I tossed myst grenade.

    I didnt pull the pin though.

    As he moved to kick it back towards me I rose up.

    Burya staring straight at him, his shotgun out of position as he kicked the grenade back.

    We had a moment. A simple frozen moment in time as his eyes locked with mine. I could see it. The frozen moment he realized he had fucked up.

    The moment my Burya kicked, breaking my arm but sending a bullet with more than enough force to crack his chrome.

    He was actually smiling a little as the bullet struck.

    *1000 XP Gained.*

    Then everything was moving again.

    I was moving again. Dropped the Burya because my right arm wasnt strong enough to holster the damn thing I raced over to the dropped grenade. Popped the pin with my teeth again.

    Ow.

    I tossed the grenade with every inch of the uracy I had ground. The grenade arced through the ripper room, and into theputer room.

    The room that I hoped the two other Scavs were hanging around in waiting for their Borg to take me out.

    I breathed for a few moments wincing at the feeling of my arm even as the pain was fading into prickly ice.

    And then the thump of the grenade echoed through the building.

    I moved. Not waiting for a moment, I dashed through the ripper room power sliding into the room with theputer terminal.

    The two scavs were shocked from the grenade, having jumped out of the way to survive it, but they werent stupid.

    Even as my pistol rose up and started shooting.

    They shot back.

    I winced when I felt a bullet strike me, and then two.

    Yet my bullets were hitting them as well. One scav went down.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    Yet the second Scav and I were facing each other, both of us low to the ground. Both of our guns raised.

    We started firing. Bullets whizzed past me as I tried to roll to avoid more rounds, my Unity barking over and over until finally it clicked down.

    We both were on the ground. I was gasping. As I struggled to move.

    That was a lot of blood.

    I dropped my Unity even as I felt myself wavering.

    I was dying. I coughed, blood rolling out of my throat.

    I fumbled with my pocket, finally pulled out the Max Doc with shaking hands.

    I inhaled it and instantly the hazy feeling disappeared. I could feel the bullet holes not close, but stop bleeding. Although I could see that they were scabbing over. Healing.

    I rose up looking over to the Scav who looked just like I had been a moment before. Leaning up against a desk bleeding out from multiple gunshot wounds.

    His eyes though.

    He had seen.

    He looked at me in horror as I reached behind my back and pulled out a magazine.

    I picked up my Unity and reloaded it as I took a few steps closer.

    Then I put a bullet in his eye.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    I stood there after just catching my breath. I felt cool, but I also felt tired.

    Took a few tired steps out into therge room. Therge room full of crates probably loaded with Cyberware.

    I flopped onto the couch the Borg had been resting on before and just breathed for a few minutes.

    How am I still alive? I asked as I zoned out. What the fuck had I just done? I wasnt some elite special operative or something! Okay I could shoot a gun with an okay level of skill, but I had just How did I know to throw the grenade without pulling the pin?

    I hadnt even thought. I just did. Cold Blood had left me without any hesitation. Pain and fear, even anger, hadn''t yed any part. Just a cold clinical calculus.

    I had put in a few points into Ninjutsu before going into this den, but I was actually wondering if I should have put it into Cold Blood.

    I raised my hands up to wipe my face only to wince.

    While the Max Doc had seemed to give me a gamer style heal. At least enough to put me back to alive status. My arm was still broken. And I still had some bullet holes.

    It had stopped me from bleeding out, and healed parts of my holes, but not all the way. I looked down at my chest. At the holes punched through my Netrunner suit.

    Dammit. That was going to be expensive to fix. So much for the armor as well.

    I rose up and started searching around. They had to have a ce with medical supplies somewhere.

    And I was right. In a corner I found a med kit and popped it open. Instantly inhaling the Max Doc and sighing as my bullet holes healed up more, although it would be obvious I had been shot still. There were still wounds where I had been shot

    Wait, did that mean I had bullets in me still? Dammit. I would have to get to a ripper to check. How was I supposed to ask that? Hey Ripper can you tell if I still have bullets in me from these holes that just happened? I mocked myself before sighing.

    Well actually I probably need to stop at a ripper anyways huh. I couldnt help but admit as I looked over the crates all over the room. I walked over to one and popped it open, only to wince.

    Legs.

    I moved on to the next crate. Arms.

    Synth Muscle.

    The next one had little boxes that when I opened up I instantly closed back down.

    Eyes. I muttered with a shiver. I looked over the crates.

    Fuck. That was a lot of product. A lot of Cyberware.

    Okay Motoko you idiot. You cleared out the Scavs. Now how do you get this stuff out of here?

    I realized I hadnt actually thought that far.

    Motoko kill scavs and numbers go up!

    Fuck. That was about as far as my stupid brain had thought this through. I was going to have to call in help help that was going to ask questions.

    Fuck it. I had nearly died, but no one needed to know that. I could just Fake it. Yeah.

    I would just lie. Alot.

    I made a call.

    *Toko! Save me from boredom! Club?*

    *Hey Hiromi Can you get Ichi and the gang together and find a bigger vehicle than your bikes. I need I need a couple trucks or something.*

    *Okay I am suddenly very interested in what my cute Motoko is talking about. What is going on?*

    *Its hard to exin and I dont really want to talk about over the line. Can you do it? I promise there will be eddies in it.*

    *Well I woulde no matter what, but that will get the boys moving. Alright where to?*

    *Just get to Megabuilding H2, and try to keep it quiet. That would be Preem.*

    *Ill get the boys moving we have Omaedas van. That enough?*

    *No. Rent or hell steal a cargo truck if you have to. We got a lot of shit to move.*

    The line was quiet for a moment as I looked out the windows watching the city far below.

    *I am so interested right now. You have no idea. Okay whatever craziness you got going on Im in.*

    *Thanks Hiromi. Really. I appreciate it.*

    The line ended and I took a moment to look around. Finding all kinds of stuff that had my looter''s instincts going crazy. I started bringing it back to the central room until I stumbled upon a shower that still worked. I quickly washed up. Trying to get most of the blood off me, but wincing when I realized that I still had bullet holes all over me.

    That was going to be difficult to exin. I quickly zipped up my jacket hoping that it would hide most of the holes. I looked around and found some bandages of all things in a med kit. With a bit of arranging the bullet holes were hidden, and you couldnt see that I had been shot now. It just looked like I was wearing a white shirt under my leotard.

    Hopefully no one would wonder why my new Netrunner Leotard had holes in it. Figuring that was good enough I decided to start looting.

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14

    I was searching through the borg I had tlined for any goodies he might have in his pocket when I heard it.

    The elevator.

    It left a quiet rumble through the floor as it settled. The elevator that was locked down so only Scavs could use it. Hiromi and Ichis crew wouldnt be here yet.

    Here I go murdering again. I whispered as everything went cold.

    Instantly my mind had a thought and every part of me was nodding along.

    I ran. Sprinted through the different rooms over the dead bodies and through broken walls before I returned to that little Bunker they had set up near the elevator. I crept up and unfortunately whoever hade up had already walked out of the elevator.

    But that was fine. I slipped out through the hole as quickly and quietly as I could until I was once more on the Megabuildings outer walkway.

    Then I pulled the HMG through the hole.

    I wheezed a little at how heavy it was as it caused a twinge in my left arm that made me wince, but I fought through it anyways. How did Ba handle this thing!? Oh right. Cyber arms.

    Gonna have to get me some cyber arms.

    Because as I walked down the hall I caught the sight of the scav walking into their little den. That room led to the first Ripper room.

    Which meant I had about thirty seconds before they realized something was up.

    So I hurried down the hall. Not caring too much about making noise. This was their home base. They expected people here.

    I crept through the ripper room, my face turning into a gentle smirk as I stopped just before entering the big room.

    I took a breath.

    Then I walked out around the doorway.

    Three men. One was carrying a man over his shoulder.

    Fuck. They had a victim

    Fine. I just wouldnt shoot at that one, I adjusted my aim.

    And pulled the trigger.

    You know in the game the HMG was used every once in a while. It was an okay thing. A heavy weapon you could pick up and carry around for a bit until it ran out of ammo, or you had to do anything else.

    It was okay. Not great. Not amazing. Just okay. Fun though.

    This? This wasnt a video game.

    This was a fucking HMG fired from the hip by a fourteen year old unaugmented girl. I only weighed a tad over a hundred pounds.

    Did I forget my broken left arm? Yes. Yes, I did forget my broken left arm. That is until about half a second after I started firing.

    Then I remembered it. Oh did I remember it.

    So yeah. Firing the HMG instantly fucked me up. Kicking me back and forcing me to push myself into a wall to keep from falling on my ass.

    Too bad for the poor Scav that I had been aiming at though.

    He turned into fucking hamburger. Turns out these HMGs fired explosive rounds.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    The other two leapt for cover.

    Which didnt help when I manhandled the HMG arcing over towards the scav that wasnt carrying an innocent.

    Explosive ammunition doesnt care about light cover.

    I kept firing. The wall I was pushing the gun against to find any sort of stabilization practically crumbled from the treatment but it did let me arc the fire straight through the second Scav attempt to hide behind an overturned table.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    I dropped the HMG. I couldnt shoot the third Scav without hitting the victim, and I didnt think I could have held it for much longer anyways.

    I drew my Unity with my good arm and rushed him.

    The Scav was still screaming something in Russian as I leapt over the couch he had been hiding behind.

    The poor victim looked like shit on the floor beside him obviously having been dropped like a sack when the firing started. But the Scav? He was cowering.

    Four rounds into him before he realized I was there and he stopped moving.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    I breathed. Just breathed catching my breath before I rolled forward and grabbed my arm.

    Fuuuuu-!

    ---

    The Victim was still unconscious. I checked them out and they didnt have any shards in their system or anything. Probably just drugged or beaten unconscious. So I hauled them up and put them on one of the newly destroyed couches before settling in myself.

    My arm twinged a bit whenever I moved it.

    I think I broke, broke it. I needed a nap, but needed to get the crates full of cyberware out first. I sighed hoping Hiromi hurried up.

    The bodies were starting to smell Worse than the room already smelled. While I waited I checked over my stats since I had nothing else to do.

    Considering how much shooting I had just done, I wasnt surprised to see my stats had gone up.

    A lot.

    *Annihtion skill level up!*

    *Annihtion skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    *Annihtion skill level up!*

    I blinked at that one. Guess firing an HMG had leveled me up quick.

    I stopped to check out the perks for a moment. This time there was a pretty quick delineation between shotgun perks and Machine gun perks. Luckily just a few options from the top was what I wanted. I picked it immediately.

    Recoil Reduction. Know how to best reduce the effect of recoil on aim and your body.

    That would hopefully mean when I shot the Burya my arm stopped breaking. I would have to test that though. I winced at that idea. So I moved on.

    *Reflex Leveled up!*

    This was a relief. Reflex was so determined by my skills since I didnt have a direct way to level it. Now I was at Reflex 4. That meant I had even more Reflex skills to level.

    Well those that hadnt already.

    *des skill level up!*

    *Handguns skill level up!*

    *Assault skill level up!*

    Handguns was once more maxed out at Handguns 4. des was at 3, and Assault 3. So I still had some grinding to do with those.

    Then I looked down a bit more on the list.

    *Cool Leveled up!*

    *Cool Leveled up!*

    Cool 6. I guess killing all these scavs was pretty cool. I sighed. No wonder I was still calm and collected. Sitting around the dead bodies of the Scavs wasnt even ruffling me. I shook that away looking at thest two skills.

    *Ninjutsu skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    I had only gained one level of Ninjutsu. I guess Cool had leveled up once early on when I was still sneaking around, but since I had stopped using stealth mid fight it didnt have a chance to level along with Cool.

    Cold Blood though?

    *Cold Blood skill level up!*

    *Cold Blood skill level up!*

    *Cold Blood skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    *Cold Blood skill level up!*

    Four levels. Cold blood 6.

    It was now my highest stat and skill. I rubbed my eyes a bit before opening the perks menu.

    Ninjutsu first.

    The list hadnt changed much. One or two additional perks that seemed to have unlocked due to other skill trees.

    Scrolling through the list I ended up finally deciding to keep focusing on the stealth aspect of Ninjutsu instead of thebat angle.

    Which is why I kept circling around to this perk.

    Cyber Ninja. After Breaching a system automatically upload a daemon that makes you more difficult to see for members of thework. Increases based on skill level of Breaching.

    Abo perk. Breach and Ninjutsu. A perk I hadnt had before. Being able to sneak past people after using Breach on them? That was already something I wanted to do!

    But it also meant I really needed to level my Breach and Quick Hack. So I could hack and Breach on the run. I looked around at the room full of Cyberware. I wondered if they had anything here I could use? But I shook that off to refocus.

    Because I still had one more perk to choose.

    Cold Blood.

    I started looking down the list. It didnt take me long to find what I wanted.@@novelbin@@

    Fearless Chill. Fear is a powerful enemy. Good thing your enemies realize you have none. Fear is your ally.

    From the description it read more like a diplomacy skill. If while under Cold Blood people realized I wasnt afraid that might be a pretty strong advantage.

    Fearless people were scary after all. You never knew what they would be willing to do.

    I picked it, I had already taken a perk to keep my body calm in terrible situations, maybe one to keep my mind calm would be a goodbination too.

    I looked at my skill points. The desire to spend them was there. But I held off for now. After this I would probably do some normal grinding for a while. I might even have the eddies to try working on my Technical Skill. That would be a nice thing to level. So I would hold off for a bit, figure out what I wanted to raise. Intelligence, or maybe more Cool and Stealth?

    *Ringing*

    I smiled as Hiromi finally called me back.

    *Hiromi. You here?*

    *Well Im at the ground floor in the garage. You said the south side right?*

    *Yeah the south elevator. You near it?*

    *Its right here, but the damn thing is broken, choom.*

    *Yeah they had it locked down. Give me a minute, should be able to send it down from here.* I quickly rose, noticing the victim was still out. And hurried to the elevator. Just like I expected, the control panel on the elevator waspletely destroyed having been pulled off and modified.

    An absolute mess of wires and connections.

    Unfortunately my tech knowledge was zilch.

    It was the back of an elevator control panel. I had no idea how or what they had done.

    It took a minute of going over the wires trying to find what everything was connected to.

    *Crafting Experience Gained.*

    *Skill not unlocked, no XP gained.*

    *Crafting Unlocked.*

    I blinked mid way through as I got the alert.

    Nice but useless right now. I muttered as I continued following the wires until I finally found something strange. A box that wasnt supposed to be there.

    It even had buttons. I pushed one of them and nothing happened. Then the other.

    The elevator started going down.

    Finally. I grunted as I waited for it to hit the bottom.

    *Ringing.* Hiromi was calling again.

    *Hey choom! You sent it down!*

    *Yeah go ahead and get on, and let me know when you are ready I can bring it up.*

    *Hah! Our own personal elevator. Hear that Ichi? We got our own ride What? No shut up Malcolm you gonk!*

    The call turned into arguing for a minute before I sighed.

    *You ready for a lift Hiromi?*

    *Huh? Oh yeah we are all on.*

    I rolled my eyes as I ended the call and pushed the other button, feeling the elevator start traveling upwards right after.

    I stepped back as I waited, before quickly looking myself over. I was mostly clean of blood, and the bullet holes in my Netrunner Leotard hopefully wouldnt draw too much attention. I wiped a hand through my purple hair onest time before standing casually putting on a bit of coolness as the elevator finally made it to the top.

    Hi hi! Hiromi called as the Elevator opened looking around at the destroyed section of the building.

    I imagine it looked like one hell of a scene. Garbage barriers. Holes in the walls. Lights flickering in and out. I realized then that there were some bloody footprints from my surprise attack on the second group of scavs walking away from the hole in the wall and then back into the apartment I must have stepped into a bloody pool when I ran.

    Just fly casual Motoko.

    d you all could make it. I could use the extra hands. I offered as I flicked my head back towards the apartment.

    What the hell did I just walk into? Omaeda asked, looking very ufortable as he looked over the area. He was even fingering his pistol on his hip as he looked around.

    Dont worry. There are no more threats here. Its safe. I told him directly, trying to sound reassuring.

    I dont think it was though.

    Motoko. Choom. Choomer. Choomiest? Whats going on? Hiromi asked, looking around nervously as well.

    Scav den. I answered back. You are the clean up team. I told her, which to my surprise caused all four of them to tense up and draw their weapons like scavs were going toe out of the walls.

    Fuck Motoko, you cant ask us to his a scav den without letting us know first! Ichi hissed with a whisper as he started checking the corners nervously. And even Hiromi was looking a little freaked out.

    Clean up. Not extermination. I said after a few moments trying to cut through their freakout. ce is already cleared. Just needed some hands to move the loot. I exin and while that at least causes them to stop freaking out so much, they were still looking around.

    Who helped you clean the ce out Motoko? Ichi asked, and even Hiromi jumped on me after resheathing her katana that she had drawn.

    Yeah I thought we were a crew! You went and got some other mercs to help out? Or did you join a new crew? You cant betray us like that Motokooooo! Hiromi whined.

    It was just me though? I answered calmly. Thats why I called you all in, I needed help looting everything. I told them as I gestured down the hall. Cmon stop ying around. I said calmly as I turned and walked down the hall.

    The door was already open as I entered ignoring the first Ripper room with the dead woman still on the table.

    Once we were out of here I would alert the NCPD. I dont know if they would actually do anything or not, but maybe they would.

    Either way I had no idea what to do with a body.

    I could hear gasps of shock at the sight and whispers breaking out among the group as they noticed the already dead woman.

    I wondered what they would think when they saw the main room. I walked in and looked around. It was a bit of a mess. The three dead Scavs were one thing, well they werent one thing anymore, more a few different chunks Anyway, you could see the other two in theputer room from where I stopped too.

    I turned around only to blink.

    No one was there. I looked down at the victim who was still unconscious. My chooms are a bit unreliable. I admitted to him before turning around and going back into the ripper room.

    The crew was all looking around the room in horror.

    Guys? The stuff is in here. I pointed out my re-appearance causing Malcolm to jerk back from the womans corpse that he had been morbidly looking into her open chest.

    This is crazy. He muttered but he finally followed me and everyone else put down whatever junk they were ying with.

    Seriously Ichi, I dont think we need a pair of surgical mps.

    The group followed me into the main room and instantly I could hear Malcolm start cussing.

    Son of a bitch. Thats a dead scav! He called out hurrying over to the legs of the scav I had caught with the HMG. Only to stutter to a quick stop Err. I mean Its half a dead scav.

    The other half of him is over there. I pointed to the other side of the couch they were standing next to. Also Omaeda dont touch that. Its mine. I tell him looking over my shoulder to see Omaeda checking out my HMG.

    That was going with me.

    Omaeda looked up his hand inches from touching the gun before back to the gun and back to me before raising his hands off it and standing up.

    Wait. Is this one alive? Hiromi asked, having been looking around as well.

    Yeah, that was a victim. They were carrying him up. I think he is drugged up. When we get out of here we need to call the NCPD let them take care of it.

    Damn Motoko. You seriously assaulted a Scav den and took out three Scavs? You got lucky there weren''t any more. Ichi mentioned having looked over the couch to see the second Scav I had mowed down with the HMG.

    There were more than three. One in the first ripper room. Two in this room, along with a Borg. One in thest room I think was their boss.. The two that were in the other ripper room Then these three showed up after I think thats it? Oh no wait, the two gonks that were scrolling a BD. One in the front, and another down that way. I told them counting on my fingers as I tried to remember all of them. I had been more focused on making sure I got them all at the time than counting.

    Besides they were scavs. It took me a moment to actually remember all of them.

    The room was quiet as I looked up from my fingers and noticed everyone staring at me.

    What? They all jerked like they had stuck a fork in a power socket.

    Nothing.

    Yeah, is cool is all.

    Preem. Hiromi offered with a big smile that looked a little off.

    I gave them all a t look but I could see Ichis group kind of closing off as they stepped away a bit and clumped together. I could hear them whispering to themselves for a while, but I gave them their space. I did sort of drag them into a charnel house.

    They deserved a few minutes to sort things out. Hiromi was also distracted, poking her head around a bit checking the room over, looking through some of the crates with a wrinkled nose.

    Finally I noticed they were all splitting up a bit to look around and I called out.

    Anyways. Lets move these crates first! I dont want something to happen like the NCPD showing up and not letting us loot them. Crates first. And then we can go around at our leisure to see if there is anything you want. Should be lots of weapons and stuff lying around. I told the group as I walked over to the crate nearest me.

    That caused everyone to gather back up, and Ichis crew seemed more at ease.

    Whats in the crates? Malcolm asked curious and I could tell the others had probably a good idea already but I shrugged and lifted the lid.

    Oh thats a lot of legs.

    The crates are full of the Scavs loot. We are taking it for ourselves. I tell them. Thankfully it wasnt like full hacked off legs, but all the interior cyberware packaged in stic ready for resale.

    Oh thats why you said bring vehicles with space. Malcolm responded. Im surprised you even brought us in. This is a huge payday Choom.

    My arm is a little messed up. So I cant really move the crates myself. I told him, causing Hiromi to squawk as she ran over to me looking me over as if she could see the injury.

    What happened? Did the gonks shoot you or something!? She talked quickly looking me over but I just raised my left arm.

    I had to shoot my Burya to tline their Borg. It messed up my arm. Its fine, just stings. Which was the truth from a certain point of view.

    Burya? She asked suddenly. Whats a Burya and why would it mess up your arm? Jeez Moootooookooooo You are a worse storyteller than Ichi!

    Hey!

    Burya is a pistol Hiromi. It has a strong kick. Feels like its breaking my arm every time I shoot it, but its good for killing borgs. It punches right through their armor. I exined simply as I finally pushed her hands from my arm to the crate. Lets get this stuff moved okay? I really dont want to lose all this chrome. Some of it might be usable by us.

    Wait. You mean we can use this? Malcolm asked, suddenly perking up from where he had been poking around in another crate his face split into an eager look towards me.

    Help me get it out of here and secured, and we can figure it out. Ill get first dibs, but otherwise I dont mind. Just dont go crazy. I told him, and suddenly the three boys looked a lot more eager. Not just eddies on the mind but chrome.

    Pshh most of this is junk. I doubt we will want any of this chrome. Hiromi muttered but I shrugged.

    Still worth eddies somewhere Maybe? Whats the best way to sell Chrome like this? I asked Hiromi quietly who looked at me like..

    Well like I was a gonk.

    Wait, you cleared this den and you wanted us to grab all this junk, and you have no idea what to do with it?

    I hadnt thought that far ahead Yet. Im thinking about it now though!

    You are such a gonk. She scoffed, I have some ideas lets talk to Ichi though he has more connections that might help than I do.

    Cool Wanna help move the crates?

    Nah. Ill stick with you, let the boys earn their eddies. Hiromi offered me with a fox grin that I couldnt help but chuckle at. We both took a moment watching the boys who were already grabbing crates and hauling them over to the elevator. The three were practically drooling at all the chrome.

    But Hiromi stopped paying attention to them once they were far enough away.

    Hiromi? I asked as she turned to look at me with a serious face.

    Motoko, what happened here? Did you take a job to hunt the scavs? Who even gave you the information. They were probably sending you to die, you know?

    No one. It wasnt a gig Hiromi. I just Learned there were some scavs here, and came to clear them out.

    That is crazy. She said slowly before going silent as she looked like she was trying to figure out what to say. Doing something like this is real Edgerunner stuff Motoko, its stuff people do that dont care if they die or not. You You arent Youve never been able to do something like this. I know youve been practicing with your guns a lot, but this is on a different level than going to the shooting range a couple times.

    Hiromi. She was super serious. Looking honestly concerned about what I had done.

    I knew I could do it. So I did. Jun has been doing crazy stuff so I knew I needed more More experience, more chrome, more eddies. I need to be strong enough to help him when he finally bites off more than he can handle. I answered truthfully.

    Thats what the other Tyger ws are for Motoko! Its what Ichi and his crew are useful for. Its what I am for! That is what chooms do. They do crazy dangerous things together. You shouldnt be rushing into something like this! Especially not alone. She shook her head looking so confused. Why are you making me be the voice of reason? Im supposed to be the rich girl slumming it. She said almost growling at the end as she poked my side a bit.

    But I wasnt ticklish. Instead I just huffed a bit at her probing finger.

    I dont trust them to keep Jun safe, over whatever goal they have. To the Tyger ws Jun is just.. Muscle. To me Jun is my irreceable brother. I owe him a lot.

    You have to be alive to pay him back. Hiromi retorted, looking at the corpses in the room. Even if you are somehow really good at this. She looked around seeing the one scav that was literally in two pieces from being cut in half by the HMG. Seriously good.

    Ill be careful More careful. I quickly changed what I said as Hiromi looked like she was going to argue.

    I still dont understand how you did this. She muttered and I didnt shrug, or make any notice. I couldnt exin so instead I just stayed quiet, face firm.

    Hey! You gonna help or what? Malcolm called out suddenly, pulling us from our conversation as we looked. He was looking at Hiromi, irritated. Cmon Hiromi help out. This thing is heavy!

    Just move it yourself! Dont worry if you break your back, we will just give you a chrome one! Hiromi called out joking, earning a rude gesture from the boy as he tugged and pulled the heavy crate across the floor.

    This was gonna take a while.

    I looked around myself seeing the Scavs on the ground and the idea did reach my brain but I shivered and put it away.

    Stripping bodies for chrome was a step too far.

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15

    When we loaded up the elevator with all the crates, and after everyone had searched through the scav den for extra loot. All the boys now had a new weapon of some sort. Ichi even iming the DB-2 Satara. I was tempted to im it myself. I had enough equipment I didnt really need it. Plus Ichi looked so happy when he pulled it out from underneath a table.

    We were ready to go.

    I had taken a few minutes with Omaedas help to breach the Scavs''puter security as well. The other Netrunner had looked pretty irritated with my assistance in pulling the data, but after a quick discussion, he was going to sell the data off to another Netrunner he knew who would be interested, as long as any data on other scav locations went to me.

    Sure I could have pulled it as well, and I likely would have just sold it to Wakako, but Omaeda was Ichis Netrunner. If I was going to keep using Ichis crew, I needed to keep them happy.

    Although potentially the only reason Omaeda had agreed was because of the looks the crew had given me when they came across the Borg''s body. It was back to that fearful side nces.

    I used a Burya guys. Stop acting like its weird. Anyone can kill a borged out Scav with a hand cannon.

    We took the elevator down and finally I got to see what the crew had gathered up.

    Omaeda had his van, which ended up being mostly useless as the boy had the back filled with scrap already. Which seemed to piss him off when he realized he wouldnt be able to take a crate.

    Malcolm had a car, an old beat up Thorton Galena, which was basically a little hatchback.

    With the back seats down, and a lot of effort Malcolm with Omaedas help got a crate in the back.

    But Ichi was reliable. He had actually done as asked. A Villefort Columbus. It was basically a modern moving van, and the back was empty.

    I, uh, called in a favor with one of Shobo-samas lieutenants. I did a job for him that saved his hide a few months back. I asked him for something I could move a lot of stuff around with, and he gave me the key shard for this. I uh Just dont scratch the paint, or ding it up okay? He muttered to everyone.

    Sure Ichi. We will be careful. Oh look it even has a little ramp. Thats useful. I called out showing everyone my discovery, and with that we were able to load up the five crates of Chrome into the cars.

    I think thats everything! Hiromi called out wiping her brow.

    Despite the fact she hadnt really done anything but supervise the loading.

    Oh! One second. There is something I cant forget! I called out as I headed back up the elevator. A minuteter with a bit of effort I came back down struggling to hold my new baby with one arm.

    Motoko Ichi sighed looking at me as I struggled to carry my new HMG to the van.

    She is very important Ichi. I tell him firmly as he sighs and helps me load her up.

    Then we all climbed in.

    And realized we had no idea where to go.

    Who buys a bunch of chrome? I asked Hiromi and Ichi from the back seat of his truck as they mbered in.

    Ripperdocs. We could head back to the Ho-oh Club as well. I bet Shobo-sama would buy the chrome off you. Or a Fixer. But make sure to call them first, never a good idea to drop off a job in a Fixersp without asking first. Ichi replied, his experience on the streets revealing themselves.

    Ripper docs Actually that gives me an idea, and a chance to meet someone I wanted to have a future rtionship with. I told Ichi and pulled up my map system. I ended up unable to find directions to where I wanted to go, but I did find the next best thing.

    Sending you the deets Ichi

    Mistys Esoterica? He asked as I sent him the text.

    Not exactly. Its the Ripperdoc behind the shop that I am interested in. I tell him with a small smile. Trust me. I was forced to add at the confused and unsure look I was getting.

    Alright. Your gig. You''re the boss. He said with a shrug and I could see his eyes sh gold as he must have called Omaeda and Malcolm to follow him.

    While that happened I went ahead and called the NCPD line and gave them the information about the scav den cleared out and the bodies. Along with a victim still alive but drugged. It was really strange because the bored sounding woman on the line took all the information without showing any actual enthusiasm and then thanked me for the information.

    I dont think she actually meant that. Still I turned my attention back to whaty at my feet.

    I had so many ns for this baby.

    -

    This is it? Ichi asked as we parked. Right in front of Mistys Esoterica.

    Yeah. Have everyone sit tight. I need to go around the back and talk to the Ripper. Keep an eye on the trucks. I shouldnt take too long. I asked Ichi and he nodded. HIromi, of course was already out of the truck waiting for me.

    I stepped out and looked at the entrance to Mistys Esoterica with smile. Like walking into a dream.

    It looked the same.

    Hello? A quiet voice called out as a woman straight from de Runner walked around the corner from the back of her shop. Oh I was right, I did hear someone. Wee to my Esoterica. How can I help you today? She asked looking Hiromi and I over as I smiled at her gently.

    Sorry, I actually have other business, is Doctor Vektor in? I asked and Misty almost pouted for a second.

    He is.Yours isnt a face I know. She mentioned as she blinked slowly at me.

    No. This is my first time. Im a new client I guess you could say. Motoko.

    Misty, as you might have guessed. Alrighte on, Ill show you the way. She offered with a smile as she guided us through the back and then into an alley. I could see Hiromi starting to frown a bit, but I knew that Viktor was one of the best Ripperdocs in the city. Definitely the best in this area at least.

    More importantly he wasnt the type to rip out a kids spine without anesthesia and chip them with a Sandevistan only to not give them the meds they would need.

    No Vik was Honorable. In a city almostpletely devoid of it. There was a reason that I had instantly thought of him.

    Misty guided us to a set of stairs leading downward lit by a small green light, and I could feel Hiromi tensing up as she drew close to me. Door opening showed just a dark space with some junk on the floor.

    The fact she had her sword on her and was gripping it told me she was feeling particrly ufortable being led into a dark hole.

    I just smiled because I waspletelyfortable. We hit the bottom of the stairs and Misty called out. Vik? You got a new client. She said as she looked through the protective door blocking the way.

    Is that so? A voice called out and the gate opened as Misty waved us in.

    Inside was a small Ripperdoc office. It wasnt perfectly clean and tidy, but there was a sense at least that it wasnt a back alley ripper, despite Viktor being just that.

    The man was sitting at a desk as we walked in. Hiromi was looking around like she expected an ambush.

    Viktor though, seeing the two of us smiled gently and rose up.

    Viktor Vektor. Nice to meet you. He offered offering a hand even if it was covered in Ripper mods.

    I took it casually to make sure I wasnt pricked.

    Motoko Kusanagi, and this is my choom Hiromi. Nice to meet you Doctor Vektor.

    Oh please, Call me Vik, or Viktor, if you must.

    Vik then. I agreed, easily earning a smile, even Hiromi was calming down.

    Now how can I help you? Need something installed, or just a checkup?

    Neither, both? Itsplicated. I have a business proposition for you. Im hoping youll be willing to help me out. I heard good things about you, so I am hoping the rumor was true.

    The man blinked a bit behind his sses. Well I doubt I have too many rumors about me anymore. I keep pretty quiet.

    It was about how you were a good guy. Dont rip people off, or install hacked chrome. I tell him which for a moment he actually seems a little proud of that.

    Well I try to live up to that. What can I help you with?

    Right. Let me be blunt then. Im a merc, and I just cleared a scav den.

    I heard Misty do a little gasp beside us as she had settled onto the table to watch our meeting take ce.

    Vik though I watched as his eyebrows snapped together.@@novelbin@@

    I have five crates of chrome. All sorts of stuff. From bargain bin junk, to, well I dont know. Im not really a chrome merchant. I say rubbing the back of my head a bit. Ill continue to be blunt. Most of it is stuff I wont get much from. Even if I tried to find people that would pay in eddies, Most of the chrome isnt great. Its why I came to you. I want to trust you. To believe your rumors, that you are a good guy, so here is the deal. I give you the crates. All of them. Everything in there except maybe some good stuff if me or my chooms can use it. You can do whatever you want with it. Help people that need it. Sell it if thats what you want. But in exchange, I could use a Ripper I can actually trust. And maybe some advice on if any of the pieces are worth chipping in.

    I finished talking and let the room take in what I had just said, I could feel Hiromi tensing up next to me, probably wondering what the hell drug I was on.

    Giving stuff away in Night City? To someone that isnt even your choom?

    Vik was looking me over with a strong stare. The boxer that he used to be seemed to be looking me over trying to figure out the angle of my punch.

    There wasnt one though. I just trusted Vik, and considering what he was like in the game, if I gave him a bunch of cheap chrome, I expected a lot of people struggling without, or with failing limbs might find cheap to free chances to get new limbs soon.

    At least that was the hope. A guy willing to ignore a 20k debt from a merc. That was the sort of kindness you didnt see in Night City often.

    I wanted it for myself.

    That sounded kinda selfish, but it was true. If I could be someone Vik likes, then I could have a really good rtionship with one of the best.

    Didnt wake up today expecting something like this. Alright. You want to know what kind of chrome you have, and if there is anything worth anything? Lets take a look.

    Great. The trucks are outside Mistys. Whats the best way to bring the crates down?

    Lets back them up to the gate, I can open it up. Try to keep some eyes off. he chuckled as he rose up and actually sort of shooed us out of his clinic. I could hear Misty whispering something, and Vik chuckling a bit as he patted the girl on her shoulder.

    We all walked up and out. Hiromi sending me looks the whole time but I threw her a simple thumbs up which made her roll her eyes at me before huffing a bit.

    We pulled the boys into helping, and ten minutester we had all five crates lined up against the inside of Viks clinic. Misty was still hanging around as well, and now the boys were here. Looking around the ce as Vik popped the lid on the first crate.

    I could hear his soft intake of breath as he looked over the many limbsying in the crate.

    Yeah. Fuck scavs. I said simply from beside him. There were at least twenty pairs of limbs in this crate alone.

    Thats twenty people dead, no it was more. Because not all the limbs were paired.

    Yeah. Vik grumbled a bit with a hint of a growl in his throat before he sighed and rubbed his eyes a bit.

    You sure about this kid? This is a lot of chrome, even with its origins.

    Its because of its origins that I brought it to you. Might be able to help some people at least.

    Maybe. Most of this is mid range stuff. He whispered looking through the pile. Got a few high end pieces. Nothing I can see that isbat rated, but He pulled out an arm that instead of the chrome lines, had a ckcquer. This an Arasaka piece. The sort of thing they hand out to low level corporate. Its quality work.

    But notbat rated?

    No its a Show piece. Lots of bells and whistles, but no good if you want to hit someone with it. He hummed, taking a moment to settle on the right word.

    Is there anything in there that would be useful to a merc?

    Not this crate. But there is more than enough chrome in here to buy something high end. I cant pay for all this. You sure you dont want to sell it to someone else?

    Im sure. I answered simply which did cause the little huddle around Hiromi as the crew were obviously arguing about theck of a payday.

    Idiots. Setting up a connection to a really good RipperDoc, one that uses anesthesia when operating and knows what he is doing? Worth more than a few eddies.

    Plus Vik was cool.

    He started going through the crates, and there werent anybat limbs. There was a few things that caught the boys ears.

    Smart link system here. Solid one too. Militech. He called out pulling out the Well it was stic bag with the palm of a hand inside it. Thankfully there wasnt any Meat attached.

    I shivered. Fuckin Scavs.

    Viktor just kept going through cataloging what we had brought him. The fact that he had found something everyone could use had the whole crew breaking away from theirining huddle toe see.

    Like a pile of puppies when food is put out. I smirked a little at the thought.

    In the end, there wasnt much we could end up using. My hopes for the.. Optics. Yeah lets go with that. Saying eyes makes it a little too much. The optics ended up being about on par with the stuff I already had.

    Sorry. Vik offered in the end looking actually apologetic. Scavs dont tend to go for people who can fight back. They usually scan their target, make sure they are unarmed. Someone withbat rated Cyberware, or Mantis des or something they wont even approach.

    Yeah thats why I figured you would get more use out of it than I would. I told him.

    Yeah. Listen. I cant take all of this. Vik said. You''re a bunch of kids. Taking on scavs You probably risked your lives. I dont have the cash toe close to all of this chrome.

    Your skills as a Ripper are worth more than some eddies. I tell him with a shrug. If you feel really bad. I think one of the boys wants that Smartlink. Maybe give us a discount on the chip, and we call it square.

    Heh, Youre a weird one. Motoko wasnt it? He asked looking me over for a moment as if he was memorizing my face.

    Thats right.

    Alright. Considering how much stock you just dropped off in myp, I dont mind chipping that in for free, but I cant ept all of this for nothing either. His eyes went blue and a momentter I had a deposit.

    Thats too much! I couldnt help but argue instantly, only to getughed at by the doc.

    Im basically scamming you kid even with that. Take it. He refused, adjusting his sses as he grabbed the smart link Hand. Let me do a few scans on this make sure it doesnt have any malware or anything, and whoever wants it?

    Me! Malcolm called out instantly, earning looks from the rest of the crew.

    Motoko! Hiromi whined to me but I put up both hands.

    Dont look at me. Decide amongst yourselves who gets it. Oh also. Here is the pay for the job. I tell them as my eyes turn blue.

    Vik had dropped ten grand on myp. So I passed two grand to everyone. I was now two grand richer!

    You should get it, Motoko. Ichi said even as Malcolm looked like a kicked puppy.

    No thanks. I tell them with a shrug. I dont use smart weapons. So it isnt really necessary to me, and there is some work I was thinking about doing on my arms first anyways. So might as well wait.

    Despite Hiromi looking like she wanted to argue with me. The Crew huddled back together and after a minute there was a general grudging agreement.

    Malcolm was pushed towards the doc.

    Alright. Got my patient then. Hop on up. Lets get you chipped.

    I smiled at the eager look on Malcolm''s face as we all settled in. The actual chrome was a bit of a bust, but Vik was good people.

    Plus I bet if I asked him to keep an eye out for some chrome he would be able to help out. We all waited around as Malcolm got his first piece of real chrome.

    Not that it really would do much for him, I mean he had optics, everyone did. But they werentbat optics.

    Regardless, after Vik finished chipping Malcolm, and gave him some drugs to take to help adjust to the new hand we all left after I got Viks number and he mine.

    --

    I still cant believe we had all that chrome, and you just gave it away. Surprisingly Ichi had startedining to me as soon as we hopped into his truck.

    I didnt give it away. I paid a Ripperdoc a bunch of chrome to have a solid rep with him. If I ever drag myself into his shop bleeding from a few holes he will patch me up.

    Rippers do that anyways! Ichi argued.

    Yeah. I agree with Ichi on this one Motoko. I dont get it. HIromi argued and I sighed.

    Just trust me. Having Vik on our side is going to pay dividends. Hes good people. That should reassure them.

    It did not reassure them.

    Good people. Ugh Motoko. Hiromi whined putting her head in her hands. Why did we let her decide anything? She still has amnesia brain And probably worse since she attacked a Scav den solo.

    It was her gig. Ichi replied, sounding strained just to say it. Not happy about how it went, but we also didnt put in any risk. Ive been paid less for moving crates before.

    Yeah but this could have been a big break! Hiromi whined looking back at me. Im removing your gig choosing privileges.

    You cant. I argue back, rolling my eyes at her.

    Ill tell Jun what you did.

    I would tell Jun what I did, if I ever see him. I told her it sounded a little petnt even to my ears.

    That quieted the argument for a minute.

    Sorry Motoko. I know Jun has been Difficult.

    Yeah. I agree before sighing. I was quiet on the rest of the way back. Ichi pulling up in front of the apartment which I was grateful for. My arm still hurt. I ignored the looks I was getting as I pulled my new baby out of the truck. The HMG really was a monster. I could barely get it around with only one good arm.

    I waved off Hiromis help as I hefted the HMG in my arms and hauled it into the apartment. Getting plenty of looks as I stepped into the elevator.

    An HMG, 2k eddies, a pile of other weapons that I had stuffed in a bag I found, and a rtionship with Viktor. All for the low price of murdering a group of people and almost dying a few times.

    I walked inside. Once again Jun wasnt home. I dropped the HMG on the living room table. Kinda liking how it looked sitting there. Then I flopped on the couch.

    My arm still hurt. Iid down and went to sleep.

    Wait FUCK! I cursed as I jumped back to my feet. Fuck fuck fuck! I cursed myself I was a moron! I forgot to check if they had any cars parked in the garage! I could have stolen a new ride! Fuck!

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17

    <em>Ichinose </em>

    <em>The night after the Scav Den Raid.</em>

    Ichi was drinking. What else could he do? He just made more eddies in a few hours of work, than he had in any span of days working for Shobo-Sama.

    But he knew he couldnt do the same job that Motoko had done. He talked to the older Tyger ws when he was ying gofer, or doing odd jobs for them. They often liked to talk. About previous gigs they had done. Of the firefights they had been in.

    So he knew exactly how dangerous it was to hit a scav den. Sure if you were properly borged out, you could do it. Scavs often werent the best fighters, or the best equipped.

    But they were all armed, all ready to murder you. Gunfights sounded cool until you were in one and the other guy was firing back.

    Whats up kid, you''ve been ring at the bottom of your drink since you got back. One of the very same older Tyger ws asked as he plopped his can of Asahi on the table beside Ichi. Seriously, you look like you''re going to kill your beer.

    Hatake I took a gig from a friend today. And

    Ah. You lost someone? Went bad?

    No. No the opposite. It was over before I even got there, I was just The cleanup crew. Nothing more.

    Huh. So you made some easy eddies. Whats got ya down?

    The friend that called me into the job. Shes Ugh. It sounds so stupid. Im jealous! She went from being in the hospital to running jobs that I couldnt pull off. She is younger than me! How does a fourteen year old clear an entire scav den by herself!? I dont get it!

    By herself? You sure?Thats

    Yeah Im sure, she didnt even call us in until it was all over. We are supposed to be her chooms. I mean if she said she was going to try and hit a scav den I would have had Hiromi sit on her, because its dumb!

    Ah I get it. She did something impossible. Something beyond what you think you could do.

    Yeah. He grumbled ring at his beer.

    Well kid. Ill be honest. A kid your age? A fourteen year old able to do a job like that? That aint normal. Shes an edgerunner for sure.

    I know. SheMy goal was to be an edgerunner, not her. Motoko never wanted that before, and now? She is already doing it.

    Dont be stupid kid. You dont want to be an edgerunner. They burn bright, but only a quarter as long. Your choom? Shell be dead before shes twenty. Hell if she is already doing this shit? Before sixteen. Dont live your life like that Ichi. Burn slower, and longer. Trust me. As a guy in his forties. Ive seen a lot of chooms, men and women better than me at fighting, but also better than me at dying. Hatake offered taking a swig of his beer.

    I dont think I can help it. Feeling jealous.

    Yeah, well. Just remember bing an edgerunner has a cost. That level of skill. That willingness to put your life on the line? Hatake shook his head. If she is your choom, then do your best to help out, but make sure you know the line. Edgerunners don''t always realize what is dangerous for normal people. The closest I ever got to getting tlined was when I backed up an edgerunner choom. Got shot up for my trouble.

    What if I want to do that? Be an Edgerunner. Make it big, and prove that Im not just a Gofer?

    Hatake sort of nodded his head for a moment before sighing. Then be ready to be used up kid. Used like a tool. Used as a weapon. Being a gofer aint bad. At least you know youlle back home after a days work. Instead of being thrown into the trash because its convenient. Hatake sounded like this advice was personal. That this advice came from experience.

    Ichi wasnt sure if he could ept it though. To give up on his dream of making it big. Of bing more.

    --

    I grunted as I heard the trucks drive off. This storm was starting to piss me off.

    With shaky hands I reached into one of my thigh pouches and pulled out a max doc. I had found a few of them in the scav den, and since I now knew how useful they were, they were standard kit.

    I huffed it and a momentter my body didnt feel like I was dying.

    I grunted as I sat up, crawling over to a nice rock that I could rest against as I caught my breath.

    Getting thrown from a fast moving car into the desert? Not fun. Smashing into a rock on the way? Ow.

    Getting shot again? Double ow. I winced as I reached behind me and felt the hole in my Netsuit. Yeah the bullet had gone right through.

    Fuck.

    I was gonna have to start crafting soon just to repair my clothes. Why did people keep shooting me! I sighed. Coughing a bit at just how much dust was swirling around me. I could barely see through how thick it was getting.

    And it was starting to get hard to breathe.

    I rose up unsteadily, and then even less steadily as I nearly fell. My leg wasnt great. I messed it up when I went flying from the car. Worse, the wind was getting strong. I fought against it as I climbed back up the hill towards Scorpion''s car.

    Might be able to take shelter inside until this storm was over.

    I mbered up the hill and just at the top I tripped.

    Coughing a bit I pulled myself up and realized I had tripped on a corpse.@@novelbin@@

    Oh yeah. The guy I stabbed. Instantly I noticed something I needed. Rising up and heading back to grab the goggles from his head. After a minute of struggling to get them clear enough of dust to see I put them on and while it wasnt great. At least I could open my eyes.

    Then I grabbed the guys dust mask.

    It was gross. But as I put it on, I could breath a lot easier.

    I continued searching him, gotta get loot after all. I smiled as I found my knife. That went into my sheath. A little more digging I did find my pistol as well. I was honestly super relieved. That had been a gift from Jun. I didnt want to lose it.

    Okay. I could see, breath, and I had a weapon.

    Lets get to work.

    ---

    Scorpion''s car was a wreck, even if I did have the key shard I wouldnt get it moving.

    I sighed. As I looked outwards. I knew the general path. My eyes GPS meant I knew exactly the direction to get back to the wayhouse.

    So since I didnt find anything of value. I started walking. Trudging through the desert. First I would get to the wayhouse. Then I would start searching for the Raffen base.

    I had considered just sitting tight, hitchhiking back to the city.

    But I had been hired for a job.

    The Solos guide had mentioned that some gigs would blow up in your face. That you would have to make a decision about what kind of Solo you wanted to be. The sort that once the job gets out of control walks away. The ones that lived long lives, but were never respected.

    Or the one that when shit blew up they stood up and got to work.

    Considering how pissed I was? Yeah. I think Im the kind that got to work.

    It took almost an hour to reach the wayhouse. Trudging against dust and sand up and over dunes. I noticed that the trailer with the motorcycle that was what caused all of this was gone.

    Connor was going to be answering some questions next time I saw him.

    I hauled myself inside. Taking a moment to pull off the dust mask and the goggles. I headed into the bathroom and found the sink. Running water.

    Thank god.

    I washed my face allowing my eyes to stop aching from all the dust for the first time in over an hour. Then I washed the goggles and the dust mask as best I could.

    Drying them a bit. I wiped them down and put them back on.

    I felt like I could actually fight now. I did throw a bandage that I ripped out of an old sheet around my shoulder. Didnt want people to see the hole that was still there even if it was mostly closed after the Maxdoc.

    Ow.

    I was just getting ready to head back into the storm, to stumble around in the direction of where I had seen the sand trails the Raffen vehicles had left as they chased us, but I heard it over the howl of the wind.

    A car.

    I slipped into a dark corner, behind the door Unity ready.

    The engine cut off, and I could hear cursing but I didnt hear the engine start again. Instead I heard it. Someoneing up to the door.

    Someone opening the door.

    Someone stumbling inside.

    Someone familiar.

    Fuckin storm. Fuckin Frank! My bike! Bastard klepped my bike. He moaned as the door closed behind him as he took off a mask and goggles like the set I had, and spat dust out of his mouth.

    I struck, a kick right to the back of his knee, arm hooked around his own.

    Ow. My shoulder wasnt happy with the movement.

    But it worked, sending him mming into the floor on his back. I settled on his chest. With my Unity pressed against his mouth.

    What the fu-Ack! He squealed when the barrel of my unity slipped past his teeth.

    No talking. I said simply as he stilled. Feeling my gun in his mouth did a great job shutting him up. I have two questions for you Connor, you are going to answer them very clearly. Because otherwise you get to repaint the floor. Did you set up Scorpion? I asked as I gently pulled my gun out from his mouth.

    No! I told him! I told him he waste! If he had shown up at the time I told him it would have been fine! He was supposed to be here yesterday! Frank and the others were busy there was a boxing match everyone was watching! But Scorpion waste!

    Alright. Ill give you a pass on that. Next question. Where did they take Scorpion?

    Its an old gas station nearby! Here! I can send you the location! Just dont kill me!

    My eyes shed as I received the text with the GPS coordinates.

    He was right. It was close. Now get ready, you are giving me a ride.

    No. He squeaked out. I pushed the barrel of my Unity just a tad deeper against his face.

    No?

    I cant! Theyll know if I get close! They have sensors all over the desert looking for vehicles. If I bring you close theyll kill us. Both of us! I already need to get out of here! He whined pathetically at me.

    I sighed. Fine. I stood, up and stepped back into the storm. Leaving Connor on the floor to his fate.

    Sure I could have waited. I could take a nap and get my leg back into shape, but I wasnt sure how long Scorpion had before the Raffen killed him. I dont remember super well the Raffen missions from the game, but I do remember they werent gentle on their captured people. I didnt have time to take a nap.

    So I pointed myself towards the GPS marker I set up and started trudging. Hopefully I would actually find them, and not just be led into a trap.

    --

    I was in luck.

    The little setup that looked like it used to be a gas station with a few little stores all around it was now covered in Raffen Shiv markings. Mostly Wraith graffitied over the old concrete that I only could barely make out in the storm.

    I settled against the wall letting myself think this through. I found them. Scorpion was inside, along with a small army of Raffen.

    Since I was here, alone, with someone I needed to rescue. I had to do this right.

    The Wraith that I had killed before, Both the one on the Bike that I had blow apart with my baby Which was now long gone.

    Dang. I just realized my poor HMG was somewhere in the desert. Dammit. I shook it off focusing back on my current issue.

    Between the biker and the Wraith I had stabbed to death I had leveled up. That meant I had two stat and skill points.

    So I spent them.

    Cool 8, and Ninjutsu 7. I had been nning on spending my points on Intelligence and Breach, but in this case. I once more needed stealth on my side. So I dropped both points.

    I shivered a bit as it felt like my mind grew a little bit colder. No more like I was just that much more capable of ignoring anything but my objective. Pain, emotions, fear. All of it simply frozen solid.

    I rose up to my feet. Ignoring the limp I had been battling with the whole way as I walked around the edge of the brick wall covered in graffiti.

    I slipped into thepound like a ghost. It was almost startling how simple it all felt. To move without making a sound. The storm which I had been fighting through the entire path was simply epted. Instead of fighting it I let it flow through me. Helping instead of hindering.

    My senses felt sharp as I started hunting.

    I had no idea how many Wraiths there were in thepound. So I would simply have to clear them out. One at a time.

    The first thing I found wasnt a victim.The feeling of my danger sense was what alerted me. Told me I was about to be seen. I slipped backwards instantly looking around the corner of the building I had just walked out from. It was a camera. Set up in the ceiling looking out over the center of the little bundle of buildings. I smiled as my eyes shifted to gold. I started breaching. It took a few minutes, but when it was done. I was through. Then I sent my Ping Quick Hack.

    My eyes shone as I got small little alerts over my hud telling me general where everyone was. It wasnt like in the game. I wasnt seeing people through walls. Instead it was like a little icon showing me generally where they were.

    But it didnt matter.

    I saw enough. The Wraiths were all connected to the security system. I could see the few wandering around, but most were bunkered up to wait out the storm.

    My first Victim was quickly chosen.

    A tarp covering a door to keep the dust out of a smaller room that had their security systems. I peeked in through the window knowing exactly where to best do so to remain unseen.

    There was one man inside, grumbling to himself about the dust as he watched some TV on one of the monitors. The rest showed only dust.

    I crawled in without even ruffling the tarp, With Ninjutsu 7, I no longer felt like a kid ying hide and seek. No, I had training. Years of reflexes and instincts, muscle memory and not quite memory, but just an understanding of what to do.

    The man was eating some instant noodles. I let him finish slurping hisst bite, chewing it and swallowing before my knife slipped through his throat. He gurgled weakly for a moment, his arm trying to reach for an alert, or trying to save himself.

    I didnt let him.

    *100 Ninjutsu XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *des skill level up!*

    Hmm. de 4. Nice.

    I reached behind my neck and grabbed my connection port. Pulling the cord free I clicked it into theputer system.

    Breaching the system directly It was harder. Breaching a single cameras security was easy. Breaching into an actual security setup? If I hadnt just murdered their security guy I had a feeling I might not have even seeded. I could see theputer sending an alert popup about an intrusion. Even as I worked.

    Luckily there was no one to see the alert.

    And after a few minutes I was in. Their system waspletely under my control. More importantly, I finally got the alert I had been waiting for.

    *Intelligence Leveled up!*

    Intelligence 3! Yes!

    Instantly a daemon was uploaded. Something I hadnt even thought of, just an instinctual reflex. It was sent out to all the Wraith attacking theirwork.

    Their optics would suddenly have difficulty spotting me as the Daemon would try to blur me out of their sight.

    There. I breathed out as I slipped back into the storm. Time to ghost this gig.

    -

    <em>Frank Elder </em>

    <em>Raffen Shiv: Wraith</em>

    This show was dumb. Frank decided as he flicked off the channel. With the storm going on he hade down to his little underground home away from home.

    Well it was just his home now.

    He stretched. He could hear the storm finally letting up. Might actually be able to get something done today. He rose up from the old beat up couch that he probably would need to get reced soon.

    The Blood stains were getting a little much.

    Scorpion was still hanging around. He smiled looking towards the man. He was hanging from his wrists by a set of chains.

    Hang in there Scorp! Well think about reaching out to the Aldecaldos in a few hours Maybe! Heughed at his joke as he walked past the man, The re he was getting for his words caused him to alter his path, a heavy fist into Scorpion''s stomach reminded the man that he was a prisoner. Scorpion''s heavy cough told him he would need to let up soon. Didnt want to kill the guy he was a chance for a payday after all.

    Well, didn''t want to kill him yet. If he could work it out, he would get the eddies and kill old Scorpion as well. That would be a nice bonus.

    There. A reminder of where you are. He told Scorpion reaching up and pping his cheeks a bit,ughing as the nomad moaned at Frank''s roughness on his his bruised face.

    Feeling a little upbeat at the situation he walked up the stairs. Sure Connor had turned out to be a bitch. Dealing with his old family was a big no no. Especially since he hadnt told Frank. If he had, they could have ambushed Scorpion.

    Instead they had to chase him down. Losing people, equipment. It was a mess.

    Ah well. They would get a nice paycheck for ransom, and Connor Well he had nowhere to go now. The Aldecaldos wouldnt harbor him, and now the Wraiths would know he was weak.

    Frank smiled. He would quite enjoy ripping the boy apart. It would be a good way to remind the others not to go against his will.

    He walked into the upper floor and was surprised no one was around.

    Harold! Where you at? I want that windshield fixed on that Revenant! Harold!? He looked around confused. The garage was empty. Harold!?

    He walked out of the building looking around the courtyard. Where the hell is everybody! HEY! I want everyone back to work! These cars are still full of holes! He roared.

    But other than the wind. No response came back.

    He drew his Overture. The big revolver was a good weapon. The noise and power gave him a certain respect whenever he had to shoot someone acting up.

    Someone better be on the cameras. He growled rushing across the dusty courtyard to the security room.

    He walked in and stopped.

    David? He called, noticing the body slumped over. He rushed up and saw it.

    Throat was slit.

    Fuck. He reached over and hit the rm button.

    Instantly a noise echoed through the area. Itsted for a few seconds more than long enough to alert everyone.

    But as Frank headed back into the courtyard nothing happened.

    He looked around waiting for his men to show up.

    Slowly he realized there weren''t the usual hoots and hollers of his men. No gun fire. Not the sound of engines starting up, or even boots rushing around.

    It was a ghost town.

    He jerked around searching for anything.

    Not a thing moved but the dust.

    He moved. Rushing into the barracks. The boys would be fuckin around on some BD again. Surely that was it.

    He entered into a charnel house. The floor practically pools of blood as four of his boysy dead.

    Henry was in his bed, BD wreath still active even with his throat opened.

    Kengo was slumped in his big ass chair. It wasfortable, and Kengo had hauled it across the entire desert ontop of his little packrat of a car.

    Someone had stuffed a screwdriver into his ear.

    It was still quietly dripping blood down the handle into the growing puddle.

    The other two were slumped over the back of the couch.

    He didnt need to look any further. He knew they were dead.

    Who the fuck was doing this? Sure the Wraiths made enemies but this was crazy.

    No one in this desert had this kind of skill. No one took out a room with four men without setting off an rm. That was Corpo Intelligence type shit.

    He left the room in a hurry searching.

    Every room he came across that was supposed to be upied was now only upied by the dead.

    Boomer. The crazy bastard who had been with Frank since the beginning. A friend from his old nomad family that had left right alongside him, and to this day still carried far too many grenades had his head caved in by the looks of it. A fucking carpenters hammer stuck in the back of his head. His body slumped over his workbench.

    His empty workbench.

    Frank swallowed as he looked around.

    No one.

    Who had done this?!

    He was losing his cool. He knew it. His gun was starting to get a little twitchy as he held it out infront of him. Then he came to a decision.

    Fuck this.

    He was going to get to his car, and floor it. He would join the other Wraith group at the cement factory. Sure he would have to shut up and take it from that asshole Hook. But fuck it. Better to lick boots, then get murdered by some Arasaka ninja.

    They hadnt even hit an Arasaka shipment!

    He slipped into the garage, breathing out a sigh of relief that his Reaver was still where it should be. His baby was fast. It would get him out of here in a hurry. He was done with this shitshow.

    He made it three steps before suddenly gunfire erupted around him. He cursed ducking down and was only saved because of the Subdermal armor he had chipped in a year back. The bullet that just knocked into his back would have been it.

    He fired blindly towards where he thought the gunfire came from his Overture barking as he ducked behind the cars deeper into the garage.

    I dont know who you are! He yelled out as he kept moving he just needed to get to his car. But I dont want any of it! Whatever you want! Just take it!

    He crouched down. Not a sound reached him.

    Fuck whoever sent some sort of corpo assasin after his gang. Who the fuck did he kill to deserve this? He couldnt think of anything that would bring this level of heat down on him.

    He slowly snuck around his Reaver. If he could just get in the door. But as he was reaching for the door a gunshots bark echoed through the garage. The noise made his Overture sound like a puppy.

    He had noticed it. The gunman a blur in the corner of his eye and dropped which was the only reason he was still alive.

    Boomers van now had a hole in it that looked like someone shot a sniper rifle at him.

    Fuck was that a Burya!? He reached up and fired twice in the direction that he had seen the blur and rushed out of the garage as fast as he could.

    No way he could get in his Reaver and start it up without that handcannon blowing a hole through him.

    He dashed into the rec room. The stupid arcade games giving him a bit of cover as he poked his gun back around wall and fired hisst two rounds. Quickly reloading as he listened for any noise.

    But there was nothing. Not a sound other than the electronic noises of the arcade machines.

    Reloaded Frank stood up and moved towards the window peaking out through the metal shutters.

    Nothing. No movement. No sound.

    He shivered. He just had to Draw them away and double back to the car.

    If he couldnt get out of here he was dead.

    He moved out through the building, d that they had made paths through the stupid shops that used to be here before they took it over. Let them move around without having to go outside during a dust storm.

    Now it may be saving his life.

    As he thought that he heard it. A noise behind him.

    He turned and fired. Every round mming through the thin walls towards the Arcade room.

    He had definitely heard something!

    He once more reloaded grumbling to himself. Reloading a revolver in the middle of this shit was stupid.

    He would get a smaller gun when this was over.

    Ducking through to another shop he continued moving. Hopefully whoever this cocksucker chasing him down was, they would lose track of him.

    Although the fact he hadnt even gotten eyes on them yet?

    Fuck.

    He crept up to a window to take another peak. But again his dusty little former gas station was quiet. Not a thing moved.

    And not a soul other than him and this ninja was alive.

    He hunkered down for a minute simply staring out the window. Come on, where are they? They had to be somewhere!

    But Frank couldnt see anything, nothing moved.

    Then suddenly that roar echoed out. And he yelped. The wall he had been standing against now had a hole in it, and it had nearly blown a hole through him.

    He started moving again.

    Fuck fuck!

    They were definitely tracking him. Probably high powered optics. Which meant he wasn''t going to be able to sneak away.

    Fine. He called up his Reaver''s auto drive system, and ordered it towards the entrance of their little setup. He was near there now, he would rush into the car and speed off.

    It had to work.

    He heard the engine start up with a roar and it started moving, driving out of the garage towards the entrance.

    Cmon faster! Fucking auto drive!

    Then he heard it. Beep. That means the door was open and it was waiting. He moved. Jumping out a window and rolling just to keep his momentum, he had to be a small target just to survive.

    He leapt into his car practically jumping into the passenger seat he was so desperate. His hands fumbled to push him into the driver seat, he dropped his revolver just to grab the wheel but then to his horror.

    The passenger door slid open.

    Standing there was a Girl? A child? But no, not just a child, because that was a big fucking gun.

    Wait. Wai-

    The sound deafened him as much as it blew him out of his own car. He came to weakly coughing up blood and he realized he had a hole in his chest.

    Fu- he couldnt even curse, blood flowed out from his lungs.

    You just had to try to run. Note to self Motoko. Kill them all without letting them realize whats happening, it makes this job so much easier. He heard the soft voice of the girl as she walked around the back of his ride. His attempts to talk were met with failure as he coughed blood that just didnt seem to stop.

    I was trying to find your rifle, you know? You shot me earlier with a rifle, and I wanted to repay the favor, but then I couldnt find it. It took so long you ended up realizing what was going on. My mistake. I dont like ying with my prey. She said as she knelt beside him. She wasnt just holding a Burya, she had his Overture.

    Alright. Youve made me shoot this stupid thing enough my arms are hurting. Well Im not one for letting someone suffer. Even a scav. Err. Wraith. Same thing really. Shemented simply as she raised his revolver.

    Oh. Shit. Stupid. Almost forgot. Stupid Motoko! She lowered his revolver which made him want to gasp in relief, even if he realized he was dying.

    Too far for a hospital. No medical attention, and no one to do it anyways.

    She reached behind his neck and started forcing shards out of him manually.

    Fu- he gurgled again wanting to tell this kid to fuck off. How did he get killed by a kid? He murdered girls like her before breakfast!

    There we go. She muttered pulling out That was his ride''s key shard. Ive been without wheels of my own for long enough dont you think? She asked waving it around before slotting it in.

    Instantly she raised his Overture once again. Now I dont have to worry about damaging the shard. Good bye.

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19

    I decided to spend the next few days quietly. No jobs. No running around with Hiromi, although she was at school for the next few days anyways.

    I was still sort ofing to terms with my own ability in murder, and I thought some time away from missions where I had a gun in my hand was needed to sort myself out.

    The n was simple. Stay out of trouble and pretend to recover from the gig, so I would mostly stay out of sight of anyone that knows me.

    Lots of things kept me upied though. Crafting for one. The gig I had just aplished. Everything in between.

    Plus it didnt help that I had a lot of time on my hands as I drove back out into the desert. Part of the desire was pure XP grind. Being able to really gun the engine on my Quadra Type-66 was amazing. Leaving me giggling at points as I caught some air, or came around a corner of a dune a little too fast and drifting a little.

    Little XP alerts came in, but it wasnt a lot. I wasnt doing anything truly crazy.

    But I was on my way to get something I had left behind.

    I soon came up to the location. Slowing down as I came up to the wreck of Scorpion''s ride. Or at least pieces of it. The Aldecaldos must have alreadye by from the look of it. The car itself was gone, but I could see bits and pieces of metal left behind.

    Plus the GPS told me this was it.

    I came to a stop and started searching. The desert didnt like giving back what it had taken and after a long hour or searching that area of the desert I finally found it.

    Like hell I was going to leave behind my HMG! I love that thing! I shot it out of a moving car! Its like I was in an action movie!

    Its barrel was all I could see as I was sticking out of the desert, and as I slowly dug it out I winced.

    Poor girl. I could instantly tell how bad of a condition it was in.

    You see. I had a very special alert from the night before.

    With a grin I once again looked at my menu.

    *Crafting skill level up!*

    I managed to get Crafting 1 from sewing thatst night. Although I had stabbed my finger more times than I really wanted to admit.

    I remember thinking that Breach was the most information dense of any of the skills I had taken so far.

    I was wrong.

    Crafting made Breach seem like elementary school mathpared to Calculus. It was so dense, with little bits of knowledge in how to craft tons of things. Explosives, weapons, clothes, armor, vehicles, everything. Plus tool knowledge for tons of pieces of equipment, and the instincts on everything from making something to unmaking it.

    I could also feel a big ckness in the knowledge like it was reaching for knowledge that wasnt there at points. Knowledge I already knew would be Engineering.

    Two sides of the same side. Crafting was doing it by hand. Engineering was closer to design work or maybe understanding moreplicated crafting? I guess I would find out when I unlocked it.

    Even without the knowledge though, I could feel the sort of impact it will have on my understanding of tech.

    It was kinda exciting.

    I realized quicklyst night that sewing wasnt going to give me much experience, even if it was really useful. I still needed to figure out a way of making patches for my Leotard. I might need to buy a new one, or just buy a Netrunner suit to cannibalize.

    Still I had a feeling I would know a good way to do it once I explored Crafting a bit more.

    But between Crafting and Gun Nut, I had a solid understanding as I pulled my HMG free of the desert. I knew she was dead. When she had been thrown from the car, she had hit something solid, a rock probably. There was a good chunk of her receiver smashed in. Her barrel didnt look too bad, visually, but Gun nut told me it wasnt straight anymore. The pieces that let the barrel slide back after firing and be pushed forward with a spring were wrecked.

    I sighed as I held her up. Coming all this way only to find out she had died. It was sad.

    Not a waste, but just sad. She had really done work against the Wraiths, and we would have chewed them up if not for the car crashing.

    I hefted her up and felt the sand pour out of her. I hade all this way. It would be wrong to just leave her though.

    I nodded. I wouldnt just leave her. Ill fix you someday. Who knows. Maybe Ill even be able to give you a nice upgrade. I told the gun as I shook her out a bit.

    Bitches do love cannons after all. I muttered giggling a little at myself as I carried her back to the car. She would sit in my passenger seat while I drove home.

    Well not quite home.

    I had learned more than just how to craft from my level up. In fact I learned what was probably the most important part of crafting.

    Deconstruction.

    I now knew how to take something apart to get at the useful bits.

    Which gave me an idea. Especially since I now had wheels.

    In the morning I had gone down to the market to the same repairdy that had once basically called me an idiot for not knowing about the map function in my eyes.

    She was kinda a bitch, but she was closeby.

    Tools? She asked looking up from Oh I recognized it now. It was an inte port for home use. Hook your TV or other devices into it to watch TV or get local web.

    Yeah. Im looking to get into scrapping, repair, and maybe some tinkering. Best ce to get tools for it? I asked, earning an odd look from thedy. Thankfully I guess getting my haircut and colored made me look different enough she was willing to talk.

    Ill give you a kit sure, thousand eddies. She offered brazenly as if it was just a thing.

    Thats robbery for a tool kit. But Ill tell you what. Ill pay a thousand, if its aplete kit. If everything Ill need is inside it. If it isnt Well I know where you work. I said, trying to put on my coolest stare.

    Dont go trying to threaten me, kid. Market security will be more than happy to have you thrown out. Something about the way I spoke seemed to work as the woman sounded a little spooked despite her tough words to the contrary. But after a moment she nodded. But yeah. Ill make sure its aplete kit. 1000 eddies.

    A minuteter I watched as she started putting a variety of tools from kits that she was selling into a single box. Although a few of the electronics she ced inside looked like personal equipment, something she looked at shrugged and threw it in.

    I really couldnt tell now if she was scamming me. But, well better to just get what I need and lose some eddies than have to spend a few days going to different stores trying to find the basics. Besides, if I found outter she scammed me.

    I did know where she worked.

    Here. This is everything someone doing some scraping, salvage, or repair needs. Im not here to teach you so if you dont know what something does, thats on you. She offered, handing me the tool box.

    Thank you. I agreed. My eyes going blue as I transferred the funds. A thousand bucks seems like a lot, but tools are always expensive.

    I had hurried home and after opening the box and poking around. It took me a while to check over everything, but my Crafting 1 knowledge dump did give me an idea of how almost everything works. Some of the stuff was esoteric.

    With that done and a firm understanding of what tools and things I had. I was actually pretty sure thedy hadnt screwed me over. Overcharged me? Sure. But she had put in just about everything I would need.

    With that I went into my room and put on some older clothes, things I wouldnt mind ruined, I found an old pair of gloves that I think once belonged to Jun, and an older pair of boots.

    The glitzy ugly things I had no problem with ruining.

    Then I took my toolbox out to my new car.

    I had headed out to scrounge over the battle site. Not much had been left, and I was lucky to find my HMG still left over, but not my SMG. That was a pain. So instead of wasting more time. I settled my HMG in the seat, walked around to the driver side, patted my car''s hood, and started up her engine with a roar.

    Lets go to the dump!

    --

    Oh god it stinks. I whined as I climbed another pile of trash looking for electronics, or anything else I could take apart.

    Seriously, why did Ie here!? Who was the idiot that said I shoulde to the dump!? Ill kill them!

    No wait Motoko murder was still wrong against anyone not a scav, or a Wraith, or a bad guy in general.

    Was telling someone go to the dump an evil act?

    As I almost slipped and felt my foot fall into something wet and gooey, I decided yes. Yes it was.@@novelbin@@

    Too bad the evil person was me. I did this to myself.

    Puking a little in my mouth I continued to work. If nothing else there was a lot of stuff here to scavenge.

    I had already found a ton of stuff to work with. I didnt have any grand ns, honestly I was mostly looking for stuff I would definitely be able to fix, or at least take apart for parts to fix something else.

    Grinding my Crafting skill was less about making something useful right now, and more about making something at all.

    Really my big goal was just not to spend any money on this Well any more money.

    Eventually I could even make grenades and such. I did have a bunch of them from that Wraith guy I killed. Crazy bastard was practically covered in them, I had klepped them all, and there were even some parts to make more.

    I just wasnt going to try until I was sure I wasnt going to blow my face off.

    But until then I was looking for good scrap.

    And trying not to puke.

    I grunted as I slowly came back down the side of a trash pile with an oldptop in my arms. It had a bullet hole sure, but I could get a ton of stuff out of it.

    Which is when I looked to my left and stopped.

    No it couldnt be.

    I looked around and I realized this area did look familiar.

    I dropped the brokenptop. Focusing instead on what I was looking at.

    A fridge.

    A very familiar fridge.

    I walked over and with a hesitant hand I lifted the lid.

    Immediately I closed it ran a few feet away and lost my lunch.

    Oh god that smell!

    Yep. That was a decaying Rache Bartmoss. As I heaved out my guts my brain was processing what I had just found.

    V had found him in 2077. But it was still 2075. Had no one found him in two years? Really?

    I finished clearing my mouth and hurried back this time I opened the fridge without breathing I reached in and grabbed his Netdeck.

    Quickly took a picture of the inside of the fridge, and mmed it shut.

    Then I ran away. Gasping a dozen feet away as I tried to breath without smelling rotting corpse.

    The Netdeck still smelled too though. I shivered hurried back to the car. I was gonna stuff this in the trunk and not open it again until I had a stic bag or something to seal it in.

    Fuck. I had found Rache Bartmoss.

    --

    So I now had a stic bag with Rache Barmosssdeck sealed inside, hidden in my room.

    That was Gonna be something I deal withter. No way I had the ability to check the insides without having my brain melted.

    And honestly? I didnt trust Nix. In the Game you take it to the Afterlife where a Netrunner called Nix hacks into it. He nearly gets brain fried but you rescue him.

    Afterwards he tells V there wasnt really anything interesting inside, gives you some special Quickhacks and sends V away right after.

    Rache Bartmoss basically created Netrunning. He was The greatest. Period.

    I always got suspicious in the game dealing with Nix. He always treated V like an amateur even after saving his life.

    So I was going to skip that entire thing. Ill grind up my skills and crack thedeck myself someday.

    Until then?

    Well I thought about talking to Wakako about the fridge, but It will keep. Literally.

    If no one would have found it in two years I think its safe where it is. Especially since I already took the valuable bit.

    So I pulled out my haul from the dump and grabbed my toolbox.

    Time to get to work.

    First My HMG was settled onto the living room table to get a good cleaning and going over, once it was at least clean I set her in my room for now.

    Then considering that leveling Technical Attribute was just as slow as Intelligence, I decided tobine them. While I was slowly taking apart the old electronics and other toys I had found. I was also listening to my Mother''s Netrunning guide, and hacking the radio.

    *100 Technical Attribute XP Gained*

    ---

    While grinding hacking was kinda boring in a way since for the most part it was just going through code as you tried to slip through the security. Grinding Crafting was more interesting.

    Like sure it was slow, but you were getting more than just the XP.

    Every time I took apart something I was getting equipment for more stuff in the future. I was finding neat little surprises inside expensive pieces of equipment that still worked despite the ruined exterior.

    So it kept my interest a lot longer. Although even so I did get bored eventually.

    Stretching, I decided to stretch my legs and grab a meal. Besides it had been a few days of ying around with tech I hadnt really talked to anyone since I got back from the Bands.

    So I started sending off everyone I knew a text.

    *Hey Hiromi, still in school? Is it at least interesting?*

    *Ichi, hows work? Are you still stuck at the club for extra protection?*

    *Dr. Vik. Its Motoko, havent had a chance to talk to you since we met up. I hope the chrome has been useful. Ive actually been looking for some stuff, I was wondering if you could help? I need to update my optics, Im thinking Kiroshi. Let me know if you have any deets on where I could get a set? Thanks Vik.*

    With that I felt at least that I wasnt hiding away from the world entirely.

    Even if I did things kept changing.

    The w-Strom gang war had been expanding. Mostly Ive been kept up to date on the news which I would let y while I was taking stuff apart.

    The war had spread. It was bing a full out gang war. Because when you are shooting people on the streets sometimes you get some coteral.

    Right now The Valentinos were shooting both sides whenever they came into their territory. Turns out someone well loved in the Tinos had been killed in the crossfire between Strom and ws.

    Tinos were pissed.

    6th St were also shooting on sight, but purely to keep ws, or Strom from moving into their territory.

    This of course meant the Moxes were started to buckle down as well. The ws getting hit hard which made them hyper aggressive.

    Mox girls and boys were paying for it. So they were arming up as well.

    The entire north side of the city was turning into a warzone.

    Damn.

    I was firmly staying out of it. Other than Jun I had no connection to the entire trouble.

    Which reminded me. I sent out one more text message.

    *Jun. Please still be alive.*

    I hadnt heard from Jun in a while. Once again he was not responding to texts or calls.

    So with that done I headed outside. I was just buying my routine mystery meat skewer when I got a text in return.

    *Hiromi: Im free bitch! We going partying!*

    *Sorry Hiromi. Im not really up to a party tonight. d you are free though.*

    *Hiromi: Uuuuugh you are the boringest crazy person I have ever met!*

    *Hey, I''m not crazy!*

    *Hiromi: Scav Den. SOLO.*

    *Which I did fully trusting that I could do it and survive. Mostly.*

    *Hiromi: Hence the crazy. Any news about Jun?*

    *Nothing.* I sighed as I walked around the block mostly just to do something other than stand around as I got some fresh air.

    *Hiromi: Ill ask around some of the ws I know. I know the war is getting pretty bad, so hes probably just busy.*

    *I hope hes just busy. I really do.*

    *Hiromi: Alright enough about bad stuff. What have you been doing? I talked to Ichi and he has been jobless since his glorious Shobo-Sama is keeping everyone close to the club. So I know you havent done any jobs with Ichi. No more scav dens right?*

    I didnt know how to respond, technically I hadnt hit a Scav den.

    Technically.

    *Hiromi: RIGHT?*

    *Not a Scav den. I did some work for Wakako involving a nomad. It kinda blew up.*

    *Hiromi: WHAT THE FUCK MOTOKO! Iming over!*

    *Okay Im just walking the block.*

    Iughed a little. It was nice to talk to Hiromi even if she was very Hiromi. She was my best Choom after all.

    I ended up getting back to the apartment and camping out waiting at the entrance for Hiromi to show up. The roar of her Kusanagi was something I could hear long before I saw her, and I was groaning because I could tell she was speeding like crazy.

    Hiromi Slow down you gonk. I grumbled as I waited for her toe around the corner nearly drive into amppost, miss it by a bit and skid up onto the sidewalk in front of the apartment.

    MOTOKO!

    Hello Hiromi. Do we need to talk about speedws? I asked but she ignored me as she jumped off her bike and started looking me over. Her hands poking and prodding.

    Im fine. I told her earning a re from Hiromi.

    You did something stupid again!

    It was a gig! An official gig! It went bad when the Raffen Shiv showed up. But it turned out alright. I told her with a shrug. Well, except my new baby got destroyed. They got pissed when I was firing the HMG out the side of the car and we ended up flipping. My HMG Died Hiromi. Im Sad. I whined a bit at her.

    What the fuck Motoko! You Thats fuckin Nova. You fired that big ass thing out the side of a car? A moving car? She asked suddenly perking up as I gave her a tidbit about the story.

    Oh it was way more Nova than that, they were behind us so I opened the passenger door rested the gun against the door and was firing backwards halfway out the car.

    That is the preemest shit I ever heard. You crazy girl! She pulled me into a massive hug squeezing as hard as she could. Im gonna have to stick to you from now on, cause you are gonna get tlined doing such preem shit.

    It wasnt that bad. Cmon lets park your bike in the garage I want to show you something. I grinned as I urged her back to the bike and hopped on patting the seat infront of me so Hiromi would get on.

    She did, looking like she wanted to keep hugging me or lock me away in a dungeon so I could stop doing Preem shit and get killed.

    When we pulled into the garage Hiromi parking right next to my car which was in Juns spot. Hiromi was actually grumbling about it as she parked next to his spot.

    Whos in Juns spot? She grumbled to me and it was only by pulling her back that I stopped her from kicking my car as she got off her bike.

    I am. I told her once I pulled her back as I walked up and opened the driver''s door. Want to go for a drive? I teased her as I slipped inside.

    Bullshit. This is a Wraith car, it even has their markings on it.

    Yeah I need to get it repainted. The previous owner wont mind. I hinted as I cocked my head to the passenger door.

    Wait, you''re being serious? She asked, suddenly looking from me to the car.

    Which is when I started it up. It roared to life.

    Hiromi happily jumped into the passenger seat a momentter looking around as I closed my door and pulled out.

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20

    Of course, unlike Hiromi I wasnt crazy. I followed all the trafficws.

    Ugh, why are you the most boring crazy person ever!? Hiromi whined at me as I pulled out onto the street going a normal speed as I started driving around. Mostly just enjoying driving my new car with my best choom riding with me.

    We should stop by the club. Ichi will lose it when he sees your new ride.

    Really? Why? He already has a car.

    Oh my god Motoko. You are such a gonk. This is a Quadra Type-66! Its a preem ride Well I mean not this one exactly. The Wraiths did a hack job on it, but it still is a monster. Whats the top speed on this thing?

    Dont know. I muttered although I was shifting a little as I lied.

    I didnt know the exact top speed, but there was nothing but open roads on the drive into the city.

    Ooh did my cautious driver Motokoooo drive fast?

    Only out in the bands.

    How fast did you get? No, don''t give me that t look tell meeeee!

    Fine. I hit about one-eighty before I let off the gas and coasted back.

    Yeah! Thats what Im talking about! This thing can go! Cmon hit it.

    Hell no Hiromi, Im on a road with traffic!

    Fuck em!

    Not a chance choom.

    Ugh boring.

    But we can stop by the Ho-oh club and show off to Ichi.

    Yeees! Hiromi said breaking into giggles as I maneuvered to hit the freeway connecting Little Chinatown and Kabuki.

    I smiled as I got a little alert for driving XP. I was smiling as we turned stopped out on the road to the Ho-oh club. They had actually blocked off the little alley entrance which led to the club.

    Instantly as well I could see Tyger ws looking alert and concerned.

    Wraiths werent often seen in the city. But its not like anyone living in the city wouldnt have heard of them.

    Thankfully as usual, Hiromi took care of that, popping out of the car and waving around and acting like all the Tyger ws knew who she was.

    Hey hey! Where is Ichi! He has to see this! She called out practically dancing towards the entrance to the club.

    I stepped out and settled against the car Ichi would be out soon, and I didnt want to leave my new car alone in the middle of a Tyger w club.

    I got some odd looks from a few of the people hovering around.

    Obviously they were guards. Looks like the club really had pulled in more people to guard it.

    Shoba either was paying the ws to do it, or his club was more important than I expected since there was a gang war going on.

    I was distracted from waiting when I got a text.

    *Vik: Hey kid. Sorry it took so long I decided to check in on your request. Took a bit but I found what you were looking for. Come on by. But I need to say this. The chrome you dropped off has been going to a good use. I have to admit I kept expecting some kind of trick in the days after like you would show up to try and force me to pay more or set me up against a gang, but I was wrong. Listen kid. You did a solid good deed. Ill send some pictures just so your good deed doesnt just disappear into the wind.*

    I blinked in surprise at the heartfelt message.

    Then I started getting pictures. Little kids with new chrome. Chrome I recognized. Little kids that looked poor, but now had legs. Where in the picture before they had none.

    A boy who was showing off his arm to his mom. His obviously full prosthetic arm.

    And they kepting.@@novelbin@@

    I had been right. When it came down to it. Vik was the sort of guy that did real honest good, in a city that had almost no one doing that.

    Damn. I wasnt crying. Youre crying!

    See Ichi! Look at Motokos new ride! I told you it was preem, Sh-Motoko?!

    Wha? Oh. Jeeze Hiromi you startled me. I snorted trying to keep my nose from running.

    Why are you crying! Was someone mean? What happened?... Jun? She asked quietly as she hurried up close to me.

    No No. I waved my hands as I wiped my eyes stupid sudden rain showers getting my eyes wet. How rude! I just got a message from Vik. Its good news.

    Who? Hiromi asked and it took Ichi a minute to remember.

    Wait, that weird Ripper?

    He isnt that weird. I grumbled at them, my eyes turned yellow as I forwarded the pictures to both of them. Bombarding them with tons of pics.

    Hiromi went silent for a bit as she looked through them, Ichi just seemed to nce over them confused.

    Okay?

    Those are the people that we helped by handing over the Chrome we didnt need. I informed him, but he just seemed to shrug.

    It was your chrome. I still would have preferred selling it.

    Huh. I didnt expect this. Hiromi said after a bit looking me over as if she had never seen me before. I honestly never took you for someone that would do something like that. Or get tearful about it. Youve changed so much Motoko. Sometimes I forget, then moments like this happen. She snorted a bit before waving it off. So Ichi what do you think of Motokos wheels?

    Preem. Im jealous. Id ask where you got the money for it, but considering I dont think you paid for it.

    Not an enny. I offered with a smile he snorted.

    You hit a Wraith driver?

    He hit me first, I hit himst. I said a little darkly before shrugging a bit. Its a long story. I was on a job for Wakako. I was an extra to cover my client''s back. Things got a little out of control.

    She fired that HMG she found, out the car, while running away from Wraiths. Hiromi added. Shes been quiet about the rest though. She is terrible at telling stories.

    Really? Thats Nova. Ichi offered blinking as his eyes went a little distant imagining. Ive been stuck here. You really got a job from Wakako? The Wakako?

    Yeah. It wasnt that hard. I walked in and asked if she had any work that needed doing. Then I had to break into a Tino chop shop and steal an info shard. It got a little-

    Out of control?

    No, I kept control justplicated. I cant say much but lets just say another fixer was involved.

    Ouch.  Hiromi winced at that. Probably imagining way worse than it was.

    It was okay. I got in and out without any trouble and Wakako was impressed.

    Damn. Ichi whispered, his voice sounding a little rough as he seemed to shake it off. So you''re gonna let me drive this thing right?

    Hahaha. No. I deadpanned which he tsked at.

    Damn.

    I mean you are a better driver than Hiromi.

    Hey!

    Nah. Hiromi is better than me, you just have to get her drunk first. Ichi said and it took me a second before I realized he was actually being serious.

    Being drunk doesnt make you a better driver!

    ---

    After we hung out with Ichi for a while we split up. Ichi was still on the clock in a way, and Hiromi and I now had an appointment.

    No way am I letting some back alley Ripper work on you and not be there to keep an eye out. Hiromi argued as she refused to let me drop her off back home once I told her what Vik had told me through text.

    Vik isnt like that. Hes good people. And a good ripper. Ill be fine.

    You arent going without me. Besides we are almost there so stop arguing. Gonk. She pointed out as I sighed and nodded simply driving quietly through the city towards Mistys Esoterica.

    We pulled up out front and Hiromi and I headed in. Before we slipped through the back gate though I wandered into Mistys shop.

    Hi Misty!

    Oh Motoko. And Hiromi? She hesitated as she tried to remember Hiromis name.

    Yeah you got it. Hiromi confirmed although she was still not being friendly.

    Hey Misty, Im going down to see Vik, but can you keep an eye on my car? It has

    A bunch of gang ink? She asked with a kinda stilted smile.

    Yeah. So can you make sure no one damages it? I really need to find someone to repaint it. Or do it myself.

    Misty looked a little conflicted, before she nodded. Ill try to warn anyone away. Might be a good idea to get it painted though Youre not a Wraith Are you?

    No way! Almost shouted waving my hands a bit. I was on a job working for a nomad, and we got jumped by the Wraiths Its previous owner doesnt need it anymore.

    Misty nodded, releasing a sigh of relief. Im d. You kinda scared me for a minute. She smiled at me as she waved me towards the back. Go on. Ill make sure everyone knows you klepped it from a Wraith if theye around.

    Thanks Misty, youre preem.

    Hiromi followed me as I practically hopped along. Finally going to get a good set of eyes. I was gonna be able to see through walls! and my hacking would be so much easier! My current set of some no-namepany eyes or whatever were okay. For Civilians. They had the basic stuff, and even let me do the calling thing without needing a phone.

    Jun must have splurged to make sure I could do that. My guess was that my old ones before the scavs had the same functionality and Jun wanted to make sure I could still do it.

    Anyways, Kiroshi were the top of the line optics. There simply wasnt much better than a set. Scanning mode. Near instant code connection. Hookup for Smart weapons.

    Color options.

    My current eyes couldnt change the eye color. They were the color Jun must have chosen for me when he bought them. A sort of blue.

    Maybe it was my natural eye color? Or maybe Jun thought I would like the color? Anyways. I couldnt actually change the color of this set. I would have to go to a ripper and have them take them out to change the color.

    They were cheap optics. Like the bargain bin phone at a phone store. Sure it might be a smart phone, but it had none of the options a real smart phone would have.

    I hurried down the steps to the clinic, kind of excited.

    Sure having my Cyberdeck installed had been awesome as well, but it was like It barely made any impact. I just had a little port hidden on the back of my head now.

    This was new eyeballs.

    Not just new ones, but some of the best I could get. A real serious upgrade. My first step on a path that I was going to have toe to ept.

    Transhumanism.

    It made me want to ask a question that many Motoko before me had asked.

    I had a Ghost. Right? No matter how much of myself I carved away my soul would still be there. A human had a ghost, a sentience, that couldnt be removed by simply stripping the body away piece by piece.

    It was the very essence of what made Motoko Special? Well Special-ish. She wasnt alone in being a nearlyplete cyborg. It was her talent that pushed her to be amazing. But it was her Ghost. The question if she had one, if she was really the same Motoko as she had been born as that made her Compelling.

    Motoko? Hiromi asked, I had stopped before I entered the bottom of the steps. I had gotten lost.

    Did I have a ghost?

    I shook my head. This wasnt even the Ghost in the Shell universe. So in the end. Who knows?

    Nothing nothing. Cmon Hiromi. I take thest step down the stairs.

    Vik? Are you in?

    Oh? Motoko. I was wondering when I would see you. His security door opened and I walked in smiling as he gave me a nod of his head. Come take a look.

    The small thermos like object held a set of eyes. Not that I could see it as it was sealed until they were installed.

    Kiroshi optics.

    Mk1s So dont fall totally in love. Im not a miracle worker. He chuckled. As I looked the thermos over.

    No way. This is a miracle for sure. Thank you Vik. I honestly wasnt expecting you to have them so soon.

    Well I owed you one. He offered simply before pointing me at the chair. So ready to get chipped?

    I took a deep breath and released it.

    Yeah I am.

    --

    I slowly came to as I blinked my eyes.

    You might feel a little difort at first. Blurred vision, low contrast, glitches

    Alerts were popping up in my mind as my eyes were connected, but I didnt really have any issues as Vik finally pulled back. I slowly looked around. Everything was so clear.

    Well, hows it look, feel alright to you? Vik asked as he seemed to look me over.

    Feels alright. No pain or anything. I answered, sounding a little distant. I was distracted.

    Imagine living your life seeing in 720p, and suddenly you were in 4k.

    Everything. I could see everything! Darkness barely stopped me. I could see the dust in the corner from across the room.

    You doin okay Motoko? Hiromi asked as she walked up she was still looking a little skeeved out about the back alley ripper.

    Yeah. Sorry I just can see everything now. Its kinda Distracting.

    Yeah your new eyes are on another level. I didnt know you were using a set of Arasaka Rainbow With a name like that you expect a lot, but these were bad long before they ever came out. Hiromi mentioned as she looked me over. I blinked. My old eyes were Arasaka make? Huh.

    Yeah. I guess I hadnt really considered it. I mean they were my eyes.

    Vik gave off a chuckle as he nodded, taking the pair of My old eyes. To put into another thermos. Waste not want not I suppose.

    Weird. It was kinda weird to know that he was walking away with something I had considered a part of me. Then again they werent my ganic eyes anyways.

    It still felt weird.

    So. What color are you gonna go with? I still think Neon green would suit you. Hiromi offered as she came up close to check my new eyes out.

    Im not copying your hair Hiromi Im thinking a reddish purple color Yeah I have the exact color I want in mind. I said smiling as I imagined The Major And her eye color.

    Man I was getting pretty close to her in looks now. Just needed the fully borg body.

    Well alright. Ill admit. This guy isnt as much of a back alley ripper as I expected. He waspetent. Hiromi whispered as she kept close. How did you even find this guy anyways.

    Vik is kinda a legend Hiromi. I whisper back although I was still kinda distracted because I could see Hiromis pores crystal clear.

    Seriously, super vision was kinda distracting. Also it was weird, blinking felt Weird.

    Hey Vik. It feels kinda weird when I blink.

    Yeah thats normal. Kiroshi have a water protectiveyer on top of the eyes. On one hand it means your tears wont lubricate your new eyes, makes em feel a little smooth when blinking. On the other hand, in serious situations you dont have to blink. He offered as he wheeled back over.

    Now lets make sure everything is as it should be. Go ahead and try the scanner. He asked as he seemed to settle in in front to of me.

    I blinked and my eyes just Did it. A flick of a thought and my vision went red, and everything became so much more. I looked around, sweeping my eyes over Vik''s clinic. Almost everything highlighted at first, but as I ignored pieces of his equipment I didnt need to know about, or Vik''s TV on the desk it unhighlighted.

    It might take a few seconds to adjust, but first time is rarely the charm He stopped whatever spiel he was about to say as he seemed to look at me and Hiromi, before shaking his head. Never mind. Scanner should eventually sync with your thought processes an read your intentions.

    As I looked around I caught sight of Hiromi, and instantly I realized I could send a quickhack at her. No messing around waiting for my eyes to get her code. The scan was nearly instant. Man I had forgotten how much easier Quickhacking was in the game, but really it was just because of these eyes. A second nce and I had Hiromis information ready and able to send a Quickhack her way.

    What? She asked as I shook my head.

    Nothing just amazed at how quickly it pulled up your information.

    Speaking of, Im injecting an NCPD file search. He mentioned as my eyes suddenly showed an install bar as something updated. Run into any neer-do-wells youll know exactly what they neer-did-well. He said almostughing a bit at the end, an often used joke I think.

    Hiromi was fake gagging behind his head.

    Thanks. That will help me collect bounties. I muttered, the idea wasnt bad I could get around the city and start taking out anyone with a price on their head.

    Vik was looking a little pale as I said that. Maybe, just use it to run away from the bad guys. Kids should know how to use a gun, sure, but best to avoid trouble. He offered, and I didnt argue despite the fact we both knew I wasnt going to do what he said.

    Thanks Vik. For everything.

    Now dont say it like that. Youll make me feel like thats a goodbye. ''Sides still need to cover a few things about your new Mk1. Youve already been introduced to your new scanner, but the Mk1 also has a built in External Lens Disruptor. Inyman''s terms, any surveince cam will catch your face as a blur. Just remember. Your bodyll show up crystal clear.

    Really? I didnt know that. I muttered, was that a thing they did. I dont remember that ever being mentioned in the game. Then again Cameras were more rm systems in the moment, rather than something that bites you a day after you got spotted.

    Cool. Hiromi offered grinning a little widely. I got a few ideas for where that wille in handy~ She practically purred as she looked like a cat that caught a canary.

    I instantly put my hand up. Not a chance. Im not a thief Hiromi Unless Im stealing for a Fixer I guess Does looting count as stealing? I asked her, and I could hear Vik do an aborted chuckle beside me as he was checking some diagnostic on his screen.

    Course not. Klepping is only klepping if they are still alive. The moment they tline its not klepping. Hiromi answered simply.

    Right. I chuckled at bit at Hiromis blunt exnation.

    Also here. Vik handed me a Max Doc, or at least something simr. Take two whiffs now, and another two in an hour. He urged me on until I took my whiff. Good. Dont forget.

    I wont! Ill even set an rm. I assure him doing just that with my new Kiroshis. Man that was kinda cool.

    Preem, we done? Hiromi asked sounding a little bored now that the fun stuff was over.

    Yep Im finished, unless you want something else chipped in, but I would say wait.

    No. Thats what I wanted today. Ill get used to these before I start messing around.

    Excellent. Good call.

    Nowst thing and probably the most important. I told Vik, getting an interested look. How much do I owe you?

    --

    I cant believe you paid him full price. Hiromi grumbled at me as I walked

    Course I did. Vik does good work.

    He owes you thousands of eddies from that Scav loot. Hiromi reminded me as we passed through the alley towards my car.

    No, he got that for a low price, but that loot was for rep.

    Ugh you are the wooorst. Hiromi whined at me as we climbed into my Reaver. Giving Misty a wave as I did which she returned. Looks like she had done a good job keeping the car unbothered.

    Its good business. Besides, I got Kiroshi optics. I reminded her as I set out, driving was kind of wild. Everything was so clear, but it was more than that. I could literally tell how fast a car was goingpared to me. It just popped into my mind with a nce.

    As I maneuvered through the city I actually felt reallyfortable behind the wheel. So much so that I was even driving a bit faster than normal. I suppose it was inevitable that I got an alert.

    *Driving skill level up!*

    I smiled, Driving 4. I wonder what Perk I would get next level?

    Whats got you so happy?

    Nothing. Just enjoying my new optics.

    Is cute, You being all over the moon for some Chrome. You used to be way worse before. Course you never had anything as high end as Kiroshi.

    Oh? Was I big into Chrome?

    Of course! Why do you think you got Lets talk about something else.

    Think I got targeted by the Scavs? I asked and Hiromi looked away from me instead of answering.

    We can drop it. I assure her, not bothered in the least. I wasnt exactly afraid of scavs. Not with how many of them I had already murdered.

    Good. So where are we going? She finally asked and I just shrugged.

    Im honestly just driving around enjoying hanging out with my choom. I told her as I decided to slip onto the freeway towards home.

    Youre such a gonk. I know you dont want to hit a party so lets head back to your ce. Food and a movie sounds good.

    Sure! That sounds fun! I can show you what Ive been messing with in thest couple days!

    What?

    Well I decided I wanted to try doing some tech stuff. I want to try making some gadgets for when Im on a gig. Plus I want to be able to keep my guns ready to go. And maybe mod them out a bit.

    Huh. ying Techie huh? Alright cool. You will have to show me what you have so far.

    Not much. I hit the dump yesterday to find some stuff to take apart.

    Eww Gross Motoko! If you want Tech stuff just hit up a shop or something.

    But its cheaper to do it myself.

    But its cheaper. She mocked back at me. Coming from the girl who just gave a Ripper money when he was nning on chipping you for free.

    I owed Vik for his services! He is super talented!

    Okay Motoko. Do you Like have a crush on the guy or something? Is that your type? You know old?

    Hiromi! I screeched, actually feeling my face flush. I do not have a crush on Vik! Hes old!

    Yeah I know which is why Im askin-

    Nope! We are done with this topic. We are driving home and watching a movie. I do not have a crush on a guy old enough to be my. Grandfather? Im not sure exactly how old he is, but he isnt young.

    Pfft! Oh man I am going to tell every-one. She drawled it out slowly as she continued to tease.

    Dont make me kill you They will never find the body. I red at her, earning a smirk which slowly disappeared as I kept my unblinking stare on her as I drove.

    I had wider vision with my Kiroshi, so it was safe.

    Hiromi coughed a bit. Alright, you win.

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21

    After spending a night watching terrible movies Hiromi left in the morning, unfortunately her parents wanted her home.

    So I settled in for some more tech work.

    First thing first I noticed I had an odd bit next to my stats.

    Technical attribute 1(5)

    Crafting 1

    It was the first thing I noticed when I opened my stat page. I decided to check through my alerts, because I had gotten a few when Vik installed my new optics.

    *Due to Cyberization, Maximum value has increased by 4. Technical Attribute.*

    I blinked, what did maximum value mean?

    I had no idea.

    I continued through the alerts. Most of them were simply describing the uninstation of my old optics, and instation of my new ones.

    Except for one message.

    *Adaptation Kiroshi Mk1 0/2*

    What the hell was Adaptation!?

    I checked my stats page and it did have a Cyberware section. Under it I had two options currently. Although I did have plenty of minor bits and bobs that everyone tended toward.

    I guess like V the Gamer only tracked the bigger stuff.

    Militech Paraline *Adaptation Militech Paraline 0/0*

    Kiroshi Mk1 *Adaptation Kiroshi Mk1 0/2*

    Okay so what was adaptation? And why did the Paraline Cyberdeck have a 0/0.

    I tried clicking on it and to my happiness I got something, if not aplete answer.

    *Spend 1 Stat point to improve Adaptation?*

    No. I pulled back. I needed my stat points. And for now I had no idea what adaptation meant. I mean I could guess. Adapting my Cyberware? But I already had it installed. It was working as it should.

    I shrugged. I would mess with it another time. At least I had one question answered. Ish.

    Then I moved back to the stat page. Why does my Tech have a number next to it? I honestly couldnt get an answer. There wasnt a damn options menu, or a yers guide with this Gamer system.

    So I shrugged it off. It had something to do with my eyes, and bigger numbers were better. So I would just ept it was a good thing and move on.

    But I did notice onest thing since I was ying with my stat sheet. I still had a perk to choose. Well two actually.

    des and Street Brawler.

    Both were easy choices.

    Parry: With a de in hand, deflect attacks.

    Honestly there was only one reason to pick this Perk. Eventually I could parry bullets. Listen, if anyone ever says they dont think cutting a bullet out of the air with a katana is cool. They are lying. Sure it would cost me a few perks, but I didnt really n on running around with a Katana very often, and defense was always super important.

    Then there was Street Brawler. Which I also already had my path picked out.

    Improvised Weapons: Sometimes in a brawl anything you can grab needs to be used, know the best way to fight with day to day items.

    One more perk in that tree away from Gun-Fu.

    Instantly though my mind was a whirl. I looked around at all the tech stuff I had been nning on tinkering with and I kinda cringed at just how deadly everything around me could be.

    That could bothe in handy, and be a little distracting, if everything I looked at was processed as a weapon first.

    I shook it away. First I needed to continue disassembling all this tech. I smiled as I familiarized myself with old junk and slowly I got more and more alerts.

    Until finally, the sun setting long ago I got the alert I wanted.

    *Technical Attribute Leveled up!*

    Tech 2? Yes! Now I could level Crafting more!

    I yawned despite myself and looked around, realizing I had barely eaten all day. I stretched and groaned a bit as my spine popped as I decided to grab some chow before I hit the hay.

    --

    I was ring. My hands werepletely calm despite my constant desire to start throwing stuff.

    *Jun: Im alive.*

    Thats it. After so long? After not knowing if Jun was dead in a Maelstrom base somewhere? He just sends Im alive?

    And he refused to respond to any messages back either.

    I was gripping my soldering iron a little too tightly as I slowly turned it off and set it down.

    I needed to go kill something.

    No. I shook that thought away. I was not going to turn to murder for stress relief. That is absolutely where I draw the line. I took a deep breath and let it out. Deciding to grab something to eat instead. As I was getting dressed I considered it.

    Jun was alive. That was good. But he was withdrawing, and I had no idea what the ws were doing to him, or making him do.

    Considering Juns personality? I had no doubt that next time I see him, he will have a lot more chrome. If that was the case. Next time. Would I be dealing with Jun as he lost himself? Cyberpsychosis?

    If the Tyger ws dont take care of Jun. I will end them. I whispered to myself, unable to stop the words slipping from my mouth.

    I honestly wasnt a fan of the ws in general. The whole sex work thing tends to piss me off. Even if Judys n in the game was destined for failure.

    Mine wouldnt. I wouldnt go after their business. I would just kill them until they stopped existing if they let Jun get hurt.

    I sighed pushing myself away from the table to head to the bathroom. I was getting worked up. So I walked in and turned on the tap. I washed my face a bit and looked into the mirror. Almost flinching as reddish purple eyes stared back.

    I had forgotten for a second that I changed my eye colorst night. It wasnt hard, Kiroshi was top of the line. Of course they would have an option to adjust color.

    They still felt weird. I realized it was that little thing in the back of your mind, an irritation that told you something wasnt quite right. Like something is in your eye but doesnt hurt, but you still know something is wrong.

    I suppose that was how I would process Cyberware. A slight difort.

    I think I had figured out what Adaptation was. I closed my eyes letting myself breath for a minute.

    It wasnt bad. Just different. Id live.

    I stepped away, turning back to my table. There was a part of me begging to go outside with a gun in hand. To go find some more scavs, or take a job.

    I shook that part away. Settled down on my couch.

    I had taken apart most of the scrap I had gathered by now. Learning a ton as I did. Or rather learning as the XP continued to flow. I had a few ideas of neat toys that could help me out on jobs, but all of the actually useful stuff was way outside of my skill level, much less a price range.

    But I now had parts. So I took aptop, broken and stripped for now. And started putting it together. Simple really I had scrapped multiple of them from the dump so I had all the parts I needed, and as I worked, the XP both Tech, and Crafting flowed in.

    I guess my system liked me actually making something rather than just disassembling.

    It took me a bit but when I was done. I turned it on, and the OS actually started.

    I was using the Hard drive that was in one of theptops and it started up. Asking for a password.

    Half a secondter I pulled out my connect cord from my neck and plugged it in. A moment to breach it and I was in.

    There wasnt anything interesting. Thisptop belonged to some woman a nobody. I mean there was literally nothing but crappy games, useless stuff like that.

    I restarted the system and started wiping the data.

    Who knows maybe Ill just sell theptop? Could make some eddies.

    When it was done I nodded and put it to the side.

    Now what else can I fix?

    --

    I had a fan now. It buzzed merrily away next to the radio, and I basically just controlled it by hacking it every time I wanted to change its settings.

    It was cool.

    Heh.

    But more importantly, putting junk together gave me that sweet sweet XP alerts.

    So much so that Crafting had leveled up!

    *Crafting skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    I was giggly because perks let me hyper focus, or gain stuff that my normal skill didnt cover. In this case the options were crazy!

    Crafting was so Wide. There was perks that spread out into tons of stuff.

    Salvager. Get an eye for locating scrap.

    Enduring builds. You can make it stronger. Tougher. The tricks of the trade to make your product rough and tumble.

    And so much more. There were a lot of perks I wanted in crafting, but I would have to pick what I thought would be the most useful. Which is why as I browsed through the lists I came across the one thing that had me grinning.

    Robotics wizard. Others make machines. You make life.

    I knew it was premature. I didnt have the skill to be making robots. But at the same time. There had been an idea I had that I couldnt just ignore.

    It was possible. Dangerous. Stupid maybe. But possible. I even had an idea on how to solve the wholeck of processing power that would have made my idea impossible.@@novelbin@@

    So I picked it.

    Worsees to worse, I end up not using it much.

    Instantly though my mind was full of knowledge. This time it was kinda weird. Not just how to make robots, because part of that was covered under base Crafting. But how to make them better.

    Heh. I could probably sign on as an engineer at a Corporation and design Cyber limbs. And it was true. Sure I couldnt use most of the higher end stuff from the perk, but it still gave me an eye and experience in smoothing robotic designs that would make me a very useful cog in a corpo machine.

    Oh well. I shrugged, settling back onto the couch. Looking up to hack into the TV to change the channel to something mindless so I could go back to work tinkering when I got an alert.

    *Breach Protocol skill level up!*

    Breach 3 huh. That was lucky!

    --

    Bitch! I cursed as I waved my finger. I had just zapped my finger like a gonk.

    Idiot! Moron! Dont touch the fucking active electric wire you you! I cursed as I danced around the room. Fuck was I electroBOOM now?

    Okay I need a break Also stop talking to myself. I rumbled as I walked over and powered everything down. I had been tinkering all day. Mostly just grinding out Technical Attribute since I was maxed in crafting.

    It was slow. Sometimes painful work.

    But I was close to another level, so it was all worth it.

    I opened up my contacts. Unfortunately Hiromi was locked down again. Her parents were worried about her running around with the active, and escting gang war burning down the city every day, so she was stuck in school.

    Ichi was still working for Shobo.

    And Jun wasnt responding.

    I didnt really have anyone else.

    That thought made me sad. For about five seconds.

    I wasnt going to let that get me down! So I decided to wander out into the city. I had stats to grind. Things to improve at! I wasnt going to let myself get worn down by Jun being a massive pain in the ass!

    As I headed out I started quick hacking stuff again. Pinging every device I could find mostly just for something to do. It was sorta rxing in a way, to just Interface with everything around me.

    Even if all I was doing was sending a ping through the system it felt like I was a piece of thework. It was nice.

    Of course the actual quick hack XP was a little slow. So I started pinging people as I jogged past. Enjoying the small web of lights my Kiroshis disyed across my vision as I pinged more and more systems around me. Soon it felt like I was jogging through a spider web, seeing how so many things were connected.

    Really. A lot of stuff was connected. Vending machines were a dizzying maze of connections between them. I stopped and just watched for a minute.

    *Intelligence Leveled up!*

    I stopped double checking that alert. Intelligence 4?

    Already!? How did Intelligence level up so quickly? I hadnt even gotten a quick hack level!

    I went back through my alerts, and yeah I got a pretty nice little surge of Intelligence XP as I was jogging. But why? Sure I was pinging people as well as electronics I could see, but that doesnt exin the sudden surge.

    What did I know about the intelligence stat? Well not much. In the game it was the control stat for hacking. It also gave you more Ram for every point. No wait I remember reading the actual stat description in the game.

    Determinesrunning proficiency. I muttered thinking back to all the stats in Cyberpunk.

    Intelligence wasnt Well intelligence, or how smart you were exactly. It was processing speed But more. It was understanding!

    I realized everything was connected If almost everything is connected, even through different intes Then that opens a lot of possibilities doesnt it? I muttered looking up as I got an alert.

    *100 Intelligence XP Gained*

    I guess Im on the right track. So I had been thinking of Intelligence wrong from the start. I was thinking it was how smart I am, but that isnt right at all. Its more aboutrunning! Understanding, processing power. All of that fell under intelligence.

    After all I remember a lot of skills I would normally think of falling under Intelligence fell under Tech in Cyberpunk.

    I looked over at a vending machine, following itswork connection to the roof of a nearby building. That was thework node then. Where a lot of the vending machines were connected through.

    I instantly found a way up using a nearby fence and grabbing onto the edge of the building I mbered up. Settling next to the node.

    I pulled out the cord from my neck and clicked it into ce.

    Security blocked me out, but I wasnt exactly hacking into Arasaka tower.

    A few minutes of slowly peeling through the ICE, I breached in. There wasnt much there, Inte traffic mostly sending and receiving data from the vending machines, nothing I was too interested in, no I was more focused on the connections themselves.

    I stood and pinged the node, with the security already punched through it activated instantly.

    A spiderweb erupted from the satellite dish it was connected to.

    Reaching out from it in all directions. I looked around, staring at the connections just taking in the sight of something so ethereal.

    I looked at the web and decided to try out an idea. I was already at its central node. Where everything connected through. So I should be able to I closed my eyes. I hadn''t actually done this yet, letting myself enter the in a way. Actual Netrunning I closed my eyes and let myself fall through the cord.

    Suddenly I was in a world of light. Of data. My body wasnt even there, Instead I was just an awareness. My connection was not good enough to form an actual digital avatar. Still I was there. In the.

    Connected.

    I cant even describe where I was. Nothing was solid. Just lights, and data transferring on connections making bridges, a web streaking out into pure darkness, but I could move through them. I essed one of the connections letting me move from the node I was out to one of the peripheries. A vending machine from the data I was able to ess with a mental touch.

    With a thought I activated ping. Quick hacking the device I was literally inside the CPU of. A wave of light. A mass of data erupting in a wave that ran up the spideweb before bouncing around more and more.

    It was Beautiful.

    So this was the. This is what it looked like in Cyberpunk.

    No wonder people were so interested in it. To see it. Experience it as more than just a window on a screen.

    To be data.

    I pulled back, going back up the connection to the node, and unjacking.

    I couldnt even pull the pull the jack out before I was on my ass gasping.

    Fuck! I hissed my head felt like it was on fire! I reached back and felt the port that had my Cyberdeck installed in it, and I had to hiss.

    The entire area was hot. Like an overheatingputer.

    Fuck. I cursed again standing up a little woozily as I rushed down the building, a single nce had a vending machine dispensing some cold drink I had no name for. I had already breached the entire system after all.

    I pressed the can against the back of my head, letting its icy coldnessbat the heat.

    No wonder they use the damn icebaths. I grumbled. As I sat on a bench and just let my head cool down.

    So that was the. A I had taken my first step into. A child inrunners terms.

    So where does the child go from here? The Net is truly vast and infinite. I whispered, out an old quote leaning back and staring up into the sky.

    --

    After cooling off I went home, an eye on my alerts told me I had gained a ton just from my brief foray into the.

    *Quickhacking skill level up!*

    Which put me at level 3 for that, and a ton of Intelligence alerts.

    I was almost ready for the next level. That was how much I had learned about the with just stepping a toe into its depths.

    Of course my head was still warm, and I wasnt exactly up for trying that again. At least not without an upgrade, or an ice bath prepared.

    Considering my apartment didnt even have a bath, that made things more difficult.

    I flopped onto the couch staring at my wild assortment of tech that I had been tinkering with reached out and grabbed the wire that had shocked me this morning.

    Time to get back to work. I kept at it untilte when I decided to sleep so I would be ready for the next day.

    That night I was woken up by shooting.

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22

    It wasnt unusual to have gunfire going through the city but for it to be close enough that I actually woke up? I was d I wasnt injured, so when I startled awake in the middle of the night, I was able to move instantly. Grabbing my Unity from my belt hanging on the desk chair in my room. I snagged an extra magazine as I hurried to the window to peak out from the armored shutters.

    There was a war going on outside my apartment.

    I could recognize Tyger w Kusanagis and a Maelstrom truck as the two forces went at each other.

    At first I wasnt sure what to do. Did I even want to get involved in this? I didnt see Jun, but he could be down there fighting.

    Then one of the Strom Borgs fired a damn rocket out of his arm, and it mmed into my apartment building. The building shook and I had a moment looking around wondering if my apartment was about to copse.

    Thankfully it didnt. But I could hear screams from below! There were people in this building!

    I rushed out. Rushing down stairs and while the security gate normally would have stopped me from going to a floor below. It wasnt like I hadnt already breached the security of the entire building. It opened for me, and I rushed to the apartment that had just been hit.

    I hammered on the door for a moment but I couldnt hear anything over the gunfire.

    So I looked at the door a bit harder and it popped open, surely it must be from all the explosions! I would never break into everyone''s security systems! That would be wrong.

    So I had broken into her security before, and since Wall Breaking was a great perk, I already had a backdoor.

    The door opened into a warzone. The window normally covered in security blinds was destroyed, metal shards and bits of brickying across the apartment.

    More importantly, was the injured older womanying across the floor covered in rubble. She had probably been doing the same thing I had. Peeping out the window to see what was going on.

    I ran forward doing my best to stay low so I wouldnt be spotted through the hole andnded next to her. She was breathing.

    Barely.

    I didnt have my med supplies on me either. ring at myself for not grabbing any more of my gear, I ducked as a spray of bullets came through the hole. It wasnt even at me, just the general mayhem outside. I couldnt stay here, and neither could she.

    Moving someone injured like this was a bad idea, but hell if her spine was broken she could buy a new one. I heaved up her arms and dragged her through the apartment back out into the hallway. Then through the security gate.

    The stairwell was the most armored part of the building, she should be safe here. I checked her pulse again and she was breathing, but I wasnt a doctor. I rushed back upstairs grabbing a Bounce Back out of my supplies. I would have to buy more med supplies soon. I had only gotten so much from the scavs.

    Back into the stairwell I could hear people from the building freaking out. I ignored it as I rushed back down the stairs. As I reached her, I popped the lid off the Bounce back and jabbed it into her chest pressing down on the button.

    She gasped, and shook a bit, but her breath evened out and sounded fuller.

    Bounce Back was awesome like that.

    Whatever science magic was inside, would hopefully keep her alive. But I still had some things to take care of. I rushed back into thedy''s apartment, and took a moment to look out the massive hole.

    Tyger ws on bikes and a Maelstrom kill truck. The damn thing was more like an armored carrier than a truck.

    I wasnt sure who had hit who, but considering I could see the mangled wreck of a Kusanagi under the wheels of the truck I could guess.

    Fine.

    At a nce Parkour told me everything I needed to know.

    Three stories up?

    No problem. I jumped. Instant coolness washing over me, as I fell.

    There were plenty of things to leap down from as I moved, each floor had AC units or just jutting ledges.

    It was easy. Three hops and I was in the air falling through the sky.

    Inded feet first into the back of one of the borgs. It was the surprise that knocked him off his feet more than anything. No one expects the second floor double drop kick. I had picked this borg specifically out of all of them.

    My Unity wouldnt do shit against them. The Tygers pistols were bouncing rounds already. So I slipped my Unity into the back of my pants making sure it was safe.

    Didnt want to blow my own ass off.

    I had picked one of the borgs that had a weapon I could use.

    As I mmed into him I reached out grabbing the end of his gun. As he fell he automatically let go. Everyone does. They reach out to halt their fall, its instinct, even for a Borg.

    Unfortunately that meant I was able to spin his Carnage shotgun into my arms as I literally stood on his back.

    He was cursing, climbing up to his knees when he must have felt the shotgun press against the back of his head.

    I pulled the trigger and it was only thanks to recoil control that I didnt get knocked right off him. But I didnt. Instead his head disappeared, and I was now standing in the middle of a gunfight.

    *1000 XP Gained.*

    But now the Strom were on the back foot. The Tyger ws now, no longerpletely on defense.

    I moved leaping off the borg as I pumped the shotgun, the noise monstrously loud to my ears as I ducked and rolled under the Maelstroms truck. Disappearing just in time as suddenly one of the Borgs opened up with a machine gun where I had been standing tearing up the asphalt.

    Mostly concealed, I brought the shotgun up and fired. Shooting another Borg in the leg.

    Although it didnt do what I wanted and blow his leg off, he still fell to the ground screaming, as I pumped the shotgun again.

    From the weight of the gun I knew I only had one more round. Gun nut once again helping me out.

    I continued rolling moving out from under the truck, but now on the opposite side.

    They had lost sight of me.

    That would cost them. Especially since the door to their truck was still open. I slipped in, unseen by both groups as they continued to fire on eachother. The inside of the truck stunk of drugs, and blood.

    Charming.

    I slipped over to the driver''s side, easily taking over the truck.

    The morons had hit the ws jumped out and started gunning them down.

    But now I had their wheels.

    I floored it. Turning the wheel as I did so I smashed into the surprised face of a Maelstrom borg, the truck rocking as I hit him and kept going.

    We stared at each other. My purplish eyes meeting his red glowing optics as he hung onto the front of the truck as I continued to floor it.

    I could see him gathering his wits, pulling out a pistol.

    He must have been confused though, as he watched me reach behind me and even as I elerated I threw the seatbelt over my chest.

    A moment after we mmed into a brick wall.

    Everything was chaos for a moment as I was jerked around and smashed against the drivers seat.

    But I had a seatbelt on.

    The car quieted a few momentster and I nced up, ignoring the feeling of blood rolling down the side of my head after I had bashed my head against the door. I looked into the glowing red eyes of the borg.

    Still alive huh? I asked my voice sounding a little distant. Probably a concussion.

    B-biiitch. He gasped out in a staticy pained voice.

    I reached over and grabbed the Shotgun.

    W-wa-it.

    I did not wait.

    I pointed and fired.

    *1000 XP Gained.*

    No. I answered only after I was sure he wasnt a threat. Seriously, only idiots stopped to talk and monologue during a gun fight. Shoot first, then say the witty one liner.

    Wasnt like you were saying the one liner for them anyways.

    I pulled the seatbelt off with a groan my body was not happy with me. As I pushed the drivers door.

    No give. I ended up having to crawl out through the broken windshield hissing a bit at the cuts on my hands and feet.

    Should have put on my boots. I grumbled as I stepped out of the truck. I turned to look at the firefight, but it was wrapping up. Maelstrom had more people at first, and they got the drop on the ws, but we were in w territory.

    Where at first there had only been five ws fighting against about that number in Borgs, now there was three times the amount of ws pulling up on their bikes and firing into the three borgs that now had no way to escape.

    The gun fire stopped not long after. When a borged out Tyger w pulled out a set of Mantis des and went in.

    Bloody work.

    I started walking up and I winced.

    There hadnt been just five ws at first. Looks like seven. A pair of bodies were being looked over. But with just a sh scan I could tell they werent breathing.

    Thats a shame.

    I walked into the group of ws that were all talking and shouting amongst themselves ignoring them entirely as I walked to the Borg I had killed.

    He should have some more ammo for this thing, and I was growing kind of fond of the Carnage. I totally get why Reba liked it now. Sure it was ugly, and a little smashed together, but it shot good.

    I liked it.

    As I knelt down and started searching through his dirty coat, I was unfortunately noticed.

    The fuck is this? A loud voice called out and then a blur of japanese that I only recognized as a lot of cursing. But the Bosozoku brat was also pointing a katana at me.

    Was I gonna have to tline this kid?

    Oh! This borg had a shotgun shell bandolier!? Okay I have to admit, thats pretty fuckin preem. I quickly utch it and with a bit of effort I yanked it off him and whipped it up and over my shoulder.

    Mine now.

    Always wanted one of these.

    Who the hell are you!?

    Nobody important. I offered as I rose up the guys Katana was drawing a little too close for myfort.

    Chill out Higa. This girl is crazy, came in and tlined that Strom literally dropped on him from above. A girl said as she hurried over. Put your Katana away, the Maelstrom are already dead.

    As he looked away I idly swiped a shell from the bandolier and slipped it into the shotgun.

    Just in case. Then since he was just that distracted despite standing close to me, I went ahead and loaded a few more.

    This guy was kinda Blind.

    I dont know this bitch! She is standing in the middle of our battle! Looting!

    Enough. A voice said from beside me, and I blinked, I hadn''t noticed. Not a sound hade from the guy until that moment. Sneaky!

    I looked over and the Tyger w borg was standing beside me. Dont. Although he wasnt looking at the kid.

    He was looking at me. So I was looking at him. If he thought he was going to win a staring contest, jokes on him.

    I didnt need to blink anymore. Our eyes met, and I could tell he was figuring out the fastest way to kill me. I could just tell. Maybe a Ninjutsu thing.

    His eyes were neon I noticed. Changing colors along with his tats that shifted and looked like the animals were readying to attack.

    Yeah yeah. It was just in case. I finally waved him off. As I stopped readying to pop the katana kid.

    Instead I turned back to checking the borgs pockets.

    Unfortunately other than a credit shard which I happily klepped, he only had drugs.

    A lot of drugs.

    I sighed and left them. Not my style.

    Fuckin you just gonna let her?

    It was her kill. The borg offered with a shrug. She can take what she kills. He said simply.

    Tsk, Fine whatever. He grumbled as his Katana lowered.

    You happen to know Jun Ah Junichirou Kusanagi? I asked as I looked the borg over.

    The man was silent as he took in my question before slowly nodding. I know of him.

    Hes my brother. You havent seen him in thest week or so have you? Hes been out of contact.

    No. He said simply and I noticed the way he said it Yeah this guy was suffering from Cyberpsychosis. I just felt it. The man was struggling to care about anyone around him the social apathy, and worse.

    The sociopathy. He was still considering how to kill me. I could see it, the way his hands were flexing the joints of his Mantis des popping just a tiny bit.

    Yep. Im out of here.

    Cya around Tyger ws. Try not to get killed on my street next time. I called out to the group as I turned and headed back to the apartment. Ignoring the bloody footprints I was leaving behind. Stupid ss. Oh well I got a new gun, and getting new guns did make me happy. I might even try to mod it a bit. I bet I could do something simr to Reba''s Guts. Absolutely max out the recoil and firepower.@@novelbin@@

    Could be fun, all I would really need is to double check the barrel and receiver to make sure it can handle a stronger load.

    I couldnt help but start whistling a bit as I made it to the apartment. Taking the elevator up to my floor I was about to enter the apartment before I stopped.I turned peeking down the stairs and I sighed. The woman I had left there was gone. I headed down looking around.

    I really hoped someone hadnt grabbed her while she was unconscious. But as I came down the floor the apartment door was open and I could see her standing there just looking at her apartment.

    You okay? I asked and she jumped wincing as she clutched her head but she turned to look at me.

    Yeah she didnt look okay.

    Youre bleeding.

    Just a flesh wound. You should see the other guy. I couldnt help but add. Really you gonna be okay? I pulled you out of there and gave you a Bounce Back but that isnt a miracle. You need a hospital?

    The older woman sort of blinked as she looked at me as if my words were just iprehensible.

    Who are you? She finally asked and I simply stared at her for a minute.

    Motoko, Im your neighbor. I finally decided on as I pointed upwards. Alright, well I tried. Im going to sleep. Have a good night. I told her as I stepped back and then up the stairs. She was looking at me like I was gonna attack her or something.

    Weird.

    So I entered my apartment sighed as I realized I would need to check my foot and probably take one of myst Max Docs before I tried to sleep otherwise I would bleed all over my bed. So I headed into the bathroom cleaning my feet and my head wound, and finding I did have a piece of ss still stuck in my foot.

    Ow.

    A maxdoc stopped my bleeding, and I then sighed again as I had to get a bucket and clean up the floor, bloody footprints marched across the ground.

    With a sigh I finished cleaning up and settled on the couch. Was I forgetting something? I felt like I was. So I settled onto the couch and decided I would enjoy a good eight hours of shut eye. The NCPD lights just now starting to y across my apartments wall.

    Guess they finally showed up to cart away the corpses.

    ---

    I woke up mid afternoon the next day and as I was rubbing the sleep out of my eyes and stretching I finally realized what I had forgotten.

    Jun! I cursed as I hurriedly pulled up my phone system and sent him a text.

    *There was a Strom attack on the street outside the apartment, Im fine, no injuries, apartment below us had some damage. Just wanted you to know I was okay so you wouldnt freak Havent heard from you in a while.*

    I sat down on the couch and just kinda waited for a bit, hoping that Jun would at least respond back.

    Then I realized I was being stupid. Jun was still a teenage boy and was definitely out all night hunting Maelstrom.

    He was 100% still asleep. It wasnt even noon yet.

    So I shook that away and looked at my alerts.

    *Body Leveled up!*

    *Annihtion skill level up!*

    Body 6, and Annihtion 4. Finally I had gotten Body to level up again. I guess all the shotgun shooting had finally gained thest bits of XP I needed.

    *Driving skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    I pointedly ignored that one since literally all I did was crash a truck On purpose! I crashed a truck on purpose! That was the n! Okay I would look at perkster.

    But I took a moment to look over my body. The increase to body had some effects. I looked Muscr. I had actual biceps when I flexed. Motoko strong! I giggled as I did a few stretches enjoying the feeling of my stronger muscles.

    I decided to get some exercise in while I got breakfast. Slipping out of the apartment I jogged around the block picking up some food at my favorite little street vendors.

    Yet even as I did I could tell that things were changing. The gang war was getting bad. People were more skittish than usual, which is saying something in Night City. People. I could see the damage from the attack still on the street outside the apartment, I pointedly didnt look at the brick wall I had smashed through with the truck.

    That was Maelstroms fault, not mine. Definitely not mine. At all.

    But things were getting tense.

    After breakfast I decided it was time to get something done I had been putting off as I threw myself into crafting.

    I drove out to the littlerunners shop carrying mysuit in hand.

    --

    Thats a lot of holes. Was the first thing the old asiandy at the little shop I had bought my Netrunner suit from muttered at me as I flopped the suit on the table.

    Yeah people like to shoot at me. I said as she looked over my suit.

    People like to hit you too. She told me and I shrugged.

    Hazards of the job.

    The armor didnt do much I see. She muttered as looked over the suit.

    Noticed that. Figured I was just getting hit with something too big to stop. Might be why Im still alive though.

    No. She answered instantly, and I could hear a hint of anger in her voice. No. Look, the interior panels They are fake. She growled, the little old woman was practically leaking smoke as she hissed, her pipe glowing red as she sucked in the smoke.

    Fake?

    The armor liner is supposed to have ayer of ker. This? This isnt Ker. she peeled the armor apart, and showed me the liner which as she spoke she pulled apart and showed Cardboard? Well probably not, but something close to it. Her fingers pulled bits apart with just that tiny effort.

    This wouldnt stop a needle from poking you, much less a bullet. She looked away from the leotard, meeting my eyes. I sold you defective goods. She growled a bit as she threw the leotard onto the table. When I get my hands on that supplier She growled a bit, and considering she hung out in a shop that catered torunners, not exactly people well known for not getting revenge I had a feeling her supplier was about to have a really bad week.

    I didnt even notice. I added as I leaned down to look over the leotard. Poking at the holes. My Kiroshi scans didnt notice anything out of ce, which was weird. It was only when I pulled the cardboard-like inner liner out and scanned it did I get a scan of what the material was made out of.

    You didnt notice bullets were slipping through your armor?

    I had other things on my mind whenever I got shot. I joked as I looked over the gunk. How did my eyes never notice this? Ive scanned my leotard before But I guess I hadnt really been looking for anything.

    This was a good lesson, my Kiroshi were amazing, but they werent magic. I still needed to pay attention.

    The woman was silent for a moment. Then her eyes went blue, and I blinked as a pretty hefty chunk of eddies was handed into my ount. The eddies. For the trouble, and as an apology. The old woman offered and I just sorta shrugged.

    She didnt give me the feel of someone that was lying. She seemed to be earnest about not knowing.

    The armor, did you use it on anyone else''s gear?

    The woman blinked before cursing. A moment please. Her eyes went yellow, but she came back after a minute. Must have been sending a text.

    I can send your measurements to another I know that does modifications. She offered out of the blue, throwing me for a loop.

    Huh?

    So you can get your suit reced?

    Why would I go somewhere else? I already have a shop right here. I told her with a calm face. She was probably embarrassed about this whole thing. I know I would be.

    You would still trust my work?

    Other than the armor, it wasfortable and exactly what I wanted. So lets fix that, and we are good to go. I need a couple more of them in fact, and I was gonna ask how to repair them if you could show me? Im a bit of a techie as well, but maybe I wont have to if the new ones actually have armor?

    Ill show you anyway. We can use this one since its Well trash. Come. She ordered hopping off a little chair and dragging me into a backroom with a workbench and a bunch of equipment.

    Oh the woman was less a normal seamstress and more a techie herself. Makes sense there were a lot ofponents in a normal suit.

    Cool!

    Can you teach me a bit about this? Putting together arunner suit I mean?

    She looked me over before shrugging. I can show you the basics. Everything else I will only teach my children You are too young for my son. She informed me tly as she waved her pipe at a chair. Sit.

    I chuckled a bit as I settled in. The woman was a master, and I know I only understood bits of what she was sharing, but it was still fascinating to learn.

    *100 Technical Attribute XP Gained*

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23

    It took a few hours, but I walked out of the shop wearing a new Leotard, and a bag with a few spares. It had also cost me way less than the first one. So that was nice. Rather than head directly home I decided to look around, maybe stop at a cafe or something to eat something different.

    I didnt want to turn into Jun and his Vendor Burrito aficionado status. The thought stopped me cold for a moment before I let it go.

    I would always worry about Jun, but all I could do is keep moving forward.

    I ended up stopping at a nice little cafe and eating a quiet lunch. The many Mox in the area were Different. Thankfully despite being asian, no one bothered me since I wasnt exactly looking like a normal Tyger w.

    So, I got to people watch all the Mox that were everywhere in the area.

    Pastel and neon. Weirdbo, but I could respect it. The Mox were Interesting. On one hand they were still sort of at the point in a gang''s life where the original idea to actually make things better was still active. But at the same time it was starting to die off. Greed changed everything.

    Instead of helping people like the Mox had been founded on, they were now shifting to helping the Mox and no one else.

    Funny how that goes. Soon it would shift more and the Mox would be like 6th St. Using force to keep their ie stream safe and active.

    I finished up my lunch and left the little cafe, walking down the street just sort of taking in the sights of the area. Even here though it was tense. Mox were heavily armed. People were scurrying around for the most part. Shops all had extra security either in guards, or equipment.

    Everyone was afraid of the gangs right now. Tyger ws were being aggressive as Strom poked them with a stick, and it was having a knock on effect. Tyger ws being angry and hyper aggressive meant Mox were running into trouble, which was cutting off Mox areas from other gangs.

    Most of the other gangs wouldnt admit it, but it was making getting BDs that the Mox sold difficult, and so that was causing tension everywhere.

    Crazy to think that basicallyck of porn was causing an issue throughout the city, but there you go. Night City folks.

    I was walking down through a small park area when I heard it.

    A cry of pain, the sound of flesh being struck, and angry voices. I felt myself tense, a stream of instincts alling out to y as I lowered myself down to better control my center of gravity and crept along.

    My boots became absolutely silent on the concrete path.

    Thankfully it wasnt anything serious. I turned around a bush on the path and frowned as I saw a bunch of teenagers. Three boys all standing around a fourth who was on the ground.

    And bruised and beaten up.

    Trying to fuck us over again, huh Nox? One of the boys said as he kicked the figure on the ground. I think Ill just take what BDs you have instead. Teach you a lesson, yeah?

    The boy on the ground groaned and curled up around a backpack.

    I sighed, a teenage brawl? A sale of BDs gone wrong? Well I didnt see any guns, or knives. So I was pretty uninterested

    But it would be the right thing to do wouldnt it? To help out the guy on the ground I considered it. I didnt really think of myself as a hero. I was kinda too selfish for that. But I had been doing a lot of murder, even if they all deserved it.

    Saving someone in trouble would be a good act.

    My shoulders slumped.

    Alright I think thats enough of that! I called out as I came around the corner. The three boys still standing all startled for half a second before looking between each other and me incredulously.

    Who the hell is this?

    Never seen her before, you Ian?

    Nope. Hey fuck off. One of them called out throwing me a middle finger.

    I looked the three boys over. No. Dont know whats going on, but Im interfering. Head off, I think youve beaten the kid enough for today.

    Maybe I havent choom. Why dont you fuck off, before we take you over to those bushes and y XBD?

    My nose crinkled. Disgusting. Just for that. I wasnt gonna let them walk away.

    I sighed as I adjusted my gloves a bit ensuring they were tight, stretching my neck a bit to make sure I was limbered up.

    And then while the three gonks were all trying to square up and act like tough guys. I simply moved.

    Unfortunately this was Night City. Teenagers knew how to fight here more often than not. They startled at my sudden aggression but didnt run, instead they attacked.

    I wasnt able to throw the first punch.

    Stupid long boy arms. But I had a few levels in Street Brawling. Blocking a punch was nothing fancy. I took the hit on my forearms and ducked in, a right jab into his gut caused him to burst into a wheeze as he folded over.

    Wow, did this kid not know how to take a punch?

    I barely got my arm up in time to block a punch from my right. My eyes caught where he was looking, the uracy of my Kiroshis making it child''s y to lift a leg and catch his kick on my shin.

    The third guy was quicker than I thought. He didnt go for a punch, instead he grabbed my left arm in a harsh grip, since I was already on one foot he managed to move me pretty easily, almost throwing me to the ground, but I kept my feet by grabbing his wrist that was holding me.

    Then to my surprise I squeezed, and with a twist of my hand was able to rip his hand off my arm. Since I had him now, I pulled tugging him into a knee that I mmed into his stomach.

    Turning to fight kick boy I didnt quite manage to dodge a punch.

    I winced as his blow mmed not into me, but into the Burya holstered under my jacket.

    Ow!

    I wheezed a bit as he just punched a hunk of metal into my chest, but he was getting the worse off. As he was staggering back cradling his hand.

    Time out. I managed to wheeze as I waved him off reaching up under my jacket and wincing.

    He punched the Burya into my tit!

    Ow!

    I think you just broke my hand! He whined as he bent over his clutching his wrist Let Lets call it done? He asked after a minute of painful breathing as he struggled not to make too much noise.

    I had bent over the little stone wall that surrounded the park. Clutching my chest as it throbbed in pain. Deal. Take your Chooms and get lost. I waved him off as I breathed, and after a few moments the three boys turned tail and ran.

    Ow! Sure Cold Blood could make me not feel it, but cmon going all cold for a couple of kids seemed so pointless! But still Ow!

    Hey you alive? I asked once the three were gone as I walked over to the beaten boy.

    Huh. Beaten Mox boy. That was definitely their colors.

    Ill Live. He muttered as he looked me over from a single eye, the other one already swollen shut. At some point he had stopped curling up and moved into a sitting position with his back resting against the stone wall.

    Good. I muttered, turning to walk away. I was so done here. Time to go check my bruised tit in my car.

    Even with the alerts for Street Brawling I hadnt exactly been looking around for a fist fight.

    Also my tit hurt.

    W-wait! The teen gasped out as He sort of fumbled to stand. I turned and sort of stared at him helpless to even get up and sighed. I owe you one, let me thank you! He begged as he rose up it was obvious he was weak but he managed to get to his feet, as he did he gasped as his bag was held wrong.

    Everything inside fell to the ground in a torrent.

    Condoms?!?

    No wait. Those were BDs. They were in condom wrapping because someone had a sense of humor.

    F-fuck. He muttered, bending down into the dirt and stuffing them back into his bag.

    I watched for a minute before I finally decided to speak up. You should just leave them, I think you need to get to a Ripper or something first.

    No! I can-cant. Any of the BDs I lose, Ill have to pay for! He gasped out as he was struggling to find them all.

    I sighed and with a single nce of my scanner I had them all. Three of them were hidden under a bush, but after a moment and a confirmation from my scanner we had them all.

    DamnAre those Kiroshis? Thats preem ware. He muttered, having noticed me looking around and scanning the ground.

    Thanks. I stood up having grabbed thest of the BDs and wiped my pants. I had just turned when I had a hand grab at my wrist.

    H-hey! Wait! Hold on, Umm I owe you one! Im gonna go to Lizzies to get checked out, you shoulde, Im sure I can get you a reward for saving me.

    I dont really need a reward, thanks though. I offered but the boy wasnt letting me walk away.

    C-Cmon even if you wont ept a reward, you really saved me,e by the bar, I can introduce you to Mateo, cheap drinks?

    I dont drink. I refused, waving my hands but again he wasnt taking no for an answer.

    Then at leaste with, let everyone know who helped out a Mox. We dont forget people who did us a favor. He begged.

    I was going to refuse again, but just as I was about to say it, he sort of limped and almost tripped.

    Fuck. He cursed wincing at his ankle which I noticed with a nce was swelling up.

    Looks sprained Cmon. Ill give you a ride at least. My car isnt far. I muttered. This is what I get for being the hero. A bruised tit, and having to do more work.

    He looked up, his face shing into a smile Which wasnt the best to look at with all the swelling. Yes! Hey Im Nox the Mox. He Introduced himself.

    Nox the Mox? I asked as I felt my face ttening into a deadpan.

    Yep! Im a seller, a good one, a catchy name means people remember you when they want something. Trust me, it sounds a bit weird, but my name alone has got me a ton of business! He practically chirped as he limped along until I helped stabilize him.

    Motoko. I dont run with a gang, so I guess Im Motoko the Merc.

    Oh? A merc? I guess that exins the moves and the chrome. He said adding a little karate chops to his words.

    Yeah, something like that. I muttered as we turned a corner and came up to my car. I could feel the moment he noticed it as he sorta pulled away a bit.

    U-um, nice car. I might want to just walk I chuckled a little at his response because I really needed to get my ride painted.

    Dont worry Im not a Wraith, despite what my ride says. I had a job that took me out to the Bands. It turned into a bit of a mess but I tlined the previous owner, and now I have his ride I really need to get it painted.

    Right.. Okay sure. He muttered, sounding a little suspicious, but I shrugged and helped him into the car as I went around.

    With a flick of my mind I switched to map mode and made up a path to Lizzies Bar.

    So, a Merc huh? Whats that like?

    Pay goes from good toplete shit usually depending on how much someone shoots you. I told him truthfully as I pulled out to the street and started driving to the bar. Whats a BD salesman like?

    Its good eddies when I have a buyer, but its just ennys most of the time. Nothing like Merc work.

    Trust me merc stuff can be fun, but it also has moments where you do a lot of work or get in dangerous situations and get paid close to nothing. I said, remembering a certain job with a group of teenage gangers.

    That had been a bit of a mess.

    Thankfully the bar wasnt far, and I didn''t have to share more than a few more bits about jobs I had done before I pulled slowly into the parking lot of Lizzies Bar.

    Of course pulling up in a very obviously painted ride drew attention. I could see the bouncer Rita, if I remembered her name right, go from rxing at the door to carrying her baseball bat with a vengeance.

    Still I ignored that instead stepping out and walking over to help Nox get out of the car as he was having a bit of trouble with his foot. Once he was upright I didnt need to move anymore as Rita was there, baseball bat still held tightly in one hand as she looked over the two of us.

    Nox. Whats going on?

    Rita hey. Umm you know I ran into Ians group. They uh. Werent happy with my price, and thought klepping would be cheaper. He spoke before pointing at me. Motoko here saved my ass, fought them off and sent them packing, even helped me pack up my stock.

    The stock, that you were specifically told to stop taking out? That stock? Rita snapped, but sighed as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. Lets get you inside and cleaned up. Suzie can decide what to do about you and your sticky fingers. The Bouncer said as she reached over and helped Nox by grabbing his other arm.

    She stopped from moving though as she looks me over. We dont let Wraiths into the Bar.

    Not a Wraith. Just a merc. The previous owner of the car totaled my old one. I offered lying.

    I didnt have a previous car, but it made me sound more mature rather than saying I stole it because I didnt have a ride and was sick of taking the bus and train.

    Right.

    Anyway it doesnt matter. I was just making sure Nox got somewhere for help. Ill just head out. I added moving to walk away when a hand once again grabbed at me.

    No! Rita! Motoko saved me! The least we can do is invite her in! Nox asked and I felt my shoulders slump a bit. I turned around.

    That really isnt necessary. I-.

    It is! You did a Mox a massive favor, we dont just send people away who do that! Suzie should hear! Let her decide. He begged, and I honestly didnt want to deal with this anymore, but Ritas shoulders slumped a bit as she started walking.

    Fine she cane in. Just dont cause any trouble. Rita demanded and I really considered just leaving, but Nox was throwing me a thumbs up and waving me to follow and I sighed as I followed in after them.

    I didnt even like bars! Much less a BD bar that was one step away from a Doll house!

    I followed in after all. Mostly because I was kinda curious if I would see Judy. So I walked into Lizzies Bar. We went instantly to the left and into a small side room off the entrance, where Nox was lowered onto a couch and Rita went around a bunch of lockers and grabbed a med kit.

    I looked around and was staring at an array ofputers along the wall. Security, or was it the lights and music controls? I wasnt sure, and I wasnt about to go snooping. So I ignored it, and I watched as Rita with surprisingly careful hands considering her arms were all chrome and covered in spikes she thered some goop on Noxs face and gave him a few bandages.

    Thanks Rita.

    You are always trouble kid, try not to piss people off so much. She instantly retorted as she rose. Ill get Mateo to bring in something to drink and maybe something for the pain, and Ill call Suzie. She is gonna deal with this from here. I need to get back outside. She stood and as she walked past me she still and gave me a look. Dont cause any trouble. She spoke bluntly, absolutely a threat but I just shrugged.

    Im not on a job, not much of a troublemaker otherwise. I assured her and she sorta nodded without doing so.

    I think she likes you. Nox offered as hey back on the couch sort of sighing.

    I think you need to get your head checked. I said as I sat in the desk chair. You gonna be good?

    Yeah Mateo will bring me something good for the pain and Ill be square. But soon Suzie will be here and she can slip you a nice reward.

    I dont really need anything, a reward sounds a little silly.

    Nonsense! You saved a Mox, the least we should do. Besides, I haven''t gotten your number yet! What do I do if I need to hire a merc if I dont get your number? He asked, shing me a crooked smile that had nothing to do with his bruised and bloody lip.

    Talk to a Fixer. I retorted simply which caused his smile to twitch and dete at my instant refusal.

    The noise of the club picked up suddenly as the door opened.

    Nox.

    Hey Suz! He called out sounding cheerful even if he was only looking at her with one eye.

    She gave a sigh as she looked him over for a moment before seeming to decide he would live.

    She turned to me. Suzie Q. The leader of the Mox. Also a woman that didnt seem to be happy to deal with this shit right now.

    You are?

    Motoko. Just someone that saw Nox getting in trouble and decided to help out.I offered with a shrug which didnt seem to satisfy the woman. She kept her eyes locked on me, as if trying to will me to fess up, or alter my story.

    But I literally had no idea what she wanted.

    Your help is appreciated then. You helped the Mox. We will remember. She offered simply, and I shrugged.

    No worries. I just saw someone getting beat up and decided to step in. I turned towards the door. Alright. Im heading out. Nox, heal well, try not to pick fights with people that are stronger than you Or more numerous.

    Aww cmon Motoko, at least give me your number! I might have some jobs for you!

    I sighed as I moved to open the door as I bent my head over my shoulder letting my eyes go gold.

    There. See ya around. I called after sending him a handshake exchange. His information and mine shared between us.

    Preem! He called out as I headed out, swiftly running from the bar, and the many people giving me looks.

    It wasnt my fault I had a Wraiths car. I mean It was that I hadnt gotten it painted yet.

    Okay fine. I guess it was my fault.

    I hurried to my car noticing a Mox girl hiding by the drivers door as she dug through her bag, a clink of spray cans reaching my ears. I sighed and hurried getting there just in time to slip the can out of her hand as she reached to start graffitiing my car.

    The old paint job is terrible, I know, but I already have ns to get a new one. Lets leave it at that. I tell the younger girl. She was probably 12, 13? Smaller than me as she hastily epted my offer of her spray can back before she took off. I just let her run off. No point in causing a scene. Even if Rita, had looked like she was about to hurry over and protect the little girl.

    This city needed to rx a little.

    I slipped into the car ignoring everything else as I slowly backed out of the spot so I wouldnt hit anyone and sedately drove to the street ess, a flip of my turn signal, and a double check to make sure I had space let me slip onto the road and slowly elerate off the property.

    --

    The next morning I was back to grinding tech. I had spent the afternoon after dealing with the Nox situation heading out to the dump to find some goodies.

    Thankfully it had done some good. New pieces of tech to work on had made the alerts start popping up again.

    I was so close to another level!

    I also still hadnt heard from Jun.

    But I was doing my best to ignore that.

    Hiromi was in ss, and I really had nothing to do but just keep grinding away.

    I munched on mystery meat stick as I continued to tinker on getting theptop working. My current n was to take a few of theptops I had managed to get working again, and try to learn how to make my own Quickhacks.

    I hadnt gained any knowledge on them from Crafting, so there must be a new skill hidden there in the system for me to learn, and I needed more numbers! Numbers for the numbers God!

    I took a break and stretched a long yawn pulling from my throat as I decided to get some lunch. With Hiromi in school I wouldn''t be able to eat with her, but I figured I could head out and find something tasty and after maybe I should get my car painted.

    Probably should do that sooner rather thanter. I grumbled, as I headed out. Paint first. Then food.

    --

    So I did eventually find a shop, and in the future of Cyberpunk it only took about two hours for a full paint job.

    But I was running into some trouble.

    Its not a Wraith car. Its mine.

    Whys it got Wraiths on it then?

    Cause it used to belong to a Wraith. Then I tlined him. Now its mine. I exined. Again.

    The man sitting behind a little desk in the office of the mechanics shop was chewing on a cigarette as he leaned back. A mechanical leg propped up on a cushion every bit the grungy mechanic.

    And what happens when they find out we painted their ride? Not looking for trouble like that.

    Kinda hard to find something out when you were left in the desert to die. I answered suggestively. His whole crew ended that way. Nothing to worry about. I just want people to stop trying to mess with my car when I leave it.

    Two grand.

    You have your prices listed right there.

    Still two grand. Im taking on risk.

    Ugh. Even if I spend an hour exining to you that there is no risk you arent gonna listen are you?

    Nope. Two grand.

    Fine. As long as it doesnt look like shit.

    Alright. His eyes went gold as he let his people know, and I could see my car get moved into the painting bay. The whole thing was practically automatic, and the length was really just for the paint to dry.

    Any good food ces around here?

    Nope.

    Lovely.

    --

    He was right. The food around here was terrible. I ended up with a grumbling belly as I waited for the paint job to be finished.

    I was sitting in a old musty chair in the office watching the TV along with the shop owner who waspletely ignoring me when it happened.

    This is Network News 54 interrupting our regrly scheduled program of Will it chip? with an emergency announcement from the NCPD. The anchor appeared, interrupting the absolute mind melting stupidity of the previous show.

    The NCPD are now dering the District of Pacifica as a No-go zone. The danger has escted from High, to Extreme. All travel from the district will be fired upon, and treated as a threat to the security of Night City. Gunfire continues currently in the district and anyone who lives nearby should make sure to close their security blinds in case of stray fire.

    Damn. The shop owner grumbled as he heard the news.

    I dont get it. Dont the NCPD normally call Pacifica a no go zone anyways?

    Yeah but switching it to extreme? Means there is a massive problem probably with the Combat zone.

    I felt myself frown. The Combat zone I knew bits about it, but it wasnt something that was essible in the game.

    Kids. He grumbled at me. It means they likely lost containment. The NCPD put Cyberpsychoes inside when they cant, or dont want to deal with them any other way.

    I thought that was a rumor.

    Pfft. Rumor, or truth? Who knows. All I know is that anytime something crazy happens with the Combat Zone Pacifica gets locked down. But its worse than that kid. To put together a full blockade of Pacifica NCPD are going to be busy on that side of the city, what do you think that means for the rest of us? With a Gang war already going on? Get ready kid. Shit in Night City is about to get wild for a while. The older man offered sighing as he reached behind him and grabbed his Tactician. The shotgun had been resting against the wall until then.

    Then as if it was an everyday urrence he pulled out a box of shotgun shells and started loading the sidesaddle. Making sure he would have all the ammunition he might need in case of trouble.

    Its gonna get that bad? I couldnt help but ask the way he was acting...@@novelbin@@

    Tonights gonna be hell kid. The Gangs will know that tonight they get a free pass. NCPD will bunker down and let the rest of the city go to hell until Pacifica is taken care of. That little gang war between the ws and Strom? Tonight we will see a real gang war. They will go all out. He sighed. Gonna tell the guys to finish up and head home. Suggest you do the same girl.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25

    I dont know how long it was before I woke up, but I knew I wasnt rested. In fact I felt pretty awful. I was hanging in the air. It took me a minute to realize I had a chain around my chest and under my arms and I was hanging in the air as my feet waved a bit below me.

    All Foods? I wondered as I looked around.

    No, I noticed as I looked around. It didn''t look like a food ce. Or the All Foods Factory. This was more

    Warehouse.

    Oh finally awake huh? Good. An unfamiliar voice called out and I looked around.

    Suddenly I was jerked to the side and my eyes met the glowing red spider optics of a fully borged out Maelstrom.

    We already called the Oni out. Let him know we have his little sister. Hopefully hees soon, I really want to rip him into pieces. Think Ill even chip in his arms. They belonged to a choom I knew. Good chrome. Itll be nice to wear it. He spoke smiling with an awful smile. I could smell chemicals and death on his breath.

    Thats right Maelstrom liked their drugs and chrome.

    The fuckhs an Onhi? I asked, my face was puffed up and it felt like my lips were numb. Yeah I had gotten hit pretty hard there.

    The Oni! Oni! The fuck are you trying to pull! He suddenly screamed at me as he shook me around. Hey Ratchet, chill out big guy. Chill here, have a hit from this, its good shit. A new voice called out as a still borged out strom walked in, but at least he wasnt an imminent Cyberpsycho like this other guy.

    I hoped.

    He tossed the borg an inhaler who dropped me letting me swing a bit from the chain as he took a hit.

    Heh. Bad luck girl. Oni has been chopping our choombas up for thest month, so we are solving that today. If your brother doesnt show up in an hour we are throwing you to the scavenging pit. You got some preem peepers. I know lots of chooms that will happily carve them out of your skull.

    Chathming. I muttered, earring a chuckle from the man who walked up and steadied me.

    Sorry about the hands. But eh, they were meat anyways. Who knows if you kill someone in the pit we will let you take theirs, how about it. Sounds like a nice deal right? He chuckled at me as I red back at him. Dont be like that, I mean, its a chance for you to survive, better than nothing eh? He asked then chuckled darkly.

    Yeah real funny, how was I supposed to kill someone without hands?

    Weapthons? I asked finally as he was just waiting around watching me with a sinister smile on his lips.

    If he thought I would cry or beg, or something he was in for a surprise.

    Heh! Feisty! No weapons, at least no guns. Its about chrome on chrome But tell you what girl. He said as he walked away towards a table.

    Ah. My stuff.

    He grinned as he pulled out my knife. Still coated in white borg blood he waved it around before pointing it at me. Ill let you take this into the ring, what do you say? Yes Or no?

    I didnt hesitate. He was definitely trying to y me, but without that knife I was dead.

    Yes. he smiled and then he stabbed me. I grunted as he plowed the knife into my right forearm. I couldnt see it as my arms were stuck back behind me, but I felt it.

    I hung there for a moment letting coolpletely coat my mind not a sound escaped me.

    M gonna kill ya fer dat. I rasped after a minute and the man burst into a happy smile.

    I love when they say yes. He whispered into my ear before walking out of the room.

    Leaving me hanging there.

    Ow.

    --

    A long period of time passed where I was forced to just hang there under the watchful eyes of the Cyberpsycho who would take a hit from his inhaler every couple of minutes. I had time to think. To consider. I had tried to call, but I wasnt able to get anything to go through. Texts bounced back as well. Probably some kind of jammer up.

    I opened my stat menu. I had a skill and stat point. Time to use it. Because I wont get another chance if I die. I had wanted to level ninjutsu again. But they werent leaving me unsupervised. The psycho was staring at me. It was creepy.

    So I only had one real option, something to give me the highest chance in the fight toe.

    Reflex 6. des 6.

    I let the knowledge flow through me. I dont know if it would be enough, but I could only hope it was.

    The door opened again. A long painful timeter.

    Well its past our deadline! Time to face the Scavenging pit! Shame the Oni didnte. But eh, well get him next time! The bastard said as he jerked his head, and the psycho stood up and easily lifted me off the hook that I had been hanging from. I winced as he wasnt gentle, and he definitely hit the knife, jostling it on purpose.

    Ow.

    So Juns Nickname was the Oni? Thats pretty cool. Good job Jun, you became famous.

    Fuck my everything hurt. I think the fuckers broke my nose too.

    They dragged me out of the back room they kept me in which had probably been the warehouses office, into a riot of activity.

    A party was going on. Or something like it. I was carried through the crowd and more than a few Maelstromughed or even reached out to give me a punch as they carried me through the crowd.

    Ow.

    But it wasnt all Maelstrom. Plenty of normals were hanging around, getting drunk or taking drugs. The room wasnt packed exactly, but it was definitely a party.

    Then I was dropped into a pit. Cat-like saving me once again as Inded well enough not to stter my skull across the concrete. I was in a charnel house. Old dried blood was everywhere, and I could see body parts still littering the ground.

    Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. If you are going to have a fighting pit at least have some fucking ss.

    Haha! Wee everyone! We have a surprise for tonight! The Sister of the Oni! he called out and the crowd went wild as I slowly rose up to my knees. They had pulled off the chain from around my chest when they threw me in. So I was finally able to bring my arms forward.

    To look at my stumps.

    At least they had actually put something over the ends, the white bandages were stained red as I looked them over.

    Oh man I was so d I felt cold as ice right now. I know I would be wanting to puke if not for that. The fact my arms didnt shake was probably solely thanks to Cool Veins. It would be enough.

    It would have to be enough.

    Tonight the Scavenging pit is open to all! This little demoness has a set of Kiroshi! So who wants to dig in! Heughed menacingly as the crowd erupted in eagerness.

    I rested, getting blood back into my shoulders as I waited for what was going toe.

    Finally though the borg that was running this, the bastard called for quiet. The crowd went silent, and I looked around realizing that all of the Maelstrom I could see were armed.

    Right. This was a trap for Jun.

    A chance for good chrome. A chance to get revenge on our brothers and sisters. Who will face the little demoness? You? He asked throwing a finger and the kid he pointed too flexed his artificial muscles.

    You!? He shifted pointing to another kid who cheered at the offer showing a toothy smile as he turned to me and flipped me off.

    I did the same back but I didnt have hands The realization shocked me. That instinct

    Phantom limb. I shivered I could feel my hand flipping him off back. I could FEEL it. I swallowed back bile.

    No. Keep it Cool. I breathed in and out. The pain was there but distant. I would not break.

    *100 Cool XP Gained*

    I almost chuckled at the alert. Yeah. I got this.

    Yes! Our hunter of the chrome has been chosen! The man roared and the kid that flipped me off leapt into the pit.

    I looked him over and winced.

    The kid looked like a chop shop went to town on his body, his arms were too big, heavily muscled Gori Arms. The sort that were probably designed for someone a lotrger. But the rest of him was chromed as well.

    The kid was probably more metal than meat.

    I scoffed at myself. I said kid, but he was probablyte teens early twenties. Easily twice my size before he borged out on Maelstrom chrome.

    The rules of the pit for our newestpetitor. There arent any! Kill or be killed! Begin! The Bastard called out and instantly the crowd started cheering and taunting me.

    Good thing I really didn''t care. I wasnt going to die here.

    The kid though didnt care. He was showboating for the crowd.

    I guess that was fair. To him and the crowd this wasnt a cage match. It was an execution.

    It gave me time to prepare. I couldnt do shit without my weapon. So I turned towards my right arm. Where a knife was sticking out of my bicep. As the kid showboated I took a deep breath and let it out then I bent down and gripped the knife in my teeth.

    Biting down as hard as I could enough to practically feel my teeth crack I yanked.

    The knife came free. I was armed I was no longer weaponless.

    Haha! Oh man, look at you! What are you going to do? Gnaw at me to death? The kidughed practically crying at the sight of my only method of attack.

    I charged. Ignoring everything else. If I waited I was dead. He jerked at my sudden approach, but he calmed instantly a cocky smile on his face. I juked, making it look like I wasing in to try and stab his face, but instead dropping sliding under the punch he threw at me.

    My de cut across the inside of his thigh at the same time that he kicked out, hammering me away. The crowd roared at the sight of blood as I came to a stop on the floor coughing out the knife in my mouth as I groaned. He had kicked me in the stomach. I felt like my stomach was now inside my lungs.

    But I couldnt stay defenseless. I reached down with my stupid stumps and stumbled the knife between them getting it back in my teeth just in time to roll away as he stomped down where my head had been.

    Bitch! Im gonna squeeze your head until those eyes pop right out! He screamed as he charged right after, chasing me down as I rolled and scrambled to get to my feet.

    Ow.

    Finally he caught up and I turned around. Going in again. This time he wasnt going for a punch.

    No, the kid was serious about squeezing the life out of me. He was desperately trying to grab me as I just managed to stay outside of the range of his grasping fingers.

    He was getting closer. I realized in that moment all of my instincts, all of the experience I had gained in actualbat, and from leveling told me this was the only moment I had.

    If I didnt do anything now. I was dead.

    So instead of running like he expected I charged in. His hands grasping just behind my head as I jerked my whole body ending with my head to stab the knife right into the side of his neck.

    It went in.

    I almost thought I had done it. It went in. But then a pair of hands wrapped around my skull. The pressure was so intense my jaw clicked open despite myself and I was pulled away from his neck.

    B-Bitch! He rasped once again as I had definitely pierced through something fleshy in his throat just not deep enough.

    Then he began squeezing. I stopped hearing the crowd because all I could hear was my own skull creaking.

    So I did the only thing I could. I lifted my legs up to my chest and kicked with everything I had.

    Right onto the hilt of my knife still hanging in his throat. It went deeper and then tore. Ripping itself free of his synth flesh.

    The white blood flowed. A torrent that immediately eased up the pressure on my skull as I was dropped to the ground. Gasping as my head spun. I breathed for a moment just regaining my awareness as I slowly stopped feeling like my brain was leaking out my ears.

    I looked over as the kid flopped to the ground.

    Yeah. des 6 had actually taught me something interesting. The best way to slit a throat wasnt a cut.

    It was a stab, and then a punch. Dont cut the throat.

    Rip it out.

    *1000 XP Gained.*

    I rose. The crowd was cheering and booing in equal measure but I wasnt done. I knew that. Whatever this bastard had nned I was just a toy to him. So I took a few steps over to the kid and with a bit of difficulty I managed to get the knife in between my stumps.

    Then I brought it up to my teeth.

    I wouldnt die here. Not tonight. Not like this.

    I would just rip and tear until it was done.

    Bravo! He called out then. The re on his face instantly shifting to something more showy and fake. Give a round of apuse to our newest winner of the scavenging pit! You all know the rules dont you!? He called and the crowd roared back in response.

    YOU KEEP WHAT YOU KILL!

    He let the crowd roar for a moment before regaining control. Thats right! We are borgs of our word. Bring her up here. Its time for her to get chipped! He called out and I noticed that same Cyberpscyho that had dragged me out here jumped into the pit.

    Fuck.

    I tried to struggle but the guy was too fast, and too strong. The moment his hands touched me it was over and I was pinned and struggled desperately as he hauled me out of the pit.

    The kids body dragged along as well. I was pushed into a ripper doc chair. And strapped down legs hips and neck and locked down my arms though

    They didnt seem to care much about that.

    What do you think Cyberweb? Think you can do something for this poor girl made of meat? The Bastard said to the open air.

    If I didnt have cool on at full st I absolutely would have been freaking out as lights lit up in the dark ceiling and a cyber spider crawled down the wall over my head.

    Oh I think we can do something for this pathetic meat. Bring the chrome. And the way the spider trailed off as it looked over the crowd

    The whole crowd screamed along with him a momentter.

    LETS GET CHIPPIN!

    When I get out of this. Im going to murder all of you. I tell him as the spider chuckles. One of its legs lifted up showing a circr saw. That instantly began revving up.

    If you survive maybe. It chuckled at me as it began cutting.

    The fact I didnt scream seemed to make the crowd lose a lot of interest.

    But every sadistic cut, and eager grin hardened my resolve.

    Okay Maelstrom. Now its personal.

    --

    It took a few hours even with their spider Ripper.

    Then they threw me back into the pit.

    I was not handling what they had done to me well.

    The arms were oversized bulging things that looked overge on the kid that I had killed, but probably looked grotesque on me.

    But I wasnt thinking about the look of bulging synth muscle, and chrome.

    I was struggling against the feeling they were giving me. Pain. Burning cold, and heat. Like every nerve in the arms were suffering.

    The fucker hadnt connected them right. Considering they hadughed at my responses while chipping them in. I knew that was on purpose. They had given me the arms alright.

    But tried to make them as useless and crippling as possible.

    The crowd burst back into a roar as their game was going to continue.

    Fuck. How many times were they going to rip me apart before this little game of theirs was over?

    How much of me would even be left? I had already lost both of my arms.

    The spider fucker had cut off both of my arms! Gone! He had sawed off what was left.

    I was going to kill him.

    I shivered as the pressure of the connection between me and my new limbs was just too much. I could barely think. Barely breathe.

    Even if the pain wasnt crippling me like they had hoped the connection was Wrong. Like someone had connected the arms backwards and to the wrong part of my body, and then made every sensation feel backwards or wrong.

    Right now they were just twitching hunks of chrome and synth meat connected to me, an anchor on each side of me.

    And they were dragging me down just as an anchor would.

    Well well! She survived! The little Demoness survived her first gift from the Scavenging pit! Lets see if she can do it again! Who is up next!? The bastard called out and the crowd went wild, but I couldnt focus on that I kept feeling the color pink out of my left wrist, and the sound of an A t from my right shoulder.

    The roar of the crowd barely even reached me.

    So this is what it felt like when someone had bad chrome. Like up was down, and down was up.

    Like everything would be better if they just died.

    My nose was bleeding.

    My head was spinning. One of my eyes was twitching. A jerking spasm to the right that meant I struggled to see straight.

    I puked a bit, a ssh of watery bile escaped me, but that was all I had in my stomach.

    I would survive this. I would. I would.

    This is not how I was going to die. Not in a pit. Not before I could even do anything!

    Gunfire. Explosions. Screams.

    I blinked or tried to. I blinked as I looked up. The crowd wasnt roaring as they watched me. They were screaming or yelling expletives.

    I wasnt able to really focus. I could just tell that gunfire and explosions were going on. Screams and roars of rage.

    All the while Iy there barely able to get my head off the concrete. I dont really know how long it took before everything grew quiet.

    The world spun. Everything shifted. I was still struggling to process. Too much wasing from the arms. I could make out what my eyes were telling me, because my left pinky was trying to tell my brain it was where it should take its vision from.

    It wasnt exactly working.

    But then even as my left eye twitched I saw him.

    Jun. Holding me crying out. The words were muffled and gibberish.

    It was getting worse. My brain was in trouble.

    Jun as always was an idiot.

    Of course he needed his cute and brilliant little sister to remind him to get to work.

    So I did the only thing my body could still do.

    I jerked forward and headbutted him as hard as I could. Which probably wasnt that hard.

    Guth fo em! I tried and even to my own ears I realized my voice wasing out wrong. The words werent right.

    Cmon cool. Every inch of that coldness I needed it, even if I passed out after, even if it was too much to stay alive after I needed to say this. I needed Jun to get to work and not freak out.

    GETH THM OFFFFF! I screamed as loud and strong as I could. I nked out after.

    Sight, sound, feeling everything was a kaleidoscope of Gibberish.

    --

    Jun POV

    Jun took a deep breath as he held Motoko. The assault above him was going well, but his heart could only focus on his sister.

    Holding her limp, twitching form in his arms. He felt his breathing out hot, as he once again held his sister after a kidnapping.

    Cmon Oni! No time to stand around get your sis out of here, we got Strom to kill! A cackling voice reminded him he wasnt safe.

    That Motoko wasnt safe. That thought burned him. This was his fault. It was always his fault!

    He should have been there. Should have protected her.

    Should have protected her. For a moment the Motoko in his arms was reced by Kasumi. Herst breath breathing out against his lips as her heart stopped no matter how hard Jun tried to put pressure against her bleeding wounds.

    Then a gonk smashing into the concrete beside him brought him back.

    He was holding Motoko. Not Kasumi. She was still in danger.

    Because of him.

    He rose and leapt, the pit hardly deep enough to slow him even carrying his sister.

    He did his best to hold onto the bulging arms that were now connected to her, that were probably killing her with every moment they weretched on.

    He ran through the fight, as many of the Maelstrom died from swift des around him. His team, ensuring he would get through.

    It had taken weeks to prove himself enough to join the Kamikaze. They werent the true elites in the Tyger ws. No they were the closest to Cyberpsychos. The craziest. The ones that killed the most.

    So Jun had joined. Willingly chipping himself with anything he could find to prove he was one of them.

    It had been tough to get them toe. He had argued for some time, begging them for help in rescuing his sister. In the end, their own desire to kill Strom was what brought them. They were here, along with plenty of Tyger w regrs. If only the preparation for this assault hadnt taken so long!

    He jumped into cover as a gonk sprayed at him, the bullets bouncing around him as the strom wasnt the most urate. The fighting was intense. A momentter he died as a grenade bounced past his foot. Many of the Tyger ws had been outfitted with grenades. The initial assault had seen more than half of the Maelstrom die from explosions.

    Packed people at a party didnt do well with so many explosions.

    The Kamikaze had ensured the regrs could get that close. Killing the guards outside, and shutting down the exterior security.

    He rushed past the fighting, thankful that the surprise assault had been so sessful. Jun was just thankful Motoko was still alive. He had been so terrified he would bete. The first emotion other than rage he had felt in a while.

    He hadnt wanted to let the Maelstrom Deadline go past. He knew what they would do to his sister. What they were definitely already doing.

    Akari had been forced to restrain Jun from rushing ahead as the deadline had drawn closer.

    But Akari like the rest of the Kamikaze, didnt care for his emotions. Only killing Maelstrom. So she had held him back from disrupting their attack. Her usual cackling and jokes gone in exchange for a simple almost alien coolness as she restrained him.

    He clung to Motoko harder. He was so d that he wasnt toote. That she was alive. This time he would get her to a good doctor. A good Ripper. There would be no second Coma He prayed.

    --

    Awareness came in a drowsy haze. Eventually I was blinking realizing something was wrong.

    Unfamiliar ceiling.

    Motoko! Juns voice called out and suddenly he was there. Ah.

    Hi Jun. I offered as I raised my hand to wave at him, but it just sort of flopped.

    I looked at it.

    It looked at me.@@novelbin@@

    No wait that wasnt right. It just sort of flopped.

    Hehe silly wrist, you arent supposed to floppy flop.

    Oh it was actually pretty cool looking all armored Cyborg style. Although it looked I narrowed my eyes at the floppy wrist.

    Militech Condor. I read aloud as my wrist sort of floppy woppyed at me.

    Motoko?

    She is still on a lot of painkillers Jun. She probably doesnt even realize what is going on. A womans voice called out and I turned my head, my hand following to look too.

    Hello. I offered and my wrist sort of flopped a greeting. Very rude Mr. hand. You should greet someone properly. I scolded it as it continued to just sort of twist around. Oh wow Mr. Hands ball joint let him go all the way around.

    Gross!

    I giggled a bit at it before I realized Jun was talking to thedy. Laaaady.

    Shell be okay?

    The surgery Well it went as well as could be expected. There shouldnt be any permanent neurological damage, despite the Stroms best attempts. Your sister has a strong will. I Well what I saw when I dug those arms off her. They were trying to break her Jun. We are lucky.

    Ill kill them. Ill hunt those bastards down. They did this because of me! Jun growled and I could see his fists clenching and unclenching.

    Ah. Jun was upset. Hold on. I was a little loopy.

    A wave of cold washed over me. Even if it felt Tired? I was pretty sure I was running very close to the edge of what Cool 8 could handle. I mean. How long had I had the cold freezing my veins, keeping me cool and collected even when they cut of my fucking ARMS!

    MOTHER FUCKERS! I cursed as I jerked off the bed. Only to sort of slide sideways as I was still strapped down.

    Motoko!?

    Those assholes! Ill fuckin kill them! I cursed as everything came rushing back to me clear and focused with the drugs suddenly not making everything loopy.

    Motoko! Jun yelled as he grabbed me and stopped me from sort of mashing my new cyber arms against the straps trying to get them off.

    Hey Jun. gimme a second. I need to go murder some BASTARDS! I screamed as I still ineffectually tried to get the straps off.

    Drugs are still pumping. Your sister is surprisingly resistant. The Ripper? I think she was a ripper anyways said as she checked a monitor beside me.

    Calm down Motoko!

    No, you calm down! I surprised him with my intellectual rebuttal. Finally I gave up raising my floppy mechanical wrists up to my face.

    Why are these not working!? I demanded.

    Pleasey back down. The ripper spoke as she walked up beside, although I noticed she kept her distance.

    Out of punching range.

    Clever girl.

    The surgery was sessful, but your body took a lot of Stress. It will take some time for everything to smooth out. A human body isnt meant to undergo two emergency cyberization surgeries only hours apart. Pleasey back down so you dont hurt yourself.

    Motokoy down. Please fo-

    Yeah sounds good. I can alwaysmit genocideter. I agree with the doctor as I let my body rx and stop fighting Jun.

    Genocide?

    Its what you call it when you n to exterminate an entire group. I informed her promptly. I would say extermination, but I will acknowledge Maelstrom are still people.

    They are just people that are all going to die.

    Just.. Lay back Imouto. Jun whispered soothingly as he held me in his stupid Cyberarms. They werent veryfortable to be held in.

    Jun you need Real skinn, you give terrible hugs right now. Just awful. I told him as I rested back. Huh that was kinda weird. Where did all my anger go? Oooh. Cool was tired. I couldnt hold it.

    Uuuh. Sure Motoko. Sure. He whispered soothingly slowly stroking my hair which yeah that was nice, but it could be better.

    Reeeaaal skinn. Need that +5 to hugs Jun. I tell him with a yawn as I feel myself sort of losing track of everything again.

    Okay Imouto okay. He continued whispering and I was really tired.

    I nked out again.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26

    I woke up, who knows how longter. I was still drugged up but not as badly. I could feel it making everything seem sort of muffled or fluffy, but I wasnt having conversations with my wrist anymore.

    Probably for the best. I could feel my cheeks heating up a bit as I remembered that fact.

    Then it died when I remembered what had happened.

    The medical bay I was in was pretty small, a back room ripper office like I expected. The many many pieces of Tyger w stuff strewn around told me a lot.

    I guess Jun had taken me to his Ripper.

    I was still strapped down, I noticed as I looked around the little room. I slowly raised my arm, which wasnt easy.

    Yep. Still there. Still chrome. I felt a shiver down my spine.

    It wasnt right. The feeling it gave as I slowly managed to form a fist and then spread my fingers.

    So that was it. I had been nning on some chrome arms. It had been my n. Probably a set of Mantis des, or a cool Monowire, or gori arms for the utility there had been so many options I hadnt decided.

    I guess the decision hade and gone.

    Oh finally up are we? The woman from before the Ripper asked as she entered. She was an older woman. Not quite graying, but probably close to that. Her face lined in a few wrinkles, but the shining chrome lines up and down her cheeks showed just how much chrome she had.

    Yeah Jun? I asked, looking around and not seeing him.

    I managed to convince him to sit in a chair outside about an hour ago. He passed out nearly instantly. Your brother doesnt sleep much even when his little sister isnt in my clinic.

    I nodded at that. Jun being too stubborn to actually sleep when he needs to didnt surprise me at all. And me? How How bad is it? I asked as I raised my arm I shivered as it didnt feel right It felt like I had four arms. Or more, the feeling of phantom limb meant even as I tried to move my arm it moved slower than my expectations leaving me with a feeling of my limb being in the wrong spot.

    Better than you would expect. She answered simply as she sat down in a chair beside me. Considering what they did to you, I expected you to be brain dead. But you managed to keep from having an aneurysm. I pulled the connections as fast as I could, which is why your arms feel off. I wasnt exactly gentle. Speed was more important. But that will heal. Give it a few days and your kinesthesia should feel normal.

    Yeah. Its a little off.

    Nerve damage or sorts. Those Things they put on you were overloading your nervous system. It will be tender. She shrugged at that. You are alive and not brain dead. Its more than most could hope for.

    Yeah. I muttered as I looked up at the unfamiliar ceiling.

    That had been some shit. It was probably the drugs I was on leaving me feeling sort of fluffy, but I could feel it. The anxiety and nervousness bubbling up under it.

    I would probably be a little frantic for a while. I really hadnt been expecting a kidnapping attempt in the middle of the day right in front of my home.

    Fuckin Night City.

    A phrase I hear often. The Ripper chuckled, as she reached out and without a word started poking her tools into my shoulder I would have flinched if I wasnt feeling so mellow from the drugs.

    What are you doing?

    Checking on the connections. The Condor is a solid piece of chrome, but your circumstances make itplicated.

    Militech Condor. Thats what its called right? I asked as I scanned the other arm she wasnt working on. I had no idea what a Militech Condor was. Or what it could do. Unfortunately my scan didnt tell me the things I really wanted to know.

    Was it a good arm? Was it garbage? Would I have to worry about it failing on me? Or breaking?

    Never heard of them before? Not much of a Chrome head are you?

    No. I know some things, but not a lot about specific cyberware.

    Alright, Ill give you the rundown. The Condor is a few gens old. It was popr before the Unification War, but Militech came out with the Orion at the beginning of the war as a surprise for Arasaka. The Condor wasnt able topete so they got sold off as work pieces. Lot of factories in Watson bought up the stock after the war and started chippin them in. The woman spoke in a quiet voice which I realized she was probably doing to distract me.

    But I kinda wanted to know this anyway.

    They do just fine there, but as you would expect a lot of factories sell off stock, or lose people over the years. They may be a decade old, but there isnt anything wrong with them. They just dont quitepete with theter advancements. Dont worry. You wont have any issues with them. They are better than your old fleshware. The woman offered and I blinked.

    Fleshware?

    Yeah. Youve got Cyberware. And Fleshware. She said, chuckling as she pointed first at my arm. Then she poked me in the stomach. Sorry. Its a Ripper joke. She added afterwards as I just kinda looked at her nkly.

    Right.

    Well you wont have any issues. They are rated forbat, so they wont break the first time you have to punch some Strom lowlife.

    Good to know. I whispered quietly as I looked them over. They looked. Utilitarian. The metal was a sort of polished steel finish. They sort of reminded me of Johnny''s arm, at least in color. They were definitely more realistic than his arm though. A smooth contour between the digits on the fingers meant the whole thing looked more like a normal arm just dipped in metal and stic.

    I looked away. What else could I do? I wasnt ready for this. At least not like this. I had wanted my first foray into Cyberware, into transhumanism, to be a momentous moment for me. Something that meant I took a huge plunge into the future. Into a dream I had since I was a kid.

    Cyborgs were cool.

    I didnt ask for this. I whispered quietly. Yeah. I feel you Adam. I get it.

    Hmm?

    Nothing important. I responded quietly as I lowered my arm. I would just have to deal. Roll with the punches.

    Alright. This one looks good. The connections are healing well. Just make sure you take it very slow for at least a week. She orders with a firm look as she spins around the ripper chair I was in, and she starts working on my other shoulder. Seeing her open up my shoulder the metal tes shifting letting her ess the insides was Weird.

    I did my best to just ignore the feeling.@@novelbin@@

    It was just another thing I would have to get used to I guess.

    The door suddenly opened, and I looked over expecting Jun.

    Only that wasnt Jun. The man and I used that term lightly that stepped inside, was more chrome than flesh. Legs, arms, chest, even his face was chromed out.

    So the kid lived. He said his voice sounded robotic, and lifeless.

    She did. Tougher than she looks. The Ripper said as she rose up away from my shoulder instantly as he came in. How can I assist you today Fujimura-Sama? She asked with a bow after she stood before him.

    Leg is acting up again. He stated simply, and the Ripper nodded gesturing for another chair in her little clinic that he swiftly settled into. As she instantly began opening up his right leg and checking things out.

    She could have at least closed up my shoulder first

    The room was quiet for a while as I watched the Ripper work on the Borgs leg.

    Suddenly the borg turned his head towards me. Your brother used up a lot of favors to get you in here. Hope you appreciate that. He suddenly spoke to me, his zing eyes a swirl of color.

    Yeah. Ill owe Jun a lot.

    You owe the Tygers a lot. We take care of our own, but as much as we give, we expect just as much back. He said his eyes locked to mine.

    A promise, and a threat in one.

    --

    Hourster, after the Ripper had checked over the borg who hadnt said a word to me following his deration, and after she had checked me over. Jun suddenly burst into the room.

    Motoko!

    Present. I responded as I looked away from the TV that the Ripper had kindly turned on for me. I would have just left, but she told me to stay resting. She didnt want me walking around putting any pressure on the recovering nerves.

    I Motoko. I Jun babbled a bit. Thest time I had seen him he had been so cold, but now it was like all the frost had melted away.

    Just leaving the terrified teenager beneath. Poor Jun. I would just have to be a good little sister and help him recover.

    Thank you Jun. For saving me. I told him with a smile and a twitch of my arm as I instinctively tried to give him a thumbs up.

    Motoko. I didnt save you. I got you put there in the first ce! I knew I shouldnt havee to the apartment! Everyone warned me to stay away. That if I went back they could track me to you! I should have listened! He cursed his fist clenching and looked like he was going to punch something.

    Nah thats dumb. I told him firmly, cutting right through everything. Avoiding someone to try and protect them doesnt really protect them. Like ever. You should have just told me. We could have figured something out but Im not going to berate you Jun. What happened wasnt your fault. You didnt kidnap me, or mean for it to happen. I shook my head wiping away that irritation at Jun avoiding me like the gue to protect me.

    I knew that wasnt the full truth. Jun had been Cold thest time I saw him, I was still really worried about how he was handling all of his new chrome.

    I was feeling it too. The different senses. The way everything wasnt quite right. That niggling on your brain as something foreign pressed against it.

    I could see how people lost their minds

    They wouldnt have known you even existed if I hadnt

    If I hadnt bothered you so much and threatened to run out in the gang war to find you? Its funny if they had jumped me about a minute earlier things would have been different. I had just packed all my guns in the car. I told him with a chuckle as I imagined those borgs faces if they had been facing me with a carnage and a bit more equipment.

    When did you get a car? No, I mean how? Jun asked looking confused but before I could answer he waved his own question off. Never mind. That isnt important right now. Imouto. Just rest. I promise. Ill find the ones who did this to you. Ill kill them. You will never have to worry about them again. I promise. He said his voice turned to gravel as he growled out his promise.

    Denied. I immediately cut in. Jun was hot headed if I didnt immediately squish his vengeful rampage he would really go do it.

    What? He asked kinda surprised, and I really wish I had control of my arms because I would be crossing them in an X right then.

    Ive already got a blood vendetta against them. So until I cut off like all of their limbs no one else can kill them. Denied. I answered simply with a nod. Yep. I was hunting those borg fucks once I recovered. Especially that spider motherfucker. Cut off my arms? Ill cut off all eight of your legs and your arms.

    Jun sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose in obvious irritation. This isnt This isnt a game Motoko. These men are dangerous. You should know that. You arent going to be able to just kill them.

    Sure I will. I told him, but it was then I realized.

    Jun had no idea how much of an asskicker I was! I had done all these gigs, but Jun kept being Jun and not being around!

    Im pretty cool, you know? Ive done all sorts of cool stuff since you''ve been gone, I went on a gig for Wakako even!

    Jun blinked at that before wincing. You bothered Wakako!? She hates Oka-san, Motoko! Why would you go to her?

    Cause she was right around the corner Really? She hates our mom? Weird. Do you know why?

    Its not important. Motoko. Imouto. I dont care how many jobs you have done. We will talk about thatter. But you arent going after the Maelstrom. They are dangerous!

    I had to bite back on my instant retort of But you do it! that never works on people.

    Ever.

    Jun. You remember how you left to go kill a bunch of Maelstrom because your choom died, and I kept trying to tell you to stop ande home so you dont end up a Cyberpsycho or die? I asked him describing all of his actions over thest while.

    No Thats not what happened. Or how I would describe it.

    Right. But that feeling you got whenever I told you to stop? Yeah. Thats what Im feeling. I love you Jun, and I promise Ill be safe. And then I felt that coldness freeze my soul.

    My hands were still wonky, more floppy than useful but I was able to do this. I reached out and wrapped my hand around Juns jacket and pulled him just a bit closer so he could see the surety in my eyes.

    But I will not be satisfied until I beat them both to death with their own limbs, and nothing, not even you, will get in my way of murdering those monsters. I swore to him letting him see just how serious I was before I let go of his jacket, wincing a bit at the difficulty in getting my hand to actually release. I ended up sort of tugging on his jacket for a moment until I finally seemed to get the right connection across and the hand popped open.

    Sorry about that. I told him as I settled my arm back on the Ripper Chair I had been resting on.

    No. He said as he pulled me into a hug that felt crushing as I felt him bury his face into my hair, as he held me tight. I wont let you throw yourself into danger Imouto. He whispered into my hair.

    This time I decided not to say anything. Jun didnt understand yet. But he would. A bit of time for my body to recover. Maybe a full night''s sleep sometime soon, a bit of practice to make sure my arms Well worked.

    And I would go hunting. That dark sinister part of me that I kept pushing away when I considered my proclivity for murder rose up.

    This time I didnt push it down. This time I didnt justify it to myself. Sure they were evil. They had done a great evil to me.

    But in order to find them I was fully prepared tomit even greater evils against anyone that stood between me and them.

    I felt no sympathy for all the Maelstrom gangers that I would soon run into.

    Only eagerness.

    --

    Eventually Juns hovering drove even the Ripper doc mad, and she proimed that I was well enough to not sit around here anymore.

    So Jun decided to take me home.

    But not our home. While Jun tried to force me into a wheelchair once I was finally released from the Chair I wasnt having it. It was my arms that were floopy, not my legs. With a double set of slings to keep my arms from jostling my wounded shoulders I followed Jun out of the room, through a basement with a bunch of servers, and arge couch and TV to rest on, up a flight up stairs into

    A Dojo?

    This is Deravaja Dojo. Dont tell anyone this is where we are. Jun tells me as he shows me around the building.

    Why?

    Because no one outside the higher ups in the Tyger ws know this is where we are resting, or where we go to recover. Jun says, sounding a little proud as he shows me around. He seemed Irritated about having to do it, but then every time he seemed to be growing annoyed he would look at me, and suddenly, the old Jun would be back.

    I guess having his kid sister cut up was cutting through his Well I wasnt going to deny it, his budding Cyberpsychosis.

    Who is we? Im not important, and I didnt think you were either No offense.

    My hurried addition came toote, because Jun was actually looking a little offended as he puffed up a little. We are the Kamikaze. The force that crushes a Maelstrom. He answered, sounding all proud.

    But I just couldnt help but think it was some serious weeb shit, anding from me that said a lot. So I just nodded and kept my mouth shut.

    Jun sounded proud of his weeb club, so I wasnt going to make fun of it.

    Aloud anyways.

    So the Tyger ws put together a group of people with heavy Cyberware to fight against the Maelstrom Borgs?

    Exactly. This is our HQ and medical station. Which is why you cant tell anyone where you are. Promise me Imouto.

    Promise. I answered simply, it wasnt really a big deal for me.

    Good. Come. I will show you where you will be staying. He said as he walked me out the Dojo through a side door, into an alley. There were food vendors sizzling things around the edge of the fence, but Jun walked in between two vendors who simply ignored Juns presence as if he didnt exist. Behind the vendors was a small little nook between thergeplex next door and the Dojo, mostly filled with trash, and nothing else.

    No door.

    But Jun didnt slow walking up to the building he knocked on a window and after a few moments it opened. With a little help from Jun I made it through into a small break room for the building. The woman that sat at a desk beside the window was simply tapping away and ignoring our presence as Jun guided me out of the break room and into a hallway. Then he walked into an apartment.

    This is where you will be staying until Maelstrom are gone. Ill go out to gather some clothes and things from the apartmentter. Jun informed me as I looked around the small mostly barren apartment that had a few of Juns thingsying around. His jacket that he rarely wore was thrown over the coffee table and there was a mess of old food containers littering a small table.

    So this is where youve been staying?

    Yes. Cmon Ill get you settled in. You can take the bed. He says simply as he guides me into a small bedroom that was equally barren besides a few pieces of Juns clothing scattered around.

    Home sweet home. I told him as I looked around.

    I just wanted to go back to the apartment. I had so much stuff to do. But for now I would go along with Juns crazy secret apartment hideaway.

    --

    I didnt get a full night''s sleep. It seems dumb since I could literally sleep as long as I wanted instantly, but I chose specifically not to do that.

    I would need to see a Ripper again probably very soon, and it would be fairly obvious if I walked in with new arms, yet not a single hint of the surgery still existing.

    So I would deal with a bit of early rising grumpiness.

    The few hours I had allowed myself did help. Washing out more of the pain meds that only made me fuzzy instead of really helping.

    Although my arms were still floppy. That would take a few days more to recover from. I carefully put my arms back in their slings as I left the room that Jun had given up for me, only to find Jun resting on the couch staring at the TV whispering a news channel with a particrly nk look on his face.

    He didnt even notice as I stepped out. Just sitting there. Quietly. Alone.

    Couldnt sleep either huh? I asked him despite the fact I could have slept the whole day away if I really wanted.

    He didnt startle but seemed to blink a little as if he wasnt sure where he was. It took him a moment of staring before he spoke. Motoko. You should go back to sleep. You need to rest.

    I think Ive slept all Im gonna get tonight. I offered as I walked over and settled in next to him on the couch. You should sleep yourself. Staring nkly at a TV isnt going to make you feel better.

    Dont tell me wh- He cut himself off as his voice rose in that cold way that I was bing more familiar with.

    You back with me? I asked after a moment and he really did twitch this time.

    I never left. Im fine.

    You can lie to me Jun. But you shouldnt lie to yourself. Its unhealthy.

    Im fine! Im not going Cyberpsycho!

    The fact you already know what Im suspecting is a bad sign Jun-Nii. I tell him, causing him to sort of re and sort of cringe at the same time.

    So instead of saying anything else I just scooted in, much to Juns difort. Ignoring whatever was going through his head I acted like all little sisters and just flopped against him.

    Little sisters and cats. Very simr in many mysterious ways.

    It took a while but eventually Jun rxed and the tension I could in him slowly eased.

    Eventually he spoke.

    Its just the shakes, and I zone out sometimes. Nothing Crazy.

    Jun. Please dont add in any more chrome. Not even one thing. Please. For me.

    My begging didnt get a response for a long time as we sat there in the dark, lit only by the Newscaster.

    Ill Ill think about it.

    Good Good.

    What about you? He asked suddenly, a little gruffly, but gentle as he reached out and poked gently at my chrome shoulders.

    I opened my mouth to deny any issues. To tell him I was fine, and I would be ready to go kill some stroms soon.

    But I had just told him, he shouldnt lie to himself.

    I couldnt exactly go and instantly make myself a hypocrite.

    Im alive. I told him which earned me his full interest as something must havee out in my voice. I didnt I didnt have time to think about it while I was there. Too much fighting off the pain, or trying to survive. I dont know if Im really finished processing it So maybe But I I really hate that it happened to me That, that it happened to me again.

    I thought when you got kidnapped again. I thought I didnt think I could get lucky enough to save you twice. Im d. That you arent dead. That you arent crazy That I dont have to meet you again for the third time.

    Im sorry Im not the Motoko you originally knew. I admitted quietly, a part of me well aware I wasnt entirely his sister. That I was just ying pretend with the teenager who was going through so much.

    I had felt sad for Jun from the first time I walked into our little apartment and realized that he was alone.

    All he had was me, and all I had was him.

    Please. He whispered quietly into the dimly lit room. Just take care I dont want you doing something Like me, and losing you. I cant.

    I leaned into him heavily for a moment taking in the raw Fear. That was in his voice. But I didnt respond. Because I knew I would recover soon. That I would be ready to get my own Revenge. I wouldnt lie to myself.

    I wanted revenge, and with the gamer system pushing me forward I was gonna get it.

    Right now, I could just use a hug. I told him instead, which meant a few momentster his arm was wrapped over my shoulder.

    Stupid Jun-Nii. Get some Real Skinn already. Your arms are the worst at hugs. I told him, but I didnt let him pull away.

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27

    I think my sense of time towards how long a wound takes to heal was a bit off. The next morning after once again not sleeping a full eight hours Jun dragged me back through the window and into the Dojo then downstairs into the surprise Ripper clinic.

    The same ripper checked me over, gave me some meds including some drugs to limate to the new limbs, and told me that she wouldnt have to see me again unless something went wrong.

    That was the good part.

    It should be another two or three days before everything feels normal, and probably another two weeks after that before you can start really using your arms for more than light work. She informed me as she air hypoed me with whatever drugs she wanted me to have.

    Thats way too long! Ill be fine sooner than that! I argued but Jun and the Ripper werent having it.

    Normally a surgery like this wouldnt take that long to recover from, a few days at most, but you went through two surgeries back to back. Trust me Motoko. You need to take it very easy for a while. Let your shoulders heal unless you want to deal with permanent damage. You are lucky that the Tyger ws decided to allow you the use of some of our Speed Heal. If not for Juns contribution to the Tyger ws it would not have been offered considering how low our stock is. The ripper informed me as she checked over a medical monitor.

    Wait. Is that expensive or something? I can pay for it Actually I should pay for all of this. How much? I have a chunk of eddies already, and I can go get more. My mind instantly turned to how much loot I would be collecting from the dead Maelstrom I would soon be mowing through.

    Dont worry about it Imouto. Its all taken care of. Jun stated simply trying to end the conversation but I just ignored him and kept looking at the ripper.

    Hard to say, Im not running a normal clinic here. Im only here to work with the Kamikaze. But Speed Heal is currently almost impossible to find on the streets. You can guess why. Plus those arms of yours might havee from something your brother collected, but they still belonged to the ws. She looked at me for a moment. It was an expensive procedure.

    Fill out a statement of how much when you get a chance. Ill take care of it. I told her with a shrug. She was already basically wiping her hands of dealing with me, so I was more than happy to pay eddies not to have Tyger w feeling like I owed them hanging over my head.

    You will not! It has already been taken care of Motoko. You dont need to worry about anything. Jun butts in, trying to cut me off. Jun was doing the overprotective big brother thing so that was nice.

    But I was a bratty kid sister.

    So just make sure you get that to me soon. I told her,pletely ignoring Jun, before slipping off the chair. She was done looking me over, and frankly.

    I had things I wanted to do, and people I wanted to see.

    Hey Jun. You said you were gonna go to the apartment to pick stuff up right? So can Ie with? I decided to change the subject as Jun was ring at me with his cold emotionless eyes.

    It quickly warmed up as I changed the subject. He hesitated a moment before sighing a bit at my puppy dog eyes. Fine. We will be going incognito anyways. Cmon. I borrowed a car.

    Probably a good idea. I cant exactly drive my car like this. I agreed, and the reminder seemed to make Jun twitch a bit.

    Right. A car. How exactly did you afford a car?

    Its a long story. I was on a job for Wakako.

    I still dont know how you pulled that off. Wakako isnt exactly our biggest fan.

    She was nice enough. I mean, olddy rude, but I could deal. She even said I was a valuable agentst time we talked! I argued as Jun guided me out of the dojo, back through the apartment block this time I was led into an underground parking garage that was obviously blocked off for Tyger w use with a lowered gate. I was settled into an unmarked heavily tinted Arche He. And Jun started the engine and we were out in the city.

    To my surprise Jun actually drove like a normal person.

    Have to pretend we are unimportant. I dont want any Maelstrom to track us. He mentioned, after noticing my surprised look.

    So thats what it takes to get you to drive safely. Interesting. I teased him, earning a scowl as he continued down the road.

    Before we stop at home, there is a ce I need to go. I told him now that we were already on the road and it would be harder to refuse. Need to go to Little China. I told him earning a very unimpressed look from Jun.

    We arent going on a side trip. What do you even need in Little China?

    My eyes went gold as I sent him a text for the location. My ripper. Vik is one of the best in Night City, and I mean that honestly. Hes a legend for those in the know. I told him as he looked at me like I was

    Well his amnesiac kid sister making grand promations.

    Listen. Just Please. I know you have your Ripper doc that you brought me too, but I dont I would feel a lot morefortable with a checkup from Vik Please Jun? I begged.

    He was definitely ring, and I could see his chromed hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.

    Fine. But first you have to tell me why you even went to a ripper, or how you know this guy.

    Oh. You didnt notice? My eyes Jun. I got a set of Kiroshis Vik managed to find them for me.

    Ow. I muttered as I barely stopped myself from bonking my head on the dash. Really d I had my seatbelt on.

    Jun had hit the breaks. Hard.

    What?! When? How!? Kiroshi arent cheap! I dont even have a set of Kiroshi!

    All of which is basically the same answer Jun. I told you. Ive been doing gigs for Wakako And some side biz. Its your fault you know! I wanted to tell you all about the adventures Ive been having but you wouldnt even answer your phone!

    I couldnt I was on the job! You can be tracked through calls by a skilled Netrunner. I was trying to protect you! His voice rose up into a shout at the end. Now I find out you were doing jobs for Wakako! That you met some creepy back alley ripper!? That you chipped new chrome and I didnt even know!? He was roaring, his fist rocked out and smashed into the dash electronics and buttons pinged around for a moment.

    I wasnt really surprised. I mean it wasnt the first time that Jun had expressed his anger by punching something.

    We really should work on that, it was a bad way to release stress. But it was what he said that made me sad, or maybe what he was saying.

    I was safe. Hiromi was with me when Vik chipped me. She was super sus too. But Viks good people. Like an honestly good person. So I was fine. And yeah Wakako is surprisingly nice to me. I mean she is really to the point, we dont chit chat And she may have sent me on some really boring gofer missions. I should tell you about the wedding ring fiasco Anyway. Im okay Jun. Honest. And Ill be okay moving forward. What happened yesterday wasnt your fault.

    He slowly pulled his fist out of the dash. His fist clenching and unclenching.

    I realized then.

    Jun for all of his attempts to be cool was struggling with all his new chrome just like I was.

    I reached out without a word. Even if it was still floppy I put my hand in his clenching fist.

    I held his hand the rest of the way. Slowly feeling the tension in his fingers die down.

    Which was super weird by the way because I was still getting a really bad phantom limb sensation, so I barely even felt like we were holding hands at times.

    But I kept cool. I was trying tofort my stupid brother after all.

    Finally after a few minutes of driving through Night City traffic Jun spoke. Im sorry I wasnt there, Motoko. Ill Ill be there from now on. I promise.

    Dont worry. And just give me some space, showing up to a gig with my big brother peering over my shoulder would be embarrassing. Almost as embarrassing as the time I had to take the bus to a job and the people I was trying to collect from literally watched me get off the bus I thought I was gonna die.

    Pfft. A noise escaped Jun and I pouted at him as his little burst of amusement turned into a chuckle as he processed what I had just told him. They really saw you get off the bus?

    Yep. They were at the gas station right there. I had to do a long walk over to them too.

    Hahaha! Junsughter was nice. It had been a while since I heard himugh as he took endless joy at my suffering.

    At least youve been safe Until yesterday.

    Yeah I only got shot like once. Well more than that, but I had sessfully covered up the bullet wounds every other time! Because I was a genius and master of disguise!

    That was about when Jun once again mmed on the brakes.

    YOU WHAT!?

    --

    Jun pulling the car in front of Mistys Esoterica was a relief. He had been seething for thest few minutes.

    It was just a flesh wound. I mumbled. Quietly. Very quietly. Because thest time I had said that Jun almost smashed the car into a pole because he was yelling at me. Jun might have already parked, but I didnt trust him not to start throttling me if I tried to say it again.

    Apparently the reveal that I had been shot on a job was not doing good things to Juns blood pressure.

    I was gonna ask Vik to check over Jun now too. Because his face going so red probably wasnt healthy.

    Oh my! Motoko!? A voice called out and I turned to see Misty havinge out of her shop after seeing me.

    Hey Misty. Hows the biz? I asked, but that was ignored as she rushed up to me.

    Your arms! Vik didnt tell me you were getting that much work done! Is everything connected well? No problems?

    Ah. Well it wasnt Vik. I got klepped by some Malestrom, they were pretty pissed so they decided to cut me up a bit. I''m here for a checkup from Vik. I trust him to make sure everything is good.

    Oh.. Oh! Motoko. Im sorry. Misty gasped as she looked from my arms still held in their slings then up to my face. Are you Are you gonna be okay? Do you want to talk? I have some really nice soothing ambience shards that really help in meditation, and a f-

    Im alright. I interrupted her. I just want to get Vik to check me over. I dont know the ripper that ended up fixing me up Oh by the way this is my brother Jun. I say shifting sideways since I couldnt really point very well. Misty sort of blinked in that foggy way she tended towards as she looked Jun over.

    The fact he was wearing a big heavy shirt to cover most of his tattoos, yet still looked like a yakuza on vacation probably ran through Misty''s head. Nice to meet you. She seemed to settle on and Jun just gave a disinterested nod. He was grumpy at me still.

    Is Vik in?

    Oh of course,e on, Ill walk you down. This is so serious. I cant believe that the Maelstrom grabbed you. I mean, Ive heard they do that sometimes, but that is She trailed off again with a sad little sigh.

    Yeah it was pretty rough. I wish I had been a little less surprised. I would have been able to fight back a lot better, but I wasnt exactly prepared Which I guess is my fault. Always be prepared right? Eh. Ill remember it for the future. I told her with confidence.

    It didnt seem to help as she was nibbling at her finger nail nervously.

    But we all walked through her shop and down into Viks clinic. Jun was looking around, obviously unhappy with the aesthetics.

    Hiromi and Jun were both so alike sometimes! No reason to be so skeptical. Just because Viks clinic was underground, in an alley, in a storage unit and not a building! No reason to be so sketched out! Vik was amazing!

    I led us down as Misty followed behind along with Jun who was looking all over the ce.

    Hey Vik! I called out sounding a little chipper. I felt way morefortable here than I had in the Tyger w Rippers chair.

    Seriously thedy felt like a back alley yakuza doc. Which I guess she kinda was.

    Oh? Is that Motoko, whats going on kid, any-What the hell? He stopped as he looked me over and noticed that both of my arms were in a sling.

    Hey Vik. Lot of stuff happened. I kinda need a check up. I offered looking down at my arms.

    Damn kid thats a hell of a job to have done No that ain''t right. What happened? He asked his voice changing from surprise to anger as he actually got off his rolly chair and stalked over. Jun seemed to step closer, but I just moved away from him so Vik could see. His hand pulled up the shoulder of the generic T-shirt Jun had given me to wear as his eyes narrowed.

    This was a hackjob. What absolute piece of shit did this work on you.

    Well first was a Spider Ripper with Maelstrom. He cut my arms off and decided to add some Sketch Chrome. It was set up to drive me Psycho. Jun my brother, Say hi Jun! Rescued me and took me to his Tyger w Ripper. She got the arms off and chipped in these Condors so at least I would have limbs Im just wanting a check up from someone I trust. Make sure everything was handled right.

    Vik was real quiet for a moment, as I watched his jaw clench. I realized he wasnt looking anymore, but instead was staring off into the distance.

    Oh Vik was real angry.

    Vik? I prompted forcing him toe back.

    Yeah. Sorry. Cmon kid. Take a seat, lets check everything. Ill make sure everything is squared away Dont worry. Vik said going full dad energy as he helped me get settled onto the chair and started dragging equipment over. Jun was still hovering but Viks obvious skill was shining through even to me. So Jun, who had been under the knife of more Rippers than I had, must have noticed as he slowly started letting the tension drain out of him.

    Vik was in full doctor mode.

    It was funny Vik was usually a jovial guy, quick to make dad jokes at the drop of a hat.

    But he was also an amazing Ripper. No. An amazing Doctor.

    And right now he seemed to be Anger Doctoring? Hate Doctoring? He was still kinda scowling, but his hands were absolutely dancing over his tools as he scanned my shoulders and the chrome all at the same time.

    Vik was possessed.

    It was Nova.

    Finally Vik with a quiet mutter to himself rose up and grabbed a few things from a few different containers around his office, before rolling back over.

    Gonna port in here. The ripper did a half decent job, but I can see a few quick fixes that Well they work, but they can be done better. Take a seat son, youre gonna be here for an hour or so. Misty, can you get some water for everyone? Vik called out as first looked to Jun and then Misty as he tapped a few things on the shoulder of my new arm, and a port opened, where he plugged in a scanning tool of some kind, and then with the work of a man that had done this a million times, he poked and prodded and inside.

    Need to find out what she gave you before I can give you any anesthesia. Dont trust some doc''s doses. They either undercut, or give too much to seem like a safer doc. Quick blood test, and we will get started. Some of the nerve connectors are doubled up. Its faster, and doesnt really cause big issues, but it does mean the nerves not connected will either die off, losing some sense of touch, or you start getting pains as they start sending signals that something is wrong.

    Thanks Vik. I told him with a smile and a sigh of relief. Even Jun seemed Impressed at Vik''s skill as he bnced multiple different scans with the effortlessness of a man that was truly in his element. An hourter Vik had calmed down enough he was cracking bad jokes making even Jun have a smirk on his face as Vik finally pulled away from my other shoulder.

    Ive done everything I can to make sure the interface is stable, and all the connections are done correctly Itll be a few days before you start feeling normal again. The injury and multiple surgeries takes time to heal. But it should heal fine from here. He added wiping his head a bit as he reached out and took a drink to quench his thirst.

    Great. Thanks Vik. I really appreciate you checking me over Can you do Jun as well?

    What? Motoko. I dont need a checkup. Jun interrupted instantly once he understood what I said.

    But I ignored his stupid statement. All of his chrome is new. Im worried they might not have put everything together right.

    Motoko stop ignoring me. Jun growled.

    So I ignored him.

    Vik watched the byy with a bit of amusement. I wouldnt mind, but maybe another time. Im gonna need at least a few to stretch my legs. He joked with a smile and I blinked.

    Oh! Right. Sorry I didnt mean to overwork you.

    Nothing to worry about. How about it Jun? Want a checkup?

    Im fine!

    But your ripper didnt do all of my connections right. Vik fixed them right? I asked, turning to the man who nodded slowly. So maybe she skipped some steps with you too! For me Jun, please get a checkup. Vik is amazing. He can make sure all of your chrome isnt causing you any issues. Youve been irritable since you started getting chrome.

    Irritability? Is that something new? Vik asked cutting in looking concerned. He turned to Jun. Have you been noticing any unusual emotional control problems? Irritability, shortness of temper?

    No! I am in perfect control! Jun snapped. Losing control.

    He quirked an eyebrow turning to me.

    Its not that unusual. Jun has always been a hothead. Its the coldness that is more concerning. I offered and Jun was definitely unhappy about being talked about as he stepped closer and pped a hand over my mouth.

    A hand that I really couldnt do much about Vik had numbed my shoulders and arms while he worked.

    Mwh fue! I called out telling him this wasnt fair as Jun suddenly returned back to that look.

    The big brother taking pleasure in siblings torture look.

    I am fine. He said turning to Vik. But I might seek out a checkup at some point. Your skill was Impressive.

    Sooner is better thanter son. Really. The one thing you dont want is to leave a problem to fester. With Cyberware that never, and I mean never, ends well. Vik repeated himself before smiling at my plight.@@novelbin@@

    He was in on it! Traitor!

    I am curious though. I I have been absent from Motokos life But how did she meet you? It must be a recent rtionship. Jun asked now that I could say anything.

    Oh, it was an interesting day alright. She-

    Mgh fnto! I tried to tell Vik to shut his mouth because Jun was gonna freak out! I would have been cutting a hand across my throat as well if I could move my arms.

    Unfortunately I could not. And Vik had no mercy.

    -Came in with boxes of Cyberware. Tons of stuff. She offered it to me so I could do something good with it.

    Boxes of Cyberware? Jun asked blinking. Where did she get that much Cyberware? Where did you get that much Cyberware? He asked head tilting down towards me.

    My attempts to keep Vik from speaking failed.

    Scav raid from what she said You didn''t know?

    SCAV!? MOTOKO! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!? Jun roared his mey eyes really making him look like a demon as he red down at me.

    Ah. Is that why they called him the Oni? I guess that answers that question!

    --

    The drive from Vik''s was very quiet. Jun had not taken the story about the Scav raid well.

    And I mean really not well.

    He had exploded at first. Stalking back and forth as I exined what I had done. Then he had gone quiet. Eventually just ordered me to the car when he was done. Vik had been a little apologetic, but I just gave him a smile telling him it was no big.

    Jun got angry, and was overprotective. Nothing to be upset about. It would havee out eventually.

    Exactly what jobs did you do for Wakako? The one you got shot. What happened? He finally said as we were half way to home.

    To the apartment to pick up stuff I would need for a while.

    So I started telling him about the job. About Scorpion, the gig. That I had brought an HMG with me. Which had earned me a startled look from Jun and me yelling at him to watch the road as we almost crashed.

    I told him how the gig had gone, the chase, firing the HMG out the side of the car.

    The car crash. That I had been shot trying to rescue Scorpion.

    How I hadnt let the gig end there. That I had chased after him through the desert. Finding the Raffens'' location.

    How I had gone in and murdered each and every one of them. Unlike with Hiromi, unlike with everyone, I went into the whole thing. Every detail I exined the best I could.

    The kills, and how I had done it.

    By the end of my story we were at the apartment Jun pulled into the parking garage and stopped because my car was in his spot.

    Do you like it? My Quadra? I asked a little nervously, he hadnt said anything since I had finished my story.

    He pulled into the spot next to it, and stepped out without a word.

    Which was annoying because getting the door was awkward. Eventually I got it, and slipped out Jun was just standing there looking into the darkness of the garage.

    Jun?

    I didnt want you to put yourself at risk Motoko. He said quietly, practically whispering to the quiet stillness of the underground garage. You were supposed to be home safe. Taken care of. Little gigs with your friends that werent supposed to be dangerous. You werent supposed to have to kill. I messed that up before I even left, but this is Its not right.

    He turned towards me. Why, why cant you just be safe? Why are you throwing yourself into this life? I dont want this for you! Not you! Not my little Motoko who always rushes into things! That wanted to be a Tyger w more than I ever did Who shouldnt have ever been caught by Scavs, and shouldn''t have ever had to stain her hands!

    He was ranting And not quite but almost crying. Damn. I hadnt wanted to shock Jun this much! I already expected he was in a sensitive state.

    Okay Motoko. Time to calm Jun down.

    Before he could say anything else I pushed into his space and forced him to hug me. My arms were still floppy, but I could move them enough for him to get the idea.

    You didnt fail Jun. You didnt mess up. You didnt do anything wrong. You saved me. Took care of me. You made me happy even when I was scared about everything around me. Not knowing anything I was really scared but you made that fear go away. I spoke loud enough to be heard despite pushing my face into his chest. His arms slowly wrapped around my shoulders.

    His hands were shaking.

    You didnt fail. I was never going to be safe Jun. I was never going to stay at home and hide away. The best way to keep me safe was for me to learn how to fight. The only way to learn is to do. I told him as I felt his arms continue to shake.

    You arent responsible for what happened. You didnt ask for it to happen, and you tried to prevent it. You cant me yourself for other people''s actions. You also cant protect me from the world. Not even if you were Not even if ourst name was Arasaka would I be safe. So Ive been learning to make myself safe.

    You shouldnt have to! You should be safe! He finally spoke, repeating himself blindly.

    I shook my head making sure he could feel the motion.

    The only way Ill be safe Jun is to be able to protect myself. Which is exactly what Im gonna do. I wasnt paying attention and let the Strom get the jump on me. That wont happen next time. Ill be prepared and if anyone ever tries to jump me again Ill make them regret ever trying. Ill make them die. I tell him confidently.

    That burning sensation in my chest. That disgust and horror at what they had done to me was locked up tight.

    But not gone. Never gone. That night had been an offense against me I would never forgive.

    Scavs. Raffen. Maelstrom.

    All of them were at the same level. Maelstrom I had tried to give the benefit of the doubt in some ways. Sure they did horrible things. I knew about their AI rituals. I knew that they tried to force chrome on people like the monk.

    I knew they were scum, but I had mentally put them into another category from scum that needs to die. I had ced them above that, because I didnt hate their desire to gain more chrome. I mean. I liked the Mechanicus in some ways too. I can understand their motivation.

    But my face had been firmly rubbed in the fact they were no better than the Scavs. So I would treat them that way. I would hunt them. Unlike Jun and his little band of borgs. I wasnt limited.

    I was a Gamer. A superweapon the likes of which the world had never seen. I stepped away from Jun then. His hands had finally stopped shaking so much although he was still obviously lost in thoughts just like I had been.

    Now if only my hands would stop clenching so hard. I was struggling to get them to rx. They were both clenched into fists.

    Cmon Jun lets go get some stuff okay?

    He blinked a bit as if remembering where he was before he nodded quietly. Juns protective arm over my shoulder was nice as we crossed the street.

    The bloodstains were still there.

    I did my best to ignore them. Maelstrom would pay for every drop of blood they took from me.

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31

    We stopped at the garage and as I grumpily made my way out of the car Jun grabbed me stopping me from stomping off to the apartment.

    Stop being grumpy. Youre like a cat. Cmon, after action meeting. He told me as he waited for me to stop resisting before I sighed and followed after.

    Fine. I grump at him, but followed after as we went out the window to the Dojo.

    We headed straight downstairs from the side entrance and into the server room, there arrayed around the TV on old couches Kamikaze were waiting as Fujimura stood in front of the TV looming over the gathering.

    Unfortunately there was no more space on the couches so Jun and I waited behind, while Akari just slipped into thep of one of the borgs.

    Not that it seemed to be wee as he grumbled and tried to shove her off only to earn a sharp foot curling up and nearly skewering his throat. The two of them fought for a moment. A ded foot, and a chromed out hand practically sparking off eachother, before Fujimura growled a low noise that seemed to vibrate the room and cut out the attempted homicide.

    Failure. We took a wound from a basic op. Im disappointed. He said and I realized he was basically giving us a score on how well we had all done.

    Rude. He was the one in charge. If we failed, it was his fault If they failed. I wasnt really a part of this. Why was I even here?

    Hell live! It was just a 9mm, went under his subdermals. Doc is already checking him out. Akari called out but was silenced with a look.

    We are the Kamikaze, we shouldnt be taking wounds from chaff. I expect all of you to receive a session with Ozeki Sensei. He demanded and all the hardened killers and murders, the somewhat emotionless borgs all groaned.

    Kusanagi! You got distracted. If you cant keep your focus, put down your mask. He demanded suddenly singling out Jun. Thankfully. As he was staring at Jun and not me.

    I will not fail again Fujimura-Sama.

    Your sister fighting beside you had better not distract you again. Girl. You killed two with that hand cannon of yours. You should have killed at least three.

    Yeah I know. Im super annoyed! I only killed two you know? I was gonna stay behind and murder some of their reinforcements too, but Jun pulled me away.

    Amon Maelstrom assault group is more than forty borgs girl.

    Really?! So many? Aww man Now Im really disappointed. I grumbled as I purposefully turned away from Jun. So much XP! Ruined! Seriously I could have just snuck into their cars while they were distracted, then they would take me back to their headquarters. I would just slowly ghost them one by one, until they were all dead! It would have worked!

    I mean sure, so many could make it hard But I could do it!

    The room was silent for a while as I grumbled staring at the wall before Fujimura finally seemed to continue.

    Right. We will have another job tomorrow. Prepare. He demanded and then stomped out of the room.

    Ack! I cried out instantly as Jun grabbed the top of my head with his stupid chrome hand.

    You arent going to fight forty borgs! He hissed as he pushed me out of the room back towards the apartment.

    Shows what he knows.

    --

    I wasnt tired. Honestly I didnt even feel the need to sleep, normally I would have just grabbed some tech and started working.

    But I wanted blood.

    Jun had gone to sleep and I went ahead and napped for an hour. Which is the reason Jun had no idea that I had gotten up afterwards and suited back up.

    I left.

    I loved Jun cause he was such a dumb older brother, but I wasnt going to live my life his way. I couldnt.

    So I slipped out of the apartment, out onto the street and then headed a few blocks away to get out from the jammer, and to make sure what I did next wouldnt lead back to the Dojo.

    I called my car.

    It was something that still took me by surprise. Self driving cars were still kinda wild. I waited for about ten minutes for my Quadra to turn the corner and stop in front of me, with a beep of its horn letting me know it had arrived.

    I slipped into the driver''s seat with a grin.

    I was only 250 XP away from a level up. My foot touched the gas pedal and I was off. Driving into the city actually feeling alone for the first time in almost a week. I felt free. No Tyger ws hovering around, no Jun almost smothering me in protectiveness.

    I was actually relieved to just be away.

    I drove north. Up into Watson. Towards Maelstrom turf. I had no idea where I could find them, but I bet just driving around would find me a few targets to prey upon. The city was in an active war right now.

    Unfortunately for the first long while, I didnt find much. The streets were quiet, broken only by gunshots blocks away that by the time I came anywhere near, I couldnt find the source.

    Annoying to say the least.

    I drove around. Only finding the tail ends of skirmishes. I guess even in a gang war there wasnt constant mass fighting going on.

    Shame.

    Finally though, action found me. I turned a corner only toe across a road block. Three cars on fire and burning as a squad of Maelstrom gonks hung around them guns out.

    I only had a second to react, because the goons were already raising their guns.

    Cool dropped over me. Everything became clear.

    I hit the elerator. The fact I turned their little trap immediately back on them is why I didnt get absolutely destroyed, and why some of them jumped out of the way instead of shooting up my ride.

    Not that they didnt try. A few bullets ricocheted off my Quadras armor.

    So I elerated towards the road block, the four sets of spider optics all reacting in different ways.

    I flipped the steering wheel at thest second. My Quadras back end slipped out at the sudden adjustment, as the car spun.

    A loud *Thunk thunk* echoing out from behind me, as my wheels ran over a prone maelstrom gonk who had thought jumping away from where I had been aiming would save him.

    Then my driver''s door opened with a flip of the handle, and before the car had evene to aplete stop I was stepping out.

    Burya already raised and aiming. My Kiroshi kept track of all of them.

    The thunderous retort of my handcannon smashed into the first Borg, the fucker that had started shooting at my car with his Lexington in a spray of bullets. I was lucky, despite my Quick draw aim being off, the second of adjustment I had to make as I stepped out of the Quadra let me adjust.

    My one bullet did the trick.

    I turned to the next one. And again my Burya barked into the night and the screams of Maelstrom being sent straight to their digital gods cut out.

    Of course my assault wasnt perfect. I hadnt exactly expected a road block ambush. I winced as a round from one of the goons on the other side of the barrier mmed into my chest. His panicked fire wasnt urate, but it was unfortunately painful.

    The SMG skittered bullets across the pavement as I moved, rushing him. I could feel another round pound into my chest, but I ignored it. Even if it knocked the air out of me, I could still move.

    I slid over the back of one of the burning cars and then I was right next to him. His red eyes were unable to widen in terror, but I could see the look on his face.

    It warmed my frozen heart for a moment.

    Then my Katana blurred a superheated red line through the darkness.

    And his arms fell with a st onto the ground. White blood sshing over my boots.

    Fuuuck! he screamed, falling to the ground and rolling around after I disarmed him. Instinctually he screamed curses at the pain as I watched on.

    I took a moment to catch my breath, each gasp wasing out a little painfully. I checked my side and winced as I pulled out a bullet from the side of my leotard.

    At least the armor was working. Still hurt though. Felt like I had gotten punched in the ribs. The armless gonk was still screaming which was annoying though. I walked over and without a word smashed my boot into his side. Katana held point down towards his stupid throat.

    His screams turned into, wheezing cries of pain but that was all I needed. You are only alive because I need something from you. You want to stay alive? Answer my question. Where can I find the Spider Ripper doc?

    The Maelstrom gonk was still whining in pain but he seemed to hear me.

    Fuck you! He finally said, as he tried to spit at me.

    His head rolled away a momentter.

    Should have left two of them alive. That way I can kill one in front of the other and get my answers. I muttered to myself as I sheathed the Katana.

    I like Katana. Katana is good.

    I sighed, rubbing my ribs, bullets hurt. Stupid Maelstrom. Looking around at the dead bodies and the burned out wrecks, I realized I should probably do something. Normally I would call the NCPD, but that wasnt really a thing right now.

    So instead I got looting. Checking the bodies, grabbing weapons and throwing them in the trunk of my Quadra before dragging the bodies off the street. With the Quadra I nudged the burning wrecks out of the road opening it back up.

    Satisfied I jumped back into my ride and floored it through the former roadblock.

    All the while I smiled. I had leveled up!

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *Level up achieved!*

    *One Stat Point Gained.*

    *One Skill Point Gained.*

    Level 6! I had also leveled up driving and Handguns!

    *Driving skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    *Handguns skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    With my awesome driving attack I had hit Driving 5, and Handguns 5. Two perks!

    Both were easy picks.

    Since I was driving a high end car I wanted something to make sure I could handle it as best as I could when I needed to really move.

    Plus I just thought it was cool.

    Drifting: Never spill a drop of Tofu water. You have a prescient knowledge of how to go into, and pull out of a drift.

    The second perk was just as easy. Considering I now knew some perks could carry over to other weapons and guns, a perk I had considered okay was now super needed.

    Rapid Reload: Never drop a mag, or fumble a reload. Reloading your gun will never slow down your rate of fire.

