Chapter 19: Guv’nor (18+)

Author note: 

Upload will now be infrequent due to my university course coming back soon. So expect delays here and there cause I'll be on a somewhat hiatus. Also warning smut at the end, can skip if you want. It only serves to further their relationship nothing more. Just some experimental stuff between two characters. Writing the whole thing was lowkey embarrassing, if you like it let me know. If not I won't ever do it again. If you get a boner then I know I did good... It's not weird okay... Well, maybe it is.

-

Victor Von Doom

Date: 02/09/2076 

Location: Night City, Afternoon

The suffocating stench of Night City invades my nostrils, assaulting my senses with its blend of rot, pollution, and desperation.

I peer out over the neon-drenched skyline from my hidden lair, the advanced filtration systems in my mask barely able to keep out the noxious fumes.

This cesspool of depravity and corporate greed was and is a constant reminder of why I must cleanse it.

I must eradicate every trace of corruption and filth until this dystopian landscape is reborn into something pure and just.

With a disgusted mutter, my voice echoes within the confines of my helmet. My cape swirls dramatically as I turn away from the window and stride across my sanctum.

The hollow chamber is a stark contrast to the gaudy excess outside - all clean lines of burnished metal and humming machinery. At its centre sits my throne, crafted from the same steel as my formidable armour.

As I lower myself onto the seat of power, I gaze imperiously at the array of screens and holograms before me. 

They flicker endlessly, displaying a constant stream of data - surveillance feeds, financial reports, intelligence briefs - all essential for orchestrating my grand designs.

"Computer, begin recording," I command, "Personal log, Entry 2076-097."

The system chirps an acknowledgement as I begin to speak:

"My experiments with "Mana" continue to yield fascinating results. Its properties defy conventional physics and chemistry. It behaves almost as if... alive. Responsive to will and intent in a way no ordinary substance should be."

David being tested as an early experiment for both the nanites and mana-enhanced chrome has shown promise. 

While his mental capacity has shown to be slightly unstable, that is due to the overwhelming amount of willpower required to handle to technology given.

Any other organic being would've had their neurons fried and their brains collapsed under the strain - yet, the boy having no prior cybernetic implants is handling it quite well.

 It was inhumane and impressive.

His mind would need re-diagnositing in case of cyberpsychosis. 

He was reflecting now, which meant he was showing resilience that others would never amount to. Other lower specimens would have changed rapidly, getting high with the newfound power.

Yet despite gaining the power to rule Night City's underbelly, he shows restraint and resilience. He has kept his humanity despite his thoughts of overpowering others.

The child alone shows more character than four-fifths of the city. 

He has proven time and time again his worth.

He was indeed worthy. 

But that did not mean he was ready. 

Perfection meant attunement and refining. 

Perfection is a title that must be maintained and constantly pursued. 

With the power given to the boy it was possible to overwhelm even the likes of Adam Smasher his only strength being his brute force and ruthlessness. Other than that, he was nothing. A nobody who truly should've died in the corporate wars. 

The strongest opponent the boy would have to face in the mercenary world would be Morgan Blackhand, his netrunning skills impressive for a mere mortal.

While his ability in close-quarter combat and marksmanship was impressive it was the combination of these skills in cohesion with his netrunning skills that made him a remarkable foe for his time. 

If you fought Blackhand alone, you weren't, some say they felt like they were fighting an army of netrunners and a platoon of Militech executioners. 

He would've made an excellent general had he not been employed with Militech during that time. 

But enough of the boy what of my own capabilities, what could mana do for myself?

My eyes dart to a small amount of the ethereal substance coalesced in a nearby testing chamber. I had managed to infuse mana into a thin silver wire, giving it life. 

With a mere gesture from me, various objects began to levitate, demonstrating precise telekinetic control. Another motion ignited them in emerald flames.

I scoffed, extinguishing the flames with a wave of my hand.

"Parlor tricks," I sneer, "My armour's systems can replicate such feats with much greater efficiency."

Mana may be versatile, but it is no match for my advanced technology.

In its current state, it is weak and easily surpassed. But time will be my ally, as the seeds I have planted begin to grow and bear fruit. 

My mind wanders to the next phase of my plan, the collapsing of domestic forces. The gangs of Night City needed to be dismantled to begin the patchwork for Raganarok. 

"My Doombots continue to infiltrate key positions throughout the city. Their mimicry of human behaviour improves with each iteration. Soon, they will be indistinguishable from the pitiful humans that infest this urban hellscape."

My voice takes on a contemplative tone, laced with disdain.

"It is... curious. These megacorporations pride themselves on their technological prowess, yet they remain blind to the true threat within their own walls. Perhaps they have grown complacent in their dominance. A fatal error." As the words leave my mouth, a surge of rage consumes me.

My undying hatred and contempt for these megacorps fills me with a seething malice. I feel my voice almost crack under the weight of my anger. They would know true justice soon enough. 

"Arasaka... Militech... They will all fall beneath me. Victor Von Doom. Their purpose is not to prosper, but to await my revenge... Soon enough, they will pay for their transgressions and the reign of Doom shall commence... The world will know its master and the hour draws near."

