Chapter 128

Chapter 128

Instead of huffing the drugs I was handed, I just took a Maxdoc, and then I did the smart thing and drove to Viks. I was already scheduled for a checkup for my chrome. I had been out of the city on the road for over a week after all.

But I stopped to see Misty first. Walking into her shop, and taking a moment to enjoy the soft sounds of her space.

Motoko!

Hey Misty! I called out in return as the blonde smiled at seeing me. Stepping away from the counter to come throw a hug around my shoulders, of course that was a mistake.

Motoko its good to-Oh! She chirped out pulling away.

Sorry sorry I just finished exercising. Im all sweaty. I apologized and she just laughed but didnt go for another hug.

How are you?

Im good! I just got back into the city. I went up to Seattle on a gig!

Oh! I always thought about traveling to Seattle, but with my shop. She waved at her place and I nodded.

Honestly? It was kinda weird. I actually like Night City more. I admit in a horrified whisper that has Misty chuckling lightly.

Well welcome home then. Here to see Vik?

Yeah. I should get checked out and stuff. I want to make sure I dont have dust anywhere that I cant get to. She nodded at that and sent me off with a wave.

Quickly jumping down the stairs I found Vik wasnt alone.

Jackie! I called out smiling at the big man that was being run through a bit of boxing work by Vik.

Huh? Which is exactly the time Vik used the opportunity to bop the bigger man right on his nose. Hey Vik!

No distractions. The Ripper said but he was grinning regardless as he lowered his arms and ended their workout. Hey Kid. You alright?

Not injured! But I just got back into the city! I had a gig that took me to Seattle, and I wanted to get checked over. I responded, but then I walked over and settled into Viks rolly chair. But no rush. Go ahead and finish playing with Jackie, Ill wait.

We arent playing-

This isnt playing Hermanita. Both men argued before realizing that my smile was broad and amused. They both huffed at me, realizing I was just messing with them, so Vik brought his padded hands back up.

Alright Jack. Lets keep going.

Jackie just nodded and the two went back at it. Jackie actually had good endurance I noted. Unlike Jun for example who just relied on his chrome, Jackie actually was fully into the training.

Although considering its Jackie. I wouldnt mind if he relied on some protective chrome a bit more.

Eventually both men tired out and Jackie took a seat and drank some water as Vik gestured for me to head over to the ripper chair. Vik was still wiping his forehead with a towel when he rolled over.

So no issues you know of?

I mostly just want to check for dust and junk. I was out on the road for more than a week. He nodded and pulled up his scanner starting in on the inspection..

Seattle huh? Thats preem Hermanita. I didnt get my first gig out of the city until I was in my twenties. Jackie offered and I smiled at that.

Thanks Jack. I know a Nomad that needed an extra shooter to watch her back. Shes not Raffen, but she sorta left the Aldecaldos for now.

Jackie whistled, You dont hear them do that much.

Yeah its a family thing. I added and Jackie really frowned then.

Well that I can understand.

Not too many problems here kid. Although you got some dents and dings. Vik confirmed giving me a look.

Ive done maintenance!

Yeah I can see that Its why there are so many dents. He says and then bursts out into laughter.

I felt my jaw drop before I realized Vik was fucking with me.

Laugh it up old man. I grumbled at him, but even Jackie was chuckling in that booming belly laugh of his at my reaction.

Youre doing fine, kid. You do have some dust in the joints, thats normal especially for nomads or anyone traveling through the desert. Give me a few minutes and Ill clear you up. He said still laughing as he rolled away grabbing a big canister that was basically an oil washer.

I rolled my eyes and leaned back, as Vik walked over and started opening up my arms. Panels popping open to show the sensitive interiors after a few moments of his deft hands accessing every port.

I shivered a bit the first time he blew the oil into my arms, it felt super ticklish, but after that first few spurts, I got comfortable with it.

So Jackie. You going to get any more chrome? You still need some subdermal dont you?

I got some Hermanita. He said, knocking a finger against his forehead. Cant get too much of the stuff though. Camilla doesnt like it much. He said something kind of horrifying as he patted his shoulder.

That specifically wasnt armored.

Just like his stomach.

Just like the stomach that he would bleed out from.

Youre kinda a gonk, and Camilla is a double gonk if she doesnt want you to have more protection. I said bluntly, actually holding back from really snapping at the man.

It wouldnt help. Telling someone in love, or dating that they are with someone they shouldnt never works. It just pushes them away. So instead of saying anything more I just looked away from the big oaf. Stupid gonk.

Ill just make sure you never step foot anywhere near Konpeki Plaza.

Hey thats not Jackie went quiet and I noticed Vik had intruded. Yeah snapping at him was stupid. Certainly not going to get anything done that way.

The room was quiet for a while as Vik continued to work before he finally finished. All of my chrome got a going over including my ankles which thankfully hadnt been too bad. Stuck in boots had kept the dust out.

You know, youd get less gunk in these with a good covering. Vik finally spoke up, breaking the silence between the three of us.

But I like it! I argued instantly, holding my arms against my chest to keep them from Vik who just laughed.

Well just know a real skinn covering will protect the insides better. But its your choice. Nothing Im not used to. He said and I nodded at that.