    That would work for all of my guns.

    I shook the instincts and muscle memory out of my head for a moment after I picked both back to back.

    I was ready to continue my hunt.

    Now if only my arms werent so Weird. My eyes wandered to adaptation

    Not yet. I could fight like this, and I didnt know what adaptation would do. Best to try new things when I am at home safe.

    So I simply kept going. This was opening up to be a good night!

    --

    This was not a good night fuckers, dented my car!

    I had found more Maelstrom.

    Or rather they had found me. Again. I think driving a jet ck Quadra wasnt a good idea for stealth.

    I had stopped at a light. Driving safe was important after all. When a van full of Maelstrom had turned a corner ahead veering left and right down the road, van doors opened and the gonks cheering and roaring as they smashed cars and anything they could reach with pipes or tire irons.

    They were driving on the wrong side of the road aiming straight for me.

    I realized it just in time to flip my Quadra into reverse and hit the gas, just managing to turn the car so the van didnt hit me full on. Instead they scraped past my Quadra before stopping not far away. A bunch of the gonks jumping out brandishing melee weapons, or hand guns.

    I growled even as Cool flowed over me. Angry, very angry, but a cold furious rage.

    Those fuckers dented my car!

    So as the Maelstrom fucks approached, I did something they probably werent expecting. I hit the gas straight at them.

    They never seemed to expect the aggressive eleration.

    The first Gonk was smashed into my hood, his stupid red eyes looking up at me in horror as I drove him down the street. He was hanging on for dear life trying to stay on as I elerated much faster than he probably expected.

    I drove for a moment longer, long enough for the Maelstroms gunfire behind me to fall silent before I opened my driver''s door. Burya peeked out to say hello. The poor gonks face stilled in terror as he came face to face with my hand cannon.

    I was really thankful that the Quadra didnt have a windshield, but instead an armored chassis and a digital screen, because the blood stter would have taken minutes to get rid of with windshield wipers.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    I looked back, the other Maelstrom had rushed to their van and were chasing me.

    I hummed a little as I hit the elerator. My hands danced over the steering wheel, as I took a turn in a drift. I looked into my rear view mirror expecting to see them chasing me, Only to realize a problem.

    They were fucking slow.

    Just that drift, and my eleration alone meant they were already losing me.

    I couldnt ept that.

    These fuckers had tried to kill me! They had scratched and dented my car! I just spent thousand of eddies fixing that! And killing people was my job!

    These gonks were so slow. I elerated again. Drifting into an alley between two parked cars I raced to the next street, and then took a left, and another left.

    I slowed down around the next corner. Lights off. Turning down the street and seeing the stupid Maelstrom Van slow rolling past the alley I had raced down. But they realized I had lost them. I grinned as I turned the engine off, and slipped into a parking space. Waiting as I watched the gonks pile out of the van to pick up their poor friend off the road. Eventually they grabbed him and dragged him into the van, a trail of blood running across the cktop.@@novelbin@@

    Once they all piled in, they started driving off.

    I started up my engine keeping the lights off and did the same.

    Thats right, you gonks. Lead me to some more XP.

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38

    It was a very fast procedure for Vik to install a BD recorder. I already had my Kiroshi, so I really only needed the small nodule that was added to my Neural Link. You couldnt even notice as it was just a few moments work to pop open the back of my neck where my cable ports were, install the squarish box that was software and storage for the recordings, and then close me back up.

    I think the arm was even faster, he popped me open, and just did some magic with a few tools, and the dent was fine.

    I didnt even need anesthesia. It was more hardware instation, than surgery.

    Alright left and right? No twinge? No points where your neck feels like it grinds on anything? Good. All set then. Vik says as he takes his hands off the side of my neck where he was guiding my head.

    I checked out the BD recorder myself, so I trust there isnt anything hidden on it, which is a serious concern. Ive seen far too many peoplee in, after being ckmailed when someone gave them a recorder with a backdoor. Just make sure you keep it turned off when you dont want it on.

    Got it. Thanks Vik. For everything.

    Dont look at me like that, with those puppy dog eyes. Youre a good kid. Stay alive.

    I will. I cant die until I get older than you! I tease as I hop off the chair, earning a deep chuckle from the man.

    Well at least I know it will be years down the line then. Go on, I bet Misty is torturing your Mox friend.

    Yeah, she is pretty preem like that. I said as I walked up the stairs, my waving hand thest thing Vik could see as I walked up and into Mistys.

    So what does that mean? I heard as I turned the corner. Nox was sitting over an array of Tarot cards Misty hadid out.

    I told you, what it means changes depending on you. But the tarot can help guide your way, open a path. I hope it helps.

    I still have no idea what it means.

    It means you should listen to Misty. I offered surprising both of them, I guess I had been too quiet?

    Oh Motoko, everything okay?

    Yep! Vik and I just needed a talk, Im all set and chipped with a BD Recorder. I tell the two earning a jerk from Misty.

    BD recorder!?

    I had to bite back a giggle as Misty reacted just like Vik. Dont worry, nothing weird. Im working with Nox and the Mox, doing BDs of my merc work. Like Softcore XBDs. I exin earning a wrinkled nose at my words but eventually she nodded.

    Youll be safe?

    Course! All it means is that Ill have a chance to make more eddies for each gig I do. I said as I jerked my head at Nox. You ready to go? Judy needed to set up some stuff first right?

    Yeah! Awesome! Judes gonna be shocked you got chipped so fast Thanks for uh, paying for it.

    Dont worry about it, Everything after this is the easy part for me, Im just gonna do my normal jobs, youre the one who has to sell them. I say,ughing even though he was looking at me like I was crazy.

    Why did everyone always look at me like that?

    --

    Back already? Judys voice called out as we walked down into her littleb.

    Yep! Jude, Motoko got chipped! You ready?

    Sure sure. The girl said digging a shard out of her desk and pushing it into herputer before running a program. My eyes caught the shifting text as she typed, and I realized she was setting up a program for a BD recorder.

    I walked up as she worked, and while I wasnt perfect I was able to follow along with the program. It made me rx a bit realizing it was mostly about how much data on what to store.

    You dont like the BD recorder''s standard settings?

    Nope, they are slop, Weve been making so many BDs weve designed our own adjustments. You dont mind? She asked not looking away from theputer as she worked.

    Im not seeing anything that can activate the recorder when I dont want it on. Mostly just sensitivity settings for emotions, and increased bandwidth for my vision?@@novelbin@@

    About right! Standard BD virtues arent meant for high quality optics like those Kiroshi. They can let me increase the quality a good bit, will let me pick out more interesting things on the virtue as I edit it.

    Cool. I whispered, earning a snort from the older girl.

    You sound like my Grandmother. She said suddenly, actually looking at me with a half smile. Nobody says cool anymore.

    I do.

    Its kinda Lame.

    Im bringing it back! I argued instantly, how could anyone think cool wasn''t cool ng!? It was cool!

    Judy actually broke into a huskyugh then both arms holding her stomach as she chortled almost crying as I pouted at her.

    Oh choom, thats funny! She finally managed to stopughing long enough to say as she went back to typing just with little giggles breaking in now and then. I pouted harder as I turned to Nox who was pointedly not looking at me.

    Oh its on. Im now making it a duty to say Cool at least once on every one of these stupid BD recordings, just to prove it wasntme.

    Take that!

    Here. Judy finally said throwing the shard at me, and I slotted it, I did run a double check that there was nothing malicious.

    I was fairly certain Judy wouldnt pull a fast one, but it was just good ideas to check random software.

    It looked fine to everything I could see, and I let it update my BD recorders settings.

    Preem. So next time I take a gig Ill turn on the recording and bring you the Virtue?

    You got it. Raw BDs are Virtues. Judy confirmed, before she suddenly shooed me away. Now both of you get out of here, I still have a lot of work to do, Nox take your Output upstairs have some fun or something.

    Motoko isnt my Output! Judy!

    Hahahaha! She cackled ignoring Noxs frantic denials.

    Aww she was teasing him. Thats cute.

    ---

    Umm here? Nox offered me as he settled a drink onto the table in front of me. He had led me up and offered a seat then ran off to grab a drink.

    Thankfully I had made sure to mention I don''t drink alcohol. So I had a can of some lemony soda.

    Thanks. I agreed as I popped the tab. Its pretty impressive,ing up with the idea of Edgerunner BDs.

    Oh well. Ive always wanted to sell my own BD''s, you know? I came up with the idea after selling an XBD to a guy, he ended up showing up the next day, he had puked his guts out, asked if there was anything actiony like that with just less

    Cyberpsycho?

    Exactly. Edgerunners are super popr you know? Everyone can talk about ckhand, or Rogue! But not many can actually experience that. So I thought about trying to find an Edgerunner, to talk about my idea with. I was trying to find someone just you know as a side thing when I ran into you.

    And you decided to ask me after seeing me have a fist fight with a couple kids? One I didnt win?

    Please Ians actually pretty nasty hand to hand, there is a reason I was on the ground, but I mean Youre my age, already a merc. You walk the walk, talk the talk. It made me realize I dont need to start at the top. Plus youre my age, do you have any idea how many kids our age want to be an Edgerunner? To experience life as a merc even second hand? From someone their own age? Thatll be a rush.

    I can see it. I agreed taking a sip from my drink. So I guess its in my corner now. Ill need to find a gig, or just go out and find some trouble to record. My words made Nox wince a bit.

    Sorry. To put everything in yourp.

    Its fine. Like I said, this is a good idea. It could be fun, Ive never been a movie star before BD star? No, that kinda has certain connotations. I muttered causing Nox to snort into his drink.

    BD stars are a thing too. Of the non-porn style. He offered and I chuckled nodding, there was a big BD studio here in the city too. Thats where they did that fucking crucifixion questline

    Right. Night City was fucked up.

    Alright. I suppose I should get to work then. Ill reach out to Wakako and see if she has anything Or I could go hunt some Maelstrom. Nox winced at that and quickly put his drink down.

    Maybe something less dangerous?

    Eh. Maelstrom are pretty easy. Most of the time their guys are watching TV, or mid BD. Its super easy to kill someone when they are in the middle of a BD. I say making the motion of slicing their throat that at this point was practically rote to me.

    R-right. That easy?

    Oh sure. They are so distracted they never notice. Scavs are that way too. Always a couple in the middle of some BD rxing while the others work. The first time I went into a Scav nest I killed two of them that way. I offer making sure not to mention it wasnt just my first Scav nest, but my only one. Didnt want him to think I was some noob or something. Seriously, only one Scav Den? That was pretty noobish I think. Rookie numbers Motoko.

    Nox just sort of nodded along with me as I exined how easy it was murder someone in the middle of a BD.

    --

    Leaving Nox at Lizzies after we hung out for a while, I decided I might as well see what was going on with Wakako. I hadnt heard from her since the whole kidnapping thing. Which surprised me, I expected her to reach out at some point for a job.

    So I drove home.

    Driving down the street next to the apartment I looked around as I slowly rolled down the road. It was quiet. The old man that usually ran the food cart next to the entrance of the apartment was gone.

    The streets were quiet. It made me sad. I actually kind of liked the density of Night City, to be able to just walk amongst a horde of people.

    I kept going. I wasnt going to stop at the apartment. I was here to see Wakako. I drove down and parked on the street outside Jig-Jig street. As I walked through the darkened area I couldnt help but chuff out augh.

    A gang war going on. The normally full streets practically empty and nearly barren.

    Jig-Jig street? As busy as ever. Shaking my head I walked past the dolls that were still offering services, past the Johns that were flirting and paying for services. Past the people that wandered to different stalls buying and selling.

    I noticed plenty of guards hanging around. My Kiroshi punching through the dark corners between the shops seeing men in suits, or just gangsters hanging around keeping an eye out.

    I guess Wakako was well protected.

    I entered her Pachinko parlor, again wondering about her choice of venue.

    Get in here girl. Stop wasting my time. Wakako called out as I walked in, as usual not waiting for me to check if she was free.

    The woman as usual was sitting back in her chair cigarette smoke haloing her as her TV ran some ancient broadcast of a show that was probablying out when I would have been alive in myst life.

    Long time no see Wakako. How are you? I said not sure what else to say.

    She of course wasnt enthused about my greeting.

    Sit down girl. Im not pleased with you. Joining the Kamikaze? Foolish, a waste of your ability. I pay more.

    I opened my mouth closed it. Frowned, then rose a finger. I didnt though?

    An elegant eyebrow rose up, and a momentter her eyes turned gold.

    A text was sent with a picture.

    Oh, it was a picture of me standing with Jun after the assault we did on the Maelstrom armory.

    I hold off on sending you any jobs after your unfortunate assault. Giving you time to recover and then you join up with those fools?

    I didnt join them, not really, the one next to me is Jun my brother. He was being all overprotective after the kidnapping, so I went on that raid to prove I could handle myself It didnt really work, but I ran out after and hit another Maelstrom group on my own, and Jun You dont care.

    No.

    Right, Im not a part of Kamikaze. Terrible name by the way.

    She hummed a little as her sharp eyes kept locked on mine, but I wasnt about to flinch, I was telling her the truth.

    Besides she was dangerous in a way, but I think she was actually pretty nice when you get past all the necessary harshness of living in Night City.

    Fine. Her eyes went gold again and I blinked as she sent me like three different messages. Ive been forced to hold onto these gigs for longer than I would have liked. Complete them.

    I blinked looking at the three different gigs she had sent me reading through them quickly, all of them were pretty much the same.

    Go to a ce, steal something bring it to Wakako.

    Easy really, but there was aplication.

    If thats all. She dismissed me, but I didnt get up.

    Question.

    Her narrowed eyes prompted me to quickly get on with it. Ive picked up a side gig, Im recording my gigs for BD release through the Mox I just want to make sure none of them are sensitive, and a BD of me doing this wont cause trouble for the client Or you.

    My question actually surprised her. Her face didnt shift, her body didnt move, she gave nothing away. But the fact she didnt have an instant answer like always told me a lot. Finally she nodded.

    Foolish, but I dont argue with fools. A week. Dont release the recordings for a week. For these three gigs. You will ask before recording any gig I give you in the future.

    Will do! I offered shing a smile, and ignoring her remarks about me being a fool. It wasnt about being smart or stupid! It was about doing something cool!

    I stood then wandering back out into Jig-Jig street.

    I guess I had some jobs to do?

    --

    The first job was childishly easy.

    Megabuilding H1 looked just like all the Megabuildings, just more run down since it was the oldest.

    I headed up to floor 15, found the correct apartment number, and unlocked the door with practically a nce.

    The standard security system on the door, was as useless as a door with a key sticking out of it. I walked in, boots utterly silent as I walked past the guy in the middle of enjoying a BD on his couch, walked over to hisputer, grabbed the shard that was sticking out of the side of it, confirmed it was the right one with the verification program Wakako had given me and walked back out.

    Gigplete. Poor security made it childsy.

    I did record the whole thing but I doubt anyone would get any enjoyment out of it. It onlysted like thirty seconds.

    Then I moved on.

    Next job was in 6th St. Territory. A guy was hiding out there, in a gang house, paying 6th street to keep him safe.

    I wasnt there to kill him though. Wakakos gig workup exined some bare bones. Guy had ckmail on his boss, Boss wanted the ckmail taken care of.

    So my job was to find the information, ensure it was recovered.

    Normally it would be deleted but Wakako wanted the data. Not my business.

    I pulled over a block away. The gang house was in a suburban area of run down homes. I walked down the next street over. It wasnt hard to check a map and find the number of the house directly behind the gang house.

    Once I found it I simply walked right through the small gated backyard.

    It wasnt like people had dogs anymore.

    I stilled at that, realizing that was true.

    I really wanted to pet a puppy

    I shook it off. Work now, sad realizationter.

    I climbed the fence only after looking over it and making sure no one was hanging out in the back or had a camera setup.

    Nothing, I climbed over the fence in seconds drawing on my inner Jackie Chan, smiling as I managed to climb the fence just like he would as I wentpletely cold and hurried to the house.

    Mission rmendedplete stealth. Apparently the boss wanted the guy trying to ckmail him to be alive to realize his n fell through.

    Honestly I didnt know who was the good guy here. Was the boss cruel? Evil? Was his worker trying to steal money that didnt belong to him?

    I had no idea. Nor did I really care. I wasnt a hero.

    I slipped in through the back door noticing the living room to my right was upied, a TV going and a few people talking to each other making fun of the show. I walked past the open door without them noticing, heading for the upstairs.

    I was half way up the stairs when I felt it. That shiver up my spine.

    Danger sense.

    I leapt off the stairsnding without even a scrape on the tiled floor as I slipped into a closet at the foot of the stairs.

    The stepsing down the stairs I tracked with my ears as a new voice joined the two in the living room.

    I slipped out. Continued on my path up the stairs. Two doors, I checked one, looking under the door jam, nothing I could see or hear, I stood and just barely opened the door.

    Empty room.

    I slipped inside. Looking to see if my target was inside. The bedroom was a wreck, I instantly realized it wasnt the right one. This room was well lived in. My target had only just started staying with them. I checked the hall and slipped out, moving to the next room, I slipped inside once I checked it. Empty. But this one had the marks of someone having moved stuff around just recently. Theputer on the desk was new.

    No dust.

    No lucky shards sticking in this time, but that was fine, I pulled out the cord from my neck and plugged it in.

    ICE.

    I blinked as the system resisted, desperate to keep me out. It actually gave me some difficulty. The ICE on thisptop was a bit more powerful than the defenses of a Vending machine.

    Hell it was tougher than the security system the Netrunner Maelstrom had!

    I frowned as I found myself actually needing to fight against it. I could keep it from sending any sort of alert, as it was just a mindless system not backed up by a Netrunner defending it, but it was still

    Tough. Where the hell had this guy even found this level of ICE? I frowned realizing I might actually take some time to get through this. It seems the reason this guy managed to steal this info from his boss was probably because of hisrunning skill

    Hmmm.

    I could steal theputer, but without breaching in, I had no way to know if there was a backup. So I looked away for a moment and prepared myself in case I needed to delta.

    Window open, path free, and theputer unhooked from a power supply, and ready to be snatched and grabbed.

    Then I refocused on the digital defenses and got to work.

    Security code sted through my vision as I breached and breached, each wall of ICE seemingly more dense than thest, over and over, I broke through.

    I could see the alerts for both Breach and Intelligence flowing through, as I fought against the defense.

    Damn, if I had known how much experience I could get from something like this, I would have bought a ICE program myself just to break it.

    Still I kept focused even as minutes passed, as the noise from downstairs continued.

    I just had to hope they were upied.

    Finally something changed.

    *Breach Protocol skill level up!*

    I felt the inrush of instincts and knowledge, and my work went even faster. Tricks the ICE threw up that stymied me, now only slowed me for a moment, as my mind worked through problem after problem.

    *Intelligence Leveled up!*

    The alert came in, Intelligence 5, and if I was doing anything else I wouldnt have noticed change.

    But this time I did. Considering I was literally solving difficult equations, puzzles, and general issues the ICE was programmed to throw up.

    But with Intelligence? Came rity. Came simplicity.

    The speed of me facing a new problem, and then putting forth the correct solution increased. Less wondering, less confusion, less brute force.

    I blinked.

    Theputer was disying its desktop. I was in.

    Secondster I had confirmation. The file I was looking for was there, and it hadnt been copied, at least ording to the metadata.

    Target acquired.

    I closed theptop down, and used my already prepared getaway. I was out the window,nding in the backyard, and across the short fenced off area in moments.

    Then I was on the other street, and more than capable of just walking casually to my car.

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42

    <em>Judy Alvarez</em>

    Judy was d that was over. Such an awkward conversation, and even worse she had been totally treating the kid like some TC hit squad.

    Stupid Jude. Real stupid.

    She was a good kid, even helped out Nox. Nox who was very annoying, but still had that bratty charm that made everyone like him

    Mostly. If they didnt want to punch him.

    But he was annoying, and that meant most people outside the Mox did fall more on the punching side of the spectrum. He tended to get beat up a little too often.

    Still it was over, and she had four virtues to edit through and turn them into nice shiny Mox approved XBDs. It was a bit Well Judy didnt think it was likely to work. What kind of gigs could a kid get up to that anyone would want to watch?

    Judy was well aware of what normal XBD viewers were like. What they wanted.

    Sick fucks.

    But maybe this softcore XBD would be a hit among kids. Give them a look into the experience of working as a Merc, from a kids perspective.

    She picked up the most recent one first. Motoko had said this was fromst night. Tyger ws assaulting Maelstrom.

    Im not afraid of the Tyger ws. She said, strengthening herself as she slipped on her wreath, hands on the edit controls.

    Time to work.

    First she started the BD, and instantly she was there. She could hear and feel and taste. Nothing too strong yet thankfully. Some BDs liked to start already mid Act. Judy hated feeling it. Sex wasnt exactly something she wanted to feel from certain perspectives.

    Which was why she always started a BD with the sensesyer turned down. Get a feel for the BD first before she edits it all down to make it smooth to experience.

    Alright, the Maelstrom trucks are a minute out. Get ready.

    Judy shivered as the irritation she was feeling instantly vanished in a rush of excitement. The BDs emotionyer hyping up her own.

    The conversation continued but Judy only kept half an ear on it. Then Motoko started moving. Judy focused the feel of the girl moving an important element to the BD. Especially with all the edits she would make to rece the visualyer with the watcher.

    Most users of the BD would focus on visual, humans were like that, but one of the big things that would throw someone out of a BD was odd feelings. So bncing it right was super important. Usually you had to throttle it way down. If you were scrolling someone fat, and you werent?

    That sense of disconnect would be pretty intense.

    Although some people scrolled BDs like that on purpose. Everything was someone''s fetish.

    But this? Just through the motion, Judy could feel live muscle, shifting bnce. Motoko wasnt just some kid with a gun, she definitely worked out. It was pretty intense. Judy wasnt exactly the type to hit the gym.

    She left it ying without delving heavily into editing, just to see, when suddenly Motoko went from a walk to motion in an instant, a blitz up the side of a building that by the time Judy realized what was happening she had to pause the recording, take off the wreath and actually step away.

    Judy didnt really like heights, and the feeling of free climbing up a building made her stomach flip.

    But it was so sure. No hesitation, no slipping, or stumbling just up the building like climbing adder.

    No faster than adder.

    Grabbing her secret stash of Mega Joult. Thank you Nox for slipping that in. She recaffeinated and felt ready to continue.

    Slipping back into the BD she let it y. She was on the top of the building. The cold air was crisp, but Motokos breath waspletely even, like she hadnt just climbed a building. Hell her heart rate had barely gone up.

    Judy made a note, she would need to adjust that feeling, actually maybe increase it, let people feel their heart beating without any disruption, let them feel how calm Motoko was?

    Judy would have to test it both ways, but for now she let it continue.

    A rifle pulled off her shoulder Judy felt her hands roam over it quickly. A single practiced action, and it was practiced, Judy knew the difference. It felt good. That would be nice. Motoko certainly had some gun experience.

    Then Then Motoko stalked. Judy suddenly realized the audio file was practically dead. Not a sound as Motoko stalked up to the edge.

    She yed through it a few times there. Just to see what she could catch, and she realized despite walking in boots, there was barely a sounding from her steps.

    Damn. She must have a really good Lynx Paw. Judy went ahead and brought some focus in the BD towards theck of sound with each step. Letting people feel that surety of stepping without a sound.

    Motoko kneeled, settled into the shadows and then brought up her Nekomata? Yeah Judy was pretty sure that was the right name. Eyes slipped over the scope, and Judy nodded to herself, everything was so clear. Kiroshi made this so much easier. The visual file was actually higher density than a normal BD. Kiroshi were expensive after all.

    Then Judy could hear it. A rumble of a truck that Motoko instantly picked up, her attention focused on the sound making ite in so clear. Judy wouldnt need to y with it much.

    Motoko took it all in without shifting an inch, she remained perfectly still. The cavalcade of Maelstrom. She was already picking out faces thanks to her scope and Kiroshi. And Judy made sure to focus on some of them, bring them into focus on the BD.

    XBDs were all about murder after all. Even if Judy found it disgusting it was what people wanted.

    She watched as the Maelstrom parked around, and noticed the information Motoko gathered about their NCPD record! Nice. Judy made sure to bring each one into sight, it would let the user get a look at the people that were about to die.

    Then Judy felt it.

    Motoko was smiling. BDs recorded emotions. And since Judy hadnt finished cleaning up the BD, she could feel exactly what Motoko was feeling. Exhration. A macabre happiness about the targets she was going to kill.

    Motoko had been happy that she was going to kill these Maelstrom especially.

    She continued letting that excitement flow through her. She would maybe have to heighten the excitement emotionalyer a bit, it was pretty low. Building the tension a bit more could be good.

    The Maelstrom stepped out, firing around, opening the shop only to be blown apart with a riot of noise.

    Judy flinched, but Motoko didnt. Perfectly calm at the sight and sudden assault. Not a twitch, not a bump in her heart rate.

    Just control, and a focused excitement.

    It was enough to make the differences all the more apparent. In a normal BD she would have smoothed it, maybe lowered the users surprise, or increase Motokos. Just to make sure it felt like a smooth transition.

    But there was something about theplete calm that was Noticeable. And Judy decided she was going to have to y with that. Maybe leave it as is.

    Motokos attention shifted. Tyger ws. Racing out towards the Maelstrom from behind.

    Yet even as she registered that her scope was focused on the Maelstrom ready to shift.

    Then it happened, a Maelstrom started to turn around, they had noticed the Tyger ws.

    Judy felt herself freeze. Outside the BD. Her throat opened in a silent gasp as everything changed.

    The emotion file practically spazzed out.

    Judys heart was racing outside of the BD.

    Because in an instant she felt it. The supreme control over herself.

    No, the control Motoko had over herself. Emotions distractions, all of it disappeared. There was only

    Purpose.

    The rest of the BD went by in a blur of controlled focus. Every part of her body moved in tandem, every breath, every thought, all working towards the purpose of killing whoever Motoko needed dead.

    By the time the BD ended Judy had stopped paying any attention to editing. Had stopped even remembering who she was.

    Because for a while she wasnt Judy experiencing a BD, she was Motoko. Every instinct, every movement felt so sure. So right. Perfect.

    Judy pulled off the wreath and nearly chucked it away before controlling herself.

    She couldnt control herself like Motoko. Already the feeling of her own heartbeat speeding was so Strange. Especially after feeling so in control. But Judy couldnt. Her heart raced, her body twitched. It was wrong. All of these things could be controlled. She just Had to learn how.

    Judy had no idea.

    I need a break. She said instantly standing up on wonky legs her stride was wrong. She could feel it, even if she wasnt sure what she was doing wrong, but there was an awareness there, that she was moving wrong. Too slow, too heavy, too loud.

    Fuck me. She whispered as she hit the bathroom and washed her face. That had been Intense.

    Judy felt her eyes go gold as she decided to make a call. Rita. I need you down here if you got a minute I want you to see this.

    --

    Finally!

    No more distractions!

    I settled down into the apartment with an armful ofponents I had needed, and set to work.

    I had CAD. I had some knowledge, a full toolkit, and some peace and quiet.

    Time to get to work!

    The idea I hade up with while I was killing Maelstrom had been percting in my head.

    I needed a way to listen into conversations. If I was sneaking around, then being able to gather intel was a must. Luckily this was the future. Parabolic Microphones were outdated tech.

    Long range microphones were easy enough to tech together.

    Even I could do it!

    I had the basic know-how in my head thanks to Engineering. The skill had flooded me with solutions and knowledge on not just how to tinker with something, but to have a needed idea and then what it would take to create it.

    It was dense stuff. Technical Ability was knowledge about what exists Sorta. Crafting, was being able to physically put something together. Engineering was knowing how to design something from the ground up. And a bit of fixing problems while crafting But then again Crafting had solutions to engineering as well.

    Or maybe I was wrong about all three! It was all so dense, and mixed together, it was difficult for my own head to split them into their own categories.

    It all fit together. All three parts were sort of needed to create a whole. But the knowledge dumps were insane. Comprehensive education was rare in Night City, Especially outside of Corpo kids. Rarer still was an education that someone could take and then immediately be able to use.

    Even with my low stat and skill points. I was probably more flexible than most Techies, a wider base, if not as deep. Yet.

    So I started designing. I needed it to be small but functional. High range, good fidelity. With the ability to narrow down sounds.

    Cant have loud music stopping me from being able to listen in. Although that would be ater problem. Programming the damn thing cameter. First was the engineering half. Design and create.

    The microphone was fiddly, but other than a bit of sloppiness thanks to my manual dexterity still not being 100% perfect at times with the chrome. My transferred skills helped me get it working.

    Then I set up a small transceiver, and went to work on the ear piece. Which I actually scratch built. Since anything I made would be cheaper than one from a store. @@novelbin@@

    With that done I set the two pieces of tech to the same channel, and activated it.

    Nothing.

    Fuck.

    --

    It took me four hours to figure out what went wrong.

    The answer? Nothing. I was just a moron.

    I was under a jammer! Of course my wireless connection didnt work!

    Realizing that wireless ess like that was just asking to be useless under a jamming system, I tore it apart, and decided to go a little analog. With my 3D printer I created some wires that would connect the two parts, even created a small wire storage that would wind up the wire when I was done.

    All done the entire piece of tech was small enough to hold in my hand, and be stored in one of my pouches. But with that, I was able to pull it out, stick the ear piece in my ear, and stretch out the wire along my arm. The mic easily attached to my fingers, and was small enough it wouldnt get in the way if I needed to fight with it on.

    I turned on the TV to a very low level and walked across the room, to the point I could barely hear it then I pointed the mic.

    The voice of the news reporter came in clearly in my ear, only a static pop from time to time showing it wasnt a direct audio, but a long range mic picking up a TV audio.

    Done.

    I did it. I couldnt help but breathe out as I looked at my long distance microphone. I could listen into conversations now! But the alerts that I had ignored were my first stop.

    *Engineering skill level up!*

    Engineering 3, it had leveled up while I was working in CAD designing my new toy. Apparently my system liked it when I designed the ear piece from scratch as well. But there was more. So much more!

    *Technical Attribute Leveled up!*

    Technical Attribute was now level 4! And it had even leveled up mid build because I had a bunch of alerts for Crafting, ending with a level up!

    *Crafting skill level up!*

    Crafting 4.

    My entire Tech tree had leveled up in one afternoon! Which just goes to show how little I had actually built I would really need to fix that. Tech was too useful a thing, plus it was fun

    But Leveling up Engineering had reminded me!I still had an Engineering perk! Hell I had two perks! The Assault perk was still sitting there too!

    I stretched and fell back onto the couch, instantly wincing and sitting up to move a piece of the wireless system that I had apparently dropped on the couch back to a table and thenid back down.

    This was the life.

    I had two perks to choose, Engineering and an Assault Perk. I opened up the Perk list to take a look.

    Engineering first, since I had forgotten about it for so long. Since I didnt really intend on going mad bomber, I ignored most of the grenade focused perks. I was looking for tech stuff.

    And I found it. Like Crafting there were tons of perks here, but I ended up choosing the one I wanted the most.

    Design Wizard: Your designs will always be beyond the average, you work faster, and more efficiently while designing.

    I nodded as I selected it. Feeling the rush of the perking into y.

    And instantly wished I had picked this before spending all afternoon working on my Directional Microphone. That would have made things a lot easier

    I shook it off. No point pouting at what I could do better. I would constantly be improving just take it as it is. I shook it all away and focused back on the menu.

    It had been a while since I saw the assault perks. I ran through them again, my eye catching on Bullet Counting, but I didnt really need that. My Kiroshi, and a Smart link would take care of that When I got a Smart Link anyways.

    But it was pointless. I didn''t need it. Not for a Perk point.

    Instead I looked for other Synergy Perks. Perks that would upgrade not just assault weapons, but potentially all of them. I had already taken Gun Nut, which was incredibly useful in order to keep myself from looking like an idiot by trying to shoot a gun that was still on safe.

    Most of the perks were Assault skill focused. uracy with Rifles, SMGs or Sniper Rifles.

    Things that were useful, but that woulde with just increased stats anyways

    But I was tempted to do the Sniper Rifle one.

    Crack Shot: While wielding a Sniper Rifle, If you are in range you can work out a path for your bullet to reach its target.

    That sounded mildly terrifying.

    But it wasnt exactly what I was going for

    Yet.

    No, instead I continued digging, Until I found it. The exact perk I wanted. Because it didnt just deal with a specific series of guns. The name of it had made me pass over it at first.

    Rifle Ace. Long rifles of all types are deadly in your experienced hands. Ready your long gun to fire in a blink.

    It was literally Quickdraw for long guns! I was kicking my feet into the air andughing as I selected it. Instantly I felt the information flow. That surety of motion and knowledge that I KNEW the best way to do something.

    It was amazing. I loved new perks and skill upgrades, that confusion, or amateur attempts at something simply washing away under absolute surety.

    The natural anxiety that everyone feels. That am I doing it right? feeling was gone.

    I sighed in happiness, deciding to take a break from any grinding for the night. I put on some wacky future cartoons, and curled up on the couch.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45

    When I finally felt like doing something again I opened up my menu and made a call.

    *Ringing*

    *Hey hey! Motoko!*

    *Hey Hiromi! How are you? With the NCPD back on the streets, did your parents lift the lockdown?*

    *Ugh. Not just yet. But school is opening next week with normal sses so they have to by then. How about you? How are the TC reacting?*

    *Not sure about most of them, but Kamikaze are spreading back out, the secret headquarters they were using is emptying out. Jun and I are actually back home.*

    *Whoa, Nova. So it really is over then?*

    *Looks like at least the gang war is over. Not the killing. Lot of the Kamikaze still looked ready to go hunt more Maelstrom Jun among them, but its okay. I think everything is getting better with him. He seems more stable now.*

    *Thats great! I know you were worried, but I knew Jun would be okay! He is too cute to Cyberpsycho.* She said and I could tell she was teasing me.

    *Gag me with a spoon, Hiromi.* Her giggles were my only response for a while until finally they ended with her going quiet for a bit.

    *So hey. Choom. Choomer. Choomiest?* Hiromi suddenly asked, sounding a little quiet.

    *What do you need Hiromi?* I answered, trying to keep fromughing at her words.

    *My bike is still wrecked Cant exactly drive it right now, and Im gonna wait a bit to give an excuse to the rents so they dont freak on me Mind giving me a ride to ss and back?*

    *Huh. You want your Street Punk Merc friend drive you right up to Arasaka Tower? Im down.* I answered after a pause, making herugh back at me.

    *Thanks Choom. Just for a day or two? I can tell my parents I crashed after that, and get my bike fixed up.*

    *No worries. Ill act as a chauffeur. Will dy need anything dry cleaned as well? Or perhaps someone assassinated?* I asked, trying to sound as snooty as I could which caused Hiromi to break into giggles.

    *Youre such a gonk!*

    *Speaking of damaged vehicles though. I should probably take my Quadra into the shop.*

    *Wait what? Why? What happened?*

    *Didnt I tell you? That night I hit the Maelstrom, the damn gonks side swiped me.*

    *Oh thats right Is the damage bad? I know you were pretty pissed about it.*

    *Its not terrible, the car is armored, paint and dents mostly, Ill just need t-* I stopped.

    Wait.

    Fuckin hold on a second.

    I could fix it. Mechanic work was well within the bounds of all the knowledge dumps I had been getting from the System.

    *Toko? Helloooo?*

    *Im here! I just realized I actually do know how to fix it. I think I think Ill go fix up my car. Itll be a nice little grind session.* I said without thinking.

    *Grind? Why would you need to grind your car?*

    *Oh! Uhhh. No? No, grind like doing a task and keeping at it until its done.* I added, making up an excuse. Thank you ng being somon in Night City.

    *Alright. Let me know how it goes Do you think you could fix my bike? I mean-*

    *Probably! Ill have to look it over, but I can do that for my choom!* Plus! If I could repair it that means more grinding! Motoko youre a genius!

    *Preem. If I dont have to make an excuse for my rents that would be best. They are fully up my ass still. How has it been out there? Is it Better?*

    *People are everywhere! More than usual, all the people that were hiding are out on the streets now. The TC knew the NCPD wereing and hid away, and so Maelstrom got hit hard, they are making peace even.*

    *Wait! Maelstrom and Tyger ws are making peace!? Why didnt you tell me!*

    *I just did though?*

    *Ugh. Motoko!*

    *Sorry! I didnt think about it. Yeah the Kamikaze leader told everyone, apparently there is going to be an end to the TC-Strom war. At least officially.*

    *Wow. Thats huge! I actually I actually should let my rents know. That might be useful to them. Listen, call meter? If not, see you Monday?*

    *Sure! Chat with meter Hiromi!*

    The call clicked off and I nodded, already jumping to my feet. I had some grinding to do!

    I grabbed my toolbox from where Jun had dumped it on the floor of my bedroom, and rushed back out.

    Going out to the parking garage! Call me if you need me! I called out to Jun who was now in the kitchen going through the fridge, and I was off nking down the stairs as I carried the toolbox I ran across the street, although my head was swiveling, and my right hand free in order to quickdraw if I needed.

    Not going to make that mistake again. Burya was in its holster and ready to go if needed.

    But nothing happened. I ran into the garage and reached the car.

    The side of my Quadra was still suffering from a nasty dent all along the side. The paint utterly ripped off.

    Fucking Maelstrom.

    But I knelt down, popping my tool box open. With a deftness I grabbed the needed tools, Instantly my hands went to work humming lightly as I slowly worked out the dents in the armored side. Honestly the fact it was armored made my job harder, but it just needed more force to even out, and the few ces that some internal circuitry was crushed I simply spent a few minutes scanning and then remaking a recement, a bit of testing to make sure it worked and I was set.

    I hadnt even known that one of my rear lights was out! That was so dangerous! What if someone rear ended me!

    Well it was fixed now. I stood up, sure the paint was more trashed than it had been before, but with a few going over of a maic tool that let me smooth out the te. It was done.

    Now to check on all the spots that had been hit And probably a carwash, I forgot about the whole blowing someone''s head off on the hood. The bits of gore still stuck on the hood was a little gnarly

    I probably should have taken that to a carwash before this Ew.

    I almost turned and walked all the way back inside when I remembered.

    My eyes turned gold.

    *Motoko? Whats wrong?* Jun responded nearly instantly.

    *Nothing! Nothing. Im okay. Just calling to let you know, Im gonna need to hit a carwash I uh. Forgot to clean up my poor Quadra after everything.*

    *Oh Thank you for telling me. Drive safe.*

    *Will do!*

    I slipped out into the heavy traffic of the city, easily winding a safe path through the city, enjoying the quiet ride.

    Then I realized it didnt have to be quiet. I turned on the radio, and instantly started nodding along to Body Heat Radio.

    Listen It had some good songs as long as that Pon pon shit wasnt ying Wait, wasn''t the song literally Ponpon shit? I meant Ponpon shit, shit. Because I hate that song. Luckily I dont think it has been released yet. Body Heat was a pretty solid choice when I wasnt in the mood for Samurai.

    Anyway I found a nice carwash, went through and did my best to pretend there wasnt a massive wave of red bloody water flowing off my car as I went through.

    The one attendant that was sitting behind a bullet proof ss was doing his best not to notice. So I pretended it wasnt happening too.

    Best for everyone.

    ---

    As I went through the car wash I had some time to think about what else I needed to do, which reminded me of a promise I had made.

    But then I realized I had no idea where to go.

    So I made a call.

    *Motoko?* Ichis voice answered after a few moments, and he sounded sleepy.

    *Ichi! Heya choom. Hows things? Did I wake you? Sorry about that. Also can you slip me Malcolms address? I want to stop by and check on him.*

    *Oh yeah, you did say you were gonna do that Sure Motoko. He mumbled obviously groggy enough my rapid fire took him a minute to parse.

    I got a text from Ichi a momentter.

    *Thanks Choom Maybe tonight we can all meet up again? I can probably get Hiromi free too. Omaeda too maybe? Are you working tonight?*

    The line was quiet for a minute.

    *Y-yeah If you If Malcolm is willing. Im down. Itll be nice To just Hang out again.*

    *Thesest few weeks were rough on you huh Ichi?* I couldnt help but ask. While he had said he wasnt working with Malcolm anymore. The way he spoke

    They had a fight. Definitely.

    *Heh. I guess I could say the same to you. If you can get Hiromi and Malcolm that would be great Ho-oh Club?*

    *Ugh. That ce gives me a headache, but I get it. Sure we can hang there.* I answered, it was our spot I guess Actually I had no idea. Had we hung out there before thea? Or just after?

    *Alright Im gonna crash for a few more hours.*

    *Sounds good! Cya!*

    I hung up and started up the engine. Malcolm wasnt too far. Made sense. We were all in the same area. Street kids that grew up together.

    I drove out into the streets, following the path to Malcolms address.

    The small apartmentplex a couple blocks north of the Cherry Blossom Market. It took me a while to find a good parking spot, but it didnt take me long to slip inside and find apartment J24.

    I rapped my chrome knuckles on the door. Waiting, I could hear something.

    The door was suddenly pulled open, arge man with a tired expression and holding a Tactician in his arms was there. Whatever he was trying to say was cut off mid sentence when he noticed me.

    We are- oh hello?

    Hello. Im Motoko, is Malcolm in? I chirped trying to look cute and innocent.

    Despite being fully armed.

    Yeah One second. He turned away from the door. MALCOLM! He yelled and I could hear a yelp and a bit of cursing.

    WHAT!?

    DOOR! The man yelled back and I wasughing a bit at how normal it seemed. Doesnt matter if it''s the 2000''s, or 2070s parents and teenagers really dont change.

    I heard a bit of grumbling as things were knocked around before Malcolm suddenly jogged into view. A BD wreath around his neck he was about to yell at his pops when he noticed me.

    Motoko?

    Hey Malcolm! I waved a bit and Malcolms father looked from me to his son.

    Well dont be a gonk invite the girl in. The old man rumbled before walking into the house.

    D-Dad! Its not like that!

    I justughed. His dad seemed pretty happy, so I guess Malcolm wasnt bringing cute girls home very often.

    Motoko? What are you doing here?

    Stuff got crazy, you know? With everything I figured it was a good idea to see all the chooms. How you doing Malcolm? I asked and my question seemed to really confuse him for a minute.

    Im Alright?

    Im d. I nodded to myself for a few moments, the silence between us lengthening.

    Moron! Invite the girl in! The loud call from behind Malcolm caused him to jump before he turned back inside.

    Dad! Shut up! Malcolm instantly called back but after a moment he sighed. Want toe in?

    Sure! I chirped following Malcolm inside his apartment, we ended up settled on his couch where he had obviously just been watching a BD.

    Anything good? I prompted miming towards my neck.

    Wha? Oh. The Wreath, yeah some neat stuff. I uh. Havent had much of a taste for intense BDs since Everything.

    Ichi told me a bit, about what happened, I mean.

    Course Ichi couldnt keep his trap shut. Malcolm grumbled.

    Its not like that. I asked. You okay?

    Fine. He said, indicating he was anything but fine. What happened to you? New chrome? He asked indicating my forearms there were obviously no longer flesh.

    I got kidnapped by the Maelstrom, and they cut my arms off. I answered, and then I sighed. It was kind of a thing.

    Fuck. He said face going a little pale at my casual reveal.

    Yeah. I agreed with him as he shifted a bit, from being hunched over and defensive.

    You You okay?

    Surprisingly, Im doing pretty good. I uh Tried to pretend I was fine at first. But all that did was make me angry. So I focused on that, and Yeah. Im doing better. It still sucks. I answered with a shrug. What about you?

    Better than that. I still got all my meat.

    Dont need topare bad things choom. Serious. Talk to me?

    Malcolm went quiet for a while ying with the wreath which he slowly took off from around his neck and ced on the table.

    Not much to say. Sam was cool. Older kid. Like Ichi, well liked by the ws. We got some fire from some random Maelstrom gonk. I just remember being terrified. I was in the back of the truck with Sam, Ichi up front. Driving away as fast as we can and suddenly Bullet Holes through the sides of the truck. I screamed, and when it was over Sam was dying. Nothing I could do.

    Malcolms eyes were growing wet by the end of his story.

    Ever had someone you know tline like that? I asked, as Malcolm had grown silent at the end.

    No. It scared me Motoko. Not something you have to deal with. He grumbled wiping his eyes.

    I get scared too Malcolm. I said as gently as I could.

    Motoko. Ive seen you after you tlined a scav den solo. You dont have a scared bone in your body.

    Not true. Not true at all. I mumbled towards the end. I just wasnt afraid of the same things everyone else was

    How could I? I had already died once. Once you know whats on the other side, how can you be afraid?

    But I was afraid of things still. Just not death.

    Listen. I want all of us to get together tonight. You, Ichi, Hiromi, Omaeda if he wants. All of us at the club A lot has happened. But we are still chooms. We still ran together. Pleasee? Malcolm looked up, our eyes met and we sat for a while as he thought.

    Sure.

    I smiled and threw out a fist, which unfortunately took a moment for him to get before he scoffed and bumped my fist. You are so weird.

    I pouted at him, and we both got a chuckle at that.

    Malcolm and I hung out for a while. Just kind of getting to know each other. He was more lowkey than he ever had been before, but at the same time as we talked, I started seeing that same energy that he had before.

    I guess he just needed a friend.

    I guess we all did.

    --

    So can Hiromie? I asked Hiromis mother who had answered the door.

    The Corpo woman was looking at me like I was some crazy personing up to the door to borrow sugar or something weird.

    I guess I probably shouldnt have opened with Can Hiromie out to y?

    Fuckin brain. Why do you do this to me?

    The woman finally spoke, interrupting my silent meltdown.

    You want to take Hiromi to that club, went to with all of her other Street friends?

    Yeah! Now that the NCPD is back, and its safer We all went through a lot. Hiromi too! So I figured it would be nice to have all of us gather back up again. A reunion, a A chance to be with our chooms.

    The streets are still dangerous.

    Nothing will touch her. I said suddenly. Feeling cold flowing through me. Ill kill anyone stupid enough to think they can even make the attempt. I promised.

    Motoko! Hiromi called out suddenly as she ran past her mom and jumped me in a hug.

    Hiromi! I cheered back as we hugged for a moment.

    Save me! Im bored Moooom. Dont be weird with Motoko, you should have said she was here. Hiromi turned on her mother, scowling.@@novelbin@@

    Motoko was asking if you could leave tonight to go visit that club of yours. The woman interrupted Hiromi. Do you wish to go?

    Wa-! Yes! Please!

    Very well. Motoko, will be your bodyguard for the night. Dont leave her side. I expect that is an eptable requirement Motoko? The woman asked to my surprise.

    Of course.

    Then you may go. The older woman said simply turning around and heading back inside like the matter was finished.

    Does your mom actually like me? I couldnt help but whisper to Hiromi, because it almost felt like that.

    Not sure. I think Mom thinks someone well armed is a good thing for me? I wouldnt I wouldnt say they like you. More like they want to use you. Hiromi muttered a little irritated at the end.

    Eh, whatever! Lets go! I urged her on and Hiromi actually smiled as she grabbed me and pulled me inside. She needed to get ready to head outside.

    As she was in the bathroom doing her hair a bit, although not into her usual mohawk, I remembered I had something!

    Oh Hiromi! I have the BDs from my gigs. Ill leave them here on your desk.

    Wha! She called out as she poked her head through the bathroom bead curtain.

    Stupid bead curtain.

    You got them! I want to see! Right now!

    We dont have time. I told her. It was already gettingte, and we were supposed to meet Ichi and Malcolm soon.

    Uuuugh! She whined but spun back into the bathroom. To finish up.

    It was just lucky her makeup was mostly cyberware neon lights, so I didnt have to wait long as she finished.

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46

    The Quadra purred as I pulled up to the Ho-oh Club.

    I almost preferred Lizzies

    No, I actually dont. I sighed to myself why did my chooms all want to hang out in sleazy clubs and bars?

    Well at least they were BD clubs, and not Clouds.

    As I stepped out Hiromi happily bounced out a moment after as she had been in full energy since we left her apartment. I noticed the damage to the club had been fully repaired, in fact there were now more concrete barricades blocking part of the tunnel entrance to the club.

    I guess Shobo or whatever his name is, had done some work increasing the defenses of the club.

    As we entered, the ce was actually pretty packed. Plenty of Tyger ws hanging around drinking and having a good time, alongside some civvies.

    I guess the gang war ending was spreading around, and now everyone wanted to blow off some steam.

    Is Ichi or Malcolm here yet? I asked Hiromi and she shrugged looking towards our normal table that was upied by some random people.

    Lets check the bar? I asked, and she was already walking that way as I kept up. The bartender nodded to the two of us, ready to take our orders.

    No one cared about serving alcohol to minors in Night City. Especially not a gang hangout like this.

    Hey, were looking for Ichi. Has hee in yet? I asked the bartender but got a shaken head.

    Havent seen him girls. You want something to drink?

    Yeees! Hiromi instantly jumped and started ordering something extremely alcoholic. I just ordered something fizzy.

    Ill text him. I tell her as she is already happily watching her drink be made.

    *At Ho-oh.*

    Then since I didnt get an immediate response I settled into the stool at the bar besides Hiromi who was already happily chattering with a few of the Tyger ws sitting at the bar.

    Hiromi is gonna Hiromi I guess.

    A few minutester I got an update from Ichi.

    *Ichi: Runnin a littlete. Malcolm and I had it out a bit. Be there soon.*

    I blinked.

    Ichi says hell be here soon. I told Hiromi who turned away from the Tyger w guy she was chattering at that was visibly getting irritated at her chatter.

    Preem! Bout time weve been here forever already Toko! Hiromi whined at me, and she purposefully made her voice annoying as she leaned into me.

    And that I guess was just enough. The Tyger w sitting beside Hiromi that she had been annoying for thest few minutes pounded a fist into the table.

    Will you shut the fuck up you punk! Youve been bbering away! Fuckin punk brats thinking they are hard shit ruining my buzz! He snapped, rising up. His buddy on his other side was also standing up.

    Which is when I slipped past Hiromi, stepping in front of her.

    I didnt say anything, just making sure that I was between Hiromi and this gonk.

    Hey fuck off yourself then you gonk! Hiromi instantly replied. I guess her previous scare wasnt affecting her at the moment. Made sense. This was our club too. She had been going here for a while.

    While she and the gonk got into it, I stayed between them. My increased vision took it all in. The two gonks, the Tyger ws in the club all looking quite ready to jump into a fight. I noticed a few of the old timers, the ones that had beening here before the war look over, and look like they were going to get involved, only to sit down as the emotions of the club turned against us.

    This wasnt the same club Hiromi and I were used to. The Tyger ws were more on edge.

    I guess the war hadnt been easy on them.

    It wasnt just Hiromi that was getting looked at angrily. Hiromi wasnt as decked out as she usually was, a lot of her TC gear left at home. She was almost Dressing down from her usual. But I wasnt wearing anything that marked me as Tyger w.

    I didnt even have my Katana on me.

    This could get dicey.

    Diplomacy, or shock and awe? I considered my options. Even as Hiromi kept barking back at the guy, obviously getting pissed at how he was acting like she was an outsider. She was even making fun of the guys dick at this point. Which definitely wasnt going to calm things down.

    This was gonna go bad swiftly. I could see how everyone was reacting. Hiromi was definitely ying with fire.

    But fuck them. Hiromi and I werent TC, but she had done plenty of jobs with Ichi, who was. And I? Well I did fight with the Kamikaze Even if I definitely 100% wasnt one of them! At all!

    The first guy grabbed a beer bottle. But not to take a drink. He grabbed it around the top, ready to smash it into what must be in his eyes, a pair of punks.

    Eh.

    I was no good at diplomacy anyways.

    I waited. Just staring. Ready.

    And the idiot set me up perfectly.

    With one hand still holding the bottle, he reached out and grabbed at the cor of my jacket. Probably trying to throw me to the side so he could smash Hiromi with the bottle.

    I looked at his hand holding me up, practically hauling me off my feet. Then back at him.

    Then my hands moved.

    Street Brawler wasnt something I used much but I had spent a good chunk of time grinding it. Hadnt had much need for it, as getting close was only my goal from stealth.

    But it was very satisfying when I pulled an Alita.

    I had always wanted to do that.

    One of my arms gripped his forearm twisting just so as my fingers dug in, weakening his grip and letting me pull in closer.

    Putting his neck into reach.

    My grip was instant and unrelenting, and then since I now had him by two points it was child''s y to shift him. I might not be very heavy, but my Chrome arms gave me plenty of torque.

    The bar rocked as I went ahead and doinked his head off the bar. Which unfortunately didnt break, the noise echoed through the bar.

    And then Well I guess it was time for a bar fight.

    His buddy swung at me, but I was a master of improvised weapons!

    I stole the beer bottle his buddy had been holding, and ducked his fist. A momentter he had a bottle smash into his face.

    Then with a smile of pure happiness on my face, I simply fell into the rhythm.

    Because more and more Tyger ws wereing at me. The fights were perfectly clear. My emotions, despite raging inside, keptpletely in check with Cold Blood.

    Not that I wasnt utterly enjoying myself. I always wanted to be in a bar fight.

    But I didnt make it unscathed.

    A chair was smashed into me.

    I took a few punches from a martial artist w.

    Some crazy gonk smashed a bottle into my arms which peppered me with little bits of ss.

    But as much as they gave, I returned.

    Chair gonk was smashed in the face with a flying bottle that I stole from Hiromi as she was standing on the bar cursing everyone one out and to my utter delight was double fisting her middle fingers to the entire room.

    Stirring up shit in the middle of an outnumbered bar fight? That was my crazy bitch alright.

    Martial artist fucker knew how to fight, and he was even better than me. His longer arms and legs also helped. But he managed to slip in and started beating on me. Cold Blood fully active was the only reason I wasnt crying out in pain as he managed to m a few good fists into my face.

    But a Martial Artist wasnt always a good Street Brawler. So when I grabbed a stool, I threw off his assault, and then it was my turn.

    I dont want no trouble! I yelled out happily, purposefully ying up the chinese ent, and not sounding at all like that was true. While screaming that out I used the stool to keep catching his fists until I managed to tangle him up just right and smash the t rim into his nose sending him to the ground.

    Bottle guy got his neck grabbed after smashing the bottle on my arms, because he got too close and a flying knee broke his face.

    I felt a grin on my face, as I was getting alerts for not just body, but a full level up from Street Brawler!

    Street Brawler 6! Just for a bar fight? I would have to do this more often!

    But then one of the gonks ruined it.

    He pulled iron.

    The room went still as the bastard drew his pistol with a japanese shout at me.

    Everyone was waiting to see what would happen.

    Everything went still, but I wasnt intimidated. The unkept fucked up rusted piece of shit Lexington wasnt the piece that was going to tline me not today, not ever.

    So I reached up, put a thumb to my nostril and blew out a glob of blood before speaking. Careful. Im armed too. I warned him as I gently opened my jacket with my left hand showing the Burya in its holster. Dont turn this into a gunfight.

    Bitch! You think you cane in here! Fuck with us!? Ill sell you on the street as a whore! Ill turn you into a fuck-

    Enough. The voice cut through despite the man yelling and every Tyger w in the bar stiffened, as Jotaro walked into the bar proper from the back. What exactly is happening here? He demanded looking around, first towards his guy that had his gun out, then towards me.

    Listen it wasnt my fault I was surrounded by groaning Tyger w men, they shouldnt have started it.

    Listen, I don''t want no trouble. I offered despite my own brain telling me to just stay quiet.

    But dammit I never got a chance to make such perfect Jackie Chan references before, so I guess my mouth was going to take its chances. It was also pulling into a smirk at the words. Seeing the gunman lowering his weapon, waiting for Jotaro to say something, I took a few steps back and settled against the bar. Hiromi was looking at me in shock from over the bar.

    She had totally bailed over at the gunman pulling his pistol. Smart girl.

    I threw her a smile and turned back to the boss.

    He looked pissed. I shed him a smile when he turned to look at me.

    What can I say? A fight actually put me in a good mood. At least until the dumbass decided to pull a gun. I was still ready to quickdraw my Burya in an instant if he decided to raise that pistol back up.

    Clean this mess up. All of you. Does this look like a fighting pit? Jotaro demanded and he was definitely pissed, his eyes kept shing to the non Tyger w people that were cowering in the corners trying to avoid getting dragged into a gunfight.

    Ah I guess, he wasnt happy about potentially losing customers over this.

    Only after all the Tyger ws started cleaning things up and returning the club to order did he stalk over towards me.

    And you? Do you think you can walk into my club, and cause such amotion? He said only after fully entering my personal space, his voice a hissed whisper.

    Listen choom. This guy decided to start the fight, Im on the job protecting my client, so this is his fault not mine. I tell him idly poking my boot at the poor gonk whose face now decorated the bar.

    Jotaros eyes narrowed. It is Kusanagi? Is it not? I remember the face. Do you think that what you have done here will go without punishment? Do you think this sort of disrespect will be tolerated? The man was pissed. I could see it in his eyes. The hatred and wrath.

    Disrespect? I questioned coldly, wondering what the hell he was talking about.

    Thats right. My club! This ce is under my control, nothing happens here without my permission. He reaches out and snags my jaw.

    And puts himself at about four seconds away from losing the hand. I was gonna start collecting Tyger w fuckheads hands if this kept up.

    And I didnt give you permission to beat my men, to damage my club. I think this will cost y-

    Motoko! Oh! Shobo-sama! Ichi suddenly called out as he rushed over having probably seen someone looming over me, but not realizing it was his boss. Malcolm just behind him looked confused at the whole situation.

    Funnily enough both boys looked a little ruffled too. Like they had just been in a fight.

    Fucking gonks.

    Hey Ichi. Hey Malcolm. I mumbled out a bit, the gonk still had my chin in his hand.

    Ichinose. Youre choom here, caused amotion in my club. Jotaro said, trying to sound calm and collected, but there was an edge to his voice. This guy was crazy, I realized.

    Ichi hesitated for a moment as Jotaro looked at him, as if he wasnt sure what to say.

    I didnt hesitate.

    Perhaps you should remind your people not to pick fights with teenagers then. It might end up embarrassing for them. I said pointedly. I didnt like the way Jotaro was looking at me and Hiromi.

    It was making my trigger finger itch.

    Motoko! Be polite to Shobo-Sama! You know he is important to the Tyger ws! Even if you are with the Kamikaze you shouldnt pick fights. Ichi suddenly said almost too quickly to be natural.

    That was weird.

    I wasnt a member of Kamikaze I wasnt! But Ichi knew that. I had told him thatst time. And the way he said it, it was like

    Kamikaze? Jotaro asked, and he finally let go of my chin. While I was trying to figure out what was going on, Ichi managed to snatch the initiative.

    Indeed Shobo-Sama. Motoko works with the Kamikaze. I saw her assisting them in an assault just a few nights ago. Her brother Jun is also a member. You may have heard of him. They have started calling him the Oni? Ichi offered loudly, something about the way he was talking

    Stupid name. I muttered, my mouth as always free to do as it liked as I thought.

    But Jotaro must have heard the name, because suddenly he was standing up straight, and acting affable.

    I see, I see! Then this isnt just someone causing trouble, but an honored member of the Kamikaze. I see. I will ensure my men learn not to pick fights with our honored warriors. He said chuckling fakely.

    He wasnt happy though. His eyes never stopped ring at me, even as he started calling out to everyone to clean everything up, in his own words. The show is over! Lets return to celebrating!

    Ichi hovered beside me as I kept my eyes on the man, who was walking around a bit settling things back to normal. Malcolm settled into a stool that he picked up beside the bar, looking to Hiromi who only gave him a shrug.

    Motoko! Ichi whispered into my ear. What are you thinking! Do you want to end up tlined!?

    Ah. I see. Ichi was actually afraid of his boss. He didnt just not want to piss him off for his job or something.

    No, that was real fear. That was why he threw the Kamikaze name around.

    I wasnt in any danger. If it came down to a gunfight, I would be alright. I assured him, but I couldnt help but wonder why he was so afraid. Jotaro was probably one of the least dangerous guys in the club, he didnt have the movement of a fighter. What was the deal there? Your boss seemed pretty Unstable there, and youre scared of him. I asked, whispering quietly.

    Shobo-sama is extremely talented in managing businesses, but he has a dangerous reputation for a reason. Ichi whispered to me.

    I turned to look at Hiromi who was still hanging out on the other side of the bar looking a little spooked at the sudden bar brawl turning almost gun fight. I shed her a smile and a thumbs up, which earned me a whispered Gonk in return.

    But she did crawl back over the bar and settle into a chair next to Ichi Malcolm and I. Malcolm was doing a great job actually. Despite everything settling down his head was looking around the room, and I could see the way his hand kept close to the pistol hidden in his jacket.

    Doesnt strike me as the dangerous type Not exactly a fighter. I mentioned, Jotaro was soft. He didnt have any of the muscles, or movement of a fight. I could tell. Every inch of him was the rich man used to sending others to die.

    Shobo-sama can be plenty dangerous. He is very useful to the Tyger ws. Every business he takes over starts making massive profits He gets away with a lot because of it. Ichi answered before he sighed and took a seat at the bar flicking a finger at the bartender who obviously recognized him.

    The bartender had returned now that everything had calmed down. The moment the fight started, he had rushed for the back.

    Smart guy.

    He dropped off a bottle of beer for Ichi, and then started passing a few more to Hiromi and Malcolm. I refused one that he offered me, and instead just ordered another fizzy drink.

    My first one wasying on the floor.

    Hiromi kind of fussed over me, trying to put a wet cloth up to my nose that had been bleeding a bit, but I was waving her away.

    Id be fine with a shower and a nap.

    But then the four of us all sort of be aware of each other.

    Its been a while since we have all been together. I mentioned, with a chuckle and my deration had the whole group sort of rx.

    Yeah no shit! To the four of us! Hiromi offered, instantly raising up her bottle which the boys hesitated but it was with a resigned air that they brought their bottles up. My can clinked among them.

    Its been a hell of a time for all of us. I started realizing what we all needed. Did you know I got my arms chopped off? It sucked. How about you Hiromi? I immediately pinned the next target for sharing.

    It took her a moment as she was mid swig making her choke a bit as I threw the attention at her.

    Wha-? Motoko!

    Cmon choom. Share! Youll feel better after. Weve all been through some real shit.

    What? Motoko I Nothing happened to me!

    Cmon Hiromi. You told me. How long have we all been friends? I mean. I only remember so much, but we are all chooms.

    You have to be kidding. She hissed at me, her eyes shooting from me to Malcolm and Ichi, who were looking on confused. Im not telling them!

    Why not? Chooms are chooms even through the hard times Hiromi. If they dont respect you No if they make fun of you, or treat you badly, because of something bad that happened, then at least you know they arent your chooms. Better to know, then to find out at a worse time. Cmon everyone This whole thing, the war? Its been rough on all of us.

    I looked to Malcolm, then Ichi.

    When I got chipped with these arms, I went totally crazy. All I wanted to do was kill Maelstrom. I was so angry, and hurt, and all I could think about was taking out that pain on the ones that hurt me but I dont live for them. I live for me. To have good days. To have bad days. But they are mine.

    I opened my mouth, but I didnt have anything else to share. I just I just wanted to share with my friends?

    Fine! Fuckin gonk with your stupid smile! Hiromi almost roared, drawing some attention but we were far enough away from everyone that no one could overhear as she mmed back thest of the beer chugging it down. I ran out one night. My rents been keeping me locked up, but I went out anyways to prove how hard I was I ended up crashing my bike practically pissing my pants, and hiding in the trash I wasnt even the one being shot at. But I realized Im just a poser. Motoko She already told me to just be me. So there. Im not brave enough to run out there when shit gets real.

    She immediately looked like she wanted to take another swig of beer but she was empty. I let everyone process what she said. Then before anyone could say anything, I elbowed Ichi.

    He looked to me.

    Then over my shoulder. To Malcolm.

    I ran trucks. It sucked. People died. I, I caused people to die, because I wasnt fast enough, or smart enough It made me cold. Because if I cared? Then I wouldnt be able to keep doing it. I ended up causing a fight with my best choom because I was Because I was scared and angry, andshing out, and I couldnt be there for him when he needed me. I Im sorry Malcolm. What I said. Really I wish I had been there for you choom.

    Malcolm had an utterly hrious expression on his face as it looked like he was holding back tears.

    I went out with my best choom. We were gonna make eddies, prove our rep. But shit got real. Getting shot at? That ain''t something anyone is ready for. A guy that was guiding us got tlined. Died in my arms. I I tried to get my choom to go to the hospital, to a ripper But he was already dead, and Ichi you were right. He was already dead. I knew that. I just couldnt ept it. I freaked on you when you refused.

    The two chooms were both teary eyed and then suddenly I was pushed aside a bit as two guys hugged it out, back pping each other and hiding tears.

    Adorable.

    Once they were settled I had moved over to let them sit together as they knocked back the beers. I decided to break the tension.@@novelbin@@

    I killed a guy with a knife in my teeth. It was after they cut off my hands. They threw me into this pit and forced me to fight to the death But I did it with a knife in my teeth. It was preem. I told them out of nowhere, earning shocked looks from the group.

    Yeah? Well I ran over this Maelstrom borg with the truck, Malcolm was there.

    Oh yeah! When you did that I was hanging off the back and as we drove by I was flipping the Borg off, and telling him to suck my-

    Thats so not fair All I did was trick that gonk Tomaru into loading up an XBD in the middle of ss. She grumbled, but instantly both of the boys were on her.

    Deets!

    Cmon Hiromi! I want to hear about you burning this corpo gonk!

    Im interested as well. I told her with a smile.

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47

    Hourster I was driving a much drunker Hiromi home.

    A night out had been Nice. We all ended up sharing the stories of what happened to us over the past weeks. We all shared the good and the bad, and in the end?

    We actually felt like Chooms.

    It was really nice.

    Pulling up to Hiromis apartment, it took a bit of cajoling to get the drunk girl out of the car, and eventually I was forced to princess carry her as she kept falling and giggling.

    Did I mention she was drunk?

    It was a little awkward knocking on the door to her apartment, waiting for someone to answer.

    Her mother didnt say a word, just an unhappy re as I carried her almost snoring daughter into the apartment. After a minute of settling her on her bed, making sure she wasying on her side and finding a trash can that would work as a bucket, I hurried out of the dark apartment under the heavy eyes of the corpo woman.

    But I was safe!

    I escaped back out to the city where there weren''t angry corpo mom res.

    Instead there was freedom.

    I mean sure freedom sounded like NCPD sirens, which still hadnt entirely let up. The NCPD were practically leaving the sirens going through the night just to make sure their presence was felt.

    But I shook that feeling away. Time to go home.

    I was humming when I got home. Never Fade Away drifting in the air as I walked into the apartment and threw up a hand to say hello to Jun who was sitting on the couch when he leapt from the couch startling me.

    Motoko! What happened!? Are you okay? Who did this? Ill kill them!

    Wha? I asked before blinking, reaching up to my nose.

    Riiiight.

    Bar fight. I forgot. Sure the pain was there, but it was so little, I wasnt even paying attention to it. Considering how high my Cold Blood skill was, It wasnt even enough I needed to really use the skill to not feel it. And a nights sleep would set me right

    Fuck.

    Uhh. You should see the other guy?

    Much to my shock this did not set my brother at ease.

    Who did this? He demanded in a growl holding onto my shoulders.

    Some gonks at the club. Hiromi annoyed them by talking or something, and they decided to start a fight. Its okay Jun, really. It was kinda fun honestly. Besides. I won. I inform him ending in a bright smile as I manage to shake off his hands a bit so I could flex my arm.

    Not that I had any natural muscle, there, but the image was important.@@novelbin@@

    The club? Ho-oh?

    Yeah. Some TC Gonks.

    They touched you? You!? He growled and I realized Jun was actually getting pretty pissed, like Psycho level angry, not his usual hotheadedness.

    So I reached up and grabbed his face between my hands.

    Hey! Jun. Come on,e back. Everyone is fine. Deep breaths Jun-Nii. Deep breaths. I ordered, and while he instantly looked to fight, I didnt let him.

    Chrome hands were stronk.

    Jun-Nii? You back with me?

    He let out a long breath out of his mouth that came out more of a hiss than anything else.

    I never left! He snapped back, but I could tell he was back. His eyes were seeing me and not anyone else.

    Right! I chirped at him as I let go, getting red at all the while.

    They should not have touched you! Not a Tyger w!

    I kinda beat their ass Jun Plus it was fun.

    Tsk. Ho-oh Club? That means Jotaro Shobo? That is the man in charge there?

    Yeah good memory. Hiromi and I had a bit of a run in with him after the bar fight. He was super mad. Talking about punishment and stuff. Ichi showed up then, and name dropped the Kamikaze Id rather him not spread around that I worked with them, but it made Mr. White suit back off.

    The Devil of Kabuki, said he would punish you? Ill kill him. Jun growled, his fists clenching and unclenching as he must have imagined murdering the Devi-

    Devil of Kabuki? I asked before I felt it.

    Realization.

    Jotaro Shobo. The Devil of Kabuki.

    The Devil of Kabuki. Jotaro Shobo.

    That disgusting Mother Fuck- I cut myself off as my own hands clenched and I had to rely on Cold Blood to keep from punching walls and cursing up a storm.

    I remembered that fucker now!

    I had only done that quest once. But I remember! The Mox had wanted him dead, because he was a monster. That motherfucker kidnapped people only to torture them to make XBDs!

    I made XBDs as well, but I murdered people that deserved it. Not kidnapped people that hadnt done anything. Not people just down on their luck nabbed by assholes like Jotaro Shobo.

    You know of him? Jun suddenly asked, pulling me out of my rapid fire thoughts as I stopped my pacing in the living room.

    Yeah. Ive heard of the Devil of Kabuki before! And the fucked up shit he does. I muttered. All the times I had met Jotaro Shobo sliding into my realization.

    Of course I remembered the Ho-oh club now. I had thought the name was familiar. It was where you go to kill the Devil of Kabuki. A job that Regina? the fixer gives you on behalf of the Mox.

    Jotaro had no problem kidnapping even Moxes to scroll XBDs of.

    Jotaro Shobo?

    Jotaro Shobo was a dead man walking.

    The decision was made. All I had to do was figure out how I wanted to get it done? Loud or quiet?

    No, I took a breath. I would need some advice on this. This would beplicated. Very veryplicated, my connections with the TC was useful at times, and at others it was a noose.

    So I shook the disgust at myself for talking to that man, and not knowing away. I was in the moment.

    Its okay Jun. I told him, Jun having been hovering around as I went off in my own head at the realization of who I had been interacting with.

    Doesnt seem okay. Motoko? Imouto? Jun asked, his face worried and I could see the stiff way he held his hands as if wanting to grab me, but not sure if he should.

    Really Jun-Nii. Im okay. I think Ill probably go talk to Wakako tomorrow about it. Might get some advice. But I guess I just wasnt really ready To actually been hanging around someone like that, and I hadnt even noticed.

    Of course. The truth was worse than that.

    I had forgotten.

    Jotaro Shobo was a monster, but only a side quest. A little gig you could do, that unless you actually paid attention, you wouldnt even need to hear the guys name.

    How many horrible people, monsters, or evil things happened in the game that I wasnt remembering?

    I brushed past Jun and headed into my room. I had taken to mostly sleeping on the couch surrounded by parts and pieces of my tinkering or myptops to grind with, but what I needed now was no distractions.

    I sighed once the door closed behind me. I started stripping weapons settled on a dresser, their holsters ready to be buckled on when I got dressed, as I slipped out of my Leotard, out of my armored clothing that made me feel like a badass, and into somethingfy.

    Then I sat on the bed andid back. What else did I forget? So rather than sleep. Rather than spend a night grinding, I started thinking back to the game. To the anime.

    To everything I hadnt been thinking about as Id been either having too much fun grinding, or too murderous to think about.

    Jotaro was just one mission. Were there any other gigs that I should remember? So I started thinking back.

    The first thing that popped into my head?

    That fucking sick fuck! I gasped remembering the farm. River and his stupid quest. The creepy fuckin cartoon that I swore if I ever had to watch again I was gonna uninstall the damn game.

    The creepy bastard and his farm Fuck. I dont remember the name of the farm. I would have to jump onto the map I had installed, and see if I cant find it. Hopefully it will actually be listed.

    I took a deep breath and let it out.

    Okay. That was one thing that needed to be dealt with, maybe even sooner than Jotaro.

    What else?

    Wait. That Scav Ripper Shit. I cant remember what his name was, but he shouldnt be hard to find. He had an open Ripper shop. Hopefully he is already set up, and Ill go and put an end to his bullshit, anyone willing to pretend to be a doctor only to rip them apart for pieces for scavs deserved a messy death.

    Maybe even get some more Scav den data from it.

    That made me think of Fingers.

    He was disgusting, and I definitely felt like putting a bullet in his head, but he wasnt scaving people. Just being a disgusting molesting fuck.

    But the Joytoys that go to him, do it because he was cheap thanks to what he did

    I would have to talk to Vik. He would know best. Would killing Fingers actually be a good?

    Fuck. This is why I said I wasnt a hero. I dont like these kinds ofplex good and evil choices. I hated Good and Evil alignment choices in games.

    I guess I guess it was good that I didnt have one.

    I couldnt think of anything else directly relevant at the moment. Except for Edgerunners Faraday was on my list too. That four eyed fucker needed to get put in the dirt, but he was dangerous. He had plenty of guards.

    That was enough for now. I had my targets.

    I should sleep. Let the night pass and be ready the next day.

    But that kidnapping fuck was out there. Right now.

    I pulled up my map. Farms in the bands, it took an hour to narrow down my options. Unfortunately it had been way too long since I had actually yed 2077.

    I didnt remember which farm it was and despite most of them closing down, there were still a few of them around the city.

    So I had a list. I would just hit all of them until I found it.

    I should sleep. I could do it. Just a push of a button and I would be out for eight hours.

    But my knee was bouncing. My fingers tapping. Every piece of me wanted to get up and go kill that creepy fuck.

    Fuck it.

    I wasnt some hero, but I wasnt going to let that bastard live for another day if I could help it. Making me watch that creepy cartoon in the game was enough to earn his death certificate, even without the kidnapping and creepy shit he does.

    I got up and started packing my equipment back on. I stepped out as I zipped the leotard back up to see Jun was still up watching TV with a half eaten burrito in his hand.

    I thought you went to bed? He asked, noticing I was arming back up. I even had my Nekomata over my back.

    I was. But something came up. Dont wait up for me. I might note back in before morning. Might take a while to find him. I say as I finish strapping everything on and walk over to Jun to give him a kiss on the cheek. Ill see youter-

    The hand gripping the back of my Jacket kept me from walking.

    Not a chance. Itste, what are you doing?

    Gotta kill a guy. Gonna take a while to hunt him down first. I answered truthfully which unfortunately didnt earn me my release.

    Details. Now. He said standing up to block my way.

    Fine! I got some info on a serial killer. Some crazy fuck that kidnaps kids does weird shit to them. I know Generally where he is. Gonna need to hit a few locations to find him, but Im going to assassinate him, and rescue anyone he has kidnapped.

    Jun blinked at my response. My reveal obviously surprised him as he seemed to mull it over.

    Fine. Iming too.

    I sighed. I really didnt need Jun and his big stompy feet following me around.

    Juuuuun! Whined at him irritated at him trying to interfere in my mur-assasination.

    Its an assassination. One is a job, the other is mental sickness.

    No. Itste, and I know I cant talk you out of leaving. He said standing up and looming over me. Since I know how you are, Iming with. Someone to watch your back.

    Fine. Ill wait for you to get ready. Its gonna be more of a stealth job you know? The guy has like a ton of mines and turrets defending his farmst I heard.

    He looked at me for a moment and then he pped the back of my head!

    If that is the case you definitely need someone there to watch your back. Imouto. You can rely on me. You have other chooms as well. Stop trying to take on everything alone. He added as I gaped at him as he walked off.

    I can handle myself just fine! I called out to him, but he ignored me as he headed into his room to grab his gear.

    I stood there at the door a little huffy rubbing the back of my head. Jerk. Stupidface!

    A few minutester Jun walked out, yawning a bit as he was now kitted up in his Kamikaze gear, facemask included.

    I rolled my eyes and headed down. Jun following after. Jun kept yawning so I actually stopped at a vending machine and bought a couple of drinks stuffing a few into his arms, making sure they were the type he liked before heading to the garage.

    He didnt say anything but he was giving me an amused smirk as he followed after.

    Shut up.

    I didnt say anything. He replied instantly, but he was still smirking.

    Jerk!

    We reached the car, but Jun was walking over towards his Kusanagi. Jun! Cmon. I pointed at my car as I set the cans down on the roof for a moment as I opened the door and started arranging my Nekomata.

    Ill just follow you. He said side eyeing me.

    Not a chance. We are leaving the city. Unless you want to drive your Kusanagi through the bands? I asked, and I saw him wince a little.

    NC streets could be bad enough with potholes, and general debris, but the roads out of the city were Rough.

    The Nomads drove their cars with offroad tires, and alterations for a reason.

    Like my Quadra.

    Cmon.

    Just Drive slowly. He demanded, as he relented and moved to the passenger seat.

    I always drive safely!

    --

    Driving out of the city was easy enough. It wasnt like many people drove out of Night City in the middle of the night.

    If only Jun would stop trying to change the radio.

    Jun if you change my radio to that garbage one more time, Im gonna start driving fast just to end this torture. I told him out of the corner of his eye.

    Jun wasnt a fan of oldies which. Samurai were. Technically.

    I mean they were over fifty years old. Of course kids that grew up in NC thought the music was for old people.

    They just had no taste! The original sounds? Johnny might be a real piece of shit, but he had some monster vocals and Guitar work.

    Ugh. Why do you listen to this scop. Its terrible. He grumbled at me.

    As someone who listens to Us Cracks, you have no right to talk about my music preferences.

    Us Cracks are at least modern.

    I groaned as the argument went around again.

    But I finally had an actual distraction.

    Heads up. I said suddenly turning off the engine. The headlights had already been turned off as we left the city.

    My Kiroshi could see just fine and there wasnt exactly a lot of traffic.

    Jun sat up from where he had been slouching in the seat.

    What is it?

    First of the potential targets. Poppy Farm. Be careful. If this is it, the crazy fucker put up mines.

    You already told me. he said, rolling his eyes. I wont forget a warning aboutndmines Motoko.

    I nodded but I was narrowing my eyes.

    The road went right past the only structure around.

    I frowned as I noticed the fires highlighting the massive graffiti covering the front.

    Wraiths

    Not exactly what I was looking for. This isnt it. I admitted as we cruised down the road without a sound. No mines. No defenses.

    But Wraiths.

    A couple of Wraith vehicles parked around, a barrel on fire lighting up the exterior. A few milling around drinking beers.

    You sure?

    Yeah. Not this farm Still tempted to clear them out though. I admitted. They were obviously winding down, sitting around drinking or sleeping.

    They wouldnt know what hit them.

    Starting a firefight for what? Imouto As I learned. You need to bank the fire of your bloodlust. He said, surprising me.

    The car finally came to a stop, still invisible to the Wraiths in the night but I looked away from the farm to Jun.

    Okay, who told you that? That didnt sound like you at all. I demanded and to my delight he actually looked a little embarrassed.

    Sensei.

    I snorted before chuckling at him, Jun was soon pouting at me.

    Alright. Alright. I guess I guess we can just ignore them. I said, sighing a bit. Fuckin Wraiths.

    I didnt say that. Jun offered after a few moments and I blinked at him, as he smirked at me. I simply wanted to be sure you werent rushing into a fight for nothing. What do you hope to gain?

    Numbers?

    No, I couldn''t exactly tell him that. Plus..

    He was right. Morgan''s Solo Guide. That book I never even finished reading way back when. I had taken some of the words to heart, made my rules, only to forget them when I got kidnapped.

    I wasnt some psycho, killing for fun.

    I was a merc. A Solo. Someone that did what she did for a reason, and what reasons do I have for killing a bunch of Wraiths?

    I know a Nomad. We clear this camp, we can let him know. Probably make some good eddies for the sale of the Wraith cars. That plus we get any weapons, and eddies the Wraith have on them.

    And what is the risk?

    I blinked.

    Risk? From a bunch of sleeping Wraiths in the middle of the night?

    Jun you are vastly overestimating those gonks, or underestimating me. I could probably kill every wraith in that camp without them ever knowing I was there.

    His quirked eyebrow told me he didnt believe me.

    I felt an actual smile stretching my lips.

    I bet youplete control over the radio, I can do it. I offered which surprised him for a moment but then he chuffed out augh.

    If you cant. I control the radio not just on this trip, but from now on.

    I winced. If I messed up and had to listen to the Us Cracks and the Pon Pon Shit or something? I might actually go Cyberpsycho

    But proving I was a badass and winning a bet against Jun? Totally worth the risk.

    Deal. Just stay here. Unless you hear gunshots. Shouldnt take me long. I told him, then I looked forward and blinked as I activated the BD recorder. Might as well get another benefit from this little side quest.

    Then I slipped out of the car and into the darkness of the dusty desert road. Cactus and bushes surrounded me, and I could hear the sound of a radio in the distance. My blood turned to ice as I crept forward.

    My eyes let me see just fine, but it was because of that, that I knew I had to be even better.

    If even one Wraith had good optics and noticed me creeping along?

    Jun would win our bet!

    Plus they would shoot at me. That too I guess.

    But as I moved in closer and closer stalking amongst the bushes and cactus, I knew this would work.

    These guys were even more confident than the Maelstrom had been. After all, The Raffen were the predators of the Bands. As much as the Nomads liked to talk big and tough, the Raffen were feeding on the Nomads, not the other way around.

    So I crept in. My eyes shing in scans looking for any defenses, only to find nothing.

    Not even cameras. Just nothing.

    Just a few Raffen outside, and probably more inside.

    So I crept closer every inch of my body working in tandem to keep me out of sight. To keep me quiet. Until I was in the shadows of the barn.

    I slipped inside.

    No one noticed. No one even heard my footsteps as I slipped around the open barn doors and I was inside. The lights inside were old. Most didnt work.

    A perfect environment for my work.

    I went to the far back of the barn. Just to check for any security.

    Nothing. Just a few of the old barn stables filled with tents, or sleeping bags. This was obviously not the Raffens'' home. Just a ce to spend the night despite the giant painted on Wraiths outside the barn.

    Their vehicles were also inside. I went around to each of them just to make sure they were all empty.

    All but one.

    The poor Raffen sleeping in his back seat didnt notice me as I poked my head over the side door to stare at him for a moment. His door was locked.

    His security wasnt good enough to stop me. I didnt even bother closing the door when I was done just pulling him mostly out of the car so he wouldnt bleed on the interior.

    Then it was time.

    The poor Raffen were split up. Sleeping or hanging around drinking and whiling the night away. It made sense. It was gettingte.

    A nce at my integrated clock in my Kiroshi, something I didnt tend to think about, showed the time.

    2:07AM

    A good time.

    The second guy lost his life to a knife through the throat while he was sleeping in his little sleeping bag.

    The next I killed by cutting through his tent rather than trying to unzip it. He died just as quickly.

    I didnt feel much as I slowly cleaved through the sleeping Raffen.

    They werent even a threat as the sleeping men died one after another.

    Six sleepers in total.

    3000 xp.

    Then I had to deal with the three outside.

    I considered how to do it. They were split apart, but all chatting with each other.

    Difficult.

    I could grab my gun, but that wasnt how I wanted to run this.

    So I turned back inside and searched a few of the corpses for what I wanted.

    I smiled as I found plenty of what I needed.

    Then I stood up from the shadows.

    I loved stealth. I loved sneaking around, but there was something truly freeing about walking openly out of the barn up to the first guy who was sitting down on some old garbage.

    One of his buddies noticed me as I walked up to him and let my knife m into his throat and out.

    My other hand was already moving. The knife I had looted whistled through the air. Hitting

    Mostly where I wanted. It was a little off.

    I really needed to up my Reflexes some more.

    On the other hand, even as one man died, and the other gasped as a de appeared in his chest I was pulling a third de from my waist.

    With a little flourish I lined it up even as the third Raffen tried to react. Tried to rise up and draw her rifle sitting at his side.

    The whistling de put an end to that, as she fell crying out breathlessly. I swiftly threw another de, this one actuallynded where I wanted. Her throat suddenly blocked by a solid piece of metal put an end to her as she writhed on the floor dying.

    I had checked every inch of the inside of the farm, and I hadnt seen any of them wandering around in the night so I was fairly confident I was done.

    My eyes turned gold.

    *Motoko?*

    I reached down and slipped my de into the second Raffens throat, he was bleeding out on the ground a knife in his chest, lung pierced, but I put him out of his misery as I answered Jun.

    *All Clear Jun-nii! Come on over, lets loot up.* I told him before dropping the call. I could hear my Quadras engine start up a few momentster as the car rumbled off the road and towards the farm.

    Perfect.

    Loot. XP. And I could send a message to Scorpion. Maybe the Aldecaldos could use a few more cars? I peeked into the barn noticing there were a few Raffen vehicles now ownerless.

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48

    Damn. Jun whispered behind me as I turned away from the barn to see him already walking amongst the corpses. With a motion he tugged free the knife in the Raffens throat. Bringing it up to his face he looked it over. I remember. When you were practicing that. He said sounding a little off.

    I uh spent some time on it. Its a useful skill. I lied. I really hadnt done much knife throwing since I yed with it so long ago, but the instincts, the experience, the muscle memory was all part of Ninjutsu.

    I could practically feel the de still between my fingers. The motion I had made to throw it. I hadnt even thought about it. Just did what I knew was right.

    Well. You cleared them out alright.

    Go ahead and look around Jun, might find something you want. Im gonna call Scorpion.

    Scorpion? Jun asked but I ignored his question as I turned away from him, took a few steps away and felt my eyes turn gold again.

    I felt my foot tapping away for a while as Scorpion didnt pick up at the first ring, or the second, or the tenth.

    Finally the call connected, and a grumpy voice came over the line.

    *Fuckin hell. What!? Do you have any idea what time it is!* Scorpion cursed and grumbled on the line but I smiled.

    *Hey Scorpion, you still need a car?* I asked ignoring hisints, I was trying to do him a favor after all.

    *What?*

    I rolled my eyes at his question, the man must have been asleep he was really being slow to catch on.

    *Wait Motoko? Why are you calling sote?*

    *Cmon Scorpion keep up. Do you still need a car? Or rather any of the Aldecaldos? I have Six? Raffen Vehicles that are now ownerless. You or your family want them?*

    *What?* I snorted, at least this time it was a what of surprise, and not just pure confusion. I let the call stay silent for a minute.

    *Fuck you hit another Raffen Camp?* He asked blearily, obviously struggling to think.

    *More like a pit stop. I was searching for someone else, and ran into them. So you want the vehicles? Ill give you a good deal for them.*

    *Fuck. Yeah. Hold on. Give me Give me a minute. I need to wake up.* He grumbled a bit and the line went silent, as he must be paying attention to something other than the call.

    While I waited I turned towards the bodies and started looting them. Each of them men of course had a weapon, rifles or shotguns seemed to be the preference.

    I looked through the growing pile of weapons with an interested eye. I certainly didnt need much else, but it was always nice to see if there was something interesting among the chaff. I didnt find anything I wanted to add to my growing armory, but I did find a few pieces of interest. Optics, or little mods that I quickly uninstalled on the weapons and chucked into the Quadras trunk.

    I could have some fun with some of that!

    *Motoko. You there?*

    *Course Scorpion, feel a bit more awake?*

    *Yeah at least Im alive. You said you had six vehicles?*

    I didnt respond right away, instead looking into the barn and taking a picture of the vehicles all parked. Then sent that.

    *Yep.*

    *Holy Preem. Very Preem. Motoko, you know we dont have the cash reserves for all of them, but I, well Im still stuck on my bike, I wouldnt mind an actual roof over my head.*

    *Thats fine, listen if you cane pick them up, we can count it as an IOU. I dont really want to try and hold these until other Raffen decide toe find out where their buddies are, and I dont have the desire to try and sell them to a bunch of gonks. Pay me what you can, and maybe we can barter out some other stuff, but I know you''re reliable so I gave you a call.*

    The line went silent at my offer for a long while. Long enough I started to wonder if I had lost connection.

    *Scorpion?*

    *Yeah. Yeah Im here. Fuck Choom. I dont know what to say.*

    *Say youlle take these off my hands and pay me what you canter.* I told him with augh which I got an almost strangled sound in turn.

    *Alright. Ill get the Aldecaldos together. Welle take them off your hands, wont be difficult to get them repainted and keyed to us. Listen. Kid, I still owe you one. A big one, and this Ill pay you back somehow. I promise.*

    *Dont stress so much Choom. Getting these out of the hands of Raffen is already a lot. Listen I gotta run. Ill send you the coordinates, but Im in the middle of something. Dont have time to hang around.*

    *Yeah of course. Ill Ill keep in touch. Dont hesitate toe by if you ever need something.*

    Motoko. Are we going to be waiting around all night? Jun asked, interrupting, and I threw him a one moment gesture at him.

    *I gotta run. Stay safe Scorpion.*

    *You too kid.*

    I nodded, as I finally disconnected.

    Okay. Ready to go? Loot anything good? I asked him but Jun just shook his head.

    I just klepped some Eddie shards. They didnt have anything I wanted.

    Preem! Follow me then I want to find that serial killer fuck before he can target anyone else.

    I jogged over to the car pointedly ignoring Juns eyebrow as he looked around at the dead bodies around him.

    --

    We drove to another farm nearby only for another miss.

    While I drove I was looking over my stat screen. Since there was no traffic out in the bands it was easy enough to split my attention.

    4500 XP from the Raffen. None of them were big guys, so I only got 500xp a head.

    Still that leveled me up again.

    *Level up achieved!*

    *One Stat Point Gained.*

    *One Skill Point Gained.*

    Level 9.

    Of course as much as I wanted to start spamming stats again. I knew the rule. So the stat point was immediately dropped into adaptation for my arms. I twitched a little as the point went through. A coolness in my chest that I realized had actually been impacting my breathing as I tried to naturally shy away from the cold, eased. I inhaled, and exhaled. Feeling.

    Better.

    One more step.

    But what was I gonna do with all these skill points? I had four of them saved at this point, and that was a lot.

    But I didnt really need to spend it on anything. Most of my skills were getting close to the stat cap, or they were something I would grind once I had some better tools.

    Looking at you Quickhack. One of these days I was gonna get an upgrade to my Netdeck and get some actual toys.

    In the end I just pushed it away. I would think about it when I wasnt mid hunt for a serial killer.

    Okay we areing up on the next potential ce. Keep your eyes open. I told Jun, who had been yawning for a while.

    Poor Jun was sleepy.

    We wereing close to three in the morning after all.

    Lights off I turned off my engine as we started coasting down the empty road.

    I had been forced to head back into the city and go out a different exit just to get to this point. Edgewood Farm.

    The name was sort of foggy-familiar. So I was really hoping this was it. As we approached I noticed therge gate surrounding the area, and while that didnt ring any bells in my head, as we coasted past the entrance. I saw it.

    Mines.

    Jun.

    I saw it. This the ce?

    Yeah. I muttered as I let the car keep drifting down the way a bit farther from the farm house and barn so that when I braked it was as quiet as could be.

    Alright we gotta be careful.

    No kidding. How are you going to get around the mines?

    Slowly. I told him with augh. We both stepped out of the car and headed towards the gate. I crept up to the edge of the locked gate waving Jun back as I started scanning.

    First I needed to turn off those cameras. A security camera was over the entrance to the farm house. I started breaching in through the Quickhack, but noticed the problem pretty quickly. This psycho was arunner. Or at least good enough that his defenses werent easy to break through.

    I pulled back. I wasnt breaking into the cameras defenses without setting off an alert, and that was something I didnt want to happen.

    Motoko? Jun whispered and I shook my head. Defenses on his stuff is tight. Give me a minute. I told him as I thought. I could try to get around to the camera to breach it directly, I could try to sneak into the little house, but no telling what he had set up there

    And I would be in direct view of the camera.

    So what can I do?

    Wait.

    I dont need to do this silent. He was one guy in the middle of nowhere

    I just needed to draw him out.

    Jun Im going to draw him out and then just headshot this fucker. Once he is down, we can get through his defenses at our own pace.

    Okay. Im with you. He said and I threw him a thumbs up as I hurried back to the car. I had left my Nekomata inside. Quickly pulling her free I rushed back to the entrance.

    I might not be able to break into the camera, but I could get a mine to go off.

    Once I settled back in I grabbed a rock, and with a smirk hucked it over the wall right towards a Mine I had already spotted.

    The explosion was deafening in the silent night.

    A momentter two turrets popped out of the ground near the barn. I wanted to whistle but kept silent as they started searching around. Automatic lights also activated lighting up the farm.

    But then silence. I could feel Jun getting jittery behind me as I just waited for it. I was backed up just enough that the camera couldnt spot me, or the barrel of the Nekomata as I kept it pointed at the front door of the little farmhouse.

    He had to be here. It was so early in the morning.

    Then a few minutester the door opened.

    Well I didnt remember the guy from the game, but he was in the right ce at the right time.

    He stepped out onto the porch. Looking around grumpily. He was looking towards the smoking hole where the mine used to be when I took the shot.

    The sharp retort of my rail gun broke the night, and the mans body flopped.

    I hope youre right. Jun said from behind me.

    But I already knew I was.

    *750 XP Gained.*

    The only time I gained 750 was for people that werent borged out, but were still dangerous in some way. Netrunner, bosses of men.

    And now Serial Killers.

    I stepped out and took aim. The HMG turrets each took two shots as they buzzed around trying to locate what was shooting at them before they came apart.

    Alright stay close Jun. Im gonna hack these mines as we go.@@novelbin@@

    I opened the gate by pulling it open With Juns stupid gori strength helping out, and then the minefield. My eyes shifted as I scanned the first mine. Working on its ICE to try and break through.

    I didnt in fact break through.

    I was ring a few minutester when I realized that military ICE designed fornd mines probably wasnt off the shelf ICE.

    Motoko?

    Just Just stand back. I grumbled pulling out the Lexington in my back holster. While I couldnt break through the ICE, I wasnt worried about someoneing out to check any more. I started firing, blowing a path through the mines.

    Thankfully the entrance of the barn didnt have any mines right out front even if it was locked down. There just weren''t any ways to actually get in. Wait here. I told Jun as I turned around and headed for the farmhouse.

    He definitely had a way in from inside. I passed the dead body without a nce. I started searching, nothing on the first floor, just old trash and a living room. Upstairs though? A bedroom, with a bigputer system. I essed it without any trouble. The security ignored. The system was already unlocked and opened from being in use.

    But there wasnt an ess point. Just lots of emails, both to his victims and a saved folder full of saved pictures from the news and other media about the Meat Man.

    Fuckin sick. I guess this guy had a nickname to the media.

    So I stopped looking through his personalputer. There had to be something more. With a bit of exploration I found a switch behind theputer desk.

    As I pressed it, A hidden door opened. Leading to another little secure room. Including the barn ess controls. A few momentster I could hear the doors rolling up outside, and I wasnt going to stick around inside.

    I rushed out, Jun nowhere to be seen as I rushed to the barn keeping an eye out for mines.

    There was Jun, inside standing next to a

    Well it was a person with that creepy gas mask on. Only this mask wasnt to keep the gas out. It was meant to pump oxygen and other chemicals to cows. Only now it was worn by some teens and it wasnt oxygen they were inhaling.

    I took a few moments checking the system before I realized I would need to shut down the entire system from the source in order to unhook the two people inside.

    Stay with them, be ready to pull that tube off when I tell you! I called out to Jun as I rushed towards the back finding the control room, idly putting a fist into the TV that had that fucking cartoon ying.

    It only took a moment to find the right switch and the whirr and noise of the air system suddenly quieted. Do it now!

    Rushing back out onto the main barn Jun was pulling the mask off one of the people. I hit the other. A few seconds and I had the boy inside free.

    He didnt make a sound as I pulled the mask from his face, checking his pulse

    Slowly I felt it. A weak beating.

    That one alive?

    Yeah.

    Okay Im going to call NCPD. I told him, earning a hesitating nod from Jun.

    I dialed the number and a few moments I was put to a recorded message, and not even a person.

    That was so NCPD I couldnt believe it.

    I went through the menu needing to select three options and pay a 10 eddie bill, before the line connected.

    NCPD what is your emergency?

    I have two young men that have been kidnapped and pumped full of some kind of drug by a psycho. This guys definitely a serial killer. These two are alive, but I doubt they are his only victims.

    Estimated wait time for a patrol vehicle is Fourty-five minutes to your current location. Thank yo-

    Hold on! These kids might be dead in fourty-five minutes! Look at this! I backed up and took a picture before sending it down the line.

    Miss, we don''t ept pictures. Nor will NCPD alter our deployment speed. Another 10 Eddies will be deducted from your ount for the lengthened call. Thank you fo-

    This is the Meat Man. The Serial killer. Dont sit there and tell me no one is interested in that!

    The line was quiet for a moment. Please hold.

    I blinked.

    Well that was easy.

    A minute or soter the call was answered.

    This is Detective Stints. If this is a game, Ill bash your skull in.

    That was Certainly an introduction.

    Its not. I have two people that were kidnapped and drugged, and a dead psycho serial killer that is probably your Meat man. At the least he had practically every news article mentioning him saved to his personalputer. I just need an ambnce toe get these people before they die.

    You tried to send a picture. Send it to me now.

    I didnt just send that. I sent that picture another about the location including the mines and the dead body.

    The line was quiet for a few minutes.

    Ill be on my way. A patrol car will be there soon. Stick around. Ill have questions.

    Sure. Just make sure they know about the mines. Ill clear up as many of them I can. But this guy was crazy.

    Ill make sure the patrol car knows.

    The line ended.

    Chatty guy isnt he? I muttered but at least I got something.

    NCPD is actually showing up? I didnt expect that. Jun muttered as he caught up with me.

    Yeah You ever heard of the Meat Man?

    Jun blinked and then frowned. Yeah, a little. Urban myth?

    I think this guy was him, at least he seemed very interested in what the news said about him.

    Im d you put a bullet in him. Jun said simply with a nod and to my surprise he reached out and squeezed my shoulder. You did good. But we should probably get out of here before the cops show up.

    You can if you want. But Im staying. To make sure.

    Jun let out a sigh and nodded settling in to wait.

    The next twenty minutes were mostly spent doing three things. Checking on the two people that still hadnt woken up but at least were still breathing. Long silences.

    And explosions.

    I was trying to disable the damn Mines, by breaching them and wasnt getting too far. They actually kept exploding on me, but at least as I tried I was getting rid of them, and of course I was getting the wrong XP alerts.

    *100 Engineering XP Gained.*

    I was doing the Quick Hack Breach, but getting Engineering XP.

    Dammit system! I need a manual! Where is my Prima Official Guide!?

    I shook it off and kept working, at least I was getting something, and Engineering was awesome. Then we heard it. The roar of a caring down the road. Jun Ill g them down.

    No. Jun said suddenly grabbing me and holding me back. Just let them work at their own pace. NCPD dont like people walking up to them. He told me holding me back as he rested against the Barn wall.

    Fine. I agreed it made sense

    I guess.

    The gate was already open and the shing lights of the car suddenly turned in, but stopped beforeing close. Two officers stepped out both waving shlights, one with a pistol in his off hand, and the other carrying a Copperhead. The assault rifle had a powerful shlight on the end and he was waving it around, but kept an eye on Jun and I.

    Both men were like startled cats, looking at every step.

    I guess the warning about mines had gone through That and the many craters that now littered the yard.

    Finally both officers got close enough and lit Jun and I up, despite both of us being under a light.

    No sudden moves. Put your hands up! One roared and I felt Jun obey begrudgingly, and I quickly followed after. The two officers approached and actually forcefully put us both on our knees and started handcuffing us both.

    I could feel Jun muscles tense beside me, but I just turned and gave him a smile which had him rx.

    Evening Officers. I mentioned despite grunting around the harsh hands handcuffing my hands behind my back. The two-

    Quiet! The guy handcuffing me snapped, and I was thankful that he didnt actually strike me like he motioned too.

    Not because I was worried about him hurting me. Funnily enough I actually knew ways to break free of Handcuffs. Ninjutsu as always being the MVP.

    No, I was worried Jun would have ripped the cuffs off and started beating the cops to death.

    A few momentster we were both secured by the officers and the one with the handgun went into the barn to look around.

    He came out a minuteter cursing and the two officers pulled away to speak in rushed whispers to each other.

    Although at least in the end the grabbed their radio and started sending messages along.

    Told you we should have left. Jun whispered side eyeing me.

    Its fine. Just a Okay they are idiots, but hopefully this will all go well once the detective gets here. I said, voice filled with hope.

    Things did not in fact get better when Stints did show up.

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49

    It had been almost an hour and a lot had happened. Three more patrol cars had arrived, an EMT ambnce. The guys inside were wearing that high visibility Jacket like Gloria and David.

    It was kinda cool to see, but I was getting annoyed. The cops hadnt uncuffed us yet, but they had put all of our weapons to the side, but had left them together. No signs at least I was going to lose my iron.

    Finally Detective Stints arrived, conversing with the other officers, and doing general police stuff but ignoring us.

    Jerk.

    I mean my wrists couldnt get sore anymore, but this was still not the mostfortable position. Plus I was bored. So bored. Omega bored.

    Jun had literally fallen asleep.

    Hours passed. The sun was rising up before Stints finally seemed to wrap up the hurried exploration of the farm house the NCPD were doing.

    I was so ready to break out and leave by then. Hours of just sitting there!

    But finally Detective Stints walked over to me.

    I dont suppose you can uncuff me now? Its been an hour. I said before he could say anything but the man just chuckled.

    Maybe I shouldnt? Hauling the Oni of Japantown in would be a good deed. Plus Motoko Kusanagi. Mostly on record for petty theft, a bit of Breaking and Entering. Grand Theft Auto

    Wait, I stole a car? Thats pretty nova! I muttered thest bit to myself. Old Motoko had definitely been a hellion.

    But Ill give it to you. Everything weve pulled out of here confirms this was the Meat Man. Even found DNA from some of his confirmed victims. So congrattions kid. You killed a confirmed bounty target.

    Ive actually killed a couple of those before. This is just the first one Ive ever actually called the NCPD with Well, other than the scavs. I muttered but while that earned an eyebrow Stints didnt say anything more about it instead moving on.

    Go ahead and uncuff them.@@novelbin@@

    Sir?

    They may be lowlives, but they took out the real scum today. Stints offered and I was frowning a bit.

    I wasnt a lowlife! Just because I killed and stole for a living

    I guess that''s fair. Still a jerk thing to say!

    A few momentster after Jun was startled awake we were uncuffed, although all the officers still looked twitchy as Jun and I recovered our weapons.

    Kid. Stints called out as I finished sliding my Burya back into the holster.

    Yeah?

    You did okay tonight. Not the best way to go about it, but at least this piece of shit is off the streets. Think about where you want to be in the future. NCPD could use someone with the skill to find the Meat Man.

    I opened my mouth, closed it and then decided to say it anyway.

    Thanks but no thanks. I dont think Ill ever be on the side of thew.

    Figured. But I tried anyway. Go on. You and your brother get lost. Oh and kid? His eyes turned gold, and to my surprise I got a text from the NCPD confirming a Bounty assignment.

    A couple thousand eddies were avable to be imed.

    Good work.

    --

    Jun slept most of the way home. The sun was fully up when we got there and Jun crawled into his bed like a zombie only seconds after entering the apartment.

    I, on the other hand, had a date.

    Once Jun was tucked in, I headed back out. Stopping only to fill up the tank of my car which as always was a monstrouslyrge amount of eddies. I drove over to pick up HIromi.

    I was just on time, as I was pulling into Hiromis garage, I got a text from her.

    *Hiromi: You didnt forget right? Motoko? Choom?*

    I chuckled as I drove around the garage until I came to where Hiromi parked her bike. Finding her already waiting down there sitting on it and looking nervous.

    Her face changing to a happy smile was all I needed as I parked in front of her popping the passenger door. You called for a ride?

    Yeeees! Hiromi cheered as she leapt into my passenger seat with augh. She settled in, but I was frowning at her after a moment.

    Seatbelt. I reminded her, earning a roll of her eyes but she did realize I was being serious and put it on.

    Okay seriously Motoko. That BD was absolutely Preem! The first three were okay, interesting I guess. I mean it was weird doing things, but knowing you were the one that did them you know? But the Maelstrom BD? Eeee I was so excited! You were so in control! Motoko! You''re so cool! She said, winking at me as she said Cool.

    I puffed my cheeks at her because I knew she was only saying that to tease me.

    Im d you liked it. I did some workst night, but hopefully I can get another Gig soon and get some more.

    Oooh Yeah, definitely pass them my way. Then to my surprise Hironi settled back into the Quadras seat and went quiet for a bit. You really are fearless. She offered quietly. I noticed she was also doing everything but looking at me.

    You dont You dont need topare yourself to me, Hiromi. Im scared a lot too. Didnt I tell you? After that first gig with Ichi after I killed those Tino thugs, I hid in the apartment. Jun had to force me outside with a ramen bribe. I was scared of going outside again.

    You got over it. You go out and do amazing gigs and-

    And you are super smart, You make friends everywhere you go, and you go to Arasaka Academy, so youll be some super important Corpo Executive someday. Ill be doing gigs for you soon, so Hiromi just Be happy? Okay? If you arent Ill do whatever it takes to make sure you get to be happy. Just

    You are such a gonk. She whisperedughing a bit and I smiled as her smile was back. Fine. Ill be happy if that is what you want. She said,ughing at me, but I was just d she was back to normal.

    Sad Hiromi is a no-no.

    Aww. This sucks. Hiromi said instantly doing a 360 on her previous mood.

    Mood Whish her name is Hiromi.

    I was pulling into the front of Arasaka tower and Hiromi was ring at the stand of people gathering up and heading inside.

    Whats wrong?

    Nothing. I just dont want to deal with Tomaru. She sighed as I pulled into a space in front of the building. There were actually a lot of vehicles stopping and going along the bit of circr road. Although rarely did I see parents, usually, it looked like Taxi services, or personal drivers, dropping off the kids. My vehicle actually stood out quite a lot from the array of high end expensive executive cars.

    Not that I cared.

    Will you be okay? I asked as Hiromi was pouting but she looked at me andughed.

    Tomaru is a gonk, but I can handle him. No worries. Then as I was parked she turned in her seat and threw a hug around my shoulders. Thanks for the ride Motoko. See youter this afternoon?

    Yep. Gotta pick you up after all. I agreed and she was smiling as she nodded, stepping out of the car and sending me a wave as she walked backwards.

    Then as Hiromi started walking amongst the array of students I saw it.

    A yellow beat up Thorton.. Galena? I think the name was. The exact kind of car you would never see someone drive to Arasaka Tower.

    But there it was. And I knew who was in it. I remained parked for a minute as I watched it pull up as David Martinez stepped out.

    He was About the same as he looked in the anime. Same hair. Same uniform. No Jacket of course.

    -Love you Mijo! Gloria Martinez called out from the drivers seat waving at her son like it was his first day of school. Which I could see was causing David to start growing red in a blush, and worse causing the other students to re at him.

    But there they were.

    A part of me. The one that loved anime and wanted to dress up as my favorite characters

    Okay arge part of me

    Okay like 99% of me.

    Wanted to rush out and introduce myself. To be friends with David, and meet Gloria.

    But another part of me made me realize that I had my own life to live. My own family, and chooms.

    I might just try to help both of them out, because I did feel for Gloria. Working so hard to make a future for her son. But there was no point in getting involved right now. I already had an idea of when I would be needed.

    So I pulled out after checking my mirrors and drove out into the city towards home.

    I had a chunk of time before Hiromi was out of school after all, and I really needed to have a conversation with someone that I Well trust was stretching it.

    --

    Wakakos Pachinko parlor was the same as always. I still had no idea why she chose such a chaotic ce for her office.

    But I walked right in, and as usual Wakako was waiting for me.

    Girl. Sit. She demanded which I did, almost rolling my eyes as the older woman took control of the situation instantly.

    Im not here for a gig Well I mean I might ept one if you have it, but Wakako. I need some advice, from someone that I can Trust. I admitted which only earned a quirked eyebrow from the Dragon Lady.

    I rolled my eyes at her dramatics. I know trust is probably a stupid word. But you have a use for me. So at least I know you wont just burn me without a good reason.

    urate, enough. I do not offer such things for free.

    Well maybe you will when you hear what is happening. Im nning on killing Jotaro Shobo. I said and that caused a reaction as Wakakos eyes widened just a bit before smoothing out.

    That Is a dangerous statement.

    Yeah hence why Im chatting with you and not just ganking him without anyone knowing Im not a Tyger w, but Jun is, my family was. Killing one of their golden boys wont go over well. What can I do to make sure this doesnt blow up in my face?

    The woman took a moment to grab a cigarette and light it, taking a long drag before speaking again.

    You need this man dead. Why?

    A couple reasons. I admitted. He threatened me. Before I even realized who he was, or what lows he would stoop too. He might have backed up because of my Kamikaze connections Although Im still not a member, people need to stop saying that.

    Of course. Wakako offered waving her hand to keep me going, but her voice was full sarcasm.

    But honestly I dont like the fact he kidnaps people. Tortures them for BDs and his own sick pleasure. So Im going to kill him.

    There are many people doing such dirty jobs. He is not alone, most dont have the connections that scum has. So why choose him?

    Because Ive had conversations with him in the past, and never even realized what he was. It Pisses me off. I admit truthfully hands clenching. Hes a monster Wakako, and at one point he said he was interested in me, wanted me to work for him. The very idea disgusts me.

    Troublesome. Certainly troublesome. I would suggest as someone who has a small desire to keep you alive for my benefit, that you ignore this. Let it go.

    I knew you would say that. But

    But you will not listen, yes. In that case I would suggest you never speak of this conversation with me again, forget it ever happened, for I will. And perhaps find another Fixer who already has a gig to assassinate a certain Tyger w. Wakako tells me taking a drag and giving me a strong look.

    Can I even do that I wouldnt want to offend you Wakako. Youre my Fixer Im supposed to keep some loyalty to you Right?

    She looks at me and just scoffs. Says the girl that has joined her brother on gigs left right and center.

    Jun needed me to watch his back

    Girl your brother has quite the rep all on his own. But still We have no contract saying you only work for me, even if I would prefer to keep it that way. If you must do this, have a fixer ready to protect you from the bacsh. Let them take the me while you disappear like smoke.

    I nodded slowly. Do you happen to know?

    Now you ask me to tell you what Fixer you should go to while betraying me? Truly child you offend me at every turn. She said but the fact she was actually chuckled meant she was just messing with me.

    Right? Please be right.

    There is a Fixer in Watson. Jones. Find a way to get in contact with her, and perhaps you can find an ally in this foolishness. We never spoke of this.

    Thank you Wakako. I owe you one.

    Far more than one. She whispered in her grandma-catty way.

    Okay so all I had to do was somehow get in contact with Regina Jones.

    Great.

    ---

    It turns out getting in touch with a Fixer wasnt as easy as I expected. I mean, its not like I knew where Reginas HQ was. Or even if I did, how I would get in touch with her.

    I couldnt just walk into the Afterlife and get in contact either. I wasnt famous enough for that, the bouncer would never let me in. Plus the Afterlife was Rogues HQ. Doubt she would even let Regina in.

    So for now. For just a bit while I figured this out. The hunt for Jotaro Shobos life was on the backburner.

    But his day woulde. Instead what I needed was

    Well contacts. People. Friends!

    And I had just the group that owed me a favor.

    *Hey Scorpion, hows things? You have any issue picking up the vehicles?* I sent out a text as I walked back to the car. The sounds of Jig-Jig street all around me. The joytoys were working, and the johns were active around the area, despite it being early afternoon.

    Night City was certainly special.

    Suddenly I got a call. Scorpion was reaching out.

    *Hey Scorpion!* I chirped into the line, which made the dichotomy even funnier as the guy sounded utterly dead.

    *Hey Kid, no issues, we got to the site and klepped everything in the middle of the night. Saul thought it might be a trap at first, so it took even longer than it should have, but we got everything moved to the camp. Already have most of the cars repainted. We uh Owe you. Big time.*

    *Nah, you did me a favor. I had no idea what to do with all that crap. Im at least d to get it out of the Raffens hands.* I told him as I walked down the street, I thought about going home, but since I was out and about, I stepped across the street and down the steps into Cherry Blossom Market.

    Ramen sounded good.

    *Yeah well thats not how Saul is seeing it. Listen Motoko You saved my ass before, and we didnt do what we should have. I mean, I havent even kept in touch. Why dont youe out to the camp. We are having a barbeque, and Saul wants to meet you. Gotta discuss your pay.* Scorpion said although he ended by breaking out into a jaw popping yawn.

    Poor guy. He must be exhausted what with being woken up in the middle of the night, forced into a long distance drive to the Raffen camp, looting it up and then driving home.

    I was just lucky that I didnt really get sleepy like that anymore.

    *Barbeque?* I ended up asking, because that sounded fucking amazing. Even if I was settling into the noodle bar and ordering lunch.

    *Well its not real meat, but trust me, we know how to make the taste authentic. Kid Motoko You shoulde. We owe you big, let us at least give back a little, you are making Saul freak out about owing so much to some merc hes never met. Come on by, let us throw you a party. Hell, you might get some job offers, we dont usually hire kids for gigs, but you have a bit of a reputation among the Aldecaldos now.*

    *Well I am always looking for more work I cant make it tonight. I have to help out a choom in a few hours and then I dont think Ill even have time to reach your camp before nightfall.*

    *Yeah we are pretty out here.*

    *So let me know another day? You kinda had me at barbeque.* I admitted with a smile as I waved down the waiter for a bowl of Ramen. Food in Night City was kindacking.

    *Tomorrow then. Ill let Saul know. Motoko. Forst night. Thanks, Ill make sure we pay you back for all of it. Youve made a lot of friends with the Aldecaldos over this.*

    *It was nothing Really. But I guess Ill see you tomorrow.*

    *Ill send the camp''s coordinates. Cya then kid.*

    *Im not a-*

    He hung up. I grumbled, but I was smiling a bit too. I guess Ill have to tell Jun not to wait up for me tomorrow.

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50

    I wasted some time at the Ramen bar eating and watching the news on the TV there, but eventually I paid and slipped out, heading home, actually walking back to the apartment just to enjoy being able to go outside again.

    Jeez it made me remember just how long it had been since I was able to just go on the street for a walk.

    Since the kidnapping.

    As I walked through the horde of people walking through the market I felt paranoia slowly amping up. It wasnt like I was far from where it had happened. The crowd was thick. I would have trouble escaping if someone attacked me. I had my Burya, but what if I didnt bring enough ammo? What if I didnt have enough Max-Docs?

    What if?

    But no.

    I wasnt going to live like that. Morgan ckhand had mentioned paranoia was a good thing for a solo. There was literally a segment in his guide about constantly moving, sleeping in different locations, and never falling into habits that someone could use against you.

    Good advice, but also a good way to spend your entire life living in utter fear. Or sleeping in cardboard boxes in alleys just to throw people off your trail.

    No thanks.

    I let a drop of cold blood wash away the paranoia. I was in control of myself, and I wasnt about to let my fear control my life like that. I would just have to get so amazing in everything that I could build a doom fortress or something.

    Seriously Morgan, your advice is good, but also kind spastic.

    So instead I pushed my shoulders back, my head up and started stalking. I wasnt tall enough to cause the crowd to break around me, and while I was armed, so was everyone else, but it made me feel better. Made me confident as I walked home.

    No Maelstrom jumped out of the shadows to attack me, no one even noticed me.

    It made me scoff at my own paranoia.

    I made it home without anything happening. A reminder that in the grand scheme of things I wasnt some super important character.

    I was just Motoko, and I wasnt that important. Yet.

    I raced up the stairs of the apartment enjoying how easy it was to run up the four flights of stairs. As I slipped into the apartment I could hear the quiet snoring of Jun stilling from his room.

    Silly Jun. But I guess I had literally kept him up all night on my hunt for that killer.

    I made sure to keep quiet as I settled in. I had a few hours until Hiromi was free from school, so I set an rm in my hud and grabbed my ICEptop.

    Lets do some casual grinding while I wait.

    --

    I was waiting in front of the Arasaka building when Hiromi came out. Sure I had gotten some weird looks, and Arasaka security looked like they were keeping a close eye on my all ck ride, but I didnt care.

    I wasnt doing anything nefarious.

    Finally the crowd of teenagers headed out, almost all of them heading to private vehicles, a few of the truly rich didnt even leave the front of the building instead getting into AVs and disappearing into the sky of Night City. A ce only the ultra rich and powerful were wee to.

    Hiromi though stalked out of the building practically stomping on her way out. Her direct path towards my car was interesting as some people had to literally get out of the way as she stomped up to the car and flopped in.

    I hate morons. She said practically growling as I nodded along with her. Hiromi was super mad, I wasnt about to start poking her until she was ready. I pulled out into traffic and started heading for her home. A minuteter she finally spoke.

    That fuckin gonk Tomaru. He pulled some shit, tried his stupid power y shit again. Fucker. Hiromi ranted ring out the window as I just nodded along.

    Want me to kill him?

    The silence in the car stretched on for a moment before Hiromi chuckled. No. It would certainly make my life easier. She admitted actually breaking through her anger and chuckling a bit. Sorry, I should have said thanks for picking me up Choom.

    Its fine. School is the worst! I offered earning a snort from Hiromi.

    Motoko you literally never went to school. I bet everything you know about schooles from some cartoon or something. Hiromi teased, and the fact I couldnt just argue against that, my amnesia and past life made anything I could saye out wrong.

    So I just flushed and tried to ignore the way Hiromis smile was turning shark like.

    When we stop at your ce, how about I work on your bike? I can probably fix it up tonight. I interrupted whatever teasing Hiromi was about to do, trying to avoid my chooms assault.

    Fiiiine. Ill let you change the subject. That would be great, do you like, need anything?

    Nah. I have my toolbox in the trunk, should be everything I need. Hang out with me while I do it?

    Definitely!

    --

    Hiromis Kusanagi was in rough shape. She hadnt damaged the frame or anything, Kusanagi, even the stupid Mizuchi with all the modifications going into it, that she owned. Most of it was just panel damage, although one of the maic brake calipers on the front wheel was bent a bit. I ended up needing to disassemble the front brake array, and with a bit of work with my auto fab and a bit of time I had a new brake caliper re-attached and the front wheel spinning as it should instead of grinding and stuck.

    Youre way better at this than I thought. Hiromi muttered beside me. We had been out here for a few hours and Hiromi had gone from standing around, to sitting tozilyying against her bike after I had put it on its side to fix the brakes.

    Ive been practicing with tinkering and stuff! Did I show you my gadget? I asked perking up a bit when Hiromi shook her head. Despite my hands full with one of her side panels actively undenting the piece of metal, I reached into my hip pouch and pulled out my distance mic.

    What is it? Hiromi asked curiously as I passed it over, she figured out the earpiece quickly enough but I had to reach over and tug on the actual microphone before she realized the wires were set into a little assembly.

    I tugged it out and let it go watching as it was pulled back inside. A moment of fiddling and she had it extended out. The microphone I had to instruct her to tie around her finger with the little strap on the end.

    Point it at me. I said as my hands continued on their task of fixing the dented te. Only once she did so did I start humming quietly, purposefully keeping the tone low.

    Oh! Its a directional mic! Hiromi chirped, figuring it out. After all, for her this wasnt some weird tech that is rarely used, its tuesday, its normal. Ive seen plenty of TV shows, and even cartoons mention gadgets like this all the time. Hiromi had grown up in a world where technology was easily essible, and practically skewed towards corporate espionage.

    Yeah. I ran into a problem at one of my gigs, the Maelstrom were having a conversation and I couldnt hear what they were saying. That right there is step one on fixing the problem. I uh Still need to go into some programming for it. I want it to be able to focus on a conversation and ignore music or something.

    Hmm. Arasaka has a Cyberware that does that. Hiromi said tapping at her lips.

    I suppose I could find a piece and see what the programming is like, but I kinda want to do this all on my own. To see just what I can do You know?

    Hiromi just gave me a smile as I admitted this was more of a challenge to myself than something I needed right then. Im sure itll be great Motoko. Its way more than I could make already. Youre making me look bad over here. She told me poking me with her shoe as she teased me.

    Eh. Its just time and work. You have school, and rents, and stuff to deal with.

    Yeah cause you dont have Gigs, Jun, and all sorts of crazy stuff you are doing. Im waaaayzypared to you.

    I just huffed. Maybe, but youre still my best choom. I wouldnt want anyone else at my side. I told her shing a smile before going back to my work.

    I never noticed her flush at mypliment.

    Done! I called out suddenly as I pulled the newly repaired side panel off the floor looking it over. The paint was still ruined, but that was a much easier fix than the massive dents in the thing.

    Really? Already?

    Sure. Easy peasy. Help me re-install it? I prompted Hiromi who jumped to help, and with her helping to hold it in ce, I was able to use a small power tool to put it back together and pull her bike back onto its wheels.

    Ugh. Done! I grunted as the bike was righted. Want to give it a drive around the block?

    Yeees! Cmon Motoko! Hiromi said, jumping onto the bike and patting behind her.

    Nooo way Choom. I denied holding my arms up in an X. I have to clean up my tools, and I dont want to be anywhere near you driving if I can help it.

    Moootooookooooo! Hiromi whined at me eyes wet and lip puffy. Hiromi used Puppy Dog Face. Its super effective.

    Fiiine. I grumbled, taking a minute to grab my tool box and load it into the Quadra to make sure it was secure, before climbing in behind Hiromi.

    The screech of wheels going way too fast had me gripping my choom a bit tight but thankfully Hiromi didntin.

    Despite just needing a ride around the block to make sure everything was working, Hiromi headed out into the city seemingly just happy to have her freedom again.

    While stopped at a red light, which I will admit Im shocked Hiromi actually stopped at. The first two times Hiromi had just blown through them without a care.

    Maybe it was my screaming in her ear the entire time? If someone had been standing at the crosswalk as we passed by they would have been treated to my doppler effect scream as she raced through.

    Seriously my heart was pounding more right now than it did when I was in a fight for my life!

    Hiromi: More dangerous than a gun fight!

    While paused at the light I finally pulled away from the death grip I had on my choom. Where are we going? I finally asked, for the first time since we started racing through the streets I could actually hear a response.

    Nowhere! I just wanted to get out You know? Stuck at home for so long I just needed to go! She called back and I nodded. Before stilling.

    Hey Hiromi? What are you doing tomorrow night? I know you have school and stuff, but I had an offer from some Nomads Im friends with to go to a barbeque. Want toe? I offered. If Hiromi needed to get out, away from her apartment that she had been trapped in for weeks

    Then the bands were super far away!

    Wha? Nomads!? Motoko? What are you talking about?

    Ohst night I was hunting down-Green Light! I called out startling Hiromi, when I realized we had both been distracted and hadnt noticed the light change, grumbling she started off, but instead of rushing down the street she found a parking spot and settled in even hitting the kick stand so we were properly parked.

    Now say that again? She demanded and I nodded.

    Last night I was hunting down this serial killer guy. Total creep factor. Anyway, one of the farms Jun and I hit had a bunch of Raffen I mean they were right there? So I took them out. I shrugged Miming a stabbing motion to get my point across. it really had been an easy spot of murder. The Raffen had literally been asleep on the job.

    Shit! You went out on a gigst night? Why didnt you tell me?

    I told you just now. I offered rolling my eyes.

    Ugh! Youre still a gonk. But cmon deets!

    Nuh-uh. I recorded it, you can see it for yourself Eventually. Ill need to see Judy and drop them off Anyway, all the Raffen had a bunch of wheels. So I called up some Aldecaldos buddies, remember Scorpion? I told you about him when I went and did that gig? I called him and they picked them up, but the Aldecaldos boss feels he owes me one, and I got an invite to a barbeque and a meeting So want toe?

    Shit Motoko, your life is so crazy. You bet Im in! One hundred percent!

    Cool Umm will your rents be okay with that? Well likely be gone all night Maybe all day even?

    Ill convince them I can just tell them its an in for me with the nomads as a work connection or something. She mumbled thest bit, starting to nibble on her bottom lip as she thought about it.

    Cool. I said smiling. Honestly it was a long drive out to the Aldecaldos camp. It would be nice to have a travel buddy!

    Hiromi was practically buzzing after, swiftly shaking off her thoughts of convincing her parents, and instead taking us back into the streets.@@novelbin@@

    Hiromi! Red means stop!

    --

    After Hiromi finally got the need to drive around out of her system we headed home. She needed to try and convince her parents to let her leave the city, and I wanted to go see Judy and Nox.

    I did have the Raffen assault to offer up now, although I wasnt going to share the one where I killed the Meat Man. I wasnt sure how many people would end up knowing about his death, and while I wasnt exactly worried about people knowing it was me that did it, there really wasnt much on that gig worth keeping, especially since I had failed to hack the mines

    It wasnt like I was going to destroy that recording just because it showed me try and fail to hack the mines over and over!

    It was because it was boring! Definitely!

    Sliding into a parking spot at Lizzies I was really surprised when as I walked up to the door Rita actually walked out and matched my pace, to my surprise she threw an arm over my shoulder and was giving me a smile.

    Hey kid.

    Oh, Uh hey Rita!

    Wanna talk with you. Come with? She asked, and it was definitely a question she wasnt pushing me along, or anything just giving me a minute to decide.

    Sure? I just needed to drop off something with Judy, but Im not in a rush.

    Preem. Cmon Kid. She said smiling as she guided me inside. Nobody really paid us any attention other than the door bouncer that was recing Rita, who just gave Rita a quirked eyebrow before sliding into her position. Then Rita walked me into Lizzies, towards the back, and into one of the private booths.

    I might have been a bit ufortable about the whole thing if Rita was chattering away about something Judy had done a month or so ago when she had tried to spend three days working while staying awake drinking her crazy caffeine soda.

    Apparently Judy had a bit of a wild side after three days without sleep.

    So thats why we dont let her have those things anymore. Recing the tables cost a pretty penny. Suzie wasnt happy about it, but Judy is too good at what she does to really punish. Rita ended the story causing both of us tough at Judys antics.

    So whats going on Rita? I asked breaking up the funny stories.

    Well kid No, I should do this right. Motoko, I wanted to make sure Listen. Im not great at this sort of thing. Theres a reason Im the bouncer and not one of the touchy feely types I watched that BD you had Judy do, she showed it to me that night, and I just wanted to say Rita to my surprise looked ufortable as she sort of toyed with her bangs.

    Rita?

    If you ever need to talk to someone? If you just want to hang out, with someone that gets it? That understands? Im here. The Mox are here. We arent Well Judy and some of the older girls try to keep the spirit alive, but we dont go out and try to help people as much as we used to, but I still Fuck Im rambling. The older woman said, sighing as she looked around and found a bottle of Something alcoholicying around the booth. She took a second to check it and then popped the ss stopper and took a swish of it down.

    I just kept staring because I had no idea what was going on.

    Okay I can do this. Cmon Rita. She said pepping herself up before she focused on me again.

    Listen, Motoko This stuff. Killing, chrome, Night City, its not easy, but if you need something. Im I get it. I went through simr shit when I was a kid too. Forced chrome, fighting, killing because if I didnt I would be the one dead. The whole reason we all came together as the Mox was to help people like us. If you need help getting away from the TC, if you just Want to stop killing or being chipped. Ill be here, someone to talk to, or back you up if you need it. Fuck Im not good at being the sponsor. She muttered, turning away from me, and it was only because of how she had shifted that I saw the bits of her face that wasnt chrome was actually blushing.

    How cute!

    Thanks Rita. I said I couldnt help it, I was smiling at her obvious distress because it really showed how much this meant to her. I mean, I dont really think Im in any trouble. I mostly just work with the TC to watch my brother, and other than these arms, which was Maelstrom. I barely have any other chrome. But I get it Thank you. For reaching out? Its really sweet.

    Dont call me sweet. Rita groaned, the top of her face flushed as she did her best to look away from me the bottle of alcohol clutched in her hands as if it was a lifeline.

    But you are! Im not in any trouble, honest. The gigs I take the people I kill, its my choice, and I kiiiinda, like it. I admitted as I settled onto the couch beside her so we could chat easier. I found I have a talent for it, and its Exciting. Thrilling even!

    Oh Fuck. Ugh. Im such a gonk. Stupid Rita, Real stupid. She muttered to herself, but I wasnt about to let Rita who was being an absolute sweetheart trying to help me escape what she must have thought was some Tyger w work force. I guess if you saw me killing Maelstrom at the side of TC when I kept saying I wasnt with them, it could be interpreted that way.

    I reached out before she could berate herself anymore and pulled her into a hug. My arms wrapping around her own as I practically pinned her arms to her sides to give her the strongest hug I could.

    I nearly giggled as she went still for a moment. Thanks Rita. Really. Its nice to know that one more person in this city is looking out for me Honestly not enough people do that.

    Its what the Mox are supposed to do. She said quietly, sounding a little ufortable at the contact. So I pulled away.

    I mean, there is a reason I think the Mox are the best gang in the city.

    We used to be even better. She muttered but shook it away as she finally seemed to focus on me. Youre a real monster kid. That BD, some of the stuff I saw, that wasnt normal. Wasnt something you see on a teenager, even the ones with a history like me You sure youre okay someone isnt forcing you?

    Yeah. Im okay. I promise. Well I mean. Im still recovering from the whole Maelstrom kidnapping, but Im feeling a lot better.

    She frowned, nodding a bit at my response before seeming toe to a decision. I know what its like to be forcefully chipped. I lost my arms the same way. Motoko, do you Do you do anything creative with your hands? She asked suddenly and I stilled before nodding.

    Yeah? I started tinkering. I even made a distance microphone the other day! From scratch! I said pulling it out and showing Rita. Once more showing off my baby!

    She smiled, but shook her head a bit. Not what I meant exactly. Sorry Im not great at this, I mean like Spiritually creative? Art? Or something? After I got out, after I realized I was stuck with these arms. I didnt handle it well. Took me a long time to get over that they were a piece of me and not just some monster attached to my meat. I started Just dont tell anyone okay? I started sculpting, it''s something I did as a kid, and I came back to it. I make little figurines Animals, just things that cant talk back, or push boundaries. Every time I see them now, Im reminded that they were created with these hands of mine. That my arms arent just weapons. That they can do good things too. So just It helps me Try finding something, anything. Whatever suits you, and maybe Maybe it will help?

    She went quiet after that looking extremely ufortable, which is saying something when most of her face was chrome.

    Wow. Rita was really trying hard to help. I didnt know what to say, what to do, so I just did what felt natural, I reached out and grabbed her hand. And gave her a squeeze.

    It was a quiet minute between us. Two women that had been assaulted and ripped apart. I felt myself eventually falling into a goofy smile as I took in Rita and what she had tried to do.

    Eventually with no more words said we split apart, Rita obviously having hit her maximum amount of emotional baggage for the day. I went to drop off the Raffen BD with Judy who took it with some interest.

    But I didnt stick around. Ill admit I hadnt thought about it.

    Rita was right though. Everything I did since I got the system revolved around getting stronger forbat, for murder. Even my tech interests. It was like I was reacting to the fear of living in Night City. Trying to get strong enough to protect myself.

    But did I actually have any hobbies that didnt involve grinding? Did I do anything for fun that wasnt just the feedback loop towardsbat?

    I ended up sitting in the Quadra for a while just staring out at the people walking by as I was forced to consider the fact that I might have, just been a little teensy tiny bit too obsessed with this whole Merc thing.

    What exactly did Motoko Kusanagi do for her mental wellbeing, other than rely on Cold Blood? What hobbies did she have that didnt involve fighting?

    This would need further thought.

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53

    So I may be taking the whole concept of getting a nonbat hobby a little far. I had spent the entire night grind-I mean ying away. Although I had to practically whisper the words, it still counted as long as I kept ying the guitar until the song ended. So through the night I got little alerts, drip fed in.

    I had even hacked into the radio to have it y through my agent so I wouldnt wake Jun. That had only taken a few minutes to set up, and I had even gotten an intelligence alert from it!

    Grinding Rockerboy actually went pretty quickly. With Rockerboy level 1, I was actually somewhat capable of keeping up with the music, and in fact had a pretty nice advantage.

    My arms were chrome.

    I didnt get tired, my fingers didnt get sore. I didnt have to worry about my fingers needing calluses. I could simply strum the strings, y the chords, and keep hammering away at it through the night.

    So I did, at first it wasnt fun. I didnt know enough modern music to y along with, as I wasnt exactly a musician in either life. So I had to keep trying, working through songs that I didnt know while doing my best to keep up. Thankfully I didnt need to know the lyrics if I was strumming along. Or the chords if I was singing.

    Until I finally leveled up.

    Level 2 Rockerboy gave me a Perk option, and as I had learned, Perks? Perks were power.

    As always there were a lot of interesting perks, including a perk that would improve my vocals. Siren song went on the list, but I needed something else first, something to solve the biggest grinding issue that made the whole thing a chore rather than fun.

    And there was a perk that fit every criteria I needed. I had barely hesitated once I found it before choosing it as my level 2 perk.

    Perfect Musical Memory: Any song youve heard once youll remember. Including the chords needed to rey it and the lyrics.

    I had taken it thinking it would be useful going forward, maybe I could get away from using the radio as a crutch even. If I could just listen to a song and remember it enough to y it.

    But, as always the perks were so much more powerful than that. The moment I had selected the perk in the middle of the night I had nearly yelped at how my mind exploded as the memories flooded in.

    Rockerboy 2 had given me a firm basis on chords and pace, as well as the muscle memory to y the guitar at a point where I was actually ying. Well at least I wasnt acting like the kid in first year music ss anymore.

    But now? I had heard thousands of songs in my life, no in both lives. Memories from a previous lifeing in clutch! I took a moment to figure out what to y first, and decided on some childhood sounds, something that I hadnt heard since waking up in aa.

    Something Yeah.

    The first strums of Nirvanas Come as you are, flooded my head. I even knew the lyrics perfectly, like I had spent years memorizing them. I strummed and sang along. For the first time in my life, actually really ying a song for myself.

    No, I dont have a gun! Memory Memory I belted out. And honestly when I finished. The final note trailing off

    I felt good.

    *100 Rockerboy XP Gained.*

    An instant alert. I guess the system had liked me actually getting everything right Mostly. I had slipped on a few chords, and my vocals were still bad. I had enough knowledge to know I sounded t, without knowing how to fix it.

    Stupid voice!

    But I could actually judge myself now. I knew just where I needed to improve, and a constant reminder my voice needed work.

    What was that? Juns voice suddenly interrupted me and I yelped, nearly falling off the couch. I had been so focused on the music in my ears and singing along that I hadnt heard hime out from his room.

    Jun! Stop being a ninja! Thats my job!

    Jun? I asked, blinking a bit as I came out of the haze of making music, I popped the cord out of the bottom of the guitar letting it settle back in my neck.

    That song. What was it? Never heard it before.

    I opened my mouth and closed it. How in the world was I supposed to exin that I knew a song that didnt exist.

    Nirvana didnt exist in this world. I guess America and its Seattle residents were a little too focused on the First Central American War that was happening during the time, for a grunge band to be popr. Or maybe they were drafted. I had no way of knowing.

    In fact the only reason I even knew the war had been happening at the time was because I had looked up old bands on the the Intr a while back while wanting to listen to something from my time.

    Just a song I heard once I think. I offered, deciding to just not admit to anything. You shouldve told me you were standing there Its embarrassing!

    I could hear you from my room. You were singing pretty loud Imouto. I blinked. I guess I had been a little too into it. It had just been so nostalgic.

    Sorry? I said, feeling my face flush a bit. I had been trying to keep my voice down, but I guess with the excitement of the perk I had forgotten.

    Dont be. Its okay. He said but then to my embarrassment he didnt leave either.

    What?

    Nothing. Im just standing here. He said, lips quirking into a smirk.

    Fine. If you want a song, Ill sing you one. Jerk. I grumble but since I was already on a Nirvana kick.

    Smells like Teen Spirit. I mumbled, before starting. The power chords were a little annoying. But I realized instantly I wasnt getting the sound just right, I adjusted my fingers a few times repeating the intro refrain until I got it. The chord finally came out right, and I started into the song.

    Rockerboy 2 gave me a lot, but I could still make a stupid mistakes.

    Load up on guns, bring your friends! I started belting out, a bit more clearly than the honey mumbles of Cobain, and not nearly as sweet.

    And I yed the song. A few mistakes here and there, and without the drums and bass it wasnt as good, but I yed through it.

    Another alert popped up as I finished.

    Huh. Jun mumbled a bit as he seemed to take me in for a few moments.

    Well? Dont just listen to the whole song and then huh me!

    It was interesting. You could use some more practice though. He told me, smirking.

    Jerk ass older brothers!

    Then suddenly he reached over and mussed my hair. Which, ow stupid chrome hands! Im proud of you Motoko. Do this instead of merc work. Its safer. He said firmly and I puffed some air to knock my bangs out of my eyes.

    Not a chance. Ill just do both! Rita said I should get a hobby that was more spiritual instead of just death and murder you know? So I guess music works.

    Hmm. He nodded. A smart woman Whos Rita?

    Oh Rita works as a bouncer at Lizzies. Shes nice. She talked to me about being chipped forcefully, and offered some advice. I told him and Jun frowned at my words.

    I guess it was still too soon for Jun to hear about the kidnapping.

    Be careful with the Mox But Im d you had someone to talk to Make sure you thank her next time you see her. He told me and I snorted.

    Of course! I said, rolling my eyes, like I wasnt going to thank Rita for her advice!

    Jun just chuckled at my reaction and then to my surprise started getting dressed up.

    You heading out?

    Got a gig, they are calling me in. Kamikaze work.

    You need a hand? I offered, eyes narrowing at the idea of Jun going out to fight sote at night.

    No. he said shaking his head and passing me a smile. I just need to stand around and look scary. 6th St. are seeking a meeting to talk about ending hostilities with us.

    Of course by us Jun meant Tyger ws. I nodded. It made sense. Everyone had started fighting with the NCPD out of the picture, even if the TC had been focused on the Maelstrom, and a little on the Mox, that didnt mean the other gangs didnt exist.

    Be safe.

    I will. Should pay well, maybe Ill grab some more subdermal. He mentioned tapping his stic stomach bit.

    If you do, go to Viks! I know you havent had that check up yet! Moron! I called out loudly so he couldnt ignore me.

    Yeah yeah. He mumbled but as he left I nodded. I looked out the window and sighed. It was the middle of the night. The people I would need to talk to Well it would be best not to show up at three in the morning. So instead I figured a bit more music wouldnt hurt.

    So I spent the rest of the night ying through songs, some of which had never existed in this world. But I continued ying long after I would have gotten tired. Long after a normal person would have be exhausted and needed a break.

    Long enough that Rockerboy 2, became Rockerboy 3.

    Then 4.

    My talent at music skyrocketed. I was no longer an amateur yer. I waspetent. I wasnt amazing. I still made mistakes. Flubs, missed chords, but I always knew when I made a mistake, it was no longer someone struggling just to try, it was a practiced hand.

    I liked it. Any song I wanted to hear, I could just start ying, or singing along.

    My voice sounded better too, like I had some training on how to professionally sing. I wasnt amazing, I wasnt sure if I would need a perk, or just increased skill overall before my voice sounded good, but I did sound better. I could at least hit the right notes with my voice now.

    I wasnt tone deaf!

    Humming to myself I looked out the window seeing the sun was high in the sky. It was time to stop.

    As much as my fingers tingled to keep working on this new grind. This was supposed to be something other than a grind to weaponize it, but using it as an excuse to waste some time? That was fine. But now it was back to work.

    So I set my guitar down, and instead geared up.

    One of the things I had talked Saul into handing over to even the debt was information on Regina Jones.

    I still had a Devil to kill after all.

    --

    Regina Jones had an office in Watson. I just hadnt known where until now. Saul himself didnt have the information, but he did have a connection to the Nomad fixer Dakota Smith, who did.

    Dakota had handed over the information, and Saul had handed it to me.

    Of course Saul owed Dakota something now, but that was just how business worked in the Bad Lands.

    So here I was. Yaiba Tower.

    Which was annoying because it was literally down the street from Lizzies bar. I sighed as I walked up to the Tower, not through the main entrance which had the bottom rooms all rented out and used by business or pleasure.

    No, there was a side elevator that went up directly to the top floors. The private floors.

    There at the very top, Regina Jones had her base. She owned the whole tower apparently renting out floors to others.

    The elevator was actually in a small room that was pretty secure. A camera watched over the little room, and the elevator was secured, only someone with permission could use it.

    Which meant I needed to get it.

    I hit options on the little electronic pad next to the elevator until I found the call button for the top floor, and pushed it. Then I waited.

    A minute passed by before I got a response.

    Whatever it is, we arent interested. The voice on the line was a man, so it wasnt Regina which made this more difficult.

    Im just here to speak to Ms. Jones about a gig.

    Listen kid. I dont know you, so we arent interested. The voice popped back on, and I was getting a little annoyed. At least hear me out first you dickbag! I had already put off murdering that devil for long enough. I wasnt waiting any longer.

    No you listen! I need to You hung up. I noticed the talk notification was gone, fuckers!

    I considered what I should do here. One part of me said walk away, I could build up some reputation and then smash my skill over this jerk wads head another time

    But that was the reasonable part of me. The unreasonable part said I should infiltrate this building and find Regina Jones

    I sighed, that would be extremely difficult if not impossible. I had no idea what her security was like, but I would put money she had arunner on retainer so it wasnt like I could just hack in.

    Fine. Operation be fucking annoying was a go.

    I went out to the alley, grabbed a piece of trash I could sit on and carried it inside.

    Then I started hitting the call button.

    A lot.

    --

    FUCK OFF! The response came through again, but I was ready for it. Thest few times he had cursed me out he had instantly hung up on me again.

    So I just kept pushing the button.

    Listen kid, if you dont fuck off, Im gonnae down there and fucking end you. Ah he was still talking this time.

    I need to speak to Regina.

    Regina doesnt chat with punk kids. You push that button again and Iming do-

    So I pushed the button.

    Fuck this. He yelled and the call ended, but this time the elevator wasing down.

    Hmm. This could be dangerous I considered just staying where I was, but people in Night City were kinda trigger happy

    I looked around looking for a good advantage, but when I finally realized the best ce wasnt on the floor.

    I looked up.

    Yeah. That would work.

    --

    <em>Ian McKen</em>

    Ian was not having a good day. Sure he could just turn off the elevator alert, but Regina would murder him if someone important came by, and they couldnt be reached.

    He wasnt supposed to go down like this. Regina had told him before not to do it.

    But it was just one kid. The outer doors were locked. He had locked them from above, and the camera in the room meant he knew there was only one person inside.

    He would beat the kid a little bit, maybe a bullet hole or two, and then head back up.

    Only as the elevator reached the bottom the kid wasnt there.

    The fuck? He crept out, his Lexington at the ready as he looked around. This was wrong. Regina was right,ing down like this was a mistake.

    He had that thought a moment toote. A secondter something dropped on him from above and in a flurry of motion which he tried to resist, but it was just too much force dropping down on him from above, he lost his Lexington. Ripped out of his hands and was thrown to the ground as the fuckin ninja pinned him to the ground.

    Had she just spun around his neck to smash him into the ground?

    He was dazed trying to resist when he felt his own gun press against his temple. He finally managed to realize what position he was in. His arms were pinned by a chromed out arm and a pair of legs while his own gun was about to take his life.

    Fuck.

    You say that a lot. She saidpletely calm. As if she hadnt just attacked andpletely neutralized him. He wondered if he could get a quick hack out fast enough before she blew his brains over the entrance way.

    Listen buddy. Im just here to talk to Regina about a gig. Lets call this whole unfortunate experience just a mistake and move on Okay? She asked thest bit offered with a wide smile and slight nudge of the gun up against his head.

    Y-yeah Just a mistake.@@novelbin@@

    Cool! Why dont you call your boss? Let her know she has a merc looking to meet up? Whenever its convenient. Im not looking to annoy her. She said and Ian took that for the lie it was, considering she had just spent thest hour annoying the shit out of him.

    Fine. He pulled up his agent and found Reginas number.

    Regina was never going to let this go.

    *Ian. What is it? Where are you?*

    *Hey Regina, downstairs, mind checking the cam? But basically I got knocked down by a fucking ninja. Shes looking to talk to you Wouldnt mind a bit of hurry, the gun against my temple is a little ufortable.*

    *Ian you dumbass, I told you not to go down if there was anyone out there. People are looking to kill us!*

    *Maybe talk to her soon so she wont?*

    Suddenly Reginas voice came over them unit.

    Alright, you have one of my people at gunpoint. Not happy about it. Talk.

    Sorry sorry! Hi Im Motoko Kusanagi, Im a merc, although I usually work with Wakako. Im here about a gig or rather setting up a gig? Its a littleplicated and definitely a sensitive topic. The ninja still held him down acting as if Ian wasnt even there.

    Bitch.

    How about first you stop holding a gun against the head of my people.

    Sure, I mean he started it. She said as she suddenly untangled herself from him and stepped away.

    She even held out the gun for Ian to take back.

    Definitely a bitch.

    He took it anyway.

    So can we talk? Motoko the girl asked and as Ian rose up he realized just how short the girl waspared to him.

    She was a fucking teenager. He was never living this down.

    Listen kid-

    No wait, dont listen kid me. Thats such bullshit. You definitely havent heard of me, I get it. But Im a merc, and Im good at what I do. So Im here It has to do with the Devil of Kabuki. She said and Ian stilled.

    Jotaro. That fuckin monster.

    Can Ie up so we can talk about this Im not sure this is the most secure- The girl started talking but Regina cut her off. Sounding much more serious about this whole interaction.

    What about him?

    I want to kill him. The teenager said with a calm surety, and Ian knew this day was going to go bad. A kid with too much balls and not enough brains to realize the danger of Jotaro Shobo. Especially since she was a pretty enough girl.

    You?

    Sure. Im good at assassinations. Its sorta my thing. Jotaros a piece of shit But he decided to be a fucking gonk and threaten me and my chooms So he has to die. I figured some Fixer somewhere would have a gig to kill him. she said, and Regina was quiet for a minute as if processing what the girl was saying...

    A few of us probably do, but its not as easy as you say. Jotaro keeps a low profile he isnt easy to track down.

    He spends a lot of time at his club, the Ho-oh club actually. The top floor is his residence And his BD studio. The girl said dropping some very valuable knowledge out of the blue.

    And also her voice went so cold there at the end despite the fact Ian was gripping his gun, he was feeling ufortable. A momentary knowledge that the crazy ninja girl that had just taken him down in a second, wasnt just some teenager.

    The girl was dangerous. It struck him then, she could very likely be some crazy edgerunner that just liked to look like a teen. It wouldnt be the weirdest thing he had ever seen.

    A reminder to not underestimate someone ran through his head as he inched away from her.

    You can do it? Regina questioned her digging a little.

    Can I kill him? Yes. Can I do it without anyone knowing? Yeah probably. Thats my goal on this one My brother is a member of the TC, so I kinda need this to be a below the table sort of thing. Hence why Wakako doesnt want to touch it. And why Im here.

    I see. Regina went quiet. Alright Kid. I do have an offer to kill him thats been gaining dust. You take him out. Ill consider the gig closed, and Ill take care of the details.

    Deal.

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55

    A few hourster I drove home.

    Jun wasnt at the apartment when I got there which let me flop onto the couch uncaring of the loud sigh I gave off.

    Gigplete.

    I had done it. Killed at least two of the monsters that I remembered from the game. There were others I was sure. But these two were what I remembered. Killing them was enough to at least lighten my conscience.

    Would killing them make Night City just a little bit better of a ce?

    I think it would.

    I reached over and grabbed the guitar.

    I didnt know what to y.

    The ideas flowed through me. I could y something famous or popr, but I was a total nerd. I listened more to anime OSTs than radio pop.

    So I just strummed a few times before the idea formed.

    I couldnt do it all, I didnt have the electronic sounds needed for it, but I could y the guitar, and I was feeling in a pretty dark metal mood having just murdered a man in cold blood.

    As I started the first riff, I was thankful there were no lyrics to this song, just sound from my guitar.

    But I had to say something anyway, something that simply fit too much.

    The only thing they fear Is ME. I growled my face turning into a smile as I lost myself in the music for a while. ying through a few songs from the Doom Soundtrack that I liked, at least what I could do with just a guitar.

    I would need a lot of extra equipment if I wanted to recreate the song in truth.

    Which is why right in the middle of BFG Division, I realized I was a fucking genius.

    Im a tinker, and arunner. Why the hell cant I make the noise I want!

    I put the guitar to the side, and went to grab myptop. Engineer it first, then tinker it into being.

    Hah! See Rita!I was a perfectly sane and normal girl! Capable of normal sane girl things!

    But first I needed to focus. I needed this to properly shred! How would they know that they should fear me, if I didnt have an awesome theme song!

    Honestly it was really easy. Using my CAD software I was able to build up the little box from bottom up.

    When I finished the blueprints of my music box, I realized that while I could handle the outside of the system just fine. I had no idea how to properly program it. It was the same problem I had with my directional Mic. I could finish the hardware and get it running, but programming it to do more? I had no idea.

    Even with myrunning Right now my ability was only at the level of script kiddy stuff. I could use programs already made, I was even good at it.

    But Programming?

    No idea.

    With a very important part of my future music box unfinished I started hammering my head at the wall. The CAD software was of course capable of epting some programming to test it out, but as I went through it I very quickly got nowhere.

    I found myself wasting time, going in mental circles.

    So I needed to program this thing. I realized I had a nk in myrunning understanding. I was pretty sure I was fairlypetent, with Intelligence and Breach at 6, even if my Quick Hack skill wasgging behind.

    This system is deeper than I thought. I admitted realizing that I was definitely missing a skill. If Rockerboy was a skill under cool, and Driving existed, then obviously there were more skills in my system than there were in the game.

    I just had to figure out how to start a new one.

    I couldnt help but sigh when I realized I had another skill to grind, no matter how much time I spent grinding away, there always seemed to be more!

    Which was both good and bad as I liked grinding, but I didnt want to admit that I liked it! I wanted to be irritated!

    Fortunately I had an idea of how to get started. I went into my room and pulled out my mothersrunning guide.

    I popped in the shard and started browsing through it swiftly, until finally I found it. A small section she went over personalizing Quick Hacks.

    It wasnt much. It wasnt long. She prefaced it with 99% of you will never bother with this. But it was there.

    So I sat and followed the steps of my biological mother in altering just a tiny bit of the code of my Ping Quick Hack.

    It was the basic of basics program already. My Ping wasnt special, or anything. If I put it in game terms, my Ping was the whitemon rarity.

    But as I pulled it apart, I was able to make a minor change that I followed along as my mother guided me.

    And finally something I had done, was enough.

    *Programming Experience Gained.*

    *Skill not unlocked, no XP gained.*

    *Programming Unlocked.*

    Well that was level zero

    Lets see what I could get a level before Jun got home.

    -

    Turns out that unlike Rockerboy, Programming was fucking hard. I had ended up making a copy of my Ping Quick Hack. And basically tearing it apart over and over again trying to find ways to make it slightly better.

    Most of the time I ended up spiraling the program into utter uselessness.

    But the times I seeded at least on not ruining the program I got that alert telling me I was one step closer to understanding.

    Finally hours after I started and with a few clumps less hair on my head I altered the Ping so it would visually show a different color connection in my optics and the alert popped.

    *100 Programming XP Gained.*

    *Programming skill level up!*

    And my eyes were opened. Breaching. Quickhacks? They were a tiny miniscule sliver of the. Breaching was like learning how to move in the Net. How to bypass system security, or even just port ess through different servers. It was what you needed to live in the.

    Quick Hacks was bringing the power of the to the real world.

    But Programming?

    Programming was magic. There was nothing in the you couldnt do with the proper application of programming.

    It was also incredibly difficult, easily the mostplex of the three skills, and the one that the least amount of people used.

    Real Netrunners didnt have high Breach, or Quickhack skills.

    They had high programming. The difference between amon Ping Quick Hack, and a Legendary one was ayer of magnitude inplexity.

    If someone who could use Quickhacks was a knight, the Programmer was the smith. The weapon designer.

    A lone Netrunner could find weapons and use them.

    A lone Programmer? Could create an army.

    I suddenly realized that Programming might very well be the most powerful skill I essed. If I designed a Legendary Quick Hack. Or in the real worlds terms. A Quick Hack of insaneplexity and power, I could sell it, or trade it for favors, for eddies, for power.

    It was in a lot of ways making a magic weapon in a mundane world.

    Eeeeee! So cool! I giggled and kicked my legs as I rolled around on the couch.

    So I had the basics of another powerful tool.

    Now I just needed to spend the hours upon hours to grind it out.

    Since all I really had was Ping, that was my go to yground. I knew it could be improved after all. If I could practice with it enough, I could figure out how, and improve one of my only Netrunning tools.

    Fuck I really needed to upgrade my deck.

    I reached behind my head and touched the back of my head where it was installed. The little port hidden in my skull.

    Was I ready for it?

    I wasnt sure. It made me kind of nervous. I was still working my way through my arms, trying to adapt to them, make them mind, and I still felt the effects of chipping them at times. The harsh reminder, always there niggling at me, and yet.

    I didnt want that spider ripper to win. To scare me away. I wasnt afraid of chipping chrome. I liked the idea! I always had. Just in moderation and not adding in something stupid to myself.

    But still. There was that itch in my shoulders at the thought. That, and the fear that slid down my spine.

    I knew how close I hade to losing it. I didnt dwell on it really. It was too easy to just ignore it. But before I had put the points into adaptation, I had truly been on my way to losing myself in revenge.

    I hadnt liked the person I had been bing.

    Which was part of the reason I hadnt been hunting the Maelstrom Spider Ripper down afterwards. I didnt want to admit to myself how out of control I had been thanks to the constant pain and trauma.

    I sighed flopping onto the couch for a bit. Why was life soplicated? I just wanted to have fun and do cool shit. @@novelbin@@

    But life was moreplicated than that, and a Cyberpunk life moreplicated still.

    I would talk to Vik, I did still owe him a night where he would check on my healing. He had been nice enough to only say I was due for a checkup rather than the truth in his texts that I got every few days.

    Stupid Dad Vik, making me feel bad for not seeing him. I was just so busy! I looked around at the multiple projects that surrounded me and sighed.

    At least I had a few days before I would see Regina about payment for killing Jotaro. She was going to send me a text in a few days to fake an initial meetup. I guess I would be able to start taking gigs from two Fixers after that.

    It was a step up. In a good direction even.

    Maybe it was time to do some upgrades

    I pulled up my phone system.

    *Ringing*

    *Ringing*

    *Motoko? What is it? You okay? Juns voice picked up quickly, sounding concerned.

    *Im okay Jun! I just had a thought Im thinking I might get a new Netdeck Im just Should I? Is that okay? Is it too much too fast? Im still recovering from my arms and I just-*

    *Whoa, Whoa slow down. Hey hey. Its okay just, breathe Do I think you getting a new Netdeck is okay? Yeah I think it would be good for you. Youve been practicing a lot, and its not like you really have enough chrome anyways. I would feel safer if you had an upgrade Are you really still worried about your arms?*

    *Jun I was literally going crazy after! All I could think about was killing the Maelstrom. I wasnt me. Im still not feeling 100%. Of course Im worried! Its like you! You were one step into some form of Cyberpsychosis when you rescued me.*

    *I wasnt!* He denied instantly, and I had to breathe to not say something instantly, and end up snapping at Jun.

    *You kinda were Jun. Youre better now though. But I was really worried.*

    *Talk Talk to your ripper. He was a good guy. Hell make sure youre ready for new chrome before giving it to you I guess I dont know when enough is enough.*

    *Jun?*

    *I Havent thought about how it must have looked No how it was. I was stupid Im sorry. I must have scared you.*

    *You did, but I wasnt scared of you Jun. I was scared for you.*

    *I see.* He said in a voice that told me he very much didnt see.

    *Alright Ill talk to Vik. I owe him a checkup anyways.*

    *What? Go get your checkup you gonk! If your ripper says you need to be checked out then get moving!* He yelled into the line at me making me jump.

    *Alright alright! Im going! Yeesh.*

    I grumbled as I ended the call and rose up. I guess I was visiting Vik.

    -

    Misty! I called out as I entered the Esoterica and the fluffy haired blonde looked up from her digital magazine.

    Motoko! How are you? She asked as she rose up and actually pulled me into a hug for a moment. Vik is in, are you hurt?

    No no, and its not a rush, what are you doing, anything fun? I asked as she perked up at me asking about her.

    I guess I had been a little rude just passing through to Vik. Misty was good people after all.

    Reading about Buddhism at the moment,e sit with me! she called pulling me over to the two chairs she had set up where she plopped me down. How have you been? She asked instantly and I smiled at her genuine interest.

    Ive been okay. I had a talk with someone that Well shed been forcefully chipped chrome as well. Ritas preem Anyway she talked with me, and reminded me to actually do something for my spiritual needs that didnt just lead to violence I uh started ying music, I bought a guitar

    Thats great Motoko! Music an amazing spiritual relief! You should y something!

    I uh.. Didnt bring my guitar, and I dont think Im ready for that Its embarrassing. Only Jun has heard me y so far. Im still making mistakes and its kinda-

    It sounds like you are having fun, no need to stress out about it. She said gently reaching out and taking my hand to stop me from rambling a bit.

    Thanks Misty.

    It was all I could offer, and we both smiled a bit as we settled in to chat. I mostly listened as Misty discussed her interest in esoterica, and spiritualism. It was fun, soothing, and had nothing to do with the crazy Night City stuff.

    So I spent a good hour just listening to her talk, and before I realized it she had even tricked me into a meditative stay with her lighting incense and walking me through my breathing.

    I pretty much knew all of it thanks to Cool, and Ninjutsu, but it was kinda nice to do it outside of controlling myself forbat.

    --

    Hey Vik! I called out after Misty finally let me go from her constant desire to worry about my spiritual and mental health.

    She was fun.

    Motoko! d to see you kid, youve been dodging me.

    Not purposefully! Ive just been kinda Busy Sorry thats not really a good excuse. I offered in the end, actually pretty contrite. Vik was just trying to look out for me.

    Ah, you arent the first of my patients that are hard to get in for a checkup, cmon take a seat I want to check on your arms, and you can tell me what finally brought you by.

    You are way too sharp, Vik. I mumble as I did as I was ordered and let Vik start checking out my shoulders and arms. Even popping open a hatch on the arms to diagnose them.

    So what brings you in kid?

    Ive been thinking about an upgrade Upgrades Im just not sure Im ready. I admit quietly feeling a little ufortable mentioning it to Vik. I want a new CyberDeck But my arms messed me up pretty bad. Im not sure Im really ready for them. Even if I really do need an upgrade.

    I see. Vik murmured soothingly as he spent another moment staring at my screen. Motoko, its very rare I get a customer that actually worries about too much chrome, even with all my warnings. I would definitely be worried about you for most things. If you wanted to get something big I would do my best to stop you. You arent ready for that. He said and I couldnt help but exhale as a tension left me.

    Vik had said it. I wasnt ready. So I could stop thinking about it. I didnt have to keep wondering if I was being stupid for not chroming up even a little more.

    I wasnt David level stupid, but there were times I wish I had some Subdermal armor, or maybe Optical Camo.

    But I could just let that go for now. I wasnt ready. Doc Vik said so.

    But changing out a Deck isnt difficult. Ive never seen anyone have any issues from a simple swap. Do you have a deck in mind?

    I had to open my mouth and then close it and then answer with a bit of a blush. Not really

    Heh. Well kid youre at the right ce, let me pull up some options for you. I dont have much, especially anything that would interest you, but I can see if I can find something, or at least send you to another ripper that I know will.

    Cool. Thanks Vik.

    Anytime kid. Now about that sleep study. He said with a grin and I couldnt help butugh as he was teasing me more than anything. But it was a thing I needed to do.

    Fiiine. How about now? I would rather get it done now, than keep putting it off.

    Well that I can do. He said with a smile as he started pulling down different pieces of tech around the ripper chair.

    Interestingly enough. I was able to recognize most of it. That one was a X-ray machine, or more urately a modern MRI machine. That one was a metabolic scanner, that one a mechanical sensor, it would keep an eye on my chrome and tell Vik if they did anything weird.

    Cool.

    After that we settled in and Vik went through a catalog of options for adeck. It was prettyprehensive. Every Netdeck Vik had probably evere across was on the list. As we searched through it.

    The problem was cost to benefit. Of course I wanted a Tetratronic Rippler. But that was an ultra rare, and pricey piece of chrome.

    So I set my price range, even if I couldnt afford it right now, Regina would be paying me a pretty penny for Jotaro and I could afford it then.

    Eventually I picked one that had Vikughing at me. nning on breaking and entering are we? He eventually asked as I pouted at him.

    Im an infiltration specialist! I whined but then pouted because I had to add in. And I do break and enter a bit more than I think is right. I me Wakako. I added because the Seacho Electronics Mk. 2 Cyberdeck was a good deck.

    Plenty of Ram. Four times what I had with my current Paraline. More Buffer, which means I could breach into better systems, and more Program Slots, for Quick Hacks.

    But the real reason is because it had the honor of being the mostmonly used Cyberdeck for Break-ins. It was built for stealth hacks, and even had an overclocked CPU so it could scan, connect, and upload a Quickhack much faster than itspetitors.

    Its ten grand price tag hurt, but I would have enough that the cost wouldnt hurt once Regina came through.

    Alright kid. I know a guy that should have one, Ill put in some calls.

    Perfect! Then Ill take a nap. Ready?

    One sec, I want to make sure I get this instant sleep function of yours. You dont have any cyberware that should allow it, so I want to see what happens.

    Sure Vik, oh actually I should do this too. I mentioned whipping out my knife and giving myself a cut on my hip where my leotard and pants failed to quite match up.

    Motoko! Dont do Jesus kid youre gonna give me a heart attack. Hold on. He muttered grabbing some supplies and then to my amusement disinfected the cut and even put a loose bandage on it.

    Ill keep an eye on it during the day, but really kid you shouldnt hurt yourself like that. Alright sit back, scan is ready. Night night.

    Iughed at him as I set my sleep for eight hours and I was out.

    --

    I blinked awake. Everything was slightly different. Vik wasnt standing over me, but instead across the room.

    And as always I was crystal clear and awake.

    Hey Vik. I called out getting his attention as he looked away from the boxing match he was focused on.

    Hey Kid. Howd ya sleep? He asked rolling back over and fussing over me as he started moving the scanners and things from around me letting me sit up.

    Fine, good as always. Whats the verdict?

    I have no idea. I can tell you, that it took me a while to narrow down something. You got some Nano-machines in you. Not unusual, we all do at this point, but yours were elusive, couldnt get a scan, couldnt collect one. They would disappear the moment I tried. I can tell you that your healthy as an ox, and I dont see any issues popping up. Whoever designed them? They are out of my league. Its a shame. Could help a lot of people if we could figure out how to make them.

    I nodded along as Vik spoke. I expected most of that. It was a shame in some ways that he couldnt figure out the sleep healing.

    But I also felt relieved. The idea of other people bing gamers in Night City? That was an apocalypse waiting to happen.

    Sorry Vik. I know you were kinda hoping.

    Its fine kid. I got lots of scans while you were sleeping, and at least The cut is gone.

    Hmm? Yeah I slept for eight hours.

    But kid Ive been checking on that cut every twenty minutes. It was still there not long ago. He grumbled as he started checking his stuff spinning nobs, and putting a VR style interface over his eyes.

    Looks like about five minutes before you woke up, suddenly all the nanomachines I had been tracking around the wound, nearly instantly repaired the damage Incredible. I have no idea how they did that

    Yeah I have to wait eight hours and then I heal. If I dont sleep that long I dont get any healing.

    That doesnt Make a damn lick of sense. He grumbled but nodded as he took off the headset. Well with this Ill be busy for the next while Maybe I can get something out of these scans. Even if your nanomachines dont like to be recorded.

    Thanks Vik. Just make sure you keep this quiet okay? I trust you, but really I dont want to end up on some corps experimentb because of it.

    Instead of taking my joking request for augh he went very serious and nodded, reaching out and putting a hand on my shoulder.

    I promise kid. This stuffll be on my private server, No one will know about it.

    Thats all I can ask Vik. I said fully trusting the older man. Did you happen to find a seller?

    Hmm? Oh for your Deck? Yeah I called around a bit. Found a Ripper that has one. Ill send you the details. Go on kid. I can practically see how antsy you are to get out of that chair. Feel free to bring the deck around when you want it installed. He said without actually saying he didnt trust the ripper to do it right.

    I grinned as I hopped off the chair and did indeed rush out of there.

    The eight hours may have passed in a sh, but it was still time I wanted to do stuff with! I had grinding to do! ying music to do! I whistled a Foo Fighters song on my way upstairs. Time to get back to work!

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56

    I was back home setting up for some programming grinding since I still wanted to make my music box, when I got an iing call from Jun.

    *Hey Jun-Nii. Whats up?*

    *Finally, I called you a few times this afternoon, where were you?*

    I blushed a little when I noticed that I had alerts for missed calls. Okay Motoko you fucking boomer. You really need to remember to check your phone more often! I yelled at myself before answering Jun.

    *I was with Vik, doing a sleep thing. He was giving me a check up but wanted me to stay for a bit so I took a nap. Sorry Jun-Nii. You okay? Need my help?*

    *Im fine Motoko just checking in on you. You werent home when I stopped by. Listen, I have a feeling you already know, but Jotaro Shobo is dead.*

    *Waaa no waaay? Really? Oh man thats terrrrrible.* I fake gasped to get augh but Jun wasntughing.

    *As far as anyone is concerned Jotaro was killed by the family of someone he It doesnt matter. But thats what everyone is saying. Keep it that way. Motoko if you ever listen to me, then listen to me now. Never talk about Jotaro again.*

    Jun was seriously worried. I frowned looking at my programming for a minute just to have something real to focus on.

    *I promise Jun. Its done. No point talking about it.*

    *Good. Good You know you can talk to me about stuff like this. I can protect you from anything Imouto, you just have to trust me enough to tell me.*

    *I do trust you Jun. And you can trust me to protect you too. So if you ever need a hand.*

    *I will call this scary sniper I know, yeah.* He said and I had to giggle at that. Sniping was like the least of my talents though. I wasnt even that good at it. I was just sneaky.

    *I have to go Motoko. Ill be back in the morning, and well talk more then. Just keep your head down for a bit.*

    *Sure.*

    The call clicked as it ended and I was left to refocus on my work. So the TC didnt suspect me or at least themon members didnt. Good.

    Hopefully it will stay that way.

    I put my hands back on the keyboard and started typing. I had a skill to level up.

    --

    I was still only working on Ping as I had no other Quick Hack programs to mess with, and I didnt feel confident enough in trying to create a program from scratch yet, when I got my second ding.

    *Programming skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    Yes! I called out thrilled at the sudden burst of knowledge with Programming 2. Yeah I was definitely feeling a lot better about my programming, plus the perk meant I would have a serious advantage. Instantly I dug through the perk list. This perk would be supremely important to my future, because Programming was going to be a serious advantage in the future.

    So I explored the options entirely. A few instantly popped to the forefront.

    Inspired Programmer: Inspiration strikes constantly. Never run out of steam while programming.

    It seemed kind of innocuous, but also secretly really powerful. Sure my system gave me knowledge, and I didnt tend to get bored with whatever task I was doing, but constant inspiration would mean my programse out better,e out faster. But it wasnt the only one that caught my eye.

    Debug: At a single nce, you will know what is causing your program not to work, or where the program can be improved.

    Another extremely powerful sounding perk. Its one thing to know programming, and its another to have confidence in being able to make it work. To figure out what was wrong

    The list went on, but I needed to decide. At Programming 2, I was still so new to the skill that a perk would make massive changes.

    Did I want to make sure my programming worked? Or did I want to keep pumping out programs to level up?

    It was two sides of the coin.

    But I had to make a decision and so I did.

    Debug. I decided to make sure what I was working with could work. It might not be the best, but the skill itself did give me knowledge on how to make the programs anyway. But making sure whatever I was working on would actually function would hopefully give me more XP in the long run than just pumping out Programming that was a mess.

    Instantly I felt like I was some ancient programmer that debugged irritating students for a living.

    But I knew.

    I pulled out my Ping Quick Hacks details on theptop again, and instantly I could see the absolute college programmer tier problems with it.

    Made sense. The program was bottom of the barrel sludge ware. I could fix it though. At least somewhat.

    That sense of knowing as always felt great, filled me with a sense of purpose.

    My hands tore across the keyboard removing bloat, fixing leaks. Solving a problem that made the thingst half as long as it should in systems that arent resisting.

    And to my delight each problem solved was a bit of XP.

    With that the XP started racing in, as I was making honest real improvements to Ping. When I was done, I wouldnt say it was quite at the level of an upgrade to its rarity in game terms, but I think I had actually reduced the RAM a Cyberdeck would need to run the program.

    Which was impressive enough, since the program was already fairly light.

    But I kept working on it. Tearing it apart piece by piece, line by line.

    And a program, even one as simple as Ping wasnt a small piece of code. The amount of systems it had to interface with, both external and internal as it had to use whatever optics you had installed to disy the information it had gained?

    The thing was overlyplicated.

    Which made me realize I couldpletely do away with most of it.

    I tore apart huge swaths of the code reducing it so it would only work and disy on my particr optics. Since it didnt have to query or check for any other internal systems, the program slimmed right down. Practically reducing the actual program slot usage to almost nothing.

    I realized that it waspletely possible for Ping since it was much smaller than the juggernauts of the Quick Hack world to be reduced to apletely negligible size on my Cyberdeck.

    I might actually be able to reduce it so much that it wouldnt even use up the Cyberdecks slot count.

    To always have Ping installed, ready and able? That would be supremely useful, and give me more utility.

    I couldnt help butugh as I stepped awayte in the afternoon to get a meal from the street vendors. I was right Programming was truly a weapon that I had to utilize.

    I decided to step away from the apartment for a bit while I ate. I still had my Burya and Lexington on me, so I decided to walk around the block. Like I had done back when I was still grinding out my body. It was Nice to go back to something so simple.

    It reminded me that I needed to keep choosing to live my life how I wanted, and not be subconsciously afraid of Maelstrom Borgs around every corner.

    I stuck the final bit of meat on a stick into my mouth, tossed the skewer into the trash and decided to move around a bit. Instead of heading straight home I went for a jog. First up further into Japantown taking the stairs up to the surface near Cherry Blossom Market. Then just around the shops along the strip malls trailing the roads.

    Honestly I just had that urge to move. I had spent days grinding or nning murder, and only did a little bit of time outside while actuallymitting the murder.

    I just wanted to be free of of it all for a bit.

    I walked through crowds amused at how many of them were armed. And how easy it would be to kill almost all of them. It was amazing what just having a bit of skill and experience will do to someone. Sure everyone had a gun, but most of them would die before ever getting to use it in an emergency.

    I shook that thought away. I had a benefit that no one else did, and there were still people better than me. I shouldnt get arrogant. The fact was, I was only special because of a random blip of chance.

    One in a trillion.

    I didnt know if there was a god in this world. I mean, chances were there actually was magic considering the Cyberpunk references in the Witcher.

    But I wasnt sure what great deity I should thank for my circumstances, so instead of picking one I just looked up into the sky for a moment, and sent a silent thank you into the air.

    Because the fact was. I loved this life. With all the horrors and disgusting elements. Even without puppies.

    Because I had power. And power gave me autonomy. I could choose what I wanted to do. Where I wanted to go.

    In myst life I didnt have that. Stuck in the same routine to survive. Now, if I ran low on eddies I could find a fixer and in a single afternoon make thousands of eddies while also making myself stronger.

    The dopamine rush of improving yourself, and knowing you are getting better mixed with the freedom to do as I liked? Yeah I loved this crapsack world. I blinked as a drop of waternded on my nose. The sky had been cloudy all morning, and suddenly it started raining. I looked around. Noticing some people grabbed umbres out of bags and continued on with their day. Some ignored the water throwing hoods over their heads, or just walking through it without a care. Either too drugged, too chromed, or too indifferent to care.

    Others hurried under overhangs or moved out of the open to get out of the water.

    And there I stood. Letting the raine down, and soak my hair as I watched the people all around me.

    The water darkening the california sun, the people hurrying around neon shining off wet umbres and coats.

    It might be a cyberpunk dystopia. But its my cyberpunk dystopia.

    I continued walking through the streets just enjoying the ambiance of a rainy cyberpunk city.

    I would think about grinding more. Killing more, and living more in a few hours. For now I was just enjoying the backdrop.

    ---

    The next day I got a call from Regina to meet.

    I suited up, making sure I had some max-docs in my pockets just to be safe and headed out.

    It wasnt that I didnt trust Regina.

    It was just that I didnt trust Regina. Or rather I was cautious. I had sorta forced the gig on her, and I hadnt been nice to her underling.

    Pulling into a space near her building I walked up to the side entrance like before, but this time when I entered the little elevator room on the side of the building and hit the button Regina answered.@@novelbin@@

    Come on up. The elevator came down momentster and I slipped in, the option was already pressed when I entered and it started moving upwards.

    When the elevator reached the top I was in fact faced with two HMG turrets, both on and pointing. I readied myself. It wouldnt be easy to survive if they both went off

    Okay even I would die if those two started firing at me in an enclosed space.

    But instead they powered down after a moment and Regina turned the corner.

    Nice to see you face to face.

    Nice to not have guns pointed at me anymore. I mumbled but stepped out and took her offered hand.

    Just a precaution. It wouldnt be the first time someone did a gig for me to try and get close enough to knife me.

    Well luckily, Im not here for that.

    No, you arent. Payment for services rendered. She offered her eyes shing blue and a hefty chunk of eddies was dropped into my ount. I couldnt help the smile spread on my face. I would probably go hunt down that Cyberdeck once I was done here now.

    Walk with me. She said after a moment leading me out of the broken down lobby and into a room with a massive window overlooking the city, she walked over leaned against the ss looking outwards.

    I stood there for a few moments wondering what she was going to say, but the silence stretched on for a bit longer than wasfortable for me.

    Motoko Kusanagi. Ive looked into you a bit. Spoke with Wakako. She speaks highly of you. Ive only worked with her a few times thankfully. Never seemed to have a kind word for anyone, but you she did. Ill be honest, I didn''t expect for Jotaro to die. Not so quickly after you said you could. I definitely didnt expect it to happen without anyone knowing who did it. TC leadership are convinced it was done at the behest of a family Jotaro murdered They are all dead, just in case you didnt know. I was working with the mother when she was picked up by Jotaros goons.

    Jotaro being a piece of shit and murdering an entire family? Color me not at all surprised. Still it was kind of nice for Wakako to talk me up. Id have to stop by and thank her some time.

    Yeah I heard. My brother mentioned everyone thought it was the family of a victim that put out the hit.

    And your skill meant no one had any evidence to say otherwise You did good work. I have a contact with the TC, got me the report they put together about the kill. No evidence towards who could have done it at all. That isnt something any street kid with a Lexington can pull off.

    I simply waited without saying anything. It was one of those statements that was more a question. Like everyone at first they want to know how a fourteen year old can act like a professional killer.

    The silence stretched, my eyes didnt blink more than happy to wait for her to actually ask something, or just move on.

    She chuffed a softugh. Fine. I may have some gigs for someone with your skillset. I already spoke to Wakako about poaching you, she told me to go die in a ditch, but agreed that I can offer you some gigs without stepping on toes.

    I wouldnt mind a few gigs. I had to agree. A few fun gigs some more eddies, it would give me something to do.

    Excellent. Today is a face to face. Ill reach out to you in the next week with a gig. Should be right up your alley. I have someone I need tlined. I dont think that will be an issue?

    No. No problem. Ill kill someone if the gig says I need to. I answer simply. There was no point in trying to hide it.

    I really didnt have any emotional problems with killing people.

    Good. Then Ill be in touch with you soon once I set the gig up Ill admit kid, you arent the normal type of merc I hire. But if I didnt already know you had killed Jotaro Even I wouldnt have any idea who did it. I can use that skill. As long as it stays consistent.

    Then well be working together a lot in the future. Anything else?

    No. Go on kid, enjoy your eddies.

    I headed back to the elevator, always keeping an eye on the reflection of Regina in the window, and then on the HMG turrets that were still shut down, but it would only take a second for them to turn on.

    It wasnt that I didnt trust Regina It was just I felt like she would stab me in the back if she thought it was useful. I had no real reason to expect it, but it was just a general paranoia. Whether it was good or bad, would be determined I suppose.

    Only once I was back in my Quadra and driving down the street did I release a sigh.

    Finally.

    Time to go shopping!

    --

    As I drove out towards the ripper that Vik had told me had my Cyberdeck I was more than happy to make this deal.

    But then as I started walking up to the ce the ripper should be. I had the wildest sense of deja vu

    I found myself staring past the sign of the ripper dock, looking out into the water off the pier.

    I nced at the opposite wall. A big 6th Street tag which looked pretty fresh was covering the wall.

    I knew this ce.

    I knew this ce!

    This was David''s Ripper. That crazy fuck that had literally fucked David over by not giving him his meds after an operation.

    But also a guy that afterwards had tried to help out David. A weird dichotomy of a man.

    Either way, I knew how this fucker operated. He wouldnty a finger on my meat or my chrome.

    I shook away the ghosts of the future and stepped in.

    Looking for the Doc. I called out noticing the room was dirty, I didnt see him at first, only as his head popped out from behind his ripper chair did I notice what he was doing.

    BD and masturbating

    Greeeeat.

    Oooh. And who is this? Looking for some chrome? Well I got the stuff alright. He said his face shifting looking me over, his electronic eyes had already noticed my equipment. He hadnt hesitated a moment before realizing I was here with eddies.

    Viktor Vector contacted you recently, about a Seacho Cyberdeck. You said you have one.

    Oh thats who you are, Viks chrome ey? Alright alright,e on in, I got what you want. He said with a chuckle that I wasnt sure if it was perversion or greed.

    Fucking slimeball.

    But after a few moments he pulled out a canister, cracked the seal and pulled the canister open showing the Cyberdeck resting in the cradle. Then before I could get a view he closed it down.

    Twenty thou for this beauty.

    Bullshit. That thing isnt worth more than fifteen, and we both know it. Vik even confirmed the price with me.

    Twenty, these arent easy toe by anymore. Got another buyer, so the price went up. He offered with a chuckle.

    This fucker. Fine if he wanted to y fuck around games.

    No deal. Ill go find another deck somewhere else then. I said turning to leave the room.

    H-hey, hold your chrome, you wont find another in the entire city! This little baby is worth the price. He offered waving the canister at me enticingly.

    Its worth fifteen grand max. If you want to sell it and have those eddies in your pocket right now, thats the price. I offered instantly. If it was any other ripper maybe I would have haggled but I didnt want to deal with this guy in the first ce.

    Tsk, no interest in bartering in the new generation. He said but didnt agree to the price. Instead he walked over and settled onto a chair waving the canister at me. How about a deal, a few extras you can buy that might-

    Im only here for the Cyberdeck. If you arent going to sell it, Ill delta. I cut him off. I didnt want anything this ripper was selling.

    Other than my new Cyberdeck.

    Fine, fine. Ill give it away at sixteen thousand. Since youre here, and the other buyer isnt. I mean it girl, you wont find anyone else with one of these babies.

    Thats robbery. Ill throw an extra five hundred on, lowest Ill go, offer me any other deal and Im deltaing. I can find another Cyberdeck.

    Hehe, Well I guess Ill just have to take it then. He offered chuckling but I wasnt happy, before he could say anything I snatched it out of his stupid cyber hand.

    Hey!

    I popped the seal and looked it over, scanning it for any problems. To my surprise it was actually in good condition. I noticed a few problems, but just normal issues with Cyberdecks that had been used before.

    I could actually fix most of them with a few minutes work if I felt up to it, but I bet Vik could as well.

    Now my eddies, and Ill get that right in there for you. He offered waving at his chair. Only his wasnt anything like Viks.

    It had a fucking bite bar.

    Pass. I have my own ripper. I told him but my eyes went blue and I sent over the 15500 eddies, and walked out.

    I felt like I needed a bath. But Vik first.

    I wanted more RAM dammit!

    --

    Viiiik! I called out as I spun into his downstairs clinic having leapt down the stairs and grabbed the hand rail to turn my momentum into a spin inside. I got my Cyberdeck! I told him holding up the canister in both hands to show it off.

    Heh! The old ripper couldnt help butugh as he looked up from hisptop he had been mid email by the looks of it as I entered, seeing me practically bouncing on my toes to get an upgrade.

    Alright alright. Cmon kid lets take a look. Ill need to look over the deck before I install.

    Definitely! The chip is in good condition, but it could use a good cleanup, and maybe a repair to one of the neural input. I noticed the connection was a bit tarnished.

    Oh? Good eye. Heh or good eyes I suppose. He teased looking up into my eyes before taking the canister from me and rolling across the floor. Alright lets see what were working with. He muttered as he slotted it into his system and it instantly started doing a check on the deck, as well as a visual high def magnification on the circuitry.

    Vik was cool.

    I settled on the ripper chair beside him and pointed out the tarnish I mentioned only to see him use his tools to instantly clean it off, and even ovey a new gold ovey to ensure the connection wasnt damaged.

    All cleaned up, and fixed up. You ready? He asked teasing, but he did let his face rx a bit and asked the same question a bit more seriously. You sure youre ready?

    I hesitated but exhaled.

    This wasnt going to hurt me. It couldnt. Nothing about me would change. I was I.

    Motoko was Motoko.

    My body was a piece of me, but wasnt me. My soul. My ghost would not be harmed by something like this. Something so minuscule.

    Yes. I said opening my eyes, my will firm and ready.

    Then lets settle you back.

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58

    Funnily enough we were all at the Ho-oh club that night.

    Even Hiromi made it!

    Of course the ce was wildly different right out the gate. There were still a bunch of TC guys but the atmosphere had changed. It was more rxed, and there were signs up, talking about opening of the upstairs areas.

    Apparently the private TC second floor was opening up soon to bring more attention to the bar.

    I honestly didnt want to meet up here, but it was kinda the closest club to everyone''s home.

    And despite my knowledge about Jotaro most of the others had no idea. I guess since he was dead it was fine now.

    So here is the gig. I whispered, sending everyone a text message with the details I had put together including the address and pictures of the building.

    Both back and front. Ichi and I had driven around, enough that I had confirmed the scav base below as well. I let them read the little snippet I had put together and everyone was nodding along as they read through.

    So whats the cut for everyone? Malcolm asked before even finishing the brief.

    Fair split between everyone, excluding any Chrome that someone wants to chip. Just likest time, but this time well be looting more thoroughly. There should be Ripper equipment we can klep for example.

    Who are we selling to? Hiromi asked, breaking in as Malcolm was practically bursting at the seams at the idea of all the eddies.

    I havent got that far yet?

    Gonk. Nope. We arent doing that again. Fine. Ill make some calls, and find buyers. Motoko. Send me your Fixers number as well. You know Wakako right? She might have some buyers as well. Hiromi demanded as her eyes went gold and she sat back as she started calling

    Someone?

    Wow Hiromi was pretty cool. I sent her a text with Wakakos number and refocused on the boys.

    How much loot are we looking at Motoko?

    Honestly? No idea. But thats the thing. We clear this ce, and if I do it fast enough, maybe I can pull some information on another den. I would like to be able to just keep hitting them.

    Thatll piss off the scavs. Like seriously piss them off, theye after you. After us.

    Not if we do it without anyone knowing. I told him firmly. I go in clear them as quietly as I can, if I do my job right, no one fires a bullet, no one finds out until the ce is empty and we are long gone. Ill trash any recordings of what happened. I got an upgrade. I told him tapping the back of my head where my Cyberdeck is installed.

    Okay but what if you do get seen, and word gets out?

    I opened my mouth to assure him that wouldnt happen before closing it.

    Okay. I dont wear my normal gear. Ill suit up in something new. We all will. Masks and everything. Your Villefort Columbus Truck isnt exactly unique either.

    Its the mostmon moving truck in Night City. He said, rolling his eyes. And that was done on purpose It was Jotaro-samas'' idea, drive around in a vehicle no one would look twice at. He said, sounding a little sad.

    Ugh. Ichi dont feel bad about that bastard!

    Well it works for us! So we go buy some gear first, and then well be good to go.

    I dont have the eddies for that. Malcolm said outright. Ive been out of work for a few weeks since Well since the war and stuff.

    Not exactly doing great either. Ichi agreed, and I nodded.

    Not to worry chooms. This is a business expense, and wille out of thepany expense ount Ill pay for it, you can pay me backter, or not. I dont really care.

    Motoko. Im not gonna just take-

    Im not gonna steal from a choo- They both started arguing but I waved a hand at both of them to shush them.

    Well make ten times whatever I pay for the gear we need on the loot, and I cant make much just by myself. You guys bring the truck, and the looting experience. So Ill pay for this. You pay with your truck, and Hiromi I guess is paying by taking care of the least important stuff. I add right at the end teasingly, as I noticed Hiromis eyes turn back to normal as her call ended.

    The fact she kicked me hard in the shin a momentter was totally worth the look of outrage on her face.

    Motoko! She snapped at me making me giggle up a storm as even Ichi and Malcolm started chuckling along.

    Sorry sorry! You finding buyers is super important. Find anything?

    Not yet. I was talking to I was calling my dad for advice. I hope that doesnt bother you Motoko, I did tell him what we are doing?

    I winced a little but in the end shrugged. I highly doubt a small ripper doc and some scavs will interest your dad at all. So I think were good. What did he say?

    Hes gonna give me a shard on marketing that I apparently need to study now. She grumbled ring at nothing. But he did give me some advice on who to contact from Arasaka intel that he has ess to. So yeah we have some options. He suggested I know what Im selling before I start calling around though.

    Great! So we go, clear it out, and then Hiromi can find us buyers! This is gonna be so much fun! I cheered getting looks from everyone at the table.

    They just didnt understand why raiding scavs was fun because they were boring and afraid of bullets and stuff. Its fine. More fun for me!

    --

    Obviously I wasnt going to rush into this. So even as the sun was going down. We were all heading away from Ho-oh club towards a certain little shop I know.

    We entered in through the front. The guard was still around. The LMG in his hands deadly but after we entered he went on to ignore us as I walked up to the little old asiandy that I had bought my Leotards from.

    Oh? Back again, and with friends?

    I need some work done. Or at least supplies. Im wondering if you can help me out?

    She looked over the little oval sses she was wearing at the four of us before beckoned us into the back of her shop.

    Lets talk what you need.

    --

    Three hourster we were actually getting close to being done. I had paid for a rush job since we were all here and had the time at the moment.

    Between machines, the olddies'' incredibly fast stitching and machine work, and me quickly starting to help out which surprised her, I got my crew all sped out.

    Hiromi had even headed out to grab some new boots and supplies for everyone to go along with it.

    They werentrunner suits exactly. More just heavily armored clothing.

    But they were tight, dark colored, and looked pretty cool. All of us would even match!

    I mean sure I had considered going for the three piece suit look. Cant beat a ssic look! But considering only corpos wore anything close to that we would stand out, and the goal was to try and stand out as little as possible while staying protected.

    Even if we were in matching clothes.

    Done. Thedy mentioned pulling out a final jacket piece out of the machine looking it over and throwing it at Hiromi.

    With that we were all done. Boots, armored pants and armored shirt and jacket.

    It looked pretty generic, but it was armored clothing, and would give us some anonymity.

    Thanks Oba-san.

    Bah. Pay me first then thank me. She barked at me with a chuckle as I nodded quickly and did just that.

    The payment was Hefty. I was really lucky I had gotten Reginas eddies otherwise that would have broken my bank.

    Now I dont know what you are nning. Nor do I want to. I never helped you. Get out. She ordered, waving at the door and we all gathered up our leftover clothes and rushed out towards the cars.

    Hiromi jumped in to ride with me in the Quadra as we all split off.

    Preparation almostplete. Soon we strike!

    --

    What are you wearing? Jun asked as I was standing in the bathroom looking at the mirror making some adjustments to my new outfit.

    Its my new secret killer outfit I found a scav den attached to a Ripper doc. We are going to clear the ce out and loot it to the bedrock, but we dont want anyone knowing its us. I told Jun as I kept working on my stitching.

    I needed to make sure it fit right. It would be really annoying if not.

    Okay Ninja girl. he said and I quickly spun around throwing my hands into a ninja handsign as I did.

    Nin-Nin! I told him seriously. What I had been working on was a face mask, a ninja mask specifically. I had spent a little extra at the olddies shop and bought some really breathable cloth so I could make it.

    You look like a dork. Whats with the fingers?

    My secret Ninjutsu!

    Embarrassing.

    Ehhh! Secret Ninjutsu! MOTOKO KICK! I called out rushing towards him but Jun knew a bad fight and instead of fighting back turned and ran. My kick missed by a mile, but that wasnt enough to stop me!

    Secret Ninjutsu: Burrito throwing knife!

    Burrito wha-Urk Jun in his haste to flee had left the wrapped XXL burrito on the kitchen counter, I of course made due with my improvised weapon that smacked right into my brothers face as he turned to see what I was doing.

    Motoko!

    Hahaha! Pretty Princess Ninja Motoko wins ag-urk! That of course was the sound of my borg brother tackling me onto the hard tile of the kitchen.

    Lesson learned. Leave Juns burritos alone he gets touchy about it.

    --

    Once I finally fought off the Oni I had nearly 24 hours before the gig was set to begin. Without any other prep I could get into at the moment.

    So I pulled out my guitar and started thrashing. Letting all the nervous energy flow into it.

    Yeah I was a little nervous. It was one thing being on a gig solo, but even if I wasnt nning on having my chooms involved until the end, that still meant they were there.

    One wrong move and they would get involved trying to help, so I put the energy into the guitar.

    It was nice.

    I''ll burn it down! I yelled out thest line. Franz Ferdinand isnt usually my taste, but it was an official Cyberpunk song. This Fire, was an alright song. I didnt hate it. Plus it fit the energy I was feeling.

    *Rockerboy skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    I caught my breath as I checked my stats. Rockerboy 5 huh? That was pretty fast, but then again. I was ying song after song whenever I wasnt grinding something else.

    I think mostly it was my general disinterest in most of the TV shows in the future.

    They were weird! So I didn''t want to watch them. One episode of just about anything was enough for me to burn out on it.

    But I knew what perk to pick. My biggest problem with music now wasnt song list, or ying.

    It was singing

    Listen! I just never really learned how to sing! Its moreplicated than just singing along while driving down the road or something you know?

    So I picked the perk I had almost pickedst time.

    Siren Song: You control your voice. You can sing. Croon like Sinatra, or Rock like Silverhand. You know how to get the most out of your voice.

    I shivered. Rockerboy had given me some singing lessons, even if it felt like they fell behind the actual musical knowledge It was like knowing how to sing a note, and knowing how to sing a song. They werent exactly the same.@@novelbin@@

    I reached up to my throat, swallowing down almost like I had something caught in my throat, but it was just

    How I was holding the muscles in my throat. I knew how to actually modte my voice now. How to sing, how to breath and exhale while singing

    Hell, I knew how to mimic voices now.

    That made me blink.

    Could I? I looked around the room there wasnt a mirror anywhere so I hurried to the bathroom looking at myself in the mirror. A mirror of a mirror.

    I had mirrored myself in a way. Motoko Kusanagi. A story book character that I had practically be. Simr eyes, same hair, hell same build, even if mine was meat and not chrome for the most part.

    Honestly there were times I forgot that I was basically ying pretend.

    But was I? It wasnt any different than someone deciding to wear the same clothes as some celebrity, or the same haircut.

    I just also shared a name, well and a burgeoning skill set, but that was going to happen anyways. But this?

    Might be a liiittle too far. If anyone found out it would be so embarrassing

    The is vast and infinite. I spoke, but it wasnt my voice. Oh no. It was husky and mature, and I could feel my face flush in delight and embarrassment.

    I cleared my voice and decided I could do it, saying a line I remember from the show. Batou not more weight training equipment! Blowing your pay is one thing Oh god I cant do it. Sexy Motoko voice is too much! I still remember that scene where Motoko makes Batou punch himself, it was one of my favorites! But to be able to literally copy her voice! Mary Elizabeth McGlynn. Sorry I took your voice for a minute!

    Im such a weeb! OMFRGL! I buried my head in my knees for a moment, trying to keep making any more noises of embarrassment.

    I rxed my throat letting my voice go back to normal. Okay. Im gonna have to put a ban on sexy Motoko voice. Thats a secret dangerous skill.

    What is? Jun asked havinge out of his room at some point as he pulled open the fridge.

    Nothing! You didnt hear anything! You cant tell! I screamed at him even pulling up my guitar which I still had strapped to my hip and pointed it at him.

    Would I knock Jun unconscious if he knew

    Yes. Yes I would.

    He blinked at me as he reached in and grabbed a drink pulling the can out and popping the tab in one motion before taking a looooong sip.

    Motoko. Imouto. Youre really weird. He finally said, crushing me in a totally unexpected way.

    I gaped at him as he walked away.

    You destroy your little sister''s self esteem and just walk away!?

    Yep.

    That bastard! Tease me will he! Fine, I will just have to release my new secret skill. For revenge!

    I stepped out of the bathroom after him. Waiting for him to be almost into his bedroom when I spoke, but not in my voice. No, the Major''s husky words poured forth.

    Jun, you should be nicer to your little sister. You never know when shes going to grow up. I pointed out and I enjoyed the way my words affected my brother.

    First he had stilled at the unfamiliar voice searching around until he saw me and then he was left gaping this time!

    What the fuck?

    Ah-ah Jun-boy. Those are naughty words. I told him still in my Sexy voice.

    Motoko!? What the fuck?

    Whats wrong Jun-nii? Is there something bothering you? I asked my smirking growing wide.

    Tease me will he! Make fun of me will he!

    I have skills! All of the skills!

    Motoko, that''s super creepy.

    Hmm? Is that so? I asked him before reaching up and messing with my throat a little. Thats gonna take some getting used to. I told him in my normal voice.

    Dont do that again. Thats creepy! Where did you even learn to do that?!

    Whats wrong Jun? Is your little sister growing up scaring you?

    Funnily Jun didnt answer, just sort of throwing up his arms and then pointing at me and shaking his hand in my direction as if saying enough was enough.

    Sleep tight~! I said, returning to my sexy voice which had Jun swiftly run away.

    Victory is mine!

    Now who''s weird!? Huh!? Huh Actually. Messing with my brother with a sexy mature voice

    Fuck I AM weird. I muttered.

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59

    I ended up practicing some songs for another hour or so to see what my new voice could do, before Jun threw a pillow to shut me up.

    But while I couldnt Mimic all voices, I had a prettyrge range and so some songs I could even sing in character.

    It was fun!

    But since Jun was going to sleep I settled in to do more programming through the night.

    Like all programmers I ended up going out and getting some coffee and then piling the coffee table full of old cups as I worked on the keyboard.

    Motoko. Did you even sleep? Jun asked as he shuffles out of his room that morning.

    Not yet. Ill take a nap in a bit. I told him, which wasnt untrue. A good eight hours would soon be on the horizon meaning I would be at 100% for the gig.

    Well Make sure you sleep. You said you were going out on that gig I cane wi-

    Denied. This is a Motoko crew only thing. Its gonna be a milk run Jun. Just some scavs that need to be exterminated. I told him throwing a thumbs up towards him without looking away from the screen. Plus if anything goes wrong, Ichi, Hiromi, and Malcolm will be there as backup.

    Didnt Hiromi crash her bi-

    Juun! You cant repeat that! I told you that in confidence! I hissed at him pointing. Besides, Hiromi is like the fixer for this job. Shes going to be contacting buyers for the loot. So she doesnt have to fight.

    I wish you wouldnt pull this shit But you do have the skill Take some extra firepower at least. For your chooms or something.

    Oh thats a good idea. Ill grab some stuff and bring it along! Too bad my HMG was still in rough shape. I really needed to fix that thing.

    Alright he sighed I cant stick around. Call or text me when the gig starts, and then when its over. If it takes too long. Ill being!

    Okay okay. Ill let you know. Now get out of here. You got work?

    Just some stuff with Sensei today. We are removing all the stuff the TC put in to the dojo.

    I blinked before remembering the underground room full of tech, and the Ripper room. I guess it made sense. The ce was basically the C&C for the Kamikaze. Pulling it out now that it wasnt in use, and clearing up Senseis Dojo made sense.

    Alright drive safe! I called out, only getting a grumble in return.

    --

    I was back to working on Ping trying to get my little addition working when it happened.

    *Intelligence Leveled up!*

    I blinked.

    Level 7!

    Yes! I cheered as the level up came in, I guess all my programming had finally given me an upgrade!

    I settled back down and I did actually notice a difference as I worked. I hadnt been able to really notice a difference between intelligence levels before, but this time? This time since I was programming before and after I could pick out the differences.

    It wasnt that I was just smarter. But I did process information faster! I could look at a cluster of code and process through it that bit faster than I had before. The numbers were able to be calcted just that little bit faster.

    It was nice.

    But I pushed that aside. It didnt really change anything. Just made it a little bit easier. So I spent the next hour or so debugging the code.

    It would work.

    It was messy. It wasnt clean. But it would make Ping a little bit harder to track if I used it on awork. Stretching out I uploaded thepleted program into my Cyberdeck and shut theptop down.

    Time for a nap!

    --

    You all look great! I told the crew as we met up. We were all meeting up at Hiromis apartmentplex. Funnily enough the security there meant that it was actually pretty safe to gather together in our armored clothes before the gig. Sure there were cameras, but if you knew anything about Night City, you knew that anyone in a Corp isnt going to want records of theiring and going.

    So the garage was pretty safe.

    We all met up around Ichis truck, I was thest to show up much to my embarrassment. Thankfully Hiromi distracted me from beingte.

    Whats with your mask Motoko? Hiromi asked and I eye smiled as the bottom of my face was covered in a cloth ninja mask.

    I was pulling a Kakashi!

    Im a ninja Hiromi. Nin-nin. I told her happily.

    Nin-nin? What the fuck is that? Malcolm asked just confused, and so was everyone else.

    And three fourths of you call yourself japanese. Disappointed. I tell them all frankly. Now enough about my amazing ninja outfit. Lets go over the n again. I said grabbing everyones attention.

    I had nned thisst night.

    I had wanted to mess with my friends to work off some of the anxiety. So I coughed lightly into my fist. Altering my voice to my Sexy Motoko.

    Attention Section 9. Mission brief begins now.

    And then I stood there enjoying the lovely chaos.

    Hiromis jaw dropped.

    Malcolm looked utterly confused. Looking around as if wondering what the hell was going on.

    Ichi had a flush crawling up his neck to his ears as she stared at me.

    Oh? Cat got your tongues? I mocked a little, putting a hand on my hip and cocking it a bit. I suppose Ill hav-Hiromi!

    Mooootokooo! Did you get a voice changer!? Your new voice is so sexy! Amazing! Hiromi called out after tackling me, nearly knocking me on my ass as I had to spin her a bit to bleed off her momentum.

    Its certainly Mature. Ichi offered.@@novelbin@@

    Is Motoko fucking with us? Malcolm added.

    Im not, not fucking with you. I offered to Malcolm, and I got to enjoy the way his face got a little flushed too as I threw him a wink.

    Ive never heard that voice before. Its pretty good. Whats it called? Ichi asked a little too calmly.

    Well fortunately for me. Its not a voice changer. I pulled down my ninja mask showing my unchromed neck. I just learned how to change my voice a little. Its mostly in the chest, breathing differently, to make me a bit deeper and huskier. I offered with a casual shrug. Once you knew the trick it really was pretty easy.

    My answer did not in fact calm things.

    I ignored the many questions from my chooms as I coughed into my fist. Lets all settle down now. We have a gig to do dont we? Malcolm. Ichi everything settled with the truck? I prompted cutting through the many questions, and my voice did grab attention.

    A-ah yeah I messed with the license te. As long as we dont run past any NCPD well be fine, and any recordings will have the wrong te.

    Excellent. Malcolm, you got the equipment loaded?

    Yeeep. He said staring a bit but shaking it off. The trolleys and loading tools are all in there ready for us.

    Hiromi, ready for boredom?

    Yeeees.. I mean no? She asked, looking a little frazzled as she was still hugging me.

    I smiled at her, and patted her on the head. Good job. I told her and turned towards my car. I have some extra weapons if anyone wants something with a bit more kick. I doubt we will need them, but I would rather you have them just in case. I called out as I pulled away from a suddenly limp Hiromi.

    Uh yeah Ill take something. I only have my normal iron. Wasnt any reason to pick up something bigger during the war. If I got into a fight I was fucked already. Ichi called out and Malcolm echoed him as I pulled open the side door on the Quadra showing my collection of shotguns and rifles. The Nekomata was there too, but I was gonna p anyone upside the head if they went for that.

    You have to be trained to use a sniper.

    Hiromi didnt collect anything but the two boys each grabbed a shotgun.

    H-hey Motoko Are you gonna use that voice from now on? Hiromi asked quietly but Iughed, which sounded pretty cool in sexy Motoko voice.

    No. This was just a little trick I was ying on all of you to calm you all down for the gig. Unfortunately, Sexy Motoko voice is going away. I said rxing my throat and stretching it a bit with a hand. See? Back to normal.

    Aww. Hiromi whined and even Ichi and Malcolm looked disappointed.

    Of course! The Major''s best voice is definitely an amazing voice! Im almost sorry to go back to my normal voice too!

    Alright everyone! Section 9! Move out!

    Section 9? Malcolm asked and I could see Ichi just shrug out of the corner of my eye. I ignored them of course and climbed into the back of the truck with Malcolm.

    Hiromi and Ichi were driving, and Malcolm was the one with experience in the back of these trucks.

    And so we set off.

    --

    Seriously though Motoko, that voice is pretty preem, especially since you can just switch like that.

    Malcolm, its been ten minutes. Let it go already. I told him. I guess my n to distract my team went a little Too well.

    Here it is But seriously, the voice! He whispered to me as we bounced lightly down the road.

    Just keep focused. I told him as I kneeled down. My recording of the gig started, and as the truck passed across the spot I rolled out of itnding on my feet and with a quick jog slowed myself down as I ran up a set of stairs into the alley. I reached the back entrance of the Scavs den in moments.

    The sun was down. The lights were dim in this area, and no one noticed a lone truck just driving down the street.

    Ichi would drive around the building parking near the front entrance until he got the call. Until then I was on my own.

    Looking around and being pleased there was no one around. Not even cameras or anything. A little dead spot

    Probably set up like that on purpose I realized.

    My eyes shed as I started scanning. As I slipped inside the door not even taking a second to get through.

    It looked like an old chopshop. A busted up car that was half taken apart stood in the little garage area.

    Figures scavs would hide in such a ce.

    No sign of them being scavs Yet.

    But I already knew. I just wanted evidence on the BD. In fact. The garage bay was empty, both floors, and I made sure to look up checking for cameras and things just to be sure.

    Nothing.

    I smiled as I crept up and looked through the windows on the garage, the Scavs had a nice little living space. A few were hanging around watching TV, one had a Wreath on his head

    I would definitely be killing him mid BD, he was practically begging for it! But not yet.

    I started counting. Getting my numbers. Unlike previous gigs, I wasnt going to kill as I go.

    I was going to know exactly how many scavs I needed to murder before I started. They wouldnt know I was here until it was toote.

    Instead of heading into their living area I moved to the yellow utility stairs leading to the second floor overlooking the garage area. It also wrapped around leading into a second floor of the living space. No one was here. So it was literally giving me full ess to everything they were doing. Following along there was a door I checked.

    Small storage. Nothing immediately interesting. I continued. Down a hall to another little room that had the normal interior stairs. Since no one was up here. I checked the door.

    Another storage closet.

    Was this ce all storage closets!?

    But then I noticed the security ess panel on the wall. I closed the closet door behind me as I jacked in.

    It was a rush. The Seacho was a whole other beastpared to the Paraline. The moment I connected I could practically smell theck of a Netrunner protecting the ce, and I broke through the ice in seconds.

    It was WET. One of the already solved ICE walls that I had picked up from Yoko! These idiots hadnt upgraded their security in at least twenty years!

    With that I had ess to their security.

    I also was able to send a Ping through the system.

    Instantly lines of light erupted in my view.

    Ten Scavs?

    Might as well sleep through this gig.

    With them all in my sights I felt extremelyfortable moving around.

    I traveled across the weird upper level this ce had, letting me look down at the stupid scav gonks and their day to day. I even zoomed in on one of them ying some game on aptop. Watching for a minute before he failed a jump and died.

    Pathetic. I couldnt help but whisper. The radio, TV, and general noise of people on electronics, more than enough to keep my voice hidden.

    But as I traveled across I noticed it. There was another set of stairs in the corner behind me.

    Heading down. I had scoped out this entire area, and there was no scav shit up here. Just scavs.

    Some of which did have bounties

    I could just start killing

    No I instead moved back across the catwalk, finding a space that would work. I jumped down to avoid some of the wandering scavs and reached the basement stairs in a quiet pomf of noise before sneaking in. The stairs led into a broken room, with the stic strips that were often used in Night City to stop blood stter.

    The fact there was a body broken open and ripped apart on the chair was evidence enough of what happened here.

    Okay. I got confirmation.

    There was no one down here. Perfect. I slipped over to the body bypassing it until I reached aputer that was stationed nearby. It took a bit longer to break the ICE on this one. It was newer, but off the shelf, without arunner protecting it, it only took me a minute before I was in.

    While I pushed a shard into theputer setup, and started downloading everything. Emails. Connections. I even hacked in, and started downloading the OS records. There would be nothing on thisputer that I wouldnt have.

    I was reading the emails, making sure that Charles was the nasty guy I expected him to be. That this wasnt something he was being ckmailed to do. I would still kill him if he was being ckmailed, but I would feel slightly bad about it.

    But nope.

    I had read enough to confirm his participation.

    Then I unplugged. Pocketing the shard. Time to roll.

    I stalked back upstairs. Thanks to Ping I already knew where everyone was.

    Nine Scavs hanging around the living room. And Charles the ripper behind me. Turns out he was hooked into the security as well. Made sense.

    But he would best.

    First gonk died from surprise loss of the ability to breath through all the blood flooding down his neck. I dropped his body, I didnt need to hide bodies simply leaving him on the floor where he had been walking towards a table to grab some grub.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    There wouldnt be anyone left to find them soon. Next guy was BD Wreath guy. As was tradition I took him out just as quickly and moved on.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    Third and forth died together. They were watching TV like a married couple. I had a spare knife now thanks to a Raffen Shiv member, and my knife and shiv sunk in and tore free killing them both in quiet gurgles.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    Fifth guy I didnt even sneak up on.

    He was sitting at a table eating and I walked right across the room to him. He noticed me only in thest moment, eyes widening before my knife swept through his throat.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    I ignored his fumbled attempts to talk as he fell out of his chair.

    The noise must have alerted someone as I saw the golden line shift closer to me. I just flipped my Shiv and tossed it.

    The poor number six Scav rounded the corner, not even armed, just looking around wondering what the noise was when the knife took him in the chest. My second throw took him down instantly.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    Honestly scavs were so pathetic. Barely any chrome on these ones. The first Scav den was more put together than this one. Then again from the emails I had looked through on theputer downstairs, these werent the best of the best, just some guys meant to keep an eye on the doc, to do his dirty work.

    No, I would be searching for their main base once they were cleaned up.

    But I moved on. Seven eight and nine were together as well.

    Sitting on a couch watching some TV.

    I thought out my assault in an instant and moved.

    One knife was thrown as I leaped over the couch, slipping into a poor gonks throat, my other hand mmed a knife into the scav on my right slipping into his trachea, I tore it loose uncaring about the blood that sttered over me and scav gonk number nine.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    The fact I hadnded directly in hisp, gave him about a second to start trying to react, instinct meant he tried to push me off.

    I rolled with his motion spinning a bit in hisp until we were face to face.

    Then he coughed. My knife slipping up and into his chin. His body shook trying to do something as he slowly gagged and choked to death.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    With that done I sent a text to the crew letting them know to move in. I hurried back through the den downstairs and then up until I reached the door to the Doctors fake ripper clinic.

    Then I just walked inside.

    Malcolm and Hiromi were already inside, and the Ripper wasnt looking too happy with both gun toting teens.

    Oh dont cause a fuss Charles We already know youre working with the Scavs. I said in my sexy voice to the room, the Ripper spun to face me as I opened the door looking horrified that I hade up from the basement.

    My words, and the fact I wasing out of his back room quieted the room.

    Oh and probably the blood.

    I was covered in a lot of blood.

    H-hey thats not it! They forced me! The-

    I read your emails Charles. I assured him. Then before anyone could react, I drew my Lexington and fired. Then I walked over and fired twice more.

    Always double tap when possible.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *Cold Blood skill level up!*

    I closed my eyes and turned off the BD recording.

    Huh Cold Blood level 8. It was now maxed outpared to my current Cool stat.

    Okay guys you all ready? I asked turning to my team.

    W-why are you using the sexy voice again!? Malcolm couldnt help but snap at me, even if he was looking more towards the dead body.

    I guess I like it! I said with a smile under my mask.

    Oh, well I like it too! Hiromi offered her Katana sheathed with a little flourish. She would look perfectly at ease if not for the slight shake to her hands.

    Alright lets go through everything. Malcolm start here, find his Cyberware and box it. Hiromi youre with Malcolm. Ill go help Ichi at the back.

    Yes Motoko! Hiromi jumped to it, seeming a little too quick to listen to me.

    What was with that girl?

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60

    For once cleaning up the ce went without any issues. I ended up dragging the bodies away from where I killed them all and pushed them into a corner so they wouldnt bother the others, while Ichi ran through the base finding loot and gathering it all up.

    I did take a small break to grab the Scavsptopsying around. Hopefully I could use a bit ofrunning sneakery and figure out another Scav den.

    Honestly we probably could use more hands next time we did this, but while everyone did start gging an hour in, I just reminded them that the more we could drag out of here the more eddies we would have in the end.

    Boxes of Cyberware. Computer equipment. Ripper Equipment. Bits and bobs from the chop shop that Ichi confirmed would make some eddies if sold.

    In the end we filled up the truck with the most valuable stuff and left the stuff that would be harder to sell. We all climbed back into the truck and drove off.

    I finally pulled down the mask once the back of the truck was down and Malcolm and I were both squished into the loot we had gathered.

    The boy might be exhausted, but there was a shit eating grin on his face as he rested back.

    We stopped at Hiromis apartment again, all of us rxing from the gig.

    Alright Section 9! I called out once again using my sexy voice. Which had an instant effect.

    Stop doing that! Ichi called back as he blushed a little but Hiromi elbowed him instantly as she threw me a thumbs up. Malcolm just shook his head at my nonsense.

    Never. Its far too fun. Excellent work everyone. Hiromi, Malcolm, did you find anything interesting in the Cyberware?

    Loads of stuff! Malcolm practically exploded. I mean it sucks its all scav chrome, but holy shit they pulled some preem chrome Motoko. Youre gonna be picking some stuff yourself at this rate!

    Malcolm and Hiromis reaction had Ichi and I both looking a little excited.

    Okay pull out the box of stuff lets take a look!

    Not here you gonk! Hiromi demanded, shaking her head at me. Lets put the boxes in the cars and drive it out of here first. There are still cameras. She reminded me and I bowed my head in acknowledgment.

    True. Lets pull the chrome boxes and load them into our rides, meet up at Viks?

    Im gonna pass. You guys know I dont really need new chrome. My rents would get me whatever I need, Arasaka stuff. You guys take it. Im gonna start calling buyers. Just let me know what you dont end up using Or what you dont sell to Vik Motoko. She said, looking squarely at me with a face.

    Hey! I didnt deserve a face! Besides Okay fine yeah I was probably going to sell the rest of the stuff to Vik. He deserved to be well stocked, and I know he would do good with this chrome that had a terrible origin.

    Make up for some of the bad karma of it all.

    Oooh hey is that a Mantis de? Hmm. A Militech Infuser? Never heard of it. Malcolm said as he pulled out

    They werent arms themselves, but more like pieces that could be installed in cyberarms.

    You want them Motoko? Malcolm asked looking up at me with a face that was practically sparkling.

    As much as I might, Im keeping any installs to small things for now. I told him shaking my head. Is there any Netrunner stuff?

    Hmm. I think Yeah small box of some old decks by the looks of them. Nothing good. Oh here you go. He pulled out a small case, and popped it open. Ex-Disk.

    Nice! I cheered Ex-disk were Neuralware mods that would increase a Cyberdecks RAM. More RAM. Faster punching through gonks security. Yoink! I snagged it away which he chuckled at as I closed the little case and put it in a pocket.

    That would go with me to Vikter.

    Odds and ends. What the hell? These are some absolutely ancient Cybereyes. Id be surprised if they even connect to everything anymore. Malcolm grumbled as he wiped some dust off the thermos looking canister.

    Unless the canister was just used to store it. Well pop it with Vik and see if its any good. I reminded him, earning a pleased smile.

    Motoko! Smart link! Ichi called out waving it at me.

    What dont want it yourself? I asked but he just looked at me.

    Only one of us is a crazy solo that clears out entire scav dens on their own.

    Which means I already dont need it. I tease but he tossed it at me regardless and I quickly grabbed it out of the air.

    Fine, I''ll chip it. Should be easy enough with these. I mention waving my hands. I guess it was about time for me to start actually interfacing with my guns.

    There is still tons more, but I dont know what all of this is Viks? I asked the boys and while I got a response from both boys that reminded me of trying to take a bone away from a wild dog. Slowly we gathered everything together, but got sidetracked by Hiromi.

    Change of ns! She yelled imperiously pointing at me. You are my bodyguard while we make sales. Then she turned and pointed at Ichi. And you need to drive the truck. Malcolm will be with you holding a shotgun. We can start having fun with the loot soon, but I want to get this over with. I already got a sale for some. Lets go! She called pointing

    At my Quadra.

    You already made the sales?

    I already made some contacts thanks to your Fixer. I was just waiting to know the loot. While Malcolm was loading everything up, I was already putting out feelers. You are allowed to worship my amazingness. She proimed hands on her hips.

    Yes oh mighty fixer. Please allow us to help you sell the loot.

    Excellent! Lets go! Malcolm! Get that stuff loaded into the Quadra. I already know Motoko isnt going to let us sell any of it before her ripper gets first look. Ichi! Secure the truck I want to get some of this sold off tonight before it gets anyter!

    Ugh. I guess Im chauffeur and bodyguard girl now.

    But at least Hiromi stopped barking orders at me.

    --

    The sales were Interesting!

    No stop trying to rip me off. You wanted the canisters of Flunitrazepam? You pay up for it. She snapped at the ripper that she was selling the loot too.

    Of course it was only because Hiromi was Hiromi that the guy hadnt turned us away for being scavs or something.

    This was the third shop we had hit. And she was selling the stuff we had klepped. Including the Rippers tools and chair.

    Apparently Charles had been a naughty boy. He had been making enough eddies with his scav friends he had a lot of top of the line stuff.

    Hiromi was selling it off piecemeal.

    We had of course stopped at Viks first, for a surprise sale, and dropped off the boxes of actual Cyberware that he had agreed to look through and pick out the choice bits for us, as well as figure out what everything was.

    He had even paid Hiromi- I mean us. He had paid us for a new diagnostic tool that he liked the look of.

    Which made me happy. I forced Hiromi to give him a discount though.

    She had refused at first, but I put on my sexy voice and told her it was happening, and that had stopped any attempts at refusal.

    Honestly I had mostly done it to mess with Vik, but Im d my mature voice seems to make people listen to me.

    And then, despite how action packed it was. It started gettingte, and we all decided to call it a night.

    Ichi took his much emptier truck and would store it securely in a garage that Jotaro had originally bought to do exactly what he was doing, hiding loot. A ce to store a truck full of expensive stuff until it was sold off.

    The money was flowing in, although we were keeping it all together for now until we were ready to divvy it out.

    It was a good haul, and everyone was super happy. Ichis money problems would be solved for at least a little longer, Malcolm and Hiromi were happy.

    And I was just d my friends were happy.

    Well that and 5k XP closer to a level up.

    --

    Im home! I called out as I walked inside the apartment. The lights were still on so I knew Jun was in.

    Wee home. He called out, and I saw his hand wave from his bed as I walked into the bedroom and then into my little room. I peeled out of my new armored suits jacket with a sigh.

    It was funny, I was so used to wearing my leotard and jeans, that wearing something like this just felt weird. The jacket was tossed onto a dresser and then I peeled myself out of the armored top and pants.

    Honestly they were a useful bit of gear, even if the looks were super basic, the sort of brown base, broken up by patches of the gray ker, the only spark to them. They looked super basic. And what kind of merc or edgerunner would I be if I wore something like this all the time?

    I had only picked it up and wore it so my crew would do the same.

    I wasnt that worried about a few bullet holes, but it was a different story for my chooms.

    Once I was free I grabbed one of my Leotards and slipped into it. Feeling much morefortable with how free I felt wearing one. Then without bothering to put on any pants I walked back out and grabbed my guitar.

    I had honestly been pretty bored hanging around as Hiromi sold equipment to fences and rippers.

    So I really wanted to destress. Flopping onto the couch I kicked my feet up on the armrest of it and just closed my eyes as I started striking some chords.

    It wasnt any particr song, no lyrics beside my humming, but I let myself rx and move away from the killing and death that made up most of my day.

    --

    So you hit a scav den, that was working with a Ripper?

    Yep. From the emails he would do work on some people, and some people would just disappear. I told Jun the next morning as we ate breakfast together.

    Disgusting. He dead?

    Put a bullet in him myself. I assured him as I chomped into my XXL burrito. @@novelbin@@

    It wasnt good, but I was feelingzy and I didnt want to leave the apartment yet. I would eventually. After school Hiromi was going to try and sell more stuff, but that waster this afternoon.

    d you didnt get hurt. He finally said as he finished his burrito and tossed the wrapper in the trash.

