Aria shivered as she heard the holo's voice, a mixture of coldness and pleasure distorted by the voice modifier. Janissa had almost done on her when Tubio had taken on that same voice in the van. Aria didn't like this Cyclops. From what Janissa had told her and from what she herself had understood. He was nothing more than a cold-blooded killer hiding behind a mask.
Throughout the journey, she had had a silent discussion with Janis and Clem. About the method used. Clem wanted to remain cautious. Janis was terrified, but knew they couldn't back down. They needed money.
The image in the holo just showed a red cybernetic eye with a white dot in the center. Aria had nothing to say, but the voice continued after the introductions.
-Janissa. I'm glad to see you're in good health.
-So… So am I, Cyclops. I understood you still had some wounds.
-Oh, nothing serious. I'll soon be 100%. But look at you… You've lost some chrome.
-This? It looks...
-I think it suits you.
-... Thank you.
Aria could see that Janis was more and more embarrassed than scared, feeling the blood rush to her head. She interrupted the discussion.
-Nice to meet you. Shall we begin?
-Ladies and gentlemen, shall we?
The group of five climbed into an elevator. Up into the suspended streets. The brief journey from street to street between buildings was swift, considering the ominous sounds of the machines hoisting the metal box into the air. The group was almost outside when it stopped.
Aria asked Cyclops which way he was taking them?
-I wasn't going to take you through the front door, was I? The apartment I'm taking you to is a corpos'. So with minimum camera and a valet at the entrance, max guards with a lot of fire power. A quick search enabled me to find the premises on the network. You're several floors above the apartment. A quick search in the news and I found it less dangerous than simply breaking down doors without knowing what's behind them. Follow the directions I give you. Did you bring the bag Tubio? We'll split into two groups.
Aria listened to Cyclops' voice. Meticulously detailing how they would proceed, the group remained silent in front of this plan. The elevator had taken them above the streets of Night City, where gigantic bridges linked the mega-buildings of Japantown. Skirting the void on an immense balustrade running the length of the buildings.
The group was in what could once again be just another street in Night City, while dozens of meters away, food vendors were selling their meals to passers-by, or workers their drinks for the day's efforts. Dodging the crowd, they came to a dead-end street.
-The alley on the left. See the construction framework above?
After a short discussion, Clem and Tubio began climbing a ventilation shaft. Then a ladder, the latter out of reach to keep people from climbing, not taking into account that anyone could just climb the Pipe with obvious handholds right next to it to reach it. After the duo had climbed up, Aria followed their progress with the holo.
As they climbed, the trio went to a staircase. Descending 1 floor, they were now under a parapet blocked by a solidly locked door. Intended to let no one through except in the event of a major incident, no one would pass through without alerting security or security opening it itself. They, will have to wait.
As she brooded, Aria thought again about the plan.
Clem was going to abseil Tubio down the wall of the building. He would use his on-board camera to see if he could open the door to the corridor, bringing the second group inside. Why not go inside right away? In case of a camera in the corridor.
Finishing his climb up the ladder, Tubio came to a small platform with a screen in front and an emergency door. Looking around him, Tubio couldn't help but notice the emptiness around him, and pitied anyone who might one day have to escape this way. A single hasty run and the escapee would find himself going over the railing.
Clem finally came up behind him and attacked the door. Forcing it open. The duo entered what was an unfinished building site. Cyclops took the opportunity to brief them on the scene.
-Fire caused by an explosion of unknown origin. The construction contract states that the site should be finished in several months. At this hour, no one should disturb you except a poorly paid night guard. Be nice to him if he comes by.
Moving cautiously, they didn't see anyone as they got closer and closer to the edge without window. Separated by various construction barriers, the spectacular void didn't make you want to go down. The wind blew through the plastic sheeting, acting as a poor excuse for a screen. Tubio pulled a cable out of his bag, another gift from Ruby. Finding other construction cables and straps around them, Tubio began to tie knots with Clem's help. Several floors had to be descended, and the more distance from the cable the better. Tubio didn't want to be too short. Giving one end to Clem, he hooked it securely to a concrete pillar. Tubio returned to the gap, poking his head over the fence to look down. He sighed heavily before picking up his bag again, taking out a tranquilizer and preparing to inject it into his thigh. Clem, who had watched him do it several times during the day, asked.
