Early Story Draft

[GT]V. You don't know me, but I know you and I have a job for you.

[GT]What the...?!

[GT]Tell me more.

[GT]Why should I believe you?

[GT]What's happening? What kind of help do you need?

[GT]Who are you and what is this job?

[GT]That has to be enough for now.

[GT]Drive to the Combat Zone. You'll find out more there.

[GT]All you need to know is, I know how to help you. And I can't do it without you.

[GT]The extraterritorial part of Pacifica.

[GT]That sounds nice.

[GT]Lived in Night City all my life and I've never been to the Combat Zone.

[GT]I have lived in Night City all my life and I have never been to the Combat Zone.

[GT]You know why? This is a place you don't go to, that's it.

[GT]What the...? It's like... like someone's screwing my head in a vise ...

[GT]V, can you hear me? Take it easy, breathe. Count to ten, say some mantra.

[GT]V, something stinks in here ... She ... She's playing for time. She's hacking you.

[GT]You have no idea how much.

[GT]Forgive me. It's for your own good.

[GT]It's impressive.

[GT]You have no idea what the technology in your head can do.

[GT]What if I don't believe you?

[GT]What if I still don't believe you?

[GT]Got me all worked out, huh?

[GT]You miss him?

[GT]Don't send him my regards.

[GT]You're the one who called.

[GT]Rather, I just didn't introduce myself. I am Songbird.

[GT]I know. But it's nice to meet you anyway.

[GT]I did. I am Songbird. Nice to meet you... In real life.

[GT]Say something more about yourself.

[GT]You mean favorite color? Dogs or cats?

[GT]You mentioned you had a job for me.

[GT]I do not like it. What are you trying to achieve in this way?

[GT][get up]

[GT]You have no idea ... what are you talking about ...

[GT]Ahhhh ...

[GT]You are a mercenary from Night City. Afterlife environment. Complicated relationship with Arasaka. Silverhand fan. And you're dying.

[GT]You're a mercenary from Night City. Afterlife environment. Complicated relationship with Arasaka. Silverhand fan. And you die.

[GT]Mhm. If I could disarm it now, I would. Believe me.

[GT]Is this blackmail?

[GT]What is this...?!

[GT]Johnny ...?

[GT]I had to turn it off ...

[GT]No, a living netrunner. I'm using the Relic's cognitive protocol to connect with you. I see and hear what you see, and you see me.

[GT]I will help you understand that, you just have to trust me. I need your help.

[GT]Neither. I need you, V. And I need to convince you quickly that you need me.

[GT]What do you need me for?

[GT]Mhm ... So what's next?

[GT]Put Johnny back on.

[GT]The Combat Zone is a bad place.

[GT]You see? We understand each other perfectly.

[GT]Explain one thing to me. What the fuck are we standing here for?

[GT]I said: there is no passage.

[GT]You're wasting time, taking unecessary risks.

[GT]We'll come in at dawn, take it easy. I got us a spot in line.

[GT]I am removing the maintenance lock. Search for an access point and connect to personal.

[GT]They ordered to wait, we are waiting.

[GT]If you have too much, go give them and see what happens.

[GT]Maybe she will be so happy to see us that she will forget that we were supposed to bring her a present.

[GT]I'm kidding, calm down.

[GT]Go where I show you.

[GT]You should see a drawbridge on the left. Go over there.

[GT]I launched the platform. Jump on the ramp.

[GT]Can you see the lights? I did that. Follow them.

[GT]Go back to the side entrance.

[GT]Why are we in a hurry?

[GT]Can you tell me more about the assignment?

[GT]You're not from Night City?

[GT]You're not from Night City, are you?

[GT]You didn't like Johnny.

[GT]Get on the platform. From there, I'll take you to the garage.

[GT]What about you? You a truck or somethin'? You walk along the sidewalk.

[GT]You fucked up ?! Not a step further. They will kill us.

[GT]Do you have a business? Then go to the dollhouse and use it.

[GT]Scan her.

[GT]Scan him.

[GT]What do you need this for?

[GT]And?

[GT]Nothin. You wait. Quietly.

[GT]What about you, bird? You are on the list. You're not going in.

[GT]Okay ... We got it.

[GT]Is this necessary?

[GT]Okay. I see.

[GT]Fuck your list. I have an appointment.

