When Tubio returned in his father's car, he was greeted warmly by his mother. But his sister, the fact that her beloved father was a con man with a double or even triple family didn't help her accept the truth, and no matter how much proof there was, she ended up blaming Tubio, saying he was too happy to have been right at last. To which Tubio let go, having no intention of lashing out at her, he gave her space, which he could understand. In the meantime, Ruby was waiting for her legs to be delivered and for a slot in an operating room. She was very near a complete recovery for her body and to finish her convalescence time. Meanwhile, she listened to Tubio recount his adventures, even if she wasn't around to see them.
*****
“To all units from the NCPD in the area. A contract has just been issued for Hugo Versa, the man responsible for an armed robbery at a charcudoc on the seafront of Mission Street. The mission is to find him,dead or alive, a bonus will be given if the equipment is found intact.”
Tubio had gone through blood and water to find his con, looking at every available camera and even giving a little money here and there, and his quest took him from Arroyo's waterfront to its industrial zone on the other side. The fact that 6th Street had thrown him out for bad behavior spoke volumes about his problems. With an open contract, Tubio was expecting a bit of competition, but no, nothing at all. I guess a guy who's almost homeless doesn't interest many people. But one thing had caught his attention. He'd stolen some equipment for operations on people wearing chrome, but he himself didn't own any. A 6th Street finally gave him up after a good chat and a bit of eddies. Local Patriot. On El Camino Real, opposite the Arasaka complex at the corner of Olivia Street. The man explained that Versa thought Arasaka would one day attack the city, that he was seeing signs and needed to be prepared. One day he'd gone too far and they'd kicked him out.
Not wanting to wait any longer, Tubio took Boréale and set off in search of Versa, passing by the scene of the crime one last time Tubio, left from Kennmore Dinner and had only to make a long straight line straight into the industrial streets of Arroyo, passing underneath the huge DTR building "Decker Tanaka and Rogers", Tubio ignored the grandeur to concentrate on the road and sidewalks, if his man was in the area it wasn't the scenery he'd be helping him with. He passed other industrialists like Cytec, whose building was ridiculous compared to the owner of Sofisys and Fuyutsuki Electronics. Unlike Rancho Coronado, this part of the 6th's territory did things in a big way, as evidenced by the tags. Gigantic 666th street tags painted in the color of 6th's freedom. Including several large Local Patriot tags. Tubio pulled into the parking lot at the corner of Olivia and El Camino Real. Tubio counted abandoned stores or those undergoing "renovation", a warehouse, a construction company on the other side of the road, a gigantic electrical antenna, the two bridges over El Camino with six lanes and, opposite, the smooth, clean black Arasaka building, Tubio could only see the comparison between one side and the other. He landed on the concrete blocks along the sidewalk, reflecting to his left on the pillars holding up the bridges, the tags of the 6th blazed with color “Local Patriot”. He decided to wait.
While Tubio waited a voice echoed in his head, a holo.
-Are you seriously going to wait for him to show up?
-You got a better idea? Ruby?
-Cyclops when we work. And yes, I have an idea.
-Shoot.
-Your guy from 6th Street gave you up on his old buddy too easily, it looks shady to me. There must be a rally point nearby. Look around if you don't find any signs.
-I guess you're not with me. Symbols of the gang are everywhere, I believe that they have something compensated for.
-They're just like everyone.
-I didn't expect that kind of judgment from you.
-Everyone judges everything and everyone all the time Tubio, you should take it as info, especially during work. Whether it's you or me. Now take a walk, we should eventually find something.
Leaving the car parked. Tubio got up before passing behind an abandoned building to look at the base of the antenna. A door with the Local Patriot logo underneath it could very well be the safe house he was looking for. But he wasn't going to break down all the suspicious doors.
-Why did you take this case? You could have done something else.
-For several reasons. From one I have no contacts except the Lianovaks and Ferak. And even if they have often helped me, to implant myself in Santo Domingo it will not be bad to have a new contact. The fixer who created this contract is known and safe. At least more than others. And then I'll have a charcudoc who'll owe me on the condition that you're willing to have him operate on you.
-Your mother has already done far too much for me, asking for more will be insulting to her. Ask her first anyway.
-Na…But I'll ask her.
-So what's your plan after being on your legs?
-Go home first, then become a free edgeruneur, I thought I'd work for the corpo if I had to.
-It'll be a waste of your talent…
-Mm? Do you have any ideas?
-Well… As you can see, I could really use a partner… So if you're interested.
-Yes, of course. Honestly, you took your time to ask, you know.
-...?
