Pavel had known Tubio all his life, the sweet, naive guy caught between his addicted mother with her rotten husband and the stepfather in question. From daycare, to babysitting with his brothers, to his first beer and his first problems. Pavel had seen Tubio in every possible state: bruised, angry, happy, sad, he'd spent so much time with him that he considered him one of his brothers. Pavel even thought his sisters had a crush on him, but lacked the courage to go out. Being close in Night City is one thing. But Pavel knew that if he had to, his first trusted choom other than his brothers was him. When his fight with Tiron came up, he told himself he had to eat that bullet. That his time would come. But when Tubio asked him. He'd found himself humiliated. He should never have fought Douglas, and Tubio had seen him humiliated for nothing. The evening couldn't have been more brutal for him. His dream of standing at the pinnacle of Night City sport. A sweet dream, of course. But to have his own gym, a heritage, to be in the boxing world he loves so much. Who says he can't fight and run the gym at the same time? Listening to Tubio's plan had made almost all his dreams come true. His father's approval, continuing his passion and having his own gym. All that was missing was a belt and the trophies. Tubio died. Pavel didn't realize it until weeks later, when his father had agreed to support his project. His best friend, his most trusted man. He'd never been one for confrontation. Just a supportive friend to those who reached out to him. Pavel greatly regretted this evening, if he hadn't made this match... Then he got a call from Irina, who told him Tubio was with his father. And it was true, Tubio was alive and well as usual, and he was always ready to make fun of any situation. His story went to his head as much as the alcohol, a conspiracy, murders, blackmail and settling of scores. The Maelstrom, Doug, his father, becoming merc. Pavel took it all in stride. He didn't care, his brother-in-heart was alive.
So when Tam, an old acquaintance of his, called Tubio from the ring, Pavel knew his sweet euphoria was over. For Tam had long since used Tubio as an outlet, Tubio had always put his head down or dodged confrontation, Tubio wasn't a fighter and didn't like to fight like himself, and Tam knew it. Tattooed from head to toe in Valentino gang aesthetics. The young latino and his pals were notorious troublemakers. Pavel, not one to spit on money, had let them join.
-I heard you were dead, Pequeño. It's good to see you.
-Not me, Tam, you're as ugly as ever. If I hadn't risen from the grave, I'd never have had the chance to be one of your fashion victims.
Tam was also known for his flamboyant outfits, trying to pass himself off as the rich hunk he was not. Often bringing hilarity to many who didn't support him. What wasn't often was Tubio talking down to him. Tam turned red but kept smiling.
-You know went to know something? I was hoping you were alive. So you could see me become the next H2 champion. All by using your buddy's gym, the failed Daddy's boy.
-HAHAHahah! You couldn't even beat me. And you think you can beat Pavel?
Except for Tubio, nobody was laughing. Pavel's face was closed after that insult. The other athletes looked on, while Tam and his buddies wanted to get into Tubio's face. Tam remained calm, rolling his mouthguard in his mouth before removing it and pointing at Tubio.
-You know what, Pequeño Tubo? I'll take your word for it. You and me in the ring. If you beat me, not only will I take back what I said, but I'll pay for a year's membership of the Gym.
Tubio, always smiling, did not have the build of a boxer, he did not have the weight and Tam having always known him, he knew that he had never trained, so Tubio accepting his duel will return at best one humiliation for him and Pavel at worst with glares if he refuses.
Tam was then surprised to see Tubio accept. Not wanting him to go back on his decision, he walked around the ring to announce the fight to those present. As he does his best to get attention, Pavel grabbed Tubio who shrugged it off.
-Don't worry.
Approaching the ring Tubio climbed on it as Tam put himself in a corner.
-Do you want a helmet maybe? I shouldn't send you to do a flat line.
-No, take off the gloves, will you be inconvenienced for fighting no?
