The silence in the room was palpable. Tubio had just finished the evening he'd spent with Gaton. His mother wasn't well, the man she knew wasn't who she thought he was. And now...
-I'm going to kill him.
-Mother…
-No, I need to smoke...
She got up and left. Tubio turned to Cyclops.
-Don't look at me, she's your mother. But so far I believe you. This was totally Gaton's style. Frankly, I think if you hadn't played it that way, he and Boris would have turned up here one morning. My hat's off to you.
-After that, it was as surreal as that evening. You know what I mean...
-Kind of. But the part about you saving his life? I have my doubts.
-I swear, he put his arm around my shoulders and I found myself tetanized.
-What happened next? Give me a quick rundown.
-Okay, Gaton and I set up a fund where I pay back the money I owe. With the help of SP4DE, we sent pictures of Doug cheating on my mother and every month I made him cough up money. Gaton was happy, he'd probably end up with more than he'd been robbed of. Plus I was working for free for the club and the garage. I slept in the car and the food was what we bought as a group. Boris gave me a hard time but I know now that it was because he didn't know about my deal with Gaton. It's just Sp4de, Gaton and me. Besides, I haven't heard from him since Gaton died.
-Don't worry about him. Gaton was an eccentric. He liked to recruit other people high in colors, Sp4de is just one of the many netrunners willing to work with Maelstrom from afar. He's probably taking it easy with the pot of money you've probably left in his hands.
-Fuck!
-Ahahaha. That's just like you, always doing crazy stuff but no preparation behind. It's amazing how you managed to get hired by THE Maelstrom and then end up in the trap to kill me. All to survive, between you and me, I don't know who's luckier.
-I've still got my limbs so I think it's me.
-Look at the arrogant one, you didn't dare to talk back when I had my armor on, you know I can still fry your brains.
-No, I don't think you will.
-Why won't I?
-Boris's last words. He told me you were a nice person. Just not in a good place.
-Idiot... Always trying to play big brother with me. You didn't know him like I did. He was a big nerd when it came to drinking. Could tell you how every drink at the Afterlife was made for every legend.
-What's that supposed to mean?
-Tubio, you still have a lot to learn about the business. When you die, the Afterlife club adds your favorite cocktail in the bar. Only if you're a Night City legend.
-Like Morgan Blackhand.
-Well... I don't know if Morgan Blackhand's dead.
-Boris… Told me to run, you know?
An awkward silence settled in. Now that she was no longer wearing her mask. Tubio thought she looked normal, approachable even. A far cry from the killer.
-And the others?
Tubio took his time to organize his thoughts.
-This may come as a shock to you, but the group no longer exists. The night we were attacked, the club had called Boris for help.
-Yes, I remember.
-The other cars should have gone there. But like us, several of them were accosted by armed groups. Ulysse, Fabien, Quick, Waver and many others never arrived. Spike and Janissa were among the few to arrive. When they did... It was butchery. Even other Maelstrom groups showed up to see. But inside... All dead. The doc disappeared and the videos vanished. No clue on what happened.
Cyclops remained silent before swallowing the information. Almost everyone she'd ever knew was dead.
-Spike tried to investigate, but you know Spike. Less than two days later he was gone. Vanished. Janissa was the last one to give me any information. She understood that you had to nurse yourself back to health or die. She wished us well. She launched herself as a solo mercenary, as the Maelstrom no longer interested her either. She's also following in the footsteps of the others. They either joined other Maelstrom groups or became independent.
-...Wow, I've come full circle, now even if I wanted to I couldn't get back to the club.
-You... lived at the club?
-No, I lived in an apartment, something acceptable nearby. As good as this room. I even had running water. But compared to here it was hell.
Tubio let her speak clearly she needed to, for the words were jostling in her mouth.
-You know I've never had anything else. I don't even remember my mother that much anymore. I've got a photo of her, but it doesn't look good. Gaton, Boris and the Doc were the only ones who knew who I was... Now I'm nobody...
-Don't say that. You've saved my life many times. You're a genius netrunner, you're cold-blooded in any situation. The Doc just disappeared, you know.
-Like Spike? Besides, I haven't gotten along with Doc in years.
-And why is that?