[GT]Call Murphy and cancel it yourself. Say the business has gone awry because YOU are blocking the meeting for which he has been waiting for weeks.

[GT]And a corpo too.

[GT]Born and raised in Night City.

[GT]Wait right past the gate, someone will pick you up in a moment.

[GT]Hey chick. On the right and you wait.

[GT]Hey, man. On the right and you wait.

[GT]Back so soon? Did you miss?

[GT]Hehe. Well, welcome home.

[GT]To home?

[GT]I? I?

[GT]Since when?

[GT]I don't even know your guy! I didn't cheat anyone!

[GT]All our goods are checked! If something wasn't working, you could come and say. What am I supposed to do now?

[GT]I can't go back there. The Tygers gang sentenced me.

[GT]You. Get outta here.

[GT]She has no chance in Night City.

[GT]You must know how to use the equipment.

[GT]Do not mess with.

[GT]Fuck, sure did. It doesn't concern you.

[GT]The verdict from Tyger Claws is a serious matter.

[GT]Eh ...

[GT]Maybe.

[GT]I hate explaining myself.

[GT]Everyone can buy equipment. Sell it too ... But the trick is to use it properly.

[GT]Second-cycle tech, without an instruction manual, probably has half the original parts.

[GT]Yeah. Actually, he's the idiot.

[GT]Take a step back yourself. And then ten more. Get the fuck out of here ASAP.

[GT]Fuck, I'm so scared.

[GT]I'm not going anywhere.

[GT]Less talk, more walk.

[GT]I'm not leaving here. You will let me and her through.

[GT]We'll see.

[GT]Well. Great, just great.

[GT]Don't show yourself to me anymore.

[GT]It's nothin'.

[GT]Open the door and sneak past the car.

[GT]Wait. They are looking this way. I will make it so that they do not look.

[GT]Any jokes?

[GT]What is...?!

[GT]And you push yourself right into the Combat Zone.

[GT]This is the Zone.

[GT]Pull aside and get out.

[GT]Let me through. Chop Chop.

[GT]They load the goods. What is there to understand?

[GT]Are you okay?

[GT]Hm? No not anymore. What, are you counting on a blank card in the Zone?

[GT]Not this way! On the sidewalk!

[GT]Go to the parking lot. And don't do anything stupid.

[GT]Fuck!!! But he's running away! And they are hiding him!

[GT]Or until we find this chick, so don't fuck around, just turn on the cameras.

[GT]Or until we find this dude, so don't screw it up, just turn on the cameras.

[GT]We'll be sitting here until tomorrow.

[GT]I see what you want to do ... Are you sure you can do it?

[GT]Please.

[GT]Told you.

[GT]Fucking hell!!! Fuck me!

[GT]Come on. I'll buy you a beer.

[GT]What is it?

[GT]Don't waste my time. Next!

[GT]For your butt. Because I say so, that's why.

[GT]All papers are fine.

[GT]Pull over to the side, get out of the cabin and your hands to yourself.

[GT]Oh fuckaaah!

[GT]Thanks a lot. You could have warned me.

[GT]It's really not far.

[GT]One more jump and we have it.

[GT]We almost there? I don't like climbing.

[GT]This is the easiest way to the Zone. Do not whine.

[GT]Samurai was done by their second album.

[GT]How is it all still working?

[GT]What's happening?

[GT]It's not your problem.

[GT]I have a preview of the heat signature from a military satellite.

[GT]You didn't say the most important thing. What's the price for your help?

[GT]Do you really think these secrets make you professional?

[GT]How old are these plans?

[GT]The walls are unlikely to change position over time.

[GT]Does it all still work?

[GT]Who are you, Songbird?

[GT]You haven't heard. Because if I wanted publicity, I would be a rock star.

[GT]I was guessing.

[GT]You said you were a netrunner. A better one. How much "better"?

[GT]Since I'm in this parking lot, why don't you tell me more about the job?

[GT]Then be careful.

[GT]It won't be easy.

[GT]It won't be easy, but we'll be fine.

[GT]I like to have everything under control too.

[GT]You like animals?

[GT]Hmm? I do not know. I never thought about it. Where does this question come from?

[GT]Your nickname ... I thought you were a fan of birds.

[GT]I do not know. Just came to me.

[GT]No problem.

[GT]Are you always so nonchalant?

