Chapter 15: Benzi Box

Author note: 

I'll be nice, I'll give you a bonus chapter because of the interactions made by those commenting. To those reading from Webnovel, Scribblehub and Fanfiction.net, I appreciate the support. I'll post another chapter on Friday (28th Jun) still. However, I'm not creating a schedule because of the limited reviews on both of my books.

I know it's mean but meh, this is free entertainment and you can always read another fanfiction. This isn't exactly a customer and business type deal. This is like user-to-user type shenanigans. To those who have interacted with the fanfiction thank you so much for motivating me I appreciate each and every one of you who's stuck by. Anyway, toodles. ~ TheDarkDark 

-

Omniscient

Date: 02/03/2076

Location: Night City

The standoff between the crew and two monstrous cyborgs erupted into a battle for survival. The cruel, metallic voices of the machines sent chills down everyone's spines as they towered over their targets with an unspeakable aura.

Without hesitation, Dorio braced herself and aimed her sniper rifle at one of the androids' chests, unleashing a powerful 50.cal round. But to her horror, it quickly reformed itself, closing up the mortal wound with ease as its arms transformed into lethal cannons.

"Not so easy to kill us, flesh bags," the android sneered, launching a piece of its own body at Dorio who narrowly dodged by leaping off the rooftop.

She crashed hard onto the ground, grunting in pain but quickly injecting stims to numb her injuries. Meanwhile, Sasha grappled onto a nearby building using her hand guide made of nanites, only for it to crumble under the relentless winds.

"Keep them distracted, I'll figure out how to take them down," Sasha shouted before dashing towards another building. Her shots aimed at the seemingly indestructible mainframe of the androids failed to make a dent.

"Hurry up, Sash! This gonk is about to flatline me with its freaky body!" Dorio yelled out, sweat pouring from her brow as she struggled to evade the relentless attacks.

The taste of metal lingered in her mouth like she had just bitten a coin. It was a result of the adrenaline pumping through her body, making her senses heightened.

Unfazed by its own damaged body, the cyborg continued its pursuit, smashing through walls and leaving a trail of oozing goop behind as it closed in on Dorio. Despite her best efforts and quick reflexes, her weapon was no match for the cold efficiency and deadly precision of the machine.

"Shit..." Dorio cursed as she reached for her sidearm in desperation. With nerves of steel and precise shots, she managed to dodge and counterattack the cyborg. Yet every action seemed to fail at the android's wrath.

On the other side of the building Maine, Rebecca, and David were locked in a desperate battle against the other two relentless androids.

The wounds on Maine's body were piling up, and his arms shook from exhaustion as he tried to defend himself. "Listen, kid... This might be it for me," Maine gasped, his hands gripping onto David's shoulder for support as they ducked for cover.

"I'm not leaving without you," David gritted through clenched teeth, injecting Maine with medication that seemed to have no effect.

Maine, still reeling from his fight with Jojo, stood up with a grim determination. His body was battered and bleeding, but his spirit was unbroken. He knew what he had to do.

"When you and Becca make it out alive... Promise me you'll get laid," Maine managed to smile weakly, handing David a pendant before reaching for a green vial by his side.

Before anyone could stop him, Maine downed the contents of the vial and felt a surge of energy course through his body. His bleeding slowed, his senses heightened, and with renewed strength, Maine stood up and began firing at the androids.

"Come get some!" Maine roared, his heart pounding in overdrive as he fought with all his might.

The androids advanced, their mechanical forms seemingly impervious to the bullets that pelted them. Maine's shotgun blasts staggered them but failed to bring them down. Their cold, calculating eyes locked onto him, recognizing the threat he posed.

"Maine, fall back!" David shouted, but Maine shook his head, his determination unwavering.

"No way, kid. This is my fight," he growled, his voice laced with the edge of cyberpsychosis.

Maine charged at the androids, his movements a blur of fury and desperation. He dodged their cannon blasts, closing the distance with terrifying speed. His shotgun barked with each pull of the trigger, the recoil barely registering in his adrenaline-fueled state.

One of the androids swung its massive arm at him, but Maine ducked under the blow, rolling to the side and coming up with a blast aimed at its knee joint. The impact caused the android to stumble, its mechanical limb sparking and groaning under the strain.

"Is that all you've got?" Maine taunted, his eyes wild with the thrill of battle. He unleashed another volley of shots, targeting the android's vulnerable points with deadly precision.

