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 monts 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 back up.
I think the arm was even faster, he popped open, and just did so magic with a few tools, and the dent was fine.
I didnt even need anesthesia. It was more hardware installation, 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 people co in, after being blackmailed when soone 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 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 the last thing Vik could see as I walked up and into Mistys.
So what does that an? I heard as I turned the corner. Nox was sitting over an array of Tarot cards Misty had laid out.
I told you, what it ans 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 ans.
It ans 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 rc work. Like Softcore XBDs. I explain earning a wrinkled nose at my words but eventually she nodded.
Youll be safe?
Course! All it ans 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 so stuff first right?
Yeah! Aweso! 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 , Im just gonna do my normal jobs, youre the one who has to sell them. I say, laughing even though he was looking at like I was crazy.
Why did everyone always look at like that?
--
Back already? Judys voice called out as we walked down into her little lab.
Yep! Jude, Motoko got chipped! You ready?
Sure sure. The girl said digging a shard out of her desk and pushing it into her computer 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 relax 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 adjustnts. You dont mind? She asked not looking away from the computer 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?
About right! Standard BD virtues arent ant for high quality optics like those Kiroshi. They can let increase the quality a good bit, will let 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 with a half smile. Nobody says cool anymore.
I do.
Its kinda La.
Im bringing it back! I argued instantly, how could anyone think cool wasn't cool slang!? It was cool!
Judy actually broke into a husky laugh then both arms holding her stomach as she chortled almost crying as I pouted at her.
Oh choom, thats funny! She finally managed to stop laughing 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 .
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 wasnt la.
Take that!
Here. Judy finally said throwing the shard at , 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 ti I take a gig Ill turn on the recording and bring you the Virtue?
You got it. Raw BDs are Virtues. Judy confird, before she suddenly shooed away. Now both of you get out of here, I still have a lot of work to do, Nox take your Output upstairs have so fun or sothing.
Motoko isnt my Output! Judy!
Hahahaha! She cackled ignoring Noxs frantic denials.
Aww she was teasing him. Thats cute.
---
Umm here? Nox offered as he settled a drink onto the table in front of . He had led up and offered a seat then ran off to grab a drink.
Thankfully I had made sure to ntion I don't drink alcohol. So I had a can of so lemony soda.
Thanks. I agreed as I popped the tab. Its pretty impressive, coming up with the idea of Edgerunner BDs.
Oh well. Ive always wanted to sell my own BD's, you know? I ca 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 popular you know? Everyone can talk about Blackhand, 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 soone just you know as a side thing when I ran into you.
And you decided to ask after seeing 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 an Youre my age, already a rc. You walk the walk, talk the talk. It made 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 rc even second hand? From soone 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 so trouble to record. My words made Nox wince a bit.
Sorry. To put everything in your lap.
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 so Maelstrom. Nox winced at that and quickly put his drink down.
Maybe sothing less dangerous?
Eh. Maelstrom are pretty easy. Most of the ti their guys are watching TV, or mid BD. Its super easy to kill soone 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 .
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 so BD relaxing while the others work. The first ti I went into a Scav nest I killed two of them that way. I offer making sure not to ntion it wasnt just my first Scav nest, but my only one. Didnt want him to think I was so noob or sothing. Seriously, only one Scav Den? That was pretty noobish I think. Rookie numbers Motoko.
Nox just sort of nodded along with as I explained how easy it was murder soone 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 , I expected her to reach out at so point for a job.
So I drove ho.
Driving down the street next to the apartnt 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 apartnt was gone.
The streets were quiet. It made 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 apartnt. 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 a laugh.
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 n 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 ti. Wakako called out as I walked in, as usual not waiting for to check if she was free.
The woman as usual was sitting back in her chair cigarette smoke haloing her as her TV ran so ancient broadcast of a show that was probably coming out when I would have been alive in my last life.
Long ti 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 mont later her eyes turned gold.
A text was sent with a picture.
Oh, it was a picture of 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 ti to recover and then you join up with those fools?
I didnt join them, not really, the one next to 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 na by the way.
She humd 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 like three different ssages. 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 reading through them quickly, all of them were pretty much the sa.
Go to a place, steal sothing bring it to Wakako.
Easy really, but there was a complication.
If thats all. She dismissed , but I didnt get up.
Question.
Her narrowed eyes prompted 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 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 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 flashing a smile, and ignoring her remarks about being a fool. It wasnt about being smart or stupid! It was about doing sothing cool!
I stood then wandering back out into Jig-Jig street.
I guess I had so jobs to do?
--
The first job was childishly easy.
gabuilding H1 looked just like all the gabuildings, just more run down since it was the oldest.
I headed up to floor 15, found the correct apartnt number, and unlocked the door with practically a glance.
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 his computer, grabbed the shard that was sticking out of the side of it, confird it was the right one with the verification program Wakako had given and walked back out.
Gig complete. Poor security made it childsplay.
I did record the whole thing but I doubt anyone would get any enjoynt out of it. It only lasted 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 explained so bare bones. Guy had blackmail on his boss, Boss wanted the blackmail 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 hos. 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 realization later.
I climbed the fence only after looking over it and making sure no one was hanging out in the back or had a cara 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 went completely cold and hurried to the house.
Mission recomnded complete stealth. Apparently the boss wanted the guy trying to blackmail him to be alive to realize his plan 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 occupied, 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 stairs landing without even a scrape on the tiled floor as I slipped into a closet at the foot of the stairs.
The steps coming 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 soone having moved stuff around just recently. The computer on the desk was new.
No dust.
No lucky shards sticking in this ti, 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 out. It actually gave so difficulty. The ICE on this laptop 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 so ti to get through this. It seems the reason this guy managed to steal this info from his boss was probably because of his netrunning skill
Hmmm.
I could steal the computer, but without breaching in, I had no way to know if there was a backup. So I looked away for a mont and prepared myself in case I needed to delta.
Window open, path free, and the computer 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 blasted through my vision as I breached and breached, each wall of ICE seemingly more dense than the last, 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 sothing 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 occupied.
Finally sothing 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 , now only slowed for a mont, as my mind worked through problem after problem.
*Intelligence Leveled up!*
The alert ca in, Intelligence 5, and if I was doing anything else I wouldnt have noticed change.
But this ti I did. Considering I was literally solving difficult equations, puzzles, and general issues the ICE was programd to throw up.
But with Intelligence? Ca clarity. Ca simplicity.
The speed of facing a new problem, and then putting forth the correct solution increased. Less wondering, less confusion, less brute force.
I blinked.
The computer was displaying its desktop. I was in.
Seconds later I had confirmation. The file I was looking for was there, and it hadnt been copied, at least according to the tadata.
Target acquired.
I closed the laptop down, and used my already prepared getaway. I was out the window, landing in the backyard, and across the short fenced off area in monts.
Then I was on the other street, and more than capable of just walking casually to my car.
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