Chapter 38


    It was a very fast procedure for Vik to install a BD recorder. I already had my Kiroshi, so I really only needed the small nodule that was added to my Neural Link. You couldnt even notice as it was just a few moments work to pop open the back of my neck where my cable ports were, install the squarish box that was software and storage for the recordings, and then close me back up.


    I think the arm was even faster, he popped me open, and just did some magic with a few tools, and the dent was fine.


    I didnt even need anesthesia. It was more hardware instation, than surgery.


    Alright left and right? No twinge? No points where your neck feels like it grinds on anything? Good. All set then. Vik says as he takes his hands off the side of my neck where he was guiding my head.


    I checked out the BD recorder myself, so I trust there isnt anything hidden on it, which is a serious concern. Ive seen far too many peoplee in, after being ckmailed when someone gave them a recorder with a backdoor. Just make sure you keep it turned off when you dont want it on.


    Got it. Thanks Vik. For everything.


    Dont look at me like that, with those puppy dog eyes. Youre a good kid. Stay alive.


    I will. I cant die until I get older than you! I tease as I hop off the chair, earning a deep chuckle from the man.


    Well at least I know it will be years down the line then. Go on, I bet Misty is torturing your Mox friend.


    Yeah, she is pretty preem like that. I said as I walked up the stairs, my waving hand thest thing Vik could see as I walked up and into Mistys.


    So what does that mean? I heard as I turned the corner. Nox was sitting over an array of Tarot cards Misty hadid out.


    I told you, what it means changes depending on you. But the tarot can help guide your way, open a path. I hope it helps.


    I still have no idea what it means.


    It means you should listen to Misty. I offered surprising both of them, I guess I had been too quiet?


    Oh Motoko, everything okay?


    Yep! Vik and I just needed a talk, Im all set and chipped with a BD Recorder. I tell the two earning a jerk from Misty.


    BD recorder!?


    I had to bite back a giggle as Misty reacted just like Vik. Dont worry, nothing weird. Im working with Nox and the Mox, doing BDs of my merc work. Like Softcore XBDs. I exin earning a wrinkled nose at my words but eventually she nodded.


    Youll be safe?


    Course! All it means is that Ill have a chance to make more eddies for each gig I do. I said as I jerked my head at Nox. You ready to go? Judy needed to set up some stuff first right?


    Yeah! Awesome! Judes gonna be shocked you got chipped so fast Thanks for uh, paying for it.


    Dont worry about it, Everything after this is the easy part for me, Im just gonna do my normal jobs, youre the one who has to sell them. I say,ughing even though he was looking at me like I was crazy.


    Why did everyone always look at me like that?


    --


    Back already? Judys voice called out as we walked down into her littleb.


    Yep! Jude, Motoko got chipped! You ready?


    Sure sure. The girl said digging a shard out of her desk and pushing it into herputer before running a program. My eyes caught the shifting text as she typed, and I realized she was setting up a program for a BD recorder.


    I walked up as she worked, and while I wasnt perfect I was able to follow along with the program. It made me rx a bit realizing it was mostly about how much data on what to store.


    You dont like the BD recorder''s standard settings?


    Nope, they are slop, Weve been making so many BDs weve designed our own adjustments. You dont mind? She asked not looking away from theputer as she worked.


    Im not seeing anything that can activate the recorder when I dont want it on. Mostly just sensitivity settings for emotions, and increased bandwidth for my vision?


    About right! Standard BD virtues arent meant for high quality optics like those Kiroshi. They can let me increase the quality a good bit, will let me pick out more interesting things on the virtue as I edit it.


    Cool. I whispered, earning a snort from the older girl.


    You sound like my Grandmother. She said suddenly, actually looking at me with a half smile. Nobody says cool anymore.


    I do.


    Its kinda Lame.


    Im bringing it back! I argued instantly, how could anyone think cool wasn''t cool ng!? It was cool!


    Judy actually broke into a huskyugh then both arms holding her stomach as she chortled almost crying as I pouted at her.


    Oh choom, thats funny! She finally managed to stopughing long enough to say as she went back to typing just with little giggles breaking in now and then. I pouted harder as I turned to Nox who was pointedly not looking at me.


    Oh its on. Im now making it a duty to say Cool at least once on every one of these stupid BD recordings, just to prove it wasntme.