    They never even knew I was there. I did get another kill with a guy watching a BD though. That never gets old.

    Jun snorted at my words and patted my head a bit and I winced before kicking at him. Ow! Stupid chrome gori hands go get some real skinn! Do I have to buy it for you!? I yelled at him as he dropped his stupid chrome hands a bit too hard on my head.

    He winced a little as he lifted his hands up. Sorry Imouto I didnt even think about it.

    Go see Vik! Moron! Dummy! Hell take care of you. I know youve been avoiding him. Hiromi just sold him some Real Skinn too Actually did you know ites in these weird canisters? Apparently you have to like grow it. Well it expands I mean. Its weird stuff. I muttered, kinda waving my hands around. Vik had been happy to receive the canisters pretty cheap. Lot of people that couldnt afford it could use some skin to feel more human.

    Jun snorted at my rambling but he got serious a momentter. Alright. Fine. Ill go see a ripper and get some Real Skinn. He grumbled at me as he rose up and grabbed his jacket.

    Ah! Good! Go right now! I want a big hug when youe home!

    Yeah yeah. He mumbled tiredly, obviously done with my teasing.

    One yeah is enough! I corrected with augh as he flipped me off as he closed the door behind him.

    Huh.

    What am I gonna do now? I could poke Regina. She had said she would have a gig for me soon, but I wasnt in a rush and she said she would let me know.

    I didnt really want to go try and track down the next scav base from the info I got out of the den right now.

    So I guess justy around? I looked over at my mess of mechanical parts. At myptop full of programming I was still working on

    That seemed like work though.

    I reached over to grab my guitar and sat up. Music time.

    --

    I did take a break from music to do some more programming, but funnily enough while listening to the radio a song came on that I liked and I ended up grabbing my Guitar and ying along.

    I fell into a habit. I was listening to the radio and whenever a song I liked came on, I would sing along and y with it.

    Of course I would switch over to different stations.

    It was kinda hard to y electronic music on my guitar after all. Which is part of the reason I wanted my music box to be programmed.

    I did have a lot of projects on my hands, but I was having fun so thats all that matters.

    Of course I was in the middle of singing along when the front door suddenly burst open.

    I looked.

    Hiromi looked back.

    I looked.

    Hiromi grinned.

    HIROMI! I yelled at her as I swiftly tried to hide the guitar from her as she pounced on me.

    MOTOKO! She yelled back in delight as she startedughing at me.

    I wasnt blushing! It was just embarrassing! No one besides Jun was supposed to know!

    Hiromi you need to learn to knock!

    How could I? I heard my Motoko out in the hall singing her heart out! I had to rush in and see! She proimed as she continued hugging me as I tried to peel her off and put the guitar away. I quickly nced over at the radio and it shut off with a quick thought.

    Aww. Motokoooo!

    Finally managing to put the guitar on its stand I reached down to the giggling girl and put both hands on her cheeks. Forcing her to meet my eyes.

    You saw and heard nothing. I told her firmly. Even using my sexy voice.

    She just grinned.

    That meant she agreed Right?

    -

    You should have heard it Ichi! It was soooo preem Motoko was totally jamming out standing on her couch!

    No one will find any of your bodies. I promised as I continued to hide my face against Ichis truck. The cool steel just barely kept me from overheating.

    She had promised not to tell anyone!

    She tried to make me promise not to tell, but I mean. Cmon! Of course I will!

    Death! I whimper-whispered.

    Motoko, when did you start ying the guitar? I dont think you did before thea or anything. Malcolm asked, ignoring Ichi and Hiromi both trying to embarrass me more.

    Its all Hiromis fault.

    What? How!?

    You made me sing during the Nomad BBQ! I realized I wasnt any good at it, so I decided to start practicing!

    Wait Motoko, did you really get so embarrassed about your bad singing during the BBQ that you secretly went out and bought a guitar to learn some music? Hiromi asked, suddenly staring at me with her big old green eyes.

    It! It wasnt a secret! Jun knew!

    Motoko You are the cutest ever. She whispered, barely hiding the massive grin behind her hands.

    No! I denied but Hiromi was soon sage nodding at me, Ichi joining in. The jerk!

    You got so embarrassed about singing you went and bought a guitar to learn and practice? Ichi asked for a moment. Cute.

    Im! Im dangerous! Not cute! I demanded stomping my foot to prove my danger.

    It didnt work.

    You werent that bad at singing Motoko. You didnt have to get so cute about it. Hiromi said and I frowned.

    Im not bad at singing!

    You werent really great either, Motoko. Hiromi offered gently as she walked over and threw an arm over my shoulder But its cute you have a weak point.

    Weak point? Me? Never! Weak points are where you get hit for massive damage! I refuse!

    I walked over to the Quadra and popped the door and after a moment it was on the radio ring to life.

    And then right in front of my crew I started belting out the song alongside the radio.

    A minuteter as the song came to an end I was breathing a little heavily. My face was absolutely bright red, but my chooms were all staring in shock.

    That Was actually pretty preem. Holy shit. Malcolm said, looking at me in a bit of shock.

    Motoko! When what? You didnt know how to sing like a week ago!? What happened? Hiromi asked, marching forward and grabbing my arms and shaking me a bit.

    I learned! I realized I didnt know how to sing at the camp, so I made sure to spend some time learning! Turns out, Im pretty good at music in general! I just needed some practice. I told her. Lying my ass off. Thank you Gamer system! I would be a talentless hack without you! Please forgive me for not telling anyone about your wonder!

    Ugh! Hiromi coughed like someone had just punched her in the chest as she took a few stuttered steps back until she hit the truck. How can she be so perfect at everything!? Ichi!

    Dont look at me Hiromi. Ive grownpletely used to Motoko making me look like a gonk at everything. He said, sighing as he walked over and joined her beside the truck, both of them just sort of staring off into nothing. Hiromi at the ground, Ichi at the roof.

    Rude. I muttered to myself.

    I dont know Toko. This is kinda crazy. Malcolm spoke up, still standing beside me as he looked over our chooms. I mean its one thing to be good at fighting. Or sneaking. Or singing, but you are just good at all of them.

    I just practice a lot! I argue, feeling awkward, that I was basically cheating in my ability to learn new things. Besides! We arent here to pick apart Motokos hobbies! I remind them, pointing at the truck. We are here to make some eddies!

    Shes right. Ichi agreed,ing back to reality at the mention of money, as he stopped staring at the ceiling like a zombie. Alright Section 9, on your feet, lets get this taken care of. Hiromi that means you. He said.

    Eh!? I couldnt help but gasp out as I pointed at Ichi. W-w-what did you just say!? I demanded shocked!

    Section 9. Its what you called us yesterday, remember? Ichi said and then to my horror!

    He smiled!

    You! Youre teasing me!

    I dont know what youre talking about. Cmon Section 9! Lets get moving! He called out and the traitors all followed after!

    My Chooms! Betrayal!

    H-hey You cant use that! Section 9 is It was just a joke!

    Nope we all decided. Section 9 it is. Cmon Motoko load up. Hiromi needs to show up in a preem ride to make the sales. He reminded me as Hiromi already settled into my Quadra.

    My chooms were teasing me!

    I slipped into the Quadra as Ichi and Malcolm started driving off literally ignoring me as they left.

    You guys are being mean. Iined to Hiromi as I started following.

    Aww. Is a little teasing too much? Well now you know how we feel after you keep changing your voice. Hiromi mentioned poking me in the side.

    I thought it was cool.

    It was very Cool. Yes, but dont tease us if you cant handle getting teased back. She said, reaching up and pressing a finger against my cheek. Where did you even get Section 9 from anyways. Some TV show or something?

    Ah! Eh.. Umm. Nooo? I denied.

    Nailed it.

    For some reason my denial didnt seem to convince Hiromi though!

    Gonk.

    I pouted and refused to say anything else about Section 9 as we drove to another Ripper that was willing to buy some stuff.

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61

    And thats it! Great job! Hiromi called out as thest box in the truck was dumped off at the foot of a Ripper and we were finally done.

    Yes! Whoo! I cheered, jumping into the air a little. We had done it! Sold our loot! It actually felt like something an adventurer would do after clearing some Goblin cave or something! I mean sure Scavs arent exactly Goblins Mostly

    But it was the feeling it gave!

    Payday! Malcolm cheered, hand out and t towards Hiromi giving her a cheerful look.

    She scoffed and rolled her eyes. Not here you gonk. Cmon lets go to Motokos ce and we can split the eddies. She said ignoring Malcolms whine for money as she climbed back into my Quadra.

    Wait, why are we meeting at my apartment?

    Ichi lives with his Grandmother. Malcolm has his parents, and we arent going to my ce. Hiromi answers simply.

    Sounds good to me.

    I agree. The boys both say with a grin as they jump into the truck and start driving away!

    Why did everyone just drive off on me! Bullying gonks!

    I huffed but got in my Quadra and started driving home. I hope Jun wasnt home.

    --

    So the split ispletely even. Each of us gets 25%. I doubt anyone is unhappy with the number? Hiromi asked as she passed us a pretty hefty chunk of change each.

    My own bank ount was grateful and it was more than I would have made doing three gigs for Wakako!

    This was amazing. Malcolm said as he flopped back onto the floor of my apartment. We were all sitting around the living room table. Ichi and Malcolm both on the floor while Hiromi and I had the couch.

    Uh. Malcolm, that floor isnt super clean, you might not want toy back like that. I said unable to not mention the dusty floors.

    Listen. I still remember how dirty it was when I was doing pushups, and neither Jun nor I had really done any cleaning outside of fixing up our messes

    Okay mostly me picking up tech, or gunsying around, but the point still stood.

    Yeah its kinda dusty down here.

    Ichi cut in then shaking his head as Malcolm dusted himself off a bit. Either way Motoko. Hiromi. Malcolm. Thank you. I was really hurting for eddies, and I couldnt have made anything like this much in such a short amount of time. Motoko You still pay better than any other boss Ive worked for. Thanks.

    I grinned at Ichis sincerity as he bowed his head a little but Malcolm spoke first, throwing an arm over his friend''s shoulder. Anytime choom! I needed some cash too, I gotta admit, other than the terror and chance of death Which we already dealt with during the war. The pay is certainly better. When are we doing this again?

    I blinked.

    My crew all looked to me, and I realized what they wanted.

    I mean

    I have theputers that the scavs and the ripper were using Ill start digging and see if there is any info on another den? I offered with a shy shrug.

    Oh oh! Ill reach out to my contacts, because I have those now, and see what I can find out! Hiromi offered, putting both of her hands on her hips and flipping her hair a bit as she looked all pleased with herself. She seriously looked like her mom right there.

    I decided I wasnt going to mention that.

    Huh. Well Ill call up some of the TC guys I worked with during the war Ill see what they say. Ichi offered looking happy to be involved.

    Oh fuck all of you. I dont have any cool contacts. Malcolm said as he slumped over the table.

    Dont worry Malcolm, not everyone is good at gathering information! Why dont you see Vik and get some upgrades. Ill probably do that sometime soon too.

    Yeah Yeah I can do that. Itll be preem to actually have some real chrome. I mean! Mantis des you know!? We allughed as he started faux swinging his arms around as if he was using the des.

    We ended up just kind of hanging out sorta mini celebrating a job well done when Jun finally came home.

    Which of course distracted mepletely.

    GASP! I yelled out as I looked at Jun, and he rolled his eyes at me.

    I said I was going to Viks. He said and it was true. His arms looked mostly real now!

    Hug! I demand as I jump up and mber over Hiromi as Jun sighs but gives in and wraps his now fleshy arms around me.

    Much better! Did Vik give you a checkup as well, hows the chrome?

    He did Better. He did a good job settled, some issues I didnt even know I had You were right. Dont let it go to your head. He mutters and I just giggle happy that Vik took care of him.

    Looking good Jun-Nii. Hiromi offered with a wink and Jun rolled his eyes at her flirtations.

    Thank you Hiromi. Good to see you too. Doing something new with the hair?

    Well the mohawk wasnt me anymore. She demurred a bit as she ran a hand through her hair. Her hair was growing out everywhere but she still had the long mohawkying sideways.

    It looked good even so. Hiromi was one of those girls that always looked pretty no matter what she did.

    Ah Ichi, and Malcolm, right. He said and the boys nodded at their name. What are all of you doing?

    Celebrating! Malcolm called out cheering a bit as he raised his drink into the air, and Hiromi reached over to clink her can with his. It wasnt alcohol, but we were having fun regardless.

    Oh good news on the sales?

    Yeah! With Hiromis help we made lots of eddies! I cheered showing Jun just how much we had all made. He smiled and patted my head, looking proud of me.

    Yeeessss.

    --

    A few hourster I was resting on the couch. Everyone had headed out, probably to spend their newly found eddies.

    Jun had imed the TV and was watching some weird ass future show that I just couldnt understand why he liked it.

    Part of me wanted to do some more music, but even I wasnt a brat enough to do that while Jun was in the middle of his show, so instead I grabbed the shard I had downloaded all of the Scav data to, and started going through it.

    I hadnt just stolen the scavs emails, but theputer''s history as well. So as I sorted them out I started looking for anything that would lead to more scavs.

    As I buried myself searching through the data for something I could use, time flowed past me.

    In the end I came up with nothing.

    No emails to Charles about who the boss was, or where I could hunt him down. In fact it was almost as if the Scavs had purposefully kept any connecting info to another den off the systems.

    Irritating.

    Ugh. I groaned as I leaned back away from theptop. That was a good couple of hours wasted.

    Whats wrong? Jun asked, although he didnt tear his eyes away from the TV.

    Just went through all theputer records the Scavs had at the den, trying to hunt down a lead to find more of them.

    Not that easy. One thing they are good at is keeping to themselves. They cant ever get enough power in one area to hold territory or anything, but it makes them impossible to remove.

    Yeah. I grumbled, as I reached over and closed all the files I had been burning through. Instead I closed thatptop and grabbed my ICEptop. Plugged in and started burning down the ICE instead. At least with this I could make progress.

    And in fact I made quick progress. My new Cyberdeck was amazing!

    The ICE was still there. The task was just as hard as always, but I had so much more flexibility. More speed. I really had been needing an upgrade for a while. I was forced to admit to myself as my speed of cracking ICE more than doubled, simply because of how much faster my deck was.

    --

    The next day I was bumming around the apartment again.

    Mostly mixing up my grind between ying some random song that I remember from before or trying to get my programming all fixed up.

    I had also checked through the alerts for the scav den. Other than the XP I hadnt paid any attention to what else I had earned! I really should have because one of the alerts, wasnt just an XP notification but an actual level up!

    *Reflex Leveled up!*

    Reflex 7.

    I was in shock! I hadnt even realized such an important stat had leveled! Awesome! Unfortunately since my des skill had already been maxed out, I hadnt gotten any de alerts, but still! Reflex! I could update my Handgun skill again!

    I was so proud of myself I almost ran out of the apartment to go shoot things before remembering that I was taking it easy-ish today. Only minor stuff on my to do list.

    I had sent a text to Regina asking for info about the hold up on the gig, but all she had sent back was that it was taking a bit longer than expected.

    So I had been sending texts out to people between grinds.

    Hiromi was back in school. Ichi was free, but he was following through on his idea. Speaking to some of the old timers he knew about Scav hideouts.

    But it was Nox that I was texting with the most.

    Turns out he had finally hit the point where he was making more eddies than he had put into the project. That was cool.

    It was still nothing to what I made on a gig alone, but the BDs were getting around out there. @@novelbin@@

    Which reminded me I had a few more BDs for Judy, including the Ichi one which I needed to get made to give to Malcolm and Hiromi.

    Deciding to get out of the house I got dressed and headed over to Lizzies.

    To my relief as I pulled into the parking lot Rita was hanging around outside. I parked and hurried over waving a bit as I approached her, earning a quirk of her lips in return.

    Hey Motoko, doing alright?

    Yep! Hey Rita. I wanted to say, thank you. I said when I got close enough to talk quietly with the Mox. Your advice was really good! I ended up finding a new rxing hobby to do in between all my merc work. So Thanks.

    Oh, well Im d. She said, looking pleased at my words, her smile turningpletely genuine. Im d I could help. What have you started doing?

    I flushed a little at her question scratching at the ports on the back of my head as I hesitated, but if anyone deserved to know it was Rita. I started ying music, I picked up a guitar, and I sing a bit I guess Just dont tell anyone. I said seriously and she giggled. Actually giggled at me.

    Deal. I wont say a word. You any good?

    I Well Im getting there I guess? I offered, dancing back and forth a little on my feet. Which seemed to make Rita even more amused.

    Then youll have to y something for me sometime. But no rush, you here to see Judy? She asked and I nodded, reminded of what I needed to do.

    Yeah I have some BDs to drop off.

    More gigs?

    I looked around a bit to make sure no one was listening in. My Chooms and I hit a Scav Den a few days ago, cleared the whole ce out too.

    Rita scowled at hearing about the scavs but then smirked at the rest. Good. Fucking scum suckers. You all alright?

    Oh yeah it was easy only ten of the guys I took them all out without them even realizing, easy. I waved off the concern. As if I was in danger from a couple of scavs!

    She looked me over for a while before nodding. Well its good to hear there are a few less of them in the city. She reached out and patted my shoulder looking proud.

    Ack! Too many people being proud of me!

    We chatted for a few more minutes about Rita dealing with gonks that needed to be thrown out of the club before I headed inside to find Judy.

    Judy! I called out as I entered, making sure to make noise long before I walked into herir. I didnt want to startle her again.

    Huh? Oh hey Motoko, howre you? She asked as she looked away from theputer she had been staring at as I entered as always she looked like she lived down here, with her desktop covered in cans piling up.

    Not too bad! I have some BDs to drop off, and I wondered if I could ask for a favor about a small BD edit?

    Hmm? Whatd ya mean? She had turned around from herputer giving me herplete attention. I couldnt help but smirk a bit at the thought of what she was going to see.

    Okay so I have this BD I made about a prank I pulled on a friend

    --

    Walking out of Lizzies a few hourster I was still giggling at the BD in my pocket, even if my wallet was lighter. Judy was more than willing to do a BD edit for like a minute long Virtu, but it wasnt free.

    I shrugged. It was good enough. Now I could torment Ichi.

    Heh Mr. Studd. Thats never going to get old. I muttered to myself as I drove home, still giggling. Judy had also been given the scav den Virtu to fix up and hand to Nox.

    Well that little job was done. Considering how close I was I considered heading over to Yaiba tower and talking to Regina but in the end she would contact me with a gig. If she didnt want to give me gigs, it wasnt a problem for me. I wasnt hurting for eddies.

    No, instead I headed towards my favorite ripper. After everything Vik had gone through the chrome we had dropped off and found a few pieces that I had put away. I dont think I was ready for all of it, but there was still a few little updates I wanted to chip in.

    I stopped in to see Misty of course, we had a fun conversation about some article she was reading in her magazine about the Net and souls.

    But then I went down to Vik.

    Oh? Finally ready for those upgrades huh?

    Yeah, but first! I demanded as I stomped up and pulled Vik into a big hug. Thanks for helping my brother. I told him and he looked a little flustered as he patted me on the shoulder.

    You know there isnt any reason to thank me. I didnt do anything most other rippers couldnt do.

    It was special to me. I told him simply ignoring his attempts to break free until I was satisfied my thankfulness was understood.

    Then when I broke away I moved over to his ripper chair and settled in.

    Lets do this.

    The smart link system took only a few moments to install. My Condor arms were designed to ept one after all.

    But the Ex-Disk was a bit more of a job. Vik put me out as he was dealing with my neural link, but I woke up feeling perfectly fine.

    Just with a new piece of metal in my head that gave me some more RAM for my Netdeck.

    Is it working? I couldnt help but ask, as I didnt feel any different and Vik just chuckled.

    You wont notice much yourself, it mostly boosts your Netdeck. Just keep an eye on your RAM usage while you''re out and you should notice a difference. Hows the head? Any headache? The neck? Sometimes the headache shows as a stiff neck. He suddenly asked as he rolled over with a inhaler and prompted me to take a hit.

    No? I feel fine. Nothing seems wrong. I said checking my head and neck.

    Hmm. Usually youd have something after an install like that. Noticed you werent having a problem with your Cyberdeck installst time either. I dont expect the Smart Link to cause any problem, but a new Neuralware is usually a quick road to a headache for a few days even with my care. Vik muttered as he started running scanners over my head and seemed to be checking me out.

    I quickly pulled up my status page while he worked.

    First thing I noticed quickly was that my Cyberization number had gone up for Intelligence.

    Intelligence 7 (11) Due to Cyberization, Maximum value has increased by 4.

    It used to only be increased by 2. So I guess the EX-Disk made a difference?

    But also.

    Arasaka SmartLink System. *Adaptation SmartLink 0/0*

    Arasaka Ex-Disk *Adatapation Ex-Disk 0/0*

    Neither of the two Cyberware had an adaptation cost?

    I could only humm to myself as Vik worked on checking me out, but I felt fine. Better than fine really.

    Eventually after taking all the scans. Like literally all of them, Vik let me go. He was relieved that he wasnt finding anything, but also sorta grumpy that he wasnt finding what he expected.

    So I left him to his grumpiness but only after thanking him, and handing over some money for the work. Then I went home again. I was feeling the need to grind some more. Plus I really wanted to level my programming so I could make my music box idea work.

    Even if it was stupid and just for my music hobby, it would be really cool if it worked! No! When it worked!

    I hummed along to the radio as I drove home.

    -

    So I was taking a break from programming Ping. Instead I had pulled out my toy. I mean my very important directional microphone! That was for super important gig work! And not a toy!

    But I was trying to program the damn thing.

    All I was trying to do was get it smart enough to be able to focus the audio on what I wanted to hear, and filter out any background noise.

    Programming is hard though.

    I wasnt making much progress, at least not efficient progress. Everything I typed out was twigging my Debug knowledge telling me it was going to be a mess to work with.

    But that didnt really matter. I just needed to keep grinding and eventually.

    *Programming skill level up!*

    That would happen!

    Programming 4! I enjoyed the surge of knowledge as I nodded along considering what had just been dumped in my head.

    Then I took the program for the mic I had been working on and deleted almost all of it.

    Yep. It was dogshit.

    Then I started again, using the best bits of thest build. I would get this to work!

    -

    Will never fade away. I crooned as I had taken a break from my programming to strum my guitar and sing.

    I wasnt so much stuck on the programming as just needing to let my mind do something else for a while. So many numbers.

    Plus with my two perks filling in for me. I could basically shut down my brain and y a song and not really have to think about it. Letting my brain cool down from the math overload.

    *100 Rockerboy XP Gained.*

    The message popped in after I finished the song, I couldnt help but smile because Rockerboy leveled up super fast. Even though I wasnt getting alerts after every song, or even every other song, it didnt really matter. I yed the songs simply enjoying the music and the alerts came in. Plus it helped that I kept adding more and more to my y.

    First it was just strumming and singing badly along, then my instrumental cleaned up, and now I have Siren Song. My voice was so much better, so I was actually singing smoothly

    It was fun now! I didnt feel like a grind anymore. When I yed it really was just because I wanted to hear the song.

    The only thing that annoyed me was that I only had a guitar. I still needed to get my music box programmed so I could start doing the rest of the songs too.

    I sighed as I put the guitar down.

    Back to work.

    --

    The next day, long after Jun had left for work again, I was standing on the couch and screaming at the top of my lungs while I rocked out.

    I was just a little irritated at the programming noting together.

    But at least I had a nice outlet. The squeal of my guitar echoed around the apartment as I finished the song and flopped onto the couch to catch my breath.

    I needed

    I dont know. More things to tweak, more programming to grind with. My microphone work had helped, but it wasnt enough. I either needed to get an example of someone already having programmed a directional mic, or I needed to level up a lot more.

    It was irritating. Even if I was still getting skill alerts while failing.

    I put the guitar on the stand and stood up. The music helped me break how stuck I was so now I had an idea. It was time to go talk to Yoko.

    Suiting up in my normal outfit, and a quick driveter I walked into the Dewdrop Inn to see Yoko as always at the counter.

    Yoko. I just got an upgrade to my deck, I need some Quick hacks to fill it up Whatcha got? I asked as I leaned over the counter and she nodded.

    Heres my selection. She offered, pulling out a data pad, and handing it over and there listed out were all of the programs she had.

    In this case she was actually selling them for eddies, but I noticed there was a second tab for better hacks that were only tradable with knowledge.

    Luckily I had the eddies. So I quickly started browsing.

    Most of it was just stuff from the game I recognized, although there were some different hacks. Some were meant only for Netrunning. Like ICE Shield which could create a temporary barrier against threats, hopefully giving you some time to jack out, or escape in the.

    Or Distract which created Well junk data Daemons. That would spread out through a system and try to interfere with everything, filling files with bad data.

    But I wasnt looking for Netrunning code. Mostly because I had yet to really dip my feet intorunning.

    It wasnt that I was nervous or anything, I just didnt really need it. Mostrunners couldnt just infiltrate a building and breach into theirwork directly bypassing any real worry about ck ICE killing them or anything.

    Ill take a Weapon Glitch, and a Reboot Optics. I said confidently. Both were pretty base level programs, but I could fiddle with them, and more importantly, they could both be used inbat when I screwed up and got spotted. Being able to jam some gonks'' guns, or blind them would be an amazing help.

    I paid quickly and was already installing the programs in my deck as I walked out.

    Now I had some new programs to y with and level up!

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62

    I decided to spend the rest of the day ying around with my new quick hacks, but I still had my chooms messaging and chatting with me throughout the day.

    Hiromi was mostlyining about school, but she had put out some feelers to her new contacts about any Scav info.

    Ichi hadnt found much from the old TC guys, but they had apparently liked his gumption to clean up the scavs, and Ichi told me that they would start asking around.

    Malcolm was just enjoying having some eddies and his parents were super happy with himing home with thousands of eddies for a job. After they fussed and worried he had done something the NCPD would arrest him for anyways.

    Well that and showing off his new Mantis des. Seriously, he kept sending pictures of him posing with them every half hour. It was funny but a little embarrassing.

    But I was once more distracted happily with a new program to work on. I started with Weapon Glitch, mostly because being able to mess with someone''s weapon in a fight was an automatic I win button.

    And I wanted to make sure I knew how to use it, and defend against it if needed.

    So I dug into the code, and instantly started figuring out how the program works, and how badly coded it was.

    Another mess of programming. Although in this case I noticed something interesting.

    It was purposefully coded badly.

    The idea was so weird it took me hours of double checking before I was convinced.

    Unlike Ping which was a rather simple program, and was just an extension of infrastructure. Weapon Glitch had obviously been designed by someone really really smart to specifically do what it said.

    But if I used my old metaphor for programming being the design of weapons. Someone had created a magical super sword for themselves, and then started making some lesser copies to sell around.

    The only reason I noticed it is because of all the experience noticing bad code thanks to Debug.

    There were sections of really smooth code in the program. Stuff that I didnt have a chance of copying myself, but then they would be hampered with really horribly written code that forced memory leaks, or loops in the process.

    So while I doubted I could reach the equals quality yet, I definitely could fix some of this nonsense.

    The fact the program used so much ram to activate, could easily be lowered with a few fixes.

    And that is when I realized what the original must have looked like. A program that could be used multiple times in a row topletely disable the weapons of an entire group. Instead of using a ton of ram to disable a single weapon.

    Yeah I wanted me one of those. But the thought of walking into a group of gonks and just wiping their ability to shoot at me in a nce was pretty cool.

    So I settled in to get to work. And very quickly I started getting XP alerts. A new program and problems to fix? Yeah that was all working towards a grind.

    --

    I was a chunk through the next level to programming when I took another break when Jun came home seemingly in a rush. Barging in having obviously been moving fast.

    Motoko. Get dressed. He said suddenly as he stood by the door and I looked away from theptop screen I had been staring at for thest half dozen hours.

    Eh? Whats up Jun.

    Theres a party. Youre invited. Cmon. He said simply nodding his head towards my room as he rushed right past it into his own room, and I could hear him grabbing some junk.

    Party? I called out curiously wondering what Jun was on about.

    Its a big party tomemorate the end of the war. 6th St. agreed to the cease firepletely. So its over. Kamikaze are invited And Fujimura-Sama asked me to invite you as well. He offered and I had to blink a bit at that.

    Did I want to go to a TC party?

    No. Not really.

    Did I care if Fujimura invited me?

    No. Not really.

    Jun must have seen the look on my face because he smiled. He had something nned for sure.

    There will be food. Good food. Juste, you dont have to do anything. Just enjoy the food Even if you dont want to be with the Tyger ws anymore, you are still one of us.

    I blinked.

    Jun you sneaky bastard. You were trying to improve my opinion of the TC by having me eat their food.

    I mean it was sneaky enough to work, but I doubt it will change my opinion of the gang.

    Fine, but only because free food sounds kinda preem. I agreed and Jun smiled a little as he nodded, reaching over and fluffing my hair which considering he had on Real Skinn actually felt kinda nice.

    Onii-chan headpats were pretty good.

    Let me get cleaned up. I told him, waving his hand away. I couldnt just let him think I liked it when he patted my head after all. I would have to mess with him soon to make sure he understood.

    But I got dressed in my normal clothes and followed Jun out into the night.

    What could go wrong?

    --

    And this is my sister Motoko. Jun introduced me to another high up TC guy. Seriously I had seen so many Yakuza wannabes they were all flowing together into one Super Yakuza.

    But none of that mattered.

    Suuuushi.

    Okaying to the party was a good idea. I stuffed another synth-sushi into my mouth despite Jun trying to introduce me to someone.

    Because fuck them. But Sushi tasted goooood.

    The Yakuza guy nodded to me but turned back to focus on Jun. No one that Jun had mentioned to me had even taken a second look at me so far which was good. Because I was far more interested in the snack bar.

    Which is a way to say I was basically just camping it forcing Jun to stand awkwardly next to me as I snacked.

    He didnt have to. I told him he could go hang out in the party, but he was acting kinda skittish. Apparently all of these yakuza types were important and powerful or whatever. I didnt care. Free sushi.

    But it wasnt just TC guys hanging around.

    There was a detachment of 6th St. soldiers hanging around as they chatted with the TC leaders.

    This was a party to celebrate an end to the open conflict between the gangs after all.

    Open conflict anyways. Of course the gangs would still happily kill each other in the dark and deny responsibility.

    But overall it was boring. The party was taking ce in one of the skyscrapers in Japantown. Apparently it acted as a club that the TC owned when it wasnt in use by the gang.

    Of course tonight was a private event.

    Kusanagi. Kusanagi. A familiar voice spoke up interrupting my snack and Jun was already offering a bow.

    Fujimura to my surprise looked a bit different, he had definitely lost some chrome. He gave Jun a nod in return before looking towards me.

    Dangit, he actually wanted to talk to me didnt he? I sighed internally as I finished chewing my sushi and swallowed. Hows it going?

    Its a shame the war ended when it did. He suddenly said out of nowhere. If you had been dragged into a few more battles, they wouldnt be ignoring you. Theyd be seeking you out for their own benefit like they do your brother. He said suddenly surprising me as he looked around and took in the people around us.

    I like it this way. It would be annoying to be bothered by them. I mean I get to stand here and eat Sushi, so it all works for me. I offered with a shrug.

    He snorted unhappily. You dont have the burn for more. Youck of ambition Disappointing. Kusanagi, try to drag your sister into her potential it would be a waste if she simply wallows as she is. Fujimura says to my surprise. It was a backhandedpliment, but apliment all the same.

    What a weird guy.

    Yes Fujimura-Sama. Jun agrees but I know my brother pretty well at this point. He was agreeing just to agree. But Fujimura wasnt entirely done.

    He turned to me again and gave me a long look over.

    Girl. Im no fool. You may wish to separate from the Tyger ws. Ive seen many like you. Thinking that they dont need the Tygers protection anymore. It wont matter in the end. Someday, you will find yourself in need of friends, and we will still be there. Perhaps then you will remember who truly are on your side. Then he just walked away.

    I decided to just stuff more Sushi in my mouth. Crazy Cyberpsycho TC leaders talking nonsense at me.

    -

    I dont feel great. I muttered to Jun as I walked out of the bathroom.

    I warned you to stop eating so much sushi. You made yourself sick. He told me without a hint of sympathy as he led me back into the ballroom where the party was taking ce.@@novelbin@@

    It wasnt my fault! The sushi was so good. But now my stomach was really not happy with me.

    Okay it was my fault. Im adult enough to ept that I literally ate myself sick.

    Cmon we can leave early and head home.

    Yeah Sorry Jun-Nii. I muttered struggling not to puke. Okay definitely my fault. Stupid Motoko. Real stupid.

    But it was sooo tasty!

    I shook that thought away my stupid brain not knowing when enough is enough. Jun guided me through the party, and apologized to a few of the TC higher ups as we passed. Jun covering for me, saying I just wasnt feeling well, and not that I made myself sick by eating too much.

    Eventually we entered the elevator down to the garage at the same time as another of the big TC guys.

    Honestly I could see the Neon Yakuza tattoos crawling over his suit up the back of his neck and across the back of his hands.

    He spoke to Jun while his date, a beautiful neon goddess that was definitely a Doll fussed over me. I could literally see the Doll chip Cyberware starting just behind her ear going down her throat. The gold engravings glinted against her pale skin.

    It was pretty, if you know the fact it was literally a pseudo mind control thing didnt make it kinda disgusting.

    Although I was pretty sure it was the woman in truth and not the programming as she hummed over my back and even gave me a little back rub as I rested my head against the cool chrome of the back of the elevator.

    Ugh too much sushi.

    Stupid Motoko, acting like a child and overeating. Dumbass.

    The elevator stopped with a jolt and the four of us walked out. Jun guided me along as the TC guy and the Doll both left arm in arm, an expensive looking car pulling up for them with a beep.

    Which is when everything went wrong.

    I felt it. That sense shooting up my spine. Danger Sense.

    A glint in my periphery. The smell of blood. A noise of a heavy footstep on concrete. Too heavy to be normal.

    DOWN! I screamed and kicked out Juns knee so we went tumbling just in time to avoid the barrage of machine gun fire above his head.

    The TC guy was also lucky. The moment I screamed out, he had moved, jumping into the car with the instincts of a man who had heard screams to move before. And it had saved his life.

    The poor Doll wasnt as lucky, she went down with a cry and the sttering sound of meat.

    An LMG was pumping rounds towards us aiming to kill us all. No, I realized thankfully, aiming for his target. The TC Leader who was now hiding inside his car and trying to get it started even though his car was getting hammered with bullets.

    But Jun was going to get up soon, and no doubt Jun and I would be a target the moment we did.

    Everything went slow. My mind focused. I only had one chance to survive this.

    Jun only had one chance to survive this.

    My mind zed, my eyes burned. I attacked.

    It had been a long time since I had done any Quick Hacking, and never with an offensive program like this.

    I could barely see the man himself, just his hulking outline as he fired from the shadows of the garage, right next to a car that had an open trunk. The fucker had been in the trunk of a car. Probably just sitting and waiting for his target.

    Smart fucker.

    But in just a moment I was done. His ICE resisted but it onlysted a few moments before I was in. His LMG suddenly sparking as its electronics shut down causing a jam in the receiver as it tried to double load a round.

    Stupid Jun! He was still holding onto me not realizing the attack was over. And the moment it took me to try and push him away was too long. Because I had quick hacked him, no way he didnt realize I had been the one to shut down his toy.

    I looked up Just in time to see the attacker just appear in front of us.

    Fucking Sandevis-

    I didnt even get a chance to quick draw before heid into Jun and I with a kick.

    No, it wasnt a kick. A kick would just hurt. This was like being struck by a moving vehicle.

    We were sent flying. While in the air I had a moment to be happy that Jun was mostly okay since he was mostly borged as well, even if he got rocked into the concrete wall beside the elevator.

    I on the other hand was 90% squishy meat even if I had desperately tried to block the kick with my arms.

    I went flying down the garage, rolling along the concrete. The fact he had kicked me in the stomach meant I had left a trail of my previous meal all across my path.

    Gross.

    I gagged and choked once Inded blood joining my meal on the concrete.

    Fuck that hurt.

    Jun was getting back on his feet. Looking more pissed off than I had ever seen him. I groaned as I wiggled my toes. Confirming my back wasnt broken, just my insides as I forced myself up.

    Fuck this guy, and fuck this night.

    The borgs target was obviously the TC leader who was doing his best to get his car moving to escape this assassination.

    Jun attacked him, because of course he did. Despite not having his Katana, Jun was relying on his Gori arms, mming a fist into the borgs side to keep him from reaching into the car to grab the TC guy with his utterly massive hands.

    Fuck this guy was as big as Maine. Like Anime big. Easily seven plus feet tall, and absolutely beefed out.

    This wasnt just some random fucker. This was an edgerunner level Cyberpunk.

    Fuck. Jun and I were in the middle of this.

    But fuck this guy even more for trying to kill us!

    The noise of the car finally starting changed the battle. The Edgerunner was distracted.

    Burya was drawn even as borg guy punched Jun back, and then with an almost casual swipe of his arm, he literally knocked the car off its wheels and onto its side. The rear wheels spinning helplessly as it was no longer able to escape.

    But his attack thankfully opened him up to me. Jun was out of the way and the fucker was extended.

    Burya barked, and Edgerunner went frompletely ignoring me to focused entirely on me as a massive hole was punched into his back.

    He shifted and I fired again and again, but to my frustration they all missed.

    He had activated his Sandy after my shot and literally ducked and dived around the shots.

    Okay speedware was on the list of stuff pissing me off now.

    I met his ring red eyes. Although this guy had a face, his optics screamed Maelstrom. He raised his arm.

    Oh.

    Fuck.

    I jumped to my feet, ignoring the way my insides seemed to leak at the feeling, I was definitely hurting internally but that didnt matter. I jumped, just managing to slide between a few cars as the rocket he shot at me exploded into the concrete where I had been standing. I coughed out blood again as I hit the floor, rolling a bit as the shockwave washed over me. I puked up some more blood. Not a good sign.

    But I wasnt done. I rolled onto my back and started reloading while I was out of sight.

    Fuck Jun dont die you moron. I couldnt help but think as I could hear him yelling and fighting with the borg.

    I reloaded in a blur. Despite every movement making my stomach spasm in pain as muscles that had just been tenderized screamed at me, Cold Blood, and Cool Nerves meant I wasnt bothered.

    Kill the borg.

    Then make sure I wasnt going to die.

    Reloaded, I rose up and took aim but winced.

    Jun was in the way. The two were wrestling and Jun was obviously losing.

    But I couldnt make the shot. I growled which only hurt me more than anything and instead ducked back down and started moving, slipping behind the cars I made it to the stupid TCs car that was still on its side having been wedged up against the backs of a few of the other cars parked in the garage.

    But that was perfect for me.

    I quietly climbed up to the side of the car to get on top of it. Which put me right next to the two fighting away beating on each other.

    The shot was perfect, his big stupid head was right there. Burya barked once more. Echoing through the lot as a massive hole exploded in the borgs chrome, but not into his head where I had been aiming.

    He had noticed and raised his shoulder. I had been aiming for his head so instead of ending the fight all I did was put a big hole in his shoulder.

    A shoulder that wasnt disabled as I learned a momentter as he swept his arm at me.

    I wasnt fast enough to dodge. The back hand hit and I nked out for a time.

    It was only an urge to cough that ended up spitting blood all over my face that made me open my eyes and realize I had passed out at some point. I was smashed atop a car down the way, having hit it so hard I was indented into the roof.

    The sound of Jun roaring brought me back. I reached down for my Max doc pouch, hands actually trembling as I brought it to my lips

    The first puff brought me back to awareness, back to my focus.

    I still hurt. A lot in fact. But I was alive.

    I sat up and noticed my Burya wasnt in my hand. Fuck, that borged out fucker had actually hit me so hard I lost my gun. Spotting my Burya on the ground right next to where the borg was beating my brother to death made me stand up knowing that I had to get involved. I popped my neck lightly, as I had the worst crick in my neck and then it was on.

    Once again I was out of the fuckers sights. He probably thought I was dead. Hell Jun Probably thought I was dead too. Which probably exined why he was getting his ass beat so bad.

    My eyes were open. My thoughts were clear. This borg needed to die.

    Jun needed help right now.

    I attacked again. This time Reboot Optics mmed into his system. The ICE just as ineffective as it was before. Suddenly his eyes shut down mid fight, and for just a moment Jun had a chance.

    But Jun wasnt alone.

    I started running, moving as silently as I could as I charged in. Speedware was only effective if you could move.

    So I just had to disable that first.

    My knife was yanked out of its sheath, and I even grabbed one of the throwing knives I had taken from the Raffen. Burya was on the ground, and that was my only chance to really finish this. So I needed it.

    Just as I reached the Borgs back I threw myself into a slide. Both knives held out and mmed into the back of the fuckers knees.

    Both skittered and skipped, but even subdermal armor couldnt protect the joints perfectly, the throwing knife skittered off but cut into the flesh before deflecting, but my main knife managed to slip into a soft patch and pierce through into the internals.

    Bitch! The borg roared a bit, but not in pain. Just anger. Obviously his pain editor was active. Jun though was there with me. He reached out and grabbed the arm that had been aiming towards my general direction a moment before and started retaliating.

    The borg tried to kick me once his arm was held back, but I was already tumbling forward dodging his weak blow and grabbing the Burya and then while on my back aimed upwards.

    I didnt hesitate and while the fucker obviously activated his speedware, trying to fight back against us both. But blind, stuck between Jun and I, and with a knee injury he couldnt dodge. Burya hammered my shoulders into the concrete as I fired all three rounds punching upwards into him.

    White borg blood poured out of him onto me.

    This fucker was stronger than Jun. He was bigger than Jun.

    But he now had three more bullet holes tearing up his insides. Jun was on him. Pounding his fists into the fuckers chest, Each time the borg started trying to retaliate Jun would m a fist into the damaged sections of chrome. His first squirming and searching digging into the chrome and ripping out whatever he could grab.

    It wasntpletely effective.

    Even injured. Even two on one, even with Jun hammering away the borg just wasnt stopping.

    I didnt have another reload for the Burya.

    I didnt have my Thermal Katana. I didnt have anything that could really scratch this guy on me.

    But that didnt mean I was going to let Jun have all the fun.

    I drew my Lexington, and started taking potshots, trying to shoot into the holes that my Burya had already opened up. It was hard with Jun there, but a few went in and each time it caused the borg to jerk as something internal took a bullet.

    The borg stepped back. Probably the first time he had been forced to retreat since the fight started, showing just how fucking scary this bastard was.

    I stood up and kept with Jun. Dodging around Jun and popping off rounds whenever I could. As the two of us double teamed the borg pushing him back.

    Teamwork!

    It was surprisingly effective, the guys fucked up leg meant that even when he activated his speedware he couldnt quite catch us, although it did make his arms move incredibly fast, and the one time I barely got out of reach I could feel the wind blow past my face like a truck had just raced by at a hundred miles an hour.

    But it wasnt enough.

    I could see it in his face as he realized he had fucked up. Blind and hamstrung he couldnt escape. That he was too slow now to stop us from slowly tearing him apart.

    If the fucker was a moose, Jun and I were wolves pulling him apart piece by piece. Sure he could kill us with a hit, but he was slow, weak.

    In the end as much as I wanted it, Jun took the kill, instead of dodging a blow Jun grabbed the borgs hand before he could pull it back and tugged unbncing the borg giving him time to leap at him, climbing up the fucker Jun wrapped his arms around the borgs neck and started pulling.

    Sure the Borg reached up to try and stop him, but he was having some issues because that left his stomach open to me.

    I quickly reloaded another magazine into my Lexington and pushed the gun straight into his open guts.

    Lexington were automatic pistols.

    I unloaded shifting the angle so bullets would be bouncing all around in the fuckers chest.

    His arms went limp and Jun roared as he tugged.

    The borgs head popped free with a nasty crunch, sending Jun falling off and onto his back, and then the borgs body crumpling as its will left it.

    As its ghost died.

    The garage was silent after that. Except for Jun and Is heavy breathing. He slowly sat up and I winced as he looked like he just finished a ten round boxing match. His face was already puffing up and more purple than anything else.

    You look like shit. I couldnt help but inform him as I settled down on the ground. My legs felt weak, and my everything hurt.

    Uck you. He said slurring, but he was alright if he had the energy to bring up his middle finger to flip me off.

    What the fuck? I couldnt help but ask, questioning the world because that was some serious shit.

    I had fought Borgs before. Hell I had even fought Cyberpsychoes! But that guy was a walking tank. A monster that I wasnt sure I would be able to kill even from the shadows. Hell I had shot him multiple times with my Burya, and he hadnt gone down.

    You gonna live? I asked Jun as he just flopped down on the ground and hadnt gotten up.

    Instead of saying anything he threw up a thumbs up and justid there.

    Fair.

    That was totally fair. I nced over at my alerts for the fight. I didnt get the XP. Fucking Jun killstealing Nah fuck it. Im too tired to care.

    Quickhack leveled up. Level 4. And I had gotten a Body level. Body 7! I guess fighting some edgerunner borg had some advantages

    The sound of men rushing up jerked me back to awareness. Had I just passed out again? I looked up to see an army of the TC guys from upstairs, all of them the guards that had been around the room rushing out of the elevator and the stairs. Immediately they started checking around, and even checking on the TC boss in the car. Turns out he was alive.

    Yay.

    The poor Doll wasnt though. I noticed one of the guards checking and after a brief moment he simply stood up and walked away.

    Yeah the big holes in her chest from the Edgerunners LMG would make living difficult.

    Fuck that sucks.

    I didnt even know her name. But she had been nice.

    Kusanagi. I blinked looking up towards Fujimura of all people who was now looming over me.

    Hey. We got him. I mentioned nodding my head towards headless borg guy.

    I see that. Youll live?

    Yeah. My stomach is on the wrong side of my spine, but Ill live. I tell him, and to my surprise I get an actual huff of augh out of the cyberpsycho.

    What the fuck?

    A momentter a big coat was put over my shoulders, and Fujimura walked over to Jun to check on him too.

    Huh. Did he go get counseling as well as dechroming or something?

    Whatever this whole fucking night was a disaster

    Do you think theyd let me get some of the Sushi upstairs? My stomach was empty now

    I blinked at what I had just thought. Shaking my head with a long sigh that hurt my insides. Motoko you dumbass.

    You wont be able to eat it right now anyways. Better ask for a to go box.

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64

    First thing I did once I said goodbye to Vik, and stopped in to chat with Misty was call Wakako.

    *Wakako! My favorite fixer! How are you?*

    *What do you want?* She demanded instantly, my attempt to tter obviously revealing my intentions.

    *You have a guy looking to work with you. Jackie Welles?*

    *Im aware, what about him?*

    *So hes not half bad. Got the skill, and the desire to push to the top. Bit of a gonk though. Youll do best by matching him up with someone, let him be the muscle and all that But when you finally meet with him. Can I be there? Pleeease?* I begged, not even bothering to keep any sense of self respect.

    Wakako let out a sigh and the line went quiet for a minute. *What nonsense are you trying to put together?*

    *Okay so Jackie, nice guy, I like him. When he said he was trying to work with you. I had a thought. Motoko you could help this guy finish this gig, and have a bit of muscle that you could trust on some gigs. But Jackies a bit of a gonk. Refused my help cause Im a kid. So now when he meets you I need to tease him a bit. Please Wakako! I just want to be there in person so he walks into the room and just sees me already there! The look on his face! You cant tell me it wont be funny!*

    *Girl. Im a professional. I dont do things just because they will be funny.*

    *Ill give you a discount on my next gig. Two thousand off.* I said instantly.

    The line went silent.

    *I will inform you if hepletes the gig.* She admits frankly without any sign that she had to walk back on her words.

    Wakako! I love you.

    *Cool. So-*

    *I have a gig for you.* She said suddenly and my brain chirped as I got a text.

    *Oh? Its been a while. I expected you to be throwing gigs at me a lot sooner?*

    *Youve been busy enough without my assistance.* She says in a low tone. *But if you have so much more interest in work, Ill have more gigs for you soon.*

    Then she hung up on me.

    Wakako! I hate you.

    I sighed and checked the information. Humming a bit I sent back a confirmation I would get it done and turned around.

    --

    This was gonna be interesting. I couldnt help but think as I looked over the building. It was an office building. They had some data that a client of Wakakos wanted. I was stealing from a smallpany.

    Entity Retail LLC.

    What did they do?

    No idea. Theirpany page was basically full of corpo ng talking about using intelligent solutions to solve problems ect ect.

    Thepany could literally do anything if you actually believed its slogans. But that didnt matter. I was here to steal some information, nothing more.

    So I parked in a garage and walked in the front door of the business skyscraper.

    Thepany only rented one of the offices on the eleventh floor so it wasnt like I had to sneak all the way through.

    The building lobby was basically empty, just a generic corporate business lobby that I walked right through to the elevator. It took me a few seconds to know that hacking the elevator was a no go. It would take too long, so I walked past it to the stairs.

    The stairs were secured here at the bottom, but that took me far less time to break into than the elevator security, and then I was in the stairwell. Slowly I marched up the stairs actually enjoying the exercise a bit. Between this and training with Jackie I was getting a little physically tired.

    I peeked through the door that was marked 11 to see what I was dealing with.

    And it was a hallway.

    Right this wasnt some Arasaka Corpo office with HMGs around every corner. It was just an office building.

    I slipped in to look around. The hallway led to a main foyer that had three different corporations that I could see, at least based on the doors.

    It took me about thirty seconds after finding the corporation that I wanted to turn around and head back into the stairwell.

    On the door was the office hours, and considering I had seen a bunch of people inside?

    Now it was time to wait for closing time.

    --

    It took a few hours, and if not for the ability to send texts and a really nice view off the roof of the building I would have been annoyed.

    I had thought about heading home, but by the time I actually reached the apartment I would have had to go out again anyways.

    So I spent a few hours enjoying the view from the top of the twelve story tower, while waiting for the office to close down

    Well that and hacking into the building security.

    There was an ess port on the roof, and I mean

    It was just sitting right there.

    Sure the security was pretty good, and some of the different floors'' security was even better, but I had a few hours to burn, and it was something to do.

    So I breached in, and poked around. Taking over a few of the cameras in the system, deleting some files that had me on the camera, even if the image was blurry thanks to my Kiroshi. You know fun things.

    I was watching through the cameras as the time finally came, the office started clearing out over the next thirty minutes, until finally a man exited and turned off the lights on his way out.

    Go time.

    I disconnected and headed down, the security of the building already broken before me, so nothing stopped me.

    The office had its own secure system, and it was better than normal building security.

    It was just unfortunate that building security still had ess to the office per their lease. So since I had already broken one system, I had given myself security administrator ess to the office.

    I didnt even have to hack the system. It simply beeped and let me in.

    The office was dark, and a little spooky, but I fixed that by turning the lights on and started looking around. I needed to find the boss''s office, and it took me a few minutes before I spotted it. The door was locked, and it actually had a private security pad.

    Which was hrious because I recognized the pad, it was one you could buy from basically any store for a few eddies.

    The security was worse than the office itself. I suppose it was just meant to keep the workers in the office out.

    Thirty secondster I was in, and exploring the boss''s office.

    The man obviously thought highly of himself. Paintings on the walls. Golden doo dads on the desk. A fancyputer rig.

    I woke it up, and it took me ten seconds to find the password written on a note nearby. It was almost sad that I didnt even have to breach in. I essed the system, and then jacked in.

    Found the files the client wanted@@novelbin@@

    And stole a few extras for me. I would trade it in at the Dewdrop for something maybe.

    Then I shut theputer down and whistled as I headed out.

    I even shut the lights out on my way out the door. Used the elevator which I now had security ess to use, to hit the bottom floor and walked out.

    As I climbed into the Quadra, I sent a message to Wakako with the data.

    Gigplete.

    --

    Finally! I grumbled as I managed to get a new bit of code topile. I was working on Weapon Glitch. Clearing out the jumbles of bad code, and trying to smooth out its process time. If my estimate was right. I could drastically increase the activation speed.

    But more interesting was the fact I knew this Quickhack could be used on multiple people at a time.

    The skill to do something like that was beyond me at the moment. I simply had no idea how to bounce a hack through multiple people, but it was possible, and it was something I wanted.

    I still remember the scene in edgerunners when the entire group of Maelstrom had all their weapons and Cyberware malfunction suddenly from a single Netrunner.

    That was edgerunner shit. Lucy, and Kiwi were at that level. The experience, Tech, and skill to pull it off.

    I wasnt, not yet anyways, but I just had to aim for that, and eventually the system would get me there.

    I shook my thoughts away and stretched, the codepiled. I had managed to for at least a small section of the massive program to clean it up.

    Now I just needed to do that like a thousand more times.

    Ugh. Stupid jerks putting out shitware. If I ever find out who fucked this code Ill kill them. I promised as Iid back on the couch.

    I could use a nap.

    No one was bugging me at the moment. Jun was at work. Wakako had her gigpleted the same day. Regina was still quiet. Hiromi was dealing with homework. Ichi and Malcolm were both enjoying their wealth from the scav cleanup.

    All was good.

    I sighed.

    Another thousand snarls to go. I reminded myself and rose up putting my hands back against the keyboard and starting on the next section of snarled goofy code.

    *Intelligence Leveled up!*

    I blinked at the sudden alert, I had barely been able to fix a single line of code before the alert popped up.

    Intelligence 8!

    The alert perked me right back up and I buried my head in the code once more.

    --

    I woke up the next morning to sunlight streaming in through the armored blinds. I had fallen asleep on the couch again instead of going into my bedroom, but it didnt really matter to me. I woke up feelingpletely rested either way.

    Morning. Jun said, almost startling me as he walked out of the bedroom. He hadnte homest night before I fell asleep, and I hadnt even realized he hade home.

    I didnt hear youe in. I muttered ring a bit and he actually smirked at me, before very obviously starting to pace in front of me in the living room.

    It took a moment before I realized it. He made almost no sound as he stepped unlike the previous thuds he had made.

    Lynx Paws?

    Yep.

    Gonk! I snarled, jumping at him suddenly, using the living room table to leap into the air to crash into him. A few moments of swinging myself around him turned into a grapple as I gripped his stupid face with both of my hands and smashed my forehead into his stupid gonk face.

    Fuck! Motherfuck! He screamed out as he tried to rip me away.

    WHY DID YOU GET MORE CHROME YOU STUPID GONK FUCK!? I screamed at him ready to smash his face again when he finally managed to grab my face to keep me from bashing him face to face again.

    I didnt! Fuck! Motoko you little! He snarled as he kept trying to rip me away but failing.

    Thank you Grapple perk.

    Bullshit!

    I didnt! The Lynx Paws were already installed! Fuck Owe! That hurt!

    EXPLANATIONS REQUIRED OR PAIN WILL CONTINUE! I snarled in his face.

    They were already installed, but they were shit. An old set, Motoko, now get off my face. He growled and I finally epted rolling backwardsnding on my hands before pushing myself into a flip tond in a crouch on the couch.

    You did say you were going to Viks.

    I did you fuckin gonk. He growled at me But the Lynx paws parts were from that chromed borg.

    Grrr! I growled at Jun waving my fingers threateningly as I considered angles to attack. He was aware of me now. Theck of surprise would make it harder.

    Enough! The crazy borg we fought had a set of Lynx paws, way better than the shit I had. So I got my chrome upgraded.

    You shouldnt be installing new chrome you chrome brained gonk!

    I didnt! I just upgraded!

    Same. Thing!

    Well its done! Jeeze. My head hurts. He grumbled. Since I tlined him, a lot of his chrome was gathered up, I did the smart thing and didnt chip in any of the rest. Rx Motoko. Im not gonna go cyberpsycho.

    Go see Vik to get everything checked out! You know he is better than that TC ripper you went to before.

    Yeah yeah. Alright, alright. If itll keep you from attacking me! He stomped off to the kitchen, his new chrome making the act amusing since it wasnt really loud enough to get the point across.

    Ugh. My brother was a chrome dome.

    I sat back on the couch and just let out a sigh. Keeping that moron alive was going to be a full time job wasnt it? I really needed to get him a girlfriend Or a keeper.

    It might be a bit too soon still for the girlfriend thing. We hadnt talked about his reason for revenge on the Maelstrom in a while.

    Hell we were both basically pretending the group didnt exist for now.

    Hey. Jun started speaking as he popped open a can of his energy drink soda garbage that I refused to try.

    What? I said a little sulkily as he snorted at me in amusement.

    Im d youre okay. I was worried That Edgerunner was.

    Yeah a fucking monster. I said, nodding inmiseration. Im d youre okay too. I was worried even when we killed him.

    Yeah, I Are you sure youre okay? You were coughing up blood.

    Yep! Vik fixed me up. I waved it off not wanting to get into the nuance of how injured I had been.

    Good. Very good, also the TC are very very happy. Okina-Sama, the man we saved? He was super important. The fact we took out his attempted killer, and saved him? Word is getting around. Fujimura-Sama even angled it into both of us getting a lot of rep.

    Ugh. Jun snorted at my noise of displeasure but continued on.

    Its a good thing Motoko. Think of it as the TC owing you something, if you ever get in trouble with them then you have some credit to fall back on.

    It also means they will be trying to recruit me.

    Nah, as far as the higher ups are concerned, youre already one of us. Fujimura-sama is your boss and no one else will mess with him.

    Ugh!

    Heh, its fine Motoko, Ive spoken with him myself about it. He knows you arent really interested in the gang stuff. He isnt happy about it, but he also knows that since Im there, you will always have a connection to the TC. He is betting on you eventually giving in and joining up in full. Jun offers, basically saying that Fujimura is ckmailing me into always being friendly with the TC thanks to Jun.

    So what then? Ive got some rep with the TC? Seems kinda pointless.

    Motoko. The video cameras of our fight were nabbed by the bosses, everyone saw what we did, what you did to save Okina-Sama. Okina-Sama himself actually had a fight with Fujimura-Sama about having you join his crew. Jun revealed, making me grimace.

    Just what I wanted. Gang bosses fighting to own me.

    Its fine Fujimura-Sama won. You being a Member even not really of the Kamikaze meant Okina-Sama couldnt touch you. Just You did a good thing, and the TC wont forget. Ive been getting treated a lot better than before too. Ive had a few of the bosses calling me Jun-Dono you know? He said looking all proud of himself.

    I just smiled and even reached up to pat his head which he quickly pped away.

    It was nice that Jun was feeling proud of his aplishments. I wasnt going to shit on that, even if I couldnt help but think the respect of a few mob bosses was worth less than the words it took to breath it.

    But hopefully since Jun was loyal and skilled that would only be to his benefit. Jun wandered off after that to rx and I was feeling bored.

    I settled back into the couch not in the mood for programming. I wanted to do something with my hands

    I looked over to my room. It had been a while

    I got up and cleared a spot on the table making sure I would have the room. I hade a long way since I first decided I would take care of this.

    I went into my room and after a few moments came tottering out with the damaged HMG that I had once imed from my first Scav raid.

    The damaged barrel was still the most annoying part. It wasnt exactly a cheap piece of metal, having to take the forces the machine gun requires.

    But I was a lot better than before, and I had a pretty solid grasp of my 3D printer.

    As I took it apart, I ignored Juns look, which was obviously filled with jealousy at his little sister''s wonderful heavy weapons.

    If he wanted one he could get his own! This one was mine! I stol-Looted it fair and square!

    With the barrel removed, I fed it into the 3d Printer. It could break it down and remake it with enough time, and I actually know how to program that now.

    Then I basically broke down the weapon intoponent parts, checking every piece for damages.

    Not surprising since it was a rugged design, the weapon mostly alright. A few dents here and there, with only one that I would have to actually take care of. The receiver, and mechanisms were mostly okay, a few bits needed cleaning of course, and I had to do some fixing on the electronics, some of the wiring had been shaken loose and needed to be resoldered.

    But then it was basically done and ready to be put back together just waiting on the barrel, which was going to take a whole lot longer.

    *100 Crafting XP Gained.*

    I noted the XP alert, without much thought. With that I settled my almostpleted HMG on the floor beside the couch and pulled myptop back up.

    Always more to do.

    --

    Late that night long after my HMG was once more fixed, and ready to fire, and as I was still digging through code, I got a call I had been expecting a long time ago.

    *Motoko.*

    *Regina. I was wondering if our work rtionship had ended without me knowing.* I grumbled at her, but she sighed, sounding tired.

    *Things have been hectic over thest few days, I apologize. I told you before I had a gig that needed someone dead. You said you could do it.*

    *Yeah?*

    *Things happened, but the gig remains the same. The target is in hiding, and it took a while to confirm his location, but the client still wants him dead. You still in?*

    *Yeah Ill still take the gig. Send me the details.*

    I hummed a bit as I received a text, but Regina didnt hang up. I guess I was so used to Wakako throwing the details at me and then expecting me to get it done.

    I looked it over, and it honestly wasnt very different from the Jotaro job.

    Except for one thing.

    *Whats up with this bar that he is hiding in?* I muttered, earning a chuckle across the line.

    *The Lions Den isn''t a normal bar. And unfortunately, its likely that whatever face he walked into the bar with he is no longer wearing.*

    *Wanting me to kill a guy who I cant recognize isnt exactly a thrilling gig here Regina.* I muttered as I looked over the details, the bar was built out of an old warehouse in Santo Domingo, nothing crazy about the location, although it was 6th St. Territory.

    *The on site ripper keeps a log of all work she does. So youll need to go through her to find out where the target is. Youll need to get in, get the info, kill him and get out. Think you are up for it?*

    *Yeah, Ill see what I can do tonight.* I mutter standing up and loading up. I might as well get started now. Maybe Ill be able to hack into the rippersputer. That would certainly make finding him easier. Just what sort of bar had an on site ripper doc? What the hell was Regina aiming me at?

    *Good, keep me informed.*

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66

    Deciding to go full in onrunning for a bit to make myself feel better about getting my ass kicked, and failing a gig. I went full ham into grinding.

    Breaching through the ICE with full intent, it did mean I wasnt doing much besides thinking about the puzzle of code in front of me, and thanks to Ghost Touch, If I was having a lot of problems, I could slow down, and work my way around the ICE.

    Acting as if it wasnt even there.

    The actual mechanic behind the perk was weird. In essence, I was sending my data through back channels, sending bytes worth of data, at a time through old ports, and system code that hadnt been used in Forever.

    But then those little bits of code would all collect together behind the ICE and create a channel that bypassed the ICE entirely.

    It took a long time though. The one time I tried to use it, Took me over an hour just to set up on the system. Thats with the ICE being something I could break in a few minutes or work normally, and it being against aptop, and not a corpo server.

    But it worked. The sort of crazy hacking trick that only someone that truly understoodputers, could ever hope to pull off.

    Completing it the first time had even given me a couple of Breaching alerts throughout the attempt.

    I kept at the grind though. As much as my guitar was calling for me, the fact was I needed the self improvement.

    I hated feeling sorry for myself, and if a few days grinding like crazy to get some level ups was all I needed to feel better then it was worth it.

    In the end, even though it cost me all the rest of the WET ICE, I gained two levels thanks to nonstop hardcore and experimental grinding.

    Mixing what I learned from Ghost Touch, into my normal Breaching. I did the opposite. Breaching loudly, without care about the alerts sent up just to see how the program would react, and over the course of three hours, figuring out how to not just hard breach an ICE system, but how to muffle the alerts At least somewhat. It was basically learning what the Perk would have taught me if I picked it instead of Ghost touch, but of course not as skillfully.

    Thought it didnt mean I didnt get some level ups over the entire course.

    *Breach Protocol skill level up!*

    Level 7 Breach!

    When I got the alert, I hadnt actually noticed at first and kept working on Ghost Touching through an ICE I had already breached before, just because of how distracted I was.

    Done. I grumbled, rubbing my eyes. They felt tired despite not being actually able to feel weariness. My body didnt feel stiff, in fact I stood up and stretched a bit and felt physically fine, but I could feel the tiredness in my mind.

    I had gone without sleep before, but never when I was simply mming my head into aplex mental problem like this.

    I walked into my bedroom and flopped on my bed. Jun was out. So I would sleep.

    --

    I was at the ramen joint in the Cherry Blossom Market the next morning. Slurping up a bowl of noodles for breakfast as I ran through a few things in my head.

    I had a few responsibilities, and a few things I needed to keep doing.

    Grinding. Doing gigs. Helping out my chooms with work. Making sure Jun ate something besides his XXL burritos.

    But honestly, the grinding kept me busy, the gigs paid more than any amount of bills I might have, and helping out my chooms wasnt too hard. Find some evil gonks, kill them, steal everything.

    But what was it that I wanted?

    It wasnt eddies. I was prettyfy in the apartment that Jun and I shared, although I knew someday we would probably get something bigger, or split up.

    But I wasnt nning on jumping off the edge like David. I liked living. I liked waking up every morning and deciding for myself what the day will be full of.

    But in order to keep thatfy pace, I was gonna need to get stronger. The fact was the more of a rep I built by doing fun stuff, the more dangerous my life would be.

    So I would have to keep growing stronger and stronger to ensure that I could have my fun filled life.

    Which meant I needed to kill. I needed enemies, and a lot of them. But, I needed them at my pace. I didnt want to go piss of Arasaka and end up overwhelmed.

    With the gang war over, things were quiet.

    But there were still plenty of Maelstrom gonks around. Lots of Scavs, or just evil people in general.

    But as easy as it was to say I have plenty of people I could kill it was really hard to know where they were.

    Which is why I realized I needed to stop fucking around with the most powerful weapon in my arsenal.

    It was time to step into the.

    To stand among the ones and zeroes, and find out just how much it would open up for me. Problem was. I didnt have a lot of gear for it. If I was going into the, I would need a full Netrunner suit to start with, since I didnt have a bathtub in the apartment.

    Or I would need torun from somewhere other than home.

    Ugh!

    I swirled thest bits of Ramen in the bowl and downed it like a thirty year old Japanese businessman downing Yebisu after work.

    I suppose I could go talk to Yoko at the Dewdrop Inn. Maybe rent her Netrunning chair?

    But what if I embarrassed myself? I had never really gone into the except for that one time, and I had nearly melted by brain then!

    No, I couldnt allow anyone to see my first Netrunning experience. They might think Im a noob!

    So I needed to get some supplies

    Wait. I knew how to set up all the equipment for arunner thanks to Technical attribute.

    I could just steal everything I needed! I nodded to myself that would make it all easier, and I already had a crew capable of hauling everything out of some gonks Netrunning den.

    Now I just needed to find a target!

    Wait That was the problem I had in the first ce! God dammit!

    --

    So thats the problem. I exined to Wakako a few minutester. In the end I realized I needed to stop trying to handle everything myself. I simply didnt have the knowledge I needed to start my new n, but that was what contacts were for!

    Wakako took a drag on her cigarette and nodded. You seek info on someone who has a full set of Netrunning equipment, you could steal?

    Loot! The correct terminology is looting Wakako! Cmon get with the times! I joked only to instantly cough and settle back down as I realized what I had just said could be taken negatively.

    Thankfully Wakako seemed to ignore me.

    Hmm, I can gather the information. The price will be high.

    Aww Cmon Wakako, you know Im not just messing around. Im good for pay, and work. I tried to argue, and maybe, just maybe I saw a hint of give in the old dragondy.

    I will give you the information you want, but you will kill the one that has your equipment. The information itself will be your pay. She said smirking at me, as if she thought I wouldnt ept!

    I blinked. Wait. Did Wakako just ask me to murder a gangbanger who had my future loot, and the payment would be the info to find them!?

    Wakako! I love you!

    Sure! I chirped happily, not earning direct eddies from Wakako was one thing, but this all started because I needed to find more people to kill! Wakako? Tell me everything.

    --

    I looked over the rundown apartment building that my new target was inhabiting. It was moreplicated than I liked. Therunner I was after had taken over the fifth floor of the building ording to reports, run everyone out of the apartments, and turned it into a little kingdom. Not so different than what the scavs did.

    But this wasnt scavs.

    But only barely.

    Therunner had made a gang. No rather it was one of therunners chooms, had made the gang around therunner. To protect him, while using his information.

    I was on the roof of a nearby building looking over the side at the building. And at all the security that had been put up all of it turned the building into a secure vault.

    The street gang would have been ignored, maybe even been a non entity to Wakako if not for one fact.

    They had a Netrunner, and he was a pretty good one.

    One of the first acts the small gang had done was hijack an electronics store delivery. The Netrunner had known exactly where to hit it, and it had been the first in a string of sesses. The only problem?

    The Netrunner was a greedy bastard, and had stolen things he shouldnt. Stolen from someone he shouldnt.

    Wakako hadnt been interested in taking the gig beforehand. Pay wasnt high enough, and it was in her interest to leave them be as they werent stealing from her.

    But suddenly I showed up, asking for gear, and Wakako realized she could use this.

    Shed get paid for a gig, I would clean up, and I would be even more useful. Netrunners are always useful after all.

    I had juste by to get some images of the ce and look around their security, but just from what I had seen, made me realize this wasnt going to be a one woman job.

    Not even my chooms who still called themselves Section 9 in the group chat they had put together!

    Traitors!

    They wouldnt be enough. I was gonna need another gun. There were too many of them, and no way I would be able to sneak in. Sure. I could probably hack the system, shut down the cameras, but the moment I did the gang would know.

    There was one other problem.

    From the rooftop I looked over at the party that was going on. The gang was hanging out on the roof drinking and partying.

    But they were kids.

    Most of them were teenagers. Even if I knew their boss was in his thirties.

    So thats how it was. The fucker had grown so fast by hiring street kids.

    Its why the gang was closer to fifty gonks from what I could see, than Wakakos report that only listed ten. I watched from the shadows as the kids enjoyed themselves, girls from the apartment, and from neighboring apartments, joining in as the boys that had be members of a gang used their new clout to attract the cuties.

    Almost all of the gang was on the roof, a lot of kids more than ready to fight.

    This was a fucking mess.

    Dammit Wakako. I hate you. I mumbled as I stared at the party, gathered info, memorized faces, while taking pictures.

    I was gonna need to figure this shit out.

    Why did all my gigs have to be so hard!? Where are all of Vs super easy go in and murder forty faceless gonks gigs! I want to murder forty gonks!

    Thats 20,000XP! Minimum!

    This was like the stolen car gig all over again. Wakako We really need to talk about this.

    I switched to my scan mode, looking over all the electronics set up all over the building. I would have to figure this out.

    I had to.

    Slowly I gathered information, checked every angle of the building. Scanned everything I could. I even slowly slipped a ping into the camera system just to see everything I was working with.

    I winced as I looked at the absolute spider web of light. So much was connected to that system.

    No way I could break it. No way I could beat thisrunner, not on his home turf.

    I sighed as I started taking note of where all the lights went. They would at least lead me to the Netrunner@@novelbin@@

    Found him.

    It would have to be enough.

    --

    Hey Malcolm, Yourete! I called out waving over my head as thest of our troupe showed up.

    Yeah yeah, sorry my folks needed me to run an errand. Of course they only asked, as I was walking out the door. He grumbled but settled into the booth at Ho-Oh club.

    So apparently this was still our hangout.

    Well with Jotaro dead, it was fine I guess.

    Okay Motoko, exin why we all had to meet up. Hiromi demands, and Ichi nods cradling a beer he had picked up from the bar.

    My eyes shed gold as I called all of them into a conference call. Which they all joined in quietly. Of course Malcolm didnt have the internal agent pickup, so he would have to speak up verbally to talk to us so he wouldnt be able to share much, unless he decided to send a text.

    This was a serious gig, and deserved secrecy

    And Ho-Oh was packed, and so even if we got a booth it wasnt exactly private And it was cool to be all secret agent levels of secrecy. Good practice too.

    *Okay I got a new gig from Wakako. Should be tons of loot, and particrly, somerunner gear that I absolutely need. Problem? Its a small gang with a skilled Netrunner hidden away And they hired about forty kids to be their muscle.*

    I didnt get a response right away as I started sending pictures of what I had seen, security systems, even the floor ns that Wakako had given me for my gig.

    Then I waited, letting my chooms get a chance to go through everything.

    *So we kill them and loot? Whats the issue?* Ichi asked, confused as he looked over everything. *We could probably set up the truck with Malcolm and I in the back, if they try to run, just open the back door and mow them down.*

    *We arent murdering a bunch of kids.* I denied frowning at my chooms with my frowniest face.

    Really guys?

    *How are we going to get in then? Look.* Ichi pointed out a dozen pictures that all showed the guns the kids were carrying.

    *Maybe we can just talk to them, make them give up or something.* I offered but Hiromi scoffed out loud.

    *Dont be stupid Motoko. Those kids are probably making more eddies than they have ever seen before. They are powerful now, at least in their minds. There is no chance they will let us get in and take out the Netrunner. Besides, this says Wakako wants the gang removed. While the gang will break apart if we kill their Netrunner and this other guy. How are you going to get to them through that?* Hiromi pointed out and I winced.

    Dammit.

    I nibbled on my lips as everyone talked around me for a bit. Obviously the killing would mostly be done by me. So it was really my decision how this would work.

    Could I kill a bunch of teenagers just trying to make themselves a life here in Night City? Even if I didnt kill them, that would leave fourty-ish teenagers with guns and a bone to pick against the world.

    Well I didnt have to kill them. If I took them all out and just stole all their weapons that would work

    Fuck. Even if I could disable all of them, thats still a lot of people to disarm. The danger level of the gig only grew with every step.

    Wakako! I hate you!

    You guys are overthinking this. Malcolm offered with a roll of his eyes as he went silent, obviously sending a text.

    *Just take over the gang you gonk.*

    I blinked, wincing at the thought. I didnt like the idea of taking over a bunch of street kids!

    *Im in.* Hiromi offered with a nod. *That many gonks? We could do some serious heists with that much muscle.*

    *It would be nice to have someone else drive trucks for me.* Ichi offered but heughed after showing he was joking. *But more seriously its not a terrible idea Motoko. We can do it. Take over the gang. Clean up the older guys leading them. Hell just tell them your pay structure and they would be yours.* He saidughing in reality.

    *But I dont want to lead a bunch of teenagers!* I whined! Even my little group was almost more than I wanted to deal with!

    *Then kill them.* Hiromi said looking a little sympathetic but giving me a shrug. *Or cancel the gig.*

    Fuck. I said aloud, shaking my head but Hiromi shrugged.

    My chooms continued to pour over the information I had brought. My own hesitation wasnt shared. There were eddies to be made, and that was that.

    They werent even being cruel, it was just the way Street Kids and I guess Corpo kids were raised.

    The data I had was gone over. Interesting things were pointed out and I let the chatter filter through me.

    There had to be something. Some way this could be done Someone poked me.

    I looked up into Malcolms face as he had a shit eating grin.

    Malcolm? I said waving the others to be silent as I looked over the data he was pointing out. I nodded.

    Good job.

    --

    I still dont know about this. I muttered as I left my chooms behind. We all had some ideas on what to do, but I had decided to put a pause on it after a point.

    This city, the culture It was so weird. It still hit me sometimes that despite being in California, I wasnt actually in the United States.

    Hell. There wasnt a USA anymore. It was New United States of America, or the NUSA. That was how weird it all was.

    I had gotten so irritated that despite heading home I had gone on a walk. Traveling through the Cherry Blossom Market, just looking around as I thought.

    I could cancel this gig too.

    I could find Netrunner gear somewhere else. Wakako would probably be annoyed though

    And I didnt like giving up. I could do this. I could take over this little gang, its not like any of the kids would have much real experience.

    I just didnt want the responsibility. I didnt want to lead a gang! That was an esction in my life that I really didnt want to deal with.

    I leaned over a railing looking down at the market below me, watching the peoplee and go.

    I didnt have to lead them. Not really. They would already have their own leaders among the kids. No way some thirty something gangbanger was properly acting as a mentor to forty teenagers.

    I could just Set them up to be able to protect their apartmentplex and deal with them as I would any other gang after

    I sighed. This was going to be such a mess.

    I stood to head home. I was going to need to talk to Jun.

    --

    So thats the sitch. I exined shoveling a bit of food into my mouth to catch up.

    Jun, who had been eating as I exined my frustration, only shook his head.

    Stop taking stupid gigs. He said simply and then nodded his head like he was giving sage wisdom.

    The only reason I didnt kick him is because Jun kicked harder.

    Thats so useful Jun-Nii! Truly I would be useless without your ad- FUCK OFF! I screamed, cutting off my chipper tone and flipping him off. I came to you for actual advice!

    I cant really help you Motoko. Kill them. He said with a shrug. They picked up weapons and knew what they were getting into.

    Theyre teenagers We never know what we are getting into. I said, a little sad at that fact.

    Its just how it is. Do you need help? He asked, gently.

    I just shook my head. No, I can handle it, and if you came along they would just think its the Tyger ws trying to press in No, I guess Ill have to talk to them. To find out whats really going on. I decided with a nod. I sometimes wish I did have the memories of Motoko before thea. It would make dealing with peers a little easier

    Actually. That gave me an idea. I knew exactly who I needed to call in for information gathering, my eyes went yellow as I walked away from Jun. Maybe I could actually actually get somewhere with some help!

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67

    The next night it was time. Preparations for everything were ready. The sun had gone down just a bit before, the kids would be actively partying, so I walked right into the apartmentplex.

    I had spent the morning getting everyone set for their roles, anding up with a strategy. Hopefully it would be enough.

    So I entered the apartmentplex, noticing the many cameras hanging around the lobby. Theck of people hanging around like there tended to be in apartment buildings like this.

    I also noticed the stairs were closed off. A heavy duty security gate. More interesting was the fact the ground floor stairs didnt have a stairway down into the apartments basement.

    I smirked. This might actually be easier than I expected.

    I went to the elevator, which didnt have the security shards you would find in higher level apartments, so it opened without issue. It did, I noticed, have a newer control pad.

    The Netrunner had obviously wanted to be able to shut down the elevator as he wanted. But it took me up to the roof, why wouldnt it? I was just a teenager here to see the party after all!

    As I stepped out, I looked over the gathered crowd. Old couches, and some beach chairs scattered around, an actual fire pit made out of a barrel

    I didnt even want to guess at what they were burning in there.

    The crowd was my focus though. I needed to know who the leaders were. Not the leader of the gang, who I knew to be some old guy, just a thief using kids as muscle.

    No, I needed to know who led the kids. Who was it they all looked up to and respected? But since I wasnt a street kid in the same way all of these teens were I had delegated.

    My new assistant would be here to back me up.

    Of course I noticed him right away. The gonk was actually selling BDs like usual.

    I rolled my eyes as I walked up behind Nox and peeked over his shoulder as he was holding open his backpack full of BD wrappers.

    Hey BDs Nice. Got anything good? I asked in a joking tone pretending not to know what he was selling, as Nox suddenly smiled at my appearance and nodded.

    A few things you might like. He said with a funny smirk.

    Thanks for letting me know about the party. I replied simply, confirming our little lie. Whos your customer? I asked, looking up at the boy that Nox had been speaking with. He was about what I expected from a street kid teenager.

    Total poser. He was wearing a jacket that was modeled after some action movie star from thest couple years. Which I only recognized because I had seen one of the movies on the TV and it was meh.

    Richard. Richard Steel. He said and I nodded along despite the fact I knew hisst name wasnt steel. He was in the NCPD database. Richard Gonzales. Minor theft, and a record for grand theft auto.

    Heh kid went out on a joyride with some gonks car.

    But if that was what he wanted for his street name, it didnt bother me.

    Nox, my man, you didnt tell me you were bringing a pretty girl. Ever hung out with a gang before? Richard asked, turning to me with a smile. I literally had to keep from bursting outughing, he was flirting with me! Badly!

    Aww. It was like a puppy growling trying to act tough.

    Once or twice. Family connections to the ws. Have I heard of your gang before? I asked as I settled into the seat next to Nox.

    Not yet! But Straight Lane Shooters will be all over Night City eventually! He demanded with the overconfidence of a teenager with a gun.

    Nox had done his job perfectly.

    I had asked him to head up an hour or so before I arrived, and find the leader of the kids, and point him out to me.

    He had done just that.

    Richard Steel was a bit of a blowhard I could tell, but he had a certain overconfidence, and more importantly there were eyes on him. Plenty of the kids were seated around him like he was the one in charge looking to him, and letting him talk.

    He was the most popr kid here. With a clique of friends all wanting to hang out with him.

    What was funnier is that I guess he wasnt bad looking for a teenager, but there were a few narrowed eyes from some of the girls sitting around us.

    ring at me.

    Dont worry girls, not my type. Probably spent too much time in front of a mirror every morning.

    Ill look forward to it. Ive always wondered, how did it all work? I mean. How does a bunch of Street Kids end up with so much iron? I asked, nodding my head to one of the gangers that had an Ajax assault rifle across hisp as he chatted up a cute girl.

    That sort of hardware obviously wasnt standard street kid fare.

    I mean not everyone was a gamer like me.

    Hah! Our Boss is an amazing nner. He set us up, we ended up klepping a weapon shipment, most of it was sold off, but we got to keep plenty of iron. He said as he reached into his jacket and to my surprise pulled out a TKI-20 Shingen. A smart SMG. A very expensive smart SMG.

    That was actually a pretty dangerous weapon for anyone not wearing good armor, an ECM, or good enough Subdermal.

    Nice Iron. I couldnt help butpliment him and mean it. Although I noticed his hands as he put it away.

    He didnt actually have the Smart Link Chrome to use the Smart system.

    It would be a dangerous SMG but not the homing bullet monster that it could be. Interesting.

    Heh, its just one of the benefits of being SLS! He called out and it took me a minute to realize that SLS meant Straight Lane Shooters.

    Thankfully I was using Cold Blood to keep calm, otherwise I would have been giggling up a storm.

    Nox thankfully knew what I was here for, and distracted the conversation saving me from awkward flirting as he cut in and started talking up his wares again.

    I fell back out of the conversation not disappearing as I listened to Richard talk to Nox, and the general conversations around.

    Although Richard really was focusing too much on me. Something Nox had obviously noticed, and was trying to distract him. Thanks Nox. Youre saving me from awkward flirting right now I wont forget it.

    It was almost time.

    Eventually Nox actually made a sale of my BD. The Maelstrom Assault was apparently interesting I guess. Afterwards I made a motion with my head and Nox rather than trying to sell anymore headed to the elevator. I watched to make sure it actually opened for him, and once he was gone I gave him another minute or two to hit the ground floor.

    His job was done. Thankfully I was still interesting enough that Richard didnt wander away instead flirting and offering me a beer, which I took but wasnt going to actually drink.

    Instead, after waiting long enough for Nox to get out of the building I asked a question.

    So who''s your boss? I dont see him around. I say as I lean back and watch the kids'' reaction.

    He frowned a bit. The boss is busy, and doesnt deal with the gang directly except through me. I get the gigs and I hand them out. He said suddenly shifting from a happy teenager flirting around, to a Street Kid sensing something is off.

    Cool, then Ill chat with you. Why do you work for this older gonk, and hisrunner buddy. You gotta know they n on just using you as muscle? That eventually you are going to piss off someone that doesnt care youre all kids.

    My question was loud enough the whole rooftop seemed to hear it, as a lot of the conversation went quiet. The kids sitting around Richard all focusing on me noticing something was up.

    I wasnt following the script Richard was expecting. Suddenly I wasnt just a cute girl to flirt with and he was the big gang banger.

    I was dangerous.

    Especially since I went cold, shifting myself just so, in the way that my Perk knowledge from Fearless Chill prompted me. The movement would suddenly turn me into a predator, a fearless creature despite being in their home.

    The fuck are you on about? Morgan and V3L0CITY are the only reason we have the eddies and iron to protect ourselves! He nearly shouted back, not just at me, but at the crowd.

    Seems the kids werent all happy with their older overlord, and Richard was trying to hype them up.

    Protect yourselves? From what? Another poser gang? Or just a street gang down the street? They arent threats anyways. You are ying in the big leagues, any Merc would chew through all of you like a meatgrinder. I tell them honestly as I lean in. Youve been taking expensive gigs. The sort of gigs that people notice. The sort of gigs that the people you stole from dont just pretend never happened. Like they do for the minor shit I exined bluntly.

    If anyone is gonk enough toe after us, we have security and plenty of iron. He said ring and his hand only inches from reaching for his gun.@@novelbin@@

    Cute. The gonk thought he could quickdraw me?

    I snorted, I really did, unable to resist. You mean all the security systems that are set up to tell therunner he has someone on his ass so he can escape? I asked the elevator alone had told me what the n was.

    There was a basement in the apartmentplex. One that was on Wakakos old blueprints, obviously the best ce to hide therunner. Secure it down and create an exit, and boom you have the best defended ce for him.

    With a bit of remodeling the fact the stairs no longer actually led into the basement, stopping anyone from being able to ess the basement and boom. Underground Bunker.

    The kids might not realize it, but I did. Ping had shown me the truth of the Netrunners ns. I was lucky that I had trained so much on sneaking my Quickhack into systems. The Netrunner had never noticed. And because of it, and Malcolms eyes we already won.

    He just didnt know it yet.

    These kids werent being crafted into a future big gang. They were just a meatwall and muscle, a smokescreen and a useful crew to pick up loot.

    At least thats my assumption. I didnt have much faith some older guys would actually care about the street kids.

    Either way I was sure the Netrunner had an escape n. Which is why I was up here. On the roof, dragging all the attention to me.

    What the hell are you ying at? Richard demanded standing up and trying to loom over me. Looking aggressive, but of course failing as only a teenage boy could. Thinking they were so much more intimidating than they are.

    My eyes shed gold for a half second as I blinked. Sending a text.

    Simple. Im one of those mercs that are here to kill yourrunner, and boss. I exin calmly letting that fact ripple through the crowd. Then I moved. The poor kid had already shown me exactly where his Shingen was holstered. I had him locked down within a second, my strength for once actually surpassing an enemy, chrome arms, and my high Body gave me the advantage, and skill took care of the rest.

    He was locked down, his Shingen in my hand as I held it up to his temple.

    Unlike Richard I had a Smartlink, and it was pretty cool, the first time I had connected with a Smart weapon.

    But I had bigger problems. The entire crew on the roof were ring at me, guns gathering together.

    You wont get out of here. Richard grunted and I shook his head.

    Who said Im going anywhere? I asked, and it wasnt long after that an explosion was heard downstairs. It was in the lobby, but only I knew that.

    My team was on it!

    I grinned as I felt the tension ratchet up.

    Let Richard go! A girl said holding a Satara at her hip ring at me. The elevator is already shut down, you''re trapped!

    I had nned on keeping them upied a bit longer, but why bother?

    Not when I am given such a perfect line.

    Silly girl. You think Im trapped up here with you. But its the opposite. Ive trapped you up here with me Well at least somewhat. I tell her with a wink as I back up hauling Richard along with me as a shield causing all the kids to follow after me.

    What are you doing?! Richard nearly squealed as I brought him right up to the ledge around the roof.

    Hey Richard? Your people are actually pretty protective of you. Well talk after all this is over okay? No reason to have any of your chooms die tonight. So just stay up here until the bullets stop. I told him simply and then I pushed him forward and stepped backwards up onto the ledge, and then took another step backwards staring into the faces of all the teens looking at me in shock.

    And leapt.

    --

    <em>Richard Steel</em>

    This night wasnt going how it was supposed to! It was supposed to be another party, another show of how much better things are now that they joined the SLS!

    Now that Richard worked with V3L0CITY, and Morgan. Morgan the old man was the face, since V3L0CITY was a hermit never leaving the.

    But it had been going so well! Eddies, guns, respect!

    He had it all. Sure he knew Morgan and V3L0CITY werent nning on sticking around forever. But that was fine Richard would drain them for their intel until his gang were strong.

    The cold kiss of his own weapon against his temple told him just how little he was prepared.

    Who was this girl!?

    Hey Richard? She prompted, taking his full attention. Not that he wasnt already very aware of his position with the way she had grappled his arm behind his back and gun against his face. Your people are actually pretty protective of you. Well talk after all this is over okay? No reason to have any of your chooms die tonight. So just stay up here until the bullets stop.

    What?

    Wha-! He gasped as his wrist was pushed forward forcing him to practically fall forward and then he was free.

    He turned just in time to see that crazy purple haired girl step backwards arms spread and the brightest smile across her face.

    She fell off the roof.

    No way. He gasped as he rose up and peeked over joining a few of his crew that were doing the same, only to watch as she was not only still alive, but actually leaping from broken pieces of the apartment, to air conditioners, to finally an old sign pole that she caught and spun herself around before droppingnding on the ground in a crouch.

    She nced up and from this distance all he could see was her eyes glowing red in the neon lights of the street level.

    And then she was gone. Rushing down the street.

    Richard?

    Martin, check the elevator.

    Its locked down. You know V3Ls rules. The moment he noticed trouble he would lock down. To Protect himself.

    Yeah Ill call Morgan, try to let him know. Just Just give me a second.

    He pulled out his agent from his pocket and started hammering at the number.

    That bitch had at least dropped his gun.

    --

    That was so much fun!

    I was practically giggling as I raced to meet up with my chooms.

    The n overall was pretty simple.

    Gather up almost all of the gang''s forces in one spot, and thanks to their own policy lock them down. I hadnt been sure if the Netrunner would lock down the elevator or not at first, but after confirming there was no other way down to the basement I had been sure.

    Although I hadnt actually blocked off the stairs. A grenade that was mostly smoke and sh at the base of the stairs had done a good job of keeping them clear for now. Besides, what teenager was going to think about the staircase? The building was six stories tall. I doubt any of them had ever even used the damn stairs.

    I was d the elevator had been shut down though. I hadnt wanted to risk trying to hack it. If the Netrunner was any good I might end up in serious trouble if I tried.

    But I hadnt needed to blow up the whole thing. The grenades Malcolm had tossed into the lobby, only after making sure it was empty had done what I expected.

    The security the Netrunner had set up went on lockdown. Elevator was locked down, and without security shards or anything, obviously the kids wouldnt be able to activate it.

    Probably that had been done on purpose, one of the biggest risks the Netrunner had was the kids deciding to kill him after all.

    Then I would just parkour down the side of the building. I had already found multiple paths down the other night when I was scoping out the ce.

    Then came the best part.

    See, Ichi, Malcolm, and Hiromi were hanging out the back of Ichis truck with my favorite girl HMG! They would keep the front of the apartmentplex locked down, and make it seem like we were preparing to assault the Netrunner.

    What would a coward do when confronted like this?

    He would run!

    I giggled as I raced across the street to an office building just across the way. My Ping the other night had revealed all the security systems that were connected together by the Netrunner.

    Normally this wouldnt be that important, since I wasnt sneaking in, but Malcolm had noticed something weird.

    One of the lines of the security system had stretched across the street.

    With a short visit to the other building I had found the basement, and the odd little hatch hidden away in a corner of the basement. The hatch that was a recent construction, and had obviously been broken through the old concrete wall, and had a very familiar brand of security keypad attached to it.

    An escape hatch.

    So I jogged down, my chooms were causing amotion at the entrance, and looking at it from a camera it would look like an assault squad preparing to storm the ce.

    The hatch hadnt been opened yet, and I settled into a dark corner of the basement to wait.

    It didnt take long, a few quiet minutes of waiting, though I was in a call with Hiromi confirming that everything was quiet at their end, when finally I heard it. Muffled footsteps echoing through the brickwork and hushed voices.

    I smirked as I waited, and then the hatch beeped open. A man stepped out.

    This wasnt the Netrunner. Morgan Fields was a tall man, he had chrome, but was no borg. No he hadnt ever been good enough for that. He had originally been a member of 6th St. So ex-army, but he had only been a private, even at the end of thest war.

    He hadnt ever amounted to anything at least ording to Wakakos information, and had fled from 6th St. After fucking up.

    He had gotten drunk and punched a higher up in the gang. They hadnt liked that.

    So he had joined up with a choom of his V3L0CITY. Arunner of some talent. Although really he was just the face of the Netrunner who apparently hated disconnecting from the.

    And as Morgan looked around, his eyes sliding right over where I was hiding, unable to pierce the darkness V3L stepped out of the hatch. Stumbling a bit and actually shivering.

    The man was emaciated. Practically a skeleton in his suit. Unlike Morgan he was a borg. Almost everything chest up was chrome.

    Yeah the guy was definitely a Cyberpsycho. Probably obsessed with being on the web.

    I gave you one job. V3L muttered out, his voicepletely robotic. Keep everything quiet so I couldrun.

    Its not the time, we need to move before whoever is after us catches up. Comin to meter. Morgan said as he grabbed therunners arm and started hauling him away.

    Which is when I stepped out and aimed my Burya. The first round was deafening in the enclosed space, but it certainly did its work, a massive hole blown into the Netrunner, putting him out of the fight, as I aimed and fired at Morgan.

    He was better than I thought. By the time the first round hit he was already jumping to the side causing my shot to miss as it blew a crater in the concrete wall.

    Fuck! He cursed as he shoved a weapon over the edge of the ancient steel machines littering the basement.

    Fuck.

    I dodged, and then rolled around just saving myself as the Smart ammunition could track me all the way around the machine I was now hiding behind.

    The fucker had a Shingen too.

    You cocksucker! Im gonna kill you for fuckin V3L like that! He roared and I just went cold.

    I was probably going to get shot a few times here, but I just had to take out the fucker first.

    Unfortunately my kiroshi had already lost track of him, between each of our hurried movements the software that let me tell where someone is through walls had lost track. So it was a gunfight with both of us hiding in the dark.

    Unfortunately for Morgan. I was made for the dark.

    I rose up and started stalking, sticking to darkness and tight holes that I managed to slip through without too much effort as I crept closer and closer to where he should still be.

    And as I got closer I tried to listen for something only for the ringing in my ears to block that sense.

    Note to self, ear plugs, or a hearing protection in general. Couldnt deafen myself every time I used the Burya in an enclosed space like this.

    So I relied on my sight, and Ninjutsu in general to stay hidden as I hugged the wall circling around him.

    Until I saw him. He was looking around wildly, trying to find where I was, his buddy had been pulled into cover as well, and the borg was seeminglyying there dead as white blood poured out around him.

    Poor guy, never even noticed me as I raised my Burya up.

    But then suddenly I felt it.

    An attack, and assault I had never experienced before. Instantly my mind went to defend it, I was being quick hacked!

    My defenses rose up, the knowledge I had gained from a perk so long ago the only thing stopping the program from instantly smashing my defenses!

    Cyber Security. I hadnt even thought of the perk I had taken for level 2 Quickhacks, since I got it. But I was d I did. It was the only reason I knew enough about defending myself that I didnt get immediately battered down.

    I couldnt even fire before Morgan was alerted, forcing me to leap backwards grunting as a smart round mmed into my side, that was probably a rib breaking.

    Dammit.

    I slipped back, trying to go for another angle, but the hack assault was so powerful.

    I was losing.

    Something slipped past me into my Cyberdeck and spread around. I gasped as my arms spasmed, jerked and literally sparked as a program was forced into my system, the assault so overwhelming I couldnt stop it before the effect already hit.

    Oh thats where he was. Fuck sneaky bast-bitch. Fucking hell, thats just a girl. Morgan said as he walked over, turning the corner to see me on the floor gritting my teeth as my arms literally kept shocking me even as they turned and tweaked in weird angles.

    Burya was still in my hand though. I just needed-!

    Heh. He chuckled before raising the Shingen and firing.

    I grunted and gasped as he dumped whatever rounds he had left in his magazine into my chest. My leotard blocked a few rounds here and there, but he was pumping plenty of holes into me.

    I couldnt breath.

    He turned and walked away even as I felt myself starting to die.

    The Quickhack suddenly ended.

    They thought I was dead.

    I reached down with jerking hands and managed to grab a max doc.

    A few momentster despite not having any air to breath in my lungs I depressed it into my mouth and suddenly I was alive.

    I rolled over gasping quietly, as I spat out blood clearing my lungs.

    I grabbed another Maxdoc and huffed that one down too.

    Fuck.

    Fuck!

    I hadnt been thinking about therunner. The borgedrunner, which meant until he was dead, he was still alive!

    People only die when they are killed Motoko!

    I rose up angry. More at myself than anything, but maybe partially at the fucker that just shot me up.

    I turned the corner to see the bastard trying to carry hisrunner choom out of the basement.

    Burya barked twice, the surprisepletely catching Morgan off guard. There was no attempts to jump away, or gunfight this time. He was carrying his buddy and couldnt escape.

    Then I brought up my Lexington and dumped an entire mag into both of them. Then I reloaded my Burya and shot all four rounds into both bodies.

    Just to be sure.

    I checked them both after just to be sure and sighed when they were both very dead.

    *1000 XP Gained.*

    *750 XP Gained.*

    Fuck. I winced leaning against the machinery for a minute as I caught my breath, my chest aching with every breath. I probably had multiple broken ribs.

    What a massive fuckup. I hadnt expected therunner to survive after taking a Burya round to his back.

    It had almost cost me everything. I took a breath and let it out. I had to be better than this. I should have fired another round into the Netrunner while I was escaping. Should have made sure he was dead.

    I shook it off. I wasnt invincible. I would learn from this.

    I wiped myself down so I wasnt covered in blood and then zipped up my jacket.

    Looking at least semi presentable I took pictures of the two fuckers and sent it off to Wakako to confirm the gig wasplete as I headed back out of the building towards my chooms.

    They were still waiting at the entrance. Truck backed up and ready to be loaded up, but all of them were armed and ready in case the teenagers decided to cause problems.

    The Netrunner and his choom are dead. I called out as I walked up doing my best not to stumble.

    Broken ribs hurt.

    Hiromi immediately fist pumped while hissing a yes as she bounced out of the truck. Great job Motoko! I knew you could take care of those losers! She cheered and I winced.

    Yeah well Theirrunner was good. Better than I thought. I grumbled which instantly made her start freaking out. I just waved her off. Broken rib I think. Ill get checked out with Vik after. But we need to loot up. Im gonna unlock the elevator, and then you guys are gonna be looting everything to the bedrock, while I unfortunately am stuck on guard duty. I told them as I walked past them into the building and towards the elevator.

    I was cautious about interfacing with anything that therunning borg had set up, so I hesitated for a moment as I reached to plug in my cord, but eventually I stuck it in. And then sighed. Thankfully without his direct action, his security was good, but not something that could stop me, or kill me.

    Five minutester the elevator opened up and I sighed. I only unlocked this and the basement floor. Give me a minute to make sure there arent any traps. I told them, but Hiromi was at my side before the elevator could close on me.

    Youre hurt! Motoko let us handle that.

    None of you arerunners. Itll be okay, I just want to make sure there arent any HMG turrets or mines or something. I told her, but while she winced at that, she didnt back up.

    Nuh-uh. Iming too. She demanded and I sighed, not really in the mood to argue. Instead I just shrugged and activated the elevator.

    I would just push her out of the way if something went bad.

    The elevator dropped down into arunning paradise.

    Nice. I couldnt help but mutter because there was so much gear down here. Wakako hade through.

    She hadnt just found me arunner with some stuff.

    She had found me arunner with a TON of stuff.

    Wakako! I love you!

    Wow. Thats a lot of eddies. Hiromi muttered and I shook my head.

    Not so much, remember most of this is stuff Im keeping.

    Oh right for yourrunning. Still so weird that you like that stuff, you used to hate it Before I mean. Hiromi seemed to backpedal but I just smiled at her.

    Its okay. I know Im different now. It doesnt bother me. I told her and she nodded and then she looked around and said something that broke all of my ns.

    So where are you going to put all this stuff anyways?

    Put? I looked around.

    The basement was huge. And pretty full of chords and server racks, and a big Netrunning chair that would be integral to myrunning

    Oh.

    Fuck.

    Thisplicated everything.

    Where was I supposed to take all of this shit?

    I took a seat and started thinking. No way even a tenth of this would fit in the apartment. I mean, the chair alone would take up my entire closet bedroom.

    There had been a definite fuck up on my part here.

    Dammit Motoko, you needed to stop ying around. This should have been nned out where it would go before jumping head first into this raid!

    Okay I couldnt hold it at home, and while Ichis truck could probably haul most of it out, it wouldnt be everything, and I didnt want to keep his truck filled with my shit

    A storage unit maybe? They werent exactly safe, but if no one knew it was mine, and we kept quiet

    Alright Motoko. Hiromi said, suddenly startling me as I looked up at her from where I had been ring at the floor. All taken care of. She threw me a thumbs up as if that exined everything.

    Whats taken care of? I asked not following Hiromis thought process.

    Well it just so happens thest two gonks that were using this basement were just tlined! Shocker I know. So I just called the owner of the building and exined we were taking the ce over. He argued. I informed him that I was standing in the same room with the merc that had tlined the previous owner. He showed he had a brain and epted that the basement was ours. Wee to your newrunner room! Hiromi cheered, looking proud of herself.

    ...Ah?

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68

    Hiromi had taken over then, to my surprise as I was still processing the fact I now had a new ce. A new home if I wanted.

    I didnt want a new ce! I liked the old ce! Just because it was a little small was no reason to get something new!

    But Hiromi overrode my concerns entirely as she tugged me along and we went up to the first floor to get everyone.

    To my surprise though, Nox was there hanging out around Ichi and Malcolm,

    Hey Motoko. Motokos choom. He greeted Hiromi and I. Funnily enough Ichi and Malcolm were side-eyeing him like he was a threat.

    Hey Nox. Thanks again for helping me out. You good? I asked, confused about why he was still here.

    Yeah I just wanted to see this through. Not everyday you get to see something this crazy. He offered with a shrug and a smirk.

    I almost matched his shrug but thought better of it as my rib twinged. Thats fine. We are going to head up and chat with the kids. Might end up in a firefight. I warned and he nodded, reaching into his backpack and pulling out a Mox painted Unity.

    I want to see this through If I can?

    I shed him a thumbs up and nodded my head towards the elevator and we all mbered inside.

    This was the important part.

    Would we be able to do this without killing anyone else? I looked to Hiromi, who was honestly the one leading us at this point.

    Hiromi was eager to get to the roof, but I could tell she was a little nervous as she yed with the Katana on her hip.

    Malcolm had a massive grin on his face.

    He was carrying my HMG.

    Bastard was giving that back just as soon as I could carry her again.

    And Ichi just hefted his shotgun and was holding it ready to use.

    The elevator binged open to a roar of voices, but all of them were clear.

    Morgan! This crazy gonk!

    Finally! Did you have to-

    Ugh why did it take so long to kill one-

    Of course the voices went silent when they realized it wasnt their previous boss stepping out of the elevator.

    Hello hello! Im Hiromi! Hiromi called out as she stepped out like Well like she was the boss. Her nervous fidgeting from just before gone. Sorry about the trouble, but its over now! The old man and the Netrunner that previously helped you out are zeroed! Sorry about that! She chirped out all the while smiling.

    I wasnt sure what her crazy n was, but I was carrying a gun in both hands, everything reloaded and ready to fire if any of the kids took a shot.

    Fuck. A voice echoed out and it was Richard. You fucked us. He said, sounding absolutely infuriated as he stomped through the crowd towards Hiromi, which stilled when I got between him and suddenly he was staring down my Burya.

    Some of the kids around him also raised their guns, but he would be dead before they fired.

    Before I could talk Hiromi did. Now now! No need to bring this to violence. The fights already over you know? So lets all have a talk about what the new situation is. She said as she walked forward brazenly and settled into one of the seats and grabbed a beer. Seemingly waiting for Richard to join her.

    Hiromi? What the hell were you plotting?

    ---

    An hourter I knew. Hiromi had Made a deal.

    I no longer had any idea of what was happening.

    She had sat down Richard and basically talked him into a peaceful arrangement with Section 9.

    Hiromi literally called us Section 9. If not for Cold Blood keeping me calm I knew my head would have exploded.

    It had just been a joke! No one could know!

    We were a poser gang now!

    But in the end none of the kids had died. The killing was over, and they wouldnt get much out of attacking us. Hiromi had convinced them that allowing us to borrow the basement, and having arunner working out of the apartmentplex it would mean they could rely on my work making sure the security system continued working, and maybe be willing to ept some work from them from time to time.

    In exchange Section 9 would also have ess to a horde of teenaged gang bangers ready to work as muscle if we ever needed.

    I had given up on being involved in the agreement at this point. I was tired, still angry at myself for getting shot and ready to head to Viks for a nap.

    And I was just nodding along as Hiromi took over the details I didnt want to deal with.

    But in the end to my surprise it worked.

    The kids seemed happy enough to be in charge of themselves, at least for now, Hiromi would be their contact with Section 9. Which meant they would thankfully leave me alone, and I had a ce to do myrunning from and some security while doing it.

    Thankfully with the process finishing Hiromi pulled us out, wishing Richard a good night, and with the elevator operational again, the party was now over.

    My group took the elevator down first to the ground floor and to Ichis truck.

    I cant believe that worked. I muttered looking over at Hiromi who had been absolutely preening for thest hour as she ran the kids around into a deal.

    You should just trust me! It was easy enough for someone like me. She said primping her hair with a hand.

    Well Im just d I dont have to deal with this. Ichi said with a smile then instantly pointing a finger at Hiromi and I. This is all your trouble.

    Dont be silly Ichi! If we need a truck of course we will call you, and with the SLS, Section 9 affiliation, we may be doing more big work. Hiromi offered, raising a hand up to her mouth andughing

    A princessugh? Really? I asked in between chuckles at Hiromi''s actions.

    Of course! I just did something amazing! Do you know how good having groomed a gang will look to my rep? She asked, looking proud of herself. Why did no one ever tell me how fun this whole Fixer thing could be!?

    Ah of course the Corpobrat found her true calling. Malcolm teased, but the bite in his words were thankfully softened by the way he nudged her after. Just remember us street kids when you are at the top of Arasaka tower.

    Who are you again? The chauffeur? She instantly retorted, earning a squawk of outrage from Malcolm and giggles from Ichi and I.

    I winced a bit at the end though.

    Stupid rib.

    Alright Chooms. Thanks For everything. I wouldnt have been able to do this without you. I told them.

    Dont worry about it Motoko! We are chooms! Considering how much you pull us along, it felt good to be able to actually help out. Hiromi said with a shrug. Besides, weve been getting a lot out of this for a while. Eddies, rep, chrome. She muttered counting off her fingers.

    Eh. The pay is good. Malcolm said teasing and that was that from him.

    Hey it was Preem. Ive never been this close to something this crazy before. Nox offered, the boy had been quietly following behind us the whole time not really taking part.

    Hey you were instrumental. Thanks Nox. Is the pay enough? I asked and he snorted.

    Dont be silly, I still have a ton from all the eddies Ive made from the BDs that I havent handed over to you yet.

    Oh? Thats right, you are the one selling my Motokos XBDs I think we should talk! Hiromi offered with a shark like grin as she started stalking towards Nox.

    Well that wasnt something I was going to get in the middle of.

    Well I kinda need a visit to Viks. So Im gonna get out of here. Malcolm Put my HMG back in my trunk please. I red at the boy who had been sneakily walking off towards Ichis truck.

    --

    Its not that bad Vik. I muttered, but the look he gave me kept me silent.

    Alright all of you, head on out. Motoko, will be fine, but we are going to need some privacy. He ordered shooing Hiromi and Nox out of the clinic with his dad energy. Both had followed me to Viks Hiromi dragging Nox around to talk more about his work.

    I continued to ignore Hiromi getting involved in that.

    I was more focused on Vik, because I was feeling like I was about to get yelled at.

    Mind exining why you have bullet holes through your leotard?

    I got shot A lot. Fucker had a Smart SMG Well now I have a Smart SMG. I admitted with a sigh.

    How are you still alive? You told me your healing takes eight hours. He demanded rolling in next to me. I get if cant tell me, if someone is keeping you from talking about it, but-

    No its not that. Honest. No one but you knows about it Vik If I take a Max Doc it sorta supercharges the healing for a bit I guess I just didnt share that bit. Sorry. I offered actually wincing. I probably should have told Vik thatst time.

    That makes even less sense. He muttered rubbing his nose under his sses. The only thing in a MaxDoc is Well nothing that would cause rapid onset healing. Those things are just adrenaline, and some-Nevermind. It doesnt matter. It causes you to heal?

    Yeah, pretty quickly, just about everything but broken bones. I-

    Okay you are staying the night. We are going to test just what a MaxDoc actually does to you. Jesus Motoko, Kid. Rapid healing could have millions of side effects! Vik sighed, seemingly trying hard to resist ranting at me.

    It was sweet. If it made me a little ashamed. I knew it was safe because Gamer But I couldnt exactly exin that to him.

    Sorry Vik. Im fairly certain its safe?

    Testing. He decided nodding firmly patting me on the shoulder as he actually went to close off the clinic doors so no one coulde in.

    Now. Kid lose the Leotard its a loss anyways, I have a medical gown here somewhere you can we- Jesus kid! He grumbled as he jerked his head away from where I was already peeling down my leotard.

    What?

    Just put this on. He rumbled at me as he tossed one of those backless medical gowns a patient might wear.

    Okay. I dont know why you are being weird, you are like three times my age. I snarked at him, only to earn a choked backugh.

    Motoko, you''re fourteen. Im about six times your age.

    Wait what?!

    Im 74 kid. He said as he wheeled back around on his chair to start strapping sensors to me.

    Wait.

    Was the reason Viks dad energy was so intense because it was actually grandpa energy!?

    --

    Vik ended up holding me the entire rest of the night running tests on my healing and trying to figure out why a Maxdoc causes a healing effect.

    In the end he had discovered a lot, and had more questions than he had before.

    But I had escaped. A quick call to my Quadra had it drive over so I could head home and I was gone.

    The apartment was quiet as I entered and I immediately went into my room thankful that Jun wasnt here as I peeled my ruined leotard off and threw it into the bag I kept all of my damaged clothes.

    I would need to make sure Jun didnt find that until I fixed them or scrapped them.

    I took a quick shower to finish cleaning up and then once more suited up I was in the living room with just the barest hints of sunlight starting to filter in through the armored blinds.

    What do I do now?

    I sighed, as I flopped onto the couch. I wasnt entirely satisfied with the situation with the kids, I really didnt want to deal with having any affiliation with some random street gang.

    Especially one that had been one step away from being wiped out for being too greedy.

    The kids were going to be a massive pain in the ass. I just knew it.

    And I didnt want to see them die.

    It was bound to happen. Night City wasnt kind to anyone.

    I shook it off. I could only be responsible for the people close to me. Thats all. Just that. If the SLS get themselves killed hopefully I wont ever know.

    I stood up. Grabbing a bunch of my gear from around the apartment and headed out. There was one more thing I needed, and then I would go back to my new Netrunning Den.

    --

    Purchasing a full Netrunner suit with the cooling system still active had taken a hit to my funds, but it was too important not to have.

    I didnt want to melt my brain like I almost had before.

    The old seamstressdy that I had bought all my Leotards from was more than willing to make the sale, especially since I ordered a few more of my Leotards as well.

    I kept getting bullet holes in the damn things after all.

    I drove my Quadra over to the apartmentplex.

    Straight Lane Apartments. I muttered to myself, forced to shake my head that the kids had literally named themselves after theplex itself. Thisplex was old, and it was rundown. I wouldnt be surprised if everyone here was literally just squatting in a semi-abandoned building.

    Then again. Lights were on, and the water still ran, so someone must own the building and keep things running.

    It didnt even have a garage attached to it, instead I had been forced to park the Quadra in a space a block down the street and walk the rest of the way.

    I noticed pretty quickly that I was getting attention.

    Kids were staring at me.

    Some I recognized from the gang, and some I didnt. I had no doubt that something as big as the SLS losing theirrunner, and losing their big league gigs was spreading around.

    And that they now had a new leader. All the while some teenager with purple hair had tlined their old boss

    Or they might even have put a hit out on me, telling the kids to try and tline me the moment I walked back into the building. Just to save Richard the hassle of dealing with us

    But that was just my paranoia. Richard had more use of me alive, or rather he needed arunner to keep his stuff running, and maybe pass on intel to point his kids at gigs that they could do and make eddies.

    Morgan and V3L0CITY had targeted weapon shipments, orrunning supplies with his horde of kids. The SLS didnt exist before that. I doubted Richard had suddenly gained all the knowledge needed to run a gang.

    As I entered theplex I wasnt surprised that a pair of kids were hanging out in front of the elevator, and both stood up as I approached.

    Both girls had shotguns.

    Richard wants to talk to you, or the other one. The smaller of the two girls said she reminded me of Hiromi before. All neon and ir barking away to get attention, and to avoid anyone realizing she felt nervous.

    The other was quiet, a more firm grip on the Tactician Shotgun she was carrying. She at least carried herself like she knew how to shoot it, but from experience, that gun was too big for the girl, especially as it didn''t have a stock.

    Tell him toe down to the basement then. I have some work I need to do. I told them, waving the bag in my left hand that had my suit and a spareptop.

    Not that they knew that.

    They both scowled, but it was the taller girl that spoke up first. Richard wasnt asking. She started to demand, but she had let me get too close, and half a secondter I jerked the shotgun straight out of her hands, and grabbed the barrel of the shorter girls shotgun in the same moment.

    I just had to drop my bag to do it.

    I winced a bit as the Laptop hit the floor. Hopefully it wasnt damaged.

    Dont. I told them simply letting them understand that I had control of both of their weapons. Im not a member of your gang. But we are working together now. If Richard needs something, hes wee toe chat with me. I informed her, and noticed that despite everything the smaller girl was still trying to jerk the shotgun out of my grip.

    Unfortunately she was a teenage girl without any chrome, and I was a chromed out Gamer. Her attempts werent able to even budge my arm.

    Fine. The taller girl ground out seemingly realizing the situation was more dangerous than she expected.

    I nodded and only after I was sure I had everything sorted did I let go of the barrel of the shotgun and offer to hand back the Tactician to the tall girl.

    She didnt hesitate in snatching it back with a re.

    Im Motoko by the way. Since we will be sharing a building together in the future, I figured you should know. I offered and the short girl scowled, looking like she wanted to raise the shotgun back up, but realizing it was dangerous as the taller girl settled her shotgun back in her hands with a nod.

    Mary. She offered and then headed towards the elevator. The shorter girl followed after only a few seconds as she looked confused about why I wasnt being shot.

    I watched as they both headed up to the fifth floor. The floor the gang now controlled.

    I went ahead and essed the elevator system through a scan and ordered it toe down. There literally wasnt a button to go to the basement so only someone who had somerunning skill could actually get down there.

    After a minute of me standing there waiting since the old elevator had to go up, let the girls off and thene down. I finally reached my basement.

    It still seemed weird to consider it mine, but it really was.

    I looked over the array of equipment and had to shake my head. Some of this stuff was super high end. I mean just the fact he had server racks meant V3L the previous owner had been a damned good Netrunner. There was that tier system with Netrunners on where they were.

    I didnt think about it much, but it went like this.

    Tier 0. Using old old systems, like a Cybermodem to ess the. No one really used this anymore except people just looking up info online. Usually if they were over 60.

    Tier 1. Which is what I had done for the most part. Just using my link cord into systems.

    Tier 2. Is what is considered real Netrunning. Cybergoggles and other systems let someone view the in actual dimensions, rather than just a t screen. Of course this is when people start overheating, so Ice Baths were this tier.

    If you werent rich enough to buy arunner suit, you were tier 2.

    Tier 3. Is professional stuff. Netrunner suits were considered part of this tier. Usually adding in Net chairs and biomonitors, that was all in this tier.

    Tier 4 was elite level Server banks, potentially Cryostasis chambers, and even direct blood cooling was all part of this tier, and was usually as high as someone could go without being a corpo.

    V3L Had been around this level. The equipment he had left behind was expensive elite level stuff

    And I wasnt about to stick my head into any of it, without doing a full check up and wiping of basically everything. I would download all the data to drives forter look over, but no way was I connecting to his private server.

    He would definitely have some Daemon or ck ICE in there ready to kill.

    But there was another tier. Tier 5 gear was the crazy Netwatch stuff. Things like a full chrome instation that basically adds everything the previous tiers had but into mobile cyberware letting someonerun anywhere, and with better speeds and power.

    So I had a bunch of high end stuff to start checking out. Thankfully all of my Netrunning skills meant I could actually do this.

    So I got to work, I connected myptop into the server, instantly it got attacked, and I sighed as it basically fizzled shutting down.

    Yep. Expected.

    After a quick reinstall of theptop making sure it was back up and running. I started breaching the server like I would any other system. But since I knew how dangerous it was, I was using the skill from Ghost Touch to do it. Slowly sending bytes of data through side ess ports until the small bytes would grow into an actual program that would give me ess.

    Of course I was interrupted long before I was finished. There was a beep going through the basement and it took me a moment to check on the monitors along the wall that were connected to the security system that had been put into theplex.

    Richard was requesting ess to the basement. Apparently there was a way to request ess.

    He was standing in the elevator, an agent in his hand and he was obviously waiting.

    I approved the request, sent the signal, and the elevator came down.

    Other than looking behind me at the monitors, I hadnt turned away from the server I was breaking into.

    Richard stepped out of the elevator into my basement with a certain confident stride as he walked over and stopped beside me.

    Richard. Whats up? Mary said you wanted to talk? I asked, still distracted, there was a bit of data that I needed to send in through a infrared sensor that could take a few bytes and it was a bit difficult to process the data right.

    I wanted to talk. To get to know my new choom. He skewed the way he said choom obviously unhappy with the idea.

    Im not your choom. Nor will I be. I dont have time or interest in joining your gang. Im just someone who shares a building with you, and is more than willing to give you info from time to time on some good scores. I replied.

    We both know that isnt all you will do. SLS will crumble apart in weeks without ie. I cant have my friends go and try to get protection money, this whole area is technically Valentino. But they dont care about small fry like us as long as we dont mess with their business. Cant do drugs, cant do a lot of theft in the area. Makes it hard to earn eddies.

    Well talk to Hiromi then, she is the fixer type. I looked away from the server to meet his eyes. Im No hold on. I muttered pulling away from the server it would hold for a while.

    As I did so Richard watched looking irritated and anxious.

    I can talk to her, the terms we worked out are fine I guess. But she said youre the boss.

    Yeah I mean. Im sorta the leader of my chooms, but Im not your boss. I rubbed the back of my head Here take a seat we should really clear the air, this whole thing was a mess to begin with. I pointed him at a swivel chair beside the security monitors, probably Morgan''s old seat, as I took the Net chair sitting on it sideways to face him.

    Listen. I took a job from Wakako. Your group''s thefts obviously pissed some powerful people off. Wakako almost didnt take the gig, you were still small time. Small enough she wasnt even interested in offering it to people, but I needed Netrunning equipment. So she gave me this gig. I could have just killed all of you. I told him bluntly. My chrome finger pointing straight at his heart. It wouldnt have been tough. Silent, loud, whichever. You are lucky that I dont like killing kids. So I found a way to get the gig done without tlining any of the kids Morgan had wrapped up in this shit.

    We could have taken you. We have good gear! Good security! He argued instantly, trying to regain some confidence from my own seeming threat.

    I could have started throwing grenades during that partyst night. I told him bluntly, making him wince. By the time any of you would have even realized what was happening Listen you guys got really super lucky, and Im not here to rule you as a street kid empress or something. But Im also not enough of a bleeding heart to be your choom. I admitted trying to convey my annoyance through my hands.

    Youe in, ruin the first good thing that ever happened to us? Destroy us without even killing us, which Okay yeah I appreciate we didnt have to call up any meat wagons, but still. You ruined what we were bing, and now you want to just make friends? What do you want?

    I want this Netrunning gear, and I want to be left alone. Hiromi saved me from having to haul this shit out of here so thats great, but it makes us neighbors now. Which isnt something I was nning. Listen Richard. I think you did a good thing helping out your chooms yeah? Ill do my best to keep the security of this ce top notch. Ill even back you up if the apartments are ever attacked, I live here too now after all, but helping your gang isnt my priority you know?@@novelbin@@

    Yeah. I know. He said sound tired. Were street kids. We are never the priority, you probably dont get that though.

    What? Why wouldnt I? Im a street kid too! I said Even if it was only partially true.

    Youre some Corpo kids arent you?

    Nah. Just Hiromi. My family were all Tyger ws, although Im not really into the gang thing. Im just a merc. Hiromis parents are Arasaka though.

    Yeah I figured. Its why we werent gonna cause any problems You really a street kid? You dont really act like one.

    Im just weird! I told him with a thumbs up. But yeah I live in a small apartment with my brother Jun who is a TC Enforcer. So listen, we get it. Even Hiromi. I dont want to mess with you, or your chooms. Im not like Morgan, who is going to use you and eventually make you take the fall for it. I told him and he winced.

    Even if you were, we would still do the gigs. Morgan didnt need to convince us to take the gigs. We were willing. More eddies than any of us had ever seen just for a few gigs? He sighed.

    Even if it will alle crashing down on you?

    Of course! Even if we all die it was worth it. We got to be something! Made this city know that we existed! He said hotly as if caring about your own life was Wrong.

    Fucking Night City.

    Fuck that Im gonna live to a hundred and eighty. I told him with a shrug. But listen. Im not going to interfere with you and your chooms. Ill help out with security, and maybe more if the pay is good, and in exchange, all I really ask is you keep anyone from trying to mess with my stuff.

    He nodded Fine. I can ept that. Just maybe tell me if you see a good chance to make some eddies. He asked, sounding kind of beaten.

    I nodded and that was pretty much that.

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70

    Well well well. About time you wandered in here kid. I turned at the sudden voice, and to my surprise it wasnt who I thought it would be.

    Or maybe it was?

    The voice had been Yoko the owner of the Dewdrop Inn. Or at least the person that was always at the counter, but the avatar?

    That wasnt human.

    Instead a massive woman stood before me, or I guess I should say a Kitsune. Nine tails fluttered in the windless air around her, and she wore a kimono that was only slightly on her.

    How did you configure your avatar like that? I couldnt help but ask and a momentter the Kitsuneughed, a tittering sensual noise,pletely different from the woman that I had spoken with in the real world.

    This is my server. Since Im not wandering around the, its easy to configure an avatar to my liking. Unfortunately Im back to basics whenever I leave the Inn, but I rarely do that anyways. She offered with a shrug that almost had her Kimono slip even lower. I think the only reason it didnt was because it was a digital object because that shouldnt have stayed up.

    Nice to see you then Yoko. Or should I say Kyuubi no Yoko? I asked, and her face brightened up in a delighted smile.

    Hah! You know a bit of mythology good! She said smiling brightly in a way the normally unemotive woman never had in reality. Cmon kid. I know this is new to you, let me give you a bit of a run down, I also have some questions for you. Like how did you get V3L0CITYs Rig.

    I had been about to start following her without a care but I hesitated when she revealed that.

    She noticed as well. No worries kid, no one is going to want revenge for that dickbag''s death, call it just curiosity. she offered, waving the fan in her hand she gesturing me to follow.

    I did.

    Yoko might be a bit different here, but that didnt mean I was going to suspect her of attacking me.

    She led me out of the dance floor and up a pair of stairs made of nothing but light up to the second floor where there was only one door, but as we approached it blurred from a nk looking door into an ornate set of Shoji.

    This is my private lobby. There are a few others, but I dont give up server space for nothing, but Cmon in. Its secure, we can talk. She offered as the doors pped open and we entered into

    Well it was a Neon Japanese Shrine.

    Once the doors sent me a handshake and epted my entrance the room I walked into shifted, instead of a set of Shoji I was walking out from under arge red Torii gate. Into the open space of a Shrine. Other than the lights all being neon colors, and the aesthetics very focused on foxes, the ce looked like

    Earth, sorta.

    Neon stars in the sky, a big glowing moon above, and everything looked more realistic that I had seen elsewhere.

    I spend a lot of server space making sure my lobby looks good. You like?

    Yeah its cool. I replied looking around as she walked over to a pic set up under a Sakura tree dropping neon pink flower leaves onto the area.

    Yoko definitely had a theme.

    So whenever I saw you at the Inn, this is where you really were?

    Mostly. I have an expensive Cyberdeck that lets me dive while still being active. I mostly have to focus on one or the other though. She replies as she waves me to a seat.

    So Motoko. This your first dive? How are you liking it? She asked and I blinked at the sudden surprise question.

    I had been expecting a question about V3L0CITY. Its interesting. I had some trouble when I went exploring the Megabuilding H4 server, but the guy that attacked me wasnt very good. I pushed him until he disconnected.

    Oh? Already had a fight? Not bad. Most first timers lose their first real fight on the.

    I guess Im used to fighting.

    I suppose you are. I heard about V3L0CITYs death. He was well known in therunnermunity. But not well liked. He did have a lot of information. She said and that is when I realized what was happening.

    Information you want.

    Information I will happily trade for. She offers instead. That is the way ofrunners. We trade information, for information. Of course that implies you have his server data? You are running off his hardware, and I can tell you have some of his hacks stored.

    You can tell that? I asked surprised looking at myself in shock. In order to find that out, she would have had to hack me!

    Its an old trick. Ill teach it to you if you want, its not something really secret anymore, but yes in a sense. I dont know the hacks you have specifically, but I can read some of his leftover code on your avatar. Keep it in mind, whenever you have a program installed and ready for use, it can leave a trace on your avatar, and where you use it.

    Like a smell. I offered putting it together and she puffed out augh that would have been a snort on any other woman.

    Stupid Sexy Kitsune.

    You can think of it like that if it helps you wrap your head around it, but yes. Such things can be tracked. Ill teach you a bit about it, but first. Do you have his server data?

    I do. He had a kill switch on the data, but I bypassed his ICE and disabled it. I saved everything and wiped the server for my use.

    Brilliant! She said, smiling happily. I am doubly lucky that we already have a rtionship, that data is valuable. Very very valuable. And I would appreciate the chance at a first look, for a fair trade of course. As you already know Im willing to help newrunners, so I have plenty of learning courses, and data to get you familiar with the wonders, and dangers in the shallow.@@novelbin@@

    And the deep? I couldnt help but ask. The difference was easy enough even for a newbie to understand. The Shallow was the created after the DataKrash, after the ckwall was put up. It was mostly safe.

    The Deep Net was everything behind the ckWall. The ce where AI lived. The most dangerous ce for arunner. But also the most valuable.

    I dont usually rmend anyone go there Kid. Not even people with years and years of experience. It usually isnt worth it. But what you learn about the shallow carries over Just more dangerous.

    Why do you want V3Ls data so much? Did he have ckmail on you or something? I couldnt help but ask, but the way I said it hopefully conveyed to Yoko I was just curious and not looking to cause her issues.

    You wanted to know about the DeepNet? She asked suddenly.

    I mean Mostly just curiosity. I admitted.

    V3L Was a Deep Diver. She revealed and I rose up.

    That guy?

    Yes. He was known for it. He lived in the, never left unless he had to. He jumped over the ckwall multiple times and returned. You want to know why I want to be the first to peek at his data? Its because I really want to know what he found You arent alone in wanting to know whats behind the ckwall kid We all do.

    --

    I blinked my eyes for a moment as I came to. Wiping the crust out as I rose up and yawned. I stretched as I untangled myself from all the cords and connections.

    I had done it.

    Jumped into the Net.

    I was a Netrunner now in truth.

    In the end I agreed to give Yoko a peek in exchange for a lot of guidance, and favors. Really I was probably getting ripped off in some respects, but if the guidance she offered helped me survive my dives then it was a fair trade.

    Survival was more important than getting a few more goodies. Besides, I was a Gamer.

    I just needed to keep improving and eventually there would be nothing that could stop me.

    I checked my messages, a few texts hade in from my chooms which I responded back to, but then it struck me and I opened up my gamer window.

    The 250xp was real. I muttered. I could gain XP while in the.

    That meant I didnt have to kill people in the real world to level up!

    I stretched out again, very happy at my new discovery. Until then though, I was going to need to gather the data up and visit Yoko in the real world soon.

    But that was forter. Now?

    I was going to get out of the basement.

    I changed out of therunner suit back into my normal leotard which was much morefortable.

    Then I left. Taking the elevator up I walked past a few of the kids that were hanging around the lobby.

    This time at least they gave me looks but didnt stop me.

    On my way home I stopped to get some food. Filling my belly for the first time that day considering I had spent hours in the.

    Full and feeling more alive I walked into the apartment and flopped on the couch.

    Its good to be home. I whispered to the air as I reached over and grabbed my guitar. More than enough time for a couple of songs before I would go see Yoko.

    --

    Feeling alive, I had the shards full of V3Ls server data in my pouch pocket, and I was here once again.

    Dewdrop Inn. Now that I had seen it on the web, I could spot some of the differences, but it was a testament to Yokos skill that it looked so simr. It was actually hard to tell the difference without going into the natural alterations of living in a city.

    Motoko, good to see you. Yoko greeted me sounding almost t, as I walked into her shop, and again it struck me how different the woman was on the web, and in reality.

    Yoko. Where do you want to do this? I asked and she actually cocked her head and I leapt the counter and followed her into the back room.

    We settled onto a table and we began.

    Yoko went through the data I had,menting on pieces she wanted and would trade for.

    We went over everything, for the most part, I just focused on a guide to the, which she seemed amused that I kept hammering, as well as one other task I had asked from her.

    Otherwise some eddies, and favors were passed into my hands.

    There is very little about his Deep expeditions here. She eventuallymented as she was doing a quick check on the data.

    Its everything he had on the server. I didnt find any sub drives or anything. So he either kept it somewhere else, or-

    No, I suppose he wouldnt leave it on his main server. Far too easy to be forced to flee and have that data stolen, he would have hidden it. I was hoping there would be a clue, to where.

    Probably just kept it in his head then. I offered and Yoko nodded agreeing.

    So about what I asked?

    It will be done, an odd request but I am more than capable of handling the server load. Are you sure? Your request might be a useful experience, but I dont truly see the interest you hold.

    Just a personal thing. I like to test myself, its important to me, and Im paying. So we good?

    We are good Motoko. Come find me in theter.

    Thanks Yoko. I said as I rose up and left. The itch to jump back into the and get my reward was there, but I couldnt live my entire life like that.

    So instead I checked in with my chooms.

    Hiromi was finishing up her schooling for the day but would be busy with homework, much to her irritation, but Ichi and Malcolm were free, and we all decided to meet up.

    We were just going to hang out! It was actually kind of exciting as I got dressed and headed out to meet them.

    Other than Hiromi, I didnt really just hangout with my chooms that often. So this would just be a hangout day!

    I specifically chose not to meet up at Ho-Oh club this time.

    Instead we were heading over to Lizzies!

    I made it there first, and as I pulled in I noticed Rita was bouncing today, which was good, I would be able to say hi to her as well.

    The bar wasnt quite going crazy, since it was still early afternoon, but that was only a benefit to me. I walked up to Rita and got a smile from the older woman that I couldnt help but return.

    Hey Rita. How goes? I asked as I stepped off from the entrance to not block the door.

    Motoko. Not bad kid. You?

    Ive had this amazing adventure yesterday! I wentrunning for the first time! I couldnt help but gush a little as I told Rita about my adventure in iming some high end Netrunning gear and then jumping into the digital space.

    Thats Well Im d you got some preem gear Motoko, but be careful alright? The can be seriously dangerous.

    Oh I know. Yoko, the woman that runs the Dewdrop Inn is going to be giving me some help, Im just taking the rest of the night off before I jump in head first.

    Heh. Well I cant help much myself, but the Mox have a few runners that work with us. If you ever end up in trouble let me know, I can put you in touch. Rita offered although she put away her gentle smile to block some gonk from walking in, giving him the rundown with her bat over her shoulders.

    I barely kept the smile off my face as Rita went full aggressive Mox bouncer on the guy before letting him in.

    The twitching of my lips didnt go unnoticed when she turned back to me.

    Dont give me that look.

    I didnt do anything. I argued but I was fully smiling now.

    Sure kid. Hey, I heard something the other night. About a girl with purple hair and her brother fighting off an edgerunner that was going for a TC boss.

    I winced as I was reminded of that night.

    Yeah. That was Jun and I. I agreed but I sighed as I leaned up against the wall. That night didn''t exactly go well.

    Why were you trying to rescue a TC boss in the first ce? She asked, and while she did her best to keep any judgment out of her voice I picked up on the subtext.

    Jun invited me to this big TC party. I only went to eat the snacks. They had the best sushi Rita, it was so good. I literally ate myself sick. I told her thest bit in a whisper earning me a snort from the woman.

    I sighed as I decided to share the whole story. So I got sick and Jun decided to take me home early. We were in the elevator with this TC boss and his date. A doll woman she was nice. I muttered remembering her dying and me being unable to do anything to save her.

    Yeah I heard. Cassie wasnt one of ours, but word gets around. Rita offered and I scowled, because that was the first I had even heard of the woman''s name.

    Cassie? I never got her name. We were ambushed as we stepped out of the elevator. Something twigged me and I dropped Jun and I just in time. This crazy borg opened up with an LMG. I revealed scowling. In the end I locked his gun with a quick hack and he didnt like that. Kicked Jun and I around, and we ended up fighting him. I kept having to jump in so Jun wouldnt die. The boss hid in his car the whole time. We survived, the borg didnt.

    Ah. So it wasnt that you were guarding the guy, you were just there, and the guy attacked you too. Rita muttered nodding along seemingly more rxed.

    Yeah its awful. Everyone is going to think Im back in with the TC. Even Jun mentioned that a lot of the bosses are super happy with us, Im owed favors and shit. As if that has any value the moment they dont want me around.

    Rita reached out and gripped my shoulder. Sorry Kid.

    Its fine. Just annoying, but Im not here toin about shit, My chooms and I are here to hang out Plus I have a BD I need them to see. I said with a smirk. Hiromi wasnt here, but I would give it to her afterwards.

    Malcolm would get a kick out of it after all.

    I spent the next ten minutes just hanging out with Rita outside the club, a few of the other Mox Bouncersing over to join the chat, but they didnt interact with me much.

    I was still an outsider, despite what I had done about Jotaro.

    It didnt bother me. The Mox may be one of the better gangs, but they were still a gang, and they were changing with the years, growing less focused on helping people and more on their own self interest.

    Just the way of things in Night City I guess.

    But finally Ichi and Malcolm pulled up, thankfully not in Ichis big truck. Instead they were driving Ichis grandmother''s car.

    Or at least I was pretty sure that was how it worked. The old Thorton Galenas engine sounded a bit rough but it drove.

    They parked and then stepped out, wearing nice clothes.

    Nicer than I was used to them wearing. They had obviously been shopping, buying some extra threads to really show off.

    I thought it made them look like they were trying too hard, but if they wanted to spend their eddies on clothes. I wasnt going to judge.

    I literally spend a lot of eddies on Leotards for my cos-outfit. So I really had no room to judge.

    Ichi! Malcolm! I called out and as both boys approached, although Rita had shifted back to her bouncer persona.

    Motoko. Here we are. Still dont know why you didnt want to hit the H-Other club. Ichi offered, looking a little nervous but I shook my head as I linked an arm with his and Malcolms.

    Dont worry about it! Lizzies is great, and honestly its bigger and quieter.

    But they opened the upstairs Motoko! I wanted to hang out in the new club area. Ichi whined but I ignored him as I dragged them into the bar, Rita rolling her eyes at the entire situation.

    In the end we took a side room booth and I was even a good choom and bought the first round of drinks.

    Although both boys looked like they wanted to scan the BD list.

    Lizzies was a BD club after all. Neither wanted to do it while I was around. Which was funny, as I kept catching them peeking at the listing while we were chatting and hanging out.

    Of course then I pulled free the BD from my pocket and winked at the boys.

    Motoko?

    I got something special for you guys to check out. I inform them, my smile stretching my face making both boys very ufortable.

    Uhh. I need to go to the bathroom. Malcolm tried to escape but I caught his arm and tugged him back down.

    Trust me Malcolm. You are going to love this. Headsets on boys. Ive been waiting forever to reveal this. I told them and both boys still looked hesitant. They put the wreaths on and I slipped in the BD chip to start.

    I waited practically, vibrating as they watched the BD.

    When it finished only a minuteter. Malcolm was the first to react.

    Pfft! Mr. Studd! Pimp! He cackled loudly making me d I had grabbed a private side booth.

    Of fuck off Motoko! Ichi whined ring at me, but I had zero care about his annoyance. My smile stretched across my entire face. I cant believe you would do this to me. Motoko. Give me the BD. He demanded.

    Never. Im going to pull this thing out every once in a while for the rest of your life. I informed him with a firm nod of my head. No way was I letting this level of ckmail go.

    Im going to have to kill her. Malcolm, help me kill Motoko.

    Hell no I dont have a death wish Pimp! Ahahah~

    Malcolm you are less than useless. Ichi grumbled as Malcolm broke down intoughter. Now I just had to share it with Hiromi!

    Ichi red at me but I just smiled in turn. Did you really have to record that?

    Yes.

    I dont get I was about to say I dont get paid enough for this, but I actually do. Fuck. He grumbled and grabbed his beer and took a swig.

    I rolled my eyes as I took a swig of my own soda. Dont get whiney. Give it a few years and itll be a great in joke for all of us, and you will remember the whole thing fondly. Besides, the only other person outside of our group that ever heard the conversation is dead! I pointed out happily. Ignoring that Judy would also know it.

    Charles Bucks, the only other person in the recording wasnt alive anymore to talk about it though!

    Heh. We did kill that monster didnt we? Well you did all the work.

    Nah, I couldnt have looted that ce without you. I would probably have picked up a few things and left it at that. I might not have even attacked the ce without you guys to back me up. I told Ichi It was important teamwork. Im just good at tlining gonks. I told him with a shrug.

    Yeah you certainly are. Malcolm cut in with a nod, but before we could continue an outsider crashed into our little area.

    Or a semi outsider.

    Motoko! Rita said you were here! Nox offered gasping a bit as he caught his breath as he smiled at me as he rested against the entrance of the side area our booth was in.

    Hey Nox. Cmone sit. You met Malcolm and Ichi right? Thanks again for helping out with the gig. I still owe you for the help.

    Nah, you dont owe me anything, I still have some eddies I owe you from the BD sales. He said as he seemed happy to slide into the booth beside me. I did meet your chooms but we didnt talk much. Nice to meet you guys again. Nox offered, but he looked a little ufortable greeting Ichi and Malcolm.

    And Malcolm and Ichi didnt look happy to greet Nox either.

    Yeah nice to see you. Wait, what did he mean by BDs!? Ichi suddenly shouted, his face going red. Motoko!?

    Huh? I blinked running through my BD gag. Did I miss teasing Malcolm and Ichi!? I felt my face turn into a smirk. Well you see Ichi, Nox here convinced me to make some BDs for the Mox. It was a tough deal you know, but the pay was just too good for me to pass up. I was really inexperienced at first, but after a few BDs I think I figured it out. I offered purposefully inferring something else.

    The face of my chooms going absolutely red was far too good, and I snapped a few pictures.

    Hiromi would enjoy teasing the boys about themter.

    Nox despite knowing wasnt free from his own reddening face at my words. Motoko Youre gonna get me in trouble if you say things like that. he eventually added, breaking the shocked silence of the table.

    Its so fun though! Dont worry Ichi, Malcolm. Ive been doing BDs of my gigs! In fact the scav den we hit? I recorded that one Hey Nox, do you have a copy of that BD?

    Oh? Yeah sure do. He mumbled grabbing his backpack and after a moment pulling out a wrapped BD.

    Want to see? I asked the boys and both having taken a moment to drink and try to calm their heated faces nodded, looking curious.

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71

    <em>Ichinose</em>

    He wasnt sure what he was expecting when he slotted the BD in the wreath.

    So he settled in and put the wreath on his head and fell into the braindance.

    As he opened his eyes to the sights within the BD, he noticed it instantly. The feel of his body following along in Motokos footsteps was certainly

    Different.

    He had known the girl was off. He had known it since the first time he had met her again after thea.

    Normally he wouldnt have started some random BD handed out by a Mox, but there had always been that question.

    How?

    How did Motoko do what she did? How had she gone from the punk TC brat to what she was now?

    He blinked as he felt himself take a deep breath and everything became

    Sure.

    There was no hesitation, no fear. He was jogging down a familiar alley, he had parked his truck right there, to load up stuff. But this wasnt after the raid. It was before. He walked up to the back door of the den, he felt himself quickly open the door without hesitation.

    Then he was in. He snuck through the small vehicle garage checking the windows and noticing the scavs hanging around.

    Still alive at this point, but none noticed as he walked through the room.

    It was a little startling to remember that soon enough all of them would be dead.

    He moved up the stairway, his feet not making a sound despite the fact he knew Motoko didnt have a Lynx Paw. She was just that quiet. The pull of the muscles in his leg so foreign as he moved just so, to reduce any noise of his boots hitting the metal steps.

    He knew he would have shivered, but he didnt. There was no fear. No hesitation. Just a simple calculus. A confidence that he had a gig toplete, and people to tline, but first he needed info. He followed in her footsteps around as he checked two closets, both full of junk some of which he had helped stealter, watched as hepetently breached through the building''s security system.

    While he followed the movement, the actions. The actual knowledge of what Motoko had just done was beyond him.

    Then, the room lit up. He could see them. Again Ichi wanted to gasp, but there was only ice in his veins, as he looked around. No, as Motoko looked around.

    The ray of light leading to every Scav in the building.

    Wow. He wanted to pause the BD there, just to look at it, he had never seen this himself. It was something new. Something Kinda preem. But he felt little as Motoko kept moving, walking the catwalk above the scavs without fear looking down on them, and he could practically feel the sinister amusement of her ns to murder them.

    Of his ns.

    He felt the confusion and then disgust as he watched a scav fail at a game.

    Wow Motoko. That was kinda harsh, that game wasnt easy.

    And then he felt her confidence as he moved leaping over the edge, in a move that should have caused his heart to flip flop.

    Instead he felt pure confidence,nding with barely a scuff against the concrete in a low crouch all four limbs spread to reduce the impact. Then he was downstairs, but Ichi was backseating, as Motoko went through theputer gathering information checking an email that confirmed that Ripper knew exactly what was happening in his clinic, and then he smirked, did some morerunning stuff that Ichi couldnt follow and turned right around.

    A few momentster everything froze. It felt like his chest couldnt move without choice, like everything waspletely 100% under his control.

    But it wasnt him in control, it was Motoko. He moved and the scavs died, he felt nothing as he cleaved through them, knife cutting and ripping and when it was all done he pushed himself off the Scav he had just watched die face to face, and he felt.

    Confident. Powerful.

    This was Motoko? This was the girl that acted like a gonk half the time, and the other half like a cold blooded high end merc?

    He was so shocked he could barely pay attention as Motoko moved him back down and then up into the rippers shop.

    Hiromi and his face were blurred out as she confronted Charles. As he simply killed him, no fear or wavering, just a faint feeling of assurance. Of knowing he was doing the right thing.

    And the BD ended, and Ichi gasped, pulling the wreath from his face as he suddenly felt his own body again, and theck of that pure control left an almost palpable sense of wrongness as he reached for his beer and took a swig.

    His heart was suddenly racing, as the Icy control was gone.

    Malcolm beside him was doing something simr to him, his face telling a story.

    So what do you think? Was the BD good? I never actually watched it after Judy did her editing. Did you like it? Motoko intruded into his space, asking while sounding almost a little shy.

    Ichi opened his mouth and then closed it. What was he supposed to say to Motoko? His choom? His sorta boss?

    That she scared the shit out of him? That he felt like his body was wrong, and he wanted to puke a little.

    That he now understood why she didnt hesitate to solo a scav den, because they were never a threat to her?

    It was cool. He said instead. Her little joke with the word the only thing he could think of.

    Thankfully it seemed to satisfy her, with the way her face broke out into a happy smile.

    Fuck she confused him.

    --

    I waved goodbye to my chooms. It was gettingte, and both Malcolm and Ichi had been a little twitchy since leaving the BD.

    I guess murder was still a bit too much for my chooms.

    Anyways! At least Nox was happy! The Scav Den BD had apparently been super popr.

    Lots of people had lost someone to scavs. Being able to watch a bunch of them get murdered? Apparently it was very cathartic.

    But it was time for more diving.

    A short driveter I was sliding into myrunner suit and plugging everything in.

    Time to get some training!

    The blur of awareness as I switched from reality to the onlysted a moment, and then I was there, once more in the ethereal neon city.

    This time it only took a moment for me to jump straight to the Dewdrop Inn server, since I had the IP. A momentary blur of fast travel, and I was there walking up to the roundabout.

    I bypassed therunners outside and went straight for the club. Yoko would be inside.

    The techno music, a rhapsody of all the noises aputer could make and more hit me as I entered but other than noting the song, and memorizing it. I ignored it.

    Yoko waszing in a private booth as I approached her, and her sensual smile was as dangerous as the woman herself.

    Motoko, finally here?

    I had some stuff to deal with, I spent some time with my chooms. But Im ready.

    Excellent. You wanted this, don''t forget. Come with me. She offered and another one of Yokos doors opened up beside her, she rose and walked through with me following.

    Inside was just arge space, a lot of memory and data set aside on the server for it.

    Alright. Lets get started then. She said and before a moment passed her tails twitched, and fire burst forth towards me.

    The assault was something I recognized. It was a Breaching assault meant to burn through ICE to open up systems.

    I threw up a few of my ICE programs, before returning the assault with a Breach program, on my side a de appeared beside me and shot off, rocketing right through the fire towards the Kitsune.

    The sword was actually a representation of a hacking attempt. Seriously, Netrunning was so weird!

    It stopped cold. A stone statue appeared in front of Yoko. It was a Komainu? The Lion dogs statues you would see around Japanese Shrines.

    Yoko really stuck to her aesthetic.

    I could respect it!

    They were basically a form of ICE. Very tough stuff.

    The fight continued. My agreement with Yoko had a few factors, the most obvious was information. Guidance, on the rules of the, basic culture and the like which we could cover mostly just by talking, but that was only part of it.

    More importantly, I had asked her to fight me, hit me with everything she had so I could learn to react tobat on the.

    I had the instincts thanks to my skills. Quick Hack, and Breach both filled part of Netrunningbat, but having the instincts and knowledge was one thing. Doing was another.

    She was going easy on me. I could tell, just her Cyberdeck alone would be a high end system because she was able to throw up multiple heavy RAM usage hacks back to back, while I had to rely on ICE shields to hold back her assault while my Cyberdeck did its best to keep up with my requests.

    But I was learning.

    So, so so so much!

    *100 Quick Hack XP Gained.*

    *100 Quick Hack XP Gained.*

    *100 Breach Protocol XP Gained.*

    *100 Breach Protocol XP Gained.*

    *100 Quick Hack XP Gained.*

    *100 Breach Protocol XP Gained.*

    *Breach Protocol skill level up!*

    *100 Quick Hack XP Gained.*

    *100 Quick Hack XP Gained.*

    *Quick Hacks skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    Breach Protocol 8, and Quick Hack 5! Both levels hade in as I fought, and the new knowledge and skill was going to immediately be used again.

    I grinned with an almost feral intensity as I fought back against a literal Nine tailed Fox throwing around magic and spells.

    Fuck I loved my life.

    --

    Eventually Yoko called an end mentioning I was showing signs of heat shock, and I had to take a moment to remember that there were repercussions on what I was doing.

    My poor body back in the basement was overheating, and I purposefully had to lower all my inputs turning the world into a hazy 3d rendering, all monochrome lines to reduce the workload of my Cyberdeck, and try to keep it from overheating.

    Thank you Yoko. I said looking at the blurry woman. This was amazing! I said with a thumbs up.@@novelbin@@

    You are a very strange girl Motoko Kusanagi. She mentioned as her avatar approached. I dont usually ept requests to show off my hacks, but Ill admit, throwing my programs around like this is rather refreshing. Its been a while since anyone has actually challenged me here on my server.

    Hah, yeah considering how much RAM you have ess to, it would be kinda stupid huh? I asked, earning a change in the avatar that I was pretty sure was a particrly fox like smirk.

    You noticed that? Not everyday some kiddy runner realizes that the entire server acts as a support for my Cyberdeck. She giggled, reaching over and patting my avatar on the shoulder, although I didnt feel anything, and it was more of an emote not actually touching me but looking like it was.

    So take a break from this for now? I still need to learn more about the.

    Of course. Come with me, Ill take you around to a few of themon haunts.

    --

    Yoko did in fact do just that. We traveled through the digital Night City, walking to seemingly random ces that had servers set up as meetup locations.

    With Yoko guiding me she helped me get ess and I got to see it all.

    Her own Avatar had disappeared, turning into the same nk outline that everyone had besides their face and a general shape, and once we returned to the Dewdrop Inn she shifted back into her Kitsune avatar with an almost relieved sigh.

    I got the feeling Yoko didnt leave her server much.

    And once again she brought me to that white room, but this time she didnt fight me directly.

    Instead she summoned up a Daemon.

    Daemon were a mix between an AI, and a program. Not quite intelligent enough to be considered a true AI, but a bit more nuanced than a normal program. They were background programs often used to monitor systems, to make sure everything was going right, or to bnce different systems.

    If a Quickhack was a tool, like a knife. Then Daemons were pets. A rudimentary intelligence. A being capable of acting as a guard dog, or a simple button presser.

    Of course this time, Yoko summoned the smallest Daemon.

    An Imp.

    It didnt look like some fantasy creature, not at this level, instead it was an orb of light, with two almost cartoonish red eyes ring at me, it made little noises, beeps and whistles as it red.

    Begin. She offered and the Imp attacked.

    Daemons were capable of being uploaded with basic programs, quick hacks of their own, its why they were so useful as overwatch for systems, Upload a strong Daemon, give it some good offense and you dont have to stand guard 24/7 against a Netrunner.

    Well, you still did because as good as Daemons were, they werent able to match a person.

    The Imp had two programs, and I saw them both very quickly. One was the Fire burning ICE program that Yoko had used before, although it was smaller, a weaker fire capable of corroding code.

    The other was a screech that suddenly filled my ears, and made me wince and be disoriented, it wasnt noise but junk data.

    Like getting hit with a shbang. My sight went jerky, andggy with distortions and image sway.

    In essence the Imp was flooding my connection to the server with junk, like a DDos attack, in a way.

    I threw up my ICE shield to block the fire, and used a Barrier shield for the screech. The ethereal neon panes appeared in front of me to block the assault, and the Imps attacks ended.

    It continued to pelt me with the same two attacks, practically in order. One then the other. But the screech was just throwing junk data against a wall of junk data, and the fire couldnt burn through my ICE before I fixed it.

    So it was my turn.

    Fire roared, shooting out from my hand and pierced through the Imp.

    The Daemon came apart with a static sound as it broke into pieces.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    An alert popped up right after almost startling me as I processed and then had to fight the urge to smile massively.

    I could beat Daemons for XP in the too!? That was amazing!

    Not bad. Lets see how you handle something a bit bigger. Yoko called out as a Thug. It looked like a cartoon thug, only the glowing red eyes showed why it was called a Daemon.

    Instantly it looked to me. And attacked.

    I yelped as it had a much more powerful direct attack, a gun was pointed and fired, and my Barrier red resisting the attack, but only just.

    The pane of light cracked. The bullet was a virus that deleted data. So when it hit my junk barrier it just deleted chunks of it.

    I reinforced the shield even as the thug continued firing every few moments, one round at a time it simply locked onto me and shot, more like a static turret than a sentient creature.

    I sent my barriers to coat the thug like I had with the Netrunner I fought, and it took only a few moments before he was cut off, sealing him up in a tight box that was squeezing the program.

    It died a few momentster as its ess to any system resources literally ended, and it basicallygged out and died, disintegrated as its core systems simply couldnt do anything through the lump of data it was trapped in.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    I was only slightly sad that it wasnt more XP.

    Not bad at all. But at the moment, you are just overpowering them with better programs. Lets work on a bit more finesse. Yoko called out and summoned another Imp. This time, no offense hacks, try to disable the Imp. She demanded and I nodded, jumping into the task.

    It took a while.

    But that was what training was all about!

    It took me a long time to disable the Imp without relying on my powerful hacks.

    Instead I was forced to do my teleporting trick, making the Daemon think I was somewhere else on the server making its attacks miss.

    In the end the idea came to me with a sinister smile as I shifted my position.

    It sent its data purging fire at me, only I had put myself inside the file that the Daemon was running off of.

    Watching it fire a st of fire at me only for it to turn back around and m into the Daemon was hrious.

    But as it died, I got a nice surprise.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *Level up achieved!*

    *One Stat Point Gained.*

    *One Skill Point Gained.*

    That was thest bit I needed for level 10.

    You okay kid?

    Huh? Oh yeah Yoko. Im good, just happy, that was fun. I told her with a smile as I tried to stretch only for the act to not really work.

    I was only a digital avatar, not my real body.

    Heh. Stretching wont do you much good here. If you are feeling the sympathetic need to move and stretch you should head back to your body. She told me and I nodded.

    Yoko. Thanks. Ill be back for more training soon.

    Heh. You certainly dont quit. Ill see you then Motoko. The kitsune nodded and then blurred as she left, and I did the same blurring as I pulled my avatar back through all the systems I had moved through until I was back in my lobby and then I disconnected.

    I groaned and stretched as I sat up. Back in reality with all that entailed.

    While I had a few moments of quiet I pulled open my stat screen and checked my perks.

    I remember thest time I had looked at my Quick Hack perks I had mainly been focused on game stuff.

    A perk to make quick hacking upload faster. A perk to make my Cyberdecks RAM restore faster.

    In fantasy terms, the perks would let me cast spells faster, and let my mana regenerate quicker.

    But Ive learned a lot since then. I had been wise enough to pick the defensive perkst time. The knowledge of how to defend myself had probably helped a lot even before this training with Yoko.

    But I had gained a lot of awareness of what was useful.

    So instead I started searching for something else.

    And then I found it.

    Hacking Wizard. Upload multiple Quick Hacks at the same time, to one or more targets.

    I selected the perk without another moment''s hesitation and shuddered as the knowledge slipped in. It wasnt an immense amount of knowledge.

    It wasnt the ns for a program, or anything like that.

    It was pure mathematics and multitasking.

    It would more than double the RAM usage if I tried to send two hacks or more at once, but in the end, if I was in an emergency I could inundate someone with multiple Quick Hacks all at once, a surprise assault.

    Or, I could use a Quickhack multiple times to target multiple people.

    With the knowledge that some of the higher quality hacks could already spread through a crowd?

    I could do multiple waves of assaults on anyone that pissed me off!

    Yeah, as always, perks were OP. Plz dont nerf. Too much fun!

    I giggled as I rested back on the chair feelingzy enough I didnt want to unplug everything right away

    I sent a message to Jun letting him know I was gonna sleep in my new ce, and decided to enjoy eight hours of sleep.

    --

    The next morning I went home for a shower and general cleanliness issues, stepping out of my room wearing a clean leotard and patting down my damp hair. I noticed my mess of stuff still all over the living room.

    Ugh. I whined but nodded realizing that I really needed to do some cleanup. I wandered around picking things up and settling them into my room, basically packing away all my little projects so I could still get to them, but so they wouldnt clog the entire living room table.

    Patting my HMG on my way back out of my room I looked over the

    Cleaner? Tidier? Living room.

    It was better, I would take it.

    I settled in and reached over for my guitar, but before I started ying, I did something I should have donest night. I opened up my screen, and I slipped another stat point into Adaptation, and the feelings the sense of touch and proprioception that my arms gave me seemed to jerk a little as I realized the sense of touch had been just a tad off.

    But it was better now! Of course before I could go down the road of ying with my sense of touch I noticed my stat screen.

    Militech Condor *Adaptation Militech Condor 4/8*

    Wait.

    WAIT.

    When did my adaptation requirement go down!?

    It used to be out of ten! I stared at it for a while without any pointing to mind and ended up just shrugging. I would have to keep a closer eye on it, but it was Interesting, that it could lower the max. I guess I had been mentally adjusting to the chrome pretty well over time.

    My new sense of touch on the strings of my guitar had me smiling as it distracted me, and I strummed a chord.

    Instantly a song slipped into my brain, and I started strumming the notes.

    Shes so cold and human. I sang along to Lithium Flower.

    It figured if I was going to y a song I should y a Major Motoko Kusanagi Theme.

    The sound was different from my normal music preferences, but I jammed out to it, enjoying the way my chrome hands had no difficulty hitting the notes, that the song came out sounding good. My voice crooning alongside.

    Yeah, this was fun.

    Sure Night City was a nightmare. Sure I knew someday someone I knew would die. One of my chooms would end up murdered by the city. Because this city murdered everyone eventually.

    But until then I couldnt help but admit. I loved it here.

    I want to go surfing with her! I sang thest lyrics trailing off as I finished thest refrain.

    I sighed when I finished.

    *100 Rockerboy XP Gained.*

    Alright Motoko. Pick a problem to solve today. I told myself.

    I had so much that needed to be done.

    I wanted to finish my Music box. Which meant Programming and Tech grinds.

    I wanted to hunt more scavs. Which would bring in eddies to me and my crew, and potentially new chrome.

    I should try to help the SLS guys with a gig, which meant information. Which meant I needed to dive into the again.

    I wanted to hang out with Jackie again. Had he still not finished that Gig Wakako gave him? Very disappointing Jackie. I might actually have to step in.

    I still had other projects I wanted to get started on as well. My future desire for a Tachikoma toplete the cos-I mean, for help on gigs. I had even taken the Robotics perk and never got to use it. Because robots were hard.

    I also wanted to just hang out with my chooms, the other night was fun, and Hiromi had gotten left out.

    Plus there was so much more to do!

    As annoying as it was to have a bit of choice paralysis, the fact I could do all of them just given time meant it wasnt exhausting or making me angry. Instead it was just

    Which did I want to do first?

    Well considering I wasnt sure

    I made a call.

    *Motoko.*

    *Wakako! Hows it going? Thanks again for the help, thatrunner gear ising in super handy.* I told her cheerfully.

    *Good. I hear you took over the street gang as well.*

    *Eh that was more Hiromis doing. Im just d I didnt have to kill a bunch of gonk kids.*

    *Hmm. Well having lines you dont cross is fine, as long as you dont ruin a gig because of them. I take it by your call that you are looking for more work?*

    *Not directly. Hows Jackie Wells doing? I expected him to have finished up by now.*

    Wakako actually sighed over the line and there was silence for a moment.

    I just knew she had lit up a cigarette and was preparing toin.

    *The boy is too cautious. The gig is still open, and nothing has been done that I have seen.*

    *Want me to go poke him?* I asked and the line was silent for a minute.

    *I will not pay you forpleting someone elses gig.*

    *Not something Im worried about. Besides, I told you before. Jackie has some talent as a good bruiser. I could use someone like that on my gigs. Me helping him out now will be a good foot in the door to convincing him to work with me in the future.*

    *Very well. Ill send the details of the gig to you. Handle it however you want.*

    *Thanks Wakako* And she already hung up. I said, realizing my agent was quiet.

    Wakako you bitch!

    Its called a goodbye! Would it kill you to say it every once in a while?

    But a momentter I got a beep as a text message. Directly from Wakako. It was basically a copy of a message she had sent to Jackie Wells.

    I read through the notes and I realized pretty quickly what was causing the hold up.

    Jackie would definitely need some help on this gig.

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72

    I drove by the corporate owned building. Microtech had been one of the big NUSA corporations for decades. They were like the Microsoft of the Cyberpunk world.

    They werent quite as powerful now as they had been in their heyday, but they were still going strong.

    Jackies gig was simple on the outside. Wakako wanted the schedule for iing shipments. She was probably just a go-between in this case, getting the info for someone who wanted it rather than something she would use herself.

    But Microtech wouldnt just leave the dataying around, and Jackie wasnt exactly an infiltrator.

    He hadnt gotten the gig done yet, so he either didnt have the skills toplete it, and was trying to hire someone to do it for him, or he was trying toe up with a n to do it himself.

    That was where I came in.

    I was going to look around, get an idea of what defenses this ce had, and hopefully be able to guide Jackie into getting the data.

    I didnt want to just do it for him. One that would be insulting, I was very aware that I was still a kid to most people I interacted with and Jackie wanted to be an edgerunner. You dont jump into a profession like that without having an ego, and second

    Jackie needed to do this. If Wakako was ever going to trust him with future gigs, which would let him build a rep.

    So I was just going to look around, figure out the weak points in the defenses, and pass along some intel. Maybe make him pay for it with a few eddies, just so everything was square.

    Of course I was thinking that as I pulled into a small strip mall. A few food shops and things right across the street from the building.

    But that was when I noticed none other than Jackie Welles himself sitting at a noodle bar, slurping down a bowl of ramen and staring at the building across the street.

    Huh. I guess he was working on getting that intel afterall. I considered walking up to him, but I figured it would be best to let this one go.

    Besides, I wasnt wearing my normal gear this time.

    I didnt exactly want to mess with a full fledged Corporation in my usual.

    So I was wearing a mix between the armored suits I had bought for my Chooms, and a set of Techgogs that I had picked up from V3Ls loot. It was an old school piece ofrunning gear, but it covered the top of my face and would give me a little additional ID protection if someone actually saw me.

    I would already be covered from recording devices, but people could still see my face, and if they could ID me that way, it didnt matter if the corp doesnt have a recording.

    I slipped out of the Quadra in a quiet corner of the parking lot. And made it across the street without any problem. The corporation''s building was set up in a private lot, this wasnt really an office or anything, it was a shipping hub. A warehouse with a small attached office for the corporation.

    They had a muchrger HQ in City Central.

    The security here would be pretty good though. Warehouses were hot targets.

    But that was just details to me.

    I jumped the fence climbing onto some trash that was building up against the outside walls and I was in.

    My eyes shed as I scanned the area for security.

    Cameras covered the corners of the building. Robotic guards wandered around, and human workers were moving around driving forklifts moving packages around.

    I sent a quiet ping into the camera system, and as I expected, it slipped through the security without too much problems. This ce wasnt big enough for arunner to manually run the security. The grounds were quiet and covered in loose trash and refuse that the warehouse had collected over the years.

    It was obvious this ce wasnt well taken care of.

    But that just meant there were plenty of ces for me to hide. I slipped into a stack of old pallets hiding within them while giving me a perfect sight of the camera on the corner of a building.

    After I confirmed theck of any direct attention in thework I started breaching. The Cameras security didntst more than a few moments, and I was able to slip into the mainwork as well, as the cameras werent properly partitioned.

    I started looking through all the cameras. Outside the robot guards followed a static path, seemingly uncaring about therge gaps in the security.

    They were more for intimidation than security I realized. They would definitely keep out the mostmon street thugs.

    Then I looked inside and the warehouse was certainly not empty.

    Unfortunately for me I was only sneaking around and nning to get some data, because I noticed quite a few preem pieces in the warehouse I would love to take home with me. A few of those servers, orputer systems would be really nice to have.

    Instead I focused on the security. Just like outside there were robot guards, along with a few workers hauling around therge shipments. I noted down numbers, and positions, literally filling a digital map with where everything was for Jackie to use.

    It wasnt even difficult, my Breaching skill had reached the point where stealthing into systems, even through a camera was doable with a bit of work.

    I made a note of all the rooms I could see, and if I could figure out what was inside them.

    I also noted the room that would have the shipment information. It was an office in the back of the warehouse that had a camera right outside it. Meaning it was one of the most secure locations in the entire warehouse.

    Someone didnt want someone getting in there.

    I marked it on the map disappointed that there wasnt a camera inside. Instead I altered my focus essing the systems the camera was connected to, trying to see what I can find on the security systems.

    Unfortunately the connection was protected, and unless I wanted to spend a lot of time out here, or make it obvious someone had hacked in, I would have to ess the security directly.

    With everything marked out, and the workers, and robot guards pinged, it was child''s y to rise up out of the mess of pallets and move towards the warehouse.

    With a bit of a fun trick I would just have the camera pan away from me as I approached a side door that the camera was supposed to be keeping an eye on. Letting me slip inside the door and close it just as the camera panned back around.

    Making it seempletely natural despite it being entirely under my control.

    With that I was inside, and movement through the warehouse was even easier. I stalked up the stairs through the empty break room and then down a catwalk towards the office. The camera there was controlled the same way. Panning away as I walked up under it, and then letting it pan to the way I had juste, giving me ess to the office door.

    It was locked, but that took only a few moments to work through and the door opened. I slipped inside and closed it behind me just as the camera panned back.

    The office was what you would expect from a warehouse manager.

    It was nicer than the rest of the building, and it was surprisingly well soundproofed, cutting down the noise of the warehouse. There was a smallptop set up and I slipped over, quickly slipping through the ICE with a few moments of work and I was in.

    I found the data that Wakako wanted

    I made a copy, quietly slipping the data into a shard and putting it away. I wasnt going to just hand it over to Jackie, but if something bad happened, it was insurance.

    Then I moved away to the actual security server.

    Unlike theptop it was set up in the corner of the room, and didnt have any monitors, or anything.

    It was a Mircotech Security Server. Meant to be set up through a different system, Laptop, or direct ess through neural cord, and then take care of the security concerns all by itself.

    It was also shit if you wanted real security.

    Corpo nonsense at its best.

    I plugged in, quickly bypassed the password request that if failed would send out a ton of ICE, or even ck ICE to kill the hacker.

    It took all of five minutes to breach the security and have full ess to the Warehouseswork. With a little smirk I even set up a backdoor. I rarely got to use the knowledge Wallbreaking gave me, but who knows I might need to ess this system again in the future.

    It was setting up the backdoor that made me realize something was off.

    There was an intrusion in the system.

    And it wasnt me.

    I wasnt alone in the system.

    I considered responding, but I wasnt supposed to be here either after all, and I doubted the intruder expected to have arunnere in from the other direction. So I simply stepped back, let the system''s autonomous security fail at its job and watched mostly from what the system wasnt seeing, what therunner was doing.

    They were essing the security records. I watched the Servers memory usage go up a few blips as systems were essed.

    Could this be something Jackie set up? I know he doesnt have the skill himself, but he had known T-Bug. Or maybe he just knew another Netrunner?

    Either way. It wasnt my problem

    As long as the runner didnt sound an rm.

    After the runner got the security records, they looked around. Poking at connection points, and it took me a while to realize they were trying to see if they could ess the foreman''sputer.

    Unfortunately that system wasnt connected.

    This had to be Jackie then Right?

    I was considering pulling out letting the runner finish their little dive when I saw it. A massive increase in server usage.

    The runner noticed I was watching! If this was Jackiesrunner, they might bail on the server if they thought security was on to them! The amount of ck ICE an admin could drop on the head of a discovered runner wasnt worth considering.

    So I had to move fast.

    I set up a few solid ICE walls that I knew would save me a few seconds in case they attacked, and then sent out a prompt through to the runner.

    It was just a text log, although I did have to think of a good pseudonym in a rush.

    Ghost: *Would appreciate, if you didnt set off an rm.*

    The log was quiet, no response given, but I could practically feel the frantic activity of the runner. As they double checked their defenses. The server spiking as Programs and Daemons activated to protect the runner.

    But I didnt attack. Just waited.

    nk: *Who are you?*

    Ghost: *Ghost.* I replied with a smirk theplete non answer would be doubly amusing.

    nk: *You are at the security server What do you want?*

    Ghost: *I want you to not set off any rms. Noticed you wanted to ess the Foreman''sputer.* I took a moment to look over and take a picture of it, and added that into the chat.

    I didnt get a response for a while, but I was patient.

    nk *You offering?*

    Ghost: *Maybe. I know you arent here against my own gig. But you could interfere, so lets make a deal.*

    nk: *Im amiable to a deal.*

    Ghost: *I dont like working with a nk. Thats requirement one.*

    nk: *And Im supposed to believe you are Ghost?*@@novelbin@@

    Ghost: *Thats the name I picked.*

    No response came for a bit before finally the message came through.

    T-Bug: *What else.*

    Oh I was right! If that was T-Bug it meant it was far more likely she really was working with Jackie.

    Ghost: *Nice to meet you bug. If Im right, just to confirm, You are working with Jackie Welles at the moment to retrieve the Microtech Shipment schedule for the next month.*

    Once again it went quiet, She was still there, but I got the feeling she was probably thinking about ditching.

    Ghost: *I am asking for confirmation. I often work with Wakako. I dont want to ruin his gig.* I added, hopefully thest bit would make me sound less threatening.

    T-Bug: *I was hired by Welles to get security ess, and find him a path to the foremans office.*

    Ghost: *Then stand by for ess.* I added stepping over to the foreman''sptop and quickly having it ess the Security server, considering I had already breached both systems it didnt take more than a minute.

    I walked back over to the server and plugged back in.

    Ghost: *Once you have what you came for go ahead and get out quietly if you would. Please wish Jackie luck on his future work with Wakako. It will be nice to have another merc to tap for work.*

    A few minutester I noticed the T-Bug took her time essing theptop as if she was afraid it was a trap.

    Once I was sure she was good I stood up and started making my way out of the warehouse.

    I used the same trick on the cameras to simply move around the vision of the one outside the door, although just as I was about to walkpletely away I noticed it.

    T-Bug was snooping. I smirked as she took control of the camera and started quick panning it back at me.

    But I already had the fullyout of the warehouse. Despite being on the catwalk on the second floor I simply leapt over the edge. Disappearing far below the cameras line of sight before it could have spotted me.

    Then I was gone. Sneaking out through the side doors, avoiding the cameras without touching them this time, and climbing up the pallets I had hidden under before and leaping over the edge of the barbed wire fence.

    I rolled as I hit the ground stepping back up and wiping the dust off, before casually walking down the street. That had almost been bad. I hadnt expected T-Bug to be able to notice me snooping from the security server.

    She was better than I had thought. Like really good. I would have to be more careful, but in the end I was satisfied.

    Gigplete Sorta. It just wasnt me that was going toplete it.

    I did check in on Jackie as I walked to the car noticing that he was leaving the noodle joint, I smiled as he seemed like he was in a suddenly super good mood as he raced away.

    Considering

    I smirked and jumped into the Quadra heading home. I would change into my normal outfit, and wait around, because I had a feeling Wakako would be sending me a message soon.

    --

    I was on point.

    An hourter as I waszing around on the couch, I got a text from Wakako.

    *Jackie Wellespleted the gig. He ising in for a meeting now.*

    I grinned that Wakako actually did follow through with our deal. I jumped off the couch, rushed out the door, still fighting my boots as I hopped into the elevator.

    Ignoring the look of my neighbor who had stepped into the elevator just before me as I fought my boots on my feet, and then rushed out the elevator as soon as the doors opened on the ground floor.

    I only slowed when I hit Jig-jig street, and sauntered happily into Wakakos parlor.

    The look she gave me told me she was in no mood for my nonsense and she pointed to a chair and I quickly sat in it.

    Ive been given the report of what happened already. Mr. Welles hired a Netrunner he is acquainted with to get him into the building, only they didnt need to, as anotherrunner had already infiltrated the building. Wakako started speaking suddenly and I kept my cool not letting myself show any sign of nervousness.

    Wakako was a tiger after all. They could smell nervousness.

    So since you decided to get involved in the gig. Tell me why you think I should allow Mr. Welles into my employ. If he cantplete a gig on his own?

    I winced.

    First. Its rude that you immediately assume that someone with the coolest handle of Ghost is me. Even if it was totally me. I offered, pointing upward with a chrome finger. Second. Jackie realizing he wasnt going to be able to finish the gig on his own and getting help using his connections, is the exact kind of thing you want for a merc. If you just want someone who will rush in guns zing almost guaranteeing they will end up dead on an important gig, then yeah. You dont want Jackie.

    Wakako took a drag of her cigarette and nodded agreeing with my reasoning.

    Also I wasnt originally going to help out, but Jackie hired a seriously goodrunner. T-Bug knew her stuff and noticed I was there. So I had to get involved.

    Very well. I expected something like this when I gave you the information regardless. The gig isplete, and I have the information my client wanted. She offered, tapping out the ash casually into the ashtray.

    Id like to work with him on some gigs. Either right away, orter. I mentioned, and this made Wakako react.

    I dont think he will fit your style very well.

    Not directly, but every infiltrator needs to be prepared for getting caught. Jackies a good solo, and I could use him on some of my gigs just as backup. It would be nice to know that if I screw up, I wont be alone in the firefight for my life.

    If you wish to bring him along on any gigs you take, that is up to you. As long as the gig ispleted, I dont care about your methods. She said but didnt say anything about me going along on Jackies gigs.

    I let it go, and noticed that Wakako seemed more than ready to ignore me, instead watching the small TV set she kept in the corner of the room.

    I turned around in the seat to look and ended up actually falling into the pit of weekday afternoon TV.

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74

    I ended up having to go home after I woke up. While I did have a sink in the basement so I was able to clean the blood off my face, myrunner suit needed an actual cleaning since some of my blood had caked on.

    So I was throwing my clothes in the washer back at the apartment, and slumping onto the couch when I thought to check my stat page.

    I had killed a lot of Daemons after all, and they did give XP.

    I started looking through the update list with wider and wider eyes.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    And on and on, the page of XP alerts just didnt stop.

    *Level up achieved!*

    *One Stat Point Gained.*

    *One Skill Point Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    I had actually managed another level already!

    I had killed enough 250XP Daemons to gain more than 11,000 XP!

    That was Well okay it was only 44 Daemons. That actually fit, that horde of Daemons I had ughtered had been quiterge.

    Wow.

    But that wasnt even the end of my improvements!

    I guess breaching through a corrupted system had given me a lot of practice, my intelligence had leveled!

    *Intelligence Leveled up!*

    Intelligence 9.

    But even better!

    Breach had leveled as well! Despite the intelligence level up just happening Breach had shot up as well! I guess navigating that ruined system had been a great new experience.

    *Breach Protocol skill level up!*

    Breach 9.

    I now had a new highest stat. Cool had been my highest level stat for so long it was kind of weird to think it had fallen behind.

    Yet that wasnt even the end.

    *Quick Hacks skill level up!*

    Level 6!? Already! I mean, my previous levels with quick hacks had all been with ping, and in the real world, and this time not only was I using much more powerful programs, I was using them on the. Both as offense and defense, against enemies doing the same.

    I nodded, it made sense for it to level so fast, but it still surprised me.

    The influx of knowledge and experience hadn''t even been noticed. I had been so busy fighting against the Daemons. The fact I had suddenly improved hadpletely slipped past my awareness.

    Im gonna be such an awesome hacker. I whispered to myself unable to stop the jittery excitement flowing through me.

    Sure it had been a mess. That server had nearly killed me, well I likely would have been okay with two other hackers watching my back, but I could have been hurt

    Okay more hurt.

    But it was still totally worth it for this alone.

    So many changes just with one dive. Heh. It really was like a game. Go into a dungeon ande out more powerful.

    I loved dungeon delves. Maybe I could actually find a server that had that gimmick. I bet there were at least a few. There was no way fantasy archetypes died out.

    I picked up my Programmingptop as I waited for my clothes.

    I was feeling inspired. There had been a gain greater than just higher numbers. I had learned what it was like being in the, what I could expect, what I would face, and what I would need.

    It made me want a Daemon of my own.

    Not just a Daemon I could use, because I had a few stored away in my system. Specifically the neat little Daemon that would interfere with optics of people I hacked for example. Cyber Ninja was still a really cool perk.

    But I wanted to make a Daemon of my own. One just for me.

    But first? I needed more levels.

    Back to the grind.

    --

    A few hourster mid work on trying to streamline Reboot Optics some more. The door opened and Jun slumped inside.

    Hey Jun. You okay? I chirped as he seemed lethargic but he just waved a hand holding a XXL burrito at me as he headed to the fridge grabbing a drink and then slumping onto the couch as he started eating and drinking.

    I ignored him for a bit, he looked tired, and I knew he would tell me what was wrong when he was ready.

    I was stuck dealing with a total disaster all day. He finally told me and I nodded as I closed down another line. Looking at it, and deciding it was better than it had been.

    Sounds tough.

    Some gonk decided to try to beat up a 6th. St. girl. The Girl was the kid sister of someone important. I was the bodyguard of Hitake, while he tried to calm things down. It took forever, and I had to keep an eye on things the whole time. It got tense a few times. He said, sighing as he took a big bite of his disgusting burrito.

    Sounds like it all worked out in the end? No gunfights?

    Not this time. He muttered but he nodded and leaned back seemingly happy that it had all been okay in the end. How was your day? Youve been out and about thest few days.

    I wasrunning. I told him which caused a reaction as he jerked up and looked at me in surprise.

    Wait, really!?

    Yeah? Why is that a shock? Ive been doingrunner stuff for a while! I even upgraded my Cyberdeck a little bit ago, remember?

    Yeah but knowing how to throw a quick hack, or a little programming- Err I mean being a programmer isnt the same asrunning. He said having to backpedal on calling my skill with programming little. Jun had been smart enough to notice my re.

    Yeah well. I told you that I took over therunners basement and all the stuff to get at his equipment.

    Yeah but I just I guess I hadnt really thought that you really would Oka-san Shed be so proud of you Motoko. She always wanted you to follow in her footsteps. Wow. I guess He went silent as he sort of stared off into space for a bit.

    Natasha Kusanagi, huh. I spoke, unable to help myself. I didnt think of my parents very often.

    Yeah. She was amazing, there wasnt anything she couldnt hack. Jun said with a smile on his face and I nodded.

    Well Ill be just as amazing! I told him not sure what else to say. So instead I turned back to myptop and got back to work. Jun eventually turned on the TV and settled in, as we just hung out together.

    --

    The level up hit me by surprise.

    *Programming skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    Programming 5!

    Eeee! I squealed as the information hit me. The fact I had been fighting my Reboot Optics Quick Hack for so long only to suddenly gain something even better?

    Huh? Whats up Motoko?

    Ah! I just had a breakthrough! I lied to Jun but it was kinda true as well. The info dump as always gave me the chance to look over my previous code and scoff at how bad it was.

    Even just a single level improvement was enough to make me realize all of my work up to that had been a waste.

    Wait.

    The thought struck me and I looked at my current stat screen with a realization.

    1 Stat point.

    6 Skill point.

    I had everything I needed

    Why was I wasting my time grinding out low level programming when I could maximize it!?

    I hesitated as the thought struck me. I liked grinding, and it was good for me, the grind forced me to produce something, to create. I mean sure I could probably rip apart everything I programmed up until now if I really upgraded that much, but it was useful to do it myself.

    There were other stats, other skills as well

    Wouldnt Ninjutsu be best to level up more instead?

    Wouldnt Reflex be a good choice to increase, as it makes me incredibly more deadly?

    Tech? The stat and skills I had worked with the least? Wouldnt they be best to bring up in line?

    But.

    I really didnt want to fight against these programs anymore! I wanted to make amazing programs!

    I stopped myself from putting all the points in.

    I remember the info dump that had happened thest time I had done that. So instead I simply put a skill point into Programming.

    Programming 6.

    The rush was everything I had hoped for. Increasing a skill by one point was a massive increase. Getting another level up moments after?

    Ahhh yissss.

    But I wasnt done. Once my mind processed the level up, I flicked another point in.

    Programming 7.

    I shivered having to use Cold Blood just to calm my excitement so Jun wouldnt notice me freaking out.

    It was amazing. Methodologies, improvements, secrets, tricks, and the experience of knowing when and how to use them flooded in.

    I had been like a baby ying with a weapon, without the understanding of how to take off the sheath. Of the skill on how to turn a weapon into something truly deadly.

    But I was starting to see it. That vague understanding of what programming could truly do. I was finally starting to glimpse its true potential.

    Rache Bartmoss had with a bit of programming literally caused an apocalypse.

    I was going to be just as good in the end.

    I pushed another button.

    Programming 8.

    I exhaled, Programming was now at the same level as my Ninjutsu. The skill that had turned me from a streetkid with memory problems into a merc with a future.

    Programming 8, might even be more powerful.

    I understood how to make rudimentary AI.

    I could create intelligence.@@novelbin@@

    Oh I had some ns for that!

    But I could still push it more.

    I had three skill points left Who says I shouldnt use them? They were mine!

    Programming 9.

    So close.

    I was so close. I could see it, that tiny bit more. I had seen a digital world before, but now? Now I knew what it was made of. How it was constructed. Like humanity learning about the atom, only I could alter atoms. I could program the world and change it.

    I dont know how long I sat there, as Jun watched TV staring at aptop without seeing a word on it.

    The amount of information was smaller, but theplexity was higher.

    There was so much I could do now. So many problems I had stopped working on before would now be Easy. Simple. Childs programming. No not even that, Good programming from an average person.

    But I wasnt average.

    The gamer system made me capable of being a genius, a prodigy, a monster.

    I was maxed out though.

    Intelligence 9. Programming 9. I couldnt go any higher.

    My eye peeked over to the stat point.

    I had been saving them for my arms, but that wasnt too much of an issue anymore

    Right?

    It was just One point. I clicked it, before I could stop myself.

    Intelligence 10.

    And then I pushed another button.

    *Programming skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    *Human limit Achieved.*

    Programming 10.

    I winced, hissing a bit as I rubbed at my head.

    Maybe taking five level ups in a short period hadnt been the smartest thing.

    My head throbbed, but it was the knowledge flowing in that made it all worth it.

    I didnt even have to think about it.

    I could think back to my Reboot Optics quick hack, and remember bad code, bad choices, and ways to fix it.

    Ways to improve it.

    And yet.

    I checked my stat page trying to figure out what human limit alert meant.

    When I selected it, a small alert appeared.

    *Human Limit Achieved. XP leveling has been locked. Stat or Skill points required for further advancement.*

    I read the alert a few times. Trying to understand it, I hade so far.

    And yet I wasnt at the peak.

    Level 10 wasnt the max. I didnt even know if there was a max, but since this was mimicking Cyberpunk 2077, then level 20 would be the max level Right?

    I was only halfway there.

    I only had half the understanding and knowledge of programming that I could have?

    For a moment I just felt like my brain was melting, because the idea that I could still get even better

    Being this skilled at something

    It almost scared me.

    No wonder Bartmoss had been so feared. Had been so capable.

    A monster. A true inhuman being.

    That is what being level 20 must mean.

    I stood shocking myself as I nearly fell as I felt woozy, something even Jun noticed as I stumbled over to the kitchen and grabbed a soda out of the fridge.

    Hey? Jun was there behind me gently reaching out to grab me, which was weird, until I realized he was moving back and forth.

    No. No it was I who was swaying on my feet.

    Motoko are you sick?

    No. No Im okay Jun just I just had a surprise I guess. I mumbled but I let myself fall into a hug. He obviously didnt believe me, but the soda helped. The cold and sugar was just what I needed. A few momentster I pushed away from Jun and my legs held me.

    Motoko? Do we need to go to Viks

    No Im okay Jun really I just Its all a bit much. Programming. I muttered, I think Ill take a break for a while, let my brain cool down.

    Yeah. He grumbled but as much as I wanted to just think Jun guided me back to the couch and very firmly closed myptop, which earned him a snort, but I was a good girl. I settled into the couch and flopped over onto the arm rest and instead of doing any further work, I just watched the stupid show Jun was watching.

    God it was awful.

    --

    I ended up falling asleep at some point. Which goes to show just how tired my brain must have been.

    Okay Motoko you fucking gonk brain. No more leveling multiple skills back to back. Give it a few hours at least.

    I was on the couch, but a nket covered me and the TV was off leaving the room quiet which was rare.

    I snuggled into the couch for a bit not wanting to get up just yet.

    Jun must have put the nket over me.

    He was a good Onii-chan. I would have to do something nice for him like Not wreck his sleep by cannonballing on him? Or something.

    Im not a good Imouto. Ill work on it.

    Eventually I started getting bored and actually rose up, untangling myself from the nkets but rather than open up myptop like my brain was begging me to do, I went to the bathroom and took a shower.

    The water flowing over me let me process what I had just done.

    It wasnt stupid. Other than rushing through the leveling. I couldnt have known that leveling up to ten meant I stopped getting XP, and would have to level through stat and skill points.

    Was it annoying?

    Yes.

    But it was fine. I knew it now. Besides

    Programming.

    God it was almost terrifying what I could do now.

    And I still had two perks.

    I snorted. I had gone from Level 5, to ten in one sitting, no wonder my brain had felt like melting out my ears.

    Although I did have to admit. It felt amazing. Learning something, no more than learning it, mastering it?

    I shook my head spraying water around. I wouldnt put myself through that again, but doing it once was neat.

    Now I just had to decide.

    What did I do now?

    The system had told me I was at the human limit. What did that mean?

    What did that say about me?

    Was I now the greatest programmer of all time? But I could still level up. The stats and skills went past 10.

    So what would programming 11 be?

    20?

    I shrugged. I guess I would find out when it happened. Until then, I really really wanted to fix my quick hacks.

    But first I had perks to pick. No point in getting to work without them selected.

    The first perk was an obvious choice.

    Inspired Programmer: Inspiration strikes constantly. Never run out of steam while programming.

    Instantly just thinking about my quick hacks brought tons of ideas on how to fix them. Truly I was inspired.

    It felt great!

    The second perk was harder. I went back through the list.

    It took me a while to find something I felt was good enough to add in.

    Honestly I picked it so I might finally be able toplete one of my big goals.

    A.I. Whisperer: Daemons, Smart Programs, Virtual Intelligence, and true A.I. You dont just create a mind. You create life.

    I shivered as I picked the perk. Was it the right choice? I dont know. There had been a few about creating better quick hacks in the list too. But my choice was made.

    I dried off and got dressed in just my leotard as I settled onto the couch. Throwing the nket Jun had grabbed for me over my shoulders as I brought theptop into myp.

    Time to see what I could really do now.

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75

    I plugged into myptop with my personal link, and opened up the program for Ping.

    I was going to start at the beginning.

    Instantly I felt literal revulsion.

    Whoever had put this program together should be shot

    Okay I had been shot before so Ill give myself a pass here.

    It was a mess. My own work wasnt good. But it wasnt just my work I was critiquing. Such a simple program bloated and twisted.

    I could fix this.

    But why bother?

    Instead I started a new program, and started typing, my mental interface helping me adjust settings without needing to stop typing as my hands blurred over the keyboard.

    There were a few lines in the old program I carried over. A few that had eptable coding.

    But I still fixed them. I altered them, smoothed them out.

    Removed fluff.

    Despite being arge enough program my Cyberdeck registered something as simple as Ping as actually taking up space on the Cyberdecks slots.

    It didnt need to be.

    It could be tiny, a small efficient program that did exactly what it should do.

    Hell. The way the program worked at a base level could bepletely altered. Right now it connected with the foreign system, and basically sted the system with requests for everything it was connected to.

    It was like walking into a server and ringing a bell. Sure you would get the information, but anyone watching would now know.

    So I did something different.

    A little trick I had picked up thanks to Ghost Touch, and with the tiny size Ping now was, and the fact system connectivity was by definition less secured data than nearly anything else.

    I looked up as Jun pushed my screen down. Jun? He ignored my question for the moment. Plopping a burrito in front of me with a look.

    Eat.

    Im in the middle of something. I grumbled instantly especially at the sight of the burrito.

    Motoko, you''ve been on thatptop all day. Eat.

    I blinked looking out the window.@@novelbin@@

    I had thought the dim light meant the sun was stilling up, but no.

    The sun was going down.

    Oh.

    Oh she says. Jun grumbled at me, but I had decided to be a better Imouto. So I reached out despite my fingers desperate to go back to the keyboard and peeled the disgusting not burrito.

    It was horrible, but it did fill me up.

    --

    Hiromi is here! The voice calling out as our front door opened nearly sent me on the floor, only the fact I was holding myptop full of wonders meant I didnt end up tossing it to reach for a gun.

    Hiromi! I snapped at her once again surprise entrance. I really needed to teach that girl to knock.

    Motoko! She called back, instantly leaping over the side of the couch tond on me.

    My quick reaction to save theptop the only thing saving it from fat Hiromi ass destroying it.

    Hiromi! Watch it! You almost broke myptop!

    Nah you were gonna move it. Now whats this I hear from Jun about you going all nerdy hermit? She asked and I scoffed looking around the apartment for my brother, but I did vageuly remember him leaving a while back after making me eat again. What time is it?

    Jun is a narc. Im fine. Ive been programming!

    Ooh! Let me see? Hiromi demanded sitting sideways in myp, as she kicked her boots up on the couch.

    Hiromi, take your boots off. I like this couch. I told her firmly, and she blinked before looking a little sheepish and did as I asked, although she then flopped back on top of me demanding attention.

    Personal space?

    Dont need it! She replied instantly to myment and I rolled my eyes at her, as I reached over her and grabbed myptop.

    Ive been fixing my Ping Quickhack. I told her as I opened theptop showing the code. Literally just lines of code all organized together.

    I knew what was going to happen the moment I did so of course.

    I have no idea what this is. She tells me after a minute of making understanding noises and looking over the code.

    Gonk. I told her as I closed theptop that wasnt any use to my choom. So Jun called you toe check on me? I asked adjusting myself a bit as Hiromi continued toy on top of me.

    Basically! He told me you were acting weird and to make sure you were okay. So Want to go party? Im still mad thatst time you went with Malcolm and Ichi without me.

    You had school!

    I hate that you actually care about that. She told me, as she sighed and slumped over me even more. Motokoooo. She whined at me as she flopped against me.

    Fine, we can go out for the night.

    Great! I want to ride around all night! Ive been stuck in a ssroom forever! Motokoooo! Lets goooo. She whined at me, and I couldnt help butugh at myp full of squirmy demanding best choom.

    Alright, let me get dressed and we will go for a drive.

    Great! Im dri-

    No.

    Ugh! I want to take my bike!

    Im not letting you drive again. Thats dangerous.

    Hiromi scoffed at me, before smirking, Fine! You drive my bike. She reached out and poked my nose and I snorted.

    Your bike is so

    Hey! Dont badmouth my ride! If you dont like it get your own Kusanagi!

    Maybe I will! I offered back and then Hiromi smirked at me. Ah.

    She tricked me.

    Cool, I want to be there when you buy it and I demand the first ride. She said looking proud of herself.

    I just rolled my eyes. I dont have the eddies for a new bike right now Hiromi. But Ill put it on the list. I do want a Kusanagi, but just a normal one. I said finger pointed at her.

    She justughed at me, and slipped off letting me stand to get ready.

    Finally dressed I followed Hiromi out of the apartment as she skipped towards the elevator which I climbed in with. Like normal her bike was parked outside the apartments on the sidewalk. Normally I would worry about it being stolen, but in this one instance her choice of bike had an advantage.

    This was a TC neighborhood, and no one lifted a TC styled bike. I mean Hiromi still had plenty of TC decals on her bike too, so it really was protected.

    If only it wasnt so stupid looking! Massive swoop back seats? On a crotch rocket!?

    My eyes ring at the stupid back seat that just ruined the lines of a beautiful bike.

    Pfft. You are so picky. Cmon hop on! she demanded as she jumped on and made room for me to drive, patting the seat in front of her.

    I did as demanded, this was Hiromi time, she did deserve some time away from school, so if she wanted to drive around the city for a while, that was no problem for me.

    She quickly grabbed hold of me tightly, like she expected me to just floor it out of the sidewalk. Which I of course didnt, waiting for a break in traffic I pulled the bike into the street and headed out onto the town. Hiromi''s moansining of me driving like a gonk in my ear.

    --

    We drove around the city for hours, just enjoying the view and feel of the road.

    It wasnt something I would normally do, I liked having a goal whenever I went out driving, but in this case Hiromi just wanted some freedom, to escape the cage of school.

    In this case I could understand, and so I didnt mind that every time I started thinking about driving home Hiromi would notice and ask to go somewhere else.

    We ended up driving all over. Checking out the sites, we even drove past the old Shinto Shrine out by North Oak.

    We didnt stop to go inside, just driving past it along the windy mountain road.

    It was just a tourist trap anyways.

    But the sights of the city from up on the mountains was nice.

    Eventually Hiromi finally signaled to let me drive home and we did, but not before I stopped to surprise her with some food.

    I had heard her belly rumbling as we drove, and so we found a nice little restaurant, and spent the next hourughing with each other as she shared stories about what it was like going to Arasaka academy.

    It was nice.

    --

    After Hiromi dropped me off at home, it was getting prettyte, but neither of us cared. It was the weekend tomorrow so she didnt have school, and my life literally had no set schedule. Unfortunately Hiromi couldnt stay over, she had a thing with her parents in the morning.

    So free of any choom shaped obligations I hurried back into the apartment.

    Of course the moment I went inside, I flopped on the couch and grabbed myptop.

    Time to finish this!

    Ping, even the version I was writing was still a big program, taking hours to go through every line and ensure it would be aspact, and efficient as I could make it.

    Even when I finished writing thest line of code, that wasnt the end, instead I went back through it,bing over the entire program, finding a few minor errors here and there that I hadnt caught while I was programming, but now that I was fully focused on it, debugs experienceing in clutch to catch the tiniest of errors.

    Finally I stopped. Staring at the program as itpiled.

    As my work over thest two days flowed into a single efficient effective program.

    Ping. No Ping 2.0!

    I unloaded the old version from my cyberware and installed the new one. Laughing that it took up so little spacepared to the bloated inefficient program I had before that it not only didnt take up a slot of my Cyberwares programming, it would use practically no RAM to activate.

    I looked at the TV and pinged it. Watching in fascination as the program instantly got a return, as lines appeared on my vision showing me the few pieces of tech the TV was connected to. And then more. The light flowed to the transmitter the TV used to pick up stations, and actually flowed through that. My new design for Ping,pletely uncaring about the ICE the system might use, as it flowed through and kept pinging off more and more equipment. Every TV in the building was highlighted showing the connection, and when it reached the roof transmitter that connected outward it started gathering data from that, before I stopped the program.

    Okay I might need to add a tiny bit more code to actually limit the spread, that might be too much data return.

    Well that wouldnt take more than a minute just to tell it to stop pinging after a certain amount of system jumps.

    Of course I would still want the option to go further, so a simple yes no, would solve that.

    And done, rpile and reinstalled.

    This is what Ping should have been.

    --

    An hourter despite it being sote at night. I traveled to myrunner basement. I had to admit I was so proud of my Ping 2.0 that I wanted to show it off.

    So I hurried over to Dewdrop Inn after logging into the and raced around to find Yoko. The Inn was unsurprisingly super active despite it being sote.

    Whats that? Hackers staying up all night and sleeping during the day? Or not sleeping at all?

    Color me shocked.

    I stepped into the riot of color that was the Dewdrop Inn lobby, and looked around for my target, but I didnt see any big Kitsune hanging around. So I took a seat in a quiet corner and sent a message to Yoko.

    I got an instant response, telling me Yoko was in a meeting and would reach out to me once she was done.

    I groaned. My desire to show off my program made me impatient, but nothing else I could do. So instead I decided to people watch.

    Hackers were an interesting bunch. Some gathered in groups, some were on the dancefloor showing off their purchased or made dance routines.

    I knew they were emotes though I dont think any of them were showing their actual dance ability.

    But that was what the was like. It didnt matter how you were at something physically, if you could hack, or program yourself with the skill you could be a master.

    It was certainly interesting to watch.

    In the end it was someone sliding into my booth that broke me out of my people watching. I guess I should have marked the booth private or something, if I didnt want to be bothered.

    If I knew how to do that. I had seen a few of the booths with the message floating over them.

    Hey, I dont recognize you. Names E>

    Thankfully.

    I looked over his face, the only part of his avatar I could see just like everyone in the server, and was doubly d. He had to be in his twenties at the youngest.

    Not my first time, but I dont usually hang out here. Just waiting for a contact. I offered, and unfortunately he didnt take the hint that I wanted to be left alone.

    Well its always nice to see a new face! Hows hacking been? Run into any trouble? I know a lot of people with a lot of connections. If you need some info, or backup. He offered with a smile and I shook my head.

    Im good, thanks.

    Ah listen, Im trying to help you out kid. Youre obviously new. Im part of a Netrunner collective, we help out newbies, give them gigs that can put their skills to use, you should-

    Ex? Thanks but Im good. I denied cutting him off. I wasnt really looking forrunner gigs. I would make my own gigs here on the.

    Ex sighed and stood up. Well good luck then kid. But dont think itll be as easy to join up in the future if you end up needing help.

    I doubt that will be an issue. A third voice intruded, and I didnt sigh only because I was too annoyed with Ex, at the sight of Yoko standing at the end of the booth.

    Yoko. How goes? I greeted her, sounding relieved at her appearance.

    Fine, Motoko? You wanted to chat?

    Ignoring the other hacker I nodded, now smiling from ear to ear.

    I got something I think is pretty preem, I wanted to show it off a bit. I told her as I twirled a finger pulling a copy of Ping 2.0 into a visual medium showing it as a glowing shard over my finger I offered it to Yoko.

    I could see the interest in Ex as he looked like he was trying to peek, but Yokos own ICE mmed up a moment before my own.

    Yoko was quick! That was a pretty insane processing speed!

    Made me wonder what her cyberdeck actually was.

    But a momentter Yoko had touched the shard file and essed it. I couldnt follow along because I couldnt see the screens she was no doubt seeing visually infront of her face, but I could tell that she was impressed because she went from her normal sensual smirk to a tter more focused look as she looked it over.

    Where did you get this? No wait, dont answer that. She demanded suddenly and waved a hand. I got a transfer request and epted leaving the booth and Yoko and I both appeared in her private lobby instantly this time.

    Last time Yoko had always used a gate to let me ess it myself. It was a weird feeling to be moved like that.

    Motoko, where did you get this?

    I made it. I told her with a fox-like grin of my own.

    Her neck jerking towards me as she focused on me told me everything I needed to know about Ping 2.0.

    It was good.

    Way better than something a fourteen year old should be capable of.

    I kept my smirk as Yoko seemed to consider whether she would believe me or not before seemingly deciding not to argue.

    Ive been working on my programming for a while, but in the end Ping was just too messy for me. So I rewrote my own basically from scratch. Its more of a stealth hack than the original. I offered and Yoko nodded.

    Ive had a chance to see the best of what Ping can be, and while you dont hit everything that it is capable of, this is Different. Its not the same program at all! Yoko offered, sounding delighted.

    Like I said, I wasnt happy with the original so I wrote my own.

    Id like to trade for it. The ability to trade copies as well. She said suddenly and I blinked.

    What?

    She gave me a smirk this time. I work as a trader Motoko. New programs, hacks, and information are all things I trade in. Something like this has real value.

    I nodded at that. It was true, but did I want to go down that route? Right now Ping 2.0 waspletely unknown, no one could develop a counter to its stealth nature because no one knew it existed.

    But in the end I shrugged.

    Alright, but it wont be free. I offered and instantly Yoko scoffed.

    Of course not! Ill open up my stores for you. Lets see if I cant find something that catches your interest. She offers with a smirk and I couldnt help but feel a little excited. It would be nice to see what sort of things Yoko had collected. What valuable programs she had found over the years.

    Excellent Now before that, I have to ask about the coding here. She said, causing a screen to pop up and show the lines of code on the program.

    Oh! I grinned as Yoko asked me code questions! Was I going to geek out about my code with Yoko?

    Yes. Yes I was!

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76

    In the end I did agree to a trade, Yoko would owe me multiple favors, and a few quick hacks to be able to sell out my Ping torunners.

    Picking up a few Quick hacks that I wanted to fill out my Cyberdeck really did make it worth it, even if the future favors that Yoko now owed me would probably be more valuable in the long run.

    But more importantly than that. The pure excitement that Yoko had shown as we got into the programming, as we dug into the whys and hows made my night.

    Totally worth the few days it took to fully program the thing.

    Jeez just the fact I was able to remake Ping from the ground up in just a few days of work, made me aware of just what Programming 10 really meant.

    Between the massive amount of experience and knowledge I had, and the Perks keeping mepletely invested, and able to find and debug errors nearly instantly?

    I was a monster of a programmer.

    It was amazing.

    Yoko had kept me in her lobby as we talked for hours about programming, but eventually I escaped. As I drove home long after the sun hade up, I was forced to wonder once again.

    What would programming 11 look like? If I was already this good? I could already basically write an entire program in one sitting, no wasting timeing up with what I needed the code to do. I just wrote it, already knowing what the best way to code it was.

    In the end, I would find out. As I drove through the early morning traffic, through a city that never sleeps, but did wake up from time to time, I knew that I would find out.

    Because this world? This life? Was just too much fun!

    I was still practically buzzing when I got home and flopped on the couch. Jun was out, probably doing more TC work, but I finally felt that urge, that need to code satisfied at least for now.

    Sure I have even more quick hacks I wanted to y with, and there was of course the big project that I wanted.

    And the music box.

    I blinked.

    Okay fine.

    Time to finish my music box.

    I pulled up my codingptop and opened my old work on it.

    Then I deleted it all. And started fresh.

    I needed a system capable of handling the sounds I couldnt make with a guitar, but it was more than that. I wanted it to be me still.

    I didnt want just bad recordings, I wanted my own music to be part of it.

    So I got to programming. This time, I was inspired. The programming of the box was a few things. First, it was a sound system. I would be able to literally write songs, and add tracks and sounds to it directly.

    The programming for that took a while, but when I finished I realized I would need even more hardware to handle this.

    It needed a bigger harddrive, basically.

    So I went back out and hit aputer parts store. It was less Netrunner stuff, and more home system use, but that was fine.

    I shelled out a good amount of eddies for arge modern memory storage, and installed that into my iplete memory box.

    Motoko. Have you eaten today? Jun demanded suddenly as I blinked and he was in the house.

    Ah. I might need to stop getting so hyper focused when I worked!

    I think so?

    Eat! He demanded handing me a XXL burrito was this punishment!? If I forgot to eat would Jun force me to eat one of these!?

    This is cruel and unusual punishment. Iined but Jun was in no mood. Watching as I scarfed down the burrito so I tasted it as little as possible, and then he nodded.

    Cmon we are going out.

    What? Cmon Jun! Im in the middle of something!

    Have you even left the house today? He asked instantly with a re, and I returned it.

    I have! I got home early this morning fromrunning. I then went to theputer store. Just because Im getting distracted with this, doesnt mean you get to treat me like a child, Jun.

    He looked like he was going to explode for a minute, but then he took a deep breath and let it out.

    Okay. Im sorry. He said and I blinked surprised at the sudden shift. You have me worried though, you got sick the other day because you didnt do anything but work on your program.

    I Okay yeah I wasnt at my best, but it wasnt because I got Okay fine. Ill set an rm, and if I dont eat or something Ill suck it up and let you treat me like an idiot for a while. Deal?

    Jun seemed just as surprised at my words, as I had been at his.

    Then his lips quirked up.

    Deal. He reached over and despite my attempts to keep it away his hand patted my head for a few moments.

    How about we head out anyways. We havent really done anything besides hang out around the house in a while. We could go hit the gun range? Or visit Sensei. He bugged me thest time I was at the dojo that he hasnt seen you.

    I blinked.

    Wait Sensei wanted me toe to the dojo? I asked, actually surprised. Honestly considering how often he had put me in time out, I had the impression the guy hadnt liked me very much.

    Motoko. Sensei thought you were preem. Hell I think youre preem you fought off borgs with a Katana, while adapting to brand new Cyberarms. Remember? He asked, looking at me like I was a dunce.

    I lost. I reminded him how our fight had ended up. Akari had beat my ass, and Jun and I had ended up

    Well roughhousing was the kindest way to put it.

    You survived. Cmon. Grab your Katana as well, Sensei will be d to see you, but hes definitely going to force you into some Kata.

    Aww Jun I dont want to deal with that right now. I grumbled, but he was smirking at me, and I didnt have the heart to get into a fight to remove it.

    Jerk would just sit on me again anyways.

    Fine. But I demand noodles for dinner.

    Well eat after we see Sensei, itll work up an appetite. He told me, smiling brightly and I sighed as I got ready.

    --

    Walking up to the dojo for the first time in a while was weird. It didnt look all that different, although it was a lot busier than it had been during the war.

    Jun had driven this time, refusing to let me drive him in the Quadra so I was riding on the back of his Kusanagi. He parked out front right next to the twelve other Kusanagi all parked in front of the gate.

    Like I said. Busy.

    Once again the fact I wasnt wearing any TC memorabilia, or had the tattoos meant that as I followed Jun through the gate, he was getting nods of respect, while I was getting weird looks.

    We walked into the entrance of the dojo, funnily enough a room I had never been before, but Jun walked right past the little reception, taking me around to the side which opened up to the dojo itself.

    It was filled. TC guys were all training, some with bokken, some with the exercise equipmentying around the area. But Jun walked confidently to the one person in the room I actually knew.

    Sensei. Jun offered, holding a fist with his other hand and bowing.

    Kusanagi. And Kusanagi. He greeted us both. I didnt bow, but I did give him a smile and a wave.

    You look well. Have you kept up your practice? He asked me instantly, probably already knowing the answer.

    Dangit. Jun was purposefully not looking at me! Had Jun sold me out!?

    No. I havent had a chance to draw a de in a while.

    Then you will need practice. Kusanagi, go you know what training is needed. He said looking to Jun before turning back to me. Youe. Lets see how much you have lost.

    I didnt groan.

    Audibly.

    I followed Sensei as he led me over to an open area, a ce not to battle with another student, but just a practice area. He grabbed a bokken off the wall and handed it to me.

    Begin. He demanded, and I nodded remembering the stances and swings he had liked.

    So I exercised.

    It wasnt all bad. Swords were cool, but this still felt like a betrayal from Jun.

    Now I know why he had agreed to noodles so easily. The bastard.

    --

    Whos the kid? I heard whispers among some of the TC guys that were practicing under Senseis watchful gaze.

    No idea. Sensei put her in the corner, she one of us?

    No idea.

    They thought they were being quiet, but the room was mostly quiet outside of soft grunts, and my ears were pretty good.

    I didnt care though.

    If I was going to be stuck practicing sword forms, I was going to try and wrangle another des level up out of it.

    Or at least try.

    But I wasnt going to be left alone. Finally someone cracked, their desire to try and figure out who the weird girl in the corner was overrode Senseis wrath.

    It made sense. Gang bangers werent known for their patience.

    Hey, girl, who are you? One of the men said having stomped over towards me.

    Motoko. I said but ignored him otherwise. I could see Sensei watching, and I knew how that man thought. If I stopped swinging he would be over here in an instant to berate me. Even if someone was interrupting my practice.

    Never seen you before. What are you doing here?

    Practicing. I said just restraining myself from rolling my eyes.

    This answer didnt seem to please the man.

    Fine. Then as your senpai, Ill give you a lesson. He said casually, at least trying to sound nice, but it was obvious the guy was looking for trouble.

    Considering Jun wasnt in the room at the moment. He had gone downstairs at one point. That was probably the only reason the guy wasnt a smear on the tatami already.

    Im good. I answered instead, focusing on my de work. Sensei was watching.

    I insist. Everyone whoes here, has to get used to the way we do things. He said firmly standing in front of me, forcing me to stop swinging. Then he took a few steps back and raised his own Bokken up.

    Really? I couldnt help but ask. You really want to do this right now with Sensei watching?

    Sensei hasnt stopped me. If you were one of us you would understand the rules of this ce. Tsukune. He said with a rather nasty smile before his face ttened, and he swung.

    Did he just offer his name and attack? What a weeb.

    He was strong. I noted, not borg strong, but he was a taller guy and he obviously worked out a lot.

    Everyones picking on the teenage girl today. My eyes narrowed and I decided I wasnt having it.

    My Bokken instantly shed out startling him as I went on the offense, swinging for his neck and face each time.

    It was only a bokken, and swinging for the chest might make him ignore a swipe to really m into me, but a face strike?

    No one wanted to get hit in the face.

    So he blocked, and that let me put him into my pace. He might be stronger, but I was faster, and I think I was better with a sword too.

    He blocked a retaliatory swipe of his own Bokken trying to force me back but I just turned that into another swipe.

    No, I confirmed. I knew I was better.

    We continued with my blows constantly raining down. He was just good enough to block them, just good enough to stay alive under my assault.

    I could see the moment his face went from confident nk to actually worried.

    The moment he looked at his chooms and then refocused on me.

    I was pushing him nearly up against the well when I felt it.

    An intrusion.

    Someone was trying to quick hack me!

    My own defenses were holding them off, but that wouldntst forever.

    I tumbled backwards, flipping a few times to make room, and red.

    That one. The guy with the stupid face was trying to hack me.

    I attacked him viciously. A Breach mming into his personal ICE and a quickhack right behind.

    Where he was taking time to break through. I had no such problems. His eyes shut down causing him to cry out, which was right about the time I chucked my Bokken letting it spin end after end until it smacked right into the now blindedrunners face.

    His quick hack ended just as abruptly.

    Unfortunately I couldnt enjoy my time. I spun smacking the bokken striking down at me away with a backhand. Tsukune, the fucker had tried to sneak attack me.

    I rolled backwards until I reached the wall and then I rearmed myself.

    Two Bokken were in my fists and I twirled my left hand one.

    I was gonna beat this gonk ck and blue.

    What is going on here? Juns voice suddenly cut in and everyone stepped back.

    Tsukune might be a tall kid, but he was practically half of Juns size after all the chrome Jun had chipped in.

    There was a reason just his fat ass alone was enough to hold me down.

    Ah. Kusanagi-Sama! Tsukune called out looking surprised.

    Kusanagi Sama?

    I couldnt quite hide the snort and snickering I let out, Jun turned to me with a re that I was trying to hide my giggles from, but they were looking at Jun like he was some big important guy, and not the teenager that literally ate burritos for all meals of the day if I let him.

    What is going on? Jun asked me, and I couldn''t help it.

    Jun-Nii! These big scary meanies were bullying me! They made me fight, and even tried to quick hack me in the middle! I whined purposefully using Siren Song to make make my voice as childish as I could.

    Which mightve been too effective as Juns nose wrinkled at me.

    Nii? Tsukune asked, sounding a little faint as he realized what he had just done. I was smirking looking at the older guy, the guy who was standing next to my testy borg brother.

    I was so ready for Jun to start growling!

    Motoko, dont bully people. Jun said suddenly cutting through my schadenfreude.

    Wha! Jun! They were bullying me! I was minding my own business doing the practice sensei gave me!

    Sorry about my sister. Shes kinda a gori. Jun absolutely bashes me!

    How dare he!@@novelbin@@

    Of course I retaliated walking over and punching him right where his kidney would be. Unfortunately his stupid chrome meant he just grunted a little at my strike and ignored me after.

    Ah Of course Kusanagi-Sama, I didnt know she was your sister. Tsukune bowed to Jun nervously, but I was more focused on ring at my jerkass brother.

    How dare he not take the side of his shy sister getting bullied by a bunch of gym bros!

    Good, Im d. And onest thing. Jun suddenly moved, and his hand was wrapped around Tsukunes throat.

    I had stepped back Bokken raised instinctively at Juns sudden aggressive action. But I rxed.

    Jun wasnt a Cyberpsycho right now. It would be fine.

    Poor Tsukune of course didnt know that, lifted off the ground by my borg brother, his feet wiggling as they reached for solid ground.

    If you ever bother my sister like that again, Ill make you regret it.

    To my surprise though, Sensei wasnt getting involved. The older man was just standing back watching it all take ce.

    Finally Jun let the guy go as he flopped onto the ground gasping for air.

    Cmon Motoko. Sensei wants you. Jun offered, returning back to the calm air he had just before.

    If you were gonna scare them, at least dont throw me under the bus first. I grumbled at him, but Jun just reached out and ruffled my hair as we walked over to Sensei.

    Of course I batted his hands away, now wasnt the time for headpats!

    Kusanagi. Spar with Kito. Sensei said as we finally approached pointing me at another man that was probably a decade older than me who looked just as surprised. At first I thought he was talking to Jun, but Jun and Sensei instantly walked off back towards a corner.

    Irritating.

    Uh.. hey. I offered with a weak wave of my bokken.

    Kito. He introduced himself, and then took a swipe at me.

    I guess it was a good thing I was still holding the two Bokken I had picked up. I blocked, and started my own assault.

    --

    *100 des XP Gained.*

    *100 des XP Gained.*

    *100 des XP Gained.*

    I was reading through the alerts I had gotten after everything, clutching onto Jun as he drove us to a noodle bar.

    He had promised after all, and he was right. I was now very hungry.

    Stupid Sensei made me keep sparring with people whenever I beat one, or was defeated.

    I would need to nap when I get home. I had bruises all over my body.

    Unfortunately, while the alerts were good, I didnt get an actual level up.

    I would have to spar more if I wanted that sweet des level up.

    Sorry about that. Jun mentioned as we pulled into a space near Cherry Blossom Market.

    I guess the noodle shop there was Juns favorite.

    About what? I grumbled at him. I hadnt exactly nned to get dragged into a sword fight with everyone in the dojo.

    You know what. Sorry. I should have warned you a bit, the students at the dojo are very territorial. I think Sensei wanted to see how you handled them as well.

    Sensei can suck a full bag of dicks.

    Jun snorted before gently bopping me on the head. Be respectful, he helped both of us before But yeah he can be a dick about it. You were having fun though. You were smiling while swinging those bokken.

    I gave Jun a deadpan. I was forced to fight every gonk that wanted a round, of course I took the small pleasure I could by hitting them in the face. I told him as we walked through the market.

    Im d you werent hurt too much. Youve gotten pretty good with a de. Im proud of you.

    Nuh-uh. You dont get to be proud of me after throwing me into a weird winner takes all training session. Noodles first, and maybe after Ill forgive you enough to let you be proud of me. I told him and Jun actuallyughed, an honest real noise escaping him as he leaned over and threw an arm over my shoulder.

    Deal.

    *Ringing*

    I blinked. Feet stopped as a call came in.

    A call from Wakako.

    Hold on. I told Jun instantly, as my eyes went gold.

    *Wakako, whats up?*

    *Stop by. Welles is already on his way. I have a gig for you.* The call ended, and I sighed long and loud.

    Then when I ran out of air I took a deep breath slowly, and then sighed again.

    Rain check Jun-nii. I have a gig from Wakako. I told him and he gave me that little frown he did whenever I went and did something dangerous.

    That was fast.

    Wakako likes to hang up on people. Its one of her things. I mentioned and Juns eyes narrowed.

    Maybe you should stop working for her Motoko. If she isnt treating you right.

    I scoffed at that. Wakako is just grumpy. We spent like an hour watching some weird showst time I visited. Its cool Jun.

    You Watched TV with Wakako. The fixer Wakako? Jun asked, looking at me like I was crazy.

    Yeah? She has shit taste in TV too. Gotta go. I told him as I turned and headed through the market towards Jig-Jig street.

    First gig with Jackie?

    Interesting.

    Fine! Call if you are going to be outte! Jun demanded like a mother hen as I was walking away and I just nodded and waved behind me.

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77

    I walked into Wakakos parlor to find Jackie not there and Wakako greeting me with a point towards a chair.

    Her eyes were on her TV again.

    Huh. Wakako really liked her shows huh?

    I just shrugged and settled in to watch it with her, she would tell me what was up when Jackie got here.

    And it wasnt more than twenty minutester that Wakako reached over and shut off the TV, just as Jackie Welles walked his bulk through the beaded door.

    Ah, Wakako, I hope Im notte? He asked, having noticed me already sitting there.

    No, Motoko, was simply close by when I sent out the call. Wakako offered and Jackie gave me a nervous smile.

    We hadnt talked since our noodle outing, and I had honestly been surprised it had taken so long since to get a gig.

    Here are the details. Wakako offered sending a message to both of us, and as we pulled open the files I was a little surprised.

    This seems a little incendiary. I mentioned as I read who the target was.

    That is why it is going through me and mercenaries are handling it. If you think just because peace was dered, that it really matters, you are naive. Wakako offered and I nodded.

    The gig was to kidnap a 6th St. enforcer. A guy that had killed the family of a TC member during the little skirmishes during the war.

    The Tyger w client wanted the man who killed his family dead, but couldnt go after them directly anymore with the new peace. So Jackie and I were to kidnap Arnold Henderson for him.

    Kidnap. Not kill.

    Motoko, make sure you are wearing something other than your normal gear. Wakako offered and I understood why.

    Cant have this gig be done by Motoko Kusanagi, who could be IDed as a member of the TC.

    Even though I wasnt!

    They just thought that! It wasnt true!

    But 6th St. might think it was true too. Thats fine. Ill wear my Section 9 outfit instead.

    Jackie? I asked him, the big man had been reading through the details in silence but he jerked a bit as I called out to him.

    Yeah Hermana?

    Questions? Problems? Things youve noticed? I asked him and he shook his head.

    Not a problem. Not the first time Ive kidnapped some poor pendejo. He said with a smile and I nodded.

    But I didnt just rush forward.

    I had been burned a few times recently, due to my own nning falling short.

    Hiromi having to bail me out once I realized I had no ce to put therunning equipment sprung to mind.

    So I thought.

    How would the gig go, what would I need?

    Transport for the target?

    I will have a car nearby for pickup. Wakako offered as she took azy drag on her cigarette.

    Then I dont think well have any problems. I offered, but Jackie didnt seem to back me up afterwards.

    Wakako didnt care though, sending us both out of her office.

    Standing out on the street in front of Wakakos parlor, I looked to the bigger man and decided we needed to talk before this all went down.

    My apartment is nearby, Ill need to grab some gear. You need anything from your ce?

    Ive already got everything I need. He offered, patting his jacket, where I noticed a bulge of a big pistol.

    Big, but not Burya big.

    Cmon we should probably talk a bit too. I told him as I guided him back to the apartment. Youve been weird since you came into Wakakos office. Whats up Jackie?

    He was silent as we walked but finally he sighed. I still dont like it Hermanita. he said, surprising me with the changed word.

    My spanish unfortunately not good enough to trante.

    That you are teamed with me?

    Not Youre just a kid. I just dont like the idea of me being responsible for keeping you safe. He revealed and I was silent for a while this time as we walked into myplex. Jackie looked around a little interested as I led him to the elevator. Only when the doors closed did I speak.

    I said before, let''s team up for a few gigs and get a feel for each other. And I get this is our first time working together. So I get the confusion, and the hesitance. Not every day you see a teenager do our sort of work.

    You trying to say I should shut up and see for myself? He asked with a side smile.

    Heh. I snorted at Jackie''s instant rejoinder. Yes, but no. Im saying I get it. Im still a kid. Listen, we have a gig, let''s do the gig, and afterwards youll see Im capable.

    Jackie sighed but nodded. Alright Hermanita. Lets go grab this gonk then.

    I nodded as the elevator opened and I motioned for Jackie to follow me into my ce. The door opened and Jun was there.