Despite his best efforts, Maine was starting to falter. The androids were relentless, their mechanical minds adapting to his tactics. One of them grabbed him by the arm, lifting him off the ground with terrifying ease.

"Primary target acquired. Terminate," it droned, its grip tightening.

Maine roared in defiance, using his free hand to pull a grenade from his belt. He jammed it into the android's chest cavity, the pin already pulled.

"Terminate this," he spat, a savage grin on his face.

The explosion rocked the building, sending shrapnel and debris flying. The android's chest was blown open, its internal components sparking and smoking. Maine was thrown back by the blast, landing hard on the rubble-strewn floor.

David and Rebecca watched in horror as Maine struggled to get up. His body was a wreck, his cybernetics sparking and malfunctioning. But his spirit remained unbroken.

"Come on, Maine, you can do it!" David shouted, firing his rifle at the remaining android to draw its attention away from his friend.

Rebecca, her face a mask of determination, rushed to Maine's side. "Get up, you big lug. We need you," she urged, her voice cracking with emotion.

Maine coughed, blood trickling from his lips. "You kids... need to get out of here," he rasped, pushing himself to his feet with sheer willpower. "I'll hold them off."

David and Rebecca could only watch in shock and admiration as their friend risked everything to protect them. "Maine!" David cried out, wanting to rush to his aid but being held back by Rebecca whose tear-filled eyes pleaded for him to listen.

"We have to leave!" Rebecca screamed, her hands trembling with fear and helplessness. She knew they couldn't win this fight, that whoever sent these androids was ruthless and powerful.

But David refused to back down. "No! I'm not abandoning him," he declared stubbornly, his heart raging against the thought of leaving Maine behind.

"You idiotic gonk! He's sacrificing himself so we can escape!" Rebecca yelled, but her words fell on deaf ears as David charged back into the fray, determined to stand by his friend's side until the very end.

When they reached Maine, it was too late. His body lay motionless on the ground, blood spilling from his wounds and his head crushed under the androids' feet.

"Heh," one of the androids sneered, turning their attention to David and Rebecca who stood armed and ready. "Humans... So weak and emotional. It's no wonder you make such easy prey."

The other android chimed in with a cruel laugh. "Shame we couldn't add him to our collection. His flesh was so nicely knit. He would have made a great addition if he wasn't so... enhanced."

But David wasn't about to let them mock his fallen friend. With all his might, he threw an EMP grenade at the androids, catching them off guard and giving him enough time to unleash a barrage of shots towards their metal bodies.

"You fuckers!" David screamed, tears streaming down his face as he continued to fight even as his ammunition ran low.

Rebecca desperately tried to help, but she knew they were no match for these killing machines.

"We have to go, David! We can't beat them!" she pleaded, her voice filled with grief and fury.

But David couldn't accept defeat. Not now, not ever. He threw everything he had left at the androids, fuelled by rage and determination.

"I won't run anymore. I won't hide. I'll fight until my last breath," he declared, standing tall against these soulless creatures.

In the end, it was a futile effort. But David didn't give up without a fight - just like Maine would have wanted. And as they retreated from the scene, Rebecca held onto David tightly, both mourning their loss and vowing to never forget their fallen friend's courage and sacrifice.

The android's mechanical voice echoed through the deserted streets, its tone filled with impatience. "When will he arrive? I thought killing one of them would be enough. Should we go after the child as well?" The other android stood silently by its side, a sense of urgency emanating from them both.

Suddenly, a powerful force pulsed through the air, signalling the demise of one of their comrades. The remaining android turned its head to face the source of the disturbance, its glowing eyes fixated on the approaching figure.

"Looks like he's finally arrived," a hint of relief in his voice, David huffed and his heart calmed at the sight of their ally. Rebecca also felt a wave of relief wash over her, though she couldn't help but worry about how this man would fare against their seemingly indestructible foes.

Behind the duo, a familiar silhouette emerged from the shadows. His face was obscured by a steel mask, his gaze cold and soulless as it fell upon the androids.

"Thank goodness," David muttered under his breath.

"We've been expecting you, Dr. Doom... Your defeat will be quite lovely," the cyborg taunted with a smile, only to be met with a chilling response from the doctor's cold and calculating voice.

"Target acquired. Your destruction is imminent." With that, the doctor extended his hand towards the androids, releasing a powerful blast of energy that obliterated half of their body.