[GT]Your construct is suspiciously quiet.

[GT]You didn't like Silverhand, did you?

[GT]And we are waiting.

[GT]I'll show you a shortcut. A passage that few people know about.

[GT]Aahaa.

[GT]I just call you.

[GT]I've agreed to do a job for you that I don't know anything about, and now I'm sneaking right into the Combat Zone ...

[GT]I've agreed to do a job for you that I don't know anything about, and now I'm sneaking into the very center of the Combat Area ...

[GT]But what? Favorite color...?

[GT]I'm a netrunner. One of the better ones.

[GT]Because?

[GT]Okay ... Come on in.

[GT]Past life.

[GT]Yeah so?

[GT]These are identical boxes. A moment ago they were taking off the same ones.

[GT]I guess the point is, they should be identical.

[GT]And if someone has his head on straight, he will grab the original at our stadium for half the price.

[GT]Come on. We stay here all day. I don't think about food and asses but watch. And I draw conclusions.

[GT]Hehe. I wish

[GT]Now you are looking for a technical room.

[GT]No. Yes. Wherever. But I would prefer a warmer climate.

[GT]Exotic Thailand?

[GT]Luxury Crete?

[GT]I have heard that they have nice villas in Crete.

[GT]What, do you think I don't dream about saying fuck everything and going to Thailand?

[GT]Is it so good there?

[GT]That's good enough for me. If it all ends like this, let it be in Mogadishu.

[GT]Yeah, I've heard that before. And you know what? After "as soon as" there is seldom a continuation.

[GT]Why can't I see you?

[GT]What is it? You blew a fuse?

[GT]Hey ... It's not funny at all.

[GT]Unwittingly. You're not afraid of the dark, are you?

[GT]Is it really safe?

[GT]Fuck! It almost killed me.

[GT]Of course. If you stumble, an airbag will pop up from the floor.

[GT]Now watch out. I cannot estimate if it will bear your weight.

[GT]Decent hacking.

[GT]I hacked three mega corporations. Petrochem, Biotechnica and ... Militech.

[GT]It was to be a fully automated car park with 24,000 parking spaces.

[GT]It even worked for a while. And now you are in the technical room.

[GT]Traces of the campsite.

[GT]The garage has solid walls and a roof overhead. What more could you want?

[GT]NUSA forces were purging refugees from Night City here ...

[GT]Uh ... Luckily it has been lying here a long time and it has almost stopped stinking.

[GT]Those who control the Zone have done their best to finish off the competition.

[GT]They knew they had no chance. And yet they did not give up.

[GT]NorCal flag. So Night City forces camped here.

[GT]Bullet marks. There is also heavily weathered blood. They had a fight.

[GT]Then you were lucky.

[GT]Some kind of temporary encampment.

[GT]I will eliminate any possible threat.

[GT]In places like this, it's always better to know where the exits are and if there's a ticking bomb somewhere.

[GT]Tether? Cap? A dead rat?

[GT]Everyone has been telling me lately that I'm paranoid. It's probably some kind of conspiracy.

[GT]A nasty business.

[GT]It's been here a long time.

[GT]All in all, it's probably better.

[GT]Interesting. There are some lines on this map.

[GT][move away]

[GT]It will definitely be useful for something.

[GT]Bingo.

[GT]For checking off enemy bases we've cleared.

[GT]Flag of the North.

[GT]I won't even ask what you are doing with this.

[GT]For what?

[GT]Someone tried hard to completely gut this car.

[GT]Marked ... But intact.

[GT]Hmm. Well, maybe your collecting passion will pay off in the end.

[GT]More markings.

[GT]Vandalism?

[GT]Hmm.

[GT]Nice euphemism for genocide.

[GT]Come on ... Only four bags. Max six.

[GT]Are you arguing about ... cement? Heard right?

[GT]Maybe I can help you?

[GT]Because no one else will help him.

[GT]Because you should.

[GT]You just have to do it. You can't say no to him. It would be immoral.

[GT]He'll thank you. Now you are on top, but someday you will definitely need a pair of bags of this or that yourself.

[GT]Give me the price.

[GT]Here you have a classic example of a seller's market. You dictate the price.

[GT]Okay ... I don't have time to hang out here with you guys. Peace.

[GT]You got way more. I know you could fire up to a hundred, you just don't want to because you're a cold-ass bitch.