-How many drugs do you inject for a single mission?
-...Yes.
To which Cyclops burst out laughing into the holo. Malik smirked, while Aria was shocked to see Janissa smiling too. Securing himself as best he could, Clem confirmed his knots and kept a firm grip on the cable securely coiled to a second pillar.
Slowly Tubio moved closer to the edge. Acting in tandem with Clem, Tubio took the first step. Crossing over to the other side, just short of the abyss. Fortunately for him, the barriers were solidly anchored in the ground, stretching the cable from their round shape to allow a descent without the risk of cutting the lifeline.
Clem, acting as a safety net, checked the speed at which the wort was given and was ready to pull Tubio up at the first sign of trouble.
The descent was long, at least for Tubio. The height, the wind, the adrenalin, the fear. Tubio descended one foot at a time, trying not to think about the long descent ahead or whether Clem decided to cut the rope. Tubio almost regretted injecting himself with the painkiller before the descent. Now he had no excuse to panic. Tubio passed in front of apartment windows, some of which were even lit.
Tubio followed the concrete line separating the apartments so no one would see the cable dangling outside their window. For those who would watch.
While Tubio did his best not to shit himself. Aria asked Cyclops why he didn't let them inside.
-First answer cameras, second answer sensors. If the service door of a warehouse stairwell doesn't interest anyone, that of a corpos housing estate much more. We play it safe.
-The stairwell must cover the whole building, or a large part of it. It's unlikely they'll send anyone.
-That's true, but if it does go wrong, you'll have more time before someone sticks their nose in your main exit, plus you'll have images of yourself for a possible investigation.
Aria was becoming exasperated that Cyclops had all the answers. So Aria's group waited for Tubio to give a glimpse inside. Frankly, she didn't envy his position.
-Clem, is there enough rope?
-I hope so. I'd hate to bring him back up for nothing.
-The cable Tubio brought back is enough?
-No, we had to take it from the site.
-Will it hold?
Tubio's voice spoke into the holo.
-I fucking hope, thank you! What kind of idiot would hang himself between Japantown's buildings to look out of a window without being sure? Mm?
Finally arriving at the right level. Tubio looked out one of the windows. Despite the fact that they were tinted, you could see inside even if filtered through a darker shade. Looking into what was a living room, Tubio contemplated a perfectly ordered room, the typical image of an apartment for sale. A computer held out its arms, but appeared to be switched off like the rest of the room. A door led right next to it, prompting Tubio to move.
-I'm at the good level. Nothing in the living room. I move to the next room.
Walking along the wall, he felt the wind blowing over him as he swung one foot after the other to the side, moving as calmly as he could as he stepped on the wall.
-Next time I'm not the one going down.
The group could only agree, not wanting to be in the same situation as him. Tubio asked Cyclops a question.
-Cyclops, have you ever done this?
-Yes, I have. But unlike me, you have a team.
Reaching the edge of the new room, Tubio concentrated to see the light inside.
-There's someone in the apartment.
The group fell into silence.
Not moving, trying to get a clear view. He saw an empty bed, clothes on the floor and another light coming from under another door. Tubio remained in position. The rest of the group waited for his observations. As he looked around the rest of the room, it wasn't long before a figure emerged from what had been the bathroom. And…
-Eh... Tubio... When you've finished rinsing your eyes, can you concentrate on the mission?
-What's going on?
-Tubio has just seen a naked woman emerge from the bathroom and hit puberty. It's a good thing the camera's working, otherwise I'd have thought he'd fallen into the void. Anyway. Mia Gong has just stepped out of the apartment shower.
-What do we do?
-Tubio, when you come to your senses, can you watch the TV in front of the bed?
Tubio grunted and tried to move, but the cable was already tauter than where he was, so he could only move slightly. Even so, he managed to get into position long enough for his onboard camera to create a link with the lit screen.
-Is this OK?
-Yes, that's it.
Before slipping and banging his head against the wall of the building. Luckily for him, the windows were insulated and his body swung towards the living room, blocking any view Mia might have had of him.
-I'll take it from here. I'm posing as a member of your group and requesting information on the death of our dear Yumi and her father. Is that all right?
Aria and Malik, the two possible objectors, remained silent. Then, after a few seconds of reflection, Malik intervened.