As they fell to the ground in pieces, their remains quickly merged together to form another robot attempting to escape. But even with this unexpected shift in power, their efforts were futile against the doctor's unstoppable force.

"Holy shit!" David voiced shocked at the energy blast, their bullets merely chipping the android's skin.

"Where was he when we needed him…" Rebecca voiced solemnly, her eyes darting to their leader's body.

Rebecca and David could only watch in defeat as their leader and friend Maine lay lifeless on the ground beside them.

As Dorio approached the tragic scene, her mind raced with a mix of emotions. The sight of her beloved's lifeless body was almost too much to bear. She couldn't believe he was gone. Her heart ached with grief and she felt her legs give out beneath her as she fell to her knees beside him.

Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to make sense of it all. How could this have happened? Why did he have to leave her like this? The conflicting feelings of sadness and anger overwhelmed her, leaving her weeping uncontrollably beside his cold body.

Sasha also appeared by their side, her hand covering her mouth in horror at the sight of Maine's skull caving in from the cyborg's earlier attack.

"I'm sorry... I should have been able to do more," David mumbled, feeling defeated and useless.

"It wasn't your fault, kid. This is the risk we take every day by living in Night City. There are no happy endings here," Sasha explained, her gaze solemnly fixed on Maine's lifeless body.

"But-"

"There are no buts, kid. This is what Night City does. It takes everything good and devours it whole. We're just left with the leftovers...the shit that nobody else wants to deal with," she continued, placing a comforting hand on Dorio's shoulder as she broke down into sobs.

"You promised me, you bastard! You promised we would leave this city and start a family!" Dorio screamed between tears, clutching her stomach where their unborn child lay.

"You fucking promised!" Her eyes burned with anger and grief, unable to comprehend how quickly her world had been shattered by the loss of her partner.

She felt betrayed by his loss, their future unborn child now left to live on wandering on the character of their father. Shaken and defeated her hands began to wobble.

Victor now behind the robot stared at the Android back, it was leading him somewhere the location unknown. Arriving at the scene numerous Androids appeared, a shit-eating grin appearing on all their faces.

The android chuckled darkly, his metallic voice ringing out in the empty air. "You were a foolish one to venture here alone," he said with a menacing tone.

But then, as if struck by lightning, a realization dawned on both of them. The man was not alone – behind him, a platoon of silhouettes emerged from the shadows.

Their identical icons glinted in the dim light, their code-filled eyes trained on the androids before them. "Target acquired," they announced in unison, their palms raised and ready for battle.

It was a scene of imminent destruction, a clash between man-made machines and their equally advanced counterparts.

Farway, the real Victor, surveyed the scene with a deep sense of disappointment. The ambush had gone unnoticed, but not unanticipated.

His trackers on David's eyewear had detected the presence of the androids as soon as they arrived, and his keen eyes had scanned for their elusive receivers.

Could he have saved them? 

Perhaps, but Victor only wished to track the android's signal, the lives of the crew expendable with the expectation of David. It is why only when David's life was at risk did he save them.

The signal, a one-way transmission that bounced between Android to Android, was difficult to track.

As he studied the structure of the androids, he couldn't help but feel a sense of revulsion. They were nothing more than a grotesque combination of nanites and skinned flesh, a twisted creation of man and machine.

And whatever was controlling them and sending out these rogue A.I.'s seemed to be located in the heart of Night City.

His investigations led him to the home of Jefferson Peralez, an up-and-coming politician who was running for mayor.

But something deeper and more sinister was at play here, and Victor was determined to uncover it all. With steely determination, he delved further into the mystery, ready to confront whatever awaited him in the shadows of Night City's underbelly.

-

Vincent "V" Aldecaldo

Date: 02/06/2076 

Location: Night City, Early Morning

The harsh buzz of my alarm dragged me from a restless sleep, the sound vibrating through the neural implant in my head. With a groan, I fumbled to shut it off, blinking against the dim light filtering through the grimy windows of my modest apartment.

Sitting up, I surveyed my surroundings. The small studio was a chaotic blend of high-tech gear and second-hand furniture, a testament to my life in Night City.

My prized collection of weapons hung on one wall, while a state-of-the-art holo-projector sat atop a battered coffee table. The peeling wallpaper was adorned with a mix of old posters and digital screens, some flickering with news feeds, others displaying static images of places I'd likely never visit.