Tam had his jaw open turning to his buddies pointing to Tubio as if he were a moron that had just stepped into the ring. Tam smiles and begins to take off his gloves as Tubio pulls his pistol from his hip and places it on the ground next to Pavel. And for the first time Tam wondered what he was doing with a gun. He was about to make a remark when Tubio took off his t-shirt. On his back between his shoulder blades and across his entire back was a tattoo. The latter represented a skull with 5 red eyes, black tentacles coming out of the skull which did not have a low jaw, from this issue a line that could have been described as blood going down the long of his Spine.
image [https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1178789115622326365/1210602648206581780/Tubio_back.jpg_-_Copie.png?ex=66101293&is=65fd9d93&hm=3f4a009b6eb3406e9c934150b7c6e20223395214bba0b3ff8cdf01b0f5ff3f45&=&format=webp&quality=lossless]
Tam then watched Tubio turn back to him. Revealing a body sculpted to fight, muscles defined and maintained, scars, bullet holes and burn marks were even visible.
Tam put his mouth guard back on and concentrated on his opponent. Tubio had clearly been in the gym during his absence. All around the ring, people came closer, murmuring. Pavel, who until then had brushed the whole Maelstrom thing to one side, had just been dealt a blow of reality. Tubio provoked Tam once again, who said nothing more. Totally focused on Tubio, he realized he was far too relaxed. The patrons in the room were more or less watching what was going on, some getting closer, others cheering on for the fight, while Pavel could only observe.
One of Tam's friends rang an unannounced bell and Tam charged at Tubio, unleashing Jabs and closing in on him. Tam was taller than Tubio and his arms reached far. Tubio dodged and turned around Tam, deliberately getting on his weak side.
Tam remained focused, continuing to advance on Tubio, who continued to retreat. Just as he was about to block him on to the ropes, Tubio made a feint, taking Tam by surprise. He then kicked Tam in the knee. Tam felt pain throughout his leg and threw a blind punch. Tubio grabbed his wrist and positioned himself on the outside of his opponent. Blocking any further blows. Both Tubio's hands grabbed Tam's wrist, making it easier to change grip. With his right hand firmly gripping the wrist, Tubio freed his left hand and used his left forearm to apply as much force as possible to his elbow joint.
Tam, destabilized by his knee, was pulled forward by Tubio, his outstretched arm was used by him to leverage his whole body. Before he knew it. Tubio had Tam flat on his stomach against the ring floor. While Tubio was twisting his wrist and placing his knee on his shoulder blade. Tam felt his shoulder dislocate. He screamed as Tubio who held him in submission. Tam tried to get to his feet, but every time he did, Tubio just had to use his arm to send a jolt of pain through his shoulder. Not wanting to give up to him. Tam looked at Tubio defiantly, muttering insults. Tubio, impassive, needed only one hand to hold his bent wrist and his knee to pin his shoulder. Bringing his hand to his shoe, he pulled out a dagger, placing it on Tam's neck.
The whole room fell silent as Tam stared at the blade before his eyes, his breathing quickened as he tapped the floor three times and Tubio released him. Rising to his feet as if nothing had happened, Tam rolled on the floor before getting up. His hand and shoulder were tingling from the grip. The spectators remained silent as Tam's friends insulted Tubio. Claiming it was illegal and that if it had ever been a real match, he wouldn't have given up. Two of them even climbed into the ring. Pavel did the same. But Tam held them back.
-Yo soy un hombre de palabra.
He transfered the eddies to Pavel. Enough for a year. Tam clearly swallowed his pride before stepping out of the ring. Pavel turned to Tubio as the audience dispersed.
-Are you serious?
-Did you think I was bullshitting? The difference between him and the madmens I was with was that they were all drugged up and had so much chrome on them that I hurt myself when I hit them. I had to learn how to fight, otherwise I had to expect to suffer.
-And the tattoo?
-It was either that or change my whole jaw for chrome. Come on I delta, take care.
Tubio felt a great sense of satisfaction as he left Pavel's gym. The taste of revenge in his mouth didn't bother him all that much. Fortunately, Spike, in his rares moments of lucidity, liked to explain how chrome joints were not so different from flesh ones, just better. Whether it was the pressure in the limbs or the balance, he loved to send him to the ground and hear him say he was giving up. Mister Lianovak had told him to be discreet about his Maelstrom affiliation, but Tam's face... that alone made Tubio smile. Besides, a tattoo proves nothing.