-One day, Gaton came to me and told me the Doc was never to touch me again. I was very young, If you know what I mean. After that, I've never been able to see the Doc in the same way.
-THE Doc?
-Never dared to check, but Gaton rarely does things for nothing. Did...
-What was he like… as a father?
-Bad. Drunk, too happy, too passionate sometimes, lazy. He used to take me in his arms and tell me he was sorry when he was drunk. He never said what he was sorry for. But often I'd see him looking at me as if I were a hallucination. He tried not to drink sometimes. Instead he'd smoke. I don't know what it was, but I think the aquarium effect got to me more than once. I was so relaxed in those moments, lying on the couch with my head on his lap while we watched TV or chatted with Boris. Sometimes he'd leave for weeks at a time, leaving me money and telling me I was a big girl now so I could do what I wanted. I think he never treated me like a child or so he never bothered to know if I was. I think he never knew how to behave as a father. He never laid a hand on me. But he left guns all over the apartment that he and Boris let me sleep in after "adopting" me. It was only when I became Cyclops that I had to take my apartment he reacted. He didn’t want me to. But I took up his challenge, Northside’s dirtiest apartment, to prove that I could do it. You should have seen his face when I told him and proved that I would last longer than the six months he predicted. And... there you go...I guess…
-Shall I leave you a moment alone too?
-No... please stay. Tell me about yourself, about what you did while I was here.
She grabbed his arm. The contact did not shock him, he welcomed her on the contrary. She clearly needed help and just being there was not so bad.
Tubio resumed the course of his story. After depositing Cyclops and assured her health. Tubio contacted Ferak who of course got wind of what had happened and did not ask for the details. Tubio was now one of the delivery boys for Ferak. Several times it is heated with ambush during a convoy of equipment and pharmaceuticals products in the badlands. But other than that, it was a job like any other in Night City.
-I learned that you were the one paying your mother to fix my limbs. You didn’t have to do that, you know.
-At the time T, you were not really in a position to make transactions, much less on money.
The discussion was interrupted by Elizabeth’s Spanish swearing. Anger was not a good word to describe what Cyclops and Tubio heard. Watching her,Tubio asked her if he could go and see her.
-Go, she needs you. And I’m not going anywhere.
Tubio left Cyclops to enter the living room. His mother was smoking a cigarette.
-Madre...
-No mi hijo. If I'd listened, none of this would have happened. Doug must have known you knew about his affairs. He never wanted to lose the money I gave him. He and I were too stubborn...
Tubio invited his mother to sit down. Crushing her cigarette in the ashtray, she was ashamed of what had happened.
-Did you know he was cheating on you when I called? Didn't you?
-Everything was different when you... died. Doug called me, telling me the Maelstrom had attacked the club you were in. You didn't answer, you were dead...
Her mother choked back her sobs as her son took her hand and spoke to her as she had done when he lost his father.
-I'm here now. I'm not dead, madre. I'm healthy.
-That dog. How dare he do this to me! After everything that's happened to you and me. I called you, why didn't you answer?
-I had to, so he wouldn't play with your money anywhere but the blackmail I had him in. The fact that he constantly needed money would have dissuaded him from going on to other scams and staying here. Besides, you'd never believe me. Not then.
-Yeah, you know what he did? He came back here crying, lamenting your death, the bastard, when he wanted to cause it! But he made a mistake. Pavel.
-Pavel? Is he all right?
-Oh, yes, he too woke up that night as a man. He came to see me the next day. Telling me about the event as you just did. Minus the details about that Gaton. But the way he alluded to Doug.
-Pieces of the story didn't fit, that's it?
-Between him and Doug. There were too many differences. Like the fact that you were dead. Even if he'd never seen your body. Then Pavel told me you had doubts about his fidelity... I'd have doubted before, but with you dead. The best I could do was be on guard. Not even two days later, two days. He came to see me to ask for the money I'd given you. Just as you'd told me and Pavel had warned me. After that I couldn't ignore anything, the impromptu departures, the money he asked your sister for. The more time passed, the more I knew that the flame he'd given me was nothing but hot air.
Tubio remained silent, his mother had been duped and it hurt. More because she'd never trusted any man other than his true father. As she had with Doug.