-Ask her about her uncle's latest project. If she knows anything. If not, his last home or place of work slash pleasure. If we can get some info on that front.
-No, first ask what she knows about her uncle's death and that we've been hired to study his death. She doesn't need to know anything else. If she gives information, we ask questions about Yumi. Do you have any leverage to get her information?
-Of course I have leverage. It's the best thing I've... Alright. Let's do this.
******
Mia got out of the shower, the sound of the TV giving her information. With nothing on her but her birth suit she heard a sound alerting her. Going slowly to the side of the bed to retrieve a gun she got startled by the TV buzz and changed picture without prompt. A bright red circle appeared on the now black screen, with a white dot at its center this one turned to her. From the black of the screen, under the eye, a big grinning smile grew.
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
-Greeting Mia, sorry to bother you but I need a bit of your time.
Mia tightens her hand around her gun to which Cyclops thought funny. So much it could be heard inside the alien voice.
-This would be useless on me. And... I wouldn’t have waited for you to finish your shower.
Mia silently conceded this logic.
-Who are you?
-Oh, not important. I’m here for information and I hope you can give them to me. The faster and the truest would be best. Then… I will be on my way.
-What do you want?
-Ah! No questions asked, perfect! I need information about your uncle Mr.Tubiki Gong…
-... He got attacked and died, if you want more information you can contact the administration of Keng Tao, they will respond to your questions.
-Miss Mia, do I look like the type of person to walk into an office to leave without my responses? I could, but then I would had to kidnapping, blackmail, torture and murder for my informations. And I don't want to waste my time or yours...
-Is that a threat?
-No. Of course not. But if you don't give me the information I want, or you give me the wrong information. I'll just have to get back to you...
-...
-But you should know, that as a guard for Keng Tao, the risks to those involved with the company shouldn't shock you more than that.
-Do you work for the office?
-I repeat. Do I look like an office worker to you?
The eye following Mia's movements made her uneasy, and the lightness with which this person promised death was worthy of a movie villain, yet that look... Mia felt like a piece of meat in front of a predator. The double standard too, Is this a test by Keng Tao? But Mia couldn't take any chances. The best she could do was redirect it to Keng Tao. She knew nothing.
-Has anything happened recently that might have led to your uncle's death?
-No, our affairs were compartmentalized and apart from rare occasions, the family never got together.
-So the fact that this address was given to me... A coincidence?
-No doubt. The properties are supplied to us by Keng Tao. This apartment is undoubtedly marked for the Gong family.
-If you don't know anything about your uncle's death, perhaps you have some news about Yumi's disappearance?
Confusion crossed Mia's face, she who had managed to regain her seriousness after being caught naked in her room by a stranger. Was taken aback by the question.
-What does my cousin have to do with my uncle's death?
-I don't know... maybe a witness saying they were in the same place the night he died?
-...
Several seconds passed without Mia finding anything to say. Cyclops' mechanical voice echoed through the room, louder and more frank, this time devoid of humor or patience.
-Well? Has Keng Tao got your tongue? Maybe I should check out N54 news next morning. I can already see the headlines. Pedophile within Keng Tao, La gla rings for the Gong family.
-Pedophile?
-Oh, you didn't know? Either you decide to tell me what I want, or Keng Tao makes the headline at sunrise. Don't worry, I'll let you work out the details on your own, after all... you don't know anything.
-Wait!
-Mm? New informations? I knew the great Gong family couldn't hide their secrets from one another.
-I don't know much but I'm sure I can give you more than nothing.
-I will need more than that for sure... but I know a but when i hear it.
-I want guaranties.
-Ah! A corpos to the core. Of course she wants something as impossible as a guarantee. And what would it be? My name and social number maybe? Sorry I was never registered.
-I know places...
-So do I. How did I find this place? I need more than places. I need material, names, dates, video, pictures, messages on what your uncle was doing or may have been doing, and all you can give me on Yumi.
-Why are you interested in Yumi?
-I may know where she is.
This sentence alone rendered Mia silent, Cyclops knew that the only thing a corpos was interested in was his life and reputation, the whole forming their career. But he didn't expect to have the family card in this game.
*****
-Wow, okay now what? Should we wait a bit? Push it harder?
-No, we're going to hold it up. We've already got her with her pants down. No way she's going to give us any more information...