[GT]Do you have the flight stabilizer?

[GT]You can verify them. This is a perfectly legal commodity.

[GT]We found the equipment in its entirety, let's sell it in its entirety.

[GT]Selling?

[GT]Immoral? Where did you come from?

[GT]And you will guarantee me his gratitude?

[GT]The price? What am I going to spend this money on? City guys always just about one thing.

[GT]What do you want?

[GT]Where did she come from anyway?

[GT]Where did he come from anyway?

[GT]And you say I won't get them anywhere else?

[GT]The Krausser guys wanted parts. Don't look for trouble.

[GT]Is there any entrance there?

[GT]Fuck off!

[GT]God reveals Himself only to a few sages, and many fools think that they see God in the Lord!

[GT]Everything okay under the dome, grandpa? Krausser keeps it all together.

[GT]If they ask you can say that we dove for it at Seapoint. Who will check it? Take it easy.

[GT]That bad?

[GT]Awesome. From this old hotel this is the best view I tell you. I think I'll move over there.

[GT]I don't know if these tabs are getting stronger or if people are getting weaker, but that dude from yesterday, fuck me.

[GT]Well, that's where gangs fight in every hideout, and where they don't fight, it's only because there are corpos sitting around.

[GT]Oh, well, Ellie needs a buyer, and I have a fucking debt with her.

[GT]Choom I know. Spreading the bars apart with your bare paws? What a dude.

[GT]Well. And now we're all going around cause of this madman.

[GT]What? Not. I mean, I don't know. He lives where he wants to, and what not.

[GT]Are you fucked in the head? And what, where am I supposed to get them from some dead grandfather?

[GT]But why would he do this? Like there's a shortage of places here? It's not Night City, baby.

[GT]And not because he is a master, but a soldier. You know, he can do things.

[GT]Fuck, if you're so chill, go yourself and convince those at the Hotel that this is legit crap.

[GT]Okay, okay, cool. So what ... So I'll tell them it's a NetWatch matrix from 2016. In perfect condition.

[GT]They will go on the City black market for a lot of money. Just don't go below thirty percent for us!

[GT]They won't. Besides, do you want to eat? Take that risk.

[GT]What are you doing?

[GT]What are you doing here?

[GT]We're waiting for you to get lost.

[GT]Who is this guy?

[GT]Go down.

[GT]Yeah ...?

[GT]Fuck, noooo. Girl, be a choom, come on.

[GT]No.

[GT]Now ten?

[GT]I'll take what you give.

[GT]Even bigger favor.

[GT]Go talk to that fucker who's running his mouth here all day long.

[GT]She does not. But I do. I'll do whatever you want, choom. You know me.

[GT]He does not. But I do. I'll do whatever you want, choom. You know me.

[GT]You know what ... I didn't expect that.

[GT]But throw in two portions of those tacos of yours, and he'll feel grateful!

[GT]What about hydration? Maybe we should ask Kurt's people to help us. And electricity.

[GT]But are you going to stop by after you move?

[GT]Haha, I'll send it in the evening.

[GT]Fingers crossed.

[GT]This scent would attract us. And your salsa!

[GT]Up the stairs and through the warehouse. From there you will find your way to the bazaar.

[GT]Okay. Now comes the fun. You have to get to the roof.

[GT]It's not far. Go up the ramps, go up.

[GT]Where am I going?

[GT]Planetarium?

[GT]What am I preparing for?

[GT]A good mercenary is ready for anything. Always.

[GT]A strange place to park an AV ... If you could call it parking.

[GT]You did well. You made it all the way here.

[GT]I walked through an abandoned garage and a dilapidated stadium where sad people trade shit.

[GT]This AV supplies electricity to the entire Zone. The beast has an atomic engine.

[GT]If you think this achievement deserves praise, then it does not reflect your standards very well.

[GT]Well, I never said that I chose you because you are the best.

[GT]For other reasons, V.

[GT]You have a ripperdoc here. Maybe he'll take your treasure.

[GT]Shit. There was a short circuit. I lost access.

[GT]Something's breaking down all the time.

[GT]Everything here is old and fucked up.

[GT]And what now?

[GT][sit down and wait]

[GT]Where are you now?

[GT]I want to finally find out what this gig is about.

[GT]So far I've only seen your hologram. Where are you really?