******
The trip between H2 and his father-in-law's mistress was a quick one, with the others in close proximity, it was obvious that Doug wouldn't risk running into Tubio by accident. The only one of his conquests not in the Glen was in Santo Domingo. More precisely, in Rancho Coronado. Tubio arrived on his Apollo, his motorcycle making its way through the neighborhood, passing Woodhaven Street before heading back up towards the dam. The whole of Santo Domingo lay beneath the dam, proudly marked with the Petrochem brand. Here it was the 6th Street gang who more or less ran things. There were a few mercs here and there, but nothing really significative compared to the 2,000 members of the gang. Because yes, Tubio may have sucked at history, but the 6th have long since ceased to be a militia for the population.
image [https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1178789115622326365/1210605682303176794/6th_Street_Icon.webp?ex=66101566&is=65fda066&hm=b2f6ca3811e4e44e12fc588f9a5eaec9b5f5325120a50fc926e24e1e6f7c7c3d&=&format=webp&width=1061&height=597]
6th Street was formed about fifty years ago by veterans of the Fourth Corporate War who were tired of the local gangs and the helplessness of the NCPD and decided to take matters into their own hands. They gathered some equipment, refreshed themselves on their training, and then took to the streets.
The gang was created to keep thugs and hoodlums at bay, and the charismatic leaders gave people a way protect themselves and seek retribution for the damage caused by other gangs. 6th Street gangers today are veterans of more recent conflicts, retired military and discharged corporate security officers who were unable to find other employment. The rest of the gang consists of civilians who received military training after joining.
Their main headquarters of the gang is in Arroyo but the other districts under their control have their own local HQs that are responsible for patrolling the neighborhood and monitoring the gang's facilities.
But that was before.
The 6th Street gang was founded by old-fashioned American patriots who came together to act as an ad hoc police force. They have since forgone their original goal of serving public trust and are no different than any other gang who abuse their power and position in local communities. They regularly force smaller neighborhood businesses to pay tribute and "protection money," and are known to engage in outright criminal activities such as vehicle theft, illicit drug manufacturing and distribution, and murder.
The uniforms of 6th Street gangers are heavily influenced by military and patriotic accents: military boots, tactical vests and knee pads, cargo pants, baseball caps with old USA flags, stars, stripes, and eagles. Cyberware used by the gang include cyberoptics, pain editors, and health monitors
Today their interpretation of the law and "bringing justice to the city" is just questionable and self-serving.
6th Street's operations include robbery, extortion, and gun smuggling. The group has extensive connections with nomad groups outside of Night City.
The gang also steals and modifies cars. 6th Street has talented techies and runs many garages and workshops around the city. They offer services as a combat taxi for hire, which makes them especially popular among edgerunners and mercenaries.
Despite their criminal nature, the gang is mostly tolerated by corporations and police forces, unless 6th Street gangers cause trouble outside their established turf. Military oriented corporations have customers for high-end products and the NCPD's job is made easier by the ersatz law that the gang maintains in their neighborhoods.
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******
A fine bunch of hypocrites with a hint of patriotism. Here and there, Tubio saw eagles on walls, flags and other distant and lost American symbols of liberty. Here, it's no good being corpo or any other gang, even if rumor has it that the group continues to work with corporations despite the new leader's anti-corpo stance.
Tubio couldn't care less. He only had one thing on his mind: taking care of Doug. Going up the street, on his right he could see the wall behind the houses, similar to a giant sidewalk with a black graffiti of a man wearing the New American flag, next to air-conditioning machines with fans turning slowly and non-stop. He arrived in front of the house. Stopping in the street. But the house was busy with several cars in front. One reminded him of something. And Tubio felt anger welling up inside him. Deciding to play it safe and not like a bulldozer. Tubio went into a corner and put his motorcycle up against a wall in a cul-de-sac full of trash. No one would touch his bike here. At least, he hoped not right away.