-We've got to keep going...
-Oh! You're Not the one who's hanging in mid-air so can we cut it short!?
As the team listened to the conversation. Tubio was still suspended. Hence his great desire to get back up.
-I still need you to establish the link with the TV by you. Hang on, we're almost done.
-Very funny!
******
Inside, the two parties looked at each other in silence. Cyclops, in addition to conversing with Mia, transferred what was happening to the groups outside.
-Fine I will give you intel... My uncle disappeared recently, my father told me not to worry about it and that's what I did. My aunt told me never to speak of him again, so I didn't ask. My uncle was a piece of shit so I don't know where he was or what he did for a living and i was alright with it but the fact that my cousin disappeared has something to do with me is totally new... My aunt didn't tell me about it. Being treated as an outsider to the family, the older members all have complaints about her despite her results. Why? I don't know, but the couple she formed with my uncle was already on the rocks, long before my cousin was born. the latter being more of a political marriage than anything else...
-So you don't know anything.
-I don't give a shit about my uncle, yes. And for good reason. How did you get this address?
-My little finger.
Sensing that the conversation would go no further. Cyclops consulted the group and came to a conclusion.
-How long before I have more information?
Mia was pensive for several seconds.
-Tomorrow. Same time?
-Perfect... Oh, and before I go. I have no idea what I'll be asked to do to Yumi if I find her. But I'm not a monster. Several people are looking for her and I think some of your family are.
-Why didn't you tell me about the search?
-For the same reasons I was able to have a conversation with you.
Their reputation is at stake. And corpos are unpredictable if their livelihood is at risk. If they let Tubiki die for it, what would happen to Yumi.
-For everyone's sake, I hope we can come to an agreement. God knows who can be trusted in Night City...
*****
-Clem pulls Tubio up. We've done all we can. Now it's a question of whether we've struck gold or dummy.
The winding up made Tubio tremble so much he wanted to get out of the situation. The short conversation had seemed like an eternity. Above him, Clem began to pull on the rope, gradually helping Tubio to climb back up, finally reaching the barrier. Tubio let go of the rope with one hand, clinging almost desperately to it, clumsily pulling himself up and over it with his whole body on the concrete, shaking from the adrenaline rush he was experiencing.
-Next time we'll get someone else. Okay?
As Tubio caught his breath, the rest of the group retreated from the stairwell door back to where the two groups had parted. Tubio's legs were shaking, while the others had a smirk on their faces once the group had reunited.
-So, what about this vertigo?
-Fuck off.
The group decided to leave via another elevator. Having had enough experience for one day, they all descended, feeling a sense of relief that the situation hadn't escalated. Malik spoke to Cyclops.
-Would it be possible for us to meet?
-Why should we? Need an autograph?
-I like to meet the people I work with. It gives me an impression of them and avoids ending up with a corpos thanking me for doing his job.
-Valid.
The elevator reached the bottom and as the doors opened with a ding. A person stood in front of them. Cyclops stood before them in discreet pants, a hoodie with one of her large hoods covering her entire head, three claw marks acting as holes and vents. Her pale face could be seen through, which gave Janissa a shock, but it was nothing when she heard his voice.
-Satisfied?
Clem almost drew his weapon, while Tubio stepped in. Ruby's voice came from under the hood changed, and she tilted her head before smiling at him through the hood.
-Did you miss me?
Tubio let out a long sigh and she took him in her arms. Turning to face the group, her voice, this time full of life, addressed the still dazed group.
-Let's delta of this place. We must make some plans before we can call it a day.
The group moved towards a random bar and went inside, seizing a corner where they wouldn't be disturbed. After some had ordered drinks, a new conversation began with Ruby starting.
-I know it's been a long day for everyone, but I'd like to thank you for following my plan. Janissa, I'm glad you're healthy.
Janissa stammered out an incoherent quiet answer and was preceded by Malik.
-Okay, what's next?
-Tomorrow I'm going to shadow our dear friend Mia to find out where she's going. There aren't thirty-six exits from this apartment. So you can answer Pat, it's Pat, right? IF need be, without attracting suspicion of your involvement. Once I have some solid information under my belt, I'll let you know what I have.
-How can I trust you?
-Oh... If I'd wanted to kill you, I'd have done it without having to talk to you...