I stretched, feeling the familiar ache of old injuries, and made my way to the tiny kitchenette. The coffee maker hummed to life, its biosensor recognizing my presence. As the rich aroma of synthetic beans filled the air, I scrolled through the morning news on my optic display. Corpo wars, gang violence, the usual chaos of Night City.

A ping from my comm unit caught my attention. It was Mrs. Rodriguez from next door, asking if I could help with her malfunctioning door lock later. I sent a quick affirmative reply. Despite the cutthroat nature of Night City, our building had a sense of community. It wasn't like the Aldecaldos, but it was something.

As I sipped my coffee, I reflected on those days with the Aldecaldos. The freedom of the open road, the camaraderie of the clan. It was a different kind of life, a stark contrast to the neon-lit canyons of this city. But here, I had a different kind of freedom. Different, but still valuable.

I moved through my morning routine, a mix of advanced tech and mundane tasks. The shower is regulated by AI for optimal water conservation, followed by brushing my teeth with an old-fashioned manual toothbrush. Cybernetic diagnostics ran as I pulled on my clothes, ensuring all my implants were functioning correctly.

I had an optical and neural implant installed by Victor when he was around a few parts had to be replaced after his supposed death. With slight optical implants and enhanced skin meshes, I was able to endure the harsh weather of the Midwest without having to worry about Wraith attacks. Those shit-eaters were always trying something on the roads.

My wardrobe was a blend of practical and flashy – a reinforced synthetic leather jacket over a bulletproof vest, cargo pants with hidden pockets for ammo or tech, and boots with built-in shock absorbers.

I checked my reflection in the cracked mirror, running a hand through my hair. The silver lines of my neural implants glinted at my temples, a constant reminder of the tech that kept me alive in this city.

Stepping out into the hallway, I nearly collided with Jake, the wannabe netrunner from 4B. "Morning, V!" he chirped, far too energetic for this hour. "Hey, you wouldn't happen to have any spare RAM chips lying around, would you? I'm working on this new deck build and-"

I cut him off with a wave. "Sorry, kid. Fresh out. Try the market down on 5th, they might have what you need."

Jake's face fell slightly, but he nodded. "Thanks anyway, V. Catch you later!"

"Hold up, Jake," I said, feeling a twinge of sympathy for the kid. "What kind of build are you working on?"

His eyes lit up. "Oh man, it's gonna be preem! I'm trying to boost my processing speed for quicker hacks. Got this idea for a custom firmware that should let me slip past most ICE undetected."

I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "Sounds impressive. Just be careful, alright? Last thing you want is to fry your synapses on a bad hack."

Jake nodded solemnly. "I know, I know. I'm being careful, promise. Hey, maybe when it's done, you could test it out for me? I mean, if you're not too busy with... whatever it is you do."

I chuckled. "We'll see, kid. Get it working first, then we'll talk."

As Jake bounded off, I continued down the hallway, spotting Berry, the cop from 3A, fumbling with his keys. His shoulders were slumped, dark circles under his eyes.

"Morning, Berry. Everything okay?" I asked, keeping my voice low.

He glanced up, startled. "Oh, hey V. Yeah, just... long night. You know how it is."

I nodded, understanding all too well. Night City never slept, and for a cop like Berry, that meant constant vigilance. "Rough shift?"

Berry sighed. "You could say that. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother, you know? This city... it's like trying to empty the ocean with a teaspoon."

I placed a hand on his shoulder, feeling the tension. "Hey, every little bit helps. You're making a difference, even if it doesn't always feel like it."

He gave me a weak smile. "Thanks, V. I appreciate that. It's just... weighing on me. Had to break up a gang fight in Watson last night. Three dead, including a kid who got caught in the crossfire. And for what? A couple blocks of turf that'll probably change hands again next week."

I winced at the familiar ache of senseless loss. "That's rough, man. I'm sorry you had to deal with that."

Berry shook his head, his eyes distant. "It's not just that. It's the feeling that nothing ever changes, you know? We arrest one gonk, two more pop up to take his place. The corps keep squeezing the little guy, the gangs keep fighting over scraps, and honest folks just try to keep their heads down and survive."

"I get it," I said softly. "But you can't carry the weight of the whole city on your shoulders, Berry. You'll burn out that way."

He nodded, running a hand over his face. "I know, I know. It's just... hard to let go sometimes, you know?"