Santo Domingo was a slope leading up to the dam, and Tubio wasn't too fond of the place. Constantly under construction, the place seemed as desolate as the desert beside it. The houses were either prefabricated, concrete rectangles with windows, or old houses from a bygone era. Single-family homes with one floor and a garage. The fact that he came across one covered entirely in blue-white-and-red paint to form the flag of the new United States didn't help Tubio's opinion of the place. Above him, an advertising tower broadcast a loop of commercials. Descending the slope to walk back to his destination, he passed a row of so-called traditional houses corresponding to the perfect home of the last century. Except that most of them were surrounded by barbed-wire fences, or pathetic lawns dying in the heat. One of them had even burned down while its neighbor was being used as a junkyard.
Arriving on the sidewalk in front of one of them. A green house with 2 floors,nothing in particular, the only thing out of the ordinary was a flag hanging over a window at the entrance, a tank on the side and air conditioners hanging here and there. Tubio could count 3 cars, one of which reminded him strongly of his biological father's car.
image [https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1178789115622326365/1210605682664022036/quadra-type-66-dino.jpg?ex=66101566&is=65fda066&hm=ffb32a2492d9efaef385b6cf9610ec0bb6e3bdaa7d23259e6a0c6607fb44ee68&=&format=webp&width=1440&height=471]
A Quadra type-66 640 TS. “Boréale” as her mother called the car. His father's was a Cyan and black, and his mother told him it was the first car they'd bought together as a young couple. 52,000 eddies. A fortune, Tubio had become a fan of the vehicle as a child thanks to his mother's stories. He had already climbed in countless times, before Doug arrived.
Manufactured by Quadra in the new USA, the basic vehicle left the factory in 2055, and the modulable model experienced a late surge in sales. The vehicle was diversified in its personalization. Ranging in horsepower from 666 to 1000 and weighing between 3.7 and 4 tons, it could be rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with sliding doors, 2 seats and possibly a crystal dome or a simple windscreen. All of which can go up to 304 km/h.
The Quadra was quickly adopted by edgerunners and illegal street racers. For the NCPD, a Quadra tearing up the streets means a long list of traffic violations, but rarely has a patrol car ever managed - or even tried - to pull one over.
Tubio was fuming, staring at the car in front of him. The more he looked at it, the more he knew it was his father's car. It had been repainted with a 6th Street logo on the rear hood. but yes, without a doubt. it was the same crystal dome his mother and father had installed. He was sure of it... but to confirm Tubio had to get closer and if the guys inside were really 6th Street he didn't want to create an incident. Diplomacy... or violence. What would Ruby do? Intimidation, control, discussion, withdrawal... Or, Intimidation, control, shootout, retreat... Tubio wasn't even sure Doug was there. Just that he may sold the car to 6th Street.
He decided to wait, the windows weren't opaque, so maybe he'd see Doug through one of the windows.
Evening would soon fall and Tubio wondered if he'd have to give up the contract. After all, he's not an investigator, he just followed Pavel's idea, which made the most sense. Standing around waiting in any neighborhood was ultra suspicious. Maybe he should play tourist and go straight there to ask if he was here. If Doug isn't there by sundown, Tubio gives up the contract for someone else. But he'll still look at the Quadra. Tubio stood for several minutes hesitating between his options, watching shadows pass by on the second floor. Oh? Bingo! On the second floor he just passed the window shirtless. Well, well, well, I guess it's time for me to go inside. Taking a quick decision, Tubio began to prepare. He had only hoped to run into him here. After all, he could have gone anywhere in Night City other than here, but I guess the dog that he is, is always in heat.
Tubio had a big fucking smile on his face as he crossed the street. He put his Maelstrom mask back on. Injected himself with MK-1 revitalizer. Checked his modified Overture on his hip, his Unity under his jacket and the grenade he'd taken from his motorcycle. With his two pistols, his grenade and his mask, he felt like he was growing wings. The effect of the revitalizer calmed the palpitations of his heart. He tapped on the door in a light-hearted mood.
The door slid aside to reveal a young man with a 6th Street bandana on his arm. He squinted as Tubio waved the revolver in front of his stomach. Tubio spoke casually to him in a playful voice.