The silence around the table was palpable as Ruby's white smile could be seen. Never underestimate a netrunner, Malik tried to judge Cyclops but wasn't sure what to think. Her repartee with Mia Gong was spot on. Her negotiating skills were impressive. The threats were precise. The humor, usually optional, was measured and dark. Intimidating, but not immediately threatening. Yet a netrunner is usually the last line of defense. Tubio should be the cannon fodder and she the brains. A good netrunner would never have appeared before them. Unless he had something up his sleeve. A third man, a trap or insurance in case of death. Hard to say. The name Cyclops didn't ring a bell. He'd have to find out before acting. She hadn't done anything... yet...
-Let's say I trust you, why don't you warn us of the danger and not just Tubio.
-My big heart and my word. Janissa will be my witness for the latter. Not to mention the eddies we'd have to touch. Ah. and I'm not the one in the middle of a corpos conspiracy where the cleanup is not in doubt coming.
-Cleanup?
-If I've followed the story correctly, Tubiki Gong was a complete asshole who cheated on his wife. And someone decided to stir things up. Keng Tao is a corpos identical to the others. If he died without making waves, it's because there was a reason. A reason that even his niece Mia was kept in the dark by her own father, judging by the conversation we just had. I'm not much of a family man, but even if a distant cousin were to die, I'd want to know why, at least to put a cause on the story I have to tell.
-Are you implying that Hiro Gong knows something?
-It slipped her mind. She said it herself, her father told her not to bother. I've read his file, Hiro is much older than Tubiki, more experienced, with more connections too. I wouldn't be surprised if one of his acquaintances gave him some premios info in exchange for a favor later on.
-Would he have been told not to ask about his own brother's death?
Aria, who had been silent until now, couldn't contain her disgust.
-It's the corpos for you. Friends or family, all are steps to the top...
The table fell silent as the waitress came to give them their orders. Clem looked down at his clearly disgusted glass, re-engaged the conversation, each adding a comment.
-It disgusts me.
-It's just the way it is. Corpos gonks...
-Mia looked confused for Yumi.
-Even if she hated the uncle, I don't think the niece was in bad grace.
-True enough. Maybe Mia's heart could help us find out more about Yumi.
-But why did she end up in prostitution? We need to know why her father died in Watson's godforsaken hole and whether this could bring problems to your mission to rescue Yumi.
-...
Silence fell around the table. Cyclops spoke up.
-Tomorrow I'll go to the foot of the apartment. I'll shadow our new acquaintance to see if it leads us anywhere. If Pat doesn't contact you about work and you want your share of information as Malik suggests. I'd appreciate it if you'd help out by rotating with me, timing permitting.
-Sounds reasonable.
The group exchanged contacts before establishing rotations and groups for the days ahead. Ruby began to get up, taking Tubio with her. Janissa tried to speak, but the words died in her throat as Aria took her hand and eyed the duo with suspicion, almost as much as Malik, a lack that was made up for by a hint of anger in the woman's eyes. Clem watched the couple get up before Cyclops said goodbye.
The couple left, stopping two steps from the door. Ruby turned to Tubio and removed his mask. Tubio, confused but confident, let her. She stroked his face before lifting her hood, and Tubio bent down to kiss her. They remained together for a few moments before a third person emerged, Malik. Ignoring the couple's interaction. He lit one of his cigarettes before asking a question he'd had since Cyclops appeared before them.
-Why did you do it? Why did he show up in person?
Ruby, still clinging to Tubio, let go of some of her hold and turned to face the man, an icy blue gaze piercing his body.
-Not so long ago I lost everything I had. An investigator like you should have no trouble finding out, so I'll spare you the details. I lost... My friends, my health, my chrome, my relationships. These last ones hurt me particularly because I have no idea who betrayed me. I need new contacts, new allies, professional people with ethics who I can trust. I plan to work with Tubio as a merc, and the talents of a man like you would be more than helpful in establishing a profitable situation, based on both financial and trust benefits. What do you say?
Malik stared at Ruby. Clearly she was the one leading the couple. Tubio had been good at improvising in the alley. But the fact that she'd revealed herself was deliberate, it was to win points in anticipation of this very conversation. She wasn't looking ahead to the current mission, she was already considering future ones.
-If we can get through this, we'll see.
-That's all we ask.