It had been almost an hour and a lot had happened. Three more patrol cars had arrived, an EMT ambulance. 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 an my wrists couldnt get sore anymore, but this was still not the most comfortable position. Plus I was bored. So bored. Oga bored.
Jun had literally fallen asleep.
Hours passed. The sun was rising up before Stints finally seed 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 .
I dont suppose you can uncuff 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 the last 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 at Man. Even found DNA from so of his confird victims. So congratulations kid. You killed a confird 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.
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 monts later 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 soone with the skill to find the at 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 the law.
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 assignnt.
A couple thousand eddies were available to be claid.
Good work.
--
Jun slept most of the way ho. The sun was fully up when we got there and Jun crawled into his bed like a zombie only seconds after entering the apartnt.
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 monstrously large amount of eddies. I drove over to pick up HIromi.
I was just on ti, 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 ca 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 a laugh. She settled in, but I was frowning at her after a mont.
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 an 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 as she said Cool.
I puffed my cheeks at her because I knew she was only saying that to tease .
Im glad you liked it. I did so work last night, but hopefully I can get another Gig soon and get so 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 .
You dont You dont need to compare yourself to , 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 apartnt. Jun had to force outside with a ran 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 so super important Corpo Executive soday. 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 whispered laughing a bit and I smiled as her smile was back. Fine. Ill be happy if that is what you want. She said, laughing at , but I was just glad 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 Whiplash her na is Hiromi.
I was pulling into the front of Arasaka tower and Hiromi was glaring 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 circular 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 and laughed.
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 you later 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 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 na was. The exact kind of car you would never see soone 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 sa as he looked in the ani. Sa hair. Sa 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 glare at him.
But there they were.
A part of . The one that loved ani and wanted to dress up as my favorite characters
Okay a large part of
Okay like 99% of .
Wanted to rush out and introduce myself. To beco friends with David, and et Gloria.
But another part of made 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 ho.
I had a chunk of ti before Hiromi was out of school after all, and I really needed to have a conversation with soone that I Well trust was stretching it.
--
Wakakos Pachinko parlor was the sa as always. I still had no idea why she chose such a chaotic place for her office.
But I walked right in, and as usual Wakako was waiting for .
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 an I might accept one if you have it, but Wakako. I need so advice, from soone 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 . So at least I know you wont just burn without a good reason.
Accurate, enough. I do not offer such things for free.
Well maybe you will when you hear what is happening. Im planning 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 statent.
Yeah hence why Im chatting with you and not just ganking him without anyone knowing Im not a Tyger Claw, 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 mont 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 . 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 mber, people need to stop saying that.
Of course. Wakako offered waving her hand to keep 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 off. I admit truthfully hands clenching. Hes a monster Wakako, and at one point he said he was interested in , wanted to work for him. The very idea disgusts .
Troubleso. Certainly troubleso. I would suggest as soone 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 again, forget it ever happened, for I will. And perhaps find another Fixer who already has a gig to assassinate a certain Tyger Claw. Wakako tells taking a drag and giving a strong look.
Can I even do that I wouldnt want to offend you Wakako. Youre my Fixer Im supposed to keep so loyalty to you Right?
She looks at and just scoffs. Says the girl that has joined her brother on gigs left right and center.
Jun needed 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 , even if I would prefer to keep it that way. If you must do this, have a fixer ready to protect you from the backlash. Let them take the bla while you disappear like smoke.
I nodded slowly. Do you happen to know?
Now you ask to tell you what Fixer you should go to while betraying ? Truly child you offend at every turn. She said but the fact she was actually chuckled ant she was just ssing with .
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 sohow get in contact with Regina Jones.
Great.
---
It turns out getting in touch with a Fixer wasnt as easy as I expected. I an, 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 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 would co. Instead what I needed was
Well contacts. People. Friends!
And I had just the group that owed 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 . 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 ti.*
*Nah, you did a favor. I had no idea what to do with all that crap. Im at least glad to get it out of the Raffens hands.* I told him as I walked down the street, I thought about going ho, but since I was out and about, I stepped across the street and down the steps into Cherry Blossom Market.
Ran 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 an, I havent even kept in touch. Why dont you co out to the camp. We are having a barbeque, and Saul wants to et 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 ho.
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 at, but trust , we know how to make the taste authentic. Kid Motoko You should co. We owe you big, let us at least give back a little, you are making Saul freak out about owing so much to so rc hes never t. Co on by, let us throw you a party. Hell, you might get so 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 ti to reach your camp before nightfall.*
*Yeah we are pretty out here.*
*So let know another day? You kinda had at barbeque.* I admitted with a smile as I waved down the waiter for a bowl of Ran. Food in Night City was kinda lacking.
*Tomorrow then. Ill let Saul know. Motoko. For last 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 tomorrow.
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