-Hands up. I'm here to see Doug... We need to talk.
The young man also had a gun in his belt, but Tubio showed his second hand carrying the grenade.
-I just want to talk. I'll go with you up to the second floor and into his room. We'll have a chat and I'll leave with what he owes me. That way, the others outside waiting for me won't have to come in. You understand?
The young man was clearly in a panic, while Tubio was Olympian calm. He nodded quickly as Tubio put his gun to his chest to make him step back.
-Turn around. How many of you are there?
-Four of us...
-You know it's okay, I don't want any trouble, but Doug should stop sleeping around. We'll go upstairs and everything will be fine.
Everything was fine until they reached the staircase, an old 6th street came out of a door to find Tubio pointing his gun at the back of one of his men. The man was old but didn't hesitate to put his hand behind his back. Tubio raised the grenade in his hand, immediately calming any irreparable action.
-Good evening. I'm here to see Doug.
-Let him go.
-I'm going up to see him, so we'll do something. You go back the way you came, close the door and I'll let the kid go minus his gun.
The old man seemed to reflect before turning red and shouting.
-DOUG! Come down immediately! If you don't come down I'll come to you!
Tubio raised his eyebrows as the situation became increasingly complicated. A girl came out from behind the old man's back, taking what he had in his back. A gun was now pointed at Tubio. The girl was blonde, fit and charming, even if the gun pointed at Tubio prevented him from looking too closely. Movements upstairs were heard and a woman came down the stairs in a bathrobe, clearly Tubio had interrupted the frolicking of the two-backed beast. This brought another smile from behind his mask. Whether it was the drugs or the situation, he couldn't help but make a provocation.
-Hurry up and get down here, Doug! I don't want to tell that poor woman that your son-in-law is going to do something stupid!
A wave of emotion passed over the faces of those present. First the woman on the stairs, shocked, then confusion in the young man, then incomprehension in the girl, and finally rage in the old man's crimson face. Doug climbed down behind the woman, putting her out in front of him.
-Oh, shall we take a shield? Approach Doug, I just came to talk to you. As your son-in-law, of course. Come on, act like a man for once.
The woman leaned against the wall as Doug descended the stairs. His face imperturbable, a mask of indifference to the world around him. Tubio knew what he was, a sociopath, that nothing frightened him but the unexpected or his own pain. He began to put on a soft, worried face.
-Antonio...
-Shut the fuck up, I'm the one who's talking. I'm not here for pleasure. You've known for years that your act doesn't work on me. Even if I'd killed everyone here you'd come up with some sob story to be alive, but you wouldn't shed a tear for them. Here's the thing. I'm here for a contract, an ultimatum from Alexei Lianovak. He's given me the chance to tell you that your credit in Night City has run out.
For the first time, Doug's face changed to surprise, bringing a morbid joy to Tubio. Maybe he had to go on, maybe not, but this was just too sweet.
-After all, it was already an effort for him not to kill you when your plan almost killed his son. Be warned, if any of his associates see you from now on, you'll be hunted down like the dog you are.
Doug, who should have been terrified, suddenly seemed to revert to indifference, looking around for support and calling Tubio bluff.
-I never put his son in danger...
-Forgive me for interrupting, but on the night of the match, do you remember? He was there. He was the one fighting.
Once again Tubio could see Doug calculating in his head, and to find out what he was thinking the only thing Tubio could do was look him in the eye.
-You didn't care, did you? All you wanted was for me to die when the Maelstrom guys attacked the club. I've been very patient with you. Alas, all my hints for you to fuck off town were taken on the side.
After a moment, he started acting again. Looking outraged, he pointed at Tubio.
-It's you...
-What me?
-You had to organize everything, you couldn't have survived the assault, you already knew the killer of the Maelstrom that's why they let you live. Why else would they have attacked the club?
-Shut the fuck up, stop kidding yourself, you've been reported. Or rather, you've given yourself away. You donated part of the debt you owe the Animals who owned the club and then you left. Less than a minute later, the carnage began. Making your whole debt disappear. And strangely enough, you were the one they were looking for. Guess the Maelstrom wasn't as dumb as it seemed. And me thinking you'd found out what I'd really done.