    Jun who was looking mighty concerned about the fact a big Valentino guy just walked into the apartment.

    Ah Jun-Nii, this is Jackie, Jackie, this is my brother Jun. I introduce the two of them as the tension seemingly ratcheted up.

    Thankfully it seemed mostly on Juns end as he was ring and starting to square up. Jackie was reacting, but mostly looking pretty ufortable.

    Ignoring the byy I walked up to Jun and slugged him in the stomach.

    It was really annoying that I could barely make my brother flinch when I did that. I was going to need to upgrade to some gori arms or something, so I could properly gut punch him.

    Dont mind Jun, Jackie. Why dont you take a seat for a bit, we have drinks in the fridge if youre thirsty, I just need to armor up. I told him as I left the room. As much as I wanted to stay and keep any friction down. It would be best if I just hurry up and get ready to go.

    I could hear the quiet voices in the living room as I rushed through putting on my armored clothes.

    Although I did leave the ninja mask behind.

    Suited up I headed back into the living room.

    Both Jun and Jackie were still standing around sort of sizing each other up.

    Okay! All set, lets hit the road! We got gonks to deal with. I called out and while Jackie looked to me, Jun was still ring.

    Sure Hermanita, lets Go. He muttered. Backing out the door, while Jun just red at him. I took a moment before I walked out behind Jackie to turn to Jun and give him a What the fuck gesture.

    He just continued to scowl, but eventually at my refusal to stop ring back, he shrugged and just waved me on.

    Stupid Onii-chan. I told him, earning a scoff and then I refocused on Jackie.

    Time to get to work.

    ---

    <em>Jackie Welles.</em>

    You didnt tell me your brother was the Damn Oni of Kamikaze. Jackie finally spoke as they walked into the sunlight on the street.

    Huh? Yeah? Does it really matter? The kid asked, turning back to him. Her face showing her honest confusion only made Jackie wonder what was wrong with this kid all the more.

    Hes a step away from you know. They all are, and Im hanging around his kid sister. Maybe a warning would have been a good idea?

    The purple haired girl cocked her head to the side as she seemed to process what he had said before she snorted.

    Loudly.

    Cmon youre way too old for me, and Jun knows that. He just doesnt know you. Ill tell him about our gig together after, and he will probably be a lot nicer next time he sees you. She offered with a smile and a wave back and forth of her chrome hand.

    Next time she says. He muttered, shaking his head. The look that kid was giving him? Yeah Jackie wouldnt want to run into him in some dark alley.

    What the fuck am I doing? Jackie shook his head. This wasnt what he expected when he got in with Wakako. It didnt feel right running with a teenager.

    Is this@@novelbin@@

    Is this all he was? Equal to a teenager in the grand scheme of things? Jackie shook off the downer thoughts, No. He was a merc, good enough to work with Wakako!

    Its just this girl was just as good. Maybe?

    So want to ride with me? She asked as they were both standing on the sidewalk. My Quadra can fit us both.

    He blinked.

    You drive a Quadra?

    Yeah a Type-66, I looted from a Wraith I tlined on a gig. Its preem. And there she goes again, saying something that makes Jackie have to rethink everything.

    Sure. Hermanita. I only brought my bike anyway.

    Cool! She chirps and leads him across the street, leaving Jackie with his thoughts about what he was getting into.

    Was she skipping?

    Mierda. What the hell was his life?

    Inside the parking structure, she led him over to a pitch ck Quadra. A desert runner.

    She was right, It was a preem ride.

    Jump in! She called as she climbed into the driver seat, and Jackie followed sliding into the seat, although having to adjust the box that was on the passenger floor.

    Oh I forgot about those, just push the box under the seat. Or take a few if you want. Grenades can be fun!

    Jackie very carefully pulled open the case on the floor, showing an array of grenades resting inside.

    There were indeed a handful of grenades in the bottom of the box.

    You keep grenades in your car?

    I made them myself. Or at least some of them. Jun got mad about me keeping them in the apartment so they are stuck in the car now. I really need to make some time to make another batch.

    Make?

    Yeah? Its easy. You just throw some stuff together, make sure you keep the triggers secure and boom. Grenade Well not boom right then. You only want them to boom afterwards you know? She said and then chuckled a bit making Jackie realize she was telling a joke.

    He couldnt help but chuckle a bit in return, although it might have been nervousughter.

    Homemade grenades between his legs.

    Mierda.

    Motoko finally reached the street as she had taken forever in his eyes to pull out into a gap in traffic, and then to his surprise, she drove

    Well she drives like an old granny. He blinked as she used her turn signal, stopped at the lights instead of blowing through them.

    He had never seen a teenager actually follow trafficws.

    Hell he still only sometimes followed them himself.

    What a weird kid.

    So n on how we handle this guy? She asked, never taking her eyes off the road.

    Jackie had to think about it. He wasnt usually the nning sort of guy, but he was with a kid. Couldnt go in guns zing.

    Well Wakako gave us his current location, but that could change. We wait and see, if its an easy smash and grab that would be good, if not we follow him home. Pick him up in his sleep.

    Okay Ill be able to get some intel hopefully, doubt a ce like this has a runner watching the system. She mentioned, and he rxed a little. At least the kid was smart enough not to want to rush in guns zing.

    That was Jackies normal method, and not one he would want a fourteen year old copying.

    As they pulled into the neighborhood, Jackie got the first look at the ce. It was an old garage, now used as a drugb from Wakakos records.

    And their target was the owner. A mid level boss in 6th St.

    Thats plenty of cars. Jackie muttered and Motoko nodded, frowning as she drove past the ce. The parking lot had a good handful of cars all resting in it.

    Ill park somewhere, close and sneak up to check their security. Motoko said and despite Jackies desire to stop her, he just nodded.

    Wakako had said she was an infiltrator. She would have to be good. So he watched as she parked down the street, stepped out and meandered her way towards the garage, slipping around the fence that cut off the ces lot from the business next door.

    And Jackie waited.

    He did end up pulling out his Nue. He wanted to be ready in case a gun fight broke out, so he checked his gun, making sure she was loaded, and he had the extra magazines on his hip.

    Then a call came from the kid, he epted it.

    *Jackie. Im in their security. They really need someone who knows what they are doing. Im gonna bounce the cameras to you so you can see what Im looking at.* And a momentter a video request came through his agent.

    And then a window popped up in his eyes, and although it was blurry and a bitggy he was looking at the interior of the garage.

    *Found our guy, he is hanging out on the ground floor, looking over the drug production.* She said but Jackie had to squint a bit, not that it helped at the picture before he was pretty sure that blur was the guy.

    *I think I see him.*

    *Think?*

    *Connection is low res andggy.* He muttered as he checked over the video, at least he could make out how many guards there were.

    *What? That doesnt Youre optics, they any good?*

    *No.* He replied,ughing over the line. His optics were old, Vik kept bugging him about them, but he didnt have the eddies for a good upgrade, besides they looked good, and that was half the reason he kept them. Made his eyes look all soulful.

    Always got thedies to cut him some ck.

    *Gonk. Okay. Ill stop sharing then. Im pretty sure that room upstairs is his office and bedroom. Wakako did say he lived here. So we could wait kidnap him right out of his room. Ive already taken over the security system. The cameras wont send him any alerts.*

    *Damn. You can do that?* Jackie asked surprised, he hadnt worked with arunner that could do that before.

    *Yeah, its hard to do most of the time, but the security this guy set up is shit. Old NUSA protocols, stuff that would have been solid a decade ago, but its already been solved. Ive already taken their entire system.*

    *Well we are getting somewhere. How many guards do you see Hermanita?*

    *Other than our target, there are four onsite guards, and three workers. We will still have to treat the workers as threats though.*

    *Yeah people wont want to lose a gig that pays in eddies like gang work.* He agreed he had been attacked by plenty of staff at ces to know that.

    *Alright Hey Jackie. Ive got an idea. Under the seat, a few of those grenades are sh grenades. We go in hard, stun everyone and secure the area. I can reboot the optics of anyone that causes any trouble as well, since Im already in their system and then were gone.*

    Jackie considered it. He wasnt normally a sneaky type, and knowing where everything was made it a lot easier.

    He took a moment to actually consider it. He didnt want to risk the kid after all.

    Then he nodded. If they hit them hard it would work.

    *You sure these grenades will work?*

    *Oh yeah, they are preem! Im ready when you are.*

    He nodded quickly, checking the box carefully and pulling two of the shbang grenades out of the box before realizing he had nodded. Alright. On my way. He said, taking a deep breath and stepping out of the car.

    Nue in one hand, and grenades in the other. Time to work Jackie. He hurried down the street, jogging but moving confidently as he came up on the garage.

    *Window right next to the door leads to them. Break it and toss the stunners.* Motoko informed him and he nodded, quickly holstering his Nue, and popping the pins on both grenades.

    *Sending them now.* and then he mmed them through the window.

    A momentter two very loud bangs went off.

    Jackie was already kicking in the door, his Nue in his hand as he rushed in. Ready to knock some gonks around.

    Which he did instantly, a worker was stumbling around and Jackie gave them a quick left to knock them out of the fight. His feet moved as he rushed his target who was trying to escape as the man stumbled around trying to find the exit.

    Jackie mmed into him smashing him against the concrete with his bulk, sending the poor bastard into unconsciousness.

    Bastard! A voice called out, one of the guards. Jackie raised his Nue but he hadnt needed to rush, a momentter the man''s eyes crackled with electricity and he cried out as he suddenly went blind.

    Kid was fast.

    F-fuck! A scream called out behind him causing him to look up, right outside the office one of the guards stood, weapon in hand desperately looking around blindly as his eyes had stopped working too.

    Then a momentter a loud bark of gunfire and the guy mmed into the stairs and blood started dripping down the metal.

    Damn that was a big boom.

    *Two more still Jackie.* The voice reminded him and he rose up marching across the garage floor to the other two guards that were trying to hide while recovering from the shbang. Jackie simply mmed into them punching and mming them into the ground.

    They didnt get up after a few moments of his attention.

    *The workers are cowering. Grab the target. Ill cover you.* Motoko whispered in his ear and he did just that. The girl was good overwatch, Jackie had to admit. He rushed the unconscious gonk and grabbed him, throwing him over his shoulder as he ran for the main door.

    *Jackie! Stop!* Motokos voice in his ear, sounding loudly, sent his feet skidding on the concrete. *Another car just pulled up, more 6th. St. Turn around! Out through the back! Ill keep them distracted!* She demanded and while Jackie wanted to hesitate and argue, he hadnt seen the girl once since the fight started despite her making her presence known.

    So he turned and rushed the back door.

    It gave way to his shoulder as he rushed out into a back lot that was nothing but an overgrown lot. He closed the door behind him just in time to hear the loud yells of someone realizing something was up.

    *Get over the fence. Ill make it so they wont be able to see you until its toote. Go!* He went rushing across the yard towards the fence that was looming over him. Getting over a fence wasnt hard. Doing it while carrying someone was.

    But before he even reached the fence Motoko was running beside him, her eyes glowing gold as she was still on a call with him.

    *Ill go over first and lift the gonk.* She tells him and he nods. Watching as she races ahead and scrambles up the fence like it was nothing, then one leg over it she reaches down and he practically throws the gonk at her.

    To his surprise she didnt struggle much with holding him up, he expected her to have a bit more trouble with it, but it let him climb up beside her, and between the two of them, they heaved the guy over.

    Ignoring the groan he gave off when they dropped him down the other side.

    He hunkered down looking through the fence expecting to see a horde of angry 6th. St. but there was nothing.

    Did they not see us?

    Kind of hard to see anything when your whole group''s optics turn off one after another. Cmon lets get out of here before they can see again. She told him and Jackie nodded, grabbing the guy and running.

    In the end they ran a few blocks down and waited for Wakakos car to pick up the poor bastard, once he was safely in the trunk. Motokos Quadra came rolling down the street and they both slipped in.

    That went

    Pretty well actually.

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78

    After getting confirmation from Wakako that she had the target, we both got wired the eddies as I was driving back home.

    So what did you think? I asked, Jackie had been quiet for a while, mostly just smiling to himself at the reward for the gig.

    Youre certainly the best overwatch Ive ever been with. You helped every step of the way. Jackie muttered quietly, obviously the big man was thinking.

    Yep, and I couldnt have done it without you. Trying to haul that guy out by myself would have been a disaster. Like I said before, I need someone to work with. Im best as either outright infiltrator, or an overwatch position. So want to keep working together?

    Heh. Alright Hermanita. Youve proven your point. You know how to handle yourself, even if I still think you are too young. What is that cannon you are packing by the way? When you fired that thing I thought my head was going to ring.

    Ah! My Burya! I mentioned as I pulled her out of the holster and passed her over.

    Thats A big gun. Jackie said, looking surprised at my girl.

    Hah! I dont go anywhere without her Anymore. Never know when youlle face to face with a borg that needs something with oomph.

    Never needed anything bigger than my Nue personally. Jackie said, slinging his pistol out and even twirling it on his finger.

    Gonk.

    But I was smiling even so.

    Nue are good guns. Honestly if I came across one while on a gig I would snatch it. But my Lexington is nice, it bnces my Burya. I got the big loud hand cannon for big stuff, and the automatic pistol for small fry.

    Heh smart. Im surprised you can even shoot this thing. I mean, Ive heard horror stories about gonks trying it without the right chrome. I know you got your arms, but is that enough?

    Honestly? No. But when I first got it, I nearly broke every bone in my arm firing it Dont tell my brother I told you that, he still doesnt know. Anyway, I figured out a trick on how to handle the recoil so I can actually use it. I sort of rolled my right wrist showing Jackie. Its all in how you lock your joints and the give in your body.

    Huh. He mentioned looking at the Burya with a glimmer in his eye that I couldnt help butugh at.

    If you want to give it a try, I dont mind, but before you go buying more iron, how about some new chrome? Those optics you got could use an upgrade, what even are they? My scan says Omicron Zeta Something or other. I mentioned earning a chuckle from Jackie.

    Yeah my OZ Soul 3.0 They arent the best optics on the market, but they got the best soulful look, youd be amazed at how many times these eyes got me out of trouble. Just a minute of my soulful stare works wonders, every time. With a bit of old boy politeness of course. He said, chuckling.

    Gonk. I could help butugh. Im pretty sure a pair of Kiroshi would serve you a lot more.

    Eh maybe. Ill ask Vik about it sometime. He said with a shrug and I let it go, we werent really partners yet. No point in trying to push things.

    Alright this is our stop. I mentioned as I pulled into the parking garage of my apartment. Sure you dont want to celebrate our gig with a meal?

    Next time Hermanita. Jackie assures me as he reaches over and shakes my shoulder. Ive got ns already for tonight. Got a date. He offersughing and I smile.

    Oh? Girlfriend?

    Of course! Cami has been on my ass all week about going out on a big date, and I finally got the eddies. Have a good night Motoko. He offered as he stepped out, but I was too shocked.

    Right. Jackie wasnt dating Misty.

    They werent even friends yet.

    Oh.

    I really didnt want to get involved in getting a gonk like Jackie dating his true girl.

    Eh. Itll sort itself out Right?

    --

    Wee back. Jun called out as I entered the apartment.

    Hey Jun. You still around?

    No work until tonight. You good? Your gig go well with that gori?

    Pfft! I burst intoughter. What is it with you an goris recently? You called me that too.

    It just fits is all. He said as I joined him on the couch, he had been watching some TV show his feet up on the table. Letting me see the way his feet were covered in that grayish stic that meant it was chrome, but hadnt been covered in Real Skinn.

    Alright but out of the two of us only you look like a gori. I teased him, grabbing his attention away from the TV to give me a grumpy look.

    I might look like one, but you have the personality of one. Jun said bluntly and then turned back to the TV.

    That

    Absolute asshole!

    I punched him in the side which he ignored!

    Stupid borg!

    I punched him again, and again, tenderizing his side until finally he got annoyed and grabbed at me, which led both of us wrestling on the couch.

    You are proving my point! He growled at me, but I ignored his words!

    In the end Jun won the wrestling match and I retreated to my room to lick my wounds from once again being defeated by my stupid brother.

    It wasnt fair!

    Flopping on my bed I looked around the room, at all the stuff that I had collected.

    The stuff that sort of sat on top of the old Motokos stuff.

    Old Tyger w junk hidden under guns or equipment I had nabbed.

    I even reached under the bed and patted the Uragan case. Just making sure it was still there.

    What was my next goal?

    Probably jump back into programming again. I thought. I still wanted to upgrade my Reboot Optics, and Weapon Glitch hacks. If I could get both working, being able to interfere with multiple people at once, I would go from only being able to disable eight or nine gonks back to back before my poor Seacho couldn''t handle it, to dozens.

    Of course my programmingptop was out in the living room, so I got back up off my bed and headed out.

    As soon as I appeared Jun noticed and raised both hands in knife hands as if he expected me to attack him!

    Gonk. I told him before ignoring his presence and grabbing myptop.

    Ah so you calmed down good. Wild gori- Oof. He grunted as I didnt punch him, just chucked a pillow into his face.

    Stop instigating. I have work to do. I told him as if I was the adult and he was the child.

    He huffed and ignored me though going back to his show.

    While I dug into the program that I had found incredibly useful.

    Reboot Optics.

    My previous work on it made me cringe as I looked at it. I could do better, so much better.

    So just like Ping I decided to just start from scratch.

    Reboot Optics at its most simple was a virus. Infesting optical systems and causing them to reboot, or overload, depending on the chrome.

    It worked, but it could be better.

    There was something I had learned from usingputers in the past. Most users had no idea what the tech they were using actually did, or how it worked.

    They knew enough to use the basic functions they were familiar with and that is it. Any actual in depth knowledge waspletely beyond them.

    So rather than attacking the system causing it to reboot, which was a prettymon method, I wanted to hit them with a double whammy.

    It wouldnt work on every optical system, but the idea had hit me as soon as I started writing the program.

    Inspired Programmering in clutch.

    Instead of the virus just causing a reboot, it did one other small change into the system while it was rebooting.

    It was going to set the visual brightness of the chrome to zero.

    I hadnt been surprised that dimming effects on optics were very popr. Being able to dim your eyes when things got bright was amon enough feature in most optics, and those that dont have it, still had settings to adjust how the brain processed the image.

    All I had to do was make it so the system when it rebooted would still show nothing but a ck, or incredibly dark picture to the brain.

    The normal gonk would freak out when their eyes suddenly rebooted, only to then still be blind when their system starts back up.

    Sure all they would have to do is go into their settings to adjust the vision Their hud system would still work as normal

    Unless I adjusted the color of the Hud to match the dimmed visuals

    Heh.

    But I would bet money that most people didnt even know a settings menu existed in their optics.

    It wouldnt work for long against people who knew what they were doing, but it would still take time to fix their eyes themselves.

    Time in a gunfight that could prove lethal.

    Sure the program was going to need to bepletely remodeled to do the double load, but that just required a bit of work. Its what good programming could do. Instead of ballooning the program too much, when I was done, my Reboot Optics would hopefully be even slimmer than the off the shelf shovelware I had been using.

    And it could affect multiple people at once.

    Of course unlike Ping, which had only taken a couple of days to program up.

    Reboot Optics was going to take a while. There were no quick shortcuts here. Each piece of the coding would need a lot of attention to make sure it worked.

    But thanks to my perks, not only was it doable, not only was it going to be amazing when it was done!

    But it was actually really fun!

    Watching my coding turn into a weapon. That image so long ago of me crafting a magical sword was stuck in my head.

    I guess Inspired Programmer knew what I needed to stay engaged, because I was going to make the best magical eye gouging digital sword I could.

    Hey. Jun interrupted me, waving his hand in front of my face making me look away from my line of code with a re.

    What?

    Been calling you for a minute. Im heading out, got some easy work Dont stay up all night, and get some food and stuff. I dont want to see you totally spaced out in the same spot again when I get home. He ordered waving a finger in my face.

    Like all teenagers everywhere I rolled my eyes, but did set an rm in my hud.

    rm is set, Ill eat and sleep. Be safe. I demanded in return and Jun smiled confidently before patting me on the head.

    Ill see you in the morning Motoko. Jun offered and I threw up a thumps up in return which he chuckled at as he walked out of the apartment.

    I quickly got up and stretched a bit and headed into the kitchen, a can of something sugary and carbonated was collected and opened.

    Time to get back to work.

    --

    I did end up going to sleep when my rm went off, if for no other reason that Jun would bug me if I didnt.

    But before I could get back to programming, I got a call from Hiromi.

    *Motoko! You busy?*

    *Not overly?* I said looking at theptop that was just begging me toe and finish more work.

    *Great! Meet me at the Straight Lane Apartments?*

    *What? You okay?*

    *Course! But I need to talk to Richard and I would rather have my favorite bodyguard with me!* Hiromi teased, but Iughed because honestly it was pretty true.

    *Alright. Im on my way.*

    --

    Like before the apartment didnt have close parking so I ended up parking half a block away and having to walk.

    When I got there Hiromi was already waiting outside, she wasnt alone though.

    The girls that had bothered me the first time I had returned to the apartment were surrounding Hiromi, and I narrowed my eyes. I remember how aggressive they had been to me, but if they were threatening Hiromi I was gonna have to give a beatdown.

    I went cold and snuck closer, my boots going utterly silent on the concrete as I approached from the girls blind spot.

    Hiromi of course spotted me, and I could spot how her spine straightened a bit.

    As I stalked closer I could hear Hiromi speaking in a rush.

    -Not interested. Richard and your gang are a good contact, Im not interested in putting out orders. Not my style.

    Yeah? Well its not my style to listen to some corpo rat either, and dont think I dont know that, you got the stink of a corp all over you. The smaller of the two girls muttered her shotgun in her hands in a way that made me twitchy.

    Besides, Hiromi actually looked hurt from that. She was still sensitive about it, despite her origin not mattering.

    Hiromi is Hiromi.

    So before she had to open her mouth and defend her birth I was there. Chrome hands gripping harshly on the barrels of Shotguns and holding them down firmly.

    Wha!

    Hey!

    I think thats enough Mary right? I asked the taller girl the only one that had given her namest time.

    Hey! Bitch, let go! The smaller girl was fighting my grip on her shotgun, but she may as well have been a child. She was a lot smaller than me, and I had weight, and chrome on my side.

    And an athleticism that put me far over the average teenage girl.

    No. You were bothering my choom, so I get to interfere. Hiromi? You cool?

    Despite the seriousness, Hiromi snorted at me. Im cool Motoko. She assures me purposefully smiling at my words.

    Cool was still cool!

    You can let go, we werent trying to threaten her. The taller girl, Mary said, despite ring at me for holding her gun down.

    Alright. I agreed and let go of both barrels, although I kept my hands close to my chest.

    If I needed to quickdraw my Burya I could fire before they bring the barrels up.

    I was sure.

    Fuck. Spooky quiet bitch. The short girl hissed as she backed up but seemed to look to Mary who just shook her head and despite seething, she didnt attack.

    Why were you messing with my choom?

    We werent messing with her. Just making sure she understood we arent her toys.

    I never said you were. Hiromi argued, obviously irritated as she growled a bit. I told you, Im just gonna be helping you guys get gigs, like a fixer. Richard is still your boss, you know the guy that agreed to work with me, and is expecting me for a conversation, that Richard?

    Whatever. Just remember what we said. Mary offered and turned to walk into the apartment, I red at them as they walked to the elevator. Considering I had control of the system I had to stop myself from stopping the elevator somewhere and just getting them stuck in there for a few hours.

    Thanks Motoko. You saved me again. Hiromi offered as she leaned in against my shoulder for a moment, seemingly taking energy from the contact.

    Yeah Donte here alone again. I dont like those two, they tried to threaten me too.

    I think they are Richards girls Or at least the tall one. Hiromi offered and I nodded taking in the information.

    They dont like that we are girls?

    Yep. Hiromi shrugged. Theyll get easier to deal with as long as we dont flirt with their guy. She said and I snorted at the very idea.

    Richard was way too much of a gonk for me to be interested And Hiromi was way too good for him.

    We ended up waiting for the elevator toe back down as of course the girls had gone up to the fifth floor where we were going.

    The fifth floor, the level that the gang hadpletelymandeered for their own.

    I hadnt been there yet, only seen it through windows on the outside, or from the cameras that were around, and I hadnt yet found out why they chose that floor.

    But honestly it didnt matter.

    It wasnt any of my business.

    We rode up mostly in silence. Hiromi was psyching herself up and so I was just quiet support. There to make sure she was safe.

    The door opened into a pretty standard apartment hallway. Trash was growing up the walls in ces, but that was the norm for most apartments.

    Waiting for us were the two girls, both looking irritated, and as we stepped off the shorter one spoke. Follow us, Richard is waiting. She grumbled, obviously annoyed at being the one to guide us.

    Hiromi and I followed down the hallway. Most of the apartment doors were open, not that it mattered, holes were in the walls letting anyone see inside.

    Or out.

    Kids were all over the ce, but so were adults. One of the apartments had an olddy in a chair watching the TV ignoring the group of kids in the apartment ying some sort of game.

    Or the man that was in another hunched over a desk and working on fixing something or other.

    I guess while Wakakos original brief that the gang had kicked out everyone on the floor wasnt entirely urate.

    We were led to a doorway that had been entirely busted down, the stupid bead curtains the only protection for it, and inside was

    Well a throne room wasnt quite right, but a gathering ce.

    Richard was seated in what had once been this apartment''s circr entertainment bar. But stools and tables surrounded the room, and many of them were filled.

    As we approached Richard waved for us to join him in the circr couch which was empty except for him, and now us.

    Well Hiromi, I stood behind her instead, just like the girls we followed had moved to stand behind Richard.

    You said you wanted to talk. Hiromi offered instantly leaning back trying to pull off the badass fixer vibe.

    Considering these were a bunch of teens, I think it worked.

    I did. Richard confirmed, and I noticed all of a sudden that the amount of people surrounding him was a lot smaller than it had been that night on the roof. Shit hasnt been great since Morgan and V3L died. Ive had a lot of people just delta on me, and some who have stolen from us. Thatst part is a problem. I want to get back some of the stuff that belongs to us.

    And that is where wee in? Hiromi asked bluntly, not sounding very interested.

    Right, yeah. The problem isnt just that they stole from us. We can ignore some weapons going missing, Ill consider that stuff square. But someone stole something a bit bigger. A vehicle. Morgans old car. I had taken it for myself, but it went missing, and Carter klepped it. Had someone get eyes on him driving it around. Richard sounded pretty pissed at this.

    Wait. Was this entire meeting because a street gang politics?

    You expect a gig like that to be on our radar? Cmon. Hiromi almost mocked as went from rxing back to ring and sitting forward. Why would we care?

    Because. Your choom, Motoko, you wanted protection. Being able to leave your stuff in the basement and trust none of us mess with it? I cant be disrespected like this and still be the leader. He says just as blunt. Unless I do something and soon, the gang will splinter even more, and then any deal you have with me, wont matter much to whoever takes over the Straight Lane Apartments after.

    Sounds like ckmail. Hiromi said not smiling which was rare for the girl.

    Call it whatever you want, but Im being serious. Thats what will happen if something doesnt change.

    Why not go after it yourself? You have weapons, people. Hiromi pointed out sounding annoyed at the situation, probably more than I was.

    Carter went and joined another gang. He said with a scowl. I dont exactly want to piss of the ws. Richard said scowling and I was surprised to hear that.

    No way this Carter guy managed to get into the TC in any respects in such a short time. Hiromi argued, being a former TC wannabe Hiromi understand exactly how difficult it was to actually join the TC.

    Unless he showed up with high end weapons, an expensive car, and a group all willing to follow him. Richard said, pointing out that Hiromi was wrong.

    How many weapons did he steal from you? I asked interrupting for the first time.

    A crate. Some of the good stuff. Richard said, scowling and looking away, unable to meet our face.

    Must be pretty embarrassing to have your gang splinter and get a bunch of stuff stolen.

    Then what do you think we can do about it. Im not nning on picking a fight with the TC either. Hiromi offered, and Richard scowled.

    I dont know! But thats whats going to happen, and since you went to so much effort to protect your stuff in the basement, I figured you should at least be told. Maybe you could do something about it.

    Hiromi sighed looking towards me and her eyes went gold as she called me.

    *What do you think?*

    *I think that we either need to find a new ce to set up my Netrunning gear, or we need to get this gonk his car back.*

    *From the TC? They wont like that.*

    *Well we have a few options I guess We could just try talking to this Carter, or the TC he is with.*

    *No way some street kid gives up a preem ride Motoko.*

    *Then we could always just klep it.*

    *That could lead to the TC getting pissed with us, if Carter did impress enough to get in, then stealing his ride would be like stealing from the TC.*@@novelbin@@

    *Sounds like we need info. We should go talk to Carter and his boss. Figure out what the situation is.* I offered and Hiromi nodded.

    Richard, we will look into it, but no promises, but if we do return your car, lets talk about payment. And we donte cheap. Hiromi said with a sinister smile.

    Hiromi was going to leave this kid destitute.

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80

    Hiromi took care of giving Richard the car back, I hadnt wanted to talk to the gonk after everything, and in the end I drove her home. Both of us were pretty quiet on the way, but to my surprise Hiromi didnt just get out when I reached her home.

    Come up with me. Theres something I still need to do. She demanded, and I looked surprised at her sudden aggressiveness.

    Hiromi, Im-

    I know. You have to go talk to Jun and deal with Fujimura-whatever. Bute up first. She demanded and I sighed and ended up following her up to her high end apartment.

    To my surprise, unlike before it seemed empty now. I guess her parents would be back at work with the gang war over. But she dragged me into her room, and pushed me into a chair before heading into the bathroom.

    Coming out with a medkit.

    I almost snorted, but Hiromi was looking so serious, I kept my amusement hidden as she sat beside me and started fussing over me.

    You dont have to do that. I told her, but she just shook her head, her hair flying around at the harshness of the motion.

    I do. So just Sit there and let me make up for my screwup. She ordered and who was I to argue with Hiromi being this serious?

    I didnt need much really, I was mostly bruised on my cheek, and probably on my stomach, but Hiromi sprayed some sort of gunk on my cheek anyways.

    It did numb my skin so that was nice, but not really needed. I didnt even notice the pain.

    I messed up, got hot headed, thought it was like it always had been, that I could just mouth off to the stupid w gonks and get on with it I didnt even think that you wouldnt want to start killing them. So I mouthed off.

    They were being idiots. Trying to intimidate two girls that were there for business. It was dumb. I added my own frustration with the whole scenarioing out.

    They were just acting like people act. I wouldnt be happy if someone came up to me and started demanding you give back therunning gear or something. She said, ying devils advocate.

    Hey! I looted that clear.

    I know you gonk. Hiromi said, shaking her head as she worked on putting a bandage on my cheek.

    Silly Hiromi, I didnt need a bandage for a bruise, but she was fussing so I allowed it.

    But I mean, I walked in not thinking, and then got frustrated I guess I expected them to treat me like they always did. Just another TC hanger on, but Im not dressed like that anymore. I came in looking like an enemy.

    They shouldnt have done that anyways. You dont conduct business by messing with people like that. I argued, shaking my head. Well just make sure we have more muscle or something next time.

    Yeah. Hiromi offered nodding and then she reached out and double checked my bruise. Sorry.

    It doesnt even hurt. Besides, it gave me a good excuse to punch them back. Very satisfying. My joke managed to earn a giggle from Hiromi and it seemed to help her finally calm down.

    Want toe over? We could do a sleepover. I offered, considering her parents werent around, Hiromi might not want to be alone at the moment.

    She hesitated before nodding. I have some school stuff I have to do first, so give me a few hours and Ille over?

    Sounds preem!

    --

    Of course hanging out with Hiromi had to end eventually. I headed home, expecting to see Jun already there.

    I had texted him that Akari took care of everything and we were good during the earlier drive, but when I got home it was empty.

    So I shrugged, sent Jun a text telling him I was home, grabbed something to eat and decided to do some programming while I waited.

    Reboot Optics was definitely moreplicated than Ping, and the time it was taking for me to fix it was definitely proving that. The lines of code were filling in pretty quickly in the grand scheme of things. I mean, most modern hacks are probably designed bymittee in some corp rather than being free range like what I was doing, but while they could get things done faster.

    I could do it better.

    Maybe Probably.

    I was still only at level 10, and I was still going under the assumption that level 20 was the max.

    So I was only half way there.

    But I was still an amazing programmer. Level 10. The human peak.

    My fingers zed across the keyboard. The lines I wrote were clean, and the few errors I made were easily caught and fixed with Debug.

    I was never stumped. I never hit a point where I had to wonder what the next line of code should look like, it all came to me before I was even ready.

    And so spent a few hours creeping closer to a finished program.

    The door opening made me nce up, my voice already about to greet Jun, but it wasnt Jun.

    Hey Hiromi. I called out instead realizing that it was gettingte, and Jun hadnte by.

    Weird.

    Motoko! Hiromi greeted with a smile, seemingly much recovered from the scare. Whatcha doin?

    Programming. Im working on streamlining a quick hack. I exined showing her theptop screen which was just disying line after line of code.

    Thats preem I have no idea what Im looking at though.

    Its fine, I should take a break anyways, Ive been pretty good about hyper focusing on my coding. Want to put on some terrible TV?

    Yep! I brought snacks! She chirped, showing a bag full of all sorts of random stuff.

    And so thanks to horrible TV and snackfood, everything was good.

    --

    Hiromi was passed out snoring on my shoulder on the couch. I had muted the TV but left it running for the extra light. The ability to skip sleeping was still one of those super useful side features of the Gamer system.

    I had pulled up my programmingptop to work with after Hiromi fell asleep.

    I hadnt been in the mood to sleep myself, so I worked instead.

    It was to this scene that Jun suddenly walked into. I blinked. It was nearly three in the morning. I expected Jun to have slept wherever he was, like he tended to do when he didnte home.

    We both looked at eachother, Jun looked like he wanted to say something but after noticing HIromi he just nodded and didnt speak.

    Instead he walked over quiet as a mouse thanks to his Lynx Paws, and knelt down gently patting my head as he looked me over.

    I could see the anxiety on his face, that look of anger and frustration. But I wasnt going to let Jun just walk away.

    So I called him. Literally. My eyes went gold as I could hear the ringing in my head.

    *Im okay Jun. So is Hiromi. Thanks for helping us out. I didnt really want to murder a bunch of TC guys. It would have caused trouble.*

    *You should have killed them. All of them. They shouldnt have touched you.* He responded back without hesitation, his face angry.

    I shook my head, reaching out and patting him on the head in return just like he had just done for me.

    *There were better reasons not to jump to murder. Whats his face? Was a jerk, but its fine. I hope Fujimura didnt cause you too many problems?*

    *I was sent to Sensei to cool off Fujimura wasnt happy that I wanted to go and rescue you.* He said and I snorted quietly.

    What Fujimura wasnt happy with was Jun definitely nning to murder all the TC guys that ran that base.

    *I punched him pretty hard after. So were square.* I inform him with a quiet thumbs up. And Jun finally rolled his eyes, a bit of amusement shining through his expression.

    Good.

    *Next time someone threatens you, just tline them. If they are TC Ill take care of smoothing everything out.* He tells me and I smirk a bit.

    *Ill be careful. Next time I have to speak to a gang, Ill either go in better armed so Im more of a threat, or Ill bring more muscle for the same reason.*

    Jun just shakes his head.

    *Id prefer if you didnt go into a gang base at all. But Motoko will Motoko. You always do.*

    *You love me.* I told him smirking as he scoffed and ruffled my hair but stood up. Heading to his room. *But I love you more.*

    It wasnt until he was fully in his room that the call finally ended but of course he still sent it.

    *Love you too.*

    --

    Hiromi was kind of clingy in her sleep.

    At some point she had grabbed onto me instead of just drooling on my shoulder, and I had to fight off the grasping hands of my best choom.

    Thankfully programming was quiet, and I didnt wake her while I worked slowly adding more and more to my Reboot Optics hack.

    Oh man. If Yoko thought my Ping was cool. This was going to blow her processor!

    Hacker humor!

    Since I was a hacker I needed to practice it!

    But eventually the sun rose up and it started getting bright enough that Hiromi was grumbling and shifting in her sleep.

    Slowly she started waking up,zily shifting and contorting as her body tried to wake up but she fought it.

    Until eventually I felt her hand squeeze my stomach twice as if her brain realized she was wrapped around something and she nced up, eyes blearily open to see my own eyes looking down at her.

    Then she let out a squeak and leapt away.

    Which of course sent her over the end of the couch and onto the floor.

    I had tried to grab her, but she iled quite hriously. As she went right over the edge of the couch. Disappearing from sight.

    Hiromi? You alright?

    Never better. She called out after a few moments as I peeked over the edge of the couch, she was looking up at me from the floor, one foot still up on the couch cushion she had just tripped over and the rest of her in a mess on the floor seemingly desperate for no one to notice her current state.

    Okay I said drawing it out but instead of helping I just edged back over the couch and took my spot.

    It took a few moments for her foot to disappear over the edge of the couchpletely and a few moments after that for her to rise up and brush herself off.

    Morning. She greeted casually as if everything that had just happened, never did.

    Good Morning. Hungry?

    Still full of snacks I think. She said casually retaking her seat and slowly running her fingers through her hair trying to reorganize the mess of bed head.

    She was failing, so I reached over and helped untangle a bit of her hair letting it go t.

    She was so embarrassed about her messy hair she went red! How cute!

    --

    In the end Hiromi had cleaned up and gotten dressed not long after and as much as she wanted to stay she had to head home.

    So I went back to programming until Jun woke up. My brother was just as bleary as Hiromi had been, and while his hair wasnt as long as Hiromis mohawk style it was still standing up in the back.

    Sleep well Jun-Nii?

    Wheres Hiromi? He asked in turn, looking around.

    Went home already. I told him and he nodded rubbing the back of his head as he yawned.

    Slept okay. You?

    Eh. Hiromis a bit of a grabby sleeper. I told him instead of telling the truth that I hadnt slept at all.

    Heh. He chuckled as if that was a joke and not just the damned truth. Pretty sure I still had a red handprint on my thigh from where Hiromi had wrapped herself around my leg.

    Its a good thing she didnt have chrome hands, that could have hurt.

    Fujimura-Sama wants to see you today To talk about what happened. Jun offered and I scowled as I pretended to ignore him focusing on theptop.

    Im not a damn dog. That jerk cant just summon me when he wanted.

    I think you should see him Motoko He wants to apologize.

    What? I asked jerking up at that. Why would he want to apologize?

    Motoko. Youve helped out the TC a bunch, saved one of our bosses. Remember? If one of our members assaults you? Thats a big deal. A huge ck mark. Fucks up our Giri bad.

    I frowned I guess that made sense, I mean I hadnt expected the sudden sorta kidnapping from them either.

    Fine I guess

    Great. Why dont you get ready? Ill need a shower first. He grumbled heading into the bathroom.

    Alright. Code moreter. Deal with Pseudo Yakuza boss first.

    --

    Jun refused to let me drive so I was stuck on the back of his bike as he drove us to our destination.

    Where?

    No idea. In fact I suppose this would be the first time Ive been to Juns work since the whole Casino thing. And I knew he didnt work there anymore.

    I doubted he would ever want to return to that ce.

    So we drove across the bridge into Watson, but unlike how I would usually turn down into Kabuki, we kept going to head into Little China.

    We got off the freeway, and were basically instantly turning into a small strip mall type ce.

    It honestly reminded me of the Tattoo parlor. Simr setup.

    Take over a business, surround it with TC members, and the ce gets locked down and iees streaming in.

    This time it was more like an alleyway market ce. Stalls set up along the walls of the very slim walking path, hawking everything from food, to weapons if what I saw was right. Jun parked in the parking lot outside it and waved me to follow which I did. It was pretty easy to follow along through the crowd, Juns bulk easily made a path.

    Well that and the respect people had for him.

    I saw plenty of TC gangers nodding their head to Jun, or calling out greetings, usually calling him Oni.

    I guess Jun-Nii was pretty popr.

    We walked through nearly the entire alley before Jun walked up to a door that looked the same as any other and opened it revealing a set of stairs downwards.

    Cmon Motoko.

    Yeah, yeah. I confirmed following along, it wasnt like a little darkness was going to worry me.

    The stairs curved at the bottom opening up to a bar of all ce.

    It reminded me of all those little dark japanese bars you would see in anime. A man behind the counter, bottles of alcohol behind him. All wood and dark leather. I crinkled my nose at the smoke.

    Apparently there wasnt a non-smokers section. Hell this ce was so old fashioned there was even a little piano in the corner.

    Of course I also noticed everyone inside was TC.

    Tattoos, weapons, attitudes, all screamed Tyger w. Men and women. Sitting around the bar, the tables, a few in booths set along the darkened corners. It was surprisingly full, but then again, I doubted this was actually a bar at all.

    If Fujimura worked out of here, then this wasnt a bar but probably the nerve center of the TC in the area.

    I followed Jun down into the carpeted floors.

    I was getting plenty of looks, but none were hostile. To my surprise though I didnt recognize anyone. I thought I would, but I guess most of the Kamikaze hadnt continued working solely with Fujimura after the war.

    Junichirou.

    Howard. Jun was greeted by the barkeep who was doing the most stereotypical bartender things and rubbing a ss with a rag.

    Fujimura-Sama will be back soon, take the private booth. Howard the Bartender offered as he settled a ss down onto the drying rack and walked over to seemingly prepare some drinks.

    Cmon Motoko. Jun called as he led me past the bar towards a back area, it was gloomy at first, but more of those bead curtains just blocked the light from a set of private booths that as Jun waved me into one was well lit by a few ornate faux candles around the booth.@@novelbin@@

    This doesnt strike me as very TC. No neon? Im almost disappointed.

    It was originally a bar owned by a smaller gang that controlled this area. When it was taken over the decor ended up being something a few of the guys liked and so its stayed the same. Jun offered as he settled into his booth seating. You want anything?

    Not really. I shook my head and it was true. The stink of cigar, and cigarette smoke filled the air killing my thirst and hunger.

    Sorry. Jun grumbled, noticing the way my nose was crinkled.

    It is what it is, so Fujimura?

    Should be here soon. Jun offered just as the beads were parted and the bartender dropped off a tray of drinks. More drinks than just for Jun and I.

    Jun nodded and even took a tumbler of something amber himself.

    You arent going to drive home if you drink. I inform him and Jun actually hesitates before scowling at me and taking a drink.

    You can call your car then. Im not riding bitch on my own bike.

    Heh. I chuckled, giving him a lopsided smile as I imagined Jun, the big tough guy that he is forced to ride behind his little sister cause he was too drunk to drive. Ill drive you home in my Quadra. You can call for your bike.

    No way. He grumbled and I just rolled my eyes at Jun.

    I would force him to drive home with me if he drank too much Even if his chrome probably would protect him from most driving idents.

    In the end we both were just sort of waiting.

    Im bored. I told Jun after about twenty minutes of sitting around.

    Just be patient. Fujimura-Sama is a busy man. I rolled my eyes, not because I didnt believe him. I am sure a TC boss like Fujimura probably was busy. But what did that have to do with me being bored?

    You got about a minute before I start doing something to relieve my boredom. I informed Jun and then started mentally counting down to Juns concerned face.

    Minutes up. I said as I stood up, avoiding Juns grasping hand as he tried to keep me in the booth as I stepped out back onto the bar floor.

    Mentally I went through my options. The street market upstairs could have something interesting, but I pretty much already had everything I wanted

    I stopped.

    Piano.

    Ive never yed a piano before.

 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81

    Motoko dont cause any- Motoko? Jun asked as he had caught up to me but was surprised I was just standing there. He followed my gaze and I caught the way his face jerked back to me. You want to try it? He asked, trying to sound casual.

    I hesitated, I wasnt exactly big on singing in front of people But on one hand, I was bored.

    Like really bored.

    On the other It was a real piano. Dont see many of those in Night City. A real antique.

    Yeah. I nodded firmly, marching over to stand in front of the ancient thing. It was old, probably been here since before the TC took over the ce. I hit a key and was surprised it was in key.

    I tested a few more, with a little trill of notes and to my delight my fingers not only hit the right keys, it sounded fine.

    Of course now I had the eyes of every man and woman in the bar on me. I just shrugged, bars were supposed to have music. If anyoneined I would just sic Jun on them.

    So after testing out my fingers I nodded. I could definitely be better, but I could y.

    Now I just needed to figure out what song to do.

    Nervous?

    No. Just not sure what to y. I offered as I considered it. Vocal and Piano only piece I didnt listen to many songs like that. And even less that I really enjoyed

    But there was that anime OP.

    Fuck it, it probably didnt exist in this world, so no one would know how much of a weeb I was. Plus I did love theposer, even if he did a lot of anime stuff.

    I hummed a bit until I got my voice to the right tone. The vocal needed to be smooth, and I had to figure out whatnguage to use

    Ill just stick to english. It made a bit more sense that way, considering the original was a mix of multiplenguages turned into almost gibberish at times. I loved it, but with an unfamiliar audience? Better to stick to onenguage.

    I started the first notes letting the sound of the piano flow through the bar, but then I kept my eyes on the piano because the only thing I needed to do was focus on the song.

    I will rise in resistance. I crooned out, beginning the intro for Hiroyuki Sawanos aLIEz. I loved Sawano, and the fact his songs were heavily electronic, was actually workable this time since he did a lot of them on piano as well.

    I remember watching a video of just him and the singer ying the song together, that memory is what guided my fingers. The sound of the haunting lyrics guiding my voice.

    It wasnt perfect. It did lose something without the additional sounds. I would have to fix that some day, recreate it in truth.

    But it was fun! I loved this song!

    I got lost in ying the notes and crooning along, my voice probably carrying the song more than my ying. Siren Song, and Perfect Musical Memory shoring up my pitfalls in ying, but none of that really mattered.

    Because I was jamming out.

    Wake me from this nightmare. I finished the song by the gentle crooning that it finished on as I yed out thest notes letting the songe to its quiet end.

    *100 Rockerboy XP Gained.*

    It would have been even better if I had my music box. I really needed to fini-

    The pping behind me nearly startled me as I was looking at the alert. Jun was leaning against the wall beside me looking pleased, and there were a few at the bar pping quietly, but it was the much closer noise that had startled me.

    Fujimura.

    Kusanagi. He greeted back, the man was bracketed by two people only one of them I recognized. Akari was pping as enthusiastically as I expected, the other man nodded as my eyes ran over him.

    Yourete. I inform him bluntly. Owe! I hissed as Jun tapped me on the back of my head.

    Dont be rude. Jun demanded and I just rolled my eyes.

    Its fine Junichirou. Join me in the booth, we have something to speak about. He stated with a deep grunt and started walking towards it expecting obedience.

    That was great! Akari said suddenly right there as she grabbed me and shook a bit. You never told me you could sing! Can you do-

    If you say anything by the Us Cracks, I will kill you. I inform her bluntly.

    I still remember how Akari never seemed to mind Juns music taste when we were in the car together.

    Aww.

    Akari cmon. Jun called, pulling me away from her grasp and gently pushing me towards the booths.

    I guess it was business time.

    I headed into the back booth, mostly ignoring the looks I was getting. Whether people actually liked the song or not, I wouldnt find out, but that was fine.

    This wasnt my sort of ce anyways.

    I settled into the booth Jun and I had abandoned and was set next to Jun with Akari on my other side, with Fujimura across from me with his other guard there too.

    The trouble yesterday. Kotoniki has been disciplined harshly. Even if you were not one of us, to act in such a way dishonors us all.

    I dont really care. My fist already evened the debt. I told him and to my surprise Fujimura actually chuckled.

    Kotoniki was with a ripper when we got to him. You broke his jaw. The man offered nodding as if pleased.

    Well my fist is chrome.

    Regardless. The man was disciplined, but there is a debt between us. He offered using a finger to flow between me and him.

    You know I dont really

    Yes. You have little interest in gang work. Im aware. He seemed to say tly, but it came out like a grumble. Junichirou has spoken on your behalf. To keep you out of our business until you are ready. Yet your own business has brought you into conflict with us. Ive considered the best way to ensure there wont be any further issues like yesterday.

    Okay? That doesnt exactly soundforting.

    From his side the guard I didnt know reached into his jacket and pulled out something, putting it on the table.

    The card has my assistant''s number on it. If you ever find yourself in a situation with the Tyger ws like before, you may call for a mediation. I do not want to find out that some fools forced your hand, and created a loss for us. Or did something so foolish as to injure you, and potentially forcing Junichirou to overextend himself.

    I looked over the business card, It wasnt paper, but a sort of stic, but didnt really look special. it was pretty standard and I shrugged putting the number into my agent with a shrug. Not like I needed the card really.

    There is one other thing. I have said before Kusanagi, that just because you do not wish to work with the gang it doesnt mean that someday you wont need to. That having friends in this city will one day be something you need.

    This time what was ced on the table was a mask. The assistant had hidden it within his jacket.

    It was a mouth piece. Just like Juns. A Menpo if I remember the word right, although this one was very simr to the one Jun would wear while he was working. Eerily simr if I was honest. Telling.

    I dont think I need it.

    Take it anyways. If you never have a need of it, then it will be forgotten, but someday? Someday you may need the Tyger ws on your side, that day? That mask will prove you are not just an outsider, or a hangeron. Fujimura offered firmly, making it seem like the stic mask was something more than just a piece of junk.

    Jun wasnt going to let me leave it though, I could feel him nudging me on the side.

    Fine. I grumbled grabbing the stupid Oni mask. I ended up just holding it as I didnt have a better ce to tuck it away.

    Then that is that. Yesterday was a mistake, we have made arrangements now to ensure it does not happen again. Are you satisfied with our apology? Fujimura asked, and I sorta took a second to process.

    I suppose to the TC this would be a big dishonor thing. I had saved one of their bosses and almost got tlined or worse by one of their henchmen.

    Yeah. Its fine. Shit happens. I offered and I could practically hear Juns eyes roll beside me, but Fujimura nodded seemingly satisfied.

    Then I must leave. I have other business toplete. Junichirou, take the afternoon off. Akari I will need you. Fujimura demanded, causing Akari to pout as she put down the drink she was about halfway through.

    Also. Kusanagi Your piano needs work, feel free to practice. He told me suddenly then walked off.

    Did Did Fujimura just fucking burn me!?

    Asshole!

    --

    I did not in fact y more on the piano. Now that the meeting was over I red at Jun until we headed home, and luckily for Jun I didnt make him ride bitch, he hadnt had much to drink so he was still good to drive.

    What are you going to do with your day off? I asked him and he shrugged as he pulled into the parking space at the apartment.

    Take a nap?

    I snorted at my brother''s decision, but I wasnt going to tease him for it. Naps were amazing sometimes.

    Ill be coding some more, so Ill be quiet.

    Dont worry about it. He said, patting me on the head while looking down towards the Menpo I had currently half out of one of my pouch pockets. Jun had one of those stupid proud looks on his face.

    Ugh, just because its the same as yours doesnt mean Im gonna wear it.

    It means they think you are valuable. You are much safer now. If anything happens, I wont have to push to rescue you again. He smiled pleased and I just scoffed.

    I wasnt nning on getting kidnapped again!

    Okay after yesterday Im not nning on getting kidnapped again. I wont be walking into a ce of what should be nominal allies, with a VIP beside me again.

    Next time Itll be me alone, fully armed, and ready to start shooting if someone does something I dont like.

    In the end I followed Jun back inside the apartment, stopping only to grab a drink from a vending machine, and then a quick stop in my room to drop the Menpo off.

    I didnt exactly n to use it. Kinda tacky the color wasnt mine either. The snarling Oni face was set in a sort of neon green, yeah it was pretty ugly, maybe ck?

    No dummy, you arent wearing the fucking Menpo. I tapped my head to get that insidious thought out and put it away where it would collect dust.

    Forever.

    Then I flopped on the couch and pulled up myptop. To my surprise Jun came out of his room a minuteter wearing casual clothes, and a nket, he settled onto the couch, put his feet up on the table and turned on the TV.

    Looks cozy.

    Yep.

    Ill be quiet.

    Its fine. He says with a shrug as he sort of just rxes back.

    This was nice.

    Time to work on this program.

    --

    Slowly it came together.

    A program designed to do one simple thing. Stop someone from seeing. The loss of sight could cripple the strongest fighter. My own addition to it, made it just that much more difficult to stop.

    A bit of aggressive design to make it insidious.

    But the biggest thing holding it back was trying to make it multi-target.

    The difference between a hack that can only hit one person, and one that can attack multiple people simultaneously was massive.

    Whether it was the program attacking two separate people at once, or a program that hit one person and used their connection to jump to the next.

    I had to figure them both out.

    I wasnt just making a cludged together program that would be good enough.

    I was making

    A magnum opus. Well that was a bit much, but still.

    I was trying to create the peak of the Reboot Optics I could design.

    It was funny there was a version of the program stored on V3Ls server. The quality of it was much higher than the one I had bought from Yoko, but both programs were actually done by two different people. Mine was a copy of a copy of a copy, deteriorating each time, or purposefully weakened.

    V3Ls was a copy of a much better program. The coding was different, the goal was the same, yet both had shown me what people considered Reboot Optics to be.

    I was trying to surpass both. To create an entirely new version of the Quickhack, a new peer in the market.

    It was hard.

    It was time consuming.

    It was exhrating!

    I was creating magic. Literally designing a digital spell that would blind my enemies.

    I mean this wasnt a wizards tower, but sitting on a couch in an apartment was probably morefortable anyways.

    I snorted at my own joke as I worked. The codeing together, slowly forming into something more than just code.

    Somethingplete.

    Finally long after Jun had fallen asleep. I finished typing.

    I finished debugging.

    I finished crafting a spell.

    A spell designed to be both longersting than the original idea with the brightness trick, and much wider.

    It was unfortunately going to be weaker against otherrunners. Any good ICE and defenses could stall the upload out, but in exchange I could rapid fire it out as it had a much lower RAM cost, plus I could always breach some arrogant Netrunner, and push it through that way.

    It was also capable of jumping to other people. When it overrode the optics, it branched out and infested themunication systems. Anyone with an interior agent would have it hijacked, have it connect to others already inmunication with them, or those in the system close by. If someone was hit by multiple attack vectors the difficulty in stopping it could spike. If it worked correctly, it could overwhelm even moderately good ICE.

    A self duplicating viral code.

    It was something really difficult to program. Sure there were plenty of hacks that had that aspect, but those were created by teams of corpo coders all working to get it to work, and most of the best duplicating hacks werent program, but hardware bonuses.

    I still remembered the Tetratronic Rippler from the video game. That let the super ultimate quick hacks spread to an extra person. Yeah that was probably a bit unrealistic, but then again the rippler wasnt on the market at the moment, so who knows? Maybe some corp will figure it out in theing year.

    Regardless, I created this program in just a few long sessions.

    And it was entirely my own.

    Sure I doubt it was unique, but it would still be different enough from anyone else''s work that it shoulde as a nasty surprise.

    I pushed the program intopiling, receiving the finished file and uploaded it into my Cyberdeck.

    Twopleted hacks.

    I leaned back in the dim light of the apartment. The sun was setting, Jun was still napping, beside me on the couch, and I hadpleted one of my big goals.

    Instead of working on another quick hack, or something I instead grabbed my little music box.

    It had been a project I wanted toplete for a while.

    It wasnt productive. It wasnt going to make me a better merc. A better Netrunner, or a better Edgerunner if I wanted to call myself that.

    But it was a project I really wanted to finish.@@novelbin@@

    So I settled in, and started working. The moment a new file was opened and I started coding my fingers picked up and blurred.

    I was inspired.

    I had a goal.

    And I had the knowledge toplete it.

    --

    Morning Jun. I muttered as I continued to build piece after piece of a veryplex piece of equipment. I was really d that Programming gave info dumps, because making a Quick Hack wasnt the same thing as designing the function of a physical item. It was easier in a lot of ways, but more finicky.

    Morning. He grumbled as he rose up rubbing his eyes. He stood and stretched, grumbling the whole way as he headed into the kitchen.

    If Jun was up I should probably get moving too.

    I closed theptop, that project wasnt going anywhere, and there was something I had been wanting to do.

    Im heading out, gonna berunning for a while, so I might be hard to reach. I called out to Jun who was drinking an entire energy drink can as he chugged it down.

    You need to show me thisrunning ce you got set up. He said as he wiped his mouth tossing the can into the trash.

    You want toe with me now? Its not much to see though. The interesting part is the itself.

    No. I have stuff I need to do today Youll be careful?

    Course! Im gonna be hunting some info down today, so I should be pretty safe.

    Jun frowned but eventually nodded. I grinned as I headed out. Time to explore the once again!

 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82

    I opened my eyes in the. My lobby was still nk

    I really needed to spend some time building this up. A lobby could be a really useful tool if prepared correctly.

    But I shook that away and dived into the city.

    I did n on talking to Yoko today, but first there was something I wanted to explore myself.

    I wanted to find more Scavs.

    What? My Bank ount was looking a little thin, and it was better to find another den to raid sooner rather thanter. Ichi still had to pay rent after all.

    So I needed information, and I wasnt going to ept going to see Yoko and just having it handed to me.

    Arunner was all about finding information.

    So I was going to gather it myself this time. I wasnt a detective, but I had seen plenty of cop shows!

    If you wanted to hunt someone. You had to find out where their victims had been.

    So first step was the NCPD Criminal database.

    It was easy enough to find the location of, I jumped to the NCPD City-Net page, and instantly I was in front of a prison of a building. Gates, and fences, digital barbed wire, and Daemons shaped like dogs walking around the walls.

    I scoffed though. For all of its look of security, thats all it was. I walked right up to the gate and requested ess.

    The gate opened and I was allowed to ess the public pages. You would think that would mean if I wanted the private stuff I would have stronger security, but that wasnt true.

    I walked past the gate. Past the guard Daemons. Past the security, into the lobby of a building, and then once I was in. I just turned away from the lobby room, that looked like I was visiting the DMV. Instead I found the visual door that had Secure. NCPD Only On it.

    Like I said. They already let me in past all the security. In this case I was pretty sure it was intentional. The NCPD didnt care if someone went looking for their criminal database after all. I mean I already had ess to it through my Kiroshi. The ess that Vik had set up for me was supermon, and so it was child''s y to just walk through the secure door into a file room.

    The door lock on the door was flimsy and I breached it within a few moments.

    Like I said someone wanted people to be able to ess at least this set of files. Inside was a storage room, nearly infinitely long filled with old storage cabs. I walked over to the first one and popped it open. Inside was files on a recent Grand Theft Auto. I closed the drawer.

    I needed something else.

    So with a bit of a mentalmand, I inputted a search function for all files rting to kidnapping.

    The room rumbled. Like I was in the matrix, and thousands of the cabs vanished as the whole space rearranged itself.

    Then when the shifting room still left me with millions of cabs, I narrowed it more. Within thest four months. It rumbled and shifted again. There were still a ton of files, but at least now I could start.

    First just to see I added Scav into the search to see what would happen. The room didnt alter in any way that I could see.

    I pulled open the first file closest to me.

    Violet Espinosa. Age 27. Reported missing 4.17. Deceased. SCAV.

    Peter Franklin Age 36. Reported missing 5.2. Deceased. SCAV.

    The reports were all like that. Sure there was more information on each one, the police reports had a lot of information including the missing persons criminal history and such.

    But that bit was the most interesting point.

    Why was SCAV on all these files?

    Why was Deceased? Did the NCPD know something? I couldnt find any information on why they were listed that way.

    In the end, I didnt get an answer, but the more recent kidnappings at least had locations forst seen.

    So I started collecting the data. Opening a file and just dumping thest location into a map of Night City. Slowly more and more dots grew across the file. There were hundreds of kidnapping reports, and I was just dumping them all into the file to see what would happen.

    In the end, there were definitely hot spots on the map, but it didnt really give me enough information to know for sure.

    But, I knew where to look now.

    So I found the most recent kidnapping report that was closest to the hotspots, and pulled those files saving them to my own server and took my new hotspot map. Then I walked out of the NCPD server.

    --

    Markus Leon. Went missing yesterday. Age 30. His wife made the report. Markus had beenst seen walking to work from his apartment building by his wife.

    His work was three blocks down the street. He never made it to work.

    But I had a general time he had left. And this was a modern city.

    It had cameras everywhere.

    So first I walked to the apartmentplex that Markus lived in. The Server was old. It didnt have the security to really stop me as I essed the system, breached past its defenses and essed the few security cameras still working.

    Most were broken, but the elevator one worked.

    I checked the time, and watched.

    6:37 AM.

    I found him. Markus steps onto the elevator from the third floor. Heads down, and walks out.

    I jump out of the camera. The lobby camera was broken, but there was an outside camera looking down at the entrance. It was a few floors up, which is the only reason It wasnt broken.

    6:38 AM.

    Markus walked out of theplex, turned left down the street and continued his path.

    Okay. I checked the for buildings along the road he had gone down.

    The next building over was a hotel. The security was tighter, but still easily bypassed especially since I was in the.

    Its cameras were active. Protected by bullet proof domes so they wouldnt get destroyed.

    6:38 AM.

    Markus walks past the entrance. I watch for a minute after he goes past.

    No one seemed to be following him or anything.

    So I pulled out of the security of the building and moved on.

    I continued down the street. Any building that didnt have cameras. I would jump across the street and see if there were cameras facing outward enough to catch across the street.

    Down we went. Until I crossed a street and Markus didnt appear.

    I went back, and saw him reach the crosswalk through a diner''s camera, and then nothing.

    I jumped around, checking all the corners of the street trying to find something.

    6:41 AM.

    I spotted it.

    Markus didnt cross the street, the path he should take to go to work.

    No, he turned left and continued walking down the street.

    Interesting.

    I continued to follow his path as he headed away from his workce.

    What was Markus up to?

    Not that I was interested if the guy had just bailed. I was looking for scavs.

    Down the street we went, only a few times I had to skip a few buildings and wait for him to walk into frame.

    Then suddenly I jumped to the next camera and he never appeared.

    I checked all the cameras in the area, I could confirm he disappeared.

    After a few minutes of checking, I realized there was only one ce he could have gone.

    An apartment building.

    So he was in the apartments? I mean Scavs often set up there, but this wasnt exactly what I was looking for. Where were the group of scavs beating him unconscious or drugging him and dragging him into a rape van or something?

    The apartmentplex was run down, didnt have any security cameras inside.

    Probably on purpose.

    But it did have a server still, everything had a channel after all, had to, to have TV.

    So I started sneaking in. Something weird was going on.

    The server as I slipped in was dark and run down, plenty of slow down spots.

    I wouldnt be surprised if the TV reception in the ce sucked.

    But the security might as well have been a broken lock. I popped in, and checked the apartment listings.

    Markus Leon wasnt on the registry of course.

    But I did find something interesting.

    An entire section of theplex that had everyone stop paying rent as one. Consistent rent payments by some of the people and then suddenly nothing. This started months ago.

    But more interesting? The server data was modified.

    It wasnt anything amazing, but it wouldnt be sending any alerts to the owner to let them know there was ate payment.

    Services would shut off still, but the owner wouldnt know he needed to bring in more people.

    Interesting.

    Second floor, rooms 220-230 were all non paying.

    There was a temptation to back out and check it out in person but

    I was arunner. This was the sort of thing I was meant to do.

    So I started poking around.

    Someone capable of hacking into the register to shut off alerts would want inte ess.

    If they had ess, they had opened a path.

    So I started pinging the area around the building.

    The virtual datascape around me red up and traffic glowed a brighter color than the rest.

    There.

    I smirked. There was a side channel that had been rather roughly built into the side of the server.

    To my eyes it looked like someone hadid a long wire from the ess point between the inte and the building server, up into the building. I pinged it, making sure to keep the touch as light as I could.

    It zed through the wire, showing me a spider web of systems. Cameras. Andputers all together.

    I smirked as I slipped through. Yes there was security. Yes they had some good ICE.

    Yes they had expected it to keep someone out.

    Not good enough.

    I breached through the ICE, and as I did, a monster slipped out of my avatar.

    A Daemon.

    I smiled at it, as its legs skittered into the server. It looked like a cross between a spider and a facehugger.

    I loved it instantly.

    I watched it slip into the server and its actions spread out to anything connected to the system.

    I slipped in after. Traveling through the wire into a low fidelity server.

    There wasnt much inside. The server was just aputer system setup to run everything, but I could poke around.

    I easily snuck right past the Guard Daemon. It was shaped like a robotic dog searching endlessly for intruders.

    But it had my giant spider wrapped around its face, a singlerge eye the only thing that could see, and as it looked at me, it just seemed to ignore my presence.

    I had already been sure it couldnt see me. The Daemon was perfect for bypassing low level security Daemons. Instantly I essed the cameras connected to the system.

    I had seen a lot of scav dens.

    I had grown rather used to the sights of them.

    This wasnt a scav den.

    It was a drug den.

    I scowled. What the fuck? There were drugs being cooked up, and drugs being used. One side of the apartments was set up to manufacture something.

    The other side was a drug den. Couches and beds littered the area. Plenty of people passed out among the mess and detritus.

    Okay something was up.

    I was on the tail end of a kidnapping

    Oh no. It was just a missing person. I scowled, searching the cameras for any sign of Markus. If he was here, then he really wasnt missing.

    And there he was.

    Fuck. I shook my digital head pulling free of the camera systems.

    This wasnt my target. Aplete bust.

    I headed out of the hidden server. I considered sending a tip to the NCPD, but

    It could be useful knowledge. I would keep it for now. Just marking down the info. It wasnt like I couldnt ess their little server again in the future. My second Daemon would take care of that. Wall Breaking left a Daemon behind giving me ess after all.

    That one looked like a giant eye that went and hid itself in the corner of the server room it would remain quiet and hidden until I needed to ess the server again.@@novelbin@@

    --

    So I went down the list.

    Taking a small break to hit the bathroom in between.

    Most of the missing reports went somewhat simr. People running away just to escape. Some ended up caught by rival gangs and tlined. Some were even picked up by the NCPD despite the report of them potentially dead.

    I realized that any time someone reported missing NCPD just filled out a missing persons report, listed them as deceased with a SCAVbel for some reason.

    Fuckers.

    In the end it didnt matter. I was going to search through the missing reports until I found my target. I had all day.

    And in the end, following the same steps, just tracking people down through old camera recordings. I found them.

    It was a report on Hannah Curtis. The forty year old Corpo woman. Who worked for a Biotechnica subsidiary. She went missing two days ago, she did have more protection than a normal worker, and likely would have been searched for, but her biomonitor confirmed a tline.

    So they gave up.

    I didnt.

    She was harder to track. I ended up having to follow her car through the city, hacking cameras as I went, even losing track of her once, and only finding her by chance down a side street.

    I couldnt see exactly what went down, but I could guess.

    Her car goes in the alley, and minutes pass. Then a truck drives into the alley. Her car drives out of the alley with a new driver and no Hannah.

    A scan of the man''s face told me what had happened.

    Turns out Hannah had a drug addiction. She stopped in the alleyway to meet her dealer, and he stole her car. Probably knocked her out or killed her.

    You would think that was the end, but the dealer, a Mr. Samuel Alexander Harrington. Had connections.

    The truck leaving had a man driving that was wearing an imager discer. Couldnt get his face, but the image of the face with crossed out eyes was more than enough to confirm it was a scav.

    So I followed along, with notes to follow up with Mr. Samuel sometime. That had been a nice car, and it would be a shame to let him keep it.

    But I followed the truck.

    In the end tracking them through the city was starting to be routine. Security existed, sure, but it wasnt like I was in a rush. Any time I hit a ce with security too heavy, I could skip it, try to find an easier camera to hack into, or if I absolutely needed that Camera to know where they went, I could just slowly breach in, take my time.

    I wasnt trying to rescue someone after all. I was hunting.

    Considering how often I was breaching into systems I was earning a nice nestegg of Breaching XP as a bonus.

    Then I just followed them home.

    Sure the cameras in the area they finally stopped were mostly broken down, or nonexistent. But when I narrowed the scavs down to a specific block area. It wasnt hard to then start checking each building one at a time.

    The people that were running non-scav business were given a mental apology for the intrusion and ignored.

    Although I would have to keep an eye on that porn studio, there hadnt been anyone acting at the time I breached, but it looked sketchy, and if they were kidnapping people too? Well I would just clean them up as well.

    But I found them.

    What had once been a small office building, and that ording to the records should be shut down, but had active inte and electricity flowing to it.

    As I slipped into their their cameras told me the full story.

    Scav den.

    I noted the address, and even started poking around their systems.

    I cant believe how easy this is from the. I couldnt help but admit to myself as I looked around the scavs,work lobby.

    Sure their security was pretty good. Great even. They likely had arunner set it all up to start with.

    But it wasnt being monitored, and an automated system was easily bypassed in the end.

    My Cyber Ninja perk meant when I breached into the system, their security Daemons had a hard time finding me. Plus it was also infecting the people attached to thework.

    I was gonna have a lot of fun when I hit this ce. Theirwork would already be mine long before I set foot in real life.

    I stilled at that thought.

    Netrunning wasnt easy.

    It wasnt a game. I could die here. I was getting overconfident, and that is the sort of thing that kills. I wouldnt just be able to pop a maxdoc if someone fried my brain.

    I shook off the confidence, and mentally switched back to assuming I was being tracked. I doubled down on making sure everything was in ce, that my additions to thework. The backdoors and daemons wouldnt be noted.

    Then I backed out after gathering all the camera data I could.

    --

    I had sent a text to my chooms after I got back to my body.

    *Section 9 meeting tonight. Target located. Meet at Lizzies 6PM.*

    Feeling cool for sending out a totally tactical message I went home.

    The sun wasing up, which was funny because when I arrived at the apartment the sun had beening up.

    I had been in the for nearly a whole day.

    I didnt feel too bad, but as I reached the street I jogged down to the parking lot instead of just calling the car here.

    Even if my stats didnt deteriorate, I still needed a bit of exercise, to stretch my legs.

    I was already a basement dweller at this point

    I shook that annoying thought away and went home.

    I wanted a shower.

 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86

    I was still hammering through the issue in my head when I got back home. I would call the team together soon to chat about what to do, but we had been running around for a few days now. Best to give everyone some time to dpress.

    Unluckily for me. Jun wasnt home which was disappointing. I really wanted to talk to him about what to do.

    So instead I flopped onto the couch and pulled up all the data. All the recordings and pictures.

    Oh! Hiromi had actually sent me a dossier on the owner of the yacht

    Well it wasnt quite that professional, but it had the information I had asked for.

    Bartolomeo Mordellini. I muttered as I read through the information. Apparently he was a purveyor of certain kinds of entertainment for the rich and famous. Parties. Drugs. BD. He did them all, and was apparently rich and popr enough his parties could even have high entry costs. The sort of thing that the rich and famous could get involved in to make themselves seem even richer and more important than the people that couldnt get in.

    His yacht the GEIshhhA was amon party spot.

    Im sure the parties were all very respectful and drugs and other entertainment wasnt allowed.

    Sure.

    But there was a benefit here. As popr as he was. He wasnt a member of a corp. If he disappeared some people might be annoyed at theck of parties, but I doubted I would have corpo hit squads after me and my chooms.

    Why Scavs? I didnt get the connection though. He obviously wasnt one himself. But why would a guy who hosted parties help out Scavs?

    Money?

    I doubted it. If he was hosting parties with the rich and famous he was already quite wealthy. So what was going on?

    I shook it off. Whatever deal he had didnt matter. Fuck the Scavs, and fuck this asshole who worked with them.

    So how do Ie away with this gig without getting burned.@@novelbin@@

    To start with. I would need to move the yacht. I would have to make sure it even had fuel, if it didnt it certainly wouldnt be able to move. That would be tricky.

    I would need to do this hopefully without having the marina realize until it was toote.

    Then I would need to sail the boat down the coast to somewhere I could loot the thing, hopefully NCPD didnt have a coast guard element or if they did, they would just ignore what I was doing. I gave it a 50/50 either way.

    Then I would need to have enough people to unload the ship. To pack it away into trucks and get it the hell out of there to hide it somewhere else. All without having Raffen or other scavengerse to take it from me.

    The Nomads not helping made it more difficult.

    I sighed.

    Did I want to try bringing in the SLS into this?

    I winced at the very idea.

    Sure they obviously knew how to loot, but bringing a bunch of kids that I barely knew? With crates of chrome each worth tons of eddies?

    I would be surprised if even half the crates showed up at the end.

    Could I trust them? I dont know. I was leaning towards no though. Maybe I can hire them out to help Hiromi while she is selling or something, but for something this big

    So who else could I trust?

    The Mox?

    I had to shake my head there too. While I was close to Rita, and I liked Judy and Nox. That wasnt the Mox.

    The Mox were more than just three people, especially three people that werent all that high up in the gang.

    Suzie Q. I had met her before, but I was well aware that Suzie was very much a Mox first kind of woman.

    Could I trust that I would have any of the crates left over at the end?

    Ugh.

    The one negative about not being part of a gang I guess. Sure I didnt have to deal with mob boss assholes willing to throw me away at the drop of a hat for a few eddies. But I also didnt have enough people I trusted to get some gigs done.

    I was even starting to consider going to Wakako. She would know people, but I was sure if I did that my payday would start dwindling real fast.

    I shook it away. I would talk to Jun. He was great at giving me advice, and being a sounding board.

    I ended up getting stuck in my head despite my goal to wait for Jun, so when he finally got home a few hourster, I hadnt done anything but consider what I was going to do.

    Jun! I need life counseling! I demand from the couch sitting and pinning him with a firm look.

    What?

    I need advice. Come sit when you are ready. I told him firmly with a nod of my head, and Jun must have realized something because he snorted and nodded, first heading to the kitchen and thening back to settle onto the couch with a drink in hand.

    Whats up Motoko?

    So here is the deal.

    --

    You should totally steal it all. tline the gonk too. Jun offered with a sage nod.

    Which did nothing to actually help me.

    Your life counseling sucks. I informed him which didnt seem to bother him as he shrugged.

    Motoko. Youve been thinking about all these groups that could help you out, but you forgot one of them in your list. He says and I have to turn my head away.

    I hadnt forgotten one of them.

    It just wasnt even an option.

    Fujimura-Sama would definitely mobilize the Kamikaze for a payday this big.

    Im not working with the TC on this Jun.

    You are worried about the heat a gig like this will bring right? If the TC helps, suddenly the heat moves away from you and your chooms, and is put squarely on the TC. It solves all of your problems. He argued.

    Except I would have to work with the Tyger ws! Putting myself even closer to

    Bing one of us? He said with a smirk.

    Im not. I argued instantly, but I was definitely not whining! Jun reached over and pulled me into a hug.

    I know. Youre a bit too wild. It drives Fujimura-Sama mad.

    Good! Hes a jerk anyways! I grumbled but Jun just stayed there and I sighed. I dont want to just be some gang banger Jun. I shouldnt need to rely on something like that.

    Well you have choices Motoko, but it sounds like all the choices have good things, and bad. He informed me and then like the big brother he was he picked me up as he stood up and tossed me back on the couch suddenly as I yelped at the sudden motion.

    Figure it out. Ill help if you want help. He said and then just walked into his room.

    Oh man I am so cannonballing his ass sometime soon for this.

    --

    I dont get the problem Motoko. Lets just grab Richard and some of the kids. Rent a couple trucks and steal the boat. You said you could. Hiromi said as my chooms and I had met up that night.

    I said I probably could. I mumbled, but it wasnt very strong.

    I dont know why, but I was just nervous about this gig. It was one thing to take out some Scavs, or something. Street level crime happens every day.

    Stealing a yacht that probably cost more than a million eddies? Stealing an entire shipment of Scav chrome?

    All with the chance of it blowing up in my face?

    My chooms were happy with taking part, and maybe getting a rep from the gig.

    But I wasnt.

    I like being unknown Hiromi. Doing it all ourselves means all the heat goes straight to us.

    Im not understanding the problem with this Motoko. Hiromi said, continuing to argue with me across the table. We were back at my basement, which had somehow be our defacto hangout point I guess. You need a better rep. Right now no one knows you. Like When we went to get the car back. If you had a rep, they wouldnt have dared mess with us. Hiromi argued.

    I dont think a rep would have changed that-

    It would have. It totally would have. God Motoko You are like a super ninja killer but everyone just treats you like an unknown because you dont Show off! You are so standard its infuriating. Sometimes. Hiromi said with a groan of frustration.

    Did Did you just call me standard? What does that even mean!? I demanded and Hiromi rolled her eyes.

    I didnt mean anything bad! You just dont try to build a rep or anything. You dont ever hype yourself up. You do the BD thing, but no one even knows its you! You could be like a famous solo right now!

    Fame just means more people know about me, and can n around my skills. Its a terrible idea. I argued but Hiromi rolled her eyes at me, turning to the boys.

    Help me out here. She demanded and the boys perhaps wisely both didnt jump in. Malcolm even raised his hands up nonverbally saying dont bring him into this.

    Dont try to team up on me. Thats mean! I said and Hiromi growled a bit.

    Motoko I think youre amazing, but you are so gonk about this. Rep is important, it tells the gonks on the street not to mess with you. If you werent hiding yourself so much, you could walk into any TC ce and they wouldnt dare mess with you!

    And it would make every gonk on the street that thinks they can make a rep,e for my hide.

    Hardly! You dont see people gunning for Jun do you? Thats because everyone knows Jun will tline them! You just need to build up a rep too.

    Hiromi. I literally got kidnapped, because people were gunning for Jun. I reminded her waving my silver hands at her.

    She winced, looking a little lost as she didnt have a good rebuttal.

    But

    It wasnt about winning or losing the discussion.

    Maybe you are somewhat right. Im feeling nervous about this gig. If the nomads had agreed to help I think I would have been fine, but now we have to rely on hiring another group. Either the SLS, or going through Jun to get TC gonks. It just makes me ufortable.

    Hiromi didnt jump into the conversation like she normally would have. I guess my words had cut a little deeper than I expected. Instead she seemed to be thinking, so I simply let the quiet settle in.

    Sorry for pushing. I guess I get why you dont want to have anyone notice you. Hiromi offered and I frowned.

    Its not like that At least I dont think it is Is it? I had to ask myself.

    Is my hesitation fear of what happened before? Of being the one being attacked, and not doing the attacking?

    I was definitely weaker on the defense than offense.

    But everyone was really.

    Was that why I was so hesitant to let myself be known, to build a rep outside of the few people I trusted or worked with?

    Was I just afraid?

    This time Hiromi was being considerate as I stared at my hands.

    Was I afraid of people knowing? I mean sure Ninjutsu worked best without anyone knowing I existed, but I wasnt just a ninja.

    I wasnt just arunner.

    I was Motoko, and I had a life to live. I leaned back in the chair staring at the ceiling.

    The picture of the ships hold pulled up before my eyes. That was a lot of chrome, a lot of eddies.

    I wasnt hurting for eddies, but was I the kind of person that would let an opportunity flow past me just because it was a risk?

    I hadnt thought I was before. The Nomad gig had told me I wasnt the type to let something go just because it was dangerous.

    But had I done anything that really put myself at risk since the kidnapping? Well once I got over my absolute hatred of Maelstrom?

    I had been careful on gigs. It didnt always work out like getting short circuited and shot by V3L and Morgan.

    But I had been super hesitant to even do that gig at the time too.

    No.

    No, I wasn''t going to live my life afraid. I would just have to get better. Be better.

    Improve myself. Improve my chrome.

    Improve my rep.

    I had to admit. Maybe just a little I was turning into a real Night City Citizen.

    Because the idea of just letting this go wasnt in me.

    Fuck it. This is what we are doing.

    --

    The BD started with a blink of my eyes.

    I had purposefully set myself in a good position. I was crouching over the ss railing on the office building looking over the Marina.

    The preparation for this moment took a few days. Checking to make sure I knew how to get the yacht moving. Making sure it could move. Getting all the little pieces in ce.

    Tonight I was going to leave a real mark on Night City.

    I intended it to be a good one.

    Looming like a gargoyle as I looked over the marina I made sure to focus my eyes on the men wandering around.

    Security, high rollers, everyone. Mentally marking them and making sure they wouldnt be in the way. Dawn was an hour or so out. So it was still dark and it was at the moment where there was the least amount of people left hanging around.

    The yacht had even had a party tonight. I would likely have to deal with at least a few passed out people before I got the yacht moving.

    But that had all been prepared for.

    So I moved. Leaping off the edge of the railing, enjoying the feeling of being in the air, even flipping forward once just to add a bit of ir, as Inded in a crouch on top of the open structure atop one of the bars. The wood under my fingers firm.

    There was no one below me.

    I had already checked, but I acted like I hadnt. I moved. Running atop the wooden ts and then leaping.

    There were cameras all around. But as I flipped again in the air I sent amand, and all of them shut down.

    Inded and moved. Sliding along the bar and security room, rushing right for the open window I had leapt through before. This time I didnt wait for the guard inside to get away.

    I leapt through the window going full speed. mming into the guard and instantly wrapping myself around him, legs and chrome arms strangling him down and shushing his struggles as he did his best to resist before I secured his carotid artery and he went limp.

    Go time.

    I punched a shard into the securityputer. Where it ran the program I had dropped inside. It was probably the single hardest part I had contributed while we prepped over thest few days. A virus.

    It was the first act to building a rep. To making myself into something more than just a merc, or an edgerunner.

    But a phenomena.

    Sure it wouldnt mean much now. Might even just be ignored in the grand scheme of things. But if I was going to be more tant, I was going to do something cool with it.

    I jumped right back out the window and raced down the docks. The path was clear. No guards were around so I had free ess to the ship. With a casual move I cut the chords holding the ship secured and leapt on. I raced over the top of the boat, avoiding the inner party area.

    If there was anyone still inside, they were going to have an adventure.

    I hit the back of the boat and the bridge door opened. My previous escapades having already given me full ess.

    Thankfully it was empty and so I rushed to the control console.

    Now unfortunately driving did not actually tell me how to work a yacht.

    No that had taken a trade with Yoko to get a user manual for this fucking thing. Thankfully the yacht were made for rich people that didnt know how to actually sail. I pulled it out and followed the steps to get the engine to boot up and slowly a faint rumble started through the boat.

    It was really quiet. Made sense, a pleasure yacht wouldnt want to have a loud engine.

    I pulled back on the throttle, and slowly I watched as it began backing out of the dock.

    Of course no matter how quiet, the marina was a high end million eddie sort of ce. Some alert went through no matter how silent and I already noticed guards all along the Marina start rushing around.

    That was when my eyes shed as I reached out to the security system.

    My vision shifted looking out through the camera systems at the Marina.

    [Reboot Optics]

    I hit them all. Guards, clients, workers.

    Suddenly, like a gue, everyone''s vision cut out. The fact I was already infiltrated into the guards security system meant even if a particr guard had some ICE it wouldnt matter.

    The hack spread among them causing chaos as guests and guards all started screaming as they lost their sight.

    I had actually modified the Quick Hack while preparing for this. Reboot Optics when it started back up meant their vision would still be nk. Too dark to see anything, but they would be able to see their agent screen if they had one installed, or their eyes settings ovey.

    It hade to me while nning this, a way to make the hack even more effective. A way to gain myself more time.

    So when all of their optics rebooted, a virus had infested their system. Covering their vision as it took over the ovey of their optics.

    They wouldnt be able to get ess to their settings to reset their brightness unless they were truly tech savvy because they would have to do it without actually being able to see their system behind the symbol I had imnted.

    Instead their eyes were locked onto a certain symbol.

    The only thing they could see.

    I thought what Id do was Id pretend I was one of those deaf-mutes Or should I? I muttered to myself. The blue symbol of theughing man from Ghost in the Shell, the symbol of the Laughing man. A super wizard ss hacker, able topletely bypass someones vision.

    I wasnt quite at that point yet, but it was a reminder to myself about what I wanted to be.

    Then I continued, spinning a wheel to spin the yacht around. It was a slow lumbering thing.

    But I had some time

    Probably.

    I did have an air canister and mask sealed into the small of my back just in case everything went wrong and I needed to leap overboard if the NCPD attacked.

    But I was sure this would work out.

    Mostly.

    Maneuvering the yacht out of the marina I got it going forward out towards the sea, and slowly slowly out to sea.

    I would need to head south, the the Biotechnica ts, south of the city would be the meetup point.

    Ichi and Malcolm had done a good job finding a ce we could unload the ship from.

    Once I had the ship moving and a straight line would do for a few moments, I stepped away and headed out of the bridge. Time to see if I had captured some hostag-important people.

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87

    I sauntered down the steps into the yacht, and into the room that was more like a club than what I expected on a boat.

    And I actually had three sleepers

    Oh no there was a fourth person passed out, half way under a table.

    Four.

    One of them I recognized.

    Too bad for Bartolomeo. The owner of the yacht was someone I had been nning on having a certain kind of meeting with already. The other three I didnt recognize, although the fact the other two were women told me what had been happening. Bart had one woman curled up against him. Both were naked enough I knew what had been happening. The two men were equally undressed but the big guy had rolled off the couch at some point and was basically napping under the shadow of a table.

    I nearly whistled as I walked along the room, taking note of everything.

    Like the fact Mr. Table had a Burya near him.

    Interesting.

    I picked it up and checked it. Loaded.

    That was an easy fix, and then I put it back to where it was.

    There weren''t a lot of people that walked around with a Burya. They were clunky, heavy, difficult to conceal, overpowered weapons for most people.

    It only made me more suspicious about Mr. Table''s identity.

    Was he the Scav contact that Bart had?

    Was this guy important with the Scavs? Well I might just find out.

    First I hacked into all four of the sleeping gonks. It only took a few moments to breach their systems and put in a jammer.

    Any attempts to reach out for help would fail couldnt have that after all.

    Then I grabbed an unopened bottle of champagne, swished it around, shook it up to make sure it was nice and frothy, and then popped the cork.

    The spray of champagne over Barts face was more than enough to leave him sputtering awake with a curse.

    The fuck! Bastard who did that? Is that you Sandra? You bitch! He cursed, clearing his eyes of the frothing alcohol.

    Not exactly. I told him using my Sexy Motoko Voice. After all, this guy wasnt dealing with a teenager looking at a big score.

    No, this time I was a dangerous edgerunner having already taken a millionaire hostage.

    He jerked away as he caught sight of me.

    I was wearing the section 9 gear with a few additions. The upper part of my face was covered by a set of tech gogs I had picked up.

    I mean the Major had a set. So I needed one too.

    Especially since this was my first big gig.

    The fuck- Bart was cut off as I pulled my Lexington out from behind me.

    He might be a millionaire but he was also a NC resident. He knew instantly what trouble he was in.

    Hey easy! Listen, I''m sure we can work this out. Whatever bounty is on my head, Ill pay it out! Honest I mean this is my yacht, I have the eddies! His gibbering had obviously started waking the others, thankfully with the techgogs on no one could see my eyes as I tracked Mr. Table as he sat up from underneath the thing taking in the sight of me pointing a gun at Bart.

    Im not here because you have a bounty, Bartolomeo Mordellini. I informed him calmly. Im here because of the multiple crates of Scav gathered chrome that is currently below our feet. I idly tapped my toes a few times to let the sound echo around.

    Then I went silent to let my statement fill the air and I could see the fear on his face.

    Bitch. A russian ented voice said from behind me, but I ignored the big russian man that was now pointing a Burya at me.

    The fact he was mostly naked was also a reason I was doing my best not to look. Nice Mr. Studd there champ.

    Let me guess you are the Scav contact Bart here is working with?

    Hah! As if you will ever find out little whore, I will enjoy seeing your corpse ripped into-

    That was as far as he got as I drew on him. My Burya casually pulled out of my shoulder holster and aimed. I purposefully drew slow.

    Giving the fucker plenty of time to pull the trigger himself.

    The audible *Click* of his Burya failing to fire was very satisfying, but not as satisfying as seeing his head suddenly vanish.

    I let the roar of my Burya echo around the room. The girls both screamed in shock at the sudden noise, both now fully awake and suddenly realizing the danger they were in.

    H-hey! Bart called out hands up as I hadnt taken my Lexington away from his face, nor had I truly looked away from him.

    I loved my Kiroshi.

    Bartolomeo. Perhaps now you are more willing to listen?

    Yeah! Yeah sure whatever you want! Yeah the hold has the chrome! I swear they threatened me! Kajetan had a gun up to my head! Honest! He nearly kidnapped me once and

    I really dont care. I told him simply because I didnt.

    I didnt believe for a second he was just being threatened. You dont usually have an orgy with a guy that was threatening your life.

    Or maybe you did? Hell if I know how Night City scumbags ran things. Fucking weirdos.

    No, I had no doubt that Bart thought he was cool and dangerous for having gangster connections.

    What what are you going to do to us? The woman sitting besides Bart asked, she had been slowly trying to gather her clothes to cover herself after realizing the situation she was in.

    You and that one arent any of my interest. You are free to go once we get where we are going. I told the woman.

    Wait. What? Going? Bart asked, looking around in confusion, before seemingly remembering he was on a yacht.

    That his yacht could actually move.

    Take a look for yourself. Feel free to jump into the water if you want to escape early, but I wouldnt rmend it. I told them as I pointed at the front of the boat. I want all of you out there on the front of the boat. Get dressed and get moving. I ordered and the girls were quick to listen, reaching around to grab clothes and start dressing themselves.

    Bart that means you. I demanded my Lexington still aimed at him and he hurried to find a pair of pants amidst the party mess.

    I simply turned away. Taking only a moment to grab the empty Burya. Didnt want to risk someone finding some ammo for it, and headed back out and into the bridge.

    We hadnt gone too far. This thing wasnt exactly a speed boat. So I only made a slight adjustment to the course. Of course as I was doing that I was seeing ack of three gonks standing out on the front of the boat so I could keep track of them.

    I walked back down, noticing the three had mostly huddled together. The girls now dressed, if not decent. While Bart looked like he was searching for something, tearing through the cabs and couches.

    Ah he probably had a gun somewhere.

    I fired a round into the fancy molding above his head earning screams from all three.

    Heh. Bart screamed like a girl.

    I said get to the front of the boat. Perhaps I wasnt clear.

    The three hurried out barely dressed and terrified. With that done I went back up to the bridge to navigate to the drop off.

    --

    With the three gonks at the front of the boat, I was able to sail it down the coast while keeping an eye on them. The one time they thought to try and sneak back inside, I hade down with a warning shot that hade much closer to hitting than they had liked.

    So they stayed where I wanted them.

    I was actually surprised at theck of response. No NCPD patrol boats tracking us. Or AVs flying in tounch a MaxTac team.

    It was just a quiet trip through the waters until we left the sights of the city behind and towards our destination.

    Then slowly I spotted my stop. A few trucks sitting out near the water with a dozen or so workers ready to haul the loot out of the hold. The only ce along the coast that was low enough to get on, but wasnt a beach. It was old concrete, a boat dock at one point years and years ago, but had been abandoned for decades.

    Ichi and Malcolm had found it, and so we had our meetup point,.

    As I approached nice and slow, cables were thrown over and only once I had the engine off did I head out to grab the cables and lock the boat in ce.

    Everyone was wearing masks hiding their faces and quickly got to work, setting up a ramp and dragging hand trucks up to start unloading the crates.

    Richard gave me a nod as he passed by.

    In the end Hiromi had pushed for using the SLS for this gig. I still hated the idea, but we needed the muscle to get this shit out of here at any real speed.

    Besides as much as they all listened to me. I wasnt their boss. We all worked together. Even if I did a bit more a lot of the time.

    Ichi, Malcolm, Hiromi and I would be keeping an eye on the trucks to make sure nothing disappeared as we transported everything back to a storage yard that Ichi and I had put together for us.

    The three gonks were pulled off the boat by a few of the SLS and pushed out of the way.

    There was no need to worry about holding onto them.

    We were in the middle of the desert miles from Night City. They must have realized it too, as the girls mostly stayed huddled together, while Bart continued to re and curse under his breath.

    Especially when crates of chrome started being pulled off the yacht.

    Each one made the man angrier.

    But he wasnt aplete fool. He kept himself quiet just ring.

    Just as the first few crates started getting pulled out of the yacht my Quadra pulled up.

    Hiromi had dropped me off at the Marina, and had driven my Quadra out to meet me. I walked over and noticed the eager look on her face as she stepped out of the car, but she didnt move away from it, just leaning against the car as she looked on as more and more chrome was put into our hands.

    Its amazing. She whispered and I nodded along as Hiromi looked on at all the hard work she had done.

    After all, I might be the one handling all thebat and stuff, but logistics were Hiromis speciality.

    Hiromi and I watched on, after she gave me back the key to my Quadra and we watched on as the trucks were loaded up, each crate representing a ton of eddies for our pockets.

    Then when the hold was emptied it was show time.

    The BD needed a finale after all.

    I walked back onto the boat making sure it was empty. I noticed the lounge area in the lower decks was suddenly far less full of money and drugs.

    I rolled my eyes at the SLS but if they wanted to grab a bonus as long as they stayed away from the chrome I wouldntin.

    The yacht was let free despite Bart yelling asking what was going on.

    It took a minute to angle the yacht out to sea. Then I hit the engine and ran.

    I leapt off the boatnding in the shallow water as the yacht started its journey out into the pacific.@@novelbin@@

    That! Thats my yacht! Bart yelled looking at me in anger.

    But I ignored him, unfortunately for him, the gig wasnt over yet.

    I walked over to my Quadra under the watchful eyes of my crew, the SLS and the three prisoners.

    There I pulled out of my trunk a special surprise.

    The case was heaved out and then opened, and the moment the kids saw what I was pulling free they all screamed in surprise.

    Then cheered.

    Watch the back st. I told Hiromi as I hefted my Uragan onto my shoulder.

    I knew having a Rocket Launcher woulde in handy someday.

    Wait Wait wait wait! Bart screamed but he was held back by the guns Malcolm and Ichi were covering him with.

    Then I fired.

    The Rocketunched, giving me a bit of a kick as it soared high into the sky before angling back down.

    The Nomad missiles were pretty good. Normal Uragan missiles were just dumbfire, but having some guidance on them was a nice trick.

    The missile came down on top of the yacht.

    The explosion was shattering.

    For all Barts stupid Yacht looked like a sleek stealth ship, it was just a pleasure cruiser.

    It ripped apart, then exploded again when its Chooh2 went up. I might have made sure the fuel tanks were topped off before all of this happened.

    Just for the extra fireworks.

    The entire ship turned into nothing but shrapnel as the kids around us all cheered at the explosion.

    You bitch. You blew up my Yacht! Bart called out sounding almost defeated as he fell into the sand around the concrete. He was angry.

    He was wrathful.

    He was going to be a problem.

    Which is why this had already been all nned.

    I walked over and before he could even realize what I was about to do. I put a bullet in his head.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    The two girls started shrieking as they realized I had just executed their choom.

    Working with Scavs meant you were a dead man. Did you think I was going to let you walk free? I asked his corpse before turning to the girls. They both flinched looking horrified.

    Not gonna hurt either of you two. You have two options. Walk now, or hitch a ride back to the City. If you cause any problems though Ill kill you. I informed the two women with simple words and then adjusted the Uragan on my shoulder and looked back to my crew.

    Pack it up! We are moving! I called out and everyone cheered.

    Gigplete. BD ended.

    --

    We did just as I said. Driving into the city, we dropped off the two women at the first metro stop we came to. They both hurried away, and that was thest I saw of them.

    We drove on. Towards the storage yard Ichi had sorted out for us. Well mostly his work. I had unfortunately realized that if we were going to store this much loot we couldnt just do it on our own terms. It would be picked clean far too easily. There was too much. It was too tempting.

    We couldnt trust the SLS to watch it without it going missing, so while they were transport they wouldnt be the ones watching our loot.

    No, I had unfortunately been forced to make a deal with the devil.

    We pulled into a storage yard, waved in by the Tyger ws gangsters sitting around the entrance as each truck moved in under their eyes.

    Inside I pulled to the side as the trucks moved in to start unloading into a storage lot Ichi was managing. I had put Ichi and I into a room with a man I didnt want to deal with to help set this up. A man that was even now waiting for me.

    I unfortunately had a conversation in front of me.

    Fujimura. I greeted as I stepped out of the Quadra. The man was leaning against his own car obviously waiting to see what would happen.

    Kusanagi. I see you were sessful. He mentioned looking actually pleased as the trucks opened up and the many many crates of chrome was revealed.

    Yeah. Worked out just like I said. No issues other than the owner of the yacht was onboard when I klepped it. I noticed his look and rolled my eyes. Hes tlined, as is the Scav fucker he was partying with. Pretty sure it was his contact.

    I see. Then it was a sessful gig. If one of my subordinates pulled off a sess like this, I would have no choice but to promote them. He mentioned, obviously digging, but I shrugged.

    Too bad Im not your subordinate. Our deal wont have any surpriseplications will it? I asked not quite looking at the man as we both watched Ichi guide the kids into unloading.

    I was really d that none of the trucks had gone missing enroute.

    Then again. Other than me driving my Quadra Malcolm, Ichi, and even Hiromi had been driving the trucks. I had been tempted to ask Nox for help as well, but there was honestly a reason I had revealed my Uragan to the kids before we left.

    I made it very in that if any of them tried to run off with a truck I would deal with them.

    It will not. These men are mine, and they will treat your belongings as my own. None will go missing. As long as your part of the deal is upheld.

    Course. Everyone wants chrome. Me, my chooms, even you. It told him. That was the price of using TC protection.

    Fujimura, or more specifically the Kamikaze would have the right to get some of the chrome we gathered, basically their ripper woulde in pick out things they wanted, and they would all be free up to a certain point, basically Hiromi gave them a stipend they could grab some things with, the rest they could buy if they wanted to be clients. It would keep us from having to pay the TC directly as well.

    Honestly the deal was pretty heavily on my side. Fujimura had seemed very pleased to try and tie me ever closer to the TC.

    As always Fujimura was tying the noose around my neck all the tighter.

    Their ripper would be here soon, I would have to reach out to Vik as well. See if he wanted toe down for some cheap chrome.

    No, I remembered Hiromi was already on that. I already noticed the way she was still hanging around inside the truck definitely on a call with someone.

    Good. The sooner we turned all of this chrome into eddies the safer we would all be.

    It was a lot harder to steal bank ounts, than crates of chrome.

    I would already be hanging around the lot just to make sure no one managed to get in.

    A heavy handnded on my shoulder and I didnt startle. I had of course already noticed his approach.

    Good job Imouto. Jun said, pulling me into a side hug as he looked at the crates with pride.

    Yeah Good job me. I muttered frowning. The job wasnt done. Not yet.

    Despite seeding. Despite the potential of making a ridiculous sum of eddies from this chrome.

    As long as this chrome was still chrome and in our hands, it would put a target on us all.

    I shook myself free from Jun without a word and headed to look around the storage lot. I would be keeping a close eye on the chrome in the lot over the next few days until it all sold. So I was going to get a feel for the grounds.

    As Hiromi oversaw the SLS unloading the chrome into the storage unit. As Ichi and Malcolm congratted each other on their new riches.

    As Fujimura looked on with that arrogant look on his face as if he was the one who nned all of this.

    I watched on, really wishing I had my Nekomata with me.

    Just in case.

    --

    It was four long dayster.

    I was doing some minor programming work on myptop while looking over the storage lot when I noticed Jun of all people pull into the storage space.

    The TC gangsters all greeted him eagerly.

    Heh Jun being famous was still funny to me.

    Of course I put myptop away to focus on what Jun was doing. Simply connecting back into the camera systems all over the storage lot that let me listen in.

    -dont know where she is? Shes been hanging around thest four days! Jun argued and the gangster he was talking to just shrugged.

    Havent seen her.

    Jun looked around in confusion. He must be wondering what was going on because every time he had texted me to try and get me toe home had been me saying I was keeping an eye on the loot.

    So I squinted my eyes and reached out with a finger just letting the finger touch the top of where his head was and then snapped a picture, which I sent him as a text.

    I watched on as a momentter he startled before looking around himself as he tried to figure out where I was.

    Then of course he just called me because Juns Hide and Seek game is pretty weak.

    *Motoko Where are you?*

    *I literally sent you a picture you gonk. Head across the street into the office building. The lobby is open and you can take the elevator up. Ive already added you into the security. Also stop trying to spot me, you are going to give my hide away.*

    Then I hung up on him. Wakako might be a bitch for doing it to me, but it was pretty funny to do it to other people.

    Then I just waited, keeping an eye on the lot through the scope of my Nekomata as I waited for Jun to get here.

    Finally the roof ess door opened and Jun stepped out and I waved at him my hand poking through the dark piece of carpet I had acquired from an empty floor in the office below me.

    No one was using it! They could have it back when I was done.

    Motoko, what are you doing? Jun asked as he stood up over me.

    Gonk, get down! Dont let anyone see you! I snap back even raising the carpet up a bit showing him the entrance so he could slip in.

    The hide had been growing over thest few days. Originally just part of the AC unit chosen because I was able to get ess to the plugs so I could charge myptop. It had grown with the addition of a few chairs found in the offices below, the carpet over top and some cushions stolen from a couch that was in the lobby so I had something soft to sit on.

    Thankfully it wasnt too hot this week, and I had some nice sea breezes to double up on that.

    Here take a cushion. I offered sliding it over and Jun gave me a really mean look. There was absolutely no reason to look disappointed! I was working! Also my pillow fort game was insane! Look at this thing! I was in thep of luxury!

    Motoko what are you doing up here? You havente home in days.

    I already told you! Im keeping an eye on the loot. Hiromi, Ichi and Malcolm came by like an hour ago for another load she found a buyer for. Im making sure it doesnt disappear before then. I argued instantly.

    Fujimura-Sama gave you his word that wouldnt happen. Juste home.

    I know Fujimura wouldnt steal from me Probably. But I dont trust those gonks. I said pointing out through the peek hole made with an office chair that my Nekomata was resting on and the carpet overhanging meaning it was only a tiny hole and it would be nearly impossible to see back through.

    Ugh. Motoko you pulled off an awesome gig. The TC are all chattering about what you did, hell lot of people are. The Yacht theft was all over the news. No one is going to steal from you.

    Trusting other people not to steal from me is pretty stupid, when I can just make sure they cant. I said, using both hands to gesture to the Nekomata which was very specifically pointing at the storage lot.

    The TC wont steal from you Motoko.

    Maybe. I agreed without actually agreeing.

    Whatever, fine Tell me about your gig. He demanded and had the audacity to steal another of my cushions to rest his back against as he leaned against the AC unit.

    I narrowed my eyes at the tant theft but decided to show once again that I was the better person.

    Completely ignoring how everything around me was stolen in one form or another because those were the intrusive thoughts you just didnt listen to.

    Youll be able to see it yourself soon once the BDes out, but it was pretty awesome. I blew up the yacht with my rocketuncher! It exploded! I couldnt help but gush a little and Jun stilled.

    Wait, when did you get a Rocket Launcher?

    The Uragan that was under my bed? Ive had it for a while now. I traded it to the Nomads. Remember when we hit that Raffen group before the Meat Man thing.

    What do you mean under your bed? He demanded with a growl. Realizing the danger I made to run.

    I wasnt able to escape.

 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90

    I walked into the DewDrop Inn server to see there was a section set aside where a bunch of Netrunners were gathered, including Yoko.

    She waved me over and smiled as I looked over the group. There were about ten of them, and other than Yoko, and the one Netrunner who Yoko had brought in when I did the server dive there wasnt anyone I was familiar with, but they were all obviously here for me.

    Ah so it was you! A voice called out and I had to blink.

    His face Wait, this guy? Why was he so familiar? I actually was pretty sure I recognized this one!

    Yes?

    On one hand, I want to shove all my worst daemons in your face for blinding me right in the middle of a very enjoyable night with a woman I had been trying to get on my yacht for years But on the other hand you killed that bastard Bart, and blew up his eyesore of a yacht So Ill let it go. He offered and I just blinked at this random guy who had a very familiar face.

    Otter Business, leave the girl alone, we are here to congratte her on her programming. Another Netrunner called out, shooting me a smile and waving for me to take a seat.

    Pfft. It took me two hours to figure out what she had done! Two! He growled, throwing his avatars arms up in the air. Fine, fine It was a good program. I was only able to recover a few fragments of the source program, though, wouldnt mind getting a taste of the original. He said and suddenly he was booed by everyone that was sitting around the table. A few even threw digital chaff at him.

    Stop trying to steal the march you wannabe. Dont you have a crappy TV show that no one watches to get to? Another voice called out and Otter seemed to take this personally.

    I have a primetime spot! You bitch!

    Now, now, lets not fight. Ghost. Come join us. Everyone, this is Ghosts first big meet and greet, so lets all be polite or else shell ghost us. Yoko offered tittering behind a fan causing everyone at the table to groan.

    Im ignoring that you old Fox. The Netrunner whose server I had dived called out and then turned to me. This is pretty unusual, normally a new hacker doesnt bring this much attention, but a new program? Thats hot stuff. We are all here for different reasons. Some to congratte you. Some to sniff out a potential buy. He informed me as everyone around the table then turned their eyes on me.

    Before you speak Ghost. I know what you are thinking, but everyone here is interested in your Laughing Man quick hack. So its also an opportunity to trade with others, gain information, or favors, or even equipment you might not have. But I suggest you at least hear them out. You never know what another runner might be sitting on that would interest you. Yoko exined, even as she giggled at my grumpy face as she called it the Laughing Man.

    Ugh. Dont you start Yoko. Its bad enough the news started calling me that My handle is Ghost. Not Laughing Man. But thats kinda cool. Im not really interested in trading it though. I exined earning a few boos from the group.

    Ironic name, they picked out since you arent a man. But its certainly an interesting icon, what made you think of it? Otter asked cutting in, and I noticed everyone else sort of ring at him.

    Ignore him. Medias always have to ask questions even when they just run an economics show.

    Its a primetime show! He called out and finally my mind connected.

    Ah! Thats where I recognize you from. Your Business is My Business, right? I asked, snapping my fingers as it struck me where I knew the guy. It wasnt a show Jun and I watched but I remember seeing it while scrolling through things a few times.

    Thats right! Since you are a fan, I guess Ill forgive the hack, whats a little hacking between friends after all! He said, chuckling.

    Oh shut up already you peacock. Hey, your hack was nasty. You mmed every person at the Marina with it, and it locked them down for hours! Even if it gets more popr there are plenty of norms that will never know how to fix it. They had to call the NCPDrunners in just to get everyone able to see again. It was preem. Cmon dont be a gonk. How much for a copy? A woman asked, the only identifying feature was the fact both of her eyes were covered by a set of techgogs.

    Simr to the ones I had even.

    But before I could speak and deny being willing to sell my work, another Netrunner spoke. This one had been sitting back not speaking, and basically trying to pretend to be too cool for this group.

    Dont let this shallows-runner tempt you. I checked out your previous work as well. Yoko confirmed that it was your code, so let me be blunt. Trade it to me, dont give it to anyone else, Ill pay you more than any of these wannabes can offer. The man had stood up from his chair as he spoke. He was bald with piercing eyes and I was a bit ufortable as he was locked onto me, his eyes never shifting.

    I narrowed my eyes as I noticed it, and pped his backtrace down with the most brutal assault I could. A Barrier shooting up ahead of me, to break his attempt to find my physical body.

    This bastard was actually trying to track me down!

    Try that again, and Ill kill you. I told him and while he seemed unconcerned, it was Yoko that stepped in.

    Ma>

    Ah its okay. I caught him pretty quick That was a sneaky trace though.

    Ugh now the mood is ruined! Yoko! y some music! We cant do a party with this sort of atmosphere. As long as thats cool with you Laughing Man. Another of therunners sitting around asked and I was grateful my face couldnt show how much I was flushing.

    I prefer Ghost honestly, if ites to my handle.

    Wait. Wait wait. Yoko was calling you that too Didnt Bugin to us about a Ghost?

    Yoko then spoke up, giggling a little. She did indeed! Was that you Ghost? Yoko saidughing, but the way she spoke. She was offering me a denial if I didnt want to reveal that it was me.

    Yoko was pretty cool like that.

    Yeah I met T-Bug in a Microtech warehouse. She was gathering data for a choom of hers. Someone I actually know funnily enough so I helped out.

    Oh man she wasining for days about that! She was so annoyed that some unknown runner had her locked down. Yoko giggled, earning someughs from the otherrunners as well.

    I guess T-Bug was well known.

    Alright, well then Ghost. What would get you to want to trade for your program? One of the other runners asked suddenly and everyone realized that the tension had eased up enough to get back to business.

    Im really not intending on trading it. I mean I traded my Ping to Yoko, but this one is

    A personal hack. Yoko nodded and I couldnt help but smile and agree. Still Ghost, like I said, it would be a good idea to hear offers. You may be surprised at what can be offered, or what might interest you. Yoko said with a toothy grin.

    How about connections for a better deck? I know someone who has an Arasaka Mk.3 that would be willing to sell if I rmended it. One of the Netrunners offers a woman whose hair pulsed with light from scalp to tips consistently.

    Oh please she could find that on her own without your help. Another cut in, Stop trying to rip the kid off. We dont want a programmer with that sort of skill to bail to the corps or something! Speaking of kid, never join a corp. I saw that Ping you dropped to Yoko, it was impressive work, real nova stuff, but they would eat you up. They would put you in ab and never let you leave. Im serious. Therunner told me with a firm finger pointed at me.

    God R1ot. Let it go. We get it you are anti-corp. They dont lock programmers into little dark rooms. Another cut in but a few of the others booed at him.

    Says the Militech runner!

    Corpo dog! Another called out, but it was more

    Teasing?

    Oh fuck off all of you. Im not a programmer, but I do security for a Militech site, we don''t lock our programmers away. We do protect them though. A good programmer is worth their weight in eddies.

    I dont know about that. Im a programmer, and I never had a corp offer me that much. Another grumbled, but that only caused the whole group to almost as one call out.

    I said good programmers!

    You have to be good!

    Hahaha! Yokosugh rolled over the group and I couldnt help but smile.

    What a weird group. Despite probably being enemies, here they were all Compatriots? I wouldnt say friends, but it still stood.

    Im kinda surprised that everyone is so friendly.

    Ah yeah that happens. R1ot offered his face smiling. Sure if I caught any of these wannabes sneaking into my server, I would ck ICE them in a heartbeat, but we are allrunners. We all started as kids plugging into their first modem and stealing something from a vending machine.

    Speak for yourself! My first hack was a car! It was the most beautiful Mizutani Shion I had ever seen. Drove her for miles Eventually I crashed, but for a short time I was the happiest person in Night City.

    Gonk.

    So! Since everyone keeps getting distracted, Ghost, lets talk price for that juicy new program you got.

    Wait. I mean I know its great and everything. I demurred, earning some chuckles. But why are you all so interested in my program? There must be better stuff already out on the market?

    Sure, but if its on market, its already halfway solved. We are amunity kid, once you get to a certain height, you already know everything out on the market, how to defend against it, as best you can anyways. R1ot offered with a shrug. But you have something new. Something that no one knows how to protect themselves from. So I want it so I can protect my system from it. Others want to use it. For at least a while, its a hotmodity.

    I guess that makes sense Sorry to say Im still not really interested, but I am a programmer, and since Ive obviously impressed all of you, there is something Im always on the lookout for that Id be happy to trade some debugging work if you want. I offered and from the instant interest I guess I was right on the money.

    No one liked debugging after all.

    I''m always looking for information on Scavs. If you get me something usable, Ill happily debug your code.

    I smirked as I got interested looks from all across the table.

    --

    So thats what happened. I exined to Jun as we were both at the apartment. I had gotten home and brought food that wasnt XXL burritos for Jun to eat.

    We were eating Ramen.

    We were rich now you know?

    So you had a bunch ofrunners wanting to buy your program youve been working on? Thats Really amazing Motoko. Good job. Jun offered with a smile and a pat on my head.

    I squirmed a bit. It wasnt like I enjoyed the praise you know!

    After a few moments I swiped at his hand so he wouldnt think I was easy. Well it took a lot of work to make the thing! And Im happy with it. Of course now I have a bunch of debug work I can do on the side And a bunch of Scav data Ill need to go through. I smirked at that. Then pouted a bit. Yoko offered her help in handling the work orders. In exchange for a bit of work she wants done too. Sneaky kitsune. I had been thankful at her offer even if I knew she had ulterior motives.

    Seriously,runners were very pushy. Having them have to go through Yoko would save me a lot of stress.

    Thats right, you mentioned Yoko uses a kitsune avatar? Thats so weird. He muttered and I justughed at Jun. Despite having arunner mother Jun was probably even worse atrunning stuff than past Motoko.

    Well Yoko is a very Unique woman. But the Scav data should point me to a few more dens, and I still have one that I need to clear up. So more loot to gather up!

    Just be careful. I dont want to have to pull you out of a Scav den again. Jun said, and I had to look at him with that. Jun never mentioned the Scav den.

    Like ever.

    Im strong now. You wont have to.

    He met my eyes and took a slurp of his ramen.

    Just be careful.

    Yeah Im a little worried. That with everything Im doing Im going to piss off someone, or just get someone''s attention, and itll cause problems. I admitted to him, revealing a big part of my worry.

    You have the TC to fall back on if something ever goes wrong Motoko. I want you to stay safe. Id be happiest if you stayed home and just worked on your programming or ying music all day. Safe things. But that isnt what would make you happiest. So Jun struggled then as if trying to find the words, but I was a little surprised.

    Jun had really grown a lot in thest couple months.@@novelbin@@

    So its fine. If you piss someone off and theye for you. We can kill them together. Just be as safe as you can. But dont stop. Youre an edgerunner. Stop worrying about falling, Ill catch you.

    Im not an edgerunner! Im just a merc!

    Jun just smirked at me and now that he was finished eating his Ramen, he grabbed the XXL Burrito he had been eating before I got home and bit into it.

    Disgusting.

    --

    I spent the rest of the evening hanging out with Jun as hezed around the apartment on the couch. I had shown off my new chrome as well. My jump skills had super impressed him as I was bouncing all over the ce in the apartment..

    Even if he hadughed at me and asked how many times I had hit my head on the ceiling.

    Jerk!

    Only the one time.

    Then I had a nice eight hour nap and headed out in the morning to visit Vik.

    While I was technically feeling great, other than the little wiggles of new chrome. He had still wanted another visit to check everything over.

    So as I waved hello to Misty who was busy with an actual client!

    I was so proud!

    I leapt around a bit in the alley heading down into Viks clinic and greeted him with a happy smile as I did a few cartwheels.

    Chrome is doing great Vik! I chirped out as I saw him.

    d to see you are adapting to it well, but Ill be the one that decides if its doing great. He said with a smile as he pointed at the chair. You were supposed to be here yesterday.

    Got pulled into arunning thing. Sorry Vik, I really couldnt get away.

    Well at least you show up. Even if its a dayte. He teased and then he settled in and started scanning. Your healing is still Impossible, If I hadnt put this chrome in myself, I would say this healing pattern is years old. Everything looks good, your nerves have definitely connected. The swelling is down around the Subdermal as well. Hows it feel?

    A little itchy sometimes, but Im getting used to it.

    Hmm. Normally itchiness this early is just healing, but that isnt your issue. Where are you getting the itch? I pointed out a few spots and he started scanning them.

    Just a few parts of the mesh bundling up wrong. Let me see what I can do. He muttered and I rxed back despite the fact Vik was poking needles and things into me to manually adjust the subdermal weave.

    But when he was done, I had to admit despite having a few new bandaids over a few spots. I wasnt as itchy.

    Thanks Vik!

    Its what Im here for kid Well when people actually show up for their check ups. He said then suddenly stabbed a cold finger right into my side making me squeal. No missing the next checkup!

    I wont! I promise! I pleaded, hands raised. Vik! Vik knew my weak spot! I wasnt normally that ticklish, but I still had spots! How did he know!?

    Well Im not seeing any issues. Everything looks good. How are you feeling up here? He asked, pointing at his own head. Any problems? Confusion? Shakes?

    I couldnt help but smile in return. Nothing that Ive noticed. I think my arms are still more of a mental strain than the new stuff But Im not noticing any problems. Ill talk to Jun, or you as soon as I do. Get the chrome right out if I have to.

    Vik nodded, reaching out and ruffling my hair. You''re a good kid Motoko, dont let your greed ruin your future. I saw Jackie the other day, he came in with a big bruise he earned while on a gig, fixed him right up though. He mentioned that Wakako had finally cut him loose?

    Ah no. I was guarding the loot I stole, Wakako called and told me there was a gig but I had to cancel, so I guess Jackie got it alone I didnt know he got hurt.

    Hah. Just a bruise kid, he got in a fist fight and won just fine. He was proud of the bruise more than anything. You two still working together?

    Yeah! Or I guess I hope so? Ive been a little busy thest while. I was nning a big raid, and I spent a bunch of time on the, and I wasnt there for thisst gig either Should I call him? Ask if he wants some work? I know of a Scav den I wanted to hit

    Oh? Another one already?

    Well I have one that led me to myst big gig, I didnt touch the peons right away while I was tracking where they took their chrome. There should still be a bunch there, and some gonks to tline.

    Well Im sure Jackie would be happy to back you up, just be careful kid. Scavs might be less dangerous than the big gangs, but they can be like cornered rats. Nasty to deal with if they feel threatened.

    I nodded at that. Ill keep that in mind Vik.

    Alright kid, why dont you get out of here. Im sure you have exciting things to do today rather than hang out with an old fossil.

    What, where is Wakako? I said with a faux gasp before coughing a bit as I realized what I just said. Dont Dont tell her I made that joke okay?

    Future ckmail. He assured me with a sinister smile.

 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91

    So thats the ce Jackie. I told the older man as we pulled up to the Scav den.

    Ichi and Malcolm werent far behind. Hiromi wasnt here this time, but thats because she was at school, and super bummed that I had decided to hit this Scav den without her.

    Instead I had asked Jackie if he wanted to join.

    Huh. You sure Hermanita? Doesnt look like a Scav hole.

    Yep. Ive still got all their cameras infested. Ive already looped the outside cameras so no worries on them spotting our approach! But yeah I can see them inside. Here, Ill cut you into the feed. I told him and he nodded as I hooked up our call to show the live feed inside the old office building.@@novelbin@@

    Jackie had actually chipped in a new set of optics, and they had a connection speed high enough for me to direct video him.

    Thank fuck.

    Not too many of them. Should be easy enough. Jackie offered and I nodded along.

    Yeah normally I go slow and take them all out quietly, but considering how small this group is. I shrugged. Loud and quick?

    Thats my normal style Hermanita. He said, throwing me a big smile.

    Great. Ill add a tracker into your sight for each of them. Let me get my iron, and lets take this ce out. I said as I stepped out of the Quadra waving to Ichi who was parking just behind me, I went to the trunk of the Quadra, popping it open.

    I really needed to do some work on this.

    My trunk was a mess. Guns, and ammo, quite a bit of the ammo now loose and rattling around reached my eyes, and I noticed the weapon I was actually going for was stuck behind the big case my Uragan was resting in. Still needed to put that away. Temptation to use it was a bit too much for normal gigs.

    I winced a bit. My Poor Nekomata was jammed behind the Uragan case as well. Okay tonight I was going to take a break from everything and organize my trunk space. This was embarrassing.

    But I didnt grab my Nekomata, or Uragan. Instead I grabbed another weapon that would suit this fight.

    I usually relied on my Burya, because of stealth, but if we were going to hit them hard, then I was going to use something that would keep up with me.

    I pulled my Nokota D5 Copperhead out of the trunk. The assault rifle was something I had picked up at some point Was it the first Scav raid? I wondered

    I couldnt remember!

    Iughed to myself, I had collected so many weapons I had forgotten where half of them had evene from! I loaded up holding the rifle correctly, in a way that I would be able to quick-aim it monstrously fast if I needed, and then I turned to Jackie.

    Jackie still just had his Nue.

    You want something a bit bigger? I asked him, pointing at my trunk, but despite looking a little tempted he shook his head.

    This is my shooter, I wont need another for a group this small.

    Alright. Lets go then! I said bouncing a little as I started moving towards the gate that blocked off the entrance.

    The gate was locked, and I didnt even want to open it up yet considering how old it looked Im sure it would be noisy.

    Or trapped.

    So I quickly leapt right over it, easily turning my leap into a front flip letting mend on the other side without a sound, as I fell to my knee, gun raised.

    I felt so cool.

    I did my best to ignore Jackie''s grumbling as he mbered as quietly as he could over the fence.

    It wasnt that quiet.

    Thankfully the Scavs inside didnt notice. Once hended with a thump beside me, I raced off towards the entrance. Rifle held to my chest as I kept low and reached the entrance. I knew from the cameras that no one was inside, but it was good practice to always double check, so I was peeking into the entrance and waving Jackie behind me as I moved in.

    That and it felt cool to be all tactical about it.

    Not that I was going to admit that to anyone.

    The office was two stories, and the Scavs were set up on the second floor. The elevator of course would be too loud, but the stairwell was easy enough to reach, and their security wasnt exactly there to help them anymore.

    I smiled as I tugged on the door and it opened, locks already disengaged.

    Nice work Hermanita. Jackie whispered and I threw him a smile as we headed up the stairs. Just for fun I leapt, touching the concrete wall of the stairwell and then bouncing up and over the stairs skipping the whole stairs problem. In just a moment I was at the second floor door, waiting for Jackie to follow me up at a much slower pace.

    Okay, the Serano may just be the most fun Cyberware Ive installed. That included the Cyberdeck.

    Cyberspace was fun, but jump good was cool.

    Alright Conejita, lets take it slow for poor Jackie. He whispered when he caught up, and I chuffed soundlessly at him. Even if I had no idea what Conejita meant. Then I blinked and I was looking through the camera that showed the other side of the door.

    The Scav group was small, only six chooms.

    I sent the data to Jackie watching him perk up as he could see the lines targeting each Scav shooting through the wall.

    His surprised look turned into a dark smirk.

    I nodded and then mmed into the door.

    No stealth on this run.

    This was a firepower run. Hadnt done this Ever.

    Rifle raised up I fired four rounds punching through the drywall and suddenly the light I had been using to aim winked out.

    Shooting through walls was the best.

    Jackie was moving Nue raised as he mmed into a door already firing at the gonk that was on the other side.

    My Copperhead barked right alongside him.

    While Jackie was rushing the entrance making a big noise my gun was just mming rounds through the thin walls.

    It was childsy, and I enjoyed the noise of the alerts popping up in my head.

    The actual fight onlysted a few moments. Between Jackie who killed two guys practically the moment he bum rushed the room proving he wasnt a joke as a solo at all, and then my rifle shooting through the walls the Scavs died without much fight.

    You okay Jackie?

    Just a scrape Hermanita. Wont even need to see Vik. Got stopped by my jacket. He chuckled flexing his right bicep where a round had definitely nicked him.

    I nodded pleased as I went through the area making sure we hadnt missed anyone. Only once did I need a double tap on a Scav that was trying to crawl away, leading a pool of blood behind him.

    All clear! I called out, pleased at the whole thing.

    I hadnt really needed Jackie, but it wasnt about needing help for this gig, it was about setting up a rtionship.

    This was the first time I had shown Jackie how useful it would be to have me on a gig.

    I had setup the location. Got numbers and targeting data. Solved basically everything to get him right where he needed to be to do the most damage, and most importantly!

    Ready for us? Ichi called out from the stairwell.

    Yeahe on up. Ill get the elevator working! I called back to him, earning a confirmation in turn.

    So now what? Jackie asked, looking around at the few crates of chrome that was now all ours.

    We wait around while Ichi and Malcolm load up. Just make sure no Scavs show up and ambush us, and then we go home, have a party, and let Hiromi sell the chrome, we get our cut and prep for the next gig. I told him and he blinked at me beforeughing.

    You got yourself a nice little system then eh? Who registers the bounties? He asked and I frowned confused.

    Bounties?

    On the gonks? Most of these guys have a few hundred eddie in bounties you know?

    Oh yeah The bounties That I totally register with the NCPD Right? I winced as Jackie gave me a look.

    Then he burst intoughter.

    What!? I dont usually concern myself over a few hundred eddies! Plus you have to call the NCPD for that!

    You never registered bounties?

    Nope. Well I called the NCPD once on a Scav den, but I was just letting them know there were bodies there. I deltaed right after.

    Heh, jeeze, you clear out a Scav den in seconds, but then you go and say things like that. Reminds me youre still a kid. Jackie chuckled, but I wasntughing along with him.

    Dammit. This was supposed to be my chance to show how useful I was!

    I sighed and shook my head. At least I had my four alerts for XP to tide me over.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    --

    To my surprise Jackie actually stuck around after we loaded everything up. He even helped out loading the chrome which went much faster with his strength. Thanks to his work we were done at lightning speed and on our way out of the den.

    As we drove away Jackie made the calls to the NCPD bounty office, letting them know about the corpses, what they were up to, who they were, and that meat wagons would be needed.

    Then as we dropped off the loot at the TC owned storage lot that was still under our control. Jackie still stuck around.

    I was watching as Jackie joked with some of the TC enforcers hanging around gettingughs out of the entire group despite there being arge tino shaped Jackie in the middle of their turf.

    Whats got you so focused? Malcolm asked as he walked past me with an arm full of guns. Formerly Scav iron.

    Jackie. I expected the TC guys to be more aggressive about him.

    Well he dide in with you, and hes pretty friendly. Plus the fact he looks like he could take all of those guys at once means they probably dont want to cause problems.

    Yeah I guess, but I dont think they are afraid of him, they are just enjoying his banter. I chuckled as Jackies story ended with him throwing his arms up to mimic an explosion and all the guardsughed. I just shook my head.

    Jackie really was the type of guy to make friends with anyone.

    Alright Motoko! All done. Ichi said, walking up pushing the hand truck he had just unloaded into the storage unit.

    Jackie! We are all stored up! I called over to the older man and he nodded to me, telling the guards onest joke as he walked through them and joined up.

    All done then huh kid?

    Yep! Now we just need Hiromi to set up the sales, and Ichi and Malcolm will help haul stuff around. Thanks guys. I said turning to the two that had to haul heavy crates of stuff around, both scoffed andughed at me.

    We have the easy part, you have to go tline gonks. Want to hit the club tonight? Ichi asked and I shrugged, but before I could say more Jackie was there.

    Of course little Chiko! Hermanita, how about you alle by the El Coyote eh? We didnt party togetherst time, but my Mama owns the Coyote, so why dont you threee by and we can celebrate!

    Malcolm and Ichi were already nodding, looking interested, but I was more surprised that Jackie actually invited me.

    Well us.

    Butst time he hadnt been very interested in celebrating. We were just a bunch of teenagers after all.

    Sure Jackie. Ille, you guys?

    Yeah, always nice to celebrate on the boss''s dime. Malcolm said specifically, throwing me a teasing look.

    Now, now Malcolm, Hiromi isnt here-Ow! Motoko! Ichi grumbled rubbing his shoulder where I slugged him.

    Im calling Hiromi and specifically telling her you guys are cut off from any alcohol on our tab. I threaten them hand on my hip and chrome finger wagging, with something that doesnt really exist, but both boys ys along and whined to me.

    Jackie justughed.

    --

    El Coyote Cojo was a tino bar. As we all walked in I felt my nose wrinkle a little at the smell of cigarette and cigar smoke.

    Just like most bars here in the city.

    Gonna need some chrome lungs at some point just to avoid the second hand smoke.

    Nice ce. Malcolm offered as he swaggered in and up to the bartender, who quirked an eyebrow at Malcolm walking up to look at the drink menu.

    Let me get a Diente Dorado. Im not paying tonight after all! He said choosing the most expensive drink on the menu.

    As Ichi, Jackie and I walked up Jackie got a few calls from regrs and he was smiling and rxed. This was his ce after all. He settled into the seat. Pepe! Take care of my little chooms alright?

    Sure Jackie. Diente Doradoing up.

    I dope pped Malcolm, but let him order his stupid drink that had literal gold kes in it.

    Probably tasted disgusting.

    Ill just get a soda. I think there was a Nic machine over there. I told the boys, Malcolm and Ichi already familiar with my no alcohol thing.

    What? Hermanita you dont want a drink? Jackie asked, surprised at my words.

    Yeah I dont like drinking. I told him as I slipped off the bar stool and wandered over to the back of the bar to get a drink.

    It took me two tries to get one that I could drink.

    NiC ssic tasted like cough syrup. I was not someone who could recreationally drink cough syrup so that was an instant pass.

    With a different vor that I could stomach I joined the boys that were happy with their own drinks as Jackie was talking to Pepe about the gig.

    They all started screaming as I bashed in the door. I tlined two of them right quick, but by then, the rest were already done. Chica could shoot them straight through the walls!

    The walls were just drywall, it was an old office building, it wasn''t anything spectacr anyone could have done it. I added as I took my seat, Pepe chuckling at the story as Jackie kept trying to hype it all up.

    Whats all this? A new voice called out and from the front came in a woman that I sort of recognized. Jackies shout just confirmed it.

    Mama! Come meet my little chooms! Ive told you about Motoko here already yeah? The girl is more dangerous with an iron than anyone would expect from a teenager, and these are her chooms, Malcolm and Ichi, good kids, they helped gather up all the eddies! Jackie said with a boisterousugh.

    Oh this is the girl that works with Wakako? Mama Welles asked as she looked me over.

    I waved a little from around my soda.

    My little chooms. This is Mama Welles, the owner of El Coyote, and my Mama. Jackie said leaning back against the bar.

    Well if you are chooms with my Jackie, you are all wee here. Pepe dont overcharge them yeah?

    You got it. The bartender offered with a nod.

    Youve been doing work with my Jackie? The woman asked me and I nodded, throwing up a thumbs up.

    Yeah. We both go to the same ripper, and Jackie wanted work with Wakako, who I already work for! So I asked Wakako if we could do some gigs together to see if we click. Ive been looking for someone with a more aggressive look. Cant rightly intimidate some gonks if you are half their size. I deadpanned waving my arms at myself.

    Mama Wellesughed a little. The one thing god gave my chico was an intimidating frame. The woman offered nodding along.

    What! Mama, god also gave me my baby blues, and a sweet voice yeah?

    Of course dear. Mama Welles agreed without doing anything of the sort. I snorted into my drink as Jackie was teased by his mother.

    This was nice.

    Still wasnt sure it was a bar I would want to rx at all the time, but then again. I wasnt really interested in bars in the first ce.

    -

    We hung around El Coyote for a while drinking and swapping stories, it was nice.

    Jackie felt a lot more epting of me now, and I was tempted to ask what had changed. Thest time we finished a gig he hadnt been interested in celebrating, but now he was.

    So maybe I had finally reached a point he felt I was worth being friends with?

    I didnt know, and I didnt want to ask because that just felt a little weird.

    Still I drove home, gigplete and feeling pretty good about murdering some more Scavs.

    I had some time, no gigs set up for the next while. Other than helping Hiromi sell even more of our chrome, I had nothing else nned.

    So it was time to y!

    I rushed into the door only to stop because Jun was home, and he wasnt alone.

    Ah! Look Jun your cute little sister finally came home. How terrible to leave her big brother all alone at home!

    Akari you were here the whole time. Jun grumbled as he sat on the couch to my surprise he was on aptop that wasnt mine, and reading something.

    Hey Jun, whats Akari doing here?

    Rude. The borg grumbled and her narrowed eyes told me she was probably going to stab me at some point tonight.

    Akari failed to finish a task for Fujimura-Sama, so Im- Ow.

    Dont tell her that! Just tell her you are helping me! Akari hissed after stabbing Jun with her pointy feet.

    Akari fucked up and Im helping.

    Thats even worse!

    Okay. I chirped, deciding to ignore that entirely. Unfortunately Akari was taking up my spot on the couch, it wasnt like the apartment was big enough for so much sitting room. Grumbling I went into my room and got morefortable taking off my boots and collecting some things I would need before heading out.

    Jun was still working while Akari fucked around, not helping

    Jun do you need help?

    My brother looked up slowly from theptop, his eyes a little blood shot which was impressive cause those werent natural eyes, but his optics.

    Yes, please.

    Hey! Im helping!

    Yes I need help thank you Motoko. Jun repeated, ignoring Akari.

    Okay. I said, then because it was fun. I leapt doing a flip andnding on the back of the couch behind Jun and Akari. Both borgs jerked at my sudden move but Jun rxed with what I could tell was a roll of his eyes even if I couldnt see them anymore as Akari slowly lowered her feet. I rested against Juns back, my chin on his head as I looked at what he was working on.

    Budget report?

    Akari is supposed to be watching over a business for Fujimura-Sama.

    I am! I took out three guys that were stealing! The woman whined.

    She didnt do the paperwork. Jun said grumbling as he continued looking over the budget reports.

    Dot. I spouted gibberish, pointing at a number that wasnt right, Jun looked it over sighed and quickly fixed it before continuing down the file. Why did Fujimura give this gig to Akari if she cant do it?

    Ugh. Dont say it like that! I can do it! I just Didnt!

    She was supposed to learn about thepany and get better at management, improve her usefulness to Fujimura-Sama.

    Okay you are ignoring everything Im saying, and I get youre siblings, but its starting to piss me off.

    We continued to ignore Akari as she grew irritated.

    Okay I know you guys didnt go through 200mps. So Im guessing this is drugs here? I asked, pointing at some of the numbers that were obviously off.

    I cant confirm. Jun said with a motion that had me rolling along with his shrug.

    Okay well. Im sorry to say Jun-Nii, I dont have the experience to help you with this one. I inform him, patting him on the head as I stand up and with a quick leapnd back on the apartment floor.

    Thanks. He grumbles and I couldnt help but giggle. He was trying to help his choom, but sometimes you gotta let your chooms live with their mistakes.

    Instead I reached over and grabbed myptop and music box.

    I really wanted to finish this stupid thing!

    I popped open theptop and started programming, doing my best to ignore Akari doing everything in her power to get attention.

 Chapter 92

    Chapter 92

    Two days. Of programming and I was

    Done.

    My music box, or at least the code was ready. I just needed to finish putting it all together.

    I flopped back onto the couch and just groaned. You would think coding something like this would take less time than a Quick Hack, and in some ways you would be right, but this was sorta Complicated. A quick hack only did one thing, this box needed to be flexible.

    I ran through my head what parts I would need and that list started to grow.

    But it would be worth it. This was my pet project. Sure it was a glorified toy, but it was important for me to finish it anyways.

    I got up to get dressed, stopped and realized I hadnt showered in

    Okay so its been two days. I wince as I was very thankful that Jun hadnt noticed. If he thought I wasnt taking care of myself he would be upset.

    I took a quick shower, and then realized I really needed to eat.

    Okay downside to be constantly inspired. I was gonna have to start setting rms if I was going to code anything.

    I finished getting dressed and headed downstairs. Meatstick stall guy was outside the apartment like usual and I ended up devouring a few of them before I felt better. Now that I was properly taken care of. It was time to get back to it.

    To finish the box I really needed some specific supplies. I headed out driving to the music shop I had bought my guitar from.

    As I walked in the first few chords of Never Fade Away yed above me.

    Something that still made me chuckle a bit. Johnny would be rolling in his digital grave if he realized that Samurai were practically corporate jingles now.

    I walked right through the many instrumentsying around until I found what I needed.

    A synth keyboard.

    I popped my personal link into the slot to check if it had everything I needed.

    You obviously know what you want. A voice called out and I looked up to see the sales person. The guy looked like a forty year old rocker stuffed into a corporate uniform.

    His bushy beardpletely covered thenyard with his name on it.

    Yeah, just checking the code to see if this is the one I need.

    Oh? Looking to make some digital music huh?

    I just need to replicate a lot of different instruments. I offered and he nodded before pointing above me.

    If you want a wide selection you want the Digi-tizer. The E-Numeral you are looking at, has a real wonky brass selection. He offered pointing to another Synth.

    Oh. Thanks. I muttered pulling out of the synth and moving to the next, after a few checks including running a few riffs on the keyboard because I had the ability and it was fun I nodded. He was right. The Brass notes sounded better.

    Damn. Was that Chippin In? Rare to see a kid these days know the ssics. He said and I just smiled with a shrug.

    Samurai were good. Johnny might be a bit of a bastard, but he knew his music.

    Hah! Spoken like a true Rockerboy. You lookin to take the Digi?

    Yeah, Ill take it. Thanks. Ill take that amp and a few bits and bobs as well. You guys dont happen to have a holo emitter?

    Oh? Looking to make some bitchin visuals too? Unfortunately not. Instruments and supplies only, but I know the ce my band bought one. Just dont tell the bosses I told you to buy from them. He said with a wink and Iughed at that, and made the promise.

    --

    Back home I was taking up 90% of the couch, and 100% of the table as I worked everything together.

    The synth had a personal link port, so with the coding of that, and literally ripping the instrument apart and hooking it into my music box, I now had the ability to y just about any instrument purely through my link.

    To save size, I kept the speaker, and amp as separate items, but there was another thing I needed to hook directly into the system

    Three holographic disy emitters.

    They were a cool piece of tech, a lot of ces used holographic TVs, the tech was well used, and it didnt take me long to hook them into the music box, a bit of soldering a bit of fitting things together, a bit of adjustment to the power links and they were in.

    Once I finished it, I sat back enjoying the alert telling me I got a few blips of XP for my Tech Attribute. But not a level up.

    I really needed to work with tech more. It was too useful to ignore.

    But I ignored that because it was done!

    Well part of it anyways.

    The code wasplete.

    The hardware was put together.

    But now I had to actually create what I wanted using what I had.

    First thing, I went into my room and dressed up. Brushed my hair. Did some makeup, which took a while because I hadnt exactly practiced doing any makeup since I woke up. But I managed it. Making my eyes pop a little. Wearing a clean leotard and even cleaned up my jacket before slipping into it.

    Okay then I went back out and had the music box actually record what I looked like. Standing still as the emitter slowly ran a scan over me. Creating a 3d image of myself, that it could add into whatever holographic disy I wanted it to show.

    Of course right around then I realized I would need images of the instruments as well.

    Dammit.

    I rushed back to the music shop. Carrying in my music box, I ended up dropping a couple hundred eddies, to the music shop guy to let me take scans with all the instruments, particrly the best quality, or coolest looking ones.

    --

    Once more back in the apartment I was ready to start my first test.

    I decided on a song and went to work. Plugged my personal link into the music box, and started with the most important part.

    The music.

    With my guitar in my hands mostly just to let my hands y over the notes, I started recording a track.

    The sound of the guitar yed back into my head sounded great, any error was easy to cut the correct chord back in, and I was off. Finishing the song with the guitar without any issue. I had yed it a few times with just that already.

    Then I switched to drums. Mentally creating the track. Using the Synth to recreate the noise of the drums as I yed through the song adding in the drums to the guitar track.

    Something I couldnt do without all my Rockerboy knowledge. I had never touched a guitar set before outside of ying around in a past life, or while getting scanned in this one, yet I knew exactly how to use the Synth to create a digital track. What notes and how to get the sound right. It all flowed together.

    Then I had to stop and do some work on creating unique sounds because some of the sounds used in the song weren''t instrumental, I had to use my own programming skill to alter the Synths programming even further, to give me the ability to create entirely new sounds. Sounds that had only existed in my head.

    Again and again, I yed through the song until I had every beat sounding as perfect as I remember thanks to Perfect Musical Memory.

    Guitar, drums, electronic, even the ending roaring vocals I managed myself. Every sound of the song pulled togetherpletely from my brain, through a machine interface.

    I loved the future.

    And it was all silent as a grave outside my brain.

    As I put the song together no neighbor heard it. It was just for me, and me alone.

    --

    I hid behind my new stack of mess on the table when Jun came home, purposefully pretending I wasnt able to see his judgemental look as I continued to put the disy for the song together.

    I ignored him when he came outter as well, as I was still editing the holographic disy to match up.

    I was watching a visual of what it would show on theptop as I edited it mostly with my neural connection which was really really tough, but as long as I took it really slow, I could get better uracy than going through it by hand.

    The three emitters would all have their own image to disy, and the track was finished, both with the guitar track baked in, and one without. Just in case I wanted to do a live y of the song.

    And slowly it all came together.

    Holographic tech was old hat to Cyberpunk. With my ownputer skill it only took me a few hours to fill in the seven minute track.

    Then finally it was ready. A single program with apleted version of a song that I recreated. Every note, every sound, every roar just how it was in my head.

    I sat back blinking, realizing what I had justpleted. That my music box was finally Finally done. That it was working and everything was how it should be.

    But I was way too hyped up to not do something. I stood up but stillled, unfortunately I was too embarrassed to just go out and start ying!

    People would see me!

    So I decided to fall back on my usual solution when I felt an urge to move.

    Murder!

    When I sold my debugging services to therunners, my trade had been knowledge on Scavs. Locations, holdouts, favorite bars.

    Anything.

    Everything.

    Whatever they had.

    While not all of them had direct Scav den locations. A few did.

    Sure I could wait for my chooms But it waste Well early, the sun would being up soon.

    But they might notice I was being weird! No one can know! If it goes bad the Scavs will all be dead anyways!

    So I popped a shard into the music box, recording a copy of the song, quickly took a moment to etch the name of the song onto the shard, and went to grab some gear.

    Considering the nature of the song

    My Carnage was selected. I didnt use a shotgun often enough. I loaded one of my attachable pockets full of shells and looked around What else could I take?

    Katana was an option and I considered it. But I had to shake my head. It would be a little more finessey than I was going for tonight. This music wasnt sword fight music, not unless you were carrying a greatsword or something.

    Another time. Another song.

    I did reach over into the medkit that I had been putting together from stuff Ive collected. I grabbed all the MaxDocs I had and stuffed them all over the ce, hooking them into whatever ce I could. I was looking for a brutal fight tonight. Had to make sure I would walk away in the end.

    I stepped out of my room right into Jun, who reached out and put a hand on my Carnage to stop me.

    Motoko?

    Yes, this is Motoko?

    What are you doing?

    I opened my mouth to answer and didnt have a good enough answer.

    Murder?

    He frowned at me. Details.

    I know of a Scav den, Im gonna go murder them I uh, finished a song so I wanted to do a BD of me murdering a bunch of Scavs while I rocked out to it Its gonna be cool. I exined trying to get away but Jun wasnt having it.

    Thats Motoko you are the weirdest person I know Iming with.

    No way! I denied instantly. It could be embarrassing! You cante.

    Motoko you arent hitting a Scav den without backup.

    Why? I usually do!

    You usually have your chooms with you I dont even know how you keep finding these dens, they are usually hidden.

    Inte. I said smiling dopily at being able to pull out an old meme.

    Jun didnt get it.

    Why dont you call your chooms then? He argued and I grumbled, I had already exined that I didnt want them to see!@@novelbin@@

    Fine! Ill call in Ichi and Malcolm after Im done to loot everything down. Now you dont have to follow me. My perfect reasoning delivered I moved to step around him.

    He didnt ept my reasoning.

    --

    This is so embarrassing. I muttered as I parked the Quadra in the parking area for Megabuilding H11.

    Im just here to make sure you dont get in over your head. Jun told mepletely uncaring about how much I whined at him that I didnt need supervision while murdering Scavs.

    I called Ichi and Malcolm. Theyll help!

    You said you didnt want to call them in until afterwards. I dont want you in a firefight without someone to back you up. Itsmon sense Motoko The fact you are so skilled and keep forgetting that is gonk brain shit. He grumbled at me. You want me to trust you to fight, I do. But that doesnt mean you skip basic shit.

    I huffed, but didnt really have a response to that.

    Fucking Jun. Usingmon sense and shit on me.

    I dont wantmon sense. I want action!

    Whatever. I was a badass merc! Jun babying me would be water over my back!

    I stepped out of the car and did the same thing I had done thest time I hit a Scav den in a megabuilding.

    I found an elevator and went up to the floor above the one that I had been told was the den. Jun followed me around much to my irritation.

    When I was there I circled the floor, searching for the usual signs, and while there weren''t a bunch of emptied apartment buildings like there had been in thest one, they still had a whole section of the building cut off with trash and refuse.

    Thats them. I told Jun as I pointed to the corner section of the building. Thiste at night the whole thing was bathed in red light and shadows, but it was still obvious where the Scavs lived.

    Sure you dont need any help? He asked, sounding more vicious than usual, but I shook my head.

    This was my murder, get your own!

    Just sit tight and watch. I told him instead, poking a finger into his side that he pped away.

    Then I focused, first I knelt down, and could just see a camera the Scavs had set up. As usual they loved putting up their little security system. Too bad they sucked at it.

    My eyes zed as I breached into the camera, nearly instantly slipping through the ICE and then moving through the security system.

    There were four cameras hooked up around the ce. None of them showed the actual ripper room, but that was justmon sense. But one of the Scavs could be seen, resting on an old couch as he smoked a cigarette, and watched TV.

    I pinged him, letting the program unspool and slowly slip through the Scavs system to all of his buddies.

    I smirked as the group all highlighted in my vision.

    Okay. There were quite a few of them. This was a big den, and it waste.. Or early. So I guess they were mostly here resting.

    It didnt matter. I was already in their system. Weapon Glitch was prepared. My personal version of Weapon Glitch had beenpleted, and was ready for its baptism.

    The war will soon begin.

    I smiled. I was ready. I shushed Jun and waved him a bit away before closing my eyes. When I opened my eyes it would be go time. What was the movie term? A single take? I was going to clear this Scav den in slightly less than seven minutes the song wouldst. No fuckups would be tolerated. This was going to be pure adrenaline if I did it right!

    I smirked to myself. Hopefully the Scavs couldst long enough.

    Then I exhaled ice.

 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95

    Working through the catalog of Samurai songs took me most of the night. Each song needed multiple ythroughs, just for the initial tracks, and then I had to add the holo emitter setup which now that I had done it once with my first song, did go easier. I just needed to add a few more move sets for drums and guitar, and then set up the keyboard and bass.

    Jun didnte home that night, which was annoying. I still needed to get my shard back from him. But at least I was able to distract myself with rocking out.

    Rockerboy was gaining xp again. And in the middle of the night as I finished Never Fade Away, I got a new level up!

    Rockerboy 7!

    I hummed as the knowledge hit, and took it all in. That was nice addition a bit more high end musical stuff, and some adjustments I could do while singing to bring more emotion into the song.

    Of course when I heard the door open in the morning I was instantly on my feet and finger pointed at my idiot brother.

    Give it back!

    No. He responded as he walked stretching and yawning. I like it. It suits me.

    No! Its my song! Its meant to suit me! I argued and Jun looked at me, and just scoffed.

    Which is when I did the mature thing and yowled in fury and leapt on his head. And I do mean on his head. I nearly fell feet and hands first into his hair.

    How dare he!

    But my jump was stalled. His arms caught me mid leap Had Jun known what I was going to do, or were his reflexes that good? He didnt have a sandy or Keren Right?

    My thoughts were interrupted as Jun flipped me around and even with Street Brawler leveling I wasnt able to stop him from swinging me around a bit and bombed me onto the couch.

    Which creaked a little ominously but held.

    Then he sat on me.

    What have we learned? He teased and I punched him a few times near his kidneys only for it to not really do much. Stupid subdermal! Ah. I guess nothing apparently. He added as he reached down and started poking me. Which only made me want to punch him more.

    I swear Im going to chip in some gori arms so you cant just ignore my punches.

    That would just make you more like a gori than you already are. Sure you want to do that? He teased and I could feel my face getting red in anger as I struggled for a bit under him.

    Stupid Jun and his FAT! I yelled into his face. GO ON A DIET!

    Jun just blinked at me before smirking. He reached into his jacket pocket

    No.

    Oh yes. He assured me as he took out an XXL burrito and started eating it.

    Youre so disgusting.

    Theyre good! I dont get why you dont like them anymore.

    They arent burritos! They are just sludge!

    Jun just shrugged. Tasty tho.

    I looked up at the kitchen to where the radio was. I would have my revenge! The radio started ying Samurai music suddenly.

    Jun frowned and looked like he was considering standing up to turn it off but just decided to ignore it. He turned on the TV to watch something turning up the volume to drown out the song.

    Wrong move.

    I hadplete control!

    The TV Glitched.

    It started ying the song as well.

    Motoko.

    You will never know peace. I told him firmly. He sighed and tried the remote.

    Nope. Already hacked that.

    Motoko. No hacking the TV. Jun demanded using his authority voice.

    I gave him a deadpan stare.

    How about a truce?

    Get your fat ass off me.

    Fine. He grumbled standing up as I could finally breathe normally again and I mbered up to stand on the couch so we were about the same height No dammit Jun was still taller!

    I put my hands on my hips and red.

    Give me back my shard!

    Make me a copy.

    No! I already have the original. The reason I want the shard is so no one else can listen to it! Well I mean theyll be able to once they watch the BD I guess, but I mean Ugh! Fine keep it!

    I will. He said smiling and patted me on the head. Gotta keep my Imoutos first recording. Its special.

    Bwah! I iled, pushing his hand away. No fair! Cheating!

    Heh. You should y a live gig. He said suddenly, smiling. Fujimura-Sama was really impressed with the piano solo you did.

    No way! I argued instantly, returning to normal to cross my arms in an X. Thats embarrassing, I dont want anyone to hear my songs! Except when they were the backing to an awesome XBD!

    Pfft. Jun justughed at me, which didnt help! Ive already shown your song to some of the others. The Only Thing They Fear was a hit. They liked it.

    I gaped at Jun who was smiling at me. No!

    You didnt!

    I did! Akari was really into it. She bugged me for a copy, I didnt give it to her though. She will probablye poke you for it Be ready.

    Noooo! I whined at him, I was blushing! Stupid Onii-chan! Making me get all self conscious! You arent allowed to show it to anyone! Give it back!

    Nope. What else you got? Any other songs? He asked his face in a proud smile.

    Samurai Songs! I immediately offered, turning his smile into a disgusted look.

    Nevermind then. Let me know when you make something else.@@novelbin@@

    I wont! Ever! You shared it!

    It was preem. Cool. I liked it, made me want to go murder something. He offered and I nodded along. Yeah thats true. That song did that to me too.

    Thats what I felt. Its why the song is my theme song now! Motokos Theme! I called out telling him why the song was important.

    Onis Theme sounds better. I gaped at him.

    Never! You cant just steal my theme! I made it myself!

    Well you cant stop me. He said reminding me he had my shard with a tap of his hand against his neck.

    Which was his mistake. It was reasonable enough. Jun still hadnt quite fitted myrunning skill into his mind yet.

    My eyes zed in code and half a secondter his Neuroport ejected the shard sending it tumbling into the air.

    Heh! Lucy wasnt the only Picksocket around!

    I leapt for the shard that had ejected, but Jun wasnt giving up without a fight. We ended up wrestling and tumbling around the couch for a while.

    In the end his stupid fat strength meant he kept the shard and I sulked at him in the corner as he very obviously yed the song in his head.

    --

    I cant believe you hit another Scav den without me! Hiromi whined the exact second after almost kicking in the door and ring at me from the entryway.

    Hiromi dont kick doors that can break them. I reminded her only to get a groan from her as I guess I ruined her outrage.

    Why! I could havee!

    I wasnt going to call anyone It was a BD gig more than anything but Jun wouldnt let me go alone. So I ended up calling Ichi and Malcolm after to collect everything.

    But not me?

    It was a school night. I reminded her, earning a look of disgust from her..

    Stop using that as an excuse! She whined before flopping beside me on the couch reaching out to grab me so I couldnt escape. I demand restitution! One Million Motoko hours of service will just about cover this insult! She added in her most Corpo voice. It had me giggling at her act, but I pulled myself together to give her my most deadpan reply.

    Sorry, no can do, but Ill pick up dinner. I retorted and Hiromi giggled and seemed to rx.

    Ill take it.

    --

    Hiromi dragged me to a more expensive sort of restaurant than I would normally go to, but considering how many eddies I had sliding into my bank ount I just shrugged and epted what she wanted, and ate the overpriced food.

    It was making her happy.

    We were in a dark little booth with an electric candle lighting our table and Hiromi was all smiles while she told me about her day at the academy.

    Seriously. They are so gonk. They think people will just listen to whatever they say without any care. Im pretty sure the first time they try to hire a merc they are going to get shot. Hiromi added with a roll of her eyes and I couldnt help but be amused at how well she had scored on her Workce Reinforcement quiz.

    I think you just have way more experience than most of them in dealing with solos Not that I really count. I dont think using me as an example is a good idea.

    Hiromi opened her mouth to retort but ended up closing it and bursting into giggles. Probably not! Oh! Now I have this image in my head! Motoko! You have to record the first time some corp tries to hire you okay? I want to see the look on their face when they realize what they are dealing with!

    That Okay that does sound funny, but the way you say that makes it sound like Im weird! I argued pushing a piece of Well it was supposed to be shrimp, but it was just scop made to look and sort of taste like shrimp.

    Hiromi of course just smirked at me, until I looked away first. Meanie.

    I suddenly perked up as a text came in, the chime jolting in my ear.

    *Judy: JESUS. FUCK! What the fuck was that?*

    Before I could even message back another came in.

    *Judy: Im d you warned me, but still! Are you okay!? Did you go Cyberpsycho on me or something? DONT MAKE ME CALL RITA!*

    Ah one sec. Judy just saw my BD. I told Hiromi who was looking curiously as my eyes were obviously gold as I looked through my texts.

    Before I could actually respond Judy sent another message.

    *Judy: FUCK IT. Im calling Rita anyways!*

    *Motoko: Please dont. Im fine. Not a psycho!*

    *Motoko: Cyber or otherwise! It was just for the BD. I do have a thing about Scavs after all. Im actually at dinner with my Choom right now. Eating and doing normal stuff! Nothing psycho going on Im okay! Dont tell Rita Im a Cyberpsycho!*

    *Judy: Fine! Fine. Ill chill. But seriously. You gave me a warning, but a bit more detail would have been nice! Fuck my heart is pounding! A bit more brutal my ass! You! I will never forget the feeling of sticking my thumbs in someone''s eyeballs now thanks to you!*

    *Motoko: Sorry.*

    *Judy: Fuck, you better be! You sure you arent a fucking Cyberpscyho? No. You wouldnt be this normal I guess? I dont know Ive never dealt with a Cyberpsycho before! Fine. Okay. Fine. As long as you arent a psycho I guess its all good. Sides, I guess its all good. Nox was happy to hear about a new virtu. Well as long as it isnt going to be evidence for MaxTac Well yet anyways. Im gonna finish the BD, make it fucking sparkly preem. Just dont drop something like this on me again. Fuck I do porn, I didnt sign up to learn what brain feels like!*

    *Motoko: Double super sorry. Anything I can do to make up for it?*

    *Judy: Heh, some recement caffeine to start. I had to chug half my stash just to calm down after that overload.*

    *Motoko: Judy, I dont think Caffeine is what you want if you are- You know what. Nevermind. Sure Ill rece your stuff. Sorry.*

    *Judy: Its fine I guess. Im just d you read normal. But Im expecting you to check in with Rita or something! Or just dont do something like that again! Anyway Ill have it done ASAP. I kinda want to see some reactions to this one..*

    I shook my head at Judys reaction, taking a deep breath. At least Judy was okay with it. I mean Just because it was me at my most brutal oveid with heavy metal that no one had ever heard before that literally ended with Rip and Tear Surely no one could misconstrued that in the wrong light

    Right?

    I may have gone a bit overboard on myst BD. I admitted to Hiromi who only looked interested rather than concerned.

    Yep. This may have been a mistake.

    A fun mistake. But still a mistake.

    --

    Apparently we were having a slumber party.

    Hiromi had followed me home after dinner. She flopped onto the couch as we entered besides Jun. Hiya Jun!

    Hiromi. Taking care of my gonk sister tonight?

    Yep! Motoko is all fed!

    I bought dinner. I grumbled at Hiromi going along with Juns teasing as I settled onto the armrest of the couch. Jun and Hiromi taking up the rest.

    Motoko! y your song for me! Hiromi demanded, leaning back like a queen surveying her domain.

    No. My instant t denial broke her facade, and the whining began.

    Motokooooo! I want to hear you y your new soooong! Judy got to hear it! She begged leaning into me and being purposefully annoying.

    Judy is listening to a recording of it in a BD. Its not the same! I argued. I had exined after Judys text what I had done at the Scav den. And Hiromi to my surprise hadnt said anything about wanting to hear my song then.

    I guess she just wanted a private showing.

    I want to hear you y it too. Jun said, a smirk shot in my direction. Earning a happy smile from Hiromi as she met his eyes and both of then looked at me.

    Dont even think about it.

    Motokoooo!

    Cmon Imouto!

    They started cheering for me! Like actual cheers! They were even getting louder and I realized then if I didnt do something They were going to keep getting louder until I did!

    FUCKING GONKS!

    I felt my face heating up but pushed it down with cool, which was a mistake. Because if I was controlling my emotions, I wasnt too embarrassed to actually y in front of people.

    I did have to test my Music Box after all.

    I red at them both before walking around grabbing my music box and pushing my personal link into it.

    I ced it onto the floor behind me as I grabbed my guitar. With a bit of finagling, I hooked the amp and speakers I had bought, up to the music box. While ignoring the cheers of my choom and stupid brother.

    You both better appreciate this. I told them as I did a few tests to make sure the sound wasing out, and then walked around the apartment turning off most of the lights.

    Then I activated the song.

    The moment I started the first chords, behind me holograms began forming.

    On my right a drum set formed and then I could hear Jun and Hiromi both gasp in surprise as a holographic me formed with it. The hologram unfortunately didnt do anything fancy like twirl a drumstick or something. I would actually need to get pictures of me doing that and spend a lot more time improving the routine, but it did have me behind the drums and hitting all the notes on a drum.

    To my left a double keyboard setup and a bunch of extra electrical equipment popped up. To represent me working on the more electronic sounds.

    And then, suddenly the drop hit, and drummer me went to town.

    Thankfully there wasnt any vocals through the song, so I could concentrate fully on just making sure the notes I was ying were right.

    The recorded version of the other instruments sounded fine, and I was actually doing it. I wasnt fumbling, my notes were hitting, and I even roared along with the chant at the end.

    Then it ended.

    Eeeeee! Hiromi mmed into me once the song was obviously ended literally leaping on top of me that I had to bnce my best choom with not breaking my guitar as she clung onto me. THAT WAS SO PREEM! She screamed and burst intoughter after.

    I was just desperately trying not to fall and break something.

    Jun thankfully came to my rescue, but not by lifting Hiromi off me, instead he grabbed my guitar and pulled it free.

    Thanks. Jerk. I mouthed at him, and he justughed at me.

    Hiromi. Cmon!

    No way! I know an actual Rockerboy now! She yelled so excited. You have to give me a super pass to all your shows forever! She demanded and I justughed and nodded.

    Because I was never going to do any shows! Silly Hiromi.

    Besides, even if I did do shows she would have a super pass anyways. What a gonk.

    That was so amazing Motoko! I cant believe you wrote your own song! Hiromi said, still holding onto me like a monkey.

    I winced trying to exin that I hadnt written the song originally was Difficult. I made an apology to the amazing Mick Gordon that I was taking credit for his work.

    Okay okay, time to climb off. I grumbled at her as I pushed her until she had to let go. But Hiromis good cheer couldnt be ended so easily.

    Motoko! We need to set up a show! We can sell tickets! Hiromi was going a little crazy.

    No way. Im not putting on any shows Hiromi. This is just my thing. My rxing thing. I tell her before realizing what I had just said.

    Right. This was my rxing thing. Or supposed to be Turning it into another murder thing Fuck.

    Rita was gonna be so disappointed when she found out! This was supposed to be my zen thing! My hobby to pull me out of the routine murder Imitted.

    With that realization I exhaled in annoyance at myself. I reached out grabbing Hiromi by the shoulders and guided her back to the couch. Im d you liked my song. Now never ever tell anyone about this. Especially you Jun. You traitor. Akari is going to be so annoying now.

    Heh.

    Nooo! Motoko you are so talented! You have to! Hiromi whined at me, but I ignored her. No way. That was embarrassing.

    In the end I ignored Hiromis begging, and eventually Jun justughed at the two of us as he turned the TV on. Although he did give me a head pat for doing so well.

    I ended up sitting on the floor with my back against the couch, Hiromi looming over me as she watched me work, as I worked on another song.

    It was the only thing I could do to get her to stop bugging me about singing more. Of course I had to take myptop and hook it into thework to let Hiromi see the visual of me putting the songs tracks together.

    There were so many different songs I wanted to y, but since I had already started on the DOOM Soundtrack, I might as well continue with another of the songs I liked.

    BFG Division was hriously relevant in Night City after all.

    -

    Jun ended up waking Hiromi up in the morning. He had gone to bed eventually, and Hiromi had just curled up on the couch with her head half way resting on my shoulder as I worked.

    During the quiet night I had added most of a few other songs together, although I still wanted to actually perform the guitar sections myself to finish them off. Something I couldnt do with Hiromi asleep.

    I had gained a few Rockerboy alerts as well as I worked on the songs!

    I guess creating digital music still counted as far as Rockerboy was concerned.

    Morning Motoko. Morning Jun. Hiromi muttered groggily as was woken up by Jun opening and closing the fridge, the noise all it took to bring her back to wakefulness.

    Morning Hiromi. I chirp as my choom blinks and gives me a smile in return as she starts stretching out and waking up.

    I put my stuff away, considering I had been working through the night I wanted a break from tracks and notes for a while.

    Breakfast? I asked my choom and she blinked sleepily and nodded.

    Aww. Sleepy Hiromi was all quiet.

 Chapter 97

    Chapter 97

    <em>V</em>

    V sighed grimacing at the feeling of her insides swirling and shifting. Fucking BioMon was doing its best to keep her stress down, but Jackie just had to call at the worst fuckin time.

    Jenkins was going to kill her when he found out she wasnt following up on the new Militech Prototype Sandy, and instead was out trying to help out a non affiliate.

    She exhaled, giving herself a moment to just breathe as the hacking shard downloaded everything it could from the Kang Tao system. Maybe this data would bnce things out? It wasnt like even someone in Counter-Intel got ess to a unit database like this.

    Fuck that had impressed her. A fourteen year old kid broke through Kang Tao security, without even jacking in? What the hell had she even done? Probably somerunner wizard shit.

    V shook her head, she never could wrap her head around high levelrunning. Sure she knew how to ping a system, and do some data breaches, but any good ICE would keep her right out.

    The shard pinged as theptop suddenly froze and shut down.

    Looks like they finally noticed. She grabbed the shard out of theptop and tucked it away. Patting it for a bit offort. Please be enough for Jenkins.

    Alright Jackie Im good, you took care of that boo boo? She demanded as she walked out, of the little warehouse backroom. Noticing that the kid was gone. Good. She hadnt liked that smirk the kid had sent her. Brats like that always wanted to poke their nose into shit.

    V slipped into the Kang Tao Van Jackie was already idling for them.

    Im bandaged up, Cmon V dont baby me. Wheres Motoko?

    Dont know, told her to split.

    V! Motokos a good shooter. Hell girl is sneaky as shit. We could have used her.

    I dont bring along people I dont know, Jack. Besides, shes just a kid. I dont want some street brat getting in the way. Jackie sent her a look telling her he was about to argue, but she sent him a re instead and he backed down. Instead the Van started moving. Heading towards their destination.@@novelbin@@

    Good. She was already on borrowed time and didnt have the desire to deal with any more bullshit from Jackie right now

    No. She shouldnt think like that. Jackie was a choom, maybe the only one she had. And he had saved her fuckin life. He had proven to be trustworthy, the only person in her life that was. She shouldnt think like that at him.

    Her life in Counter-intel was making her twitchy about everyone. She let her imnts calm her down even more. She needed a clear head and she rxed a bit as the rush of chemicals hit her blood.

    Quantified Satori was going to harp at her for overuse again.

    Dammit.

    She put her life coach out of her mind. She had Kang Tao to annihte. The idea almost got her excited. She had been behind a desk for too long.

    Jackie, you got anything bigger than that peashooter you run with?

    I dont need anything but my baby, you know that V! He practically squawked at her in outrage.

    Jackie for fuck sake. Get a bigger iron! At least a Yukimura if you have to have a damn handgun. She snapped at him, her Biomon beeping at her about her blood pressure.

    Fucking piece of shit, the Biomons job was to control her blood pressure not hers!

    Buy the top of the line Arasaka stuff huh? Cant take the corp out of the woman eh? Jackie teased and V just huffed cause he was sort of right, but then the thought hit her.

    She shouldnt have snapped at him. He didnt deserve that. Even if she had yelled at him so many times about how his low firepower was going to get him killed

    He should get a fucking Overture or something. Brawly fuck!

    She took a breath and let it out. She had to say something. She had been quiet for too long. He might think she was actually angry at him. Or he might be angry himself. He wasnt saying shit. Fuck. Cmon V, you stupid bitch. Say something to break the tension

    Oh but I dont like revolvers Chica I always run out of ammo. She mocks in his voice, literally as she used her chrome to emte him for a second. Jackie looked to her for a second and then startedughing. Long and loud Jackie broke into near giggles at her. She felt herself rx.. She hadnt pushed too hard. Hadnt pissed him off for thest time leaving her alone.

    It was okay. She hadnt messed up the one good rtionship she still had.

    Were here Chica. You ready? He called suddenly and she realized they were.

    Always. She rolled her eyes, pulling out her Shingen and linking in. Immediately the reticle followed her eye. Smart system ready. But she also pulled her sidearm. The Kenshin with the big silencer just like she enjoyed. Just roll up on the entrance. Ill get us ess. She said knowing Jackie would know what she meant.

    They had pulled this maneuver back on the border. Hell it was how they had gotten out of that mess.

    You still using that overdesigned piece of scop? Should get a real pistol. Nue are good. Jackie teased and V seriously considered beating him over the head with her extremely expensive, Arasaka Handgun.

    Its still the best handgun on the market! She hissed quietly at him, as they were getting close.

    Maybe if you want an ugly piece of shit. He argued practically giggling. Fucker was riling her, but it Well it felt good. You didnt have these sorts of conversations with people during an Arasaka Op.

    She was either in charge so they shut their fucking mouth and did what she said, or she was being ordered around by Jenkins or someone even higher up, so V kept her mouth shut.

    Fuck she missed doing work with Jackie.

    She sometimes worked with other mercs, but they were either intimidated by her. The ck suited Arasaka enforcer. Like they should be.

    Or they were assholes treating her like corpo scum. Jackie might rag on Arasaka, but when heughed he wasughing with you.

    She closed her eyes and opened them. Dropping her emotions a bit more.

    It had been a long time since she felt this happy.

    As the van pulled up to the checkpoint of the old Kang Tao warehouse, which in reality was just one of their drop off points. One of the few ces Arasaka werent bullying them like the helpless bitches they were, out of. Kang Tao were so far down the totem pole, they had to operate out of a fucking abandoned warehouse for their more ck op pickups.

    It was time. The Van stopped at the guard entrance, and V was ready. Crawling across Jackies stupidp. Pistol right up against the ss.

    Jackie waited for her nod, and rolled the window down. Letting her send four silenced rounds with unerring aim into the Kang Tao guards face. After a few seconds she matched Jackies growing smile as no alert came out. The Kang Tao vans tinted scan proof windows protecting them from the security even noticing the shots as V shot still within the cab.

    Give me a second to turn the damn turrets and Cameras off. She said as she peaked out of her side window at a security camera through a tiny gap, her eyes scanning, and she activated the security system Daemon she had.

    She had no idea how it worked.

    She had no idea what it did exactly. But it turned off cameras and turrets on awork without her having to do anything herself, which was by definition the best Quick Hack she could ever have. One that didnt need her to sit there and beat her head against ICE.

    Fucking puzzles gave her a headache. Sure it was expensive, but being part of Arasaka meant she got the best goodies.

    After a few minutes the camera system at the checkpoint powered down as did the turrets.

    Good work Chica. Jackie offered as he slipped out of the van and nearly crawled into the guards window looking for the switch to open up the dividing bar blocking them.

    V snorted at the sight of her big chooms ass shaking around barely held in by his jeans as he struggled to find the right switch. Jackie was practically crawling into the little window.

    Jack. We gotta get you into the gym more choom. She whispered to him teasing.

    Hey! You know the chicas love a little- Oh, hold up. Found it! He grunted a bit as he finally got himself out of the window as the bar rose up and slipped into the truck to drive onto the property.

    Alright Jack, its real now. So watch your shots, and your head. Lets try to get through quiet at first then fast. Maybe we can get in and out before the snipers they probably have set up get us.

    I remember that n V. We tried that nst time. It didnt go so well Hermana. Jackie teased, even if he was in game face.

    But V couldnt help but feel a little embarrassed even through the biomon dampening everything.

    The garbage chute worked! She hissed back.

    He turned to look at her just as he was about to slide out of the van, having parked in a shadowy corner of the lot where a few other vans were parked out.

    Not a good sign, but Jackies look took all of her attention. He didnt say anything. He didnt need to.

    Not a word! She told him with a re. Sure leaping into a trash chute hadnt been her greatest n, but it had worked!

    Heh. You pulled that out of a movie. Still cant believe we survived. I swear I still got bumps on my ass from thending.

    Younded on me. She reminded him. As they both gathered together at the side of the warehouse checking around to make sure no one was there.

    Yeah, but Hermana, youre all chrome! You broke my ass!

    Ill break your ass alright choom. Now shut up. She demanded as they moved. Jackie easily fell into lockstep. The two had only been on a few gigs together, but honestly thats all it took. She knew his tells by now. He knew hers.

    And she trusted him.

    They went into the warehouse unlike the one they were in a half hour ago it was brightly lit, a few men in Kang Tao uniforms or armor hanging around, all of them helmets off rxing, joking, and drinking from vending machines or office coffee.

    Jackie was behind her. So V was the tip. Jackie would cover up the ck. Helmets off? Stupid mistake.

    The Kenshin came up first. She charged the shot letting the capacitors reach their limit before firing the first time, then swiveled perfectly on target, body and aim exactly where she wanted it tond. Robotic.

    She used to like firing guns. Had been damn good at it. But the Arasaka chrome used a skill chip integration. It wasnt as good in all circumstances, but it could load up a set of moves and perform them perfectly in a blur.

    For an operative that was too useful to pass up. Not that she had a choice. Everyone got the standard package after all.

    Now it was just targeting, and letting the chrome work. Bodies started dropping, but it took a moment before the Kang Tao noticed. A moment longer than they had, because the second one of them did notice her Shingen came up. The reason she used smart weapons. The skill chipped chrome was good, but unable to adapt.

    Smart weapons mitigated that factor. She started firing, Jackie right behind her, His Nue covering her back as she waded in, Flowing from cover firing right over it, and sending Kang Tao guards scurrying into the shadows.

    It didnt save them.

    She tugged a grenade out of her pocket now that she didnt need the Kenshin and threw it exactly where it needed to bounce into that particr corner. It activated quietly the GASH Anti-Personnel grenade was her favorite. Instead of big loud explosions you hadsers chopping everyone into bits. Ending another threat.

    All was silent for a moment after as she scanned the area, her optics counting the corpses confirming all of the people she had seen were now on the floor confirmed dead.

    Seemed so. She didnt rx, she could have missed one. Jackie. Confirm we got all of them maybe, find the package they took back from the boys, but we need to get out of here. No way we didnt set off an rm.

    Jackie walked off, gun raised as he checked his corners, he might be a reckless street merc, but he was still a merc.

    She checked the floor as well as starting from the opposite side.

    Hey V, I found it! Jackie called out,ing back gun at his side and a big metal case held in hand, a sinister grin on his face. Gonna fuck these guys for the shit they pulled. Jackie practically growled. But V was fighting her own urge. Every inch of her Arasaka Counter-Intel training was telling her to neutralize the non-affiliate his usefulness at its end and take the case.

    She ignored that insanity. Pushing every piece of that thought away.

    This was a favor returned. This time Arasaka would just have to buy the info from Padre, like the rest of the world.

    Even it if would have been a nice notch in her profile.

    She nodded to Jackie no sign of her inner thoughts on her face. Turning around and heading towards the door, it was time to get out of here.

    Just as she reached it, her chrome reacted, activating her sandy, which caused the Acrobatics skill shard to force her into a roll towards the nearest cover without any thought from herself. Which meant she vanished just as heavy fire burst through the opened entrance way that would have sprayed her down.

    Reinforcements were here. Fuck.

    Fuck! That fast? Not possible! This was a fucking drop off spot! Not a hub! Kang Tao couldnt just keep a fullpany of troops here! Arasaka, Militech, all of the big yers wouldnt allow it!

    Unless this was the team meant toe by and secure the case they were stealing because it might actually be important.

    Fuck.

    Jackie? She asked after her sandy turned off. The sandy cool down had her huffing and puffing as she instantly felt overheated and sick.

    Im alright V! He yelled back from behind a support pole. Good. Shit. She peaked and ducked back letting a few rounds bounce off the wall before sticking a hand over the edge of the wall and firing. Her Shingen held the lock for a few seconds and putting some rounds down got her some cover. She leapt, rolling away from the entrance and gaining actual mobility.

    Ideas V? Jackie asked, having fired a few rounds himself while she moved.

    See any trash chutes? She demanded and theugh that escaped him helped a little. Even if it was the realization they were in deep shit.

    She peeked again. No lock engaged at her quick nce, they were behind cover now. Armored and carrying heavy weapons.

    Maybe a back entrance? Jackie called and V shrugged he had been the one to look back there.

    You see any?

    Nope!

    Well thats fucking helpful then isnt it!? She snapped at Jackie but he just shrugged and then ducked back, going to see what he could find while V held the entrance.

    She just sighed, peaking and firing two rounds to scare a few brave Kang Tao back into cover.

    They would hold for a while. At least until they had enough men. Or an AV. Fuck Kang Tao AV would definitely be on its way.

    Anything!? She called out and Jackies head peaked out from the back of the warehouse.

    Its all solid back here! He replied as he then started moving back towards the entrance slipping cover to cover. Dodging a few ringing shots.

    Great.

    She peeked out, snapped off a few more shots that might have hit, or not. The Kang Tao armor wasntplete garbage. More than capable of saving them from a couple rounds.

    Got any smart ideas Chica?

    Bum rush them? She offered sarcastically. It took a moment to realize Jackie didnt respond back and as she looked over her shoulder the look on his face! He was actually considering it. She reached around and grabbed an old bolt and chucked it at him. We are not bum rushing them!

    Owe! Hey I was just considering it. No harm in that right? He patted his head where she had donked him.

    Its too bad you guys sent away your backup huh. A new voice spoke from inside! She spun her Shingen up searching. Where!?

    Motoko? Jackies voice caused V to only slightly rx what? The kid?

    Sup Jackie. The voice was suddenly clear and its origin appeared as a hand waved over the edge of the catwalk above them, well out of sight of either of them and from the entrance way. Suddenly a purple head of hair poked over making V realize the girl had been

    Just fuckingying on her back? Directly above her. V realized with a chill. You want help now? Then, she was sure just to piss her off there was a crinkle and the girl stuffed a chip in her mouth.

    Hah! You enjoying your break Motoko?

    Hey dont me me for letting you guys have all the fun, I try not to interfere in gigs Im not invited for. Want some? She offered the bag of chips to Jackie who despite being in a firefight, seemed to delight in the situation and nodded. The kid rolled it up and tossed it over.

    We arent eating right now! What the fuck Jack! Whats the kid doing here!?

    Dont know! You followed us Motoko?

    Technically you followed me. I was there when you got the location, remember? I left first. You old guys are slow. But seriously? You want some help? I ept payment in eddies, and fun adventures. She said in a teasing tone, and Jackie just started cracking up.

    Hermanita. If you can help us out a bit Id love it! You have something in mind?

    Already breached the gonks'' defenses. Ill blind the whole group we mop up and get out of here. They''re all talking about an AVing in to just blow holes in the building until we die. So lets do it quick fast, alright?

    Fuck.

    Fuck. Jackie and V both uttered together looking at each other and Jackie grinning at the synchronicity of the statement.

    Do it. How long will they be blind?

    Please. This is my shit. The girl said, suddenly slipping almost off the edge of the catwalk. Revealing she was actually wearing Kang-Tao Armor. Theyll never see again. And with that ominous reveal, the purple haired girl hanging from her knees from the catwalk upside down just turned towards the doors. The open doors that had a full Kang Tao squad outside of.

    The squad that she should be in full view of, and she started firing.

    You waiting for me to count down or something chooms? She asked while still firing, holding a Copperhead of all things. Ugh. A Nokota, and Militech chrome arms? Fuck this girls equipment offended V at every level. Using those shitty corps equipment.

    But she put that aside, as Jackie was already moving, running out the door looking to kill the group blocking them from leaving.

    So V didnt hesitate. She followed even if it meant she was about to die. Yet, she didnt. As she raced out there were no gun shots. The Kang Tao guards were seemingly trying to shoot, but nothing was happening, and none of them were pointing in the right direction anyways.

    They were blind.

    She charged, fired her Shingen as fast as she could until it was dry and then holstered it.

    Then she leapt and her Mantis des slipped out. For just a moment V actually felt like herself, as she sliced through gonks that needed to die. This was the one piece of chrome that wasnt controlled by Arasaka chipware, and mandates from the on high, and all sorts of bullshit. Jenkins had okayed her request for them only after she had proven herself reliable.

    Now if only she could get Jenkins to allow her to carry her fucking LMG around! Stupid operator pistol bullshit was so fucking boring!

    Her poor baby wasnt Arasaka enough for Counter Intel. So she was always stuck with these fucking pea shooters.

    But these thoughts were in the back of her head as she ripped and cut through helpless blind Kang Tao guards until the entire blockade at the entrance of their little ck site was dead.

    It felt good.

    Then it was over. And her imnts soothed her enjoyment into that morass of just existence.

    Whew! That was pretty lucky hey V? Jackie asked, smiling in that dopey way as she calmly closed her arms back up. The blood would be cleaned and mess would be cleaned with the internal systems without her input.

    Lucky. Your street kid followed us. She grumbled then jerked as she turned around and the girl was right there. Seemingly having been checking out her des.

    I was here first. Technically! Since I found the info and arrived first you followed me. She said Teasing. I like your mantis des, always thought about getting a set. My Condor were sort of an emergency buy. I know you are going to say something something Arasaka, but whats your best suggestion for a set? She asked surprising V but before she could even process Jackie cut in.

    Ladies, before we meet and greet? Lets get out of here before more Kang Tao show up. Jackie begged.

    Oh yeah. The kid said, and then surged away bouncing up and over a Kang Tao Van leaping right over the fence. The sudden movement caused V to jerk a bit nearly trying to shoot at what startled her. She grumbled at the kids sudden moves looking at Jackie for somemiseration.

    That kid V started and Jackie chuckled.

    She kind of grew on me too. Cmon. Lets grab this one and delta. Jackie said and only Vs desire to not get killed by abat AV kept her from arguing.

    Growing on her? Not even a little!

    She shook her head and focused. They still needed to get out of here.

 Chapter 98

    Chapter 98

    <em>V</em>

    It was time to get the fuck out of here. V ran straight towards the first Van Jackie right behind her.

    She might make fun of Kang Tao as a corporation, but that didnt mean they wouldnt send enough hardware at her to end her bought and paid for ass.

    She slid right through the driver door into the passenger seat Jackie right behind her as he instantly started up the car and started driving. There was a parking garage a few blocks away that they could stash the van call in their own rides and get out of there. Then all of this would be over with and she could go home and get drunk.

    Which is why she really wanted to murder her luck as she caught what was happening out of the corner of her optics and reached out and grabbed the wheel from Jackie and spun it moments before they would have even left the warehouse gate. The van spun out Jackie cursed, but they both survived the high caliber rounds, and missiles that shattered where the van had been a moment before.

    The feel of the Van knocking around from the impact of the high explosive causing her stomach to flop as it just barely managed to stay on its four wheels.

    They were stopped though. Whether the van was damaged, or just pinned on what was left of the entrance checkpoints little hut was up in the air. She looked around and grimaced. The other vans were now burning wrecks smashed and crumpled from the power of a corporation not ying around anymore.

    An AV was here.@@novelbin@@

    Fuck.

    Shit Hermana. I dont think we are outrunning that. Jackie admitted trying to back up, probably to head back into the warehouse to get some cover, but the van was sputtering, and they werent moving.

    V looked around. They wouldnt make it back inside the warehouse. But there wasnt any other cover. Even the fencing was chainlink. Then suddenly the sky lit up. The sound reached her. Hissing fuel and shrieking air. V looked away, not willing to look at her end. But she noticed that despite having been looking through therear of the van trying to get the van looking. Jackie actually looked forward at the sound.

    A man to the end her Jack. Looking straight at his death, staring it down.

    V would remember to tell him that because that wasnt today. The explosion was far enough away V realized she wasnt dying.

    A rocket had been fired, but not at the van. As the AV was lining up for anding probably to disgorge troops, or just block the road while broad siding them. A rocket mmed into it. A horrid rancor of erupted steel and fire echoed out as the AV spun from the blow.

    V knew Avs. They were tough fuckers. One rocket wouldntpletely kill it. Maybe mission kill it for a bit, but it wasnt a fucking movie or something, it wouldnt blow up. It should be able to stabilize and reorient, or at least safely control crash.

    But the missile had nearly hit the cockpit. It was damaged enough that V was sure it must have jumbled the pilot, chrome or not. It spun and before it could stabilize it mmed into a nearby building.

    The horrible noise as it ground itself into the concrete stonework was bad enough.

    Then it tilted with a sharp jerk, something catching on the interior of the building and then there was no saving it as it was pointing straight down.

    It came loose and smashed down onto the street crushing a car beneath its ming bulk.

    Then there was silence for a minute as she barely breathed just taking in the fact she wasn''t dead.

    Then the silence was broken.

    I FUCKING KNEW I WOULD NEED THIS SOME DAY! FUCK YOU SAUL! A yell absolutely sted from their right and V looked out the window and couldnt help but stare at the kid.

    The kid had a fucking Uragan Rocket Launcher!?

    Who the fuck gave a teenager a rocketuncher!?

    Then much to Vs confusion, while she was standing on top of a ck Nomad Quadra 66, arms raised above her head holding the Rocket Launcher between them. The kid was shaking it up and down then she started making a Honking noise?

    Van is fucked. Jackie interrupted her from the horrified shock at what she was seeing.

    Right we need to go. She said kicking the door open and jumping out. There were plenty of other vans

    Or there had been. Fuck.

    The roar of engines as another Kang Tao van turned onto the road obviously driving like mad.

    Shit! Cmon you old folks! Get in the car! The fucking little brat yelped as she jumped down and tossed the rocketuncher into her open trunk before mming it shut.

    The desire for V to scream about what would happen if thatuncher went off while in there was just thrown away because this entire gig was now officially shit show status. She raced around the gate. Jackie puffing along right behind her as he carried the big metal case that was the cause of all the trouble.

    I drive! V yelled as she raced towards the car but the purple haired girl took the time to turn, give her a single look and then slide into the driver seat.

    Fucking little shit!

    The car roared to life and for a second V wondered if they were about to be abandoned, but its tires screeched and it spun out flipping it around and revealing the open passenger door towards both of them.

    Run faster! The kid yelled back and V grit her teeth. A gun shot rang out and then another. Jackie get in! She yelled as she hit the side of the car and turned Shingen pulled free and unloading towards the van that was racing at them. As Jackie nearly leapt in she fired until she was dry and then with an internal sigh leapt innding basically ontop of Jackie.

    The moment she was in the wheels squealed, and the Quadra kicked. Racing down the street away from the pursuing vans.

    Oh man you guys! Ive been wanting to get in a car chase forever! Jackie! You''re my favorite fixer Dont tell Wakako! The kid saidughing in delight as she hit an intersection and the Quadra roared as it got some air before continuing its race through the streets.

    V and Jackie werent having such a good time. Jackie was sitting, barely fitting with the case by his feet, V flopped over hisp. Her legs half out the car.

    Jackie grab me.

    Trying Hermana! A bit out of ce myself! He said but his burly arm thankfully grabbed her tight as the street turned a bit and she wasnt flung out of the car like she feared was going to happen.

    Then a gun shot thunked into the back of the car.

    Asshole! The kid yelled angry at the noise. We have a turning up! Get your ass situated! She yelled at V.

    V listened. Reaching up to grab a car handle she flipped, thanked her chrome for giving her incredible flexibility, as she basically turned herself into a ball and spun around. Now her legs were in the girls space. But Jackie could hold her easier, and V could actually do something. She reloaded her Shingen as Jackie just sighed at her. Probably irritated, he had to grab her around her chest.

    Grow up Jackie you gonk these puppies were fucking preem chrome. Chest sticking out of the car. She aimed and started firing at the van that was following her.

    Trying to drive with your stupid corpo shoes in my face here. The kid yelled and V ignored her as she kept firing.

    Kid was obviouslypetent enough shed live.

    Jackie hold on! Im drifting! The kid warned and Jackied mped down on V which was one part of the warning because a momentter they were suddenly going sideways.

    Ahhhh! V Screamed. She couldnt help it. Her face was very very close to that light pole, and the street and they were going sideways! Cars dont go sideways!

    The massive bark of a Burya had her jerk her eyes away from her imminent death to the inside of the car where the kid was actually.

    Okay fine. That was maybe slightly preem. The kid was drifting the car while shooting a handgun that she should not be able to handle with her left hand.

    Then they were straight and the kid returned the gun to her holster a momentter. I missed the driver. Bet I spooked him though Jackie Grenade! Red top. She demanded holding out her left hand as she continued driving with her right, eyes locked on the street.

    Sorry Hermanita. Hands are a bit full here.

    Fuck off Jack! Where are the grenades? V Demanded, she would punch Jackie for that joke another time, just cause he had his hands on her tits. That wasnt funny!

    Maybe a little funny.

    Maybe just some teasing at Lizziester.

    Under the seat. Cmon hurry it up! The kid demanded, and V rolled her eyes leaning into the car and digging around under the seat which was pretty awkward. Jackie better not make a joke with her digging around his crotch.

    What the fuck are these? She asked, looking at the very much non-standard grenades.

    Red top!

    V found one and handed it over. She had thought about using them herself, but she didnt recognize the brand. Where did you even get these things?

    Made them!

    Jackie jump out of the car with me. V said instantly. Sitting on a box of homemade grenades while in a car chase was not how she wanted to die.

    Oh fuck off. The kid snappedback, then with one hand popped the tab, spun the timer on the top and then released.

    Kid

    One sec.

    KID!

    One Cooking Potato The cook offered back and V literally thought she was about to die as the kid just held the ticking fucking grenade.

    Then she dropped it out the side of the car.

    A secondter it exploded and the Quadra barely even rumbled

    Were alive? Jackie asked. And V looked to him. The gonk literally had his eyes closed.

    I made those timers myself!

    Thats why were worried! V snapped back but then it got quiet.

    The Van?

    Took out the tires. They are losing us. Ive been running them around this industrial park, gonna get onto the freeway and well be long gone. Would you two sort yourself out? Youre embarrassing me. The kid joked shing a grin despite her eyes never leaving the road.

    Where did you find this kid Jack?

    She sorta found me to be honest Hermana. Jackie said with a shrug. V finally just decided to fuck it and rxed went limp as she flopped on Jackie for a minute.

    Jackie, this was a total shit show.

    Sorta like the border yeah?

    Jackie, I''ve told you. You arent allowed to make reasonable points to me, when Im angry. She denied him.

    You two are great! The kid offered and V seriously considered just kicking her.

    Nah. Shed probably be the one to die in the ident not the kid who was wearing her fucking seatbelt.

    Who did that?

    When they finally stopped it was by unanimous consensus. The kid had just pulled them off the freeway in Heywood. Found the first parking lot and basically just slid into a spot.

    V was so done with tonight. Despite the camaraderie filling a piece of her she knew she would have to smother againe morning she had not exactly enjoyed the shitshow. She oozed off of Jackie the only way she could actually get out of the car as she finally got free. Ignoring the mess on her hands as she had to pull herself free by crawling out fo the car.

    She rose, flicking her hands to remove the worst and shifted her shoulders and back her suit adjusting back to how it should be. Good. She didnt look like she had just gone through hell.

    Jackie took a bit longer. Untangling himself from the big case they stole. The box of grenades, and just the awkward angle he had been sitting. He got free and stumbled a few steps as he stretched and groaned.

    The kid popped out the driver side and rested both arms on the top of the roof seemingly just watching.

    Okay now that I can feel my-well there aredies present. Im going to call Padre. Jackie said cutting him off as he realized he was the lone guy present. Fuckin Jackie. Always telling a joke to break the tension.

    You do that Jack. V said as she looked around. Just a bunch of shops and kiosks. Shame she could use a smoke right now. So instead she focused on the stray. V was a meticulous woman. Had to be tost in counter intel.

    Netrunning. Shooting. Driving. Heavy weapon on hand. Stealth. Thatst one was probably the one that as she made a thought of it caused her eyes to narrow.

    The kid had been right above her. Literallyying a few feet above her without a care during an intense firefight. She hadnt even known she was there. She had searched that warehouse. Her eyes were high end Arasaka optics meant for intel gathering.

    They hadnt even noticed her.

    Youre all ry right now. The kid offered back with a smirk.

    You wereying above me on the catwalk.

    Heh! Yeah that was funny. You should have seen your face when I spoke up. You whipped around like a freaked out cat.

    People dont sneak up on me.

    She shrugged without a care. Im an infiltrator. Its my specialty Wait, should I be telling you this? Eh. Hiromis parents are with Arasaka too. So I guess its fine. She added talking more to herself than anything.

    Hiromi?

    A few seconds of searching, and she got it.

    Hiromi Mitsunashi. Only child of Keiko and Albert Mitsunashi. They were unimportant in the grand scheme of things, but they had known about the girl?

    She did a quick check, and yes. She wouldnt have to have a firm conversation with them. They had updated the thead project with information gathered from a contact and even marked it appropriately. But had marked it questionable, which meant it wasnt gged in the system directly to intel to look into.

    A fourteen year old had gotten info on the Militech thead? Bullshit. Absolute bullshit. Militech were acting like mother bears about that project. Nothing hade out yet. V had been on the taskforce trying to steal the ns.

    Twice.

    Who the hell are you?

    The girl blinked at the question before seeming to smirk as her head disappeared and a momentter she had leapt onto the top of her car.

    Glorious Infiltrator Motoko Kusanagi! Netrunner and all around amazing person!

    Then she struck a pose. Hand on her hip which was cocked out and making a V with her fingers over one eye.

    V really wanted to shoot her.

    Yeah! You tell them hermanita! Jackie called out as he finally walked back looking pleased and Motoko seemed to take the attention to heart and puffed up even more.

    Why was V dealing these idiots? Why was she wasting her time working with a fucking washed up merc that couldnt ever seem to get himself out of small time, without everything going to shit, and a now a teenage wonder that V desperately wanted to either put a few hundreds bullets into. Or drag back to Counter Intel.

    As an experiment or the future super thief she wasnt sure which yet.

    So why wasnt she?

    Cmon Hermana! Padre promised a lot of eddies for all the trouble! Rounds on me at the bar tonight! He said dropping an arm over her shoulder, and pulling V into his bulk in a side hug. The first gentle touch not gained from joytoys or people literally trying to honey trap her in

    Oh right. She was a lonely friendless gonk, and Jack was literally the only person in the city she could put any trust in without being burned.

    Fuck it, fine. But you are gonna pay for that Jack.

    Hehe. Go a little easy on me choom.

    Fuck no.

    --

    Half an hourter everyone pulled into Lizzies.

    Vs bike had showed up. Jackie just decided to stick with the kid. A runner for Padre hade around and taken the case, freeing them of that concern.

    I still cant believe you bothe to Lizzies! Ive never seen you here I mean I donte here to drink, so thats probably part of it. The girl thered as soon as V stepped off her bike.

    We usually hang out in the private booths Hermana.

    That must be it. Hey Rita! The little gonk ran off to Rita fucking Wheeler with a hand over her head waving like a kid. Ignoring the line ran right up and to Vs surprise didnt get a bat to the face, instead Rita nodded her head inside without a seconds thought. But the kid didnt just disappear, instead throwing a finger to V and Jackie.

    If V wasnt who she was, she would have missed it. But like Arasaka wouldnt put in listening devices into a Counter Intel agent.

    Rita these are my chooms, we just did this massive gig! Were here to party! Should we get in line? Theyre here to drink. Im never sure of the rules of that kind of thing.

    Wheeler looked over the kid then Jackie and V before just letting out a chuckle. Heh. Its fine Motoko. Take your chooms in. I recognize Welles, and his stiff bitch corpo. Neither will cause trouble. Or else. She said looking up thest part of the sentence they had been close enough to catch.

    Rita youre the best!

    Well you owe me one. I want a private rendition of that song of yours. Rita said teasing smile going wide as the kid gasped

    How did you-Judy squealed!

    Of course she did! She came up the other day legs shaking and needed an actual drink. You okay kid? Judy said it was pretty brutal. She asked the kid who looked a little nervous about something.

    Ah Motoko made a noise beforeing together, clearing her throat and straightening up. Im good Rita. That was more of a forced experience. I finished the song and it was so brutal and heavy I wanted to set the scene? Just dont watch it! Its not good! Yeah you should totally not watch it! The girl rambled on but the fucks waiting outside were making noise and Rita was forced to focus on them.

    Fuck off! Theyre allowed! Go on Motoko well talkter. Remember what I said! You owe me!

    Never! The kid called out behind her as she slipped inside and rejoined them. So the kid had Mox connections too.

    V shook it off. She wasnt here for intel.

    She was here to get fucking drunk and forget all the trouble she would be ine the morning, when Jenkins found out what she had been up to. He would cover for her. He always did. She was too useful not to. But he was still going to grill her ass and probably have her do scop work for weeks.

    They passed through the bar and grabbed one of the circr private booths along the edge of the bar. Settling in.

    Ill get us some drinks then! V the usual? Toko what are you drinking tonight?

    Oh Ill just get a soda Jackie. I dont drink.

    Fuck that. V said, pping the table and pointing. You fought beside us. We survived, we celebrate. Grab her something fruity Jack. But shes gonna drink it.

    I dont drink V. The kid responded back tly. No give at all.

    V actually felt impressed, most teens would have folded with just that.

    You cant toast a new friendship with just soda Hermanita. Jackie said having not run off just yet. He reached over and patted the kid on the shoulder. Ill bring something, and if you dont drink it you dont. But you should at least for the toast!

    Ugh you drunks! Its just alcohol! It has no actual meaning! She hissed back, but Jackie was justughing.

    Stubborn kid arent you?

    Can be! She settled into the wide booth as V took her own spot and finally rxed. No one wasing to kill her here. Jackies crazy gig was done with, and everything was just Quiet.

    Until the girl started humming along to the pop song that was ying above them.

    Like the song or something? She asked half trying to point out that it was annoying and half teasing.

    Fuck Jackie had been right. She had sorta grown on her Probably right around the time she had drifted them through that intersection.

    V could respect a preem line like that.

    Huh? What? Oh! The humming. Not really! Its kinda shit to be honest. Bad habit I picked up. I tend to sing along to stuff now. She mentions and justughs at herself. This stuff isnt my thing. I like Samurai and that sort of stuff.

    V sat up a bit. Chippin In. V said instantly, and the girl scoffed.

    Never Fade Away! Obviously!

    Never is good, but Chippin In is the song that speaks best! V argued pounding a fist into the table.

    Says the borg. Never Fade Away is the best. It does the best job representing human spirit! Never stopping!

    Its barely even a Samurai song! Silverhand wrote it when he went solo, and just integrated it into the band when he came back for their reunion tour!

    Oh no the band only yed it together on stage during their alle together tour. Are you going to say ck Dog doesnt count too? The kid hissed back.

    Hey ck Dog even existing is a fucking miracle! Everyone gives it leeway! V retorted back. That song had almost beenpletely lost when the one copy of it had gone to shit after the Arasaka tower bombing.

    Besides, Never Fade Away was shit as a Johnny Solo song. It took Kerry on Guitar to actually make it work. She offered and V damn near leapt out of her seat.

    You take that shit back! Without Silverhand Kerry wouldnt be shit!

    Oooh. Feisty. We got a Silverhand Fangirl? Really? The kid seemed absolutely thrilled at this little piece of knowledge.

    Thanking her hormonal control imnt V just scoffed instead of sputtered. No. I just know the truth. Theres a reason that for all his fame and fortune and t albums and shit, Eurodyne doesnt have the cultural impact Silverhand had.

    Eurodyne is the better musician.

    V had to stop herself from popping her des at the audacity of this bitch!

    Then she realized.

    She was having fun. When was thest time she got to talk music with someone? Enjoyed getting into an argument about her favorite band?

    What was she even doing with her life? When having a conversation with a teenager made her feel this invigorated

    She flopped back into the couch, the fight going out of her. She really needed that drink. The intrusive thoughts were getting to her.

 Chapter 102

    Chapter 102

    Future TV was a mistake. I whispered after watching in horrified awe what passed for a popr action movie that only came out a few years ago.

    It was horrible.

    No wonder everyone in Night City was so violent. They had no good violence to watch on TV! I nodded to myself. I was gonna need to up the production quality of my XBDs. The people deserved high quality violence!

    What are you doing? I blinked, looking at Jun as he looked at me. I lowered my fist that had been aiming at the sky and wiped some imaginary dust from my leotard as I sat back down on the couch.

    Nothing.

    Jun gave me a look telling me he didnt believe me for a second. Then he just walked past me to sit on the couch. Your movie done?

    It was so awful Ive deleted it from my brain. I assured him and Junughed.

    It was a good flick. The special effects needed work though.

    What special effects? Whenever he punched someone it was obviously just a dummy full of blood. I literally dont think they did any digital alterations on the entire movie.

    Yeah why would they? The dummies were too fake. They should have gotten some robots inside them to let them move or something.

    That actually sounds cool, but I know even if they did that it would still look like shit. I hate TV. I grumbled and Jun just snorted and then turned back on the TV. Switching to a show he liked.

    I faux gagged at him, but didnt fight him for the remote. It wasnt like there was anything else I wanted to watch.

    Then I felt it. That prickling in my shoulders as my hindbrain noticed something. I moved instantly. No hesitation as something in my senses was telling me I was in danger. I barreled into Jun full bore knocking us both off the side of the couch Jun was instantly yelling in anger at me, thinking I was fucking around, but then the noise hit him.

    A gun shot mming through our window and into the couch.

    Sniper! I yelled out, as I looked towards the window. Instantly the shutters closed. The safety shutters were meant to keep out stray gunfire and the like, but against a Sniper?

    Fuck I even recognized the sound of that gunshot. That was a Nekomata.

    Stay down! Jun yelled at me as I made to rise towards my room. I needed a gun, to counter snipe, but my Nekomata was in the Quadra!

    Then we both heard it.

    Boots on flooring.

    Fuck.

    Fuck. Jun and I both uttered and he let me go, I rushed for my room. I still had a Tactician Shotgun in there Unfortunately my HMG wouldnt be a good choice despite how much I itched to pick her up. Jun just grabbed his Katana from the stand on our family shrine.

    A momentter I heard it even as I was preparing my Tactician. Another echoing retort, and metal failing to stop the railgun firing into our apartment.

    It took a second for me to process, but I realized the sniper had to be on the road leading up to the city level above us. Probably just sitting there parked on the side of the road shooting into our apartment.

    That meant we had no ce we could hide in any of the main rooms.

    I hurried out relieved to see Jun hadnt been hit. The sniper must just be firing randomly.

    I crouched down beside Jun who was hunkered down resting his back against the shrine facing the door.

    We should charge them. If we stay in here, the sniper will eventually get lucky.

    He nodded, not saying anything further, and I noticed his eyes were golden. Ah, he was making a call. Good.

    Ready? He asked and all I did was reach up and grab my Katana too, and slipped it through my belt. Then nodding.

    Tactician was already loaded. No need to wrack it just to show off.

    He surged forward, the door opening instantly and surprising the group of gonks all formed up as one of them had obviously been trying to break in through the lock.

    A tech guy not arunner huh?

    Jun was faster than I was. Mostly because I didnt have a clear shot with his stupid head in the way, but he mmed into the guys waiting ignoring SMGs and pistols and simply ran them down like a bull. Two died instantly as one was skewered with a Katana and the others head was grabbed and he was simply thrown into his chooms.

    Neck broken, the gonks body went floppy.

    Then I was there. I leapt my feet hitting the concrete hallway wall. Sticking me for just half a second thanks to the friction. More than long enough to fire a shot into the arrayed group. My eyes already blurring as I worked to send a Quickhack through to shut off their weapons as well.

    Then it was all hell.

    They started firing, Jun starting swinging, I fired and hacked everything I could. Their weapon fire quickly shut off which caused them to freak out, as they had an angry Oni in front of them.

    The fight onlysted a few moments. Juns absurd chromed out strength. Even with only being able to really stab with his Katana, he was still skewering the fools that attacked us, and breaking limbs or necks with his other hand.

    Down! I yelled out, and Jun was in tune enough to do that. As a sniper round ripped through the concrete hallway.

    I had caught the transmission one of the fuckers had sent out just in time. I turned and fired my shotgun into the dead fucker and looked away only once his head stopped existing.

    Stairwell! I yelled, leaping over Jun and down the stairs, Jun joining me as another round ripped through the hall.

    We should be safe here though. A Nekomata can only shoot through so much concrete before even that railgun just cant punch through anymore.

    What the fuck? I asked aloud my heart barely moving as Cold Blood had taken over, but even with that going full st the outrage in my head was making my blood feel like it was boiling, going hot and cold.

    Scavs. Jun said and I blinked looking at one of the corpses.

    I scanned his face and yep.

    Record of working with Scavs.

    Scavs had attacked us. Me. Scavs had attacked me, I realized.

    This is my fault.

    Worry about thatter. Focus on the fight. Our reinforcements are on the way so we just have to hold.

    I nodded already expecting that, from Juns earlier call, but still. These fuckers. They attacked my home.

    I moved.

    Motoko! I ignored Jun, as I raced down the stairs. Outside there were two vans. Both backed up to the entrance with the back doors open. I leapt into the first one sliding on the metal flooring as I slid right up to the driver''s seat.

    The driver there hadnt noticed me until that moment. When I had a shotgun mming into the side of his face and pushing him into the ss of the vans side window.

    Fuck! he cursed at the blow but then stilled as the barrel of my shotgun mashed into his cheek.

    I want answers, asshole. I hissed reaching out and mming his head into the ss again to prove my point.

    Bitch! You think we are just going to let you keep killing us? You think we are that stupid? You and your brother are marked! We will-

    You will die. All of you. Every Scav in this city. Even if I have to spend the next year to do it. Hunting every single one of you down. There is no hole deep enough. No ce safe enough to stop me. I said tonelessly.

    I didnt need to get angry with this piece of trash. What I said wasnt some threat to get him to talk.

    It was simply what it was.

    They hade after me in my home. Had nearly shot my brother.

    I had gone too far. There was no other option now.

    It was kill or be killed. Wipe out the Scavs. Or they would eventually get lucky. So there was no other option. I saw Jun doing the same thing I was through the drivers window. The poor Scav in the driver seat of the second van had been pulled fully into the back and the entire van was rocking and echoing with the fuckers screams.

    Good.

    Jun was probably beating him to death.

    Your chooms you sent into my home are all dead. You and your choom over there are fucked. Unless you tell me everything I want to know.

    Fuck you-Bitch! He hissed as I mmed him into the window again, but he just red, and said something in russian.

    So I mmed his head into the ss again. This is Night City! Speak English Motherfucker! Now tell me what the fuck the n was? You think you are going to get away with attacking me at home!?

    You wont get shit out of me! Kill me and all the-

    Youre right. I will kill you. I pulled the trigger. Ignoring the mess I crawled back out, going slow and careful as the sniper was still around until I slipped into the back of the other Van.

    Jun was still beating the driver to death.

    Well no he was already dead, but Jun was still hammering the mess into the floor.

    Jun! Focus up. I demanded. Now wasnt the time for going Cyberpsycho.

    He looked up at me, but still mmed his fist down onest time.

    Im going to see if the sniper is still here.

    Jun looked constipated for a second like he wanted to agree, but eventually whatever was fighting against that thought won out. No. Just wait for the Kamikaze. Fujimura-sama is on his way.

    He might be gone by then. I argue as Im already climbing over Jun noticing he has a few bullet holes from our hallway battle.

    Dammit.

    I felt my teeth clench at the idea that Jun was hurt because of me.

    I slipped into the driver''s seat and the van was already on. So I quickly hit the gas. Ignoring Juns grumbling as I took off.

    The sniper position was just around the corner. I drove down the road uncaring if the sniper saw me. He might have a good high position from the on ramp looking into our fourth floor apartment, but he was also dealing with a barrier around the road. He wouldnt be able to aim at the ground floor as easily.

    I practically drifted around the corner at the end of the street ignoring Juns cursing as he rolled around in the back. I could already see him.

    A big Thorton Mackinaw parked on the ramp. Traffic just going around it, and doing their best to ignore it.

    I couldnt. I felt my stomach drop my mind fritz. Because the iconography? The symbols? Everything about it screamed only one thing. Something I knew.

    Fucking Maelstrom! I growled, surprising myself at the rage I felt as I hit the gas. Hold on to something! I called out to Jun.

    Somehow the sniper hadnt noticed. That or he was high, because the truck wasnt even moving when I mmed into it. The gonk was probably too scope focused. Shitty amateur hour sniper.

    The Villefort Columbus I was driving wasnt nearly as beefy as the Mackinaw. Which was basically a super sized pickup truck.

    But mming into it going as fast as I could get it to go, still rocked everything, smashed me around a little and ended up with the truck pinned against the side of the road.

    He wouldnt escape now.

    To my surprise Jun was out of the van before I was. I guess I had to spend a bit more time untangling myself from the seatbelt.

    I was trying to catch up when he reached the Mackinaw and ripped the door right off the truck.@@novelbin@@

    A momentter he leapt back nearlynding on me as something big fired inside the truck at where he had been.

    Then I was there. Rushing in and I found myself face to face with a Maelstrom member and his Nekomata. I was too fast though. He wasnt in a good position. It was obvious he had been looking out the passenger window into the apartment when we hit him. So he was all turned around and holding the Nekomata awkwardly.

    I bashed the end of the Nekomata out of the line of fire and then I was on him.

    He was still Maelstrom.

    He had chrome. He had a lot of chrome. My knuckles would mostly be hitting chrome if I punched him nearly anywhere.

    But none of that mattered.

    My fist mmed into his stupid optics and he was cursing throwing his own chrome fists at me.

    I ripped into him. Uncaring about where he hit me. This fucker had sniped me in my own home!

    I was going to tear out every piece of chrome in his worthless corpse with my own hands! Just so his stupid spirit-belief bullshit would leave him a normy in the afterlife!

    I might have been screaming that at him as I went at him, because a momentter Jun grabbed me by the back of my Leotard and flung me right out of the car and onto the street.

    The van blocking the entire road kept anyone from running me over, but it still hurt!

    Jun you asshole! Asphalt hurts!

    But as I looked up intending to continue with my murder. It was already over. Jun had gotten his hands on the Maelstrom gonk.

    I was pretty strong, and I was okay with my fists.

    But they called Jun the Oni, and I sometimes got reminded of why.

    As he literally ripped the Maelstroms arm off and started beating him to death with it.

    Okay fair enough. You do you Jun.

    I groaned and winced as I noticed my nose was bleeding. Since Jun was upied, I popped a MaxDoc, and instantly felt back to 100%.

    Then it struck me.

    I knew that Maelstrom.

    I had seen him before. I recognized him.

    Stupid Fuck. I whispered. That was the gonk! One of the fuckers that hade to the scav den. He had been with Gear Shaft? Gear Slot? Whatever her name had been. The stupid one that had thought about stealing from me.

    I recognized him.

    What the fuck is going on? Why was a Maelstrom shit working with Scavs No wait, that was a stupid question.

    Maelstrom needed chrome. Scavs had chrome

    But then His choom had been klepped by Scavs, rescued and he went and joined them against us? What fucking crazy shit was that? Or was he the reason she was there in the first ce? Maelstrom politics. Fuck me,.

    Oh well. Jun had already taken care of any chance for us to get any info from the poor fucker.

    He was dead.

    Jun hes dead, stop punching a corpse. I told him firmly, earning a look back from my rage filled brother, but after a moment or two where he seemed to consider it he did finally let go.

    You shouldnt have charged him like that! What if he shot you! Jun snapped at me, growling and baring his teeth, as his anger at the Maelstrom and the entire situation didnt just disappear like mine did.

    With a single thought Cold Blood shut off all the rage and let me think clearly.

    Sorry Jun-Nii. I didnt want this one to get away. Plus, I had you watching my back. I told him with a smile hoping it would sputter out his anger, and while he did turn away from me, his fist mmed into the side of the Maelstrom truck showing he was still raging.

    That was fine.

    I was still pretty angry about it too.

    But you know what? Even if this fucker was dead That didnt mean I didnt have a lead.

    Natalie Desanto AKA GearSlot. I whispered to myself. A reminder of the words I had spoken while choosing not to kill that Maelstrom girl.

    Did my own mercy then lead to this?

    I shook off the horrifying thought. It didnt matter yet. I would find out. And if mercy was what led to this attack on our home. Then I would just rectify that mistake.

    And the mistake of allowing Maelstrom, and Scavs to exist.

    --

    Jun and I parked the van and the Maelstroms truck in front of the apartment, and waited.

    It wasnt long until the roar of Kusanagi motorcycles started flowing down the road. Followed by other cars all tuned up and painted in all sorts of things. Tyger w symbols, Japanese letters, anything and everything.

    It looks like Fujimura hadnt held back. More than twenty vehicles all parked in front of the apartment taking up much of the street. The mass gathering caused the people that would normally fill the street to all disappear, watching on from windows or store fronts.

    Kusanagi. You need a Ripper? Fujimura asked as he stepped out of a high end Quadra Turbo-R.

    I liked my Quadra Type-66 more. The 66 was a muscle car, while the Turbo R was like a japanese racer.

    No. Just scratches. Jun uttered as he rose up. I had looked over his scratches as best I could in the few minutes since we had headed back to the apartment, but I wasnt a doc.

    Yes, he needs to get checked out and patched up. I uttered without hesitation. He still has some bullets in him.

    Im fine Motoko. Jun hissed at me, but he was acting more like an annoyed older brother, than the furious rage beast he had been just before.

    Fujimura of course only gave both of us a lifted eyebrow. The man was utterly uninterested in our sibling cat fights.

    What happened? He demanded and Jun the dutiful little soldier answered, exining what he saw from his perspective.

    I kept quiet. It wasnt my job to exin shit to Fujimura.

    Kusanagi. He uttered, and this time he was talking to me. Our eyes met, and for once I actually felt a little softness towards the man.

    Because he wasnt ring at me like he usually did. No, he actually looked rather sympathetic.

    You are unharmed?

    They didnt touch me. I had a good meatwall. Worst I got was a bit of a fist, but you should see the other guy Jun ripped his arm off and beat him to death with it. I exined and the man exhaled air out of his nose.

    It wasnt augh of course. Men like Fujimura didnt do that sort of thing.

    Going after one of our people in their own home is uneptable. Action will be taken. He said to me, but I didnt really care.

    The Tyger ws could do something, or nothing.

    It didnt matter.

    This was now personal. Very personal.

    Ah, but I see you intend to seek your own revenge. He said annoying me by actually being right.

    They shot up my home. I hated them before, but now its an existential threat. They die, or Jun and I do. So I choose them.

    Fujimura nodded, looking pleased.

    I agree. So you have a choice, Kusanagi. Do you head off into the sunset alone? Or do you let your family, and your friends assist you? He asked, and it took me a moment to get what he was saying.

    He wasnt talking about Hiromi and my chooms.

    He meant the Tyger ws.

    Do I go off to do this alone. Or will I ept gang assistance.

    This was it wasnt it? The path that people in Night City walk that leads them into a gang in truth.

    I scowled, irritated, but I didnt have a good response. I was too ready to do stupid thing to kill Scavs and Maelstrom right now.

    He turned back to Jun. Go get checked out. I will be reaching out to Ichida-Sama to put the ws into a war footing with the Scavs And perhaps the Maelstrom once again. He added and Jun grumbled but nodded his head.

    Understood.

    Kusanagi. Make your decision. We will likely begin assaulting the Scavs tonight. Fujimura told me and all I could do was feel irritated. Like I needed them to find Scavs.

    Cmon Jun lets get you to a ripper before you bleed all over everything. I snapped at Jun doing my best to ignore Fujimura.

    I needed time to think.

 Chapter 104

    Chapter 104

    Holy fuck. I whispered. Staring as actual deja vu struck me.

    I had gotten some deets from Wakako about this location. After I cleared out her gig location which was a waste of time. Only three Scavs working in a small cell, but she had at least started selling me more info.

    Considering one of the ces I hit had already been cleared out maybe an hour before me. I realized Wakako was being sneaky and selling me the locations the TC knew about.

    Whatever. It didnt matter to me.

    But I had pulled into an underground parking garage for this apartmentplex, stepped out and walked to the elevator, and it was only as it opened did it strike me.

    I knew this ce.

    I had been here before. Many times. The elevator was old. Covered in graffiti. Old metal that looked rusted and stained.

    But I knew where I was. This was the same Elevator that V and Jackie would walk into in a few years to rescue what was her name? Sandra something?

    The first gig.

    And I was staring at the entrance to it all. I checked the information. Floor 15. I didnt know if it was the same floor as V went to in the future, but it didnt matter.

    I pushed the nostalgia away.

    I stepped inside.

    The ride up was quiet, the elevator did stop on the fifth floor suddenly. The doors opened revealing a normal looking man that made to step in before stopping when he caught sight of me.

    Our eyes met. Then slowly the door shut without him making a move to enter.

    Kinda rude but alright.

    It continued on ever upwards then it opened.

    A very familiar hallway.

    The room I was looking for was 1237, and as I approached I knew.

    This really was the first gig. Somehow I was here two years early clearing out a bunch of Scavs.

    Wait didnt theye back to this ce again after V cleared them? Was I going to have to go back and check on all the previous Scav dens to make sure they didnte infest the ce again!?

    Once again I shook it off. I stood before the door.

    It opened with a look. The security far too weak to stop me.

    The familiarity hit me. The first room was beaten down, but mostly used as a kitchen. A table and food left out. To my surprise the ce was quiet. No pounding music, or anything. Just an eerie silence.

    I moved to the doorway to the next room. Peering in. A ripperb. But no bodies were left around. It was kind of quiet.

    I nodded. This wasnt the first den tonight that had gotten word of what was going on. That had realized that the TC were hunting Scavs dens. I had found one just before this den that had beenpletely empty. Whatever Scav group that had held it abandoning the merchandize at the threat.

    I stilled before I entered the room. Something struck me as wrong. My eyes shed into a scan and after a few moments I found it.

    Aser.

    Huh the Scavs had some brain cells after all. They had ced a fucking mine of all things in the little hallway.

    I remembered thest time I had tried to defuse a mine and scowled a bit.

    Fine! I leapt easily avoiding the trigger andnding in the next room. Old blood, but no bodies. Yeah they probably were a bit too busy to go klep some people. What with the whole territory searching for them.

    I moved. Eyes shing in scans constantly to make sure I wasnt walking into another trap.

    The next room to my disappointment was empty as well. But I knew this ce. So I didnt follow along. I moved towards the outside porchughing as I followed the edge, and instead peeked in through the windows, uncaring that I was fifteen stories off the road far below.

    The main room that I remembered had been secured up. Crates and couches set up to give cover. I quickly pinged the first gonk I could see, and hummed as the web of connections grew before my eyes.

    The connections to what I guessed were mines at the entrances were ignored.

    Not any danger to me.

    I moved. Jumping along the edge of the building until I reached the second outer porch. To my delight someone was out there, smoking a cigarette.

    I dropped a Weapon Glitch on the entire group as I leaptnding behind the gonk who was sitting in a crappywn chair. I prepped my leg bringing it really far back and then let it all out.

    His scream echoed long and loud as he went over the edge.

    Then it was on.

    I moved both hands full of gun as I leapt inside. Gonk number one got four Lexington Rounds into his chest, dropping him. The next got a single shot through a wall. Burya as always dominating any lesser weapons as that one round was all I needed.

    Then I came up to my feet facing the little main room that had all sorts of defenses set up.

    The Scavs werent slow. Weapons were raised. Triggers were pulled. Nothing happened. And then their eyes went dark.

    I tore through them. A monster gunning them down without hesitation. Their little pillbox of crates and armor turned into their tomb as I simply walked around the exterior and put bullets into bodies.

    I reloaded whenever needed, hands a blur. Rapid Reload turning the act even while dual wielding into a blur of movement, and action.

    This group of scum wasnt even worth drawing my Katana this time.

    I checked with a ping after I killed all the ones in front of me. Only the static mines and things registered back, but I wanted to be sure.

    No survivors. So I started walking through the building checking every room, just to make sure.

    As I came upon the back door to the little Scav den, only then reminding me that I didnt have to walk through the front entrance. I scoffed at myself as I opened the door and stepped out casually wiping some blood off of my arms when I noticed it out of the corner of my eye.

    I blinked.

    Motoko? Jun asked as he, Akari, and two other men I didnt know were all piled in front of the main door to the Scav den looking like they were about to breach it.

    Heeey Jun. I greeted, feeling a little weird. Was it weird to walk into my brother in the middle of something like this? I mean It kinda felt weird.

    Motoko! He roared and charged at me and I yelped, instantly my mind realizing that if I ran for the elevator Jun would catch me.

    Well fuck it I turned back into the den and ran.

    Instantly I realized the problem.

    Mines.

    Fuck. I growled, drawing my Burya and firing a single round ahead of me. Wincing as the explosion nearly sent me back a step, but that at least cleared the path.

    Motoko!

    Im fine! Just watch for mines! They thought that would be enough! Bunch of gonks amiright? I called back as I broke out into a run.

    Motoko! Jun roared and I was getting serious Resident Evil vibes. Was Jun a Nemesis now only able to yell out the name of his target?

    I ran to the patio and skidded to a halt as I turned, seeing Jun approach.

    What do you want Jun? Im kinda busy. I called out and he stalled at my sudden discussion, his face twisting into confusion before he red at me.

    This is dangerous! You areing with us! We can- MOTOKO! He yelled in horror as I turned and just jumped.

    Nah Jun. I dont feel like being babied right now. Scavs to kill and all that.