-What? You think I hadn't thought about it? Of course you're a rookie and my reputation will suffer, but with you I'm sure I have confidence to work in a good company.
-Unbelievable…
-Ahh lala, I'm gonna miss hearing you call me Boss anymore, but I'm willing to sacrifice myself.
Continuing on the road along the construction site Tubio could see in the distance of the movement in the sheds, clearly the places were inhabited but once again... But again, it was Night City as a whole that was inhabited. The parade of cars to his left brought nothing as he moved further and further away from his search area. When he finally reached the end of his patience he admitted his defeat.
-You have two options: either you go back to your choom for more info that he will make you spit eddies for or you drop it for today.
-Yeah, I’ll go home. There’s no point in waiting like an idiot.
Tubio took his car back as a new holo tried to reach him. Pavel.
-Tubio.
-Pavel, can I help you?
-Yeah, well, not me, Lev had a problem with his DJ and needed a replacement tonight.
-Mm...?
Tubio left the holo hanging Pavel had always been an open book for him.
-...Okay... Lev and Ivan want to see you again and my sisters want to see you too. They want to have a party for your come back. But I didn’t say that.
-What time?
-Tonight at the club.
-I be there. See you later.
Pavel hung up and Cyclops, who had been silent until now, allowed herself to make a mocking remark.
-Well, you don’t invite friends?
Tubio ignored her, and went his own way before returning home to make himself presentable for the evening. How long had he gone without seeing his friends? How many times had he had to ignore the sisters' calls to ensure his survival remained a mystery or was it for that? It was going to be one hell of an awkwardness, especially since he still had the messages but never dared open them. Frankly, what would it be like if he discovered secrets that had been confessed to him because he was considered dead?
******
Tubio went into his hotel room, a shithole with a shower, a bed and a wardrobe, the law of luxury, he wondered what to wear, then with a sigh he took a leather jacket with a t-shirt underneath, he hesitated, then he took his Unity pistol from under his jacket. You never know, fresh pants and shoes and he was ready. Before, he'd have spent hours debating what to wear. But after all this time, all his moments. He realized on his bed that he didn't want to go there, he didn’t give a damn what Lev, Ivan, Solena and especially Talia thought. The group he'd grown up with, to which he thought he belonged, he'd come to understand that they'd never been anything more than friends, except for Pavel.Taking a bag with him containing his drugs, playlists and mask, Tubio set off for H2. Heading for the 34th floor.
Going to the upper levels in the elevator. Tubio thought back to the last time he'd been in a club. Then he immediately thought of the Steel Arms club, which was the most rotten club imaginable - the sound was always saturated, the lights rarely fixed. The entire customer base seeing in the dark. He didn't even want to think about the bathroom. Arriving at his floor, he went out to the clean Lianovak floor. Opposite him was a quiet store with bulletproof glass. Always the neon glass logo. Through the glass, he could see old regulars chatting at a table and playing cards watching him. Ignoring each other, Tubio continued on his way. Opposite his father's café was the nightclub now run by his eldest son Lev. Like Pavel and Ivan, Tubio had worked with him. Where Pavel was a great dreamer, Lev was the realist, and Ivan was the naive, or rather, the passionate. Passing through the quiet corridors, he began to see the lights at the entrance. Once again, around a corner, Tubio rediscovered the Green Cocktail club. At the door, he even saw a face that was not unfamiliar to him. Sirio. The tall, skinny one with the snake tattoo, Tubio smiled when he saw him. Sirio noticed and smiled back. Acting as a bouncer with another guy, he went to shake Tubio's hand in high spirits.
-Tubio, how are you? I heard you kicked out your father-in-law, good thing done.
-Yeah, I must say I'm not unhappy with myself.
Sirio laughed out loud before inviting him in. Introducing him to his bouncer buddy, he guided him inside, telling him that the bosses were in the VIP room.
-Na, I've been told we need a DJ, that's why I'm here.
Tubio's no snitch, and he'll play the game to the end, even if he has to DJ all night.
-Go through the side door over there, just be careful, we've got some Crimson Spear in the club, they're pretty hot.
-I know them.
The Crimson Spear, a gang of about ten people. Their leader is a former member of Maelstrom and recruits guys like him looking to disassociate themselves. But apart from a few problems, the Crimson Spear have never created any real ones.
-That's fine. Thanks, Sirio.
As he recalled after two sets of doors, the sound permeated his entire being. Tubio took advantage of the sound, looking down as the few steps brought him to the dance floor. Walking along the wall towards the nearest bar, he beckoned to the barmaid. Explaining the situation, she opened the magnetic backstage door. Thanking her, he climbed the stairs with a light step. He had barely opened the door to the DJ room. DJ Lucas turned around, shocked to see Tubio.