Taking a deep breath to compose myself, I remind myself that anger must be controlled, channelled into action…

Not a day has passed since my mother's death that I await slowly crushing Adam smashers consciousness. 

My passion has brought me this far, but I cannot allow it to control me.

Emotions should fuel our actions, not dictate them.

It was times like this that Panam would often but in, her voice always soothing yet disengaging. She had been nicknamed the fiery princess for a reason, her argumentative approach and her passion were something I adored. 

The Aldecaldo's were a fresh breather to the world, while they were not at all perfect, they were… Tolerable. 

Talks of escape and freedom were something Panam would always speak about.

Yet where would you escape to? Where would you even find "Freedom"?

Perhaps soon I shall return, but time would wait for no soul. 

Was I Doom afraid to love her? To be vulnerable with another? 

No…

What I feared was that my potential was being limited by a hot-head whose vision was merely limited due to her own ignorance…

That I would grow content, that my rage would no longer be justified. That I would simply become nothing, a mere afterthought in history. A man who could've but didn't. That was what I feared. I feared that the world would lose the greatness that was I… Victor Von Doom. 

Yet her resilience, strength and integrity, it was seeping through the very child I was guiding.

Was this the Unvierses's way of spiting me? 

To showcase the child that could be?

How despicable…

Although such was life. 

As I recover from my list of thoughts, I continue with my entry. 

"The domination of Night City grows stronger. The pieces are falling into place. My alliance with the Mox progresses, albeit slowly. They remain wary, as they should. But their need for my technological expertise outweighs their suspicions. For now…." A holographic display appears before me, showing a detailed map of Night City's various gang territories.

The Mox's influence was highlighted in pink, the Lizzie's bar only being highlighted. 

Yet, it was beginning to slowly grow, the homeless joining the gang as informants. 

With the rebranding of the gang, the areas around the bar were slowly changing to a pink hue, and numerous areas near Watson a light shade of pink.

"The Mox's influence grows… They have expanded beyond prostitution and braindances, venturing into food service and legitimate commerce. But most importantly, their clandestine weapons manufacturing operation thrives." I allow myself a dark chuckle.

"How ironic that I, Victor von Doom, would find myself working with common street thugs and prostitutes. But they serve their purpose - a distraction for my true enemies and a useful tool in dismantling this corrupt system from within."

My gaze shifts to another section of the map, highlighted in light blue.

"The 6th Street gang remains a trash bin filled with rubbish. Their pseudo-patriotic beliefs and misguided sense of 'justice' make them unpredictable. They must be eliminated - there is no room for their delusions in my vision for this city. They were nothing but a failed product, one that Militech could not control. Instead, they became a cesspool of degeneracy, former guardians turned bandits."

Similar to N.W.O they once meant something. A band of war veterans joined to protect their neighbourhood from degeneracy and violence. Yet, in the year 2076, they became the very thing they sought to destroy. 

"Fortunately, the fools at N.W.O. prove as malleable as ever. My subtle manipulations of their leadership, particularly the ambitious Lucy, continue to bear fruit. She believes her expansion into 6th Street territory to be her own brilliant strategy, unaware that she dances to my tune. A traitor? As if there were any, all it took was for one informant to lay waste to their operations. A shame truly..."

I turned to view her profile the Arasaka experiment and her new sidekick, a list of malware entered into both their systems. It was interesting to watch their so-called tensions and fights - little did they know they were being manipulated, their visions and thoughts mere projections.

"It is almost... disappointing how easily these so-called leaders are swayed," I muse aloud. "A whispered suggestion here, a planted idea there, and they believe themselves masters of their own destiny.

Every little operation, every action and every thought was merely by my will.

Who else would've known the cooperation between 6th Street leaders and Militech? 

Who else would've known the angst of 6th Street members and their leaders?

Who else could've leaked the information?

Who else but, I? 

Victor Von Doom.

"I will make a mental note to increase surveillance on Lucy and the N.W.O. While useful for now, it wouldn't do to let them grow too powerful. When the time comes, they too will be swept aside, along with all other obstacles in my path to dominion over Night City. I will take what is usable and scrap the rest."

While N.W.O was useful they were not entirely worth the effort in capturing. Their insubordination and inaction was treachery. Instead of returning home to Australia, they left believing the company had collapsed. While partly true, those who remained loyal to the cause were rewarded.

Lost in my thoughts a sudden notification pings on one of the nearby screens, disturbing my monologue. I dismiss the hologram and turn my attention to it. Closing my personal recording, I brace myself for the mind-numbing engagements with the Mox.

Visualising the doom bots optical processors I lunged myself, my consciousness contracting to the robot, its metallic exterior a second skin. 

Observing the neon-drenched exterior of Lizzie's Bar it pulsed with energy as I approached, the doombot indistinguishable from myself. 

The Mox members lounging outside straightened up, a mix of respect and wariness in their eyes.

Rita, the bar's bouncer, nodded curtly. "D-Doctor... Didn't expect to see you around here tonight."