    The patio was fifteen floors up. And it overlooked a street far far below. But across the way were more buildings, and apartments.

    My leap took me out into the clear sky between them.

    The air rushing past me was exhrating as I leapt from the patio across the gap between buildings.

    It was a far jump. Crossing an entire street in a single leap. But I could make it. My ankles gave me incredible hops and I still had Parkour and Cat-like to handle thending.

    I hit the ground and rolled skidding to a stop and then I turned.

    Jun was across the way. And a few floors up.

    Our eyes met.

    No. I told him simply. Not that he could hear it. Then just to prove the fucking point. I walked up to the edge, and leapt off that too.

    A single floor down Inded, and then bounced down to the next.

    I was about thirteen floors up.

    Thirteen jumps? That wasnt exactly a problem.

    I left Jun far behind. Even if he took an elevator I would still be on the ground long before he could catch up.

    Down I went, Parkours instincts guiding me into a delightful drop down the side of a skyscraper.

    I leapt, rolled, flipped, and slid down the building in a single natural movement that left me breathless in delight.

    Then I was on the sidewalk. Startling more than a few people as I dropped from the sky tond in a crouch among them. I rose up, brushed myself off and walked to the crosswalk.

    Unfortunately while that was cool my Kusanagi was parked in the parking garage connected to the first apartment building. So I had to hurry to ensure Jun wasnt going to catch me.

    I took a second to look at a wrecked car on the side of the road. That hadnt been there befoooore. Oh. That was a dead Scav on the hood. I very quickly looked away and felt the urge to whistle innocently rush through me.

    Honestly officer I have no idea how that Scav got there!

    As I slipped into the garage I noticed to my surprise Fujimura was there. Leaning against a car another car behind him.

    Huh. Well wasnt my problem. I walked into the shadows and slipped over to where I parked my Kusanagi.

    Only when I started the engine did Fujimura twitch. My head lights came on blinding him for a second but then I was off driving right past him.

    Our eyes met. Then I was gone.

    I had more Scavs to kill. No time for politics today. Politics was future Motokos problem.

    --

    <em>Akari</em>

    Okay Jun-chan. While that is kinda annoying Your kid sister is fucking preem, cause fuck that. I would not jump off a fucking building like that. She chirped standing beside the big lug that had been standing at the edge of the building watching the tiny figure of his sister get smaller and smaller.

    She meant it too. A long fall like that was a good way to kill yourself. Being heavier than normal, meant most borgs didnt like heights. Too easy for something to give way and send you tumbling a few stories to your death.

    No response? Cant have that! She budged him with her shoulder not getting a response even then.

    So she poked him.

    Fuck Akari! Jun-chan snapped eyes zing and growling. Ah good! Thats right look at her! Pay attention to her!

    Oh no Fujimura-sama! Jun-chan yelled at me! She whined aloud not sending that over the call. Fujimura would just scold her after all.

    Cmon lets go. He growled stomping away although he didnt get far. He checked out the main room and the little blood bath his cute little sister had left behind.

    Akari smiled, despite being a little scared at just how far out on the edge little Motoko was.

    Jun was stable enough. Especially with Motoko helping, but who the fuck just walked through Scav dens like this solo? Not just that, but did so as a teenager? Girl would be dead soon. Shed bite off more than she can chew.

    Or everything in Night City would try only to find her too tough.

    Do you think your little sister is more like gristle or fat? She asked Jun-chan only to get ignored.

    Oh well, worse for him, she wouldnt share her worry about his sisters death then.

    Seriously, who jumped off buildings like that?

    She poked her foot into the guts of a Scav nodding as he didnt even shift. Dead for sure.

    So did she chip in a bunch of chrome or something? She asked honestly. There was half a dozen Scavs in this room. In a little defended space, weapons littered the area. Enough stuff that Akari wouldnt have wanted to attack without her Sandy ready to start up.

    But she was already out of that for the night. Her neck still felt burning. Like when she burned her tongue while eating something hot and then even if you are eating your favorite it doesnt taste right only like burning.

    Thats how Akari knew she had pushed her Sandy too hard. It had stopped feeling good thest time. Now it just burned.

    Motoko is a genius. She can do anything if she puts her mind to it. Jun said suddenly, with the surety of an older brother hyping up his little sibling.

    Yeah Akari called bullshit. Motoko was kinda off. Had been since they first met. Not many kids are stupid enough to pick a fight with a Cyberpsycho. Akari had almost killed her that first time when she hadnt lost fast enough.

    Hmm. No even someone who couldst with a Katana against her wasnt enough to survive this. Too much experience was needed here.

    The warning about mines was telling, but more than that.

    A normal person, couldnt walk against a defended position and just kill everyone. Akari looked at the numbers and decided instantly that alone this would have been dangerous for her. She likely would have been shot a few times.

    Cmon. We have more Scavs to kill. He grunted not hearing her internal monologue which was totally his fault. Jun should really learn how to read her a bit better. He wouldnt ever get into her pants if he didnt Well maybe even so. She followed after him, eyes firmly locked onto his butt.

    --

    The sun was rising.

    I noticed it in surprise as I let the Scav I had just killed was dropped onto the floor. Another small ce cleared out. Only five gonks in this one. Just big enough to go kidnap a few people from time to time.

    Well they were dead now.

    Until tomorrow night then. I decided. Shutting off the BD recorder.

    I wasnt tired, but I was basically out of Scav dens.

    I stepped out of the little shop the Scavs had killed the owners for and taken over. My Kusanagi parked not far down the sidewalk I walked over and slipped on.

    What a night.

    I didnt even want to look at my system yet. I had a feeling numbers would have gone up quite a bit. I would need some time to look it over, and doing that while driving was dumb.

    But I also wasnt ready to head home yet.

    I drove over to Lizzies. I had a feeling since the sun was literally rising Judy would probably be sleeping, if the club was even open, but I wanted to drop off my new virtu to her.

    Scav Extermination: Night 1. Would probably be popr enough considering how many of the fuckers I had murdered tonight. Not that it was enough. I dont think it would ever feel like enough.

    I shouldnt have been surprised though when I pulled up to Lizzies it was still open. Still busy.

    Thats Night City for you. No Rita standing out front which is a disappointment, but I was stopped before I could walk in, the bouncer in Ritas spot firmly standing in my way.

    If you are here for trouble turn around. The bouncer said instantly, I could see the way she gripped her spiked baseball bat tightly that she was definitely ufortable.

    I stopped.@@novelbin@@

    Then I face palmed.

    Shit, sorry. Im covered in blood arent I? I asked rhetorically as I looked myself over and winced.

    Yeah I had a few bullet holes in my Leotard. My right arm was literally rusty red from all the times I slit someones throat and got sttered. And I could feel some of my hair sticking together for the same reason.

    Just a bit. The bouncer said warily, and I winced.

    Dangit. Sorry I was just here to drop something off for Judy. I didnt even think Ille backter. I said instantly. Yeah I doubted the Mox wanted some crazy blood stained teenager walking through their bar.

    You do that. The bouncer offered, but she wasnt calming down.

    I was probably throwing all sorts of Cyberpsycho vibes.

    Which was totally unfair!

    I turned around. I would bother Judyter. I think I just needed a shower, and a change of clothes.

    --

    The moment I walked into the apartment I was irritated. The bottom floor had a couple of Tyger w toughs hanging around. Taking over the table that was usually used up by the old men to y their board games.

    They noticed me instantly and went for guns, then visibly rxed at the sight of me and settling back down.

    Morning! No one has gone into your ce! One of the men greeted standing up with azy saunter of a man trying to pretend calm.

    I was still covered in blood after all.

    Thats good. I muttered not interested in this entire conversation in the least.

    Yeah. So youre the Onis sis huh? Hah you certainly got the same look dontcha. Coming home covered in Scav blood. How many of those fuckers you tline tonight huh? He asked casually with a smile, and a weird slouch.

    It took me a second to realize the guy was trying to be friendly.

    No. Something was off. He was smiling a little wide, and the way he was dressed

    Was this guy trying to flirt with me while I was covered in other people''s blood?

    Well I could certainly give him points for bravery. Yet. There was something still off. The way he moved. The way he looked. He was dressed nicely. High end. The sort of look you would take out to a party, but not one where you would be stuck guarding some gonks apartment. My nose twitched and I could even smell a bit of cologne.

    Wait. Was Fujimura going at me another way? Was Fujimura trying to honey dick me!?

    Nope. I refused to even continue to consider this. Im gonna go. I said instead of answering his question. I raised my hand and pointed to the elevator. Excuse me.

    Whoa hey, you dont need to delta so quick! Were here to help out ya know? So you need anything? Some food. A run to the store for something? Whatever it is, were, you know, here to handle whatever you need! He called out as he sort of walked after me, but nope.

    I was not in the mood to deal with this.

    I refused to look at him too. I could already practically hear the wink he threw at me, and if I saw it, I might just have to punch him.

    Im good. Thanks. I said and turned away from the elevator and jogged up the stairs. The elevator would definitely slow me down and end with me trapped in an enclosed space with him. My legs pumped as I hurried up the stairs. Leaving him far behind.

 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106

    Stats decided for now, it was time to make some calls, and get some contacts. Information was crucial if I was going to send a message to the Scavs.

    First I sent a text to Regina.

    *Motoko: Been a while. Looking for any information on Scav locations. Ill do any gigs that require clearing out Scavs for free as well.*

    I didnt get a response back instantly so I moved on. Considering what I was going to do, I sent a text to Wakako.

    *Motoko: Going to be reaching out to more Fixers for more Scav deets. Dont get mad!*

    Good. Wakako cant get mad now! Definitely! I definitely wasnt going to get a weird shit assignment from her the next time I reached out

    Definitely.

    Okay time to call a choom.

    *Hello?*

    *Hey Jackie. Its Motoko. You got a second?*

    *Oh sure Hermanita, whats up?*

    *Scavs attacked me and my brother at home. Were fine, but Im not taking it sitting down. Im hoping you might put me in touch with Padre? Im doing gigs that involve Scav hunting for free right now, and paying for any additional Scav dens he might know about as well.*

    *Whoa whoa, hold up now Hermanita. You got attacked at home? Shit! You should have called me. You need a safe ce to crash?*

    *Jun has TC connections, so we have a few of their thugs hanging around keeping an eye on the ce. But Im looking to just remove the problem if I can.*

    *Ah little choom, thats not gonna happen. There are thousands of Scavs in Night City. If not more.*

    *Well I cleared up half a hundredst night, so I think Im making a good push for it already.* I said bluntly. Jackie was cool, but I was kinda sick of everyone treating me like a teenager.

    Okay Hiromi. I get it. Maybe having a rep doese with some side benefits too.

    *Jesus Hermanita.. Really?*

    *Yeah Jackie. My brother Jun was running around with his group of killers and wiping out dens too. So Night City lost a lot of scumst night. But Im not done. They attacked me in my home Jackie. So can you help me out?*

    *Alright. Yeah Ill reach out to Padre. Hell want a face to face.*

    *Thats fine Jackie. Im doing prep for tonight anyways.*

    *You need another shooter? Ill watch your back if you-*

    *No. Jackie. This is for me. Thanks though. If I ever run into some trouble or something, Ill call you. But this is me working through the many angry emotions that being attacked at home has given me.*

    *Heh, well cant say I dont understand that. Youre good Motoko, Solid. Even V thinks so. But dont go thinking that makes you invincible. Be careful. Walk away if you have to.*

    *I will Jackie. I dont intend to get tlined by these scum. Listen, I need to go. Let me know what you hear from Padre?*

    *Ill call him right away Hermanita.*

    *Thanks Jack.* We hung up not long after and I sighed relieved.

    Then I got a text.

    *Wakako: I expected you would reach out for more. Just remember who your fixer is when this is all said and done. And dont be a fool. Be careful who you take gigs from.*

    I couldnt help but snort. Statement of prescience. A threat. And a warning to be careful. Wakako had such a funny attitude to everything.

    *Motoko I wont forget, and Ill be careful. Thanks Wakako.*

    --

    I headed out not long after.

    Stopped for a moment as I walked through the lobby as the flirt smiled and stood up when I walked by.

    Motoko! Hey. Going out? Need anything? Were here to make sure nothing happens after all!

    Im good, thanks. I said blowing past him. Since I was nning on buying some ammo, I called for my Quadra and not my Kusanagi.

    You sure! We all know how to shoot. Im not bad! Its always good to have someone watching your back yeah? Flirt offered and I did my best to ignore him as I stopped to grab some lunch from my favorite Meat stick guy.

    The old man gave me a stilted smile, mostly because of the thug looking over my shoulder.

    Why was he taller than me? This was bullshit. I should cut off his fucking legs for being taller than me. Idiots are always taller than me! Wasnt he asian!? He should be short!

    Fuck I was asian too. Dammit.

    Thanks. Keep the change. I told the old man as I grabbed my food and since I was getting used to all this future tech my Quadra was already pulling out of the garage and parking on the street nearby.

    Really Motoko, Fujimura-sama gave us this gig to watch you and your brothers back! You should rely on us- wait! He called out, but I was already sliding into the car.

    Not dealing with that right now.

    I stopped at the gun store I had originally bought the holsters for my guns at. Picked up as much ammo for my Burya as I could.

    It wasnt exactly amon cartridge, and even with only the four round magazines I had been running low. With a new box I was topped up for a good while.

    Not everyday I see a kid using a monster like that. You be careful kid, that thing can break chrome just as easily as bone if you arent careful. The owner offered as he pushed the ammo box across through the slow in the bullet proof ss at me.

    Been using the Burya for a while now. I know how to handle them. I reply without any heat. This guy didnt know me. I wasnt going to get angry at someone just worrying about a kid running around with a wrist breaker.

    I paid for my ammo and headed home to drop off the extra.

    --

    I blew past the kids in the lobby, rushing up the stairs with my arms full of my ammo. I was going to really prepare for tonight.

    Jun was right, getting shot sucked, and a lucky shot could hurt. So I was going to armor up.

    The armored Section 9 suit was a good starting point. I know Night City gonks found wearing too much armor on the streets was something to be made fun of for. What was it Doughboy? Yeah Doughboy or Doughgirl if you were caught wearing too much protection.

    But I didnt care. I was here to murder a lot of people, and while going out in my normal outfit wasfy. There were times I should prepare for actual fucking war.

    I slipped into my room, Jun still sleeping. I put on the armored pants and adjusted my boots. pped the longer sleeved coat over my leotard. But that was only half done. Going around the couch I grabbed my piece of equipment.

    The Kang Tao armor had been painted to match my colors, and in less bright orange. I hadnt done much to adjust it to my size fully yet, but it was still good enough.

    I threw on the main chest rig. Securing it with deft hands as it tightened down more than enough to work.

    A few minutes of adjusting my holsters to give me ease of ess, and finally my Netgogs over my face toplete the outfit.

    I checked myself out in a mirror.

    Honestly the style might be different, but I certainly looked like the Major in some of her ck Ops outfits. It soothed me in a way. Even if I wasnt just in my leotard and cosy outfit. I still looked like Motoko. I still looked like me.

    I stopped to check in on Jun. He was still asleep. Good. I would have some time to get shit done before he woke up then.

    I headed out. Taking the stairs and walking past the thugs watching the door. Ignoring the way they startled when they saw me.

    Just because I was armored up, and holding my Copperhead, clipped to my new vest.

    The flirt didnt follow me this time as I walked right past him. My Quadra was already waiting for me on the street outside the apartment.

    I slipped in. Jackie had already pulled through. I had gotten an invite. Time to go see Padre.

    I had received a message from Jackie telling me where to go. It was just surprising that Padre had agreed so quickly, and where I was going. I guess Jackie was pretty well known about the Heywood boys.

    The location ording to my map was a basketball court down in Heywood.

    It didnt take me long to drive through the city, and even less time to find the right spot. It was the graffiti that clued me in.

    A giant picture of Padre on the wall was kind of a clue. There was a ton of it. Pictures on the walls of the building all covered in Christian iconography, or just Padre in some way. His name, his face.

    Weird, but hey I live in a ce covered in graffiti tigers so

    I had to drive down the road a ways to find a ce to park, but unfortunately I stopped then realizing I had fucked up a little.

    Everyone walking by, or hanging out around the area were wearing normal clothes.

    I was very much not.

    I was wearing a cyber soldier''s outfit. Armor and weapons galore.

    Dammit. It would be so embarrassing to have everyone thinking Iming to attack Padre. Or if they think Im a doughgirl

    My resolve firmed. I had a n.

    --

    <em>Padre AKA Sebastian Ibarra</em>

    Sebastian pped quietly as another basket was made. The boys were having a good game today. The two teamspeting against each other were friends. So there was no worry of bloodshed, or violence.

    A rare thing indeed.

    He checked the time in his agent for a moment. Jackie had reached out to him, a rare thing indeed. The boy was too independent, too set on his path. Yet the respect remained. Sebastian remembered when the boy decided to leave the Tinos. Another rare thing.

    But Jackie was so well liked, there wasnt much trouble over it.

    But he had agreed to meet this little tiger that Jackie had fallen in with. Mostly out of respect for her help saving Jackie during the gig the boy had fallen into.

    Kang-Tao was still pushing into his territory in anger at losing the data. Unfortunately as most things, it had passed through his hands quickly, and straight into the hands of their enemies.

    So he was no longer a threat. No longer worth spending the resources to kill. Not that it stopped them from sending a few kill teams after him to cause trouble. They just knew it wouldnt seed. It was the growling of an injured wolf after all.

    But even an injured wolf could kill.

    Which is why Sebastian was out and about acting like nothing was threatening him. Still. A tigering into their of the wolves of Heywood was always a dangerous thing.

    Sebastian had of course pulled up the information he had on the girl. It wasnt much, although some words to arunner he knew that sent him data gave him a fuller view.

    A dangerous young girl indeed. Jackie had told him that she had destroyed an AV. Disabled an entire squad of Kang-Tao. And yet it was still difficult to believe.

    But Sebastian was not a man who disbelieved what the information he had confirmed was true told him.

    A dangerous tiger wanted to meet him, and he knew why. Wakako had been difficult as always, but she answered the question he wanted to know.

    A Scav hunt. It wasnt the first time some angry young killer hade up to him wanting all the information on Scavs.

    It wouldnt be thest. The Scavs were rats, but like all rats, when you corner them, they be vicious things, full of teeth.

    This girl would learn as all young ones did.

    Or die.

    A noise came from behind him.

    Directly behind him.

    Directly behind him where no one had been. He was sure of it. Only a single row of the old bleachers he was sitting on, and a brick wall.

    He always sat here. To ensure his back was protected.

    A faux cough. As if someone was trying to get his attention.

    He turned, standing behind him was a woman. Arms resting back on the guard rail at the top of the bleachers standing casually and trying to not seem like she was threatening him.

    The fuck-Padre! Miguel his guard reacted, having done the same thing Padre himself had. It was only his hand rising up to calm Miguel that kept a firefight from breaking out.

    Unfortunately the shout of his guard had caused a disruption to the festivities.

    Please calm yourselves. Just a nned meeting. He called out to a few of the Tino that were around him, they too reached for guns before slowly calming down.

    Sorry about this. I was trying to avoid notice. She muttered, with a sigh and Padre realized why Wakako had described the woman as odd.

    It wasnt everyday Padre was reminded how easy it would be for a true assassin to remove him.

    Impressive.

    Think nothing of it, child. You are Motoko?

    Ah yeah sorry forgot about the gogs. She said reaching up and pulling the tech gogs upwards showing off her very youthful face. Jackie had told him that the girl was young.

    He had almost forgotten what with having someone actually appear behind him without warning.

    Motoko Kusanagi. Thank you for meeting me, Padre. She introduced herself politely and he nodded, waving her forward to sit beside him for one, and so he wouldnt have to twist his neck so much to look at her.

    She slipped into the seat next to him adjusting the rifle she had strapped to her chest with an unconscious motion before her hands ignored it.

    He had seen killers who could barely stop touching their weapon. It was a habit of young killers too nervous to stop adjusting the weight of a weapon, and old killers who were twitchy too ready to defend themselves.

    It was rare he found a killer capable of being utterly calm.

    Jackie? Where did you find this one?

    How can I help you? He asked instead his eyes mostly returned to the game, although he never truly stopped watching her out of the corner of his eyes.

    Any information on Scavs you have, or can get. Ill pay in eddies or work.

    Yes Jackie said as much. You realize its a fool''s errand? If wiping out the Scavs could be done. Someone would have before.@@novelbin@@

    If you have an infestation you dont kill a few of them and call it done. You dont stop until everyone is dead, never to return. She replied with a casual shrug. They started it. Which is actually true. She added quietly as if she had forgotten that for a moment.

    Then I will give you the information. Heywood Scavs have no function in ourmunity. They take and steal and offer nothing back. But I will not assist you further. This war you are starting on, will only cause trouble if I move further.

    Thats fine. Just the location of them is enough for me. And I dont care if no one joins me, or if everyone rises up against them. I just want them dead.

    I think it will be closer to the former than theter child. He offered, almost wanting tough at the idea of the city actually acting to remove the Scavs.

    Even when he was younger the city couldnt work together to remove any of the truly vile gangs.

    Sometimes they died, but it was usually the act of a single gang, or a few working in concert to remove them utterly.

    The damned clowns for instance. Padre whispered a prayer to the almighty that the Bozos no longer haunted the streets of Night City.

    Its my personal Crusade Padre. She added suddenly as she rose up. It doesnt matter how long it takes. I wont stop trying to remove them. I dont think I can.

    Take the wisdom learned from the crusades then child. Rarely do they end well for those involved. He answered and she gave him a nod at that. Very well. I will offer you a few locations I would like cleaned up. If you still wish to know more afterwards. We can talk price.

    He sent her the file he had on a few Scav locations here in Heywood. Perhaps he would send her a few gigs as well if she seeded. She certainly showed herpetency to him today.

    Wakako had been holding out on him, he decided.

    See you around then Padre. She said and disappeared into a leap thatunched her to the second floor. The apartments had small overhangs, and she easily reached the second floor, and then with a leap and then another she disappeared over the building faster than Padre could have moved that distance on the ground.

    Padre? Do we do anything about her?

    No, Miguel. She is not a threat to us. Some children will do whatever task is set before them. Some make their own. That young woman has created her own crusade. There is no point in getting involved. He waved his man down and returned to the game.

    An interesting child indeed. He would have to put together a meeting with young Jackie sometime.

    --

    Nailed it. I told myself as I slipped into the Quadra to drive off.

    I had slipped up the building next to my car and then managed to reach Padre with absolutely no one knowing. I had identally startled him a bit bynding behind him on the bleachers, but at least no one would think I was a dough girl!

    I opened the file he had sent and felt a smirk crossing my face. Padre had certainlye in clutch. There were a few different locations, that he had some Scav information, and a few rumors put together pointing to some potential spots.

    Looking out the window I red. It was still the middle of the day. It was easier to hunt them during the night, but they also could be hunting themselves.

    I shrugged. I had pretty good armor. A full magazine. And a location full of soon to be dead men.

    My Quadra started up with a rumble and I was gone.

 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107

    I was all prepped. I had found the little Scav den that Padre sent me the info for, in the basement of an abandoned building on the west side of Heywood.

    I had broken their security. Pinged into theirwork, tracked their movements in real time as I hung out in the abandoned backlot of the building.

    The only signs of use were tire tracks and the fact the old gate had a long curving path through the dirt showing it was still opened from time to time.

    I was stacked up on the side of the back door, one hand reaching for the doorknob that I already ensured would open, and the other on my rifle. Ready to breach and begin killing.

    Then I got a call.

    I almost flinched. Took a single breath, in and out, and checked the caller ID. With a silent hiss of irritation I answered.

    *Jun, Im a bit busy.*

    *Imouto. Drop what you are doing. Something hase up.*

    I look at the moving figures through the walls outlined in digital glows.

    *Bit busy, here Jun.*

    *The Maelstrom have reached out to the Tyger ws about the attack.*

    I blinked. I hadnt forgotten the Maelstrom fucker that sniped at Jun and I. But I had put them on the back burner to focus on the Scavs.

    *What?*

    *The fuckers The Maelstrom arent happy about the chance of the war starting again so soon. So they reached out. They want a meeting to discuss the attack. They are apparently saying it wasnt them* Jun made a noise of frustration that actually came over the call.

    But he wasnt even finished.

    *But they are saying they have information on who ordered the hit.*

    I hesitated. The Scavs were right there

    But this was more important.

    *Where?*

    *You remember The bar? Fujimura is meeting the Maelstrom there. Fujimura said you dont have to be here, but I know you.*

    *Im on my way. I have some questions needing answers as well. Thanks Jun.*

    I was gone in a sh. Back over the abandoned lot. Over the wall with just a double hop to clear the barbed wire at the top.

    I was mming myself into the Quadra and taking off as fast as I could.

    Answers on who had actually tried to kill me? Tried to kill Jun?

    That was worth letting these Scavs live a little longer.

    --

    When I pulled into the little market that held Fujimuras bar. I was surprised to see Jun already out in the parking lot waiting for me.

    He didnt look happy.

    I stepped out and I could tell my appearance surprised Jun.

    Oh right. My outfit was pretty militarized.

    I pulled my techgogs up out of my eyes as I walked up to him. Although I still had my Copperhead in my hands.

    I wasnt intending to show up casually after all.

    Jun didnt say anything as I approached, and I could tell he was partly furious and partly sulking.

    Fujimura kicked you out?

    No! He snapped back, but then went silent.

    Yep.

    Hard to keep your cool around them huh? I asked and Juns re at me told me I had hit the nail on the coffin. Yeah. Just seeing their stupid optics irritates me too. Whats really going on Jun?

    They arent taking responsibility for the assassination. ming it all on the sniper. Saying the piece of shit reached out to the Scavs about our home''s location without permission. Theyre saying the Sniper was actually working with the Scavs entirely. So he was no longer Strom.

    Yeah? Fuck that. They attacked our home Twice. I hissed out.

    Thats what I said. Jun said, sounding kinda normal actually as he smirked at me. Fujimura-sama asked me to leave after I said that to their face.

    Sure. I nodded. I''m sure there weren''t any threats of violence or my gonk brother trying to strangle the Maelstrom involved in any way.

    Alright. Im gonna go get some answers. I said and Jun didnt stop me, instead he just started walking to the bar. Creating a path through the crowd, although considering how armed I was, they were already splitting for me anyways.

    Jun stopped at the entrance with an irritated grunt but he leaned his back against the wall of the building at the top of the stairs.

    Ah right. He wasnt allowed in.

    I eased up my rifle, making it obvious I wasnt literally holding my finger on the trigger as I sauntered down. Into the bars gloom.

    Instantly I had eyes on me. The bartender. Men hanging out at the bar. Or in the booths along the walls.

    Not all of them TC either.

    Maelstrom optics locked on me, their twitchy owners already looking ready to start firing.

    I took a few steps down, and forced myself to stay calm when it was obvious I wasnt going to be allowed to pass into the back considering how insanely on guard the Strom were acting when I moved.

    I stopped at the bar instead. Unclipping my Copperhead from my rig I ced it on the table moving casually so the Maelstrom I was standing next to would stop reaching for that pistol.

    Hold on to this for me. I asked the Bartender who nodded slowly and took it to hide it behind the bar, and then I moved toward the back.

    The small stairs leading up to the back area with the darkest most private booths were guarded on one side by a man I vaguely recognized. He was one of the Kamikazi Borgs. One of the men I had worked with on that gig so long ago.

    Well sort worked with. They had run ahead like assholes.

    The other was a big Maelstrom monster. Probably half a ton of pure chrome as he looked me over with his nine eyes.

    Private meeting. He grumbled out, sounding more like an engine off its timing than a man.

    Im aware. I said, but the Strom shifted, putting himself in the way.

    The TC guard tensed, but didnt make a move to stop him.

    Either he wanted to see how it went, or he just didnt want to create conflict between the two factions.

    I said private. You aint on the list. He rumbled at me, but I barely slowed.

    I inhaled and exhaled through my nose for a moment. My first reaction was to give the fucker an ultimatum and then go through him if he tried to stop me, but this wasnt my ce. My gig. I might have been involved, but this was Fujimuras ce, and while I didnt really feel like I owed him anything.

    Jun still worked under him. I should still be polite to my brother''s boss

    Polite-ish anyways.

    You just going to stand there, or are you going to tell this lugnut I can go through? I asked, looking to the TC guard.

    The asshole just shrugged.

    Pfft. Like I give a shit what this fucker says. You aint on the-Hey! He grunted as his eyes suddenly went dark.

    He made two swipes at me, which I easily avoided and just walked around him.

    That was probably going to cause some kind of troubleter, but that was future Motokos problem. I heard a crash behind me but I didnt bother to turn to look. I walked up the steps and over to the only booth that was upied.

    Fujimura. Another man I recognized from the Kamikaze gigs. Across from two Maelstrom.

    A big guy and

    My eyes shed as I scanned her just to be sure.

    Natalie Desanto AKA GearSlot. I Introduced myself to the group by calling out one of them.

    The woman was put together, chromed out and looking pissed and dangerous, nothing like what I had seen from her thest time we met.

    Motoko Kusanagi. AKA Ghost. She responded back instantly.

    I actually felt like blinking at that. That was the first time someone outside the called me that. Did she look into me to get that name, I wasnt exactly well known in the city. Maybe something on my NCPD rap sheet had update?

    Now I was kinda curious. I would have to check my rap sheetter.

    The fuck is this Fujimura? The question came not from the Maelstrom man who was looking on with a face I couldnt pull any emotion from. It was so destroyed. But the Yakuza looking guy sitting next to Fujimura. The one that it only took a moment to gather was someone higher up the totem pole than Fujimura himself.

    Mostly because it was the first time Ive seen a Tyger w member not use -sama when saying his name.

    An unexpected guest. Azegami-sama  Fujimura answered gravely, as he gave me a look that promised trouble.

    For some reason the guy was kinda familiar, but I couldnt quite ce it.

    Kusanagi. Sit or leave. Fujimura demanded and I resisted snorting at him as I took a seat. Facing the Maelstrom fuckers only to be forced to blink again.

    Wait. Youre Brick? Arent you the Strom leader?

    The borg just shrugged. Ive been called that. So you the one huh? The Only Thing They Fear huh? It was a nice Riff. The BD was good. Youre a little too cold during your murders though. Theres some chrome that can fix that. Get you properly heated up. He offered in greeting and I actually had to stop myself from twitching at thement.

    Disgusting. So digusting horrible utterly disgusting. Of course the Maelstrom would be the fuckers that knew about my BD. The idea of them watching my BD, of being in my ghost?

    Disgusting.

    Before I could say anything else the TC boss interrupted.

    Now that the interruption is ove- The noise of someone smashing into something outside the booth interrupted the boss.

    Bitch you fucking blinded me! Im going to rip your damn head off!

    Fujimura looked right at me, but I ignored him. That couldnt have been my fault. I was sitting right here.@@novelbin@@

    Fujimura looked at me.

    I blinked, but after a moment, he didnt stop. I relented, turning off the hack. He can see again. Shouldnt have tried to block me. I mumbled thest part, but finally took a seat at the table.

    Heh. You got old EngineBlock good with that one. Brick said with a rumbling chuckle.

    Good. Now without interruptions. Azegami started again. His bald head and many tattoos gave him the look of an angry Yakuza, as he growled. The Tyger ws ept the Maelstroms'' reasoning with this. Considering how recently we were at war it is the decision that this was a rogue act. As long as the requests we have made will be paid in full.

    I listened to the words without exploding.

    I wasnt Jun after all.

    I never expected the Tyger ws to actually protect us to start with. No, the only one that could do that would be me.

    When I murder everyone that could harm us. I inhaled and exhaled. Letting the cold soothe back the feelings rushing through me.

    d to hear it. Fucking prick causing this kind of trouble. He was a little shit to start with. Brick offered, but now it was my turn to interrupt.

    I would like to know why he was working with Scavs. Especially since just a few weeks before I rescued her, from a Scav den. Seems pretty fucked up for a choom to work with the fuckers that scaved a choom of his. I cut in, the booth going quiet for a moment.

    I was in luck. It seems Fujimura, and Azegami were both interested enough not to get involved at my question.

    Not a fuckin clue. You knew him, yeah? You exin. Brick looked to GearSlot who just nodded a bit. But her hands were giving her away. Constantly clenching and unclenching, and nearly popping at how tightly she was squeezing her knuckles together. The fact they were some version of Gori arms meant she was squeezing tight enough to bend steel.

    CamShaft-

    No. Brick cut in, finger raised up so quickly and closely it nearly took off GearSlots head it felt like, as he jammed his finger into her face. Thats not his name. Not anymore. Fucker betrayed us. He isnt Maelstrom. Call him by his flesh.

    Randall. She offered instead and this time Bricks cut off was augh.

    Randall? Fuckin hell. Shouldnt be surprised never met a Randall thats not a piece of shit.

    Right. Randalls always been greedy. After he saw the Scav den he helped pull me out of Well I cant bepletely sure, but we think he went looking for them. To get some chrome. Thatst time he spoke to anyone he mentioned he traded information about You. For more chrome. He didnt mention who he traded with, but I guess we know now.

    She was looking at me.

    So me saving your life, led to an assassination attempt. I guess I should be lucky that the dumbass was sopletely ipetent he and his Scav buddies fucked it up.

    Yeah. She growled out looking like she wanted to say more, but she looked to Brick and then the others and instead just stayed silent.

    The failure of this attack is the only reason we are here talking. Azegami said, cutting in as he put out a cigarette in an ashtray. Kusanagi. Drop it. The only member of the Maelstrom responsible is dead. Consider this issue with the Maelstrom dropped. The Boss said. Ordering me, as if I gave a shit at his order.

    I could practically feel my neck itch. My hackles rise. Who was this fat bald fuck to tell me that something was dropped?

    Kusanagi. Fujimura cut in suddenly and I realized that once again Fujimura was the guy they put in charge of all the TC Cyberpsychos. The guy that figures people out and learns how to get them to do what he needs, because he only took an instant to realize that his boss had said something stupid. Go check on your brother. You will not find the rest of this meeting interesting.

    I considered telling him to fuck off. I was already pissed with this entire situation, but that wouldnt get me anything.

    Wonderful. Well this has beenpletely fucking worthless. I guess its a good thing for you that I was massacring Scavs, and not hitting your people then. I said as I rose up, throwing a final threat to Brick.

    Heh, we arent Scavs kid. You got some talent there, but you arent top shelf yet. Brick replied with a deep chuckle.

    I stopped my turn away. I had been about to leave, but

    I turned enough that I could look at Brick with a single eye. The thought struck me.

    Brick was a good leader for Maelstrom. Kept them mostly out of trouble. It was that passivity that caused his usurpation in a few years. If I killed him right now, the TC would be pissed. They would definitely be forced into a war with them. A new Maelstrom leader might just mean they dont know when to stop. Might not know how to stop another war.

    I could pit two troublesome gangs into a war that might end in destroying or at least weakening both.

    The thought passed. The positives. The negatives.

    Brick knew. His ripped apart chrome face broke into a smile that told me, if I drew my gun he would react.

    He might even be fast enough. Pretty sure that big chunk of chrome on the back of his neck was a Sandy, or a Keren.

    Either way, he would be fast. Maybe fast enough to survive.

    Would the TC help kill him, or try to stop me?

    I turned away.

    No. When I kill brick, it wasnt going to be at a neutral meeting.

    See ya around Maelstrom.

    See ya around Ghost. Brick called out soundingpletely amused at the situation. Used my Netrunner tag as well.

    I stepped out of the booth around the very angry Strom borg who was ring at me with his stupid optics Only three of them were red.

    Why were only three of his optics running? I turned off the hack, which would have removed the Laughing Man disruption and returned vision.

    Then I noticed he had some of the optical wires revealed Had he reached into his own head to try and check for hardware issues?

    Gross.

    I ignored him though, instead heading to the bar to pick up my rifle when I heard her approach.

    Im not really in the mood for a chat. I replied as I turned around.

    GearSlot wasing up behind me. The woman was tall. Although most of that was a set of extended legs. I hadnt really noticed before, but she must have taken being klepped by the Scavs personally. Her arms were Gori arms. Legs were some mish mash ofbat mods for extreme strength. She was covered in surgery cuts for new Subdermal, and just armor in general.

    If she was looking to go Cyberpsycho, she was well on her way Well Maelstrom. So probably already there.

    Just Gimme a sec, okay? She said not quite snapping, but sounding angry. Fuckin hate shit like this. Dont like meatbags. They give me the creeps, but I owe you. So just Thanks, alright? Ive looked into you since that night. Know how you got that chrome. Know you hate our guts, and why. You still helped me get out.

    Congrattions. Are we done?

    Fuckin No! Im not doing this well and shit, but listen Ghost, I get it Im Strom. Yeah? We got a rep with meat. Everyone hates us, and we know why. We glorify it even. But that doesnt mean we dont pay back what we owe. GearSlot looked ufortable before sighing and then I got a text.

    Contact information.

    Listen. Contact me if you want If you ever like need something from our side of the city. I owe you one. The spider eyes of the Strom forcefully looked away.

    I wasnt sure what kind of face I was making, but I specifically cooled myself down to look at it clinically.

    Sure. I finally said, not sure what else I could really do.

    Wrenched up! She said suddenly her demeanor shifted, her mouth going into a happy smile full of razor sharp teeth. Hey umm. I saw the BD you made of that night. Well I mean, Ive seen like all of them by now! I just wanted to say it was he ripper. Like just the preemest shit. That song that yed? Do you like buzz it anywhere or something? I kinda Well its a good song you know? For me. Its like the song of freedom! After that night. Everyone digs it, I kinda showed it around and all.

    I held back the shudder of disgust at the idea that my song was popr among the Maelstrom.

    Please let this one just be a fucking weirdo. I might really have to murder them all if they actually enjoyed my hobby that I only picked up because of the damage they did to me.

    Not Not yet. Its mostly just a hobby.

    Oh okay! I have a ripped copy from the BD. So Ill just keep listening to that The screams of the Scavs dont bother me Obviously. She said her voice losing emotion at thest word.

    Yeah. I muttered. See ya around. I firmly disengaged from the conversation as I made to leave.

    Yeah! Good luck! You know killing the Scav trash!

    I ran into Jun at the top of the stairs. My brother was still ring at nothing, irritated at being sent away.

    So you heard?

    This day is so fucking weird. I just had a Maelstrom fangirl over my BD work. Jun Im going home Fuck today.

    Jun blinked at me, and considered it himself.

    Fuck today. He said as well.

    We went to our Ramen bar.

    Noodles and hot broth soothe difficult emotions.

 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108

    I was sitting on the couch. Wellying on it more than anything. I probably should go kill those Scavs Or y some music to let the hobby do what it was supposed to and soothe out these kinds of emotional issues, but I was just so done.

    Fuck today. I reminded myself and that was good enough.

    Fuck today. Jun called out from his room, obviously hearing me.

    Then I got a call.

    Fuck.

    *Hey Hiromi.* I answered. It wasnt that I didnt want to talk to my best choom. I just didnt want to talk to anyone right now.

    *Motoko! Tell this fucking ugly gonk at the front of your building to let us up! Otherwise Hiromi is gonna whoop some fuckheads ass!*

    I sighed.

    Fuck today.

    *Ill be right down.*

    I climbed up and didnt so much put on my boots as I just threw them on my feet. So I wouldnt step on anything sharp lying around and headed downstairs.

    I was so done with today I even used the elevator.

    The door opened to arguing.

    Move aside already! I dont know who you are, and you certainly dont have the right to keep us from seeing Motoko. Were Motokos gang! Her crew! Who the hell are you supposed to be?

    The guard in charge bitch! No one bothers the Kusanagis! I dont care what crazy shit you say! Youre gonna get your ass knocked the fuck out if you dont-Motoko! Hey! Just getting rid of-

    Hiromi, Ichi, Malcolm. Get in the elevator. I demanded, not ready to deal with this.

    Ah! They are your chooms then? Had to stop them, and make sure you know? Cant let some weirdos bother you and your brother Motoko! Do you need anything? I-

    Hurry it up you three. I called out and stepped back into the elevator.

    Finally! Malcolm said obviously as irritated at the argument as I was. Hey Motoko. Howre you holding up? He asked, as the first one in the elevator.

    Fuck today. I informed him and he just nodded along like I said something wise.

    Its okay Motoko! Your chooms are here to make your day better! Hiromi called out smiling and Ichi passed me an apologetic smile.

    She was determined to bring us all together today to see what we can do to help.

    Ah. That exins Hiromis Hirominess. I offered, earning a protesting noise from the girl. I threw an arm over her shoulder and pulled her into a hug. Thanks for checking in on me. I guess I could use a break from all the stuff going on.

    Right! If my Motoko needs some rxation, thats what we are here for!

    I thought we were here to make Motoko let us help kill Scavs. Malcolm said to Ichi in a faux whisper.

    Hiromi of course kicked him and the two would have broken into a fight if the elevator didnt open.

    Cmon. I called as I walked past the distracted HIromi with Ichi following.

    Oh wow. Hiromi stalled out along with the boys when they got a look at the apartment. I mean there wasnt any ss left lying around, but there were still big holes in the walls and the barrier blinds.

    Yeah its a little fucked up still. Jun and I need to call in an actual repair guy or something.

    You are both gonks. I know someone. Ill call them in to get everything fixed up. Hiromi said and before I could stop her, her eyes shed as she made a call and she turned and ignored me as I moved to stop her.

    Heh. Thats Hiromi alright. Ichi saidughing as he ignored my ineffectual attempts to get Hiromi to stop.

    She was stronger though! Did she get more chrome? I looked her over with narrowed eyes. Then I reached out.

    Eep! Motoko!

    When did you get muscles? I asked as my hands pulled away Hiromis casual clothes to let me check out her bicep, and then her stomach.

    Yep those were muscles there.

    I-its a Biotechnica upgrade package! Motoko!

    Thats so Cool. I said I was going to say unfair, but really I had absolutely no room to talk there. Biotechnica huh?

    That was neat. I hadnt thought much about Bioware since I kinda just wanted to go full borg eventually.

    I shrugged and pulled my chrome hands free of Hiromis clothes realizing why Hiromi was wiggling and flushed at my exploration.

    Ah! Sorry were my hands cold!? I quickly pulled them away and checked my chrome palm against my cheek for a second.

    No it wasnt too bad. Maybe Hiromi just has a high body temperature? She was always looking flushed after all.

    When did you get bioware work done? Malcolm asked curious, and Hiromi shushed him as she was still on the phone.

    A few momentster she blinked and her eyes were back to normal and then she leapt on me.

    Wha!

    YOU! NOT WHEN IM ON A BUSINESS CALL YOU GONK! She shrieked as she pushed me down and tried to faux strangle me.

    I couldnt help but start giggling, because while Hiromi was pretty strong, I was still stronger, and her response was great.

    Sorry!

    You arent sorry! She said struggling and I only giggled harder. Okay maybe today wasnt entirely awful.

    Ah that exins the noise. Jun said as he poked his head out of his room and into the living room. Hey guys.

    Jun!

    Hey Jun. Malcolm and Ichi both greeted my brother while Hiromi focused on trying to stuff my face into the couch.

    She was failing and it was definitely irritating her.

    Relying too much on chrome, or mods is a bad idea Hiromi. Gotta have the skill to back it up, and my grappling perk made me pretty good at this.

    Ugh fine! She eventually gave in as I kept her from achieving her goal as she sat up surprising me, by sitting her stupid fat ass right on my stomach, knocking the air out of me a bit.

    Oof! Hiromi!

    I dont listen to chairs. She said to the air and then looked to Jun. Hey Jun. You doing okay?

    Heh. The day hase where my kid sister''s little chooms are worried about me. He uttered shaking his head and standing up straight shing her a grin to my surprise. Im fine. Irritated about everything but fine.

    Hmm. Motoko hasnt talked about it yet. Anything we can do to help? I do have connections now. Hiromi said partially preening at her own words.

    Nah. The Maelstrom basically said the guy that attacked them wasnt one of theirs and the TC is going along with it. So we only got Scavs to retaliate against, but Its impossible to know which group attacked us, or if there will be more attacksing.@@novelbin@@

    My chooms were quiet at Juns final words.

    Im sorry. Hiromi said, reaching over and grabbing my hand as she adjusted herself to not be sitting on my stomach. I cant I cant believe they attacked your home, and now you cant pinpoint the ones responsible.

    So we just kill them all. I say with a shrug. Its been my solution since it happened. Im just going to kill every Scav I find until there arent any more.

    Jun snorted, looking like he was going to agree, but to my surprise he ran a hand over his face and through his hair. Maybe its time we settle it there too, Motoko. We reach out with our contacts and make a deal.

    Hell no!

    Motoko. We got luckyst time. You spotted the sniper just in time, but that guy was an amateur. What if they just bombed our apartment while we were in here. Or sent more than a van full of grunts Honestly Im surprised they sent so few.

    I think Randall was the one responsible for that. I muttered and everyone looked at me. The Maelstrom sniper, apparently his name was Randall I ran into him before. The night I recorded my BD for The Only Thing They Fear. I exined sitting up pushing Hiromi to the side a bit so I was sitting up and not just half way sprawled across the couch.

    Sitting up I ran through what I had figured out.

    So that night I ran into a Maelstrom girl in the Scav den. They had pulled her apart, but she was still awake I felt sorry for her, so I helped her get help. Randall was one of the Maelstrom fucks that showed up. He was a moron. But he must have realized who I was after Probably from the BD? ording to GearSlot he seemed incredibly interested in all the Chrome the Scavs had. I think he found a Scav group and reached out to them. Set up the assault on Jun and I. Maybe Revenge for the war? Or he offered our location to the Scavs. I mean its not like my BDs arent getting around. Maybe he told them he knew who was recording the BDs and I dont know.

    Everything was just an assumption. Jun had made sure we wouldnt be able to ask Randall, and the Scavs werent exactly chatty.

    Motoko There is something else. Something Fujimura-sama mentioned to me. He assigned us a few guards, but they are just kids they cant stop shit He mentioned that we should move into a more secure location.

    Fuck no! I snapped outraged at the very idea, but Jun didnt let my instant response ruffle him.

    I think we should consider it Motoko. There are plenty of locations we could move to that have more security. Fujimura-sama controls a floor of a building that he rents out to TC. Its safe. Protected.

    Jun I said no! We arent-Im not moving! This is our home! I denied but Jun moved away from the wall he had been resting against and walked around Ichi and Malcolm who were both being really quiet.

    Shit that was the look of a couple of people watching an argument between family members and not being sure what to do.

    Sorry guys.

    Jun stopped in front of me and rested his stupid heavy hand on my head.

    Home is where we live. Not a ce. I want you to be safe, Motoko. I want us to be safe I try to protect you as much as I can, but you just do whatever you want anyways, so I cant stop you there. But I think we should move. To a bigger ce, a more secure ce Dont you want a bigger room? One with your own space.

    I like my current room just fine!

    Its a closet you gonk. Youve never had a real room before. You could have a workbench and tinker with your stuff without me identally sitting on it or-

    Wait, when did you sit on my stuff!?

    Jun blinked at me and then just mushed my hair. We are going to look around at ces Maybe tomorrow. Keep an open mind, okay? Then Jun disappeared and as I fixed my hair I looked up to see him disappear back into his room.

    Im like 90% sure he just tried to distract me from the fact he apparently sat on some of my stuff and broke it.

    You think so? Hiromi asked, and I nodded.

    Im honestly more curious than upset. I dont remember finding anything missing I shook it off. I would tackle Jun in his sleep and demand my answerster. Alright chooms, enough of this shit. Want to get some food, and watch some garbage TV or something?

    Sounds good to me! Malcolm said before anyone else could argue.

    Great. Malcolm, you are with me on the food run. Hiromi, Ichi figure out what to watch?

    --

    The next morning, long after everyone had gone home, Jun poked me as I was working on some programming stuff for Yoko in payment for the Scav locations.

    Cmon.

    I already told you Jun. Im not moving.

    Come anyways. He demanded and gave me a look.

    Fine. If only because if I didnt go with him he was going to lift me up and carry me like a sack of angry kittens.

    I got up, got dressed, wasted some time taking a shower specifically in protest, and came out only to get whipped in the face with a towel.

    Then Jun attacked me with the towel.

    H-hey! Sto-oooop! I whined but my brother has no mercy in his heart. He ran the towel over my hair like a machine and when he finally released me I fell to the floor blinking as if someone had just mugged me.

    There, your hair is dry, cmon.

    You Are you kidding me? Im a girl you gonk! Now I have to do my hair! Look at it! I yelled at him my hair was poofy I could feel it. Standing up more like an afro than my normal style!

    I look like I just got in a fight with an electrical outlet! And I lost!

    Heh. Jun justughed at me, and made no motion to do anything more so I scurried back into the bathroom to battle my hair.

    I ended up needing to wet it back down just to be able to style it again.

    You know its funny. You dont really do makeup or anything, but youre pretty protective of your hair style. Jun said from the kitchen as he watched me wrestle my hair with a brush desperately trying not to get it stuck in the mess of my hair.

    Im plenty girly!

    Jun just gave me a look of disbelief. Hey! Thats so mean!

    Motoko Ive seen you wear the same leotard for days on end before.

    I paused in utter betrayal! I was programming then! I was too busy for things like Showering Or changing clothes

    We never speak of this again, or I tell everyone about the bed burrito.

    He blinked. Considering. Then nodded. Turning around and walking away like the conversation never happened.

    Good.

    Some things should just be kept between siblings.

    --

    Wow. Im totally impressed, Jun-nii! Truly this is the best ce ever!

    Your sarcasm isnt really necessary. He grumbled at me as we looked at the building.

    Funnily enough, we were just down the street from the apartments that I cleared the other night. The same tutorial Scav den from the game. Just north, along the same road I had leapt over while escaping Jun was a bunch of apartment buildings all smashed together into a mess.

    Of course the entrance was a big red Torri Gate. That and everything was covered in graffiti Tigers.

    If you missed the fact this was Tyger w Territory.

    Juste look at the apartments, okay? They are big. Bigger than our current ce, and they are safe.

    Im ying along for now, mostly because I love you, and want to spend time with you, but Im not interested. I informed him, which to my secret delight earned me a heavy hand ruffling my hair a little.

    I swiped a punch at him in retaliation of course, but it was still nice.

    Cmon lets see the ce before anything else. You might like it. Well have neighbors that arent Ms. Kagura. He offered and I blinked before remembering the olddy that was our neighbor on our floor.

    Oh right. I forgot about her.

    Well there will be some kids our age here. So maybe someone you actually get along with. Someone to add to your little group?

    Yeah sure Jun. I agreed without actually agreeing. If they lived here they would be TC brats Okay thats not a good excuse considering most of my friends were just that, but they were probably gonks.

    My decision not to like the situation I was stuck in, had Jun rolling his eyes as I shot grumpy looks at him constantly.

    We walked into the building from a side entrance through a shop into a hallway that led to a dozen closed doors. Jun led us to an elevator and then hit the twenty-seventh floor.

    Finally we hit the floor, and I had to admit. The moment the doors opened I did have to quirk an eyebrow. The elevator entrance area was clean.

    Like actually clean.

    It was actually a surprise I was so used to the decaying squalor, I barely noticed it anymore.

    Yet here, there were clean carpets. White walls which did have Tyger w stuff on it, but it was paintings, instead of just graffiti.

    I told you Fujimura-sama owns this floor and rents it out to Tyger ws. You think he would put up with a messy space?

    I scoffed but followed Jun down the hall. I noticed the security without a thought. Ninjutsu and Netrunning meant I couldnt help but notice it.

    Quality cameras, security features on every door. A hidden HMG turret in the roof inside the elevator entrance way.

    Okay it was definitely more secure than our previous ce.

    There we only had security gates on the stairs which didnt do much since the elevators were still open ess.

    This is it. Jun said suddenly as he stopped in front of a room. 2704.Jun looked to me like he was expecting some interest, but I had literally been in plenty of apartments over thest few days.

    Mostly killing Scavs, but the point stood.

    He looked a little bummed that I was remaining disinterested as he opened the door.

    The apartment was actually pretty big.

    It opened into arge living room. Something we didnt really have in our ce. It even had one of those round media couches indented into the floor in the corner.

    There was a small inset nearby that had a fridge, and a pseudo kitchte. Just without any of the normal stuff in a kitchen, because people dont cook in Cyberpunk.

    More like they were pushed to not cook, but that wasnt something I was going to focus on right now.

    The Bathroom still didnt have an actual door.

    Fucking Cyberpunk. I swear to god doors on bathrooms were normal! Why did no one have a damn

    I sighed letting the irritation go. I was still finding myself easily riled up since the attack. It was obvious the attack hadnt exactly left me my usual self. I took a deep breath and let it out, feeling arctic for a moment, as I steadied my heart and then breathed normally.

    Jun was wandering around looking around the ce with a happy smile on his face.

    Dammit. Jun wanted to move didnt he?

    The brush with returning Cyberpsychosis seemed to have washed off his back after everything. Which was good, but it did kind of piss me off, because it meant Jun was actually

    Jun was actually happy looking around this apartment. It wasnt faked, or something he was trying to convince me.

    This was something he wanted.

    I forgot.

    People in Night City cared about reputation. Reputation was important. And the way you showed off your rep was owning things.

    Fast cars, fancy clothes, lots of chrome.

    A big apartment.

    Our ce was kinda a shithole. I knew that. I just I had grownfy. It was security. Safety like a nket.

    I was going to have to be the mature one. Jun deserved that. Jun deserved to be able to have a nice big apartment with room to actually move, and fancy stuff.

    He was a teenager taking care of his kid sister. His kid sister that shouldnt be throwing a fucking tantrum like an actual teenager about moving into a bigger, fancier, more secure apartment.

    Dammit. I hated when my face was rubbed in the negative effects of my own childishness. I mean I wasnt going to change, but at least I could acknowledge when it caused problems.

    There actually was more than one room here. I guess I really would have my own room. Jun was distracted with checking out the entertainment system, acting like the teenager he was as I checked the rooms.

    I call dibs on this one! I call out, knowing the reaction it would get.

    Thats the bigger room! Jun yelped as he charged at me, and I broke the smile on my face before he could see it.

    There would be a fight, I would likely be sat on for a while, and in the end Jun would earn his master bedroom. But it was better this way.

    Because as much as I was focused on my own happiness. I wanted Jun the big gonk to be happy too, and maybe Maybe it was time to let him have that happiness without his needy, childish sister getting in the way.

 Chapter 109

    Chapter 109

    We went home to the apartment after and the whole time Jun was being insufferable.

    I told you you would like it! he teased, smiling like the stupid gonk he is.

    My desire to punch him was rising. Just because I had epted that moving was what Jun wanted, and I shouldnt hold him back didnt mean I really wanted it.

    But he was acting like I was super happy with it all.

    Jun shut up. I told him simply as I walked around my room cleaning things up. Gathering up everything so we could start moving stuff.

    When do you want me to call Ichi with his truck? Wait, when does the lease and stuff actually go through? How did leasing even work in Night City?

    What do you mean, its already ours. Jun said as he popped his head around the corner from his room to look at me.

    I narrowed my eyes.

    Fujimura already gave you the apartment before you ever tried to convince me to move didnt he? I used him, eyes narrowed as I prepared for the answer I already knew.

    Jun blinked realizing he was suddenly standing in the middle of a minefield.

    Nooo? He said and I chucked an old shoe at him that I had found in a corner. Unfortunately he was pretty quick and dodged it.

    Jerk. I grumbled as I continued to dig things out of corners. And finding bags and boxes to put them in.

    I picked up another cardboard box that Jun had grabbed to stuff shit into.

    Well it wasnt actually cardboard. It looked like it, sorta felt like it, but it wasnt. And I had long ago decided not to ask questions about what stuff in Night City was actually made of.

    I should be killing Scavs right now.

    Not dealing with moving.

    I pulled out my little dresser, noticing a bunch of stuff that I had never seen before back behind it.

    Motoko was kind of a slob

    Okay I was still kind of a slob, but I had a lot less knick knacks and junk

    Okay I still had a lot of junk, but it was all tech supplies!

    Huh. I muttered pulling out an actual digital photo disy. I switched it on and blinked.

    So thats what I looked like before. It was a picture of Motoko Well older Motoko sitting on Juns Kusanagi. She was dressed up fully in Tyger w swag, hair done up in mohawk

    I guess HIromi and I used to share hairstyles? Although mine had been a shorter faux hawk.

    I looked at it for a while. I had no real connection to it. Jun was younger. Probably fifteen? He looked hrious with his tough guy wannabe looks

    No wait. That means he would be around Ichi and Malcolm''s age! He was a wannabe too! Oh man!

    Hey Jun, look what I found! I called out smirking as I walked out of my bedroom to see Jun carefully disassembling the family shrine.

    Whatd you find? He asked solemnly as he slowly took down the picture of our parents.

    Nothing that interesting. Need some help? I asked as I threw the picture frame onto the couch and moved to help Jun pack up our family shrine.

    Id tease him about the pictureter.

    --

    So youre really moving? Ichi asked as I led him inside.

    Yeah. It was important to Jun. I admitted as I pushed a box to the side to clear up some room on the couch. Take a seat.

    No I can help! He offered doing the usual childish act of flexing an arm.

    If you want? But the guy who brings the truck can put his feet up if he wants. I informed him which earned me a chuckle.

    Crazy to thinkst night was thest time well ever meet up here. He muttered, and I did my best to keep cool, to not let that thought strike my heart.

    For Jun.

    Yeah, but starting tonight, Youll be able to meet up and party at our new ce. Jun said as he appeared from around the corner, holding a box in one under and a long bag that I realized was acting as his gun bag.

    Huh, I didnt know Jun had a gun bag

    Wait fuck I dont have a gun bag! All my guns were stolen from gonks! Its cool. Just pretend I dont notice and it wont matter.

    Yeah thats true. Well have a new meetup. Motokos fancy new ce.

    It is kinda fancy. I whispered to Ichi as I walked by arms full of boxes. Grab that one?

    Yeah sure. He hefted up another box and all three of us headed down towards his truck.

    It was parked just out front of the apartment, and the guards were keeping an eye on it, so we wouldnt have to worry about anything going missing while loading it up.

    Pushing my box in, I stopped and headed over to the meat stick guy. Gonna miss my usual. I told him and he chuckled and passed me an extrarge stick.

    Thanks, Meat stick guy. Youre the best.

    I paid extra though. I definitely had more eddies than the poor old man.

    As I took a break and ate myst meat stick skewer I looked around. Mostly because I was still on edge and expecting to see a Scav hunter group or something barreling down the road.

    But there was nothing.

    Just a quiet day on the streets.

    In the end, despite my fears there hadnt been a second Scav attack. No bomb, or trick. It made me nervous because I thought there would have been and yet.

    Nothing.

    I didnt know why though. Then again what I had done could have beenpletely covered by the acts of the Tygers.

    Considering how Scavs act. We could have killed the Scavs that knew about where I lived. Or killed all the Scavs that cared.

    The whole thing was a massive mess, and unlike in a video game that would always have a helpful conversation shard sitting on the side of a table or something, there wasnt anything that helpful for me to figure this out.

    I still really wanted to kill them. Just to make sure, but the whole thing was weird.

    In the end the real world wasnt a game, or an anime. I wasnt the main character of Night City.

    Well

    Not yet.

    --

    Well. This is it. Jun said as he dropped thest box of stuff into the middle of the living room.

    We werepletely moved out.

    Our entire apartment, our entire life, had fit in the back of Ichis truck. It had only taken one load to move everything over.

    Our vehicles were now parked in a garage under the building.

    Our stuff was there on the floor. Malcolm and Ichi were watching the truck to make sure nothing went missing while Jun and I unloaded.

    Yeah. I muttered before sighing and walking into my room. It had an actual bed. One of the weird future beds that were everywhere in Night city. Gently I pulled out a special object out of my jacket. Something I hadnt trusted letting anyone else mess with. The bed had little drawers along the side of it, and for now that was good enough. I slipped it in.

    Whats that? Jun asked, not quite startling me.@@novelbin@@

    A cyberdeck. I exined. I just didnt exin that it was Rache fucking Bartmosses deck.

    Okay?

    Its rare, one of a kind, so I kept it on me. I told him and then shrugged heading back out to the apartment. Ill go get the boys.

    Yeah, sounds good. Jun said looking at the pile of junk that we had stacked up on the floor. He sighed and grabbed the first box.

    Thats right Jun! Suffer at the knowledge that moving sucked!

    I headed out. The hallway as usual was so fancy it almost made me ufortable. I kept checking my boots to make sure I wasnt tracking mud on the carpets.

    But as I walked past the apartment right next to ours, I heard something that halted me in my ce.

    Music.

    Not recorded sound, but someone actually ying an instrument. I stopped to listen for a moment as the tune came through the walls.

    Huh. They were good! I hummed along for a moment as I let the song y through. I liked it. The musician had a recorded track they were ying with, a lot of recorded sounds, and a definite Japanese electronica groove.

    Honestly I was just thankful it wasnt Us Cracks.

    I shook it off, and decided I would say hello to my new neighbor sometime soon.

    Until then I needed to head back down and let the boys know we had finished and they were now free.

    I headed down taking the elevator that took forever to get down to the garage basement floor.

    I walked out and had to frown.

    A few Tygers were messing with the boys.

    Around the front of Ichis truck were a group of teenagers. They were obviously unwee as they were resting against the truck, one even sitting on the front of Ichis hood, her legs swinging as they obviously were causing trouble.

    Hey! I called out as I walked over catching the eyes of the group. What are you guys bothering my chooms for?

    Eh? Bothering? We are just checking out these weird gonks idling in our garage. Who the hell are you? The one that had been hanging his elbow in Ichis window called out, but didnt move away, instead a couple of his chooms were focusing on me.

    They were helping us move in. Twenty-Seventh floor. I called out, emphasizing the floor. Fujimura owned the entire floor? Then anyone in the area would know not to mess with anyone from that floor.

    Their leader slowly pulled away from the window as he looked me over.

    You dont look like the type to live on that floor.

    Fujimura and I have an understanding And my Nii-chan is one of his men. Now stop harassing my chooms. I demanded.

    I had learned from my lesson with Hiromi. Be blunt and direct with gangsters because they might not have the brain cells to rub together to understand a less blunt threat.

    It still grated at me. To rely on Fujimuras rep. The stupid Do you know who I am? Statements always annoyed me.

    I walked past the group, noticing the girl on the hood had slipped off, and tried to make it look like she hadnt just been sitting on Ichis truck.

    Thanks for the help guys. Jun and I have it from here. Why dont you head out of here, We are just going to be unpacking for a while Here, dinners on me, okay? I quickly sent a bunch of eddies to Malcolm and Ichi, despite Ichis re.

    He had refused any payment for helping out today, but I wasnt going to let them help Jun and I move for free.

    Hey! Thats the boss for you! Malcolm called out more than happy for the payment.

    You dont have to Motoko! Ichi yelled behind me but I was already hurrying away, passing through the gangster gonks who were all watching me, their faces all showing their curiosity in who I was.

    If I was important.

    If I was lying.

    If I was telling the truth.

    But I wasnt here to satisfy their curiosity. I rushed back to the elevator and headed back up.

    Time to unpack.

    ---

    Jun and I both flopped onto the big round couch.

    That was tiring.

    Yeah. I agreed with Jun. Everything was unpacked, or at least the boxes were put away in our rooms forter. Our family shrine was up. Our weapons were stored away, which had taken a bit longer than expected.

    My armory had to my absolute delight put Juns to shame, and we might have gotten into a wrestling match when he made a move towards my HMG.

    Mine!

    But now we were basically done.

    All moved out.

    All moved in.

    Its gonna be great Motoko. Youll see. He said and I didnt respond. He had been saying stuff like this to me all day, trying to hype me up for the new move.

    Arent you the least bit excited? A new ce? Bigger! Better! I could try to exin to him that I knew what moving to a new apartment was like. It usually just ended with a month of getting used to it, before realizing all the new problems you had to live with that might not be the horrible ones from thest ce, but were still shit.

    But I couldnt exactly tell him that. As far as Jun was aware this was my first new ce ever.

    Im gonna y the entire Samurai Catalog at full st right outside your room all night Fair warning. I informed him and received a retaliatory pillow in exchange.

    Youll like it. Its better in every way from our old ce. Jun informed me with a dreamy voice.

    You realize of course there isnt an XXL burrito machine outside the apartment door anymore. Then I let that tidbit settle in. A momentter Jun was at the door and then rushing down the hall.

    I had checked as we walked in. No XXL burritos in the area that I had seen.

    Good luck Jun-nii!

    --

    Okay. We were moved in. Now back to work.

    *Yes really. Why are you so confused? You sent the shard with the code over, and I just spent thest couple hours debugging it. Its done.*

    *I expected you to take at least a week checking it over Motoko Please make sure you are thorough.*

    I sighed audibly and rubbed my face.

    *Ive already gone through it all Yoko. Ill add a file into the shard showing everything I fixed just so you can be sure, but Im done. There isnt anything else that needs to be fixed unless you want me to start rewriting the code from scratch.*

    The line was quiet for a while. *Very well. Ill have a runnere by your new ce for a pickup. Ill confirm the work, and message you when Ive found an issue, or written off the favor.*

    *Perfect. Talk to youter then.*

    I hung up. Wakako was right. Hanging up on people that were annoying you was great.

    I groaned as I flopped on the couch. Between coding work and moving in. I was done for now. Jun was still bustling about his room setting things up looking happier than I had seen him in a while.

    Stupid Jun. Being happy about this crummy apartment.

    I wanted to go kill Scavs.

    I rolled up and rushed to my room. Grabbing my ammo and MaxDoc pouches, I suited up. If I went fast enough Jun wouldnt catch me leaving and bother me again.

    I geared up quickly, grabbing my Kang Tao armor and doing a full suit up.

    Techgogs equipped I was ready for war.

    Sliding the goggles over my eyes I slipped over to my door and peaked out.

    No Jun in sight. Operation was a go.

    I rushed out bare feet utterly silent on the carpet. Honestly it was a weird feeling since I was so used to the tiled floors that filled NIght City and the fact I usually just wore my boots around so I would be safe from any trash on the floor.

    But this apartment was too clean, so I had to leave my boots at the front door. I quickly grabbed them and left through the door once the door was closed I slipped them on. Taking a minute to secure everything and then I was heading down the hall. Passing by music neighbor and reaching the elevator without anyone noticing beside the cameras.

    I quickly sent Jun a Text.

    *Motoko: Heading out for a while.*

    Just as the door shut.

    Didnt want Jun to try and stop me. I whistled fakely as I pretended to ignore the text he sent back in response wanting to know what I was doing.

    Then I was back in the garage, and the city was mine.

    I walked out stalking towards where Jun and Is parking spot was located. Ignoring the attention that the Tyger teens gave me as I walked around.

    Dont call me a Dough Girl. Dont call me a Dough Girl!

    I ignored them. I didnt even want to know what they were saying as I walked up to the Quadra and popped the trunk.

    Inside my armory was ready. I grabbed the Copperhead from the roof of the trunk. I had spent some time adding additional weapon slots to the trunk over time. Honestly I had a few cutouts that I didnt even own yet, but more as future desires.

    I patted my Nekomata a bit as I left it behind. I needed to work with Jackie and V and stuff more. I would get more sniper work with them I felt.

    But I ignored that as I walked to the driver seat andid my Copperhead in the passenger footwell. So I could grab it quickly if needed.

    I had a few more ces to hit tonight.

    Time to get to work.

 Chapter 110

    Chapter 110

    Second site of the night.

    The first location hadnt even been a real Scav Den. Just a small storage unit that three gonks that were definitely not official Scavs, just fuckers willing to do horrible things to people.

    They were all dead now, and I had the XP to prove it.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    I dont care if you were official Scavs, or just some assholes ripping people apart for eddies. They were all fucking trash in my opinion.

    But that had just been on the way to Heywood. The building I was parked just down the street from was the bigger ce I had ended up skipping to go to the Maelstrom meeting.

    Once again. I essed the system. Pinged them all, and had the entire ce scoped out.

    I was once again stacked up on the door. I waited half a second to see if Jun would call me to interrupt again, but it never came.

    Go time. I surged through, rifle leading the way. I couldnt just shoot through the walls this time. The basement they were hiding in was all solid concrete.. Unless I was using my Nekomata or my Burya I wouldnt get any rounds through.

    But I didnt need that.

    The first room was a garage. Two gonks inside. One working on a van. Obviously their meat wagon. The other was sitting in the driver seat obviously helping out.

    Both were too slow to avoid my Copperhead as I unloaded on them both as I rushed them. The driver coated the windscreen in blood and the mechanic fell into his tool box very dead.

    I didnt pay attention to the noise of my system telling me I had gotten XP.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    I didnt slow down. I still had half a magazine and more Scavs.

    Obviously the gun shots would alert them. So I didnt slow down. At the back of the garage was a door that led into the basement area itself. This building had once been some sort of shop. The top floor had big open windows and butted against the street. Obviously they didnt use it, but this basement was basically a loading and storage area.

    The next room now was just a big empty space full of Scavs, and dead bodies. And all their equipment to rip people apart.

    I leapt into the room using all my strength and my chrome ankles bouncing well past the door where instantly a few of the Scavs fired trying to kill me.

    They missed. Then their guns stopped firing as I shut that down with a toothy grin.

    I loved being a Netrunner. One of them I noticed did respond. A faint effort to fight back against the hack on the digital scape, but he was far too slow to stop it as it pinged him, then his chooms, then him again and again and again.

    I rolled along the concrete, until I slowed enough. I rose up. Lines of golden light already telling me where to aim.

    I popped up and three rounds echoed through the room, The light I was using as a guide post vanished, along with earning an alert.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    I rolled, slipping out of view behind the stic sheets they had hanging from the ceiling all over the ce to section off Ripper chairs.

    To keep the blood stter down.

    Yeah it would still be useful now.

    I flipped around, lined up my rifle with the golden lights and just started plugging away.

    I got another one, before the others ducked behind cover realizing their weapons were dead.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    Who the fuck is attacking us!? A voice called out sounding terrified and I could practically hear the noise of metal on metal as he desperately tried to get his malfunctioning gun to work.

    Some bitch! Watch out for more! They got a Netrunner!

    Dont worry! I called out in return, using my sexy Motoko voice as well, I was recording after all. Im the one who is going to send you all to hell! I yelled out excited for what came next.

    I shifted back up to my feet still crouched and then leapt.

    The stic sheet kept me from view until thest moment when I hit it at the apex of my jump and then ripped through.

    They freaked, leaping out of cover desperately pointing weapons that werent functional. Only one had a smart idea and grabbed a big fucking machete knife and charged at me.

    I hit the ground, rolled forward and he reached me just as my rifle was brought up.

    I unloaded on him, easily sting him away from me with the remainder of my magazine.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    I dropped the rifle. Reload would take too long, and I had other options.

    Lexington was quickdrawn to a position right against my chest as I turned and unloaded into another Scav that was trying to attack me from behind. He cried out as his chest turned into swiss cheese.

    Then he died.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    I started chasing the rest, killing another one who was hiding under a table as if he could just disappear there, and then to my irritation two of them were smart.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    They deltaed. I ran at a door that the two had slipped into and was brought to aplete halt as I mmed into it and it didnt budge.

    I mmed the handle again and pushed but the door barely budged.

    They had thrown something heavy on the other side.

    Fuckers!

    I turned and ran. I would have to head out the garage and get around the building. They were escaping out the front!

    Even with all my speed by the time I made it to the front of the store their car was already nearly down the street, their golden lines fading away as they got too far away from the building, and already well past the range I could quickhack as I could see them directly.

    My Quadra was parked around the back. It would take too long to get into it, and then chase them.

    Two escaped.

    Two Scavs escaped me.

    I had done this because I wanted to practice going loud. But I let two Scavs escape!

    I should have blinded them. I should have shown up with my HMG.

    I should have stealthed the whole group.

    I should have I should have

    I stepped back and pushed myself against the front of the old boarded up storefront.

    Cool.

    Get cool.

    I exhaled arctic air and suddenly the absolute fit I had been half way into stalled out.

    Im okay. Mistakes happen, and we learn from them. I told myself. I had almost just had aplete freakout over letting two Scavs get away.

    Yeah that wasnt a healthy sign.

    Fuck.

    --

    I ignored everything as I headed home.

    I still had more Scav dens I could hit, but I was obviously not handling this whole situation as well as I thought I was.

    The apartment was quiet as I stomped in flipping off my boots at the door with a few wobbling bounces as I then stripped out of my armor letting it just drop to the floor.

    There was a ton of floor space. Plenty of space to leave things forter.

    I stripped out of my Section 9 clothes, the armored weight feeling far too restricting right now. Both jacket and pants were thrown onto the floor leaving me feeling a lot cooler as I wiped some sweat off my head.

    Then I flopped face first onto the couch.

    The couch wasnt right. It was too cushiony. It didnt smell like home either.

    I screamed into the cushion mming my fist down into it over and over until I was out of air.

    Then I rolled off the couch and stood up. Annoyed at the stupid inset couch I had to climb out of just to get back on the floor.

    I ran into my room. There was only one solution to this frustration I was feeling.

    I grabbed my guitar and my music box.

    I could have stayed in my room, but I didnt want to be in there right now. So I hooked myself into my Music box and dropped the box onto the couch as I paced around the back of the couch.

    I wanted something angry. Something fitting, but I wasnt sure what to y.

    I felt frustrated. Burned on the inside because everything that was happening just

    Im going to burn this city. I muttered the songing to mind instantly. Not exactly my favorite band. Not even my favorite song, but I couldnt deny that there was a reason it fit Edgerunners so well.

    And right now I was feeling full of fire too. Franz Ferdinands This Fire Yeah I could make it work.

    I switched up my voice, I wasnt going to try and copy the singer from Franz Ferdinand At least I was pretty sure that was just the band name and not the artist

    Oh well. No way for me to know now.

    And so my voice went huskier. Heavier. I wasnt going to y the song with the almost joyful chaos feeling the original had.

    I was angry.

    So I let that out.

    I practically growled out the first line. Letting the anger and frustration at the Scavs. At Jun and his stupid new apartment. At everything.

    Im going to burn this city! I roared, mming the guitar to get the notes just right. And I just let it all out. Like Rita had said. A hobby was important. A way to feel the emotions I kept locked up tight with Cold Blood.

    Catharsis.

    Ill burn it down! I said thest lyric, before rolling into shredding the guitar, Hyping the noise up louder and louder, faster and faster until it just stopped.

    I exhaled and flopped onto the back of the couch, feet resting on the cushions as I just hunched over and exhaled all the fire in my belly.

    I ran a chrome hand through my hair. The unique texture was always a weird feeling and I practically luxuriated in it for that moment. Sweat sticking to the metal as I breathed and cooled off.

    I didnt feel very calm even still.

    It wasnt that they escaped. That was just the trigger. The fact was I didnt like change very much. I liked my routines, and any change that happened was okay as long as it was my choice.

    I pulled my music box over. The vocal and Guitar track would both need some work, trying a brand new vocal and guitar style on a song was kinda new to me.

    I went to work. Both as something to distract myself with, and also I guess I just wanted to hear it as well.

    --

    I stopped as I heard something loud bonk into the door. I quickly pulled off my guitar and grabbed my Lexington aiming at the door, because that had been a really weird noise.

    Then the doorbell rang.

    I quickly stacked up at the side of the door and then in a sh I opened it, the pneumatic door popping out of the way and I was aiming before quickly yanking my gun into the air to keep it from aiming at who had rang the bell.

    Hiromi?

    H-Hey Motoko She said and we both stared at each other.

    Hiromi had a big red mark on her forehead.

    It took me a moment to realize what had happened.

    You dont have the door key here yet. I reminded her and her semi pout turned into a tearful look as if demanding me to take back what I had just said as she held a hand over her forehead.

    I quickly holstered my Lexington and pulled her inside and into a hug.

    That never happened. She demanded and I made all the right noises of eptance. I wanted to surprise you! I got excited. She exined and I just nodded and rubbed her back as she buried her face into my shoulder.

    She was so used to having the key to our ce that she had tried to rush the door. The door hadnt opened.

    Poor Hiromi.

    I brought her over to the couch and settled her in. Ignoring her faux sniffle that she pointedly threw a look at me after demanding I dont acknowledge it.

    How did you know where the new ce was? I thought I would have toe pick you up and show you.

    She seemed to shake herself a bit and sat up straight. I called Ichi of course. He helped you move, so I got the address and everything. I couldnt use the elevator, so I had to use the stairs. She whined at me, I actually blinked at that.

    You should have just called. I would havee down to get you.

    I wanted to surprise you! She whined and I couldnt help but startughing.

    You did! I told her with a big smile and then she realized I was teasing her and whined at me in distress.

    Jerk! Gonk! You arent! Ugh! You have your guitar out! y a song for me! She finally demanded as she turned a bit red, but not as red as the mark on her forehead.

    Hiromi, I don-

    Pleeeease. She whined, putting her hands up to her chest and begging.

    Fine. Im working on something new anyways, I could use a separate ear.

    Yeeeees! She hissed, wiggling and kicking. Serenade me! She demanded as she sprawled out on the couch looking eager.

    Not really that kind of song. I muttered. I hadntpleted the drum track just yet, but I could still just enjoy doing another vocals and guitar y through.

    First I went into my room and came out with the speakers and Amp for the guitar. I had recorded everything digitally so I wouldnt disturb my neighbors. Even if musician neighbor might not mind.

    So I picked up my guitar plugged it into my music box, plugged that into the speakers and amp, and then I started another rendition of This Fire.

    I yed. I roared, and sang and mmed my guitar. The emotions hadnt diminished, only been released a little and so I raged a little while I sang. I turned the almost peppy song into something darker.

    A threat.

    This fire is out of control!.

    Im going to burn this city, burn this city!

    And so I yed for Hiromi, but mostly I yed for me.

    For the Motoko that didnt want to obsess with killing every Scav in the city and just wanted to do whatever crazy thing that came to my mind.

    For the Motoko that as much as she wanted to fight and kill, didnt like at all that others could turn it back on her. Could harm her. Could harm her friends. Her family.

    I was breathing heavily when I finished the song. I closed my eyes, I couldnt look at Hiromi. Because I couldnt handle someone not liking the song at that moment. I pulled off the guitar and stood up, taking a moment to remember where the fridge was. I grabbed a can of Whatever the hell this was. The logo and stuff was so artsy I couldnt tell. I popped it and drank it down.

    Eh. Ive had worse, but I felt off. Weird. It took a moment as I pulled up my system to realize what had happened.

    *Cool Leveled up!*

    Cool 9. No wonder I felt Better. Was it that? No, not better. Not exactly, but Cooler. Like the stress wasnt hurting me as bad.

    Then I turned around running a hand through my hair, So what did you-oof! I grunted as Hiromi mmed into me and squealed.

    Eeeeee!

    I guess you liked it then?

    You are going to be world famous, Im gonna be your super awesome manager and its gonna be the best! She cheered in delight and broke into a few chuckles. Not exactly what I was hoping would be her response, but I guess as long as Hiromi was happy.

    No wait. I dont want to be world famous!

    Dangit Hiromi!

    -

    So how long until the whole song is done? Hiromi asked as she sat beside me on the couch. I had grabbed theptop to once again allow Hiromi to see what I was doing on the Music box as I recorded the digital tracks to finish the song.

    Not sure Im sorta trying something different on this song. Originally.. Well it was supposed to be more upbeat almost? It sounds weird, but yeah. Im just making it darker. More Samurai, less Us Cracks. I exined and Hiromi giggled at my description.

    You should make an Us Cracks version! Jun would listen to it!

    Ugh. Please dont remind me. I grumbled at her, but in the end I shrugged. I think Ive got most of it. Im mostly just fiddling now. Making sure I didnt flub anything, and making sure all the tracks line up and actually flow.

    Its so crazy how good you are at everything. She muttered, and I actually stilled a little.

    This wasnt the first time Hiromi had said something simr. Not the first time someone had noticed that I was picking up on things too fast.

    I I just- I started to stutter tensing up, but Hiromi practically leapt on me in response.

    Whoa. Ah. I didnt mean anything by it Motoko! Youre so amazing. Im just a little jealous! You can do basically anything its just a little intimidating? I guess. Trying to keep up.

    I quickly shoved my guitar off my shoulder and reached over to grab at Hiromi to her surprise as I pulled her bodily into a hug.

    A tight one so she couldnt escape.

    Its not a race And Im way behind in tons of things, but I dont Please dont think you need topete. I need my best choom.I said burying my face into her neck as I used everyone lick of knowledge to grapple Hiromi in an unbreakable hug.

    Hey! No way am I going anywhere! You are stuck with me forever! Hiromi responded and I nodded into her shoulder as I still refused to let go. Hiromi didnt seem to mind just patting my back this time. You okay Motoko? The song, and now this You seem a little Stressed?

    I dont think Im handling all the stuff that happened as well as I would like. I admit speaking into her jacket letting the texture muffle the words a little and create the disconnect that lets me share. I hate that we got attacked at home, and now, Jun moved us here, and I didnt want to move Hiromi. I miss home already.

    Oh. Hiromi whispered and then tightened her hug on me as well.

    ---

    Sorry. I ended up saying a whileter when I finally pulled away from Hiromi. I hadnt cried, but it was definitely a close call. Thanks Cool.

    You dont have to apologize! Im just No, that''s gonnae out wrong. She said and then flushed at even saying that.

    What?

    I just Its nice that you arentpletely put together? Getting homesick after a move I guess it just means I dont have to be perfect yet either? Sorry that sounds stupid since this is obviously bothering you, but

    Nah. Its okay. I bumped her shoulder to add weight to my words. @@novelbin@@

    Hiromi perked up, obviously deciding to change topics. I like your new song! Its very Rockerboy! Are you going to record it into a BD like thest one? Or are you finally ready to let your number one Manager Hiromi set up a gi-

    Nope.

    Aww. She whined, but I wasughing.

    Number one Manager?

    Hey, just being honest. She said with a wink and we both broke intoughter.

    You gonna stay the night tonight? I asked suddenly, and Hiromi nodded firmly. Good. I could use thepany.

 Chapter 112

    Chapter 112

    The day hade and gone. Then the night. Jun hadnte home, and the sun was rising. I had taken a break after an hour of ying music, and gone out. Spending a couple grand on some additional security for the apartment. Then Installing it all. Of course it was just off the shelf junk.

    It wouldnt really stop anyone.

    But I was currently programming out a bit of a trick. The thing with door locks is that they are never really going to stop someone. Instead I was going to keep the entire thing looking off the shelf, while inside the programming would have a bit of a trick.

    Sure you can break into the apartment if you really want.

    But I would know.

    And knowing is half the way to avoid a trap, or a surprise raid.

    I was still working on the code. Making the security system send an rm if it was hacked wasnt hard. But letting it work without alerting therunner breaking in was.

    So I was fiddling with a few design options to sneak the alert through.

    It was progressing pretty well with Inspired Programmer keeping me full of inspiration.

    *Ringing* I blinked at the noise checking the agent view.

    *Malcolm! Whats up?*

    *Motoko I need help! Fuck! Cocksuckers shot me!* Malcolm gasped into the line as soon as I chirped my greeting.

    Instantly I was moving, rushing for my room to grab my guns.

    *Where are you? Tell me everything.*

    *Fuck. Shit Im bleeding bad. Okay okay. Ill send you my ping. I''m on a train right now.. II lost them, they stopped chasing me when I got on the rail. Fuck. Oh god. I was buying a car! They were trying to jump me. Steal the money and those fucks! It was supposed to be my car! They fucking killed me over this shit!* His voice broke down into a quiet moan.

    *Okay Im on my way. Im pinging everyone as well, in case someone is closer. Were on our way Malcolm, just dont pass out okay. Stay awake.* I demanded as I scooped up my boots as I ran into the hall and raced to the elevator. I hit the button requesting it and then again and again.

    Too slow.

    I turned and rushed for the stairs. I mmed into the door and fought my boots onto my feet. Then as I slipped into the stairwell I leapt.

    Inded on the railing two stories down, then I leapt down again.

    Again and again. I leapt past some people hanging out in the stairwell. Kids adults. Whatever. It wasnt a concern.

    *Im still with you Malcolm, talk to me buddy.*

    *Fuck it hurts. Never been shot before! Those assholes!* He whined and cried into the line, but I would rather him do that, then have it go silent. Thest jump I dropped three stories tond in a crouch on the garage level. Startling some of the Tyger w kids that were smoking and hanging out under the stairs.

    I mmed into the door and rushed for my Quadra. The door opened at a nce as I leapt inside from the passenger side.

    Sliding into the driver seat, I gunned it backwards. My eyes instantly connected to the cameras on the Quadra to roar out of my space.

    I didnt bother to spin around. Tires screeching through the garage I slipped my Quadra into a reverse drift to make the entrance ramp and continued roaring backwards until I hit the top of the ramp absolutely maxing out the engine as it leapt into the air. I hit the ground and Spun, finally facing forward already in the street and ignoring the honks of people that I had nearly crashed into.

    My Quadra roared. All 1000 horsepower roared as my foot hit the pedal all the way down.

    *Im on my way!* I said again into the phone as for the first time I really truly ignored trafficws.

    I raced the streets. Swerved through traffic, and ignored lights. The sidewalk was perfectly good for getting around traffic as well to my current estimation.

    I had no care about anything because one of my chooms was in trouble.

    Malcolm was my friend.

    I wasnt ready to lose a friend to this city.

    *Talk to me Malcolm. Tell me about these assholes.*

    *... Fuck. They They were selling a Rayfield Motoko. It was a second gen Caliburn. Yellow silver. The best The best paintjob. It was so beautiful. And cheap It was only 70k. I wanted it so bad. I decided I thought fuck it. Its my dream car, you know? I I have a poster of it above my bed. Dreamed about that car since Forever. If I had it that means I made it you know?*

    *Yeah Malcolm, and you will. Believe me. Just keep breathing choom. Im almost there.* And I was. Malcolm was still in Westbrook. Just farther south. Near Charter Hill. He had sent me an active GPS ping, and it wasnt moving. *Did you get off the rail?*

    *Yeah Yeah they kicked me off. Bleeding too much I guess Fuckers.* He mumbled.

    Fuck.

    *Hey Malcolm, listen to me. You keep your damn eyes open, and keep breathing! You hear me?*

    *Yeah I gotta listen to you right? Boss? Heh. Who would have thought Id be working for your gonk ass. Fuck. Its been great though* He trailed off.

    *Yeah its awesome, and your brain is amazing at noticing things! Couldnt have done the yacht heist without you yeah? You were the one to figure out the Scavs. So stay alive Malcolm, thats an order from your boss!* I gasped out desperately as I made a stupidly dangerous turn.

    *Yeah*

    I skidded to a halt as Traffic was blocking me again and the sidewalk was full. I honked and revved into the sidewalk anyways. People scurried out of the way as I drove as slow as I could bear around the cars stopped at a light until I hit the road and revved to skid onto the cross street into the active traffic. Swiftly forcing a position and then elerating.

    Just gotta hope NCPD were busy right now

    At least I was getting responses from everyone. Vik had responded to my frantic text message and he was on his way with med supplies to keep someone alive. I just had to get Malcolm to him.

    I was there. The sidewalk was a perfectly good parking spot as I nearly drove onto the esctors running up to the tform.

    Driver side door opened, and I was off like a shot, Racing up the esctor until there were people in the way and then I jumped onto the railings and just raced up that.

    Then I was on the tform, and it wasnt hard to see Malcolm.. A pool of blood with bloody footprints leading to him slumped up against a sign and a small space in the crowd, but no one was trying to help.

    Assholes.

    I leapt. Landing beside him in a single movement.

    Hey Malcolm. Calvary is here. Cmon. Take this. I offered him a MaxDoc, while I grabbed an Airhypo and jammed it into his chest.

    FuuuuUUK!. He cursed his breath suddenly much fuller as the Airhypo oxygenated his blood.

    Well as much as it could anyways.

    Take the MaxDoc Malcolm. I demanded and grabbed some bandages out of a hip pouch.

    Fuck the bullet hole was bad.

    Through and through his chest, just below his armpit and out almost between his ribs on the front.

    That was Not good.

    I wrapped a bandage around him as best I could and then hefted him up.

    Malcolm was bigger than me, true.

    But I was so freaked out, I didnt even care that he was a bit heavier than me. I pulled him into a princess carry ignoring his cry of pain as I started rushing to the esctor.

    *Vik! I got him. Sending you pics. Ill be rushing to meet you!* I sent Vik as I finally didnt need to be on call with Malcolm.

    *Alright Kid. Just breathe, steady now. Lets save your choom.* He whispered into my ear, and it was calming as I rushed down the esctor doing my best not to jostle Malcolm, or bump him into anything.

    GET THE FUCK OUT OF THE WAY! I roared at some fucking morons not idling in front of me, and it was only when I started to try and grab my Burya that they hurried out of the way.

    My Quadra was still there idling, Although I wasnt surprised to note some gonk kid was running off with an arm full of

    Okay stealing my homemade grenades was pretty ballsy. Thats a scary kid for the next few days.

    I slipped Malcolm into the passenger seat, and strapped him in.

    This was going to get wild.

    H-hey. Youre gonna have to not drive like a Granny. Malcolm joked at me weakly as I slipped into the driver seat.

    Yeah. I agreed bluntly and then floored it again. Vik was heading this way, but it was still far. And Malcolm was bleeding.

    I couldnt tell exactly what I babbled at Malcolm to keep him focused as I raced through the streets, it was all a blur, and I was sure that without Cool Nerves I definitely would have gotten into an ident as I was sure my entire body would be shaking if not for that.

    Thank you system. Thank you Gamer powers. Thank you whatever thing gave me the ability to actually act through my panic and try to save my choom.

    I almost ran into Vik. Who was driving an old Villefort Columbus van. I slid into a screeching powerslide right beside him nearly startling him off the road as he jerked the wheel a bit, but braked after and then he was there. My passenger door opened and Vik instantly slipped some device with a big canister attached against Malcolms chest.

    I heard the pneumatic sound as it activated.

    Fuck! Malcolm hissed, but Vik was just chuckling, talking calmly, and a momentter. Instead of a reedy wet breathinging out in a rush from Malcolm, it seemed to even out a bit. And some color very quickly came back to his face.

    Cmon lets get you in the van, and Ill plug those holes yeah? Vik said as calm as ever seeminglypletely unconcerned about what he was helping with, and I could see how that calm soothed Malcolm who obviously was freaking out at what had happened.

    Fuck Vik. You are truly an angel.

    ---

    Ignoring the traffic build up behind us, we got Malcolm into the van. The van off the middle of the road, and my Quadra out of the way, and Vik went to work.

    I couldnt even start to exin to you the Ripper doc magic that Vik did there on the side of the road in a beat up old Van, but within ten minutes Malcolm was breathing easy, resting in a stretcher and even cracking a joke with the old ripper.

    Ichi showed up first. His own Van roared down the road and parked up onto the sidewalk alongside us as he jumped out, nearly leaping onto Malcolm to make sure he was okay.

    Hey, easy Ichi, easy. Malcolm said, sounding tired, but amused at Ichis reaction.

    You alright? Dr. Vik? Hell be okay?

    Right as rain, kid. Not the first time Ive patched up a bullet hole. Vik joked back but he was doing something with the hole in Malcolms side, his face buried in a screen looking at Malcolms chest.

    It took a second but Ichi breathed out and nearly slumped to the floor. Hey Im alright now Ichi. Its okay. Motoko got to me in time.

    I cant believe you were gonk enough to trust Granny driver Motoko toe rescue you. Should have called me first. Ichi said with an almost sob in his voice as he told the joke.

    Which is the only reason I didnt punch him for it.

    I didnt drive like a granny!

    Heh. Knew Knew you were across town remember? Figured Toko would be free.

    Well you were right! I told him firmly from the floor of the van. I wasnt napping or anything just trying to calm myself. The relief at Malcolm not dying was just

    Too much.

    And I was right. Malcolm said, waving a hand off his cot in my direction.

    Im d youre alright Malcolm. Fuck. Cant believe you got shot.

    Me neither. He offered and both boys went quiet even if I could only see Ichi looking down at Malcolm with an array of angry emotions across his face.

    Who did it?

    Some assholes down near Santo. Supposed to be legit, car trade through a site. I checked it out with some guys on the site. Everything looked legit. They sell cars, boosted, damaged whatever. Got a hit for the car I was looking for Fuck its my fault. They didnt have a fucking Caliburn, probably heard about me looking for one. Thought I was probably some rich kid or something. Fuck.

    Dont worry Malcolm. Well find them. Ichi said which surprised me because I was about to say that too.

    Ichi looked to me and I just nodded. Both of us understood what was going to happen next.

    Malcolm! A breathless cry pulled us towards the door, where Hiromi had just pulled up on her Kusanagi. She rushed in, and it was luck that Ichi grabbed her before she almost flopped onto Malcolm.

    I was in ss! Im sorry I didnt even get the ping until now! Are you-

    Hell live kid, Dont worry Im patching him up just fine. Vik said with a smile and Hiromi almost sagged.

    --

    We filled in Hiromi on everything, and in the end an hourter Malcolm was at Viks clinic resting.

    But I was going to go find some fuckers that shot my choom. I was almost up the stairs when Ichi grabbed my arm stopping me.@@novelbin@@

    Im going with. He said no hesitation in his voice.

    He was pissed. Which is why I didnt want him toe. Even at my angriest, I still had Cold Blood keeping my mind clear. Keeping myself clear to make decisions like shooting gonks rather than talking to them.

    Ichi-

    Dont Motoko. Iming. Or Ill go alone. They shot my choom over a fucking car sale. Malcolm wasnt even fucking with them, but they just- Fuck that.

    Iming too. Hiromi said as she walked up the stairs behind Ichi, patting him on the shoulder once as she walked right past us both. What do you both need an invitation? She asked as she turned and gave one of her superior looks at the two of us.

    If it wasnt such a serious moment between us, I would have leapt on her, pinned her to the ground and Mess with her hair or something. I dont know.

    Alright, fine. We all go! But, I call the shots. I demand looking at the two of my chooms with firm looks.

    Im fine with that. Hiromi said and a momentter Ichi nodded.

    Good. First thing first. Go get suited up. These fucks have guns and obviously arent afraid to use it. So go get ready. I ordered much to both of their irritations, but in the end they listened. Hiromi jumped onto her Kusanagi, and Ichi in his van.

    I went home myself to grab my own Section 9 equipment.

    I was going to make a point against these assholes.

    --

    Suited up and ready we all met up near the location Malcolm had given us. Stay close together guys, and keep your eyes open.. I demanded making sure they both understood before we walked down the block towards where Malcolms little meetup was supposed to happen.

    I had my techgogs down blocking my eyes and face, as I wandered through the crowds of Night city people.

    We were in Charter hill, just on the other side of the canal cutting off Charter Hill and Arroyo.

    I followed the location GPS through a back alley, Through a small alley filled with old homeless tents, and then into a small inner court area for the apartments around me. The ce had old shop spaces all closed down and shuttered along the edges. Each of the shutters now covered in years of gang tags.

    Hiromi and Ichi both stayed close together, weapons ready and waiting.

    But while there were some people here, it didnt look like our people.

    Not that we were sure what they looked like.

    Dammit Malcolm. You walked into a deal with no backup, no information on whose these fuckers were!

    I let it go as I searched around, trying to find a clue, or just someone I thought could answer some questions when I noticed it.

    A puddle of blood. With a trail leading through to the street beyond.

    I stepped low and touched it with a chrome finger.

    This was where Malcolm got shot. I could actually see the rail line he must have run to from here. Straight through the gap he had escaped through. And the trail of blood.

    This is the right ce alright. I muttered as I looked around scanning the area, eyes shing checking everything I could.

    Hiromi. I called out and pointed.

    A homeless man was in the courtyard. A little shack of cardboard and old benches in a corner.

    She nodded and Ichi followed. She would ask questions, and maybe get some answers. She was better at that. While I was better at this.

    The Courtyard didnt have cameras. Any that might have originally been set up were long gone, ripped out of their mounts for whatever purpose their thief wanted. But that didnt mean shit to me.

    This was still Night City. There were only so many ces one could move unnoticed to avoid all cameras.

    I circled the building. Marking a map with every camera pointed in the direction I needed. If the people who had shot Malcolm hade, or gone into this set of apartments I would find them.

    I met back up with Hiromi and Ichi Hiromi looking a little irritated, but her face shifted as she saw me return.

    Some moderate good news. She offered with a shrug. The old man saw the shooting. I had to pay him a chunk of eddies to get the information, but he bbed quickly enough. Apparently he hadnt seen the guys before. They arent from these apartments, probably came here to make sure they couldnt be tracked after stealing Malcolms eddies Wait, did they actually get the eddies from Malcolm?

    I blinked.

    Ichi blinked.

    Ill call him and ask. Keep filling Motoko in. Ichi said and we all nodded.

    Right. So, they arent from around here, but I was able to get what direction they left in. No idea what vehicle they might have, but at least we have a location for where they went.

    Which way? I asked and Hiromi pointed me towards another alleyway on the opposite side from where we had walked in from.

    So they are going north That alley. Theres some cameras at a few restaurants across the street. Well be able to ID them. I assured my chooms and despite Ichis eyes glowing yellow he nodded along having been listening in even as he made the call.

    Alright. Lets go take a look as well before we head out. I want to get some eyes on the area. I told them and Hiromi and Ichi followed as we walked through the alley. This one didnt have a tent city in it, but it was filled with doors and ways into the buildings around them.

    Not good. Hopefully the homeless man was right, and they werent native to the area. I would really hate to have to try and track some gonks through this rat warren of hallways and back entrances.

    I leapt to the side as a pipe rumbled and something foul smelling and just as disgusting looking poured out of it into the alley.

    Grooooss! Hiromi whined, and all I could do was nod along.

    Yeah. Watch your feet.I mumbled already knowing I would be washing my boots off before ever stepping into the apartment.

    We wandered down the alley until finally reaching the street. It was bright and active. No signs of the rundown practically abandoned courtyard we just passed through.

    So what are we looking for? Ichi asked and I shrugged my eyes scanning the street. I had already walked past this exact spot before, but now I was double checking. Sending out pings to any electronic devices I could see to find what they were connected to.

    And slowly I got an idea of how everything was put together.

    Of course I was still wearing my techgogs I realized which exined why Hiromi and Ichi were both wondering what the hell I was doing.

    Sorry. Im scanning everything. I want to see what open systems there are in the area, as well maybe something more hidden.

    Gotcha! How can we help? Hiromi asked and I just reached out to pull her into a side hug to quiet her for a moment. I was tracking down a stray connection connected to the from the cafe across the street but I ended up sighing.

    Just some punk piggybacking on the cafe''s TV connection.

    Nothing stands out. Unless we want to try and ask all the people on the street if they remember seeing our perps. I think its time to head to the.

 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114

    I used Jun as a measuring stick. Switching to a new exercise whenever he did. Since despite all his chrome, my brother was a bit out of shape. Too many burritos.

    My calves and thighs were burning but it felt good because I had gotten a few Body alerts as I exercised as well!

    Then considering most of the stuff was already imed I walked up to the punching speed bag. The small bag wasnt my usual go to for exercises, but that actually worked to my benefit. I had done punching machines and such before, but never a speed bag.

    Although with my chrome arms I wasnt sure if I would actually get much out of it. I wasnt exactly working muscles with my arms, but I wanted to try it anyway.

    Plus it was free.

    I stretched my legs bouncing a bit to work out the tired muscles as I walked up and hit the bag. It flopped fast, too fast.

    I had vague memories of seeing people use the thing in the past, and I had even seen John use it as I walked in.

    I held back and struck it again. It bounced and flopped much more controbly.

    Better. A voice startled me and I looked back to see the old TC man himself. Three count. Like this. He informed me, walking up and striking the bag once, letting it three times before he struck it again, and instantly there was a bnce.

    He stopped right after. Try again.

    I shrugged, a tap of my fist, and I waited. Then struck again. Then again. I got the pace down nearly instantly.

    Good. Now sw-

    I had already switched hands, starting to shift which hand struck the back, constantly changing the number of hits, and adjusting.

    Huh. You pick things up quick. Heplimented, and I shrugged as I moved.

    I know how to fight pretty well, used some punching machines before, just never a speed bag. I informed him.

    Show me. he demanded as he walked over behind the speed bag for a set of mitts. He slipped them on and waved me over.

    I sighed. I was kinda just wanting to do my own thing. But I shrugged and walked over.

    And then we started, I punched out and struck his mitts as he moved, and I moved with him, following him around striking the mitts even dodging his telegraphed swipes as I fell into the rhythm, and I could see him testing me. Starting slow before going faster and faster, telegraphing less and less to see where I stood.

    Finally I had to block his mitt as I leaped back to keep from getting smacked in the face and he nodded. Youre not bad kid. Who trained you?

    No one really. For this anyways. Sensei at the Deravaja Dojo worked with me on some sword stuff.

    He scoffed at my words as he looked me over. Well you either had years of training or youre a natural.

    The second actually. Jun said suddenly as he walked over and pulled me in by the shoulder.

    Ew! Jun! You sweat beast! Gross! I cursed at him as he had pulled me right into his stinky armpit.

    Jun of course realizing what he had done justughed at my horror as I wiped at my shoulder.

    Kusanagi.

    John. Jun greeted back, before nodding his head at me. My sister is a genius. Most of the time anyways.

    Gonk. I retorted, flushing a little at beingplimented. I mean. If you were going by how quickly I could learn something thanks to my system, I would be a super genius. But I also kinda wasnt. So it was a bit embarrassing to beplimented for something that wasnt really true, but something I couldnt really argue.

    Huh. Well she gots some good hands. John offeredplimenting my punching skill.

    But I couldnt let that setup go. Bought them myself. I retorted a little sarcastically earning a blink from the older man before he actually let out a deep chuckle.

    Got me there kid. Got me there. You done already Kusanagi? John asked and Jun shrugged. I cant wear myself out. I have work tonight.

    Both of us looked to Jun with eyes filled with disappointment.

    Dont get fat Jun-nii.

    Im not fat! He actually shouted and everyone looked at him. Jun had that moment of realization that he had spoken a little too loud. Im not fat. He poked me with a finger, but in the end he did turn around and go work on a treadmill sort of thing for a while.

    --

    Have fun? Jun asked as we both headed up on the elevator.

    Exercise isnt really fun to me. I answered. Sure, I had eventually forgiven John for bothering me when he pulled me into some more exercises that had pulled another Body Alert from my system. I enjoyed the results, but the act itself was mostly just drudgery, if not for Cool keeping me on task, I probably would have stopped long before even Jun.

    Although It was kinda nice though to get my muscles burning again.

    Heh. You had a happy look on your face though?

    I did not!

    Ah I see. John is married you know?

    Wha? JUN!

    What? You like olde- I punched him instantly for daring to utter such lies!

    I do not like older guys! I yelled as the elevator door opened and into the face of the woman that was standing there.

    The woman was wearing a cool leather like jacket neon lights lighting it up in a strobe effect, her hair glowing to a musical beat that she was also nodding her head to. She had a guitar strapped over her back, and as I looked on she blew a bubble of pink bubblegum and popped it.

    She was, in one word, cool.

    And probably Rockerboy neighbor.

    Nice guitar. I offered, unable to say anything else. I recognized the model from the music shop, although I couldnt remember the name. I wasnt exactly an instrument hound after all.

    It does what I need. She muttered cooly, hip cocked to the side and looking us over. Although I noticed her eyes were mostly on Jun.

    Jun, right? You just moved in. She greeted, her eyes practically shing.

    Yeah. Nice to meet you. He said, still fighting off chuckles at my previous yell.

    Preem. You shoulde see the show sometime. She offered and reached into her guitar bag and pulled out a leaflet. TC get a discount. She added and Jun took the leaflet. I stood up on my tiptoes to take a look.

    Huh. Apparently the girls band, Violent Hemorrhage was ying at a club not far from here. There was a picture of the girl herself obviously the lead on the leaflet.

    Cool. I muttered, because it was pretty cool. I wonder what kind of music she yed? Maybe we could jam together some time? I havent had the chance to y with someone else yet.

    I might show up. Jun offered and the girl smirked, and I instantly realized she was flirting.

    Gross! She was flirting with Jun!

    Why were all of these girls interested in Jun!? He was a burrito addict! And he throws his socks everywhere!

    What kind of music do you y? I asked, looking towards the girl, and she just scoffed.

    Should be fairly obvious, no? The Violent Hemorrhage y NeoRock Electrosmash.

    What the hell is NeoRockSmash? I asked instantly because suddenly I felt like I was in the mid 2000s again and everyone was talking about New Rave Hyperpop Synth-Electrosh. Or something simrly gibberish.

    The girl looked like she was going to say something biting, but Jun was right there, and she smoothed out and instead just spoke with the most syrupy sweet voice. Maybe just stick with pop.

    Okay cool girl. First off? No one tells me to listen to pop music.

    Secondly, this means war.

    My narrowed eyes obviously spoke my intent because she just rolled her eyes and looked to Jun. See you around Kusanagi. She said, sounding very sultry and she sashayed into the elevator past us. Pointedly almost rubbing against Jun as they nearly jostled at the entrance, and then.

    The elevator shut.

    I dont like Rockerboy Neighbor. I said instantly. To make sure Jun wasnt getting any weird ideas.

    Like sexual interest.

    Shes a bit rude, yeah. He agreed and I smiled at him for saying what I wanted. Jun could find way better girls than her! Even if she was cool!

    And she had that dont fuck with me attitude that was pretty awesome. Stupid Cool Rockerboys.

    But I would rather Jun get with Akari Or Rita! Rita was a good choice! Better than Cool rockerboy girl.

    I was gonna wipe that stupid smug smirk off her face. I decided right then.

    Im gonna go take a shower and practice. I told Jun and started for the apartment.

    Practice what? He asked, following after as I stomped off.@@novelbin@@

    Music of course!

    --

    Of course it was only mid shower that I remembered that Malcolm was injured and I took a moment to cool my irritation at Rockerboy girl to put that to the side, so I could get ready and go to hang out with Malcolm. Because my choom was more important.

    Of course I wasnt the only visitor as I stomped down the stairs to Viks clinic.

    Ichi had finally been told to go home that morning apparently, but Hiromi was there when I stepped down into Viks clinic.

    Motoko!

    Hey Hiromi. Hey Malcolm, how you feeling? I asked as I walked over to where the two were hanging out. Pulling off my Guitar and setting my Music box to the side so I could give some hugs to my chooms. Malcolm still rested on the Ripper chair Hiromi pulled up next to him with a tablet in her hands. It only took me a moment to realize the two of them were ying games.

    Aww. Hiromi hade to y videogames with Malcolm!

    I kept theughter of delight on the inside as I pulled up a chair to watch the two ying the game.

    And instantly wanted to die.

    The game was shit. Garbage. Full of microtransactions, and the screen was at least 40% ads built into the hud.

    I could feel my soul leaving my body as the two were happily ying as if this was eptable.

    I couldnt make heads or tails of the actual gamey. It looks sort of like a farmville clone? But there werent nts, instead I realized what it was when Hiromi pulled up a menu and I saw the name of the game.

    Corporate Commander?

    Yeah! Its fun. You run a startup corp and have to survive and grow and stuff. Malcolm and I y it sometimes, I figured with him stuck in a chair it was a perfect time to finally kill that bitch Excel Corp!

    Hiromi, they are obviously more than willing to throw thousands of eddies into the game. I dont think we are going to beat them today. Or ever. Malcolm seemed to remind Hiromi who pouted and looked angry at the game.

    Huh, Hiromi was prettypetitive.

    Motoko! Since you are here, you should join Mitsunashi Industries! We could use a few more Subsidiaries! Hiromi said, smiling with a big grin.

    A feeling struck me. I looked to Malcolm.

    Hiromi, are you using the fact Malcolm cant run away to force him to help your video gamepany?

    No! Never! Malcolm is a proud member of the Mitsunashi Industries Conglomerate!

    Thats exactly what is happening. Malcolm offered instead never taking his eyes off the tablet he was ying on.

    Hiromis jaw dropped as she spun towards Malcolm. Malcolm! I couldnt restrain myughter as Hiromi looked absolutely offended at the reveal.

    But the fact she ended up looking a little embarrassed after a moment told me it was probably pretty close to the truth anyways.

    Malcolm looked up and threw me a wink though. So obviously he was cool with it.

    Hiromi I trailed off meaningfully and she flushed a little red at the disappointment in my voice.

    Then I just smiled and threw an arm over her shoulders. Silly gonk.

    Youre the gonk. She mumbled but left it at that.

    Whats with the guitar and stuff Motoko? Malcolm asked and I smiled as I pulled away from Hiromi and grabbed my stuff.

    Well obviously with my choomid up on a ripper chair he would need something to help stave off the boredom! So I figured I could y some music while we hang out. Any requests? I asked him and he perked up a bit at the idea.

    Then Hiromi cut him off. Wait! Youre gonna y for Malcolm!? You made such a fuss when I got you to y for Jun and I! Motoko! No fair!

    Malcolm is injured. He gets special treatment Hiromi. I reminded my choom which she just puffed her cheeks at me pretending to be annoyed and then we both burst into giggles as one.

    Malcolm mumbled something I didnt catch, but it sounded like These two gonks. And then he spoke louder. I dont care. I just want to see you y something. Youve been all secrety about it. He told me and Iughed. That was pretty true.

    Fine.

    Okay I have some a few songs I think youll like. I said as I grabbed my music box and plugged in. Nirvana should be pretty on point for Malcolm, and I already had Smells Like Teen Spirit finished.

    So I settled in and after a moment my hands hit the chords. I was doing my best to ignore my chooms both staring at me, as the emitters started up and the drums mmed into the intro.

    As I yed through the song Malcolm seemed into it, nodding his head, while Hiromi was fully engaged, eyes wide which I noticed as I finally looked up from my guitar and our eyes met, her face flushed in excitement as I sang for the crowd of two.

    Ow. Malcolm said, suddenly hissing and wincing as he shifted and moved to hold his side.

    Malcolm! The song ended instantly music box turned off, as I stood up, but he waved me off.

    Im fine. I just jerked a bit! Im okay. Heh. Good song Motoko. I was getting into a bit too much. he replied and I sat back down with a sigh. Whew.

    Maybe something more low key? I asked and Malcolm and Hiromi both shook their heads, Hiromi standing up and pointing.

    Finish the song Motoko! Better yet! Start again! Repeat! Put it on loop!

    Pfft. Ow, Hiromi dont make meugh so hard. Malcolm gasped struggling not tough so hard it hurt him.

    I wouldnt mind hearing it from the start as well. A new voice called out.

    Hey Vik! I chirped, waving as the ripper finished walking in. He had been resting against the entrance way listening as the song finished.

    Motoko, I remember you mentioning picking up the guitar as a hobby, but that was good work there kid. He said as he walked over and grabbed his chair rolling over to us once he was down.

    Well. Im still learning and everything. I demurred, but Viks dad energy wasnt going to let me go that easy.

    Nonsense, that was excellent. What song was that? Never heard that band before.

    Ah The song was Smells Like Teen Spirit. Uh No band. I mean. I dont have one.

    Wait! Motoko! You wrote that yourself!? Malcolm asked, gasping and I didnt say anything. I mean, it wasnt like I could say it was Nirvana.

    They dont exist here.

    And saying I wrote it was Yeah that made me ufortable. So I didnt say anything.

    Ill y it from the start for you Vik. But just Dont tell anyone okay? Its embarrassing.

    Vik literally justughed at me, but he had a big smile so I forgave him. Then I started ying again.

    Load up on guns, bring your friends!

    --

    It was still a little embarrassing to y songs in front of people, but Malcolm liked the music, and him being hurt was more important.

    I had taken a few breaks from time to time working on making new songs to my chooms surprise, as I put together an entire song in just an hour or so before putting on a rendition of Lithium Flower.

    But then I got a call from my current contracted merc. Hang on guys. Got a call. I told my chooms who were distracted with their games anyway.

    *Hey Jackie! How goes?*

    *Hoh. Easy enough Hermanita. An easy gig is an easy gig. Went around shed pictures of your targets. Got a whole lot of run around stories, but Ive spent most of the day eating burgers.* Jackie broke into augh at that and I smiled along with him.

    Jackie had of course been the merc that I thought of first when I needed someone to be visibly snooping around Rancho Coronado. Jackie was the perfect fit. Big enough that no one would want to fight him while he was asking questions, friendly enough that the few that did would end up letting it go, especially when he would be very visiblyzily following the requirements to find the gonks.

    Spending most of his time eating food and hanging out.

    *You sure you dont want me to actually try and find these gonks? Ive had a few people hint they wouldnt mind letting me know for a certain amount of eddies. Apparently your targets arent well liked. Even if one of them is the nephew of some important choom in 6th St.* He said suddenly and I had to frown at that.

    I hadnt considered that it might be easy to find them. That 6th St. and the people in the suburbs might not like the gonks. And one of them was highly connected. That didplicate things.

    *Tempting.* I finally admitted but shook it off. *If you can get the info cheap, then I wouldnt mind. Ill even throw in a bonus, but I dont want you to push too hard.*

    *Yeah Hermanita I remember your n. No problem. Ill keep letting everyone think Im just not that interested, and if I do end up with their location then Ill let you know. Hows little Malcolm holding up?*

    I smiled at Jackies question, he had been pretty mad when he learned Malcolm had been shot. I guess for Jackie just a single gig and then a bar trip was enough to make them chooms.

    *Malcolms okay. Looking better already. Vik says hell be back on his feet by the end of the week.*

    *Good. d to hear that Hermanita. Alright then. Ill update you again tomorrow, but I got a beer and a burger with my name on it.* He said, sounding cheerful as the call disconnected.

    --

    Eventually Malcolm''s mother came into the clinic and despite Hiromi and Is best efforts to stick around to enjoy the look on Malcolm''s face, we did eventually have to leave.

    Malcolm''s mom was super embarrassing for him. I think if we hadnt left he might have just finished himself off to save himself the trouble.

    Unfortunately Hiromi needed to head home.

    I have homework Ive been putting off, and well, Malcolm is a good excuse but my teachers wont ept it, and then my rents will be on my case. She whined at me as we walked over to our cars.

    I get it. Well meet up soon! Once Malcolm is feeling better we should all go out and have a night to rx. I offered and Hiromi seemed to perk up.

    Yeah! Ill get through this week and then itll be a party night! Ill find out if theres anything going on this weekend! Be prepared Motoko! Because Im going to drag you to the preemest ces!

    I justughed as Hiromi hopped onto her bike and drove off with a waving arm behind her.

    I slipped into the Quadra and decided to head home.

    I was still taking a break from anything, murdery rted and so I was gonna go flop on the couch. Maybe do some more coding work?

    No. I shook my head. Ill go hit the gym some more. I could use some mindless exercise time. It had actually been

    Rxing.

 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115

    Back again? Well youre more consistent than your brother. John offered as he noticed me working on a full punching bag. I was ducking and sliding making sure I was working my footing the best I could as I circled the bag. My legs getting a workout with how often I was shifting around and throwing hands.

    Junszy about exercise. Prefers to just chrome up. I mentioned in short gasps as I backed off the bag, for a moment and then moved back in a few punches to the side as if I was up close and punching kidneys. I might be fairly out of breath, but I was close to a level up!

    Most kids prefer that. Youve got chrome arms, but still practice, pretty unusual. He said and then walked over holding the back so it wouldnt bounce as much letting me start hammering into the bag even harder and faster.

    Skill and strength arent the same. I huffed out dryly as I looked at the older man who was looking over my form and seemingly finding no issues over my motions as I went wild. Moving as fast as possible as I hammered chrome hands into the bag again and again.

    I was just d I had actually put on the padded knuckle gloves that had been lying around. Otherwise I would have punched right through the damn thing.

    You know how to box.

    Boxings one of the martial arts I actually had someone work with me on. I know an old guy that used to be a pro. I replied. Even if Vik had only given me the one lesson with Jackie that one time.

    It was still the truth and a better lie than nothing.

    You got something driving you. Something on your mind kid?

    Huh? I asked as I backed off and did some stretches to cool down a bit. What do you mean?

    Youve been out here punching the bag for over an hour. Something is driving you. Need to vent? The old man offered as he continued to hold the bag for me.

    I blinked, checking the time on my system before realizing I had lost track of time.

    Oops.

    Sure I was tired. I was sweating up a storm and I was pretty out of breath, but that was all minor stuff.

    A nap and I would be back to 100% and feeling fine. But no one else knew that.

    I shook my head. Ive had a lot of stuff happen in thest week or two. But Im not Im not letting it bother me. I just lost track of time.

    Heh. If I could get half the gonks that I train up to lose track of time like you. My job would be a lot easier. I didnt have anything to say to that, and as much as I wanted to try and get that Body level up. I realized I had gone a bit overboard. I took off the gloves and set them to the side as I walked off.

    I heard a chuckle behind me, but I ignored it. @@novelbin@@

    Shower and then a nap. That was all I needed.

    --

    Waking up refreshed that evening I crawled out of my new bed and looked around the apartment. Juns boots were gone. So I was alone.

    I sent a text out to the group chat, just to see how Malcolm was doing, and then instantly got flooded by replies.

    *Motoko: Hows Malcolm holding up?*

    *Malcolm: Doing alright.*

    *Malcolm: Ichis been smothering me and I just kicked him out of the clinic. So expect some whining.*

    *Ichi: Malcolm kicked me out of the clinic!*

    *Ichi: Im not whining! I just wanted to make sure youre doing okay!*

    *HIromi: Im stuck finishing homework! Motoko rescue me! Also Malcolm and Ichi have been whining about each other all day.*

    *Malcolm: We have not!*

    *Ichi: The hell we have! Hiromi shut up!*

    *Hiromi: See?*

    Iughed at the back and forth. It seems everyone was doing okay if Malcolm and Ichi could fight.

    *Motoko: Preem. Reminder once Malcolm is back on his feet we are going to have a big party!*

    *Malcolm: Yes! See this is what I wanted to hear!*

    *Ichi: Yeah alright that sounds good. Know where you want to have it?*

    I blinked at that. Then I remembered. I walked into the kitchen and found the flyer.

    I sent a picture to my chooms.

    *Motoko: Maybe? Theres a bar near where I am that does live music. Want to test it out? Or we could go hit Lizzies?*

    *Malcolm: Eh. As much as I like Lizzies, they dont like us much. Anyone been to this bar?*

    *Ichi: Yeah. I made some deliveries there before the war. Harukiya was nice enough I guess. More of a music bar, than the BD stuff we normally hang at. They have an entrance fee though.*

    *Hiromi: Ichi we have money to pay for an entrance fee!*

    *Malcolm: You say that like we dont have eddies. Hiromi beat me to it!*

    *Motoko: Then I guess we get to try it out once Malcolm feels better!*

    I nodded as the conversation flowed into background noise of messages popping in. I wanted to scope out how good Rockerboy Neighbor was anyways! Stupid cool jerk!

    Id show them! Id show them all!

    But first I was so close to a new Body level!

    --

    The sound of The Only Thing They Fear Is You sted through the apartment as I ran around.

    I couldnt rely on pushups to try and get the Body level so I had decided to use acrobatics. I was currently flipping around the apartment from one wall to the next, ending each set with a cool spinning kick, or a faux superman punch into the air, just to give myself something to do.

    It was exercise and actually pretty hard work, since I was sweating up a storm and getting my muscles burning.

    Then mid afternoon finally it happened.

    *100 Body XP Gained*

    *Body Leveled up!*

    Body 8!

    I stopped my routine as I felt the shudder go through my muscles. Breath in. Breath out.

    I feel amazing. I whispered as I rushed to the bathroom and the mirror. It only took a few moments of checking my muscles to see the difference. Stronger. I felt stronger. I flexed my abs and grinned as it was definitely visible in the mirror.

    Hell yeah! Superhero abs!

    I exhaled in relief as I flopped onto the toilet for a moment.

    Sweaty. I mumbled as I quickly stripped and fell into the shower letting the warm water wash it all away.

    Heh. It had been a while since I had tried to grind out a Body point. I still wasnt exactly the type to exercise all the time, but I had to admit it did feel good. Plus it meant I could grind out Athletics and Street Brawling again! I could go Parkour and get something out of it.

    Well other than just fun.

    That brought me up short.

    Fun.

    My system gave me incredible skills. Power. Talent. It let me do so many things Like hunting Scavs down like the dogs they are.

    But all of that was just what I could do. It wasnt who I was.

    Who I was Was someone who took those skills and had fun with them.

    I blinked as I wiped the water off my face. I got out of the shower. Quickly drying off, and getting dressed, adjusting my boots to make sure they were night and tight.

    I loaded up my normal gear just in case but I could feel the beat of my heart urging me on.

    Quickly running to the music box I copied a song to a shard. I had put together this song because I wanted it, and it had taken forever considering how many non-instrumental sounds it needed.

    Butplete it was, and now I had the perfect idea for what to do with it.

    I headed up to the roof.

    --

    The howl of wind blowing between skyscrapers. The stink of the city below me. And the California sky above.

    I was on the roof, but I wasnt as high as I could go. There was another section of the building that had almost japanese styled penthouses. I was sure some high end Arasaka, or TC guy lived up there. I quickly bounced my way up. Climbing along the side of the building, hitting AC units, and piping until I reached the penthouse.

    I winced a bit at all the security, but I ended up just worming around it as I climbed over Japanese style tile roofing until I reached the very top.

    Okay. It was time.

    I blinked in between one moment and the next.

    A BD recording began.

    I had considered doing a test run first, to find all the right spots, but I trusted Parkour and my own mobility.

    We were doing it live. It was just Better that way.

    I pulled a shard out of my pocket, shed it before my eyes. I was getting call backs to Only Thing They Fear BD. But this wasnt that.

    This one Judy might actually like.

    <em>Inner Universe</em> was scratched into the shard.

    I pushed it into my port and let my agent y the song in my ear.

    And as the notes began, I moved. I ran leaping off the roof to the short wall that surrounded the japanese garden, then leapt again. Completely freefalling into the Night City sky.

    For just a moment. I was motionless. Perfectly still. Then I reached out. Snagged a pipe that I was falling past, pulling myself into the building so my boots could slow my decent, slowing enough until I hit an angled roof, where I was able to bleed the a bit more of the falls speed off, as I slid down and then once more I was in the sky.

    Inded twenty feet below in a roll on a bridgeway between the buildings. Immediately jumping to my feet as I ran across the roof of the walkway. I could hear people below me wondering at the noise but I ignored them. Leaping off the side Another drop, another rollingnding and I was moving all the way across the street running along the roofing of the buildings across from the new apartment.

    I leapt over bits and bobs, noticed the asiannterns that hung down from the side of the building, noticed the wire they were hooked through and the idea flowed.

    I drew my knife as I flowed into a powerslide. Grabbing the wire I slid off the roof. Falling a good three or so feet before the wire snagged.

    Then I cut it with my knife. The back end of my de had wire cutters and in a second I was falling again. Sheathing my knife I managed to wrap the wire around my chrome hands a few times so I had a good grip as I fell.

    Above me the pittering noise of the studs drilled into the concrete that the wire had been hooked into popped loose one by one, and then it happened.

    The wire at the end was attached to a much stronger cable tie.

    And instead of falling, I was swinging.

    My stomach flew up into my throat as I flowed through the air. For a second there I was spiderman.

    Then of course because this was flying by the seat of my pants. I realized I was about to m right into one of those concrete walkways.

    I reached up, grabbed the wire and tugged myself up fighting the centrifugal force. Shifting my trajectory just in time so instead of mming into the side I was able to bring my legs up and swing right into the open side window.

    I let go of the wire holding on to it would only see me smashing into the roof as the wire caught, but I was still in trouble.

    Too fast.

    I mmed my boots into the concrete which sent me tumbling, but also pushed me up just enough that instead of mming into the concrete barrier on the other side of the walkway I went through its window as well, sending me hurtling out the other side in a deadly tumble.

    My heart was hammering in my chest. My breath wasing out in a rush. I couldnt even hear the music over the adrenaline spiking.

    But I moved using my chrome toe down on the roof first to protect myself I managed to get myself under control as chrome left trails of sparks across the concrete that I was skimming across

    I was very thankful for my boots and pants. Because I could feel the road rash starting to build up where my pants werent as armored.

    Then I was at the end of the line.

    Still sliding. Still going too fast to stop, but the roof ended ahead of me.

    So I stopped trying to slow down and instead once more used my boots to m into the concrete and bounce me up.

    I was in the air.

    The music was there, and I knew what to do.

    The flow of motions that were required to keep me alive flowing through me, and I moved. Reaching out I grabbed a pipe spinning me around it twice as I started falling then letting go. Sending me out once more, but this time at the right trajectory to reach an apartment balcony.

    I rolled into the little concrete cube of personal space and then bounced up and into the next, and then again before my speed was under my control and then I was up on the guard rail along the edge of the little rectangr balconies running across them at full speed.

    Almost there!

    I had fallen quite far at this point. Only a few floors above the street level I wasing to the end of the street. Where it curved, but that was fine. I leapt out and this time Inded on the street lights. They shifted and swayed under my weight, but held and then I was running along the top and then to the light across the road, and then further. I was close to Megabuilding H8 now. I could practically touch it as I ran along, but that wasnt where I was going. Instead I leapt down. Hurtling from the floor level I had been at, into the gloom.

    The noise below me shifted from city streets. To back alley deals. To the sounds of pleasure and anger.

    Jig-jig street.

    I moved along the rooftops. Staying in the dark. Hidden from view from anyone not willing to look up. As I flowed through the area leaping from sign to sign, from window sill to corner apartment, that I actually rolled into and then out the window ignoring the scream of surprise from the john the Joytoy had been working over behind me.

    Then I was just above the street level main entrance to the back alley, and there it was.

    I leapt this time notnding atop a street light, but grabbing it and flipping around, then releasing, setting myself on a course, avoiding the giant eldritch statue that was above my target, andnding firmly on the sidewalk right next to the stairs down into Sakura Market. Then I was walking calmly, and steadily. Feeling my heart beating, and my breathing still rushing in and out as I cooled down, to my favorite ce. I plopped down at the Ramen ce, and since I was still recording didnt say a word. Just pointed towards what I wanted.

    A momentter the Ramen was rolled out to me, and I didnt turn off the BD until the taste of the broth was on my tongue.

    ---

    Ow! I whined as Vik gave me a look.

    Dontin about it, if you are going to do it. He told me and could only pout a bit.

    What did you even do to scrape down your chrome like that? Malcolm called from across the room. He was still resting in the ripper chair although he would be heading home soon. His Mom wanted to bring him home to mother him. I hade to see Malcolm after Ramen.

    Definitely just for that.

    Not because my hands looked like I had run them against a grinder.

    Most of the chrome was okay, but at certain points Well the concrete hadnt been kind to it, and it felt like I had an exposed nerve. So I had Vik looking it over.

    Nothing! Perfectly normal stuff! Not at all weird or strange! I denied Malcolm whoughed once before wincing at his side.

    Most of the pads are okay, but Ill need to rece a bit here. He said sounding like he was mostly talking to himself, but saying it loud enough I could hear it. He pulled back and rolled across the clinic pulling open a crate and rummaging through it.

    A few momentster hees back with a sealed stic bag. Inside were basically chrome pieces.

    Lets see. He muttered and then unsealed the bag reached in with his ripper gear covered hand and came out holding a piece of chrome. There we are. He muttered, resealing the bag and then leaned over my hand a momentter I felt a tickling sensation as he did something and a piece of my palm disconnected, revealing wires and sensors below. Then he ced a new piece of chrome down and had to keep from wiggling as the ticklish feeling surged up my arm.

    Then it just soothed away and Vik nodded checking his little monitor device. Connection is good. Test it out for me. He mentioned and arm was released and I started poking at the cleaner section of chrome on my palm.

    Yeah. Feels Normal?

    Good. Be more careful, okay kid?

    Yes! Sorry Vik.

    The old ripperughed at me, before patting my shoulder. Should be all good. Let me know if you have any problems.

    Dr. Vektor, is Malcolm ready? A voice called out and I turned towards the entrance to see Malcolms mom, the woman still looked a little tense after the shooting.

    Let me check his vitals onest time, but unless somethings changed, hes all set. Vik assured the woman his calm attitude did help. As he finished patting my shoulder and rolling over to check on Malcolm.

    I ended up sticking around to help Malcolm out of the clinic and into his Moms car.

    He hadnt liked the fact that I had carried him up the stairs in a princess carry.

    The pictures were worth it though.

 Chapter 116

    Chapter 116

    I arrived at Lizzies not long after. The saved BD of my parkour performance should be pretty fun. Hopefully Nox would be able to sell it.

    Or not. I mean the BD creation thing was more for me than anything.

    Unfortunately I was stopped at the door by Rita. I waved a hand at her as I approached but was stopped instantly as she reached out and grabbed my shoulder.

    Mona take over for me? She called out to another bouncer suddenly.

    Sure Rits. The other bouncer called back and then I was pushed inside and into the side room by Rita.

    Rita?

    I want to know Motoko, before anything else. Are you okay?

    I blinked.

    Yeees? I mean I had Vik my ripper do some work on my hands earlier bu- She shook her head, cutting me off. The borg woman settled both of her hands on my shoulders, even bending down a little so we were at the same height.

    Motoko, I saw your BD. The one with the song, and with you goingpletely Cyberpsycho on the Scavs. Rita said dropping a bomb and I winced.

    Dammit. Was that still causing me trouble!? That was supposed to have been fun! Well I mean. It was.

    Like super fun.

    But that was besides the point. I hated when fun things I did caused problemster!

    Im fine Rita. Honest. I was doing an experiment that night to go along with the song that I wrote and-

    Motoko. Rita cut me off sounding really serious. You sound okay. You look okay, and you arent closed off or freaking out, but Ive seen a lot of people I thought were okay with a smile on their face as they murdered people they loved and cared for.

    I was just trying something different. Letting myself get super angry, even forcing it a bit.

    Kid, you were absolutely wrecked during that BD. If I had been hit half as hard as that Scav punched you, Id be down for the count.

    Im pretty tough! Look. I said, spreading my arms. Im not hurt. All healed up. Vik my ripper does great work. Took care of me. Yes I went overboard. Ive even I even admitted that to myself. I did the music and I thought it would be cool to be all brutal like that, but it sorta The music wasnt supposed to be that it was supposed to be the thing that pulls me away from that sort of stuff. That was the whole point. So yeah I fucked up.

    Rita continued to watch as I sort of rambled before sighing. And then to my surprise she pulled me into a hug.

    She was pokey. All the spikes I mean.

    So you arent going Cyberpsycho? You mean it?

    Im actually doing okay. I mean Ive been super irritated recently with the Scavs attacking my home, and the move to a new ce, and the TC boss Fujimura keeps wanting to get me to admit to being his underling and its annoying.

    If he is bothering you, we can take care of that for you. She said then and I couldnt help but feel warm at how quickly she offered to basically fight a TC boss for me.

    Rita was good people.

    Nah. Hes Juns boss. And he got us a new apartment. Jun is over the moon about it, cause its all big and I have a much bigger room now and stuff Its just different and I didnt want different. Fujimura, despite being a little pushy, hasn''t crossed the line.

    Hmph. Well when he does. She offered and I smiled.

    I dont think I would want to get the Mox involved in my trouble. But I appreciate it. Rita scoffed but nodded, reaching out and resting a hand on my shoulder.

    If you need to talk. Dont forget you have friends here. You arent the first young girl to show up here with family in other gangs needing help.

    I dont I dont need help Not yet! I added at her unconvinced look. Jun is great, and Fujimura is annoying, but he hasnt pushed past the line Like I said, a lot of things have changed and its just making me ufortable.

    Then remember Im always willing to listen. Cmon then, youre here to see Judy right? She asked as she finally pulled away from me, and I noticed she looked a little ufortable herself.

    Yeah! I did a new BD focused around Parkour instead of other stuff. It was preem. I leapt off the side of the building Im on and made it all the way to Sakura Market.

    Rita shivered a bit as I spoke as she guided me out of the room. You leapt off a building?

    Yeah! A couple times. Rita shivered again and it made me realize something. Rita is afraid of heights. Probably not a BD for you then.

    No, no I dont think so.

    --

    I dropped off the BD with Judy only after swearing this BD wasnt some gore fest that would make her want to clean her fingers from brain matter again.

    Then I was driving back to the apartment flopping onto the couch and wondering what to do next.

    I once again heard the faint thump of bass through the floor and knew what I had to do!

    I got up and grabbed my guitar and went at it.

    I needed more songs. More music! I had to defeat the Rockerboy Neighbor! So I jammed out. Working on some Foo Fighters, because I was already doing Nirvana. Might as well.

    But the idea hit me, and I stopped mid way through The Pretender to work on another song.

    Think by Kaleida. Ill never! Break your heart! I jammed out, having had some trouble getting the drums for the song right since they weren''t normal drums, but I found the right instrument sound eventually.

    Now I had a John Wick song!

    It took a good couple hours to get the track done, and then I went back to the Foo Fighters.

    More songs!

    More music!

    More levels!

    Long into the night. After Jun hade home and gone to bed. While working on tweaking some of the hologram motions. Making me y through The Pretender again, for what felt like a millionth time.

    It happened.

    *Rockerboy skill level up!*

    Rockerboy 8.

    Yes! I cheered, leaping up onto the couch to celebrate I could feel even more musical knowledge flow into me.

    At this point, it would be an actual surprise if I flubbed a chord while ying anything but the hardest songs!

    --

    What are you three doing? I asked as I was brought into Malcolms apartment.

    Around the TVying around the couches were three teenagers that looked like they were in a full fooda.

    So many snacks. Malcolm moaned from where he wasid up. His feet up on an ottoman and a nket over most of him. The many many bags of chips and things that surrounded him told a story. Its all Ichis fault. He moaned.

    The boy in question didnt say anything, just continued to stare into the ceiling with a dazed look in his eyes.

    Hiromi was here too to my surprise and while she wasnt as bad as the boys she looked like she got into a fight with a cake and lost.

    I walked over and she threw me a big smile as shey half on the couch and half off.

    Leaning down I wiped the bit of frosting that was stuck on her cheek. You three look like you got in a fight with your snacks and lost. I told them as I stuck the bit of frosting into my mouth.

    Huh. That was almost chocte.

    Ugh. Ichi moaned without shifting his dead eyed stare at the ceiling.

    What did you guys do? I asked,ughing. I had gotten the message that everyone wanted to meet up in the morning but I had been

    Well I was napping after leveling Rockerboy. So after looking at the message and seeing it wasnt an emergency I went back to sleep.

    So I waste to this party.

    Its Ichis fault. Hiromi informed me, looking up at me with a big smile.

    Its Hiromis fault! Ichi retorted. I said I would get snacks. So Hiromi dragged me to this crazy corpo shop. Everything was expensive but they had all sorts of stuff. Ichi said in turn, still zed out.

    Saka-Go is a very valuable member of the Arasaka conglomerate that ensures that traveling Arasaka members can always find their home town snacks even across the world. Hiromi replied, speaking in a cadence that made me think she was repeating something she had heard before.

    Of course Ichi and Malcolm both instantly started throwing whatever snack they had on hand at her, so I quickly backpedaled away to avoid the friendly fire.

    H-hey! You all enjoyed the snacks! Dont give me that!

    Some of it was good. Malcolm agreed and I couldnt help but chuckle at the look Hiromi threw at the crew.

    A few chips stuck in her hair as she stood up with all the dignity she could retain and headed into the bathroom to clean up.

    I walked over and after pushing some chip bags out of the way settled near Malcolm.

    How you feeling choom?

    Hey Motoko. Im actually feeling pretty good. Im able to get up and walk around now without any pain or anything. Dr. Vector did tell me to just take it easy for another week or so, but that I was good to do normal things. Ive got a checkup tomorrow to be basically cleared for light stuff. Malcolm offered with a smile even as he tugged up his shirt a bit showing the scar on his chest and side. Both looked a little red still. But more like irritated scar tissue than recently damaged wounds.

    Healing nicely.

    Yeah. Hey I Motoko. It still feels like it hasnt hit me yet you know? That I was so close? He offered and I felt the light hearted conversation change as he went serious. I just wanted to thank you, for saving me.

    I was just d I got there in time. I said honestly. I was once again thankful I didnt dream if I slept under the system. I really didnt want to deal with the nightmares I would be sure to have.

    Heh. Yeah. I wasnt getting through to anyone until I called you. Im d Im really d you picked up.

    I nodded and then probably to Malcolms surprise I bent down and drew him into a hug.Were chooms! Of course I would do everything I could to save you.

    Yeah. Thanks Choom.

    Hey! Hugging Motoko without me!? I refuse! Hiromi called out as she came back into the living room and instantly rushed over to Malcolms surprise she jumped into the hug pulling Malcolm and I tight.

    I am not doing a group hug. Ichi called out from the other side of the couch.

    Group hug on Ichi!? I gasped in delight and after a moment of helping Malcolm up to not jostle him too much, we all copsed on our other choom much to his irritation when Hiromi just ended up sitting on him instead of actually hugging him.

    While we all vegged out on the couch spending the rest of the day hanging out. I sent the text to Jackie to wrap up the gig.

    Since Malcolm would be back on his feet soon it was time to put out some bait.

    --

    That night Section 9 met up in myrunning cave.

    Even Malcolm was here. Although with some help from the Straight Lane Shooters above. I had found a nice couch and brought that in so Malcolm was able to befortable.

    Even if his whining about us treating him like an invalid was getting old.

    Im feeling fine guys. You dont have to baby me! He continued to harp as we had set him up with not just the couch, but a table close by he could rest his Laptop on, along with some nkets and things.

    Vik hasnt given you the all clear yet. I reminded him and he rolled his eyes.

    Only because I have the final check up in the morning. Really. Im fine!

    Here Malcolm, make sure to stay warm okay? I said purposefully adjusting the nk around his feet so his toes would stay warm.

    He faux kicked me that had meughing, but I did stop bothering him then.

    There was a reason we had all gathered here.

    Malcolm had originally set up the car trade through a reliable website he went to for car trades, or at least he considered it reliable.

    Either way, if the gonks that attacked him were using it, that meant they were just as likely toe back and use it again. So it was time to set some bait.

    Okay everyone. First thing first. Malcolm, lets check out your car trade site. Im going to slip in, so we can send the fake car trade out. Ill be making sure our guys see it. I grinned.

    I smiled ferally as I thought about what was going to happen to these fucks.

    Alright. Ill set up the actual offer since I know what they look like. Malcolm agreed and Hiromi and Ichi would be working on backing me up.

    I settled into myrunning chair and took a moment to attach all the connections into myrunning suit, shivering a bit as the cont pump started sending ice over my skin.

    Then I sat back and since I had it. I flipped thegoggles over my eyes.

    I didnt really need them, but they were cool.

    Then in a blink I was in the. The entire digital world set out before me.

    Okay seriously Motoko. You need to set up a lobby. I whispered to myself looking over the nk pir that I stood on.

    But I shook it off and stepped off and into the web.

    Unlike when heading to Yokos I didnt have the direct IP. So I had to actually look for the website. I walked along neon lights. The road nonexistent below me. In some ces, bad connections. Or old wiring, caused the world to flicker or turn to static, and of course the figures that I walked past were mostly inhuman figures. Daemons, for search engines and things that normal people use.

    This world was something I had only touched on the most shallow ends of.

    I would have to explore down here more sometime.

    But for now I followed along the lines towards the website. Using a Search Engine to basically create a path for me to reach the server I was looking for.

    When I got there I had to roll my eyes.

    So much spam.

    The entire outside of the server was covered in Spam Daemons.

    Little goblin creatures that would attack any Daemon or ess request and try to flood them with their carried spam.

    The first one that tried to attack me was melted with my [HELL FLAME Anh. 2.132] Hack. Watching the Daemon melt into digital sludge along with its spam funnily sent the rest of the pack hiding away.

    It took me a moment to realize this was something their creator must havee up with.

    No one wanted days of work on their Daemons to be removed because they annoyed arunner after all.

    So they must have been programmed to ignore anyone that managed to destroy one of them. I would have left it at that but

    *250 XP Gained.*

    I grinned and mes burst into my hands as I activated my ICE to slow the Daemons down, keeping the programs from being able to escape into the as I cut them all down.

    1,500 XP wasnt something I was just going to ignore.@@novelbin@@

    I walked into the server ignoring the ming chunks of Daemon I left behind.

    I stepped into the chipper bright lights of the Server.

    It was kinda badly designed though. Instead of the white room having multiple exits to other sections of the server. It was like they hadnt realized they could section off things and just plopped everything into this one room.

    I bet this servergged like hell when it was in use.

    The different sections of the server were set up like Stands? No, it was moreplete than that. As if someone had just taken a massive room and just plopped square rooms in different ces.

    At least it told me something important.

    If this ce did haverunner security. I wasnt fucking worried.

    I walked up to one of the rooms that had admin login on the door. It didnt take me long to get the door breached open and let me in.

    I wrinkled my nose.

    Fuckin Spaghetti code. I grumbled aloud as I took in the mess of wires leading to different control options.

    Definitely not arunner because anyrunner worth their salt would see this fucking mess of admin tools and just burn it all to the ground and start fresh.

    I spent more time finding the user information than I did breaking into the admin side of the server.

    Finally I was able to pull up Malcolms info from this side and find his request looking for a Rayfield Caliburn.

    I spent a minute just arguing with myself about wanting to hit Malcolm after.

    This site wasnt a reliable car trade site. Malcolm you fucking gonk. You just searched car traders or something and found a random site didnt you?

    Regardless I was able to see the contact, the one that had confirmed they had what Malcolm was looking for.

    Pulling up NCAutoRepairRC From the message he had sent Malcolm I noticed something pretty quick.

    Assholes had been doing this for a while. About twenty different messages just like the one Malcolm had gotten were sent out from the profile. All confirmed the car they had on hand with pictures that looked normal.

    Only the fact I was able to see all of them clued me into the fact they were all taken from all over the city and likely either something they had just noticed on the side of the street and snapped a picture of, or stolen from somewhere else.

    Irritated at such a stupid scam, I dug in. They had actually been active a few times since Malcolms shooting. Although they certainly hadnt sent out anything.

    *Okay guys Im in the site. Go ahead and upload that car trade.* I called out to the team as I settled in to get this crappy site to do what I needed.

    A momentter a new advert was added into the sea of requests and trades.

    Within a few moments I added a bit of code into the request.

    Next time NCAutoRepairRC logged in, they would see the request we just added in right near the top of the new page. No matter how long it took, whether it was tomorrow, or a week from now, our advert would show up as if it was pretty new.

    Okay I pulled out walking out of the server and back into the open electronic city. The bait was set. Now we just had to wait for a bite.

 Chapter 118

    Chapter 118

    So this is the ce? Doesnt look like much Why dont we just go to Lizzies? Ichi asked and I think all three of us stopped to look at him at that admittedly telling request.

    Ichi- I started to exin, but the way his eyes widened at all of us looking at him showed that he realized what he had just admitted to.

    Nevermind! Always nice to check out new clubs! Cmon! He called out as he quickly power walked ahead of us. Hiromi and I both broke into quiet giggles at the tension in Ichis gait, while Malcolm just shook his head while smiling and went to catch up.

    You couldnt even tell Malcolm had been shot earlier in the week. He moved without any sign of pain or issue.

    Cyberpunk medicine was so crazy!

    The name is kinda bad though. Think they are riffing off the Afterlife? Hiromi asked and I nodded. As we both looked up to the club''s neon sign above the dingy door in an alleyway in the middle of Watson.

    Yomi. Thats kindame. I agreed as I ended up shrugging. It wasnt like I was here for the club itself. I was here to gather information!

    I pulled Hiromi along as we slipped into the entrance and found there was a little lobby, with a woman behind the counter. Ichi and Malcolm were at the front desk apparently paying for their entrance fee.

    Jeeze Motoko. This ce is expensive. Malcolm whined to me as I walked up and looked at the numbers listed out and had to agree.

    Most of the clubs we went to were BD bars, where the entrance was free, but they expected you to buy overpriced drinks.

    This was more like a concert hall. To get in you had to pay a fee, and then the drinks and stuff would also be outrageously expensive.

    I rolled my eyes.

    Entrance for four. I informed the pretty saleswoman at the desk. The fact she was wearing an old school punk rock style was pretty cool.

    You got it. And then we were waved through. Down a set of barely lit stairs and into arge room. It was simr to most clubs I had been into, A stage straight across from the entrance, and booths all along the edges, with a dance floor in front of the stage.

    Up on the stage there wasnt a live band, but therge screen showed a previous live show that was pretty good.

    We ended up wandering around trying to find a booth but all of them were taken.

    Mostly filled with Tyger w thugs. I suddenly realized that for all the aesthetics this was definitely a ce owned and operated by the TC. For the TC.

    I sighed. Of course the girl that lived on the same floor as Jun and I had some TC connections. Of course she yed at a TC club.

    I shook it off, it wasnt like Ho-Oh wasnt just as bad, and we hung there a lot.

    In the end we did find a table and not a booth that we were all able to fit around with some difficulties.

    I hope the music is good. Malcolm eventually grumbled to us and I nodded. The seating was kinda shit, and I had noticed the prices at the bar as we were searching for a seat.

    Expensive!

    Dont worry about it Malcolm! This is a celebration! So get whatever you want Ill cover it! I told him and that earned me a happy smile and Malcolm going from being a little grumpy to looking around in a much better mood.

    Ichi whats up? Hiromi asked and I looked over to him. He was sort of cing himself behind a pir. Almost hiding.

    Ah, just. I know some of these guys. Like that guy over there is Katana Hiroshi. He said pointing to a man sitting at one of the booths with a Katana sitting between his legs ready to be used.

    Okay? Are they gonna attack you or something?

    Well no But I made deliveries for some of these guys during the war you know? I mean they might recognize me, and with Shobo-Sama getting tlined and me leaving I dont know its nothing I guess Im just being awkward.

    You know Ichi. As much as I kinda hate it If you want to join the TC again, you could always talk to Jun. I offered despite how gross the words felt on my tongue.

    Ichi was part of Section 9! I didn''t want to give him up to some wannabe yakuza thugs!

    No. He answered instantly firmly. I wont do that again. Ill work as transport for myself if I have to before I go back in. He said and I blinked in surprise at that.

    I didnt realize you were so

    Motoko. After everything I went through during the war I was basically forgotten about afterwards once Jotaro died. Ichi said and I could feel his frustration. If it wasnt for you dragging us into the Scav raids, I would have had to start as a fucking bottom rung shit boy again. Running drinks to people and stuff. No thanks.

    Hey Ichi go get us some drinks. Malcolm being the best friend that he was instantly chimed in. Hiromi and I were soonughing as the two boys faux fought each other.

    --

    An hourter it was time. The stage lights had shifted and there were some people up there setting up actual equipment.

    Finally I would get to see Rockerboy Neighbors set.

    I recognized her instantly, she was basically wearing the same style that she had when I saw her on the elevator. She stepped out with a pretty expensive Orphean. They made some of the highest quality guitars. I only recognized it because I had seen them at the music shop.

    They were the ones behind bullet proof ss.

    I was instantly jealous.

    This is Violent Hemorrhage! She called out as her band all started ying and I nodded. It was good.

    Her guitar skill was real. I grumped. She attacked the guitar. She opened her mouth and instantly I was kinda disappointed.

    Artificial.

    Of course. She had throat chrome. The voice that came out wasnt real. It was a digital controlled autotune.

    I could hear where the chrome altered her voice on the fly, pitch correcting.

    I dont think Rockerboy Neighbor was very good at singing. I think she had probably gotten the chrome to try and ovee her issue.

    Burn it all! Malcolm called out shouting along with the song as she repeated the chorus. The crowd was enjoying it. Although as I looked around I noticed some people obviously noticed the issue and werent getting as involved.

    I felt bad. She yed well. The song was catchy. Her band was good.

    Her singing just had some issues.

    Whats wrong? Hiromi asked, pushing herself against me and speaking into my ear so I could hear her over the music.

    I returned the favor leaning in. The singing is artificial and the front woman is struggling. If it wasnt for the chrome she would sound Pretty awful. I told her and Hiromi frowned, listening but not seemingly catching it.

    Made sense. If it wasnt for Rockerboy telling me so much about music I wouldnt have noticed it either.

    I shook it off. Being picky and not enjoying music just because it wasnt perfect was something that always annoyed me. So I ignored it just getting into the rhythm and enjoying the lyrics for what they said.

    Hey Motoko! So when are we going on another raid anyways? Malcolm asked, suddenly startling me. I could use some extra eddies for the Caliburn when I get one!

    Wait, you''re still trying to get that super car? Hiromi asked, sounding amused. Are you sure?

    Listen just because I got shot doesnt change that its my dream car Hiromi. He answered with a shrug. I mean I had to spend some money on the healing that Dr. Vik gave me, so I figure an extra gig will help.

    I I dont think Im hitting any Scav dens for a while. I admitted my voice was mostly cut off from the thumping of the next band getting up and starting to sing.

    Annoyed, I quickly called my chooms throwing all of us into a conference call.

    *Im not going to raid the Scavs again for a while. Im hoping that if I stop here, they will just assume it was all the work of the TC and let it go so they wont retaliate.*

    *Wait but what about our eddies!?* Ichi asked *We were using the raids as our ie Motoko.*

    *Forget that for a second! Why are we worried about Scavs retaliating! Well just kill them all! Right?* Malcolm added.

    I shook my head. *I let my anger get the better of me after the apartment was attacked guys. Its one thing to raid a new den every once in a while. The remaining Scavs wont even care, but what I did was hit them really hard over and over. If they think Ille after them next, they will try to remove me Or you, or our family.*

    *Motoko You dont have to be afraid! Well beat them if they try it!* Hiromi offered and I smiled at her, but I shook my head.

    *I cant just think like a child about this. I do want to destroy the Scavs. Make no mistake. Ill still raid them when possible, but Im going to take a break. Give them space, let them think things have gone quiet And all the while Im going to plot how topletely destroy them. Utterly.* I said with all the conviction I could muster.

    *Alright. We can take it easy from that then But what about-* Ichi started asking, but I cut him off.

    *Right. Eddies. I didnt forget Ichi. I know how important it is for you to have some ie! Just because Ill avoid Scavs for a bit, doesnt mean we dont have other targets we can hit! I can still do some gigs for Wakako that might end up with lots of loot! I promise Itll be okay. I just Have to bnce what we do so retaliation isnt smacking us in the face constantly.*

    *Yeah Yeah thats fair. I dont want Scavs hitting my home or something either.* Ichi agreed, and I nodded.

    Right! Thats enough of that stuff! Lets enjoy the show! We are celebrating tonight! To Malcolm!

    --

    Well that was an interesting night. I muttered as we walked out of the club. The live bands had all finished up and it was gettingte. I was feeling sort of tense, but not tired.

    Maybe I should go do some gigs? My week of peace was over Even if with Malcolms shooting it hadntsted the whole week.

    Going home? Hiromi asked and I shrugged as I turned around. Hiromi was wearing more ck recently. It was still Street Kid Chic in a lot of ways, but she had bought a new jacket that was all ck with just some of her favorite green in lining around it.

    Which now that I thought about it, was probably a custom job.

    Well we should go for a ride then! Im finally free for the weekend. Motoko! Lets go on a drive! She called out thrusting a fist into the air.

    Sure. I agreed easily as Hiromi smiled bright and happy as she ran over and grabbed my arm. Cmon my Kusangi is parked over here you can drive since I know how tetchy you get about drunk driving. Hiromi offered, and Hiromi and the rest of my chooms had a few things to drink tonight.

    Its okay, we can take mine. I offered, pulling her in a different direction.

    Of course only after I heard Hiromi make a noise that was simr to a tea kettle overflowing did the two brain cells in my head finally connect.

    I had bought the Kusanagi right before everything happened. I hadnt used it much after the attack because I needed my gear and the Quadra was better protected.

    I had promised to take Hiromi out when I finally got a Kusanagi.

    I hadnt told her I had bought a Kusanagi yet.

    Oops. I whispered as I turned to my choom who was practically bouncing.

    Eeeeee! You bought one! She called out happily, grabbing me tightly and refusing to let go.

    Yeah. Its not a Mizuchi either so its-

    Lets go! I demand a ride Motoko! You should have told me you were buying a Kusanagi! After what happened to Malcolm as well! They probably over charged you too! You are so bad with money! I would have helped! Hiromi rambled as she pulled forwards. Funnily enough we ended up walking past my bike in her rush since she didnt know where it was.

    I adjusted her course and dragged her over and she instantly started looking over the bike. Hands wandering as she checked things.

    Someone messed with the brakes! She called out and Iughed.

    Yeah me. They were trash when I bought it. I had to rece them. I told her, and she red at me. What?

    Thats the sort of thing you can demand a discount for when buying something Motoko, did you haggle the price down because of the bad brakes?

    The urge to look away and whistle struck me, but I remained firm.

    Hiromi noticed anyway.

    Ugh! You are the worst with money forever!

    Yeah that is true. What did Motoko do this time? Ichi said as he and Malcolm walked over

    Oh Ichi look! Motoko bought a Kusanagi! Without telling anyone, and she had to do repairs on it. I bet she paid full price!

    I dont want to say how much I paid for it now Because someone will yell at me. I answered mechanically.

    Malcolm was justughing a bit as Ichi and Hiromi both teamed up to yell at me for wasting money.

    Banned from spending money forever! Hiromi yelled at me with a pointed finger.

    --

    A bitter after finally calming my best choom down I was driving down the road with Hiromi gripped onto my back tightly as my Kusanagi took a turn.

    It feels so weirdpared to my bike! Hiromi called out. Theck of a back seat isnt asfortable But it gives me an excu- Hiromis voice lowered at the end until I couldnt hear her. I would have asked her to repeat it, but I was instantly breaking a moment after to avoid some asshole driver who cut into myne.

    A waved middle finger in his direction settled that matter as I put myself back into traffic.

    Hiromi of course wasnt done.

    Practically standing up on the Kusanagi she was flipping off the driver and cussing at the top of her lungs.

    I just snorted and took a gentle right on the next street to move away from the other car.

    Whyd we turn! Motoko! Take me back I havent finished yet! She demanded, dropping back down from where she had been practically standing on the seat.

    Its okay Hiromi. Besides, I''d rather spend the ride with you than dealing with some gonk. I told her happily and she instantly settled back down and wrapped herself back around my back.

    Hiromi and I drove around the city for a long while that night. Just enjoying the roads. Honestly my Kusanagi was a much smoother ride than the Mizuchi that Hiromi had. Without the overturning that came with that variant the much smoother and deeper rumble of the engine was nice instead of ear splitting.

    In the end we ended up on the mountain paths in Westbrook. And there I let it out. Letting my bike roar over the roads with Hiromi hollering her enjoyment into my ear.

    --

    I woke up the next morning with a grabby Hiromi gripping onto me.

    We had a sleepover again at my ce cause Hiromi didnt want to just go home and be alone. I gently tried to escape her grip, but that wasnt happening. So I was stuck.

    With nothing to do but think.

    No. I shook that away. Id been doing that too much. Overthinking. I always had a path forward. @@novelbin@@

    I just needed to improve my stats.

    Body and Reflex first. Id been napping on both of them too long, and both were easy enough to grind out. I just needed to dedicate the time for it. To stop coasting and start grinding out everything again.

    So I rxed and just waited a while. Dozing a bit as I waited for Hiromi to wake up and let me go.

    Toko? Hiromi mumbled a bit as she finally started waking up a whileter.

    Hey Hiromi. Morning.

    Mornin. She mumbled back again and then she just buried herself into my shoulder and mumbled something nonsensical.

    Iughed a little at how cute she was being. Hey Im going to hit the gym, and then A gun range, Yeah a gun range after. You want to join me? Get some exercise?

    Hmm? She made an interested noise before suddenly opening her eyes. Yeah! I want to see! I mean go. I want to go!

    Cool. Cmon lets get up and get some good in us then.

    --

    Hiromi you okay? You keep stopping your workout. I called out as I did another squat with the weights on my shoulders. I was sweating like crazy at this point considering how much effort I was putting into the exercise.

    I wanted that Body 10. Give me the perfect abs! I demand it!

    But my choom kept stopping and staring. Hiromi, I wasnt squatting all that much weight, you could do this even! Well at least a few times, and you dont exercise. It wasnt that surprising.

    I grunted as I rose up again. My core burned from the crunches I had finished before, and my thighs felt great considering how long I had been doing this.

    Sure I hated the pain, but the XP!

    Do it for XP.

    Ah! She said and that was all that came out of her mouth for a bit before she shook herself. I think Im done is all! She offered standing up from bar bells she had been using for like A minute.

    Hiromi, you cant get gains that way!

    I shook it off though. I had sort of surprised her about all this after all.

    Okay. Let me finish this, and well get a shower before hitting the range?

    Hiromi nodded her head up and down a little too fast. I didnt know Hiromi was that into shooting. Maybe something we could do when we hang out now? Go to a gun range?

    --

    So Hiromi didnt like gun ranges? We had gone to a nearby gun range I found online. I had spent a lot of money on ammo so we could shoot as much as we wanted, and so I could train my reflexes.

    The gun range had electronic targets, and difficulty modes. So I had ramped that sucker up and started training. My Lexington getting a real workout for the first time since I had picked it up. As I shot target after target, as fast as I could.

    I had already started getting alerts. Simply from how many fast twitch shots I had been making.

    Hiromi wasnt having as much fun.

    You okay Hiromi? I asked and she gave me a wilted smile. She wasnt nearly as urate as I was, and was struggling with the targets.

    Ah. I knew exactly what was happening. Hiromi wasparing herself to me.

    I canceled my targets, and walked over to her aisle. Moving up behind her as I pressed myself against her back.

    Like this. I told her, as I reached up and oveid my hands on hers. Youre doing fine, but you are pulling the trigger too hard. I helped her pull the trigger back and the bullet hit on target. I think your chrome is giving you trouble.

    Yeah, my hands feel a little different. I didnt realize it was messing with my aim this much. She said, sounding frustrated.

    Its okay. That just means its a good thing we hit the range. So lets practice those pulls so we dont have to worry about it. Gentle pulls, there we go. I told her as she managed to hit the target again with a smooth shot.

    I didnt get much shooting done after that, as I helped Hiromi work on a quick draw using my knowledge, but the way her face was lit uppared to how sour it had been at first was worth it.

    Eventually good things had to end, and Hiromi headed home, her parents wanted to see her on the weekend after all.

    I ended up turning around and going right back to the range.

    I had thousands of rounds to pump through. I ran through the gamut of my skills to get more XP. Quick Drawing. Rapid firing. High speed adjustment using the electronic targets.

    I did it all.

    And Reflex XP started flowing in. It was actually a relief. I had done a lot of shooting on gigs, but hadnt really been getting much XP for it, I guess I just needed to keep actually pushing myself instead of just doing a few shots and being done.

    I worked through until I had to stop to cool off my Lexington. Then packing up all the ammo I still had and heading home.

 Chapter 121

    Chapter 121

    Akari, dont. Motoko, its Tyger w business like I said. Sorry if Ive been distracted. Were just busy. Give me some time, we can go get dinner or somethingter. He tried to y it off.

    No, its okay, sorry for bugging you. Need anything? Want me to bring you guys food, or something? I offered, I had definitely stepped in it, and Akaris words rung in my head. Five of her subordinates had died. I dont know how, and Jun was right. TC business. Not mine.

    Jun shook his head, and he must be feeling okay because a momentter he pulled an XXL package out of his jacket pocket and started tearing into it.

    Of course.

    I watched as Jun and Akari settled back onto the couch, both teenagers putting their heads together. And I just I should stay out of it. It wasnt my business. I didnt want to be involved in TC shit, but at the same time. This was eating at Jun, and I had never seen Akari so quiet, so downtrodden.

    I liked Akari. Even if she was a literal Cyberpsycho, Jun liked her, and she liked him. I had a decision to make, and damn it. I was a busybody.

    Fuck it. Fill me in. You gonks definitely need help. I said as I flopped on the couch beside Jun to look over the tablet he had been ring at.

    Motoko, no. This isnt your business.

    It is when my brother is involved, besides, Im not doing anything but hearing what is going on. I have skills you two dont likerunning and stuff. So hit me with whats going on. Im not saying Ill act, but I can give you a new perspective.

    To my surprise Akari continued to be oddly quiet. Like kinda of scary quiet as she stared at me.

    Jun sighed, rubbed his face. Akaris been given more and more responsibility by Fujimura-Sama. To expand her skill set.

    He wants me to dechrome. But Im useless at everything but killing. She suddenly adds in sounding Oddly mellow for the woman that was usually so frantic.

    So Akaris been working as the boss for a drug business for Fujimura-Sama.

    Disgusting, and I want to help a whole lot less. Go on.

    Jun turned towards Akari who finally jerked a bit in a nod and spoke. It was a big deal. We had a lot of product. I had it stored away in the base, that should have been it. Sell it off the next day. In the middle of the night someone hit us. Stole the product, killed some of the guys. We dont know who it was. Fujimura-Sama is Not happy.

    Okay. I said mostly to say something at the long pause after she got done. Any clues? Camera recordings? Were the bodies killed by a unique weapon? Any of your guys suddenly missing as an informant?

    We have very little. Jun cut in as Akari Her face was mostly stic but she was looking pretty listless at every question. The cameras were hacked. Someone good enough that ourrunners that checked into it couldnt find anything. Our guys were all shot.

    With what? I prompted and got a nk look from my brother.

    Oh god. Hes a himbo. They put him in charge of an investigation, but he had nothing but burrito fluff in between his ears.

    The bullets that killed your people. What caliber? Was it urate shots, or spray? How many shots in total, casings? All of this is stuff that gives us information on who did it.

    Jun looked to Akari and she instantly put up her hands. Dont look at me Fine. Fuck It was low caliber rounds. I think 9mm? There were a lot of casings. I made the boys that were left clean them all up. It took a while. She said speaking slow as she seemed to dredge up the memories.

    Okay. So spraying like that? Probably just off the street thugs. If they were professional you would have a lot less bullets, and a lot more urate Probably. I muttered. Did the guys who die shoot back?

    I shook it off. Where did it happen? When? I asked and Jun shook his head going to deny me, when Akari just flicked the tablet over to me.

    See for yourself little killer.

    Okay, so you lost some drugs, thats not the end of the world or anything. How much did you lose? You can probably steal it back from someone else if we really have to. Or-

    It was about ten million eddies worth of Glitter. Akari said dully and I jerked up at the same time Jun turned to Akari and red at her.

    Holy shit. Glitter? That shit is awful! I instantly denied. Glitter was a newer drug on the streets. The kind of stuff that literally killed people who used it. Not just on overdose or something either. Weak constitutions would lead to your nervous system failing.

    Dont even get me started on the incredible addiction.

    Motoko. I said dont get involved in this for a reason. This isnt the sort of stuff Its not the sort of shit you should be involved with. Jun said, reaching out and pressing his hands on my shoulders.

    Well he wasnt wrong.

    Good riddance then. Hopefully whoever stole it kills themselves by using that poison. I said shrugging off his hands, but more than willing to wash my hands of this.

    Only problem is that Jun-Boy put his neck out on the line with me to help. Akari said with a dull monotone and I could practically feel my neck creak as I turned to look at Jun.

    What does she mean by putting your neck on the line?

    Not like that. He denied instantly. But we will both be punished for failing. I noted instantly that he was dodging what that punishment would actually be.

    Stop hiding it from me. What punishment!

    Yubitsume. Jun offered, with a shrug. Nothing to worry about.

    What the fuck is Yubitsume? I demanded and Jun refused to answer.

    You cut a part of yourself off and offer it to your boss for fucking up. Akari offered, fluttering her fingers for a second. Some of that manic energy she always had before shining through. Its an old Yakuza thing originally I think? At least thats how it was exined to me. It used to just be fingers, but well. Chrome makes that less of an issue now yeah? So they tend to make it hurt.

    No one is cutting anything out of my brother!

    Of course not. You have to do it to yourself.

    Fuck that. I said instantly. I knew I hated gangs for a reason. Im going to make some calls and get this solved. Fucking hell. Cant believe Im gonna be part of a drug deal. I feel gross just thinking about it. I hissed as I rose up to go make some calls.

    Motoko Just drop it. Akari and I will figure it out, or pay the consequences and thatll be that. Its not a big deal. Just some time at a ripper and Ill be fine.

    Its not fine! I yelled, actually losing my temper as I turned around from where I had been heading into my room to make a private call. Its fucked up! So Im not going to let it happen! I care about you! You! You! Stupid himbo! Get a brain! Gonk!

    Then I turned and stomped into my bedroom. Closing the door behind me quietly, because I don''t like mming doors even when angry.

    Fuck. I took a breath and let it out and then made a call.@@novelbin@@

    *Motoko! How are you?*

    *Ive been better, Hiromi, Jun is in some shit, but I had an idea. I want you toe over. I have something to run past you. I think I have an idea for how to start making some eddies. Im going to call in Ichi and Malcolm too.*

    *If its for Jun, Im in! But eddies too? Now you have my attention!*

    --

    Section 9 was united in my room. All of us were unfortunately sitting on the floor.

    Jun and Akari had been confused when my chooms started appearing but I hadnt exined anything to the two utter morons.

    Instead I just hurried them over to my room and told them to wait until everyone was here.

    Now we were. Sitting cross legged on the carpeted floor like we were in elementary school again.

    Okay. Now that everyone is here. Lets talk about the situation. Jun agreed to help out Akari. Akari was apparently in charge of protecting a drug shipment. Ten million eddies worth of glitter.

    Fuck.

    Whoa. Malcolm and Ichis eyes both widened in shock. It was Hiromi who frowned.

    Thats a big shipment Well its worth a lot, but isnt that big Ten kilos? Give or take. She muttered and I looked at her in surprise for a moment.

    Im going to ignore how scary it is that you know that off the top of your head Hiromi. Drugs are bad mkay? Youll tell me before you ever try any right?

    Its important information for anyone! Why dont you know this!? She demanded pointing at me, but Ichi and Malcolm both looked like they didnt know as well, and were doing their best to hide that fact.

    Because I dont deal in drugs Hiromi Well. I didnt I guess. Listen. If Jun and Akari don''t find the shipment that was stolen then they will be punished. Badly. I said seriously as I looked over my chooms.

    Alright. So we track down the thief. We can do that. I mean, yourrunning us backing you up. Should be easy enough.

    The thieves had arunner as well, and scrambled the cameras. So that might not be as easy, but I have to try anyway.

    Okay One question. Ichi asked cutting in, Im all for helping your brother Motoko. Dont think this is against that, but you mentioned eddies.

    Okay so here is the n. I outlined the idea and after a few moments Hiromi was practically buzzing with excitement.

    Im in! Im so in! This will look so good on my resume!

    Im d we can help your corpo dreams Hiromi Im in too. If it works that would help. A lot. Plus itll make us useful. Ichi said and nodded.

    Dont look at me. Im always down for this shit. Malcolm agreed.

    With all my chooms on board I threw my hand out into the middle. It took a moment to make me realize none of my chooms had any culture. Put your hands out on top of mine. I exined, definitely not pouting at theirck of knowledge. But after they did it.

    I mmed my hand up, knocking everyone''s hands into the air. Section 9! I called out happily. It didnt matter that my chooms hadnt joined in. They would learn for next time.

    --

    Motoko?

    Nope. Sorry Section 9 is too busy, cant hear you! I called out as the four of us all ran out of the apartment to our cars past Jun. I did poke my head back into the apartment before we disappeared for good. Keep me apprised if you find anything! My team will be assisting in this investigation. I informed Jun and then ran before he could ask any questions.

    Sometimes you had to know when to run away so you couldnt be denied permission.

    We all traveled to the Straight Lane Apartments, and then down into myrunning basement. Which I was d to notice hadnt had anyone try to sneak in.

    We set up once again all of us at different terminals, although Ichi had actually stopped to get food and snacks before showing up. So my team wouldnt be starving while I was in the.

    I finished hooking myself up and thenid back. A momentter I was in the.

    The digital world opened up before me, but despite my continued annoyance at myself for a weak lobby. I quickly rushed into the city traveling across the digital scape towards where the base Akari had been working out of had been.

    It was just down the street from where we lived. A bar of all things that Akari had been responsible for managing as well as making sure drugs and other illegal things could be moved through it at will.

    Plus there was some moneyundering of course.

    I shook my head as I came upon the area, and did my usual trick. I looked for other cameras that would have some overwatch of the building.

    Even if arunner had been involved and scrambled the cameras on the bar, it wasnt like they would have time to go through every business in the area. That took time.

    At least the way I did it. As I checked out a pawn shop across the street I essed their camera records. They of course saved their recordings in case of theft, or just for ckmail or something.

    But as I checked the right time. The cameras had shut off.

    Dammit. It took time to hack into a cameraworks recordings, but just turning them off? A few seconds.

    *Okay whoever did this shut off cameras in the area. I want everyone to get me a list of shops and locations in the area that might have been missed. Check up the buildings, or just further down the streets, Ill pull a copy here. So we know exactly when this camera was shut off.*

    *Well handle it Motoko!* Hiromi chirped out an assurance, as I pulled the data and sent it off to my server as I pulled out and started looking for another business on the street.

    We just needed a clue.

    --

    Four hourster we got one.

    Four hours of breaking into every camera in the area. Spreading out further and further, trying to find the smallest viewpoint.

    It was pure chance.

    *Hey. This car. I think we have our target.* Malcolm asked over them as I was breaking into a more secure server.

    It wasnt going super well. The security was tighter and I was getting close to giving it up when the message came through.

    I quickly looked over and pulled out entirely.

    Malcolm had been looking over camera records basically just looking up and down the street and watching the time that the robbery took ce.

    It was in the middle of Night City. There were cars going down the street constantly, but Malcolm had been checking them all apparently. Looking for a hint that something wasnt right.

    An Archer Quartz drove up the street. Away from the area. It just so happened that there was a Tyger w sticker on the back window. Recognizable.

    *Check the timing. See if that car was just passing through.* I called out.

    *Already did. He took about twenty minutes to go across the street. Unless he stopped for a meal*

    *The cameras. Do they shut off as the car gets close?*

    *Let me check.*

    I pulled away from the server. Probably best to leave it alone with security this tight anyways. I didnt leave the though. Just hanging around on the dingy digital street. Glowing eyes ring out from an alleyway in the digital world daring anyone gonk enough to mess with me.

    *I think we have our man.* Malcolm confirmed after a few minutes.

    *Alright. Ill start trailing it backwards. Maybe we can find out who it is.*

    *Give me a second, I have an idea.* Malcolm called once again and I did. Malcolm had been good at this sort of thing.

    And I was right.

    *Well well look at who we have here.* He said and he forwarded a video clip to me. A clip of the camera that was right across the street. One that had been shut off, but it had recorded for days before and after.

    The day before a familiar car was parked out front.

    *Everyone find me a picture of who was in that car!*

    *On it!* I heard a chorus from my team, as I pulled up that file and started searching as well.

    Haruka Itami. We had a picture of him leaving the shop that Akari owned.

    Okay Now I needed to back trace a car through Night City Again.

    I was starting to get a bad feeling that this back tracing trick I had started It was going to be a horrificallymon urrence in the future wasnt it?

    --

    We had lost the car a few blocks away, from both directions. Coming and going the car had taken the same path, but both times it had just disappeared. but we already had solutions for that.

    *Okay. Im going to back trace from the guys home address now.* I told the team as I started zooming across the city to find Harukas home.

    The fact was an amateur like this wouldnt have stayed hidden and secured from arunner his entire day. Most people dont think about hiding where they had been before the gig.

    I highly doubted a kid that stole from the TC would think to keep his entire day as a ckout. Doubt arunner good enough to have helped with this would have done it either.

    So Haruka in essence would be an open book.

    I stepped across the. Smiling as I looked up to the massive flood of data that was Megabuilding H8. Thankfully I wouldnt need to go inside.

    I used a map of the real world and a bit of IP finagling to find a shop that would be facing the exit for the megabuildings garage.

    I pulled the data after slipping into the shop''s server and sent the file to my team. Pulling out I started on the next.

    Time to broaden my.

    An hourter I was getting frustrated.

    *Have we found anything yet?*

    *No. Give us some time Motoko. We dont know exactly when he left his home, you know? We have to basically search the whole day. And Ichi is searching after the drop off to see if we can back track him when he gets home after the heist.* Malcolm actually cut me off and I groaned as I was getting irritated at how long it was taking.

    I had gone into a dozen shops all around the Megabulding. Going down each way of the street that connected to the megabuildings garage just to already have the camera data prepared when we finally spotted him.

    Stupid Haruka. I pulled out of the servers and just stood out on the digital street again to take a break. I ended up staring at the high end traffic that came above me. Most of it was normalputer requests. So it was just light. Streaming through paths above. Basically just people essing the shallows. But I was on the street below. The main level forrunners.

    Here was therunner streets. A ce a normalputer couldnt hope to reach. It was sort of peaceful. Not a lot ofrunners just walked around openly.

    Plus I was in a pretty quiet part of town. Most runners would take the shallows to their destination and then drop into the street level.

    So I wasnt surprised that I hadnt seen anyone. It felt a lot like I was in a private little world.

    I was also bored.

    No point in leaving the server. I didnt want to pull the camera records and start searching through them. I wasnt exactly in a private space. If I did that someone might notice and wonder why I had all these camera recordings I was going through.

    So it was either pull back to the lobby, and work there, or wait.

    Okay fine.

    I zipped into the upper levels as a streak of light and then a momentter I was back in my empty lobby.

    First thing I did was ess a bit of programming that I hadnt touched yet. The floor around me gained an actual texture. Lights appeared above my head first just globs of light, but with a bit of an adjustment I then had a roof, and lights attached to the roof with actual fixtures.

    I added walls, but with wide massive windows that opened up to the digital city below. I didnt alter the view like I could. I liked the digital city. I wanted it to feel like I was in the.

    The idea came to me and I added streaming neon lights, as part of the aesthetic.

    Very Tron Motoko. You fucking nerd. I giggled, feeling myself rx a little as I created a circr couch that looked like fancy leather. A wide table along with a holographic TV in the middle, that I could disy data on.

    In the end. I had a very futuristic meeting room, despite the bright lights that flowed through the room, it was actually pretty retro. Almost like a mix between an old smoking room, and a neon aesthetic.

    I liked it.

    I settled myself onto the couch and started pulling from the camera data.

    I needed to find Haruka, and here I could do it safely.

 Chapter 122

    Chapter 122

    *I found him!* Hiromi called out sounding delighted as I quickly essed her data ping and the screens that surrounded me all shifted into one.

    *Damn no wonder we didnt see him. He hadnt gone home the day before.* Malcolm muttered, and I nodded. Time stamp was from a whole day before the heist.

    That made thingsplicated.

    *Did we find out when he got back from the heist?*

    *I dont think he did.* Ichi offered *Ive checked from when we lost track of him to practically now, and I never see him there. Is the address something outdated?* Ichi asks something that had been shot around to the group a few times at this point.

    *Maybe. Alright. Ill back trace him. Malcolm, you''re with me on that path. Ichi keep searching for me. Hiromi, back up Ichi. Lets find this bastard.*

    I heard affirmatives and we all got back to it.

    Okay he left a full day before all of this had happened. Lets find where he went. It ended up being something obvious.. It was something we probably should have considered. He went to work.

    He showed up on the cameras to Akaris little shop about five minutes after leaving and then Malcolm and I both followed the timestamp up until he got back in his car and left.

    He went the other way down the street from where he hade.

    The same direction he had showed up during the heist.

    Malcolm and I followed, and this time it was easy. We already had the camera records since he was going down the same path he had takening to the heist.

    And where he had gone after.

    This time when he reached the points he had disappeared before we got him this time he wasnt being careful.

    We had actually had the camera records we needed the whole time. Just not the right time.

    See before he had disappeared on a rather long length of street that led into an industrial area. A long area with no cameras to track.

    We hadnt known if it was just a drop off, or something else, but now we knew it wasnt just the dropoff.

    *He parked on the side of the street.*

    *I guess he was hungry.* Malcolm offered and I couldnt help but scoff. The man had parked on the side of the street instead of In the parking garage for that building? Because he wanted to stop and get some food.

    He was on camera and we were able to watch him enter the building.

    *Information on that building?*

    *Im looking right now. City records has it- Hiromi started, but was cut off.

    *Its a Sixth St. Base.* Ichi cut in. *The gang tags are kind of a giveaway.* He offered and I looked at the camera still and had to nod. Yeah that was 6th St. Gang tags.

    I hadnt noticed them, because I didnt think of the graffiti in the city as anything but an eye sore for the most part.

    *Okay. I think we have what we need. Hiromi. Are you ready?*

    *You bet! Fujimura wont know what hit him!*

    *Then Ill make the call to Jun. Lets get out of here.*

    --

    We were back at the apartment. I had called Jun ahead to make sure he was still home, and he was. Akari wasnt though. She had gone home, but at my request would meet us all at the apartment.

    But it wasnt just Akari that I had asked Jun to call in.

    As the four of us all formed up on the apartment door I looked to Hiromi who was practically bouncing at what she was plotting. She threw me a nod, and I returned it. Opening the door to see the three Tyger ws all waiting around the couch.

    Fujimura looked annoyed, but we would see if he kept that attitude when we got started.

    Luckily I wasnt the one responsible for talking this time. Hiromi sauntered in every ounce of Corpo training on full disy as she walked right up to the three and took a seat directly opposite of Fujimura.

    Just to be a little shit. I took a seat on her right, exactly where Jun was sitting for Fujimura. Ichi and Malcolm both took seats to her left.

    Thank you foring. I hope I didnt keep you waiting? Hiromi offered and Fujimuras eyebrow flickered up before stilling.

    This wasnt what he expected at all.

    Not long.

    Excellent. We dont like causing any difficulty for our customers after all. Hiromi said, and then she reached out to her jacket pocket and pulled out something that she hadnt told me about.

    She stood and with two hands offered a small business card that she had pulled out.

    Fujimura gave it a look before taking it.

    Section 9. Asset Retrieval. Intelligence gathering. Wetworks. Fujimura read off the card and I had a moment where everything spun a bit.

    Because that was fucking cool!

    Hiromi!? You made business cards!? Thats so fucking preem!

    We heard about your missing shipment, and decided as a symbol of a potentially profitable rtionship we would begin an investigation. We have discovered not only who stole from you, but where they took your shipment. Although we cant confirm that the shipment wasnt moved from that location. That would of course require another investigation if that is the case.

    I could see Akari perk up as the knowledge hit that her fuck up had been basically taken care of. Jun was looking at the business card and shooting me looks but I just kept my face calm and collected.

    Even if I really wanted to cheer and hug Hiromi! She was so cool! Like a little corpo!

    Just you know on my side.

    Interesting. I assume you have the evidence?

    Of course. Before I hand it over we should of course talk about payment. Section 9, is a premier investigative team. As far as I am aware your own team was unable toplete the investigation despite being given days. Weve only begun our investigation this morning andpleted it. Hiromi said with a smile that reminded me of a shark.

    Payment Fujimura spoke the word calmly and seemed to consider things.

    You will find our fees well worth the reliable and quick service. Hiromi added throwing out probably the most generic corpo line Ive ever heard.

    Fujimura looked to Jun then Akari. I assume your investigation has led to a dead end?

    Yes Fujimura-Sama. We werent able to narrow anything down. Jun added, but then he looked to us. But I also didnt realize my sister was going to try and extort us for petty cash. He said looking irritated at me, but I quirked an eyebrow, daring him to keepining. But Hiromi beat me to it.

    Oh dont be silly Jun. There is nothing petty about our fee. Hiromi added with a brilliant smile that had me smirking along with her. The information and location are here. She said, pulling a shard out of her neck.

    On the drive over she had been hard at work putting together a report on what we had found. Apparently it was something she had learned how to do in ss and had figured being professional about this would increase repeat business.

    Or at least that is what she said, and I had agreed with her, because Hiromi had been cackling like a madwoman the whole drive over.

    How much. Fujimura finally answered. Seeming to realize he was going to need the information to find his drugs.

    Oh. We will give you a discount for first time customers. Two-hundred thousand.

    Juns jaw dropped, and Fujimuras eyebrow rose up.

    This fee also doesnt cover a guarantee of the shipment still being at the location. This is where they moved the assets after theft. Unless of course you desire us to take part in the recovery of your goods. That will be additional fees. Hiromi offered with a bright smile.

    --

    I was pacing a bit back and forth.

    Motoko rx.

    Im just I should have gone with just in case you know? What if someone shot Jun!?

    Fujimura didnt pay us. So we didnt go. Hiromi said, drawing my attention to how she was now fully reclined on my couch, an energy drink in her hand that she was sipping on all the while a smirk never left her face.

    Hiromi had in a short time made more money for Section 9, than anything we had done since the yacht heist.

    Two hundred grand split four ways was still a nice chunk of change.

    Fifty thousand eddies had already been added to my bank ount. Ichi and Malcolm had disappeared soon after Fujimura had taken Jun and Akari to go im their drugs back.

    But the boys had said they would be back. They were grabbing food and drinks for a party.

    Hiromi continued to look like the cat that caught the canary, but I was just nervous. I knew Jun would be okay He was strong and stuff. Had a cool name and everything but like

    There might be arunner there! What if they hacked my himbo brother and made his chrome shut down. Or just overheated him to death!?

    Rx Motoko. Hiromi called out again as I had resumed pacing but in the end she was right. I had agreed not to go with them because Fujimura refused to pay us any further.

    He had in the end paid for the information of course. Looking like he was annoyed with the whole situation, but in the end money had changed hands. He got his information, reviewed it and agreed it was actionable.

    You were pretty cool Hiromi. I said suddenly causing Hiromi to almost choke on her drink.

    Wha?

    The way you totally controlled the conversation. I wanted to scream when you pulled out the business card, you know? When did you even make that?

    Oh that old thing? I made it after we were doing the Yacht Heist. While I was selling the chrome, I realized I needed to stop looking like some weird teenager off the street. I needed to be a young corporate woman on the job and people will take me more seriously. So I had a couple made. Hiromi saidckadaisically, trying to y it off.

    It was pretty cool. I think it worked on Fujimura.

    Yeah his face was great!

    The door opened and Ichi and Malcolm came in bags on their arms. Time to party! Malcolm called out whooping as he toddled over and dropped the bags onto the table.

    Oh! Yes! Im hungry! Gimme! Hiromi demanded and Malcolm quickly grabbed a white to go box and offered it up to her.

    Yes oh Corpo overlord! Please ept this humble offering!

    Hahaha! Thats right! Worship me! Sheughed as she took her food and quickly dug in.

    Motoko?

    Huh? Oh yeah. Im okay Ichi, just nervous for Jun. Its dumb. I know he goes off on his own all the time, but like This time because I set it up Im nervous. Ichi nodded as he passed a box to me as well.

    Eat. Enjoy our sess Jun has his team with him. Theyll be fine.

    I nodded as I settled onto the couch to eat. Nothing else to do I guess

    Maybe just one more nce at my message app on my agent to make sure he hasnt called for help?

    So what are you guys doing with your payday this time? Malcolm asked, his mouth full of noodles. I mean. I can definitely afford my car now! Ill uh Make sure to use a more reliable trader and everything this time. Yes Hiromi I will bring you with me when I buy it. Please dont re at me like that.

    Good! Of course we will back you up on your purchase. That kind of eddies changing hands require a good bit of muscle Andmon sense. She added.

    Im saving it all this time. Ichi added. I want to make sure I wont run into a problem with rent again for a long time.

    Thats really smart. I said to Ichi who smiled while Hiromi scowled.

    No it isnt! Putting money into an ount and not using it is the worst thing ever! You have to invest! Get some chrome or something! Maybe upgrade your truck! Money sitting in an ount isnt doing anything for you to make more money!

    Still going to save it. Ichi said, shrugging at Hiromis rant.

    Ugh! This is why Im the financial manager. She said pointing at all of us and lingering on me with narrowed eyes.

    Dont look at me like that! Im going to be spending all of it on working on some tech and stuff. Probably wont get any chrome with it, but thats on the table too. I said slurping up a bit of noodles after.

    Hmm. eptable!

    d to satisfy you oh overlord. I mocked, using the boys'' joke from before.

    Damn right!

    --

    Long after the food was eaten and our little party had broken up into most of us just hanging out watching terrible TV.

    It was really bad and I feared Malcolms taste.

    Why are we watching this again?

    Because Im too full to want to get up and its on. Ichi added.

    Its a good show! Malcolm argued and Hiromi made a little humming noise in agreement, her eyes never leaving the rather

    This is awful. I grumbled, but didnt turn it off. I was full of noodles and didnt want to get up either.

    Then the door opened.

    Jun! I called out, sitting up instantly and seeing him enter. Akari right behind him, but no Fujimura in sight.

    He walked over and ruffled my hair. Despite the fact he smelled like he had gotten into a fight.

    Well!? I demanded and he huffed augh.@@novelbin@@

    No worries little killer! Your info was spot on. Found most of the drugs at that site. They had been selling some of it, but we got most of it back. Cleared out the 6th St. punks that thought they could move in on our turf, and Fujimura pulled Haruka off the streets. Akari added thest bit with a sinister happiness at the thought.

    Well it was sort of his fault. Who was stupid enough to try and steal that much money from his own gang?

    So Fujimura was happy then? Hiromi asked, sitting up straight as well, and Jun looked a little hesitant to answer but his shoulders slumped.

    Oh he wasnt happy. The cost of the info wasnt exactly cheap. Jun said, eyeing up both Hiromi and I. In response we both just smiled innocently. Which earned a roll of his eyes. But we recovered a lot of the shipment. And Fujimura was epting of the costs.

    He was grumbling about your little corpo friend the whole time! Akari added giggling as she flipped forward tond on the couch. The woman''s energy seemed to have returned now that she wasnt on the hook for losing the shipment. Apparently he wasnt happy that youre going off on your own.

    I just shrugged. At least Im still willing to work with him and the TC. I could have just left entirely.

    Aww. You wouldnt do that little killer! You fit in with us too well! Akari offered, even as her leg arced up, and I was forced to roll off the couch to dodge her poking feet.

    Akari. If you poke a hole in my new couch. You are paying for it. Jun called out from the kitchen.

    Ah of course Jun was celebrating as well. The burrito disappeared as he started biting into it.

    You ruin all my fun!

    I literally joined up with this to save your ass. Jun replied instantly and Akari actually stilled and nodded, without her usual manic energy.

    Thanks Jun. She said to my surprise.

    And Juns.

    Yeah yeah sure anytime Akari.

    Good Ill hold you to that! She chirped out all craziness back on full disy.

    I take it all back.

    Toote!

    --

    With Jun back home I was able to better rx. We had done it. Section 9 had done something pretty cool.

    We had sessfullypleted a deal with one of the major gangs in Night City.

    Sure we had easy ess through Fujimura, but it was still something to be proud of.

    Hiromi had even offered our services in the future to Fujimura for work. It was possible Fujimura might take us up on that.

    The team eventually left that night. Everyone was tired since we had worked through the whole day tracking down Haruka and the call of their bed was too much to resist.

    Yet, I just felt amped up.

    I wandered into my room ignoring Jun and Akari still hanging out on the couch watching TV together.

    Akari was definitely being flirty, but Jun just looked happy that the stress of finding the thief was off his shoulders.

    I walked over to my desk. Looking over all the junk I had.

    Okay. Time to do some work. I pulled out my belt, grabbed my Lexington and holster and put it on the desk.

    I knew exactly what my next little project was going to be.

    I grabbed my 3D printer and fed it a bit of metal.

    Just needed a bit of measuring.

    I finished that and quickly sketched out the device I needed on the CAD program, and started the printer.

    That started, I went over to my toolbox and grabbed some bits and bobs. Screws mostly.

    Pulling the Silencer up I checked it again remembering I was going to need some testing to make sure this version of the silencer would hold up.

    But I would do that after.

    The Printer stopped running pretty soon after, and I pulled out the metal device.

    With a few deft movements. I drilled it into my holster. Then I slipped in the silencer. I locked into ce, and I practiced pulling it from the little holder that was now attached to the Lexington holster.

    I had considered building or buying a new holster so I could keep the silencer attached, but that wasnt really needed. Most of the time if I was going to be worried about stealth, I would have the advantage anyways. So I would just draw my Lexington, attach the silencer and be good to go.

    I smiled as I checked my alerts.

    *100 Tech XP Gained*

    That was my secondary reward for finishing something new.

    I grabbed my tools. Okay. I needed another Silencer for my rifle. Maybe put together an optic for it as well? That could be fun to y with.

    Regardless it meant I had projects to mess with.

 Chapter 123

    Chapter 123

    The second Silencer took about the same length of time to make as the first, although the Copperhead already had everything ready for the detachable Silencer. The Copperheads muzzle was already detachable. So I just unscrewed the old one, and made the silencer grooves the right length to screw right on.

    When I was done. I pulled it into a shooting stance.. It was heavier than the old muzzle, but nothing excessive. It was gettingte, but I didnt feel like sleeping, so I grabbed my gear and headed out of my room.

    Where you going? Jun called out from the couch as I walked in, and I shrugged.

    Shooting range. I made a silencer for my rifle, and I want to give it a test run.

    Huh. Jun replied as he stood up and walked over looking at the Copperhead that I was carrying in one hand as I held a box of ammo in the other. He moved in to take my rifle and I just sighed as I lifted it up so he could take it and look it over.

    You made this?

    Just the silencer. I made one for my Lexington as well.

    Not your Burya?

    Pfft. The Electromas interfere with baffling tech. You cant put a silencer on any of them. I said with a shrug.

    Shame. This is cool. Want to make one for your amazing big brother?

    I crinkled my nose as I looked him over. Why do you even want a silencer? You dont fight sneaky.

    Maybe I want to start. He said with a smirk that told me that was a lie.

    You just want a silencer to show off how cool you are.

    I want a silencer to show off how preem I am. He agreed instantly without even attempting to deny it.

    Fine. Go get whatever you want one for. Ill start making it before I head to the range. Jun grinned at me as he ran into his own room and then to my surprise came out with a weapon I didnt know he even had.

    When did you get this? I asked, looking at the Malorian Overture that was Well it was in Tyger w colors. Ugly was my first thought, but I wasnt going to be mean to Jun.

    Fujimura-Sama gave it to me a while back. I dont really use it though. So?

    Nope. I denied instantly. Laughing a bit as Juns face fell. Its not that I dont want to make a silencer for you Jun, but look. I pointed out the Overtures barrel. Can you see the problem?

    There isnt anything to attach the silencer to?

    Exactly. I would have topletely remake the barrel. Normally not a huge problem but this is a Malorian revolver. The entire upper receiver is a solid piece of metal, cause Malorian is extra like that. That means I would have to remake the whole thing.

    Im not seeing the problem here. Jun offered and I waved a fist at him, making him back off.

    Thats a lot of work, and while Im pretty sure I could do it Give me some time and Ill see what I can do. Until then, keep your revolver.

    Fine. But you better remember!

    I will. Jeeze. Okay. In that case- I said, making my way towards the door. But Jun interrupted me with a grin.

    Lets hang out at the range, Imouto.

    My shoulders slumped. I had been nning on doing some serious grinding Fine.

    I couldnt say no to sibling time with Jun.

    --

    We hadnt gone to the range I had been visiting. Instead Jun had demanded we go to the TC range he had once dragged me to so long ago.

    I had agreed, mostly because the ammo would be cheaper. But when we got there, got settled in, the worst hade to pass. That which I had feared.

    Jun was a range hog.

    He was happily plinking away with my Copperhead. This silencer is preem Motoko.

    It would be even more preem if I got a chance to shoot it. I muttered quietly. I had told Jun I was here to stress test the silencer, and that was a mistake because he now had a perfect argument to keep shooting every time I got bored and wanted to shoot.

    Just a few more Imouto. Gotta see how your silencer handles it right? He replied happily and I just red. He was acting like a kid at a candy store. Which Like Im happy that Jun is able to look like a kid, but I really wanted to kick him in the shins for hogging my gun.

    Kusanagi, and the little Kusanagi. Good to see you back. Grizzled gun range guy greeted us walking up as he looked over Juns shooting.

    Jun decided to join me. I offered grumbling at my gun hog of a brother.

    Copperhead? Interesting choice. They are reliable, not the best though.

    It works, thats all I really need. The silencer is new. I made it myself. Jun is helping me stress test it.

    Oh? Bing a bit of a techy huh? Good skills to have. Especially if you know how to do gun work. I nodded. The Grizzled old mans whole job seemed to be maintenance and work here at the range.

    Yeah. Itse in useful. Im working on modding out some of my weapons. I did a silencer for my Lexington first. I offered, then since the man was staring interested in the silencer at the tip of the Copperhead I pulled the Lexington silencer off my gun belt, and offered it to him.

    He epted it without another word. Quickly finding thetch to open it up and check the electronics, and going over the little device.

    Not bad. He finally offered after a minute of looking through it. You made it out of a printer right?

    Yeah.

    I can tell from the construction. Those things arent bad, Quality can take a hit if you arent careful though, he said giving me advice.

    Hey, not bad. Jun called out as he checked his score on the electronic targets.

    It could be better. The man cut in before Jun could properly enjoy his score. Youve been jerking the trigger on every shot. Its pure luck your chrome is heavy enough you arent missing every shot. Back to it, Kusanagi. There is no excuse for such shoddy marksmanship.

    I nodded along at the critique, until I realized it would mean Jun would keep shooting my gun.

    Try with a different gun. I would like to shoot my Copperhead at some point today. I grumbled, and Jun chuckled at little as he put the rifle to the side and pulled out a Unity from a holster on his back and then began taking slow ponderous shots.

    I wanted to groan as I realized Jun was going to take forever. Looking around the range I sighed. Every otherne was still taken, which means I would just have to wait.

    Bored? I was asked and I nodded a little before he chuckled. Come with me then. The old grizzled man offered and walked back into his little office.

    I considered it. Jun and I were hanging out

    But Jun was also being a scopmuncher right now so I followed, entering into the little office covered in guns and equipment to maintain said weapons.

    I blinked interested as he walked over to a Masamune that was up on a mp.

    You ever see one of these?

    Arasaka Masamune, yeah. Never yed with one though. Always thought they were a little overengineered.

    Heh. Lot of kids have an opinion on one until they actually get their hands on them. Come over and tell me whats wrong with this one.

    I blinked at the sudden challenge and shrugged. The Masamune was Arasakas pride and joy. An assault rifle that was engineered the shit out of. Incredibly light. Incredibly tough.

    Expensive as shit, and as I said it was the sort of weapon that was engineered to hell and back. I wasnt really a fan to be honest, but as I started running my hands over her. Gun Nut filling in a ton of information about the weapon I was holding I had to admit.

    Araska did know how to make a good rifle.@@novelbin@@

    It was probably a good ten, or twenty grand more than I would pay for a rifle, but you paid it for a reason.

    Thankfully Gun Nuts specialty was knowing whether a gun I picked up would fire in the heat of the moment, so just touching the Masamune told me what the problem was.

    Someone had an ident. I muttered, as I pulled it from the mp under watchful judging eyes. I pulled out the receiver, looking around I found a tool kit nearby and scooped it up, grabbed a screwdriver, unscrewed literally a dozen little screws.

    Fuck you too Arasaka engineer.

    And finally managed to pull open the upper to find the problem. Shrapnel had gotten into the firing assembly.

    I pulled a piece out and whistled.

    Someone was lucky. Piece of bullet shrapnel right into the firing assembly.

    You spotted it quick. They reced the part of the upper receiver that was damaged and it wouldnt shoot. They couldnt figure out what happened so brought it to me. He agreed nodding as I then sighed, a few more moments to check the chamber to make sure nothing else was damaged. I started the long task of putting this thing back together.

    The best part of course was my reward.

    *100 Technical Ability XP Gained*

    You needed me to look over your weaponsst time you were here. Saratoga if I remember right.

    That sounds right? Do I even still have the Saratoga? I muttered to myself. Did I still have the Saratoga? I vaguely remember seeing it during the move. It was probably in my closet with most of the other weapons I had collected and didnt use very often.

    You know how to handle a weapon. You didnt need me to check them.

    Ah.. Ive learned a lot since then. I muttered. And Jun is always overprotective.

    Hmm. If you ever want some work,e by. I could use an assistant.

    I opened my mouth to ask if he could even afford me, but honestly Grizzled gun range guy was cool for a TC guy.

    I dont know if Ill take you up on that, but I appreciate it. Then again it could be a good excuse to grind some XP.

    He just nodded in eptance. Its on the table if you want it. Then without another word he pulled another rifle down off the racks around the room. An Ajax this time and started working on it.

    I thought about it.

    Jun or guns

    I walked over and after checking it with Gun Nut, I worked with him on fixing the problem on the Ajax.

    --

    I cant believe you left. Jun grumbled at me, as we walked out of the hidden TC range.

    You hogged the entirene. I didnt even get to shoot! I snapped at him, and Jun did have the decency to look a little embarrassed but then pointed a finger at me.

    You already shoot better than I do, so I need more practice than you. He said, surprising me, as I felt my jaw drop open.

    Youplimenting me as an excuse for your bad behavior isnt gonna work! I retorted back, but damn him.

    I was feeling better after beingplimented.

    Jun could tell as well as his smile went smug. Your silencer was stress tested and I got some practice with a rifle. Dont use them much so it was a nice experience.

    Yeah youre too much of an ogre to shoot straight. Better to stick with a shotgun or something.

    Oni. I have ss. Juns retort earned him a very judgemental look from me, but we were outside and walking through multiple groups of TC gonks that were hanging around. So I did the nice thing and didnt call out my brother in front of his gang.

    Burrito boy has ss? Pfft.

    Shut up. He grumbled at me.

    I didnt say anything! I sing-songed at him, almost breaking into giggles as he reached out like he was going to smack me, or grab me, but I just danced out of the way.

    You dont have to say anything to say something!

    Oh no! The Ogre is after me! I faux gasped and that set it off. A momentter Jun burst into motion to try and grab me, but once again my ankles proved to be the best thing ever. Because I leapt up and over, a foot daintily smashing into my brother''s stupid face and then bouncing off that.

    Ow. Fuck Motoko! Jun grumbled as Inded a dozen feet away. Laughing all the while as he rubbed at his face.

    Oh please. You have subdermal there, your face is more chrome than anything you baby.

    Of course Jun and I now had a crowd looking at us.

    Jun just turned to give the grunts a re that very swiftly had everyone minding their own business. On the other hand I just didnt care.

    Jun had wasted my gun range time, and now I was feeling impish.

    Dont even think about it. He told me as I felt my grin spreading across my face.

    Think about what? I teased him, even as I reached over and handed my Copperhead to a TC gonk that I was now standing next to much to his surprise. Hold this for a second.

    Wha-?

    I dont know for sure, but I know you well enough- Jun started but was cut off.

    I charged at that moment as he was distracted, mid sentence, bringing him up short as I leapt up, but only to trick Jun into thinking I was going up high, instead I flippednding on my hands, rolling into a somersault that had me sliding right between his legs and then behind.

    Right as his socket chirped and ejected his bikes key shard.

    Yoink! I chirped out, snatching it out of the air, and avoiding Juns retaliatory swipe.

    Motoko!

    Hehehe! I cackled as I leapt to make some distance, and now it was on.

    Give that back!

    Oh no the Ogre is after me! I called out waving the shard and then it really was. I dodged past him, as he made to tackle me, grabbed my copperhead from the staring TC grunt and I was off. On foot Jun was probably a little faster than me, but I had hops.

    Every time he got close I would leap away, usually up high then leaping over something that he would have to traverse.

    Of course I wasnt just messing with my brother here. This was important training for my out of shape Ogre-Onii

    I mean sure maybe making him almost smash into a wall by hacking a vending machine so I could crush a can of Ni-C, making the concrete wet right as he was turning the corner was a bit mean

    Funny as fuck though!

    I was still cackling as I finally ran into a dead end in an alleyway and realized I would have to go over Jun to escape. But as he rounded the corner, he just roared and leapt back at me.

    Uh-oh. Instead of trying to escape I just leapt up onto a garbage can and then onto a fire escape climbing over just in time to avoid his grasping hands as he had tried to follow me.

    We stood there for a second. Jun had no way to get up high enough to get me up here.

    Pfft. I snickered and rolled over putting my hands onto my chin as Iy down on the fire escape and just looked at my brother. My brother, who was gasping for air.

    You need more exercise.

    I don''t... Usually run for that long! He grunted up at me as he leaned against the wall.

    Like I said. Exercise.

    Gonna Gonna chip in some Synth-Lungs. he grunted instead and I scowled.

    Yeah cause thats what you need. More chrome. Gonk. But I rolled my eyes realizing that my fun time was over. I quickly rolled off the fire escape andnded easily on the ground. I pulled out the key shard and offered it to Jun who quickly snatched it up and put it back in its socket.

    You You are going to work on my defenses so no one else can picksocket me. He grumbled at me with a pointed finger.

    I just rolled my eyes. As if arunner with any skill would have any trouble breaking through any defense he put up.

    Cmon you lump. Lets get you home. I informed him as I started walking towards his bike and my Quadra.

    His grumbling had me smiling happily as he followed after.

    --

    *So this isnt just a trap right?* I asked into ourm line as we were all waiting outside the Gold beach Marina, funnily enough.

    *Its not a trap And if it is, thats what you are here for.* Hiromi responded with a hint of amusement in her tone.. Malcolm had done exactly what he said he was going to do.

    He had found someone selling a Caliburn, and he was going to buy it. So now all of Section 9 was here to make sure it wasnt going to end up with a bullet hole in our choom.

    Hiromi and Malcolm were out hanging around the front of the Marina waiting, while Ichi and I were in his truck.

    The truck that was facing away from the Marina, its back door unlocked but held almostpletely closed so I could see out.

    There may or may not be an HMG sitting in the back of the truck just in case of any nonsense as well.

    I patted my barely used girl as we all waited.

    *Thats him.* Hiromi added suddenly and I looked back out.

    Down the ramp into the Marina parking garage came a Rayfield Caliburn. Its engine rumbling as it went past Ichi and I, down into a parking spot near the entrance of the Marina.

    *Look at that beauty.* Malcolm muttered on the line, and I rolled my eyes, probably Ichi and Hiromi doing the same right alongside me.

    If I had to hear even a single more Caliburn fact from Malcolm today I was going to stuff his mouth with an XXL burrito and throw him in a trunk.

    The call went quiet from Hiromi and Malcolm. I watched them approach the man that stepped out.

    No guards?

    That guy was brave. Then again he was right next to the Marina and if he was a member the security would try to protect him.

    A momentter all three of them went into the Marina to one of the bars near the entrance and started talking.

    I could see thanks to my Kiroshi, but they were to far to hear, and I had zero skill in lip reading. The inability to hear reminded me and I pulled open one of my back pouches, pulling the MaxDocs off the top until I came to the bottom.

    There was my directional microphone! I hadnt had a chance to use it until now!

    I quickly put it on, and pointed my finger in the right direction, it took a bit of wiggling around with the controls to get the right conversation but then I seeded and was listening in.

    It was boring!

    Malcolm and the seller were literally gushing about the Caliburn I instantly felt my brain shutting off. So I was mostly just zone out, sitting cross legged in the back of the truck waiting for something to happen.

    And waiting.

    And waiting.

    Eventually, finally Hiromi and Malcolm stood up, Malcolm shook the man''s hand and they both stepped out of the Marina.

    Malcolm quickly broke into a run as he charged at the Caliburn, and it opened at his approach.

    Hiromi took a few seconds to say something but they had moved enough my mic wasnt catching it. Whatever his response was, it satisfied her and she started walking up towards the truck.

    I guess that means the deal was a sess? Ichi asked, seeing that everything was over I stepped out of the back of the truck to join them.

    Oh yeah. The guy was more than happy to sell, and Malcolm happy to buy. Hiromi offered with a sigh. They spent like twenty minutes just nerding out about the car.

    Yeah I heard. If he liked his car so much, why sell it? I couldnt help but wonder. Especially since I remembered first hand what happened when I bought my Kusanagi.

    This was his second one. And it was older I guess He mentioned something about it being too old for him Hiromi said and I rolled my eyes at that.

    The rich kid that they had bought from was one of those guys then.

    So everything should be good?

    Itll be fine. The Rayfield contract was transferred over. As far as Night City, Rayfield, and anyone important is concerned the car is Malcolms now.

    Contract? Ichi asked, a moment before I did.

    The security contract? Hiromi offered and seeing both of our nk stares she sighed.

    Rayfield has a proprietary security system. Any intrusion will automatically call NCPD teams to the location to secure it. Part of the deal with buying one of the cars apparently. She said a bit too casually, which I caught.

    Apparently Wait. You didn''t know that either did you! I used Hiromi as I caught her slip and she flushed a little.

    Malcolm may have gushed about it a bit.

 Chapter 124

    Chapter 124

    We broke apart not long after that. Ichi had something that he was being evasive about that he wanted to do, and Hiromi had to go back to school.

    Apparently her parents were fine with her missing some sses toplete a business deal, but not the whole day.

    I decided to head to the range.

    I had looked over the silencer on the Copperhead and it seemed fine, so I was going to fire more rounds through it and see what happened!

    And of course try to level my reflex stat some more.

    I walked in with my Copperhead, and a box of ammo.

    Settled into ane, happy that it was quiet this early in the afternoon, and started shooting.

    It was fun!

    I was getting Assault XP pretty consistently, and a Reflex notification between every few alerts as well. The whole process was punctuated by the silent retorts of my rifle. I was even doing things like practicing quick reloads by flinging the magazine out of the gun and mming a new one home as I fired.

    It was little things like that, that even with Quick Reload, having a bit of practice for it helped me nail the maneuver.

    I was d we had just gotten the big payday, because when I ran out of ammo, I just went and bought more.

    And then again.

    I had to stop and switch to the Lexington to let my Copperhead cool off after a while, but then I just did the same thing with my handgun.

    I wanted some level ups, and I was going to get them.

    My uracy was good as well. The targets in this range gave a little point for how urate you shot, and I was shooting quick and urate, ramming rounds through the digital targets.

    The points were meaningless really. But it still only made the whole thing more fun.

    I had switched back to the Copperhead after letting it cool, and it didnt take long before I got what I wanted.

    *100 Assault XP Gained.*

    *Assault skill level up!*

    I hummed. As I let the knowledge flow in.

    Assault 7. I let the level flow into me, and realized I knew a slightly better way to hold and grip the rifle to keep it stabilized while moving and firing.

    Useful!@@novelbin@@

    I took a break not long after. I had pushed my Copperhead a bit too much. Gun Nut was telling me, I should really stop firing before I start causing heat damage.

    I gathered everything up and headed home. The apartment was empty when I got there. So I took some time to clean my guns and prep them for the next gig.

    Then I flopped on my bed.

    It felt good to level up. To improve myself. That crushing weight of the Scav threat and just general Night City fuckery, felt farther away since I had improved. I just had to keep improving. Moving the numbers slowly and steadily upward.

    And eventually threats would go away.

    Either because I simply surpassed their ability to harm.

    Or because I destroyed them.

    *Ringing.*

    I blinked at the call that popped up.

    Panam? I sat up as I realized who was calling, what was Panam calling me for? I quickly answered to find out.

    *Hello?*

    *Hey Motoko. Its Panam, from the Aldecaldos. Do you have a minute?* Panam asked, sounding almost professional in her courtesy.

    *Yeah Panam, of course I do. Hows it going? I havent seen you since I talked to Saul about the heist.*

    *Yeah Its a long story, but Im not with the Aldecaldos anymore. Im working as a merc in the city. I know this is a bit sudden, but Im on a gig that I need some hands to help with. I wouldnt normally reach out, but Scorpion wouldnt shut up about your ability, and well I could use some of that sort of help. This gig is important, and I cant have it going to scop.*

    *Well, Panam, you definitely called up the right girl. Id love to help out. Whats the deets?* I sat up practically buzzing. New gig!

    *Ill send you what I can, but its that sort of gig. I dont know everything, the fixer is being real secure about it all.*

    *Send what you can, but if you need help Im in. Were chooms after all.* The line was quiet for a minute and Panam let out a chuckle.

    *Thanks Motoko. I appreciate that. Night City hasnt exactly been what I expected on my own.*

    *Hey. If you need something Anything, call me in okay? I have lots of chooms all over the city. Even if its just to hang out at a club so you can vent to someone, Ill be there.* Panam barked out augh.

    *Ill keep that in mind. Deets are sent out.*

    *Alright give me a second.*

    I looked over the text. Instantly my eyes narrowed. This was definitely a fixers work. I recognized the style that Wakako used in her information packets, but it wasnt quite the same.

    Mostly because the entire thing was very nk on what the actual gig was.

    Although what was really interesting was what the gig actually did say.

    *Holy shit! Thats a hell of a drive.*

    *Im a nomad. Its what we do best You were solid with Scorpion. So I-*

    *Im not saying no Panam, just surprised. There isnt much here, and I dont like that much, but Im in.* I confirmed as I stood up. I was already starting to run around my room. I needed a bag of stuff Clothes and junk. I realized I was going to have to raid Juns burrito stash as well just to be safe.

    And let Jun and my chooms know.

    I was actually getting kind of excited!

    I had never been to Seattle before!

    --

    Half an hourter I was pulling into a storage unit that was on the east side of the city. Just a block or so from the bare desert. Sixth St. tags covered the buildings in the area, but no one seemed to be around. Instead as I pulled in, I saw Panam Panams ass anyways.

    Look, I could recognize the booty anywhere. The game made sure of that.

    She was half way into the engine bay of a Thorton Mackinaw. The same truck which I think was her personal ride a few years from now was a modded out monster. Many of the same upgrades as my Quadra covered it.

    I pulled over not far from her and stepped out.

    I was wearing my armor and gear.

    If Panam made fun of me for being a dough girl I would be a little annoyed, but I wasnt going to go light when the gig involved traveling to another city. One where I wouldnt have any backup to call up in case something went bad.

    Panam!

    One second! She called out as she continued to rummage around with the insides of her truck. That was fine, it gave me time to grab my gear. I had a bag for clothes and toiletries, and a bag for food and snacks, cause I didnt want to presume on Panams supply.

    But I also had ammo and weapons.

    I went around to the trunk that opened and stared at my supply.

    My hand twitched towards the Uragan, but that was a bit much, and Panam probably had one of her own. Instead I grabbed my Nekomata and loaded a few of the spare magazines I had picked up for her into my armors webbing.

    Hefting all my gear I headed over.

    This wasnt going to be a two vehicle trip. I was riding with Panam. Honestly it was for the best. I had never done a long distance trip like this before. Better to just rely on Panams skill as a nomad.

    And done! She called out as she pulled herself free grabbing a rag and wiping her hands as she turned to look me over.

    I saw the raised eyebrow which I promptly ignored.

    Let me pack my stuff then. I offered as I headed to the passenger door and she nodded slowly looking amused.

    Should be room in the back seat, try not to squish my stuff.

    Ill be careful! I called out as I climbed into the seat and checked the single back seat that still remained. Half of her back seat was cut off from all the extra equipment in her truck. Including Im assuming the Machine gun that I remember could activate on top.

    The seat had a few bags of her own already there and I carefully ced all my stuff, keeping only my Nekomata in the seat with me.

    You sure you need all that?

    You hired me as a shooter, not dead weight. I called back and pulled out from the back seat to see her looking me over from the driver door. Leaning against it casually, with an amused look on her face. Im treating this gig just as seriously as I am the one Scorpion brought me on, and remember, that time I brought an HMG.

    Im surprised you didnt this time as well.

    Last time I took it on a nomad gig, didnt go well, so Im sticking to more urate shooting this time. I said, patting my Nekomata.

    Well its a relief to see you taking this seriously. She said, but her voice was more teasing than anything.

    Not sure what you got yourself into Panam, but between the signs of a good fixer sending you this gig, and how quiet youve been about it? Im readying up for a war Oh! I forgot the grenades! Im such a gonk! I saidughing as I bonked my head and hurried over to my Quadra.

    A few grenades were fitted into my chest rig carefully ced so their triggers couldnt go off.

    Didnt want to walk around with a fucking bomb strapped to my chest. That was only cool if I could get out of the armor fast enough.

    I jogged back over and this time Panam was in the driver''s seat and her amusement was gone.

    You know I cant tell you anything about what Im transporting?

    Yep. I said as I climbed in.

    Alright. Im not too worried about the trip itself, maybe some minor Raffen trouble, but my girl can take care of that. She said patting her truck, But in Seattle the drop might be difficult. Thats the point Im really worried about.

    Well Ill keep an eye out regardless, and my girl can handle whatever Seattle throws at us. I sat patting my Nekomata mimicking Panams only motions.

    Alright. Lets go then. She said, sounding nervous.

    Hearing that I of course put on my seatbelt. Road trip!

    --

    You need anything? Panam asked hours into our drive but I looked over to her without really taking my eyes off the road, and camera monitors I had ess to in the passenger seat.

    No, Im fine. Fully hydrated. I assured her. Just likest time I had worked with a nomad, I wasnt letting any sense of boredom hinder me. It might be a few day drive from Night City up to Seattle, made longer mostly from poor roads, and being forced to take long detours to avoid Raffen territory, but I was fully embracing my cool, to keep an eye on things.

    Right Right.

    Sorry, do you want me to chatter about stuff? This is the first time Ive gone this far from Night City. Its kinda preem, and I could fill the air about all the cool stuff Im seeing.

    Ugh please no. Nomads know every driving game, or have heard everything you could ever see described in every way by bored children I just didnt expect you to be this focused Youve been staring at the horizon and the camera screens for hours.

    Im on a job. I might be a total gonk most of the time, but being professional on a gig is the best way to make sure everyone gets to go home afterwards. I told her as I do finally take my eyes away from the horizon. Dont worry. No matter what happens, Ill make sure we both get home.

    My words meant to be reassuring made her look a little sour for a moment, she caught that I noticed her expression as it smoothed out.

    Its not you. I appreciate it, Motoko. I just dont really have a home at the moment. She said, her voice seeping with frustration.

    You want to talk about what happened to make you leave?

    No. No I really dont. I appreciate it, but just

    Its fine Panam. I wont push. Im d you called me up though. This is nice, getting out of the city I mean.

    Heh, well make a nomad out of you yet. She offered and I stuck my tongue out, that wasnt going to happen. As I had once told Scorpion. I needed a big couch and an AC unit at the end of the day.

    ---

    You sure?

    Yeah. I know this group, not the first time Ive traveled up this way. Just y it cool, they can be assholes, but they arent Raffen. Panam said as she turned into the ancient gas station on the side of a broken down road we had been following. It was surrounded by a fleet of nomad vehicles, and we had been waved down by a group up on the roof of the pump roof, a little snipers nest up there made out of oldwn chairs.

    The trucks rumbling engine died out and she stepped out.

    Well well look who it is! If it isnt the troublemaker herself!

    Scott! Youre still alive? I thought for sure someone would have put a bullet in you by now! She called out as she put her hands on her sides and cocked her hip out.

    Heh. nothing out here in the desert can catch me girl! Who you got there with you? He asked, looking to me as I stepped out. I was being nice and not carrying my Nekomata, but I was still suited up, just with my tech gogs up on the top of my head as I stretched my legs and walked around the front of the truck, scoping out everything around me as I met up with Panam.

    This is Motoko, shes a solo I hired. But the Aldecaldos owe her something fierce. She pulled Scorpion out of a Raffen camp after they ambushed them.

    A long whistle escaped the old cowboys lips. He titled his big old twelve gallon hat up to look me over, his one eye, obviously chrome scanning me.

    Well, if she helped the little brat out from those fucks, shes at least wee as long as she doesnt cause trouble. But Im sorry to say brat, the path ahead is closed down, has been for a while now. Best turn back.

    What? Cmon Ol Scott. I need to get to Seattle! What could be closing down the nomad road!?

    Thats obvious, or you wouldnt be all the way up here, but there isnt a negotiation here. The Jodes have closed the road entirely. He pped a knife hand into his other palm.

    Why? Whats going on here Scott?

    He scowled. What else? His question seemed to finally hammer home for Panam as she scowled back, looking pretty fierce as she responded.

    Raffen.

    Something set them off fierce. Theyve been hitting anything going through the area, and I mean anything. You should have seen Hernando. That big truck of his? They tore it apart. He barely got out.

    Fuck That thing was more armored than even my girl But Scott, we gotta get to Seattle, its for a gig from a fixer. She added at the end, emphasizing fixer heavily.

    Then youll just be another one of the many that have tried brat. I mean it. They have all sorts of hardware setup, military. Wait for them to calm down, or find a way around. Only option.

    Then Ill find a way around. She snapped, sighing and rubbing her forehead. What can you tell me about any other routes?

    Not much brat. Raffen have been all over these hills thest year. Not sure what is up, but theyre definitely not making it easy for us. The old man shrugged.

    I know, the Aldecaldos have had trouble recently too. Panam offered and didnt get the reaction she wanted.

    Pfft. Youre practically city dwellers, you Aldecaldos. The old man said, but Panam flipped him off, and they bothughed, so I guess it was amon insult between them.

    Come grab a warm meal, stay the night.. The old man demanded then. Panam scoffed, but epted, and I was happy enough to ept as well.

    I wonder if they had barbeque?

    --

    So why dont we just kill the Raffen? I asked as Panam and I were loading up the next morning. We had done as ordered and stayed the night in the Jodes Nomad camp. There hadnt been barbeque, but they had some faux maple syrup with their faux bacon, and you know what? It was pretty damn good.

    Cause that would be suicide.

    Too many Rafffen? Too much equipment? Or are you just assuming its a suicide run because they told you it was? I couldnt help but ask, but Panam threw me a look.

    Both of the first two options. Raffen often have military equipment they pull out of their ass but usually not all the time. If they are just using the shit outright? Probably corp backed. Dont think of the way being closed by the Raffen, think of it being closed by some mega corp that is supplying the Raffen to keep the pass closed for some reason.

    I couldnt argue that, nodding along as I slid into the passenger seat. So whats the n?

    Im going to head east, try to slide around the roadblock. Dont really want to head into Idaho territory to get to Seattle, but if I have to. She offered and I just nodded.