[db_db][ V can hear the sound of an explosion above her, followed by screams from below. Upon turning, V can see fireballs in the sky, raining down onto the combat zone. ]

[GT]Did you know this would happen?

[GT]Oh... Fuck.

[GT]This is my mission? I have to go there - and what?

[GT]Because some things can only happen here.

[db_db][ Debris falls, crashes down from the sky into surrounding buildings, V’s exit route out of the combat zone gets blocked by collapsing structures. ]

[GT]I also knew to the second when it would happen. I determined the radius with an accuracy of one hundred meters.

[GT]No questions. I'm moving.

[GT](get up] Why didn't you tell me right away?

[GT]I had to see if I could trust you.

[GT]Save her. And lead her to the building on Elizabeth Kress Street. Eighth floor to be exact. As quickly as possible.

[GT][get up] Finally.

[GT]Of all the worst places for a briefing, this ranks a strong third.

[GT]I've had enough. Let's get out of here.

[GT]You are finally here. Sort of.

[GT]Arasaka Tower, no surprises. And Mad Andy's, a dive that luckily no longer exists. I lost two molars there. And faith in people.

[GT]I doubt it.

[GT]I do not think so. It wouldn't make sense. Why would she go to so much trouble?

[GT]If she wanted to kill us, she could have done it while she was messing around with my head.

[GT]Make it quick.

[GT]As long as it doesn't take too long ... You said yourself to hurry.

[GT]Cool, whatever. Standing on rickety structures is one of my favorite pastimes.

[GT]At least you're not losing your humor. I appreciate it.

[GT]I will help you as much as possible. But count mostly on yourself.

[GT]Get going, V.

[GT]Why did you choose me? Because I'm so good?

[GT]Second, I estimated the chances of the mission's success. The record holder was forty-two percent, which is pretty good.

[GT]That's why I like you.

[GT]Now please wait.

[GT]Great. Wait there. I will join you soon.

[GT]This is no ordinary plane, V. This is Space Force 1. The President of the NUSA is on board.

[GT]Come on, help me.

[GT]Fuck me, I hope we'll be there first.

[GT]Fuck, come on. Man. We're here under arms, and what you see in front of you is a fucking barricade.

[GT]So I will explain to you. THERE'S NO FUCKING PASSAGE.

[GT]Quit shaking like that. Grit your teeth. You'll be fine.

[GT][jump into the chute] I have bad associations.

[GT]Go down the chute. It will be the fastest.

[GT]But there are still so many things out there! Wait!

[GT]You are deliberately doing everything the opposite of what I am asking you to do, or are you trying, and just fucking up?

[GT]I know your options, but we can't take any chances.

[GT]I'll do it my way.

[GT]I will be grateful.

[GT]I will do what I see fit.

[GT]Let's get the people together. We will make a line, we will dig them out in a few minutes.

[GT]Do you really think people will help us?

[GT]After all, they are their neighbors. Of course they will.

[GT]Then you've had it real comfortable. Just some scratches.

[GT]Apparently a plane.

[GT]Quit screaming, or you'll be dressing your own wounds.

[GT]Or they attacked us.

[GT]S'posed to grit your teeth.

[GT]We do not cut immediately on the spot?

[GT]Then we wait until no one is watching and only then do we cut.

[GT]What is possible. Electronics first and we don't check if it works or not.

[GT]Yes. Yes. And yes.

[GT]I strongly advise against fighting.

[GT]But I live there!

[GT]It takes way too long.

[GT]You're not going any further.

[GT]As you may have noticed, something dropped out of the fucking sky right on us.

[GT]What does it mean? It means don't fucking go there.

[GT]Everyone else - keep your asses away from the scene of the accident.

[GT]I blocked the engine. Get off.

[GT]Shit, let's get the fuck outta here before they snatch what we've got!

[GT]Fuck, someone's coming! Run!

[GT]You get hit?

[GT]Then run. Now every minute counts, V.

[GT]Hurry up, okay?

[GT]Can you block these trucks?

[GT]These trucks ...

[GT]Local warlord. Do not worry about him.

[GT]And these trucks will not go anywhere anymore.

[GT]What's happening?

[GT]You do well. Give me a moment.

[GT]V! The President needs help!

[GT]What are you talking about?

[GT]Don't overdo it, Songbird. I was trying to help.