The doombot's voice, a perfect replication of my authoritative tone, responded, "My presence is rarely expected, yet always necessary. I trust business is... progressing?"

Rita shrugged, her cybernetic arms whirring softly. "Can't uh- exactly complain. Come on in, boss'll want to talk to you."

Inside, the bar was a cacophony of sound and colour. Gone were the days of overt sexuality; now, it had the atmosphere of a high-end sports bar, albeit one where the servers still maintained an edge of allure. 

I noted the changes with cold efficiency.

Susie Q, the Mox leader and now my puppet waved me over to a private booth. 

"Well, well. If it ain't our favourite mystery doc. Pull up a seat, we've got business to discuss."

I had been merciful in my conquest over the gang. 

The people were satisfied with the changes, and while they were slightly disappointed at netting fewer eddies, they were also content with the safety and peacefulness that came.

It showcased a rebirth in branding that no other business had seen, numerous old customers and clients disauded with the change.

Yet, it also improved the quality of the people who arrived. Gone were the dingy and strange, in came the upcoming edgerunners and mercs who wished for a shot in the action. 

For all its glory the Afterlife had become too high-class for too long forcing the mid-to-low fixers and mercenaries to merge elsewhere. Lizzies had now become decent enough to drink and eat but also dirty enough to talk biz. It was newbie friendly a perfect place for Victor to begin scouting.

"Indeed. I trust the transition has been... smooth?" I voiced. 

Susie leaned back, a wry smile on her face. "Smooth as sandpaper, but we're making it work. Food and drinks are bringing in a steady flow, and the 'special menu' for our VIP clients is as popular as ever. But that's not why you're here, is it?"

"Perceptive," the Ibot replied. "I've come to inquire about your other ventures. The arms manufacturing, specifically."

For all the money that came alongside food and drinks, the true income came from here. 

It netted sixty per cent of profits the amount re-invested back into the business. 

What the Mox needed was stability and growth. 

Susie's eyes narrowed slightly. "Funny you should ask. We've been having some... supply chain issues - Girls going missing when they head into Tyger Claw territory. Makes it hard to keep up production, you know?"

Before I could respond, Judy Alvarez approached, her face etched with concern. "Susie, we've got another one. Jasyln hasn't checked in for 48 hours. The last ping was from Japantown."

My head swivelled towards Judy. "This is a recurring issue?"

Rita, who had joined them, nodded grimly. "Yeah, and it's getting worse. We were thinking of hiring a merc to look into it, but..."

"That won't be necessary," I interjected. "I will investigate this matter personally."

Susie raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that, Doc? Japantown's Tyger Claw Central. It's not exactly friendly territory for... well, anyone who ain't them."

"Your concern is noted, but unnecessary. The Tyger Claws are but insignificant obstacles in my path. I will resolve this situation... permanently."

Walking out of the bar I connected with one of my netrunners.

"Trinity, connect with Night City's power grid. Shut down Japan town quarters momentarily. Five minutes will be sufficient." I commanded, her response immediate.

"Affirmative, at your mark, my lord." She confirmed.

"Await my order, I'll need to investigate the area personally." I voiced disconnecting from the Doombot and transferring to another. 

The Doombot now sitting on a park bench frozen. 

Connected to another Doombot within Japan town, many of the androids in areas awoke similar to sleeper agents. 

"Homeless bums" now jumping awake from the street and making their way under and around Tyga claw territory. The hands connect to the live feed of the cameras surrounding.

While Trinity could do it herself, she needed to be ready to shut it all down. 

Having her track all live feeds herself would strain her already wide network and data gathering. 

Calling up a holographic display of Japantown's layout, I studied them intently. 

"The missing Mox members... a pattern emerges. But to what end? Mere violence for its own sake? No, there must be more."

With my fingers dancing over a console, I brought up dossiers on known Tyger Claw leadership.

A single face caught my attention: Jotaro Shobo, owner of the Ho-Oh Club.

Doing my own research on the man I found his deeds nefarious. A tumour that needed operating, its removal a generous deed for the world. 

A known human trafficker and a rapist, while many roamed the street, the man had made a name for himself. He was a purveyor of extreme braindances. How utterly predictable. These criminals lack even the imagination to devise truly innovative atrocities.

Even the Scav's enjoyed themselves with the creation of such Brain dances, it seems the only difference between the two groups was merely its exterior. In the hearts of such men, their acts and intentions were all but common.

It would appear the Japantown and Fubuki's would require my assistance in purging its fowl streets.

With a dismissive gesture, I closed the file.

"No matter. This Shobo will serve as an adequate example of what happens to those who dare disrupt my plans."

I began preparations for my foray into Japantown, my mind already several steps ahead.

Controlling numerous doomIbots their Silhouettes surrounded the club their emerald eyes glowing under the darkness. 

With numerous customers frequenting, the top VIPs sat atop the third floor enjoying themselves, and the captured victims passed around. 

Hacking into their cameras and their respective audio drives I could hear their moans and grunts.

The disgusting sounds unsettling to the ear:

"Hmm, yeah-. Fuckin' take that..." 