    Ill keep an eye out then. Its annoying the Raffen are this difficult to deal with. They arent after your mysterious package are they?

    No. Highly, highly doubt it. If they were after us, they would have targeted us and not just hit everything. Something is going on the Raffen dont want anyone to see. Could be a Mega corp testing some new weapon or something. Or they are just hitting every convoy through this area as an excuse for a megacorp to hide the convoy they were actually after. She waved out the window and a few nomads tipped hats, or waved back as we set off.

    You ever gone the long way around? I asked and this time I watched her frown.

    Once. A long time ago.

    Great. Alright. Just make sure that turret of yours is working. I grumbled, but returned to my own stakeout, as we set off through the desert broken highways, turning off the long highway we had been taking and heading east.

    Neither of us talked much as we traveled. Where before Panam had been almost casual on the drive, now she was actively working. Checking a paper map of all things, looking all around, constantly on the lookout forndmarks and keeping us going.

    On the other hand, I was focused on the cameras on her truck, and my own eyes on the horizon.

    --

    We were camped that night. Panam had a tent set up and a fire going, which Panam and I were grilling some food on

    Okay mostly Panam, I still had like thirty XXL burritos if I got desperate, but I also wasnt a cook. So I was happy that Panam was willing to share her Nomad road chili.

    We might run into some trouble tomorrow. She finally offered and I felt my eyebrows rise up at the sudden words. Yeah? Raffen?

    Maybe. The whispers I got updated from Ol Scott said that this territory is sometimes controlled by some Raffen groups. With the main road locked down, likely some smaller groups, or even another big group will move in to try and catch people doing exactly what we are doing.

    I nodded at that, as I spooned some beans and synth meat into my mouth. If thats what happens we kill them and move on. Maybe loot some stuff. I said with a shrug. I had my Nekomata, and Panam had her truck''s turret.

    Youre pretty ze aboutbat. She said and I noticed her hesitation. I had always considered Panam quick to jump into a fight as well, but maybe not so much yet? She couldnt have been out of the Aldecaldos for long.

    Hell this might even be her first gig on her own. I hadnt asked since she didnt want to talk about her circumstance.

    Are you worried? I asked and got a scowl in return, but that wasnt a denial. Well you arent alone, and you brought me in to act as a solo to back you up. If youre nervous then just have some faith that you arent alone.

    Im not worried. She finally denied, but it sounded weak. I just worry about how many fucking Raffen Shiv we might face tomorrow.

    You got an Urgan or something right? I asked and she looked at me like I was crazy.

    Of course I dont! She denied harshly scoffing like the very idea was absurd.

    Shame. If I had known that I would have brought my Uragan. I replied, looking at her like she was crazy. Who doesnt bring a rocketuncher to a mad max car battle!?

    Who just travels with a rocketuncher!? She snapped at me, and I had to really hold back on saying that I had gotten the idea from her.

    Panam rolled her eyes and finished digging into her meal. I realized that she didnt want to talk anymore so I went and checked my Nekomata.

    She could use a little cleaning from the dust, and I wanted to make sure I could use her for tomorrow if I needed.

 Chapter 127

    Chapter 127

    Oh I am so d to be back. I cant wait to be home. I moaned as we finally hit the road leading into the city. I could practically sense my bed waiting for me. And maybe some choom time. I wanted to hang out with Hiromi, and my crew. Bother Jun, maybe get into a wrestling match with him or something.

    Just anything besides travel through dirty desert.

    Not home just yet. We need to hand off everything If you are up to sticking around. The way she said it! I knew it!

    You do want me around!

    Can I change my mind? She asked and I justughed at her, and shook my head.

    No. Once you be my choom, its forever. No take backsies.

    So Rogue huh? Thatll be interesting.

    First time in the Afterlife? She asked and I almost jerked a bit in surprise at the question.

    Well, yeah actually. Thats where were going?

    Thats where Rogue is, so thats where were going. She said and I just nodded slowly, I guess I was finally getting my Afterlife debut.

    I was quiet for the rest of the drive, the sand and dirt slowly shifted into urban streets.

    Its good to be home.

    The drive to the Afterlife didnt take too long. The sun was starting to droop as we pulled into the small parking lot. Panams truck stuck out pretty badly from the vehicles parked around, but she found a spot and then the roar of the engine quieted down.

    Alright lets go. She stepped out taking a moment to stretch from the long drive. I joined her, but mostly I was wiping at my hair watching as dust fell out of it. If only keeping Rogue waiting wasnt that bad an idea Id go get a shower. That and holding onto the shard Rogue wanted was just asking for trouble.

    We walked down the familiar stairs, and I did look behind me at the wall to see if I could see the Tarot that appeared for V.

    Nothing.

    The bouncer was the same big guy I remembered and he scanned Panam almost casually, then ncing at me, and doing the same.

    I could see the moment he scanned me and found me not on whatever list that Afterlife kept. Panam noticed it too. Rx Em, shes with me.

    He lifted an eyebrow but shrugged and stepped aside. Wee to the Afterlife kid. The man offered almost sarcastically as he side eyed Panam.

    Thanks. I offered back as I followed in after Panam. I dont really care if he thinks me being here is weird or something. Im not one of the Night City Crazies that wanted to die in a ze of glory anyways.

    I was just here for the gig. Then I would go home, take a shower and a nap. This week had kinda sucked.

    I shook it off and looked around. I had been here before of course, in a game at least. It hadnt changed much. The neon lights, the music ying, the different teams of edgerunners in side rooms, at the bar, or just hanging around. Some of them nning, some of them partying, and some of them dying.

    I looked away from the side room that had a choomid out on a couch as his team huddled around him.

    I dont think that one made it.

    ire! My usual! Panam called out as she stopped at the bar and the bartender threw Panam a smile before throwing together a drink.

    I wasnt paying attention to that though.

    Because someone much more interesting was at the bar.

    It was the pink jacket that caught my eye first, and then I stilled because I recognized that look.

    Of course it wasnt the exact same, trantions from game visuals, or anime visuals to real life made things look different but I had seen that woman''sst moments. It was impossible not to recognize her.

    It was kinda hard to forget Sasha.

    Feel the rythm, of the streets. I mumbled to myself. The first lines of the song that sted through my brain.

    I guess I knew my next song. Also, I guess I knew my next mission. Sasha was still alive For now. I couldnt help but stare as Sasha threw up three fingers at ire who nodded, already preparing her drinks.

    Of course that was when I got caught staring. Blue and pink eyes locked onto me. Unique custom colors. It was pretty.

    I honestly was surprised as well,, they werent Kiroshi, but some other brand, still high quality. But she had caught me looking. Eyebrow quirking up, as she gave me a look.

    Okay Motoko. This is it. Just Meet the catgirl. Chat her up! Yeah. Use your skills in cool and brain to just chat with a woman. Easy! Sure

    Hi. I said blurting it out without being able to stop. Im Motoko. I like your optics!

    Hello Motoko, who likes my optics. Im Sasha. She said in a teasing tone that made me still for a moment. Wait That was! She thought I was trying to flirt! Abort! Abort! No wait. Cant abort! I need to save her life!

    So instead of saying anything I just kinda fumbled around for a moment before taking the seat next to her. So edgerunner huh? Thats preem! Whats your specialty? I asked after a moment of awkward fidgeting. I mean I already knew she was arunner. I was just hoping I could pull her into arunner conversation and then force her to be my friend.

    Is this your first time in here? Get brought in as part of a gig or something? She asked me instead of answering, I blinked before pouting a little.

    I was working protection on a gig. Panam works with Rogue so here I am. I said, making sure to enunciate that I wasnt the protection target. It was quiet mostly except for the Raffen, but they arent that bad. I demurred.

    Oh? Maybe you can tell me about it some time. She replied with smile as ire was suddenly there with three drinks that she picked up and it was obvious Sasha was about to disappear.

    Quick think fast!

    Netrunner right? I said, I had been hoping to fall into a conversation but it would be a bit too strong to follow her back to her group.

    She did stop as she held the drinks. I am.

    So am I. Programmer too, but its one of my specialties. Uh. If you ever need some programming work done. I said and then sent her my number.

    She looked more amused than interested, which was not what I was going for, so I had to do something.

    I do programming work for Yoko. She can vouch that Im good. Feel free to reach out. I do consultations for free. I offered and there it was.

    The look of interest on her face. Sure I had to name drop Yoko, as proof Should have used the Sexy Motoko Voice! Dumbass! Of course she thinks I was being cute sounding like a teenager.

    Dummy! Idiot!

    Maybe Ill give you a call sometime for that Consult. Then she walked away.

    But the whole time I was a little distracted because I had never heard someone say consult and make it sound

    Motoko! Panam called out, pulling me away from my staring at the woman.

    Yeah Iming. I tore my eyes away from Sasha and followed Panam towards an indented couch space.

    One that had a certain fixer.

    Panam was stopped at the entrance, a big guy I cant remember his name. He had a weird haircut and he was Rogues Bodyguard.

    He was holding out a hand to Panam, stopping her from entering as I walked up, his optics, a set that I didnt recognize but werepletely inhuman, were watching both of us for any trouble.

    I just kept my hands away from my guns, and kept it casual. He wasnt going to start anything without troubleing his way first.

    Cmon Squama, I dont have time for this.

    Da boss is busy.

    We were just waiting at the bar, I know she knows we are here! Tell her to stop ying this corpo shit. Panam snapped at him, but calmed herself a moment after with a deep breath, and a sip of her whiskey.

    Wait. He replied simply and Panam tsked at him but did just that, but never stopped ring at the booth that we could see a bit of Rogue sticking out. Looks like she was going to wait. I just ignored her impatience and waited calmly.

    Either Rogue really was busy and so we had to wait, or she was doing some powery on Panam, and We would have to wait.

    No point in getting irritated about it.

    Finally a few minutester, Rogue called out. Let them in.

    Squama I guess? Stepped aside and let the two of us enter the little booth area Rogue kept for herself, although the big guy moved behind her watching over us for any threat.

    Panam. Rogue greeted casually the older woman uncaring about Panams re.

    Rogue.

    Alright kid stop ring, I was on an important call. Shard. She demanded and Panam red, but pulled the shard out of her neck and handed it over. Rogue pushed it into a data reader and nodded and then her eyes went blue.

    A momentter Panam perked up and nodded. The other part?

    Like I said, you do this gig, Ill put you to work and take care of the rest. Rogue answered instantly. Then she looked at me. Interesting choice, bringing a kid along. Motoko Kusanagi.

    Rogue. I greeted back. Her resting bitch face might have had more effect on me, if I didnt already know all about her. And wasn''t that worried.

    I dont usually rmend kids on gigs I send out Panam.

    Panam gave Rogue a look, and so did I. I did appreciate that the look Panam was sending the older woman screamed stop fucking around.

    Mine was just an eyebrow lift. Waiting for her to get on with it.

    If she knew my name, no way she didnt know at least a little about what I had been getting up to.

    Rogue just scoffed and threw a hand at the two of us. Yeah yeah, dont get so upset. Ive heard your name before. She offered, but then she simply turned to Panam with a more serious look. Good work. You were a littlete, but I heard about the problems with the route. Ill be in touch in a few days with more work. Get settled in. Rogue offered and then she basically just waved her hand at us.

    Telling us to get lost.

    Ill be seeing you Rogue. Panam offered as she stood, and I followed shortly after. It was a little sad that Rogue wasnt really interested in working with me, at least not yet, but also not a terrible thing. It wasnt like I wanted to deal with her attitude either.

    As I walked out, I looked in the corner. Spotting Sasha sitting in a booth. Maine and Dorio were there, and it was obvious the three of them were plotting.

    They were in the wrong spots for it to be that day though. So I felt myself rx. Ill have to hope that my offer caught her interest. I would love a good reason to make more programs, and working with someone at Sashas level?

    Hell maybe even pulling her into gigs, or vice versa?

    Sure I wasnt a huge fan of Maine, but the man was a tank. We could probably do some fun gigs.

    But that was for another time. I followed Panam as she stalked outside back to her truck before she stopped.

    Motoko Thanks. For backing me up on the gig and everything. I-I really appreciate it. She said with a relief showing on her shoulders that I was just starting to put together.

    Rogue offered you money and a ce to live in Night City for help with the gig didnt she?

    Yeah. Yeah she did Here. Her eyes shed blue for a few moments and I got an update. A good chunk of eddies into my ount.

    You sure? I think youre struggling for eddies right now more than I am.

    Its fine. Rogue pays well, and if Im right Ill have consistent work under her. I nodded at that and we both stood kind of quiet for a moment, neither sure what to say.

    Then if you ever need backup. Dont hesitate to call me up okay? I demanded from her being firm on this. We are chooms now after all.

    Hah. I guess we are Thanks-No Ill stop. Ill stay in touch. She says instead and I smile at that.

    I walked away as Panam jumped into her truck. It wasnt long before my Quadra pulled up just a bit down the street and I jumped in ready to go home.

    I was totally ready for a shower.

    ---

    I trudged up into the apartment a mess of old dust coating me as I opened the door to the apartment and flopped my backpack full of stuff I had packed for what should have been just a few days of travel.@@novelbin@@

    It had been a bit longer than that, so I was sweaty and wearing dirty clothes.

    Im home! I called out, seeing Juns boots at the entrance as I pulled my own dusty boots off with a bit of effort.

    Motoko! Jun called out from his room and he came stomping out, wearing sleepwear and looking like he had been in bed for a while, his hair was sticking up in a mess, but he didnt hesitate to charge at me like a bull when he saw me.

    Stupid grin on his face the whole time.

    Ughhhh. I groaned at him as he picked me up and pulled me into a big hug. Jun Im messy.

    You were only supposed to be gone a few days. You didnt even call!

    I groaned as Juns hug quickly morphed into a grapple as he wasnt letting me go.

    We had to avoid some Raffen Shiv. They apparently took over an entire section of the main path to Seattle so we had to go around both ways. It added so much wasted time to the trip.

    You didnt call. He said his arms tightening around me, which was actually a big in warning.

    I called Hiromi! My words did the opposite and Jun only squeezed me tighter.

    Hiromi told me she called you. He grumbled looking down at me with a disappointed older brother face. I was a little too focused on breathing though as he was slowly tightening the grip.

    Until eventually I had to break.

    Sorry! I managed to gasp out and then I was released sucking in a deep breath for air as I could finally breathe again.

    Next time you had better call or at least text. He demanded fully in his big brother role. Also you stink, take a shower. My kick for his shins was deftly dodged away from, as if he knew it wasing and then he was walking awayughing as I red at his stupid back.

    Revenge will be mine.

    --

    Washed, cleaned and feeling normal again I stepped out of the bathroom as I continued to rub my hair dry with a towel.

    Jun was waiting for me on the couch with a pair of steaming bowls of Ramen, and giving me a dopey smile.

    This doesnt mean youre forgiven. I told him, but I couldnt help but slide onto the couch and cuddle up for Ramen and attention.

    How was your trip?

    Boring. Super boring. I had to stay focused the whole time and Panam is being super sensitive because she just left the Aldecaldos so she wasnt really in the mood for chatting. So I mostly just watched the horizon for threats. Then I stuck ambrosia into my mouth.

    Seattle Ramen had been good, but it was nothingpared to eating food at home.

    Well other than Hiromi calling me a bunch to see if I heard from you yet. He said, throwing me a look. Its been quiet.

    Thats a good thing. Quiet is good. He just shrugged at my words.

    The gig you went on the trip for, did it end well?

    Oh yeah. It was just boring. They had set up what looked like an ambush on Panam, but I was overwatching the area. They had a sniper too, but I hacked into his Ashura so it would shoot his boss if he fired. The handoff was peaceful. Panam handled it, and then we drove all the way home We did get chased by Raffen at one point. It was the only fun part of the whole gig. But they ran away when I shot at them.

    You okay?

    Yeah, like I said Jun, it was super boring.

    Huh. Well youve officially traveled farther than I ever had. What was Seattle like? Oh. Jun had never left NC.

    Okay so We first saw it on the horizon, lots of big buildings, barely any ads though. It was actually kinda dark. I went through everything I saw in Seattle for him. Describing it as best as I could for my interested brother.

    --

    I woke up the next morning around the time the sun wasing up. I had gone to bed early wanting to just rx and reset before getting back into things.

    I headed out after getting on some clothes and jogged as much as I could to the gym downstairs.

    The sun was justing up, but I could tell it was going to be a warm one. Not a cloud in the sky today.

    Grumbling a bit at this, I headed into the gym area to find it wasnt empty like I had expected, despite it being so early.

    A few early birds were already working, but I just shrugged and found something open then making sure I was tucked away I went to work.

    Squats were the exercise of the day. Since other than my ankles it was all flesh. I fell into the rhythm, up and down. Pushing my body long after it started being too much.

    I was sweating as I continued, d that I was in a corner tucked away from everybody so no one was watching what I was doing. Because anyone with a head on their shoulders would be wondering why I was destroying myself like this.

    But I wasnt because the more I pushed the more I was getting alerts in my head for Body. The more I pushed myself, the more I gained.

    I took a short break grabbing some food, and drink from the vending machines outside the gym area when I noticed a familiar face.

    John.

    Hey Kid. Hayatos been bugging me about a rematch with you sometime.

    But I gave her my number if she wants to fight? I answered instantly a little confused.

    Heh. Shes shy despite how she acts. Probably isntfortable doing it herself. So, you up for it?

    I looked down at my knees that were basically shaking together considering how badly I had thrashed myself with squats.

    Maybe tomorrow.

    He noticed my own look and nodded, although he was looking at me as if trying to figure something out.

    That looks like you overdid it.

    Yeah. I agreed instantly. Been stuck in a truck for a while, I pushed a bit too hard today.

    Overdoing it doesnt help. He reminds me, before sighing. Here hold on.

    He walked over to one of the gonks and was handed an inhaler which he carried back and offered to me.

    Take a puff of that every hour for a few hours..

    What is it? I asked instead of taking it. I wasnt one to just take drugs someone randomly gave me.

    Mostly after-workout. Itll help heal those blown out legs of yours faster. A bit of pain killer as well, light stuff. Its something I teach the guys here to make for themselves.

    I hesitated, and took the inhaler, but I didnt puff it.

    He snorted at that and just shrugged. Ill tell Hayato, set something up for her tomorrow. Probably wont be at Gomorrah though. You know the Deravaja?

    I blinked, Senseis Dojo? Sure.

    Ah, good. Hayato is one of his students. Ill send you a time, but the spar will be there.

    Suuure?

    He chuckled as he waved me off with that.

    I guess I had a spar tomorrow.

 Chapter 128

    Chapter 128

    Instead of huffing the drugs I was handed, I just took a Maxdoc, and then I did the smart thing and drove to Viks. I was already scheduled for a checkup for my chrome. I had been out of the city on the road for over a week after all.

    But I stopped to see Misty first. Walking into her shop, and taking a moment to enjoy the soft sounds of her space.

    Motoko!

    Hey Misty! I called out in return as the blonde smiled at seeing me. Stepping away from the counter toe throw a hug around my shoulders, of course that was a mistake.

    Motoko its good to-Oh! She chirped out pulling away.

    Sorry sorry I just finished exercising. Im all sweaty. I apologized and she justughed but didnt go for another hug.

    How are you?

    Im good! I just got back into the city. I went up to Seattle on a gig!

    Oh! I always thought about traveling to Seattle, but with my shop. She waved at her ce and I nodded.

    Honestly? It was kinda weird. I actually like Night City more. I admit in a horrified whisper that has Misty chuckling lightly.

    Well wee home then. Here to see Vik?

    Yeah. I should get checked out and stuff. I want to make sure I dont have dust anywhere that I cant get to. She nodded at that and sent me off with a wave.

    Quickly jumping down the stairs I found Vik wasnt alone.

    Jackie! I called out smiling at the big man that was being run through a bit of boxing work by Vik.

    Huh? Which is exactly the time Vik used the opportunity to bop the bigger man right on his nose. Hey Vik!

    No distractions. The Ripper said but he was grinning regardless as he lowered his arms and ended their workout. Hey Kid. You alright?

    Not injured! But I just got back into the city! I had a gig that took me to Seattle, and I wanted to get checked over. I responded, but then I walked over and settled into Viks rolly chair. But no rush. Go ahead and finish ying with Jackie, Ill wait.

    We arent ying-

    This isnt ying Hermanita. Both men argued before realizing that my smile was broad and amused. They both huffed at me, realizing I was just messing with them, so Vik brought his padded hands back up.

    Alright Jack. Lets keep going.

    Jackie just nodded and the two went back at it. Jackie actually had good endurance I noted. Unlike Jun for example who just relied on his chrome, Jackie actually was fully into the training.

    Although considering its Jackie. I wouldnt mind if he relied on some protective chrome a bit more.

    Eventually both men tired out and Jackie took a seat and drank some water as Vik gestured for me to head over to the ripper chair. Vik was still wiping his forehead with a towel when he rolled over.

    So no issues you know of?

    I mostly just want to check for dust and junk. I was out on the road for more than a week. He nodded and pulled up his scanner starting in on the inspection..

    Seattle huh? Thats preem Hermanita. I didnt get my first gig out of the city until I was in my twenties. Jackie offered and I smiled at that.

    Thanks Jack. I know a Nomad that needed an extra shooter to watch her back. Shes not Raffen, but she sorta left the Aldecaldos for now.

    Jackie whistled, You dont hear them do that much.

    Yeah its a family thing. I added and Jackie really frowned then.

    Well that I can understand.

    Not too many problems here kid. Although you got some dents and dings. Vik confirmed giving me a look.

    Ive done maintenance!

    Yeah I can see that Its why there are so many dents. He says and then bursts out intoughter.

    I felt my jaw drop before I realized Vik was fucking with me.

    Laugh it up old man. I grumbled at him, but even Jackie was chuckling in that booming bellyugh of his at my reaction.

    Youre doing fine, kid. You do have some dust in the joints, thats normal especially for nomads or anyone traveling through the desert. Give me a few minutes and Ill clear you up. He said stillughing as he rolled away grabbing a big canister that was basically an oil washer.

    I rolled my eyes and leaned back, as Vik walked over and started opening up my arms. Panels popping open to show the sensitive interiors after a few moments of his deft hands essing every port.

    I shivered a bit the first time he blew the oil into my arms, it felt super ticklish, but after that first few spurts, I gotfortable with it.

    So Jackie. You going to get any more chrome? You still need some subdermal dont you?

    I got some Hermanita. He said, knocking a finger against his forehead. Cant get too much of the stuff though. Cami doesnt like it much. He said something kind of horrifying as he patted his shoulder.

    That specifically wasnt armored.

    Just like his stomach.

    Just like the stomach that he would bleed out from.

    Youre kinda a gonk, and Cami is a double gonk if she doesnt want you to have more protection. I said bluntly, actually holding back from really snapping at the man.

    It wouldnt help. Telling someone in love, or dating that they are with someone they shouldnt never works. It just pushes them away. So instead of saying anything more I just looked away from the big oaf. Stupid gonk.

    Ill just make sure you never step foot anywhere near Konpeki za.

    Hey thats not Jackie went quiet and I noticed Vik had intruded. Yeah snapping at him was stupid. Certainly not going to get anything done that way.

    The room was quiet for a while as Vik continued to work before he finally finished. All of my chrome got a going over including my ankles which thankfully hadnt been too bad. Stuck in boots had kept the dust out.

    You know, youd get less gunk in these with a good covering. Vik finally spoke up, breaking the silence between the three of us.

    But I like it! I argued instantly, holding my arms against my chest to keep them from Vik who justughed.

    Well just know a real skinn covering will protect the insides better. But its your choice. Nothing Im not used to. He said and I nodded at that.

    Jackie I noticed was over by the TV watching the boxing match instead of being his usual friendly self.

    Dangit.

    I left without a word. I couldnt apologize to him right now. Which might just be necessary. Cami was a terrible choice. Misty would be better of course. But not wanting Jackie to armor up?

    Fucking scop of a woman.

    In the end I also asked Vik to tell me what was in the inhaler that I had been given and he assured me it was normal workout stuff. Perfectly safe if I wanted to use it.

    I just shrugged.

    --

    So I had a whole bunch of different stuff on my te, but I was mostly waiting for the big one.

    Would Sasha call me?

    If she didnt in a week, I would have to do something drastic. I didnt want the woman to die. Not after seeing what causes herst stand.

    Fucking corps.

    Fortunately she had created a secondary distraction for me. After Viks checkup I went home and settled onto the couch with my guitar.

    Let you down. It was a very Cyberpunk song, and I wanted a copy of it. It was definitely a favorite of mine, and having seen Sasha I wanted to listen to it.

    There were a lot of tones and noises in the song, so it took me a long time to get every sound I would need programmed into the music box.

    As I was working Jun came home from work throwing his TC jacket over the back of the couch as he stopped to grab some food and drink and then settled onto the couch near me.

    What are you working on?

    New song. I muttered, semi distracted as I was setting up the rhythm track for the song. It wasnt exactly a rock song after all.

    Oh? He prompted, making me shake away the music boxes track creation toolkit. I popped my personal link from the box as well just so I could move away from it.

    Its A bit different from most of what Ive done so far. Its not rock or anything. More of a Night City sound. I said, yeah I liked the way that sounded.

    Sounds awesome.

    Its not Us Cracks, you wont like it. I told him and he justughed at my tone.

    I like your stuff. When are you going to start selling your music?

    Probably never.

    Cmon Motoko, you are really good. I want to see you up on a stage some day. Jun said, smiling all proudly at me.

    As if I want to see that! I quickly retaliated and kicked at him, but his Motoko sense must have been working because he jerked away and I missed. Instead he just broke intoughter.

    Youre all embarrassed!

    Im not!

    You are!

    Not!

    Totally are. He assured me with a big smile on his stupid face as he looked on.

    Shut up!

    He justughed at me. So how about you show off for me? I want to hear your new song.

    Its not done! I hissed and he nodded, resting back and putting up his feet on the table looking perfectly content to just sit there and wait.

    Realizing that I snapped at him. Its a new song! It could take a while!

    Ill wait.

    I might get stuck on it and take a week!

    Then Ill go to sleep and work and when its ready Ill listen. He assured me with that calm cool tone he had started to develop over the months.

    Ahhhhh! I was weak!

    I grumbled and grabbed my music box. Ill finish the stupid song then! Doubt hell even like it since it isnt Us Cracks!

    I pushed my personal link back in and started to work. Let you Down, didnt have a super fast pace, but it needed to be perfect. This song was Special? Important? No, that wasnt right, it was just

    It just needed to be perfect.

    I hadnt heard back from Sasha. I had no idea when the Biotechnica job was happening. All I knew is it should happen soon. But there was another reason I was making this song right now.

    Perfect Musical Memory let me remember the song exactly. Every note, every beat, every lyric And every scene.

    Music was an art, and many artistsbined art with their music.

    Let you down, basically was a music video. Sashas story from start to end. As I worked on the song I was remembering. I was reviewing what it had shown me.

    Sashas big problem was the Arasaka Robot R Mk.2. Well they would be Biotechnica Robots now, but Araska were the ones that made them.

    They were tough. Armored, and unflinching. She had used some powerful hacks to try and disable them, but it hadnt really worked.

    She needed a way to kill them, and a way to defend against their attacks.

    One of those was easy. Weapon Glitch would solve the problem outright, but I was going to need to do some work on it, to make sure it would punch through the security around a high end corpo defense unit.

    Then it came down to how to kill the bots.

    Short Circuit was a good hack against drones

    I would need to get a copy of it from Yoko.

    But I shook off the plotting to focus more on the song. Track after track was added in, making sure everything was fit together, I listened to the song I was creating over and over making sure everything was timed correctly, and then it was time for the lyrics.

    I nced at Jun who had been idly watching me for thest while with that stupid proud smile on his face.

    And then I was done with all the backing tracks, but still had a few lyric additions I needed.

    Gonna sing a bit. Dont bother me! I demanded earning a rolled eyes from my brother who at this point was totally vegging out on the couch.

    Let you down! I sang out messing with the reverb in the music box, and then went silent, as I wasnt actually singing the song just some of the backing vocals. Loooooove! I crooned out, and then I went through a few of the additional vocal lines, syncing them up, and I was ready. I could feel my ears heating up as Jun quirked an eyebrow at me.

    It wasnt a love song! Idiot!

    The only thing left was to stand up and actually sing the damn thing. I stood up surprising Jun as I hefted up the music box and settled it into a ce for this to work, I ran over to grab the speakers and set that all up so Jun could actually hear the song.

    Then I put my hands on my hips and looked Well it was still up, because Jun was a big boy even sitting on the couch.

    Okay this is the first time anyone has ever heard this song, so you better appreciate it! I told him firmly as I then exhaled, letting all the air out, changing how my voice would sound a bit, I needed to be closer to Sexy Motoko voice for this.

    The music began. The soft melody echoed through the apartment, and I was ready.

    Feel the rhythm of the streets.

    Let You Down, if you just read the lyrics was actually almost a fight song. It was just how slow and almost peaceful it was that changed the whole theme. It was a song about failing, yet Not. About oveing failure in a way.

    Or it was a song about Night City. Or a song about Well music was subjective like that.

    But I sang, destroying the vocals for this song. Considering how many times I had listened to it, I knew every note, and exactly how to best sing it.

    The song was just too good.

    And then it was over.

    The faint ending snares and sound ending in a quiet finale.

    To my surprise Jun didnt react for a while. Just staring at me, and I shifted a little ufortably under his gaze as he stood and then pulled me into a tight hug.

    It sounded preem Imouto.

    --

    So, song was done. Now time for some programming work.

    I headed out, taking my Kusanagi instead of the Quadra so I could enjoy thete evening drive through the city.

    As I drove I went through all the things I needed. First off, Sashas defenses, so she wouldnt have to sacrifice herself outright. Then I needed to figure out the best way to help her from there. She had blown up the office at thest moment, and been blown out the window. There was no way I could figure out exactly where she wouldnd without more information

    Could I talk to Maine and make sure he was in the right ce? Could he catch her? I shook off the idea. I just needed to give her the tools to escape without it being her end.@@novelbin@@

    I really hoped Sasha reached out. If she didnt, I might have to do something Drastic. I shook off the thought as the light I was stuck at turned green.

    No. I should do what I can. I should do enough that she should be able to survive, but Her death was her choice. I didnt know the woman, I wasnt family or friend. Her decisions were her own.

    I wanted to help, but the real question I should be asking myself is, would I risk the wrath of Biotechnica on Jun, or Hiromi in order to save Sasha?

    No.

    No, I wouldnt. I wasnt a hero, or even that good of a person in the long run. I wanted to save the cat girl, because I had felt something at her death, and I hated the pointless tragedy of it all.

    But her death was her own fault. I hated to say it like that but it was true. She made a choice to end her life for a cause.

    I pulled around a van drifting betweennes, probably drunk off his ass and zipped around him, my Kusanagi easily elerating me past the block and away from that annoying little traffic problem.

    Sasha was a grown woman. I couldnt save her. Not like a knight in shining armor. I could help, I could give her extra tools, and maybe end up with a new friend, but she wasnt Jun. I wouldnt go out of my way to risk my life, or my family''s life, for hers.

    Decision made, I focused on the road the rest of the way to the roundabout.

    If she did die. If I failed to save her? I would make sure her story was told, that might be all I could do for her.

    ---

    Yoko. I greeted happily seeing the dark sses d woman standing behind the counter like always.

    Motoko. You are still alive. Im d. She offered calmly in that weird monotone she had outside the.

    What? Oh Yeah the scav thing Im taking a break. Been out of the city for a week on a gig as well.

    Taking a break? She asked, sounding amused despite her tone. Well I suppose thats all we can ask for sometimes.

    Yeeeeah. I drawled out at her pointed remark. Hey. I need a copy of a Short Circuit. You got anything good?

    I have a very good off the shell version. She confirmed and I perked up at that. A higher level starting point meant the final version I make should be even better!

    You will make your own version again? I would be happy to trade it for a copy.

    I opened my mouth to agree before stopping. An image of Hiromi ring at me, a reminder that I should really stop agreeing to every deal that just seemed easiest to me.

    How about we talk trade.

    Ah, you finally learned. Yoko said actually looking sad like I had just kicked her puppy or something. Very well. Lets talk, what I can add to the deal.

    I was ring at the older woman more because of the teasing than because I was actually angry. It wasnt like I really cared that much, but dont act like Im stupid! I just value convenience more than profit!

    I want a few other hacks. Im thinking about adding a few more weapons to my arsenal.

    Oh? Well I know just the thing then. She said and I felt my eyebrow quirk up as she revealed a shard with a familiar name.

    Oh.

    Yeah, that wasnt something you wanted every script kiddie on the street to have.

    Lets talk price! She said for once losing her monotone and sounding like the kitsune she truly was.

 Chapter 130

    Chapter 130

    It actuallypiled. Sasha muttered in surprise as she watched her quick hack go from just a pile of noodle code to a working, functional hack.

    Ill be honest and admit that I was tempted to copy it myself. Cyberpsychosis was a pretty nasty quickhack, but now that Ive worked on it, I could just make my own that didnt have fucking kitten emojis throughout.

    So that mean shes legit? Maine asked, and Sasha shook her head.

    No, she is more than legit. Sasha turned to me, none of the cute kitten persona on disy. Why have I only barely heard about you? If not for theughing man hack. I wouldnt know who you are.

    I dont really care about rep much. I admit with a shrug. I dont really do the normalrunner stuff either. Yoko is like my only contact on the.

    Ive met a lot of fourteen year olds. Most of them are just script kiddies. Were you some secret corpo project or something? She asked almost in disbelief, but I just snorted.

    My mother was arunner. I exined which didnt actually exin anything. The perfect answer. And I like programming.

    Whats so special? Maine cut in. The big man had to my surprise mostly just hung back in the booth without a word. He had made a few calls from time to time, but had remained silent while I worked.

    Maine. I was nning on spending the next week working on that hack. She finished it in Two hours? She looked at me and then just startedughing. Making me look bad kid!

    Youre fine. You did most of the work. Just needed some fresh eyes. I said with a shrug.

    Pfft. If your eyes were what did it, then please tell me what you chipped in, I want some.

    Kiroshi Mk.1 I said but it was mostly sass and she giggled in delight at my words.

    Huh. The kids got talent then? Maine asked, and Sasha just rolled her eyes and shot him a look.

    Shes a better programmer than I am Maine. As annoying as that is to admit. She added with a sigh, then she pouted at me. Not fair!

    Sorry not sorry. I gave her, but she had just opened up a chance for me, that I couldnt help but take.

    I wasnt interested in working for Maine. But

    To save Sasha.

    You know. I am a frencer for other things as well. Infiltration,running, sniping. I dobat as well, but I think the big guy already has that covered for you guys. I exined, but I could instantly tell Maine wasnt interested.

    Just giving me a pseudo grunt of acknowledgement. Even Sasha just looked at me like I was something cute.

    There were times my age was pretty annoying.

    I looked between the two and just shrugged. Stopping it from bing an issue. Well just something to keep in mind.

    Then I rose up. All the deals had been done. Eddies had been transferred and Sasha now had a copy of my Reboot Optics, and I had done some work on her Cyberpsychosis hack.

    Would it be enough to save her life? I dont know.

    Ill call you when I finish the Short Circuit. I told Sasha and before she could respond I had gathered up my stuff and walked off.

    I couldnt change the way she saw me as just a kid. Even if she now saw me as a kid with serious programming talent.

    If that was the only connection I had, then I would use it.

    I just had to create something that would give her the advantages she needed.

    --

    I went home and set to work. Hammering the code with all the focus I could to try and finish it. I had no idea when the Biotechnica gig would happen. I just had to be ready before then.

    Life didnt let me bury myself into a hole though. An hourter the door to the apartment opened, and I nced up to see Hiromi.

    Motoko! She cheered out as she charged over and flopped onto the couch grabbing me in a hug as she snuggled in and whined from deep in her throat. Uuuuugh. Motoko! I did something totally gonk brained Dont be mad? Im sorry. I shouldnt have-

    Hiromi. I cut her off as she was sort of rambling into my side as she hugged me whileying t. Whats gotten into you? Tell me whats up. Its okay.

    I epted a gig On your behalf?

    I blinked a little. Well you are sort of my favorite fixer.

    No I mean She sighed, I screwed up. Sorry Motoko. I got a little heated and I said I had someone that could do a gig and I didnt ask if you would before taking it. Thats You dont do that! She berated herself.

    I wanted to sigh. On one hand I had Sasha stuff that I was in the middle of, but on the other. Hiromi needed help. And maybe a rap on the top of her head.

    Okay. I said reaching down and pulling her from the hug until we were both sitting and I could see her face. Tell me everything.

    I I may have been bragging a bit That I have this super cool solo that works with me? I mean I never gave names or anything, but like Everyone talks about the bodyguards their family has, or the edgerunner they have on retainer to do their backstabbing stuff. So I mean I got called out today. Everyone said I was making shit up.

    So you defended yourself and epted a gig?

    Right. The gig. So, Asuka Kimigari, shes in my ss. Her rents arent like managers, but agents. Not a huge deal, not everyone can be a Tanaka, right? But her parents apparently took out someone on a gig. Some nobody, but he was a nobody that had a brother who isnt. She sort of waved her arms a bit before collecting herself, and sending me a text.

    Ah. She actually had put together a gig from the information she had.

    Asuka Kimigari was a brte. Almost a disappointment she wasnt a redhead with twintails, but we cant always get everything.

    Thomas Anderson, is dangerous. Like hes got a rep and everything, and he is reportedly going to kill Asuka as the opening act to his revenge against her parents. Hiromi exined and I was frowning.

    The dossier on Anderson wasnt exactly thick. The guy was a solo, but his skillset includedrunning. So sort of like my own abilities.

    He sounded he dangerous. Unification War veteran. The guy worked with NUSA, and had a rep even back then. Hiromi didnt have a lot of direct details, what little she had sounded like word of mouth, but that was still not painting a pretty picture.

    Okay so you volunteered me for what exactly?

    To resolve the issue Whether thats killing the threat, or bodyguarding? She said wincing and I frowned at her a little.

    You must have been really worked up, youre usually better at negotiating like that. And I could feel from the tightness on her shoulders that she was not pleased with herself.

    They were making fun of me. Of my parents, just Of everything. You met my dad, but like We arent super high up in the food chain Motoko. The Mitsunashi name isnt really respected, or feared. My Dad and Mom do good work so they arent really targeted by anyone, but thats all we can really say.

    So they were making fun of you, and you decided to prove you werent lying when you said you knew a solo. epted the gig on my behalf, and thats where we are now?

    Yeah.

    Well Im not angry or anything. Ill help out of course. Just next time lets ask first.

    I will! Im sorry! She said, hanging her head and still looking pretty upset.

    Okay so bodyguard or assassination. I dont know if Im going to be able to find this guy. So probably just bodyguard.

    I, I can try to get more information on him. Contacts, and if he has any normal haunts!

    That can help, but dont go crazy, this guy sounds like a pro so lets be super careful Maybe we should call Ichi and Malcolm in too? Make it a full Section 9 gig? My words seemed to have the right effect, just as I said it I could see the fire in Hiromi''s eyes light up.

    Ill call them, we could use transport for Asuka, and Malcolm can help me investigate!

    Sounds like fun. I tell her even as I itched to return to theptop, to finish the quickhack. I shook it off. I would do what I could for Sasha but, while I wanted to save her because I felt for her.

    She wasnt my choom like Hiromi.

    Alright. Lets get everyone together, we should have a meeting with Asuka as well.

    Ill call her!

    I nodded as I stood up to head into my room. Time to get suited up.

    --

    When all of Section 9 gathered together in a high end garage under Asukas apartment, I was surprised to see changes in my chooms.

    Malcolm did pull up in his Caliburn which still made me giggle at how over the top it was, but he stepped out of the car with a Militech Saratoga strapped to his chest.

    I quirked an eyebrow at him, which he caught.

    I decided to upgrade my firepower. I got some better armor too. He mentioned to my delight as he showed off the Section 9 jacket that I had originally bought for my chooms had been modified.

    It was professionally done too. A few extra inserts into the tough material.

    He isnt the only one to get an upgrade. Ichi said huffing a little at Hiromi and I giving so much attention to Malcolm while ignoring him.

    Unlike Malcolm I didnt spend all my eddies on an overpriced ride. Ichi sniped at Malcolm with a smirk.

    It was a great deal!

    So I did some extra work on my van. He said with a smirk. He walked over to the back of his van and opened the back door.

    I couldnt help but whistle as I saw what he had installed into the rear of the van.

    You bought an HMG turret?

    Well, bought is a strong word. He admitted and I looked at him in surprise as he shed me a grin.

    I helped. Malcolm revealed as well both boys grinning.

    Ive been doing some work for some guys I know. Transport mostly you know? Ichi revealed despite his casual attitude he was definitely peacocking a bit.

    So we had this gig. They were saying someone was going to shoot at me, I told them no. They said they need me. I said not without some protection. They gave me a Saratoga He trailed off looking at Malcolm''s new gun.

    Which was an excellent gift. Malcolm added, but Ichi just waved him off as he continued.

    So I said haha no. Eventually they offered me some real protection. They had this thing tucked away somewhere. No real use for it. They didnt have anything really capable of moving it without having to set it up before the gig. So they offered it to me. Malcolm and I bolted it down into the bed of my Van, and we took it to a shop. So I can open the rear doors from the cab now.

    You turned your moving van into a pop up tank? Hiromi asked, and while I wanted to argue that it wasnt a tank

    But the MK.31 HMG was sorta a tank cannon. A small one, but it did fire explosive rounds

    I love it. I admit shamelessly.

    Me too. Ichi said and we both shared a look of shared delight of HMGs.

    So now I can set up the van somewhere and have a surprise set up. I still need to armor up the cab a bit more though.

    That should really be a priority. I added but Ichi shrugged.

    I only have so many eddies Speaking of, how is the pay for this? Ichi asked, turning to Hiromi, who didnt look super happy.

    Nooot great. Hiromi revealed. Itll pay the bills, but Asuka is paying for this out of pocket. Arasaka student or not, she isnt

    Itll be fine. We do a cheap gig now, and everyone will know you werent joking when you tell them you know a solo, and next time you can charge a lot more. I spoke trying to calm the tension, and thankfully everyone shrugged.

    I guess considering how well we had all been paid so far, it wasnt a major concern.

    Right! Ill take a pay cut on this one as well, since I sort of messed up. Hiromi added, which I was going to argue against, but Ichi and Malcolm both nodded looking pleased.

    Alright. Lets go see our client then.

    Sure cmon. Hiromi offered, waving us all to follow as we piled into an elevator and she sent us up to the twentieth floor.

    We stepped out of the elevator into a long hallway that was pretty nice. Not quite Hiromis own apartment level, but probably on par with my own.

    Hiromi led us, I could practically see the changee over my choom as she switched from the teenager to the girl corpo.

    She walked up to a door and pressed the security pad at the door.

    I heard it and shifted. ring at the ceiling where an HMG turret had just activated. It wasnt popping out, but it was there.

    Not even giving it a chance I blitzed its defenses, skewering the ICE and forcing it to remain shut down.

    Asuka its Hiromi, and the mercs I told you about.

    Hiromi? Youre actually here? Alright hold on. The security is in full lockdown mode. The voice came from the security panel, and after a moment the door opened. The teenager looked fully corpo in a way even Hiromi never quite managed. Sure, she had some understated sh, EMP threading going over one eye that was a different color than the other. Although both were optics, so she was just showing off.

    But I was most focused on the shotgun in her hand. Tacticians were good home defense weapons, but she really needed to stop sweeping the barrel over my chooms and I.

    Easy Asuka, its just me. Can wee in? Hiromi said smiling as she tried to calm down the girl who was obviously not doing well.

    The girl looked over the three of us as she ignored Hiromi, only after she seemed to decide we werent the man trying to kill her did she lower the gun. Come in, quickly. She demanded and backed up. Hiromi didnt wait piling in, and the rest of us followed. Entering into an apartment entrance way that had an already active HMG turret.

    I quickly shut that one down too. Which startled Asuka as the door had just closed and her HMG had closed up.

    Wha!

    Easy, calm down. I just closed it down. I dont like that thing pointing at me.

    How did you even do that!? She demandeding up into my space.

    Yeah the girl was freaking out, her entire body was shaking. So I did the only thing I could think of and gently reached out and left a hand on her arm. Its okay. We are here to protect you.

    My sincere words were instantly rebuffed with a scoff. What the hell Hiromi. I thought you said you knew some mercs.

    I do. Motoko takes work from Wakako the fixer, and has contacts all over. She can definitely help. Hiromi offered with a shrug, but once again my young body fought against me, and Asuka didnt look relieved.

    Fucking hell Hiromi, what is this shit! Youve been talking up so much shit, and you bring a bunch of kids in on this? She looked like she was about to start yelling, but her movements hadnt kept track of everyone, and she bumped back into Ichi who gently grabbed her to keep her from jerking around.

    Hey, easy. We dont look like much, but we are here. Ichi offered, Something is better than nothing right? Let us protect you.

    I wanted to point out to Ichi that I had literally just said that, when suddenly the girl''s back stiffened and she even flushed a little.

    She scoffed again, but this time her shotgun was only being held loosely as she stepped slowly out of Ichis hands. Well at least Ill give you a shot Hiromi, this better not be a joke though. She said turning from Ichi to look fully at Hiromi.

    Pfft. Ive been telling you gonks, that I have an actual merc team! Hiromi snarked, but seemed to take control of herself. But we arent here for that. Section 9 here for bodyguard duty. Let me introduce everyone. Malcolm, Ichi, and Motoko. Motoko is in charge. Shes a solo, and knows what she is doing.

    She doesnt look like much. Asuka muttered under her breath, but I didnt take it personally. The girl was twitchy.

    I guess knowing that a cyberpunk was after you for revenge would make any teenager a little jittery.

    Well she is. Ill be taking Malcolm to do some investigating. Hopefully we can find your threat through our contacts. Ichi and Motoko will be staying with you. Ichi is a driver, he has a van ready if you need to run for any reason. Motoko?

    Itll be fine. Ill check out the security of the ce, and maybe boost it a bit while Im here Is anyone from Arasaka looking into this? Other than your parents I mean? I asked Asuka who just sort of sullenly looked at me before shrugging.

    My parents havent told me much.

    Okay. I have a contact in Counter Intel, Ill see if she has anything. Hiromi?

    Oh! Thats right that V woman you told me about! Good job Motoko. Ill call Wakako and some others, see if anyone has something. She said mostly to Asuka who looked a little surprised at the big names being thrown around.

    I moved away from the group, looking around the upscale apartment as I went, and made the call.

    Gonna have to do something about those windows. One entire side of the apartment was ss floor to ceiling.

    At least the ce had some automated defenses, but HMG turrets were just asking to get someone friendly fragged if arunner was involved.@@novelbin@@

    *Ringing.*

    *Ringing.*

    *Ringing.*

    I started to re as V very obviously wasnt answering, but finally after a minute the call went through.

    *Kid. What do you want?* V didnt quite snap, but she wasnt sounding friendly either. Again I didnt take it personally. That was just how V was, besides she had picked up. If she didnt want to be my choom she would have just ignored the call, or blocked it.

    *Ive been hired to protect an Arasaka Academy Student. Asuka Kimigari. Apparently her parents are Arasaka grunts, killed someone''s kid brother and now he is after their kid.*

    *And I care, why?*

    *Even if it didn''t fall under your purview, this is a merc gunning for Arasaka personnel. You have any information on this guy? Thomas Anderson?*

    The line went quiet for a minute before V just sighed into the line. *You know I cant just give you anything. I shouldnt even be talking to you.* Vs tone was pretty firm, and I almost opened my mouth to pull the choom card, but that wasnt right.

    V wasnt in a job where something like that would just be ignored. I would be hurting her for my own benefit. Not exactly something I would do.

    *Youre right. Im just an outside agent on this. Unless of course a certain agent contracted me out to help handle this. Payment can be a private affair between us.* I trailed off, and the line remained quiet, before a single cut off scoffingugh came through.

    *Ill send you what I have, the Kimigari issue isnt my workload, but if you can stop him itll make me look good. If you fuck up we never talked and you never got data from me.*

    *Of course.*

    The line went silent again and when V came back she came back with a beep of a texting through at the same time.

    *Kid. I looked through this shit. Anderson? He isnt some street punk with a gun. The guy is a pro. Dont do anything stupid and get yourself killed. Jack will be pissed with me if you die like that.*

    *Thanks V. Ill keep you updated as well. If I get him youll be the first to know.*

    *Good. Ill be able to throw it in Carlsons face then.* Then because V too studied the art of Night City phone calls she just hung up on me.

 Chapter 134

    Chapter 134

    I sighed as I stretched my arms above my head, finally home. I still hadnt really noticed any differences in weight or bnce driving home, so I was very satisfied with Viks work.

    That man deserved way more than the stack of eddies I had given him for his time and skill.

    He deserved all the eddies!

    Hey, there you are! Jun called out as I walked in the apartment. Jun was sitting on the couch, stupid ogre arms hanging over the top as he had obviously been staring nkly at whatever tv show he had been watching.

    Hey Jun-Nii! I called out as I wandered over and flopped onto the couch beside him.

    Oh? Whats got you in such a good mood? Jun asked, poking at me a little which I swiped away at him.

    I got some new chrome. Vik took great care of me. I told him flexing my arms without going into detail.

    Jun would know how long it would take to heal up from such an invasive surgery after all.

    Yeah?

    Just Bone and Muscle Lace stuff. I lied to him, before rxing back and looking at the TV. Anything good on?

    Nothing youd like. He saidughing.

    Blegh. I answered, sticking out my tongue. I guess Ill get back to work.

    Work?

    Im trying to finish a new program, zappy zap. I muttered, wiggling my fingers.

    I dont even want to know.

    Its a Short Circuit hack!

    Mhmm. He agreed, but really he was just ignoring me.

    Well I know the first person Im testing it on. I muttered, and of course in response Jun reached over to grab me, and I kicked out and then we were wrestling, only now things were different!

    Juns stupid ogre arm might be super strong, but now I could bring to bear all of the strength of my own chrome arms!

    I reached out and grabbed his arm with both hands, and squeezed, actually forcing his arm to bend away from me.

    Im strong! I told him my face splitting into a big grin.

    Which is when Jun huffed out augh and just jerked his arm forward.

    I had about half a second to realize Jun was a fucking asshole before the movement flipped me entirely off of my butt and then off the couch, crashing into the floor with a loud thump.

    You are such a dick.

    Cant let you get too overconfident with those wet noodles you call arms. He mocked, flexing his arms at me, as I justy there on the floor for a minute stewing.

    I was going to chrome up so much that I could throw him around, I decided. Right then and right there.

    Was I going to chrome up because I wanted to be a Cyborg? Because I wanted to be strong enough to kill Scavs, or to go toe to toe with cyberpunks like Thomas?

    No. I must defeat my brother.

    I stood up and brushed myself off ignoring the mocking smile on Jun''s face as I stalked away with all the dignity I had left to go find myptop.

    ---

    I spent the rest of the night hammering away at Short Circuit.

    Although I was making great progress. My version was already much smaller than the version I had originally picked up from Yoko. The problem was, I wasnt reallying up with anything to make it special.

    It would just be an efficient version of the hack, which wasnt a bad thing, but if I was going to make something I wanted it to be more than just efficient.

    Short Circuit at its most bare bones was a hack that attacked power systems for cyberware, convincing them they needed to do an emergency discharge to keep something from exploding.

    That was actually why it was nonlethal. Sure an electronic jolt wasnt exactly a pleasant experience, and it might knock you out, but it wouldnt kill you.

    The emergency discharge couldnt release enough power to instantly stop someone''s heart or anything.

    But I wanted more than just that.

    I wanted something that would make arunner do a double take when they saw it. Something that Sasha wouldnt just blow off when I handed it to her. Something that might just save her life.

    I had already added in the same multi hack functionality that I had developed for Reboot Optics, and Weapon Glitch.

    This program would jump to anyone in thework and try to short them all. Of course it wouldnt be as effective as someone with something like a Tetratronic Rippler Cyberdeck, which was designed to allow multi hack.

    Anyone with some bare bones ICE would stop the jumping hacks cold, but not everyone had that.

    Plus that was just a bonus. A basic design addition that barely added any RAM requirements to the hack.

    I wanted this hack to be unique.

    It had to do something that no other Short Circuit could do. I pulled away from the keyboard as I grumbled, flopping onto my bed and trying to figure it out.

    I had considered trying to make it do more damage to Cyberware, but that was what Cyberware Malfunction was. That was a different hack entirely, meant to do something entirely different.

    So what was Short Circuit meant to do?

    Disable enemies for a short time.

    I couldnt really make it more disabling. The discharge function was surprisingly well protected against intrusion. I would have to make a variant against every cyberware I coulde across Which might exin why Cyberware Malfunction was a much more RAM intensive hack.

    So It was meant to disable someone. I couldnt modify the base function, but what could I modify?

    I went through the code of my own imnts, searching through information in my own system.

    When it struck me.

    Each piece of cyberware had its own battery. Small bits of sh cyberware might have tiny batteries, but the bigger pieces?

    So if each cyberware had their own battery

    That means each piece of chrome had its own discharge function.

    Short Circuit normally caused everything to discharge. Which yeah I could see how that would be useful, but what if instead of one big burst, I made itst longer.

    Each battery could be discharged in a sequence, starting with the biggest battery to still have that massive shock.

    It would make the dischargest longer for sure.

    I started fiddling with the code. I would have to make itrger, to fit in the discharge sequence in the hack, but it wouldnt even need a full Daemon to control it since that information was already stored in everyone''s agent. I mean, there was already a function in the agent that kept track of battery power of Cyberware.

    That little program would be the first thing attacked and it would discharge each battery in a row.

    I cackled evilly as I imagined some gonk with more chrome than brains stuck spazzing out on the ground as every piece of chrome he had electrocuted him one after another.

    Heh, defeated by your own Mr. Studd.

    Also, and more importantly! It would be exceptionally strong against drone and robots. They had multiple battery systems, and each one discharging would be a massive problem for a full mechanical body.

    I hummed pleased as the inspiration hit and I felt my hands blurring across the keyboard as the code came together.

    --

    I stayed hiding in my bedroom for the rest of the night, andte into the afternoon the next day before finally I finished bug checking the code, and I finalized it.

    I flopped back, letting theptop finish turning the code into a working hack and just considered what to do next.

    First I had to meet Sasha.

    Then Profit?

    I blinked at the joke and snorted. Yeah that sounded good. No, I thought as I rose up and stretched deciding to get changed and clean up before heading out.

    What I needed was some XP.

    I needed to kill a bunch of gonks so I could get more stat points for adaptation.

    Decision made I hurried over out of the room to the bathroom to jump into a quick shower.

    While I did that I made a few calls. Pretty amused that I could make a business call while shampooing my hair without a struggle.

    Of course the very first call I made I got yelled at.

    *Ah so you finallye crawling back to me? Do I even know a merc by this name? Certainly not one who has done any work for me recently*

    *Wakakooooooo!* I whined into the line, purposefully being as annoying as possible. Two could y at that game olddy!

    Ah, she hung up Well yed. I muttered as I instantly called back again.

    *As I was saying.* She continued without missing a beat.

    *Wakako. Ive been busy, not just with personal stuff, but with like crazy stuff in general. But Im back on the merc grind. You need anything done, Im free to handle it.*

    *Perhaps, I will offer another olive branch to a difficult to work with mercenary* She trailed off and I rolled my eyes.

    *No discounts.*

    *I dont see any gigs I need for such an expensive merc then.* She shot back instantly.

    *Heh! Does that mean I finally have a rep? Is it a good one? Do you fixers say good things about me?*

    *I find this call less and less interesting by the moment.* She drawled out and I could tell she was having fun.

    Even if she absolutely would hang up on me again if I didnt do something.

    *Alright Ill stop. Seriously though, Wakako. What do you need doing? Ive got a lot of time on my hands at the moment.*

    *Perhaps, I have a few gigs that need skills such as yours. Ill send you the details. You are well enough? I was considering dropping you entirely due to worries about Cyberpsychosis.*

    *Ah Yeah Im much better, but I wasnt Okay the whole Scav thing probably looked pretty bad and stuff, but Im doing much better. I promise.*

    *Good. I will send you some work,plete it and stop by when you are finished. I will decide if you are doing better myself.*

    The desire to ask if she was that worried about me was on the tip of my tongue, but I know she wouldnt want to hear it.

    *You got-*

    She hung up again. Bitch! Iughed as I finished my wash.

    --

    I got the gig details and rolled my eyes as Wakako was definitely fucking with me again.

    There was a guy that hadnt paid Wakako after a gig. Which just as a baseline? That was fucking dumb.

    So Wakako wanted to remind him that he was well within her reach.

    So she sent me out, not to kill him. Not to kidnap him.

    No. She wanted me to steal his car. A pretty nice Quadra Turbo-R. She sent me a picture and I sighed because it was covered in TC colors.

    Fuck.

    But I shrugged, stealing a car wasnt a difficult gig, and if I could do it without anyone noticing, then I wouldnt have to worry about anyone getting pissed at me for stealing from the TC.

    So I drove over to where the gonk lived, and checked the parking garage. Driving through slowly confirmed his car wasnt here.

    Irritating. I drove out and instead headed to where Wakakos information told me was his day job.

    Unsurprisingly the gonk that owed Wakako was muscle for a local drug dealer. I drove past on the road once, and it wasnt hard to see his car. What was irritating was the fact his car was surrounded by gonks.

    Apparently the guy was involved in a party at the moment.

    I drove past, finding a spot down the street well out of sight that I could park and step out. Adjusting my favorite jacket as I rose out of the car I considered what to do. I could just wait. Let the gonk drive home and then klep it then.

    Or I could just klep it right out from under his nose.

    I know which one I wanted.

    To wait, because why make a gig that was meant to be annoying harder than it had to be?

    On the other hand, I had other things I wanted to do today, and waiting around for this gonk to go home while he was in the middle of a TC block party didnt sound super fun.

    So I sighed and found an alleyway, giving me enough cover from most eyes that I could quickly take four hops jumping up onto AC units, or apartment balconies to end up on the roof of the block.

    Hurrying across I made it to just above the party to scope it out.

    It took me a moment to find a good shaded spot that still let me look over the party while keeping me hidden from any casual look, as I started getting an idea of the party.

    Sure a couple people were hanging out around the cars, but no one was directly on the Turbo-R I was here to grab.

    I tilted my head as I started hacking.

    The car''s security wasnt bad, but we arent talking about Malcolms Caliburn. This was just a normal car''s security and I broke in within a few moments. Once I was in, I tricked the security system into thinking I had the key and that was a big chunk of the gig done.

    Now I just had to find my moment.

    So I settled in, watching the movements of all the gonks. I just needed a moment where my target Joji? Koji? I dont even remember his name, it was in the data Wakako sent, but I had an eye on him now, and his name wasnt important.

    Ah.

    He was distracted by a girl.

    No one was sitting on the Turbo-R.

    I found mynding zone, and Parkour guided me on a path.

    I started the BD, then I leapt.

    Off the building, my feet barely made a noise as Inded first on an AC unit, and then across an alleyway to hit the opposite brick wall and then used that to bounce back, and then again. Down the entire building bouncing across the ten foot alley until Inded in a quiet crouch on the other side of a pile of trash.

    No one had seen me.

    I moved crouched low and fast, until I passed the trash, then I stood up and sauntered as casually as I could through the crowd.

    I might not have the colors, but I was still an asian girl. Just to fit in, I added a shake to my hips.

    Sexy Motoko walk engage!

    I slipped through the crowd with a little smirk on my face, and looked like I had something nned on my face. I wasnt bothered.

    Walking right past a girl making out with a guy on a Shion right next to the Turbo-R, I ignored them. The driver door opened, and I slipped in, the door shut, and after checking to make sure no one was behind me, I started it up and throttled quietly out of the spot onto the street, and then started driving off.

    BD over.

    Gigplete.

    ---

    Dropping off the Quadra Turbo-R into the garage Wakako wanted it ced in, I headed out and waited for my own Quadra Type-66 to catch up.

    While I waited, it was time.

    I called Sasha.

    *Ringing*

    *Ringing*

    *Ringing*

    *Heeh! Whats going on kiddy cat?* Sasha picked up with all the excitement and energy I wasing to expect from the woman.

    *Sasha, I finished that Quick Hack I was telling you about. The Short Circuit one. Want to take a look?*

    *Hmm, I dont know Toko, its not really my style, you know?*

    *Trust me, this one is good at disabling someone, especially someone chromed up for a much longer period of time than the off the shelf program. If someone with a bunch of chrome annoys you, you can hack them out, and leave them getting zapped on the floor for a good long while. Its preem.*

    The line was quiet for a moment and then all I heard was a burst of giggles.

    *Okay, okay that does sound like something I want to try on Maine some day. Im currently at the Turbos on Longshore, the one near the riverfront. Were hosting a party right now. You shoulde!

    I blinked.

    Wait. Turbos That was where Maines crew always hosted their parties and stuff But that was in Westbrook!? Are you telling me I lived like a block from where Maines crew had their parties!?

    I was struck speechless for a long moment as the realization hit that I could have met Sasha and the crew so much easier!

    *Toko you there?*

    *Wha? Oh yeah. I was just surprised I used to live over there. Ill head over. I cant wait for you to see this hack Sasha, youre going to love it.

    Eeeeh! Youre making me blush kid! Heh! Ive never had a little Kohai before! Eee! Its so cute I totally get it now! Cmon hurry up! I need to show off my little programmer to everyone!

    Wha Im not a Kohai. I mumbled petntly. But Sasha was ignoring me and all I could do was grumble and agree that I was on my way.

    I mean I guess I wasnt at Sashas level with therunning stuff, I was definitely better at programming, but I guess I was a Kohai. Fine!

    I grumbled as my Quadra finally pulled up.@@novelbin@@

    Sliding in I started driving, finally getting my update from Wakako.

    *Wakako: I confirmed the vehicle was secured, and reached out to the target. Turns out he hadnt noticed his car disappearing on him. I received quite the satisfaction in hearing his difort at that. Excellent work. I will have another gig for you soon. Payment and bonus has been sent.*

    I blinked at the message, and checked the actual update, and whistled a little. She had given me a nice little bonus. Heh, I guess ghosting the car out from under his nose pleased Wakako.

    Well. I guess it was a good thing I was going to a party. Time to celebrate another gigpleted!

 Chapter 135

    Chapter 135

    Turbos was definitely having a party. As I pulled in, the rumble of my Quadra earning me a spot as a few of the wandering crowd moved out of the way so I could slip into a parking spot. I took a moment to stop and just breathe.

    I was so not ready to run into my favorite character right now.

    No Motoko, you fucking gonk, she wasnt a character. She was a person, and wouldnt like me geeking the fuck out over her.

    I opened my eyes and stepped out, Cool and Cold Blood working in tandem to keep me calm as I stepped towards where I had seen Sasha.

    Where I saw Maine, Dorio, Pr, and best girl Reba.

    She was so tiny!

    Eeeee!

    I shook it off and kept calm, adding a bit of Sexy Motoko walk to my movement, so I would look a little less young as I approached the group.

    I took them all in as I approached. Maine noticed me, but was basically ignoring me, focusing on Dorio in hisp, and the beer in his massive hand.

    Pr was currently drinking as well, and trying to flirt with a girl beside him. He was doing okay honestly, from the looks the girl was shooting at him. A mix of interest and exasperation.

    Sasha wasnt at the table. No, she was up and dancing to the music of the radio ying nearby. I did struggle to keep my eyes off her, because holy shit that girl was flexible.

    Of course as I approached Maines little table of important people I was stopped.

    By the smallest of the group.

    Reba had been fucking around with a group of random gonks to the side, from the way she had been jerking her pistol she was telling them about what had happened on the gig, but as I walked over she caught site of me and stomped over.

    Hey! Whore you!? She demanded stomping right up to me, and then looking up.

    Which I thought was fucking adorable.

    She was so smol!

    Protect the loli!

    Hi! Im Motoko! Nice to meet you! I offered, throwing out a hand towards the girl, and I could feel my face shift into a happy smile.

    Aaaaah! She was so cute!

    Her strange colored eyes narrowed but she surprisingly reached out and epted my handshake.

    Reba. I dont recognize you.

    Im Chooms Friends?... I know Sasha! She invited me, Im a programmer so I have a new hack to try and sell her. I exined not sure what to call my current rtionship with the catgirl.

    Huh. Netrunning stuff huh? Thats preem and stuff. Not really my thing. She replied looking up at me for a moment and then sort of snorting out augh. So why do allrunners wear leotards?

    Comfy. I exined without missing a beat, and that earned me an actually surprised look before Reba burst into cackles.

    You got me! Cmon then, Sasha! Your choom is here!

    The Catgirl perked up from her very Flexible dance moves as she looked over and saw me, and then she Well pranced is the best word I could think of over to me.

    My little Kohai! She called out rushing over and throwing me into an overly affectionate hug. See Dorio! I have a Kohai now!

    I see. Therge woman replied tly as she rolled her eyes at Sashas exuberance. Nice to meet you. She replied casually and mostly just ignored me, as she turned back to trying to find Maines tonsils.

    So Toko! Show me your new hack! Sasha demands as she grabs a seat and sort of looks up at me eagerly, and I rxed a bit.

    It was hard to be tense around Sasha she was just so Out there.

    I popped a shard with the copy of my Short Circuit and offered it up.

    Let me know what you think. I promise itll impress. I said feeling pretty proud.

    I had pulled that program together in just a few days, while rushing around doing other things, but it was important.

    It might just save this woman''s life.

    Hmmm. She drawled out after inserting the shard.

    Dont mind her, shes always like this. Reba said on my right as we listened to Sasha just keep making questioning noises long after she should have stopped.

    This is interesting. I see what you based it off, and I can see the additional functionality. Are you sure its a good idea to spread it out? Sasha suddenly mentioned cutting into the noises she had been making.

    The battery discharge already has a limiter built in that''s part of the hardware, not software. So its not really hackable. Instead of having everything try to discharge at once, making itst longer actually improves the hack. I said sitting up and feeling eager. Depending on the target, and how much chrome they have, you could keep someone crippled for a good while.

    She nodded her head as her eyes finally lost the glow as she explored the shard.

    I dont think I need it. She answered suddenly and I felt my confidence pop like a soap bubble.

    Wha! You do! Gonk! Its preem code!

    Its a good Short Circuit sure, but I dont go for nonlethal stuff much.

    Its a cheap control hack! It even auto spreads! Thats my personal hack jumping trick there you know! I squawked, offended at her disinterest.

    Its cute, sure, but I go for stuff a bit bigger you know? She said actually having the audacity to first put her hands close by, and then spreading them farther apart. Lewd!

    Oh god you''re one of those. Probably burn your entire RAM on every hack too, don''t you? I mocked, earning a startled look from the woman at my sudden attack.

    Then Dorio started snickering.

    Ba cackled, not bothering to hide it like her choom, even Maine was chuckling.

    Sasha actually flushed a little red as everyone was cackling at her. Pr looked up from the girl he had been flirting with only then seeming to notice I was here. But tits and ass distracted him a moment after.

    Wha! Thats not what I do!

    Didnt you say, if the program doesnt overheat your deck its babyware? Reba cut in, suddenly and Sasha reached out to shut up best girl.

    I felt smug as I had been right.

    Sasha despite being a skilled Netrunner was one of those.

    Here. I demanded, pushing the shard into her hand that she was trying to shut Reba up. Its apact, low RAM, high performance hack. Im sorry youve been stuck with grossly over-coded scop so far.

    I have not! I have normal hacks too!

    Hey Dorio, have you ever seen Whiskers use anything but her giga hacks? Reba asked, and I made sure to note the cute nickname!

    Whiskers! Super cute!

    Sasha instantly whipped over to her choom and red, and Dorio looked like she was considering not answering, but her shoulders were still shifting a little as she restrained her giggles.

    Never.

    You are all traitors. Sasha mumbled ring at the group, and I felt my smile growing because this was actually really fun!

    Maines crew was cute! Way better than they were in the future.

    That reminded me of the tragedy of what wasing. That Sasha would soon sacrifice herself if nothing changed.

    Had I done enough? Had I given her some better tools? Would that be enough? Could her fate be changed with just that? It had been a decision she made on the spot, a decision I think she knew would be her end, so was there anything I could actually do to change her mind?

    Hmph! Ill take your hack! Sasha pulled me back into the conversation as she swiped the shard and plugged it in, obviously installing it into her deck.

    Good. I hope it keeps you safe! I chirped, smiling bright as I managed to fission mail sessfully!

    Sasha made a sound of denial as she scoffed a bit, but it was a cute flustered scoff, not a straight denial.

    Dorio startedughing at Sashas flustered face. Which earned her a re from the cat girl.

    I stilled suddenly because I got a call from Wakako.

    Sorry everyone, one sec. I said as my eyes blinked yellow.

    *This is Motoko.*

    *There is an issue. The vehicle you just collected? It was stolen out of my storage unit. Some fool is attempting to step on my toes, or they are so foolish they didnt realize what they have done. I need the vehicle recollected. Now.*

    *Thats Someone really is dumb. What do we have?*

    *I am sending you what I have so far. I am aware of your little group. You did an eptable investigation for Fujimura. Complete a second one for me. Find the vehicle and return it to the storage unit. And send a message to whoever did this.*

    I considered it for a moment. I had been wanting a gig with more killing for XP.

    *Okay. Ill take it. Send me the deets.*

    The line hung up which I couldnt help but smile and shake my head at. Thats Wakako alright. I thought with augh escaping me.

    Kid something good? Sasha asked, noticing my amusement.

    Wakako hung up on me again. I replied andughed. I have to go, surprise gig, you know how it is. It was nice to meet all of you! I said as I stood up and hurried away.

    I couldnt do much else for Sasha. She was a grown woman and a professional. I had given her extra tools. Hopefully

    Hopefully it was enough to circumvent her tragedy, but if it wasnt, then I would at least know that I had tried.

    As I hurried to my Quadra I sent all of my chooms the call.

    *Motoko: Section 9 Assemble!*

    They would understand.

    --

    They did not understand.

    Three callster, I was plugging into my chair as I was readying for a dive, and waiting for my chooms to show up.

    I had watched the surveince video Wakako had sent, as well as what basic information she had.

    Apparently about five minutes after I left, a group of three men, all wearing masks had shown up at the garage, broke in rather bluntly, and stole the Quadra-R.

    There was a problem though. They were Tyger ws.

    The tattoos were a dead giveaway.

    Some fucking TC gonks had stolen from the queen of Japantown.

    They were already dead, they just didnt know it yet. Even if I didnt get involved.

    Unfortunately, we didnt have an ID for any of them. They all had spoofers that the cameras couldnt break through.

    So I was going to be chasing them through the city through cameras Again.

    I eased back and blinked. A momentter I was in the. I quickly blurred across the digital city, riding on the back of search engines to end up across the virtual reality. Inded in front of awork that for once I didnt need to break into.

    I walked in and Wakakos information gave me full ess to the security of the site. I could see the marks showing that Wakako had a skilledrunner run the security as well, but the password and ess key Wakako had sent me with the video meant I walked in without issue.

    Then I pulled up the security cameras.

    Just as I had seen from what Wakako sent me, five minutes after I dropped off the car a couple of gonks walked in, broke the garage door, and then drove off with the car.

    But, and this was something I had noticed when Wakako had first sent me the video.

    There were three of them, but the Quadra was a two seater.

    Two of them jumped in the Quadra-R, but the third had run off on foot.

    So I jumped through all the different cameras of the lot area, but unfortunately the one camera that should have seen where they went, had been damaged.

    Its recording was nk and had been for weeks. So either, this was a mastermind level n, or the gonks just got lucky.

    I perked up as I got a call from Ichi, asking to be let down to the basement.

    A few moments of thought and I sent the signal to let hime down. Seems my chooms were finally showing up!

    I quickly pulled open a connection to pull him into a group call.

    *Ichi! d you made it! Can you jump on theputer, Im going to be sending some camera data soon.*

    *Yeah, Im on it.* He assured me and that was that. Ichi was fully in work mode.

    I jumped across the way from the storage lot that Wakako either owned, or had set up the security for and into thescape for a mechanic shop.

    Time to track them down.

    --

    By the time Hiromi showed up, thest of the group to appear, we had made good progress. We knew they were still in Japantown, and had just narrowed the location down to a specific street. There were a few apartmentplexes on the street, and I was assuming the car was somewhere in one of them, but there werent a lot of cameras aimed at the street in the area.

    Confirming the general location I popped out of the. Blinking my eyes to let the real world take over my vision, stretching and groaning as I pulled out the cords connecting me to the chair.

    Here, something warm. Ichi offered, handing over a carton of chinese food. I didnt even ask what it was, before digging in. The warm food restored some heat to my chest, as the cont had kept me chilled while I was in the.

    I slurped up my first few bites before talking. So Ichi, do you know anything about the area?@@novelbin@@

    Nothing in particr. I cant think of any specific TC business on the street. I think whoever these gonks are, they nned this themselves.

    Ugh. I groaned as I went back to eating.

    We would have to investigate the old fashioned way. Getting out on foot, and checking all the locations trying to find where a car could have been hidden. One street wasnt too bad, honestly. It would just take time.

    Uuuugh. I groaned as I realized how long this was going to take.

    --

    We split up while working. Just to make sure nothing slipped past us. Ichi and Hiromi both parked at either end of the street, and were keeping an eye out for our car. Malcolm and I working together were walking down one side of the road, stopping at every apartmentplex, business location, and back alley we could find connected to the road that someone might stash a car.

    Unfortunately, the amount of nooks and crannies in any city block only seemed to grow exponentially.

    This is another back alley garage area. I grumbled, as we walked through an alley that had old roller doors attached to every building. Any one of them big enough to hide a car.

    Nah its none of these. Look, no ones opened any of these doors in years. Malcolm pointed out to me walking up to one and showing me just how rusted the entire thing was.

    No one was getting that open without a lot of effort, and noticeable markings.

    That still doesnt narrow this down. I hummed, trying to be positive, even if I was doing a job I didnt really want. There was no murder here Wakako!

    Maybe I shouldnt have done investigative work with Section 9. Any gonk with a Unity can tline someone, but it takes a whole other set of skills to be able to track someone down.

    Of course Wakako would make use of that skill, and so would others.

    Something up? Malcolm asked, as he noticed my worsening mood. Although I definitely wasnt just pouting at nothing okay! I dont pout!

    I just wanted a more exciting gig I guess? I want to fight some ninjas, or something. I did that once. That one borg was like a ninja.

    I dont think he counts Motoko, he was just arunner.

    Netrunning is like magic, so Im putting it in the counts column. I informed him with a smile that earned me a scoff from Malcolm.

    Hey! A voice called out pulling our attention away from the rusted out door we were looking at, towards the big guy that was looking at the two of us, with a hand reaching towards the unity on his hip. You little, shits better not be thinking of breaking in!

    Nope! I called out, hands raised up a bit. We were just noticing that no one had used this one in a while.

    Bullshit. Clear off before I tline you brats.

    Sure sure. I agreed, mostly because the guy was obviously just trying to keep a couple of teenagers from breaking into his stuff. Cmon Malcolm. I called as we moved past the guy.

    Hey old man. You see a couple gonk fucks driving around here in a suped up Quadra-R. Looks like this. Malcolm surprised me by saying, as his eyes shifted blue as he sent what must be a picture of the Quadra. Or maybe the gonks themselves?

    The man went silent for a minute, ring, but eventually he answered in the most obvious way possible. I didnt see anything.

    Listen old man, we arent here to steal scop, can you tell us where they went?

    I dont know anything. The ws know I dont narc.

    Malcolm shook his head, actually smiling. Perfect, because these particr gonks pissed off the Queen of Japantown. Wakako is looking for them. So this is all square.

    The older man sort of worked his jaw, considering the question before he nodded real slow. I never saw them before in my life. He verbally said but a momentter his eyes shed and Malcolm nodded smiling.

    Of course not. A respectable upstanding man like yourself wouldnt ever bother with scop like this. You have yourself a nice day sir. Malcolm offered, sounding every inch the respectable kid just trying to help out.

    Of course I knew Malcolm, and that was not what he was.

    A momentter the man walked away and Malcolm huddled closer. He gave me the deets. Cmon. He whispered to me, and he pulled me along back onto the street.

    Malcolm?

    Apparently that guy is pissed that these guys have been fucking around, he caught them breaking into shit multiple times, but he doesnt exactly want them to know he ratted on them. He exined to me quickly as we hurried back to the street.

    A few secondster he sent me the message as well, and I looked towards the building just across the street.

    Found them.

    Now to find the car.

    Lets go. Malcolm hurried me on and rushed across the street. I couldnt help but chuckle at how eager he sounded, but I couldnt deny that this was definitely his win.

    I crossed after him dodging a few cars and we walked into theplex. The lobby was covered in trash and stunk like someone pissed in a corner. But Malcolm didnt slow. To my surprise he was like a bloodhound. Hurrying through he found the elevator and turned to me.

    Iughed at the begging look as I walked over, and my eyes shed as I started hacking. I barely needed to do anything. The ICE on the hardware was ancient, and didnt even slow my Breach. The elevator came up and we walked in, and then a momentter Malcolm pushed the pad to send us down to the basement.

    You think its here? He asked, and I shrugged.

    I hope so. It would certainly make this a lot easier. Wakako will be happy.

    What about the gonks that stole it?

    We hunt them down and tline them? I questioned back, wasnt it obvious?

    They are Tyger ws. Sure that''s a good idea?

    They stole from Wakako. If they wanted to survive, that is a quick way to do the opposite. I shrugged. If there is trouble we deal with it. But this is an official gig.

    Yeah Right. Official. He muttered as the elevator opened to a truly dark parking garage, most of the lights flickering or out. Malcolm hesitated, but I could see just fine. So I stepped out leading the way. Looking for a particr Quadra-R.

    Gotta get better optics. Malcolm mumbled from behind me, but I shrugged.

    Chip in at your own pace choom. I called out behind me as I walked down the dark path, head darting this way and that.

    Cmon tell me its here. I mumbled to myself, as I hurried around the garage space. Finally I ended up catching back up with Malcolm and shook my head. Nothing.

    Hmm. He mumbled though looking around despite the darkness making it hard. Motoko, scan around a bit? These buildings sometimes have private garages along the walls.

    I blinked, I hadnt even considered that. My eyes shed, into a scan mode, something that waspletely natural at this point. I barely had to think about it before my Kiroshi responded to my needs. There!

    Along one of the walls, was a small rolling door. Just big enough for a car to drive in. And there! Another one.

    Looks like there were two to three of them on each wall of the garage.

    We didnt even need to speak. Both of us rushed for the first one, and after a few moments, I managed to breach into the door''s security and it unlocked, rolling up into the ceiling.

    The space inside had a vehicle, but not the one we were looking for.

    Fuck. Malcolm cursed, but I just smiled, and signaled for the door to shut, and ran to the next one. Malcolm following after just a moment his own excitement returning with the reminder there were more doors.

    Mystery doors! What is behind door number two? I thought as I poked the door, the same security as the first door gave way instantly and it rolled up.

    Just some junk.

    We rushed to the next after closing the second and as it rolled up, I couldnt help but whoop and leap onto Malcolm to pull him into a hug.

    There it was.

    The Quadra-R I had literally already stolen today.

    Cmon! I hurried over without hesitation. I already had the thing breached from before. I already had a key. The door popped open before I even touched it, and I slipped inside, Malcolm joining me a momentter.

    Lets call Ichi and Hiromi and get this taken care of Then we can talk to Wakako about what she wants done. I told Malcolm, even if I would happily just kill the gonks, if my choom was worried about it, then there was no harm in asking.

 Chapter 137

    Chapter 137

    I got a call from Hiromi.

    *Hey Hiromi! Whats up?*

    *Motoko! I did it! I got us a gig to get supplies! You are going to love this!* Hiromi practically squealed into the phone as I pushed myself away from the workbench to focus on the call.

    *Okay, hit me.*

    *Okay so, I was talking to my Dad, and he mentioned there had been an AV carrying supplies shot down. I think you can figure it out from there?*

    *Oh easily. Arasaka doesnt care so much for the supplies just wants to send a message?*

    *Ehhhh. Dad does want some of the supplies returned, there was some data he would like to retrieve if you catch my drift. But trust me, I negotiated really really hard! Papa was so proud! We will walk away with loads of equipment.*

    *Alright. What do we know? Do we know where the supplies are now?*

    *Thats The problem. No, not exactly. It was definitely some nomads, the attack happened in the bands but whether its nomads, or Wraith Arasaka doesnt know. Thats for us to find out basically.*

    *Hmm You didnt already confirm our participation right?*

    *No way! We have a contract that we negotiated but its unsigned, I wanted to run it past you first to make sure its even possible.* Hiromi trailed off. *Im pretty confident, but you are the one who has to do it.*

    *Hiromi, youre perfect. Send me what data you have okay? Im going to call Saul and make sure it wasnt the Aldecaldos. If it wasnt that narrows it down, and he might even know who took it.*

    *Alright, I have the info, sending now.*

    I checked over the text. The supplies were taken out of a downed AV all men had been killed, and by the time Arasaka had sent a second AV to check it out everyone on board was dead, and the stuff was taken. This happenedst week, and so far Arasaka hadnt dedicated any resources to handle the problem.

    *And your dad, hes responsible for finding the shipment? I just want to know in case we refuse, we wouldnt be screwing him over right?*

    *Nope. Dad is the one who is in charge of the guy that was responsible for it. That guy is Well Dad just mentioned he was no longer a problem, he might have been responsible for leaking the flight n, willingly or not.*

    *Okay. Give me a few minutes and I''ll call you right back. Can you get Ichi and Malcolm? We should all discuss this.*

    *Hehe! You got it, leave it all to your fixer Hiromi-chan!*

    I justughed at how cute Hiromi had tried to sound, but hung up a moment after and made the call to Saul.

    *Ringing.*

    *Ringing.*

    *Ringing.*

    *This is Saul.*

    *Saul, its Motoko. Do you have a moment to talk? Business.* I added at the end.

    *Hmm. Sure, whats going on?*

    *Lets just say Im looking at a contract to hunt down someone that downed an Arasaka AVst week. Current assumption is some Nomad group. I just want to make sure Im not going to be hunting people I actually like If I take this, I wont be hunting down you, or your family Right?*

    The line was quiet for a moment, but Saul spoke up a moment after clearly.

    *Normally I wouldnt want to answer that sort of question, but in this case, it wasnt us, so I dont have to beat around the bush and pretend. We dont go after corp AVs unless its on contract, and we havent poked any corps in a while. Much less Arasaka. Sounds like a Wraith group. Probably on contract by Militech.*

    *I assumed it was a counter corp thing, d to hear it isnt you guys. Sounds like Ill be running around the bands in the next few days. Maybe Ill stop by and say hi. Maybe with more Wraith vehicles that might need new owners.* I offered.

    *Tell you what Kid. Youve been square with us, and I do appreciate the call to make sure you arent taking a contract on my family. I dont think we have much need for more vehicles, but Ill contact Dakota for you. Shell likely give you a call, might even have some information that might narrow your target down a bit. If I know Dakota, shell take a chunk off from the vehicles if you can supply them in payment.*

    *That would be perfect. Thanks Saul. I really appreciate it!*

    *No problem kid. Good hunting.*

    *Thanks!*

    I quickly ended the call and pushed my chair away from my workbench so I could give myself enough space to quickly spin myself around as I giggled at kicked my feet.

    New gig! New gig!

    --

    Wee to the Section 9 pre-mission debrief! I called out as Malcolm finally arrived and I handed him his favorite Ni-C and ushered him inside the apartment.

    Thanks? He questioned looking around but Hiromi just waved at himzily from the couch, her face still buried in aptop she had brought with.

    Dont mind Motoko, she is just excited.

    Hey! Im not excited Im super duper excited! I called out happily, and I was.

    A nomad group wouldnt just be a couple dudes in an apartment. This would take actual work to n out, I would have to go in full ninja mode, and murder potentially dozens of bad guys!

    So much XP! So much loot! I would actually have my team with me to loot the ce! Sure the Arasaka Helmet was only mid, but their armor was good, and so we would definitely end up with weapons, and armor for my team!

    We would look so fucking cool after!

    Alright settle down. Hiromi demanded pointing mostly at me. Here is what we know, and it isnt much. Thanks to Motoko knowing the Aldecaldo leader I got in contact with Dakota Smith, shes one of the big fixers in the Bands. And we got some potential targets for who took the shipment, but nothing concrete.

    The Bands is pretty big. Malcolm sort of pointed out slowly. Are we even going to find these gonks? I mean we cant do Motokos Camera trick out there.

    True, but we have all the data Arasaka has, and more importantly. We know who didnt take it. Hiromi added, and she turned to me, I threw her a thumbs up.

    We got some stuff to go on. Dakota was kind enough to give us some data in exchange, for a lump payment now, which will be returned to us if and when we sell off the suspected Raffen Shiv vehicles we are probably going toe into ownership of soon.

    Oh! I want one! Malcolm called out and Ichi pped him on the back of his head. @@novelbin@@

    You already have two cars, you gonk.

    Nah. The Archer was stolen by my mom. She always wanted her own car, and I cant exactly drive my baby to the grocery store! He argued, waving his hands as if that would emphasize his point. It honestly only made meugh all the harder.

    This gonk! He spent all his eddies on a car he cant even use! I cackled and Malcolm grabbed an empty Ni-C can and chucked it at me, but my ninja reflexes were too strong!

    I managed to bat it away and smile widely at him.

    I can so use it! I just dont want to drive it around to ces it could get targeted, or get me targeted.

    So you cant use it. I mumbled under my breath quietly enough that everyone heard it.

    Lets focus back up you gonks. Hiromi demanded poking me in the side to get me to stop messing with Malcolm

    We will obviously need some actual on the ground scouting this time, but thats gonna be super dangerous. Thankfully Motokos wheels are already made for the bands so we got that. Ichi Malcolm and I will drive together in his van to Dakotas garage. She agreed to let us set up there as long as we dont drag any trouble there, so we have a staging ground.

    While I hit the locations we think might have the loot! I burst out unable to contain myself.

    I would probably have to hit multiple Raffen bases!

    I shivered and didnt discretely wipe my mouth at the idea of all the XP! Definitely not!

    Right. Motoko will go out scouting, but thats going to take a while. The Raffen will often have security around the camps in case someone is driving up on them, which means getting a mile or so off and walking Motoko?

    Easy. I got good boots, and Ill bring lots of water in the car. I waved off the concern. Seriously these city kids! As if walking a mile in a desert was that tough. I had done it before even and I was way more beat up then! And there had been a sandstorm!

    So thats the idea. Motoko hits the locations, clears them out, we find our target, and Ichi moves in to remove it.

    What about the ces Motoko scouts that arent the target? Malcolm asked, once again proving he was my swiftly shooting up the favorite charts. Like what about all that loot that will be left behind?

    Hiromi fumbled for a minute and looked to me.

    I just shrugged. We should expect this could take a while, days maybe. So if I clear a ce you guys move in, we loot up and leave. Run the idea past Dakota I guess. Shell probably take the loot, or know where we could offload it Or shell refuse cause itll bring a lot of heat. Who knows.

    Okay. Ill run the idea past Dakota after this meeting. For now Malcolm we will loot it up, or if Dakota says it will bring too much heat We can just sell the info. The Aldecaldos would be happy to loot it in our ce. Hiromi muttered I could tell the way she said it that she liked the idea.

    Im okay with that. Its gonna be hot out there. Ichi offered, but Malcolm was a true loot goblin and red at both of them. Our eyes met.

    Yes, my choom. The loot shall be ours.

    We nodded silently. Compactplete.

    Oh! Malcolm, take my HMG too. That way you guys will have a lot of protection between Ichis turret, and you backing him up.

    Oooh. Malcolm gave me a sinister smile, which I returned.

    Okay you maniacs, we do have another problem. Please turn your eyes to Arasakas only information on the attackers. Hiromi demanded, and turned herptop around, where there was a small text log.

    It was transcribed from the pilot, and I frowned deeply at what I read.

    Thats going to be a problem. Ichi offered, but Malcolm jumped in instantly after.

    I want it! Dibs!

    Fuck! I cursed, because the idea of a vehicle with a Rocket Launcher on top was pretty rad. Like At least as cool as my ck Quadra.

    I really dont think you need a rocketuncher equipped vehicle, Malcolm. Hiromi tried to argue, but I actually considered it and shook my head.

    Actually. If we gathered a few armed vehicles like that, and stored them for emergencies thats not a bad idea. We might take gigs where we have to hit AVs or need to take out an armored transport. Having something like that in storage isnt a bad idea.

    Hiromi looked like she was going to argue but her shoulders slumped. Thats true.

    Yes! Malcolm fist pumped because that meant we were definitely taking heavily weaponized vehicles for ourselves.

    Okay but back to the point. That thing is super dangerous. What do we do?

    We infiltrate their camp and kill them before they get a chance to get in their rides. I offered with a shrug. Ill just have to be super careful if any of the thieves manage to get into their vehicles that could be pretty dangerous. It made me consider whether I needed to bring my Uragan, but that might be overkill.

    Nekomata should punch through the armor pretty well, and at close range and not standing on top of a moving vehicle, I should be able to hit the driver.

    Alright! Lets get everything we need sorted out tonight, and we can head out in the morning to Dakotas garage! Hiromi called out pping her hands to refocus us all. We will have a mission budget, so run things through me, and we can get everything sorted out!

    Dont forget to bring lots of water! I added looking at my chooms who all rolled their eyes at me.

    --

    The next morning we all met up at Hiromis parking garage, and Hiromi dropped a new issue on our heads.

    Dad wants to talk to everyone about the gig? I think he just wants to meet my chooms. Hiromi added looking nervous as we all arrived.

    Ichi, Malcolm, and I looked at eachother and I could tell the boys werent interested, but Ichi shrugged and Malcolm relented a moment after. Sure, I guess.

    If our client wants to meet, Im not against it. I added, and Hiromi looked relieved as we all headed towards the elevators.

    The ride up was quiet and I could see Hiromi sort of buzzing with anxiety but we stepped out and over to her door which she opened and led us in.

    There, sitting at the big table in the dining area was Hiromis father. That same sort of sinister look behind his eyes was present just like before.

    Ah Hiromi! I see you brought your little friends! Good. Why dont all of youe over for a minute, this wont take long. He called out waving us over, but I noticed didnt actually ask, or offer us a seat.

    Once we walked over he looked the three of us that werent Hiromi up and down, paying particr attention to me.

    You look like you are doing well, Motoko wasnt it?

    Yes. Nice to see you again as well. I hope that ourpletion of your gig will meet your satisfaction. I added, and he simply smiled lightly, like he was looking at a child showing a finger painting, or a small dog.

    Im not overly concerned, which is why I agreed to let Hiromi take on the contract for this issue. My true concern is that my daughteres to no harm while working this gig. I hope you understand my meaning.

    I nodded to the man, while my mind was buzzing.

    Thats right. Arasaka was full of people like him. Arrogant men and women, that dont actually care about the bottom line, just as long as their pet projects orforts were respected.

    Who cares if Arasaka lost a shipment, as long as they werent the ones directly responsible for it? That just meant they could remove some upstart below them, securing their own power. Throw eddies at some mercs to see if they could kill the ones that attacked them problem solved. No longer a problem.

    This guy didnt care about the shipment. Didnt care about killing the ones responsible. Very likely if Hiromi hadnt offered to take the contract he would have just filled in a report somewhere about how he had hired some mercs withpany eddies and they hadnt found anything. All the while just pocketing the money and never bothering to actually investigate.

    This was a sign of the arrogance and corruption within Arasaka at this time.

    But I didnt care. As much as Hiromi nned on joining the corp. I didnt, and didnt have any reason or desire to try and fix it.

    I would happily take the eddies though.

    Daddy, I already told you what I would be doing, Ill be at a nomad fixers base the whole time. Hiromi did not quite whine, but I noticed her lie right away. She was nning on helping when ites to cleared camps.

    I wasnt going to call her out on it though.

    Alright. Well I mostly just wanted to see my daughter''s little friends. Heh, putting together a merc group at fifteen. What a goal getter. Youll go far if you keep that ambition honey. He added, with the fakest fakeugh I had ever heard, and the way he said honey made it sound like a foreign word on his tongue.

    Hiromi just smiled at her dad though.

    Whatever, it was time.

    We were all dismissed after that, and Malcolm and Ichi both hurried for the door, obviously ufortable.

    Yeah I get that chooms.

    We were quiet on the elevator ride back to the garage, where we finally seemed to rx.

    Alright team, mount up. We have a long drive to get to! I called, and that got everyone moving. Ichi and Malcolm jumped in his van, and Hiromi joined me in the Quadra.

    We caravaned out of the city, I kept it slow making sure Ichi had protection on the drive.

    Time for the hunt to begin.

    --

    Dakota had been true to her word. Giving us a few different camp locations that we could check out.

    I had left my chooms behind, and headed out, Parking far away from the first camp, I had hiked for a while under the sun. Thankfully it wasnt too hot, and I had a water bottle, so I was fine.

    Unfortunately I hadnt noticed any sensor equipment out in the desert, so I was pretty sure I could have just driven right up.

    Oh well, it was worth it just for the ninja aspect. Nin-nin.

    Crawling through some old brambles gave me a good covered position as I looked into the camp.

    It was an old tunnel, probably a mine. The entrance was only sorta fortified. I noticed a mediocre attempt at putting up trash into a wall around the exterior, but it wasnt even tall enough to block my sight as I scanned over the camp.

    I only saw one vehicle, and it wasnt the one I was searching for.

    But there were tire tracks leading into the mine. So they likely parked inside.

    There were a few electronic defenses. Cameras, and I saw an old dirty HMG turret scanning at the entrance of the camp set up on an old fridge by the looks of it.

    *Im at the camp. Checking it out now. Im not sure this is our target, but Ill be checking out the mine to make sure. Sending details.* I spoke into the group chat, while sending pictures by text to my chooms.

    We were still ons with each other. We were still close enough to Night City that we had our agents working just fine after all.

    *Not seeing a lot of people.* Malcolm noted and I nodded to myself.

    *I think they are inside the mine, probably cooler in there.*

    *Watch out for traps! There might be Land mines! Or something!* Hiromi added and I chuckled aloud, but didnt send it through the agent.

    *Ill keep my eyes open.* I assured her instead.

    *That car, I dont think it has the weapons our target has.* Malcolm added in, but Ichi instantly responded.

    *They might not weaponize every vehicle. Dont want your underlings driving something that can take you out after all.*

    *Alright chooms. Im moving in. Going dark.* I felt my smile widen as I said that. So fucking cool. Then I mbered out of the bushes and wiped the brambles out of my hair before moving closer.

    There were a few people outside in the camp proper. Time to introduce myself.

    I stalked up until I was close enough I could hack the cameras without theg potentially interfering in my breach. Slipped into the defenses, and uploaded my Ghost Daemon into thework.

    Now I would be a lot harder for any of their sensor equipment to catch. I also sent a ping through thework, watching as the lines blurred into vision.

    Yep, there were three gonks outside the cave, and at least a dozen more inside.

    That could be irritating depending on how they were camped out.

    I considered just slipping into the cave, going through it and scouting the ce without killing anyone, but honestly. Leaving myself without an exit was a really bad idea.

    Fact was, stealth was good, one of my best skills, maybe even a bit OP, but it could fail, as it had against Thomas, and getting caught without an escape could actually lead to my death.

    So quiet, consistent, and deadly it was.

    The three gonks outside were all doing their own thing. One was working on the car that was parked outside. It looks like the car had something wrong with it, and he couldnt drive it inside.

    Another was inside a small shack near the entrance to the mine. With a bit of peaking through the cameras I could faintly hear somemercial ying, so he was just chilling.

    The third looked to actually be on guard duty. Which was weird for a Raffen camp.

    There was an overhang near the HMG turret they had set up and he was sitting in the shade looking out over the desert with a big old Grad Sniper resting beside him.

    Okay. I slipped closer, taking control of the cameras and locking them into an angle that would make sure it couldnt catch sight of what was going to happen.

    I slipped over the trash without a sound, as I did so my hands were busy, quickly pulling free my Lexington, and the silencer, and in one move slowly screwing them together.

    Then once I had that taken care of I pulled my knife.

    I hadnt actually used the silencer in a real life condition yet, didnt want to misjudge a shot and have a ricocheting bullet alert the camp so no long range shooting with it yet.

    I actually ignored the guard first. I had no idea what their guard schedule was like, so I wanted to leave him alive until I was ready to move into the mine, instead I scurried under old trash, and busted equipment, until I was at the entrance to the mine.

    The gonk inside watching TV was first.

    I scoped out the little shed and narrowed my eyes in a little frustration.

    I dont know if I could slip in without being seen.

    So I raised up my pistol held in my right hand, my knife in my left raised up to help support and I stalked closer, getting up to the hut I peaked through some of the wood ts and got my first look at the woman that was inside. She was actually working on something while she watched TV. Her hands busy with some tools as she stared down at her workbench.

    Well that made this easier. I did actually slip in, while she was distracted, and a momentter her throat was missing and I carried her gently to the ground.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    One down.

    I stepped out and stalked towards the gonk working on his car. Its kinda funny how often Ive killed someone doing this.

    He was at the side of the car actually changing out the wheel.

    I considered it. Should I just let him finish before killing him? It would save my team or the nomads some workter

    I shook it off, stalked up and with a vicious move tore out his throat as well. I stayed down with him for a moment making sure no noise had alerted the guard, but it was quiet.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    With that I went after thest one.

    But since there was no one else outside, I figured I might as well get some experience. I got close enough, lined up a shot and pulled.

    The sound of the bullet in the air wasnt entirely quiet, but it was a whole lot quieter than a normal shot.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    The man slumped and I nodded.

    Cool. Three down. A dozen more to go.

 Chapter 140

    Chapter 140

    The bipedal remote controlled robot smashed into the dirt as it stepped off therge container truck and started spooling its HMGs up looking for whoever was attacking.

    Yeah no.

    Fuck that.

    I instinctively tried to slip a weapon glitch in, but the Minotaur had amazingly good ICE that fought me off.

    Worse it alerted the driver to my location. He turned towards me, and I ran. Leaping off the other edge of the building as dual HMGs roared into the night, absolutely shattering the old concrete as it sprayed the roof.

    <strong><em>YOU CANT HIDE! THIS IS TOP OF THE LINE!</em></strong> The man who was driving the damn thing roared out and I just scoffed.

    I couldnt attack the Minotaur, but the pilot was literally right there.

    I considered drawing my Burya and just punching a few rounds into the container where his light was pointing, but

    I kinda wanted it.

    The Minotaur. I wanted it. Stompy bot! I must have it!

    I slipped into the building and slid through the shadows reaching the other side and peaking through an old window to see what was going on.

    Ah. The Driver wasnt a total gonk. He was wandering around in front of the container. Probably not caring if he gave away his own location as getting past a Minotaur wasnt going to be easy.

    I checked my webbing but I only had frag grenades. An EMP grenade would be a nice addition for the future.

    I moved my hand away from the explodey bits though. I didnt want to destroy the thing. It wasnt on the short list of what needed to be returned to Arasaka after all.

    I jerked as it started firing. But to my amusement, he was shooting at one of the Wraiths trying to drive away. The Smart HMG round pelted the fleeing vehicle until it gave in and just rolled off into the brush.

    Kill steal!

    I looked towards the light leading to the pilot and shrugged. His Minotaur might be protected, but was he? So I assaulted him again with a Short Circuit, wondering if it would work. Then I started running.

    Instantly the building was filled with buzzing bee-like rockets that went wild as they entered the building without a direct lock, and I slipped back out the other side again. Putting a whole building between us.

    I red as I watched my upload be blocked.

    Yeah the driving system of the Minotaur must have some good Arasaka ICE as well.

    I ignored the continued yells from the pilot as I looked around for something.

    Then I spotted it.

    Isaacs Mizutani Shion was parked right there. The one with the Rocket Launcher on top.

    I definitely heard the pounding of my heart in my ears, and felt some drool slipping down, but shook it off. No! I wanted my stompy bot!

    But It could be a good distraction.

    I had klepped the guys'' shards downstairs. I searched my pockets until I found his key and slotted it. Annoyed that my Neural Link was getting a bit full. Gonna need an upgrade soon.

    Then I ran over to the car and slipped into the driver''s seat.

    I still didnt want to blow shit up But a distraction Could I do that? I considered it, and then shrugged. It should be possible. I slipped into the car''s navigationputer, and quickly set out a few GPS coordinates that it should drive to going max speed, removing the limiter that kept the autopilot from refusing to go too fast. Then I jumped out, and booked it.

    The Shions wheels ripped up dirt as it took off into the night. I raced to the building, jumping from ground to trash pile to the roof and then raced across. I was trying to outrun a car, and I made it just in time. The Shion raced pretty close to the Minotaur, causing the bot to jerk over and spool up its weapons before it simply didnt fire.

    Yeah shooting at your boss? Quick way to get tlined. I leapt. Arcing into the night while the bot was distracted andnding on top of it, then leaping again. Sending me careening right into the storage unit on the truck. I grunted as I hit crates of junk, but I didnt let the pain slow me.

    I could hear the roar of the bot as the driver realized what had happened, and I jumped again, sending me over the crates, and into a small cubby section that a gangly fuck was fully distracted by the headset he was wearing.

    I didnt shoot, instead reaching out and ripping the headset off, causing him to scream and as he lost his control.

    The knife sunk deep into his neck as he desperately tried to fend me off.

    Nice try choom. You gave me the most trouble out of all your people. I offered him. A weak titude as he slumped bleeding out from his torn apart neck.

    Robo getto! I proimed grabbing the headset and then sighing as I put it back down.

    I didnt have time to figure this out. I walked back out. To hunt down thest few gonks that were still alive in the camp.

    --

    I was sitting up on top of the building waiting for my chooms to arrive as I looked over my system alerts.

    So many alerts!

    I felt my smile spread across my face, stretching from ear to ear.

    I hadnt just gained one level.

    I had actually gained two.

    *Level up achieved!*

    *One Stat Point Gained.*

    *One Skill Point Gained.*

    *Level up achieved!*

    *One Stat Point Gained.*

    *One Skill Point Gained.*

    That gave me three stat points to y around with, and seven skill points.

    Although arge part of me wanted to keep them either for future chrome, or to put them into Adaptation now. I think

    I think it was time to go beyond.

    Intelligence 10 (14) Due to Cyberization, Maximum value has increased by 4.

    That was what my stats currently looked like with Intelligence.

    Three stat points

    I shook it off, seeing the van and my Quadra driving down the road. I would do it. Soon, but not right now. Who knows what going beyond 10 would do to me.

    I stood up and waved at my chooms as they turned and drove through the destroyed camp to park not far from the building.

    I leapt as soon as they were parked,nding with a quiet puff of dirt as I rushed forward grabbing Ichi in a big hug.

    We did it! I cried out delighted, spinning him around like he was a doll, before attacking Hiromi who was next closest.

    Her eep of surprise was very cute as I twirled her around a whole bunch before setting her back on her unsteady feet and then leapt over the van to assault Malcolm, who tried to fend me off, but his reflex was far too low to stop me!

    Iughed in delight as he groaned at my affection.

    Motoko! Look at this! Ichi finally responded, looking around the camp at the massacre.

    Yeah its great! We got almost all of them! Fuck Wraiths! I called out happily, arms shooting up in the air, and Hiromi as always was right there with me, thrusting her arm into the sky as well.

    Of course that is when I turned and grabbed Malcolm in a bear hug.

    Whats with you shooting my Uragan huh!? I demanded squeezing tightly far tighter than he could have expected, as his breath left him in a rush.

    Oh That was me. Hiromi called in from behind me and I eased up on Malcolm to look at Hiromi who was looking a little bashful. I just thought it would be a good addition. It certainly stopped them from wanting to eeeee! She squealed as I scooped her up and squeezed, pushing the air right out of her with my bear hug.

    Punishment hug! I proimed as Hiromis legs kicked and her face went red fromck of air.

    Alright Motoko, leave Hiromi alone. Shell die if you keep that up. Ichi called out as he was looking over a dead Wraith kicking the corpse a little to make sure it was dead.

    I let go of Hiromi listening to her whoop for more air as I walked over.

    Dont worry. I double checked, everyone that didnt run is dead.

    Preem. He said a little nkly, so I nudged his shoulder.

    These are bad guys, and think of all the eddies. We need to start gathering everything. Car shards. Eddies. Weapons. We can bring it all back to Night City and sell it off.

    That''s A good Idea! Hiromi called out still gasping for breath.

    Oh! And we got the big truck we can use! I called out pointing at the massive semi that was pulling the cargo container.

    Oh nova. A Militech Behemoth. Ichi said, looking at it for a minute. Only one problem. I dont know how to drive that thing.

    I blinked looking at my chooms. Hiromi and Malcolm both gave me negative looks at my questioning nce.

    I Might be able to? I whispered, thinking about it. I was pretty sure I knew how. My Driving skill was prettyprehensive after all.

    Really?

    Yeah. I nodded, confidence growing. I can do it. Well we should start looting. Everyone take a section! I called out as I walked towards the first corpse. A few moments of rummaging I found the Unity the guy had, as well as his car''s key shard. Then I moved onto the next body, and the next. When my arms were full of loot I ran over to the storage container and dumped the guns into a pile.

    Of course then I noticed the Minotaur that had slumped over, standing still I was gonna have to get that thing back in the container too

    I sighed. I would mess with itter, just like I was still ignoring the listening post below us. So much work to do.

    --

    The dust cloud of approaching vehicles had caused all of us to prepare for the worst, but thankfully as the vehicles topped the little rise and then came down into the area we all rxed.

    Nomad Markings, not Wraith.

    Well I only half rxed. Wearing nomad colors as a Wraith would be perfect camouge to get close.

    But at the first big truck pulled to a stop, Dakota stepped out and I did finally rx.

    The older woman was looking around the camp with a sharp eye taking in the sights of ughtered Raffen.

    The guards she had with her, were looking a bit nervous, each of them holding rifles ready to shoot.

    I ignored that though. My amazingness did make some people nervous after all!

    I giggled to myself at the joke as I approached Hiromi joining me, as Malcolm and Ichi both got back to work looting.

    Dakota, we werent expecting you. I called out, and the woman took a moment to grab her oxygen mask, taking a deep breath of it, before speaking.

    I wouldnt havee. Not my usual, but I had an usual guest show up at my door, begging for help. An old friend who fell into working with the Wraiths. Told me the camp he was at was attacked by an army if you can believe it. He said, looking around at the devastation.

    I justughed at the idea. Well Ive never been called an army before!

    Hmm. The woman replied without saying anything further. Tell me. Did you kill Isaac?

    Yep. He got a bit explody with a Rocket though. Saw him die myself. I said lying outright. While he was dead, it hadnt been a rocket, but I wasnt telling Dakota about the listening post.

    She nodded at epting that. Well girl, you did more than I expected. Maybe too much. The Wraith will be stirred up after this.

    Maybe, unless you let the truth leak out. That after Isaac hit an Arasaka AV, Arasaka decided to take him out to retrieve some of their stuff. I offered and the woman looked at me for a while before nodding.

    Might work. Ill leak the information.

    Preem. We are still looting the ce, but since you are here. Interested in some new vehicles? Most of them dont even have bullet holes in them At least they dont have fresh bullet holes.

    Now that is something we can discuss. She nodded her head at her men, and they broke off to look at the cars. Of course I quickly fled the ensuing haggling between Hiromi and Dakota.

    --

    We were all exhausted by the time we got everything loaded up. I discovered piloting the Minotaur wasnt as easy as I expected, but with some effort I got it on board the truck.

    Then we piled into separate vehicles, me driving the big truck and Malcolm proving his car obsession was getting out of hand, as he had found a Mizutani Shion that he decided to drive back.

    It was slow going at first. Even with my Driving skill, the truck was a bit of a lumbering thing, especially with how loaded down it was, with an entire Arasaka AV full of stuff and everything we could stuff inside.

    But as rough as the roads were, the roads were still roads, and the Behemoth was practically made for this sort of thing. I eventually got to a good pace and just cruised through the desert, my chooms all driving around me.

    Like a bands convoy.

    I was actually surprised that we made it all the way to Dakotas garage without any issue. I had totally expected a Wraith attack on the way or something.

    Regardless once the Behemoth was parked up. Hiromi had the package we needed to deliver to her dad, an Arasakaputer that had important files I guess?

    I didnt know, nor was I going to poke my nose into it.

    But first we had something even more important to do.

    There was a reason I hadnt made a certain very important call while we were by the electrical substation.

    The listening post wasnt just monitoring traffic, but somemunication logs as well. NUSA listening to phone calls? That doesnt sound like any American government I ever heard of

    Anyway I couldnt make a call near it, as I simply wasnt sure if the data was being sent somewhere, and if Militech might roll in while we were loading up.

    Now that we had some distance, I sent a text to V.

    *Motoko: Hey V, I need you to meet up with me. Super important, not a personal matter. something Big A is going to want to know about. Cant discuss it over a line. Just answer y/n if you can meet. Cords attached,e in casual wear. Please. Trust me.*

    I sent the text off as we were settling in, and didnt get a prompt response. I just shook it off. I would show V now, orter, even if I had to drag her out here.

    Regardless, while we had done some prep for this gig ahead of time, we were certainly loaded up with more equipment than we ever could have expected. Which is why Hiromi was on the phone calling storage ces, and potential buyers for some of the loot. While Ichi and Malcolm fucked around with all the stuff that had been left behind after the first raid.

    Ichis van had been emptied out to fit the HMGs after all. And so now we had an extra load of junk we needed to pack up again.

    Since I wasnt getting a response from V, I mostly just hung out with Ichi and Malcolm helping them move and arrange stuff.

    Did you see the armor we picked up? Malcolm asked as he hefted a box full of something back into the van adjusting it to Ichis whims.

    Not yet! I was too focused on the Minotaur pilot the first time I went into the container, and Ive mostly just been dropping stuff off in there. Are they cool?

    Well its the good stuff! Full sets. I think they were used though. That AV that got taken down You think it was like a ck op group? Coming back from some secret mission.

    Well its Arasaka so I think all of their missions tend to be secret, but probably something like that. I answered as I hefted a stack of guns in my arms as I waited for Ichi who was ring at his van as he tried to figure out the best way to order things.

    Ichi was very particr about his van.@@novelbin@@

    Yeah but like Arasaka ck ops! We could be using their equipment! How huge is that!?

    Considering what I knew about Arasaka ck Ops. They didnt tend to wear armor. More suits and massive amounts of cyberware. But I wasnt going to mess with Malcolm by saying that.

    Besides, I was excited for the new equipment as well!

    Ten minutester, I finally got ate response.

    *V: y*

    I smiled.

    --

    Considering I was waiting for V to show up, and that could take hours as we were pretty far out of the city. We had a lot of time on our hands, and of course after we sorted everything into the van and then ended up idling

    Well it was sorta inevitable wasnt it?

    <strong>WOOoo!</strong> The voice came out of the Minotaur as it stumbled around drunkenly. Hiromi, Ichi, and I were watching as Malcolm took his turn trying to drive the Minotaur and it was going as well as Hiromis had.

    Badly!

    That still looks super fun. Ichi offered and I nodded. Even if I hadnt gotten a chance to y with it, I had still gotten to try it.

    Im so happy I killed the operator and not the Minotaur. Ive always wanted a kill bot. I told him, and he scoffed out augh.

    You would say that!

    Im going to be the only Arasaka Academy Student with a Minotaur. Hiromi sighed, not paying attention to the two of us, fully in her dreamworld, she had fallen into after her turn.

    Apparently it would look good on her resume.

    Haha, thats silly though Hiromi, because that baby is MINE.

    So, Motoko You want to exin whats going on? I mean, you refuse to let us head back to the city despite the fact we are all packed up. Ichi asked suddenly and I stilled before nodding my head.

    Yeah Yeah I guess we are good now. Malcolm! Pull out choom, we need to chat. I called over.

    <strong>A, Cmon Hiromi had like so much longer with it!</strong>

    Its not going anywhere, and you need to be part of this conversation too. I responded rolling my eyes.

    I mean, I get it. I too dreamed of being a one ton kill bot of steel and chrome. I mean, who didnt?

    Man the only issue with the Minotaur was no hands. Who designed a kill bot without grippy hands?

    How were you supposed to pet kitties? Pick up your chooms and carry them around? Rip a full borgs head off his over reinforced frame and use his biopod as a cudgel?

    The important stuff!

    Maybe I would do an upgrade on the minotaur? I mean. I now had a lot of equipment I could tinker with. Truckloads of it.

    Yeah! It was time to grind some tech once we got home! I settled back as Malcolm disengaged from the Minotaur. A dangerous conversation was going to happen, but honestly? Today Today had been a good day.

 Chapter 141

    Chapter 141

    Yeah, alright, fine. Malcolm grumbled as he took off the control band and huffed at all of us. It had taken a bit of urging to get him to actually stop stomping around in the Minotaur.

    So, The reason we are still here, and not heading straight back to the city. I found something. The reason the Wraiths were able to down the Arasaka AV? The specific one loaded up with high end equipment?

    I noticed Hiromi perk up at that, although information wasnt part of the gig her dad had sent us on, she was always looking for a bonus.

    Well the reason we are waiting here is because I called in V, she works for Arasaka Counter Intel. Because under the substation we were at, there was a Militech listening post. I dropped the bombshell, and I could tell Malcolm and Ichi were just kinda taking in the information without much response, but Hiromi went still.

    Wait A listening post!?

    Yeah. Full tracking, conversations, AVs, hell. They were even tracking space lift offs. I think it was made just before the Unification War. To track Night City. But then Arasaka came back, and they either forgot about it Or just left it running in secret.

    Fuck. Hiromi cursed as she took that in. Wait you said Counter Intel? She isnt going to like, tline us right?

    No, I trust V. Shes good people Mostly. Just let me do the talking and pretend you dont know anything. But you deserve to know whats going on. Youre my team after all.

    Arasaka Counter Intel Good people? Malcolm faux whispered to Ichi who just elbowed him to shut up. Ichi obviously realized that with Hiromis reaction it must be a big deal.

    Okay so what does that mean for us? Ichi asked and I shrugged.

    Honestly? Depends on V, and her boss I guess. But something like this? Tracking Arasaka air traffic to even keep an eye on their secret AV stuff? Yeah this is super big. Either huge payday Or they try to quiet all of us. I answered with a shrug.

    I didnt think V would go along with that, but it was something I had to consider. Fucking Night City.

    I should call my dad then. He can-

    No! Hiromi. We dont know what the listening post can pick up. No calls about this. I waited until we were here before I even sent a text to V and it was super vague. I cut Hiromi off urgently.

    She looked grumbly for a moment before nodded. Yeah thats smart, but Ill call him in an instant if some CI bitch starts making trouble! She says and I justugh, because Corpo V was such a bitch!

    But she was a likable bitch.

    Okay. Motoko this is your Choom. Ill leave it to you. Hiromi decided with a nod and I smiled in relief.

    Thanks Hiromi. I promise she wont disappoint. I think we should tell your dad once we head back into the city. Bringing Counter Intel is just smart, so getting your dad up to speed, we could spread the rep for the find a bit I think?

    Hmph! Of course! Dad is the one that created this gig, so anything we find should go to him first!

    So Thats it right? Malcolm cut in. After Hiromis exmation. I looked to him curiously but shrugged my shoulders.

    Yeah that was the whole thing.

    Great! Dibs on finishing my turn with the kill bot!

    Its not a kill bot, its an Arasaka Brand Minotaur! Hiromi snapped, but everyone ignored her.

    Aww. I wanted my turn next. I whined.

    Oh well. It was going to be mine soon regardless. Someone had to go into the programming, clear up all the Arasaka back doors, and Wraith trash, and then repaint it so it didnt have Arasaka all over it.

    I was thinking Blue, and white?

    Heh.

    ---

    I did finally get another turn to y with the Minotaur, and then had been kicked off by Ichi when my time was up without preamble.

    It had switched between all of us until we had nearly drained the CHOOH2 tank. In the end we put it away and switched, at Hiromis demand to start categorizing our loot.

    I was just finishing packing up a crate that was now actually ordered instead of just stuffed with junk when I heard the revving of arge engine pulling up to our side of Dakotas garage.

    For some reason things around here had been quiet since we brought out the Minotaur and had it stomping around.

    The Chevillon Emperor pulled up and I rxed, noticing not only the familiar redhead at the wheel, but that there were no Arasaka markings on it.

    Hey guys! Vs here! I called out deeper into the truck as I jumped down and hurried over noticing V didnt look pleased, her sunsses dipping down her nose showing me a ring set of glowing optics.

    Kid. Not sure what the fuck this is all about, but I want answers, and fast.

    Let me get in, and lets talk. I told her. Waving at my chooms who were wondering what to do as I ran to the other side of her big ass truck.

    Never been in one of these. I slipped into the truck noticing the interior was expensive. Like super expensive. I shook it off and only when the door was closed did I start. Pulling out the shard from my socket and handing it over.

    Found something while on this Arasaka gig. Finding the loot from an Arasaka AV that was taken down in the bands. Everything went smooth, found the guy who did it, started clearing him out Only he was acting weird. Holding up in a ce that he had no reason to settle. Turns out. He found a Militech NUSA listening post, Unification war era, thats been watching NC ever since. Including Arasaka flights in and out of the city. As I spoke V had slipped in the shard and was looking at the pictures of what I had taken that I had saved just for her.

    Jesus Christ.

    Yeah. I have no idea if anyone is actually still listening, or its just all automated, so I couldnt make any direct calls about it. I gathered some data, and brought you out.

    Vs eyes blinked after a few more moments and she looked at me. You called me. Why? You could have just turned this into Mitsunashi, and been done with it.

    Becausest I checked V, finding a NUSA listening post is a Counter Intelligence thing, and it would be a huge win for you Right?

    She looked at me for a while, an intense look, her optics practically whirling as they seemed to try and find something.

    Yeah. Itll help a lot. At least itll keep Jenkins from tlining me for running out of the city suddenly. He probably thinks Im going off reservation or something. Im going to need to see this listening post.

    Yeah. Thats why I called you before we went back to the city. My ride or yours?

    As much as I would prefer it. Lets take yours. Too easy for this thing to be traced back to Arasaka. V muttered as she stepped out, and I followed. Hiromi walked up and I waved her up.

    Taking V back to the substation. Sit tight for a bit?

    Its fine Motoko. Go with the scary Counter Inteldy. Well keep our loot safe. Malcolm interrupted before Hiromi could, throwing an arm over her shoulder and giving me a thumbs up.

    Hiromi elbowed him but nodded to me as she stalked off.

    Is Everything okay? I asked confused.

    Dont worry about it! Malcolm called out his thumb still up so I quickly returned it awkwardly as I closed my Quadras car door.

    You little chooms up to something?

    No? At least I dont think so. I think theyre just messing with me. Dont worry about it. Theyre cool V. I promise. I trust them.

    The older woman just scoffed, but then we were off. Driving out of Dakotas garage rest stop.

    --

    The drive was quiet, small talk wasnt something V wanted to do, like at all.

    I had eventually run out of anything to actually talk about so I just turned on the radio to Morro Rock, and was thankful that a Samurai song was ying. As that seemed to ease tensions. Both of us quietly rocked out to the radio as I drove the long way out to the electrical substation.

    Finally though we pulled over the hill that blocked it from view, and I could see V sit up as the ce was a ghost town.

    Dakota had really only taken the vehicles, and hadnt wanted anything else like tents or anything. So the ce was abandoned, dead left to rot in the sun.

    As I pulled up to the station. I could see V looking around it, eyes narrowed.

    The top of the station. Thats where all of the Wraiths were killed from. Assault Rifle?

    A Copperhead, and youre right! I was up there. Good catch. Or was it some crime scene program or something?

    You did this-No. That makes sense. Sneaky fuck. She mumbled thest bit and Iughed at her smiling happily at her remembering. Finally parking we stepped out and I waved at her to follow as I led her inside, past the dusty room into the little office. I didnt need to as I already had ess, but I opened the desk cupboard that had the hidden keypad, and then called up the elevator.

    Ill need ess.

    Sure. Ill give you the code. I agreed as I followed her into the elevator, she hadnt even hesitated before entering.

    How did the Wraiths find this ce? She asked me, and I just had to shrug.

    I dont know. None of them had a shard with all their historyid out with dates or something for me. I said almostughing at the fact the game did that all the time. She nodded without a word, and when the door opened she was first out. Walking straight in, looking over the dead bodies with a grimace, but heading around, checking it out.

    I just settled onto the table in the center and watched as she first essed the system. She stared at the disy of the entirety of Night City with AVs marked. It did have a few other things as well. But I didnt know what they were, and didnt really care.

    V either did, or just thought the info was valuable regardless. She tried to pull a shard out of her neck but stopped.

    Can I download this data without an alert going out? She asked me suddenly and I jerked up and hurried over.

    Lets find out. I muttered, quickly snatching a chair and rolling into spot as I began essing it, and checking what this system was taking in, and putting out.

    Maybe. Hold up, I might need to partition a drive though. I mutter, there was definitely some sort of NUSA spyware installed on these, but I was pretty sure I could put all the data it had saved into one of theptops already essed by the system and then just get the system to report it as a hardware failure and forget it ever existed. Letting us take it out without a problem.

    Okay that one. I pointed across the room. Unplug thatptop before anything, but start it up. I gave you credentials to get in. User: V Pass: Hacked. Capital H. I informed her, as I continued working on making sure the system wouldnt try to connect to it again, if I could get it to ept theptop was damaged and so destroyed even if NUSA decided to look into this ce they would never know it was missing.@@novelbin@@

    Motoko. Can you get this data sent to another location, without Militech noticing? V asked, and I grimaced.

    That I dont know V. Honestly. Im good, my stealth is pretty good, but I would definitely be worried I could fuck it up. Better I think for you guys to maybe send a team overter to make your own hidden connection. I know you have goodrunners. Better than I am.

    V hesitated, like she wanted to argue before she sighed and nodded. Yeah, better not to push our luck. I got this at least. She said, patting theptop. This is big Motoko. You I owe you one for calling me in. This was definitely worth the trouble Thanks. She finally added at the end and I could feel my smile spreading.

    You V. My choom. Are very wee. I said, continuing to grin directly at her, until she stopped looking thankful and just started looking irritated.

    Alright. Cmon I need to get back.

    Yep!

    ---

    V wasnt much more talkative on the way back, and as soon as I dropped her off, she was off, power striding straight to her truck, and then away.

    It was okay though, because to my shock as we pulled up she had sent a big dump of eddies into my ount without a word about it.

    I guess that was her way of paying for the info?

    Well I was going to forgive her, because I was honestly pretty tired. I wanted to go home.

    Alright chooms. Im back! I called out after I watched V race away. Tell me nothing big happened?

    Nothing big happened. It was boring. Hiromi did buy some more CHOOH2 to power up the Minotaur though. That was cool. Ichi told me from the back of his van, which was so packed to the brim the poor boy had to sit on the roof.

    They didnt break it did they? I questioned a little haunted, please dont let my new toy get broken already!

    No, its fine. Cmon I want to get out of here. Unload the loot, somewhere, and head home for a shower, a meal, and a nap in that order. Ichi called out looking as done with the desert as I was.

    Ichi, I literally couldnt have put it better myself.

    We quickly found Malcolm and Hiromi still ying with the Minotaur, although from the looks of the targets of old oil cans they had set up, I had a feeling those guns would be a whole lot emptier than they had been before. Sighing without any heat I forced them to pack up and we all got back on the road.

    The drive to Night City was long but quiet. The big old Behemoth rumbled along,pletely uncaring at the slightly rough roads, despite the heavy load we were hauling. It definitely wasnt the heaviest load ever carried by this beast. So it was no problem.

    It was a little lonely though. All of us were in different vehicles to help out. Ichi and I hauled the big stuff. While Hiromi and Malcolm both raced around us, Hiromi in my Quadra, while Malcolm used his newly looted Wraith Shion.

    And then hourster we were pulling into a storage yard, one Hiromi had set up in advance, and one that was familiar.

    I guess Hiromi still had no issue calling up Fujimura, because it was that same TC storage lot.

    With a sigh, I pulled in, parked, and all four of us got to work hauling out loot from the vehicles. Once everything was stored away and all four of us copsed sweaty into chairs gathered from around the lot.

    Maybe Maybe there is such a thing as too much loot? I whispered to myself before just shaking it away.

    No, not that was obviously some sort of heresy. More loot was always better.

    I just want, like the biggest cheeseburger. Malcolm aired with a sigh.

    I wouldnt mind a burger. I agreed and looked to Hiromi and Ichi who either shrugged or nodded.

    Preem.

    We just have onest thing to do, Im afraid. I mentioned earning a new round of moans as I pointed. What are we doing with this thing? Hiromi?

    Uuuugh. She moaned at me. As the leader of Section 9- Hey! She flinched at my kick, but she was smiling at me teasingly regardless. As the manager of personnel, of Section 9. Vehicles obviously fall under our vehicle and driver specialist. So Ichi what do we do with this thing?

    Nope, thats not my gig. Im the Light vehicle, and transport specialist. Heavy vehicles are out of my wheelhouse. Malcolm! This i-Ow!

    Dont even. Malcolm grumbled having punched Ichi in the shoulder. I have no idea what to do with a truck that big. That thing is huge. Sell it?

    Maybe we should keep it? If we do more bands gigs like this I mean. We needed the transport lift. I offered, but Hiromi just groaned at me.

    We dont have any ce to put it! Look at that thing!

    Park it out in the bands somewhere?

    Thatll just get it klepped Malcolm. Ichi answered instantly. Maybe Maybe we just buy a space for it? I mean there are industrial spaces Hiromi couldnt we like Rent it to a transportpany?

    The girls eyes squinted. Yeeees? She answered eventually very unconvincingly. Just find a ce for it for a few days. If it gets klepped then its just one less problem for us.

    Oh! I can fix that actually. I muttered reaching into the back of my belt. Before the gig had started I had bought two new pouches, one for my TachiCama, and one for my Trackers.

    I popped a tracker out and shed it to my chooms before walking up to the Behemoth and finding a good hidden spot, basically climbing on top of the truck and finding a ce it would secure in nicely, before returning.

    What was that?

    I made a tracker! And a little camera! I call these TachiCama! I proimed revealing my cute little spy cameras! See they got cute little grabby hands! And the color scheme is sooo cute! I gushed as I offered it to my chooms, definitely not stuffing it into their faces with a bit too much force.

    Thats Preem? Motoko. Ichi replied first looking to Hiromi and Malcolm for backup, but Hiromi was just smiling, and so Malcolm was the next toment.

    Sooo Spy Cameras huh? Thats useful. Can I get one?

    I made enough for everyone! I got a set of tracker and TachiCama for everyone! I was on a bit of a binge with stuff just before the gig. Oh! I have them in my trunk! I ran to the Quadra and found the box of stuff I had brought along. I had meant to give it to everyone, but the long drive had had it slip my mind.

    After passing out the new equipment, I sat back down and smiled as my chooms looked over the new gadgets.

    Alright, I see how these would be useful Why not just buy some though? Hiromi asked, and I just rolled my eyes. Of course Hiromi would want to just buy some off the shelf stuff.

    Cause, since I bought, crafted, and programmed them. I know they are safe. Ill make some improvements eventually. I want to make a Daemon to run the Tachikoma so they can actively look around and maybe even crawl along walls Yeah. That would be pretty useful. I remembered Star Wars had little spy droids that were incredibly effective every time they appeared, but almost never did because they were too good.

    I wanted that sort of thing!

    But then again eventually I would have Tachikoma!

    Okay so We have a tracker on the truck. We leave it somewhere mostly secure for now and call it good?

    Im literally just going to park it out on the street. Fuck driving that thing around any more than I have to. Ichi you need to learn how to drive a Behemoth! This is amand! I pointed at him, and he did a snortugh, but he nodded.

    Alright. Ill get some practice or something Honestly. Motoko since you know how. You can teach me.

    Ehhhh. I hate teaching thoooough. I whined, but I did eventually dete and nod. Alright. Ill give you a run down. Lets go.

    Wait now?

    Ichi. We gotta move it, and Fujimura will kill us for leaving that thing in his lot. Now or never. Cmon! Faster we finish, the faster we can go for burgers!

    --

    Ichi only stalled out, twice, and rammed into a fence three times! Not bad! It wasnt Fujimuras fence, so no one really cared.

    Burgers were a delight and we all left a massive mess in the booth of sand and dirt, but I dropped a big tip as well as paying, and the waitress seemed to forgive us.

    After that, we all finally split up. Hiromi with the loot for her dad, headed home. Malcolm, to go get his new car properly repainted, and Ichi just went home, with a to go order for his Grandma. I even paid for it, cause thats just sweet.

    I went home. Immediately walked into the shower and just. Sat there. I had taken off my belts and holsters, and my boots but everything else was already so dirty, that a little water wasnt going to hurt it.

    Slowly I stripped out of the muddy jeans. My ufortably sand filled Leotard, and everything else leaving me to finally feel free of the desert for the first time in two days.

    Another reason I couldnt be a nomad. I didnt know how Panam did it.

    Motoko?

    Jun! Im back! Taking a shower!

    Alright! Take your time! Jun sounded happy through the stupid beads as he walked back to the living room and I finally got around to washing myself clean. Soaps and shampoothered up to clean me all over.

    Once I was fully done. I grabbed my stuff and chucked it into the washer, my holsters would need some attentionter, but for now I was pulling the brat card and just leaving them on the floor. A towel and a hurried trip across the apartmentter to my room. I got some new clothes and finally felt like a human again.

    Stepping out of my room to see Jun still on the couch, as I dried my hair was nice and I plopped down next to him, and before he could say anything I burst into chatter. Telling him everything about the gig, even about the listening post.

    The whole time he was a good listener. Not talking, but made interested noises as I exined the fights and the interesting bits, until the very end.

    That sounds like a crazy couple days Imouto. He finally decided on, then he reached out and patted me on the head, and I wasnt going to refuse any attention right now. I slumped over and settled my head on his thigh, using the towel as a pillow and demanded more attention.

    I would sit through one of Juns stupid tv shows right now. For him of course. He sometimes needed some physical affection.

 Chapter 142

    Chapter 142

    After giving Jun some affection, making sure he was okay and happy, andfy and back to feeling like he was home and everything was okay. I finished cleaning up. Grabbing my gear I ran it all through a thorough cleaning. Holsters, belts, guns, and equipment. Just everything needed a cleaning.

    So much dust.

    Bleh! I hate the Bands!

    After that everything was settled I took a nice sleep, something I hadnt really enjoyed during the gig and woke up feeling refreshed and ready to get to work!

    First thing first.

    My stat page.

    Level 17

    Body 8(16) Due to Cyberization, Maximum value has increased by 8.

    -Athletics 7

    -Street Brawler 8

    -Annihtion 5

    Reflex 8

    -des 7

    -Handguns 7

    -Assault 7

    -Driving 7

    Intelligence 10 (14) Due to Cyberization, Maximum value has increased by 4.

    -Breach Protocol 9

    -Quick Hacks 8

    -Programming 10

    Cool 9

    -Ninjutsu 9

    -Cold Blood 8

    -Rockerboy 8

    Technical Ability 5 (9) Due to Cyberization, Maximum value has increased by 4.

    -Crafting 4

    -Engineering 4

    3 Stat point.

    7 Skill point.

    Perks.

    Ambidextrous des 2

    Quickdraw Handguns 2

    Gun Nut Assault 2

    Parkour Athletics 2

    Grappling Street Brawler 2

    Drive By Driving 2

    Cat-like Athletics 5

    Cool Nerves Cold Blood 2

    Danger Sense Ninjutsu 2

    Wall Breaking Breach Protocol 2

    Cyber Security Quick Hack 2

    Recoil Reduction. Annihtion 2

    Cyber Ninja Ninjutsu 5

    Fearless Chill Cold Blood 5

    Improvised Weapons Street Brawler 5

    Parry des 5

    Robotics wizard Crafting 2

    Drifting Driving 5

    Rapid Reload Handguns 5

    Design Wizard Engineering 2

    Rifle Ace Assault 5

    Ghost touch Breach 5

    Perfect Musical Memory Rockerboy 2

    Debug Programming 2

    Siren Song Rockerboy 5

    Hacking Wizard Quick Hacks 5

    Inspired Programmer Programming 5

    A.I. Whisperer: Programming 10

    Annihtion 5 *Unused*

    Cyberware:

    Seacho Electronics Mk.2 *Adaptation Seacho Mk.2 0/0* @@novelbin@@

    Kiroshi Mk1 *Adaptation Kiroshi Mk1 1/2*

    Militech Condor *Adaptation Militech Condor 5/6*

    Arasaka Smart Link System. *Adaptation Smart Link 0/0*

    Arasaka Ex-Disk *Adatapation Ex-Disk 0/0*

    Militech-Armalite Ballistic Guard *Adaptation Ballistic Guard 1/2*

    Serano Air-Groove Ankles *Adaptation Serano Air 1/1*

    MoorE Titanium Bones (Shoulders, back, and ribs.) *Adaptation Titanium Bones 0/1*

    Biotechnica Muscle and Bone Lace *Adaptation Muscle and Bone Lace 0/0*

    Looking through it I took in all the little changes. Reading everything carefully so I would know exactly where I was at. And there were a few minor changes indeed.

    My adaptation max had dropped again for my Condors! It was now only 6! I wiggled my shoulders and smiled. I guess I had gotten pretty used to the things. Maybe it also had to do with the Titanium bones? One of the problems I had was the chrome was a bit heavier than a normal limb, and so it was pulling on normal muscle and bone

    By improving my body more, had I eased one of the problems the Condors were causing? It was kinda annoying howplicated Adaptation was!

    Either way, whatever caused it! It was awesome! One less point I would have to spend!

    In fact

    I pushed the button without even thinking about it. It had to be done. A finale to the whole thing. Apletion of a task.

    Militech Condor *Adaptation Militech Condor 6/6*

    It was over. I exhaled not even in relief because the Condor had been something I hadnt been really bothered by in a long time. But in a way this was me finally,pletely recovering from the Maelstrom attack.

    Complete. I feltplete, I stretched my arms and nothing felt weird, or ufortable. Just muscles stretched around titanium bones in my back and my arms just felt like my arms.

    I mmed a fist into my palm.

    Fuck yeah!

    I grinned goofily as I felt the happiness just surge up through me. I did it!

    I shook it off patting my cheeks to refocus. I still had other things! I had a perk point!

    Well, Ill be honest and admit Ive had it forever. Annihtion was just I didnt know what to pick!

    But today was a clean te kind of day. Time to clean up my stuff!

    So I popped open the perk selection and hummed as I looked it over. There was Well a lot of stuff for sure, but I needed something It was a split of perks for the most part. Shotgun stuff, and Machine gun stuff.

    I mean, I used both weapons, but when it really came down to it. Neither were ever going to be my primary weapons. Most of the time I would need more pration for serious missions than a shotgun offers, and machine guns were good, but Im kinda small, and those things are chunky.

    My first Annihtion perk had been Recoil Reduction, probably one of the best perks I picked, considering how versatile it was, but now I needed something I read through the list and there wasnt just a perfect option I could find. No perk that would just affect everything, or would blow things away.

    In the end I just shrugged. I grabbed a Shotgun perk. Id grab a Machine gun one next time.

    m Fire. You know how to hold, cock and fire a pump shotgun.

    It seemed simple, but firing a shotgun faster was a neat trick.

    I selected it and shivered in delight as the knowledge flowed through. Once it was done, I rolled backwards off my bed sliding from my arms up onto my feet and into a brisk walk without slowing down as I found my Tactician, and unloaded it.

    I brought it to bear and noticed how my hands shifted automatically. My grip changed, and I brought it down, and then up down and up, and then I faux fired, pumped and fired again. Both of my arms worked in tandem, pushing and pulling the gun at different intervals. I knew I was also adjusting for recoil that wasnt there, and then I blurred through firing, and I mmed out eight rounds in just a few moments.

    Quick! Really quick!

    I nodded pleased. I wouldnt be as quick with the Carnage because that thing was brute and cocking it was like bashing two pieces of metal together until something gave, but it would probably still be a lot faster than it had before.

    I reloaded the Tactician and put it back by my bedroom door before heading back to my bed.

    Okay I was satisfied with that! Now onto the really interesting bit.

    Intelligence 10 (14) Due to Cyberization, Maximum value has increased by 4.

    I took a breath and clicked on Intelligence. Putting in a stat point and then.

    Well nothing. I didnt Feel different? Well I shrugged it off, I was used to Intelligence being kind of a zany stat.

    No, instead I moved on to see what was beyond 10.

    I only had one Intelligence skill at 10 already. Programming, which was definitely a powerful tool. So it was perfect to test out.

    I put in a skill point, which the system reminded me I needed to use a skill point to gain anything in skills over 10, and then

    I yelped, blinking stars that were definitely not in my vision, at the surge of new information.

    It was Oh.

    Oooooh.

    I get it now. I understood. The difference between under 10 in a skill, and over. Why I needed Cyberization! It all made sense!

    The information I gained was a lot of repeated information in a way. Things I already knew, but now? Now I knew how to do them solely with my cyberware. To integrate being a cyborg into the task so there was no need for something more. No need for aptop, for typing.

    Just me, and the code. Me and my ghost essing the digital space.

    While I had always been a cyborg, I hadnt been using the connection of machine and man to its full extent I now realized.

    This was more than just a repeat of old information. If before I was learning how to code as a human, now I was learning how to code as a cyborg. I had only touched on the barest of programming without aptop before in emergencies, when I needed to rewrite some code on the fly, and it hadnt been easy.

    But now? I had all the beginner tools to do it without getting distracted or losing sight of what I was trying for.

    BrrRrrrrRrrrRrrr! I exhaled and shook my head back and forth for a few moments. Then I once again pped my cheeks a few times.

    That was a lot.

    Okay. Note to self. Dont double skill upgrade with post 10. I felt like my brain was overheating. But I felt normal, just sort of swamped.

    I was really d I was on my bed so I just flopped back and waited for a bit to get used to it.

    Programming 11 It wasnt a direct increase in power exactly. I couldnt just make hacks at a new tier or something, but it felt like I could code faster.

    Maybe even cut off half the time in any project with just that one point.

    The ability to split my focus through my cyberdeck. To code without touching a keyboard, but I could still synergize that. Code with both? Potentially.

    It was a lot. I could tell I was pushing beyond human, beyond what just my flesh brain could handle without support.

    And honestly?

    It felt amazing.

    --

    A few hourster I headed over to the storage lot. Thankfully nothing looked stolen, even without me performing overwatch for the night again.

    I wasnt saying I trusted Fujimura to be enough of protection on its own, but this time I didnt have a gang of gonk kids that would happily klep everything from me knowing we just had a payday.

    Plus if anyone did steal something I would just track them down and teach them it was a bad idea.

    I had opened up the unit and was pulling out the tactical gear for the team. I had left it here yesterday because after unloading everything from the big truck, I was a bit too tired to want to haul it around again to home.

    Now I felt much better and was gathering up the Arasaka tactical armor and piling it into the Quadra. Along with a bunch of the extra guns and equipment we had found.

    I wanted to clean up a bit of everything for my chooms to use. The Arasaka equipment was certainly better quality than some of the stuff we used up until now.

    I might not be a fan of the Masamune for example, but it was a very urate and dangerous rifle, although I was thinking something specific for my chooms.

    Piling on another stack of equipment into the Quadras passenger seat I once more spotted the TC grunts watching me out of the corner of my eye.

    They were keeping an eye on me, but hadnt tried to talk to me, or bother me. So I was mostly ignoring them, but the attention still made me aware, made me consider ways to defend myself.

    Thankfully it wasnt needed. I was done with what I needed today. Hiromi would be handling the rest over the next while.

    I took onest look at the Minotaur the desire to y with it almost irresistible, but I had work to do before I could take it out and y with it.

    I closed up the garage, and climbed back into the Quadra and drove home.

    Time for some real tech work.

    I had so many supplies, literally piles of guns. I was going to rip anything we didnt sell apart, and start working on the grind.

    A few trips between apartment and carter, I was all set up.

    First I pulled out the helmet of the armor. I did a scan, and started basically tearing it apart.

    Frankly I was nning on redesigning most of it, but I first wanted to look it over for something I suspected to find.

    Trackers. Listening devices. Anything for Arasaka to just keep one more finger on the pulse of their troopers.

    It couldnt be anywhere not easy to find, I really tore this one apart. Every piece of tech was taken apart, examined, and explored.

    I was even getting Crafting and Tech alerts for it!

    The helmets were pretty simple. Actual armored hard case. Internal electronics, and external electronics.

    That was it.

    The internal electronics were simple enough. A sound baffling to keep their ears from being blown out by gunfire, or shbangs, and an internal booster, and squad radio.

    I really wanted both pieces, and so carefully examined the whole thing. Even going through the chips that ran everything to check what everything did.

    It was all Normal.

    Maybe it wasnt in the helmets?

    Well, I had a fully taken apart the helmet with all its electronics, scans of the whole thing which I was already storing in myptop in case I ever needed to repair or rece the parts

    But what do I do with the Helmet? Couldnt just leave them as is. Getting thought of as being Arasaka forces would not be a good idea. I had to alter the form of the helmet. Plus, I had to decide on paint as well. Did we pick a solid color, a camo?

    Oh Wait I could probably get some of the ECM emitters that the TC used in their tats. ECM equipped armor could be pretty neat. It would probably be super expensive, but like

    I had a lot of eddies right now.

    I shook that off. Stop feature creeping. I havent even gotten the helmet figured out yet. Staring at the disassembled helmet I wondered what I could do other than just change up the paint. How could I give Section 9 a look

    I did consider going Sentai Rangers, but no. That was just silly.

    Hmm Well I did have my directional mic, something these helmets didnt have integrated

    I pulled up the CAD program, and tossed the helmets dimension into it, thank you Kiroshi scan tech!

    Then I went to work, adding and adjusting, it wouldnt be expensive, at least not for the directional mic. I already had the design done and it was cheap to begin with.

    The housing for it would be cheap as well, a bit of extra armor, I could even potentially use some of the spare armor from the extra sets to make it, but I would probably just go buy something feasible. It didnt need to be perfectly bullet proof since it was just a directional mic.

    The program came together and I nodded at the look, the triangle horns sticking out of the top. Yeah that could work. Of course the problem would be hooking it up to the squad radio already integrated into the helmet.

    Luckily I was a programmer!

    I pulled it apart, and started hooking it up to check the programming when Jun knocked.

    Motoko?

    Im here! Whats up Jun? I called out barely tearing my eyes away from the code I was dissecting, before realizing I didnt need to do that. I slipped my personal link into theptop and was suddenly essing the code on a visual spectrum in my agent, and then I could just Start modifying.

    Programming 11! Stronk!

    Hey, want to get lunch? I blinked as I whirled to Jun who was in more casual clothing than his usual TC gang outfit.

    Yeah! I agreed instantly. Putting my coding to the side, but not shutting it down as I hurried after. Slipping my boots on I followed after casual clothes wearing Jun as he grabbed his big Cyberpunk jacket and slipped it on. I quickly reached out as we left the apartment to grab his hand, swinging it back and forth happily.

    --

    Jun and I spent a nice lunch together and then split up. He was heading out to hang out with some of his chooms, while I went home to continue my work.

    I had done a little more programming work on the walk to the Ramen ce we ended up using, which meant by the time I walked back into the apartment and settled at my workbench, I was ready.

    The in built helmet radio was actually wired to the antennae in the back to increase its ability to punch through any ECM interference. But it meant I could splice a new wire in with the new coding and now instead of having multiple private channels on different frequencies. It had one, that I made sure wasnt the normal Arasaka frequencies anyways, and the radio could now toggle to connect to the directional mic.

    It was a neat bit of coding and I was super proud of how it came out! All the work on the helmet was already paying dividends as I was getting Crafting, Engineering and Tech alerts as I solved each of the problems.

    I rolled around the workbench grabbing supplies to start work on the actual directional mic housing. I would need them for each of us, but I figured a prototype first to show off what I was working with would be the best.

    As I let my 3D printer form the metal I had into the right shape, I sent a text to my chooms in our group chat.

    *Motoko: Fixing up the armor now, doing some prototype work still, but I need suggestions for color, or camo? Anyone have a preference? Also might want to integrate an ECM unit into the chest rig, like the ECM tats the TC use. Sound cool?*

    *Malcolm: Oooh! I want mine in yellow!*

    *Motoko: Im not designing your armor in the same color as a Caliburn Malcolm. This is ourbat equipment. Be serious.*

    *Ichi: Yeah Malcolm be serious. Camo would be good. City colors? Greys and concrete colored?*

    *Malcolm: I am serious! Fine both of you pick on me. I dont know. Camo sounds so corp. Id rather we do something Kitsch!*

    *Ichi: Motoko, can you give us any visuals of what different versions would look like before we decide?*

    *Motoko: Oh yeah. I can do that. I dont have aplete set yet, but once I do, Ill give us a 3D rendering, and we can mess around with the colors. That sound good?*

    *Malcolm: Sounds perfect to me!*

    *Hiromi: Cant talk in ss. Sounds preem Motoko! Thanks!*

    *Motoko: Thats fine Hiromi no rush. Talk to me when you are done. I might need help sourcing the ECM stuff. Have fun in ss Badass corpo bitch!*

    *Malcolm: Yeah! Bad corpo bitch Hiromi! Kick all those arrogant shits ass!*

    *Ichi: I dont think you should beat up the other corpos you go to ss with, but Im not saying dont do it.*

    I giggled at the messages we all sent at Hiromi which she undoubtedly couldnt read right now. I shook it off and went back to work. I could finish most of the stuff and do color schemes and other thingster.

    Back to work.

 Chapter 144

    Chapter 144

    I woke up instantly blinking and feeling just fine, I sat up nearly instantly and noticed I was covered in a scratchy nket.

    Well looks like we got the time right. Vik said noticing me wake up.

    You got everything done in time?

    Yeah, no problem on my side. How do you feel kid? Vik rolled over and started examining me.

    Fine. Actually Hmm, I feel like my weight is off a bit.

    Yeah well, thats what happens when you change out most of your bones for Titanium. I nodded, I looked at my limbs at my body only for there to be nothing there. No scars or anything but I knew there where Vik had cut into me to rece my boney bits.

    It wasnt aplete conversion of course, butst time I had only really updated my chest and back to better integrate my Condor.

    But it had gone so well. With just what I had done, it was only one adaptation point, although I hadnt put it in, but what if I finished what I started.

    Legs, pelvis, ribs, toes and things like that too.

    All titanium now.

    I would be a lot harder to break from now on, and more importantly. I would have a stronger tform to ce more chrome into.

    Well the wounds certainly healed up. Vik grabbed my attention though as his face was serious. I wouldnt normally let someone walk out after a surgery like that. I want you to know the only reason Im not holding you in an actual hospital bed for a week, is because of your healing. But really kid. Take it real easy for a little bit. This This sort of thing is stressful on the body. Healing or not.

    Ill be super careful Vik, promise. We just finished a massive gig, so Im mostly on tech duty right now anyways. Its why I thought it was a good time to finish this.

    Alright. Lets do some tests. Wiggle your toes.

    Iughed at the sudden random question and did as ordered my toes moved without any issue. As I ran through the tests I checked my system to see what it had to say about it.

    MoorE Titanium Bones *Adaptation Titanium Bones 0/2*

    Well the Adaptation went up, but otherwise I was looking good.

    Well, everything looks good, your little secret nanomachines do good work. Still got nothing about where they came from. Vik muttered, rubbing his face a bit. Alright. Easy does it for a few days, and let me know if anything starts feeling weird.

    Will do Vik. Thanks! I chirped happily as I got up, and after getting dressed walked right out. Stretching as the evening air hit me, I decided to do as ordered and head home.

    I still had a lot of stuff to build.

    --

    I spent the entire night building new directional mics, then installing them into the housing I made for the other three helmets.

    It was a lot of work, and despite making something I had alreadypleted. I was improving a lot!

    *100 Crafting XP Gained.*

    *Crafting skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    Crafting 5! I had once again maxed out the skill, giving me a surge of new tricks up my sleeve. Which was good, because my next batch of work was all going to be design work. Hopefully I would get my Engineering level up from it.

    Of course first, I had to select my perks! I ran through the list of options, with an eye to what I would want long term. Sure something like Salvager would give me more resources, but I made enough eddies now, that wasnt really a concern.

    No, the option I decided on was a much better idea for the current me.

    Enduring builds. You can make it stronger. Tougher. You know the tricks of the trade to make your product rough and tumble.

    epting the perk flooded me with all sorts of things that I could do to make sure my crafting didnt fall apart. Ways to make my stuff stay working even if you beat the shit out of it first.

    I shook it off, and refocused on what I was doing.

    Helmets done. Most of the extra work would be on the chest rig. I would need to modify them a bit to shrink them down, but luckily they were designed for a one size fits all, so that wouldnt be too hard. No it would be integrating an ECM system into them that would make them a pain in the ass.

    Hiromi had done as I had asked, and reached out through her growing list of contacts and got specs for some ECM systems that werent just cyberware.

    The Militech personal ECM unit was a neat little pre-unification war military surplus. Honestly it was probably about the same age as my arms.

    Either way I had the scans for it, that Hiromi sent over, and she was in talks about getting enough for all of us.

    I just had to figure out how to integrate it.

    The biggest issue was how the ECM systems worked.

    See there actually was a reason that the Tyger ws integrated the ECM into tattoos. The ECM was a visual deterrent. The smart round would be scanning its target, hit the visual ECM and when scanning it, would either be infested with a virus, or simply get so much junk data the targeting would fail.

    A literal memetic hazard.

    So this version actually needed a visualponent.

    Unfortunately the main way to use it was a holographic light that the smart weapon would glitch out when scanning.

    I didnt really want a holographic light on my chest. That sort of defeated the whole stealth thing. So my first thought was to hide the light.

    Could I set the ECMs light to infrared? Or use a non visual light band?

    Probably not. I realized that Kiroshi and other optics kind of took that option away. So I couldnt just alter the light to be non visual, how else could I hide it?

    I was spinning in my chair round and round as I considered it.

    I would need some sort of hardware, or programming solution As I spun the neon lights outside my window flowing into my optics over and over.

    On and off. On and off.

    On and off?

    I continued spinning as I considered it. Sure, turning it on and off would solve part of the problem, but the system would have to be smart enough to turn itself on when smart rounds were targeting it

    I could program that.

    A few extra sensors integrated into the armor, and you could easily have it turn itself on and off, and a simple switch to turn it on yourself as well

    Because I know my chooms were extra and would probably want to leave it on.

    Okay that was doable. I had most of that I would need an actual ECM unit to do the programming to turn it on and off though. So for now, hardware. How to integrate it.

    I pulled up the CAD and went to work. The easiest ce to integrate the ECM system was just on the back of course, it wasnt veryrge, and I could easily just ce it in the armor. Powering it would just be an extra battery system. Easy peasy, and then the lights.

    I would need to integrate holo emitters into the armor.

    Those werent super cheap, and it made me realize why Arasaka didnt have them integrated as standard.

    But for the safety of myself and my chooms, a few eddies were fine.

    cing a few emitters around, I could even have my chooms make their own holo images if they wanted something unique.

    I would figure out my own once I had it all put together.

    Either way. The CAD process was going well, earning a few alerts in engineering and even another Technical Ability alert just through figuring out all of these different systems.

    I pushed away from the desk. That was the chest rig done, apart from the programming, but that would need time.

    I walked out to the living room to see Jun was gone. I sighed as I instead flopped onto the couch and reached for my guitar.

    --

    The call that came in as I waszily strumming a few chords to Chippin In surprised me. Especially since the caller ID was someone that should not have my number.

    *Ringing.*

    *Ringing.*

    I considered just not answering, but that was probably a bad idea.

    I answered.

    This is Motoko.

    Good. Come by the Afterlife. We should talk. Then the call hung up.

    Okay seriously olddies hanging up on me must be some weird generational thing, because now I had Rogue of all people doing it.

    I tapped a finger on my guitar as I considered what the hell was going on.

    The Arasaka gig? Something about it must have caught Rogues attention. Did she know about the listening post? Was she working with Militech to get info? I sighed as I rose up and got dressed, holstered and armed I left the apartment.

    Headed to the Afterlife. It wasnt a long trip, it never was in Night City.

    --

    Sauntering down the steps to the club, I moved past the flunkies that hung around that couldnt actually get in. The sort that would hang around and wait for the rich mercs would leave to flirt with them.

    No one paid any attention to me. Despite having been inside a few times, I wasnt known. The door guard saw meing and moved to stand in front of me, but to my surprise he visibly stepped aside as I walked past, giving me a nod. He was actually moving to stop someone behind me who had been walking down after.

    They were stopped and soon thrown out from the sounds I was hearing.

    The music soon muffled that as I entered Rogues domain.

    It was just like how it was thest few times I entered, teams of mercs discussing gigs or hanging around and this time I walked over to Rogues little area.

    Her huscle Crispin Wend was there as always, the big guy acting as her bodyguard, and he did stop me, a single raised hand, which I stopped at.

    We both could hear Rogue on a call, and I realized I was to wait.

    Nodding to the man which he returned, I moved across the way and rested against the wall. My vision instantly shifted to my programming. I was fiddling with some of my work on the ECM system when I got the signal to speak to Rogue.

    Walking into her little area she waved me at a seat.

    Motoko Kusanagi. When you first walked in here with Panam, I didnt expect to ever have this conversation. At least not while you are still just a kid. Rogue started, but I didnt speak, because the way she was looking at me?

    She was assessing me.

    But kids dont go out into the bands and massacre A growing Wraith n like they were a bunch of Yo-gangers on their first street beat. She flipped a shard at me, sending it rolling across the table, and I picked it up without any issue casually slotting it.

    Pictures. Very familiar pictures of a certain electrical substation, or at least the crowd of tends and dead bodies that surrounded it.

    There were a few dozen images, a few of them noting a few of the corpses if they were important, or well known.

    I hope Dakota made some good eddies for this. I told Rogue, instantly knowing who it was that sent this information to her. Rogue just smirked and continued on like I hadnt spoken.

    I looked into your gig. Arasaka, hunting the thieves. The loot you pulled out. Dakota confirmed it was just the four of you pulling all of this off. Thats a clean operation. Swift, concise, and professional. Youre wasted as some street thug.

    Was that apliment? I could tell Rogue noticed my confusion because she was smirking a bit. Dont let it go to your head kid, but I can recognize an operation that was professionally done. Youve been in the bar before, but now you are here because of your own merits. Im formally weing you to the Afterlife.

    I blinked in surprise. On the list of things I expected today, this wasnt even on the list.

    Oh. Cool. I muttered thinking it over. This was Well it was a positive. The Afterlife was a massive hub of some of the best runners in the city. I could definitely get some contacts for preem equipment here.

    The negatives? Reputation spreads. If Im seen walking in and out of the Afterlife, people will start wondering why. Otherwise there wasnt much.

    I didnt have to do gigs for Rogue, or anything. It was just an invitation.

    Not the most emotional response Ive ever gotten. Rogue said casually as she took a drink.

    Im just surprised and processing. My chooms, my team I mean, can they get in too?

    As long as you vouch for them, you can bring them in. But keep in mind what is expected of everyone here. Quality.

    Got it. Right Preem. You think my gig was that good?

    Its not the sort of thing a kid off the street can do. She said, and I caught the hidden context.

    This wasnt just an attempt to bring me into the fold for my performance. It was also an attempt to keep an eye on me.

    Alright kid. Enough ying around. Go on, enjoy the Afterlife. I dont have any work for you right now.

    Alright. Thanks Rogue. I look forward to working with you. I said, the first thing that came to my mind as I rose out of the seat and headed into the bar proper.

    Huh. Major Leagues, Huh Jack? I whispered to myself before frowning. Jackie wouldnt take this well, but It might just give me a chance to pull Jackie into the Major Leagues and fulfill his dream.

    But for now. I wandered around the ce. I hadnt really explored the Afterlife thest times I had been here, but if I was officially in, officially wee, then no one could say anything about me walking around.

    Mercs. Lots of high end mercs. Most of them carrying enough chrome to fight off a small army.

    Im d I had just chipped in more, because I was going to need some upgrades to keep up if this is my peers.

    No, I shook my head. I should chip in when, and what I wanted, not to keep up with some gonks that I had no reason to keep up with.

    In the end I circled the whole club beforeing back to the bar, and then I caught sight of a familiar group.

    I was nning on just walking out, but well

    I turned and headed over to the section that had Maines crew hanging out around a table.

    Hey. How goes? I greeted as I walked over, although I didnt sit down, just hanging out at the edge of their table so I could leave if I was intruding.

    Heeey! Motoko, youre here? I didnt get a call from Emmy to let you in. Sasha greeted her face instantly morphing into a cat like smirk at the sight of me.

    Ah, well I just got finished with a big gig in the bands, and Rogue invited me to the Afterlife. So I got my own ess now I guess. I exined, and the noise I earned in return surprised me.

    Maine, Dorio, Sasha, Pr, and Reba were all here, all looking like they were waiting on something, probably a client?

    But the noise the small group made was pretty loud.

    Okay mostly it was Reba.

    Eeeeeh!? The hell!? You!? Rogue. The Queen Bitch of the Afterlife gave you an invite? Reba had stood up and was palms on the table, standing on the seat, and I was still pretty much on height with her.

    Reba smole. It was literally all my brain could process.

    Thats impressive. Maine offered in that rumble of his as he jerked his head sliding his sses down just a tad on his nose to look me over. You impressed Rogue?

    Wow! Toko! Thats nova! Come sit! Tell us everything you can about your gig yeah? Sasha offered, but I was mostly keeping an eye on Ba who looked like an angry honey badger ready to tear my throat out.

    Seriously!? I havent gotten my own invite yet! Reba growled but it was Maine that reached out and ced a hand on her shoulder Well more all around her shoulder considering the size difference.

    Youll get there Ba. He calmed her, his voice rumbling, but a momentter he turned to me. If you can or want to, wouldnt mind hearing how you got in.

    Ah well I shrugged, nothing about our gig was that sensitive other than the listening post which I obviously wasnt going to mention. I slid in next to Sasha who had made room for me and was urging me on as I shrugged and started exining.

    So we got this gig from an Arasaka manager. An AV was downed in the bands and he wanted some of the supplies inside recovered. We were told we could have whatever we found as long as we brought back what he wanted.

    Damn. A direct gig from an Arasaka corp? I dont know if I would have taken that. Sasha offered and that is when I had to blush a little.

    Well The manager is actually my chooms father, shes part of my crew so sort of got the gig straight, and we could be fairly confident it was safe.

    There was a round of surprised expressions on the faces of Maines crew, but it was Reba that broke first.

    Pfft! Thats so fitting! So thats how you got into the Afterlife? A baby gig handed out by the corpo father of your choom? Reba scoffed downing a hit of her Ni-C without really looking at me.

    Ba. Dorio started but I waved her off.

    Honestly it was a really tough gig. We had to track down who did the attack. We hit a normal Rafffen camp first and managed to figure it out from some information on aputer there, and then we hit their main camp, this group was fifty plus strong. I snuck in tlined their leaders, then dropped some hacks on their camp and shot them up. We got most of them.

    My exnation earned a nodded head from Maine, but Reba was still seemingly irritating, and I just shrugged it off. I guess Id be annoyed if a kid got into the afterlife when I didnt have ess.

    Taking on a Raffen camp isnt a joke. I see why Rogue let you in. Maine replied earning another scoff from Reba, but he ignored her. To the newest merc in the Afterlife. He said raising his ss and his team, even Reba did the same which had me blushing a bit.

    Its not that big a deal Anyway we found the supplies and managed to loot practically an entire Arasaka AV worth of equipment. So Ive mostly been setting up equipment for thest few days. I offered trying to change the topic.

    Yeah? You tinker and program? Sasha asked with augh, You sure spread yourself around dont you?

    They are pretty closely connected. Ive had to do programming for some gadgets Ive made. I just want my team to be ready in case something bad happens.

    Heh. A good Techie is worth their weight in gold. Too bad all we have is Pr. Dorio offered, thest bit teasing, and dragging the techie into the conversation.

    Fuck off! He offered both middle fingers to Dorio. Id like to see you gonks do half the work I do! He snapped, but everyone was justughing, and soon enough he was smirking too.

    I guess despite everything, Maines crew got along well.

    It was cute.

    So you tinker with stuff too? What have you been working on? Sasha prompted me, even as Dorio and Pr got into an arm wrestling match that was obvious to everyone who was going to win.

    Oh I picked up these sets of Arasaka troop rigging. The armor is good, but its Cheap isnt the right word, but they keep things pretty cheap. I updated the helmet with a direction mic, so we can listen in on conversations, and Im updating the chest rigging with an ECM system. So well have some protection against smart weapons.

    Wait, what? Reba asked suddenly, having been focusing on Prs suffering at being thrown around by Dorio.

    Im adding an ECM system into my chest rigging, for me and my chooms.

    What system? Please dont tell me, its some Tyger w thing.

    No. Militech, the Light Aegis. Three-seven. I said, recalling the name from memory.

    Huh. Reba suddenly was focused on me. You got the deets on that?@@novelbin@@

    Yeah. I shrugged and shed a shard with what I had for the ECM system and the chest armor so far and handed it over. After a few moments she nodded.

    Three-seven is solid, I like your integration. Customizing the emitters is preem. You could use a KangTao Battery bank. The new ones theyve been putting out? Its flexible, used in armor and stuff you could probably attach it to the bottom of the chest rig. Probably wont hurt as much if you fall on it. She offered and I was instantly there, hands grabbing her own.

    Thats so smart! Ive been working on some other stuff too! We should talk shop!

    Ah? Reba squirmed as I practically bounced in my chair.

    Ba was tech talking with me! So preem!

    Uh, sure I guess.

    I gave her a big smile.

 Chapter 145

    Chapter 145

    Stealth is still the superior tactic. I argued and once again Reba scoffed.

    Some gigs you need to be sneaky, but nothing beats overwhelming firepower! She argued. It turns out that Reba didnt have a lot of chrome. Besides the obvious Chem skin and stuff, but she had all of her chrome plotted out. Like how people would n out every part of their perfect car, or all the pieces to make up their perfect gun.

    Funnily enough I already knew most of her desires, having seen her future self.

    Firepower is great, I carry my Burya around in case I run into some borg fuck. But there is nothing better than sneaking up on somebody and just tlining them without them noticing. I argued. And she scoffed.

    Optical Camo is mid.

    You take that back! I demanded and she just cackled as she was going to nothing of the sort.

    We had moved away from Maines crew after a client had shown up, so Ba and I were hanging out at the bar, and to my delight we were getting along much better than we had at the start.

    Hey. Listen, Im pissed that Rogue hasnt given me an invite yet, it has nothing to do with you specifically. The fact you were able to get an invite is preem. She admitted suddenly, swirling around her drink and I realized she must have been a bit embarrassed at how she had acted.

    Its fine Ba. I have another choom Jackie that gets the same way. I dont take it personally. Its gotta be frustrating.

    It is! I go on some of the gigs with Maine, but Fucking Pr makes sure I cant get involved. Maine brings me in as a distraction or some shit sometimes, but Im never a shooter.

    Did you talk to Maine about it? Did he say why?

    Apparently Im too fucking short and shit. She grumbled. Yeah that was true. Reba was very smole.

    You could fix that with chrome or bio.

    Tch. I dont I dont hate that Im short. Its fun sometimes. I just want to blow gonks fucking heads off. Im not a kid anymore. Im eighteen!

    Ever think about Branching out? I asked and instantly got a look from her

    You asking me to join your crew?

    Not specifically like that. See I got my core crew, but we dont have every skillset. We got a driver. A Fixer, and a secondary Solo. While I cover the, and solo duties. But I have my choom Jackie thats a big fuck hes a solo I brought him in once, and I want to do it more, and I want to increase the size of my team, even if its just temp mercs How about it? Want to go on a gig with a different team sometime?

    I I dont know. Maine is being a shit, and Pr is a fucking scumfuck gonkfucker But I owe Maine.

    Hey, Im not saying to betray your chooms. Just a job offer. Make some eddies, get more chrome, get some experience.

    Let me Ill think about it. Cant say I really want to work with kids though.

    Hey! We made hundreds of thousands of eddies on ourst gig. Mostly from selling off loot, vehicles and weapons.

    Wait. How much!? My Answer shocked Ba and I couldnt help butugh as I went into some detail on how Section 9 functioned.

    Fuck. Maine never loots the ce like that Ill have to do that next time. She muttered to herself, hand covering her lips.

    It takes time, and you have to have people to haul stuff out. You cant exactly wait around.

    She scoffed and nodded downing her drink.

    Youre not bad Kitten.

    Wha Kitten!?

    Hehe! You told me about your helmet. She pointed out with a wicked grin and a pointed finger.

    Itspletely idental that it looks like cat ears! I already told my chooms that its not cat ears!

    Well toote. Just like with Whiskers, youre Kitten now.

    Ugh. I denied crossing my arms in an X. I refuse.

    Toote!

    She cackled as I pouted at her. Reba was fun.

    We continued to shoot the shit for a while until Maines crew finally got up to leave and Reba followed. All of us waving a goodbye.

    It was time to get back to work.

    --

    Are you serious? No! I demanded arms crossed into an X in absolute denial. Hiromi just rolled her eyes at me.

    I already talked to the dealer. We got a trader pass to get through the checkpoint.

    Hiromi. I am not taking you anywhere near thebat zone! That ce is full of Cyberpsychos!

    Dogtown is the best ce in Night City to get gear Motoko, and you were the one that wanted the ECM system. I found someone selling them, but they are in Dogtown and they arenting out.

    Then we do without, or find a different seller. I argued.

    I didnt know much about the Combat zone. At least not the modern version of it. What I did know was that NCPD didnt go in there. That death was everywhere, and it was rumored thats where all the Cyberpsychos were put but the corps. Either as a test, or some sick experiment.

    But Hiromi wasnt going anywhere near it.

    Motoko, you are being a total rust case here.

    Hey!

    Hiromi raised her hands to silence me and took a deep breath. Right. Sorry. That was mean, but you are way more dangerous than some gonks in the Dogtown. Plus we are going to the arena. Lots of trade goes on there. Its got the biggest ckmarket in NC.

    Its a fuckingbat zone Hiromi! I snapped at her pacing around the front of the Quadra. She had asked me toe pick her up, but there was no way I was driving into the Combat Zone!

    I wasnt crazy!

    Ugh. Hiromi groaned as she followed me around as I paced around the car. Hiromis parking garage was thankfully empty so no one was able to hear our fight.

    I ran a chrome palm over my face, the cool metal soothing my temper. Seriously! Going out and fighting Raffen was one thing, but going into a damnbat zone was another!

    We need the ECM systems. Hiromi argued, and I instantly knew what was happening. She was trying to attack the conversation from the side.

    Luckily I gave zero fucks!

    Not enough to go into abat zone. This isnt a life risk level thing Hiromi.

    Its not dangerous! Well not that dangerous. Going into Dogtown is perfectly normal Motoko!

    For Cyberpsychos!

    Motoko, that is just a weird rumor, and not at all the truth. I even got information on Dogtown at the academy. As long as we stick to the main areas we will be fine. Barghest want people toe in and out. Dogtown is a wonderful spot for some ck market trading.

    I grit my teeth and wanted to yell at her some more. Didnt she understand!? Im normally all for jumping into danger, but I knew nothing about the Combat zone. Which was called Dogtown apparently. All I knew is that it was super mega dangerous and you dont fucking go there, so why was Hiromi so eager to run right towards it?

    Fine. She offered and I felt my breathe out in relief. Finally! I had gotten through to her! Well just hire some additional protection. Problem solved!

    That doesnt Dammit. I grumbled because it was sort of the answer. Fine!

    Good! She offered in return smiling as if she had won.

    I grumbled under my breath as her eyes went yellow as she made some phone calls.

    --

    Hey Jackie.

    Hermanita! I hear you are heading into Dogtown and want some guards huh? The big man offered with a hearty chuckle. We were all meeting up at Hiromis ce, including the extra guards.

    More for Hiromi than anything. Thebat zone is dangerous, and I know very little about it.

    Eh, its not so bad. The Barghest pendejos are annoying, but as long as you arent causing trouble they leave ya alone.

    Whats Barghest? A gang? I asked curious never having heard the name before.

    Eh? Yes and no. Jackie offered waving his hand. Barghest are ex-Militech. They came to attack Night City during the war, ended up being ordered to leave because of Arasaka, but they never did. Just settled into Dogtown. Took it over. They live like the kings of Dogtown. Jackie offered with a shrug of his broad shoulders. They mostly just keep the peace, and earn eddies from the ckmarket.

    I scoffed and wanted to growl and snarl. Hiromi was stilling, and I still had very little knowledge of what we were heading into.

    I shook it off. Hiromi was driving in with Malcolm in the Caliburn. I was leading in the Quadra, and Jacke and Ichi would be our tail.

    A three car cavalcade to ensure that anyone that noticed us would think twice before trying anything.

    I still wasntfortable bringing my chooms into a Combat Zone, but they all had smart weapons, besides Ichi who hadnt gotten a Smart Link yet, but he had his truck.

    Rx Hermanita, you are too tense. Its just Dogtown yeah?

    Never been before, and Ive only heard horror stories.

    Eh. Its not like that. Lots of folks head in for the ck Market, Hell maybe youll find something you want as well. They have some real preem ck market chrome there.

    I just grunted as finally Malcolm arrived with his Caliburn, and we all synced up. I slid into the Quadra, and soon after we were all driving through the city towards Pacifica.

    There was a low level chatter as my chooms talked amongst themselves, but I kept quiet, Too anxious to really want to talk to anyone. Especially since I didnt want to do this.

    But I pushed it away and focused on protecting my chooms.

    We drove through the city reaching Pacifica and I made sure to double my watch. The roads were quiet though. No NCPD around to cause trouble, and no Voodoo boys jumping out to rob us. Instead we drove through the streets as we came to the checkpoint to the Combat Zone.

    Dogtown. I only vaguely remembered the name being used, so I really knew nothing about this ce. It hadnt existed in the game that I yed.

    We pulled through a guard checkpoint, men in armor standing around. All of it painted and non standard. Skulls weremon as were images of snarling dogs.

    Barghest was it?

    Eventually we pulled into an entrance way and slowly we were allowed through. The entrance was covered in defenses, HMG turrets, and weapons of all sorts. Since I went in first, I got to see it all. They stopped my Quadra did a scan and after checking the ess token that Hiromi had set up, they waved me through.

    Into the Combat zone which It was run down, but not really more than Pacifica itself. And there were people just hanging around. Normal people. A scan showed they weren''t the super chromed out borgs I was expecting

    Was this it? Where was the dark hellscape full of the screams of people being torn into pieces by cyberpsychos? Gangs constantly fighting and dying for eddies or something? That was the image I had in my head of a Combat Zone. Not This.

    I pulled to the side until Malcolms Caliburn, and then Ichis truck all pulled through the checkpoint, and I followed the guide path Hiromi had set up leading us through the streets towards the massive stadium the ce that dominated the skyline, apart from the massive pair of skyscrapers.

    The Stadium was apparently where the ck market was run out of. The entire ce was one big ckmarket ording to Hiromi.

    It was quiet. The streets werent full of gunshots, and nothing really happened. I pulled into a parking garage just off the arena, and we all parked in a corner off to the side, Ichis truck parked in just the right way to have his turrets be usable in case of any trouble.

    See! I told you there was nothing to worry about! Hiromi called out as she ran over and nudged me with her shoulder. I just glowered a bit at her, but that only made her smile wider.

    Alright, Hermanita, little boss. You ready to go? Jackie asked and Hiromi smiled brightly at being called boss.

    Yes. Ichi and Malcolm will guard the vehicles. Motoko and Mr. Welles please follow me. Hiromi said with a big smirk on her face as she sauntered forward.

    I didnt grumble, instead quickly taking up position on her right. Armed and armored although just in my Kang Tao equipment, and not the Arasaka stuff. It wasnt ready yet, even if it would be better armor.

    Jackie easily took her left, and the big man did a lot to make sure our path was clear as we crossed the street, and then walked up the many steps into the old stadium.

    Barghest checkpoints dotted around, but they ignored us. Simply standing around in armor to keep the peace I guess.

    Hiromi guided us in. Her face casual as she walked through the small crowds that littered the entrance of the arena. We walked past a few food stalls that surprised me. Then into a lobby, and Hiromi took only a moment to pick a direction leading us to the left and then into a long hallway that was full of more than just food stalls.

    Weapons, equipment Everything. I was thankful for my tech gogs as it hid my rapidly scanning eyes as I took in all the equipmentying around. We walked into a space that was absolutely loaded with weapons. HIgh end stuff too. HMGs and rifles. Militech surplus, and more.

    Hiromi walked right up to the woman that was behind a counter.

    Here for a pick up, under Mitsunashi. She offered and the woman scanned her, before nodding. A nodded head to one of the toughs that seemed to be her guards and he went into the back area,ing out with a crate that he dropped on the ground in front of us.

    Motoko check it.

    I nodded without a word, and popped thetches. Inside was exactly what we expected.

    Multiple Militech ECM systems. I quickly checked them all, and while not in perfect condition, they were all functional, and repairable.

    I gave Hiromi a nod, and that was that. Her eyes went blue, and some eddies were passed over, and then Jackie did the gentlemanly thing and picked up the crate.

    We headed back out the way we came.

    Honestly my surprise only grew when we met back up with Ichi and Malcolm.

    Things are quiet. Not even some of the druggies over there came to bother us. Ichi told me as we were loading the crate up into his truck.

    Thats so weird. I expected Something.

    Barghest doesn''t want people messing with the ck market. Thats where they make a lot of their eddies. Hiromi cut in, once more reminding me, that my understanding of this entire section of the city was off. Cmon lets get out of here. Unless you want to go back in to look around.

    I instantly shook my head. I cant say I wasnt interested in looking around, but not with Hiromi and my chooms hanging around.

    No, let''s get out of here And you were right. Sorry. I told Hiromi who blew into a massive smile at my admittance.

    Of course! You should know by now that Im always right! She cheered herself bursting into full on ojouughter after which it took me a moment to realize she was doing specifically to fuck with us.

    I just rolled my eyes and nudged her, sending her almost sprawling. Alright get loaded up then Ms. always right. I want to get out of here.@@novelbin@@

    Hehe! She offered as she ran to jump into Malcolms Caliburn.

    Thanks Jack. For backing us up.

    Eh, not a bad gig. Youre little choomba boss pays good. Therge man admitted rubbing a thumb over his nose.

    Good. I trust you. So I hope youe join us for gigs in the future too.

    Heh! I just might Hermanita. Just gotta get used to working with kids.

    I shrugged. I get it. Jackie was almost thirty. Still stuck doing shit gigs. He never made it to the Major Leagues in his own words until the end.

    Hopefully I could drag him along, because he actually was a solid solo.

    Cmon lets get out of here before my nightmares of wild Cyberpsychose true.

    --

    Jackie was paid, the chooms split off and I had a crate of Militech ECM units to adapt to our armor.

    I spent an hour going over the first ECM unit. Checking first the hardware making sure everything would work, while performing some minor maintenance mostly just cleaning out the things, as it was obvious they had been in storage for a while.

    Then I pulled open the program that ran the ECM and narrowed my eyes as I looked through it. I had my suspicions that Militech would have some way to get around this. Either an outright backdoor. Or more likely, a master code that would make the ECM useless against their own smart rounds.

    It wouldnt be easy to find though. It would be hidden deep into the code.

    Which

    Well fortunately for me, I was just getting an idea on how the program worked, and then I grabbed myptop, plugged my personal link into it, and started writing a new program from scratch.

    If I couldnt trust the program, then I would just make my own.

 Chapter 150

    Chapter 150

    After a few songs Alice called for a break, and then casually flopped onto the couch next to Jun.

    Flirting.

    I rolled my eyes, but she had been surprisingly nice this time, so I decided to give her a bit of space.

    I wasnt exactly thrilled that Fujimuras niece was into Jun, but I would just rely on my brother''s denseness to romance.

    Instead I headed into my room.

    The Tachikoma part waspleted, so I prepped the next piece, messing with the printer making sure it was good to go, and started it up.

    Considering I was giving Alice some space with Jun I decided to be semi productive and look at my stat sheet.

    Level 17

    Body 8(16) Due to Cyberization, Maximum value has increased by 8.

    -Athletics 7

    -Street Brawler 8

    -Annihtion 5

    Reflex 8

    -des 7

    -Handguns 7

    -Assault 8

    -Driving 7

    Intelligence 11 (14) Due to Cyberization, Maximum value has increased by 4.

    -Breach Protocol 9

    -Quick Hacks 8

    -Programming 11

    Cool 9

    -Ninjutsu 9

    -Cold Blood 8

    -Rockerboy 8

    Technical Ability 6 (10) Due to Cyberization, Maximum value has increased by 4.

    -Crafting 5

    -Engineering 5

    1 Stat point.

    6 Skill point.

    Perks.

    Ambidextrous des 2

    Quickdraw Handguns 2

    Gun Nut Assault 2

    Parkour Athletics 2

    Grappling Street Brawler 2

    Drive By Driving 2

    Cat-like Athletics 5

    Cool Nerves Cold Blood 2

    Danger Sense Ninjutsu 2

    Wall Breaking Breach Protocol 2

    Cyber Security Quick Hack 2

    Recoil Reduction. Annihtion 2

    Cyber Ninja Ninjutsu 5

    Fearless Chill. Cold Blood 5.

    Improvised Weapons Street Brawler 5

    Parry des 5

    Robotics wizard Crafting 2

    Drifting Driving 5

    Rapid Reload Handguns 5

    Design Wizard Engineering 2

    Rifle Ace Assault 5

    Ghost touch Breach 5

    Perfect Musical Memory Rockerboy 2.@@novelbin@@

    Debug Programming 2

    Siren Song Rockerboy 5

    Hacking Wizard Quick Hacks 5

    Inspired Programmer Programming 5

    A.I. Whisperer Programming 10

    m Fire Annihtion 5

    Enduring Builds Crafting 5

    That was where I currently was. I looked through my stat block to try and figure out what I wanted to grind next.

    Weapons popped to mind. I was a bit behind on gun skills still. But I wasnt sure I wanted to go to the range again.

    Actually I did have Annihtion. I could grab a shotgun, or a machine gun Actually no, no machine guns. Shotguns were good though.

    Also Engineering and Crafting still stood out Okay. Grenade time.

    I gathered some parts I had. I would stop at a shop and head to the Straight Lane Apartments, to make some grenades since Jun still refused to let me make them in the apartment.

    I was low on grenades after that one kid stole them from my Quadra.

    I walked out to see Jun looking pretty ufortable, as Alice flirted with him, her hair was throbbing pretty quickly to the beat of her heart.

    Oooh. Jun was in trouble.

    Be strong Jun-nii. Its only a rockstar going for your innocence! Im sure no rockstar has ever defiled an innocent maiden before

    Heh. I snickered as I walked through the apartment. Im heading out. Gonna go build some grenades. You want any?

    What, youre leaving? Are you sur- Wait!? What was that about grenades!? Jun called trying to rise up but I was already out the door.

    I guess that means he doesnt want any.

    Slipping into the garage from the elevator I walked over to my Quadra and slipped in. Uncaring about the TC toughs that still hung out down here. I guess it was safe? Being down here kept the kids from being targeted by other gangs I guess.

    I roared out of the garage, enjoying the way the Quadra got a little air at the exit every time, I whooped as I slid into the street and then slowed down to the speed limit and drove to the gun store.

    Buying a metric ton of supplies I carried the heavy box out of the shop and into the passenger seat of the Quadra before heading to the Straight Lane Apartments.

    Time to get to work.

    --

    Tinkering with grenades was a surprisingly soothing experience. Future tech meant they were actually pretty safe, like handling C4. You pretty much knew exactly what it would take to cause an explosion and as long as you didnt do that one thing you were good.

    I made a dozen of them using old parts before I ran into the problem ofck of supplies for the casings. Sure I had all the internals, and the triggers, but I had run out of the casings to hold everything.

    I frowned. Normally I would head back to the apartment to run the 3D printer, but that was already in use

    Did I want to buy a new one? I was making a lot more stuff. I could probably get a way higher quality printer as well

    I considered it as I spun around in the chair and took in the sight of therunning basement.

    I shrugged. It wasnt like I could get any more work done here without either going out and buying casings wholesale, or making them myself. I packed up the grenades, noted that I had earned a Crafting and Tech alert from the dozenpleted grenades, and grabbed the box ofpleted explosives to take with me.

    My Quadra was running low on big boom after all.

    Heading up, I was stopped as the elevator opened by a pair of girls that I recognized.

    Ah its you two.

    And its you. The smaller one hissed ring, but the taller girl rested a hand on her shoulder to calm her. We were waiting for you, hoping you might be willing to discuss something. She asked, and I felt my eyes narrow.

    Last time I had met these two, they had threatened Hiromi, and hadnt been happy to have us around. It had been a while since then though. So I guess something had changed.

    I dont really have a lot of time. I lied, But if you make it quick Ill hear you out.

    Perfect. We are having an issue with a rival gang causing some problems. While we can certainly defend our territory We are a bit outgunned this time, and wanted to hire you.

    Call Hiromi then, and run the gig through her. Shes my fixer. I replied and made to move but the girl moved in.

    Wait! We We told Hiromi we had everything under control! If she realizes we are struggling with our end of the deal we might lose the deal entirely. Please. Its just one group. We dont even need them tlined or anything! They have higher end weapons is all. They made some deal with 6th St. So they have rifles and things. We just need them to lose the weapons. If they do, everything goes back to normal.

    I sighed. This was dumb. Like literally dumb.

    Okay listen. Hiromi is my best choom, so lets be real, hiring me is still going to alert her. So lets cut all the shit. You guys are street kids. You arent meant to handle something like 6th St. Hiromi knows that. Just call her, tell her whats up. Ill send her a text right now. To look into it, and that well help out.

    The taller girl looked nervous before sighing. Please.

    Great. Call her! If she is being a bitch Ill talk to her, but I doubt shes gonna drop you guys like that. Hiromi had mentioned from time to time that the SLS was acting as her low level muscle. No way Hiromi would drop them just because

    Wait, did these kids think Hiromi was some super fixer like Wakako or something Heh.

    I turned and walked away to hide my smirk and my desire to giggle. I was gonna tease Hiromi so bad about how everyone thought she was some elite fixer!

    --

    Best model you can find on the market! The Militech marketce also offers a wide variety of printable options for the discerning customer! The man said, patting a 3D printer with one hand.

    This was now the third Militech branded printer he had shown me.

    Thats great, but I dont need a Militech marketce. Im looking for something I can run on my own. Which this one wont. As I have to upload my blueprints to be able to print them. I argued for the third time. It was actually a good marketing ploy.

    The printer was cheaper, and pretty good quality. So by tying it into a local marketce Militech got free product to sell, and a constant ie.

    And Im pretty sure I could jailbreak it, but I didnt want to deal with this! I just wanted it to work!

    The Militech marketce is the greatest concentration of-

    Choom. Im not interested.

    The man shut his mouth and then breathed out.

    Yeah alright kid. You want something a bit more flexible, we got that too. Cmon. His tone hadpletely changed from the corpo tag line he had been hawking at me.

    He led me over to the side of the shop that was sort of tucked away, and there I finally found what I wanted.

    These dont have any corp support for production, but you know that.

    I do. I said checking out the varieties he had. These printers would only work if I could input the model myself without any of the libraries that some of the other printers offered.

    This one. I said pointing at a Vance T-Form. I had never heard of Vance before, but just checking out the printing details this is the one I wanted.

    Figured youd grab that. The T are good, but be careful about buildup. They have a really shit cleaning system, so youll want to do it yourself. But if you do. They are solid. He offered hefting up the box that was prettyrge, definitely some do it yourself building involved, but I paid and hauled it out to the Quadra to take Home.

    I would flip the printers around. This one could keep working on the Tachikoma, I would need tighter tolerances there anyways, while the old printer could be sent over to the Netrunnerir for grenade parts.

    ---

    Jun wasnt home when I got back, which made me wonder if Alice had actually gotten her ws into him. But I ignored it heading into my room, taking out the Tachikoma part that was done. And unplugging and moving the old printer, to make room for the much muchrger new one.

    I started cackling as I put it together. So much power! So much building! Tachikoma!

    Once I had it all settled and ran a quick test part to see.

    It came out smooth and within my actual tolerances. Usually the printer made things a bit wonky, but not this time. It was nearly exactly what I wanted.

    Perfect.

    Satisfied I started on another part, and the timer forpletion was certainly better than before.

    Well, I still had my old one.

    I popped the second printer onto the floor and started printing out grenade casings. Slowly working through the process as the new printer buzzed quietly working much much faster than this old one.

    An hourter I swapped out the part being constructed for another build and took all the Tachikoma parts so far and started fitting them together.

    I had enough of the outer casing done now that I could start putting together the brain and start fitting it together. I had the parts already, especially since it wasnt like I was building an AI here.

    A SCSM would have about the same level of intelligence as my Tachikoma, at least to start.

    Then again Brendan was a S.C.S.M. Yet he was smart enough to make people think he was alive.

    It would alle down to the iterative design, and my skill as a programmer.

    The brain came together, just some hardware capable of running an OS. It was honestly basic, but it didnt need to beplex. I just needed the start.

    With the brain put together, even with the body still only halfpleted. I grabbed myptop and started programming.

    --

    I dumped the box of grenade casings onto the table down in therunner cave. I had a few hours before the piece of Tachikoma was done. So I had some time to grind more crafting points.

    I had made a lot of casings, enough that I wouldnt need more for a long time. But really it was just a grinding method. I probably wouldnt even keep all the grenades live.

    My hands grabbed the basic tools I need and I went to work. Explosive fitted into the casing, electronic trigger connected to the mechanical one, and then a final twist of a screwdriver sealing it all together.

    I gave it a little scan with my Kiroshi, confirming it was live, and then put it to the side.

    Then moved on to the next one.

    And the next. All the while XP came in small bursts.

    *100 Technical Ability XP Gained*

    *100 Crafting XP Gained.*

    --

    *100 Crafting XP Gained.*

    *Crafting skill level up!*

    Crafting six? Nice!

    I had stilled as the alert came in, slowly putting down the grenade I had been working on. I had dozens of the things now. Each one lined up to the side ready to be used.

    I stretched raising my arms high above my head and groaned as I felt my muscles in my back stretch.

    That had been a good grinding session!

    Now what was I going to do with all of these grenades?

    The idea struck me and Iughed, instantly pulling up my agent to make a call.

    *Ringing.* I hummed a bit as the call went through, already gathering up the grenades into a box for transport.

    *Ringing.*

    *Hello? Motoko?*

    *Ichi! d you picked up. You doing anything right now?*

    *Nothing I cant put down, whats up?*

    *I have a ton of grenades and I figured having some stored in your truck would be a good idea. Just in case you need something with a bit more boom, than the HMG.*

    *Grenades? Motoko I dont really I dont think Imfortable with that.*

    *What? Why? Theyre just grenades Ichi.*

    *Ive never handled grenades before Motoko. I dont exactly want to blow my hand off or something.*

    I looked at my box of grenades, ones I had just been nning on storing and using sparingly

    Then I started grabbing all of them and throwing them into the box.

    *Ichi meet me at the Straight Lane Apartments. Im calling Hiromi and Malcolm as well! We are running a grenade course.*

    *Fuck Uh can I opt out?*

    *Nope! This is an important skill! Plus it gives me an excuse to actually have so many grenades! So Jun cant yell at me anymore.*

    *Where did you even get all these grenades from? Did you do a gig without telling us?*

    *What? No. I just made them.*

    *You Made them? Motoko-*

    *Yep! Its easy. Like super easy. Dont worry they are safe! Hell they are safer than the ones you can buy bulk from gun stores and stuff. Dont worry! I made the whole thing myself!*

    *Oh god.* He whispered quietly, but this was happening Ichi. Your boss at Section 9 demanded it!

    *Okay! Hurry up. Im calling everyone in.*

    --

    I dont like this idea. Hiromi muttered but I ignored her whining as well. Only Malcolm had been all for the idea of practicing with grenades.

    But I had gotten them all here now so it was toote!

    Wee to the Section 9 grenade testing range! I called out waving behind me at the bare desert.

    This is just the Bands.

    Section 9 grenade testing range! I repeated, ignoring Ichis remarks.

    Yeah! Malcolm called out, the only one of my chooms that was actually here to have fun.

    I kicked the box I was standing over knocking off the lid, and all of my chooms even Malcolm jerked back.

    Scaredy cats! Just because it was a crate of grenades!

    Alright! So everyonee up and grab a grenade, just dont twist the top and we wont have any issues. If you do idently twist it just throw it far away, but lets not do that! First off. Get a feel for the heft of the grenades! They arent that heavy!

    Malcolm instantly walked up to grab a grenade, while Hiromi and Malcolm both stayed far back.

    Cmon! Both of you! They arent going to hurt you unless you dont know what youre doing and thats why we are here!

    As a fixer, I dont think grenade usage falls under my job description. Hiromi tried to argue.

    I just drive. I dont dobat much. So I dont think I need to know this. Ichi added a momentter.

    Dont be silly! Hiromi! Combat skills are very important even to a fixer. What are you going to do against some corporate hatchetman squading to kill you if you dont know how to toss high explosives at the bad guys until they are just chunky burrito mix? I said while pointing at Hiromi, then I switched to Ichi making him flinch.

    And you! Throwing grenades out of your car''s window at gonks chasing you is a very useful skill! You both are learning this. I demanded stomping my foot causing the crate to shift and Ichi and Hiromi both flinched back.

    Wow this is pretty nova Motoko. You made this? Malcolm asked, looking over the grenade he had picked up.

    Yep! The cap on the top is a timer. The more you twist it the shorter the fuse, while therge pin is the safety. As long as you are holding that no explosion. The timer cant go under one and a half second. So you should be able to throw it far enough to be safe as well. At the max it has a ten second timer!

    Why so long?

    Traps! Pop two or three set the timer and run. Ten seconds is a long time, more than enough for most gonks to think wherever you were is safe to run to now.

    Malcolm nodded, taking in my wisdom.

    Hiromi and Ichi were still too far away.

    Get over here and grab a grenade or Im throwing them at you! I called out, and that finally got my chooms moving. Hiromi first, with Ichi following behind as both of them walked up to the crate and gently pulled a grenade out.

    Okay so like I said, get a feel for it. First thing we are doing is some test throws! Without popping the timer we are going to see how far you can throw it!

    Preem. Malcolm said walking over to where I was on a little hill, and then chucked it over to the other side. Malcolm had a good arm!

    Nice distance! Youll be able to really freak people out with surprise grenades! I said while throwing him a thumbs up.

    Malcolm smiled happily at my words.

    Hiromi and Ichis turn!

    They both tossed the grenade and I winced as Hiromis didnt quite go right, instead throwing almost too far up, as itnded on the hill and then rolled back towards her.

    A-ah!?

    Its okay. I called out walking over and grabbed the rolling grenade, I checked just to be safe, but the primer wasnt started. Well work on your throw first. I mentioned without saying that Hiromi would have blown herself up with that throw.

 Chapter 151

    Chapter 151

    The explosion of the grenade going off sent dust and debris flying everywhere, but we were all safe.

    Woo! Yeah! Nova! Malcolm called out as he bounced on his feet. He had already thrown a half dozen grenades, but still cheered every time.

    The others had even started to get into it too. Hiromi actually had a really good throw once she got a little practice. Turned out her chrome hands had been to me as it messed with her throw. Something she hadnt even known until now.

    Ichi had finally gottenfortable, and the two boys were seeing who could throw the farthest.

    It was nice that everything wasing together!

    Motoko! We gotpany! Ichi called out, and I looked over and frowned. We were pretty far out in the middle of nowhere. Specifically because hey we were throwing grenades around. We had even driven off the main highway into the desert to do our training. And now a few cars spewing dust up behind them were driving towards us.

    Ichi! Get in your van and hide out. Malcolm! You have your weapons?

    Yeah.

    Load up. Hiromi get in the Quadra. I ordered as I hurried to the Quadras trunk.

    I wasnt exactly armored up at the moment, but I grabbed my Copperhead and a spare magazine in one hand, and my own Shingen in the other, which I quickly passed over to Hiromi.

    She nodded, holstering her own pistol and grabbing the Smart SMG as she hunkered down in the armored vehicle. I noticed with a bit of amusement she was still gripping a grenade in her off hand.

    Then I turned to the approaching cars, which as they approached I noticed were in fact Wraith markings covering them.

    Well this just got more interesting, and a lot more dangerous.

    I walked a bit away from the Quadra and let myself go casual. Hiromi was hidden in the Quadra. Ichi had his HMGs ready to go, and Malcolm? Malcolm was being smart.

    He was hiding! I was actually really impressed for a moment, as he had hunkered down under the truck. Using brush to break up his outline. Shingen poking out and just waiting.

    The two Wraith vehicles pulled up in a sliding skid, sending dirt and gravel flying, and then a momentter out stepped four gonks. Two from each vehicle.

    I quickly scanned all four as the dust cleared. Each of them was armed, and swaggered out, only hesitating a tiny amount when they saw my Copperhead. One of them nudged the other and pointed me out, pointing out that I was armed.

    Drop the gun kid. The apparent leader called out waving around an Ajax. Something I noticed he had experience handling.

    Like most of the Wraiths, these guys were a small step above the normal Night City gangs. Better weapons, usually some military training.

    So I dropped the Copperhead.

    I didnt need it, and it would make them let down their guard a bit. Satisfied? Now what do you want?

    Yeah, I am. Youre out here using up our turf, fucking around on Wraith territory. I know you Night City kids dont think much of us Nomads, but out here? Well this isnt Night City. This is our home, and now you owe us a nice Juicy tax. The man said, but to my surprise he wasnt talking about eddies. Preem ride. Whered you get her?

    My eyes narrowed and my hackles rose up. Because he was looking squarely at my Quadra.

    Its a bit of a long story, and if I tell you, Ill have to kill you. I answered back, sounding like I was joking.

    I wasnt joking.

    Hah! Nice one kid, but those are nomad wheels, and you dont look like any nomad I know of. You n?

    No. Night City brat through and through. I admited with augh.

    Even more interesting, but I think thatll do, just hand over the wheels, and you lot can go home, and tell everyone about the big scary Wraiths. Itll be a fun story to tell your chooms.

    He demanded, his focus on me shifting as he looked away. His three other buddies were split, looking at me, or at Ichi in the cab of the truck who had been faux hiding.

    Making enough noise and moving around that they knew he was there. I wonder if Malcolm had asked him to do that.

    Since everyone was in position and these gonks thought they had won. It was time to act.

    The leader had his back turned, and none of them had visible speedware.

    So I quick drew the Burya and punched a hole through the leader.

    *750 XP Gained.*

    I must have hit something serious, because I got the XP alert instantly.

    Fuc- I was already moving, leaping up and over the Quadra, drawing the idiots attention to me, and away from the truck.

    The truck that even as I started taking some fire, suddenly opened up. The idiots didnt even hear it, too focused on me, and then the noise of their rifles was drowned out.

    The roar of the HMGs firing in unison echoed out, despite the fact they werent super urate, rate of fire had a charm of its own. The three gonks despite moving a bit into cover to surround the Quadra were soon mulched without me even needing to do more than take cover. Malcolm was firing as well, so even as they tried to slip into new cover the Smart rounds pelted down onto them.

    Then everything went quiet.

    Kill check! I called out as I stepped out from around the Quadra to quickly look over the four bodies. I popped bullets into the three extras just to be sure, but they were dead.

    Everyone alright? I called out, and Malcolm and Ichi both confirmed they were okay. Malcolm took a moment longer to slide out from under the truck.

    But as I walked over to the Quadra, Hiromi still hadnt spoken up. I hurried to the car and popped it open only to rx, Hiromi was shaking a bit, and looking

    She wiped at her eyes, but she was okay.

    I leaned in and pulled her into a hug.

    Its okay. Im just d youre okay. Everythings fine.@@novelbin@@

    Its stupid. They werent even shooting at me. She whispered back and I just hugged her tighter. For a while until she eventually calmed down and nodded quietly, pushing me away and stepping out.

    You okay? Ichi asked Hiromi gently and she nodded.

    Ill be fine. Ugh. Look at this mess. She said instead, staring at the corpses.

    Well I mean I trailed off looking at the Wraith vehicles. Considering how many of them we had already sold off these probably wouldnt us much. Who wants to throw grenades at the cars until they explode?

    Oh! Me me me! Malcolm called out jumping up and down like a little kid, and even Ichi snuffed out augh before raising his own hand.

    Oh fine. Hiromi added herself. Stomping over to grab some grenades.

    Okay, first lets check them for loot, then lets turn this into good practice. Try to aim into the cabin! I called out as my chooms all grabbed high explosives.

    This was such a good day.

    --

    I flopped onto the couch beside Jun when I got home that evening. We had used up all the grenades I had crafted, turning the Wraith vehicles into hunks of scrap.

    Fuck the Wraiths.

    Wee home. Youve been out in the bands? Jun asked, I looked up and he was looking me over. Huh. Did he scan me?

    Gonk. You dont have to scan me, you can just ask where Ive been.

    I didnt! I just noticed all the dust on you. He answered back trying to sound cool, but I was barely dusty anymore. So I just kept staring at him until he got awkward.

    Okay I did a small scan.

    Goooonk. But yeah, Section 9 didnt know how to use grenades so I made a whole bunch of them, and we went out into the desert and blew shit up. It was kinda nova.

    You could have invited me.

    Jun I love you, but inviting my brother along with my chooms is weird. Then because I really didnt care about being weird Well mostly Sometimes I shook my head. You cane next time.

    Jun smiled at my offer and reached over, dropping a hand into my hair.

    Next time then. What are your ns for the rest of the night? He asked and in return I smiled and adjusted myself so I wasying sideways on the couch.

    Well first, Im going to veg out on the couch with my gonk brother and watch his crappy TV shows. Then Ill probably do some more work on my drone.

    Heh. Well this gonk brother knows there is going to be a new show starting tonight!

    Yeah?

    Yeah its about a drug dealer in-

    Blegh. I answered instantly. That sounds like total scop. I dont want to watch that. I grumbled, but Jun was by now well used to ignoring myints about any and all TV shows in the future.

    He just continued to ramble on about what he had heard about this new show.

    I ended up watching the first episode.

    I wanted to kill the director.

    ---

    The Tachikoma Chassis was done.

    I had finished every piece, and put it all together, even uploaded the very basic program into its little brain the moment it was finished I got a burst of alerts. Programming. Engineering. Technical Ability. The system liked when I finished a big project.

    Then I set the tiny drone onto its four limbs and flipped it on.

    It ran through its check process. Its eye rolling around as it checked the rotation. Limbs one at a time stretching and moving gathering range of motion data.

    Then it was off. Taking a wavering slow step forward, then another leg moved, and another and soon despite how unsteady it was, the program I had created was learning, and it walked, and walked. And

    Touched the wall. Then it just kept trying to walk forward

    I waited a minute, hopeful the program would figure out something was in the way.

    But no.

    Oookay. That needs to be fixed. I reached down and picked it up, and despite being lifted it still just tried to walk forward.

    I grabbed my personal link and plugged it in.

    Yep it had gotten stuck on the basic walking program I had made. It hadnt actually switched over to the learning process.

    Oh. It wasnt a programming fault.

    It was hardware.

    Fucker sold me an off brand CPU. I grumbled. It literally wasnt strong enough to run both sides of the program, which meant I needed to buy a new one, and or get creative.

    I sighed as I grabbed a personal link cord and myptop.

    Time to offload some of that thinking little Tachikoma.

    --

    While I watched the Tachikoma slowly walk in circles hampered by a length of cord, I at least was happy enough.

    It was definitely learning now.

    Theptop was basically running the learning part of the program, and the chassis was running the actual movement.

    It was a bit of a gonk setup, but at least it was improving. Slowly bing more and more capable of taking the steps with surety.

    The learning program was just something I had nabbed out of a SCSM. Basically the same thing that would have likely evolved into the program Brendan used to learn about people. Well with a few years of advancement.

    It wasnt anywhere near an actual AI of course. We were talking low level iterative learning. Half the time I had to plug into theptop and make the adjustment manually before the Tachikoma would actually learn it.

    But thats okay. It wasnt about what it could do now. It was just the first step. Tachikoma V0.000001.

    Okay while you keep figuring out walking. Im going to go make more grenades. I reached down and patted the Tachikoma on its head. Ganbatte Tachikoma-Chan!

    Satisfied I had cheered on my little bot I headed out. I would need to stop at the store for more parts though.

    Thankfully the new printer was hammering out the grenade casings I would need.

    ---

    The sun came up long before I took another break. The Netrunnerir was now stocked up on a good amount of grenades. I pushed the second box full of them under the table and out of the way.

    But I was all smiles despite the long session.

    *100 Technical Ability XP Gained*

    *Technical Ability Leveled up!*

    That was Tech 7. And since it had upgraded. I was finding myself excited to do even more builds.

    Mostly because despite getting one Crafting alert after leveling, the grenade grind was nearing its limits.

    I needed to make something new.

    Well my first idea was to go sideways more than anything. Right now all I was doing was making frag grenades, but grenades in Night City were crazy. Laser grenades. Poison grenades. All sorts of different stuff.

    And EMP grenades could be super useful against borgs.

    Unfortunately I didnt actually have the blueprints for them, and I wasnt going to try and make explosives, especially an EMP in myrunner cave.

    So that meant it was time to go on the.

    I stretched and wandered over to my chair. I needed some data, so of course I was going to steal it!

    Plugging in I shivered a bit, as the cont started flowing through my leotard, but then I paused I should be smart about this Yeah Smart! I could do that!

    *Ringing,*

    *Ringing.*

    *Motoko?*

    *Hey Malcolm, you doing anything right now?*

    *Noo?*

    *Preem. Hiromi is at school, so I had to call someone. Want to help me with somerunning? I cant promise itll be exciting, but Im going to steal some weapon blueprints, so I-

    Stop talking. You had me at stealing. Yourrunningir?*

    *Yeah. Im already here.*

    *Alright on my way!*

    --

    Okay so what do I do? Malcolm asked as he arrived and I just pointed him at theptop station that my chooms had used to monitor the videos while we hunted people down.

    Really simple. Mostly just take data that I sent to the server. Make sure it has what we need, and if I start tlining. Save my butt.

    Right. Sure, how do I do that?

    Well, mostly unplug me and call for Vik.

    Preem. That I can do.

    Alright Im diving. Thanks Malcolm, I know this might be kinda boring, but I appreciate having someone to watch my back.

    Hey, that''s what Section 9 is all about. He said and I shed him a massive smile.

    They were calling themselves Section 9 now! Eeeee!

    I quickly flopped back, shivered as the cont once more started up, and then blinked.

    I was no longer in the basement. No, I was in my private lobby. A ssy Tron like meeting room.

    I love this ce.

    *Its kinda cool I guess.* Malcolm replied and Iughed, having not expected him to hear me.

    You going to watch over my shoulder?

    *I figure I might as well That okay?*

    Sure, enjoy the sights of the.

    *It doesnt look all that. Whoa.*

    I had opened the wall of my lobby revealing the actual space. The digital city of moving lights, and data streams, and Malcolm was basically seeing what I was seeing. If not in great quality.

    Ill probably not keep the camera going once things get started Malcolm. Ill need the bandwidth.

    *Oh sure. Dont let me hold you back.*

    Nah, choom. You are definitely pushing me forward. Alright lets go. I jumped, disappearing into a search engine as I went looking for what I needed.

    Thankfully it wasnt exactly like I was trying to steal military secrets. So I slipped into the search engine and found exactly what I wanted.

    A weapon store that sold the grenades that I wanted.

    It was a Gun O Rama. I came up to their website and entered. The digital interface schized out and I rolled my eyes at the terrible web maintenance, as I walked into basically a white room with a menu screen.

    Whoever ran this ce, definitely didnt have arunner on tap.

    I bypassed the shitty website and walked right behind it to the sealed door.

    Ten seconds of breaching, and the door opened, and I was into their system.

    The back end of the shop made me still instantly. It was an actual space. I was wrong. This ce did have arunner on retainer, they just didnt actually jazz up the front end. There were defenses all over, Daemons awake and active.

    The room reminded me of some level out of doom. Gray concrete stone, and a single door to continue on the other end of the room, worse?

    Most of the Daemons were off the shelf defenses, but not all of them.

    I looked across and grimaced at the two turrets that were already unfolding from their defenses. Some kind of protected Daemon? They didnt have my stealth Daemons attached to them. They had seen me.

    Id have to examine those to figure out how they had bypassed my own hack after this.

    I instantly raised a Barrier as the system came to life. The two turrets alerting the horde to my presence.

    A few random bits of code mmed into the barrier and slowed to a crawl, the attacks from the blinded Daemons werent entirely focused. Shooting in my general area thankfully, but that would go away once they got a lock.

    I would have to act fast.

    [Hell Fire] Was activated and Ished it out, focusing on the most dangerous Daemons. A set of Guards that looked like men in trench coats. Their guns raised andshing out with purple beams of coded death. The fire hit the first one, and instantly it started melting, its code turning into spaghetti.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    Of course my own assault had broken the stealth effect of my Daemons. The facehuggers basically stopped working as I attacked. Something else I should probably have learned before this. But my ownck ofrunning experience was biting me. All the daemons focused on me, and the wriggling blinding Daemons all turned into particles. Their ability to hamper my enemies gone.

    *Dropping connection for a minute Malcolm!* I called as I cut his video monitor. I needed all the bandwidth I could get, instantly I got a small boost in speed, and used it.

    I activated my ICE Shield to create a wall of scrap data that the Daemons were forced to chew through. Giving me some protection from the purple beams of death, small Imp Daemons throwing digital fireballs, and the two automated turrets. Ive never seen turret Daemons like that before, but I realized just how dangerous they were when they started firing.

    They shot the same weapons as the Guard Daemons, but in rapid fire. I did a quick scan, and realized the hack they were sending out was a really nasty sort Short Circuit. Trying to fry me right out of their system.

    I threw up more ICE Shield And moved, hiding behind the wall of ice that was quickly disintegrating despite my new additions and fired another [Hell Fire] at the Guards.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    Then another, turning the main guards into puddles of dead code.

    But this system seriously had a lot of defense Daemons. Whoever set this up was a fucking maniac about their private information.

    Imp fireballs started getting closer and closer, but the turrets were the biggest threat.

    I threw up another barrier and winced, hearing the warning from my system about my body heating up as I was burning through programs, but I didnt have any other choice, unless I wanted to just run away.

    Hell Fire was activated again, and this time I was able to aim towards one of the turrets, watching it melt down.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    With only one more turret, despite the Imps moving in, I had more breathing room, and was able to rebuild my defenses for a few moments. Throwing out more ICE walls, and Barriers to fortify up. Despite the turret still chewing through with its constant attacks. Wincing at the way even through cyberspace I could feel my body heating up.

    Once I was more secure. I took a bit of time to try and cool off, before sending out another Hell Fire was activated again and again, as soon as I could without frying myself, as I burned first the turret, and then through the horde of Imps.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    Finally the room was quiet, and I took a deep breath despite being a digital avatar at the moment. That was a lot.

 Chapter 154

    Chapter 154

    So my night was a bit off from there. I ended up camping out on the couch with Jun, as he watched TV. We didnt talk much more about the Scavs. I just tried to rx, but that was only that night.

    After a good night''s rest, I headed out. First things first, I needed verification. Driving over to Arroyo on my Kusanagi I parked far down the street, and instead of walking down the street which would leave me far too open. I leapt into the industrial parks and used my ankles and Parkour to leap through the abandoned factories until I was on the roof overlooking the Electric Corp power nt.

    There I leaned down, hiding in the shadows of old brickwork to watch.

    The factory as I expected was active. Tires tracks ran through an old gate in the destroyed asphalt and dirt loading area.

    I waited for a while, simply looking down into it. For now the rolling door was closed, and no sound escaped from within.

    The camera to the side of the door told me this wasnt as abandoned as it appeared. I began breaching, carefully, utterly slow and quiet.

    Slipping in, I essed the camera, seeing the loading area through its eye, I then moved to the other cameras in the system.

    Smiling as just inside the nt there was a very familiar looking van. I couldnt be 100% sure it was the same one, but hell. I was willing to bet.

    I took pictures of everything. Going through every camera and gathering everything they could see. Then since I was fairly confident I was right. I pulled free of the cameras.

    There were men and women inside, and it hadnt taken but a single NCPD database check to verify they were wanted for Scav rted activities.

    This was it.

    I had found the assholes that hadnt liked Hiromi moving in on the XBD market.

    I slipped away without a sound. As I jumped through old rusted metalnding on the concrete far down the street, I brushed myself clean. Taking a moment. I sent a single picture to my chooms. The van parked in the dark nt, and a message.

    *Found them.*

    ---

    Motoko! You did it! Hiromi cheered as she mmed into meughing in delight.

    I did. Jun gave me a reminder of some other info I had and I put it together, and then I went and checked it out. I said as I spun Hiromi around. We were all meeting up at my ce, and Hiromi wasst as she had school today so she had to finish that up first.

    This ce is nova. An old power nt? Kinda pissed the Scavs imed it. Malcolm added from the couch. Motoko says it goes down pretty deep.

    Yeah definitely some sublevels. Im going to need backup just to secure the whole ce. Which is where you guyse in. I then looked to Jun who I had invited to join us, since I had offered him a friendly sibling murder session. And Jun agreed to help out too.

    Perfect! Jun! Thank you for helping! Hiromi added throwing him a smile but he just waved her off.

    Dont worry about Hiromi. Im just d to keep Motoko out of trouble.

    Which is an absolute lie! Im never in trouble! I lied confidently as I jumped back onto the couch. Now we have some external images and well need to figure out how we are going to hit this.

    Go in kill everyone? Jun asked, and everyone looked at him like he was crazy but I was nodding along.

    The most straightforward method. I confirmed.

    I mean do we really need to do anything more than that? Ichi asked, looking between Jun and I. Motoko clears out ces like this before breakfast, and Jun is the Oni.

    Of course not! Jun answered while I cut him off.

    Of course we do! I roared louder than Jun and even mmed my fist into the table lightly the metal on metal sound echoing.

    Wha? Jun asked but I ignored him pointing at my chooms.

    We cant ever getcent! Its one of my own weaknesses! So I need my chooms to keep reminding me! We n, we prepare, its an advantage we might not need, but its not something we should throw away through overconfidence!

    Thankfully Malcolm responded. Shes right. Just because we dont need it every time doesnt mean we shouldnt prepare as much as we can, we are still talking about a gun fight. What if they have a bomb or something and it blows up. If we just sit back and expect Motoko to handle it, how can we move in to help if she gets hurt or something.

    Exactly! We prepare and gather every advantage we can before we move in! I called out. And also its totally your guys job to remind me to do that when I get too excited. I added offhandedly.

    Oh so its our job is it? Ichi asked sarcastically and I just threw him a thumbs up.

    Yep!

    Thats fine! We can all remind Motoko to be careful and prepare before rushing in. We all want Section 9 to keep going for years and years after all. Hiromi added and I nodded along with Malcolms eager nod.

    Right. Thats true. Okay so what can we do to prepare? Ichi asked.

    Well I do have more gadgets now, but none of them are directly going to help this time. Not yet at least. The Tachikoma are still in alpha testing.

    The what? Hiromi asked, looking confused, and I smiled brightly because it was the perfect excuse!

    I leapt off the couch jumping over Hiromis head as I did so and ran over to my room and then came out holding my little walky bot.

    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the vition.

    The Tachikoma Drone system! I called out and ced it on the table in front of everyone.

    Where it immediately started walking much smoother than it had before.

    Until it hit the edge of the table and just fell right off.

    Umm

    Its an alpha product! I havent done edges yet! I said happily as I picked it back up and ced it on the table again. Where it walked off.

    Motoko?

    Hold on. Its got this. Then I ced it on the table again, and this time, as it walked forward it stopped at the edge, one of its legs reaching out to check the edge.

    Then it walked off again.

    Right. Hiromi said tly.

    Its learning! Give it some time.

    Motoko Is that an AI? Jun asked, utterly serious and I startedughing at such a foolish question.

    Jun the Tachikoma is running a small CPU, and the extra processing power of myptop in my room. Your XXL Burrito SCSM has more processing power.

    That didnt really answer the question.

    Its a learning system, but not an AI. I would need like Four of the servers I have down in myrunner cave to even process a small AI. I answered truthfully. Well Not exactly that much. I could do it with a lot less, if I used some different processing choices.

    But this? Tachikoma wasnt an AI. No Ghost. Not yet anyways.

    Anyway! The Tachikoma are cute, but arent ready for the battlefield yet, but give me a bit and well have our own battlefield reconnaissance drones! I cheered, just as my agent lit up with a call.

    A call with a very familiar name, but not one I expected.

    Hold on chooms. Im getting a call. I turned away from everyone to answer.

    *Hello?*

    *Yo Kitten.*

    *Ba I told you I wasnt epting that as my nickname.*

    *Toote.* She said but she wasnt the rambunctious girl she normally was. Something was wrong. *Im not calling for fun though. Since youre chooms with Sasha I think Well I figure you should know.*

    Reba started quietly, there was honest dread in her voice.

    No. Please dont be Please dont be that. I took a breath and then asked the question I had to know, but wasnt sure I was ready for.

    *Please dont tell me shes dead.* Had the Biotechnica job happened!? I hurried over to the TV and turned it on to the N54 news channel, only for a segment on the weather to be ying.

    Right this wasnt a movie where the big topic of conversation is the most important thing in the world.

    *Not dead. But she did get worked over pretty bad on a gig. Shes in and out at the moment, so I figured Id call to let you know. Cause you guys were close right?*

    I took a moment to just process, staring at the news report before shutting it off as my brain turned back on.

    *Shes alive?* I asked in shock exhaling loudly as I almost fell back onto my butt from where I had been pacing the moment the topic came up. Was it the gig? Or just something else? I still didnt know! I rushed to my room to grab myptop flipping open to the N54 news site. Nothing on the front page, but a momentter I typed it in.

    Securicine. The medicine that started it all. That had killed Sashas mother. The fact Biotechnica had hidden the side effect, and when Sasha discovered it while infiltrating Biotechnicas system she hadnt just let it go. Sacrificing her life to send it to the news.

    There. A brand new news article.

    Securicine, and its hidden side effects.

    Posted this morning.

    It had happened.

    *Motoko?*

    *Sorry. Im just a little out of it. Sashas okay?*

    *Shes hurt, but alive. Getting taken care of. Maine is making sure shes being treated real nice.*

    *Can I see her?* I asked before I could think about it.

    *I Listen. Sasha was on a big gig, like massive, and she pissed off a big corp. We arent sure what they are going to do, so Maine and them have gone to ground. I dont even know where she is just in case. My bro told me whats up, and I remember you two were close. So Yeah.*

    *Reba Thank you. Really, I really Im really d you told me shes okay. I would have absolutely freaked otherwise.* Not true. I would have continued to worry about what would happen to her. Whether she would live, but I had done.

    What little I had done had enough knock on effects. That night. Let Me Down, wouldnt happen. I had changed it.

    *Hey, yeah sure choom.* The line kind of went silent for a moment as we both awkwardly didnt talk about anything.

    I was about to thank her again and say goodbye, when I realized what Reba had actually said.

    Maine and the group were in hiding. Reba wasnt.

    *Hey Ba? You ever thought about that offer I madest time? To do a gig?*

    *Uh.. Yeah, Ive thought about it.*

    *Well me and my chooms were literally prepping for a raid You want toe over? Take a look. No pressure if you dont want to take part, but I mean I wouldnt mind an extra shooter.*

    The line went quiet and I looked to my chooms who had thankfully stopped focusing on me, and were instead being led by Malcolm into prepping a n of attack.

    Good job Malcolm.

    *Whats the pay?*

    *We split everything equally.*

    *What? Seriously? No 10% share and all that shit?*

    *I dont even know what that is No, everything gets split, we only make so much on our gigs because we all work together, and then try to get everything out. If someone isnt going to get more for working harder Why would they?*

    *Fuck it. Im in choom.*

    *Alright Ill send you the address!* I cheered, we hung up just after and I turned to my chooms.

    I got us another solo! Reba is going to join us and see if she likes working with Section 9! Im trying to recruit her, so please be nice. I begged my friends.

    Sure. Malcolm offered shrugging, and Ichi just nodded, but Hiromi was giving me a puffy cheeked re.

    Whose Reba? Hiromi demanded, eyes narrowed.

    Shes a member of this Edgerunner crew I met at the Afterlife. Shes very small, but pretty fierce, and shes cool. I looked over at the pictures that Malcolm had been pointing to. So what did youe up with?

    Well first we all realized we were being stupid. So we are going to bring the Minotaur.

    Absolutely not. We dont even know how to use that thing! I interrupted instantly, besides the Minotaur was mine! My cute little stompy bot!

    Well that isnt exactly the truth. Ichi answered back a little awkwardly.

    I stilled and then I felt myself ring at the boy.

    What did you do? I demanded my own eyes narrowed as I red into the increasingly nervous boy.

    I might have been practicing with it Malcolm too! He said throwing his friend under the rampaging bus without hesitation or shame.

    I red at Malcolm who just coughed fakely. We might have pulled it out of storage and been learning how to use it For Section 9 of course. Its an important skill to have. Hiromi knew! Malcolm continued the process throwing Hiromi under the bus now.

    What!? Dont tell her that! Hiromi snapped and then looked shy as I turned my re on her. Th-they asked me for fuel money! To be on Section 9s eddie since it was practice for the future. I epted! You were too busy to learn how to use it, and having a Minotaur isnt something we could just ignore!

    Huh. Can I get a turn with it? I immediately whipped over to re at Jun who had just said something absolutely ridiculous! If anyone else got a turn it was going to be me!

    Of course Jun! Hiromi chirped and that was when I could take no more.

    This isnt fair! Its supposed to be mine!