[GT]Pray that we don't meet again.

[GT]Trying is not enough, V.

[GT]Why we work with such shitty equipment?

[GT]Then have Krausser come here and order the corpse to move on.

[GT]Nothin'. Fuck off.

[GT]It doesn't mean that it belongs to you.

[GT]Find your own pile of junk.

[GT]What is it?

[GT]You blew it. It's the same as if you pull the trigger.

[GT]I'm sure.

[GT]Thought I was a goner.

[GT]Maybe this is just the beginning.

[GT]All I know is, if it blew up once, it can do it again.

[GT]My hands are going nuts. I have to calm down.

[GT]Well no, I didn't have time to record it. It all happened too fast.

[GT]V, keep going.

[GT]Why are you standing there? You should run.

[GT]V! They are dying there.

[GT]Okay, I'm not stupid. You said that already.

[GT]I want to know what happened. I have friends there.

[GT]But what plane? Why? Krausser didn't tell you anything?

[GT]Come on, dude. It was seconds.

[GT]It will definitely sell.

[GT]I know! But I didn't make it, okay ?!

[GT]Fuck, we'll finally make some eddies. The fucking wreck's a gift from heaven.

[GT]We broke the bank, choom.

[GT]God has sent you the bowels of hell!

[GT]I have begged, but you have turned your ears away from my voice!

[GT]You did not listen to the voice that cried out in the crowd, and the Lord punished you terribly for it!

[GT]Forgive me, father, for I have sinned ...

[GT]Look at them. They flew like Scavs to a smelly corpse.

[GT]Hey you! Choom!

[GT]Hey you! Guest!

[GT]I have to get to the roof.

[GT]We know each other?

[GT]Lead the way.

[GT]Are you not afraid?

[GT]Thanks. I'll go alone.

[GT]No.

[GT]I know you are talking, but it's not enough here.

[GT]That chick you helped me win over ... She's not usually like this.

[GT]We met at the stadium. You helped me. Cement?

[GT]Are you lost?

[GT]Where I'm going is my biz.

[GT]I helped you once, but that doesn't mean we're buddies now.

[GT]Madwoman.

[GT]Freak.

[GT]Now.

[GT]Why?

[GT]Here you need to know where to put your foot if you don't want to fly over the ceiling.

[GT]I see.

[GT]What will you get out of it?

[GT]I found a promising vacancy. We'll add a few walls, patch the roof, and it'll be great.

[GT]Last year, she got me two tons of hollow bricks, because she just had access.

[GT]Ah, who the hell knows. Maybe she was having a bad day.

[GT]She gave it back for free.

[GT]From here you can't miss it. Continue straight down this corridor.

[GT]What did you do?

[GT]Thanks!

[GT]Oh ... shit ... What did you do with the Relic?

[GT]You didn't have to do this. And you didn't even ask my opinion.

[GT]Some have been fixed. I improved the transfer, everything should be a little faster.

[GT]Still, I appreciate it.

[GT]Your head has long ceased to be yours. I have no time for negotiation and courtesies. I need you in good shape.

[GT]Your head has long ceased to be yours. I have no time for negotiation and courtesies. I need you working.

[GT]Feel that?

[GT]Listen ... I won't go any further. I can't.

[GT]Up the scaffolding.

[GT]You're having a good time, huh?

[GT]And you set paths for me like in some city game.

[GT]No, V. I'm not amused by this situation. I am saving my life here. Yours too. And others'.

[GT]That all? All the support we'll get?

[GT]I would have done it a little differently ... But what matters is the result.

[GT]Not right now, V. I have ... some troubles of my own.

[GT]Too few of them. Are you sure it's all already?

[GT]Okay ... We have to deal with what we have.

[GT]Fuck, finally.

[GT]Finally what?

[GT]We?

[GT]You're killin' me, choom. The war ended seven years ago. Nobody took over then and nobody will now.

[GT]Because Krausser is just as fucked in the head as you are.

[GT]Miss what?

[GT]Eh, the hierarchy not so much. But my pay was awesome ...

[GT]I wouldn't come back anyway.

[GT]Because you can't. I don't like talkin' hypothetical anyway.

[GT]He is behind us! Regroup!

[db_db]Be careful, reinforcements are incoming

[db_db]There should be a path to the shuttle through the debris. Hurry, they won't hold out much longer.