"..."

"I usually like it when they fight back. Makes it all the more enjoyable you know?"

"Hahaha, you sick fuck. Hurry up and finish so I can have a turn."

Shutting the audio device I ensured that Shobo was inside his office, his pure white suit an ironic contrast to his dark heart. 

Activating the doombot cloaking device, I prepared to move unseen through the neon-drenched streets of the club.

My every step was merely cloaked and masked under the acid rain of Night City.

As I made my way towards the entrance of Ho-Oh Club, my sensors picked up increased Tyger Claw activity in the area. 

As I approached, I overheard a conversation between two guards.

"Hey, you hear about the new batch Shobo's got coming in?" one asked, his voice low.

The other nodded, a cruel grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, some prime stuff from what I hear. Mox girls, right? They always scream the prettiest."

It would appear my conclusions were correct, as the saying goes there is nothing new under the sun.

Studying the club's exterior, I noted the security measures and guard rotations. 

With a thought, I called on Trinity's EMP, the action shutting down the power grid of Ho-Oh's club - the surrounding cameras around the area being looped by the Doombots.

"Child's play," I scoffed.

Inside the Ho-Oh club, chaos erupted as I made my presence known. Tyger Claw members scrambled for weapons, patrons fled in terror, and the air filled with the sound of gunfire and screams.

Today wouldn't be a mere execution of Shobo, it would be a sweep of their operations, which meant that every single Tygaclaw member would be executed regardless of their role. 

Whether it be the clueless dishwasher, cashier, or cleaners - they would all need to perish. 

Watching as their muzzles flashed in the dark, their bullets merely dropped against the floor, my Doombot merely staring with a cold intensity. 

With its emerald eyes glowing within the darkness, the numerous crimson-eyed Tyga-claws could only look on in confusion as they remained still - unmoving.

"Who the fuck sent you!" A Tyga claw member shouted only to have his head crushed, the bots hand merely grasping their skull and clenching. 

Chucking the broken bone, flesh and metal away it stared on without a change in expression.

"Is that all?" I commented, my voice echoing throughout the room.

Watching them charge all together they were all easily encapsulated, while the bot was hit and pushed around due to its limited agility, its endurance remained firm.

A brave (or foolish) Tyger Claw lieutenant stepped forward, his cybernetic arm transforming into a deadly-looking blade. "You've got some balls coming in here like this," he snarled. "Do you have any idea who you're messing with?"

"I don't care." I voiced, my hand raised blasting the man into the wall, a nice hole caved into his body. With the bot's hands raised at the others, they scrambled to escape only to meet the other Doombots who scrambled their bodies.

I slowly walked up the stairs to the third floor the numerous bodyguards of the VIPs unloading their weapons against me - the effect null.

"Hmph, pitiful." With my shoulder canons popping out I quickly aimed at each bodyguard with quick efficiency its laser-sight and mini-rockest imploding their insides. 

"Listen! I can give you money, choom. I'll do whatever you want! Please, I'll pay triple of whoever sent you!" A VIP voiced, backing up his associates doing the same. 

Staring at the room the numerous V.I.P's stood naked, their lower parts exposed. With unconscious bodies around them seemed from an array of backgrounds - Maelstrom, Mox, 6th street, Valentino's, etc.

"I didn't know you had three lives?" I mused my hands merely pulling him closer. With a magnetic pulse pulling his chrome towards me I held tightly to his neck, the doombots hand reaching and pulling out a wire.

"Your price will be paid Josu Yaraki… Enjoy hell for me." I voiced a chip inserted into his neuroport leaving him numb. Dropping his body to the floor it went limp, his consciousness now wiped and replaced with a blank slate. 

Now with his consciousness inside the chip, I allowed it to be slotted into the doombots body. The copy of his consciousness now sent to be extracted for his memories, his torture an eternity.

"What the fuck…." Another VIP voiced only to have the same treatment, their consciousness swept into the chip. 

Looking around I found the unconscious girls who had been abused motionless, their bodies having been abused aggressively - they were effectively dead.

Due to the mind-numbing brain dances inside of them, they were practically exposed to numerous weeks of torture and sexual assault. Even with a recovery, they would remain in a suicidal limbo where darkness would be more soothing.

In essence, the men had paid to have intercourse with a corpse. 

Yet, their people and families deserved to know the truth… some of the women here young mothers.

 I would be just, as while the many sons, daughters, partners, fathers, and mothers would never have the comfort or solive of their loved one, they would know the truth.

A harsh truth was better than a sweet lie. 

Sending an email to the many families associated I made my way towards Shobo's hidden office, a wall acting as a secret door to his office. Feeling a turrent drop from the ceiling I merely hacked it and made it mine. 

Staring beyond the fake wall I merely walked through it the sound of crashing and thumbing revealing Shobo's office, the action startling him.

"!?! 

"Who are you?!" He voiced exasperate his hands clenching while slightly defensive. 

"Your Doom." 

Suddenly crashing through the windows dozens of Doombots entered holding the man down.