"Yeah, I know," I replied, thinking of my own struggles. "Look, why don't you get some rest? And if you ever need to talk, or just want to grab a drink and forget about the job for a while, let me know. I'm a good listener."

Berry's smile was small but genuine this time. "Thanks, V. I might take you up on that sometime. Take care out there, alright?"

As Berry disappeared into his apartment, I made a mental note to check in on him more often. Outside, the streets of Night City were already bustling with activity.

Vendors shouted from their stalls, trying to entice passersby with the latest tech or street food. A group of kids darted between the crowds, laughing and chasing each other. The ever-present hum of the city's transportation network filled the air, a constant reminder of the ceaseless motion of this urban jungle.

I made my way to my bike, parked in its usual spot. The sleek machine was my pride and joy, a custom job that combined speed, agility, and enough firepower to handle whatever the city threw at me. As I swung a leg over the seat, I took a moment to appreciate the calm before the storm. Today was going to be another busy day, but then again, they all were in Night City.

The engine roared to life, and I sped off, the wind whipping through my hair. I had a few errands to run before my meeting with Rogue, and I wanted to make sure I was prepared for whatever came next. In this city, you never knew what was around the corner, but that was half the thrill.

Tom's Diner was a Night City staple, a small beacon of normalcy amidst the chaos. The neon sign flickered above the entrance, casting a warm glow over the eclectic mix of patrons inside. As I parked my bike and stepped in, the familiar scent of greasy food and freshly brewed coffee enveloped me.

The diner was bustling, as always. Corporate suits rubbing shoulders with street punks, netrunners tapping away at their decks, and the occasional off-duty cop nursing a cup of coffee. The walls were covered in a mishmash of vintage posters and digital ads, the hum of conversation blending with the clatter of dishes.

"Morning, V!" Tom called from behind the counter, his grizzled face breaking into a smile. "Usual?"

"You know it," I replied, sliding into my favourite booth by the window. It gave me a good view of the street, a habit I'd picked up from my days with the Aldecaldos. Always know your surroundings.

Tom was a fixture in Night City, running this diner for as long as anyone could remember. His no-nonsense demeanour and excellent cooking made him a favourite among locals. As I waited for my food, I glanced around, taking in the familiar faces.

"Hey, V!" a voice called from a few tables over. It was Claire, a solo I'd run a few gigs with. She raised her coffee cup in greeting.

"Claire," I nodded back. "How's the arm?"

She flexed her cybernetic limb, a recent upgrade after a job gone wrong. "Good as new. Thanks for the tip on the ripperdoc, by the way."

"Anytime," I said, appreciating the camaraderie that came with shared experiences in this city. It wasn't the same as the tight-knit family of the Aldecaldos, but it was close.

Tom brought over my breakfast – a plate of synth-bacon, eggs, and toast, with a steaming mug of coffee. "Enjoy, V," he said with a wink.

As I dug into my meal, I couldn't help but reflect on the changing landscape of Night City. The city was always evolving, a constant push and pull between progress and decay. New skyscrapers rose amidst crumbling tenements, the latest tech coexisting with the remnants of a bygone era.

"V, you hear about the new renovations in Japantown?" asked Jimmy, one of the regulars. He was an old techie, always with his finger on the pulse of the city's latest developments.

"Yeah, I heard," I replied. "Another corpo project, right?"

"Yep," Jimmy nodded, a hint of disdain in his voice. "Arasaka this time. They're throwing up a new mega-tower, supposed to be the latest in luxury living."

I snorted. "Luxury for who? Not the people who live here, that's for sure."

Jimmy chuckled. "Ain't that the truth? It's all about the eddies, V. Always has been, always will be."

We chatted for a while, sharing stories and news. The conversation drifted to the recent gang activity in Watson, the latest tech trends, and the ever-present spectre of the corporations. Despite the city's constant turmoil, moments like these – a simple breakfast at Tom's Diner, friendly banter with familiar faces – offered a brief respite.

As I finished my meal and drained the last of my coffee, I felt a sense of resolve. No matter how much the city changed, some things remained constant. The bonds we forged, the small acts of kindness, the moments of connection – these were what made life in Night City bearable.

"Thanks, Tom," I said, leaving a generous tip on the table. "See you tomorrow."

"Take care, V," Tom replied, his eyes twinkling. "Stay safe out there."