-The nail came not even a day after you returned and I took care of Cyclops. I received a shard, in it was a complete list with dates and names of appointments Doug had made with not one but 3 other women. Pictures, vidéos, all of it. That's when I kicked him out. Even though since I'd refused him the money he was already more absent than present. oh… I haven't told your sister.
-Sp4de... he must have thought the case was over or Gaton gave orders in case he died.
-I don't know any Spade. But I didn't dare say anything to your sister, but after Doug saw you I think we're going to have a family discussion.
-It can't wait, I really have to take care of Sp4de... He's the one in charge of the fund where the money we took from Doug went.
-I don't care about the money mi hijo. I want our family to be stable again. And that means explaining to Sabrina what happened with that snake. Once Sabrina understands that her father is who he is, I'll tell her what happened to you.
-Will she believe you?
-With the dose of evidence she'll slap him herself. She told me he's getting more and more interested in her work. And she doesn't like it. There'd been some car thefts. Cars that the garage where she works had just been returned to the owner are stolen as soon as they're returned to the customer. Maybe I'm kidding myself, but after all this, I see the devil everywhere when it comes to him now.
-Do you want me to see her?
-No, we're going to clear the situation up first, and then we'll see about the rest. I think you need to go and see little Pavel. Poor thing, he was in tears when he came to see me. Him first, I'll take care of your sister.
-Si madre.
They both stood up, but she took him in her arms. Taking his face in her hands, she was much calmer now.
-No mother, no parent should bury their child. I've already lost your father...
-Si madre. I'm very sorry.
-Don't be. I'm old and gruff and soon I'll be picking my clients if this keeps up.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
-That means business is good.
-You little prick. Go tell your friend I'm making us a nice meal tonight. Presence mandatory for everyone. Take that over there.
Tubio lifted a table and carried it into his room. Cyclops lay still, watching Tubio enter.
-Am I being invaded?
-For a meal.
-You don't invite me in first. I thought a man like you would be more gallant, Antonio...
-Laugh as you like, I'm not ashamed of my name. It's a powerful one.
-Say... Before I put my foot in it... what happened to your real father...
Tubio was taken by surprise and it took him a second before he turned and closed the door.
-I might as well tell you...
-Your mother managed to cure me when 90% of Night City's doctors would have let me die to save themselves the trouble. And she is a tattoo artist?
-My father, Teo Rivière, was a doctor like her. They both became charcudocs after falling in love. Self-employed in their own clinics. Short story: a man had a cyberpsychosis, came in and asked for more chrome, literally. My mother told him it couldn't be done without exams, éddies, the material etc... In his madness, the guy hit her. My father arrived to save her, but he killed him. When MAX-TAC, the Night City intervention group, arrived, the guy was trying to attach augmentations to his body, with cables and bits of tissue all around his body to hold the cybernetic prosthesis like arms and legs. Anything to wear more chrome. MAX-TAC doesn't think, it kills psychos. My father died before the trauma team arrived, my mother received treatment, but she could no longer work on people's chrome. Mentally she couldn’t do it anymore. So she became a tattoo artist. She takes care of a few boo-boos here and there, but she's became more than a little anti-chrome. That's why...
-You hardly have any implants and her reaction when she heard Maelstrom... Sorry about that.
-It's nothing to be ashamed of. I'm proud of it. My father died to save me and my mother. For me, it's the most important thing that ever motivated me...And it's not your fault you were part of the Maelstrom.
-Yes... It's true… I never had the chance to ask Gaton what I meant to him. And now…
-I think he cared about you... From what little I knew of him and of you now. For him to have raised you the way I see you, he couldn't have been a bad father, with his faults of course, but for his daughter to go on a manhunt to avenge his death. I don't think many people would do that for their family. I'm sure he must have been very proud of you.
-Thanks Tubio.
Her mother returned with some dishes and the meal began. Cyclops asked what had become of Pavel's coach Kirkiv. To which Elizabeth replied.
-After Pavel came to see me, I asked around. Kirkiv survived too. He was shot in the leg before throwing himself out of a window and into an alley. Unbelievable, he went back to his uneventful life. When I asked him where Doug and Tonio were. He told me Tonio was with Pavel in the locker room. Contrary to what that cockroach told me. Ooh! Just thinking about it makes me even angrier. There were no reprisals against you after that night?
Cyclops answered after eating some soup.