"No amount of pleading or screaming will allow you for your transgressions Jotaro Shobo… Your fate was sealed when you disturbed my plans. May your screams be music to those who suffer with you." 

Grasping the man's consciousness was ripped from his mind, the pain similar differing to a copy and deletion. It was often described as a headache except it rotated around your head before being sucked away. 

Here his mind was locked into the chip, its data now sent to our servers. With it I was able to locate the other captured women, the Doombots now making their way to the storage containers and hideouts. 

Soho's place was then cleaned out of anything of value taken, the next action leading to the entire building being burnt to the ground. 

While numerous men and women watched from afar, NCPD and Maxtac arrived to view the doombot its face and armour concealed.

"Hands up fucker!" One of the officers voiced, a chopper floating above. Looking at them the bot merely waved towards the camera before self-destructing. 

With confusion flared the Tyga claws would soon run their own investigations their finding coming blank. All traces had been removed, the detonation of the Doombot a reminder and warning of what was to come. 

Having already extracted the numerous unconscious women, they were far too gone to be allowed to live. While they could be brought to life they would act as mere husks of their former selves, the scene all too common in Night City. 

A shame they would have to die, but necessary.

Rehibilitation would be wasted, and the women while capable of joining back to the Mox would open too many questions and eyes. The added heat would not serve my purpose thus they were pruned alongside their captors.

Returning the consciousness of the doombot back at the Bus stop it awoke. Walking back to the Mox, they all looked at the screen confused and terrified. The entire incident hadn't taken an hour, a few minutes merely passing.

"Was that you?" Judy asked, shocked at the exploding doombot shown to all. The action was flagged as a terrorist attack. While some would interpret it as a ganger retaliation gone too far, the use of explosives had a negative impact on the locals. 

"It was." I voiced.

"But I swear I just heard from Rita you just sat outside at the bus stop…" Judy continued the unfathomable background and power of myself speaking volumes.

"I have my ways. Be alert, your personnel will be returning soon. My men will be transporting them back." I explained, a stolen van pulling up leading the once joytoys out.

"Thank you… I never got your name." One of them spoke out attempting to feel one of the doombots face.

Yet, they could only ponder startled by their cold and synthetic skin.

"You won't need it." It responded before driving away, and the other captured women of the other factions similarly dropped off. Now known as the anonymous saviour of kabuki I had shown the world who Jotaro Shobo truly was. 

"Ensure your people are properly armed when entering enemy factions. You are no longer the sex slaves of Night City. You are now my people, I will be watching." I voiced handing the girl serval data chips, the names of Shobo and the other ingrained into each one.

Leaving her ghasping, I left the Doombot on Autopilot, its face changing melding into the crowd.

-

David Martinez 

Date: 02/09/2076 

Location: Night City, Afternoon

Would it be crazy to say that I could almost feel the tension inside? 

With heightened senses and my instincts flared I felt a slight electrical pulse inside.

We weren't alone and telling from Alicia's gaze as well she knew it too.

"Night Watch… They're here." She voiced walking through.

Entering with our weapons drawn we scanned the room to find a man inside, the typical corpo cutout. 

"Greetings, It's nice to meet our new friends in town. Please take a seat." He smiled allowing us entry.

"What's Net watch doing snooping around Pacifica." I voiced.

"I'm going to assume that was a rhetorical question, young man." He jabbed.

"I'll reword for him - what are you doing here in front of us," Alicia spoke her eyes scanning the man head to toe.

"Wow… That's some serious tech you got installed missy… and so as you buddy boy. I feel like I'm talking to some serious ballers here. I'll tell you what, let's cut ourselves a deal. How about it?" He mused, his hands going up in defeat.

"I'm not sure if I can trust another corpo…" Rebecca voiced, snooping at the man her shotgun slightly raised.

"Look I came here alone, there's no one here but you and me." He explained.

"But Net watch doesn't work in the physical realm, choom. I know how you guys work, you're here alone but that's not counting the net." Sasha snapped her diagnostics running a blur with numerous netrunners having breached her systems. 

She was now vulnerable in front of the man in the suit.

"Look we need an issuance,- I need an assurance that you don't just blast my head off. You've got some serious chrome kid. I'm looking for peace not war." The man spoke. 

Alicia having been silent during this entire conversation flicked our squad a file, its contents going over the man's background.

"Heh, Dick. Interesting name for a Netwatch agent. Must be real chill in the office." I joked, my rifle slowly aimed down. 

"I guess you got a runner of your own and it ain't her." He revealed to the group. 

Sasha glaring daggers at Alica remained silent, yet her unease continued to grow. 

Likewise, Sasha remained silent but hesitant at the entire situation.

"So what does Netwatch want with our crew? I don't exactly think we're grade-A material here." I spoke, my hand gesturing to my crew to lower their guns. Alicia similarily followed my command.

"I'll be direct with you - I know you mercs aren't one for chatter. I'm here because we want the same thing." He spoke.

"And How can we be sure of that?" I interrupted. 

"You're looking for something and my guts telling me it's got something to do with the Voodoo boys," Dick explained.