But I shook off the plotting to focus more on the song. Track after track was added in, making sure everything was fit together, I listened to the song I was creating over and over making sure everything was timed correctly, and then it was time for the lyrics.

I glanced at Jun who had been idly watching me for the last while with that stupid proud smile on his face.

And then I was done with all the backing tracks, but still had a few lyric additions I needed.

Gonna sing a bit. Dont bother me! I demanded earning a rolled eyes from my brother who at this point was totally vegging out on the couch.

Let you down! I sang out messing with the reverb in the music box, and then went silent, as I wasnt actually singing the song just some of the backing vocals. Loooooove! I crooned out, and then I went through a few of the additional vocal lines, syncing them up, and I was ready. I could feel my ears heating up as Jun quirked an eyebrow at me.

It wasnt a love song! Idiot!

The only thing left was to stand up and actually sing the damn thing. I stood up surprising Jun as I hefted up the music box and settled it into a place for this to work, I ran over to grab the speakers and set that all up so Jun could actually hear the song.

Then I put my hands on my hips and looked Well it was still up, because Jun was a big boy even sitting on the couch.

Okay this is the first time anyone has ever heard this song, so you better appreciate it! I told him firmly as I then exhaled, letting all the air out, changing how my voice would sound a bit, I needed to be closer to Sexy Motoko voice for this.

The music began. The soft melody echoed through the apartment, and I was ready.

Feel the rhythm of the streets.

Let You Down, if you just read the lyrics was actually almost a fight song. It was just how slow and almost peaceful it was that changed the whole theme. It was a song about failing, yet Not. About overcoming failure in a way.

Or it was a song about Night City. Or a song about Well music was subjective like that.

But I sang, destroying the vocals for this song. Considering how many times I had listened to it, I knew every note, and exactly how to best sing it.

The song was just too good.

And then it was over.

The faint ending snares and sound ending in a quiet finale.

To my surprise Jun didnt react for a while. Just staring at me, and I shifted a little uncomfortably under his gaze as he stood and then pulled me into a tight hug.

It sounded preem Imouto.

--

So, song was done. Now time for some programming work.

I headed out, taking my Kusanagi instead of the Quadra so I could enjoy the late evening drive through the city.

As I drove I went through all the things I needed. First off, Sashas defenses, so she wouldnt have to sacrifice herself outright. Then I needed to figure out the best way to help her from there. She had blown up the office at the last moment, and been blown out the window. There was no way I could figure out exactly where she would land without more information

Could I talk to Maine and make sure he was in the right place? Could he catch her? I shook off the idea. I just needed to give her the tools to escape without it being her end.

I really hoped Sasha reached out. If she didnt, I might have to do something Drastic. I shook off the thought as the light I was stuck at turned green.

No. I should do what I can. I should do enough that she should be able to survive, but Her death was her choice. I didnt know the woman, I wasnt family or friend. Her decisions were her own.

I wanted to help, but the real question I should be asking myself is, would I risk the wrath of Biotechnica on Jun, or Hiromi in order to save Sasha?

No.

No, I wouldnt. I wasnt a hero, or even that good of a person in the long run. I wanted to save the cat girl, because I had felt something at her death, and I hated the pointless tragedy of it all.

But her death was her own fault. I hated to say it like that but it was true. She made a choice to end her life for a cause.

I pulled around a van drifting between lanes, probably drunk off his ass and zipped around him, my Kusanagi easily accelerating me past the block and away from that annoying little traffic problem.

Sasha was a grown woman. I couldnt save her. Not like a knight in shining armor. I could help, I could give her extra tools, and maybe end up with a new friend, but she wasnt Jun. I wouldnt go out of my way to risk my life, or my family's life, for hers.

Decision made, I focused on the road the rest of the way to the roundabout.

If she did die. If I failed to save her? I would make sure her story was told, that might be all I could do for her.

---

Yoko. I greeted happily seeing the dark glasses clad woman standing behind the counter like always.

Motoko. You are still alive. Im glad. She offered calmly in that weird monotone she had outside the net.

What? Oh Yeah the scav thing Im taking a break. Been out of the city for a week on a gig as well.

Taking a break? She asked, sounding amused despite her tone. Well I suppose thats all we can ask for sometimes.

Yeeeeah. I drawled out at her pointed remark. Hey. I need a copy of a Short Circuit. You got anything good?

I have a very good off the shell version. She confirmed and I perked up at that. A higher level starting point meant the final version I make should be even better!

You will make your own version again? I would be happy to trade it for a copy.

I opened my mouth to agree before stopping. An image of Hiromi glaring at me, a reminder that I should really stop agreeing to every deal that just seemed easiest to me.

How about we talk trade.

Ah, you finally learned. Yoko said actually looking sad like I had just kicked her puppy or something. Very well. Lets talk, what I can add to the deal.

I was glaring at the older woman more because of the teasing than because I was actually angry. It wasnt like I really cared that much, but dont act like Im stupid! I just value convenience more than profit!

I want a few other hacks. Im thinking about adding a few more weapons to my arsenal.

Oh? Well I know just the thing then. She said and I felt my eyebrow quirk up as she revealed a shard with a familiar name.

Oh.

Yeah, that wasnt something you wanted every script kiddie on the street to have.

Lets talk price! She said for once losing her monotone and sounding like the kitsune she truly was.