    ---

    We were mostly prepped with a new idea for our tactical assault when the doorbell rang.

    That must be Ba! I whooped happily leaping over the couch, for a second I was tempted to open the door with the barrel of my Burya in her face, but while it had been funny she had done that to David, it had also been a bit mean.

    I did check the camera before opening the door. Seeing her outside I quickly pulled it open.

    Ba!

    Uh. Hey. Sup choom. She greeted, and I smiled at her awkwardness as I reached out and tugged on her hand pulling her in.

    Everyone! This is Reba, shes going to join us on our raid today! I called out, and I noticed all of my chooms heads looking over the back of the couch to see.

    Reba was very small so everyone had to sort of tilt their head downward.

    Jun especially.

    Reba, this is my team, Malcolm, Ichi, Hiromi, and my brother Jun. I introduced all of them as I pointed out all of them, each of them greeting her back with a wave or something until Jun who smiled at her from how he was looking over the back of the couch.

    Any choom of my sister is wee. Feel free toe and take a seat. He offered and I looked down towards Reba only to see her disappearing as she sauntered over to the couch and took a seat rather close to Jun.

    Hey Tats. Call me Ba okayyy? She trailed off with a teasing trill to her voice.

    Oh no.

    U-uh. Sure?

    Nova. She offered back with a smirk on her face that I recognized.@@novelbin@@

    I screamed internally. No! Jun! Not another one! Not Ba! This couldnt be happening!

 Chapter 156

    Chapter 156

    <em>Reba</em>

    That was pretty much it. Right after the weird hand thing, which the gonk was smiling like crazy over, they all left the apartment and slipped into an array of vehicles down in the garage. Motoko even invited Reba to ride with her, which was nice, as she didnt have a car. Just taking N-Cart to get there.

    It was actually kind of surprising the array of vehicles the teenagers all had.

    Malcolm rode around in a Bands Thornton Colby. The truck was rough and tumble and armored to hell.

    And Motoko drove around in a Quadra Type-66. Also a nomad variant. The thing was a beast, and Reba was more than a little interested in getting a ride.

    The big truck Ichi drove was interesting, but sort of normal. Hiromi joined Ichi, while Motoko yelled at Jun to get into Malcolm''s car instead of taking his Kusanagi.

    She looked it over and nodded. Preem ride. She wouldnt mind letting him drive her around on it sometime.

    Oh before we jump in. Motoko said as she turned from the driver''s door to the trunk and then opened it up.

    Whoa.

    Do you want something with a bit more kick? The girl asked, and Reba had a moment where she wondered what the fuck Maine had been doing all this time.

    Maine didnt have a Rocket Launcher.

    Wha-Is that a Rocket Launcher?

    My Uragan? Yep! I picked it up off some Nomads. You''d be surprised how often shooting something with heavy ordinance makes things on a gig go smoother. She offered and no Reba would not be surprised, because she now knew what she wanted in her life.

    A Rocket Launcher.

    It was the only thing that would make herplete. She reached for it, and Motokos chrome hands wrapped around her wrist.

    Sorry. Not this gig.

    Fuuuck. She cursed because It was right there.

    Hey if you want one, I can put you in touch with my contact. Get some eddies together and buy one. She offered as if getting a Rocket Launcher was just That easy Well Reba realized that it kinda was.

    So want something else? I got an Ajax over there. Or a Carnage around here somewhere, if you want one. I think I got some-

    Ill take the Ajax. Sure. She agreed. She had shot one before, the recoil wouldnt send her flying. Good enough.

    Reba cursed herself a bit. She really needed the arm upgrades she had been nning. But Eddies had been tight, and Pr had been a tightwad. Needing all the eddies for his projects and shit.

    Even if Ba knew he was blowing most of it on frivolous shit. The dumbass.

    She grabbed the Ajax out of the panel it had been inserted into, hefted it and checked it. Yep, already loaded.

    Here, a few extra mags. Motoko offered, and Reba nodded, stuffing them clumsily into her pockets on her jacket.

    Well need to get you some rigging or something for next time. Motoko said suddenly, before nodding and heading back to the car.

    Reba though was a little surprised.

    For next time? Reba wasnt even sure if she wanted to work with the kids But at the same time, it was kind of ttering to have Motoko already assume Reba wouldnt embarrass herself today and want them all to kick her out And now she was feeling under qualified while hanging around a bunch of teenagers.

    Fuuuuuck. She took a deep breath and headed to the passenger door.

    With Maine it always felt like she was just an add on from Pr. Her brother''s tech skills made him useful.

    Reba though? Was the exact opposite of what Maine liked. Big, strong, brutal power.

    Even Sasha represented what Maine liked in arunner. Massive powerful hacks. It was just how the big guy thought.

    Reba was usually only given shit jobs. Overwatch, distraction, shit like that.

    But Motoko had invited her right into the strike squad Before she had walked into the apartment, she had thought the kids wanted another Solo a bit older than them to help out. To handle the dangerous bits, but seeing everything now?

    No, it was Reba that was the amateur here. She took a breath and epted that. Even as it pissed her off and embarrassed her, but that was just the truth.

    She slipped into the Quadras passenger seat, and they all started driving out of the garage towards Arroyo.

    Towards a massive Scav den. She could feel herself getting excited. She was ready for this.

    You want any grenades? The question interrupted her thoughts and she looked over.

    Was the kid wearing her seat belt? Why? Thats so weird.

    Uh Yeah choom? What kind of gonk said no to grenades?

    Preem. Got a box under your seat. Take whatever you like. Red Caps are frags, Blue are EMP. Probably dont take any of those. Not sure how much of the equipment in the power nt is still active.

    Reba very carefully moved her feet and bent down. There under her seat was a box, and inside slotted into little indents to hold them was a bunch of grenades.

    Okay sure.

    She reached down and carefully grabbed two of the red caps, and after a moment stuffed them into a still empty pocket on her jacket.

    She was going to need to get some actual rig if this is how Motoko rolled.

    It was kind of embarrassing to pass on her style, but Well having spots to hold grenades did sound pretty nova.

    Cause grenades.

    This is going to be so fun! The girl chirped, happily smiling while her eyes were locked on the road.

    For someone with such a high end car

    She kinda drove like some ancient olddy. Weird.

    The ride over was pretty quiet. Motoko chattered a bit here and there, mostly about odd topics. What kind of weapons she liked, did she mod her own stuff. What sort of chrome she wanted to get.

    Reba spent most of the ride mentally preparing herself for the battle toe and didnt really give good answers.

    Then they were there.

    Everyone was already there except for Ichi in the truck. He had split off from the group to go get his toy Minotaur. Which Reba was still jealous that they had. She wouldnt mind piloting a Minotaur.

    They parked on the side of the road a block down from their target and the kid sat back, eyes closed. Whats up? Reba asked and the kid smiled.

    I set up some camerasst time I was here. Im essing them and slipping into the Scavswork again. Just to make sure nothing has changed or they found us out.

    Royal Road''s content has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Did they?

    No. She said while smiling. A smile that was much more bloodthirsty than the girl had shown up until now. Ill be pinging their system once we move in. Watch the golden lines, itll tell you where they are hiding. Ill send some hacks through as well right after.

    Preem. Gonna nuke them or something?

    Huh? Oh you work with Sasha, right I forgot. Motoko said, starting amused and then going quiet. I hope shes okay. But no. I dont really use offensive hacks much. I prefer CC. Wipe their eyes. Disarm their guns. Makes shooting them a lot easier.

    Well shit, thats what I like to hear. Reba agreed, not having Sasha kill steal everything would be kinda nice. Not that Reba had really gotten a chance to do much killing with Maines team.

    They still treated her like a kid. She was eighteen! Sure she looked more like she was fourteen, but thats just how she was. Scopshit. Its fine. Shell get some chrome and then Maine will stop babying her. The man always was quick to ept chrome as a solution to any problem.

    They waited for a while. Motoko mentioned a few things off hand from time to time.

    Three are outside, but they move around. Two of them are moving boxes outside to a truck. Dont worry they arent moving very fast. The truck wont be ready to leave before we hit them.

    And Reba just listened. Unused to the chatter, but used to a Netrunner overwatching. In fact the constant updates was kinda nice. Sasha was usually more quiet, or just teasing as she worked.

    Finally a familiar big truck pulled up behind them all. Ichi had arrived.

    Motoko nodded, having noticed them despite focusing on the cameras.

    Okay the gates are both unlocked. Lets get the channel started. Then a momentter Reba got a call.

    *Here.* Reba said as soon as the call connected, and Motoko nodded.

    *Im in.* Hiromi responded.

    *Me too.* Jun was in.

    *Locked and loaded!* Malcolm.

    *Just say the word, I want to give this thing a test drive.* Ichi.

    *Alright everyone. Gates are unlocked. Jun, Malcolm follow me. Ichi, once the shooting starts thats your cue!* And then the car rumbled pulling away from the curb and driving down the street past the power nt, and around so they could get into the alley behind it leading around to the second gate.

    Reba was ready. Ajax held in herp.

    When you pull in, just give me an angle, Ill drive by. She told the kid verbally so as not to disturb everyone.

    Preem! The car is armored so thats actually a great idea! Motoko said happily, and Reba sort of huffed.

    She wasntplete ganic. She could take a round from some scav 9 Mostly.

    *Okay. Im going.*

    And then The Quadra roared, shifting from a quiet driver to someone that happily pushed the pedal to the metal the Quadra roared, and the gate ahead of them was already opening.

    Netrunners were preem like that. The Quadra suddenly shifted and Reba yelped, kicking out with her legs to hold her against the dashboard and grabbing the center console to hold her steady as it started drifting sideways.

    A momentter the car stopped and she realized the kid had actually set her up perfectly with the passenger door facing the insides of the power nt entry lot.

    Reba righted herself and pushed the Ajax out the now open door.

    They werent ready. Already lines filled her vision showing where all the Scavs were at.

    That That was useful. Sasha didnt usually ping for the team like that.

    Then all hell broke loose as Reba opened fire.

    Above them some scav hiding in a burned out building across from the nt itself started firing.

    Across the way Ichis truck finished backing in, and suddenly the rear door opened. Revealing A Minotaur that stepped out and mmed into the dirt lot.

    The noise was already attracting attention. The front of the nt opened up, and Scavs popped out, hiding behind whatever cover they could find and firing. And Reba could see the lines of light shifting as more Scavs wereing.

    Then they started screaming, not because of the Minotaur, but because suddenly they were stumbling around, dropping behind whatever cover they could find.

    *I plucked their eyes. Go.* And the rest arrived. Jun was suddenly leaping over the Quadra barely wearing the armored te vest that Motoko had given him, but indeed wearing it even if she was pretty sure he hadnt bothered to actually zip it up.

    He reached the first Scav hiding behind some concrete and just ripped the fucker apart. Grabbing an arm and a leg and just pulling.

    Fuck. She had seen Maine do something like that, the big fuck, but he had been bitched out by Dorio for it.

    A little too Cyberpsycho.

    Reba thought it was pretty nova though.

    Then a scream echoed out and a Scav mmed into the ground, twitched and went still. Reba peaked up and out and nearly flinched. She looked behind her and noticed that Motoko was gone.

    She hadnt heard the girl even leave the car.

    Now she was two floors above her, having just thrown a Scav off a building and was overwatching with that Copperhead, silent rounds firing constantly as she started shooting at scavs from behind their cover.

    That That was nova. Reba focused up and started firing as well. Popping a Scav inside the nt, and then focusing on another firing into his cover as he trembled and couldnt move to save himself.

    Malcolm ended up taking that kill, a smart round shot close to her, and then sped around the cover mming into the body.

    She looked and Malcolm was using the front of the Quadra as cover and firing his very preem Shingen. Damn, that was a quality piece.

    The sudden loud roar of HMGs filled the lot as the Minotaur stepped into y. Simply moving slowly step by step towards the entrance of the nt, and firing at anything that moved.

    A surge above her and she gasped.

    Motoko had just leapt off the building, traveling all the way across the lot, tond behind the Minotaur and then she popped up from a roll andnded on its back. Her Copperhead aimed past it, as she held onto its ass and started firing.

    *Motoko! You are unbncing me!* Ichis voice called out with some staring through the channel.

    *Be a good weapons tform and just stay still.* She retorted back without a hint of stress in her mental voice as she just fired into the dark power nt.

    Reba decided that she had the right idea. She leapt out of the Quadra, rushing up to the side of the power nt and posting up on the outside quickly seeing some gonk on the second floor catwalk and shooting him full of holes.

    This! This was it! This was what Reba fucking lived for.

    HAHAHAHA! GET FUCKED! She roared out in delight as she opened up with her assault rifle.

    ---

    I felt my own smile stretch across my face in time with Reba finally losing her shit and going full berserk.

    This assault was going incredibly well. The Scavs that were checking the cameras right now wondering what the fuck was happening must be shitting their pants.

    I almost wondered what they were thinking was happening? Did anyone expect a response like Section 9?

    I dropped a mag and reloaded which was difficult while staying on the back of the Minotaur, *Jun! Up front, we are moving in. Malcolm move it!* I demanded over the line, as I jumped off the Minotaur andnded behind Jun. To his surprise I posted up behind him. Hand on his back letting him know where I was, as I basically used him as cover.

    The gonk wanted to be the big target, then thats what he would be.@@novelbin@@

    *Here.* Malcolm confirmed posting up behind me and I nodded.

    *Reba! We are moving in. Ichi hold the lot down. Hiromi keep an eye on Ichi and run if you have to. No risks. Lets move.* I said as I pushed Jun forward which he audibly grumbled at, but then we moved. Jun leading the way into the Power nt, and the three Solos backing him up.

    The fact I had disabled the Scavs weapons was doing a lot to ensure our charge was uninterrupted.

    While Jun mmed into a guy on the ground floor. The three of us twisted around. Firing into the scaffolding, or in Malcolms case firing and then having the Smart rounds twist around andnd on top of the hiding Scavs.

    We ughtered them. Moving constantly, in a barrage of bullets. Ping meaning even amateurs like us could act like a unified team. Rebca quickly matched our pace despite having to move a bit more with her shorter legs, but she was keeping up perfectly, twisting and firing, as she followed the shes of light from a fresh Ping.

    Of course as easy as it was to ughter these fucks there were problems.

    Teething issues.

    Malcolm tripped, nearly knocking me off my feet, and forcing me to struggle and lift him back up. Reba got a little trigger happy and nearly shot Jun, who was rushing around.

    Jun was running off on his own, and not staying together so we could support him, ending up with him getting stabbed by a very very brave but stupid scav that managed to surprise him.

    Yet we kept moving. Malcolm slowed his twisting pace, and kept his feet better after his fuckup.

    Reba stopped to aim before firing, ensuring no friendly fire. And Jun grumbled and mostly ignored the fact he got stabbed and just kept doing what he was doing

    The after action report would be filled with me kicking him in the head to get it through his denseness. But thats fine.

    We moved on. Having cleared the entrance to the nt, we ended up not immediately hitting the downstairs. Instead we broke through a door in the rear of the factory where a clump of scavs had been hiding behind to enter into a sort of warehouse and main nt.

    I actually almost stopped as I entered, because this whole section of the power nt didnt exist in the game. It was just one of those doors that was door shaped, but was actually a wall.

    But inside was a storage area. Obviously the stuff too heavy to take down into the underground. Boxes of what I instantly registered as loot, but that wasnt all, tables next to chemical equipment

    A drugb?

    I shrugged it off and opened fire along with everyone besides Jun who was going full Oni mode and either cutting people down with his Katana that he had drawn, or just battering Scavs into paste.

    Both were pretty effective honestly.

    Motoko? Malcolm called out, but I shook my head immediately.

    Ignore it! This side is clear we move down now! I called out even if Malcolm was looking shocked at everything we had found.

    Scav business, XBD business, and a drugb? These scavs sured liked to dip their toes into everything.

    Whatever was going on here, was something forter.

    We turned after clearing out the area that the Scavs were using and instead rushed towards the undergroundstairs. This time Jun was slower and I was in the lead. I noticed two lines shifting as I got close to the stairs, two gonks, very close, probably hiding in a corner.

    So I popped a grenade off my rig.

    *Hold! Frag out* I called out over the line, and Jun actually stopped for once. I popped the pin and chucked it down the stairs hard enough it would bounce down and into the bottom of the steps.

    A few secondster the noise buffeted us and I almost giggled as the lights leading to the two winked out.

    *Lets go!* I called out and Jun raced ahead which I realized was him being protective again. I rolled my eyes and moved, sticking together with Malcolm with Reba following us. *Good job Malcolm, Reba!*

    *Course!*

    *Easy shit.* Reba agreed, sounding almost calm, but when I turned to look her face was locked into a full on rictus grin.

    Heh. We moved on, Jun rushing again again like a dummy. We walked through a no entry door and then past the hallway that led to the elevator, but while I could hack the thing, it would take time, and it wasnt like they were going anywhere. Not with the Minotaur already moving into the nt to watch the stairs.

    Then we moved through a trash area, covered in old clothes and garbage. Every piece of clothing told the story of another death at the hands of these Scavs.

    But Jun didnt care, he moved right through opening doors and rushing through, and so we followed. The next area was a ripper room. The stic sheeting scavs were so proud of, along with three beams of light leading to Scavs.

    Jun of course followed straight towards them, but instantly they opened fire. My hack didnt work? I mmed another Optic Reboot at them, But felt the hands of another runner. Someone was plugged into thework, fighting me off.

    Jun hadnt stopped at the gun fire, just charging through it and mming into a ripper chair knocking it over and onto a Scav firing at him. He screamed as it pinned him to the ground and then the screaming stopped as Jun mmed a boot down onto him. Malcolm and I focused on the others. Far more urate fire than the Scavs were putting out thanks to the Ping meant they were scattering for cover but that didnt save them from Malcolm.

    *They have arunner! My hacks wont be as effective. Destroy any cameras as soon as you see them.* I called out, doing just that as I swung around and fired a round into a camera that was watching the ripper room.

    *Got it!* Reba confirmed, while Malcolm just nodded.

    *Jun? You alright?*

    *Just some scratches.* He actually said standing up and showing it was a bit more than that. He was definitely bleeding a bit.

    *You are on the backline now, pick up a gun. No more rushing forward or Ill leave you blind and go on without you.* I saidpletely calm, cool keeping me from absolutely ranting at him for being an idiot.

    He looked like he was going to argue, but I didnt give him a chance. I popped my Carnage off my back and tossed it at him.

    There see? It was totally worth bringing it along.

    I reloaded again and nodded as Malcolm did the same and then we moved on to the next room.

 Chapter 158

    Chapter 158

    Jun? Youre home already?

    I told you it was just scratches. He grumbled at me. I had dropped off Reba at home after we stored the Behemoth for the night. All of us too tired to want to unpack everything just to pack it all back up again.

    Hiromi had apparently made a deal with the SCSMpany for a garage to store it. Which we could use as a space for our loot. So it was secure enough.

    Now I was home ready for a shower but Jun was already on the couch.

    I walked over and inspected him and narrowed my eyes at the very obvious bandages on his chest.

    Yes Im sure scratches bleed even after being checked over by a ripper. I said snidely, noticing red on the white bandages.

    Its fine. He grumbled looking me over. You?

    Nothing went through. Armor worked like it was supposed to. I assured him. Although I had gotten a few scratches, a Maxdoc had cleared that up.

    Satisfied my brother had actually gotten his medical attention I wandered into the bathroom to take a shower.

    This whole situation had gone really well. Even if the fact Sasha had survived was setting in. What was going to change from that one act?

    Maines crew had made an enemy of Biotechnica. I had no idea how much, or if they would be able to let everything cool off, but Kiwi and Lucy might never be hired by Maine now.

    This was Going to be an interesting situation.

    Also, the most important thing. We were only a few months away from a very important point. The start of Edgerunners.

    I would need to figure out what to do about what''s his face. The original owner of David''s Sandevistan. The fact was, I wanted it. That wasnt some run of the mill street sandy that I could pick up. That thing was absolutely top of the line.

    And I wasnt David, I wasnt going to lose my mind to chrome and overuse and turn the biggest advantage into a weakness.

    But until then

    I looked down at my body as the water flowed over me. Muscles and chrome, but I was wless. No scars, or markings. Vik and my sleep healing had taken care of me.

    I looked at my alerts. Plenty of killing had been done. Plenty of XP.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    On it went.

    Fourteen kills directly to me. That wasnt a lot, and yet it was all at the same time.

    7000 XP.

    I hadnt gotten any direct level ups, Assault was unfortunately already maxed, but I did get a Quick Hack alert. So that was one more step closer to a level.

    But as I looked away from the alerts and back to my body

    I think its time to get some more chrome. Ive been doing a lot of prep chrome. My Titanium bones were great, but I wanted something with a bit more.

    sh.

    The idea stuck with me, as I finished the shower. Undecided. I could probably get some Gori arms mods for my Condor. They were already a bit full though. The EMP and Armor took up a lot of room.

    I walked out of the bathroom clothed and drying my hair, and then decided since I couldnt figure it out on my own I was gonna ask the chrome head.

    Hey Jun?

    Motoko?

    Im trying to figure out what chrome I should get next. Any suggestions?

    Extra heart?

    I do want one, but Im thinking more sh. All of my chrome feels like just

    Ah I see. Get a Sandy. Itll make you killer. He said without missing a beat.

    I kinda have one lined up, but itll be a few months before I can get it. I answered honestly. Admitting it aloud made it more real.

    I was going to take Davids Sandy from him. He would never chip it in. In exchange I would make sure Gloria survived. Im sure he would trade the chrome for his mother alive and well.

    If you have to wait so long, just chip in a sandy now, get used to it, and upgradeter. You have the eddies. He said it like it was that simple.

    I just I dont want to chip in some scop Sandy Jun. The one I have my eye on is like Super top of the line. I just have to wait a bit.

    Dummy. He said and to my surprise reached out and tapped me on top of my head. Speedware is useful shit. The only reason I dont have one is because I stopped chipping in new chrome for a while to get used to everything. But you Youre fine. Go chip in a Sandy, get used to it, for when you chip in something real nova.

    But thatll I stopped. How do I exin the idea of how I understood adaptation, and Humanity loss by Cyberware without exining its all a game.

    Motoko? You handle chrome better than anyone Ive ever seen. He said, his eyes locked on me. Youve been a little skittish about it. I get that. But youve got nothing to be afraid of. Besides, Hiromi already sent me a quote on what we made today. You can get plenty of good chrome with just your cut of today''s profits. Hell, its more than I make normally by a long shot. He said almostughing. Whod have thought little Hiromi would some day be bossing me around on a gig?

    I blinked at the almost wistful tone before Jun looked to me and smiled.

    Spend the eddies. Get an upgrade. At least itll increase your chances of surviving until you get your hands on the Sandy you really want. Upgrades are normal, they wont hurt.

    I blinked and realized that I really should be upgrading my chrome. I had a lot of eddies just sitting in my ount. And a lot of chrome that could use an upgrade. My Cyberdeck was a midline at best for instance.

    An upgrade to my Cyberdeck would do a lot in making me even scarier.

    But I also wanted to spend more money on tech stuff No, I realized. I had eddies. I had a ton of eddies. That was just an excuse. I was letting my fear control me. I was afraid of chrome in a way. Sure I was feeling much much better about it now, but the kidnapping still haunted me.

    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    I hated that idea.

    I breathed in and out. Being wise about chrome wasnt bad though. Bnce. I just needed bnce.

    Im going to bed. Ill probably be working with Hiromi all day tomorrow to sell the loot. I said instead, rising up.

    Nice! Im looking forward to my cut! Going to buy an upgrade for my ride. But you should set it up Motoko. Call your ripper, Vik. Give him time to find some chrome. Go on. Go to bed.

    I just rolled my eyes at Juns stupid Mizuchi.

    Ill send a message to Vik. I decided, even sending him a message about what I was looking for and a request for a checkup and new install.

    Good night Motoko And hey. This gig you pulled off today? I was impressed. Super impressed. You didnt even need me, you could have done it without me It was a relief.

    I scoffed even as I felt my cheeks heat up. Section 9 is amazing! Of course we dont need a gonk like you! Even if you were a big help and it was cool how you worked with us, when you werent charging ahead and getting shot at! Maybe Section 9 will offer more gigs to you in the future If you get some armor! I yelled and then stomped away into my room. Jun wasughing.

    I checked on Tachikoma before I went to bed. Its walking process was starting to reallye together. It was moving at a much faster rate now. Much more confidently.

    Good job. I told it despite not being able to hear me, and did some quick pruning of the process before slipping into bed.

    ---

    The next day was a barrage of running around. Thankfully since Ichi could drive the Behemoth. I was mostly the bodyguard. Keeping Hiromi safe as she sold equipment all over the city. The eddies flowed in as we dropped off piece after piece.

    While we drove around, I spent some time going over the gig with everyone. With the BD recorder I could even review things I had seen.

    Talking to Malcolm about when he tripped. Telling him to remind me sometime for some practice with walking through a dark space with a rifle in hands.

    Ichi mostly got a p on the back.

    Hiromi too.

    Jun I just sent a picture of him getting shot with a quick caption. Dont be the idiot that runs ahead.

    He didnt respond with anything useful. Just a re emoji.

    Reba didnt have time to talk so we would have to go over everything another time, unfortunately it also meant Reba wasnt able to join us.

    When we finally called it a night, we took some time to celebrate. Hitting a diner and ordering all the food we could eat.

    Seriously! That guy was such scop. Im pretty sure he was a Scav himself! I grumbled out but Hiromi justughed.

    You just didnt like how he was flirting with me! Hiromi said with a bit too much eagerness, and I shuddered.

    Of course I was upset! The guy was like thirty. He was gross Hiromi. You shouldnt have led him on.

    It let me fleece him for another two grand. So

    Its gross. Ill have to give that guy ate night visit sometime soon. I said feeling rather murderous. Fucking sicko.

    Dont you dare! He was buying a lot of the equipment! Well keep feeding him more of our loot! For the eddies!

    Dont worry about it Motoko. Hell do something stupid some day either get himself killed, or we will tline him. Ichi cut in. I would put money on him trying to steal from us someday.

    He wouldnt! The equipment we are selling is super cheap! He wo-

    He totally will. I agreed. The guy was skeevy.

    Yep. Ichi agreed, I raised my drink to him and he did the same.

    Ugh. Hiromi just huffed and Ichi and I startedughing.

    So what are you spending your eddies on Ichi? Any chrome? I asked mostly as a segway, but I was interested in his answer as well.

    Ah, well I got the smart link, and that wasnt too bad. Even if using the Minotaur meant I didnt get to use it much. But I do like the Yukimura. Since Ive been wearing it, just seeing it on my hip has settled a lot of friction. He saidughing, pping the holster on his side that carried his smart gun.

    Heh. At least some gonks are smart enough not to mess with the guy that has homing bullets. I giggled and he nodded in turn.

    But for what Im going to do with these eddies I dont know. Maybe some Subdermal, or Skinweave?

    You should reach out to Vik then, see what he has on offer. Hell take care of you.

    Sure, maybe Ill reach out. How about you? He asked and that was the topic I wanted to bring up, mostly because I was kinda nervous.

    Id nned on holding off for a while longer. I have a chance at a really high end Sandy that will open up in a few months, but I think Im going to chip in a lower quality Sandy with Vik tomorrow.

    Whoa! Really? Hiromi asked, looked excited. That would be preem Motoko! Sandy are expensive chrome, but theyre great!

    Yeah. I was gonna hold off until I got something really top of the line, but Powergaming vs. realistic upgrades.

    The powergamer in me said not to upgrade until I could get the best. But I wanted to be safe, and strong enough to protect myself and my chooms.

    So yeah. Ill go in tomorrow morning. Vik got back to me that he found something that Ill like.

    Nice! I want to see! As soon as you are done! Hiromi demanded, and I waved her off.

    Maybe. Ill probably head home after and sleep it off or something. But Ill show you once I feel better.

    Deal! She agreed, smiling while Ichi nodded in tandem.

    How about you Hiromi? Anything in mind for your eddies?

    Most of it is going into payroll unfortunately. But Ill be making a nice profit that will go into private ounts. Hiromi said but Ichi and I just looked at each other.

    Coooorppppoooo. We both teased and Hiromi instantly went red and pped at both of us.

    --

    The next morning I got ready and headed to Viks.

    There was a bit of anxiety there. Because I wouldnt be chipping in the best of something. Just what I could get my hands on, with a bit of work, and that wasnt something I really appreciated, but

    Upgrades. A few upgrades now could make future gigs easier, make me more eddies, and more XP.

    It was for the best. That old gamer mentality of not upgrading to anything until I either had to, or until I had all the stat points to make use of the best stuff was holding me back.

    But this wasnt a game.

    Hey Misty! I called out as I entered her Esoterica and she looked up and smiled brightly at me, making my day instantly better as she waved me down.

    Motoko, I saw you actually scheduled an appointment looking for more chrome today. Thats unusual. Something happen? She asked kindly, waving me over as she was sitting behind her little reception.

    Not exactly. I just had the idea the other night and wanted to warn Vik.

    Well he appreciates it, and as his sometimes secretary I appreciate it too. She said teasing.

    Heh. Hes got you taking calls for him now too? I asked, teasing back and she shrugged. Sort of. Just as an emergency thing. Sometimes he isnt around, so if someone is calling for emergency help well If he isnt around to answer, Ill be able to warn them from showing up.

    Right. That makes sense. Did Vik mention what he got for me?

    He did. Vik has contacts all over, and you have the eddies to actually pay. She winked at me then. He always goes above and beyond for the best customers.

    Viks the best ripper. Of course I have to treat him right. I answered back and we both smiled.

    Go on. I know you want to see what he was able to wrangle up for you. She said waving a hand at the back and I did just that waving goodbye as I hurried into the alley then down the stairs.

    Vik!

    Hey Kid, bout time, I was wondering if you would keep me waiting,e in, let me show you what I picked up for you this morning. Called in a favor with some old rippers I knew to get the deets and had to do a bit of trading, but I got it.

    Then he pulled out a stic bag, and there it was.

    A tiny little chip that was actually the Sandevistan.

    They always look so small.

    Heh. Well big thingse in small packages kid. This is a Dynr Sandevistan. Its not the best of the best. QianT usually hold that mantle, Militech can be top of the line if you can snatch their good stuff, at least they put up a fight. The Falcon is a preem piece of chrome. He chattered as he started prepping everything, but I was struggling to tear my eyes off it.

    A Sandevistan. Speedware. The piece of chrome that every likely was the most important piece of chrome I would get.

    It was a midline Sandy. Like Vik said this wasnt a Falcon. Or Whatever the fuck Davids Sandy was.

    Well whatever it was, I would find out eventually. For now? This would do. This would do nicely.

    Alright Vik. Im Ready.

    Heh. Nice that you are mentally, but you arent ready just yet,e take a look at this as well. I need to ask if this is the right fit for you. He said pulling out a second stic package. The stic was obviously not original the sort of thing I had seen in Scav shops for how they store cyberware to keep it clean.

    And he dropped it on the table it took me a second A neural link? I asked confused at the sight of it.

    Your neural link is a civilian version. Vik answers and then points at the second piece of cyberware in a stic bag. It wasnt massive. At least not that massive, but I instantly realized it wasnt just nothing either.

    That looks a bit high end.

    Heh, caught that huh? Yeah. Your Sandevistan isnt anything special, not that it was easy to get my hands on, they donte cheap. But you already got a Cyberdeck, and I bet you wanted to keep it right?

    I instantly reached up to the back of my neck. There in the neural link that I had woken up with in this world in a small port that near my chipslots was my current Cyberdeck.

    A cyberdeck that I knew was taking up a lot of the hardware of my neural link to run.

    The neural link may be the most integral cyberware that existed. It was the piece of tech that connected the brain and nervous system to cyberware.

    The basic civilian one wasnt really capable of much. It wouldnt limit a cyberdeck at my level, but Sandevistan, Cyberdecks, and many other powerful pieces of chrome all needed space in a neural link.

    Hell, the Sandevistan David had chipped in, had needed the massive spinal neural link, or at least hade with it just to help handle the power that little chip could push out.

    This one wasnt nearly as big, but looking it over. The chrome gleaming in the muddy light of Viks shop. I came to a realization.

    I licked my lips.

    I want it.

    You sure? This might be the one I had ess to, but I can find something different. This is a big step for you-

    I want it. Its perfect. Hell there is only one other neural link I can think of that I want more, and thatsing along with that Sandy Ive been hunting. Vik. Chip it. I confirmed, absolutely sure.

    This was going to be huge, but with adaptation, and my own desire for the chrome. I was confident this was perfect for me.

    Alright kid. In that case, Im all set up. Take a seat.

    I nodded and did just that, settling into the chair. @@novelbin@@

    Ill call Misty down as well once we are done. Not too good at haircuts. He joked and I justughed, as I rolled over showing the back of my neck.

    A few momentster I was asleep.

 Chapter 159

    Chapter 159

    Its not too bad.. Right?

    I think it suits you. Misty assured me. It was a full twenty hours after I went under the knife. Vik had done a lot of work, and after eight hours I felt Perfect.

    My neck was a little weird, but that was something adaptation would help with.

    I looked in the little hand held mirror and what gazed back at me, was something more than human.

    The Neural Link Vik had chipped into me was an Arasaka brand. So the chrome was the usual ck with little red ports for everything.

    I knew Hiromi would love it. But it wasnt just a few chip slots hidden beneath the flesh that had long grown over it.

    This was heavy duty chrome, and I didnt like hiding my chrome.

    So the entire back of my neck, from just above where my ipital bun as Vik had called it, but it was just the bump on the back of my head. Everything below that was chrome to just above my shoulder des. I even had some cool chrome stretching into the sides of my throat giving me a bit of sh there.

    And now Misty was cleaning up my hair on the back of my head, and there it was.

    Thergest chunk of myself other than my arms, that wasnt natural, something I wouldnt be hidden away beneath my boots like my ankles.

    And I low key fucking loved it.

    Vik did a great job. It looks amazing. I said Okay so maybe it was more like high key I loved it.

    Hehe, it really suits you. You always carried that Neo-Mil look. Well it looks even more so now.

    I felt myself smiling even wider as I turned the mirror so I could see Misty.

    Thanks Misty.

    Of course. Youll make sure to take all the drugs Vik gave you in exchange.

    I kept myself fromughing too hard as Misty was cutting my hair a bit but I shed her a smile. Sure you bet.

    Good. Youre one of the patients that actually listen to all the recovery instructions. You have no idea how hard it is to get a bunch of gonks to take their medicine correctly.

    I giggled all the louder as Misty ranted, happily telling me horror stories of idiots not listening to Viks orders anding back with their body rejecting chrome or worse.

    All done It looks about the same as before, but from the back Well it definitely stands out In a good way!

    Hold the mirror? I asked her and she nodded as I walked over to a wall mirror and with Mistys help was able to actually see it.

    Heh. Im really d that Vik or whoever owned it previously got rid of the Arasaka symbol on the back, instead of looking tacky, my chrome looked Sinister.

    Cool.

    Remember to follow Viks instructions! Misty demanded, and I nodded in agreement, the feeling felt weird as my neck no longer moved in the same way.

    But I would get used to it.

    Finally Misty let me free, and I would follow Viks instructions, only the actual instructions he had given me. We hadnt wanted to tell Misty that I had already healed post surgery, so Vik had given me different instructions before I had left.

    I walked out and breathed in the Night City air. People walked past me, in a blur of neon and suspicion d faces.

    But I didnt care. Because today? I had just done something amazing. Time to go home. Despite the heal, I was still ordered to go very easy on my Cyberdeck, and not to even think about using my Sandy.

    Even if the urge was there.

    --

    Youre staring.

    Of course I am. My little sister got a nova upgrade. Jun agreed as he had intercepted me as I got home.

    Shouldnt you be at work? I said, flushing a little at the attention.

    I have the day off. Show me. He demanded but it was with a gentle smile and I huffed and did just that. Settling onto the couch.

    Its an Arasaka Neural Link, an ODA apparently. The Sandys a Dynr. Just a Mk.2.

    Nova. Thats good chrome. Jun confirmed as he spun around me so he could get a better look.

    He did a good job on the install, I can barely see the wounds. I nodded slightly at that. He had done an amazing job, but the real reason there werent any wounds was because I had slept eight hours after the install.

    Anyway, I havent used it yet of course. I need to give it some time for everything to settle in. Docs orders. So Ill be working on stuff around the house Do you need anything done Armor for instance. I hinted and Jun just happily ignored me as he patted me on the shoulder.

    Nah dont worry about it. That armor just got in the way. It was interesting, but not for me-Ow! Motoko!

    Im sorry I just happened to hit you right where you got shot the other day! Oops! Wow too bad you werent wearing the armor properly or it would have blocked that bullet and only given you a bruise! I hissed at him, and while Jun looked like he was about to pick me up and throw me, he hesitated, ncing up at my neck.

    I reached up and rubbed my neck too and that put a damper on it. Jun wasnt going to rough house while I was healing.

    I wish you would wear more armor. I told him seriously. Look at how effective it was for us. I got shot a few times in that fight Jun, but it didnt even slow me down.

    He didnt say anything in turn at my turn towards the serious. Instead just patting me on the head. Dont forget to call Hiromi. Shell freak.

    Hehe! Ill do that now. Maybe she wants to spend the night? I wondered and jumped off the couch to run to my room to make the call.

    --

    That kinda tickles.

    Its so cool. Arasaka brand and everything! Im so proud. Hiromi said faux sniffling as she continued to poke at the back of my neck. I rolled my eyes.

    Stolen novel; please report.

    Its not the best link on the market, just the one that I have. I tried to argue, but Hiromi just ignored me. Happy that I had some Araska chrome. Honestly we sort of matched. Her own Neural link wasnt the heavy duty one that I had, but she did have a strip of ck chrome hidden under her hair along the back of her neck. Her chip ports were set into it.

    There is a problem though. I grumbled.

    What? What happened? Something wrong? Bad chrome!? Ill kill that old man ripper of yours!

    No! What? Hiromi, chill choom. Vik is amazing. No, I used to have my Personal link cords on the back of my neck remember?

    Oh yeah, you picked that weird install. They still there?

    Yeah, but the ODAs have a slightly different link design. Here see? I said as I reached behind my head and felt around until I found it, then showed it to Hiromi.

    The ODA had a lot of modrity despite being Arasaka branded. Not something you would expect from them, but it was actually sort of one of their trademarks. Other than the ck and red design.

    The personal link cord wasnt in quite the same spot as it used to be. It now detached from a recess along the right or left side of the neural link. Meaning it was more on the side of my neck behind my ears, than it used to be directly behind on the back.

    Tehee! Hiromi giggled as she popped the personal link out of my neck and then put it back in a few times.

    That kinda tickles Hiromi. I told her and that just made her giggle more and keep doing it until I swiped her hands away.

    It looks nova Motoko! And with a Sandy our work is going to be even smoother! Hiromi said with glee kicking her legs as she raised them off the floor.

    Itll definitely increase safety. Itll be nice not to be pushed back by every speedware user now.

    Heh. And that one TC girl you spar with! Youll be able to beat her ass now! Which you should! Definitely beat her ass!

    Oh, yeah Hayato. I havent talked to her recently. Ill have to reach out. Shell be a great test for using the Sandy in a fight My sandy. I repeated, because it bore repeating. I had a sandy now.

    Sandevistan. One of my own.

    It wasnt Davids OP as fuck secret ck project sandy, but it was fine.

    Yep! Well in that case, Ill focus on the BD stuff for a while. Not like we can go on gigs while you are still recovering from your chrome. HIromi added shrugging.

    Oh yeah. I still have the BD from the Power nt. Think I should delete it? I asked. Things had gotten a bit serious on the gig. And it could be dangerous to have ite back to us.

    Wait.. You made a BD of that?

    Yeah of course I did. I always turn my BD tuner on before doing something. I just delete it if its boring or in the case of the Bands gig Well if things get crazy.

    Definitely! Oh oh! I have a good idea! Itll be perfect! Gimme! Gimme!

    Wha-hold on Hiromi, Ill need to take it to Judy to get fixed up.

    I know! Thats why give it to me, Ill take it! I have an idea.

    Okay sure! I saidughing as Hiromi was practically reaching for my chip slots like she could just pull it from my head. I quickly shed a shard and after a moment of it saving I handed her the raw BD.

    Perfect! Hehehehe! She cackled as she rose to her feet, like full on maniacalughter.

    I really dont think I want to know what your idea is.

    Dont worry! Its perfect! Then before I could say anything else, she ran out of the apartment.

    Was that Hiromi? Jun asked, poking his head out of his room looking confused. I just sent him a look of confusion in turn. Wasnt she spending the night?

    I honestly dont know.

    --

    I flopped on my bed just after Hiromi left. With any sort of heavy work taken off the field, I didnt have much to do. Sure David had chipped in his Sandy then used it right away, but he also fucked himself up enough to pass out doing that, and was a fucking gonk.

    I was going to follow my doctor''s orders to take it easy for a few days, even with my instant heal.

    I looked over and Tachikoma was steadily working.

    The programming was clearing up. The program had learned what it was trying to learn, and so actual improvement was going pretty quick. I purposefully pulled up the data on myptop and didnt link in to go ahead and do more pruning.

    Getting rid of incorrect data, or repeats, cleaning it up and making it streamlined. But it was getting to be time to add more into the program.

    So I walked over and picked up a chunk of steel, and ced it in front of the Tachikoma.

    A momentter the small addition to its programming I had added started up.

    It moved to the sphere and stopped Then it rammed it.

    But steel was heavy.

    Nope little guy. If you want to learn how to pick things up you need to do better than that.

    Setting the program to run I ended up justying on my bed staring at the ceiling for a while.

    My neck Well it felt kinda stiff. Like I wanted to stretch it, but I couldnt.

    The negative side to chrome. But I rxed. I would put in some adaptation and be good to go.

    And in exchange for this difort A Sandy.

    Which I couldnt use yet

    Jun! Im going to sleep for a while! I yelled out from my bed without getting up.

    Okay! Sleep well! Jun called back. Cool.

    Another eight hours would make the time until Sandy usage go down a lot.

    So I closed my eyes and drifted off.

    I awoke instantly and blinked. The light in the room was off, not that there wasnt enough light from my printers andptop. So I rose up and blinked.

    That Isn''t quite it little guy. I muttered staring at the Tachikoma that had failed at lifting the block It was using its little grippers on the block and was just Sort of jerking itself forward and back. But the block wasnt going anywhere, because it was using the extension I had built into the grippers Kinda cute though. I stood up and moved to theputer. Oh yeah, that was a glitch alright.

    A few momentster I sent the update and the Tachikoma stopped and then with a bit of prodding on my behalf through code, it finally managed to lift the block. Then it started walking and dropped it.

    Ganbatte, Tachikoma-chan. I whispered to my drone and looked at the screen. I really should sit down and put in some actual work on the Tachikoma interface

    Just thinking about it instantly brought ideas to my mind thanks to inspired programmer And it was like 2 am so I might as well get something done.

    I shrugged and even if I couldnt program with my cyberdeck, I could still do it the old way.

    I started typing, getting lost in the synergy between the VI I was creating from the Tachikoma, and a program to manually control them.

    I would need to get the Minotaur interface tomorrow to look that one over as well. I could copy some of the program

    Where was the Minotaur anyways? Last I saw it, Ichi had Ichi! That little sneak! I realized that Ichi had definitely stolen the Minotaur away from me! Well we would see about that.

    I knew where he lived!

    --

    <em>Ichinose</em>

    Ichi woke up to his rm ring.

    Sighing into his pillow he blinked up his agent and then shut it down. He sighed into his pillow as he mustered up the energy to get up. Slowly he rose, eyes blinking, one of the benefits of optics, is that he didnt feel like he could barely see anything when he first woke up, everything was clear from the lighting in from his open window.

    Which was weird, Ichi never left his window open. Something he had learned as a kid. He narrowed his eyes at it, and reached over to flip the switch, closing it back down. Nodding at that, he rose unsteadily to his feet, and took a few moments to stretch and groan.

    He didnt want to get up this early, but Hiromi had dragged him into that SCSM job, and well

    It wasnt about the pay so much, but it was a good experience. Ichi really liked driving through the city, seeing new ces, and meeting people.

    Malcolm might talk up his massively overpriced supercar, but he was also the idiot that could barely ever drive his car anywhere.

    Ichi drove through the whole city whenever he wanted.

    As he slipped into the bathroom he made the call to his new partner. even if the guy liked to try and get Ichi to call him boss.

    Max was the guy that ran the SCSM shop. He was alright, but since Hiromi was technically Ichis boss, it gave him a lot of leeway.

    *Hey kid! Youing in today or not? You caused a real issue yesterday!*

    *Hey Max, yeah Im getting ready toe in. Ill have the Behemoth. Wont have full capacity though.*

    *Fuck. How much room do I got?*

    *About seventy percent, maybe eighty.*

    Ichi ignored the cursinging over the line, quickly washing up his hair and then once he was soap free stepping out, and grabbing a towel, quickly drying off he checked his mirror, doing a bit of work on his hair to even it all.

    *Fine. But well have to haul ass to get a full route done in that case! I expect you in soon kid!*

    *Itll be about thirty minutes Max. Ichi refuted the man''s demands casually, pretty used to him now. It was kinda cool to be a teenager able to tell grown men to fuck off. It wasnt like Max had any other trucks with the same amount of armor, or capacity. And Hiromi had made it clear to the man that Ichi was the one in charge of the truck, full stop.

    Not that Ichi went out of his way to piss him off. The extra storage area and secure holding for the truck was worth a lot on its own.

    He stepped out of the bathroom, d he had his own private one since this was an older style home pushing the beads out of the way he made two steps and then stopped cold.

    M-Motoko? He asked, because there sitting on his bed, with her feet up was Motoko. Along with his Yukimura in herp, that she was fiddling with.

    Ichi. She greeted back calmly and Ichi felt a bit of difort, because Motoko was acting weird.@@novelbin@@

    For one she was literally in his room.

    Motoko? Whats going on? He asked a little awkwardly, making sure his towel was properly tightened around his waist. Dangit Motoko he just got out of the shower! Had Grandma let her in!?

    She rose with a predator''s grace, something she had started to show more and moretely, and almostnguidly stalked him across the room.

    Ichi felt his back hit the cold wall as she stalked him right into a dead end, and then she grabbed his hand and put his Yukimura into his palm.

    You should really have more weapons on hand Ichi, I was able to take your pistol while you slept and you didnt even notice. She said almost jokingly and he rxed a bit about to make a joke before asking her to get the hell out but suddenly her palms mmed into the wall beside his head.

    Oh.

    Oh no.

    Ichi?

    Y-yeah?

    Wheres my Minotaur? She said with sinister intent and all Ichi could do was swallow, the emotions running through him in that momentplicated and unknowable.

    I uh Can show you?

    Perfect, get dressed. She agreed back to happy Motoko as she walked out of his room.

    Ichi slumped nearly sliding down the wall.

    What the fuck?

 Chapter 160

    Chapter 160

    I guess its okay. I mumbled, Ichi had led me outside, into his little backyard. It had actually been a surprise that Ichi lived out in Arroyo, because I had always thought he had rented near the rest of us, but apparently this was his Grandmother''s home.

    It even had a little garage outback, with dirt cutting through the grass leading through a side gate.

    He quickly opened it up, and showed his van.

    His van that still had my Minotaur in it.

    Umm So do you need it for something?

    Not the Minotaur itself. Im going to grab the control program, and see what its made of. I exined as I hefted myself up into the van, noticing the control crown and plopping it on my head.

    Oh, great. So is that new chrome? He asked suddenly and I threw him a smile as I showed off my neck.

    Sure is! New Neural Link, and Sandy.

    Whoa. Sandevistan? Whatd you get?

    Just a Dynr. I was going to wait on chipping one until I had the perfect one, but Jun reminded me I should be looking at the short term as much as the long term.

    Thats preem Motoko. Whats it like?

    I dont know! Iughed at the reveal. Im not allowed to turn it on yet, docs orders. Install is still fresh.

    Oh, tell me about it once you use it.

    Why? Thinking about one yourself?

    Speedware is useful for drivers. He answered in turn before humming. Do you need me? I got work.

    Just give me one minute, and Ill get out of here. I looked at Ichi who looked relieved. The SCSM job? I asked for rification as I worked.

    Yeah, I kinda like it, I guess. Its simple enough, lets me drive around and I dont get shot at. At least not yet.

    That sounds nice. Make sure you bring your gun though. You never know when youll need to shoot back.

    Obviously. He agreed and seemed to rx. Ichi had been kinda high strung this morning. I wonder if he just didnt process well in the mornings? Needed a cup of coffee or something first?

    While I was talking to him, I was plugged into the control crown for the Minotaur, pulling the data, downloading all of it, into a set of shards I had plugged into my new chip slots.

    I was downloading into multiple shards at once a barrage of data flowing into me much faster than my old system could have done. The new neural link was definitely an upgrade even at a base level from what I used to own. It was very very cool.

    Okay all done. Before I leave, what security do you have for the garage?

    Uh A lock? He answered and I nodded, reaching into my back pouches and pulling out a TachiCama.

    Here, lets set it up somewhere it can see your garage, just remember to charge the battery once a week. Set a reminder or something okay? I offered as I started examining the back porch on his home to find a ce to hook it in.

    Uh. Sure. I can do that Thanks Motoko.

    No problem. I muttered as I found a good hidden ce in the rafters where it could see the garage while being mostly hidden. Once its cute little feet were mped on I turned to Ichi who was still sort of nervously moving from foot to foot.

    Okay fine.

    I reached out and flicked his forehead suddenly.

    Ow! Motoko!

    Thats for totally stealing my cool Minotaur, that I totally wanted to use myself. Also- I interrupted myself, walked over and pped him on the back. Good job finding something you can do to be extra useful. There. That should solve the problem with his nervousness. Seriously it was like he expected me to attack him for stealing my Minotaur or something.

    Alright Im out! Have fun at work! I called out, waving an arm over my head as I headed out.

    Uhh.

    --

    I was back home looking over the program for juicy bits when I got a message from Hiromi. Checking it I nodded.

    Payday. Enough of the equipment from the gig had been sold off, Hiromi sent out the first quarter Wait no, there were six of us. The first sixth of the payday.

    It was pretty juicy and I nodded pleased before refocusing on my program. I was still using my chrome as little as possible so I was just looking over the programming as I disyed it on myptop.

    But suddenly I had a calle in.

    *Ringing.*

    Reba? Preem! I quickly epted before the second ring.

    *Hey choom.*

    *What the fuck?*

    *Uh I dont know?* I asked in turn and had a moment of quiet before Reba responded again.

    *I just got the pay from your choom for the gig. What the fuck?* She repeated almost breathlessly.

    *Oh! Now I get it! Rx,thats not the full payment! Hiromi hasnt sold off everything yet, but she sold enough of the loot to give us part of it.*

    *Yeah I know! I read her message, but what the fuck! Thats more eddies than Ive ever earned before from a gig! By a lot! So what the fuck!?*

    *Thats just a sixth of what we earned from selling the loot. Why? I don-*

    *A sixth This is a sixth!?*

    *Uh yeah? We split the eddies evenly between everyone I told you that remember?*

    *I thought you meant it was a split of the percentage!*

    The line went quiet for a while and I was almost wondering if she had hung up when a quiet voice that I was pretty sure I wasnt supposed to catch spoke.

    *These kids are fucking nuts.* Then she spoke up clearly again. *Okay seriously, is this like a first time bonus or something? How do you do anything?*

    *No? We always just split the eddies evenly. I thought it was a good idea. That way everyone knows the more we make the more they make. I mean the gigs we do, everyone has some danger, so its hazard pay.*

    *Hazard pay Thats hrious choom.* She said and then actually broke into cackles. *Okay okay, seriously though. How do you pay for anything!? Ripper costs? Tech prep. Ammo?*

    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    *Well Ammo we just buy for ourselves? Ripper costs havent reallye up, but we have a great ripper in Vik and he takes care of us Tech I just buy that myself. Its one of the things I take care of in the team.*

    *Bribes for information? I mean, I want to ask about a bunch of other stuff too, but hell you guys seriously just split the fucking loot Thats fucking crazy.*

    *Um I usually do the information myself, so its free other than time.*

    *Netrunner Thats right. Fuck.. Wait. Sasha never does that for us! That bitch!* Reba cursed a bit and I actuallyughed at her foulnguage. *Fuck youre weird. Fucking hell. Alright fine. When is the next gig? Eddies like this are pretty nova.*

    *No idea. One of the downsides to the way we operate, we have to hunt our targets ourselves. I mean, sure I could probably talk to Wakako Maybe Rogue too? Im not sure what the Rogue situation is yet, she said she might offer me gigs, but we havent talked since Anyway! We find our targets and clear them out. So it can be a little bit. One of the reasons the pay is so good.*

    * No Fixer pay? Well fuck But a good fuck. Even if its not all the time, a payday like that aint something I regret. Damn choom. Just damn.*

    *We still need to get your armor sorted out as well.* I reminded her, and she went quiet again.

    *You really are a good kid huh? Heart of gold and all that.*

    *No Im not! Im a badass merc that kills people for money!*

    *And worries about her allies acting like a mother hen! Its cute as shit. Youre a funny one Motoko Hey listen, change of topic a bit. You doing anything right now?*

    *No! Whats up? Want to hang out choom?*

    *Something like that. I got a call from my brother. Ive been kept away from their safehouse until now, but things are cooling off, and my bro wants me to bring some shit. So you want toe see Sasha? I know you were worried about her.*

    *Yeah! Yeah I really do! Is that Is that okay? Will Maine even allow that?*

    *Ill message him, itll be fine. I vouch for you. Not like you are going to tell Biotechnica where shes hiding out. Meet up at my ce? A ride would save some time.*@@novelbin@@

    I paused for a second before cracking into a smile.

    *Is the main reason you are asking me toe with, because you dont want to haul whatever your brother asked you to bring on the N-Cart?*

    *I dont know what you are talking about.* She said airly.

    Yep, that was 100% it.

    Iughed at her making sure it went over the agent. *Sure choom, send me the address?*

    *Already done.*

    I nodded, it was indeed. And I rose up and stretched. Time to check on Sasha.

    --

    Whoa choom. New chrome?

    Yeah I picked up a Sandy, but I needed an upgrade to my Neural link. I confirmed as Reba flopped into my passenger seat arge duffel bag full of stuff plopped onto herp.

    Head towards Arroyo, Ill guide you there. They dont want any digital info on where it is. She said suddenly and I nodded as I set off. Thats preem. You doing okay?

    Yeah, Vik is amazing, and Im not allowed to use the Sandy or anything yet. Its still settling in.

    Heh, youre so funny. You got this bad ass killer vibe one second, and the next youre all rule abiding the next. I cant quite pin you down.

    A lot of rules are there to keep everyone safe. I said pointedly looking at herpleteck of seatbelt.

    Pfft. Who needs a seatbelt? Those things just-Whoa! I of course was speeding up unnoticed, and when she refused I just mmed the brakes.

    Thats not funny. She told me, looking up from the passenger footwell ring up at me.

    I just smiled.

    I beg to differ.

    Im not putting on the seatbelt.

    Im not promising you wont go flying a few more times through the ride. I retorted back instantly, and she red, and to my pleasure regained her seat and put on her seatbelt.

    I didnt tease her any further as she was sending me res, instead I threw on the radio and just settled in to drive all the way from Watson down to Arroyo.

    Get off at MLK Were going into Rancho Coronado. She added as we hit Arroyo and I nodded. I knew the ce. The pink mingos were something that was hard for me to forget. Delemains offshoot that hated them as it drove around the suburbs had made meugh while ying the game.

    Maybe Id run one over in memory of that fragment.

    I pulled off at MLK Blvd and down into the suburbs. Going around a bit, following Rebas directions that got us lost twice, as we tried to figure out where the address was, before finally finding it.

    A house that looked like any of the houses in the area. There was a whole bunch of trash built up around the edges of the fence, hiding what was inside, and as we pulled in, I noticed that despite being a run down sort of ce, it did have a few much newer looking security cameras hidden in ces.

    This is it? Reba whispered, looking a little confused, but I think I understood.

    This is the address right? I said as I turned off the engine and stepped out, but before I got far A familiar face poked out through the front door and then rxed, opening the door the rest of the way, showing Dorio was holding an Overture.

    There you are Ba, and I see you brought a choom. Dorio greeted, as Reba walked up with her arms behind her head.

    Yep, I needed a ride, plus I figured Sasha wouldnt mind a distraction. She offered and Dorio just sighed before letting us in. Shutting and then locking the door behind us.

    Hey, listen kid. This isnt some ce we want shared around. So-

    Its a safehouse, where Sasha is lying low after the Biotechnica gig. Dont worry. I wont tell anyone. I assured therger woman who blinked at me in concern before looking to Reba.

    Dont look at me, I didnt tell her! Reba denied, but I just ignored that because stepping up out of the basement was the girl in question.

    Sasha had looked better.

    Instantly I could tell what had happened. One of her arms, the left one from the middle of her bicep down was all chrome now. New chrome.

    New enough she hadnt even gotten Real Skinn, with red irritated skin surrounding where the chrome met flesh.

    Hey Sasha. I greeted gently, and I watched as the woman actually jumped a little in surprise. She obviously hadnt noticed there were visitors.

    She looked at me with wide surprised eyes for a moment before noticing Reba, and then she blinked and she smirked.

    Hey Kitten. Hows my little Kohai doing? She called out, faking a much happier attitude than she had a moment before.

    Good. I said instead of what I wanted to say which was Better than you.

    Ba. Maine rumbled echoing through the house from the living room. Maine was sitting on a couch making it look more like a single person reclined. Why did you bring the kid?

    What was I supposed to walk here? Reba asked and then scoffed. Besides, Motoko is Sashas choom. She was even worried sick when I told her that Sasha was hiding out.

    This isnt a ce where I rolled out the fucking wee mat. Maine rumbled and sensing some issue I decided to step in.

    Hey, I know me showing up wasnt on the books. Sorry about that. Honest, this is your safe house so the more people that know about it the less safe it actually is. I totally get the frustration. But I mean Isnt it less conspicuous if I drive Ba here, instead of making her walk?

    Maine looked to me, and the man who was easily four of me in size didnt look like he agreed.

    Easy Mainey! We needed to bring in Reba to get some stuff, and Motoko only makes that easier yeah? Sasha intervened, and the big man held his re for a few moments before sighing.

    Just dont tell anyone. He demanded finger pointing at me.

    I wont. Promise. I added which didnt seem to add much to Maine''s confidence.

    There you are! Did you bring it? Pr demandeding down from the upstairs practically leaping down the stairs as he charged at Reba.

    Ugh get off me you fucking gonk. She snapped, but did reach over to the duffel bag and slide open the zipper, letting Prugh insanely as he reached in and came out holding a toolkit.

    My babies! He cried out and then disappeared back up the stairs, and Reba just rolled her eyes at his actions.

    I kept my mouth shut despite my desire to yell at Pr for being so rude. If Jun treated me like that I would have kicked his ass.

    Pr hadnt said anything to Reba after getting his tools.

    But I shook it off and instead looked to Sasha. Howre you holding up?

    What? Im fine! She denied, but I mean that was obviously a lie. But then she perked up and sent me a smile. But Ive been super duper bored! So hey! Distraction! She called out as she grabbed my arm and started tugging me along, her new arm was weaker than her old one only gently pulling as I let her lead me away.

    Ah, Sasha! Hey Reba-

    Dont worry choom. I knew Whiskers would do this. Ill catch up, wanna talk to Maine. Reba responded, throwing the duffel bag onto the kitchen table clearing off tons of empty food boxes.

    Yeah! Cmon! Sasha demanded and I followed letting her pull me downstairs into a small barely thererunner setup.

    Youve been out on the?

    Only a little! She said and I frowned, because if I had Biotechnica after me, I wouldnt be going anywhere near the.

    Oh dont worry. She answered as if reading my mind. Ive already reached out to an old contact at Biotechnica. Thepany barely cares about what I did. They sent out a kill team, and if they find me, theyll kill me, but they arent looking real hard. Give it a month, and that order will be removed from their system after a small update goes through. She said with a shrug, and I was reminded that despite Sashas personality this was a woman that was an eliterunner.

    Will they really just let it go?

    They will. She said her voice going from sugary sweet to dark and angry. They barely even noticed Biotechnica stock didnt even dip. She said and I frowned at that. I did remember that the Securicine reveal hadnt done much damage to thepany, but nothing?

    Nothing?

    Barely anything. They made a public apology, and fired one of the managers in charge, for damage control but Its Biotechnica. They are untouchable as long as theyre producing food, medicine, and Chooh2. She said as she flopped into a chair in front of aptop and taped fingers to an almost manic anxious beat.

    Food, Medicine, and Fuel. Biotechnica were the creators of Chooh2, as long as the world relied on it for fuel

    Yeah I guess I can figure out what happened. Everyone in the know, just ignored the securicine update, no government wanted to make waves. It was like the middle east and oil. The money just kept flowing in, and no matter what nonsense they got up to, as long as it kept going, they were untouchable.

    That stinks.

    Its bullshit. She agreed darkly and then she turned and her face turned into a smirk. So little Kohai! Want to keep your Senpai Sasha-chanpany?

    Um Sure?

 Chapter 161

    Chapter 161

    Nova! Absolutely qualitatively nova! Ive been sooooo bored. Sasha whined at me, with augh throwing her arm over my shoulders only to wince. It was her chrome arm she had used, and there were obviously some issues with it.

    Still getting used to it?

    Its nothing. Im fine. She said a little too fast as she slipped her arm away from my shoulder and instead pulled a shower curtain away from what I was definitely not expecting to see.

    An Ice Bath?

    Yeah! Im gonna jump on the obviously. Want to join me? Sasha asked, her eyebrows moving in a waggling wave.

    I mean, I could go to myrunner den I guess. I dont use a Ice bath. I have a chair. I said as I walked over and crouched down by the bathtub. It was already full of half melted ice cubes, I could tell it would be absolutely freezing.

    I really didnt like the idea of using this method.

    You have arunning chair? Sasha asked surprised and I nodded.

    Yeah I had a gig from Wakako to kill this guy. He was a runner, good too. Had a bunch of equipment, since I tlined him, I took it for myself. Big server, Chair, everything I needed.

    You have a server!? How big! I shrugged and sent her the details on the server set up and I looked up to see her choking on nothing.

    N-Not fair! Sasha doesnt have a server! How does her Kohai have one! She whined childishly which had meugh at her.

    You really dont have a server? Why not?

    Eh. Im not a data runner. The only data I grab is for a gig, or to immediately trade out. She answered calmly, the childish act disappearing. Then as suddenly as her calm answer appeared it disappeared. Waaa! Maine! My Kohai is bullying me! She whined loudly towards the stairs and then ran up the wooden steps.

    What?

    Then I blinked realizing I could hear her faux crying up the stairs that she had taken two at a time. I hurried after her, mostly because I was so confused.

    Is this what it was like dealing with me, when I was being a little shit? No. Everyone liked when I was a shit.

    Except Jun of course, but he doesnt count.

    I made it up the stairs and blinked as Sasha was sitting on the couch besides Maine looking up at him with big crocodile tears in her eyes.

    -Need a server! I cant be bullied by my cute little Kohai! Just a little one is okay! She begged and Maine took a sip from his beer.

    Maybe when you''re older. Maine offered cooly. The look of outrage on Sashas face at the absolute burn from Maine had Reba start cackling and Dorios chest started heaving as well.

    Maine! She eventually squawked out in outrage, pping therger man''s chromed out arm, but that did less than nothing.

    Dont get upset when someone teases you back. He retorted and she huffed crossing her arms, but her chrome one didnt move as easily, and she sort of flubbed the whole thing. Looking down at her arm. A change went over her face.

    I dont think Sasha was handling her loss that well.

    Next time I have to tline arunner, Ill keep an eye out for another server for you? I offered and my words startled everyone in the room but Reba who just looked thoughtful and then nodded.

    I gotta admit, Kitten, klepping everything after wiping a ce, even the stuff bolted down, certainly made for a nice payday. Reba agreed and I nodded, throwing her a thumbs up.

    Its not klepping Ba! Once you kill them its looting!

    She looked at me, I looked at her, and we both broke into cackles ofughter.

    M I missing something here? Maine asked, and Ba nodded.

    Yeah. While you guys have been out of touch. Kitten here called me up and asked if I wanted to join in on a gig. Let me tell you Maine. The payday took a few days, but when it came in? Way more than I ever made working under you. Maybe Ill find myself a new crew. Reba said but her tone showed she was teasing.

    Even so Maine and Dorio both looked shocked while Sasha was just curious.

    You took a gig? Dorio managed to ask first and Reba nodded.

    Wiping Scavs. Honestly the way Kitten here ran the gig it was Pretty smooth. I still want a chance to y with that Minotaur. She said, turning to me.

    All I could do was huff. So do I. Ichi basically stole it! Im the one that had to fight it while some Raffen gonk was using it while trying not to damage it cause I mean its awesome.

    Wait wait. A Militech Minotaur? Maine asked, his sun sses instantly sliding down his nose to lock eyes on first Reba and then me.

    Yeah. The gig that got me into the Afterlife? They shot down an Arasaka AV and captured a bunch of stuff, including an Arasaka brand Minotaur. Its mine now When my choom isnt stealing it out from under me.

    It was nova to have on that gig though. When you jumped on the back of it for mobile cover? Fuck it was preem. Made me jealous that I didn''t think of it. Reba offered and I smiled because it had been fuckin cool.

    You just Used a Minotaur against Scavs? Maine asked, sounding a bit shell shocked.

    It was a big base. They were a major group. Selling XBDs of the people they murdered out on the market. Lots of eddies involved. I answered. It was pretty effective in drawing attention, letting us wipe them out while they pissed themselves at the mech.

    And Ba you went on this gig?

    Yep! Actually was one of the four solos. Right up front.. Well second line. The Kittens brother is the Oni. You know the Tyger w one with the rep.

    Kamikaze or something right? Dorio asked, looking worried. Between Reba and me. It was okay?

    Jun isnt a cyberpsycho. I butt in quickly. He had some problems, he uh Lost someone important to him and went a bit wild, but hes actually stabilizing really well.

    Ba kinda snorted. He seemed fine outside of the fight, but when shit got wild so did he. I get why they call him the Oni now.

    Yeah Jun is still a moron. I agreed, and Ba just scoffed.

    Hes an older brother, are they ever not morons?

    Nope. I said and we both looked at eachother with shared tooth filled grins.

    Right. Maine muttered seemingly a little lost.

    Well it was nice to be treated as part of the team at least. Reba suddenly added, rather directly, and Main stiffened.

    You are part of the team.

    Maine You dont ever use me as a shooter. I can do it. Reba added and Maine and her both stared at each other for a moment before Maine looked away.

    Well talk about it for the next gig. He offered, and Reba didnt look like she was going to ept before shrugging.

    Ill hold you to that.

    Ah! My Kohai is so skilled! Shes even got Reba on her side! Sasha interrupted rising up and to my surprise pulled me into a tight hug. Squeezed tightly at least with one arm into her chest. Im soooo proud!

    Wha!

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Then before I could even start struggling I was pushed away.

    We should go on a dive together! I want to see how good you are! Sasha demanded and I blinked.

    She smiled.

    I shrugged. Okay? Sure, sounds fun.

    Yay! You can use the extra Ice bath Unless you want to join me in mine. Sasha teased me with a big smile, but I scoffed and chuckled before remembering and stilling.

    Ah I cant today. I just got this Neural Link chipped in, and my ripper has me on a few days of rest before I can do anything heavy with it. So Couple day rain check? I offered and Sasha looked at me like I was crazy.

    You actually listen to that nonsense? Maine asked suddenly, his rumbling voice cutting off whatever Sasha was about to say. If youre tough you can handle it. Never seen someone actually listen to that garbage.

    I instantly frowned. Deeply.

    I turned from Sasha and marched right up to Maine. Maine that even if he was sitting on a couch was still nearly twice my height.

    Taking care of your health isnt weak! And ignoring doctors'' experience with medical matters doesnt make you tough, it makes you dumb! I chipped in a new Neural Link, and a Sandy and was told to give it a few days to make sure it settles into my nerve endings. Of course Im going to wait. Otherwise I could burn out or injure myself, making myself weaker over time! I snapped at him practically poking him.

    Maine didnt appreciate that though, and reached out, pushing my finger off him, which I let him do withoutint.

    Careful kid, dont go poking me like that. Maine rumbled out, but I had made my point and turned away from him.

    Hey Ba, I think Im gonna head out. Sasha. Call me in a few days and we can do that dive okay?

    Sure Kitten. Sasha offered and Reba nodded, but didnt say anything, as my leaving was watched over by a silent grumpy Maine.

    I dont think I liked Maine very much,

    --@@novelbin@@

    I got home and flopped onto the couch. Jun wasnt around so I had the ce to myself. I didnt really feel like doing much just yet. My neck had a weird tenseness that made me feel like I wanted to crack it, but couldnt. Therger Neural link didnt diminish my range of movement, but it did make me feel all stiff.

    So I did what I always did when I felt a little annoyed.

    I grabbed my guitar. I had to go easy with my Neural Link so direct programming with my cyberdeck was out, but I could still work on a new song.

    Iy there on my back tapping on my guitar as I ran through all the songs I knew, which one did I want to y right now?

    Strumming a few notes here and there as I considered, before I could even figure it out, the door opened, and I sat up to see. Jun and Alice. Rockerboy girl herself.

    They walked in, although it was obvious to me that it hadnt been nned. Jun was looking a little awkward as Alice followed along behind him.

    Hey Jun. Alice.

    Hey kid! You like music, tell your brother he should take my advice! Im inviting him to a recording session! He gets to hear professionals at work! Alice called out to me, and Jun sent me a look.

    Ah, thats right.

    Juns taste in music was trash. He probably hated Alices sound.

    Jun! Im disappointed in you! I called out, as I rose up, smirk already stretching across my face. You love music!

    Juns pleading look turned into a promise to murder me after this, but that was fine.

    See! You love music! Alice agreed, uncaring about the truth. Come with! Youll get to meet some famous Rockerboys and enjoy some music! As my plus one of course. She offered and Jun continued to prove he was the densest person in any room he entered.

    I wouldnt want to intrude, if you are doing music stuff, Im not good with that sort of thing. But if you want someone that will be good with the music, you should take Motoko! Shes amazing with that stuff. He offered, and I could literally see the look of frustration on her face as he continued to not notice she was into him.

    Oh no I couldnt Jun. Alice is your choom. I replied doing at least a little to keep Alice from just dying on the spot at my brother''s inability to notice interest in him.

    I see. He said and Alices face brightened up in delight as he seemed like he was finally understanding.

    He didnt of course. I would have told her that, but Jun did it himself before I got a chance.

    Why dont we all go then? Motoko likes music, itll be a good chance for her to meet some other musicians. Maybe get someone to jam out with you? He said, looking at me.

    Jun. Brother of mine with the mental density of a ck hole. I dont want to Jam out with people, and the way you said it was super cringe.

    Alice had a simr look on her face, the full body cringe was there.

    But Juns charisma was stronk. Before the disgust could kill her ardor he turned to Alice, and smiled.

    Damn Jun. Throwing deadly smiles like that around, you were going to melt hearts Along with something else.

    Not that Jun was attractive or anything. He was ugly, and fat, and he ate XXL Burritos.

    How about it? Wouldnt that be more fun? He asked, smiling at Alice and she broke.

    S-sure? Sounds fine I mean. Yeah. I can uh Get her a pass in too?

    I didnt even say I wanted to go? I offered but Jun just threw another look at me.

    Youve been practicing your music stuff so much, but you never do anything with it! This is a chance to meet other musicians, and maybe youll like the idea of joining a band. Jun offered and I realized what was going through his mind.

    Jun, you gonk, even if I join a band, which Im totally not. Id still do merc work.

    Maybe. he said with a shrug.

    I rolled my eyes and rose up. Alright, fine. Ill go. Only because I knew if I refused he wouldnt want to go, and I felt some distance sympathy for Alice right now.

    Which is how I ended up sitting in the back seat of Alices run down Mahir Supron. Practically riding on top of her band equipment.

    This is an interesting ride. Imented as we went over a bump, my head nearly mming into the roof.

    Its cheap, and I spend most of my money on music stuff. She answered back a little hotly. It runs on hopes and dreams, and carries my shit.

    Its fine. Jun tempered her. It wasnt until recently that either of us had a car. We just used our bikes for the longest time.

    Youll have to give me a ride sometime. She shot back flirtatiously. Uncle always threw a fit when I said I might get one.

    Uh Sure? They arent the best bikes to start on, but I can-

    I rolled my eyes as I zoned out Juns misunderstanding. He thought she wanted a lesson on driving a Kusanagi, instead of just wanting to ride one

    Heh. A very specific Kusanagi in fact.

    --

    Alice drove us down into City Center, and then into a small strip mall, but instead of going into a shop she walked down an alley and towards a side door, up a small set of concrete steps.

    Dont tell people about this ce. Alice suddenly said. A lot of big namese here, so they dont want fans and stuff to know about it. Then she opened the door and I rxed.

    It really was a music studio. We just used a back door for some reason. White hallways dotted with doors. Small pieces of the door were ss letting me see inside to small studio rooms full of sound equipment. I could just make out the small performance rooms as well. No sound escaped them though as everything seemed to be soundproofed.

    We walked pretty deep into the building, passing by door after door, that inside I could just see through the small window on each door were often upied.

    I guess music was big business in Night City.

    No one I recognized was inside though, but then I could only really see the editing room and not the performance box.

    Then Alice waved at a man that I did sorta recognize. Im pretty sure he was one of Alices bandmates? I vaguely remembered him from the gig I watched.

    Hey, sorry Imte. She called and the man looked over at Jun and I with a quirked eyebrow.

    Dont even. This is Jun, The Oni. She said proudly at Juns nickname, which even Jun looked a little embarrassed at being called out like that.

    Riiiight. The guy shot back. Who''s the kid?

    The kid is Actually pretty good. Juns sister. And I realized that Alice probably forgot my name.

    Im Motoko. Dont mind me. Im mostly here because my brother thinks I need to get into music to escape my life of crime.

    The man blinked and thenughed a bit at my joke.

    Funny. Too manyte night joy rides in klepped cars?

    Nah. I have my own car. Mostly its the shootouts. I answered truthfully and then looked at the door. So whats going on exactly? The guy looked a little off but shrugged it away after a moment.

    A friend of ours got a big gig, making a song for a Ni-C advert. He wanted us as his band. So we get to set up here. He exined with a curious look to Alice. You brought them without exining?

    It sorta went that way. She shruggedpletely unashamed at the situation. She wanted to hang out with Jun after all. The way she entwined her arm with Juns said a lot.

    So did Juns very confused look towards his arm wondering what was going on.

    Well alright. Cmon, Tessa is already in the booth. He offered and opened the door. Inside was a small studio, a few chairs and a ton of equipment. And beyond that the small room that was soundproofed where a man was seemingly already working.

    I didnt recognize him. Or anyone else in the room.

    But that was fine. It was kinda just interesting to see a real studio like this.

    Ah, there you are! A heavyset man in an ill fitting suit and enough gold chains on his neck to hang himself with pointed a set of pudgy fingers at Alice. Kept us waiting.

    Im on time. You just wanted me here early. Violent Hemorrhage is here to perform.

    Well get to it. No, hold on. This is a good line. He ordered and turned back to the equipment. A headset half off put back on, as he hit a few buttons.

    There was a man, the sort of guy that looked like a titr Rockerboy fancy clothes, and styled hair, and probably a grand or more on essories, and even more on fancy chrome. His styled hair buzzed with electricity as he sang.

    But I couldnt hear him so I just shrugged. Alice pulled Jun inside, and we were put into a corner, as Alice was prepping to enter the booth, but at least she gave us a pair of headsets so we could listen.

    I put it on, and instantly frowned. Electro-hair was doing the same shit that Alice did. It was all the chrome''s work. His voice was shit.

    Sure, it sounded okay, but if you knew what you were listening for you could hear him missing notes or just slurring the song a bit too much.

    Bad auto-tune. Thats what it reminded me of. The fatty producer didnt seem to mind, and I could tell Jun didnt seem to notice bobbing his head a bit to the song. Then they cut, and Alice and her bandmate entered, quickly grabbing some instruments already set up, and this time they yed together with the singer. Checking harmony and timing from what I was hearing the producer guy, and another guy on the equipment mutter to each other.

    Honestly it was kinda interesting I guess. Simr to what I do, but I dont need some weird guy to do it for me.

    I sighed. That was just because of the system. So I shouldnt bad mouth people just trying to do their thing. I shook off the sense of arrogance and instead listened. What would I do to improve the song?

    Im actually not sure. Rockerboy gives me a lot of information to work with, but Ive never tried to edit a song that had bad singing before.

    So instead I focused on what the producer? Im not sure what his actual job was, but I watched him work.

    It was interesting, and made me want to y with it too. But I kept out. No way he would want some teenager messing with his equipment while he was putting together a song.

    I wouldnt want someone interfering in my work. So I stayed back, Jun and I listened for a good thirty minutes as they ran through the song multiple times before they took a break.

 Chapter 164

    Chapter 164

    We go in, beat up some low rank rezzers, and make some fun eddies! Its a good way to get your name out too! Sasha offered practically bouncing despite being in cyberspace.

    What kind of battles? I dont like the sound of Combat Zone, and Sasha, really I need some deets before I do something like this.

    She looked at me for a moment before sighing. Okaye with me. She demanded and faux grabbed my wrist to tug me along. I eventually relented and rose to follow. She led me back through the door she had entered and into a It reminded me of a locker room.

    Okay Motoko, here is the deal. We are 2v2. There will be a couple of amateurs on the other side. We beat them. No killing, but you do your hacks to disable them. They will get tugged out by the system if something goes bad. Its all safe as can be. Hasnt been a death in the Combat Zone in years. And that was practically a suicide. Follow me so far?

    Sort of. Why, though? Why would arunner show off their hacks like that? Isnt that dumb?

    Eh. You dont really bring in the best of the best stuff that you want to keep secret, and kiddy scripts arent going to be new to anyone. But yeah if you got something special youe in show it off, and you might get someone, or multiple someones interested, then you trade for better hacks, or data, or equipment.

    I never heard about this ce before.

    Which is weird! She suddenly eximed, arms waving. Even kiddy scripters hear about it! The fact you dont know is super weird! So here we are! You back me up. I can handle this myself if I have to, but I have to bring a +1 for the double battles. So just sit back and let Senpai Neko-Nyan

    Im not sure I want to jump right in Sasha, Id kinda rather watch to get an idea of whats going on first. Besides my hacks aren-

    Oh its toote for that. She interrupted, and then suddenly I felt it. I was pulled from the server I had been on before, and instantly moved to another section. I couldnt even fight it, as it felt more like the entire server section I was in dropped deeper into the.

    Which was a truly ufortable feeling. This server wasnt normal. The restrictions, and setup was odd. Truly odd. I could feel foreign code m down. Rules of the server architecture that

    It was a game. I was in a game. I twitched, wanting to rip the entire thing apart and get out of here, but I mean

    It was a little intrusive with how I had just dropped in, and I didnt know the rules, but I quickly pinged the system and confirmed that the rules would keep anything from going too wrong.

    Suddenly the far wall of the locker room burst apart into data revealing what looked like a recreation of a garbage dump beyond.

    Sasha. I said tly not at all amused. Did you just walk me into the arena while exining what this ce even is?

    Yep! Put down a bet on your behalf as well! She said with a wink.

    Dont kill her Motoko. Dont kill her. I whispered to myself. I just saved her. Killing her would be a mistake

    Wooo! Sasha cried out as she charged ahead, and then threw out a hack. The data coalesced from her hand in a stream of white hot sma that ripped a hole straight across the arena towards the other side. The st distorted the data in the way, smashing through every piece of terrain the arena had created.

    A momentter she snapped her fingers. Aww. That sometimes works. Killing them before they leave their starting zone.

    Great. Im teamed up with a spawn camper. I muttered in realization.

    Sasha was a toxic gamer.

    Fuck.

    I hurried to escape the spawn point not sure what the fuck was gonna happen in retaliation, and I did so just in time.

    A Missile? It looked like a missile, or lots of them anyways, shot over the terrain and then came down in a mass towards our entrance. mming into the little locker room and exploding constantly, a barrage of damage, that I was able to see beyond the disy, and realize it was tearing apart data that was struck. A virus, and a nasty one.

    Looking around I realized that Sasha waspletely missing.

    Bitch. I muttered and then breached into the server around me. Its defenses were strong. Probably to stop people from doing just what I was up to, but I hadnt been seen, and I wasnt going to.

    I could hear explosions and sounds of fire, and wind, and even the noise of many footsteps all rushing around, but I remained hidden. Using everything I knew about staying invisible to keep me out of this mess as I started breaching. Whoever we were against wouldnt have ess to the server right? They would have to breach in too, so they shouldnt notice?

    Fuck if I know. Fuck if Sasha had given me a chance to figure out what the fuck was happening!

    Finally I broke through. The entire server architecture disyed before my eyes.

    Then it reconfigured, and Those fucking gonks.

    I was looking at a minimap. Whoever designed this arena nned for a breach of ess and set it up so that if you slipped through the defenses you could get a mini map

    Which meant someone might know where I was. I quickly removed my information from the system, my stealth Daemon activating as I had ess now. It appeared beside me since the breach wasplete. The Face Hugger burst away from me, going invisible as it did, and it spread, each Daemon it would find it would help blind me in their eyes.

    That left Sasha and

    Two were still there, two big red dots that wererunners. Dozens of smaller ones that were Daemons, and one green one. Sasha.

    Sasha was fighting them. I could see her green dot running around sting massive server breaking attacks at them, but together they seemed to be defending.

    I considered it. I could just fucking leave. Let Sasha take the loss

    But I was also prettypetitive, and while this was a mess I had walked into, it was also Sasha.

    For the girl I had watched die so many times Yeah fine. I would deal with this.

    But I didnt have the programs for this. What Sasha and the enemyrunners were throwing around was way beyond what I had.

    The programs I had picked up from V3L0CITY way back, had been on his server storage. They werent his best, but hacks he didnt use anymore, or just found and thought they were interesting. I wasnt throwing Kamehameha waves around like Sasha had just done! My hacks were mostly Anti-Daemon tools. Sure Hell me wasnt something arunner wanted to touch, but it was easily defended against by anyonepetent.

    So I would just have to be sneaky.

    I couldnt program something fast enough to matter here, but I could at least act as support, and maybe an assassin.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    So I got up and started moving. As I did I walked around a corner and had to duck backwards. A Daemon. Therunners we were fighting must have activated it. It was a prettymon grunt Daemon, but it was designed to look like a soldier, and came in a squad of five.

    Their faces were already covered by my face hugger daemon so they didnt notice me That gave me a chance.

    I breached one of them. If I had a Cyberpsychosis hack I could probably cause them some trouble, but I didnt have anything like that installed.

    Considering what I did have installed

    I walked up behind them, made a quick modification of the upload rate of my hack and activated it, feeling the heat of the me almost echo the heat of my Cyberdeck heating up.

    I cast the hack five times, each of them only barely moving. Just a me sort of hanging in the air, before I released them all at once.

    The fire shot forward towards the five Daemons that were walking away from me, and had no clue I was around.

    Instantly all four took the hit and burned into nothing.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    I blinked at the little menu pop up.

    Thats right.

    Daemons killed meant XP for me Okay maybe after bitching out Sasha after this I might think about forgiving her.

    I took off, moving through the server as fast as I could. I wasnt so much walking, as forcing my position to change on the digitalndscape. It was an aspect of breaching. Basically instead of using my normal virtual movement, I was just force moving myself through the architecture.

    Then Inded on top of the highest point, giving me not just a minimap view, but also an actual view of the arena.

    It was a giant circle. Trash piles meant to block sight and movement. With paths in between.

    And I could see the battle. Sasha was zipping around sending out massive attacks that disrupted the terrain every time. While the tworunners worked together on defense, assisting each other.

    One was constantly activating more Daemons. The soldiers I saw before, a search program shaped like a dog, and a mass amount of flying I.M.Ps.

    The daemons werent doing much as most of them searched the arena, probably for me. But the rest focused on Sasha, disrupting her mass AOE hacks, forcing her to stop attacking the runners and protect herself.

    I should probably go help.

    On the other hand. She wanted to handle it on her own and got herself into this situation. And that was a lot of Daemons wandering around.

    I turned and leapt, disappearing as I breached close to another group of soldiers.

    A few momentster they burned into digital g.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    And that was worth it all. XP. Easy XP. Non murder focused XP.

    I didnt have the equipment for this really. I was only able to ambush the Daemons, because of my own. But I couldnt really mass kill them as fast as I would like.

    And it seems I couldnt do it stealthily. Before I even moved away from thetest kills, I heard it. Scrambling ws.

    The Daemons had reacted to the loss of each other and wasing to investigate.

    I moved, hiding away and throwing up some garbage data to conceal myself, as three of the scout dogs arrived. They sniffed at the melted still on fire remains of the daemons I had hit and then started their search subroutine.

    They were actually pretty low tier. I could tell that just from one look at them. Their bodies were slim, but had bulky sections where inefficient code left them awkward. And their search function was literally to just go in circles from the start point. They were circling around in ever expanding circles trying to find me.

    Fortunately they were also already infested with my Daemon.

    Which made these weak daemonspletely incapable of being a threat to me, as I threw out my ICE hack. Instantly the one I targeted was coated in digital ice, slowing it down to a crawl as I charged in.

    I pulled up a modification of my Hell me hack I had once made in a rush so long ago, and a longsword made of me arced out of my hand as I cut through the daemon.

    Its data deleted in a massive arc caused the digital program to copse.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    The two dogs left both turned to me. My Daemon might keep myself out of sight, make it harder to see me, but something like this would still break the stealth.

    Both dogs howled. Alerting therunners that they had discovered me, and then charged.

    One mmed into a shield, its form distorting a bit as it was bogged down by junk data, while I focused on the other one, I sent off another Hell me, sting the Daemon as it jumped at me. And itnded in a heap half burned away already.

    Then I walked over and cut down thest dog that was too bogged down.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*@@novelbin@@

    Everything went quiet for a moment, which was good, because I also had another alert that was taking up all my attention.

    *100 Quick Hack XP Gained.*

    *Quick Hack skill level up!*

    Quick Hack 9. I had been using so many hacks on the I must have finally clicked over. I luxuriated in the moment of knowledge slipping through. But I refocused, I wasnt safe here. I checked the update from my chair, showing me my internal temperature was raised, but nothing terrible. I was okay still.

    Ah there you are. A voice called out and I looked up to see anotherrunner standing on top of the pile of garbage. Have fun derezzing my search programs?

    Honestly its kinda fun. Nice to meet you. I offered a friendly greeting. Just because this was a weird betting arena, didnt mean we shouldnt be civil.

    Aww. arent you a cute one. Some one-byte runner that the stray cat dragged along? Yeah, I looked you up already. You dont have a record in the arena. Sorry about that one. The cat has a rep Listen, we cant be gentle about this as long as you dont quit, just how the game is yed you know? Nothing personal.

    Then I heard it. A heavy stomping. I looked towards where the dogs hade running and cursed.

    These guys are just rezzers. I mocked. Itll be easy, just let me handle it. I continued as I stared at the burning Daemon that was a digital hazard, melting the trash around it, as it deleted and warped data in a space around it.

    A Balrog.

    I had only faced one of these before, and it had sent me scurrying away. This one wasnt set into a dying server. Therunner looked proud as his Daemon finished loading and then it locked onto me.

    Oh fuck this. I muttered and took off. Using every bit of my breaching skill to move as far from that thing as I could.

    It followed, roaring a challenge as it stomped after me.

    It was slow. Much slower than I was, so I quickly decided on a battle n.

    Just stay the fuck away from it.

    It lost direct sight of me quickly enough, and instead of trying to hide, I knew what I had to do.

    Sasha might have pulled me into this nonsense, but if I ignored it, then good chance, she would have to face it as well. That Daemon is not something she could handle along with bothrunners at the same time.

    So I would be the bait keeping it busy.

    And while I did that, I would go murder a bunch of Daemons. I had a minimap after all.

    I turned and ran up some garbage leaping over it and then right into an array of five of the soldier daemons.

    One was sted from a full strength Hell me. Another was cut in half and it distorted its form glitching unable to stay coherent. I continued on and turned mming up an ICE shield, letting it absorb the array of lights the three remaining Daemons fired at me.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    The three couldnt reach me though. Despite their shared attacks, my ICE wall absorbed attack after attack.

    I used that moment to cool down. I could feel my Cyberdeck cycling and only once I was cooled off did I prep another three attacks melting the daemons down.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *250 XP Gained.*

    I checked the minimap.

    Sasha was still fighting, and the tworunners were back together.

    I guess they didnt expect me to be able to handle their Daemon. The daemon I noticed was catching up to me.

    I moved at a normal speed, trying to give my cyberdeck cool down time. As I considered what I could do.

    Sure I could run around and clear up the groups of small Daemons they had sent out. And it would benefit me, but it wouldnt do much for Sasha

    Ugh! I groaned, aloud because despite my own greed at having XP bags just wandering around. Sasha was on her own, and whether people died or not

    Sasha was still my choom. Even if she didnt know me well, and I didnt know her well. Even if she had put herself into this situation, even if she didnt understand why I was so connected to her.

    The image of her falling. Of ss glittering around her, ran through my mind.

    An image of her smile. The smile she carried into death.

    It was stupid. I barely knew her, and she barely knew me, but Dammit I respected her even if she was a pain in the ass.

    I couldnt handle this Daemon, but I bet Sasha could.

    I shifted where I was going.

    I arrived as another of the missile barrages mmed into the area Sasha had just been standing.

    When the smoke cleared almost instantly after Sasha was fine, a barrier of light stood before her. Immovable.

    That the best you got!? She screamed out in challenge, but the tworunners didnt react, just stayed together. Both men worked in sync to prep more attacks, to prep more Daemons to distract her and me with.

    Probably more a distraction for me than anything.

    The moment after, a group of Daemons spawned in, the soldiers instantly pointed and started pelting shots at Sasha.

    I could see her frustration.

    Which is why I teleported in right next to her, instantly my defenses activated, ICE wall absorbed the shots, and started spawning in Barriers as well.

    Wha? Kitten!

    Its Ghost. Im on defense. Also a big Daemon ising. I dont have anything that can handle it. I warned, but Sasha justughed. You leave offense to me then! Maybe breach the server if you can! I could use some info!

    What? Oh, I breached the server already! I called in response, as I started throwing up ICE and barriers wherever I could as another missile barrage arced in, and those were nasty. My Barriers slowed them, but I had to remake the ICE each time a missile struck them.

    ying defense was already starting to overwhelm me, but it gave Sasha the moment she needed.

    I nearly flinched as she lobbed what looked like a star straight towards the runners. And the attacks instantly stopped as they desperately switched to defense.

    It smashed into them, and a howling noise of distorted data reached my ears.

    Pretty terrifying considering just where we were.

    Hehe! See Kitten! Look at how amazing Senpai is! Sasha crowed out in delight at her attack, but I just huffed at her.

    They blocked it! Do something else!

 Chapter 165

    Chapter 165

    I was wincing internally as I was getting alerts from myrunner chair about my temp.

    My Cyberdeck wasnt made for shit like this! It specialized in quick hacks, for breaking and entering! Not Video games!

    Fucking Sasha! My GPU was ten years out of date, and you threw me into a next gen max graphic game!

    I almost burst intoughter at the thought, but the Balroging through the trash pile to our left, literally sting through junk data, burning a hole through everything in its way was rather distracting.

    Sasha! Balrog!

    Bal-what? Oh. Yeah. She said turning from where she was Cooling off.

    This fucking! She really didnt do anything but the biggest most RAM intensive hacks she could! I was going to kill her! Ill drown her in her probably boiling ice bath!

    Rx kitten! She said throwing me a smile despite the fact I was already preparing defenses for an attack I could seeing in.

    She went to work, even as I blocked another barrage of missiles, and a newly growing squad of Daemon grunts. She activated her hack, that big energy attack prepped appeared, even as the Balrog charged at me. I put my faith in her and focused on keeping her safe, and just as the Daemon started melting my ICE walls the attack went out.

    The destructive data wave hit the Daemon, and instantly ripped a hole through it, literally ripped apart, as its data was systematically merged into itself. To my eyes it looked like its insides had been blended, and that disrupted the Daemon enough it fell, instantly shattering into broken data.

    See? Nothing to worry abou- Sasha mid sentence stopped. We both looked down, where through her chest there was now arge hole as wide as my fist.

    I looked over at therunners. And one was pointing a finger at her, where the beam of energy hade from.

    They had some sort of sniping hack? I couldnt help but wonder how that worked. How had it cut through my defenses? I could think of a few ways to do something simr. I guess it was definitely possible, definitely something I could make myself.

    Sasha fell beside me and instantly burst into light.

    *NEKO OUT!* A voice boomed out over the arena.

    She wasnt dead.

    She wasnt. She wasnt wasnt wasnt dead. I hadnt done what I could to save her, to have her die in this stupid game.

    She wasnt dead, she said it herself. It was safe. I could see that she hadnt been sent out of the, just pulled from the arena. That was definitely part of the system that meant she was alive.

    Right.

    Right.

    Right.

    Right!

    FUCKERS! I roared aloud.

    I wasnt an acerunner. I was good. Probably better than 90% of the runners out there, but I was limited in that I focused more on real life use from a cyberdeck.

    My hacks werent ones I made myself in here. My deck wasnt suited for it, these two absolutely should beat me.

    But none of that entered my mind as I roared out every ounce of rage, and simultaneously activated my Sandevistan.

    They had killed Sasha, Id fucking end them!

    --

    <em>Sasha</em>

    Ow ow ow ow! She whined as she appeared in the waiting room. The hack that struck her was an altered overheat. So she was definitely going to be feeling that once she disconnected! From her system check she was bleeding from her eyes again.

    Dangit! Maine always freaked when she did that, and Dorio would tease her about getting so emotional about the she would cry blood again! She wanted to punch something. Preferably with her left arm her original left arm. With what was left of her actual flesh and blood and not the fucked up feeling of this chrome one, that she woke up some nights feeling as if it was crawling up her shoulder. Consuming more of her.

    Like she had always thought her mothers chrome had consumed her.

    But it hadnt been chrome, it was the medicine. She knew that now! She shook herself.

    She didnt have a cyberware phobia! She had a cyberdeck! She installed scratchers! Her arms had mods for extra strength! It was just

    Her mother had cyber arms after the military

    She blinked, forcing herself to look back at the arena. With a flick of her wrist she changed the view to look at poor Kitten all alone without her senpai!

    Shit she had really fucked this one up. She had just wanted some excitement! Being stuck inside all day, and Kitten was such a little noob! It was cute! To find someone at the start of their journey after already being a badass? It was hrious! Teasing material!

    Of course Sasha only had Rogues estimation, and little Bas story to know how good Motoko really was. The kid was a bit of an enigma.

    Also her crush was so cute! She hadnt gotten all stuttery again after that first time, but eeee! So cute.

    She watched as Motoko reacted to her loss.

    Sorry Kohai! You can do it though! Just fight on! Youll lose but as long as you look cute doing it its okay!

    Then Motoko screamed.

    Sashas smile dropped.

    Sasha may be alone in her box, but there were easily hundreds of people watching this match. And Sasha knew that people would not be happy with her after this.

    Motoko Did Motoko think she was actually dead?

    She had exined it right! That people dont die in this?

    Shit. She had thought it would be cute to drag Motoko in while she was arguing against gambling, but now?

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    Motoko didnt know what was going on. No wonder she had disappeared for so long in the match.

    Fuck.

    The atmosphere in the arena shifted, as Motoko turned her eyes, once so full of life and delight and now? Now they were a re of pure hatred.

    Ba had told her that Motoko was a killer. Motoko being weed to the Afterlife, should have confirmed that.

    But it was only now as Sasha looked into Motokos eyes. Through the screen. Where Motoko couldnt see her back, she was sure.

    Motoko was a killer, just like she was.

    Then Sasha gasped, as Motoko blurred. Speedware!

    The kid had activated speedware online. Not unusual, but it left a noticeable effect. Her body distorted, as the server was forced to try and keep up with micro movement of the sent data.

    Then Motoko moved.

    Sasha blinked in shock and then gasped, because in just a split moment, she had appeared behind the otherrunners.

    That was high end breaching! Good shit! Right, Motoko had even breached the server on her own! Not something she would have expected.

    Amon strategy was to send out Daemons as a distraction, and Breach into the system to get the Minimap first, so you could hide your position from the opposing side. But that wasnt an easy task for anyone without a lot of experience.

    Sasha herself didnt bother with it, as it took too long. Better to just st the enemies into bytes and win!

    But Motoko had done it solo, without ever seeing the server before. Which now that Sasha was able to think was Impressive.

    The girl didnt stop, her body glitching, she turned and Sasha flinched.

    [HELL FLAME Anh. 2.132]

    She had recognized the program. It wasnt bad, a bit out of date, but its ability to eat into data servers was well liked by runners that had to do anything against AI. Sasha had never done a ckwall dive, but she knew how it worked. Often throwing up something that could cause server damage would distract the AI for a time letting the runner escape.

    But she also knew the hack was pretty RAM intensive.

    Around Motoko, in an instant multiple orbs appeared, right after a server jump?

    The rezzers reacted, shields were brought up, but it hardly mattered.

    A momentter Motoko buzzed around them. Multiple Breach jumps in a row? That was a high end trick, and it left Sasha burned out when she had to do it.

    Doing that while also summoning in hacks, as fireballs mmed into each side of the runners shield.

    Then before it was even done, she summoned more.

    Hell me was already eating away at their shields, causing the runners to realize they were in trouble, but the kid wasnt done. More and more of the Hell me built up.

    Finally they realized she had them properly pinned and did the smart thing.

    They vanished, Breach jumping themselves to escape the me filled zone.

    Well at least Motoko had gotten them to split up, maybe she could-and Sasha gasped, as Suddenly Motoko was just there.

    Both of them split up when they jumped, one ended up on the other side of the junk data terrain, while the other split farther off.

    But it didnt matter, before the poor kid had a chance to breathe, Motoko was already there.

    A modified Hell me, configured into a de mming through his defenseless form.

    His body distorted.

    *D3viant out!*

    Fuck. That was fast!

    Then Motoko was gone again. Breach jumping over and over until she ran straight towards the second runner.

    Sasha was starting to feel more than a little worried. Motoko didnt have a deck capable of this sort of output. That meant she was overloading. The heat output would be intense Fuck. Even as she watched she sent a message to Ba.

    The second runner had used his moments to prepare, obviously spooked that his choom was taken out so quickly after the breach jump.

    Then, Motoko was there.

    Skidding to a halt, digital detritus kicked up at her feet as she appeared, already Hell me orbs spawned and ready.

    He defended, Sasha recognized the shield hack. Some Militech piece of tech, it was alright. Solid defense, but it locked itself in ce, no movement in it. It made sense why the rezzer used it. Between him and his choom they had a solidbo. Which is why they were giving her so much grief before.@@novelbin@@

    Unfortunately Motoko had already found a method of cracking it.

    Four explosions of fire arced up over it nearly instantly as Motoko breach jumped to each side of the shield, and then even as it burned down she readied a fifth.

    That wont work twice! The rezzer yelled, and activated that missile strike attack.

    It shot off.

    Sasha felt herself stepping closer to the screen. At long range those missiles were just dumbfire data bursts, but with the rezzer right there they locked on.

    Yet Motoko didnt seem to care. Even as the missiles fired off, she stepped back and despite the digital constructs aiming for her, she simply breach jumped through them. Blurring through the barrage of missiles as if dodging rain drops.

    Fuck.

    Fuck that was Okay. So maybe Motoko might be a noob, but she certainly wasnt a rezzer.

    That took skill, and Sasha knew for a fact she couldnt copy that.

    She also knew that Motoko shouldnt be able to keep it up either.

    Breach Jumps took a lot of hardware to pull off. Script kiddies couldnt hope to do it, and most high enders could only do it a few times.

    Motoko was burning herself out.

    Fuck. Fuck!

    Reba you better have got her message!

    And then it was over.

    The barrage ended, and the Hell mes continued burning down. The Rezzer tried to run for it, and before he could take a step after a Breach Jump that took a long few seconds for him to even activate, she was there cutting him down.

    *Mod3d out!*

    *Ghost wins!*

    And then Sasha was moved. Both Motoko and her were back in the locker room.

    Motoko! Hey! Kid! Fuck! She charged over, but Motoko took one look at her, and stopped Sasha t.

    She swallowed because

    And then Motoko logged out. The burst of digital static indicating a pretty nasty forced disconnect.

    Motoko would have a nasty headache

    If she was even still alive.

    Sasha jumped out herself, ignoring the fact she had eddies to collect for a victory. The only person who was supposed to be risking themselves was her! She had to make sure her kohai hadnt just burned herself alive.

    --

    Fugle. I cursed as I finally jumped out.

    I felt melted, and I could smell burning pork, and I felt bad. Like heat stroke but worse.

    I fumbled at my pockets, fingers feeling dumb and useless until I managed to get one into my mouth and huffed it down.

    Instantly I felt better. Despite wincing at the heating off my neck. Flinching as the heat seemed to surge, but it was actually just my nervesing back alive.

    Weakly I flopped down. The cont running through my suit was helping, but it was barely enough, I could feel myself still practically sizzling.

    Dammit. I had probably damaged my Cyberdeck, and my new neural link.

    Fuck, Vik was going to kill me. With that realization I stood up disengaging and hurrying across the room wincing with every step as I turned on the faucet to the sink and instantly just jumping up onto the counter and dunking my head under it.

    The near sizzling of the water touching my chrome was really not a good sign.

    Double fuck.

    That was stupid Motoko, you gonk! You knew she wasnt dead. You knew she was fine

    I sighed just pressing my head against the cool metal almost wincing at how cold it felt to my definitely overheated brain.

    Thinking was hard. Just cool down. I grabbed another MaxDoc, thest one I had on me, and only once I was sure the chrome had cooled off, did I pop it.

    The brain fog cleared and I sighed in relief.

    I needed to make a call.

    *Ringing.*

    *Ringing.*

    *Ringing.*

    *Kid? You alright?*

    *Vik, Im okay-ish. But I need a check up I definitely overdid it with my cyberdeck. I overheated Its bad.*

    *Shit. Where are you? Do you need a ride?*

    *No, Im Feeling better now. And I cooled down already, but Im worried about my chrome You in the shop?*

    *I will be, meet me there, as soon as you can. Dammit kid.* Vik suddenly hung up, and I sighed partly in relief, and partly for knowing the Vik was going to chew my ass out.

    Poking at the back of my neck I could feel the heat still there in my chrome, but it had cooled, now it just felt like I was using it too much.

    Dammit. Now my neck felt stiff too, I tried to pop it and got nowhere, which only made the whole situation worse.

    Rising up I nearly broke the sink with how quickly I mmed it off.

    Stupid. Fucking stupid. I cursed myself. I should have just given up. What fucking gonk does that sort of stupid shit!

    I rose up and realized I didnt have a towel here. Sighing at how wet I now was, I just walked out. This day literally couldnt get any worse.

    *Ringing.*

    Hmm? Jun?

    *Ringing.*

    *Jun? Whats up?* I asked as the elevator closed in front of me with a tter.

    *ARE YOU ALIVE!? MOTOKO!* Juns voice came through making me flinch, luckily my own agent kept the noise down to a reasonable level, so instead of sting out my ears, it just startled me.

    *What? Jun, whats going on?*

    *Youre okay!?*

    *Yeeees Ish.*

    *Motoko!*

    *What is going on, who told you I was hurt?*

    *I got a call from your choom, the little one Reba. She told me you wererunning and to check on you right now!*

    *Sasha is such a fucking tattle-tale Yeah I overheated. I just spent a few minutes under a faucet cooling off, and Im heading to-*

    *Go to your ripper! Now!*

    *Thats where Im going. I already called Vik and Im on my way.* I assured him as I stepped out of the elevator ignoring the looks of some of the SLS kids hanging around and walked out. I didnt want to walk to my car. So I just called it.

    *Fucking hell. Motoko! If you are going to dorunner stuff, make sure you tell me! Or call one of your chooms! Someone that can cool you off or pull you out!* Jun ranted at me, and I nodded to myself, that was a good idea. If someone had been around to dunk water over my head or something I would have felt a lot better.

    I didnt respond, instead just letting Jun rant as I waited for my Quadra to drive over from the parking space down the street.

    It arrived and beeped before Jun had finished ranting at me.

    *-this, you could just think a little before-

    *Jun!* I said loudly, cutting him off. *Im climbing into my car to drive to Viks. If Reba calls again, just let her know Im with my ripper. Dont say anything else for me okay? Lot of stuff is going on, and Ill talk to her soon to calm everything down.*

    The line was quiet before Jun sighed. *Okay fine. But I want to see you once you finish up with your ripper.*

    *Okay Ill head home after.* I promised, and we ended the call with some I love yous and then the Quadra throttled up.

 Chapter 166

    Chapter 166

    Well kid, I can tell you right now, Im surprised youre still alive. Vik exined almost a little harshly, and I winced as he had me on my stomach as he examined my Neural link and Cyberdeck.

    Yeah, I overdid it. Definitely pushed too hard Is my Cyberdeck okay?

    Honestly? No. He answered back. Im seeing heat damage on the outer connections, some of the internals arent going to be doing well. This is either an expensive repair job, or

    Or I buy a new one Damn I muttered as I plopped my forehead into the cushion.

    I had lost my cool at seeing Sasha die and then Why had I lost my cool so badly?

    The question nagged at me, even as Vik slowly extracted the cyberdeck and I winced as I could still smell cooked meating out with it, I might have healed, but the smell would remain.

    Alright kid. Well Im not seeing any permanent damage in there. He muttered as he inspected my port with his eyes and his scanner. But Im notfortable with the amount of detritus I pulled out with that deck.

    Yeah I was probably cooking pretty bad. I had to use a MaxDoc before I could even get off thechair.

    Shit. He muttered, as he settled down and rolled around until I could see him.

    Fuck he was giving the the maximum dad re.

    I know already. I messed up. I just I thought my choom died Even though I know she didn''t, it was just I freaked out. I admitted and I looked away unable to handle the shift from disappointed face to worried.

    Why, though? Why had I acted like that?

    I wanted to growl at myself, I had destroyed myself just to fight, and the whole thing was dumb. What was the point? I hadnt gained anything

    Okay so I had gained something.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *100 Breach Protocol XP Gained.*

    *Breach Protocol skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    Breach protocol level 10. I had maxed it. As I realized it, the data drop activated and I gained an understanding of system architecture in a way I had never thought of before.

    There was more to the than just the ones and zeroes. More than just the level the ran on. More than even the deep dives hit. It was like there was an underyer, a metaphysicalyer.

    One that I now had Not an understanding, or a surety of, but I knew it existed. I knew there was more to the than mostrunners ever realized.

    I blinked away the information. I wasnt going to be exploring the underside of the anytime soon.

    And again, it came back to why.

    Why had I acted like that? My Cool stat gave me self control bordering on the super human. Well, almost anyways. Yet, I had absolutely lost myself in the feelings from seeing Sasha die.

    I shuddered out a breath and tried to shift my neck only to grumble as once again the stiffness made my upper shoulder muscles ache.

    Kid?

    Its okay Vik. Im d Im alive, and I did something stupid. Really stupid. Ill need some time, that''s all Just some time, and a new cyberdeck.

    Well Alright. Listen kid, normally if someone came in with this much damage, I wouldnt even think of helping them get another deck, especially not so soon But I also know youll go get one regardless, and Id rather help out. He sighed, rubbing a hand through his hair. That and you are usually good about following my instructions, which is admittedly pretty nice.

    Heh. d I can help. I teased before just pping my face back into the padding.

    Im guessing you are going to want something a bit higher spec than this poor Seacho.

    Yeah.

    Well thatll be harder. Ill ask around my contacts, but if you want something truly high end? Thats gonna take some leg work.

    Got anything short term? I asked, looking up from the cushion, and he nodded.

    Yeah I got some older Paralines somewhere.

    Gross.

    Hah! Thats what every runner I offer that old thing to says. Rx for now kid. Then he leaned in and whispered. Miracle healing or not, you arent at one hundred percent. Then he rose up. Should I call your brother to pick you up?

    Ugh. No, he drives like shit, and he doesnt have an actual car yet I can drive. Its even soothing. Thanks Vik.

    Yeah yeah. Thank me by not showing up to my shop with your brain half melted or something next time.

    I nodded, grabbed my jacket and threw it on, and then Home.

    --

    Motoko!

    Hey Jun. I greeted and then because he was looking a little frantic I walked over to him as he was getting up off the couch to see me and instead pushed into him for a hug, pushing him back against the couch. There see. Im fine.

    The fact Jun held me tight probably meant he didnt agree, but it was still nice regardless.

    You alright?

    Ill be okay. But I used a trick I dont want getting out, so if anyone asks, Im okay but not up to chatting with anyone I need a new Cyberdeck.

    What happened to your old one? He asked, pointedly as his gori arms held me tight.

    It was damaged. Too much heat.

    Jesus, Motoko. Im not a runner but I know what that sort of thing does to someone!

    Im alright. Vik agrees. Like I said, I used a trick Im keeping on the downlow. So just y along? Please?

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    Of course. He agreed then sighed. You need help getting a new one? I can reach out to Fujimura.

    Heh. No thanks. Vik is going to look for me, and after a few days I think Ill put the word out to some contacts I have.

    Heh. It still seems funny to me that you have contacts. Going to ask Wakako?

    Maybe? Probably should. Shell probably make me do a gig first, but she might be able to get me in contact with someone with the good stuff Or I could ask Sasha, it''s sort of her fault this happened.

    What? Who is Sasha?

    Oh. I muttered looking up from where I was burying my head into Juns jacket. It was all fwuffy at the cor, and it was nice. Sasha is arunner, and edgerunner actually. Shes cool, but kinda a gonk. I was with her, she dragged me into a Netrunner arena thing She lost, and I I dont know Jun, I thought she was dead, but I knew she wasnt, and I just couldnt get over that.

    Sounds like she dragged you into a mess He rumbled and Iughed as it made his chest practically hum.

    Yeah a little, but it was my fault that I got hurt. I overreacted I still dont even know why! I was just so mad, and angry, and sure she had died, after everything and I just I knew she was alive but I couldnt get my brain to realize it.

    Sounds like me. When I was struggling. Thats how I felt. I knew I was going to punch you, and I couldnt do that, but I tried anyway. Jun offered bluntly, and I flinched.

    I sat up and locked eyes with Jun because I was seriously shaken by his words.

    It made sense.

    A quick check of my systemter I confirmed. I had 10 points of open adaptation right now. Thest time I had even gotten close to that much was when I first got my arms, and I hadnt been doing well then either.

    The ache in my neck brought myself back to focus.

    Had I had a Cyberpsychosis fit? Was that how the effect manifested in me? Random bursts of surety of something that I also knew was false?

    I had acted like Sasha actually died, even while knowing she hadnt, and yet I had been sure I had just watched her die.

    Fuck. I muttered more than a little tilted. Im gonna go crash Jun. Thanks for the hug.

    Alright. Rest well. Ill make sure none of your chooms bother you?@@novelbin@@

    Yeah, for a few days Ill need to rest. I agreed, mostly because I didnt want anyone asking me questions like how Im okay after melting my old Cyberdeck.

    Fuck.

    --

    Eight hourster I was awake, but not sure what to do. Iy there in my bed, listening to the quiet noise of the Tachikomas cking walk as it moved around my room.

    But I didnt want to get up.

    I had a lot of adaptation points I needed to fill, and only one stat point. I closed my eyes and sighed. I felt okay right now. The sleep always left me feeling refreshed, and the aches and irritation that built up over time had disappeared thanks to my nap.

    My neck didnt ache yet, but I knew as soon as I got up and started moving around it would start again. My shoulders would tighten up around the titanium bones, and overall I would just start feeling irritated and bad.

    So I needed stat points, and I needed them stat.

    Heh.

    I sighed and finally rose up, I couldnt justy in bed all day.

    Well I could, being able to sleep at will was pretty handy, but I didnt want to. Instead I walked over to myptop and settled in. Without my Cyberdeck I was limited in some things, but I could still work over some code.

    I checked over the Tachikoma code and nodded. It was cleaner. The Tachikomas development was going really well, and I guess Since I was stuck inside for a bit I could get some work done on it, some focused development would be good for it.

    Lets clean up your learning subroutines, and maybe expand them a bit. I muttered as I settled in to start typing. There were some lines in the learning code, that I could clean up easily, and I really should.

    The Tachikoma had figured out how to pick things up and move them around, and it had done it mostly on its own. The actual kernel that was its learning process was really starting toe together naturally. Soon the Tachikoma would be able to learn things on its own without my input.

    With just a little more help anyways.

    --

    Motoko? You up? Jun asked, knocking quietly on my door and I pulled back from theptop that I had been in depth working through.

    Yeah Jun. Come on in. Whats up? I asked and he opened the door, looking me over and seemingly being satisfied.

    You sleep okay?

    Perfectly. Whats up?

    Heading out. Got some work. Youll be okay?

    Yeah I probably wont go anywhere, unless Vik gets back to me.

    Alright Rest! Oh and your choom Reba called a few times. Shes worried. Send her a message or something soon?

    Oh yeah I can do that. Thanks Jun. He nodded and then disappeared and I needed to do some damage control.

    I stepped away from theptop to flop on my bed. Bypassing the Tachikoma that was putting blocks of steel on top of eachother into a Pyramid.

    Good job. I told it, despite it not really being able to understand verbalmands yet.

    Sighing into my pillow I sent out a text.

    *Motoko: Hey Ba.* I waited and I was relieved that Ba responded back nearly instantly.

    *Reba: MOTOKO! You okay choom? Sasha was freaking worried you melted your brains out of your skull!*

    *Motoko: Yeah, I went overboard for sure. My cyberdeck was damaged, which, Yeah, not great. I was alright though. Had someone watching, and then made sure I didnt fry myself.* I lied with that, but it was the easiest exnation on why I didnt melt my own brain.

    *Reba: Well good. Ill tell Sasha, she was freaking out. Like really freaking out. Wouldnt go into what happened, just that you had probably killed yourself. Scared the shit out of me.*

    *Motoko: Sasha had me go to a Netrunner Combat Zone. Then while I was saying Im not that interested in trying that out, especially since Ive never seen it before. She tricked me into walking into the ess Lobby, which threw me into the battle arena. Sasha isnt my favorite person right now.*

    *Reba: Fuck Fuck! Sasha pulls shit like this sometimes, tricks people into shit. Im sorry. Shit.*

    *Motoko: Not your fault choom And not Sashas entirely either. I saw her get beaten, in the arena and I reacted badly. I thought she was dead, but I knew she wasnt. Its stupid I reacted bad, burned myself because of it. Tell her, its not entirely her fault.*

    *Reba: You should, maybe tell her yourself? Shes really upset.*

    I sighed, my face buried into my pillow. I brought my hand up and rubbed at my hair. The cool chrome felt nice. I wasnt sure if I wanted to talk to Sasha.

    The feeling of betrayal wasnt entirely urate. But I still felt it. After trying to save her life, and seeding, she had pulled that shit on me.

    It was a fact that I was going to have to decide if Sasha was still going to be someone I wanted to be around after this. The fact she threw me into a Combat Zone like that without warning wasnt okay.

    *Motoko: Ill think about it. Tell her Im okay for now. I just cant go on the until I get a new Cyberdeck.*

    *Reba: Shit, thats serious damage for a Cyberdeck, feel better okay choom? You need anything? I dont have a ride, but I can get around if I need to.*

    *Motoko: I appreciate it Reba, but I have Jun around if I need something. And Ill probably call up Hiromi and the gang and let them know whats up. So Ill be flooded with people soon.*

    *Reba: Okay. Okay Ill talk to Sasha, and bitch her out too. That shits not cool. See you?*

    *Motoko: For sure! Well hang out soon.*

    I pulled away from the pillow. Sasha was bothered by what she had done? Good. She should be, but Dammit.

    *Motoko: Im alive, and okay. Cyberdeck is wrecked Thats not your fault. Not entirely anyways. Im not really in the mood to chat, so Well talk another time.*

    There. I ignored if I would get a response to that and instead sent some messages to my chooms.

    --

    I was sitting on my couch mostly just vegging out, when my front door opened.

    Motoko! Hiromis warcry echoed through the apartment and I sat up so she could see me. Then she rushed me.

    Hey, easy! I said as she nearly leapt over the couch to pull me into a hug.

    Youre okay? Not dead? No brain damage? Promise!?

    Im okay. Vik checked me over, and other than trashing my Cyberdeck, I''ll be okay with some rest.

    Lucky! Lucky lucky! Idiot! To get your cyberdeck hot enough to damage it means it was hot enough to cause heatstroke if not worse! You are so lucky you are Not drooling mindlessly!

    I know. I know. I agreed and Hiromi looked me over checking to make sure before seemingly calming down when she didnt see anything wrong. Then she reached for my neck and I let her examine my Cyberdeck port.

    Its fine Hiromi.

    I took a ss on overusingrunners and the damage it causes! Considering how valuable a trainedrunner can be, its something we are warned not to let them burn out unless necessary! I saw video Motoko! Heads catching on fire was one of the least horrible things!

    And Im okay.

    Finally satisfied, she nodded firmly. Lucky.

    Ill be even luckier if I can rely on my chooms as spotters in the future whenever I go into the. Ill probably set up an emergency cont in the future.

    Emergency cont? She asked with a look.

    Yep! A bucket of Ice water you can dunk my head into if I start overheating!

    Gonk. Hiromi replied but she was acting, I could see the way her shoulders shook a bit to hold back herughter.

    Its a good idea you know!

    Its dumb. Ill put out word for some improved cooling systems, maybe arunning cap?

    Ugh. Those are so ugly though. Ill look dumb with one of those on.

    Wha You gonk! Armor isnt a suggestion its mandatory! Isnt that what you told us!? She said suddenly leaping at me, her fingers reaching for my throat. Yelping a bit I managed to fend her off as she leapt on top of me.

    Hiromi!

    Wear your stupidrunner armor you gonk! She demanded trying to overpower me, but like

    Hiromi wasnt in the best shape so I easily held her hands off.

    Okay okay! You win. Ill wear the dumb Netrunner cap.

    Good! Those are meant to run cont to your head you numbskull!

    I nodded and then since Hiromi was distracted it was time.

    A chance! I cried out, surprising Hiromi as I maneuvered my foot up into her stomach and gently flipped her right off me.

    She flopped onto the couch with a quiet oof, and then I kicked up.

    Inded softly making sure not tond on Hiromi directly as I had flipped our position, pinning her to the couch.

    Heh! You are a thousand years too early to out wrestle me. I told her firmly and then winked as I stood up. You want a drink? Im not really nning on going out or anything today, so if you want to hang out, thats cool.

    Hiromi was quiet. Sorry Hiromi! Gotta work on that body if you want to defeat me!

 Chapter 168

    Chapter 168

    Hiromi didnt say anything, but her constant pacing was evidence of her irritation.

    Its not that big a deal. I whispered to her quietly, avoiding the re of the door guard.

    I know. Its just frustrating to be treated like a child! We have more rep than half of the people in that club Id bet.

    Its the problem with still being a teenager. Well grow. Besides, it also means people underestimate us. I added, with a smile. I really wish I had my Cyberdeck right now. Id have been able to blind the guard, or distract him or something. Giving us a path inside.

    I suppose I could go check around for a rear entrance as well, but I wasnt here to kill someone, so I didnt want to treat it like that.

    The door to the club opened and a man stepped out, suit and dark sses, he looked like every guard I had ever seen. He was even carrying a pistol in the small of his back. I watched him carefully as the music flowed out behind him as he looked around. A few momentster he frowned which I caught out of the corner of my eye, before I suddenly got a text.

    *Elis: Im at the entrance where are you?*

    I blinked looking at the man, before shrugging and pulling Hiromi out of her pacing.

    Right here. I called out looking at the man.

    The obvious guard looked at us, and I could see the confusion in his eyes.

    Im assuming its your boss that has the item? Shall we? I asked, and he stared for a while longer before nodding slowly.

    Hiromi shot me a smile and a nod, obviously proud at how I had handled it.

    This time the Barghest guard didnt say anything as we were led inside. And I tugged Hiromi fast before she could do more than re at him.

    The club wasrge, a dance floor, a bar, and lots of seating. This was definitely thergest of all the clubs I had gone into, not even touching on the higher floors.

    This ce was massive.

    We followed the guard as he led us to a door on the left side of the building, and then up a set of stairs.

    We were led into a private room just off the stairs. It opened and he stepped inside, holding the door open behind him.

    Well I think we found our contact. I told Hiromi as I stepped inside.

    The man inside wasnt someone I recognized. He certainly wasnt Hands, who I had thought I might be meeting, but no. It was just a rich kid.

    Well, he was in his twenties, but he wore enough high end chrome, and clothes that it felt like he was trying to shove his wealth into my face.

    The fuck? He asked, and I instantly felt myself die inside. This wasnt going to be fun. Who are the kids?

    The ones that responded to the message boss. The Guard offered simply and he kept staring at us.

    I was pretty sure I could take him if I had to.

    Yoko put us in contact. You have something we are interested in purchasing, and we have the eddies you want. Hiromi cut in, smoothly stepping forward towards the little club couches the kid was sitting on. I decided to put myself into position as well. Across the door from the guard I took position, casually standing there, with everyone in the room in my sights.

    Hiromi settled down casually throwing her jacket over the back of the couch she settled on as she crossed her legs and settled herselffortably. She looked every inch the corporate woman she was.

    While Hiromi settled in, I did the same, and caught the way the guard in sses was side eyeing me. The man was suddenly much more tense with the awareness of what I was doing.

    I wasnt just some kid, but Hiromis guard. I didnt bother to hide that my hands were close to my weapons.

    The guard shifted simrly, and we both continued to side eye each other.

    Fucking hell. Yoko said she had a buyer for this shit You got any eddies kid?

    Yoko wouldnt have put us in touch if there was an issue with that. Now, do you have the item? Hiromi said instead. I could practically see the way her mind was working, following a script in her head about how to handle business deals. She was acting overly casual, despite the tenseness of her shoulder I could see. As she struggled to make her movements sleek and confident.

    Pfft. Course I do. One Arasaka Mk.4 Cyberdeck. The Arasaka Shadow! Heh, cant even tell you how I got the thing, you understand. He offered smugly, as he reached into his jacket, and pulled out a Cyberdeck canister.

    At least he was carrying it safely.

    Ill need to check it.

    Ill need to make sure you have eddies. The man cut off. Seemingly going stubborn.

    Lets talk potential price then. Hiromi agreed, and I watched as the two started haggling out a price, depending on quality, and if the Cyberdeck had any damage.

    It was fascinating to watch.

    I tensed, as I heard it, the door opening to my side. My hand was instantly on my Burya, and the other guard had shifted as well, whether because he noticed it, or because he had noticed me.

    The door opened.

    The bottle that was requested. A chipper voice called out as a woman in a uniform stepped in and then stopped as she noticed me and the guard.

    I scanned her, checking everything over, but before I could finish the kid called out.

    Finally! Gimme that, been waiting ten minutes! He grumbled and the guard and I both stared at each other.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    I let go of my gun first and rxed back, and a momentter the guard did the same.

    We watched on as the bottle of champagne was dropped off, and then the deal continued while the man got his ss filled up.

    Alright, alright, fine. Scan the damn thing. He grumbled, as Hiromi finally locked him into a price as long as the quality of the cyberware was good.

    I watched as she popped open the container pulling out the ck and red Cyberdeck giving it a thorough look over before closing it back down.

    It looks good. A little wear and tear, but nothing that cant be cleaned up. Ill ept the price. Hiromi said and the man looked her over before scoffing out and shaking his head.

    Brats with too many eddies to their name. Alright, pass it over and the deck is yours. Howd some corpo brat get in with Yoko anyways? He asked, suddenly and Hiromi took a moment to consider before speaking.

    My choom is a very skilledrunner. Hiromi added simply ncing at me, and I just nodded in turn.

    Huh. So the deck is for you then? Guess that fits. Cant say Im not happy to see that thing go. Cant tell you how I got it, but its good that its out of my hands. Seriously Yoko, sending a couple brats at me like this? Whatever, Youre eddies are good, and that means I can go party. Get out of here. He demanded waving us off, and Hiromi nodded, carrying the Cyberdeck and walking out.

    I let her out first and then made sure to keep an eye on the guard, but nothing happened, and we were out.

    Lets get out of here. I said and Hiromi nodded, as we walked back out to the car, and then out of Dogtown.

    --

    Whew, kid. This is a good find. Vik offered an hourter as I drove straight to his clinic. Hiromi had been super proud the whole way. Nose up in the air and constantly remarking about how good the deal was.

    I just nodded, paid the number she had told me to, and got my deck. Eddies were just eddies, and I could make a bunch of eddies just by taking a job to tline someone, so it wasnt really a big deal.

    But a new Cyberdeck? That was a big deal.

    So of course I knew what Hiromi wanted.

    Hiromi did a great job on haggling for it. Got it for a steal. I told Vik who looked up from the Cyberdeck to me, before smiling.

    Did she? Well excellent job kid. Vik offered, looking to Hiromi who sat up straight at the attention.

    It was nothing! She assured us but the way she was practically preening told us both a different story. I smirked at Vik and he winked back.

    Well let me go over this thing. Ill want to clean it up, and give it a scan, you never know what malware someone might have gotten stuck on used chrome.

    The Arasaka Shadow Mk.4 Cyberdeck system has top of the line anti-virus programming. You wont find anything on it. Hiromi said confidently.

    Well, this ones probably been cracked, so you never know what the guy who used itst was up to.

    Oh I didnt consider that. She said, sounding a little embarrassed but I sent her a smile even so.

    Its fine. Viks a pro, that''s why I go to him. I looked to the older man and smiled and he actually looked pleased with my confidence in him.

    Well Ill do alright, but Im not the best in the city. He demurred, but I ignored him, because that was a lie. Vik being humble. There was no one better, and anyone who tried to convince me otherwise was lying. Still This is a high end deck kid. Hell of a find. You better be careful, something like this is still fresh enough, whoever owned it before might still be registered to it.

    If you mean the previous Arasaka user? Then I wouldnt worry too much. I n on sending in a notification saying I came across it while making a deal and pulled it off the free market. Hiromi said and I looked to her, as Vik did the same thing.

    You sure thats a good idea kid?

    I dont know if thats a good idea Hiromi. Vik and I both spoke but she just waved me off.

    Rx, Im not going to tell them who has it now, because itll just be registered to me, and I can just say I sold it off after. Nothing weird. It happens all the time. Ill talk to my Dad about it just to make sure its all done correctly. Ill put in a statement about how I came across it, but Dogtown dealer is a standard dropdown on the form.

    Just dont put anything that can lead back to the dealer. I dont want to piss off Yoko

    I wont, dont worry. I know to keep contacts safe. She assured me and eventually I nodded.

    Cant say Im used to having someone with so many Arasaka connections around. Bit of a weird feeling. Vik offered and I nodded to him as well. It was weird.

    Alright let me look into this, should take me a bit kid Im going to want to do a deep dive on it.

    Thats fine Im not in a rush. Thanks Vik.

    Sure kid. He smiled at me, as he continued to go over the Cyberdeck with his scanner.

    I would have happily sat there for a while, but Hiromi was getting anxious just sitting around. Her knee was tapping so I rose up.

    I think Ill go for a bit of a walk, maybe get some food. Let me know when youre ready Vik?

    Sure kid. Say hi to Misty for me. He said with a smile telling me he knew exactly what I was up to.

    Huh? Hiromi asked as I walked past her and waved for her to join me.

    Come on. I called out and soon Hiromi led me up into Mistys shop.

    Oh hello! Its.. Hiromi! I remembered. Misty greeted as she saw us step in from her back door.

    Nice to meet you again. Hiromi offered back a little stiffly.

    Misty! You hungry? Vik is going over my new deck with a fine toothedb, so I figured we could eat and hang out, if you arent busy?

    Nope. Food sounds nice, itll be a nice distraction! Misty said as she flipped closed the magazine she was looking at.

    Preem! Ill go grab some stuff. Oh Misty! You should do Hiromis fortune! Your tarot is awesome. Ill be back okay! I said not leaving Hiromi any choice as I hurried away.

    Misty was great at relieving tension, and making everyone rx. Hiromi was a little tense, so some spirit time would do her good.

    --

    When I got back, bags of food in my hands I stopped.

    Hiromi and Misty both looked at me, and started giggling.

    What? I asked looking around behind me, not seeing anything then looking over my body. I didnt have anything weird on me! My clothes werent ripped. I looked up and both of them just refused to say anything, just shaking their head.

    Mean. I grumbled, but wandered over, Mistys tarot cards were out but put away and I almost asked, but decided Hiromi would share if she felt the need.

    Im d you brought Hiromi, Motoko. It was nice to have someone to chat with. Misty offered as her only exnation for the giggling.

    Hiromi doesnt look as tense either Although she is a little red? Did you have some weird medical thing Not that what you do is weird Misty!

    Misty just giggled and Hiromi groaned.

    Not sure what that was all about. Either way we settled in to eat, and I slurped up my tasty noodles, as we all started chatting. Misty sharing tidbits about strang clientsing in. Although she did run out of those quickly enough.

    We settled in for a good veg session, and it was pretty nice. Misty had awesome big sister energy, and Hiromi to my surprise was responding to it really well. I guess she was an only child. It would make Mistys gentle teasing pretty new.

    Eventually though it was time. Vik sent a text, and I rose up instantly. Gotta go! Ill be back! I called out as I hurried out the back of Mistys shop.

    Cyberdeck! New Cyberdeck!

    I skipped down the stairs bouncing to a stop.

    Its ready?

    Its ready. Vik confirmed. I cleaned up some connections, and checked the OS. It was definitely cracked. Someone used it after they took it from its original owner. I cleared up the scum and put in my own program. Mine isnt full of Malware but I suggest you check things over.

    You are the best Vik. I said as I took a deep breath and then moved forward. It was time to get a limb back.

    I settled in, and Vik got to work. I didnt need to sleep for the install, and my port was already empty. Vik popped open my Cyberdeck port in my head, and then slipped the chip inside. It felt like nothing except strange pressure moving my head around until it locked in ce, and connected to the chip.

    My agent shed with the confirmed connection, and a st of data scrolled across my eyes as it connected and installed, and then the chip activated.

    I sighed in relief, because it really did feel like a lost limb restored. I looked around and the radio was mine. Instantly. Far far faster than I could have before.

    Looks good. I muttered and Vik just chuckled.

    You should really wait for me to do a few checks before starting it up. He said half jokingly, as he continued to press scanners to my head connecting to my neural link and checking everything.

    Looks good. Installplete.

    I nodded, checking my status.@@novelbin@@

    The old status had been reced.

    Seacho Electronics Mk.2 *Adaptation Seacho Mk.2 0/0* (WARNING DAMAGED)

    I wouldnt be seeing that anymore.

    Now it looked like this.

    Arasaka Corporation Cyberdeck Shadow Mk.4 *Adaptation Shadow Mk.4 0/0*

    There it was. Everything was Good.

    Its great Vik.

    I only installed it kid, youre the one who found it. He waved off. Not realizing how big having Vik there to fix me up meant to me. I threw him a smile and then because fuck it. I jumped off the chair and through my arms around the old ripper.

    Thank you. I told him, hugging him tightly not letting him get away.

    H-Hey, cmon kid. Vik stuttered, sounding a little strangled, so I let go, and got to see Viks face blushing at my affection.

    Youre awesome Vik. I owe you one.

    You pay me kid, dont make it that big a deal. He tried to downy but I just smiled and he looked defeated. Alright get out of here, someone sees you turning me into a big softy, gonna ruin my rep. He said with a wink at the end. I just cackled and ran off, so much more room in my cyberdeck! I would have to install some new hacks first thing, but the whole world was my oyster!

 Chapter 171

    Chapter 171

    You handled that without killing anyone Wakako spoke the not quite question, as I was sitting across from her, not at our usual spot.

    Wakako had sent me a drop off that ended up being an old apartmentplex. A few men, obviously TC, or at least with their looks helped carry Susan out of my car and into an apartment that had two other people.

    One was a ripper, and the other was Wakako.

    I thought about it honestly. I could have killed them all, almost did. But they werent Scavs, even if they tortured your contact. I uh Figured it was cleaner this way.

    You did well. She said after a while, taking a puff on her cigarette. Padre is already annoyed with the discovery of my agent. Theck of bodies to clean up will make our nextmunication more civil than it would have been. She exined casually.

    Those guys were Padres?

    They were Valentino. She responded as if that answered the question and I guess it did.

    Every Tyger w was probably under Wakakos thumb in a simr way at least to her mind.

    Should I call him and apologize for roughing up the guys?

    No. She answered back simply and I nodded. Motoko. Wakako said suddenly as I was looking over at the ripper taking care of Susan, making sure she wouldnt die.

    Yeah?

    I dont enjoy offering surprise gigs like this, without warning and demanding it from you. Its unprofessional. You took it withoutint and did what I needed. She took another puff of her cigarette. Youve grown from the fool who walked into my office earlier this year.

    Oh, thanks. I said, a little happy despite myself. Wakako was like my strict asian Grandma Well my Yakuza Grandma.

    You havent done any work at the Afterlife yet. She said suddenly, and I perked up and looked over.

    No. Rogue gave me the invite, but I havent really needed to do much work. Recently. Ive been doing other things.

    I suppose you wouldnt, with Ms. Mitsunashis jobs keeping you busy. She said and I smiled as Hiromi was acknowledged.

    Thest one was pretty fun.

    I heard about it. 6th St. Were quite unhappy with your interference. Although none of them wanted to interrupt, considering the armament you brought along.

    The Minotaur is so cool. I replied back smiling because it fucking was!

    Wakako? The patient is waking up. The ripper called and Wakako turned her attention away.

    Motoko. Payment wille through soon, Just give me a few hours.

    Hey, dont worry about it. You got something else to do first. I assured her and got up, stretching a bit, and identally hearing a tearing noise. Dangit, this stripper gear is shit! I cursed earning an actual scoff from the olderdy.

    That isnt stripper apparel, dear. You are far too dressed for that. She snarked at me, and I couldn''t help butugh at the older woman''s words, but I also really didnt want to ask how she knew that in case I would be subjected to mental trauma so I headed out with a wave.

    Wakako seemed pretty gentle with Susan

    She wasnt a rtive or something Right?

    --

    Please dont ask any questions. I sighed. I had decided to change once I was back in the apartment. Changing in the car hadnt been veryfortable the first time, but even with my normal jacket over my shoulders, and carrying my gear in my arms. I still looked like I just left my job as a stripper.

    And Jun was not just home, but had been walking back to the couch with a burrito in his hand when I opened the door, no chance for me to sneak in.

    I have so many questions. He said going directly against what I had asked as he turned away from the couch towards me. Lets start with-

    Nope! No, questions. I need to get changed and throw this away. Its not mine, and doesnt fit.

    Well yeah, of course it doesnt fit, you had to stuff the shit out of that top. Jun snarked back and I felt my jaw drop as I brought my holsters and leotard up to my chest to hide it.

    No I didnt!

    Motoko. Jun said in a monotone, and then added nothing else. As if saying my name would make me realize how silly I was!

    But jokes on Jun! Im capable of bringing up his weakness! The nuclear option in this situation!

    We are not talking about my tits right now. I demanded, and Jun flinched, deciding that the better part of valor was to run away.

    Which I also did hurrying to my room to take off the stripper wear and get dressed infortable leotard.

    Definitely covering more skin I looked down. Actually when I didnt wear the jeans with it, I think I actually showed more skin

    Nope. That thought was going to be shoved into a dark corner and never thought of again.

    Stepping out fully dressed I noticed Jun was still waiting for me, with a look on his face demanding answers.

    Ugh! Okay Ill say this once, and we never talk about it again! Wakako called for an emergency gig. Had to pick up a contact that got ratted out. They were holding her in a club, like a BD bar. I had to sneak in. They had arunner watching the cams, so I couldnt just walk in normally. I saw one of the girls leaving and acquired her uniform. Thats it. We are never speaking of this again.

    Motoko.

    What?

    You looked like a stripper.

    Jun.

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Yeah?

    You look like a two bit yakuza. I offered back and Jun actually flinched looking down at his clothes.

    What part of me is two bit? Motoko! Hey dont walk away, what part of me is two bit!?

    --

    Tachikoma was doing well. I had spent the night after the gig working on building a personality kernel. The small seed wasnt anything big yet, still far too early to really do much, but of course I wanted my Tachikoma to be cute when it was done!

    I couldnt run it yet. I didnt have the processing power on my hardware on hand. But I had a n for that.

    Long before the sun was rising, I was heading out. Driving across the city to therunner cave!

    There I plugged not just myptop into the server, but the Tachikoma as well.

    The server synced in just a moment, and I edited my lobby to allow the Tachikoma ess. With a bit of work it was ready, and I went and plugged into myrunner chair. Making sure to fully hook in. I wasnt doing a deep dive, but I was going to do a lot of work.

    A momentter I was in a digitalndscape.

    There was a Well it was more like a mess of squiggles than any specific shape. The Tachikoma didnt have a sense of self, or even a digital avatar. It wasnt even at the level of a Daemon yet.

    It was probably about 70% on its way to having enough data to be considered an IMP. Of course unlike an IMP it would be capable of improving.

    I was going to speed that up. First thing I did was bring in the dimensions for the Tachikoma and sync up the digital connection.

    The digital mess buzzed for a second as it shifted into the form of a Tachikoma.

    It took a second, but the learning module activated as it took a step. And then another, and then it was walking around.

    It wasnt quite right to call it exploring, there was no impetus in the motion yet.

    That was what I was here for. Personality was actually really easy. Anything digital had some personality now after all. The thought made me think of Brendan the SCSM capable of so urately pretending to be alive people thought it was a full AI.

    There were even personality systems for Agents, to let them talk to their users.

    I didnt have one, myself, or at least I had never activated one. I didnt need a second voice in my head.

    Anyway, with the Tachikoma settled I pulled up a digital screen.

    There were plenty of personality matrices out there. I could go to any shop and buy one that would let my agent, or my clock, or whatever talk to me in some famous actor''s voice.

    But that was crap. I wasnt making some dirt tier program.

    I was raising a Tachikoma! Settling into the lounge chairs I started working. Mentally running multiple keyboards as I used my new cyberdeck to modify the personality kernel.

    It was actually pretty easy. It was just a seed. The beginnings of how the Tachikoma would develop its personality. It was easy to start, but it would take a long time to grow.

    But I stopped as I was just starting to get going.@@novelbin@@

    A long time.

    I dont think I wanted to wait a long time. The longer it took the longer I would be without my backup Tachikoma squad.

    I looked at the little digital avatar wandering around. Completely without awareness,pletely without a ghost.

    I knew how to make an AI grow faster. I just couldnt do it yet.

    Lack of equipment,ck of skill. The fact was, I couldnt think like a digital entity. I had started moving towards that with Intelligence, over 10. That was basically what Intelligence did once it went past the human limit. It let me act as if the digital was my native space.

    Its how I was able to run multiple keyboards at once despite how difficult that was.

    I pulled up my stat screen.

    One Stat point.

    Sighing, I shook it off. Decisions decisions. Make myself stronger, or make myself mentally safer? I didnt exactly want another episode. Burning my cyberdeck out for nothing wasnt a fun experience.

    I hummed as I settled back, letting myself just think.

    My neck didnt get tense on the web. My body was far enough away that sort of thing wouldnt be noticed. It hadnt been as bad since I dropped a stat point into my neural link, but I really wanted to get stronger too.

    Cyberware, or advancement? It was a choice I wasing across more and more, and once all my stats were over ten

    Yeah that was going to be tough to choose. I really needed to figure this out.

    So I decided like all important choices.

    One for you. One for me. I said. Unless something crazy was happening I would spend my stat points like that. Last point had gone into Adaptation, and I was feeling better with that. So the next point was for stats.

    Nodding, I dropped the point into Intelligence. Bringing that up to twelve!

    But that was only the stat. It was time to level the skills, I was about to dump points into stuff before stopping.

    Dumbass, remember what happenedst time? I cursed myself. No more leveling stats more than one at a time with long rests in between.

    One point went into Breach Protocol. Bringing me up to 11, and another in Programming keeping me at my max of 12.

    The influx was intense, and I felt the way I programmed change irrevocably.

    It was one thing to still use a physical system as preference. It was another to know that you didnt need them.

    I had programming on my mind.

    --

    Motoko! Hiromi cheered as I opened the door, earning an arm full of my bestie as she hugged me.

    Im free! She cried out and I nodded.

    Friday afternoon. No more school.

    I have good news as well. She offered as she raced over to the couch and leapt onto it flopping down and sighing in relief.

    Hello to you Hiromi. Im d you had a good day at school. Oh you had that for lunch? Thats nice. I teased as I joined Hiromi who just grumbled at me.

    Business Motoko! Business! We have a meeting tomorrow, to finalize the sale of your song. She exined and I nodded remembering that was a thing, yes.

    Okay? You need me?

    You have to sign it over. We havent entered any official paperwork on the books to make me your manager. She exined and then rolled over to look at me with a firm look.

    So I have to go?

    So you have to go! She demanded pointing at me. And to make sure you do, Im spending the night and hanging out with you all day! Hiromi time! She demanded and I acquiesced easily. Hiromi had it hard with school and all the responsibilities that I heaped on her.

    Hiromi time. I agreed, and the bright smile told me I had made the right call. So, shall we go out, get a bunch of food, hang out on the couch?

    Oooh that does sound nice! She sighed, raising her hands. Help me up?

    I grabbed her upraised arms and easily hauled her to her feet. Hiromi was so light.

    Cmon Ill drive. I offered, and Hiromi whined.

    But you drive slooooow.

    I drive safe. instantly replied back.

    --

    So you need better data storage?

    At least for the Tachikoma. I admitted. Hiromi was ying with my Tachikoma as it walked around in herp, interested in my drone experiment.

    Hmm. Thats tough, not as easy to get off the back of a truck as weapons. She exined and I nodded.

    Its not a rush, but I cant really make them smart and autonomous at the moment. I can basically just do one or the other.

    Cant you do a remote connection and control them that way?

    Yeeees? I offered. Technically that was the Militech solution to their thead. Just remote connect it, and dont worry about needing an on board AI.

    But I didnt want a thead, I wanted a Tachikoma.

    I can do that for a stop gap, might even be a good idea to do it, so I can help teach it what I need it to do, but Im looking for an autonomous system.

    Ill keep an eye out. Maybe well hit a storage yard, or just knock over a transport?

    Pfft! I giggled at Hiromis words. Just knock over stuff huh? Steal it? Youre so bad!

    What? Thats literally what we do!

    I know! But it sounds funnying from you and saying it like that! I giggled as I turned to my noodles and kept eating. The TV show currently ying was honestly being ignored by both of us.

    Me because I didnt like it, and Hiromi, because she was showing that corpo personality. Always wanting to push more.

    Hmph! Maybe I will make sure when I find the chips you need, the gig requires a transport truck heist! Just to show you!

    That would be cool. Ichi could be the driver in the Behemoth, and Malcolm could use his Nomad car, the one with the rockets. I could do a cool jump from Ichis truck onto the transport and take it over.

    Or just make them pull over so you dont get yourself killed! Hiromi shrieked at me, and I justughed.

    This was nice, the stress from the week disappeared off my shoulders as Hiromi and I hung out making fun of bad TV and eating ourselves sick.

 Chapter 173

    Chapter 173

    Late. Hayato snapped at me, her voiceing out too fast, in a rush. She was obviously getting antsy.

    I nodded. Traffic was slow. I offered, as an exnation, although it didnt satisfy her.

    Hayato, like me, already had ayer of sweat on her forehead. A Shinai in one hand that she was still going through a slow, set of motions for.

    Sensei has you practicing super slow?

    Yes. She snapped out, and I could see her face shift between irritation, before nking. I would enjoy a spar.

    Sure, want to do brawling, or Shinai? I offered pointing at her de.

    She reddened and reacted instantly.

    Do not speak with such disrespect to the art of swordsmanship!

    So you want to fight me with the Shinai? I repeated and she pointed the de at me.

    I nodded, walking over and grabbing one off the rack. As I walked back I noticed Sensei watching us both, only once I stood across from Hayato did I shift into an actual stance.

    If I remember right, she had seen me doing forms under Senseis eye before, but hadnt seen me actually fight.

    My des skill might not be as good as Street Brawler, but I wasnt a slouch.

    Especially since Parry, my second des Perk was perfect for this sort of thing.

    Nodding we both understood the spar was on, and she charged.

    Once more relying on her Keren to be able to adjust to any iing change I just breathed in and out, and started parrying.

    Swing after swing, I guided Hayatos de away from me. It wasnt easy. I think I was actually better skilled when it came to pure de work, but she was so damn fast.

    Still, I kept her back. The ck of Shinai that she continued to hammer against me, never reached its target.

    I was really really good at deflecting des. Parrying in clutch,pletely negating Hayatos speed and skill.

    And she wasnt happy.

    Stopthat! She yelled, speaking so fast her words blended in together.

    So I did. Pushing her back after another parry, I activated my Sandevistan.

    Time stopped. The warmth spread from my neck, and I moved.

    I could see the moment Hayato realized what had happened, her eyes widening, but her Keren only gave her the chance to realize what was happening before it was over.

    With a flick of my wrists her Shinai wasunched out of her hands, and mine was thrust just past her head.

    I turned off my Sandy, feeling everything go back to normal, even as the ufortable warmth continued to hold across my neck.

    Wha-You got a Sandevistan! You should have told me! She broke out of her surprise quickly pping my Shinai away and poking me. If I had known I would have held back less! So you chose a Sandevistan in the end?

    I needed to get used to it. And the sooner I started. The more experience I would have. I offered and she nodded.

    Good! Excellent! You have just be a useful sparring partner then! I need more practice against another using boosterware. She nodded, hands on her hip and nodding with an imperious look.

    Honestly it just made me want to pat her on the head and give her a cookie or something.

    Yeah. I could use more practice with the same. More Shinai work, or switch to fists?

    Hmmph! I will strike you before I allow this spar to end. She decided, turning and stomping over to her Shinai.

    I nodded, and we got back to it.

    --

    I dont want to talk to you. She argued as I offered her a drink.

    Cmon dont be like that. Defense is something Im really good at with a de. I offered, but she refused to talk to me

    So I pressed the cold can against the side of her neck.@@novelbin@@

    Eeee! She shrieked loud enough everyone in the hall jerked, and a man I noticed along the edges reached for a gun in his suit before calming as Hayato turned to re at me. Don''t do that!

    I dont know. That was kinda cute. Ill have to do that more now. I decided and settled in beside her, popping the can of my soda as well.

    You! Utterly outrageous! She snapped but grabbed the drink and popped it open to drink from.

    Its your fault. I told you I was ambidextrous.

    Outrageous! She repeated, and I had to smile. I had made a crack about how I was better with two Shinai and she had demanded that I did so.

    Hayato hadnt done well after that.

    How is your Sandevistan? You didnt use it again. She asked, and I felt my fingers reach up to my neck. Chrome digits touching against the chrome. I felt a bit of the heat still there.

    Im not really used to it yet. I feel like I burn myself each time.

    Hmph. That is normal. She offered and I nodded.

    I know, my ripper said the same, but it makes me ufortable.

    Especially since when I used a maxdoc it went away, which meant it was some sort of injury.

    You will adapt, an-I have to leave. She said, her speech cutting off for only a millisecond as she changed what she was saying. Her guard along the walls was already moving over as well.

    Sure. Chat with youter Hayato.

    Motoko. She agreed and then hurried away.

    I rested for another minute just to cool off before rising up. Time to head home.

    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    --

    When I got home I made a meal and was humming a song, all while I was programming.

    Hiromi had mentioned why I didnt just remote control the Tachikoma, and I couldnt deny it was a good idea.

    While I wouldnt always be as confident in controlling their bodies as they would eventually be. I could show them how to do things it might take a while to develop naturally.

    So I was working on the control interface. It wasnt simple tech, but I had the copy of the Minotaur system, and was basically copying Militechs homework while changing it enough the teacher wouldnt mind.

    Progress was going pretty fast, as I was going through the code and setting it up. I finished eating, and even went and took a shower while I was working on it, just tapping away in my mental digital space as code flowed over my eyes.

    Then, as I was drying off it was finished.

    I looked over at the Tachikoma, and slipped the update for the control ess, and then took it over.

    I went to take a few steps and instead of moving it just sort of twitched and then fell t.

    Right. The Minotaur used a control crown to better handle the human to machine interface.

    I sighed as I considered what to do. I could probably put one of those together? No, that sort of defeated the whole point of being able to use the Tachikoma stealthily.

    I shrugged. I would just have to adapt the learning system to learning how to handle my own inputs now.

    Not a huge deal, just another little thing I would need to work on Unless I went and bought an off the shelf drone? No, I realized, it might help, but even then, it wouldnt have the same control system. The Tachikomas unique design would make it a bit moreplicated.

    I shrugged, deciding to just open a new branch of the AI learning, for it to adapt to the new concept.

    I looked at theptop. It was doing an eptable job of giving the Tachikoma the extra processing power it needed, but it was an issue that was going to be more and more of a problem.

    Might need to actually go out and find some leads apart from Hiromi. Might lead to some fun gigs or something I guess.

    I flopped onto the bed and continued working on the Tachikoma remote connection.

    --

    The next morning I woke up and stretched. Ignoring the Tachikoma that wasying on my stomach I moved it over and set it on the ground as I left the room looking for breakfast.

    Motoko.

    Oh hey Jun. I muttered sleepily, as I stared at not just Jun but like. Four TC gonks all hanging out on the couch.

    Eddies, drugs, and guns were all over the living room table, and I could tell from one look that Jun hadnt slept yet.

    I blinked at him, and he winced as he realized how it looked.

    I dont want to know. I decided and Jun looked relieved, and sort of broken at the words.

    Hey! Its little Motoko!, heh! Havent seen you in a while, kid! Why dont youe over here and say hello to Big bro Yuto! He called out happily then turned to Jun. Whenre you going to finally bring her in eh Jun? Shes old enough now! Looking like a real woman already.

    Never. Motoko doesnt have much interest in this stuff. He said, with a bit of a growl in his voice as a warning. So drop it. Jun snapped, and the man sort of flinched back at Juns tone.

    Hey, no worries Jun-chan, no worries. But Motoko, not into the ws? When did this happen? The man asked, waving his hands trying to keep Juns burning re to calm down.

    Yuto. He snapped, but calmed down after a second. I told you Motoko was in aa.

    Yeah yeah, I remember just shit. She used to be the one pushing you into shit. Whenever I had trouble getting you involved, Id just poke Little Motoko! The manughed uproariously at the joke.

    Jun just rolled his eyes, but I noticed he was actually prettyfortable with the guy.

    I shrugged. None of my business. Wandering into the kitchen I threaded my chrome fingers through my hair, straightening it a bit as I pulled out a soda and started drinking it down.

    Come to think of it, as I watched the men on the couch. I hadnt seen Jun bring over friends much.

    Chooms of yours Jun-nii? I asked and he looked back towards me, as did the boys.

    Oh shit, you really dont remember eh Little Motoko? Come over here and sit down, Let big Bro Yuto see how much youve changed.

    I continued to sip my drink as I threw a look at Jun.

    Yuto was my best choom growing up, Motoko. We ran together when we were kids.

    Hah! We still run together Jun-chan! Now that Im out of the mmer! He cheered and the boys around him cheered alongside him.

    Huh. I muttered wandering over. This wasnt entirely uninteresting.

    How long were you in jail? I asked as I hopped over the couch settling in besides Jun.

    Three years, time served! More like time taken. Yuto muttered darkly. But Im out now! Jun-chan is a Kamikaze! Bozo and dipshit are still just shit-muscle.

    Hey! Fuck you Yuto!

    The other guy just flipped his choom off and they allughed, even Jun.

    Huh.

    Well boys and bitches, this was fun. Fuck I havent had a real drink since they locked me up. Yuto offered with a tired grin as he stretched towards the ceiling.

    Heh. Fuckin hell Yuto, it was never the same without you. One of the other guys mentioned with a grin.

    Then Jun spoke. Yuto. Im d youre out.

    Well shit Jun-chan you are going to get me crying if you keep that shit up. Although boys, there is something you can do for me, you know, as a favor to an old choom.

    The three boys all looked curious, and Yuto smiled. Help me tline the gonk fuck that stabbed me in the back and got me sent to the mmer eh?

    I watched on as the three boys all reacted. Jun didnt say much. Just sort of frowning seriously, while the other two were a bit more argumentative.

    Fuck Yuto, we cant do that shit. One of them offered, and the other nodded along agreeing.

    Fuck you both then! No wonder you gonk fucks arent anything butckeys still. Jun-Chan. Bro. I need this.

    You know I cant. Kisaru is high up. The whole reason you got pegged with it, was because he had the power to get out of it. Jun said softly, ufortable at what he was saying.

    Exactly! He thinks hes all that hot shit! Made me take the fall for the drugs! Just because I was carrying them to the fucking buyers! If the fucker had just kept his mouth shut, thatd be one thing, but he fucking squealed. You know he did!

    Kisaru was cleared of that. Besides, Kisaru is a Lieutenant now. We are honor bound not to touch him. You know what happens if we do. Theyll kill you. Us. Jun offered weakly.

    Very weakly.

    Dont fucking-No, you know whats up. Jun. Im calling in the favor. You owe me for this! Youe with, I can get to Kisaru easy as shit and tline that gonk.

    Yuto.

    You fucking owe me Jun! You dont have a choice! So dont be a bit-Fuck! He squealed when I came up behind him and stuck my knife right into his trachea.

    If youre dead, then Jun-nii wont owe you shit. Cant owe something to a corpse. I exined simply.

    The room went silent, and I was getting looks from everyone, but I wasnt ying this game.

    Motoko. Jun said, but I ignored him, because was about to be talked into stupid shit by a fucking gonk ass old friend.

    Shit like this was how everything always went wrong.

    H-hey, Little Motoko, we don- I jabbed a bit harder.

    You shush. Listen to me now. Jun is doing better, but his life doesnt need this sort of shit. He is way too connected to the TC to go murder someone high up and not have some shit fall on his head. So no, Jun isnt going to help you get revenge. If you ask him again, I will remove you from the entire situation. Permanently.

    Motoko. Jun muttered, but I noticed wasnt actually trying to stop me.

    Do you understand Yuto?

    Yeah, yeah I hear it. He said a little strained. For a guy that went to jail he wasnt really all that strong willed.

    Good. Jun, having chooms is good, but you arent allowed to ruin your life because of revenge. We both We both had to put revenge behind us yeah? I told him seriously, then I let go.

    Fuck. Holy shit. Yuto muttered rubbing at his neck, checking for blood.

    Which was silly, I didnt want to cut him, so I didnt.

    Then fuck was that? He demanded, and I just stared at him nkly.

    A warning? I answered truthfully wondering how that had somehow gone over the guys head. Deciding that my point was made I spun the knife on my fingers and then holstered it away before stretching out a bit. Gonna do some more programming, have fun with your friends Jun Just not too much fun.

    Motoko. Go to your room. Jun said grumpily and I nodded, yeah that sounded good.

    I really wanted to do some work on my hacks.

    --

    I looked at the code as I did a final scan.

    Overheat was a prettymon online hack. There were a few different versions. Some were a virus causing Cyberware to basically go crazy overclocking themselves, and some like this one, dumped a huge amount of junk data into therunners connection making their system overheat them andg out at the same time.

    The original one Yoko had given was pretty terrible. Large RAM cost, Slow upload rate, easily stalled out.

    I needed a hack I could use on arunner so it had to be more than just a baseline hack.

    So I had sat down and decided to improve on every aspect of the hack.

    Reducing its size with a few alterations to the code. Massively lowering the RAM cost. I was pretty proud of that one.

    Instead of sending arge packet of data over with the upload tog the system, instead what this version did was alter some of the configuration settings of the enemyrunner.

    It caused their own system to fill with junk data on their own side. Much faster upload, much cheaper to do, and much more effective.

    One small protocol alteration caused everything toe crashing down.

    It was Well it wasnt amazing. I wouldnt call it anything more than a middle of the road hack.

    It wasnt as powerful or effective as my Hell me hack.

    But it was also much much smaller, and more focused.

    And I could rapid fire the hack without nearly as many issues as Hell me gave me.

    It was an easy go to hold out weapon. I stretched out satisfied as it finished and I installed it into my deck.

    [HEAT Bullet Mk.01] Installed and looked like it would work just fine.

    Stretching out I wandered back out of my room. The living room was still a mess. Empty cans, trash, and some what I think was leftover drugs?

    Jesus Jun, this is way worse than my firearms mess.

    I wandered around cleaning most of it, but leaving the drugs alone. Cant say I was happy about it, but I was assuming the boys would be back to get their shit.

    I finished cleaning up and decided to test out my new hack.

    Down in the garage, sliding onto my Kusanagi, I hesitated. Forgetting something important. I had promised to be more careful.

    So I sent out a text and when I got a response I smiled and gunned it. Heading out into the city towards myrunningir.

 Chapter 176

    Chapter 176

    I cant believe this was happening.

    The Caliburn is the best! Malcolm argued with this random gonk at the diner pointing at him with a french fry like he was going to stab him,

    Bull shit. Its overpriced, over hyped garbage. Also its digital eleration is fucking broken!

    The fuck it is! It drives perfectly!

    Itsplete dogshit, and you would know if you werent some gonk fuck street kid Rayfield fuckboy that has never been in a Caliburn.

    Bitch I own one! Malcolm roared standing up and I just put my head in my hands.

    I just wanted lunch. I was even paying. So why couldnt Malcolm just leave the stupid looking guy at the diners bar talking shit about the Rayfieldmercial alone?

    What is yourst name Arasaka or something? Bullshit lying little punk!

    Oh Ill fucking prove it choom, Ill have you apologize and grovel to the best car in Night City when it arrives! He called out, I could already see his eyes having shed to call his Caliburn here.

    Dammit Malcolm, I didnt want to stay here all afternoon. I had

    Okay I didnt have anything else to do, its not like I had a normal job, but the point stands!

    In the end I just flopped my head onto the table as I waited for the car to show up, and did my best to ignore the fact that Malcolm and this random gonk would not stop fucking arguing about it.

    Gearheads are the most obtuse of all super fans I decided.

    Besides everyone knows the Quadra was the best.

    The arguing continued and I was sure both of these idiots would have been thrown out if we werent the only people in the diner at the moment.

    Then about twenty minutester Malcolms Rayfield pulled into the lot.

    What the fuck. The guy said as he had been looking out the window behind Malcolm and saw it arrive.

    Hah! Get ready to weep choom, because I do own a Caliburn! Malcolm crowed out his Victory as he sauntered out the door and walked up to the car. The door opened at his approach.

    No fucking way.

    Way. I answered as I rose up and threw some eddies at the owner for the food. I walked out and Malcolm was leaning up against the car with a cocky grin staring at the windows of the diner.

    Malcolm, your ego is showing. I muttered as I walked past him to my Quadra. Right next to the rather modded out Quadra Sport R-7.

    I had a feeling I knew the other guy''s choice in vehicles.

    Alright choom. Alright. You win on this one. Youre daddy certainly has a lot of eddies. The other guy calls out, and that just sets Malcolm off.

    Fuck you! This is my car you gonk bitch!

    Yeah, I doubt it kid. How about we prove it. A nice little race, my R-7 and your Rayfield, you know how to drive that thing dont you?

    Course I do! Malcolm said knowing damn well that he didnt. I sighed as the two boys got into an argument that led to me sitting in the Rayfield next to Malcolm as he squeezed the steering wheel tightly. The R-7 was beside us, engine rumbling as we waited for the light to change.

    I turned onunch control. Im gonna blow this gonk fucker away. Malcolm muttered and I hummed a bit.

    I had a feeling Malcolm was about to get left in the dust.

    Just dont risk your car for a race that doesnt matter.

    Itll be fine Motoko! Just trust me!

    I very specifically tugged on the seatbelt reminding him I was wearing it.

    Fuck off. He grumbled, but then he focused up.

    The lights were changing, The R-7 rumbled its engine and I instantly knew what was about to happen.

    The Rayfieldsunch control relied on the engine being idle before it activated.

    Instantly Malcolm, rumbled his engine back, The Turbo charged V10 of the Caliburn roared up, and theunch control activated trying tounch the car at the same time as the brake was held down, then the light changed. The R-7 was gone, burning rubber off the street line, as Malcolms Caliburn sputtered forward and nearly stalled out, before he managed to adjust it and take off.

    No no no no! He howled as he roared after, but the R-7 was modded and it was obvious that Malcolm wouldnt catch up before they hit the next light.

    That Was both very smart, and an asshole move. I mentioned as I considered how much car knowledge it took to do that kind of shit.

    I dont want to hear it! Malcolm snapped as he continued trying to catch up, but by the time we got anywhere near the R-7 it was already slowing down after the next light and pulling over. Then Malcolm pulled in behind the R-7, and jumped out

    What the fuck! He yelled at the guy that was also, stepping out, with a cocky grin.

    What? You got smoked kid. Better learn to use Daddys car before trying to race it.

    You fucking asshole!

    Hey Malcolm, chill. I demanded as I hurried around the car and grabbed him. Malcolm was seething, looking like he was going to throw fists over this.

    Hey brats. Watch yourself, or else. The man demanded and I stilled.

    Turning around I saw the man holding a gun in his hand having drawn it.

    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the vition.

    The Nova he was using to intimidate a couple of brat kids. Okay. At this point in time the guy had passed over the realm of eptable conduct.

    He forced Malcolm into a race, tricked him, and then when Malcolm was pissed pulled a gun despite Malcolm not being anywhere near him.

    It took half a second to turn his gun into a nice paperweight as my eyes shed into hacking the damn thing, and then I pushed Malcolm back and stalked forward.

    What? You some crazy bitch? Dont think I-Hey! He yelped as I continued to approach, he aimed the gun at my center mass and pulled the trigger without hesitation.

    Which is right when I grabbed his outstretched wrist, twisted, pulled, unbnced him andunched my other fist right into his face.

    Ignoring the scream from inside of his date I enjoyed the moment as he crashed into the asphalt.

    Fuck you asshole. I said simply as I turned back to Malcolm. Malcolm who looked a little conflicted.

    I really wanted to do that.

    Eh, you shouldnt have tried to punch him for tricking you. That was a dick move, but eptable. Live and learn. But some gonk pulling a gun is a different story. Cmon lets get out of here.

    Malcolm didnt move at first. The guy cursed and thrashed as he rose back to his feet, blood pouring down his nose, but eventually Malcolm scoffed and smirked and walked back to the Caliburn.

    Then we were off.

    Satisfied? I asked as he floored it past the R-7 and the fucker.

    No. Not at all actually. I I got tricked like a fucking gonk, and its my fault.

    Mistakes happen. I said asfortingly as I could.

    I just I feel like a fucking gonk. I should have known better.

    Experience is important Why dont you start racing and stuff. Practice it I mean? I remembered there were races all over the ce.

    Didnt I get invited to a race once? I vaguely recall it happening.

    Maybe I will! Thanks Motoko. For You know, backing me up.

    No problem.

    --

    It was kinda weird, but I felt a bit bored.

    I had spent some more time once I got home fixing up the Tachikoma AI some more. It was growing as well as it could, but honestly I was just bored.

    I considered calling up Wakako for a gig, but the idea struck me as I was looking out the window and I made a decision.

    Getting dressed, arming up I headed out grabbing a bit of my secondary kit. I dragged my armor kit with me to the car but didnt put it on yet.

    Then after a quick drive across the city, I walked down the steps into the Afterlife. The pounding music, the Edgerunners all working and nning and plotting. I smiled and ended up settling at the bar.

    Then I just waited for a while. Idly I continued to do some more programming work, just some leftover stuff from Yoko as I waited for time to pass.

    I was sucking a soda through a straw the bartender had given me when it happened. The whole room went electric, everyone looked up from what they were doing.

    Rogue arrived. Just likest time she strode through the bar like she was Queen and the rest of us mere mortals. Groups of edgerunners hurried after her, looking for work, and then either rushed back to their little teams, or started calling out for additional skills.

    Then a call came out and I knew I had to ept.

    I need an infiltrator! The call went out and I turned to look.

    ck man, punk style, big trench coat. I nodded. Rising up I decided to avoid all the difficulty with my age.

    A slight adjustment, and when I spoke a much more mature, sexier voice came out.

    I can cover that. I called and his eyes turned to me. They instantly glowed as he scanned, but for some reason despite my age, he didnt hesitate to nod at me. Names Bishop. Give me a minute.

    Then he turned right around to talk to Rogue. Two minutester he came out and jerked his head to follow.

    I sauntered after, towards the side room right near the entrance. The tables were mostly empty as it was still midday, but a group of edgerunners were already gathered up.

    They looked me over at the same time I looked them all over.

    They were an eclectic group.

    One guy was in a business suit. He reminded me of Hiromis dad. Only this guy was armed considering the bulge in his jacket. Also his arms were definitely Mantis des. He looked up as Bishop walked over and then looked at me.

    Instantly his eyes shed, and I could tell he was scanning me.

    I looked away and at the rest of the group. If he wanted to scan before introductions that was fine.

    The next woman was wild.

    A tattered T-shirt showed her bra at multiple points. The image of shark teeth on the front of the shirt looked unique. Maybe something she had made herself? Her jacket was a pretty standard Street Samurai coat, the sort of thing game V always wore, but the big case next to her was definitely her weapon.

    Thest was another guy. TC? He reminded me of it. Even had a Katana at his hip. His hair reminded me of Juns, only it wasnt fire, and instead some electronic effect. He gave me a once over and didnt say anything, nor did he give off any emotion. Simply observing.

    Alright. This is Motoko. Shes an infiltrator. Rogue approved so shes on the team for the gig. Introduce yourself. Bishop seemed to order as he looked over the grouping.

    Samuel Perry. The corpo introduced himself, and then he looked to Bishop. Are you sure? Shes young.

    Shes also here. Bishop waved a hand as if it didnt matter. Rogue vouches for her. Thats that.

    Very well. Im the one that handles diplomacy and my former employment with Militech left me with plenty of contacts. He introduced himself with a casual air, but his eyes were sharp, always staring at me.

    Call me Mira. Im the sharpshooter. She said, all teeth, which I then noticed were shark teeth.

    Bit on the nose, but okay.

    Hakase. The Street Samurai introduced but then an echoing void came up after. Luckily Bishop spoke up.

    He doesnt talk much, but hes damn good with that de.

    I can tell. I answered, giving the man a look over. Im Motoko. Im an infiltrator, but Im also a solo, and Netrunner. I look forward to working with you.

    Jeeze, where did you find this kid? Mira called out but I wasnt really bothered. Its hard to be insulted by someone you dont know, and dont care what their opinion of you is.

    Right, lets get down to it. Two days ago a Kang Tao scientist jumped ship. He is trying to sell some info for protection to the corps, obviously Kang Tao isnt letting this go, but that isnt our concern. Rogue wants the guy gathered up, the info is Rogues to sell as far as shes concerned. Bishop spoke with a confident cadence, and his crew all nodded in understanding.

    No confusion, no hesitation. They had worked together for a long time then.

    The problemes in the pick up. The guy is hiding out in a high end apartment building here in City Central. Normally not an issue, but our target wasn''t entirely stupid. He hired some animals for protection.

    Bishop handed over a shard, first to Samuel, the corp who plugged it in looked it over for a few minutes and nodded, frowning a bit. Then to Mira who barely nced at the shard before tossing it to Hakase.

    He looked it over for a while before handing it to me.

    Inside I understood. It was details about the building, the target, and some information about the animals protecting him, and why this was a problem.

    Squad of twenty animals had locked down the top floor of this apartment building. From a tiny clip of camera footage that was on it, it showed the animals carrying LMGs checking the elevator every time it stopped on that floor.

    The ce was locked down, and somehow we had to extract the guy in charge.

    So can you get to the security system? Well need a distraction while we get up in the elevator. Bishop asked and I nodded idly as I looked through things.

    You n on going in guns zing? I asked, and the team nodded confidently. Then I can definitely get you onto the top floor, can probably blind and disable the elevator guards as well remotely.

    You werent kidding about being arunner huh? Mira asked, and I shook my head.

    No, Im pretty good. Not elite tier, but good. Only issue is if the security is protected by arunner as well. I dont see any information if the Animals brought one, or if the hotel has one on site.

    We dont know, so we go in with a nk spot. Will that stop you from infiltrating and getting us up there?

    No. I answered back. I could do that even if there was a security runner, but something caught my eye.

    Hang on. Why dont we skip the elevator entirely.@@novelbin@@

    Im not walking up twenty stories. Mira denied instantly and I smiled as I shook my head.

    Not what I mean. North east side of the building, theres some heating units sticking out, should be an easy climb up to the top floor. Quieter than using the elevator.

    Let me see. Bishop called, and I popped out the shard and handed it back over. He slotted it and started examining the data, going over it much longer than the first time.

    Then slowly he nodded.

    Could work. Would leave the initial arrival a lot less dicey.

    Aww I like Dicey. Mira mocked, and then Samuel was handed the shard to look as Bishop popped it out.

    Doable I suppose. Doesnt really change much. We still need the security opened so we can use the elevator.

    The elevator, is a E6-551. Its got a backdoor by default. Ill be able to unlock the elevator even without touching security. Although Ill still need to infiltrate, unless you want NCPD arriving at the sound of gunfire.

    We dont. Bishop confirmed.

    Then Ill head in and shut down the silent rms as nned, get you elevator ess. Might be able to join you if you like? I offered, but Bishop shook his head.

    Better to stay with the security and pullrunner shit from there.

    I considered arguing, but shrugged. Sure. Bishops group was his group, and I was intruding. Better not to push it.

    With that settled the group started moving.

 Chapter 178

    Chapter 178

    The next morning I was attacked first thing in the morning.

    Motokoooo! Hiromi whined as sheunched herself at me as soon as I opened the door. Swinging the Motoko seeking ballistic missile around to bleed off the momentum, I closed the door with a kick and settled the Door Shotgun back in ce as I hugged Hiromi tight.

    Fun day! I demand it! She said while her face was buried in my shoulder.

    Okay. What do you want to do?

    I dont know. You decide. She responded back and I justughed.

    Well Im afraid I wasnt nning on much today, I got the music bug and I was just recording some songs, but we can go-

    Yes! She demanded and rushed over to the couch to flop on it. Serenade me!

    I scoffed at her demand but smiled regardless. Okay, this is Come as you are. I informed her and set up the song to y through the music box as I settled in, and then I started up that famous intro. The deep tones were good. Not perfect, I really needed something acoustic, if I wanted to really hit the best notes, but my guitar could fake it well enough.

    Well enough for this anyways.

    Then I opened my eyes, locked them onto Hiromi, and crooned. Come, as you are, as you were, as I want you to be!

    The song ended with me letting thest note drift for a while, and then I smiled at Hiromi, because ying music like this was just Fun.

    It was fun.

    God Motoko. She breathed and then shook herself off. Okay thats it! Im done! Thats it! She nearly screamed as she rose up and paced and I blinked, nearly stepping back in shock.

    What? Hiromi? Whats wrong?

    The fact you dont do this more! You Motoko. You sold a song to Denny! To a majorbel! I mean You should do this more! Its amazing! Put a band together! Put on shows!

    I dont I like music as my hobby, Hiromi, but Im not really Crowds and stuff you know?

    Ughhhhhh. She whined, smashing her face into the couch and screaming. Why are you so

    You just gestured at all of me. I joked, heh. Hup. Aw man, I havent seen that movie in Well its gone now I think..

    No, I shook it off, focus on Hiromi.

    I dont know what to say Hiromi.

    Dont say anything just Listen for a second? Put some songs together. Like just a few! And let me set up a gig for you. Pleeeease. If you have stage fright, we can work with that. But Motoko! You have so much talent here, its killing me to see you just not use it. She pleaded and I looked away.

    Hiromi. Im a merc, not a Rockerboy.

    Be both! She denied my argument instantly. You like Silverhand! You cant argue this. You like him!

    Comparing me to Johnny Silverhand is pretty rude. I muttered, but Hiromi wasnt having my nonsense.

    Motoko, Im serious. Please for me? As a super special present, let me put together a gig for you. A real one, on a stage somewhere. Ill set it all up, all you have to do is prep the songs, and then Ill do the rest.

    Hiromi-

    For my Birthday! She demanded and I blinked. What?

    Wait, is your birthdaying up? Hiromi! You have to tell me these things, I dont remember anything!

    Yep thats right! My birthday ising up!. She begged and I flinched because

    Super ufortable, Hiromi! This I wasntfortable with this!

    She realized it at the same time, something on my face showed it and she slumped.

    Nevermind.

    Its not I dont I shut up, and actually considered it. I had started the music thing purely for myself, a hobby, and a remembrance of what I had Lost.

    And also as a way to return myself to who I should be. A reminder of the good things in life, and that I shouldnt just drop into the endless void of chrome andbat.

    It was great. I loved it

    But what was the reason I didnt want to share? Guilt? None of the songs were really mine, but I was the only one that knew them. Was it worse to let them never be, or im them as my own?

    Difficult, but not really that hard for me in the end.

    No, the real reason? It was because I was fucking scared. Me. Badass, Afterlife Merc. Id gone toe to toe with borgs with a smile on my face, been shot and just red or cussed out who had done it, but I was afraid of people listening to me y a song.

    Hiromi, wasnt being fair trying to push this either, but at the same time.

    I knew Hiromi. She wasnt doing this because of eddies, she really thought it would be good for me to do it. She was proud of me, and wanted to show the world. She was excited to be there.

    Dammit.

    O-one gig. I agreed, and suddenly Hiromi who had been looking dejected as she realized she had pushed too much jerked up.

    Really?

    Yeah I, Im afraid, but its stupid fears, not real ones. You can set up a gig I guess I need to figure out a set.

    Ill do it! You wont regret this Motoko. I swear it. Youll love it! The crowd and the music, and everything! Oh! Im so excited! We need to figure out an outfit for you too!

    Whats wrong with my outfit? I asked, looking at my super cool tactical leotard, and jeans.

    Nothing, for merc work, but its not Rockerboy! Dont worry Ill help! No! I need to call the boys! They need to get in on this, and Ill need their help as muscle! Eeeee! Hiromi bounced around the room, and all I could think was that this was a mistake.

    --

    The embarrassing level of excitement from everyone was getting to me. Malcolm had arrived not long after the call went out, but Ichi was working so it took him a while, but Malcolm had only thrown fuel on the fire of brazer Hiromi.

    So now I was dealing with her absolutely freaking out, as I went through my list of recorded songs to make a ylist

    What songs should I pick?

    I had made a pretty good selection by now. Rise was definitely going on the list, I really liked it.. Maybe This Fffire next? It was a very Cyberpunk song

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Let you Down. It had to be on the set. Probably towards the end was the best bet, then Nirvana after? I could start with Smells like Teen Spirt, and end with Come as you are?

    No, I should do The Pretender But where to put it? Just after This Fffire? No wait, Smells like Teen Spirit I had to move it.

    I groaned. Rockerboy was actually helping me here. Setlists, performance, was all part of the skill, but a part of it that I pretended didnt exist most of the time.

    Looking up from my Music box, I winced and looked away from Malcolm and Hiromi colluding, They were both standing close to each other with toothy smiles as they plotted.

    This was my life now Wasnt it?@@novelbin@@

    I sighed, and finalized the list.

    Smells like Teen spirit, Rise, This Fffire, The Pretender, and Let you Down

    Five songs that I could y together Now I just had to psych myself up for an actual concert

    No, I should probably edit the songs, with better equipment. I could really bring a lot out of them with some real instruments.

    Hiromi. I spoke up for the first time in a while. I think Im going to need a recording studio, to clean these songs up if Im going to y them on stage, so-

    Yes! Hiromi cheered. Okay! Lets go! We can text Ichi the new meet up spot. Cmon! She demanded pulling at me, and I sighed as Hiromi tugged me away.

    Do you even know of a recording studio we can use? I asked, and Hiromi threw me a grin.

    Of course I do! Dennys one! The one you wrote Tank at!

    That ce is expensive. I muttered as Hiromi continued to drag me along Malcolm following along nothing but amused.

    Its not that expensive, Motoko! Besides, you get a deal for use of the rooms. It was part of the contract I put together for Tank.

    Wait, why dont I know about this?

    I sent you the contract Motoko. Hiromi reminded me with a t face, and I did my best not to look away awkwardly. I had read through it A little. At least enough to know I wasnt selling my soul.

    This is why Im your manager. She said and this time she said it with a happy smile. Hiromi was happiest, when she was showing off her skills after all.

    You know Ill need my guitar and stuff. I mentioned, as Hiromi had pulled me out of the apartment and down the hall by this point. She turned, realizing I didnt have my instrument.

    Ah.

    --

    We drove through the city, finally reaching the parking spots near Dennys recording studio, and I felt kinda awkward, carrying my equipment, down the alley way and into the same nk faced door. Somehow during the drive over Hiromi had already scheduled one of the studios for me, and so we had ess. The door opened and we walked into the same long white hall.

    Room 1-16. Hiromi called out as I headed that way, and slipped inside.

    The studio was empty. Just for me. Staring at the space I felt myself actually warm up. Sure my Music box was good, but electronic simtion of different instruments was only so good.

    There was nothing quite like the original.

    I settled my guitar and Music box to the side and headed out immediately for the instrument room.

    Motoko?

    I need some stuff! Malcolm, I could use some hands. I asked, and he followed after. It took a while to move and set up the drum set, but it felt great to have it there set up and shiny.

    Then I checked over and grabbed a few more instruments, once that was done it was time. I settled, pulling up the tracks I had already recorded. I went to work.

    The quality of the microphones alone made a massive difference, better instruments would enhance that, and finally the actual recording equipment, was much higher end, than the program I had made my music box out of.

    But it didnt matter. The Music box was still incredibly useful, saving the recordings forter.

    And I went to work. ying through the songs over and over, removing errors from the early tracks I had recorded, adding some re to each instrument, in a way I couldnt before.

    The vocal tracks were sung, recorded, and edited with much finer equipment than I had before.

    All the while, I let myself fall into the utter focus required to handle all the tasks. I lost track of my friends.

    By the time I was doing the drum track for Smells Like Teen Spirits, and just absolutely going to town on for it, I noticed Ichi was standing in the recording room as well.

    So I hit it even harder. This was the first song of the story I was telling, I had to draw attention while ying it, otherwise I might not keep them for all the songs.

    And so I continued on, hammering through the songs over and over, cleaning every technical piece of the song I could, over and over and over.

    It all ran into itself and it was only when I had to stop to go to the bathroom that my chooms grabbed me and sat me down.

    Easy Motoko, you need anything? Food? Here, have some water. Hiromi demanded, while Malcolm handed it over.

    I rolled my eyes at their worry, but drank down the water anyway.

    Im fine. Just in the zone to get this all done.

    You got some time Motoko, itll take me a while to find a location and set it up.

    Red Dirt. I finally said, decision made. Can you set up the gig for that bar? I asked, and Hiromi blinked, looking confused.

    Maybe? Where is it?

    Arroyo.

    Wait, I know that ce. Its fucking ancient. Ichi spoke up and I shed him a smile.

    Yep. It was the first ce Samurai ever yed at.

    Ugh. Hiromi groaned, but she nodded. Okay fine. If thats where you want to y I was going to try Lizzies or something.

    Nah, maybe after, if I do another gig. Red Dirt wasnt just the first ce Samurai yed, it was also small

    Hopefully the smaller crowd would help.

    I stood up and went back to work. I didnt want to keep spending money considering I knew just how much these recording studios cost.

    --

    <em>Malcolm</em>

    You know I knew Motokos kinda bullshit sometimes. Sometimes I wonder, how the fuck did she do all this. How can she learn all these crazy skills so fast Then I see her do shit like this, and I dont think its that crazy anymore. He uttered, staring at Motoko, just a teenager same as him.

    A girl that has less than a year of memories? He watched as she didnt just y multiple instruments, but absolutely destroyed them. Energy she usually reserved for the middle ofbat,ing out as she sang and yed with a frantic energy that she had kept up with for hours already.

    Just watching her made Malcolm exhausted.

    Shes amazing. Hiromi added, which was just such a Hiromi thing to say. Of course the girl with the biggest crush in the city would think her crush was the best thing ever.

    But fuck if Malcolm wasnt feeling some feelings for her right now either.

    The energy, and force Motoko put into the songs, and he had listened to theplete track of the first few she went through was already amazing.

    Dammit, why did his best friend that was a girl have to be kinda hot?

    He shook it off. If Hiromi found out he even thought that, she would make his life hell.

    He nced to Ichi, who passed over a look.

    Yeah.

    They both looked away, knowing Hiromi wouldnt have noticed, she was the one most enthralled with Motokos inexhaustible energy.

    So Im gonna call everyone I know and tell them to show up for this gig. You?

    Obviously. We have to tell Jun. Hed kill us if we kept him out of it.

    Oh dont worry. Hiromi added. I haveplete confidence in Motoko. Ill throw up some fliers as well. Well turn Motokos first gig into a st!

    Malcolm winced. He knew Motoko well enough to know she had liked the idea of the gig being in a small ce to get away from the massive crowds.

    Sorry Motoko. You shouldnt have stolen Hiromis heart if you didnt want her to use her massive corpo powers to your benefit... Or detriment.

    I like this one. Ichi offered, and Malcolm listened in nodding along as Motoko had switched to singing, and absolutely roared along to the rock song. Taking the headset he put it on, and listened to the song ying along as Motoko sang.

    The lyrics Yeah that was a cool song, felt very old school. No electronic beats or anything just pure instruments, and lyrics, but it still felt exciting, there was so much going on.

    I called the Red Dirt. Got a slot. They agreed pretty quickly, the pay is shit though, but they wouldnt budge. Hiromi grumbled suddenly and Malcolm realized that while Hiromi was staring at Motoko like a particrly nice looking XXL burrito, she was also handling business.

    Hiromi really scared him. It was a good thing she was on their side.

    Want to tell Motoko?

    After this, shell get distracted if I tell her now. Best to let her finish. She offered and Malcolm had to nod. For a girl that was so confident, she got embarrassed easy.

    But Malcolm went back to just listening to the song and nodding his head along with the beat.

    Preem.

    --

    I cant believe you already set it up! I whined, as I wiped a towel over my head.

    Not sure where Hiromi had found a towel, but I wasnt going to question it.

    Of course! Im your agent, and manager. Its my job. She said and I took particr note of the additional title Hiromi had given herself, but didnt bring it up.

    I thought I would have a bit more time to settle with the idea. I grumbled, but Hiromi shook her head.

    You already made the decision, and Ive never known you to back off once you make one! She said looking proudly, and I didnt have the heart to tell her, I had been thinking of calling it all off.

    Dammit.

    So you finished all the songs? Ichi asked, having been looking at my Music box as it beeped away.

    They were already done, but with actual instruments, and better equipment. I was able to clean them up. I walked over and picked up the music box, the update wasplete. Ill need to do some hologram work, to make sure everything matches up, but I can do that anywhere.

    So who are you going to tell about your gig, other than Jun? Ichi asked, and I hissed, feeling the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, which was impossible as that Neural Link covered the whole section, but I still felt it!

    No one! Tell no one! Especially not Jun! Never Jun! I demanded, and got kind of awkward looks in turn.

    They wouldnt tell Jun, or else!

    Sending a firm look to all of them, I nodded and then looked at all the equipment left in the room.

    I guess I have to clean up.

    Leave that to us. Ichi offered instantly, standing up. Just make sure we dont break anything? He asked as he headed into the room, and I smiled.

    Sure.

    Hiromi I noticed was distracted on a call, so I left her to it, as I went to help the boys put everything away.

 Chapter 180

    Chapter 180

    I was just starting to rx when even more people I knew came inside the small bar. At least this time some of them were expected.

    Rita! I called out to the woman who was already making her way over, although Nox alongside her was unexpected, along with a few of the other Mox members I didnt know.

    Hey kid. Im on time right? She asked, and I nodded.

    Yeah about ten minutes until showtime. I answered back weakly, and she sent me a gentle smile and a pat on the back.

    Then Nox was there.

    Nova! Motoko! You didnt tell me you were ying a gig! Sup Romi.

    Call me Boss! She demanded and Nox just scoffed ignoring her. I was distracted from their little spat though because Rita had seen Jun.

    Hey Tyger Boy. She greeted with a sultry sound that every Mox jerked at including Nox. All of them staring in shock.

    Hey Mox Girl. Jun greeted back, maybe for the first time ever making me willing to admit that Jun might, for just a little bit, have some actual game.

    Rita looked at me and I shooed her off, knowing what she wanted.

    Besides, I was too anxious to deal with this right now.

    I idly watched as Alice and Rita realized they were both at odds, and the awkward atmosphere that Junpletely missed as he happily chatted with both women.

    Jun was so dense.

    Motoko? Hiromi asked, and I looked at her. Nox was also looking at me eagerly.

    Sorry, I was distracted, whats up?

    Tell Nox that Im his boss. Hiromi demanded, and then Nox interrupted.

    You arent my boss! Motoko and I are partners! Tell her Motoko, we had a good thing right? I handled distribution! The boy pleaded and I looked at both of them for a moment before justughing at their silly argument.

    It helped ground me a bit, reminded me I was just a teenager, and it was okay to have teenager problems.

    Youre both great. I told them instead with a smile, and that at least stopped the argument, although why Jun was rolling his eyes at me was annoying when he was the one with two girls currently flirting with him!

    I rolled my eyes at him back which had him chuckle.

    The time ticked down and down, and finally.

    I rose up, guitar in hand, music box in the other.

    --

    The bar had gone quiet. The stereo behind me ying Samurai had turned off, and it was now under my control as I plugged my Music box into it.

    The lights were off, and there were more people here than I would have liked. I peeked behind me as I fiddled with the music box and could make out the crowd in the shadowed bar.

    A general murmur was going through it. I could hear a lot of people asking questions about my age, and why I was at this sort of bar.

    Lot of people were wondering if I was going to y some shitty pop music or something. This was a rock bar after all.

    I pulled out the personal link cord, and stuck it into the Music box, then I pulled another one and slipped it into my guitar I was hooked up.

    Deep breath.

    Exhale.

    I stood up, and looked up at the lights, technically I had been given ess to the lighting system, but I had no set up for it. So I just hacked into the equipment, and threw a few changes at the rather straightforward program it was inbuilt with.

    The lights shifted, most of them angling sort of around the stage, as my holograms would work best in lower light.

    It was time.

    Turn on my BD Recorder. Take a few steps towards the mic, feeling my Personal link stretch a bit, but it was fine, I had plenty of cord left.

    Hi, Im Motoko, and Im going to y a set tonight. I uh Dont really have a band name picked out yet And uh, Im a solo act for now until I get some band mates. So for tonight uh Just bear with me. I offered, feeling like my throat was dry as I spoke in front of the whole crowd.

    Come on! Ive murdered more people than this in one go! Why was I so worked up?

    Cool. Be Cool. I stretched a bit and then it was time, behind me the holograms activated.

    Images of me, showing much more confidence, than I felt right now appeared. Drummer Motoko even spun the sticks like I had programmed her to, showing an easy confidence.

    This first song is called, Smells Like Teen Spirit. I exined, then without waiting my strumming began. The opening chords that Kobain had wowed the world with so long ago.

    A few momentster the drums started, and the energy of the room picked up. Then mellowed for a moment, as it was time to sing.

    Load up on guns, bring your friends! Its fun to lose and to pretend! I sang, and there was an electricity in the room.

    I realized then, just how much Rockerboy taught beyond just music. My eyes roved through the crowd, settling on faces, as I sang directly to them, drawing them in, the music distracting them from everything else until it was just them, and me.

    I shifted the way I moved, a motion almost like dancing, a consistent motion that mirrored the song, a motion that drew people into following along.

    Yet without a full band, I was climbing uphill. I should have the rest of the band showing off their energy synergizing, but the music box holograms could only show what I had programmed, and I hadnt considered everything that I would need.

    So it was all on me, the energy, the motion, the song.

    And I didnt let myself hesitate, or slow.

    I was the front runner, and I could do this.

    Our little group its always been, and always will until the end.

    These lyrics I emphasized heavily, singing them loud and clear.

    Smells Like Teen Spirit had a lot of nonsensical lyrics, it was supposed to, but until someone understood that, it was a bit weird. But here? With those lyrics, they all understood.

    If youe across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    All of the people in this club had probably been Street Kids. Had lived with a crew, and had probably lost some of them.

    I called to them, a siren song to their past, I yed the song of teen Spirit, and the crowd reacted.

    More and more people were head banging along. I nced up and the second floor were actuallying from their tables and resting against the bannister, and I sang to them all.

    My friends, my family, were an oasis for my eyes, because they were into it entirely. Hiromi was practically falling off her stool with how much she was into it. Jun had the biggest smile on his face.

    Rita looked shocked and was head banging along with the rhythm.

    It was right. This felt good. Even with everyone else around.

    A DENIAL! I roared out thest lyric, as the music finally came to an end, thest chord slowly fading away in the bar.

    It was quiet, for a moment, and then Hiromi practically jumped up on her stool and whistled, and the crowd reacted cheering and pounding feet, or pping brosef bottles on the bannister.

    This next song. I started, because I didnt want the energy to fade, and instantly the crowd was quiet. This next song, is called Rise. Little less Rock, but bear with me. I added, again, and got augh from Ichi at my remark, so it was good.

    I activated the Music box, selecting the song. Rise, was a weird song. League of Legends hadnt been my game, but the song was pretty nova.

    Then holograms changed, different instruments, mostly electronic sounds now although it still had normal instruments as well.

    Then the sound started, without waiting and the crowd watched as I walked to the mic.

    Wee to the world, no heroes and viins!

    I could see the more pop sounding song wasnt as instantly engaging, as Nirvana was to a dive bar, but that was fine.

    It was my voice that was going to drag them in this time.

    When I sang, I saw the shock on everyone''s face.

    Smells Like Teen Spirit, was a bad about teenagers. So of course I had let my voice out as a teenager.

    But this? This was the next step. When a teenager bes something more.

    My voice was huskier, deeper, no longer the same, and the obvious change had dragged all the attention on to me as I sang. As my own voice yed back up for me from the speakers, I sang, drawing them into the story.

    Drawing them into what they had all seen.

    Prove yourself and Rise! RISE! MAKE THEM REMEMBER YOU! I roared, my voice changing again as the song hit its apex. Getting older, getting stronger!

    Making them see the connection between the songs, letting them know, I wasnt just ying random songs, but telling a story.

    The moment the song was over, I walked away from the mic. Showing that I was doing something else. Quickly changing the lights to a different hue, the sudden shift startled everyone, but I had to capitalize, before they could even process, I started again. The tapping of cymbals was heard.

    Eyes, burning away to me. I crooned as I turned, my voice sounded older again, husky and mature, and as I turned I dragged their attention onto me again.

    The more pop sound of Rise, into the rock of This Fffire, by Franz Ferdinand echoed off the walls.

    Noooow there is a fire in me! A fire that buuuuuuurns! It was perfect, I had drawn them all in, all eyes were on me, and they were all listening.

    So I gave them it all.

    This fire is outta control! Im gonna burn this city! Burn this city! My gaze went out over the crowd, and I sang to them all, releasing my emotions onto the crowd. Cool and Rockerboy Synergizing letting me go full out.

    I demanded their attention, my motions forced them into my rhythm, my siren song stole their minds. It was more than just ying. Rockerboy wasnt just ying a song, it was a performance.

    Although I was alone, It was enough. The unexpected songs, the tricks with lining them up without rest. The way I kept the noise lively and new. @@novelbin@@

    Then it ended, once more the note trailed off, and I had sucked in the wonder of everyone present.

    That was This Fffire. I said, and the crowd roared. The song was a titr Rockerboy song. The exact sort of thing a bar dedicated to Samurai would die for.

    Realizing my thirst, I looked over and saw Hiromi, I made a grabbing motion to her, and as always she was right on it. She grabbed a bottle of water and chucked it at me, I fumbled the catch with only one hand as I had to leap for it, a momentter I managed to snag it, and earned augh from the crowd.

    I spun the bottle around popped it open with a thumb and chugged the water down for a few moments, before cing it on the floor and then getting ready.

    The Pretender. I whispered huskily as the lights shifted to red, and white, and then the gentle strums of the Foo Fighters song began.

    Keep you in the dark, you know they all pretend. I sang softly, like a luby, once more the shift in tone drawing eyes as people wondered what was going to happen, but then drummer Motoko started absolutely beating the shit out of the drums.

    The speed picked up, and I stopped singing softly.

    Send in your skeletons, sing as their bones go marching in! Again!

    The pick up and return to rock had absolutely enthralled the crowd, and I was in it, going full out, letting my real anger seep through as I roared it out.

    What if I say, Im not like the others!? What if I say Im not just another of your ys!? Youre the Pretender! What if I say that Ill never surrender!

    And soon the crowd was actually roaring back. Singing along to the refrains they knew, as I thrust a fist into the sky watching as they all copied me. From Hiromi to Jun, to every nameless face.

    First time the song had ever been yed in Night City outside of my room, and the crowd was already going wild.

    Thats Dave Grohl for you I guess.

    Then it cut. Going quiet, as I whispered the lyric, I could see the crowd go silent to hear, and then my eyes shed. The lights above me went from red behind me, and white infront to nothing but red as the song went full out.

    What if I say Im not like the others! The crowd roared back, I wasnt roaring at the crowd, I was roaring along with them, against the bullshit day to day, against the corps pushing down.

    SO WHO ARE YOU!? I screamed pointing out over the crowd and they roared right back.

    I was on my knees, finger pointing as the song ended, and the crowd was into it. I was breathing heavily despite how fit I was, that was a lot of yelling and moving around.

    Now Now to end it.

    The lights shed off, then slowly, they each shifted behind me, each of them a different color, and pattern.

    A Kaleidoscope, as best as I could make one.

    The song began. The massive change from the rock track grabbed attention, and I saw some of the mood bleed out of the room.

    That was fine.

    It was actually better. This was the ending. The eventual path that all those that try to be Edgerunners find.

    Teenage arrogance. The Rise of someone walking the path. The Fffirey heart of someone at the top. The anger at the betrayal of a Pretender And the heart crushing realization of when you are let down.

    Let you Down by Dawid Podsiado. Sashas song. The emotional connection I had to Sasha wasplicated to say the least.

    So I used it.

    Feel the rhythm of the streets. Neon lights, and neon dreams. I crooned, this time my Sexy Motoko voice on full tilt. I made my voice as husky, as mature as I could.

    This was the end.

    Forgive me for letting you down. I crooned, and I met Juns eyes. He remembered this song. I remember he thought it was for him, not realizing just what it truly was.

    But thats okay. This isnt just Sashas song anymore. Its a song for any Edgerunner.

    The end of the path.

    They will finally feel the mes, the mes that run down through my veins. I will make the city burn. I sang a fun call back to This Fffire, but then it continued. Were not nning to return.

    And that was it. The moment that every song built up to.

    The moment some Edgerunner decides to make a statement in their death.

    Dawid had certainly written an amazing Cyberpunk song.

    Slowly, as the song ended, The Kaleidoscope of lights died out.

    One by one the colors faded. Then as thest note died, so did the set.

    I took a step away from the mic. Even as the crowd realized it was over stirred and roared their approval. I stood there, sweaty, and out of breath, and just took stock of how it had gone.

    Thatst song is called Let you Down. I spoke into the mic using my normal voice, and then it was over. Thank you all for listening. That was the end of my set.

    I turned away from the crowd feeling floaty as I kneeled down by my music box to unplug it, even as the crowd cheered my chooms loudest of all.

    My mind was filled with what I had just done, but most of all. It was towards an alert I had received.

    *100 Cool XP Gained*

    *Cool Leveled up!*

    Cool 10.

    --

    That was the craziest thing Ive ever done. I told my chooms as I stared into a soda.

    It was amazing! Hiromi argued, and Malcolm nodded but I couldn''t look at them.

    We were still at the bar, hanging out at the table we had imed, but it was just too much. Jun had taken to shooing away the strangers that hade up to congratte me, because it was just too much.

    I felt hot, my ears were burning, and I couldnt believe I had actually done that.

    Hiromi had talked me into it, I had agreed, but I couldnt believe I had gone through with it.

    I made aplete fool of myself. I whispered, and Jun suddenly dropped an arm over my shoulder.

    Never. That was the most amazing thing Ive ever seen. You were perfect. What was that you did with your voice?

    I just altered my voice a little, its not that hard. I whispered, unable to tear my hands away from my face.

    Heh. I cant do it. He offered, and then Malcolm was there, punching me in the shoulder, which had him wince a momentter as he hit my chrome.

    Ow Dont freak out Motoko. That was amazing. Those songs were absolutely nova. I hadnt heard all of them yet. He offered but I just kept my head in my hands.

    Everyone was staring at me! Everyone had heard me y.

    Aaaaaa. I whispered, and a momentter Jun chuckled at me.

    Its cute how embarrassed you get about this stuff. He exined to me, and I finally jerked up to re at him.

    Im not cute when Im embarrassed!

    Kinda.

    Yep. Hiromi and Malcolm both cut in and I turned to re at them, but both of my chooms just sent me smirks.

    Im back! Ichi called out dropping off some more drinks for everyone including a new soda for me. You know if nothing else. Getting Motoko to y so we get free drinks is pretty nova.

    Oh! Yeah! We should make Motoko y every time we go to a bar so we all drink free! Hiromi chirped, and I sent her a look of horror that only had her smirking at me all the wider.

    You have my vote. Ichi offered, and Malcolm, despite already chugging his drink, threw up a hand to signal he was agreeing.

    Hey! I snapped, but none of my chooms seemed to mind my existential breakdown!

    Hey kid. A voice from behind us drew my eyes away from my chooms. Jun looked the man over and stepped aside, letting me see the barman.

    Yeah?

    You did good work. Wasnt sure about it when I heard you didnt have a full band, but you did a good job bringing the energy up. The older man offered, rubbing at his chin. You ever want to y again, you call me up. The Red Dirt will be happy to host you, but if you want some advice? Get a band to y with. I think you got something there, and a real band will really bring it out.

    I felt my throat clench up as the idea of having a band was a little too much, instead I just nodded at his words. He seemed to pick up on my anxiety and justughed.

    Youll get used to it. All the greats do. He assured me, then he looked over to Hiromi, and his eyes shed. Payment for the work. He offered and Hiromi had a look of the cat that caught the canary.

 Chapter 183

    Chapter 183

    Ugh. This is why I dont go out of the city. The sand is fucking everywhere. Reba grumbled. We had taken a pit stop a few hours into the drive to let everyone hit the bathroom if they needed, and poor Reba got the worst of it.

    Well you arent supposed to press your ass into the sand. I joked back, and she red at me.

    Rebas squeals as she had lost her bnce while out squatting in the desert had gotten me toe running, only to break down into aughing fit when I found her on her back legs in the air after falling over.

    Fuck off! How much longer anyways? She grumbled at me, arms crossed, but it wasnt very threatening, more cute.

    Not too far. Dakota gave us the exact info. Seriously, these Raffen should know better. I offered back. The gig was easy enough. A small band of Raffen had kidnapped the daughter of some rich woman in the city. The stupid girl hade out to party in the bands, and the Raffen had gone through and took everyone mid party to ransom them back.

    But this girl''s parents were more interested in sending a message, than sending eddies.

    Which worked for me.

    I waved at Hiromi who waved back at me. The whole crew was moving on this gig, just in different cars, but this time Reba was with me instead of Hiromi. Ichi once again was stuck driving the truck as we headed out.

    I wasnt sure how much loot these Raffen would have, but I was going to find out!

    All done?

    As done as I can be. Reba grumbled, as she climbed back into the car. Then we were off. Our little convoy continued on. As we moved, I went over the information Dakota had given me. Like normal the Raffen had taken over some old buildings in the desert and were using it to hold their hostages.

    Technically the gig only cared about the one girl, but I nned on cleaning up the entire group, and so I would have to worry about the hostages as well.

    I hade up with a n that I think would work, and this time it really would be mostly about me.

    I would go in first, infiltrate, find the hostages, and then secure them, then once I was done, I would call it in, and the rest of the team would move in, and all together we would take out the rest of the forces with me working asrunner support to ensure the hostages wouldnt be harmed.

    As we turned off the main road, and onto a dirt path I kept an eye out for our contact. Dakota had been keeping an eye on the Raffen for thest three days after the kidnapping, she had been putting together a team to rescue the hostages, but hadnt taken care of until we had shown up.

    Seriously, I was going to have to talk to her, she could have let me know about this gig without us reaching out.

    Or more likely I knew, I needed to talk to Hiromi about setting up a fixer connection. If Hiromi was talking to all of them, or seeing what gigs they needed done, she could poke me about good gigs and Section 9 could take them on.

    I waszy when it really came down to it. I had plenty of eddies, and not a lot of things I was nning on buying so I kept putting off taking more and more gigs.

    Which thinking about it was rather stupid. I did want to get a Full Body Conversion at some point, even with all the politics involved in that level of Cyberware.

    Stupid full body restrictions. h h had to have someone vouch for you, h h.

    Id probably just put in the paperwork saying I worked for Hiromi and that would be that. One of the benefits of having a choom so into the Corpowork.

    I slowed and pulled off, seeing the man sitting at an old bus stop with a dirtbike that was our contact.

    Alright were here. I muttered, and Ba perked up. Looking suddenly excited.

    Finally! I was waiting for this! She cried and stepped out as soon as my car stopped. Really I was going to have to talk to her about the seatbelt thing.

    I stepped out and noticed Malcolms car pulled up behind us. The rocketunchers on the top of the thing always distracted me whenever I saw them.

    Stupid dibs, that was supposed to be my rocketuncher car!

    Ichis truck pulled up behind that, and Hiromi behind him.

    You lot Section 9? The man asked, and I felt my face brighten into a smile before I calmed it, and went stone faced.

    We are. You are Milton, Dakotas contact. I greeted him in turn as I approached him. Where is thepound?

    Its an old farm house. Just up the road. Ive never been in it before, but from what I was able to gather, it has a basement. Thats likely where the hostage is. He exined, sending over some fairly basic data about the insides, but brand new pictures of what it looked like from the outside and above.

    The man must have a drone or something.

    Alright. Well take it from here, unless you have anything else?

    Nothing that Dakota wanted to pass along. He offered with a shrug, and then just settled back into the bus stop. Feet up on the bike. Rxing back as if nning on just waiting to see what would happen.

    I thought aboutmenting, but it wasnt worth it, or important.

    Alright, suit up! I called out as I turned, and I got nods from everyone besides Reba, who looked confused, before I smiled at her, and took a moment to pull out the case of her armor from the trunk right alongside my own.

    Suit up. I told her and she looked a little hesitant, as she took it. Hiromi and the boys can help you get it on. I told her.

    Dont stress about it, its pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Hiromi added as she walked over to help.

    Yeah sure. Cant be too hard. Reba admitted, sounding more sure of herself.

    Alright go ahead and arm up as well Im going to head in first. I told them already, pulling on my chest rig, strapping it in, as I started securing my weapons and equipment.

    Everyone got to it. Hiromi walking Reba through suiting up, it thankfully let me focus on preparing.

    Attaching the silencer onto my Copperhead, I nodded as it was secured. Time to get to work. I made the call connecting everyone together and then headed out into the desert.

    These guys wouldnt likely have any sensors in the desert, but I would still be heading in alone on foot, so I could try and find out before we got closer.

    Stomping through the desert once again I wanted tough to myself at how often I found myself sliding through the sands outside Night City. The Raffen just couldnt help themselves, and I guess they were an easy target considering how rarely they would go into Night City. Low risk, high reward.

    I controlled my breathing, moved cautiously, and let myself fall into a rhythm, checking everything as I stalked closer and closer. Soon enough I crested a ridge and could see the farmhouse, and the cars surrounding it in the distance. Staying low and hiding in the shadow of a bush I sent up to date information to my team, marking the cars to focus on.

    More interesting was that I couldnt see any defenses, this ce didnt even have cameras set up that I could see.

    Moving over the ridge after making sure no one had eyes on me, I moved closer and closer, lining up with a section of the back side of the farmhouse that didnt have any windows. I approached closer and closer, until I quietly leapt over the fence that surrounded the property.

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    *Im in.* I confirmed to the team. There was no hesitation, this wasnt my first, infiltration. I followed along the back of the house until I was on the shadowed side, Then slowly peaked in through the armored windows.

    It was a Kitchen, and it was empty so far that I could see. Taking a moment I gathered as much about theyout of the house as I could before moving on.

    I didnt trust the window guards to not squeal if I opened them, so that wasnt my entrance. Everything was so old and rusted, that I would have to worry about noise, which meant the front was the best ess point.

    Sliding along the wall, I peaked around at the cars. None of them were on, but with their Crystal Dome it was impossible to tell if someone was inside them with their doors closed.

    This would be so much easier, if I could get eyes on someone and just ping them.

    Slipping through the shadows, I crouched and made my way to the front door. It was unlocked, and an old style door, instead of one of the electrical doors that were so popr in Night City. I crouched up to it, and slowly opened it, peeking inside.

    The front hallway was empty, but I could hear sounds of a TV ying. Obviously these guys had gotten some power going. I slipped inside, closing the front door silently behind me.

    I felt the cold flow through me. Time to move and find the hostages. The assumption was they were downstairs, but this farmhouse did have a second floor as well.

    Id check down, but have to be careful about what was above me.

    Sliding along the wall I came to the first opening. On the right the hallway opened into a living room, where the sound of the TV wasing from, and there was a small door to the left to the kitchen I had seen before. Further down the hall was a few other rooms, and stairs up.

    Where was the basement entrance?

    I prepared myself and peeked around the corner into the living room.

    Instantly I engaged my Sandevistan.

    The couch was facing the doorway, the TV was up against the wall I was against, and there was a Raffen sitting on the couch drinking a beer.

    I moved, even as his eyes widened in surprise at seeing me, my knife came out and before his voice could make a sound I chucked it, the knife moved through the air like it was in slow motion.

    Then it crashed into the man''s throat. I was right behind it, the metal cut off his cry of rm, as I grabbed the hilt of the de and jerked it out, tearing his throat out and silencing him permanently.

    My Sandy turned off and I pushed the man down into the couch so he would bleed out into it, instead of on top of me.

    *100 des XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    I waited, listening urgently for any noise. A ruffle, a cough, the sound of a boot on flooring.

    Nothing.

    I released the corpse and turned up the TV a bit. Unfortunately I hadnt pinged him before the murder so I was still going in blind. Idly I noticed my Sandevistan didnt feel too bad. It was still warm, but that was the actual chrome''s heat, and not my nerves on fire. I shifted my neck a bit as I I checked the room. I felt good.

    My eyes roved over the room, before I noticed that it had a strange shape. Instead of being square or rectangr, there was a harsh angle in the corner. The same corner that would be across from the stairs up.

    I think that was where the basement ess was.

    Heading back out of the living room I moved quietly down the hall, Copperhead raised. Knife was quieter, but if things got bad I was ready to fire. There across from the stairs, was a door, and as I gently opened it up, I found the basement stairs.

    *I found the basement. Heading down now, move in.*

    Then I slowly went inside, testing each step to make sure none of the construction creaked as I slipped down. It wasnt dark though. No, the lights were on, and as I headed down I heard it before seeing. The sounds of quiet crying.

    I slipped farther down and caught sight of the situation.

    Arge basement, well lit, with a pile of teenagers tucked into a corner sitting on the floor.

    It looks like they had been given ess to a small bathroom nearby, but that was the extent of theirfort.

    Then there were the Raffen watching them. One guy was sitting at the base of the stairs in a big chair with a tactician.

    No one saw me yet as I was just peeking through the small gap where the stairs left the ceiling. I quickly breached into the Raffen, and then when that was done, sent a ping through.

    The golden light branched off and I noticed that he wasnt alone. There was another light leading near him in a corner of the basement I couldnt see.

    Two of them.

    Then another three lights upstairs.

    I connected the information into thework with my chooms, so Section 9 would have the information on where the Raffen were.

    Now what to do?

    Even silenced my Copperhead would make noise. A bullet smacking into concrete tended to make noise

    Then again the hostages would make noise when I appeared as well. They always do.

    I gave myself four seconds toe to a decision, and in the end got up and moved bouncing off the stairs so Inded at the bottom skipping everything in between, and giving the Raffen no time.

    Sandevistan activated, and I once again felt the warmth on my neck, but it wasnt as bad. Then I moved. I back flipped,nding on the back of therge chair, behind the first Raffen, my knife slipping into and then out of his throat in a single motion as I kicked off again, bouncing off the wall I saw where the second Raffen was. A couch settled into a corner facing a TV although it wasnt on this time.

    He was just starting to react, as I leapt, his eyes dting, in slow time as his brain registered the movement. Registered that something was there. Something dangerous. The adrenaline spiked, his brain sparked, but it was all far too slow. Inded on top of him bodily pushing him into the couch for a second before simply stepping away, his throat now ripped open leading his life to trail out over his dirty shirt.

    Sandevistan off, a burning fire up my neck told me I was at my limit.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    *100 Athletics XP Gained.*

    *500 XP Gained.*

    I almostughed at the odd XP. I guess doing backflips counted.@@novelbin@@

    Focusing on the hostages, who were also just starting to react and raised a hand to where my lips were hidden under my helmet.

    A single finger telling them to be quiet, I didnt move for a few moments letting them all register what was happening and see my motion.

    It mostly worked, a few gave squeals of shock at the sudden death, and at my appearance, but the ones that were smart shushed their fellows and soon the entire room was quiet again.

    Taking a few quiet steps forward I returned to the stairs and waited, my directional microphone pointed upwards, trying to catch anything.

    It was quiet. The three lines of light leading above didnt shift. Nodding, I turned to the hostages.

    That was more people than expected.

    I had thought we were talking about four or five, but this was more like twenty hostages stuck down here. I ignored them though, instead focusing back up the stairs as I could hear the sounds of vehicles approaching.

    Section 9 was here.

    I felt myself grow a sinister grin as I raced back up the stairs, setting up at the entrance to the basement with my Copperhead pointing towards the stairs.

    I could hear the Raffen upstairs tumbling around hearing the sound of approaching engines that werent their own.

    And I prepared myself.

    LETS GO! Ahahahaha! A familiar voice rang out and suddenly a roar started up. I could hear the rounds mming into the second floor as Reba opened fire with the Ichi special.

    Ichi had set up the behemoth for a quick mount of his HMGs. So of course that would be where Reba ended up.

    I could hear the hostages below cry out in fear at the sound, but they werepletely safe. The HMG was firing up into the second floor, I could see the golden lights flicker out as the HMG rounds punched straight through the old farmhouse.

    In the end, two of the lights flickered before the HMG went silent.

    *You know its a pain in the ass to reload those things right?* I asked over the line as I raced upwards.

    *Aw, Cmon! Do you have any idea how long Ive been wanting to let loose with one of these babys! Militechs Mark thirty-one, is practically my dream! Aaaah! I want to keep firing! Ichi! Reload! Pleeeeease!*

    *Not a chance. Im safe in here. Armored Cab.*

    *Alright, alright, clearms. Im going after thest one.* I offered back fighting my desire tough at Rebas cherry sweet pleading towards Ichi.

    Malcolm had rushed in as soon as the guns stopped and formed up behind me as we went upstairs. Might have to talk to him about getting some Lynx Paws, he was a bit loud, but it didnt matter.

    We found thest Raffen hiding in a bathroom that somehow had kept the rounds from reaching him.

    He died quickly enough with a couple shots of the Copperhead.

    *500 XP Gained.*

    --

    This is a mess. I grumbled as I grabbed what was left in the fridge the Raffen had stored up and took it downstairs. These kids werent just from one kidnapping. It was more like three. The Raffen had the bright idea of setting up parties in the Bands and thening in and kidnapping anyone that had eddies.

    So some of the kids had been stuck out here for more than a week, and the Raffen werent doing a great job of feeding and watering them.

    Made worse with the fact those that were still here after a few days meant their parents werent able, or nning on actually paying the ransom.

    Why waste food and water on dead kids after all?

    Fucking Scum.

    Alright, I got some more food here. I called out as I stomped down the stairs. Technically we were only here for one person, but I wasnt so cold that I would leave these people to die.

    Malcolm was actually doing a damn good job ying hero, having gone downstairs to check on them, he had worked to get them allfortable, getting them food and water.

    More than a few of the teens closer to our age were making doe eyes at the big damn hero.

    It was cute.

    On the other hand

    As I walked down, there was a sudden tenseness in the atmosphere. I guess my cold blooded murder of the two Raffen had left an impression. None of the teens seemed brave enough to want to interact with me.

    Thanks. Malcolm offered, grabbing the food and drink from my arms and starting to pass it out.

    Ichi had alreadymandeered Reba, and they were going through everything they could find for loot. Although I had noticed Reba giving the vehicles outside strong looks.

    I already knew which one she would take too. There was a nice Archer Quartz that she had been keeping an eye on. The little two seater would fit Reba perfectly.

    Either way I was more focused on helping Malcolm.

    After the food and drink was handed over, Malcolm continued to act as the face, calming everyone down as he assured them he would get everyone back to the city without any issue.

    Eventually everything calmed down. I found our actual target, and sent a picture to Dakota confirming rescue.

    She would be sending a truck to pick her up, and then the rest of the kids were our responsibility if we wanted to do something.

    I headed back up, to check in with Ichi, who didnt look enthused.

    We arent getting much out of this one Motoko. The vehicles, a few things of value inside, what they were wearing, and thats about it. They didnt bother to set anything up here. He exined as I met up with him and Reba searching through the old rooms.

    Eh, cant win them all. Its fine we did this mostly for Reba anyways. I offered shrugging, and the girl looked up as her name was called, before looking a little pleased.

    Thanks Choom. She offered and I smiled back at her before remembering I was wearing my helmet still. Taking it off I gave her a smile in return.

    Alright, find what we can, and load it up in the other vehicles first. I think the behemoth is mostly going to be full of our friends downstairs.

    Dakota isnt going to take them? Ichi asked, and I shook my head.

    Apparently she was only paid for the one, and doesnt care. They are our responsibility. I answered back with a grumble. It would have been a lot easier if we didnt have to transport twenty two people.

    Well at least well have room? Ichi said looking around the room and thepleteck of loot piles.

    Yeah, alright you two finish up, Im going to make sure we have water for our friends on the trip. I headed back out, and went in search. Its not like I could use the taps. The water was awful, so I would have to find something else. There was probably an old SCSM somewhere.

 Chapter 187

    Chapter 187

    ��Musashi�� Daisuke Smith

    ��Where the fuck did she go!?�� He yelled out as he raced back into the walls of the dojo.

    Fucking dammit. This was supposed to happen outside the dojo! Sensei wouldn��t interfere, but there would be trouble after if they caused trouble here!

    ��She jumped on the roof! Misaki is fucked!�� One of his chooms called out in Japanese, looking over Misaski was indeed fucked. The girl looked like her face was punched in.

    Fuck. Moritaka was not going to be pleased about his Netrunner getting hurt.

    ��Find the bitch! Block the entrance, keep an eye on the walls. There is no way out except through here! Watch her car!�� He called out and the men all nodded.

    Musashi wasn��t the highest ranked member in the TC, but his Grandfather was well respected, and that carried a lot of weight.

    It was why he could take on the name Musashi and no one argued against it. He would live up to it regardless. Fuck all those fools that mocked him for his choice.

    He would show the Tyger ws his worth.But first he needed to beat this girl ck and blue�� Maybe take one of her legs. She had already lost both arms, so what was one more limb?

    If that Bitch hadn��t tricked him and beaten him in the match in front of everyone, then maybe he wouldn��t need to cut her to make sure she understood. He had only lost because they were fighting with stupid Shinai and not live steel!

    Fucking Sensei. That old man didn��t understand that a true Samurai needed live steel to show his true talent!

    And fuck that little whore for mocking him! Him! She was nothing! A fucking street rat that was only allowed around because her brother was a weapon for the Kamikaze.

    ��Find her!�� He yelled and his men ran off. A few were helping each other to climb onto the roof to find her.

    He stomped around. Already he could see Senseiing out to the front of the Dojo but with a look the older man took in what was happening and he stopped. He didn��t interfere but his eyes went yellow as he made a call.

    Tsk!

    They needed to find her. Now, before Fujimura-sama was informed, and that fucking trash Oni showed up.

    Moritaka-Sama would not be pleased if his desire to have leverage failed. Moritaka-Sama��s son, Kisaru, had nearly been killed by some trash wannabe, and he was not pleased. The Oni had known, knew the assassin in question. Now Moritaka-Sama had ns to force Fujimura-Sama into something,, but it would all fail if they didn��t have the girl!

    What the fuck was she made of? Who just leapt over ten foot walls without trouble!?

    Of course she had chrome, her brother was the Oni, but this was too much!

    ��Where is she!?�� He yelled again but received no response. Only confused looks from his chooms as they hadn��t found anything. ��She��s not a fucking ghost find her!��

    *Is that what you think?* He stilled, nearly jumping at the voice in his ear. He nced around in shock before calming realizing what had happened. A call had gone through his agent without even ringing, and the girl was talking to him!

    *Give up, when we find you I will ensure you will not escape again. Surrender now and perhaps it will not be permanent.*

    *That��s cuteing from some nobody.*

    *You dare! I am-*

    *A dead man.*

    ��Fuck! Musashi! Brian is dead!��

    ��What!?�� He cut the call and rushed over around the corner in the alley was Brian. Brian who was stupid, but good muscle. Musashi kept him around because the boy had no ambition. He just liked hurting people and that was good enough for him.

    He was dead. Throat cut open and left in the middle of the alley.

    ��The basement! She went into the Dojo!�� He yelled out, noticing some blood stains on the door.

    ��Can-should we even go in?�� One of his men asked, and he scoffed.