    Take that!


    Here. Judy finally said throwing the shard at me, and I slotted it, I did run a double check that there was nothing malicious.


    I was fairly certain Judy wouldnt pull a fast one, but it was just good ideas to check random software.


    It looked fine to everything I could see, and I let it update my BD recorders settings.


    Preem. So next time I take a gig Ill turn on the recording and bring you the Virtue?


    You got it. Raw BDs are Virtues. Judy confirmed, before she suddenly shooed me away. Now both of you get out of here, I still have a lot of work to do, Nox take your Output upstairs have some fun or something.


    Motoko isnt my Output! Judy!


    Hahahaha! She cackled ignoring Noxs frantic denials.


    Aww she was teasing him. Thats cute.


    ---


    Umm here? Nox offered me as he settled a drink onto the table in front of me. He had led me up and offered a seat then ran off to grab a drink.


    Thankfully I had made sure to mention I don''t drink alcohol. So I had a can of some lemony soda.


    Thanks. I agreed as I popped the tab. Its pretty impressive,ing up with the idea of Edgerunner BDs.


    Oh well. Ive always wanted to sell my own BD''s, you know? I came up with the idea after selling an XBD to a guy, he ended up showing up the next day, he had puked his guts out, asked if there was anything actiony like that with just less


    Cyberpsycho?


    Exactly. Edgerunners are super popr you know? Everyone can talk about ckhand, or Rogue! But not many can actually experience that. So I thought about trying to find an Edgerunner, to talk about my idea with. I was trying to find someone just you know as a side thing when I ran into you.


    And you decided to ask me after seeing me have a fist fight with a couple kids? One I didnt win?


    Please Ians actually pretty nasty hand to hand, there is a reason I was on the ground, but I mean Youre my age, already a merc. You walk the walk, talk the talk. It made me realize I dont need to start at the top. Plus youre my age, do you have any idea how many kids our age want to be an Edgerunner? To experience life as a merc even second hand? From someone their own age? Thatll be a rush.


    I can see it. I agreed taking a sip from my drink. So I guess its in my corner now. Ill need to find a gig, or just go out and find some trouble to record. My words made Nox wince a bit.


    Sorry. To put everything in yourp.


    Its fine. Like I said, this is a good idea. It could be fun, Ive never been a movie star before BD star? No, that kinda has certain connotations. I muttered causing Nox to snort into his drink.


    BD stars are a thing too. Of the non-porn style. He offered and I chuckled nodding, there was a big BD studio here in the city too. Thats where they did that fucking crucifixion questline


    Right. Night City was fucked up.


    Alright. I suppose I should get to work then. Ill reach out to Wakako and see if she has anything Or I could go hunt some Maelstrom. Nox winced at that and quickly put his drink down.


    Maybe something less dangerous?


    Eh. Maelstrom are pretty easy. Most of the time their guys are watching TV, or mid BD. Its super easy to kill someone when they are in the middle of a BD. I say making the motion of slicing their throat that at this point was practically rote to me.


    R-right. That easy?


    Oh sure. They are so distracted they never notice. Scavs are that way too. Always a couple in the middle of some BD rxing while the others work. The first time I went into a Scav nest I killed two of them that way. I offer making sure not to mention it wasnt just my first Scav nest, but my only one. Didnt want him to think I was some noob or something. Seriously, only one Scav Den? That was pretty noobish I think. Rookie numbers Motoko.


    Nox just sort of nodded along with me as I exined how easy it was murder someone in the middle of a BD.


    --


    Leaving Nox at Lizzies after we hung out for a while, I decided I might as well see what was going on with Wakako. I hadnt heard from her since the whole kidnapping thing. Which surprised me, I expected her to reach out at some point for a job.


    So I drove home.


    Driving down the street next to the apartment I looked around as I slowly rolled down the road. It was quiet. The old man that usually ran the food cart next to the entrance of the apartment was gone.


    The streets were quiet. It made me sad. I actually kind of liked the density of Night City, to be able to just walk amongst a horde of people.


    I kept going. I wasnt going to stop at the apartment. I was here to see Wakako. I drove down and parked on the street outside Jig-Jig street. As I walked through the darkened area I couldnt help but chuff out augh.