-No, this kind of reckoning usually ends up with people coming and going. You kill one, we kill two. Before an agreement is reached or the two bosses and exchange insults through intermediaries after too much damage has been done to both sides. The gang had lost a lot with the robbery, so the vengeance was the assault.
-I must say, it's genius if Doug did this to reduce his debts.
-Murdering you? Mi hijo. He had to know the gangsters would be watching the videos.
-Sad to say, but once they found out about Tubio's relationship with him... Tubio dead,then they wouldn't have pursued Doug. Gaton had other priorities than 24-hour manhunts. He would have given up if he hadn't had a clue. The fact that, as luck would have it, the one night Doug came to the club where there was a match with Tubio's friend, they were called in on him but he'd already left. That they have no information other than what you've told me, a vague description and the enforcers reply. Fat chance.I'm curious about the holo that prompted Gaton to show up. I'm 100% sure he's either the luckiest man alive or he's given fate a little helping hand.
-Can we change the subject instead of talking about murder? I'd like to know what you're doing right now.
-I work for a Northside fixer called Ferak. Nothing very dangerous, convoy, transport, deliveries, pays me well I have nothing to complain about.
-I'd understood that you'd made the impression that we'd gone through him.
-Yeah, he wasn't fooled by my face either. Jet was the most surprised, but with a sense of humor he said to me:"My man, you had such a pair of balls that even if you'd taken off your mask that night, I wouldn't have done shit.”
-What happened?
-Your son went into a cutthroat den alone with a friend and came out as if he owned the place.
-Always more dangerous...
-Madre, most of the time I worked in a club or with cars. I stayed in my corner and was paid to supply the cars on time. I had a guy above me and everything else was fine, I just had to keep my cool.
Tubio did his best to minimize his involvement in the gang's activities, bringing a smile to the injured woman's face. Tubio was quite embarrassed. But his mother's words shocked him even more.
-And you, Ruby, what was your job in this hurricane?
Ruby? Tubio looked at Cyclops, realizing it was the first time he'd had a name for her. Come to think of it, she couldn't have been called Cyclops. His gaze caught her attention.
-What? You never asked me and this way we had kept it professional. Now we're closer. I was a netrunner. I took care of tech problems most of the time. I updated the surveillance cameras and put the club parties online. I tried sensory dancing too, but I wasn't any good.
Winking at Tubio, he blushed, while his mother, with an air of understanding, didn't pursue the subject, as they'd discussed: you don't graft mantis blades on yourself to avoid using them.
At the end of the meal, the conversation turned to worldly topics. Gossip about the latest local projects. For the most part, Ruby remained silent as Tubio reacquainted himself with the life he'd known so long ago, yet so close by. His mother got up to clear the table and Tubio found himself alone with Ruby.
-Ruby, right?
-It doesn't look like it, but I've got beautiful red hair. I usually wear it even redder, but as you can see, I'm only starting to grow it back.
Her mother had to shave her head for the operation on her head. The fine hair was smooth and reddish. Tubio took the table and carried it outside.
-By the way, it's Ruby Carancro.
-Antonio Moreau. But I have a feeling I'll be taking my father's name again. Rivière.
-Antonio Tubio Rivière. Sounds good.
-Rest easy Ruby.
-Can you, like, put a radio or something electronic out in the hall?
-Why would I do that?
-I'm dying of boredom here. TV is death to my brain, please let me connect to the level's camera network. The walls block all signals.
-I'll drop this off and see what I can find. Don't expect a miracle. We don't have any high-tech stuff here.
-Thanks for your time.
He returned to the living room, where he set down the table. Before going to help his mother with the dishes.
-You know, I used to call her Cyclops, too, when I first heard you say it. So... what's your relationship with her?
-Madre...
-Oh, I can think of my grandchildren, can't I? I'm not getting any younger.
-There was nothing between us. I worked for her. She was above me and never took off her mask. Frankly, she was a complete stranger.
-And yet you risked your life to help her.
-I acted on instinct... nothing more.
-You know, a relationship has to start somewhere.
-Madre...
-Yes, I'll leave you alone. She'll be up soon. I have the pieces she ordered. That's a lot of money, more than you'll be able to pay her back.
-What are you getting at, Madre?