    ��Let me handle the thinking, get the girl!�� The boys rushed in to find her, and Musashi grimaced. This was already bing an issue.

    *You won��t find me in there.* The call hadn��t ended. He had ended the call, and yet it was still connected.

    *You��re arunner.* It clicked and he grimaced. That was bad.

    *Oh? You didn��t know that? No�� No, I refused to believe you morons didn��t do any research into your target before you tried to kidnap me. Maelstrom did more research when they tried it, are you stupider than a bunch of Maelstrom goons?*

    *You��re a nobody. You may have some talents, but they don��t matter. You won��t escape.*

    *Escape? Oh you poor fool. I��m not running.*

    ��Musashi! Carter! He��s fucked! S-stabbed through!��

    ��What?�� He looked towards his men, the idea of Carter dying�� That was impossible. He followed towards the other side of the dojo and there was Carter. His own Katana stabbed through his heart. ��How is this happening?��

    ��Musashi. This isn��t right. Something��s wrong!��

    ��Shut up! I know that!�� This was falling apart, and he had no idea how!

    *You should call for help. You��ll need more men at this rate.*

    *Fuck you! I��ll cut off one of your limbs for every one of my chooms you��ve killed!*

    *Unfortunately for you, I don��t have that many limbs left. So I guess there is no point in me stopping.* He blinked at her tone. The amusement was obvious.

    This fucking whore. He was going to-

    ��Musashi!�� A voice called out and he looked away. And he already knew what he was about to be told.

    *You��re trying to distract me. Keep me from focusing you down!*

    *Is that what you think? You really don��t understand what kind of situation you��re in.*

    *Fuck off!* He forced the call to end and focused.

    ��Stay together! She is picking us off one by one! Move in groups! No one gets left alone!�� He roared and then despite himself he did something she had suggested.

    *Moritaka-Sama Forgive me for the impudence. We have a problem.* He began once the ringing ended, and the call went through.

    *Exin. Now.* Moritaka growled and Musashi felt his status plummet.

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    *She��s dangerous. She��s killed some of my men, I need more people here to make sure she can��t slip away�� She��s arunner, and already knocked out Misaki before we could react. My apologies.*

    *Foolish. I should have sent someonepetent, if this is the result. I am sending Komorebi. Hold her until he gets there if you can do at least that.*

    *That won��t be a problem, I have no intention of going anywhere.* A voice cut in and Musashi stilled. The girl. She was on the line!

    *Who is this? Musashi?* Musashi tried to speak, but instantly he realized his line was cut off his voice wasn��t going through his own agent!

    *This is Motoko. Musashi is still here, but I hacked into his agent forever ago. So you��re the one that wanted to kidnap me huh?*

    Moritaka scoffed before responding. *You are being ordered to appear before me.*

    *You could have just called, instead you sent a hit squad my way. I��ve already killed a few of them. Why should I not continue?* She asked, still sounding mocking.

    *Killing a few pathetic boys that can��t evenplete a task isn��t my concern. You wille one way or another.*

    *Once this Komorebi gets here you mean? I don��t like threats. You wanted to y it this way, so I��m treating it like that. I��m going to kill all the boys you send here. Then, once you stop sending them, I��m going toe for you.*

    The call went quiet for a while and Musashi eventually tried to continue.

    *Is it working?*

    *I hear you Musashi. Find her. Collect her be as brutal as you like.*

    *Yes Sir.* Musashi agreed, and the call ended.

    Fuck, she had just challenged Moritaka-Sama. She was going to die now.

    ��Musashi?��

    ��Just find her already! Moritaka-Sama says not to be gentle! Collect her! Are you a Tyger or not!�� He roared out and his men got back to it. He started looking as well, but as he searched, he only found dead bodies, and the cowering fools that Sensei had gathered into the dojo.

    ��Have you seen her?�� He demanded loudly and no one spoke. Not even Sensei who just looked on with a firm look. Derision evident.

    ��Speak! Moritaka-Sama has given these orders!�� he yelled out to the group, but no response came. Just the students who were cowering in fear at the death surrounding them, and those that were calmly sitting seiza waiting, for they had protection, or had felt danger before.

    It kept growing quieter. He looked around, checking the room but found no one. Only Carlos, who had stuck to his side when he ordered everyone to go in pairs.

    He charged out, but as he went from room to room he realized with horror.

    Josh was dead neck cut hanging over the railing for the stairs.

    Mitchell, his partner, had his brains blown out over the wall.

    Everywhere he went he found his chooms dead, not a single one of them seemed to have been alive long enough to call for help.

    Musashi felt fear, and he realized that there was almost no one left. ��Follow!�� He demanded and Carlos did. The half Mexican boy was quick on his feet, and he had long put away the des he had handed out for the reassuring weight of a Unity.

    Musashi raced through the dojo for the front, ignoring the look Sensei had left him. The man''s heavy gaze didn��t matter to Musashi. He had outgrown this ce!

    He raced out and then through the gate to find��

    He stilled, as the loud ringing noise of metal on metal rang out.

    The girl was here, back to him, and the ringing noise was her cleaning the de of blood, by cing it into the crook of her elbow and sliding it through. Chrome on de had left the noise loud enough that no one could have missed it.

    Carlos beside him pointed his gun.

    But a momentter she was there, a Sandevistan!? She had moved so fast, Carlos had fired twice and missed and then he was dead.

    The de she held cut his head off in a single move as she blurred past him practically brushing him without actually touching him.

    He jerked around, almost happy to look away. His chooms that had been left behind to watch her car were dead. She had been cleaning their blood off her de when he arrived.

    He only had his sword and he drew it as he spun preparing for an attack, but it didn��te.

    She was standing there a few feet from him. Far enough to give Musashi a moment, but close enough to be dangerous.

    Her eyes, her face, her bodynguage all spoke of how calm she was. Despite blood sshing across her cheek giving her a sinister edge, she didn��t seem bothered, her breathing was even and rxed, and the de she held at her side didn��t waver.

    He shivered, was it cold here?

    He felt cold. A chill. Was this Sakki? The air of murder? He knew some of the true samurai in the Tyger ws spoke of it at times.

    But�� To feel it from this girl? She was just a kid! This was�� Insufferable!

    ��I��ll kill you for this.�� He hissed rage, taking away the fear. He aimed his de knowing the girl was at least honorable enough for this. Trash that she was.

    ��Hmm. You know? I haven��t actually had a real sword fight before? I wonder�� Are you enough to test my limits?�� She asked, as calm as ever andpletely unbothered by the death surrounding her.

    ��Say that again when I have your limbless body on the ground.�� He growled out, but unlike any normal fool that heard his words she just smirked, seemingly amused more than threatened.

    Musashi breathed. He had subtle chrome, things that a good swordsman needed. He could do this, he simply needed to surprise her. That shouldn��t be hard. He hadn��t used his best moves on her during their one spar.

    He wouldn��t waste such things on trash. Not when he wanted to aim for the top. To defeat Sensei. To defeat Norio-Sama. To defeat them all, and be Musashi.

    ��Are you going to stare at me? Or are we-Oh there we go.�� She muttered as Musashi charged at her taunting. He would silence her!

    His de shed, calm swipes, gently scraping along her de, neither of them unskilled enough to have the actual edge of their des touch, The sides of their swords used to deflect and adjust cuts, keeping the killing de fresh.

    Again and again he swiped in, pushing, trying to use his strength and fury to intimidate to dominate.

    Yet it failed. She was like water. Sweeping his de aside without struggle. And already Musashi knew to his fury that she was actually winning on technicalities.

    But this wasn��t a spar!

    He locked the de with her own trying to catch her off guard and pushed. He was bigger than her, stronger! He forced her back, and ran with her. While the street behind her was long, there were obstacles, and of course the Dojo wall that he nned on bashing her against.

    He almost felt victory but just as she was about to be pushed into the wall his charge was stopped.

    ��That��s bullshit.�� He growled into her mocking smile. She had stretched out, right as she should have been pushed into the wall, and extended her right leg against the wall and his charge had stopped cold as her chrome arms were more than enough to hold his de from pushing her back any further.

    He had her on mass, but braced against the wall she stopped his push cold.

    ��Losers always call bullshit when they are losing.��

    ��Losing? You are pinned. Die.�� He growled, throwing a forearm against the other side of his de to push even harder, as he used his now freed left hand to dig into his jacket.

    She would die from a gun as easily as a de!

    Before he could grab it, she scoffed and suddenly she moved.

    Kicking off from her leg on the floor she spun, causing his de to arc through where she had been, but earning her freedom despite his wild swipe.

    If his other hand had been on the de she��d be dead.

    Instead her de shed.

    ��Aaah!�� He shrieked as flesh parted under the de. He flinched away forgetting his pistol for a moment as he swiped blindly to force her back as she stumbled away.

    She cut his cheek.

    No. No no! ��No!�� He screamed as his face bled. This was impossible! He couldn��t be cut by some no name punk!

    ��Oh no, I think I broke his little fantasy.�� She muttered to herself and then sighed. ��What��s wrong? Did you just realize that things aren��t going the way you expected?��

    ��Fuck you.�� He hissed once more reaching for the gun, but a momentter she was there. His arm pinned down and de against his throat.

    No. No! Her Sandevistan! She had moved too fast!

    ��Now now. You��re only keeping yourself alive because I�� enjoying something new.�� She offered as she slowly reached into his jacket and pulled free his pistol tossing it up over his head over the wall. Then she backed away, adjusting the de so it was at his throat until it was the very tip and then he swiped it away, earning space from her.

    He was breathing heavily. His hands were shaking�� He was afraid. This girl. This tiny miserable slip of a girl was going to kill him.

    He could see it. His arrogance had been cut from him. He was going to die.

    He was going to die.

    He was going to die!

    ��Oh?�� She muttered her head cocking to the side slightly seemingly amused as she watched him with those unblinking red eyes. ��Did you realize what sort of situation you are in now?�� She asked almost mockingly, as if his realization of the danger was funny.

    But before it could get worse. Before she could finish him, he heard it. Motorcycles! He knew those engines, he just had to keep her distracted for a bit longer!

    ��Y-you know what��s going to happen to you for this? I��m a Shatei! You struck me! Killed my men, you��ll be punished, and so will your brother! Unless you surrender now kowtow thrice! I��ll grant you forgiveness if you do!�� He taunted, knowing she would respond. C��mon just don��t kill him act like the superior bitch you��ve been acting up until now!

    ��Shatei? Some bullshit title or something? Whatever, just sounds like I have more people to kill after this.�� She replied drily and took a step forward, he stepped back, but his back hit the wall.

    ��Do you-��

    ��Listen if you are just buying time until they show up, I don��t mind. I��ll wait if you like, just shut up. You��re voice makes me want to kill myself.�� She replied back, cutting him off and Musashi just felt his jaw drop. Was this girl a moron?

    He kept his de up, and his mouth shut and then it happened. The sounds of bikes finally reached them. From around the corner a small squad of Tyger w killers came around. Engines rumbling as they drove up and parked.

    ��Ko-Komorebi-Senpai! Please! She��s-��

    ��Silence.�� The man barked out cutting Musashi offpletely. He looked around, his face covered by his Menpo, a sinister grin hid most of his emotion away as he looked from the dead bodies, to the girl, to him.@@novelbin@@

    ��You fucked this one up.��

    ��She��s! She��s!�� He didn��t have the words. How could he describe a girl that murdered all of his people? That had proven his�� Superior with a de?

    ��I said silence. You girl. Kusasngi��s sister. You wille with us. Moritaka-Sama wants words with you.��

    ��And I already told your boss that I would kill this sniveling trash, and any men he sends after me before hunting him down.�� She answered as calm as a summer shower. No hint of fear despite four real Tyger w killers here.

    Despite Komorebi-Senpai. The killing sh standing against her.

    ��Heh. You got a mouth on you. Your brother isn��t here to save you, nor will he. He��s in enough trouble. Put the de away and let��s go. I have more important things to do, than rescue a fuck up from his failures.��

    ��Senpai.�� Musashi muttered weakly, but no one looked at him, only the de still pointed at him kept him still.

    ��Make me.�� She replied back just as calmly. ��Frankly, I was having a nice day until some dumbasses with more balls than brains decided to threaten me. I don��t react well to threats. So unless someone starts giving me nice apologies the only thing that is going to happen is me getting in some more fun sword fights.��

    Komorebi looked between Musashi and the girl before nodding.

    ��You were in a match. Very well. Go ahead and finish it.��

    ��Wha-Senpai! You can��t-��

    ��For thest time! Silence! You fucked up! You even got yourself into a true battle and you beg for help! Either seed and get the girl like you were supposed to, or die.��

    ��Harsh.�� The girl offered, but then to his horror she turned her full attention to him.

    ��You can��t! I��m still a-��

    ��That��s true.�� Komorebi-Senpai spoke, cutting him off. ��If you kill him it��ll be trouble. His grandfather has-��

    Then Musashi blinked as there was a sh, a cold bite of something and he blinked as the world around him spun around a few times.

 Chapter 188

    Chapter 188

    *750 XP Gained.*

    I swiped out cleaning my borrowed de of blood as I took Musashi��s Katana in my other hand.

    ��Sorry, I��m so tired of hearing people tell me how important they are. You were saying something?�� I asked the man that oozed danger. Even with the Menpo he wore I could tell his jaw was open a bit as he realized what I had done.

    This had already gone way too far for me to care about future trouble.

    Tyger ws hade to kidnap and harm me. To hold me against Jun. As far as I was concerned. Everyone needed to die.

    ��Well, I��ll be damned. This might actually be interesting.�� He offered as he stepped forward idly pulling off his Menpo and tossing it behind him where one of his men snagged it. ��Komorebi Izuku. I have some stupid nickname that I don��t care for.�� He greeted me slowly drawing a pretty nice Katana from his hip.

    ��Motoko Kusanagi. I like to go by Ghost in the Shell, but some of the Tyger ws that know me call me the Onryo, or Yurei I suppose.��

    ��Heh. Fitting.�� He agreed, ncing at the dead bodies around me. ��You certainly are. I��ll try not to kill you, but I can��t allow you to resist. Those are my orders.��

    ��When I take your life, I��ll ensure your family know, you died with a de in your hand.�� I responded back just as smoothly, and the man actually looked pleased by my words.

    Fucking sword maniacs.

    Then again I was about to have a Katana battle myself so how much room did I have to talk?

    I breathed in and out, and settled my stance. I would be on the defensive at first. I had no idea how good this guy was. Luckily I had two des, and no one really expected the Dual Wielding to be effective.

    There was a sh of a headlights, a car traveling the street behind us, that set us off. He moved. Sandevistan. I recognized it and activated my own.

    He was still fast. Definitely a higher end Sandy, he blurred, but the reaction time I gained was enough. His de shed, glowing under the streetlights and I deflected it off with a twisting parry, and pushing him back with a swipe in turn.

    He stepped back, both of us turning off our Sandy as it would be needed for the future. The men behind him gasped in surprise.

    ��She blocked it!��

    I blinked, was that�� Was that supposed to be some super move or something? Like ��Light Speed sh�� Or something?

    Oh fuck. Right. These were Tyger ws. I was dealing with a bunch of weebs.

    But the two of us didn��t say anything, he simply went in again. This time he attacked with skill and not just speed, a surprisingly dangerous series of moves, twice I had to actually step back despite having two des to keep myself from being cut.

    This seemed to push him on, but as he continued he quickly realized the truth.

    He couldn��t touch me. My defense was simply better, no matter how hard he tried to batter through, or slip a de into openings there simply wasn��t enough for him to make the strike.

    Which is why I was watching calmly and prepared for when he would activate the Sandevistan again. Because that would be what determined the winner here. Who activated their chrome at the right time to slip a wound through before the other could activate their Sandy and defend.

    We continued our battle, him hammering away, his endurance far greater than Musashi. Either good Syn-Lungs, or just trained endurance.

    But the difference between Musashi and this guy was night and day. Musashi was a skilled arrogant kid to Komorebi��s actual worked in talent.

    Plus he had good chrome.

    This was much more fun.

    I felt myself growing a smile as we battled, a web of steel around us as I deflected and swiped making sure he couldn��t go entirely on the offense. The sing of steel scraping against steel filled the street, the sound of cars and people still all around us.

    For a moment I wasn��t Motoko the Merc, I was Motoko the Street Samurai.

    Then it ended, not because one of us activated a Sandy, or because a de found flesh, but because suddenly Komorebi��s eyes went yellow as he stepped back, getting distance before meeting my eyes.

    ��Do you mind?��

    ��Oh no please go ahead.�� I offered back just as cooly, neither of us out of breath or even seemingly tired from our match.

    He nodded and took the call that came in, while I focused on what I had earned.

    Dozens of alerts flickered through my attention, but the ones that most interested me were Ninjutsu of all things. I had felt it while hunting all the boys down, acting as a shadow killing them one by one.

    *Ninjutsu skill level up!*

    *1 Perk Point Gained.*

    Ninjutsu 10.

    I had felt it, and used it in thest little fight. There had been no doubt in my mind while ripping these idiots apart that they could find me unless I wanted them too.

    Now I had an extra perk. To grow even further beyond the skill. I looked through the list while Kemorebi continued to have a seemingly serious conversation.

    I searched, using the time to try and find the perfect option considering that there wasn��t much else to do. There were a few things that caught my eye, but one of them finally made me lock it in.

    Ninja Running: Not being seen is stealth as well. Move quietly, and quickly.

    I blinked and a whole world of information slipped into my mind. I knew exactly how long it would take to move out of someone''s line of sight, and how to move fast enough to escape it. I felt myself smiling despite the situation when I realized that I could go full Batman on people and disappear as they looked away.

    How fun.

    I also had a half dozen des XP. Which was a lot for just one fight.

    *100 des XP Gained.*

    Komorebi spent a little longer on the phone call before finally his eyes blinked and the light disappeared.

    ��It seems this situation has reached the higher ups.�� He offered with a sigh. Looking almost disappointed. ��Our little match is over.��

    ��Oh?�� I asked, not bothering to hide the sinister edge to my words. I had promised to murder anyone that stupid mob boss sent after me.

    ��Apologies, but I am being recalled. A meeting has been called about this situation. I no longer need to bring you in.��

    I felt like twitching even if I didn��t move.

    Of course I would find an actual sword battle to the death and it would end early. I wanted it to continue. To cut down this fucking gangster and his men, and then go and assassinate the man that was responsible for all of this.

    But a momentter I got a call, my eyes turned yellow. I closed my eyes for a moment and when I opened them I offered an apologetic look to the man. ��Give me a moment?��

    ��Take your time.�� He replied back and I nodded.

    The person on the line was Jun of course.

    *Motoko! Thank God you picked up, you need to run now! Something big happened, and some of the Tyger ws will be after you!*

    *I know. I��m fine Jun, I��m standing across from a Komorebi, but he jus-*

    *Run! Motoko run right now! Komorebi is-*

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    *Already leaving!* I called out speaking over Jun��s freakout. *He just got a call to head to a meeting and he isn��t going to force it with me anymore. What��s going on Jun. I was jumped by a bunch of shitlings, and-*

    *They dared!?* He roared into the phone then he went really quiet. *I��m sorry. This is my fault Motoko�� I��m��*

    *Jun, apologize if you need toter, exin now. Please?*

    *It��s Yuto, he made another attempt on Kisaru. Kisaru was injured and Moritaka-Sama is friends with�� It doesn��t matter. Some of the people involved decided to bring me in front of them as punishment, but Akari�� She backed me up. Told me what was up, and we got to Fujimura-sama. He demanded a full meeting, and so things should be calmer, but��*

    *She okay?* I asked, realizing that Akari could be in a lot of shit for going against orders.

    *That��s up to Fujimura-Sama�� I hope so. But this is getting big. They are holding a meeting. Like I said, a lot of the Oyabuns will be there�� It��s about Yuto, and what punishment I will be given for allowing this to happen�� Motoko I got�� I got a message from Fujimura-Sama, he is saying you need toe to the meeting too? Why do you need toe?* I could tell Jun was talking outside of the call, sounding distracted.

    *Tell him to fuck off.* I grumbled still staring at Komorebi who was patiently waiting for my call to finish, his hand near his de in case he needed to draw again.

    *Motoko! Be polite!* Then he went silent again and I just rolled my eyes. *Motoko�� Did you kill some gangers?*

    *Yeah? There were like a dozen that went after me.* I replied back instantly. Best if Jun understands.

    *Fuck.*

    *Language.* I instantly teased back, but Jun didn��t respond.

    *Motoko. I��m going to this meeting, and you need toe too. We need to offer an apology for you to the higher ups so they don��t put out a kill order for you.* Jun said, sounding serious, but I just scoffed.

    *I��m getting real tired of Tyger w assholes telling me what to do today Jun.* I snapped back, making sure my anger and frustration was apparent.

    *Please, Fujimura-Sama says we can get this handled tonight, but you need toe.*

    I tsked, as I considered it but eventually my desire to not have to fight for my life constantly won out. *Fine.* I looked around and walked over to Musashi��s corpse pulling the fine scabbard for the Katana I had been using out of his belt. A momentter it was sheathed, and I had to look towards the corpses of the assholes around my car to try and remember which one of them I took the second Katana from��

    I slumped and just tossed it aside. It wasn��t high quality like Musashi��s anyways.

    ��Looks like I��ll be seeing you again soon.�� I called out to Komorebi as I ended the call with Jun and sent ast nce towards him and his chooms all standing near their bikes.

    ��Perhaps we will get to finish this match another time then.�� He offered with the sound of someone looking forward to it.

    ��Yeah, I��ll kill youter.�� I mumbled back, but instead of offending the man he only grinned at me before turning and climbing atop his bike.

    This whole situation was a fucking disaster. I looked down at the de in my hand. Well at least I got some loot out of all this.

    ��--

    ��Motoko!�� Jun rushed me as I parked and practically dragged me out of my car as he pulled me into a hug.

    ��Juuun!�� I whined, but let him check me over. Finally seemingly satisfied he looked almost constipated as he tried to find the words.

    So I ignored him tilting my neck to look at Fujimura standing behind Jun.

    ��I told Moritaka�� Moritaki? I forget, I told him I was going to kill him for trying to kidnap me. I mean it.��

    Fujimura didn��t frown or shift at all at my words. Instead he did something much more powerful. He ignored me.

    That kinda hurt Fujimura.

    ��Motoko! You can��t kill Moritaka-Sama! Don��t say that again, you��ll just cause issues.��

    ��Do I give off the vibe that I hand out death threats and not mean them or something? It��s annoying! When I threaten to kill someone everyone should be shitting themselves!��

    ��I take your threat seriously. But you will not unless you wish your brother��s life to be forfeit. If you wish to protect him, thene. And do little, and say less.�� Fujimura finally spoke and I scowled at his words.

    But he hit my weakpoint which pissed me off.

    ��It��s okay Motoko. Fujimura-Sama is angry as well. I��m his underling and for another Boss to try and go after you and me�� It��s bad. There might be killing tonight.�� Jun whispered thest part and I nodded.

    Great. Yakuza politics. Just what I didn��t want to deal with.

    ��yed a whole bunch of Tygers tonight did you little killer?�� Akari said as she sidled up to me, now that Fujimura was walking off.

    ��A bunch of kids led by a moron, yeah. Musashi.��

    Akari stilled and hissed a bit through her teeth. ��You don��t think it was?�� She asked Jun and Jun didn��t react instead just nodded.

    ��Oh that��s bad.��

    ��Yeah Komorebi said he was important or something. I wasn��t listening. The moron threatened me with shit he shouldn��t have.�� I defended myself, and Jun just wrapped an arm over my shoulder and Akari just ignored me.

    Great.

    ��Come.�� Fujimura called and I scowled at being called like a dog, but Jun was moving and dragging me along. I was pulled in behind Jun on his stupid Mizuchi while Akari got on her own, and we all followed behind Fujimura��s car.

    While we drove I sent a message to my chooms that stuff was going on with the TC. Just as a heads up stuff might get crazy.

    The return messages were soothing as I read their outrage and support.

    Finally we pulled up to arge skyscraper. Each of us stepped out and into the entrance way and then into an elevator that went all the way to the top.

    Jun and Akari both bracketed Fujimura like they were guarding him which was funny to watch while I stayed aside, giving them all space.

    I wasn��t looking forward to this. Not at all.

    ��--

    ��Just�� Don��t talk unless you are asked a question, okay?�� Jun whispered to me as the elevator opened to a pretty high end penthouse. As we stepped out, we walked down a short hall that had plenty of Japanese aesthetic choices, up to a door that was already bracketed by guards. To my surprise they weren��t wearing Tyger w colors, besides a few tiny things I noticed. These were the ck suited Yakuza types instead.

    They both stepped aside as Fujimura stopped forward. Jun and Akari on each end, and me taking up the rear, which didn��t give me great sight of things considering Fujimura and Jun were both big guys.

    Stepping in, I noticed to my right there was an outdoor area of the penthouse with an actual sand garden, but my eyes were more caught on the security suite that met us.

    Jun and Akari began handing over weapons, although Fujimura I noticed didn��t have to.

    ��You too Motoko.�� Jun offered and I scowled at the demand, I wasn��t about to disarm right now! But Fujimura looked to me, and offered me words that surprised me.

    ��Trust me girl. You and your brother will be safe. Keep the Katana, put the rest away.�� He offered and I was surprised at the authenticity in his words.

    I sighed and walked forward pulling free my Burya and cing it into the small cubby they had opened up to store weapons. Lexington went next, along with my knife after they looked at it, and the second knife I kept strapped to the back of my belt. And the third knife that was hidden in my thigh ammo pouch.

    I had found a lot of knives from Raffen over the time, it was funny how I hadn��t really needed them until now.

    I was going to end there, but Jun nudged me and I red at him, before huffing and opening some of my pouches.

    Frag Grenade one. Frag Grenade two. I looked to Jun and asked him with just an eyebrow if he was satisfied.

    Then armed with just the katana just like Jun and even Akari we headed further down the small hall entrance and into the main room. It was set in a very traditional Japanese style, but I could see the modern peak through. But more interesting was therge Tyger w symbol set into the wall. Done up to look more like a traditional emblem than normal, and under it sat a very good looking older man.

    He might have grey at the temples, but he wore his age like aged whisky, a calm air around him and a very expensive looking Kimono�� Yukata? I always forget which was which.

    It looked Japanese and expensive.

    As we entered Fujimura walked very slowly and calmly as if following a path before stopping before the man and offering him a full bow. Jun and Akari joined him, although I pointedly didn��t.

    I didn��t even know who this was, and I don��t bow to some random gonk. @@novelbin@@

    The three rose and moved across the room. Passing many other men already waiting, seemingly for us, including Komorebi who I recognized despite the man having changed into a Kimono as well.

    Fujimura guided us over to a section where a few of the traditional cushions rested that Fujimura settled all of us on.

    For once I didn��t fight it, and settled into a seiza that wasn��t too bad and just watched the show.

    I looked over the crowd, old men in suits or Kimono all looking at the man at the front. Waiting, although a few nced our way seemingly irritated.

    Everything went quiet when the man at the front raised a hand carrying a paper fan. A momentter a group of women in fancy Kimono came out, passing out a saucer of Sake to everyone. Only once the fan dropped did everyone drink.

    I wasn��t sure if it was rudeness that I was excluded or kindness since I didn��t like alcohol. So I decided to not worry about it.

    Then a momentter the man at the front started speaking.

    ��I have been informed about the situation. Normally such things would not require my direct attention, but the seriousness of the allegations merit my personal attention. Moritaka, how is your Grandson?��

    ��Kisaru is alive.�� One of the old men spoke, his voice like gravel, and familiar. Considering I had heard that name before I looked over. The old man was grizzled, and had very obvious chrome over part of his face, a neck recement, and very high end Kiroshi as well. Wealthy and old. That��s the sense I got from him. ��But this is the second time my son hase under threat! There will not be a third.�� He added petntly, a threat that was eye rolling.

    One of the few that didn��t look irritated by the threat was a familiar man sitting next to him. Komorebi, the Tyger w I had fought, was sitting next to him. Our eyes met and I knew the man wanted to continue our fight.

    Yet despite the petty threat the man at the front of the room nodded. ��I agree. This matter must be put to rest. But first, there is the matter of honor. Fujimura.��

    ��Yes, Shinobu-Sama.��

    ��You��re man was aware of these assassination attempts before they were acted on?��

    ��Not as such Shinobu-Sama.�� Fujimura offered with a bow. While still sitting.

    ��Do not lie here Fujimura!�� Moritaka interrupted and Fujimura simply remained bowing as the�� Leader? Was that guy really the head of the Tyger ws? Well he just looked on for a while before nodding.

    ��Exin.��

    ��Junichirou knew the assassin from their youth. Before the man was sent to prison while covering for Moritaka Kisaru��s actions.��

    ��My Grandson did no such thing!�� The old man growled, but no one seemed to be interested in that. I guess Yuto was right, everyone knew Kisaru was a piece of shit.

    ��Moritaka.�� Shinobu I guess his name was, said bluntly, and then he looked back to Fujimura.

    ��When Yuto was released, he reached out to Junichirou, and did bring up desiring vengeance�� For the perceived slight.�� Fujimura added, stopping Moritaka from interrupting again with a quick addition.

    ��The boy was not taken care of? Threatening to assassinate one of my lieutenants was not enough to act?��

    ��Junichirou owed much to the assassin from their youth, and has assured me he denied any willingness to help, and had directed the assassin away from his quest. Hoping to stop this entire series of events.�� Fujimura offered, ending with a bow.

    ��And yet my Grandson twice now has nearly been killed!��

    ��Junichirou had no involvement in that.��

    ��So he says! I want the assassin, and I want something done about this! For a member of the Tygers to allow an assassin to continue to act without stopping them! There is no epting this!�� He rumbled ring with his beady eyes.

    ��Hmm. Junichirou, that is true. You knew this man was plotting murder of a lieutenant and did nothing?��

    ��When Yuto brought it up, he was very drunk. Nakagawa-Sama. We were celebrating his release from prison. I denied him, exined to him the foolishness of his words, and instead pressed him to live his life. I even offered him work, as he was once an apprentice to the Tygers as I was.�� Jun offered, sounding calm, but there was a hint of nervousness in this voice.

    ��So a man calls for the murder of my Grandson and you do nothing? Are you a Tyger, or some Maelstrom nt?�� Moritaka cut in, and Fujimura twitched as Jun slowly turned to the older man.

    ��I am not Maelstrom. I have always been Tyger w.�� Jun offered cooly, surprising me at how calm he was. That was definitely a targeted insult.

    ��So you say.��

    Nakagawa, the man in the front grunted, and everyone went silent turning to him. ��And then, today I am informed that there was more trouble. Moritaka?��

    ��I sent a group to collect the boy''s sister. I wanted to ensure I wouldn��t have some Cyberpsycho breaking down my door to finish what his friend started. My people were killed.�� He had been se about the response until the end, when his voice turned dark.

    He looked over at me, and our eyes met.

    I allowed nothing to show, but my brain was processing ways to murder the guy. Just for fun. This wasn��t the time or ce for it, but I went through all the ways I could end this man''s life.

    There were a lot.

    Instead of acting on it, I simply continued to stare, eyes promising death.

 Chapter 189

    Chapter 189

    ��You had no right to call for the girl''s presence.�� Fujimura interrupted my staring contest with his words, as everyone in the room''s attention shifted to him. ��The girl defended herself from a threat, and was right to do it.��

    ��Is that so?�� Moritaka asked, turning to Nakagawa. ��Is it normal for our men to be killed when demandingpliance from those under us?��

    I turned to Fujimura to see how he was reacting, and he gave me a very tiny shake of his head. Telling me to stay out of it.

    ��Hmm. Fujimura?�� Moritaka demanded as Fujimura didn��t speak.

    ��There are proper channels if a meeting is needed. Kidnapping the family of our associates at de point is not one of them.�� Fujimura replied and then looked to Moritaka. ��In this case, I ask for censure in turn. Going after one of my lieutenants by targeting their family can only cause strife in our organization.��

    ��The girl murdered one of my up anding! Daisuke Smith is the son of Robert Smith. A man you are well familiar with! I had to assure him I would take care of this matter to keep his respect from wavering.�� Moritaka hissed out. Then pointed right at me. ��My own man confirms the boy she killed was already disabled!�� Moritaka hisses back and I felt a few eyes turn to me.

    I kept silent for now. If someone wanted to talk to me, then I would be happy to exin that I would kill anyone that attacks me.

    Anyone.

    ��Mr. Smith is important to our current production, but he was told when his son was inducted there would be dangers these he now learned. Moritaka, targeting family members is uneptable. There will be censure for this.�� Nakagawa replied, I could see Moritaka go a bit pale at the words, but his anger seemed to keep the flush to his skin lively.

    Then Nakagawa turned towards Fujimura��s group, straight at me. ��And you are Motoko Kusanagi. Daughter of Natasaha and Kuze Kusanagi.��

    ��That��s me.�� I agreed ndly, looking up at the man and wondering what exactly was really going on. Politics obviously, but I was wondering how much danger I was in here.

    ��You killed the boy? ��Musashi�� I believe he called himself?��

    ��Yes.�� I said without hesitation and I could see Jun wanting to shut me up, but I wasn��t about to try and hide it. After all, the reason I was putting up with all this was to make sure I wouldn��t have assassinsing after me constantly.

    But if I was going to have assassins anyways, it was going to be for something I did.

    ��He is the son of an important assistant to our work.�� Nakagawa offered and I just stared nkly at him because that wasn��t a question or anything I cared to respond to. Finally he spoke again. ��Do you know the cost of his life? What will need to be paid for his death?��

    ��Nakagawa-Sama the-�� Fujimura spoke but quieted instantly as the old man held up a fan.

    ��I was asking the girl.�� He said and there was silence and so I spoke.

    ��No, I just know that I value my life more than his. He came at me with a de. He wanted to live by the sword. So he died by one.�� I shrugged, ��I��m more surprised that him getting himself killed is such a shock to everyone.��

    Jun sent me a re at my casualness, and it wasn��t the only re I received across the room. Moritaka seemed to be pissed as well.

    Fujimura then sat up, a signal that he wished to speak and Nakagawa lowered his fan.

    ��Motoko Kusanagi was involved in this entire situation as an attempt to ckmail one of my men. As you all see, even after this attempt was a failure, I brought both with me for this meeting. If a meeting had been called, Junichirou would havee as his duty. The girl is a family member, and not a soldier. She should never have been involved. I ask for eptance in her defending herself in this situation.��

    ��You dare?�� Moritaka called but Nakagawa raised his fan.

    ��Her defense of her life is not my concern. The death of Musashi is. Punishment will be meted out.�� Nakagawa spoke. ��But that is still secondary to the problem that brings us here today. Kisaru Moritaka, and the assassin.��

    ��Nakagawa-Sama. I ask that any punishment that would be ced upon Motoko be ced upon me instead. As her older brother I am responsible for any of her actions.�� Jun suddenly spoke up as he fell into a deep bow while sitting, and I felt myself frowning.

    The room was silent for a moment and I noticed Fujimura didn��t look happy either.

    ��I think that will be eptable.�� Moritaka suddenly said, surprising all of us. ��The girl��s mistake is her brothers in truth. I believe we can convince Mr. Smith we acted appropriately to punish the one that cost him his son''s life.��

    What? That made no fucking sense to anyone! Why would Jun pay for this bullshit? I nced over and noticed Fujimura looked pissed.

    The re that went between Fujimura and Moritaka made me realize what was really happening.

    Moritaka was trying to hit Fujimura. Jun and I were just in the crossfire. We were being used as pawns to damage Fujimura, either his reputation or his powerbase.

    This whole thing was literally just yakuza politics.

    I was going to murder that man, but first I had to figure out how to get Jun out of this without a punishment he wouldn��t survive.

    ��I disagree.�� A voice called and everyone turned to another side of the room. If Fujimura, and Moritaka had their own little faction groups, then this guy was in charge of another.

    But�� I recognized him? Where did I know this guy from?

    ��Okina-dono?��

    ��The boy Junichirou, and his sister both have proven themselves before. I owe my life to both of them. I believe this situation has gotten out of hand. Perhaps punishment can be put aside as simply the folly of youth. No harm was intended. Only self protection.�� The man offered casually and I could see the heated re Moritaka sent him.

    I blinked. Okina? Where�� Ah! It was Sushi Boss! The Tyger w boss Jun and I saved from the Edgerunner borg that we both had to work together to take out. Holy shit!

    He looked over and gave me a small tilt of his head, and I was actually kind of blown away.

    A Tyger w boss that actually remembers a favor he owed to someone? Completely unexpected!

    Nakagawa nodded at the man''s speech. ��I will take it under consideration. For now, Fujimura. You were ced to hunt down this assassin. Why is he still atrge?��

    ��Forgive me Nakagawa-Sama. I did hunt him down, but his trail grows cold with a connection to 6th Street. I informed Ichida-Sama about this just yesterday. We were discussing what should be done considering the involvement of an enemy.��

    ��Is this true?�� Nakagawa asked, turning to one of the men closest to him. Dressed in an actual red suit and not Japanese formal wear.

    ��It is Nakagawa-Sama. The matter would have been on today��s docket.��

    I could practically hear Moritaka��s teeth grinding as Fujimura proved he had been doing his job hunting Yuto.

    ��Then we will-��

    ��Stand aside!�� A voice yelled from the entranceway, and everyone went for their weapons before finally a form walked into the main room.

    I blinked.

    Dressed in a very fancy Kimono, hair done up in an borate style was none other than Hayato. Wow. She cleaned up nicely. I had to admit that the elegant look suited her�� Well maybe not the angry face, but the rest of her sure. Okay maybe the angry face was cute too.

    10/10 angry Yakuza princess.

    But what was she doing here?

    ��Hayato, what is the meaning of this-�� Nakagawa went utterly silent as not only Hayato entered, but so did Wakako.

    I blinked. What?

    What?

    I had the same feeling you got when you saw your teacher outside of the ssroom. Something about this was wrong. Wakako was best when she was sitting in a scummy Pachinko parlor smoking up a storm, and watching midday TV.

    ��Father! I demand an exnation for this!�� Hayato spoke clearly but faster than perfectly normal, she was obviously upset, but while Hayato was talking everyone was looking at Wakako.

    ��Mother?�� I heard whispered aloud from more than one man in the room.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    I blinked because the Ichida guy had also said something simr. So he was one of Wakako��s sons?

    I blinked, remembering that Wakako had like nine children? I got the feeling more than a few of them were in this room.

    And wait. Did Nakagawa just call Wakako Mother inw? But if Wakako was Mother in Law, what did that make Hayato?

    I looked at my friend. Huh.

    That was about the same moment said friend noticed me, blinked once, and a myriad of reactions all ran through her face before she seemingly couldn��t stop herself.

    ��Motoko?�� she said in a blurst of sounds talking much faster than normal.

    I considered what my reaction should be. Polite?

    Nah.

    ��Sup Hayato.�� I offered with a raised hand. Greeting her happily.

    ��Hmm. I got a report that you caused trouble.�� Wakako interrupted before Hayato could respond, as she walked over, walking right past the still confused looking Hayato as she approached me.

    ��I just defended myself.�� I responded back a little darkly. I was getting pretty done with everyone ming me for not letting some arrogant little shit kidnap me.

    ��Is that why my Son in Law dragged you here? Because you killed Daisuke Smith?�� She seemed to ponder the crowd. Then to my surprise she reached out and patted my shoulder. ��I can already see what is happening here. Son in Law, there seems to be some confusion, so let me clear it. Motoko Kusanagi works for me.�� Wakako said bluntly and the room went silent at her promation.

    Moritaka I noticed looked pretty irritated, but said nothing in response.

    ��The girl works for you? Truly?�� Nakagawa asked.

    ��She does.�� Wakako said in a tone of voice that was very evident she was wondering why he was questioning her.

    ��But that still doesn��t exin this interruption.�� He seemed to grumble looking at Wakako and Hayato. ��Hayato, you should have been here an hour ago.��

    ��I would have been father if not-�� She trailed off in a splurge of word vomit, her face red, telling me she was very irritated. Before she paused, took a breath and continued.

    ��If not for the message that I was given that requested my presence at home. When I arrived, there was nothing happening, and I was hurried away by my guards�� I called Grandmother to try and figure out what was going on.�� Hayato exined and Nakagawa looked less than pleased as he turned to Wakako.

    ��The message was sent from a burner ount. More interesting is where my Granddaughter was when the message came. Tell him.�� Wakako called and Hayato looked confused.

    ��I was at the Deravaja Dojo. I was sparring with Motoko.�� Hayato said slowly, her confusion for once making her speak at a normal rhythm.

    ��You were�� With the girl?�� Nakagawa demanded, pointing at me, and she nodded.

    ��Yes. Motoko is my sparring partner now. John introduced her, and set us together�� She challenges me well.�� Then Hayato looked from Nakagawa, to Wakako, to me. ��I was with Motoko, and she is now here�� Motoko, what happened after I left?�� She demanded from me instantly.

    So I shrugged. ��I took a shower to wash up and left the Dojo, on my way out Musashi and a bunch of his punks jumped me. They were trying to kidnap me. So I killed them.��

    ��Musashi? I saw Musashi as I left! Are you telling me this message was from him? Did that pathetic fool send me on a wild chase just to get to you?�� Hayato sounded pissed as she spoke, she turned to her father��

    Holy shit. That was her father. Hayato was literally the Tyger w Princess�� I mean I had called her the Yakuza princess, but she literally was!

    I really hope no one found out that I punched her in the face pretty often.

    ��Father!��

    Nakagawa raised a fan and she fell silent. ��Mother inw. This girl Motoko murdered one of my lieutenants.��

    ��So?�� Wakako asked in response, seeminglypletely uninterested in the usation. ��She is one of mine and should not have been bothered with this nonsense from the start.�� Wakako said, making me look up at her, in a slight bit of rxation.

    It was unexpected, but it was ttering that Wakako was speaking up for me. I mean I didn��t even really do many gigs for her. For her to act this way, she must actually secretly in her cruel dark heart care.

    It was sweet�� And terrifying because I was sure I would be paying for itter. She was going to work me to the bone or something.

    ��Then we will speak about the costs of the girl''s actionster Mother inw. The Assassin must die. Fujimura, this is your people''s mistake. It is on you to fix it.��

    ��Understood Nakagawa-Sama.��@@novelbin@@

    ��Good. Hayato,e with me. Mother inw, please join us.�� Nakagawa then stood and everyone besides Wakako and I bowed, and then Wakako dropped one more pat on my shoulder before following the man into another room.

    Only once they were gone did everyone rise. Before anything else Moritaka stood and walked over.

    ��Do not think this is over. Your Kamikaze group won��tst. Not with the constant mistakes like this.�� Moritaka said to Fujimura, but the man just looked him over for a moment.

    ��Moritaka-Dono, my securing of the Japantown Projection has already been decided. The Kamikazepleted their task as required. And I have fewints about their after war actions. Today is a mistake that we will pay for, but it will not stop my work.��

    ��That you think this is something that will be brushed under the rug shows your ignorance Fujimura. I will be watching you closely from now on. Any mistakes will not be allowed to hide in the shadows.��

    ��You have your tasks Moritaka-Dono, and I have my own.�� Fujimura replied and I had a feeling a lot of undercurrent was going on, but I wasn��t entirely in the know about what the fuck was going on.

    Was this really all Tyger w Politics? If it was, I was going to murder some fuckers.

    Moritaka looked me over a momentter, and scoffed. ��Wakako will not protect you either. You will pay for your actions today, murdering a member of the Tyger ws will not be forgotten, or forgiven.��

    I just stared at the man, and wondered if I was really going to have kill this guy right in front of all of his people, when Jun stood up.

    ��You go too far. My Sister is only here because you decided to put her in the crosshairs of loyal men. Tyger ws doing their duty trusted by their higher ups. You forget that Nakagawa-Sama already stated you would be censured for this!��

    ��Fool boy. Watch your tone.�� He spoke and I noticed Komorebi had followed after Moritaka was now close enough to react with his de.

    A threat. That��s fine, I was about ready to make my own threats.

    I stood up slowly, wiping my jeans a bit as I stretched my legs. ��I don��t take it lightly when people try to have me kidnapped. Moritaka, right?�� I asked and Jun was there, hand on my shoulder holding me back.

    ��Don��t Motoko.��

    ��Tsk, a child ying at being a gangster isn��t anything new girl. Be silent, or I��ll have you taught a lesson.��

    ��By who? Your guard Komorebi? The guy that wasn��t able to beat me before when I was alone facing all the men you sent after me?��

    ��Heh.�� Komorebi chuckled at that, cutting of Moritaka who had looked like he was going to demand my head right there. ��You sure got some steel in your spine. Motoko Kusanagi. I��ll remember that. I think I��ll end up crossing des with you again.��

    ��You won��t.�� Jun said, then rumbling and furious. ��None of you will ever touch my sister.�� Jun took a step forward, but it was Fujimura that stopped him.

    ��I agree. You already face censure for getting a family member involved in our business. Perhaps I will push for a more direct punishment. My boy might have made a mistake in not stopping the assassin, but he is just a boy. Well known for making mistakes, what man in this room hasn��t when he was that age? But you? Men our age don��t make mistakes. You unt your disrespect of the rules tantly.��

    ��Watch your mouth Fujimura. Watch it close. You may be high after the tiff between the Maelstrom, but you are not at my level yet!��

    The whole ce shifted when a door opened and out came Nakagawa. ��I see my men are getting along.�� He spoke coolly after a moment receiving bows from everyone as he walked closer. ��Fujimura, I want this issue taken care of.��

    ��Yes Nakagawa-Sama.��

    ��Moritaka, allow Fujimura and his boys to clean up their mess with no further issue. My sympathy to your son''s injuries. I am d he is still alive.��

    ��He is strong. An Assassin will not be his end.�� Moritaka said with sudden confidence.

    For a moment he turned to me with a look but he said nothing.

    Instead he turned to others and began speaking to everyone. Giving them orders, or asking them to assist others.

    The TC were mobilizing.

    I guess finding out an assassin targeting a higher ups kid was with 6th Street would do that.

    ��Fujimura-Dono, and Jun-Kun.�� A voice spoke and it was Okina. He looked then to me, and offered an actual smile. ��And Motoko-Chan. It is nice to see you. Even in these circumstances. I never got the chance to thank you for you and your brother''s actions that night.��

    ��Ah.�� I said because he was talking to me. ��Well it was nothing, we were involved from the start.��

    ��Perhaps, but not many would, or could have done anything. These circumstances are�� Unpleasant.�� He decided on after seemingly tasting the word. ��But have no fear. Even without Wakako-Sama, you and your brother have others behind you.��

    ��Thank you.�� I offered, because it was actually an earnest offer.

    ��Will you need any assistance, Fujimura-Dono?�� He asked, turning to the older man after.

    ��No Okina-Dono. I believe once we decide on a path forward through 6th Street or not, my men can handle this problem.��

    ��Good. Don��t hesitate to call if you need assistance.��

    I stood there for a while as more and more conversations broke out over the room. None of it interested me, instead I opened my agent and made some texts to my chooms. Just letting them know I was alive, and that things were okayish.

    As I was responding to the third text from Hiromi in our group chat of her freaking out, I noticed someone approaching.

    ��Hey Hayato.��

    ��Motoko.�� She greeted back and looked at me for a while before seeming to firm her resolve. ��Come with me.��

    I looked to Jun who was distracted and shrugged. Following her, we walked into the same room Nakagawa had entered before and I wasn��t surprised to see Wakako inside, already smoking a cigarette while sitting on a couch and looking annoyed.

    ��Good. Motokoe sit. Hayato child do not frown so. This situation is irritating but no longer unstable.��

    ��Yes Grandmother.��

    ��That��s so weird.�� I muttered and Hayato turned to give me a re while Wakako just put out her cigarette.

    ��Weird?��

    ��Just�� I knew Hayato for a while, and I didn��t know she was your grandkid. And I��ve known Wakako forever. It��s just weird to see you both together, and to know you are rted.�� I answered and Wakako just scoffed, obviously uninterested in dealing with my nonsense, while Hayato huffed.

    ��I told you who I was!��

    ��You never told me you were Wakako��s grandkid.�� I deniedughing, cause she really hadn��t.

    ��My name! Hayato Nakagawa! Na-ka-ga-wa!�� She growled out enunciating each syble.

    I looked at her nkly for a minute before I chuckled out augh. ��Hayato, I didn��t know the leader of the Tyger ws was named Nakagawa until like twenty minutes ago?��

    ��How!? Everyone knows that!��

    I just shrugged. ��I didn��t.��

    ��Then�� Then why did you agree to spar with me?��

    ��Cause you��re fun to fight? I didn��t have a lot of practice against someone using a Keren, and it��s kinda nice to fight someone my own age and stuff you know?��

    My words had an odd effect on Hayato who looked flushed for a moment before seemingly growing angry. ��You��re an idiot!��

    ��Little rude.�� I mumbled, but that only set her off more.

    ��I can��t believe someone so stupid is able to challenge me! This�� This shouldn��t be possible. You��re too stupid to be this skilled.��

    ��Super rude.�� I added.

    ��Hayato.�� Wakako offered and Hayato went silent. ��You are allowing your emotions to ovee you dear. Breathe, you should apologize. Motoko is an idiot, but it��s rude to tell someone that to their face.��

    ��Is this gang up on Motoko day? First Musashi and his group, then this whole bullshit, and now you two?�� I grumbled at the two, but Wakako just gave me a look telling me she was very amused to be able to torture me, and Hayato while not amused, didn��t seem to disagree.

    Fuck they were rted!

    ��You�� You really didn��t know that I���� Hayato asked and I just looked at her for a while and she then scoffed andughed and just broke intoughter.

    ��She! She has nothing between her ears! Grandmother! She��s!�� She startedughing then. Practically dying ofughter as she bent over, and Wakako had to look away to hide her own amusement.

    ��Okay if everyone is just picking on me, I��ll go.�� I grumbled because wow super rude you know?

    ��Motoko.�� Wakako spoke and I stopped my attempt to leave. ��There is something I wish to discuss with you�� Outside of my granddaughter''s realization.��

    I sighed for a moment. ��Fine, can we make it quick? I didn��t exactly n to deal with all this Yakuza politics bullshit today.��

    ��Yakuza! We are not Yakuza!�� Hayato snapped, unbending from herughing fit at my words but I rolled my eyes at her, and focused on Wakako but she waved at me, and I sighed and settled into a chair.

    This wasn��t going to be something I liked.

 Chapter 191

    Chapter 191

    I breathed in and out, utterly silent. As I watched what happened out of the corner of my eye keeping my body blended with the shadows.

    The man that opened the door had a Militech Crusher Shotgun, and was sweeping the room. Obviously concerned. Had I set off an rm, or been seen?

    After a minute of following a simr path I had taken clearing the bathroom, he lowered his gun and just cursed.

    ��Fucking assholes not locking the door.�� He said aloud as he finally rxed. Ah, just bad luck then. I would haveughed if I wasn��t inplete control of every muscle in my body keeping myself perfectly still. Even the best infiltrator could be beaten by bad timing.

    He took a moment to ce his gun beside the couch and then headed back to the entrance. A momentter he came in carrying a bag full of food, and he flopped onto the couch.

    Hmm.

    I wasn��t really in any hurry, but I didn��t want to be stuck here either, especially since this guy wasn��t Yuto.

    Intel had probably been wrong. Dammit.

    Maybe another of the buildings or something had been where he is staying?I prepared myself as the man turned on his entertainment system to watch TV. The noise would easily hide me while I escaped, but then I heard him curse a name that suddenly had all my attention.

    ��Fucking Yuto. Prick! I told him not to log me out!�� He grumbled as I looked down a bit and saw what the problem was.

    Television channels in NC used a subscription service. The ads that yed around the system was one of the ways poor people paid for the service, basically making it free if you allowed the ads.

    Right now the TV was covered in ads, and I saw that the user logged in was listed as [YUTO] which meant I was in the right ce after all. I felt my smile tug up into a grin that only grew wilder and wilder as I realized that this wasn��t aplete failure.

    I watched the man work on the system for a bit, but he seemingly couldn��t find the remote, or ess to the ount. So he cursed a ton and started searching for a show without it.@@novelbin@@

    But more importantly, it meant Yuto had been here, and this guy knew him.

    Since he was just sitting there, I started breaching.

    As the man turned on a recording of Watson Whore Season 1 episode 6. Which jumped straight into a sex scene��

    Lovely.

    I breached into his agent, and quietly stalled out any ability to make calls.

    Once I was sure, I dropped from the ceiling, and the loud moans from the screen hid the small noise I made as I touched down and spread out to dampen the noise.

    Then I crept right up.

    One of the reasons that Fujimura had handed this whole gig to me and Section 9 was because the TC didn��t want a gang war with 6th St. So they wanted thispletely detached from them.

    That was why I had hoped to go through this entire gig without being seen��

    Well there were ways around that. I snuck around and disappeared his Crusher, and then approached from behind.

    I waited for it to get loud again and reached out.

    Chrome arms wrapped around his head and pressed my knife against his throat.

    ��Quiet.�� I demanded not in my own voice, and while he surged upwards in surprise I was more than strong enough to ride it out until he had a moment to realize what was happening.

    He opened his mouth to shout, but ��sharp�� was a sensation that tended to quiet screaming.

    I gave him a few seconds long enough to realize what situation he was in, to realize his gun that was on the other side of the couch was gone, I noticed by the way he slightly twisted his head.

    And then he rxed.

    ��Good. I��m not here for you. Or for your chooms.�� I told him confidently. Sexy Motoko Voice whispered in his ear. ��So you should know what I am after. Yuto. Where is he?��

    Slowly I eased off enough the de could still be felt, but that he could swallow a bit.

    ��Don��t know. Honest. I was letting him crash here for Roger! They met in the mmer. I know the kid met with Captain Sherman, made it all good. So I just said yes. You uh�� Tyger?��

    ��No.�� I told him truthfully. ��I��m just a merc. Just doing a job to catch an asshole. Which is why I need to know where he went.��

    ��I don��t know! Roger��s the only one that��d know. He and Yuto left yesterday! Haven��t seen either of ��em since.��

    ��Roger huh?�� I spoke as I breached back into the man''s Agent. Finding a listing under Roger.

    ��Roger Almeda?��

    ��Y-yeah!��

    ��And you don��t know where they went?�� I prodded poking a little tighter for a second so he couldn��t just instantly respond. ��Because there are a few ways this encounter ends. One of them ends with me appreciative of your candor. The other doesn��t.�� Then I gave a little so he could speak again.

    ��W-What��s candor mean?��

    I blinked. That was not the answer I was expecting, and I think dipshit realized that too as he went real quiet.

    ��Answer my question first.�� I demanded cutting to the point with a gentle nudge of the de.

    ��I don��t! I swear! Roger��s thing with Yuto was approved, but it was his Op. They figured hey, TC knocking off TC��s not really a concern ya know?��

    ��Yeah well shit has a tendency to spread.�� I grumbled a bit as I considered what to do. I had a phone number, which I could track if I went into the, but that would require the guy to even pick up.

    Which meant killing this guy was the best bet��

    But that sort of went against the idea of trying not to cause a gangwar.

    I was about to decide when I noticed it. Pushing my hostage''s vision down so he couldn��t see I took note of something interesting.

    The ount on the TV just got kicked off, because someone else had logged into it.

    I stared at it for a bit long enough my hostage started getting visibly nervous, but a n wasing together. I breached the TV and confirmed the ount details, saved it to a shard, and smirked once more full of teeth.

    Well that just made my life easier.

    ��Alright pal. Here is what��s going to happen. We are going to make a call to your choom. Stay quiet okay? I��d hate to make this friendly phone call a homicide.��

    ��S-sure.��

    I hacked once more into his agent and routed my call through him.

    A few momentster the call picked up.

    *Grant what��d ya want?*

    *Hello Mr. Almeda.�� I answered using my Sexy Motoko Voice. *You are currently harboring someone that I would very much like to find.*

    *Shit. What��d ya do to Grant? Huh, you asian cunt! I��ll fuckin�� kill you!*

    *Currently nothing. Nor do I really have much desire to harm him. I��m a professional. I don��t leave a trail of corpses. How much for you to walk away and let Yuto meet his fate?* I asked, because as funny as it was to remember from time to time. I was doing pretty well for myself. And eddies could save me a lot of time.

    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    *Fuck you. I��m not epting shit from some corpo bitch.*

    *I��m a frence merc Mr. Almeda. Hardly a corp. C��mon what��s the point. You know Yuto is going to get what��sing to him. Just walk away you can make some eddies, and go back home to your real chooms, and not the gonk Wannabe Tyger w.*

    *Fuck. You.*

    *Well it was worth a try. Just so you know, while I don��t kill anyone outside my target, if you are protecting him, that does put you under the scope.*

    *Heh! I��m a Lieutenant. You want to try and off me? Come and get it bitch. I have an army at my back!*

    *I doubt 6th Street will do much more than a meager amount to protect Yuto. We both know that.*

    *Thene and try bitch!*

    *Tell me where you are, and I��ll happily do so!* I mocked, knowing theing answer.

    *Fucking find me!* And the line went dead.

    ��Alright�� Grant was it?��

    ��T-that��s me.��

    ��Alright. I��ve gotten everything I can here, which is disappointing, so it��s time for me to leave. Luckily for you, I have nothing against you, so we can make this easy. I have two ways to keep you out of the way for a bit. One is painless, butsts longer, the other hurts, but you��ll be good to go in about ten minutes. Your choice.��

    ��Uh�� Painless?�� He asked, and before he even finished his optics went out, and I rose up, he jerked away and swept his hands around as he realized what had happened, but I was already heading out.

    It didn��t take me long to slip through the security door, and lock it behind me.

    Maybe a bit mean, since with his optics out, there was little chance he would be able to get out without assistance.

    But I��m pretty sure he had lied to me, so fuck him.

    With that I slipped back out of the building. Grants muffled yells for help well hidden by the building''s thick floors and walls. Without eyes, and without any ability to call someone, he��d be stuck in there for at least a while.

    ��---

    ��So we don��t have anything?�� Ichi asked, and I shook my head.

    ��Actually, I think I know exactly how to track Yuto right to his safehouse, but it��ll take somerunning, and maybe some favors. The NCTV service could be protected pretty well.��

    ��NCTV?�� Hiromi asked. I nodded looking around the gas station across the Arroyo. We had stopped here to discuss what I had found. Turbo��s bright light hung down on us, but thankfully the ce was quiet.

    ��Yuto the dumbass is still logging into his NCTV sub wherever he is. I literally saw him do it in real time, because Grant the guy in the basement logged in, and it kicked him out. That means he��s actively using it wherever he goes�� Even if he bolts I��d put eddies that Yuto is aplete dumbfuck and so we��ll always be able to track him given enough time�� If I can get into the NCTV system and track the address.��

    ��Fuck yeah!�� Malcolm shouted, startling all of us. ��That��s what I��m talking about!�� Malcolm whooped as he jumped and cheered.

    I blinked at him, beforeughing, I couldn��t help it. All of this shit going on, but Malcolm was just excited to do our job.

    ��Alright. I need to go into the, so I��d like at least one of you with me. Malcolm, still needs to put his car away.�� I said, eyeing the rocketunchers set up on top of Malcolm''s car.

    That was the secret to my exfil if shit had gotten bad. 6th Street would have faced heavy artillery if I ever needed a real escape.

    ��Aww. Alright. I��ll probably catch up with you after though.��

    ��I��ll go with you Motoko! Besides, I��ll be the one to inform Fujimura about when weplete the gig so it��s best if I stay close.�� Hiromi added with a smile.

    ��I��lle with.�� Ichi offered with a shrug, and with that everything was decided.

    We drove off not long after, and I sent a text to Jun to let him know we were on the trail.

    *I��m d you��re safe.* Was all I got back and I knew from thecking response that Jun was still feeling conflicted about this.

    Yuto was his choom. What if someone told me I had to hunt down Malcolm or something?

    I��d refuse and start shooting, but��

    I wasn��t Jun, I had no attachment to this guy, and this all could have been avoided if the dumbass had just not decided to get revenge against an important guy in a powerful gang with no backing.

    Hell, I could have assassinated this guy without any real problem. Yuto just didn��t have the skills to back up his actions.

    I felt a momentary conflict myself.

    I didn��t like the TC. I didn��t like killing someone for them, after what they had done. And this was Jun��s old friend.

    There was a bit of history there with old Motoko as well�� What would she have felt? Would she be calling for Yuto��s head, or would she be trying to protect him?

    I shook it off.

    That was that, and this was this.

    I was me.

    Shaking off the moral concerns, I focused on what I was going to do. Which was the job I had agreed to do, and the Tyger ws would uphold their side of it. Wakako had my back, and Fujimura�� Well he obviously wanted Jun as an underling. So Yuto would die, and things would go back to normal.

    And maybe in the future I would assassinate someone once Wakako stopped paying me to not do so.

    I could wait.

    Tomorrow. A year, ten? What does it really matter? That was the thing about revenge, people were always in a rush to get it, but I felt my blood pump through my heart cold.

    I could be patient when it came to revenge. When I wasn��t being paid, and it really didn��t matter if they lived or died. A little wait to get themter when they weren��t expecting it? That was no problem to me.

    As long as they didn��t cause any more problems I was content to wait.

    I wondered�� When they saw me ten years from now, what would the person I killed face look like? Would they even remember? Would they realize that I had patiently counted down the time?

    ��Heh�� Hehehe!�� Iughed to myself as I drove through the Neon of Night City.

    ��Huh? Motoko?��

    ��Urk, Nothing!�� I assured Hiromi as I waved off her concerns at my sudden evilughter.

    ��--

    I slipped into the web with a blink and let myself adapt for a moment before jumping out into the web and heading towards my first stop.

    The NCTV Services Site, just needed to check it��s security and if I could slip in I would, if I couldn��t I could always go talk to Yoko.

    The site was huge, which was well within my expectation. Practically everyone in Night City needed a sub to watch TV. So of course the server would need the capacity to handle all of that traffic.

    I slipped into the main entrance along with normal traffic. Just essing the website. Yep, just going to check my bill. Nothing to see here.

    The server was pretty bare bones visually. It certainly wasn��t a site meant to cater to Netrunners. So the front page looked like an empty room with a few options to ess symbolized by a terminal, and then doors.

    Locked doors. I took a moment in the lobby just to feel around. I had no doubt there would be a runner on this server. The question was how active they were, what kind of security they had, and if they��d notice my increased load.

    Probably not considering howrge the server is, but you never know. Some people kept an eye on the smallest of things.

    Walking around since the lobby wasrunner-less, I pressed a hand against the locked door. This was a login terminal. But instead of even trying to enter credentials. I just started breaching in. It was hard, really hard. Instantly the security didn��t so much fight back, as just act as a nearly imprable wall.

    The login system was the biggest entry point for normal people after all. It had to handle a crazy amount of traffic.

    Slowly I seeped in tendrils. Bit��s of data essing through the Login systems, UI. The redirect to ess the password reset system was where I made my entry point, and a momentter I was in the door and into the main server.

    Already my facehuggers were dashing into the server to try and hide me, and I did everything I could to limit my impact on the server. Slowly I let my sense of the server around me grow, and I realized that I wasn��t alone.

    There were definitelyrunners here.

    I didn��t have long then. I quickly started breaching into the admin section of the server.

    I needed to ess Yuto��s ount data. They��d definitely have the address where the service was going to on the backend. I just needed to find it.

    I moved, going through a few hallways full of daemons that thankfully didn��t notice me as I crept through their guard and into another section of the server, I found it. The admin ess point.

    It looked like a cube, with a bunch of chains around it securing a big lock. A bit on the nose, but I started hacking, doing my best to keep it subtle.

    The security was good, but wasn��t the best. I realized pretty quickly it was an old security program. One of those corporate programs with catchy slogans like ��Ultra-secure�� or something like that.

    I cracked it in forty seconds taking a look around and not seeing anything paying any attention to this section of the data fortress I poked my hand in.

    Finding his ount was easy since I had his information from seeing him log in. A few momentster I gathered the address data including the most recent activation.

    Saved and stored I pulled free and took two steps before I threw up an ICE Barrier.

    The ssh of code that sizzled off it was a fairly nasty worm that would happily chew your data into junk.

    ��Got you.�� Arunner said and even as I watched another showed up, and I could practically feel the attention of moreing.

    ��Not bad.�� Imented in turn as I poked my head out from behind my shield. ��Let me guess, some sort of additional code required when essing the admin server?�� I questioned realizing the truth of it instantly.

    ��That��s right. Now you are going to tell me exactly what ount you gave infinite ess to, otherwise I��m going to trap you here until you squeal.��

    I blinked.

    ��What?��

    ��What do you mean what? What ount did you just give an upgrade to? If you make me search through the server myself I swear to god!�� The Netrunner growled practically sending death code at me with just his eyes.

    ��Okay hold up. I didn��t alter any ount data.��

    ��Bullshit!��

    ��No, seriously. That��s now why I��m here. Let��s talk, yeah? I��m already done, so we can be cool.�� I stepped out from around my data and held my hands up. Not quite the same thing as it was in the real world, butrunners were human. We all understood what it meant.

    ��Talk then. And tell me what you did.�� Therunner that caught me red, the guy had a visor over his eyes, so I couldn��t see that. But his mouth was caught in a snarl.

    ��Right. I��m a merc. Hunting down a guy that kept trying to assassinate some guy he shouldn��t have. I managed to find where the guy had been before, but he was already gone�� But he��s a moron. He had logged into his NCTV ount at his safehouse. Guess what I saw while looking for clues? He logged in at his new safe house.�� Iughed, because it was still hrious. ��So I just grabbed the address from his ount. That��s it.��

    The Runner looked to his chooms that still looked ready to attack before he waved them back a bit.

    ��Prove it.��

    I rolled my eyes, and pulled up a file of what I had grabbed. It appeared in my hands as a shard and I tossed it over.

    He didn��t touch it at first. Letting it sort of hover in front of him as he scanned it down before eventually he risked it and seemed to nod.

    ��It checks out?��

    ��See, not a scammer, just a headhunter.�� I offered. ��Listen, I want to go and catch this guy, but I know you guys catching me here is a bunch of work. How about I give you the log of my ess points, you can do some cleaning up and you can tell your bosses you ripped the data out of me or something?��

    The three men and one woman all looked at each other before sort of shrugging.

    ��Gonna cost you more than that.�� The lead runner said after a moment.

    ��Alright. How about a code debugging for each of you. I��ll give you an RSS, you send me the code, I��ll clean it up for you, and in exchange we��re square.��

    ��Seriously?��

    ��It��s something I��m pretty good at. Yoko, from the Roundabout uses my services.�� I enticed them and that seemed to get them all looking around in surprise. I guess Yoko was known to them.

    ��Deal, and I��ll be contacting Yoko if you ke on us! She��ll enforce the deal!�� The main runner demanded and I shrugged.

    ��That��s fine. Here. Use this, send the code over whenever. One program each.�� I offered flicking some deets, and then I threw my ess log over as well. ��There. We good?��

    It took a moment, but he nodded. ��Yeah. We��re square as long as you leave and don��t cause any-.��

    ��Perfect.�� Then in a blur I vanished, Breach jumping four times straight through them and through their security pretending it didn��t even exist, until I was back at the lobby and then out.

    They probably got a huge surge from that move, but I had things to do. I jumped back home.

    Time to hunt down Yuto.

    ��-

    <em>NCTV Corporate Security Netrunner Andrew Markone</em>

    ��The fuck?��

    ��Dammit! That was a huge surge in traffic. I��m going to need to check the servers!��

    ��No seriously, what the fuck, did she just vanish?��

    ��I think that was�� Holy fuck, that was multiple Breach Jumps through the server and security instantly. She��s gone. Long gone.�� He muttered to himself staring at the server data and just��

    ��d she didn��t fucking tline us.��

    ��Yeah. I don��t get paid enough for that.��

 Chapter 193

    Chapter 193

    The next day I went into the, and checked the NCTV server. Thankfully, thanks to my Perk gained knowledge I had slipped a few backdoors into the server as I breached it, so therunners never noticed me peaking in again. I was able to slip in without issue and double check the information.

    Nothing yet. Yuto��s subscription was still set to the Japantown apartment.

    I decided not to waste time trying to find him through cameras considering the sparseness of good cameras in Arroyo, and instead focusing on other things.

    It turns out, I had a problem, and it was time to solve it.

    While at therunner cave I opened up the batch of files that Yoko had sent over to me, and pulled out a quick hack I hadn��t really considered using before.

    Vehicle hacks.

    They were�� Different from normal quick hacking, but vehicles did haveputers that could be hacked just like anything else.

    They just also tended to have much stronger defenses, but almost never outright ck ICE.

    The idea was simple. I was going to take a Quick Hack that would make the on boardputer think there was an emergency and brake hard.That way no one would be getting away from me like yesterday again.

    The hack, like most of the stuff Yoko had sent me, was pretty rough. Full of extra data, or just terrible coding cycles.

    I ripped out the important bit and started re-writing it from the ground up, not in the real world, but in my Server Lobby.

    That way I could also sit down and finally do some more work for my Tachikoma as well.

    I hadn��t been giving it the full attention it needed, so I was doing that while programming.

    Sitting in my server lobby, feet up on the high end table, one hand programming what I needed my Tachikoma to do, cleaning up junk data, while the other worked on the hack was a pretty fun experience.

    The cooling cap kept my Cyberdeck cool enough I wasn��t having any issues and it felt good to just sit and do some work.

    ��Why the hell does this code have data on heating seats!? It doesn��t fucking matter!�� I yelled nning on sending Yoko a piece of my mind for always giving me such garbage to work with.

    The hack really was simple enough. I would breach in using my own skills, so my knowledge from Strong Breach would let me just hammer through a vehicles defenses. This let me slim down the program by removing all the insertion protocols from the hack. Then I would dump it into the car��s processor. It would m on the brakes thinking the engine was damaged.

    It created a very slim program in the end, but I continued tinkering with streamlining the process. The many differences in car manufacturers was an annoyance, but even the cheapest Galena had an on boardputer.

    I just had to adjust the hack to be able to activate regardless of system. Locking down brakes was actually really easy, because anti-lock brakes all usedputer systems.

    I nced over at the Tachikoma.

    It was currently set up in a server section. A small maze I had created and it was navigating it.

    For the first time the Tachikoma truly needed to use its intelligence to explore the maze, learning to move in a space that wasn��t clear to the poor thing��

    Well right now it was just going in circles only taking the left path��

    I sighed and sent an adjustment order, and it stopped letting the process get logged realizing it wasn��t going anywhere.

    Then it took the left turn again.

    Well�� It was a learning process.

    ��--

    I slurped up some noodles staring nkly at the television that was ying above the ramen bar.

    Boring news, but whatever, it wasn��t like I was actually focused on it. I was just dpressing from staying twelve hours inside the.

    It wasn��t�� Terrible. And I felt okay, but I definitely felt a little burned out.

    Sluuuuurp.

    I had checked on the NCTV connection again before logging out, but didn��t get anything. It wasn��t that much of a surprise. He had gotten in a nasty car crash and I probably shot him at least once. Healing, especially fast healing, was expensive. He was probably put together with tape and spit and left to heal naturally.

    I doubt 6th Street cared that much about him after all.

    Whatever plot they had for him was likely purely selfish. Yuto was a dead man walking. I could only wonder if he knew it already.

    News flicked ontomercials and I ignored the stupid thing trying to sell me Buck a Slice and continued to zone out.

    Stupid Yuto. I could be doing more important things than hunting his gonk ass down.

    Suddenly notes startled me out of my reverie and I jerked as I stared at the TV.

    At the sounds of old brass and thrumming strings.

    A song I recognized because the only reason it existed in Night City was because of me.

    ��Mr. Stud, All night. Every Night. Don��t be soft, upgrade to version 2.3 now.��

    I spit Ramen. Noodles escaped me, and one particr one went straight up my sinuses and out my nose.

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    No.

    No no no no!

    Not Tank! They couldn��t have! They used Tank to sell Cyber Dicks!?

    ��Hey, watch it!�� The owner of the stand yelled at me waving adle at me, but I was too busy coughing and hacking and pulling a noodle out of my nose.

    This was��.

    I stood up. Appetitepletely killed. Tossing some eddies to the chef I stomped out.

    What the fuck?

    ��--

    I knew Hiromi wouldn��t be entirely sympathetic, so instead I went looking for a kinder touch.

    ��It��s not right!�� I whined, and Misty nodded at me slowly, fighting off her obvious amusement as she tried to be understanding.

    ��I can understand how it might be embarrassing.�� Misty added, doing her best to keep her lips from twitching.

    ��I��m really not feeling the love Misty.�� I grumbled, but her grin just got a little wider.

    ��It��s not something I have any advice for, but if you want to hear something�� Let it go. It��s gone and done. You already said you didn��t feel like you could do anything about it, right?��

    I grumbled poking at the mystic stuff Misty had on her desk, but in the end she was right. I wasn��t going to go killing people for this, and I had sold it. I just didn��t expect to hear my song on a- I shook it off. ��It just sucks.��

    ��Well if you don��t like it, you should make enough songs that you never have to mind if one of them is used for something you don��t like.�� Misty offered almost too casually.

    I felt my eyes narrow as Misty did her best to continue to look casual.

    ��Did Hiromi put you up to this?�� I demanded quietly and Misty finally broke, her forced casualness breaking into giggles.

    ��No, but she did mention about your big concert and all the songs you wrote.�� Misty said as she pouted at me. ��I wasn��t invited?��

    ��I-it isn��t like that! I wasn��t nning on inviting anyone! It was supposed to be�� Just me really, but my chooms have no respect for my imminent mental breakdowns.�� I grumbled continuing to poke at the golden faux-Buddha on her desk.

    ��Hmm�� I��ll forgive you�� If I get invited to the next one.��

    I groaned, flopping onto the table. ��I��m not sure if there will be another time. This was supposed to be just a one off thing.��

    ��Hmm.�� Misty very overdramatically hummed as I looked up from the buddha to re at her.

    ��Stop psychoanalyzing me.��

    ��Me? Never, but your Chakras fluctuate every time-��

    ��Oh no you don��t! Calling it spiritualism doesn��t change anything. I don��t need a psychologist�� Well I probably do, but that��s another story, and not for this. I just wanted the musicI make to not be about dicks!�� I said and then sighed. ��And I only nned on it being a me thing.��

    ��And if that is all it ever ends up, that��s fine. But I did see the Concert Brain Dance. I don��t usually like them, but Hiromi gave me one and I checked it out.��

    ��Ughhhh.�� I whined embarrassed.

    ��You had fun. I know because I had fun.�� Misty said and I puffed out my cheeks as I red at her.

    ��I don��t know what you are talking about.��

    ��Okay. You don��t have to ept your own feelings yet, but the longer you wait, the more your chakra will be thrown out of alignment. And�� If you can ept my own thoughts? I think you should explore this aspect of yourself. Instead of trying to hide it away.��

    ��I��ll think about it.�� I grumbled, but Misty just smiled as if she had already won, which annoyed me because she was likely right.

    ��Fine! I��m going to go check in with Vik, get an exam done while I��m here.�� I grumbled, and Misty justughed at me, as I very obviously fled. Maybe Vik wouldmiserate with me?

    Then I considered Vik��s dad-energy and I felt like he would probablyugh and tease me more than Misty. Best not to mention it.

    ��--

    I felt looser after Vik checked me over. Routine maintenance was actually, a pretty nice feeling. Well that and Vik had poked me about how rough I was with my hands. I had worn down my grippers faster than normal.

    I looked at my new fingertips plinking them together enjoying the dull sound as the ruber-ish tips gave me extra grip.

    ��Having fun?�� A familiar voice called out and I only took a second before flipping the bird at the approaching man. ��That hurts Hermanita.�� Jackie offered, hands to his chest pretending I had struck him but his smile ruined it.

    ��It��s been a while Jack, going to see Vik?��

    ��That��s right! Got a delivery for the old man.�� He said, patting the bag in his hand and I couldn��t help but look at it curiously.

    ��Yeah? What is it?��

    ��Ah ah ah. Can��t reveal that Hermanita! Jack��s on the job. Confidential stuff.�� He said waving his eyebrows and I just quirked my own eyebrow back at him.

    ��But if the old ripper opens it, then it��s up to him to keep it secret eh?��

    I smiled as I turned and waved at the steps down to Vik''sir. I followed Jackie down and Vik looked up at the sudden entrance, his smile turning deeper as he saw me and Jackie.

    ��If you broke something already, I��m not fixing it.�� He said directly at me, and I just huffed as Jackie started chuckling just as loud. The two men��sughter syncing together into a mock track.

    ��Whatever.�� I demanded arms crossed and red until Jackie raised his arms in surrender.

    ��Alright, alright Hermanita put the phasers away.�� He begged and then turned to Vik. ��Delivery for you, you old ripper. Compliments of the Dragon of-��

    ��Jack, stop making up names for Mrs. Okada. She doesn��t like it.�� Vik cut Jackie off, but took the bag and opened it up. ��And as always her contacts are good.�� Vik said.

    ��What is it?�� I asked popping up at his side to try and peak in. But despite Vik��s flinch at my sudden appearance the nce inside the bag wasn��t fun. ��Oh it��s just some parts.��

    ��Heh, certainly nothing that will interest you Motoko. Just some parts for a client.�� He said as he ced down the bag and started pulling out pieces.

    I took note of them, but it really was just civilian stuff. Even a canister of Real Skinn.

    ��Well that��s it for me.�� Jackie offered stretching out. ��Don��t usually like being a courier but.�� Jackie trailed off shrugging and I nodded.

    Wakako was like that.

    But considering Jackie was here, and I was still waiting on Yuto��s reappearance�� ��Hey Jackie. Want to grab a drink, on me?�� I asked, and Jackie looked hesitant, obviously but in the end he seemed to pull himself together.

    ��I��m on my way back to the Coyote, meet me there?��

    ��Sure!��

    ��--

    ��So this gonk is being hidden by 6th Street!��

    ��Heh, you certainly don��t have much luck with them do you?�� Jackie joked as he tipped back his drink.@@novelbin@@

    ��I guess not.�� I agreed, remembering thest time I had called on Jackie had been for trouble in Arroyo. ��Don��t suppose you have any 6th Street contacts that could find out why they are protecting Yuto?��

    ��I know some chooms, and some gonks sure.�� Jackie said, tipping back another swallow.

    ��Don��t listen to him, Jackie has chooms all over.�� Pepe the bartender cut in, the man smirked at Jackie��s scoffing retort.

    ��Jackie is good about making allies out of the strangest people.�� I said, thinking about V.

    ��Yeah well, this time I can��t help. Everyone knows this is a 6th Street and Tyger thing. If I asked around people��d start asking why I want to get involved.�� He said to me, and I nodded.

    ��Thanks anyway.�� I said, but then I looked him over and decided to peel off the bandage. ��You know�� You never got back to me, about working with me more.��

    ��I��ve been busy.�� He said pointedly and I just nodded letting it go.

    I wasn��t here to push anyways, but if Jackie was satisfied doing courier work�� Which I knew he wasn��t.

    ��Well if you ever need any backup, don��t hesitate to call. But I still need to figure out this 6th Street thing.��

    ��Wait.�� He said reaching out to touch my shoulder but he didn''t actually grab me. ��Definitely seems like trouble. Gang politics, not just scraps between the pendejos at the bottom? Risky shit Hermanita. You be careful. Be ready to bail at the first sign something is off.��

    ��I will Jack. I got my chooms with me too. I��ll be careful though.��

    The older man nodded, and then seemed like he wanted to say more, but instead of continuing he just reached over and pped a meaty hand on my shoulder in goodbye.

    ��-

    *Motoko: I got him. Going to do some recon, but everyone should get ready...*

    The message was sent. I had checked into the NCTV system again and found that Yuto had once again essed his TV sub.

    It��s always good that people are too stupid to really keep themselves off the.

    I got the notifications back and then I sighed as I readied the next message.

    *Motoko: I got Yuto��s current position.*

    *Fujimura: Excellent. I will assist.*

    *Motoko: Feel free to send some people toe along if you want, but he isn��t in a position to really get. I��m going to have to hit Yuto like this is an assassination. Sorry you are just going to get a BD of his death. I doubt I��m going to be able to drag him out from where they got him hiding.*

    *Fujimura: Very well. Just make sure the kill is obvious through the BD if you can.*

    *Motoko: That I can do.*

    I rose up and stretched, disconnecting from my Netrunner chair. I had the address, it was time.

    I headed out to the Quadra already considering the best way to do this. I��ll admit, I was pretty angry about this entire situation. From the start I didn��t like it, and this had gone on long enough.

    I slipped into the Quadra after the short jog to the parking lot I had left her in.

    My chooms had already sent me a marker for a meetup point, but I was going to be a littlete. I needed to do some scouting first.

 Chapter 195

    Chapter 195

    The next morning I groaned as I sat up. We had all crashed on my couch watching TV and hanging out, and I had definitely not gotten my full eight hours, but the sun was outing through the window waking me up.

    Stupid California sun.

    I looked around. Hiromi was curled up beside me. Reba looked like she had kicked Ichi in the face at some point in the night as she looked like she was ready to fight ninjas in her sleep.

    Ichi was on the floor looking a little pitiful, and Malcolm had started on the floor and was happily drooling away.

    Using Ninja reflexes to switch my leg that Hiromi had stolen with a pillow I got up and stretched. I should get some breakfast for my chooms.

    I headed around the room quietly, making sure not to make a single noise as I got ready and then while everyone was still sleeping I slipped out.

    There was an okay food stall just down the street. I hit the ground level, and walked out. The morning was busy. People heading to jobs. Heads down beaten by the daily grind.

    I walked over to the food stall and slipped into the line. Yawning a bit as I felt sleepy, not something I usually had to deal with, but that was fine, a bit of more natural sleep every once in a while wasn��t a bad thing.

    I passed over the eddies and started piling skewers of meat into my hands when I heard it.Gunfire.

    I looked up as did everyone. One or two shots was normal, but full auto fire was unusual, especially this early in the morning.

    I could see tension rising, but no one started screaming or running off, they just hunched in on themselves and got on with their day.

    As the gunfire continued I felt a frown growing on my face.

    Then I heard explosions, grenades if I was right.

    Something bigger than normal was going on.

    I took a bite of my meat skewer and chewed slowly.

    Oh well!

    I turned and headed back upstairs.

    ��--

    ��Not bad.�� Reba offered as she chowed down on her breakfast after I woke everyone up. ��Not as good as the olddy that cooks around my ce, but not bad.��

    ��Nah, the old guy around my apartment has the best skewers.�� Malcolm denied, and I had to jump in with a scoff.

    ��No, the old guy around my old apartment had the best ones.�� I argued and soon all of us were pointing out where the best meat skewer ces were in Night City.

    There must be drugs in the skewers because everyone argued that the ce nearest to them had the best ones.

    We were getting rowdy arguing when suddenly Jun popped out of his room. Already fully suited up in his Tyger w stuff.

    ��Jun?�� I asked, because it was unusual to see him dressed up this early in the morning.

    ��6th Street just did a raid on one of our distributors.�� He offered as he hit the kitchen and grabbed a burrito obviously for the road.

    ��Shit. Does that mean there��s going to be another gang war?�� Ichi asked, and Jun stopped for a moment.

    ��Not sure, but we won��t just let this one go.�� He looked at me. ��This is probably retribution for�� Yuto.�� He exined and I frowned.

    6th Street wouldn��t react this strongly to just some gonk getting tlined. Not unless they wanted an excuse to do this anyways.

    ��I��m going to call Wakako.�� I said, and Jun shrugged before heading out.

    ��Motoko?��

    ��Just give me a second Hiromi. Wakako will know what��s going on�� Actually I��ll send her a text, she might be busy.�� If there was a surprise attack, Wakako would definitely be busy handing out information.

    *Motoko: I��d like any information on what is going on with 6th Street you can give me Wakako. Attacking because of Yuto sounds wrong.*

    I nodded as I sent it off, and I was about to bite into my meat stick when Wakako suddenly called.

    *Wakako?*

    *6th Street are iming that the multiple dead killed by a Tyger w hired assassin are the cause of the attack. At least that is what their lieutenants are saying.*

    Wakako dropped that on me for a second and I could feel my jaw drop.

    *But I only killed Yuto!?*

    *They are iming multiple other deaths.*

    *I have a BD!*

    *I��m aware. Fujimura handed it over right away, I didn��t see it myself, but it was checked over. I��m trying to confirm if the two men actually are dead, or are just being hidden as an excuse. You want work?*

    *I��ll help.*

    *Good. I��ll be in contact with your little fixer.*

    The call ended and I rolled my eyes as Wakako still hadn��t learned how to say goodbye.

    ��Motoko?��

    ��6th Street is retaliating, they are saying I killed some of their people, trying to frame me. I only killed Yuto and had a BD of it. Something is fishy. Wakako is going to give us some work.�� I looked around the room. ��I think we should get suited up.��

    Ichi, Malcolm, and Hiromi nodded right away, but I saw Reba looking a little nk at the whole thing.

    But then she firmed up. ��No fucking way we just let them me us for shit.�� She decided and I smiled at her.

    Everyone got moving soon after and we started gearing up.

    ��--

    ��Overdressed?�� Wakako asked me and I scoffed at her.

    ��Not with this shit happening.��

    ��Do as you like. Here.�� She threw a shard at me, but her words stopped me from slotting it. ��That��s the delivery item. Meet up with Muamar Reyes, a Fixer in Santo Domingo.��

    ��Sure. Anything else?��

    ��Answer any questions he has. It��s a copy of your BD.�� Wakako offered and I blinked looking at the shard.

    ��Letting him see what happens so he can pass the information on?�� I asked, breaking down what was happening.

    ��Exactly. He might request some assistance, that��ll be up to you, but he doesn��t want a gang war any more than I do.��

    ��Understood. I��ll see what he needs.��

    ��Good. Motoko.�� Wakako said as I made to turn away. ��6th Street likely already knows you were involved yesterday. Your information has been spreading for some time. Be careful on the drive through. Perhaps take another vehicle.��

    ��Understood. Thanks Wakako.��

    If youe across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.��Hmm.�� She scoffed, but to my surprise spoke again. ��Hayato has enjoyed having a friend. The girl is pressured to act a certain way because of her status. Thank you.��

    Honestly it felt more awkward to be thanked than anything else! It was like the hairs on the back of my neck were rising up, which was impossible since my Neural Link covered the entire back of my neck.

    She red at me suddenly. ��Don��t look at me like a scared cat. Get out of here.��

    ��Yep!�� I agreed and quickly ran away.

    Time to get back to work.

    ��--

    Reba was driving. We had all piled into her truck as I took Wakako��s advice seriously. Since Reba��s truck was the newest, it would have the least connection to Section 9.

    I had even swapped out my helmet, and was just wearing my Net Gogs to hide my eyes as we drove through Rancho Coronado onto an overlook.

    That was apparently where Muamar Reyes the fixer hung out.

    I vaguely remembered this was where you could find him in the game too. So I guess it was just his favorite spot.

    Reba pulled off the road and onto the sidewalk as she slowed to a stop, and I stepped out.

    ��Hoh? A whole grouping to meet El Capitan?�� The man with the goofiest haircut I��ve seen in a while called out as I approached.

    ��Delivery from Wakako. Mr. Reyes.�� I informed him professionally as I held out the shard.

    The guy blinked a bit, seemingly surprised at my courtesy before he just huffed and took it. Interestingly he didn��t check it himself, but passed it off to a woman that was in his car who promptly put on a BD wreath and started watching.

    ��So. You��re the real hot shot that caused that trouble yesterday.��

    ��I onlypleted the job I was hired for.��

    ��Yeah well, you are shaking up a real hos nest. Offing four 6th Street gangoons is really increasing tensions.��

    ��I only killed one person, Yuto, and he isn��t 6th Street. That BD will prove that.��

    He looked over at the woman before looking back at me. ��If you say so.�� Then he crossed his arms and reset back against the side of his car and seemed content to just wait.

    Hiromi joined me and threw me a raised eyebrow, but I just shrugged at her.

    Not sure what Reyes was ying at.

    Finally not long after the woman took off the BD.

    Reyes nced to us and then leaned into his car, where the two started talking quietly.

    I didn��t bother to listen in, and not long after he stood up.

    ��Well unless you somehow managed to fake a BD, you��re right. Dammit.�� He cursed as he took the BD and tossed it to me. ��Wakako said you��d be interested in a gig to help out with this.�� He spoke and I nodded.

    ��That��s right.��

    ��I need to put this into the hands of some people that can do something about it. I��ll need some guards, and�� Well frankly, I can��t promise you��ll be safe, but if you can exin it��ll help.��

    I was about to ept it off hand before I stopped.

    ��Motoko?�� Hiromi asked but I stayed quiet.

    ��I��m not Tyger w, and frankly, this entire situation isn��t my problem. I did a gig, I got paid. Problem is over.�� I offered, and Hiromi looked surprised before she slowly nodded, raising her dark chromed fingers up to her lips as she tapped them.

    ��You��re right. If someone wants to cause a war between the TC and 6th Street, it��s not any of our business.�� She replied and I nodded as she realized the same thing I had.

    We could walk away.

    It was obvious Muamar Reyes the Fixer was going to speak to someone big in 6th Street. That could easily lead to a shoot out, but for what? I doubt the guy was going to pay us anywhere near what such a thing should be worth.

    So was I supposed to do this pro-bono?

    Hiromi hounded me about getting paid for things. This was one of those situations.

    Tyger ws had tried to kidnap me, why should I do my best to keep a war from starting? I mean, I would always worry about Jun, but I was a merc.

    War would be good for business if I was willing to be mercenary about it.

    ��There is something you��re maybe forgetting.�� Ichi whispered as he approached from behind. ��If 6th Street believes you were responsible for the deaths, then you��ll be a target.�� He added and I grumbled, and even Hiromi nodded at me.

    ��Fine. Hiromi, talk to Mr. Reyes, figure out how much this is going to cost him?��

    ��On it!��

    ��Ichi, Malcolm. Just keep an eye out. We are still in 6th Street territory.�� I added and both boys nodded. I turned to Reba and just threw her a thumbs up, because Reba was looking fucking nova, her arm up on the window of her truck a big pair of mirrored shades on her face.

    She threw me a thumbs up back.

    Ten minutester we were preparing. We would be working as a guard and offering intel to some member of 6th Street that was showing up.

    I stared down the road, until I noticed a trio of trucks with 6th Street tags heading our way. I nced over. Reba was inside her truck, machine guns at the ready in case of any trouble. The others were spread around, while Hiromi stayed in the truck with Reba, and I stood beside El Capitan.

    I was still wearing my Net Gogs, hopefully they would give me enough time to speak before they just started firing when they saw me.@@novelbin@@

    The trucks pulled up and out came a half dozen gangoons. All armed, but looking pretty calm, none of them seemed to care much about the fact me and my chooms were around.

    ��Alright, then. You called us up here. What is it?�� The one who spoke, wasn��t anyone I recognized, and with a quick scan I realized who I was dealing with.

    Rick Morton stomped up. The man had the physicality of an ex-soldier. Old fatigues, with the red white and blue, and his jacket had arge eagle on the shoulder.

    This was the General of 6th Street. The main man. The leader.

    I was standing in front of one of the most powerful people in the city, and he very likely thought I was the killer of some of his boys.

    Fucking El Capitan, when this was over, if I was still alive I was going to punch him in the dick. A little warning would have been nice!

    ��General! Good to see you are still healthy, I got some intel for you. Preem shit.��

    The man continued to stomp over and nced me over for a second. Thankfully his eyes refocused on Muamar instead.

    ��You better not be wasting my time. Talk to me.��

    ��Me? Never, you know I don��t waste time. I do real business. I heard about your little issues yesterday. Couple of your men killed in your own territory, Tyger w action was it?��

    ��Get on with it, Muamar, I��m busy.��

    ��Well, I got the real story of what happened. Straight from the source.�� He offered doing the one thing I wish he hadn��t, patting me on the shoulder.

    A momentter guns were up, and I was staring down a man that would kill me without hesitation while I was in a sub optimal position.

    Two dick punches, if I survived this.

    I slowly reached up and pulled the tech gogs up over my forehead so my eyes were clear, staring down the ratherrge Malorian Overture that was pointed in my face.

    ��I didn��t kill your men.�� I said firmly and clearly.

    The silence between the three of us carried on, even as his men continued to point guns at Ichi, Malcolm, and even Reba as things grew tense.

    ��Hey! Hey now, easy! C��mon now General, you know me! I wouldn��t put you in this situation if this wasn��t serious. Intel remember?�� Muamar called out hands raised at the angry 6th Street goons that were still very hostile. I hadn��t actually expected it. The guy actually stepped in front of me, covering me here��

    Okay, I��ll forgive the dick punches.

    ��Exin. Now.�� Rick demanded, but not to Muamar, but to me.

    ��I��m a merc. I was hired to take out Yuto, a Tyger w goon who kept trying to assassinate a member of the TC. Yesterday I tracked him down to a home in Rancho Coronado, and I took him out. Simple clean. This morning I find out that somehow multiple 6th Street bodies were found.��

    ��You saying that wasn��t you?��

    ��I��m saying I killed one person yesterday.��

    ��Likely story.��

    ��How about in and clear evidence.�� I cut off as the man looked like his patience was ending. Muamar then came in, holding out the shard in his hand.

    ��She��s right General.��

    ��This is?��

    ��A copy of the BD that I scrolled yesterday. I scroll all of my gigs. Call it a hobby.�� I exined and I could see behind the mans Kiroshi eyes, that he was considering.

    Did he want a war with the TC? If he did, killing all of us would give him what he wanted regardless.

    But I had to hope that the man wanted to know who had lied to him more, because he definitely didn��t know that I hadn��t killed his men.

    ��Carlos!�� He yelled, and a man ran up. ��Check this BD.�� The order was followed and while guns didn��t lower everyone was more interested in what was going on as Carlos rushed the truck and settled in to check the BD.

    Our eyes never left, and I made sure to not show a hint of fear.

    I wasn��t entirely confident I could grab the overture pointed at my face before he fired. Not even with my Sandy, he was the leader of 6th Street. No way he didn��t have his own speedware.

    But I wasn��t going to let him intimidate me.

    A few minutester, Carlos was out of the Brain Dance, and he hurried over.

    The General took a few steps back and Carlos whispered into his ear. I watched on as the man''s face remained nk throughout, but when it was done he waved a hand, and all the guns suddenly dropped.

    I supposed he got what he wanted.

    ��Muamar, you confirmed this?��

    ��Got it direct from Old Wakako.�� He offered waving at me.

    ��And this was you?��

    ��It was.��

    ��And the reason I shouldn��t tline you foring onto my turf, andmitting a murder?��

    ��Yuto was Tyger w, and someone in 6th Street was hiding him. Imagine what would have happened if on his third assassination attempt he seeded.�� I countered with an arched eyebrow at the older man.

    If he wanted to y threatening games I could too.

    ��Then the Tygers would get sent back to their fucking Pachinko parlors in body bags.�� The General countered to some grumbled appreciation of the men behind him.

    ��And some of your men would have gone back to their family in the same. Because someone decided to y games. I don��t know if you knew about this. I don��t know if this was nned, but frankly. I don��t care. I took a gig to kill a man, and I did it. I got paid. Gig over. But I didn��t kill your people. I��m a professional.��

    ��Yet my boys are dead.��

    ��But not by my hand, and not by the Tygers.�� I argued back and the men around us were frowning. Unhappy.

    ��And I��m supposed to take the word of some Asian kid, that it wasn��t the Tygers?��

    ��Don��t believe your lying eyes?�� I asked, after a moment. ��That��s not my problem then, I took the gig from Wakako to deliver that shard, and I took the gig from Mr. Reyes to be his bodyguard and exin my side of what happened. If you don��t want to listen, that''s not my concern.��

    ��You think you are above this? That I won��t send men against you?�� He asked in turn, almost amused as he questioned me.

    ��I think that I��ve done everything I can to prove that I��m not your enemy, but if you want to waste men on killing some gonk kid while also starting a war with the Tygers, that��s your choice. Just don��t expect to get those men you send after me back in one piece.��

    Things got quiet for a minute, and I could practically see the thoughts running through the Generals head.

    ��You got some balls kid.�� He finally said as he came to a decision. ��Don��t usually see street rats your age pull off actual hits.��

    Thinking about his words and the amused tone he said them in, I shrugged.

    Hiromi would be happy.

    I reached into my back pocket and wormed around a bit to find it. Managing to snag it even though the pocket was barelyrge enough for a finger I pulled out a slightly rumpled business card.

    ��Section 9, is always looking for more business.�� I offered and handed the slightly rumpled card.

    There was a sense of confusion, but eventually General Morton took the card and flicked it over. It was still pretty fancy even though I��ve been sitting on it for a while and I think I ran it through a wash at least once��

    He showed it to Carlos, the guy he had sent to look at the BD and both of them chuckled.

    ��You��re a funny one.�� He seemed to decide on, and then turned around. ��Let��s roll!�� He called out and all the 6th Street goons rushed back to their cars and soon the cavalcade was on its way.

    ��Well I think that went well.�� El Capitan said seemingly pleased, and I shrugged.

    ��We aren��t dead or in a firefight, so I guess so.�� I agreed and he nodded as I seemed to get it.

    ��I��m out of here too.�� I decided then. I was sort of done dealing with Gang leaders today.

 Chapter 196

    Chapter 196

    My breath in my ears was all I could hear as I moved. Up and down, over and across. I raced across the city. Legs pumping, and arms pushing and pulling as no obstacle slowed me.

    I had felt constricted after everything. Between the Tygers bullshit, and now 6th Street trying to frame me?

    So once everyone had split up I had headed outside and just started running. I wasn��t sure why I had selected Athletics as my grind for the day, but maybe I hadn��t. Maybe I just needed to get away.

    So I ran. Heading through the dense urban jungle with no direction in mind. I simply let Parkour guide me over all obstacles..

    There were a lot of people I suddenly wanted to kill. I still needed to tline the stupid old man that thought kidnapping me was eptable. But I had told Wakako I would let it go.

    I needed to kill the gonk fuck that had tried to frame me for killing 6th Street gangoons. Not that I wouldn��t have killed them, but I didn��t like the fact it seemed nned. Someone had wanted a war between the two gangs, and had done a lot to set it up.

    Yuto. Then framing the merc that killed him.

    And I had to consider how much I wanted to get involved.

    I paused breathing heavily, sweat streaming down my forehead as I leaned against a wall for a moment. So much trouble because some gonk wanted to kill another.So much trouble for something I didn��t care about, and wasn��t even involved with. I wiped my forehead and stalked around a bit, cooling down my muscles as I considered.

    I hadn��t heard anything about the 6th Street and TC thing yet. I would have to stop by Wakako in the morning to find out if everything was back to normal, or if the TC were nning to retaliate back as well.

    This could easily turn into another gang war.

    I shook it off. It would be whatever it would be.

    Wandering over to a few SCSM��s I started browning. I could use something to drink.

    ��Hey Chika.�� A voice called out grabbing my attention. A tino teenager was sauntering up to me, a few of his boys that had been sitting on a pile of tables in front of a small food ce were sauntering up. ��Never saw your chrome down this way before.�� He offered with a smile that made me realize he was trying to be charming.

    ��Sorry, choom. Not interested.�� I offered clearly and went back to picking a drink. Ugh. Most of these tasted like cough syrup. Stupid NiC. I��d kill for just a Coke, or a Dr. Pepper or something.

    ��Hey c��mon Herman-URK!�� He choked out, his reaching hand had grabbed my shoulder, so I grabbed his throat. With a shift of my hips I mmed him into the SCSM I was looking through and held him in ce.

    I decided on a Grape NiC. Yuck, and fished out the drink as it came through still holding the boy against the SCSM.

    He was scrabbling a bit, but I let him breathe at least.

    ��I��m not interested, and don��t touch me.�� I told him as I mmed my thumb through the top of the can and started drinking, chugging it down I crushed the can and forced it into his hand. ��Throw that away for me, and next time take a no.��

    Idly I noticed his boys were rushing over, but they weren��t a threat. I shifted back, turned away and then leapt.

    Backflipping onto the SCSM I let the force push me even higher and jumped upwards again.

    Hands reaching out and grabbing the guard rail of a street that ran over the area. With a quick flip I was standing on the guard rail a dozen feet above the boys and looking down on them.

    I spun and with a bounce of my ankles to start up, I started jogging up the rail.

    And out of sight, ignoring the calls of surprise from the teenaged boys.

    I leapt up, jumping nearly on top of a light pole that was lower than me, and hefted myself up, then I took a few running steps and leapt.

    The street below me might be filled with cars, but for a moment I felt utterly alone in the entire city.

    Then Inded, slipped a little as the light poles weren��t designed for people to run on then, and ended up spinning down the entire pole to keep myself from falling.

    I stepped off, and I realized I was actually in City Center.

    Damn. That was a hell of a run. I looked around at the Corpo suits that were staring at me in surprise as I had appeared from nowhere.

    Deciding I had run enough for now, I called for my Kusanagi, and walked over to a bench and took a seat.

    What a day.

    Since I had nothing else to do, I went ahead and sent out some texts.

    *Motoko: Hey Wakako, you know how the 6th Street, and Tyger w thing is going?*

    I sent the text and sat back expecting to be waiting for a while, but Wakako responded back pretty quickly actually.

    *Wakako: There has been a meeting called between bosses. Cease Fire has been called until that is over. You should avoid their territory, but neither side truly wishes for a conflict. Well done.*

    *Motoko: Didn��t do much.*

    *Wakako: You were targeted by a gang, and stood in front of the leader of that gang. You did much. Speak to Hayato in the morning. She was worried.*

    Iughed at thest bit and couldn��t help but respond.

    *Motoko: Are you trying to set up a ydate with your granddaughter? You know I didn��t know she was your Granddaughter.*

    *Wakako: I��m aware. It is why I allowed your continued contact. Don��t disappoint me.*

    I blinked because that was definitely a threat. I wisely dropped the conversation there.

    My bike pulled up a whileter and I rose up, sliding onto the seat and throttling the engine I grinned. It had been a while since I took my Kusanagi out for a spin.

    I gunned the engine and let the front wheel kick a bit as I took off, quickly blurring into the traffic and enjoying the feeling of the motorcycle cycling gears as I slipped through the City Center traffic.

    I let my body act without thought as I weaved through traffic. I still felt like moving. I didn��t head home. Instead cycling up and heading north out of the corporate district and into Watson. Traffic got worse, but for once I wasn��t followingws.

    I weaved in and out, jumping onto the sidewalk when I needed, I kept moving. Ignoring the press of traffic around me. To my surprise I got an alert.

    *100 Reflex XP Gained*

    That was handy, and I was smiling happily as I finally made it to a more open area. My engine whined and roared as I raced through the emptier streets of Northside. Up and down ramps, through mostly empty streets. I just felt�� constricted and irritated.

    I finally slowed and parked on the side of a road overlooking the area.

    This book''s true home is on another tform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Neon lights in the distance, and farther City Central in the far distance sending lights into the night.

    It was Lucy that thought the lights looked like a prison.

    I scoffed as I stepped off the bike and jumped up onto the concrete barrier.

    This ce didn��t look like a prison to me. It looked like��

    Opportunity.

    The thought made me nod, and I nodded again as I realized it was the truth. Lazy. I waszy, always had been. But it was time to get some shit sorted.

    I plotted as I looked over the city until the n in my mind was at least a n and not just a thought.

    ��--

    The next morning I sent a text out to my chooms asking if everyone minded meeting up for dinner tonight.

    We had been running around so much together, I wanted to give them some personal time, but I think this was important enough to need a real meeting.

    I got an agreement and it was settled.

    But first in the morning I reached out, and set up a meeting like Wakako asked. To my slight difort the meeting ce was the Dojo once again.

    Hayato had agreed to a meeting and so I headed over.

    I pulled my Kusanagi up onto the sidewalk in front of the Dojo, noticing there were plenty of other bikes parked together.

    I stepped out and adjusted my holster. Mostly just to make sure my guns and knife were still in ce.

    As I walked in I nced at the spot where Musashi had died, but not even a blood stain remained. Stepping inside, I found no trouble which I had almost expected but as I entered the main room, I did see Hayato, but before that I saw Sensei.

    His focus shot to me the moment I stepped inside, and there was something in his eyes. For once, he didn��t just point and demand, but actually walked over and approached me as I entered.

    ��Kusanagi�� A moment.�� He requested, and it really was a request.

    Huh.

    I nodded, and he stalked off, back into the office section of the dojo, and I walked with him into what was obviously his business office. He didn��t speak at first, instead holding himself solidly and then turning to face me.

    ��The attack on you at this Dojo was uneptable. While I was not able to defend you at the time. I have spoken my displeasure, but that means little to you. This ce is meant to be a secure location. The sanctity of my dojo was broken.�� Then he bowed low and I realized he was being serious.

    ��It wasn��t your fault.�� I argued but I knew that just that wouldn��t be enough. ��I ept your apology, Sensei. You��ve treated me well. I won��t hold this issue against you.��

    ��You will always be wee here, Kusanagi.�� He said and I nodded, getting the feeling he wasn��t talking about justing to train. This was a sort of hideout for the Tyger ws as well after all.

    With that concluded I headed back out to finish my actual meet up.

    To my surprise Hayato wasn��t suited up. When I found her she was sitting in the main Dojo room on a chair, a chair that wasn��t usually there. In a full Kimono? Yukata? One of those. She looked like an actual Japanese Princess if I was honest. Although the chrome of her Kerenzikov stuck out and gave her a cyberpunk feel.

    I approved and threw her a thumbs up.

    ��You look awesome like that.�� I told her as I approached and her mouth had been half open as she was about to speak sort of pped as she took in what I said and seemingly had no response.

    ��What? No! No nonsense right now. Sillyfoolwhydoi- Motoko.�� She started rambling before shaking herself and stating my name in a serious matter.

    ��Hayato.�� I instead greeted her with a wave of my hand and a big smile that had her once more breaking her serious character for half a second before firming up and ring.

    ��Motoko! I��m trying to be serious! Sit!�� She demanded and pointed at another chair beside her. Iughed instead and walked over to sit.

    ��Sorry sorry. What��s got you so serious Hayato?��

    ��I need to hire you to kill someone.��

    ��Sure, who?��

    I blinked as she blinked. Her face cracked once more as she seemed to have no idea how to respond.

    ��How are you so calm! I just asked you to tline someone!��

    ��Yeah? I do that for a living Hayato. I��d be weird if I wasn��tfortable with it.��

    ��I-Wha? You!�� She eventually decided on and red before calming, closing her eyes and breathing in and out rapidly, which I assumed was meant to be calmling breaths. ��I thank you for epting. This is important, and I don��t like having to ask a-a choom for this.�� She added.@@novelbin@@

    And I did my best not to snicker, because that sounded like something she had practiced saying so she could get it right.

    ��If you can��t ask your choom to tline someone for you, are you really friends?�� I asked jokingly, but Hayato just looked nk as her mouth fell open as she once again seemed to fail to find the words.

    Ah I should probably stop teasing her.

    ��Okay hold on. I��ll stop being so casual about this. I��ll ept it provisionally. I don��t really care much about the eddies, but Hiromi will literally y me alive with her words if I don��t mention payment and stuff. But we can worry about that after.�� I added as Hayato seemed to pick up on that and looked ready to speak again. ��Who do you need killed?��

    ��Kanada Tsukimura.�� She said with almost a hiss saying his name with more real anger than I��ve ever heard. ��He is�� One of my potential Fiance��s.�� She admitted and I blinked because wow. Wasn��t expecting that. She noticed my shock. ��He has done something I can��t forgive.�� She added after a moment.

    ��You don��t need to make any reasons to me Hayato.�� I said after a moment. ��I��m a merc. I kill people for a living. If you want him dead because he smells, then that��s a good enough reason for me to kill him.�� I exined and the idea made her snort into a rapid fire giggle before she realized what she was doing and gained control of herself.

    ��Then�� That is it?�� She questioned and I smiled, because this was definitely the first time she had ever ordered someones assassination.

    ��That��s pretty much it. Other than payment stuff, but blegh.�� I stuck my tongue out at that. ��But any information you can give me will make it easier. Where does he hang out, a picture of him would help a lot.�� I exined and she nodded, her eyes shed and suddenly I received a package.

    A very familiar style of information packet. ��Wakakos work?��

    ��Eh? Yes�� Grandmother helped me put this together�� How did you know?��

    ��The way the information is structured is her style. It��s a good thing. Wakako��s gig info packets are pretty clear.�� I exined and that had the girl rx. I took a moment to look over the information and whistle. ��He��s a big shot alright.��

    ��He is.�� She added after a moment with a disgusted look. ��I�� I spoke with Grandmother and she�� I want this done without any question as to what this was�� I need everyone to know that it was me that caused his death.��

    ��That��s�� Complicated. You realize that doing it that tantly will make people look at me?��

    ��Do not worry about that! If he is dead I will make sure it is known that it was my hand that called for his death.�� She said and I looked at her. And smirked a bit because she was once more saying something she had practiced.

    She noticed and looked away with a re, but it made meugh regardless.

    ��Okay. Then Hayato Nakagawa, you��ve hired yourself an assassin.�� I confirmed for her and she looked surprised at my words. ��This is actually going to be fun. I��ve never done a really tant assassination before�� I think It��ll be a good thing for me actually. Maybe I��ll finally convince the Tyger w goons to stop poking me if I prove I can eviscerate them?�� I wondered and Hayato did a little scoffugh.

    ��I believe that no matter what you do someone will still think they can ��poke�� you.�� She said with a grumble that told me she had experience with this.

    ��Fair enough. Any particr death you want for this guy? Gun, de, bomb?�� I asked, and she flinched at the question that apparently came out of nowhere.

    ��Ah. Uh. Whatever you think is best?��

    ��Okay. I��ll figure out something with a statement then.�� I assured her, and she nodded. Then she got quiet like she didn��t know what to say. ��Want to be involved in the whole thing?�� I asked suddenly and she jerked like I had struck her.

    ��What? You mean?��

    ��Well I��ll be calling in my chooms to get this done, everything is easier with a crew, and it��ll probably be an all day thing before we get everything locked down. So�� Do you want toe with?�� She blinked and then her head surprisingly slowly nodded up and down.

    ��Yes.��

    ��Preem! C��mon! I was already nning on meeting up with everyone for dinner, but for a gig that changes things a bit!��

    ��--

    ��Sorry about calling you all in early! As I said we got a surprise gig offer.�� I said as Ichi and Malcolm both arrived first. We were at my apartment, since I didn��t think I would need to do muchrunning since Hayato knew where the guy��s house was.

    ��No problem. I was just hanging out with the folks today.�� Malcolm offered and Ichi shrugged. ��I was going to mow the grass�� I uh, paid some kid up the street to do it instead. So I can��tin either.�� They both offered and then as they came around they noticed my third guest.

    Hayato was sitting a little stiffly on the couch, still in her fancy Kimono.

    The fact there was a Tyger w guy in the corner that I had kindly offered a seat too when I realized he was going to just stand there was the next thing they noticed.

    ��Motoko?��

    ��Right! So meet, Hayato! She��s our client for this gig, and a friend of mine! We punch each other!�� I exined happily and the two boys looked at each other before shrugging at my statement.

    ��What Motoko means is that she is my sparring partner!�� Hayato cut in, in a rush of speech before slowing as she realized what she had done.

    ��Makes sense. Motoko is a gori.�� Malcolm offered and I scoffed at his words, and watched as he came in and settled on the couch without a care.

    ��I��m Malcolm, and that one is Ichi. Nice to meet you.�� He greeted Hayato with feigned casualness.

    ��Hayato Nakagawa.�� She greeted and Malcolm twitched and practically jumped off the couch in shock like he had just been burned

    ��Holy fuck, you��re the Tyger Princess!��

    ��Malcolm! Language! This is our client.�� I grumbled and he looked at me and then at Hayato who wasn��t looking veryfortable.

    ��How do you even know her Motoko? Why didn��t you tell us you know Hayato Nakagawa! The second!��

    ��Malcolm, you say her name like I should just know anything about what that means. I only found out she was important during the whole kidnapping attempt.�� I waved it off and then Ichi was there beside me.

    ��Hiromi is going to kill you for never exining you knew Hayato Nakagawa.�� He whispered to me, and while I felt an ufortable premonition go down my spine I still jabbed his ribs a bit.

    ��It��s just Hayato. Stop saying her name like she��s a thing.�� I whispered to them, and then looked to Hayato. ��Don��t mind these gonks, they act like morons, but are actually surprisinglypetent!�� I said lying through my teeth which I happily noticed both boys had picked up on and threw me a betrayed look.

    ��I see?��

    ��Anyway! To business! Hayato needs someone killed.�� I exined and she did sort of wince at my blunt statement, but a momentter the boys nodded at that.

    ��Well that��s something Motoko can do.�� Ichi whispered, and then Hiromi entered the apartment.

    ��Hey, I��m here! We have a client?�� Hiromi asked, looking excited but keeping her pace and speech calm as she entered.

    ��Yep! Hayato needs someone killed.�� I exined once more being blunt about it.

    ��Section 9 specializes in asset removal!�� Hiromi said, as she settled onto the couch near Hayato, and to my amusement offered her a card. ��Have no fear, we will ensureplete customer satisfaction for your needs.��

    Hayato took the card almost without realizing it and then blinked as she looked it over, and then at me.

    ��Section 9 is our mercpany. Hiromi is our corpo, don��t mind her corporate speech it��s just how she is.��

    ��Rude.�� Hiromi whispered under her breath and I shed her a smile in apology.

    ��Very well?�� Hayato added, still looking a little confused. But then she straightened up. ��I understand that you are the one Motoko said would handle payment?��

    ��That��s me!�� Hiromi said cheerfully, and then pulled out a shard and handed it over. ��And here is our pricing, and n structure.�� She said just as cheerfully, and I rolled my eyes as Hayato now looked a little ufortable.

    I walked over and bent near Hiromi��s ear and made a little cough. ��Friendship discount.�� I whispered and then moved over towards the boys. Both of them looked to Hayato to me, and then to Hiromi.

    ��Hiromi has no idea who she is talking to, does she?�� Malcolm whispered to me, and I shook my head.

    ��No? Why would she?��

    ��You realize, no you know what. It��s better this way.�� Malcolm said, smiling as he turned his attention back to Hayato and Hiromi hashing out things.

    To my surprise, while Hayato had looked ufortable at first, she was easily keeping up with Hiromi and arguing back just as easily.

    They were getting along surprisingly well.

 Chapter 197

    Chapter 197

    ��Kanada Tsukimura.�� I started off. Eventually payment had been decided and Hiromi looked pretty happy about everything, even if I had to nudge her and remind her about the friendship discount.

    With that, Hayato had left having other things she had to do, and left the gig to us.

    We were officially on the job.

    Reba had arrived after a while looking pissed at first, but as soon as she found out what we were doing she hadughed and lost most of her irritated frown.

    I guess tlining a gonk brought a smile to her face too!

    ��What do we know about him?�� Malcolm asked, getting to the real point.

    ��Not much. But we know where his house is, and I don��t think he has any girlfriends, or kids, considering he is trying to get with Hayato.��

    ��Wait�� This guy is trying to�� Holy shit.�� Malcolm whispered and Hiromi looked confused about the whole thing before I just shrugged.

    ��It��s not relevant except that he��ll likely be alone, but that��s part of the problem. Client wants this to be noticeable. So I think I��ll check out his home now, if he is home, then we can track him somewhere. If not, then we just wait for him toe home and do the same thing. I figure we stake out the garage of his building, ce a tracker on his car?�� I said looking to Malcolm for that, and he nodded.��Great idea.��

    ��Then we just follow him to somewhere busy. Goal is to make his death very poignant. Reba, I��m not sure how much shooting we will do, but I��ll probably rely on you as part of my escape n okay?��

    ��Heh! Sure I��ll cover you Strings.�� She said with a smile that I quickly returned.

    ��Ichi and Hiromi will be our exits, with Malcolm as cover as well. But I don��t want to overn yet. So let��s go find this gonks house and sneak around!��

    ��Hell yeah!�� Reba cheered.

    ��--

    *Well well, Kanada is a wealthy guy.* I spoke over the line that everyone was connected too, not that they didn��t already see that.

    *No kidding. That��s a hell of a building.* Ichi added.

    I was looking straight up the very ritzy skyscraper, from the rear loading dock.

    It was funny how often I infiltrated apartment buildings from the rear, but it really was useful. I could easily move a camera into not looking at me, and electronic locks were meant to keep out drunk, or high gangoons, or street kids.

    The security simply wasn��t capable of stopping a realrunner.

    I left the others in the alleyway, I would code them into the garage area, but first I needed to infiltrate in.

    As soon as I was inside the small back door I shuffled out of sight, there was a hallway leading straight from the front entrance beside the teller desk to the back door.

    It was also thankfully where the elevators were, but that wasn��t what I was looking for.

    I slipped across the hall and into the door that had an Employee Only sign. It was thankfully empty, first leading to a small storage room, which I noticed was full of supplies the front desk would need, including extra security shards for new renters, but I wanted all ess. I slipped into another small security door, finding the small security room running along.

    I flopped into the seat, and started Breaching.

    *Okay, you��ll all have Garage ess, get down there.* I heard some returning confirmation as I worked the system. They would find somece close to the entrance and keep an eye out for our target.

    My goal was��

    *Uploading a picture of the target.* I added, and then went on to search the camera records to see if I could find if he was here��

    No, I shook that desire off, and ced an ess shard into the system in a slot, and then hurried back out of the security room.

    While myrunning instincts told me to stick to the security center, Ninjutsu reminded me that keeping control wasn��t the goal. I had ess to what I needed, now I needed to get out before someone noticed.

    Slipping back out the way I came, I continued to work through my Agent, before just walking to the already opening Elevator and walking inside.

    The door shut instantly, and started taking me up.

    From there I essed the camera system again as I waited and found my target.

    *Kanada left his apartment this morning. He��s driving a yellow Shion. Sending a picture.* I uploaded it to ourwork and then smirked as the elevator opened to his floor.

    I didn��t whistle, but I was tempted, as I walked down the hall. Mostly to keep anyone from wanting to check out who was whistling. He wasn��t a Penthouse gonk, but his apartment was definitely the more expensive units. The entire ce reminded me of Jun and I��s apartment. It was clean and had a certain level of expense in the flooring and walls.

    His door slipped open without hesitation as I approached and I walked in and ducked to the side, in his little nook he had set up to drop off shoes.

    I started scanning. Had to make sure whatever security he had himself wouldn''t catch me.

    ��---

    Reba

    ��Damn she��s fast.�� Reba muttered as they headed into the garage.

    ��Hmm?�� Malcolm asked as he looked up from checking his gun. The two of them were stuck in the back of Ichi��s truck, the two HMG��s ready for their use if they needed.

    ��Sasha, the runner that Maine uses? She��s good, and likely would have gotten ess just as fast�� But only with prep beforehand. I��ve never seen her actually sneak into a ce without prepping the ce first.��

    Malcolm was quiet for a minute before he nodded. ��Yeah, I guess it is kinda weird. Motoko is really good at sneaking around though. Has she popped up behind you yet?��

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    ��No?��

    ��Yeah she does that. You��ll be hanging out and all of a sudden you��ll have her hand on your shoulder or she��ll crack a joke right behind you.��

    ��What a bitch.�� Reba saidughing and Malcolm smiled along with her. These kids were so weird. Theck of constant ego trips was pretty intense.

    That she was the oldest out of all of them, even if she was the shortest also meant they treated her�� Differently.

    Sure Ichi and Malcolm both had done the teenaged boy thing and checked her out, but Reba was fine with that, and wasn��t really interested. Neither of them were really her type. Which was a shame, cause finding a cute merc boy was harder than you��d expect. Most of them were jerks.

    Like Pr.

    Fucking Pr.

    She was still pissed at him, how dare he say that shit. That she was ying with kiddy shit, and she��d never make it onto Maines crew if she didn��t stop ying.

    Agitated, she rolled her legs, as she grit her teeth. Swapping what leg she was holding herself up with as she shed back to her brothers stupid fucking mocking voice.

    Saying she would never amount to anything again. Well not in so many words, but she knew that��s what he meant. Just because she fucked up a few gigs by beingte. Or that time she saved that stupid sad puppy eyed gonk, even though they were supposed to tline him��

    ��Hey you nova?�� Malcolm asked, and she almostshed out at him, but there was a weird culture with Motoko��s crew. They didn��t do that shit. Teasing was always light, and often if Motoko, did go to far she��d apologize after which was fucking weird.

    ��I��m just dealing with shit.�� She decided. ��And so sitting here without anything to do is shit.��

    ��Ah, gotcha. Why don��t we step out then? There��s some food ces out of the garage.��

    ��Aren��t we supposed to be keeping watch?��

    Malcolm looked at the nearly closed truck rear door that he was sitting nearly t enough to look out.

    ��Can��t see much from here, Ichi and Hiromi are still on duty, and we are just waiting for the guy to show up.��

    She hesitated before shrugging.

    ��Sure I could use a bite.��

    ��Cool. I think there was a buck a slice down the block.��

    ��Gross, I��m not eating that slop. I think I saw a Kabayans.��

    ��Eh. I guess that��ll work. Hold up, let me ask if anyone wants anything.�� He said before his eyes shed yellow. *Hey chooms gonna go on a snack run, Kabayan��s looks like. You want anything.*

    Reba rxed when nothing disparaging came through. Just a few requests then to her surprise Motoko cut in too.

    *Ramen if they have anything good? I��m in the mood for some noodles.*

    *Sure sure. I��ll look.* Malcolm said with a roll of his eyes. ��Motoko always wants noodles. She��ll offer other things, but don��t ever offer a Ramen ce, or that��s what she��ll jump on.��

    ��Good to know.�� Reba said, then she couldn��t help butugh at the silliness of it all. They took this work seriously, but they weren��t��

    Uptight? No it was more that with Maine everything had to be done like the big guy wanted. Everything was meant to make them look like edgerunners. Section 9, for all they dressed up in armor and high end equipment, were so much calmer about it.

    Ah well. Fuck Pr. She hopped out with her much smaller legs and put her hands behind the back of her head as she followed Malcolm out of the Garage and onto the street.

    Just a bit more, and she��d have the eddies for her chrome.

    ��--

    The problem with stakeouts is that they were boring.

    I was currently watching Kanada��s TV while slurping my Ramen bowl that Malcolm had delivered. I had sneaked a peek at the cameras and noticed my chooms had all set up a cute little pic in the back of Ichi��s truck as well.

    Once more changing the channel I sighed as there was nothing on.

    Kanada��s apartment was nowpletely subverted. Not that he had much. Just a security system on a separate system from the main buildings.

    Slurping up thest bit of broth I sighed.

    Waiting around for people was so boring.

    Since my meal was finished I went ahead and dumped it into a trash can that wouldn��t be noticed if he returned, turned the TV back to the channel it was on, and switched it back off.

    With a soft leap, I climbed into the space I had found that was perfect to hide in. Pretty sure it wasn��t supposed to be there but the guy had definitely had an entrance way modified when he moved in to have a small area to take off shoes and things, but it had left an empty space above that entrance way.

    So I climbed up there, andid t staring at a ceiling in boredom.

    I idly switched between some programming that I was tinkering with and checking all the cameras as I waited.

    A long time passed and I was definitely bored when finally I got a message.

    *Yellow Shion just pulled in.* Ichi��s voice was excited and I checked the cameras.

    Well hello there Kanada.

    *Once he is clear, ce the tracker.* I reminded them and got a few affirmatives from my chooms as Kanada came up to his apartment.

    I watched through the cameras as he slumped in grumbling about something under his breath. He threw his jacket over a chair, grabbed some food from his fridge and threw it in his microwave.

    It would be stupidly easy to kill him right now.

    Unfortunately, client wishese first.

    Hayato wanted his death to be public. So I waited as he made himself a meal and settled on the couch for a while.

    Finally something happened. He got a call. I quickly hacked in and listened.

    *What is it?* Kanada demanded and I noticed the call ID registered the calling from Hiko.

    *Nothing big boss, but we had an issue with the Delivery. Some product is missing again.*

    *Kuso! I told you to keep an eye on it!*

    *I did! You have my word I did! I think the product is going missing upstream. I swear I��ve been with the package from when it was delivered until we opened it.*

    *Fine. Keep an eye on it, and get the camera records ready. I want proof it wasn��t us. I��ll go talk to Moritaka-Sama.* I blinked at the very familiar name, and then felt myself smile.

    Oh�� Oh this was an opportunity!

    Kanada got up and got ready grabbing his jacket and keys, slowly he put back on his shoes, and I grinned at what was happening.

    *He��sing down. Everyone get ready, we��re going to leave first and follow.* I called out. Already knowing exactly how to get ahead of him.

    He left the apartment, and I slipped off the hidden area and waited at the door for the elevator toe, I had actually called up both elevators, and when he stepped inside once the door closed I was out and moving.

    The second Elevator opened and I was inside, the doors closing and sending me down to the garage as Kanada��s elevator made a few extra stops.

    Once out, I raced across and leapt into the back of Ichi��s van which closed just after me.

    ��Motoko?��

    ��Just got great news Malcolm. Kanada is about to go visit an old friend, one that I would very much like to make a point to.�� I said with a grin as the truck started up and pulled out. The sound of a Shion engine starting up behind us, meant it was right behind us as we started out of the garage, and then he was gone, but easily tracked.

    We tracked him just a few blocks away to some business that was definitely owned by the TC. Plenty of people going in and out meant it was impossible for me to just stride in through the entrance.

    *Got it. It��s an upscale bar, second floor is VIP seating.* Hiromi added into them and I grinned. While it wasn��t anything I couldn��t have gathered from a bit ofrunning, Hiromi was much faster at getting basic information about a building or business.

    Second floor huh?

    I nced up from a ways down the street and took in something interesting.

    That was a mightyrge window you had there. A quick scan told me it wasn��t bullet proof.

    ��Okay. I know how this is going to go.�� I said aloud and looked to my chooms who were all sitting around the back of the van looking around just like I was, and with a smile I told them my n.

    ��--

    I waltzed inside without any hint of fear. The bar was upscale all metals, and ss. The sort of ce that I didn��t really enjoy, but no one stopped me.

    Why would they? I walked in, and nced up, the VIP area was a second floor ring that ran around the sides of the building, leaving arge space they could look down onto the people below.

    I already knew where everyone was, and I knew where my target was standing. @@novelbin@@

    A camera was pointing right at him, and with the Ping I had on him, I had his position.

    I had a Katana on my hip, the same one that Musashi��s gangoons had tried to kill me with. I had pulled it out of the Quadra as I called my car for an update to my armory.

    This was meant to be loud, but it was meant to be a statement. I still had my professional pride.

    Quick and clean, and very poignant.

    I stepped forward a few steps and loosened up my shoulders.

    I lowered myself and leapt.

    The second floor was well within my reach, as I leapt up and grabbed onto the guard rail and threw myself over.

    I activated my Sandevistan, to make sure everything went smoothly, and as Inded I could already see people sitting around the boss Moritaka rising up in shock reaching for weapons.

    None of which would fire, but my target was too slow.

    My katana was unsheathed and before he could turn, before anyone could shout a warning I was there.

    Kanada Tsukimura gasped, a weak sounding wheeze as my Katana slipped in, cutting through his heart, and with a gentle move I made sure to cut his spine quite badly, even as I let my momentum carry me on as I pushed him straight forward until I simply stopped letting my Katana slide out of his back as he mmed face first into the ss and out.

    The crash shattered an entire pane and ss sttered all around me, but through the whole thing my eyes were locked onto Moritaka Kuwabara.

    I held my dripping Katana even as my eyes remained locked onto the man.

    Just to let him know I had seen him. I didn��t move. This wasn��t just a statement for Hayato, but one for me too.

    Gangoons stood up and raised weapons that clicked or simply refused to fire.

    I gave it long enough for the realization set in, and then I finished what I was here for. With a gentle sweep Ipleted a Chiburi. A blood shake. Moritaka flinched at the motion, and then I sheathed my de.

    ��Hayato Nakagawa sends her regards.�� I finished and I saw the flinch through the crowd as I simply turned.

    The massive ss window was now open and clear and I stepped out. Ichi had pulled the truck up as the ss shattered and I stepped off, basically onto his truck, as he started driving off.

    *Kanada Tsukimura is dead.* I sent the text to Hayato.

    Gigplete.

 Chapter 199

    Chapter 199

    I woke up the next morning feeling well rested and ready to take on the world. A full eight hours and I was ready to hammer life.@@novelbin@@

    I hit the gym first. That final level for Body would mean I never have to stop at a gym again in my life. Which was a temptation that was too strong to put off.

    The weights let me push and I found a good chunk of the morning disappear in a haze of aching muscles and willpower overriding my tired body.

    No level ups, but it was all about the slow inexorable grind!

    I spent most of the morning after that doing some clean up for the Tachikoma. Their brain was growing well, if slowly, but they were at the point where it was easy for them to follow a thought or assumption ande to incredibly wrong conclusions.

    I considered calling for that meeting between my chooms that I had nned, but honestly we had been working for days straight.

    Today was a rest day for sure. Plus Hiromi had school, which I really should try not to interfere with all the time. Better to give her some school time before I finish calling the meeting and get everyone on the same page.

    Of course I wasn��t really feeling like putting my feet up and wasting the day. So instead I pulled out myptop and started working on some design work.

    The initial use of the Tachikoma had been an amazing sess, but I still needed to get their mobile function working.Getting them capable of climbing walls was going to beplicated, although the tech definitely existed out there already. I remember the thead was easily doing it.

    But for now I needed speed.

    Wheels.

    Tachikoma were supposed to have wheels on their legs and that was a skill they would need to learn to use.

    Adding wheels was easy. Adding wheels into their already packed together legs while somehow powering them was harder.

    But it was the fun kind of harder.

    ��--

    When the door opened and Jun wearily stepped into the apartment I was still a long ways frompleting a working design.

    So I happily pushed it away and looked over at my brother.

    ��You look tired.��

    ��Yep.�� He muttered and stomped over to the fridge.

    ��Any reason why?��

    ��Been busy.�� He finally offered after grabbing an XXL and throwing it in the microwave. But he wasn��t going to borate.

    ��Okay?�� I mentioned realizing Jun wasn��t in the mood for conversation.

    A minuteter he settled on the couch and chomped into his burrito and life seemed to return to him.

    ��I��ve just been busy Imouto. A lot of issues came up, and I wasn��t able to handle them because of�� Yuto.��

    ��Ah.�� I looked away. We hadn��t really had a conversation about this yet. The room grew a little awkward and I considered what to do. For Jun Yuto was a friend, apanion, a brother in some ways.

    And I had killed him.

    ��Hey Jun?��

    ��Hmm?��

    ��Do you want to set up a space in our shrine for Yuto?�� I asked and Jun definitely wasn��t expecting that as he choked a bit on his burrito.

    I patted his back a bit and he got himself under control again. ��What?��

    ��You heard me. Despite everything�� He was a choom right?��

    Jun blinked and just looked over to our shrine.

    We didn��t use it much, it mostly stayed in the corner and we just left it as is.

    Finally Jun nodded slowly. ��Yeah. I��d like that.��

    I smiled as Jun��s mood improved and we made ns to head out to get everything we would need. I might have zero connection to the man, but to Jun�� This might be the way to get over the guilt he obviously felt.

    ��--

    As we left the apartment to head to some shops it was obvious that things had changed.

    I was getting stared at. Normally when Jun and I walked around, he got all the attention with his reputation out there, but this time it was something more.

    I was getting looked at, and people were whispering.

    ��Looks like I��m not going to be able to stay low key anymore.�� I muttered as we passed a few TC gonks sitting on a set of stairs and all of them jumped for Jun but ended up flinching when they saw me.

    ��Well you did start working with Hayato Nakagawa-Sama.��

    ��Ugh. Don��t call her that.�� I cringed, because it was hard to keep in mind Hayato was important when she was sort of a mess.

    ��You should start speaking about her with respect. It could cause issues.��

    ��Nah. I��ve punched her in the face too many times to do that.��

    ��Motoko!?��

    ��We spar together Jun. What do you think? I just didn��t touch her?��

    ��No! But�� I forgot you sparred with her�� Is she any good?��

    ��She��s a pain in the ass with that Keren of hers. Not as good at grappling though, but if she can set the pace of the fight she��s solid.��

    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.��Huh.�� Jun muttered as we reached the street and headed down the sidewalk.

    ��Whatever happened with the 6th Street attacks?�� I asked and Jun winced looking around a little before leaning in.

    ��Higher ups are spreading the word it was a false g, and that 6th Street already apologized. They didn��t but they also don��t want to admit they were tricked. Apparently there was a big clean up among 6th Street so they are focused on internal matters.��

    ��Just like the Tygers then.�� I muttered, and Jun didn��tment, but it was what he didn��t say that mattered.

    The reason the Tygers weren��t retaliating was because they were dealing with internal trouble just as bad as 6th Street.

    So both gangs were apparently happy to just ignore the entire situation. Of course neither would admit weakness, and neither would actually apologize.

    Gang Wars were bad for business though, and 6th Street had already long ago be a business rather than the protectors they tried to pretend they were.

    Jun switched to more casual conversation after that, as we entered the store and bought some stuff for the Shrine for Yuto, mostly just new incense.

    ��--

    I was driving to the gun range, nning on getting another session in when the radio started a new song that made me twitch.

    My voice, singing This Fffire. It was so eerie that it kept happening, but I didn��t change it. Just letting the song finish.

    ��And that was This Fffire from Ghost in the Shell, been getting a lot of requests for that one. So I hope all you choomers enjoyed it.��

    I heard Ash say over the radio before finally turning off the car. I was here.

    So weird.

    I still wasn��t sure what I was going to do about all that mess, but I did know that I would have toe up with something soon.

    I can��t believe I was on the radio.

    Shaking it off I headed inside and started shooting. I was focusing on my Handgun skill today, as it was pretty low for one of the skills I used a lot, and I could get a lot of work done.

    As I was shooting I noticed one of the other shooters eyeing me and I stopped and shifted so I was looking them straight in the eye. They flinched and looked away and I red.

    Tyger w. So he was staring because he had heard about me.

    Stupid rep. It was better when everyone just ignored me.

    ��--

    *100 Handguns XP Gained.*

    *Handguns skill level up!*

    Handguns just hit 8!

    I cheered internally even as I groaned and stretched my slightly aching shoulders. I had been at it for hours!

    But I really wanted that level up!

    Looking around for the first time in a while I rxed as I was alone and I took a moment to start packing up.

    Processing the odd sensation of gaining muscle memory that I hadn��t actually done before. Slight changes in how to hold and point, a slight shift in how I would register when to fire while aiming.

    It was all good stuff.

    Packing up I decided to grab some food and probably flop on the couch for a while.

    As I headed out, I caught the issue. Once again a couple of Tyger w gonks were standing around my car.

    I shifted my shoulders, giving me easy ess to the Burya and stalked forward.

    ��Hey! Get off my ride!�� I demanded and watched the men all shift to stare at me.

    Weapons visible.

    ��Chill choom.�� The lead Gonk offered and actually raised his hands, but his smile told me he was mocking. ��We��re just here to talk.��

    ��Talk to someone else then. Fuck off.�� I demanded, I didn��t know who sent these fucks, but it wasn��t anyone that I wanted to talk to. Everyone in the TC that I wanted to chat with had my number.

    ��Don��t be like that, we are here with business.�� He exined his smug smile still stretched across his face. And when I just stared nkly he smiled like he won some game. ��Here��s the deal. You pissed off some important folk, and in exchange you need to work it off. See?�� He exined and I nodded.

    That was what this was about. I breathed in and out. My blood was boiling. It would take just a choice to calm down, handle this rationally, call Fujimura or Jun, and make sure these guys regretted trying whatever this was about.

    Or I could just not.

    I activated my Sandy. Everything slowed down not because I expected trouble, but because I wanted to memorize the look on this smug pricks face when my chrome fist smashed into his face. My ankles gave me plenty of force to trulyy one on this guy.

    I moved on.

    ��Get you ass off my fucking car!�� I roared as I smashed into them, one of them let out a girlish shriek as I twisted and leapt thennded a flying kick right onto his face knocking him off the hood of the Quadra.

    Then I moved again, a gun was drawn, Sub-Gonk number 2 drew a Shiny Omaha, it was whipped out with far too much wasted movements, by the time the gun was clear of his pants, I had already rolled off the Quadra andshed out, my foot smashing into his wrist and sending the pistol flying. Then I smashed another fist into the gonks chest.

    ��I am so sick of this shit!�� I yelled out as I switched back to the leader. He was rising up shakily holding his mouth, but I didn��t care and slipped into his guard and reached up grabbing the side of his head while my other grabbed under the Quadra��s bumper giving me all the leverage I needed to bounce his head off the solid titanium hood.

    Then I flowed into another move. The fucker that had been sitting on my car was getting up and I smashed a knee into his face putting him back down on the asphalt.

    I drew a de, not my normal knife, but a throwing dagger that was tucked into my little strap on pouches, and chucked it.

    Sub-Gonk number 2 had scrambled for his dropped Omaha and now had a knife in his shoulder. Ninjutsu made the throw so easy I could have lodged it right into his eye if I wanted.

    His scream of pain was all the work I needed to do. Kind of hard to pull a trigger when you disable their arm.

    Wise words from a movie drill instructor.

    Walking over I kicked the gun away, he had dropped it anyway unable to grip it, and reached down, jerking the knife back out earning another scream.

    I stared down at the three crying injured men.

    I should kill them.

    I wanted to kill them. Instead I closed my eyes and made a call.

    *Fujimura. You have about ten minutes to send someone to pick up these Tyger Goons that just tried to have a chat with me, before I slit their throats and let them bleed out in the streets and carry on with my day. Here��s my cords.* Then I hung up and sat my own ass on the hood of the Quadra my Burya visible and keeping the goons on the ground.

    ��--

    I guess I shouldn��t be surprised.

    ��Motoko!�� Jun roared as he nearly jumped off his Kusanagi and rushed over. Akari, I noticed had been riding bitch behind him. Heh.

    ��I��m fine Jun. Just pissed.�� I exined calmly. The three men were sitting on the ground in front of my Quadra, the fight thoroughly kicked out of them.

    Jun looked me over and seeing the only blood I had on me was my chrome knuckles nodded.

    Then he turned slowly, practically looming over the three gonks.

    ��Hey, c-chill Oni, we were-URK!�� Jun didn��t finish listening. The man was lifted off the ground with one hand wrapped around his throat.

    You know�� Maybe I��ll let Jun stay tall instead of cutting his legs off to make him more normal sized. Because watching my Ogre of a brother hold a struggling dumbass aloft with one hand was really funny.

    ��Pfft.�� I tried to restrain myughter, the man''s legs were kicking in the air, unable to find the ground that was a good foot away.

    ��You. Dare.�� Jun rumbled his voice deeper than normal, a rumble in his chest adding bass to the worse.

    ��Oh my.�� Akari whispered faux shocked, but as I looked her over I noticed she was very much enjoying Jun��s actions.

    Ugh. Gross.

    ��Kushan-i.�� The leader spoke in broken sybles still holding his face.

    I might have broken his jaw.

    ��We-sh ��ad o��rers.��

    ��What orders?�� Jun rumbled the guy in his hand still struggling but I noticed Jun wasn��t going easy on his throat. He was turning blue.

    ��Jush a talk!�� The leader spoke quickly hands raised as Jun looked like he was about to beat a motherfucker with another motherfucker.

    I watched and sighed, because Jun wasn��t going to do that, or rip these guys apart. Honestly I��d have been mad if he had, because they were my XP if they were just going to be killed.

    ��Fujimura-sama will want to hear exactly what your orders were.�� Jun finally said with a growl and dropped the other gonk. Whonded badly and rolled into a ball as he gasped for air. ��Motoko, Fujimura-Sama will be here soon. And we��ll get to the bottom of this.��

    ��Perfect. I��m out then.�� I decided as I stepped off the hood fo the Quadra. ��I��ve wasted enough time on this shit. Let me know what three dumbasses were supposed to tell meter or something.�� I offered with a wave and then Jun looked like he was going to say something but ended up nodding.

    ��Sure.��

    I hesitated and sighed turned around and to Jun��s surprise hugged him tight. ��Thanks Jun.�� I told him and ran away before he could get mushy.

    Jun was always Mushy.

    ��--

    I got home and took a shower, and as the water ran over my head, I came up with an idea.

    A sinister, evil idea.

    It was an idea for a quick hack.

    I considered it for a while, it wasn��t functionally any better than Optic Reboot, but sometimes you just needed to utterly fuck with someone.

    I found myself in my room, Tachikoma beside me going through a small series of digital testing grounds for it I had set up, while I used both my hands and my agent to program at rapid speed.

    The fact was, I was starting to build a rep. I had to ept that it was what it was, but I wanted something that made people think twice before ever, even considering messing with me.

    So I needed to start bing something more than just an assassin.

    I needed the reputation of a monster.

    Optical Hack Daemon: Onryo.

    I pulled the data for my stealth daemon, as the base, as the Daemons carrier function was really really good. Then instead of simply focusing on making me invisible, I had it carry a holoimage.

    The program came together without any issue, and by the time the sun rose it was done.

    I installed thepleted hack and then just stared at the wall for a second.

    ��Pfftt Hahahahaha!�� I broke in evilughter at the horror I was about to unleash. Now I just needed to find some targets.

 Chapter 202

    Chapter 202

    An hourter Kang Tao headed off having retrieved the data and everything was settled.

    Just another night in Night City where the corps felt that killing anyone that had even touched their data was the better course than just trusting some mercs to have not read it.

    I didn��t, but I was tempted to after they screwed us like this, but Regina had gotten paid and then some for all the trouble, so I was just going to let it go. I didn��t want to deal with Kang Tao right now.

    Getting to Hiromi��s apartment I was let in quickly as Hiromi opened the door before I even got there.

    ��C��mon!�� She urged me, grabbing my arm and pulling me inside. It was a bit tense in the apartment. It looks like Hiromi��s Mom was here, and she was giving the group a little bit of a stink eye as the group of teenagers syed out on her fancy couch.

    ��Mother! Motoko is back.��

    ��Hello again.�� I greeted the stern looking woman, who looked me over, and I noticed her optics locking in on my new chrome as well. But then she nodded seemingly pleased.

    ��This issue with Kang Tao is dealt with?�� She asked and I nodded.

    ��Yep. They backed off, everything is settled.����Good. Hiromi, dear, be more careful.�� She said in a tone that was actually a bit softer than I��d ever heard from her.

    ��Yes Mother.�� Hiromi said, without even a hint of irritation. Which surprised me, because we were careful.

    Then Mama Hiromi walked out of the living room for her office, and the atmosphere calmed down.

    ��Whew.�� Hiromi sighed a bit as she left.@@novelbin@@

    ��Be more careful?�� I prodded quietly, and Hiromi just shook it off.

    ��She worries. But she lets me do this.�� Hiromi argued back, almost snapping at me, and I nodded, raising my hands.

    ��Got it, sorry.��

    ��It��s fine.�� She whispered back, and then she turned to everyone. ��Okay! Motoko got everything settled!��

    ��Finally!�� Malcolm called out, but I realized he was teasing. ��Gosh Motoko, taking so long.��

    ��Yeah Motoko.�� Ichi said distractedly as he was currently eating some food that was on a fancy te and looking shocked at what he was eating.

    ��Oh fuck off!�� I told Malcolmughing, as I walked over and pushed his head. ��I had to sneak past an entire team of Kang Tao to get that data drive dropped off.��

    ��Pfft. Just one team? Are you getting slow in your old age?�� Malcolm teased, so I just flipped him off and Reba��sugh made meugh along with her.

    ��Funny as fuck chooms. But we��re good? Vik did good work, but I��m still feeling sore.�� Reba said, pointing at her leg that was currently resting on the ss coffee table. That might have been why Mama Hiromi was hovering.

    ��Yeah, Kang Tao agreed to back off on this one. Regina brow beat them with the data.��

    ��Nova. Alright then. I��m out.�� Reba said and groaned as she started to get up. I frowned.

    ��Want a hand?��

    ��Ehhh�� Yeah.�� She admitted as she winced a bit as she put weight on her leg.

    I walked over and scooped her up gently, earning a yelp of surprise from Reba as I slowly made sure she wasfortable.

    ��Jeeze choom! I��m not that small!��

    ��You��re pretty light Reba!�� I responded back with augh showing her how easy it was to lift her. Honestly the weight was mostly on my back thanks to my arms being chrome, and my core handled the rest just fine.

    ��Fuck. I forgot all those muscles you got Strings.��

    I justughed at Reba��s surprised sound.

    ��C��mon I��ll help you get home. Oh before I forget.�� I mentioned stopping my turn towards the door. ��We didn��t get to loot the ce with everything that happened. But I��m amazed at how well everyone handled today. Ichi, your van okay?��

    He gave me a small grimace. ��Repairs aren��t going to be cheap.��

    ��It was during an OP, and it saved our ass, so Hiromi? Can we make sure that gets squared away? I can pull from my eddies if that would work.��

    ��Don��t worry about it Motoko.�� Hiromi said, although she was giving me a strange focused look. ��We have thepany ount for that sort of thing.��

    ��Okay�� Just let me know if there are any issues. Thanks everyone.��

    ��Pfft. We all did what we could.�� Malcolm said surprisingly se about the whole thing. ��I��m gonna head out too.��

    And with that other than Hiromi giving me a strange look, and Reba giggling for some reason. Our first official gig day ended.

    ��--

    ��So Ash has been reaching out. She��s had a few people reach out to her, music people on the down low trying to get contact information.�� Hiromi informed me the next morning.

    I blinked at her as she had just walked into my bedroom as I was being a bitzy and still in bed without a word and just flopped down and started talking.

    ��What? Hiromi!��

    She rolled her eyes but she was trying to keep from breaking out into a smile so she was definitely fucking with me. I just rolled my eyes back and waved my wrist for her to go on.

    ��Okay so. People are interested. Interest is good. It means we have leverage. I want to set up some meetings. Some DJ��s for different stations want your music, and some producers, I think they want to add you to theirbel!��

    ��Sounds horrible.��

    ��It has its drawbacks.�� She admitted a little too quickly. ��But the eddies would be much better!��

    ��Hiromi.��

    ��Motoko.��

    I sighed. Working with some corpo middleman music producer sounded like a horrible idea. I could tell Hiromi knew what I was thinking as she added.

    ��I��ll be with you the whole time. I��ve actually been studying. Arasaka does have a Music section, and I looked over their course load. I know what to look out for!��

    I side eyed Hiromi because she probably didn��t realize how little that reassured me. I wasn��t worried about how good she was, I was worried about how evil whoever we were talking to was.

    I shrugged it off. I could always just kill people.

    That familiar mantra left me feeling more at ease. ��Alright. I��ll leave it to you.��

    ��Yeeees! Okay can you get ready? I want to set up a meeting!��

    This novel is published on a different tform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    ��Alright, sure. Tell me who you want us to meet.�� I asked as I got up and stretched, groaning a bit as I let my muscles stretch out, with a hop I jumped off my bed and started grabbing clothes. Fighting my ass into my jeans I turned to Hiromi who seemed a little distracted. ��Hiromi?��

    ��Wha? Yes! Okay so. First meeting is with Richard Fox. He��s actually a DJ for Morro Rock.��

    ��Yeah that name sounds familiar.�� I muttered, I think I��d heard him on the radio? I did listen to Morro. It was where I had originally listened to Samurai and yed along with.

    ��He wants to y Pretender, at least mentioned it to Ash directly. So we are going down to the radio station to talk eddies.��

    ��Do they even do that? Just buy singles?��

    ��Not usually, in fact I doubt we��ll get any eddies from this�� Sort of the opposite.��

    ��You want to pay him to y the song?��

    ��Yes. More people listening to the song means more people interested. It��s advertising!��

    I looked at Hiromi and she was firm about this.

    ��Okay.�� I agreed. If Hiromi thought this was the best path, then I��d y along.

    ��--

    The station wasn��t anything super fancy, a pretty normal building in City Center, near the Mayor''s office.

    We parked the Quadra and headed in through the armored ss doors with the Morro Rock Logo on it.

    The inside didn��t even have a secretary. Instead Hiromi walked up to theputer at the desk and typed in some information before getting a guest pass.

    I followed her into the elevator and then up we went.

    We were both quiet as we went up. I could feel Hiromi getting a bit nervous, so she was shifting into her corpo mode. Her face smoothing out and getting an almost haughty tilt to her head.

    Then the door opened and we walked out into a room that actually had a secretary.

    ��Hiromi Mitsunashi?��

    ��Yes.��

    ��Mr. Fox will see you now. First door on your left.�� She said, the secretary waszing back practically with her feet on the desk, and I was shocked she wasn��t blowing bubbles with bubblegum.

    Hiromi strode down the hall head high and I followed in her wake just enjoying the way Hiromi had shifted from nervousness to full confidence.

    Inside was a personal office. A big desk, with a man sitting behind it. Lots of records on the walls, and a few pictures of famous musicians shaking the man��s hand.

    ��Ah excellent! Richard Fox, and you��d be?��

    ��Hiromi Mitsunashi, Manager. This is Motoko Kusanagi, Ghost in the Shell.�� Hiromi introduced us, and the mans smile was bright and wide. He was gregarious, happily shaking both our hands and offering us a drink as he settled us into the chairs across the desk.

    ��Well can I just say before we get to business? Pretender, absolutely banging track. That opening guitar pick? Really drew me in.�� He offered and I blinked and couldn��t help but smile at hispliment.

    ��Thanks.��

    ��Well let��s get down to it yeah? I want your song on my station. The first time I heard it from Ash I thought it would do well here. I��ve already thrown out my first offer to Ms. Mitsunashi.��

    ��I want the number of ys to go up. Ten isn��t enough.��

    ��Ten is pretty reasonable for an unknown artist.�� He replied back instantly, and suddenly I was ping ponging as I looked between the two.

    ��An unknown artist that came to you with their offer. You came to us. We know how things work, but in this case you want the song to be able to y it, so we want it yed. Fifteen. Minimum.��

    ��Hmm. Tell you what. I��ll agree to Thirteen, but three of them will be on the big midday show, and of course on that show call-ins happen, so if someone wants to hear it again I won��t count that against you.��

    Hiromi was silent for a moment as she seemed to have nothing to argue about.

    ��That��s�� A surprisingly good offer.�� She eventually said almost pointedly.

    ��Heh. Kid, you gotta realize I run a radio station. I��m not a recordbel. My greatest ability isn��t locking everyone into iron d contracts that only benefit me, but by being the nice personable music connection for the up anding artists. In twenty years Ghost in the Shell might just remember good old Fox on her favorite station.�� And he stopped to throw me a wink. ��And threw me an early track.��

    Hiromi I noticed was actually starting to smile at the man. Her bodynguage shifting from confident corpo, to a more rxed position.

    ��Well I can��t promise anything, but I��ll make sure you are on the short list if things go well.��

    ��Well that��s a deal I can get behind!�� He said cheering and I couldn��t help but smile at the over the top energy of it. ��But before we finish�� You mind?�� He asked me and pointed at a guitar in the corner. ��It��s one of my things. I always like to do a little jam session with fresh artists.��

    I barked out augh. I couldn��t help it. ��Sure choom. What do you want to y?��

    ��What do you know?��

    ��Everything. Well if I��ve heard it before I can y it.��

    ��Yeah?�� He asked taking me seriously and I nodded, as I grabbed the guitar and he grabbed another. ��How about this.��

    He started ying a song I didn��t recognize but as he yed through it, I just nodded after and mimicked him perfectly he broke into augh.

    ��Well I know for a fact you��re being honest Motoko, mind if I call you Motoko?��

    ��That��s fine.�� I shrugged it off, and he continued.

    ��I wrote that myself, it��s nothing special but it��s mine. How about this then?�� He asked and started up something I did know. I immediately mimicked him, taking on the role of Johnny to his Eurodyne, as he started up Chippin In.

    We jammed through the whole song. I even sang it along which surprised him and I could tell the guy might be a corporate Radio Host, but he did love the music.

    When we finished he startedughing.

    ��Holy shit. You got the gift kid, you didn��t miss a single transition!��

    ��I��ve done my own covers of the Samurai songs.��

    ��Yeah?�� He asked and then grinned. ��You know I do amateur oldie hour Sunday Night at 3 am. Send your covers in, I��ll throw them on. No charge.�� I grinned at the offer and Hiromi looked smug as well. We shook hands.

    ��--

    The sound of gloves hitting gloves echoed out as I pushed. Left, left, low right, grapple. Activate Sandy. Step back as a blow skims my nose.

    Fast as always. I had started trying to activate my Sandy in a sh while sparring, giving me a second that turned into a bit more whenever I expected a counter attack. I hopped back and Hayato red at me, huffing in irritation.

    I danced backwards a bit letting the feel of my Sandy cycling count me down before I rushed in again.

    Hayato had great stamina thanks to her Synth lungs but I had discovered that she could be worn out as the rest of her didn��t all share the same endurance.

    ��You are so annoying.�� She said, her cadence consistent which told me she had taken a moment to specifically share this information with me clearly.

    ��I aim to please.�� I teased and then charged in and I wanted tough as her irritation shifted to surprise before focus all in a single moment as we once more began mming into each other.

    For a pampered princess she certainly knew how to fight. I guess that had been intentional. You couldn��t lead a Gang if you couldn��t fight

    I shook off that thought as I didn��t want to really think too hard at the fact she was so important.

    She��d always just be the weirdo with a Keren to me.

    I blinked in surprise as instead of me initiating a grapple she did. Grabbing my wrist and shifting into a judo throw. I let her hip toss me, but shifted my arm so Inded on my feet and then yanked her off her feet as I had more mass than her��

    Earning a momentary shocked look as she yelped as I mmed her into the mat.

    ��I think that��s my-��

    ��Don��tsayit!�� She demanded in a rush cutting me off and I justughed as she threw me off her and regained her feet. Stiff backed and obviously frustrated.

    ��C��mon Hayato, don��t act like that.��

    ��I had you!�� She grumbled and Iughed.

    ��We need to work on your grappling a bit more before you can take me with that. Nice throw though. You just forgot my arms are chrome.��

    ��Oh trust me, that isn��t something I forgot.�� She snapped back. ��I have the bruises to prove it.�� She muttered rubbing at her arms.

    ��Hehe!�� Iughed at her pouting face and that shifted it into a re.

    ��You are so annoying! I refuse to believe someone like you is an assassin!�� She called out quite loudly, and Iughed even harder, because half the dojo had shifted to look at her.

    Realizing she was the center of attention for yelling so hotly she huffed and purposefully sent a re over the room that had everyone turning away. Must be nice being the future boss.

    ��Believe it or not.�� I shrugged. ��Now, you going to end this with me still in the lead?��

    My words had the desired reaction as she turned and instantly leapt into a boxing pattern to try and bash my face in. I justughed as we got back into it.

    That��s right Hayato, keep fighting and let me get more and more of those lovely Street Brawling alerts.

    ��--

    ��Alright try it now?�� I asked and Ichi nodded, the Minotaur stood up and I sighed in relief.

    *100 Technical Ability XP Gained*

    *Technical Ability Leveled up!*

    Tech 8. Now just to hope my repairs had worked.

    ��Feels fine.�� He offered and I felt myself rx.

    ��Looks like it��s holding. Stupid proprietary bullshit.�� I grumbled. The Minotaur had needed some maintenance, and it had needed it badly. One of the leg joints had been getting stuck. Turns out the damn things were designed to wear out after only a few uses.

    What a shock.

    I had to pull apart the entire assembly, as using some gathered intel from a certain Kitsune I had been trying to repair the damn thing.

    I nced up and smiled as the door to the little rear garage opened up and Ichi��s Grandmother stepped in holding an actual jug of lemonade.

    ��You kids thirsty?�� She asked softly. And I couldn��t help but cheer both hands in the air.

    ��Thanks Grandma.�� Ichi said, as he took a second to pull off the headset for the Minotaur and went to grab the jug from her.

    She was old. It was one of those things you don��t think about, but I could tell she was out of breath just by walking the jug across the back yard.

    Ichi was a good grandson doing what he could to take care of her.

    I walked over and pulled one of the chairs over. ��Want a seat?�� I asked and sheughed and waved me off.

    ��No, thank you dear. I��ll head back inside.�� She said and started sort of hobbling back out as Ichi found a ce to put the lemonade and started pouring for the two of us.

    ��She��s nice.�� I told him, and he nodded absentmindedly.

    ��I��ve been able to buy her medicine. She��s doing a lot better.�� He said and I winced a bit at that. She was a bit�� Absent minded, so the fact she was doing better?

    I sighed. Man that sucked. I reached out and gave Ichi a ��good job�� pat on his shoulder and then grabbed some lemonade.

    It wasn��t real lemons but it tasted good.

    ��C��mon I want to finish going over this thing.�� I plopped back down and grabbed my tools. This was great Tech XP.

 Chapter 205

    Chapter 205

    <em>Miguel Hernandez</em>@@novelbin@@

    Everything was falling apart! Just because he had taken the drugs! They should have been his anyway! Who cares that Daniel that Tino fucker thought it was his. Miguel was important, not some street scop fucker!

    But now, despite having tlined the gonk for refusing to do what Miguel wanted, everything was going wrong.

    The first attack had almost worked, if not for his bodyguard. And now Father hired an entire horde of Animal Hustle to protect him��

    But now Father had gone quiet.

    ��Well!?�� He yelled at the Animal that was the leader of the Squad.

    ��Told you already. We were hired to protect you. Not to find out what��s up with your pops. Eddies are already paid, so we do our job.��

    ��And I��m telling you to find him!�� He yelled, but the animal didn��t even acknowledge his words, just going back to pumping weights.

    Fucker.Father was an important man! He had ties to the mayor! There was no way some street trash Valentino would touch him! He��s probably just�� Busy.

    His thoughts were interrupted once again by the sound of a loud engine roaring up the street,

    ��Someone kill that fucker driving the Caliburn!�� He screamed. It had been hours where the same Caliburn would drive up and down the street outside revving the engine and making noise.

    Miguel had no idea who it was, probably some rich brat driving his fathers car that he had no right to. But it was infuriating, as the engine was loud enough it was constantly disrupting Miguel''s thoughts.

    Then it happened, just as he was going to start yelling for the Animals to go do what he said for once, the animal that was with him suddenly rose up. ��Runner!�� He managed to shout just before he roared and groaned as the spark of electricity ran up the Borg''s body and he tumbled onto the floor shaking.

    Then the gun fire started.

    Adrenaline shot through him, and he reached for the engraved Overture he had left on the table beside him, but it was gone.

    Nothing was on the table.

    ��Wha-�� He was cut off as everything ended.

    ��--

    *Target Eliminated.* I confirmed into the groupm, and then turned. Overture raised I dropped two rounds into the Animal that was protecting the target.

    *250 XP Gained.*

    *750 XP Gained.*

    Hmm. That Animal was probably the leader then.

    I stepped over the bodies and left the room, entering in the mansion''s massive open floor n to see my team clearing up already. The sound of gunfire as they peppered twitching bodiesing out in short bursts.

    Well that was easy.

    I walked past my team, and dug under a table to pull out the Tachikoma that was hiding there.

    Well that had been pretty easy. Blinding and locking down the Animals with Short Circuit, letting my team move in and kill them easily.

    ��Clear over here!�� I called out having checked my little area and making sure all the animals were dead. My call prompted everyone to join in, calling out that they cleared everyone.

    I wasn��t seeing any more lines from Ping either, so we had gotten everyone.

    I looked outside and noticed the robots slumped over. I had turned them all off from the security center, meaning all of them could be recovered. THose were expensive, and Hiromi would be very happy we had snagged them intact.

    Plus robots were neat!

    *Alright Ichi, let��s bring in the truck.* I called over the line and I turned around and just smiled as Reba and Malcolm both looked over the mansion and all the stuff that was justying around.

    A few momentster Hiromi pulled in with Malcolms Caliburn, and then the massive Behemoth Ichi was driving came in, and turned for easy loading.

    I really did love it when everything came together.

    ��--

    ��Cheers!�� I called back as I smashed my soda into Reba��s drink.

    ��That��s right! We��re the best!�� She shouted out and more people called out their agreement as they raised the alcohol we paid for to celebrate our gig.

    It still felt weird to me to do this, but Reba ran with Maine and had a better idea on how the normal edgerunner celebrations went.

    Once again we were outside Turbo��s and cheering our sess to the world. I suppose in this case, considering the Animals were used to working as mercs, and weren��t known for holding grudges against that sort of thing, and the target and family already tlined, I felt prettyfortable with talking about our sess.

    We were now once more flush with eddies, the small amount from actuallypleting the gig, and then a whole lot more for stealing everything of value in the mansion.

    I had even stripped the security system server and packed that away, because that sort of thing was good eddies.

    I watched on from the top of the Quadra enjoying the atmosphere, even if it wasn��t really my thing.

    It was purely by chance. A headlight turning off the ramp shing a bit of light into the sky, causing a reflection that had me ncing over.

    Rainbow pastel colors.

    I stilled as I looked up over the city skyline and there it was.

    A familiar hair color that stood out in the colors of Night City. Waving gently against the stars as a familiar women leaned on the wall of her apartments roof, smoke trailing slowly into the sky.

    Before I could think I stood up, reaching over and grabbing one of the Brosefs, already nning my path.

    I raced up the street towards the familiar apartmentplex, and then smiled as I started moving.

    A food stand onto a rooftop, then taking a moment and jumping across to a windowsill then across to another and then back and forth until I climbed up onto the roof of the apartmentplex.

    I sauntered over and let myself go cold as I wasn��t sure how to do this properly. So I figured, fuck it.

    Stolen novel; please report.

    I walked over making sure to scuff my boots loudly so she wouldn��t startle at my sudden appearance.

    That was something fun to do to fuck with my friends, but not her.

    ��You know. There��s a party going on. You��re wee to join. It��s open to everyone.�� I offered openly as dropped the sweating bottle of Brosef onto the ledge beside her arms. Our eyes met. And I nodded, not wanting to push it. There might be time for that another time. ��Well, offers open. Feel free to enjoy the beer.�� I offered and then since I wasn��t in the mood to take the long way, I put my hand on the railing, and just leveraged myself over.

    ��Wait!?�� She gasped as I disappeared over the edge, and I shed her a confident smirk upwards as she suddenly reacted as I fell.

    Lucy Kushinada. A little different than I remember. Her outfit was a bit less confident. But it was definitely her. I sent her a cheeky wave as I fell, before I stopped my descent, by bouncing off a ledge, hitting a street light spinning around it a bit and thennding softly on the sidewalk and sauntering back to the party.

    ��--

    I pushed myself hard once again. The weights went up and down as I worked myself as hard as I could. That final level up for training Body was constantly teasing me. I wanted that little bit more!

    Sweat poured down my face, across my Kiroshi, but the feeling didn��t matter. There was only one more push after the next. And the one after that.

    What was difort?

    What was tiredness?

    Both onlysted moments, while improvementsted forever. Temporary pain was something I could deal with.

    So I pushed once again. The weights held in my hands tightly as my core screamed, and my legs felt numb.

    I was back in my little corner of the downstairs gym area. The TC guys once more ignored me as I imed a back corner, hidden away and just worked out for as long and hard as I could.

    I needed just a little more.

    Then finally as I pushed myself up from another crunch it happened.

    *100 Body XP Gained*

    *Body Leveled up!*

    I felt it, a shift in my muscles, and strength. I slowly let the weights touch the ground and just sat there for a while breathing in and out, as I felt my body shift under my clothes.

    Body 10.

    I exhaled, and felt my breathe out cool and strong, without wavering despite how tired I was.

    I had finally managed to do it. The final point. My body that was still flesh despite being tired and numb in ces, felt strong.

    I was now more than I had been just before that point.

    And more importantly?

    I��d never have to hit the gym again! Gonna go get something sweet and pig out to celebrate! Weee!

    ��--

    ��So you had another gig?��

    ��Yep! Assassination for Padre.�� I answered back as I ducked to avoid another fist. Heh. Hayato was so cruel! She��d ask a question and attack just after to try and get an advantage!

    Sneaky! I approved!

    ��Padre? The Valentino Fixer?��

    ��That��s the one. Interesting gig. We killed this guy and looted his mansion, got a ton of stuff. You interested in richy-rich booze or something? The guy had a major liquor cab and we took it with us. Hiromi is trying to sell it off.�� I exined as I activated my Sandy and burst into motion and started jabbing over and over pushing Hayato back as she struggled to keep up with my Sandevistan speed.

    But I turned it off pretty quickly and backed off giving Hayato a chance to recover.

    ��Bit-Do you have to do that?��

    ��Keeping you on your toes!�� I said with a happy smile and then we went back at it.

    ��I��m not really interested in alcohol. No thank you.�� She admitted a breathing heavily, answering my question.

    ��Ah well, I tried. Hiromi will be happy that I did at least.�� I said with a smile as I ducked and blocked Hayato��s returning blows. Then she shifted, and I activated my Sandy for a split second to dodge back as her foot swept up and nearly took my face off, but instead I avoided it and swept out my own leg hitting her on the back of her knee and sweeping her right off her feet.

    ��Fu-Owe!�� She cursed as she hit the mat.

    ��Too aggressive. But good job trying to keep your tells down. I almost didn��t spot that!��

    ��Ughh.�� She groaned for a moment before taking my offered hand and rising up.

    ��Again.�� She demanded and I nodded, backing up and we went back into it.

    Hayato was a good partner, Street Brawling alerts kepting in, as every time I faced her she tried something new.

    I was pretty sure she was getting actual training from someone in between our little sparring matches and was being taught things to try and beat me with.

    Heh. It was pretty fun though.

    We went at it again, and I was delighted in the way my body felt so strong. I was able to block her blows nearly without effort as I simply powered through. Hayato might have more chrome than I did, but I was stronger than she was now and it showed, when I punched and she blocked it knocked her back.

    ��Stupid!�� She hissed at me, and then went aggressive and Iughed as I shifted to duck under more of her jabs.

    Hayato had a tendency to go on the offensive whenever she got angry. It was cute, but I needed to work on her for that. Her temper was going to get her in trouble at some point.

    When she jabbed I shed my Sandy, and of course she was pushing a bit too much, so instead of blocking or dodging, I grabbed her wrist, which meant I got to see the way her face shifted in rapid speed into shock and then outrage, and then her mouth opened.

    ��YouBitchNotThisAgaiiiiiin!�� She screamed as I once more hip tossed her until she stopped with an oof as she hit the mat.

    ��You got a bit too aggressive in your anger.�� I told her, and reached down and poked her forehead, letting my cooler fingers feel the warmth of her forehead. ��Cool and calm, especially on the attack.��

    She looked up at me, her eyes practically glowing under the lights as our eyes met for a while before her face scrunched up in embarrassment and she looked away, pping a hand at me to push me away.

    ��Stop that!�� She demanded and I justughed.

    ��---

    ��Yo.�� I greeted, and looked over at the woman that had requested a meeting with me.

    ��Ghost. d you arrived.�� Vortex greeted me. I was back on the. Vortex had messaged me about the debugging I had done for her, and wanting to talk.

    I slipped into the seat, and looked around the club. We were at Yoko��s ce and as I sat, she waved a hand, and the area locked down, giving us some privacy.

    ��So. You fixed my code. Thanks for that.��

    ��It was part of the deal.�� I answered back and she nodded before getting serious.

    ��I need some more work done on the program. But uh�� I��ll need to do some reveals about what it��s for. So before we get started. I want to hire you.��

    ��Hmm.�� I offered in reply the woman was sort of desperate and I wasn��t sure I liked it. Frankly the code was pretty obvious. It was an eddie skimmer. Take some eddies off the top of some sort of transaction system.

    I didn��t know, and didn��t want to know, and didn��t want to get involved. That��s the sort of crime that corps send hit squads after. Kill some of their guys? Meh. Take their money? Get ready for an apocalypse.

    ��Honestly. I don��t know if I want to get involved.��

    ��Hey, I get it. I��m not asking for a partner though. So as you know I��m trying to make some eddies with it, so I��m not exactly flush, but I do have other things. I��m a programmer too. I have some code.��

    I very pointedly didn��t mention that her code was dogshit.

    But she got my disinterest.

    ��Listen. I got data you might find very interesting. I just need some more debugging help.��

    I considered it. Honestly I wasn��t in a lot of danger even if I helped on this.

    And I could use more XP.

    ��Do you still want to derez Daemons?�� She asked suddenly and at my interest she started smiling. ��I know of a server that''s infested with old Daemons. It��s safe-ish. As much as any server can be, but I checked it out myself. How about it? I��ll give you the deets, in exchange, for the debugging.��

    ��Hmm.�� I offered again, and she seemed to realize that I wasn��t all that interested. A random server full of Daemons? That could be seriously dangerous, and it might not even be as useful as just going into therunnerbat zone.

    ��On the server. Rumor is it has some interesting data. I found it but couldn��t get through the architecture. The ce is a bit of a mess. But it could be valuable!��

    I sighed. ��Okay, fine. Give me the server address, and tell me what you know about it. And then tell me what your program is supposed to be skimming eddies off of.��

    ��Casino machines. See, it��ll skim an integer off the profits!��

    I nodded. Well it wasn��t corp, but Casino? That meant gang, which was bad in a different way.

    Whatever. ��Don��t tell me any more, and just give me the code. I can figure out what you neeeeed�� Are you dumb?�� I asked, looking over what she had done.

    ��What?��

    ��This integer is waaay too high. Do you want whoever you are trying to steal from to notice instantly? Hell, with this, over just a hundred transactions, You��d be taking like one percent. That��s crazy.��

    ��I��m trying to make something here!��

    I looked at the code and realized that this woman was a moron. I was going to have to exin this like I was talking to a kid.

    ��You either have arge surge, or you have stealth. Pick one.�� I said, and she twitched.

    ��It��s stealthy!��

    ��There is no way, the casino you are stealing from isn��t going to notice this much theft. You want to make eddies? Do it over a much longer period, and you��ll be much safer.�� She didn��t really answer, but I shrugged and started working.

    I poked at her code, pulled up a screen right there, and going to work. Altering numbers, and values until I was satisfied.

    ��That��s�� Nothing!��

    ��That��s safe. But the input numbers are variable. If you want to be crazy and go higher, that��s on you.�� I mumbled, as I continued cleaning up the code errors I was seeing. Talk about a bloated mess.

    ��Why are you deleting that!?��

    ��Because it��s pointless and it��s going to cause errors in the machines if I don��t.�� I mumbled distractedly.

    I noticed she didn��t argue though as I continued cleaning up the code. Minutes flew by as I altered the whole thing. Ripping parts of the code apart that I had already removed thest time she had sent me the program.

    I gave her a bit of a re through the transparent screen as I removed the garbage again.

    She looked like she wanted to argue for a moment, but instead as I continued to alter the program she shifted to watching avidly. Unable to tear her eyes away.

    Finally I was satisfied andpiled, handing the much neater code back to her.

    ��There. That��s my side.��

    ��Who are you?�� She asked after a moment and I just gave her a look but that didn��t satisfy her.

    ��Listen I know how to code-��

    ��Arguable.��

    ��-But you�� Yeah I know. You��re something else. I��ve never seen anyone go through a program that fast!��

    ��It��s my special talent.�� I offered jokingly, but then held out a hand. ��My payment.��

    She looked from my hand to me, and then nodded. ��Sure, Ghost in the Shell.�� She said my name formally. And then passing over some web address and a small file with some data from the server she had found.

    I looked it over and shrugged.

    ��Alright. See you around.�� I offered as I slipped out of the booth and jumped out of the server. Back to my Lobby. I��d check it outter if I even cared that much.

 Chapter 207

    ��Oh�� Uh, hey Alice.�� I greeted as I opened the door to see our neighbor.

    ��Hey, Motoko. So yeah. Umm, you had time to think about that offer?�� She asked and I blinked and rubbed my head. I felt like I was still pulling blood out of my knuckles despite a shower.

    ��Yeah I thought about it. Yeah���� I said despite not having thought about it at all. I��d been focused on grinding skills this week, and then our scheduled Section 9 work.

    ��So, uh hey. We have a meeting tonight. Just to y some songs and get some things worked out for a gig. Figured I��d invite you.��

    ��Did your band figure out the problems you guys were having?��

    ��Not exactly.�� She said and I looked her up and down and winced.

    ��I��m not exactly looking.��

    ��I know. Listen. Come y with us, some of our songs, some of yours? We��re looking for another, for the gig I mentioned, but it��s not a forced thing. Juste y. See if you fit?��

    I ran my hand through my hair. It had been a stressful day. I had gotten shot after all. I really could use a distraction.

    ��Alright, fine, let me grab my guitar.��

    ��Nova!�� She cheered out and I had a feeling she was banking on me for more than just a one night jam session.

    I shrugged and grabbed my stuff, before meeting her at the door and following her down.

    I ended up going with her, in her little van, which wasn��t the mostfortable ride, but I didn��t have room in the Quadra for her equipment and mine.

    She made pretty shit small talk as she drove, mostly about Jun to my amusement. But I wasn��t really interested in that, so I decided to get to the point.

    ��So what��s the deal with your band?��

    ��You remember Carmen?��

    ��Nope.�� I answered back, and she snorted.

    ��He was the lead Guitarist of VH. That gig we did to help him out with his NiC song? Well afterwards he bailed on us. I��ve been trying to get him to stick around at least long enough to get a recement, because we had gigsing up and we need someone.��

    ��Ah, but he refused, and now you are desperate to find someone that can y.��

    She was quiet for a while but as we stopped at a red light behind a few trucks, their brake lights lighting up the vans cab she turned to me.

    ��That��s right. I��ve dedicated everything to be a musician. To get VH going, to try and do something. So I��m willing to try anything�� So please. Just, jam with us. See if you like it, and maybe do a gig or two? No contract shit, we��re street Rockers, but we need someone until we get a recement.��

    ��I��m not really the band type.��

    ��Maybe not, but there are eddies in it, and more.�� She offered and the light changed, so she focused on driving instead of answering my raised eyebrow, what was ��more�� about being in a band?

    ��--

    We didn��t go to Denny��s ce. Which made me remember how expensive it was supposed to be�� Had Hiromi tricked me into spending lots of eddies for something I didn��t really need?

    I decided I would try to remember to ask her about thatter, but we were meeting up in a storage unit of all things.

    It was one simr to the Tyger w ce we had used when we did the yacht gig. But closer to our current apartments.

    I had a feeling it was something Fujimura, Alice��s Uncle, had set up for her.

    But we parked and as I stepped out I noticed the unit was open, and I guess it was cold enough being winter, that it wasn��t that big a deal.

    ��Yo yo! I got us a temp!�� Alice called out and I rolled my eyes at her as she called out waving her hands up in the air.

    ��Finally!��

    ��Hell yeah!�� I looked at the other two. I recognized both men from when I saw VH y, and when we went to Denny��s for the first time, but I had never spoken to either of them. ��?

    ��Alright everyone, this is Motoko, she ys Guitar and?�� Alice looked at me, and I just blinked.

    ��Anything really.�� I confirmed and got a nk look but a nod from her at that.

    ��And can cover pretty much anything.��

    ��Yeah? Well I got some things that I could enjoy if I was off the drums.�� One of the guys called out and then looked me over and I could see his lips quirk up.

    ��Well damn, Alice. Where��d you get this one? Some Animal convention?��

    ��Fuck off Klein, you ass. Be nice. Motoko does merc work.�� Alice offered, but she nced at me, and then down as well.

    Unfortunately I wasn��t exactly blowing anyone away with my massive chest, so I knew it was my well defined abs stretching my Leotard. I hadn��t gone to get them updated again after hitting Body 10 so the leotards were a bit tight.

    ��I work out.�� I offered ndly.

    ��Yeah no shit. You want to drum?��

    ��Sure I could use some stress relief.�� I offered, and that was that. Sticks handed over and I spun them with the same dexterity I used while cutting gonks into pieces.

    Yeah I could do this.

    Hmm. I hadn��t done much drums, mostly sticking to electronics. What could I do��

    Well I did like Dave Grohl.

    I settled into the seat, and checked the equipment, as the band got together.

    ��You know our songs?�� Klein asked, as he switched over to a guitar.

    ��Violent Hemmorage? I heard you guys live once.��

    ��Alright, then we definitely yed Spilled Blood. You good?��

    ��Should be.�� I said with faux casualness, and before they could even start ying the first strings I started in on the drum intro much to their surprise.

    I had to y it twice before they caught up and started ying. And then I just lost myself in the tune. I remember the rhythm, had it memorized in my brain thanks to Perfect Musical Memory.

    It wasn��t exactly a thrilling song to y, but I kept it going even when the other band mates flubbed things, or Alice made me cringe from her singing.

    It was alright. It was�� Therapeutic to smash the drums. I was even getting into it, before the other guy suddenly stopped with a curse.

    ��Fucking hell Jared? Why��d you stop?��

    ��Cause you keep fucking it up!�� He yelled at Alice who cursed him right back, and I rxed and settled back a bit. Looking around I noticed a SCSM across the way, and I was thirsty. I headed over and no one noticed me, and then got back while they were still arguing.

    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the vition.

    Friction in the band huh.

    That��s fair, but I wasn��t here to fucking listen to it. Hmm, I could y some Nirvana, but I had done most of those myself.

    Then I remembered another band that I liked.

    Heh, that could work.

    The song started in my head, and I just took on the drummer. Dave was a legend, and I was just a copy cat, but hopefully I could make the sound right.

    No One Knows, was a Queens of the Stone Age song. Definitely a fun band, and the song was a really interesting rock song.

    So I waited and ignoring the gonks arguing about stupid shit, I just started. Feeling a smilee over my face, as I let myself enjoy the song in my head.

    I hadn��t heard it in over a year after all, but as I yed it was like listening to it back.

    Only when I finished did I pay any attention to the band, who to my surprise had picked up their instruments and yed along.

    Badly, but they had tried their own additions to the beat.

    ��Nice.�� Klein offered me as the song finished. ��Okay, you��re the better drummer. What was that beat?��

    ��Here I��ll show you. I have no idea what the official name of it would be. It��s a three beat with a dyed fourth. Here.�� I showed it slowed down to the drummer, and soon we swapped spots as he started tinkering with it��

    Well if he was going to try and drum it.

    ��Mind if I sing?�� I asked Alice and she blinked before hesitating and shaking her head.

    ��This an actual song?��

    ��Yeah, It��s called No One Knows. I mean, unless you guys want to y something else?��

    ��Nah fuck that. I��m sick of our shit anyways. Let��s hear it.�� Jared called as he grabbed his bass and I nodded. Alice picked up a Guitar and I grabbed mine, and I started.

    ��Yeah, follow this beat for the first half.�� I instructed Jared, and then walked to Alice. ��Can you do this?�� I offered, and she nodded with a bit of hesitation.

    And then once I got them all synced up I started singing.

    ��We got some rules to follow, that and this, these and those!�� I started and despite multiple stops soon we were actually jamming.

    They weren��t terrible musicians, they were just terrible song writers I decided.

    Alice, I noticed wasn��t very happy about me singing, so I shrugged and walked over to her, standing in front of her, as we did a restart, and this time I yed the guitar and she hesitated, before starting the song herself.

    Her version was more electronic, her cyberware picking up, but that was fine. It was about having fun anyways.

    ��--

    ��Fuck Alice, where��d you find this one? Hey Motoko right? Fucking join the band, no scop you rock girl.��

    ��Thanks. I��m not sure, I��m really a band type though.�� I offered, waving my hands a bit.

    ��Aww fuck. Alice! You know her! Tell her she has to do some gigs with us! She��s a monster!�� Jared demanded, and Alice still looked a little irritated at my performance, but at the same time, she knew how skilled I was, and was swallowing it down, not letting it influence her.

    ��Motoko, we have a gig, Saturday and we need another member. Please.��

    I definitely still hesitated even with the begging. ��Listen, I��m just not that interested.��

    ��How about a trade then?�� Klein offered, and I looked over as he walked to a section of the garage that had a bunch of junk stacked up. Old equipment that was dusty and abandoned, and I was about to make some sarcasticment about it when Klein pulled out something that actually had me sit up.

    ��Noticed your guitar is store slop, it��s alright for minor shit, but it��s not gonna serve.��

    ��And that��s supposed to be better?�� I asked, looking at the incredibly expensive piece of trash. The guitar was broken. Which was a real shame, because it was a DeLuze Orphean. The color wasn��t to my liking, a sort of orange, but that was the same type of guitar that Johnny used. Old, retro, but solid, a real ying guitar.

    ��Hey, even jacked up, this thing is worth eddies�� Carmen��s. He wrecked it when he left the band.��

    ��The fuck he do that for?�� I asked as I walked over and took the damaged axe. Looks like he tried to smash it, but the neck was strong enough to take it. Chipped the fuck out of the body though, and the Bridge was bent in, did he hit it against something? I looked it over, the ports were fucked too, two of them were bent in, would need a full recement.

    ��He just didn��t need it anymore.�� Alice offered bitterly, there was more to the story, but that didn��t matter to me.

    Because the fact was, while it was damaged, I could rece it�� Probably. ��How much are these things normally worth?��

    ��A preem good condition one? 5 kay, easy.�� Alice offered and I blinked, looked at the guitar in my hands��

    That��s all?

    I thought back to my Guitar that I bought and winced as I realized I hadn��t really bought anything good. Just a cheap off the rack. Sure I made it work, I had the skill thanks to Rockerboy to tune it and set it up right, but I could do better with better equipment.

    ��Alright. I��ll take this as payment then. You said the gig was this weekend?�� I asked and Alice nodded while Klein looked pleased with himself.

    ��That��s right kid. Now we��ll need to get our set list going, hey you ckers, let��s y some music we need to make sure our new guitarist knows what to do.��

    I rolled my eyes at the drummers words, but set the broken guitar to the side and picked up my own.

    Time to make sure I know all the Violent Hemorrhage songs�� Blegh.

    ��--

    *That��s amazing!* Hiromi cheered to me, as I informed her about the new update

    *It��s okay. I��m mostly getting paid in an old guitar that I really didn��t need, but I figured it was�� It was enough to make me do it.* It was hard to admit that I could have just turned around and bought a brand new guitar no problem for just 5 grand. But��

    I was going to fix this guitar, it would be a good week project while I prepped for the gig, and�� It was a good enough excuse.

    Maybe I needed the excuse to get up on stage again. At least this time I was just ying some garbage songs, and not ones that I have any real emotional investment in.

    *Hmm, that��s no good, make sure they are paying you eddies as well! I��ll talk to them if I have to, as your manager.*

    *Thanks Hiromi, I know you got my back. Anyway, you have school right?*

    *Yeah, I��m getting ready for it now.* She muttered darkly, and I looked out the window to see the bright california sun ring down on us.

    *Alright, how about we meet for lunch then?*

    *Yes! I��ll see you then?*

    *I��ll see you then.* I confirmed, and the call ended.

    I guess I should go get this guitar fixed up then. I got dressed noting that Jun was still passed out, it was early for him though.

    A quick stop on the way out to grab some food and I went looking for a shop.

    The first ce I stopped in was the shop I bought my original guitar from. It only took me pulling out the guitar before the old man took one look at it and shook his head.

    ��You can��t just go to some scop seller like this ce for a DeLuze you gonk.�� He said quietly but firmly ring at me, over the top of the guitar. ��Damaging a fucking DeLuze. Brats these days. That thing needs real recement parts you won��t find in this sort of ce.�� He whispered, his face locked on me, but I could tell he was keeping his boss in his periphery.

    ��Any idea where I could go to get recement parts?��

    ��Pfft. Course I do. Can��t tell you though.�� He offered, and I smirked as I walked over and grabbed three shitty albums off the side of the wall.

    ��Course not, only paying customers am I right?��

    ��Heh.�� He finally cracked a smile and he rang me up, and only as I was leaving did I get a message from the grumpy old man.

    *Martin: Time Machine. Near Senate and Market, Glen.*

    Well I guess I knew where to go.

    A quick jump into the Quadra and I was across town, checking out Heywood and finally I found it. A corner store with a big neon strip going around the building. ��Time Machine Huh?�� I wondered, there was something familiar about this ce. Was it a game location?

    I honestly didn��t remember and so took a parking spot and stepped inside.

    Oh wow. This was a high end shop. I nced around and noticed that despite being a much more expensive sort of music shop, the guitars on the walls were�� The same sort of scop I��d find in the other shop.

    But he said I shoulde here?

    I walked up to the counter and a momentter a woman with an unfortunate haircut noticed me and sauntered over.

    ��What can I get ya? Oh shit, who wrecked the DeLuze?��

    ��The former owner.�� I answered her question as she was looking at the guitar I had settled onto the counter. ��I��m looking for some recement parts to fix her up. The Bridge is wrecked, and the-��

    ��Yeah I see it. Smashed it hard by the looks of it, the frets look good, the neck isn��t damaged.�� She started to mutter and I rxed, she knew what she was talking about. Going through the guitar and cataloging everything.

    ��It��s gonna be expensive to repair this. At least a month to do it, I��m backlogged.��

    ��I can do the repairs, just need the parts.�� I answered and she looked at me like she wanted to argue.

    ��Yeah alright�� Just don��t break it, if you think you can��t handle something just hand it over.��

    ��I can do it. Thanks though.�� I answered back because I wasn��t going to take her concern about the expensive guitar against her.

    ��Alright, let me grab what you need. You got the eddies?��

    ��I have the eddies.�� I waved her off, and she nodded. A few minutester she came out of the backroom, which I noticed as she opened the door was full of much more expensive guitars than what was out here.

    Now I understood. Sell the scop to normal rockers, and keep the expensive stuff safe.

    I took the parts, checked them over, my Kiroshi scanning the parts confirmed they were good, and a few checks verified even that.

    ��Preem. Thanks Choom.��

    ��Sure kid. Remember! Bring it in if you can��t handle it! Those DeLuze are ssics!��

    ��I waved her off and headed out of the shop.

    ��--

    Pulling the bridge out of the guitar I winced at how much damage it had taken. Luckily, the internals were easy enough to fix, and I had the recements. Slowly I started putting the expensive guitar back together. Piece by piece.

    Iughed as almost instantly I got a Crafting Alert.

    I hummed some old songs as I worked, using some tools making sure the internals still worked. With the bridge out, I started recing the connectors that were broken, unscrewing the section, and then pulling out the two that were damaged, and putting the new ends on. Slowly it all came back together. A guitar no matter how expensive had nothing on theplicated internals of a Tachikoma.@@novelbin@@

    And then I put the new bridge into ce, and restrung the guitar.

    Looking it over I nodded. It still looks a bit rough. The body was chipped, and the color was faded. Also it wasn��t a color I really liked.

    I ran my fingers over it, the sensitive pads letting me feel all the indents and damage��

    Repainting it wouldn��t be hard.

    I sighed, and started dismantling the entire thing. I��d have to do a full restore on this thing.

 Chapter 209

    Chapter 209

    ��You got it?�� I asked Hiromi who nodded firmly. I took that as the truth and moved away from her.

    Malcolm was already shooting away. He wasn��t using his Shingen since smart rounds were expensive, but a Shigure he had pulled out of his truck.

    He was firing away, which I nodded at his uracy. He could use some work, but that was why we were here.

    I hadn��t really nned on a group meeting, but Hiromi had requested it, and then the boys had joined in, and so instead of a normal weeknight doing whatever, we were at the shooting range.

    ��Ichi?��

    ��I��m going to practice with this.�� He said pulling out a Kenshin of all things. I don��t even remember him picking that up. But at least he wasn��t shooting his Yukimura. Again, smart rounds were expensive.

    ��Sure, make sure you practice drawing it from your holster. You��re going to be in the truck most of the time, so maybe even get a chair in here and draw it sitting.�� I added and he looked amused at my words, and didn��t look like he was going to listen, but I shrugged.

    I turned to my aisle, and pulled up my Copperhead. I took a breath, activated my Sandy and raised the copperhead, firing as many rounds as urately as I could into the target, before turning off the Sandy.

    The score popped up shooting up rapidly as rapidly as I had just unloaded into the targets.��Cheater!��

    ��What?�� I looked over at Malcolm who was pointing a finger at me from across the range.

    ��I��m not cheating!��

    ��Cheater!��

    What? I turned to look at Ichi who also was now pointing at me, and Hiromi looked over, looked between all of us, and then sighed, stepping away from the range, and then pointed at me. ��Cheater!��

    ��Fuck all of you!�� I shouted out barely able to hide myughter, as all my friends picked on me.

    ��Who��s cheating!?�� A new voice called out as Reba came in clutching a Carnage shotgun in her arms and looking ready to start swinging.

    ��Motoko!��

    ��Motoko.��

    ��Motoko.��

    ��I��m not!��

    ��Punishment!�� Reba screamed as she charged and I yelped as the midget tackled me right then and there. The two of us went down in a tangle of limbs and curses and she started trying to pin me to the concrete.

    My shock and surprise at this betrayal wasplete. I grabbed Reba and my eyes narrowed at her as she wiggled against my firm grip on her shoulders and realized I had herpletely pinned.

    ��Help!�� She called out, but it was toote. I roared as I benched Reba right off me, getting my feet and holding her way up off the ground.

    ��Reba missile!�� I called out my special attack and spun around beforeunching her at Malcolm who released a girlish scream and went down.

    ��Ch-cheater!�� Hiromi called out, but it was disrupted by how much she was cackling.

    ��I can��t believe you threw me!�� Reba called out, jumping up from Malcolm while unfortunately stepping on his stomach knocking the wind out of him.

    ��You deserved it!��

    ��You! Well that��s fair.�� She replied suddenlypletely calm as she started cackling and walked over to pick up her discarded Carnage.

    ��Ow. Why me?��

    ��You started it.�� I answered back instantly and earned a middle finger in my direction in exchange.

    ��Okay! So what does the winner get?�� Reba asked, pumping her Carnage, and then smirking evilly. ��What does the loser get?��

    ��Oooh!�� Hiromi said grinning just as evilly and I had an ufortable feeling about it.

    ��No, no bets.�� I decided nipping that in the bud. ��We all need some range time, and whilepetition is good, we are trying to work on improving not just beating others.�� I called out, arms crossed and firmly giving everyone a look.

    ��Fiiiine. Boring.�� Reba said and I nodded pleased.

    ��Alright, I��m going to start getting some practice in, don��t get distracted!�� I called out, and everyone nodded. I turned towards the range and picked up my Copperhead. Right. Time to do some practice.

    I reloaded, and shed my Sandy once more, raising the barrel up and firing everything as fast as possible.

    ��--

    *100 Handguns XP Gained.*

    *Handguns skill level up!*

    I blinkeding out of the zone. I had switched from my Copperhead after a while and started practicing with my Lexington, either doing bursts of Sandy, or not depending on how warm it was feeling.

    But to hit a new level up!

    I grinned happily as I stretched and let the knowledge flood through my neck, down my shoulders, and to the tips of my fingers.

    Handguns 9 was already maxed out since my Reflex Stat was only 9 as well, so I slowly put the gun down mind already set on switching back to the Copperhead. I could use more time with Assault skill, and maybe even get my Reflex up!

    Of course as I was now stopping I looked around and scowled as all my friends were gone.

    Where had they gone? They were all supposed to be practicing! Hiromi had even wanted more range time!

    I grabbed my stuff and headed out, only to instantly see them all outside the range sitting around a table. I pouted as I walked over and flopped beside them.

    ��Motoko! Finished up?�� Hiromi asked and I pouted at her harder. ��What?�� She asked.

    ��We were supposed to be training!��

    ��We did?�� Reba offered, looking confused. ��We all shot a bunch, I burned like a hundred rounds through my Carnage. And called it good.��

    ��You should really be firing even more�� Well maybe not with the Carnage. But you should all be practicing more!��

    ��Sorry Motoko.�� Hiromi said, but she didn''t sound sorry. ��I��m just not as dedicated as you are. I can��t just do something like that for too long before I get tired.��

    I opened my mouth to argue that it was really easy, you just kept going, but then again.

    Before the Gamer System. Before all of this, I had been the same way. Keeping consistent in practicing something was�� Pretty tough.

    Huh. I guess I did have a rather skewed perspective on it, considering that I could easily practice something all day if I had to.

    ��Alright. You��re right. But, if we aren��t going to have a single long practice session we need to do some more short ones�� Every couple of days maybe? We get together at a range?��

    ��Hmm.�� Reba was the first to speak. Hands on her chin as she looked me over. ��It��s pretty unusual, but practice is good�� As long as I��m not footing the bill, I guess I don��t see a problem.��

    If youe across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ��It��s a Section 9 activity!�� I argued and Hiromi nodded slowly.

    ��We can do that. Although ammo costs can shoot up there.��

    ��We��ve been collecting plenty of ammo from our gigs, are we even close to running out?��

    ��No, but it��s just something to keep in mind.�� Hiromi mumbled, and I couldn��t help but giggle at her pout. That was our Corpo, always trying to save a dor, even when we weren��t spending anything.

    ��Alright shooting practice, sounds fun I guess.�� Reba offered and I nodded. Then I remembered.

    ��Hey Reba? Any word on those Gori arms you wanted?��

    ��Oh.�� She said, blinking in surprise. ��Umm. Yeah I��ve got a contact that I��m talking with. I��ve been saving up some eddies for it.��

    I blinked, while we hadn��t done a lot of big gigs together. We had just recently done a huge one. ��Do you still need more eddies after the mansion gig?��

    ��Oh! Well, not exactly. But I had a bunch of stuff I had to take care of before that.�� She exined and didn��t go any further into it, I could see she was getting cagey so I shrugged.

    ��Fair enough. Let me know when you get them! Oh! And you should visit Vik! He��s the best ripper in the city!��

    ��I��ll think about it.�� She said casually smirking at me, and I realized she was humoring me.

    ��He is!��

    ��Sure.��

    I red at her, and decided to steal some of Malcolms fries!

    ��Hey!��

    I settled into the casual atmosphere. Reba was cackling as she prodded Malcolm about his racing experience.

    Orck thereof.

    But as we were getting close to finishing up I remembered I had to mention something.

    ��Oh, so I��m going to be doing a Rockerboy gig this weekend.�� I said, and suddenly the boy''s attention was on me.

    ��Yeah? Where at?��

    ��Ooh, I want toe!�� Malcolm added instantly to Ichi��s question.

    ��I have back stage passes for us already.�� Hiromi added suddenly. ��I was actually thinking of trying to get us added on as security, but the Venue wasn��t interested, so we��ll just be there to support Motoko.��

    ��Security?�� I asked, almostughing but Hiromi shrugged.

    ��Rockerboys have security, Motoko. If you keep doing gigs, I��ll be hiring Section 9 to do some of the security.�� I blinked at the statement and then chuckled as I looked at the group and realized that meant Reba would be trying to bounce drunks or something and the idea was incredibly funny.

    ��What?�� Hiromi asked.

    ��Nothing!�� I answered back instantly, waving my hands. Reba would not react well to the thought. ��But that��s�� Okay, sure I��m actually okay with that. It��s actually kind of a good idea even.�� I offered thinking on it further.

    ��Hmm! Of course it is! I can even hire out some of the SLS gang on as well if we need more security as your fame grows!�� Hiromi said with a tone in her voice that made me a little nervous.

    ��I��m sure I won��t be that famous Hiromi���� Yep. Definitely not worried about that considering I was able to remember some of the most famous songs ever written�� Yep.

    ��--

    The ck of shinai on shinai echoed through the room as Hayato came at me with all the aggression she had in her.

    But my defense continued to be a wall too much for her to break through and that was irritating her.

    ��This is!�� She cut off a curse and red at me.

    ��Sorry. I told you, duel wielding is my speciality.

    ��I know! But it��s still!�� She argued again, ring at the two des in my hands.

    There was something really cool about being ambidextrous, like this. I flourished the des and put myself into a stance daring her to continue but she scoffed and wandered over to the chair next to her bodyguard and grabbed her water bottle.

    ��Tired?��

    ��Yes!�� She snapped and I justughed at her tone.

    ��You did really well though! I like that one move you tried.��

    ��I learned that from Sensei.�� She reveled after a moment and then red at me. ��It didn��t work!��

    ��Well it would have but my wrists aren��t natural, so my range of motion is much higher.��

    ��Indeed.�� A new voice popped up and we both looked to Sensei who walked over while we were talking. ��That move will not work on someone with cyberware, as I informed you.�� He told Hayato who flushed a little at the reminder.

    ��I thought I could surprise her with it.��

    ��I��ve seen that one before though.�� I answered with a shrug. Musashi had done something simr.@@novelbin@@

    ��I asked you to teach me something I could use.�� Hayato said a little too petntly, and Sensei just raised an eyebrow at her.

    ��And I did. But anything taught, needs to be used correctly. And against the correct opponent.�� His rebuke made Hayato look away and I could see her neck get a little red as it ran up her pale skin.

    Hehe.

    ��Kusanagi.�� Sensei suddenly spoke and I jumped as everyone''s attention was on me.

    ��Yes?��

    ��A spar.�� He demanded, requested, and it took me a minute to realize he meant.

    A spar with him.

    I wanted to nce at my system. To see how close I was to another des skill, but you know what would be great way to improve?

    I loosened up my shoulders without hesitation and that was all the agreement he needed.

    We walked over to the center of the tatami and he pulled a shinai off the wall racks.

    Then he brought his shinai up to a normal stance and he nodded, which I matched.

    He stepped in, a simple but incredibly smooth cut that I pushed away with more effort than just a simple move would normally take.

    He knew what he was doing. Refined skill. Not something I had faced much yet. I felt my smile widen as with that the battle was on, he struck with forceful super fast blows attempting to knock me back, but between my two Shinai I had enough to parry away his blows.

    The smack of shinai filled the air as we went at each other, nothing fancy, just strikes and parries between the two of us, until I proved that I was at least on this point his match.

    Then he shifted, and started poking holes right through my defenses.

    Even with the Parry Perk, and being level 8 in des I found myself nearly instantly on the back foot as he went at me with a dogged determination of someone that had dedicated his life to the de.

    I could have felt shocked at the change. Gotten outraged that this man was showing me up, but I wasn��t like Musashi, I only felt my grin grow wide as I doubled down on fighting back.

    This was a spar so I didn��t use my Sandy even if it was tempting, instead I fixed my footwork and pushed into the attacks, blocking them with sharp cks of the shinai beating into each other as I pushed him back, trying to find a weakness in him.

    I could get the truest sense of the man. Old wood, hardened over time. That was what I felt as our des smashed into each other.

    And then as I pushed away another attempt to force a shinai from my hand, I felt it.

    A level up.

    des 9.

    Gained almost purely through being challenged so hard by a master of the de.

    And then I pushed back, doubling down. My attacks were wild, duel wielding was tiring, if not for my physical condition I��d have slowed down. If not for Parry ensuring I was always ready for that instinctual block, I��d have lost.

    If not for thebination of so many skills and tricks I would have been whacked upside the head like a foolish child.

    Then the sh was over and Sensei took a step back his feet never leaving the floor as he moved almost like a ghost himself.

    ��I see. You adapt quickly, and you learn even quicker. It is no wonder you��ve improved so rapidly.��

    ��Thanks.�� I replied back because what else was there to say.

    ��Hmm. Again. This time I will strike you.��

    ��Oh yeah?�� I asked, taunting him a bit. ��You certainly tried before.��

    ��Yes. I tried. Now I will.�� And then he rushed in and Iughed as our weapons once more shed. Then as if what he said was simple truth, as I went to block his de, his de shifted and struck and I yelped a bit as I was knocked right on the side of my head.

    ��Ow!�� I recoiled and hissed a bit, he hadn��t held back on that at all!

    ��Hmm.�� He offered and then bowed to me, and walked away.

    Asshole! I didn��t need a lesson like that today! I know I��m not perfect!

    ��Wow.�� Hayato said from behind me and I turned, wiping a bit of sweat from my brow as I did.

    ��What?��

    ��You forced him to use his Cyberware.�� She said and I blinked��

    ��Wait? He cheated!? He has a Sandy!?��

    ��Of course. A good one too. He used to-�� She cut herself off as the bodyguard beside her coughed and she blinked before nodding. ��Never mind that. Sensei is a skilled warrior, even if he now teaches. You forced him into going beyond just traditional sword y.��

    ��Tsk. If I had known that I��d have used my own Sandy and he wouldn��t have hit me. I was ying fair!��

    ��Ah the feeling of losing? I know that feeling well.�� Hayato grumbled and Iughed as she was still annoyed that I was winning so often.

    ��Forget that then. You want to grab some food? My treat?�� My offer surprised her so much that Hayato actually had a moment where her jaw dropped before she recovered, and then huffed a little. As she looked away.

    ��I believe a meal would be eptable.�� She added and I nodded happily.

    ��Let��s clean up and get out of here then.�� I hurried over to drop my shinai off. Some food sounded great right now!

    ��--

    The knocking at the door had me roll my eyes as I walked over and opened it.

    Alice, nearly about to smack the door again, stopped and then looked me over.

    ��You��re wearing that?��

    ��I��m wearing this.�� I said back without hesitation. ��Rx, I��m ready.�� I offered throwing a hand behind me at the small stack of my music equipment.

    ��Okay. Good. Right. Let��s get moving, we need time to set everything up!�� She argued and I just nodded along as I walked over to grab some stuff, but Jun was there and he hefted my music equipment up without effort.

    ��Show off.�� I grumbled at him, but I shed him a smile anyway in thanks. That was taken care of. I followed Alice as the three of us left the apartment.

    It was gig night, and I had discovered Alice was the type to overly worry about things. I had just stopped answering her calls after a while.

    But it was time. And I followed her down to her little minivan, which I rolled my eyes and walked to the Quadra. The trunk was mostly full, but there was still plenty of space for the extra stuff.

    ��Jeeze Motoko, stuff enough weapons into this thing?�� Jun asked as I opened the trunk and I just gave him a look.

    ��Stuff enough burritos in your ass?�� I grumbled and Jun sent me a look that had me turn away.

    ��Sorry.��

    ��You��re more worried about this than you let on. Rx.�� He said calmly and I just ignored his advice. I wasn��t worried!

    That was stupid, this was just a stupid gig that I was only doing because Alice had given me a guitar and that��s it. Once this was over, it was over, and I��d never do this again.

    Yep.

    ��I��ll see youter.��

    ��Try to enjoy the stage. I wish I could be there, but I have a job.�� Jun once more repeated and I just rolled my eyes as I mmed the trunk shut and headed to the driver seat of the Quadra. A short drive over to the bar and this whole thing would be over after a few songs.

 Chapter 210

    Chapter 210

    The bar wasn��t the same japanese themed bar I had watched the Violent Hemorrhage y atst time. It was actually more like a dive bar.

    Jeez. Were they struggling to get gigs or something?

    I shrugged it off as I found a ce to park and just settled in. Alice drove slow so I had time, which is of course when I recognized a very familiar Caliburn in the lot.

    Smirking, I got out and headed over, to see Malcolm trying to y up his coolness by leaning against his car as some of the club goers were standing around checking out the expensive car.

    I decided not to interrupt as he was definitely flirting with a girl right now.

    Good luck Malcolm. I mentally offered him as I turned around.

    I knew Hiromi would be here, with everyone as well, but it was still embarrassing to have all my chooms show up.

    Felt like some weird school recital where your parents appeared.

    I shook off the odd thought and instead decided to start unpacking.��Hey! Motoko.�� A voice I recognized called out as I grabbed my guitar out of the trunk.

    ��Hey Jared.�� I greeted the other band mate. The guy was decked out in Rockerboy gear, his hair shing in a pulse with his heartbeat and sticking up in a mohawk.

    ��You got your stuff?��

    ��Got it.�� I offered as I hauled the Orphean out of the trunk along with my amp and gear.

    ��Preem. Come on, I��ll show you our space.�� He offered and I nodded following after as he led me to the back of the bar and through an employee only door that was propped open.

    Inside was a back room that was messy and covered in old Brosef bottles and a few Rockerboy types sitting around.

    ��Let��s get the gear checked, we��re on in thirty.�� He exined and led me over to where the other member of Violent Hemorrhage was sitting next to his gear. His drums mostly put together and just waiting to be transported out onto the stage.

    ��Hey kid.��

    ��Klein.�� I greeted back and he shed me a smile, that was that. Now just time to wait for the big show��

    I plopped my amp down and then put my guitar in myp. I had yed with the Deluze through the week to get a feel for it, and I couldn��tin. She sounded preempared to my off the shelf guitar I had bought back at the start of my musical grind.

    Hrious that I hadn��t even thought about upgrading. Maybe that was why I was so willing to go along with this��

    Yep. That was it, definitely no other reason.

    ��--

    ��Next up is Violent Hemorrhage!�� The club owner called out, and the lights went on, showing us to the club.

    It was a dive bar. Probably slightly up scale from the Red Dirt bar I had yed in before, but this certainly wasn��t a high end joint.

    But that all went out of my mind when Alice sauntered up to the mic.

    ��Our first song! Bloody Cry!�� She roared out and a few of the crowd cheered.

    I shrugged and as the drums began, I looked down to the guitar in my hands and breathed in and out. Cold suffused my veins.

    And I yed. The song was scop. Repetitive noise, and shitty screams interspersed with Alice trying to sound sensual.

    It honestly reminded me of what Evanescence would sound like if it was written by an idiot, and performed with someone that only knew how to sing through autotune.

    But I wasn��t thinking right that minute. I was just ying, letting the song rumble through the Orphean strings.

    It wasn��t any real effort to y, so I yed, doing everything I could to keep my face away from the crowd as I just yed.

    It was practically effortless, the songs were simple, and with my chrome arms I could have yed the songs forever without getting tired.

    There just was nothing to it. But despite how nice it might be, it was also boring.

    Repetitive music with no real soul.

    And then after a half dozen songs it was over.

    Alice cheered towards the crowd who pped, Hiromi and my chooms most of all, but then it was just a casual walk off stage. Of course Reba was howling the loudest. Good old Reba, always quick to be the loudest supporter in the room.

    But unlike when I yed the Red Dirt, I just felt�� Kinda bored.

    Where was all the excitement? The Anxiety, the tension of ying music in front of people. I wasn��t even embarrassed, just�� nd.

    ��You did great!�� Alice cheered towards us as we fell off the back stage and into the back room dropping the start of our equipment down in a pile. ��We can do this without Carmen!��

    ��Do what without me? y shit dives for the rest of your life?�� A voice interrupted and I looked over and narrowed my eyes��

    Yep I had no idea who that was.

    ��Carmen.�� Alice hissed.

    Well now I had a name�� Had we met before? I ignored the back and forth just focusing on my head. I remember the name I think. Wasn��t he at Denny��s ce the first time? The one that was being scoped out by some music guy or something��

    I shrugged. Whatever, I focused back around me on the argument taking ce.

    ��And you pull some bitch to take over guitar? C��mon! Don��t think I didn��t notice the girl ying my guitar as well!��

    ��You fucking left it after breaking it, don��t me us for giving it away.��

    ��Whatever. I don��t need that scop anyways! Simon hooks me up with everything I need, and Tessa is with me!�� He yelled out, and Jared I noticed looked ready to throw some hands but just looked away in the end.

    Ah. Drama. This is what I didn��t want to deal with.

    ��Hey! I don��t know you lot, but unless you want to get up on stage and y, get out of here!�� A much older guy came around the corner calling out ring at the stand off between former bandmates.

    I shrugged. Set was over, my gig was done. That was�� Way less fun than I had kinda secretly hoped it would be? Sure, I still felt the butterflies up on stage, but even if I would never admit it, partially even to myself, it had been fun to get up on stage and sing my heart out.

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.

    Violent Hemorrhage just didn��t quite reach what I was looking for.

    ��Pfft as if I��d y some shitty dive bar like this! Get a fucking clue!�� Carmen threw a finger at the bar owner who looked pissed at the response.

    ��Oh get that arrogance out of here Carmen, even if you held a set here, you��d be booed off the stage before you made it to your third song! You��re a hack!�� Alice cussed loudly, suddenly getting close to the bigger guy.

    Shit. Was I gonna have to tline this guy? I didn��t really want to, but Jun liked Alice. Ugh. Nah, looks like she was alright, Jared, and Klein were both standing beside Alice looking pissed.

    Cool they��d take care of it, and so I turned around to pick up my stuff and get out of here. Hiromi and everyone were probably wai-

    ��Please. I just listened to your shit set, you still can��t sing. You still can��t y the drums, and that new bitch can��t y the guitar!��

    ��The fuck you say?�� I asked, hissing as I turned back around.

    Carmen, this Rocker Boy wannabe turned from Alice and gave me a once over up and down.

    ��Get lost kid. The adults are talking.��

    Huh. I pushed down on the urge to simply tline this gonk and go home to a nice nap.

    I considered instead how to best roast some stupid corpo wannabe rockerboy��

    ��Go back to your studio and sing a song for Mr. Studd Ads or whatever it is you do. The real musicians are here.�� The words came out of my throat raw and cold. Exactly how I wanted them.

    From the way his jaw dropped, and even Alice turned to look at me in surprise��

    Well it hurt my feelings when it happened, I canpletely imagine how much of a burn it would be.

    ��You little bitch!��

    ��Yeah yeah, whatever loser. Go back to your corpo ads.�� I shooed him away with a silver hand waving for him to go.

    ��Whoa!�� One of the boys he��d walked in with grabbed him as he made a motion at me, and I almost wished he had missed. I��d have loved to take this guy apart.

    Calling me a kid�� Just because I was.

    Asshole.

    ��Fuck you bitch!��

    ��I guess I hit the mark then. When is your Mr. Studd jingleing out?�� I asked, and Alice snorted, unable to hold it in.

    Carmen stopped fighting against his boy and instead shifted, doing something I didn��t expect.

    He opened up his jacket and showed off an ostentatious Malorian in his jacket.

    It took about three seconds as he was trying to show off how cool he was to disable it. ��Wow. I��m so scared. Like. Totally.�� I told him tly, just begging for him to pull on me.

    It��d make the bullet that would go through his head super satisfying.

    But then something happened I hadn��t exactly nned.

    ��Hey! Drop the threats or I��ll take out the trash.�� A thick voice called out, and one of the security guards for the club stepped around. The guy was an animal, with arms wider than Carmen''s torso and he looked ready to prove that fact.

    ��Fuck off rent a bitch. I��m not the bottom scop wannabes you deal with.�� He said flipping off the animal that only raised an eyebrow and waited, obviously the guy was used to drunk assholes. He looked at me but then turned to Alice and the others. ��That��s right. I almost forgot, but you��re all nothings. ying dirt holes and worthless trash heaps. You��re nothing, and will never be anything but nothing.��

    ��Fuck you!�� Alice shouted rising up but her bandmates held her back. ��You stepped on our backs to get where you are! You��re the fucking wannabe!��

    ��Please I have a career and eddies, and no one ising to listen to your Violent Regurgitation.�� Damn, if it wasn��t the asshole saying that I��d be tempted to snort. That was kinda funny.

    Carmen turned and brushed past the idiots that followed him around as he left. Well that was that.

    ��Fucker!�� Alice hissed, turning to kick at an amp knocking it over.

    ��Hey, kick your own amp.�� Klein muttered, but it sounded like he didn��t have his heart in it.

    I just stood there, watching this crappy band splinter apart even more. On one hand, I didn��t really care. On the other, for the reason the band splintered because of that asshole?

    It kinda pissed me off. Ugh, this stupid shit.This is why I didn��t want to deal with bands and people and stages!

    I looked towards the stage, the empty stage and the sound of people outside. There wasn��t another act tonight. That��s how shitty this fucking dive bar was. It wasn��t even thatte. The owner would just put on a radio station or something for the rest of the night.

    The sigh that left me was full bodied, what a disappointing night after the excitement of my first gig. Was this what it would really be like? ying shitting songs without emotion or care?

    ��Alright well�� It was a nice�� Night.�� I said looking at Alice who wasn��t quite crying, but was obviously emotional.

    ��Yeah.�� She offered a bit weakly, but to my surprise Jared gave me a legit nod.

    ��Thanks foring out. Think about that offer, we��d be happy to y with you again.��

    ��Yeah.�� I said in a simr tone to Alice because that probably wasn��t going to happen, this hadn��t exactly filled me with happy fun feelings.

    I went to grab my kit, my guitar in one hand and my Amp in the other hefting both up without issue when I suddenly heard something that left me with a full body shudder of absolute horror.

    The radio had turned onto the stage. I turned slowly wanting to stare in horror because�� That was me.

    ��I feel stupid! And Contagious! Here we are now!�� Smells Like Teen Spirit came out, then shifting into the final bits of the song and to my even worse horror. People seemed to like it, but it was ending and so most didn��t show any attention.

    ��I gotta get out of here.�� I muttered, shuddering in horror, but then I heard it.

    ��Motokoooo! Encore! Whooo!�� Hiromi screamed at the top of her lungs from inside the club as the song ended, and��

    My eyes shed.

    I hacked into the system and turned it the fuck off. No more radio, and then because fuck it, I spun and tossed my Amp onto the stage. It squealed as it went rolling across the way and suddenly the club went quiet as it stopped at just the right spot.

    My music box joined it a momentter sliding out to stop just as it tapped the side of the Amp.

    The whole confusion was obvious and I could see the club ownering out from behind the back wondering what the fuck was going on, but I moved stepping out onto the stage.

    There were no bright lights, although it was bright enough. I could see the crowd clearly as I stepped out, Cool, the only thing keeping my face from heating up as I walked up to the microphone still there on stage.

    As I passed my Music Box woke up, and even as the lights above me dimmed a little, as I hacked in, and took control, it started sending out the holograms on the stage.

    ��The fuck?�� I heard the owner say as I walked up and stopped at the mic.

    ��If you all are going to be forced to listen to my songs, since I��m here, at least you��ll listen to them live. This is Smells Like Teen Spirit.�� I spoke using my most sexy of sexy voice to mask my own anxiety.

    The tinny chords echoed out over the room, as I started and I could see Hiromi lighting up like Christmas came early as Malcolm and Ichi both inside now perked up, while Reba looked up from a drink in absolute surprise.

    I had a brief moment to wonder how Malcolms flirting had gone before I started singing.

    It was easy. Almost absurdly so, to get back into the rhythm, the feelings these songs gave me, like sliding into well worn jeans, and I shared that emotion with every note.

    Teen angst, something I was well aware of considering I��ve gotten to experience it twice now, and so the sound of Nirvana through my throat and guitar echoed out, and the club partied.

    This was a rock club after all. What dive bar wouldn��t get into a rendition of Smells Like Teen Spirit?

    I hadn��t nned on doing a solo act tonight, but dammit if I wasn��t going to do it! It was less embarrassing to hearing my own song ying at a club I was currently at on the radio�� Probably.

    ��A Deniaaaaal!�� I finished, and even as the crowd cheered for the song the next on the set list was already queued up and going.

    And so I sang. Rise went well, as I put myself into the song. That desire to rise, to grow to be more than what I was!

    ��Push through hell, and! RIISE!�� I sang letting my voice fry letting that desperation in.

    I took a moment pause after finishing, I was sweating, the room was hot, and I��d been ying now for a while. Hiromi as always was there and tossed up a bottle of water for me just like she hadst time.

    I took a moment to drink before pouring some over my hair and tossing it away, along with my jacket a momentter.

    ��This Ffffire!�� I called out, and then started jamming out giving the intro riff my all really flourishing it as I reached the vocals and crooned out the lyrics.

    The frantic energy of the song ending had the club go quiet before once again I got the excitement and cheering from the crowd, but I didn��t start the next song, instead I brought the mic in, and said something I really needed to say.

    ��This next song is going out to all those wannabe asshole Rockerboys that give in, that be corporate stooges, those that end up serving, ��The Pretender!�� I said, and started ying again.

    I yed with all my rage when it came to the aggressive sections. Really throwing my all into it, because fuck Carmen and all those like him! Fuck Dick ads, and asshole old washed up crusty fucking has been Rockerboys!

    Fuck them all!@@novelbin@@

    I had to stop and cool off for a second to put myself in a different mindset for Let you Down.

    But I took a breath and breathed out arctic and then started ying Sasha��s Song.

    When I finished I stood there before the crowd. I was tired, and my throat was tired. Yeah that had probably been a little brash��

    At least I got the feelings out.

    ��That��s the set for tonight.�� I rumbled into the mic feeling much calmer.

    ��Encore!�� Hiromi screamed wildly from her position and to my surprise there were more than a few shouts for the same. It spread until more people were calling for more.

    Fuck.

    I blinked, staring across the groups of people. This was a dive bar, there was no sea, and it wasn��t even that packed��

    ��Motoko! Encoooore!�� Reba shouted standing on top of a chair and waving her arms.

    Jeez that girl.

    ��You guys want more?�� I asked, and the crowd of people shouted back that they indeed wanted more.

    ��Well, I have a few other songs, but I��m not sure what��s really ready to y���� I trailed off but Hiromi shouted.

    ��Something new!�� I rolled my eyes at her shout and just considered it. Something new huh?

    What hadn��t I showed Hiromi? Would could I y without any real apaniment, and what could I do with just a guitar. Acoustic cover?

    Well, I did know of one Acoustic cover, and Dave Grohl was one of my favorites.

    ��Alright, This is something new, bit slower paced since I don��t have a full set for it. It��s called�� Everlong.��

    A soft few chords shifted into a gentle repeated pattern.

    ��Hello, I��ve waited here for you�� Everlong.�� I crooned softly, which was actually nice because I didn��t have to strain my throat anymore and just sank into that familiar song.

    It was�� A love song, of sorts, and so I crooned to the room of rockers and partiers. A love song not just to a person, but to the loss of love.

    Despite being a chill song, I yed my heart out. Trying to let every ounce of emotion drip through my lungs onto my tongue.

    ��The only thing I��ll ever ask of you, you got to promise not to stop when I say when.��

    And then it was over. I breathed out and took a moment as I took off my guitar wiping a hand through my sweaty hair. I lifted it into the air.

    ��My name is Motoko, and this isn��t thest you heard of me!�� I called out, not arrogantly, but angrily. Because fuck this music culture!

    But the people reacted in a way I probably should have expected.

    They cheered.