"And you know this how?" Sasha inquired, her eyes attempting to breach the malware but without help. Her cyberdeck is locked against her will. 

"We overheard your conversation with the NCPD and Voodoo boys. Listen we've got eyes and ears around this stink hole. I just need you to listen to me. I don't know who sent you but I feel like we've got common interests." He continued.

"Fine, we'll listen to what you got to say. Now spill, what do you know." I voiced, gesturing to the others to keep their eyes open to the outside. 

"The Voodoo boys are doing something nasty to the blackwall. We don't know exactly but it's doing some serious damage. We were sent to find out what and seeing as you've been sent in with tech like that I have suspicions your employer knew something as well. We're offering you our support in exchange for yours." The man explained looking at me.

"Support? What kind of support." I voiced towards the man.

"We're attempting to trap their leader "Maman Brigitte", we would've contacted the animal's help for muscle but seeing you I feel like we can cut something better. We'll transfer you 20'000 eddies total for the trouble. In exchange, we need your support in luring Brigitte out. Do this, and we'll owe you one." Dick explained only to earn the entire crew's laugh.

"Only 20'000 eddies? You think you're top shit bud?" I scoffed, while I wasn't normally one to be combative this guy was trying to short us out on a paycheck. 

Just running this assignment for the Doc was netting us around §50'000 each with a possible bonus. Meaning we were getting a total payout of §200'000. 

If there was anything the doc has taught me, it is that I was worth something, that I wasn't just a street kid from the dirt poor district of Watson. 

I was now David Martinez, the merc with enough chrome to fuck up Adam Smasher. 

I was built differently now, and I wasn't going to let some fuckin' corpo netrunner run me off cheap. 

"Excuse me?" He voiced befuddled.

"We're going to need more eddies. My crew doesn't run on chump change." I voiced.

"20'000 eddies is a respectable amount, we're also running a risk by hiring you…," He voiced slightly angered. 

About to spew profanities I was stopped by Alicia who calmed me.

"Our Leader is correct, §20'000 to do your dirty work is quite disrespectful. Your yearly salary comes to §600'000 a year." Alica voiced shocking the man whose eyes seemed to go wide open," Did you think I wouldn't know?"

"I, I-uh. I apologise, I didn't know…" Dick voiced, cold sweat trickling down his brows.

 I could almost swear the man was fuming at being sent in.

"So listen here, how about you tell your boss to scrounge a few more creds before offering us a deal." I continued.

"§20'000 each." He offered only to be shut down.

"§50'000 each." I partered causing the man to grow bitter slightly.

"§30'000 each." He continued.

"§40'000 each final offer before I end you and just tell the VooDoo boys about your little plot." I countered.

"What makes you think I can't just fry your crew?" He threatened only to get my gun lodged across his privates.

"Because if you could've you would've. You think your top shit cause you're wearing that suit but trust me. You're all skin and bone under that chrome, choom. We go out all the same. Are you willing to really make a fuss about a couple of eddies? Because I sure hell am." I voiced.

"Fine, look I'll transfer the creds now. Just do your part and we won't have problems… Of course, out of all days I get sent out I'm the one who deals with another corpo executioner… Listen whoever's your backer tell them' We apologise for not recognising one of our own. You guys just don't look… the part." He explained, handing a chip. 

Tossing it to Alicia she quickly scanned it before handing Sasha another chip.

"What's this?" Sasha inquired.

"Use it, it'll clear their daemons," Alicia explained the chip inserted releasing her of stress.

"Wow, that was… Uh-, different." Sasha murmered.

"Tell them we send our regards. We'll have your operations completed." Alicia continued before walking out.

"She looks like your guy's handler, good luck 'Choom'." Dick smiled raising his hands and walking away.

As we exited the building, I put on my best-puzzled expression, despite knowing full well what had just transpired. This entire interaction confirmed one thing and that the Doctor was indeed a corpo and not just any corpo… He was the Allfather for sure.

While Netwatch may not know who exactly they were, everything was slowly coming together. 

The technology, the facade, the hidden layers….

 I needed to keep up appearances for the crew's sake.

I wanted to tell them but doing so would run the risk of endangering them. 

If even a spill about the man's layered identity came out chaos would ensue. 

Victor Von Doom? 

The Allfather?

Just one of those names was enough for the other corporations to hail Mary. 

Having both?

Whatever god was up there have mercy on a poor soul. 

"Alicia," I started, once we were a safe distance away, feigning confusion, "mind filling us in on what happened back there? You seemed to know a lot more than you let on."

She turned to face me, her expression neutral and professional. "Mr. Martinez, there are aspects of this operation that were not initially disclosed to the team. Our employer's influence extends beyond what was previously indicated."

Rebecca chimed in, her shotgun now slung over her shoulder. "So what, we're working for some high-level corpo now? I had a feeling, yeah but I thought we were just street mercs. This stinks of some heavy shit, D." 

I saw the concern in Rebecca's eyes and knew I had to play along. "Yeah, this is news to me too. What's really going on here, Alicia?"