    A gang war going on. The normally full streets practically empty and nearly barren.


    Jig-Jig street? As busy as ever. Shaking my head I walked past the dolls that were still offering services, past the Johns that were flirting and paying for services. Past the people that wandered to different stalls buying and selling.


    I noticed plenty of guards hanging around. My Kiroshi punching through the dark corners between the shops seeing men in suits, or just gangsters hanging around keeping an eye out.


    I guess Wakako was well protected.


    I entered her Pachinko parlor, again wondering about her choice of venue.


    Get in here girl. Stop wasting my time. Wakako called out as I walked in, as usual not waiting for me to check if she was free.


    The woman as usual was sitting back in her chair cigarette smoke haloing her as her TV ran some ancient broadcast of a show that was probablying out when I would have been alive in myst life.


    Long time no see Wakako. How are you? I said not sure what else to say.


    She of course wasnt enthused about my greeting.


    Sit down girl. Im not pleased with you. Joining the Kamikaze? Foolish, a waste of your ability. I pay more.


    I opened my mouth closed it. Frowned, then rose a finger. I didnt though?


    An elegant eyebrow rose up, and a momentter her eyes turned gold.


    A text was sent with a picture.


    Oh, it was a picture of me standing with Jun after the assault we did on the Maelstrom armory.


    I hold off on sending you any jobs after your unfortunate assault. Giving you time to recover and then you join up with those fools?


    I didnt join them, not really, the one next to me is Jun my brother. He was being all overprotective after the kidnapping, so I went on that raid to prove I could handle myself It didnt really work, but I ran out after and hit another Maelstrom group on my own, and Jun You dont care.


    No.


    Right, Im not a part of Kamikaze. Terrible name by the way.


    She hummed a little as her sharp eyes kept locked on mine, but I wasnt about to flinch, I was telling her the truth.


    Besides she was dangerous in a way, but I think she was actually pretty nice when you get past all the necessary harshness of living in Night City.


    Fine. Her eyes went gold again and I blinked as she sent me like three different messages. Ive been forced to hold onto these gigs for longer than I would have liked. Complete them.


    I blinked looking at the three different gigs she had sent me reading through them quickly, all of them were pretty much the same.


    Go to a ce, steal something bring it to Wakako.


    Easy really, but there was aplication.


    If thats all. She dismissed me, but I didnt get up.


    Question.


    Her narrowed eyes prompted me to quickly get on with it. Ive picked up a side gig, Im recording my gigs for BD release through the Mox I just want to make sure none of them are sensitive, and a BD of me doing this wont cause trouble for the client Or you.


    My question actually surprised her. Her face didnt shift, her body didnt move, she gave nothing away. But the fact she didnt have an instant answer like always told me a lot. Finally she nodded.


    Foolish, but I dont argue with fools. A week. Dont release the recordings for a week. For these three gigs. You will ask before recording any gig I give you in the future.


    Will do! I offered shing a smile, and ignoring her remarks about me being a fool. It wasnt about being smart or stupid! It was about doing something cool!


    I stood then wandering back out into Jig-Jig street.


    I guess I had some jobs to do?


    --


    The first job was childishly easy.


    Megabuilding H1 looked just like all the Megabuildings, just more run down since it was the oldest.


    I headed up to floor 15, found the correct apartment number, and unlocked the door with practically a nce.


    The standard security system on the door, was as useless as a door with a key sticking out of it. I walked in, boots utterly silent as I walked past the guy in the middle of enjoying a BD on his couch, walked over to hisputer, grabbed the shard that was sticking out of the side of it, confirmed it was the right one with the verification program Wakako had given me and walked back out.


    Gigplete. Poor security made it childsy.


    I did record the whole thing but I doubt anyone would get any enjoyment out of it. It onlysted like thirty seconds.


    Then I moved on.


    Next job was in 6th St. Territory. A guy was hiding out there, in a gang house, paying 6th street to keep him safe.


    I wasnt there to kill him though. Wakakos gig workup exined some bare bones. Guy had ckmail on his boss, Boss wanted the ckmail taken care of.


    So my job was to find the information, ensure it was recovered.


    Normally it would be deleted but Wakako wanted the data. Not my business.


    I pulled over a block away. The gang house was in a suburban area of run down homes. I walked down the next street over. It wasnt hard to check a map and find the number of the house directly behind the gang house.