Doug took a deep breath as he realized.
-The blackmail...You're the one...
-Yes! And I can't thank you enough for your money. Your debt to the Maelstrom is long settled, by the way. If only you'd understood that all you had to do was leave town and you wouldn't have to pay anymore.
The people in the house looked on in utter bewilderment. The girl tried to keep her revolver high, but the old man lowered her arm, retrieving the gun from the girl. Tubio was too focused on Doug to realize that the situation could get out of hand. Fortunately for him, the old man decided that the story had gone on too long. In a deep voice, he interrupted the stand-off.
-Well, you've delivered your message, now you can take your gun off my grandson. And get the hell out.
-It was what I wanted, but I realized that my mother's car, which Doug had supposedly reported stolen, was in front of the house. A new tag from the 6th of course, but a spitting image.
The girl got upset and started yelling at Tubio.
-That's my car! It's been my car for years!
-Inside the door are the initials E and T with the word "Boréale".
She breathed in before stopping. Confirming Tubio's authenticity.
-I'll take it, transfer it to me and be on my way.
The girl didn't know what to say while the old man pondered. Tubio understood that it was he who controlled this family. Doug had the woman clinging to his wrist, demanding an explanation in a low voice, while he ignored her completely, the young man moved cautiously away from Tubio. The girl began to speak before being interrupted by the patriarch.
-My daughter needs this car. Her job depends on it.
-Not my problem. Ask him if he'd prefer to pay you in goods or by transfer. I get back what should have been my inheritance. And I won't budge on this.
Tubio raised his gun at Doug.
-How much did you sell her? Knowing you, you didn't give it to her for free. So give her the money. Or I'll make sure the Rods of Steel don't have to run to catch you.
Tubio pointed to his legs. The Rods of Steel were a small group of mercs working with Vernon to "take care" of the Lianovak family contracts. Tubio was sure that at least one or two of them would have followed him if they'd known Tubio was leading them to Doug. A short silence passed as everyone looked at Doug. Doug had no choice, his eyes shone and the girl cried out her displeasure.
-That's not even half of what you asked me!
Tubio shook his head, as greedy as ever this stepfather.
-Doug... How much did you charge this girl?
-None of your business...
-Enough! Doug, if you don't hand over the money now, I'll collect it from you, even if it means taking your leg and selling it to a charcudoc! I'm sick of this crap and I want you out of my house! Both of you!
The old man gripped his weapon so tightly that his knuckles turned white as he fumed with impatience. A moment later, a new payment seemed to arrive for the girl as she looked at what Tubio assumed to be her grandfather, who nodded and reluctantly transferred the Quadra's rights to Tubio. Tubio put away his revolver, raising the cut-out grenade in his hand before stepping back. The grandfather followed, not letting him out of his sight until he reached the door, which Tubio opened and closed without looking back, cutting off the line of sight between them. Tubio immediately secured the grenade and ran towards Boréale. He opened the car and climbed aboard. As he started the car, he saw the girl emerge from the garage door in front of him with a pistol in her hand. Tubio put the car into a lightning reverse as the bullets hit and bounced on the windshield cristal dome. Tubio almost hit a truck but managed to stay on the road. The girl in his rear-view mirror continued to shoot at him. Tubio was the happiest of men as he called Vernon.
-Antonio! I saw it went well.
-... How did you know?
-Antonio, an escape like that doesn't go unnoticed.
He was followed. Of course he was. Well, rest in peace Doug. It's been a nightmare knowing you.
-I'll transfer the eddies to you. Next time announce that you accept the contract first.
-Nova.
Phew... now I just have to get my motorcycle back.
Tubio stopped at a traffic light, looking around once more as the adrenalin began to wear off. Tubio let his worries melt away as he gripped the steering wheel and looked at the dashboard and the interior. He shouted a joyful cry, exulting in his luck. He'd gained something precious tonight, and he was going to celebrate it. Tubio continued to roll to H2 as the music added to his mood.
CUZ IT MAKES ME FEEL BETTER!!