The street market on 5th was a riot of colour and noise, a microcosm of Night City's diversity. Stalls lined the narrow alleys, each one packed with a dizzying array of goods – everything from fresh produce and street food to high-tech gadgets and black-market cyberware. The air was thick with the smell of spices, grilled meat, and the underlying scent of the city – a mix of exhaust fumes and sweat.

As I made my way through the crowd, I kept an eye on my surroundings. In a place like this, you never knew what could happen. Pickpockets, scammers, and more dangerous types were always on the lookout for an easy mark.

"V!" called out a vendor from a nearby stall. It was Malik, an old acquaintance who specialized in rare tech parts. "Got something you might be interested in!"

I approached, eyeing the spread on his table. "What do you have for me today, Malik?"

He grinned, holding up a small device. "Top-of-the-line RAM chip just came in. Perfect for those quick hacks you're known for."

I examined the chip, appreciating the craftsmanship. "How much?"

"For you, V? Let's say 500 eddies."

I raised an eyebrow. "500? Come on, Malik. You can do better than that."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Always driving a hard bargain. Alright, 400. But only because you're a loyal customer."

"Deal," I said, handing over the money. As I slipped the chip into my pocket, I continued browsing the stalls, picking up a few other supplies I needed.

The market was a bustling hub of activity. Vendors shouted their wares, trying to outdo each other in volume. Customers haggled, laughed, and occasionally argued. It was a chaotic symphony, but one that I'd grown accustomed to.

As I moved towards the food stalls, my attention was caught by a commotion up ahead. A young girl, no more than fifteen, was being harassed by a couple of rough-looking characters. They were trying to take her bag, their voices low and menacing.

I sighed, stepping forward. "Hey! Leave her alone."

The thugs turned to face me, sizing me up. "Mind your own business, choom," one of them snarled.

I smiled a slow, dangerous smile. "You really don't want to do this."

For a moment, it seemed like they might back down. But then the larger one stepped forward, a knife glinting in his hand. "Last warning, gonk. Walk away."

I moved faster than he could react, disarming him with a quick twist of my wrist and sending him sprawling to the ground. His friend took one look at me and decided he had better places to be, disappearing into the crowd.

Bloody thugs, always making a mess. The world would've been better if such assholes didn't exist. 

"Are you okay?" I asked the girl, handing her back her bag.

She nodded, wide-eyed. "Thank you, sir. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't stepped in."

"Just be careful," I advised. "This city isn't kind to those who don't watch their backs."

She thanked me again and hurried off, clutching her bag tightly. As I watched her go, I couldn't help but think about how easy it was to lose your way in Night City. One moment of carelessness, and you could find yourself in deep trouble.

The rest of my trip to the market was uneventful. I picked up some fresh produce from a friendly vendor named Maria, who always saved the best for her regulars. We chatted briefly about the latest gossip in the neighbourhood, and she slipped an extra apple into my bag with a wink.

"Stay safe, V," she said as I turned to leave. "This city needs more good people like you."

I smiled, appreciating the sentiment. "Thanks, Maria. You take care too."

As I made my way back to my bike, I reflected on the morning's events. Despite the constant danger and chaos, there were still moments of connection and kindness. These were the things that made life in Night City worth living.

The sun was setting as I pulled up to The Afterlife, a popular bar for mercs and fixers. The neon lights cast a vibrant glow over the entrance, and the thrum of music spilled out into the street. Inside, the atmosphere was electric, a mix of anticipation and relaxation as the night began to unfold.

The Afterlife was more than just a bar; it was a legend in Night City, known for its exclusive clientele and the power players that frequented it.

Rogue, the owner, was a legend herself, a fixture in the city's underworld for decades. Gaining entry required more than just connections; it required respect. Lucy had vouched for me, insisting I belonged among the VIPs that graced the place.

Stepping inside, I was greeted by the familiar sight of chrome and leather, neon and steel. The bar was a maze of shadowy corners and dazzling lights, each booth and table occupied by figures who moved the gears of Night City's underworld.

The bartenders, all sharp-eyed and sharp-tongued, served drinks with practised efficiency, their cybernetic enhancements glinting in the low light.

Scanning the room, I spotted David alone at a table, his usual confident demeanour replaced by a look of deep contemplation. His eyes were sunken, shadows etched into his face.

"Hey kid," I called out as I approached, trying to inject some levity into the moment. "What's with the face, ganger take your wallet?"

David looked up, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Ah, just mourning is all," he said, his voice heavy with sorrow. "Some gonks took a friend of mine out... Just thinking about it is all."