-Just don't hesitate to work with her when she's back on her feet. Don't do what you did with Talia.
-Madre!
Giving up, Tubio went to get some electronic equipment, but there was nothing special at his mother's house to hack into a surveillance camera. Ruby wasn't depressed, however.
-Sorry, the only camera we have is the one on the door and in the tattoo parlor. The rest is old school. And I'm not going to rip the camera off the wall.
-No big deal. She said my legs will be here soon so you shouldn't worry.
-Yes, I'll go and see Pavel.
-The guy you ran off with?
-Yeah, we're from the same generation. My family helped Pavel's father, who's a bit of a middle influence in H2. Rich enough to be on top here, but not rich enough to pass as real rich anywhere else. The proof is in H2.
-I see, you'll have to introduce me to Pavel then.
-A good guy. Not your type.
-Since when do you know my type?
She smiled at him and Tubio felt himself blush. He'd had relationships with girls before, but this one caught him off guard. He left wondering whether it was because he liked her or because he couldn't reconcile the fact that she was so open compared to her Cyclops persona.
----------------------------------------
******
Tubio left the apartment and headed for the nearest staircase. The floors in the megabuilding were all linked by numerous staircases and elevators. In case of problems. Tubio thought about how he was going to play this. He did pass for dead, though. Pavel would forgive him, but his father on the other hand.... Tubio may have downplayed Pavel's father's impact with Ruby. Pavel's father, Alexei Lianovak, had succeeded in establishing himself and remaining independent. Conquering the entire 34th and part of the 33rd floor before making more purchases on the 35th. His true territory is completely unknown.
Tubio climbed the nearest staircase and already the Lianovak family mark could be seen here. A large neon glass stem had been hung at the top of the wall in front of staircase. A green glass in a circle.
image [https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1178789115622326365/1210605557723955220/Lianovak_symbol.jpg?ex=66101548&is=65fda048&hm=400820ee331479bcab9c94f5f27513f7431075fdb9ee916cdecdded7330e715b&=&format=webp&width=597&height=597]
Four men of the family wearing leather jackets with a logo of the same style drank on an improvised terrace. One of them looked him up and down as he continued his conversation. At this level, there's no waste, no trace of decay on the 34th floor, otherwise you're in trouble. Alexei had figured out how to get people on his side. He at the top, the others following. He takes care of the competition and the opposition by being ruthless and providing benefits for his followers. Tubio knew he'd had a big impact on Pavel, and his father didn't look too kindly on their relationship. His return might not be good news for him. Maybe he should pay him his respects first. A fragile ego has killed more than one man. Even if Alexei didn't like him, he'd always supported his mother. She and Pavel's mother had been very close before her death.
Making a decision, he headed for the economic center of the floor. Better to go through the father first to avoid trouble. At least if he had something to tell me, if Doug asked him for money, Tubio thought he could handle it. I mean, after all... Unlike Spike. He doesn't kill without reason.
Passing through the little tunnels that were the upstairs corridors. Dwellings had often been destroyed or converted into duplexes and, in some towers, a labyrinth of overcrowded slums. The Lianovaks had cleaned the house. Stepping out into the light, he arrived in an interior courtyard where the level was two storeys higher, and a light hanging from the ceiling acted as a hole through which the sun's rays could pass. On the balconies could be seen terraces with shops and other signs such as drinks vendors, a children's school, a convenience store and a household appliance repair station. In the middle of it all was a fountain set up in the center of the square made of green neon and concrete, its diamond-shaped design reminiscent of the diamonds on a playing card. In the center of the fountain stood a pillar bisected by a diagonal flow of water. And here, too, the green signified Lianovak's presence.
Tubio could look left or right, but every business on this level had at least one family connection. A cousin, a brother-in-law, an aunt... The family head's two main businesses were a discotheque where thrill-seekers had access to all kinds of sensory dances. From soft, to hard, to extreme. A trance in the body of a vet during a war. Another in a sex dungeon. Or one on demand, where you kill your boss through his killer's eyes? Some could be modified from real memories, others invented from scratch. A lucrative business for those with the time and resources to store it all. The other business was a simple café terrace on this square. "The Cosy Leaf ". Run by Alexei Lianovak. Passing table after table, he reached the café's glass door. One table at the entrance had an old man in a smart suit with grey hair reading a tablet. A large burn mark ran across his face from eye to back of skull, almost obliterating the fact that he had no hair on that side... and no left ear. He looked up at Tubio, who greeted him.