"Our employer maintains strategic relationships with various entities, including some that command respect from organizations like NetWatch," Alicia replied, her tone measured. "This explains their swift recalibration of approach."

Sasha, still adjusting to the cleared malware in her systems, looked worried. "But what about the Voodoo Boys? Are we still proceeding with the original objective?"

I nodded, trying to look as if I was processing this new information. "Yeah, that hasn't changed. But now we've got NetWatch involved too. We need to be extra careful."

"What course of action do you propose, Mr. Martinez?" Alicia asked, maintaining her formal tone.

I took a deep breath, feigning the weight of a decision I'd already made. "We stick to the original plan. We investigate the Voodoo Boys' activities regarding the Blackwall. But we remain vigilant about NetWatch. Their assistance doesn't mean we can trust them. I have a feeling their involvement includes the nonsense with the A.I. Perhaps their interference is why the Doc wants us on it and perhaps it also the reason why those borgs attacked us."

Dropping the bomb on the crew Sasha seemed to reflect on it with Rebecca being hit with a wave of awareness. The dots connected to form the conclusion, and she appeared dazed. 

"A prudent decision," Alicia concurred.

As we navigated through the crowded streets of Pacifica, I maintained my facade of concern. I could see the unease in my crew's eyes, and I knew I had to address it.

"Look," I said, halting the group. "I know this is more complicated than we thought. But whatever happens, we stick together. We're a crew, and that means we've got each other's backs. No matter what corp or gang comes at us, we stand united. Got it?"

"Of course, Boss." Rebecca smiled, saluting cutely. 

Sasha gazing at Alicia could only sigh, "I got it, and thanks for the help, choom. I needed that." 

"Your thanks are unrequired, you are a member of our task force. It is only required." Alicia expressed.

"Look they want us to meet them at the Mall plaza, I say we crash at a local motel for now. It's getting dark we'll give it some time." I expressed before arriving at a motel run by some locals, their eyes gazing up and down at us.

As we approached the motel, I could feel the locals' eyes on us. Their gazes were a mix of curiosity and wariness - we weren't exactly blending in with our high-tech gear and chrome.

"Alright, let's get some rooms and lay low for a bit," I said, turning to the crew. "We could all use some rest before we head to the Mall plaza."

We entered the rundown motel, its neon sign flickering weakly above the entrance. The receptionist, an older woman with cybernetic eyes, looked us over with suspicion.

About to speak up Rebecca quickly cut me off.

"Two rooms," She replied sharply her hands quickly placing some eddies on the counter. "Just for the night."

The receptionist hesitant still nodded silently, sliding two keycards across the worn surface.

"What the hell was the Bec? I was going to orde-." 

"Don't ruin the moment kid." Sasha tapped walking away with Alicia. 

As Rebecca and I settled into our motel room, the weight of our situation hung heavy in the air. The flickering neon light from outside cast a soft glow through the grimy window, painting the room in shades of blue and red.

Rebecca sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers tracing the pattern on the worn comforter. "David," she said softly, "what do you really think about all this? About NetWatch, the Voodoo Boys... everything?"

I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms as I considered her question. "Honestly? I think we're in deeper than we've ever been before. But we've got each other's backs, right?"

She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Always. You know I'd follow you anywhere, David."

I moved to sit beside her on the bed, the old springs creaking under our weight. "Rebecca, I..." I trailed off, our eyes meeting in the dim light.

The tension in the room shifted, the air between us charged with unspoken feelings and the adrenaline of our dangerous situation.

"Hey, look I'm sorry about keeping things from you. I know I said we're a team in this but… I just can't spill everything." I expressed, Rebecca merely snuggling close by me.

"Look, you're tense. I can feel it on you…I think we all need some rest sometime. I don't know what you're struggling with but just know… You're not alone, okay… Seeing everyone just fall apart these days just had me thinking. It's made me appreciate moments like this where we can just hang out. I never really got to say goodbye to everyone before they went out." She voiced leaning on my lap. 

"It's been tough these days, the cyberware it's a lot to take in. I feel different… powerful, prideful. I know it's me but part of me doesn't even know anymore... It's time like this I felt I could've gotten it sooner you know. I could've saved every one. Even my mom." I expressed.

Rebbeca slowly getting wrapped her arms around me, her eyes locked with mine.

"Listen, you've got me now yah big dummy. If anyone gives you the shits I'll be the first to protect you." She expressed smiling. 

"Ha, thanks Becc but I'm not sure, you're all that." I teased.

"Why don't I show you?~" She winked.

As Rebecca's words hung in the air, the atmosphere in the room shifted. 

The weight of our mission, the dangers we faced, and our shared history all seemed to converge in this moment.

 Our eyes locked, and without words, we understood each other completely.

Rebecca leaned in closer, her hand gently cupping my face. 

The world outside faded away as we found solace in each other's embrace, seeking comfort and connection in the face of uncertainty.

"You're one big dumm-." 

Interrupting her with a kiss we sat in the room in silence as our tongues melted into one. 

Savouring the taste of her, I appeared lost in her world. 