[db_db]You're close, the entry is already in side. Hurry up!

[Open]

Not the enemy.

Mystery woman rang me. Told me to come here, help the president. Gave the name Songbird.

Got more! Incoming, twelve--

Give me one reason to believe you. You got five seconds.

You. You're here, start helping!

I'll keep looking.

Pretty quiet in here. Tomb quiet.

Go inside, quick.

Songbird...?

Fuel tank's insulated, unlikely to explode.

Well... Then I need to confirm it. Find her body.

You took out all of Krausser's men.

Whole lotta wrecked plane.

Nothin' yet.

You should see a safe room around here. I'll hack the door.

There's more of 'em!

The plane – cover the plane! Hold 'em!

I'll scan an escape route. Cover me!

Mapped it. We'll go this way.

Nothing but bad luck in this town.

[GT]I used to serve in the army. Plus, it's not the first time someone has tried to kill me.

Today, local warlord who likes to play politician.

Give me a hand here.

[GT]You are handling this situation well.

OK... stop. I have to do something. I can't do it alone.

[GT]Not? Which one?

[pl_pl]Sekunda.

[pl_pl]Co robisz?

[pl_pl]Nie mamy nawet pół sekundy.

[pl_pl]Muszę wiedzieć dokładnie, dokąd idę i którędy...

You sure about this?

You sure? Be completely on your own without it.

Gonna hurt like a motherfucker.

Heh. Zen bullshit.

So we're presidential pals now? Great.

Think what you're doing, V.

Songbird gave a location.

Gave us some coords. Elizabeth Kress Street.

She'll be waiting for us there then... We split up during the attack.

Yes, we were flying together. She must have ejected, holed up nearby.

Mhmm... Done.

And you plan on escorting me, just you?

[GT]Are you going to escort me anyway? Alone?

Here I am, still standing.

No, something's wrong here... She called me from the plane?

She can predict things, see them before they happen. And that is a state secret.

And you're right, we don't have time. You have backup, V? And where's Songbird?

Who are you? Details, please.

They'll be looking for you.

So, Liz Kress?

Now that we're chooms... What's the plan?

[GT]Now, since we've gotten to know each other so well ... Tell me, what's your plan?

Let's go. We could use something besides our own two feet.

Drone! Cover, now!

That'll slow 'em down. But not for long.

Don't think there's time.

What do you want to know?

Night City merc.

[GT]I'm a mercenary from Night City.

What details? Why?

This isn't empty banter, it's delta-speed trust building.

Me? I'm just a coincidence. Songbird could have chosen anyone.

Enough.

I... I need your help.

Ah. A merc.

[GT]Mercenary.

[GT]Sometimes it takes very little to remember that there is a living human next to you.

[GT]No. Because then they remember that their friends also have relatives. And they will never leave them on the battlefield.

[pl_pl]Ja też mam do kogo wracać. Nie sądziłam, że to będzie możliwe, ale...

[pl_pl]Ja też mam do kogo wracać. Nie sądziłem, że to będzie możliwe, ale...

[pl_pl]Ja mam córkę. I też chcę ją jeszcze zobaczyć.

[pl_pl]Korporacja nauczyła mnie nie ufać nikomu.

[pl_pl]Night City to nie jest najlepsze miejsce do życia. Niektórzy mówią, że najgorsze.

[pl_pl]Tam, skąd pochodzę, rodzina jest bardzo ważna. Najważniejsza.

[pl_pl]Ale teraz, kiedy jestem po drugiej stronie... Brakuje mi go.

[pl_pl]Prędko zdobyte zaufanie traci się jeszcze prędzej.

[pl_pl]Więc dobrze wiem, o czym mówisz.

[pl_pl]Właśnie. A przecież nie wiem, czy to nie zdrada. Nie mogę wezwać pomocy. I nie mogę wskazać naszej pozycji.

[pl_pl]Skoro jesteś prezydentką, to teraz będzie cię szukać armia ludzi.

[pl_pl][przetnij przewód] Trzymasz się?

[pl_pl][wyjmij tracker] Co z tym zrobimy?

[pl_pl]No i za moment znikniesz z radaru. Będziesz mogła uciec na Grenlandię i zacząć nowe życie.

[pl_pl]Przecież nie schowam do kieszeni.

[pl_pl]Oddychaj.