-Hello, Vernon.
-Holy Mary, of all the messengers I've had to deal with you've sent me the most annoying.
-I'm real.
-I can see that, the heavens must be laughing at me.
-I'm not a spirit.
-Just kidding, I'm not senile yet. With my age I have to find things to amuse me. But frankly, I thought you were coming for me.
-Not today, Vernon. I'm alive and well just like you.
-Come sit with me.
-Sorry, Vernon, but I've come to pay my respects. After coming back from the dead I think greetings are in order for Mr.Lianovak.
-Oh, I see. Very good initiative.
His eyes twinkled before he spoke to Tubio. The old man grabbed Tubio's arm after beckoning him in. His arm, a combat prosthesis, squeezed him like a warning.
-What you've just done is very important Tubio, I'm proud of you. Always show respect when you have to...
-I will Vernon.
Tubio and Vernon looked into each other's eyes. Tubio was clearly unimpressed and Vernon slightly surprised. He'd expected tension or surprise. But he could feel Tubio reaching for his gun. Instead of being intimidated, Tubio had a cold determination in his eyes. Vernon knew that look.
-He's in the VIP room.
Tubio walked in, Vernon looking at him.
-They grow up too fast...
The Cozy Leaf Café was one of the first places in Night City where Tubio had had an idea of what nature was all about. The main room was a rectangle with a counter on one side where two waiters and a bartender served customers. The tables were placed in a thoughtful and considered manner. The tiled floor was reminiscent of an old café, with square and round tables, sofas in the corners and along the windows giving a restaurant atmosphere, the walls were divided into two waist-high sections, giving the impression of woodwork witch was only an imitation, and the upper section where an artist had created a beautiful forest. All around the room, you'd have thought you were in a tree, with drawings of branches going even on the ceiling in the style chosen. Tubio liked it here. An island of nature in the forest that is Night City.
Tubio continued, ignoring the waiters and bartenders who stared at him. Some of the customers were obviously Lianovak's men and many of them knew Tubio. So to see him still alive was off-putting for some, while others were curious - not everyone was Vernon and believed in spirits. But already he was at the back of the room, a room separated from the rest by a flight of steps leading up to a second part of the café, where 2 large tinted windows on both side, the entrance door in the middle. Another bouncer at the entrance. This one smiled when he saw Tubio. He was about to say something when Vernon from the front whistled. Making him understand to shut up, he did so, opening the door to the VIP area. Passing without flinching, still at the same pace, Tubio climbed the stairs while the door cut off all outside noise. A soft music playing in the room which was another rectangle, a new door in front of him ledding to the internal premises of the café, the room had only two round tables with sofas, on each side the two windows overlooking the main room of the café.
In one of the sofas facing the window is the man Tubio is looking for. smoking a cigarette Alexei Lianovak watched him intensely looking for a fault or a detail while Tubio remained standing. Alexei was a mature man with a brown beard, he sported a golden suit with a black and green shirt. Strangely he dyed his black hair partly green, no one knew why.
image [https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1178789115622326365/1210605554892931092/Alexei_Lianovak.jpg?ex=66101548&is=65fda048&hm=b926dd8804fce22e8f37d1c5ca77f1c5497e31e1fa3ded096c202730b897f329&=&format=webp&width=597&height=597]
-Antonio, I think you need an explanation. Sit down.
It was not a question. Accepting the invitation Tubio sat across from him. Alexei stubbed out his cigarette.
-Several months ago I was at your funeral. No urn or remains. My sons and daughters mourning your death. And here you are in front of me. Would you be able to explain to me?
-Very simple sir. Someone wanted me dead. Circumstances made my death my only solution.
Alexei was unfazed, staring Tubio in the eyes. Tubio had always been afraid of confrontation. Alexei knew it, but Tubio no longer had any hesitation in front of him. He smirked, before calling.
- Irina! Can you bring us some tea?
A voice came from the back door that was supposedly locked.
- Yes sir right away.
He turned to Tubio.
-I suppose it will take a little time to get the details?
-The case isn't over, but I'm willing to answer the questions I can.