Our bodies closed into one another as we felt time pause. 

Slowly moving my hands around her she began to undress her body's warmth allowing me to slip into her embrace. 

With our kiss finished, we looked at one another, our hearts both thumbing at the tension. 

Seemily looking away she seemed to be caught off guard, her face flushed red. 

Feeling fuzzy, we felt as if the next moments were going to be wild. 

Feeling her drop to her knees she quickly pulled my pants down.

She seemed to glare at my member with anticipation, her eyes shifting down from my tip to its shaft.

"Uh, was your dick always this big before you chipped in'?" She asked purring.

As it was fully organic it began to slightly throb my mind trying to wander elsewhere as her eyes seemed to lock with mine. 

Slowly sucking the tip she seemed to play with it, her tongue rolling on it like a lollipop. 

Watching her tongue swirl I nearly came, a small grunt escaping my mouth as she slowly went down to my dicks base. 

These sensations were all so foreign but felt all so right. 

The warmth of her throat fully encapsulated my dick. 

"Fuck…" I quietly grunted, my dick violently twitching in her mouth. 

Locking eyes with another she seemed to smile, her own pants similarily going down - she appeared to lust for me her naked body fully revealed to my eyes.

With her petite figure walking all over me her pirky nipple appeared to popout, the want to nibble on them high.

Pushing me down to my back she seemed to flip over showcasing her pussy, its pink lips hypnotising me.

It seemed to call out to me, her butt hole also winking at me. 

"It's not fair if it's just me you know." She complained momentarily, her head then popping up and down at my member, the twirl of her tongue and mouth causing my toes to curl.

It was like being engulfed in wet heat.

The feeling was so good to the touch, my hands caressing her cheeks as if to never stop. 

Grasping her thighs I quickly went to work my tongue instantly assaulting and twirling at what I assumed to be her G spot. 

While I never claimed to have a gip tongue it appeared to work wonders.

With a deep hunger, I felt her begin to twitch, her body sending waves of pleasure. 

A small moan escaped her mouth, the sudden suction around my dick softening. 

Feeling her stimulated I felt her spasm, an orgasm escaping her as she melted against my tongue. 

Her clit was a fine piece of work that I smothered with love.

Using my strength I twirled her around, my dick now finely between her thighs our eyes locked into a wild gaze. 

Its softness is a masterpiece of itself. 

She seemed to smile drunkenly, her once-tied hair seemingly a mess, the slop against her mouth so hot. 

She looked like a total mess… But she was my mess.

Feeling her thigh tighten slightly at my member I seemed to whisper in her ear.

"Are you ready?" I queried, her response causing my member to slightly jolt with evivment.

"Just put it in~" She begged, her voice enticing me more.

Raising her slightly the tip of my cock kissed her clit, her eyes begging me as if to drop her. 

Allowing it to slowly go in, my hands slipped causing her to get the entire thing at once.

"Uhh....hmmmm~." purring at the feeling she seemed to be filled with ecstasy he insides tightening and clenched at the accident. 

Hearing her lightly panting, my blood buzzed at the action. 

Using her own legs she seemed to rise up only to slowly fall up, my own humps creating a rhythm of passion. 

"Fuck me… David." She gasped, her moans a melody of its own.

Sucking and licking her nipples, she seemed to moan continuously.

The sensations appeared to overwhelm her. 

Locking my own tongue to hers we created a symphony of sounds. 

With my dick targeting her g-spot with every hump it continued to stimulate her clit. 

Slipping in and out of her pussy increased our desire for one another, the heat frenetic.

With my waist, raised and her hips moving our privates squelched against one another, my hands reaching for hers.

Time seemed lost with one another as she appeared to drown in pleasure, the constant thump of my cock within her vagina sending her to the edge.

With every thrust, I felt her body twitch the tiny organisms causing her to call for more. 

"Keep going..." She whimpered softly, her nails slightly digging against my back.

And So I obliged, my cock beginning to rampage quickly with enhanced endurance we went at it for hours. 

Her body spasmed at every turn, her smile morphing to an almost drunken spur of lust - the feeling addicting to her mind.

With my thrusts beginning to slow to a steady pace, they began to twitch with ferocity.

My dick finally bursting with vigour. 

With a wave of electricity flowing within our bodies, it felt like shockwaves. 

The moment while short, seemed with a lustful bliss.

With her head resting against my chest, she seemed to smile cheekily. 

Her smile was something I wanted to protect, a treasure that I would defend till the earth died out.

With my heart still thumbing and my cock still planted deep inside her, it seemed to continuously spill.

The large pulse of a huge load seeded in her.

With both of us breathless, my dick slowly slipped out her entrance.

My eyes now looking over to our mutual liquids, spread throughout the bed. 

Hopefully, no one heard us…

Kissing her forehead we lay next to one another embracing ourselves in a deep hug.

With our flesh tightly knit, we gazed at one another, the fiery passion still ringing true. 

Coming close to my ear she seemed to whisper a line that lusted for more, "Round two?"

Rubbing my member against her thighs I obliged.

Tonight was going to be long…