    Once I found it I simply walked right through the small gated backyard.


    It wasnt like people had dogs anymore.


    I stilled at that, realizing that was true.


    I really wanted to pet a puppy


    I shook it off. Work now, sad realizationter.


    I climbed the fence only after looking over it and making sure no one was hanging out in the back or had a camera setup.


    Nothing, I climbed over the fence in seconds drawing on my inner Jackie Chan, smiling as I managed to climb the fence just like he would as I wentpletely cold and hurried to the house.


    Mission rmendedplete stealth. Apparently the boss wanted the guy trying to ckmail him to be alive to realize his n fell through.


    Honestly I didnt know who was the good guy here. Was the boss cruel? Evil? Was his worker trying to steal money that didnt belong to him?


    I had no idea. Nor did I really care. I wasnt a hero.


    I slipped in through the back door noticing the living room to my right was upied, a TV going and a few people talking to each other making fun of the show. I walked past the open door without them noticing, heading for the upstairs.


    I was half way up the stairs when I felt it. That shiver up my spine.


    Danger sense.


    I leapt off the stairsnding without even a scrape on the tiled floor as I slipped into a closet at the foot of the stairs.


    The stepsing down the stairs I tracked with my ears as a new voice joined the two in the living room.


    I slipped out. Continued on my path up the stairs. Two doors, I checked one, looking under the door jam, nothing I could see or hear, I stood and just barely opened the door.


    Empty room.


    I slipped inside. Looking to see if my target was inside. The bedroom was a wreck, I instantly realized it wasnt the right one. This room was well lived in. My target had only just started staying with them. I checked the hall and slipped out, moving to the next room, I slipped inside once I checked it. Empty. But this one had the marks of someone having moved stuff around just recently. Theputer on the desk was new.


    No dust.


    No lucky shards sticking in this time, but that was fine, I pulled out the cord from my neck and plugged it in.


    ICE.


    I blinked as the system resisted, desperate to keep me out. It actually gave me some difficulty. The ICE on thisptop was a bit more powerful than the defenses of a Vending machine.


    Hell it was tougher than the security system the Netrunner Maelstrom had!


    I frowned as I found myself actually needing to fight against it. I could keep it from sending any sort of alert, as it was just a mindless system not backed up by a Netrunner defending it, but it was still


    Tough. Where the hell had this guy even found this level of ICE? I frowned realizing I might actually take some time to get through this. It seems the reason this guy managed to steal this info from his boss was probably because of hisrunning skill


    Hmmm.


    I could steal theputer, but without breaching in, I had no way to know if there was a backup. So I looked away for a moment and prepared myself in case I needed to delta.


    Window open, path free, and theputer unhooked from a power supply, and ready to be snatched and grabbed.


    Then I refocused on the digital defenses and got to work.


    Security code sted through my vision as I breached and breached, each wall of ICE seemingly more dense than thest, over and over, I broke through.


    I could see the alerts for both Breach and Intelligence flowing through, as I fought against the defense.


    Damn, if I had known how much experience I could get from something like this, I would have bought a ICE program myself just to break it.


    Still I kept focused even as minutes passed, as the noise from downstairs continued.


    I just had to hope they were upied.


    Finally something changed.


    *Breach Protocol skill level up!*


    I felt the inrush of instincts and knowledge, and my work went even faster. Tricks the ICE threw up that stymied me, now only slowed me for a moment, as my mind worked through problem after problem.


    *Intelligence Leveled up!*


    The alert came in, Intelligence 5, and if I was doing anything else I wouldnt have noticed change.


    But this time I did. Considering I was literally solving difficult equations, puzzles, and general issues the ICE was programmed to throw up.


    But with Intelligence? Came rity. Came simplicity.


    The speed of me facing a new problem, and then putting forth the correct solution increased. Less wondering, less confusion, less brute force.


    I blinked.


    Theputer was disying its desktop. I was in.


    Secondster I had confirmation. The file I was looking for was there, and it hadnt been copied, at least ording to the metadata.


    Target acquired.


    I closed theptop down, and used my already prepared getaway. I was out the window,nding in the backyard, and across the short fenced off area in moments.


    Then I was on the other street, and more than capable of just walking casually to my car.