I sat down across from him, sensing that he needed someone to listen more than anything else. "Ah, shit… I'm sorry to hear that, choom. Want to talk about it?"

"I don't know, V." David voiced, his mind elsewhere.

"Look I get it, take your time just know I'm here if you need it." I voiced, about to leave before he stopped me.

"Fine, I think it's better I talk to someone about it than cry over it," David revealed.

Sitting in silence for a few moments I allowed the bar's music and chatter to fill the room. The two of us sitting without a word between us. 

"So… What happened? I know it might be a bit too soon but… I think we should target the issue rather than run around it." I reasoned.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It was brutal, V. They didn't just kill him; they made a spectacle out of it. Crushed his head while he was alive..."

"Damn... That's... That's rough kid..." I voiced acknowledging the brutality of his friend's death a similar image of my comrades also falling. 

"Look... I don't know how to break it to you but... You need to stay strong kid. Not just for yourself but for those who still love you." I nodded, understanding the pain and anger in his voice.

Night City was ruthless, and losing someone you cared about was a harsh reminder of its brutality. "I've lost people too," I said quietly. "It never gets easier, but you learn to keep moving forward. Your friend wouldn't want you to be consumed by this."

David's gaze dropped to the table, his fingers tracing invisible patterns on the surface. "Yeah, you're right. It's just hard, you know? We were close. He had big plans and dreams of getting out of this hellhole. I just can't believe it. He had a kid on the way..."

"We all have dreams, kid" I replied. "Some of us make it, some don't. But we keep fighting because that's all we can do."

"Fighting that's all there is to it ain't it? Just fighting, stealing and killing…" David explained.

"Look... Life isn't always about that. While it's born out of necessity I like to think we always got a choice. Look around you, and talk to people, you're young and you have a whole life ahead of you. You got a girlfriend?" I questioned.

"I wouldn't say we're dating but I think so." He thought, an image in his mind cooling his dreaded mood.

"Go hang out with her instead of sulking here. A whisky lullaby ain't going to do your brain any good, kid. The bottle ain't going to numb the pain, it's going to rack up like debt. Take a break from the solo life for a bit. Or maybe quit, You're still young you can always go back and study..." I voiced.

"The Books were never for me, V. My mom always wanted a better life for... Yet, here I am just doing jack shit." David murmured.

"You ain't doing jack shit, kid. You're doing more than those greedy fuckers on top are doing. If there's any person you gotta hate it's them. They're the reason why we're down here forced into this life." I explained.

Taking time to think for himself he clenched his hands, his anger palatable, yet instead of dead hope began to fill his eyes. 

 "Thanks, V. I appreciate you listening to me... It feels like not many got the time to hear a choom out. Too busy chasing a dream instead of a life…"

"Anytime, David. We're in this together, from one merc to another it never gets easier. You only get used to it after a while... Now, how about we get a drink and toast to your friend's memory? Let's not cry like a bunch of gonks. Let's celebrate the good times you had, instead of just mourning the loss."

David managed a genuine smile this time. "Yeah, I think he'd like that. Thanks, V."

We made our way to the bar, where I ordered a couple of drinks. The bartender, a "female" slid them across the counter with a nod. "On the house," she said, recognizing the look of loss on David's face.

We raised our glasses, the neon lights casting colourful reflections in the amber liquid. "To your friend," I said, clinking my glass against David's. "May his memory live on."

"To Maine," David replied, his voice firm. "Gone but never forgotten."

We drank in silence for a moment, each lost in our own thoughts. The music thumped around us, and the chatter of the other patrons faded into the background.

In that moment, it felt like it was just the two of us, sharing a quiet, poignant moment in the midst of the chaos that was Night City.

As the night wore on, we talked about lighter things, sharing stories and jokes. It was a reminder that even in the darkest times, there could still be moments of light and laughter. We were survivors, after all, and that's what we did – we survived, we remembered, and we kept moving forward.

Eventually, we were joined by other friends, their presence lifting the mood further. We laughed, we drank, and for a few hours, we allowed ourselves to forget the harsh realities outside the bar's walls. The Afterlife was a sanctuary, a place where we could be ourselves without fear or judgment.

As the night drew to a close, I felt a sense of camaraderie and connection that was all too rare in this city. We were a motley crew of mercs and misfits, but we had each other's backs. And in Night City, that was worth more than all the eddies in the world.