-Oh my! It was true. Asshole, couldn't you have said something? What are you doing here?
-Pavel told me you needed another DJ.
-Yeah, and my ass is chicken.
-Na, I think he wanted to throw me a surprise party. But I wanted to see if I could afford the party myself.
Lucas laughed, the brown-eyed with black hair was a lightweight, always pulling the same stunt as Tubio for DJ jobs all over H2 and beyond. For example, wearing a suit to look more serious. They'd even considered working together before he met Gaton. Today Tubio could see in Lucas all the flaws he had. Shy, introverted, inexperienced. Tubio had shaken a room full of dangerous lunatics. With only the light of their optics and the sound of their voices to guide him. He was convinced that, unlike Lucas, he could hold his own with this audience, far from saying that Lucas was bad, of course. But Tubio had evolved and was different. With his experience, he knew he could make this a memorable event.
Lucas made way for him, and Tubio began to find his feet again. Touching things he'd never touched before in this room. Light, timing, the crowd, so many things he'd never considered. Not having a clue, not knowing, not wanting to know. Below him, people continued to embrace Lucas' latest sound. Putting on a voice modifier. Tubio took the microphone. Lowering the lights so that only the audience was illuminated, the improvised tenèbre drew cries of surprise as silence and darkness gave way.
-Good evening, H2, I'd like to interrupt your program.
Imitating blows on a door, he banged on the table.
-As you can hear, I want control.
The lights flickered as the first guitar riff resounded through the club. Bringing the excitement back to the room. The music began and Tubio took off.
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Until I should die, until I should break
Not a god, not a devil my soul shall take
If I should lie to betray myself
Then I would damn myself, and my soul forsake
The repetition of the chord was hypnotic as Tubio sang the lyrics, but already the first chord was over as the music raced, stirring the crowd as Tubio continued his momentum.
I don't want fifteen minutes, want a whole lot more
Don't want to suffer the fools and the spoils of war
I don't want fifteen minutes, or a reason why
I want a stainless steel road stretching off to the sky
the reverb emphasizing the word sky, Lucas saw Tubio swaying his head back and forth completely absorbed by his piece, after 5 seconds of reverb where the sky disappeared in the air he resumed.
I don't need sentiment, want, or hate on my mind
No crimes of passion or obsessions in kind
No walls, restraints, or momentary thrill
No blood on my hands, no time to kill
I want more body, I want more soul
Flick the switch to automatic, I want control
Repeated his words as adding resonance to them.
I want control
I want control
I want control
The steady beat caused the people in the room to sway and dance as Tubio attacked his next verses.
If I should give in, if I should turn away
Not a god, not a devil my soul could save
I want more body, I want more soul
Flick the switch to automatic, I want control
Continuing the beat he kept repeating his desire for control leaving it floating in the air when suddenly the beat stopped and the synth started a new beat carried by the drums. The synth now alone twirled giving the scene a kind of alienating atmosphere before the basic beat came back carrying with it the, I want control.
For the next few minutes Tubio monitored every sound that emanated from his equipment as if he had done so his entire life. Going back to the catch phrase, he changed the rhythm each time, playing with the audience's anticipation. When finally after almost 6 minutes his first track was finished.
******
Lucas watched Tubio as he started a new song, then another and another, some where he didn't sing, some where he just mixed, some where he changed his voice to sing. He brought him a drink and enjoyed the evening with him, watching him work. He heard someone coming up the stairs, Ivan, one of the club's boss. He stepped out to block his path.
-Lucas...
-Sorry Ivan, he asked not to be disturbed.
-Shit, we just wanted him to spend the evening with us, not DJ all night and then leave without saying a word.
-You should have been clearer. Besides, did you hear that sound?
******
Tubio didn't want to talk to them. He wanted to let off steam, scream his lungs out into a mic, feel the bass vibrate, the percussion resonate, the music sing. He didn't want to be next to Pavel and his family. In the midst of Lev, who'd turned his back on him after his argument with his sister. Ivan, who never had a clue what was going on. Solena is always sulking or finding something to say. And Talia, especially Talia, he had nothing to say to...
Tonight. DJ Tubio takes over, I'm going to make the air vibrate, the walls shake and the earth rumble. He was so lost in thought that he almost didn't see the holo. He picked up the phone.
-Hey, play his song.
Tubio's eyes widened as he looked around the dance floor, hoping to see Ruby. He smiled when he didn't see her, thinking she'd called him just as a joke. Before he saw her. Overlooking the room, he saw her just below him in the middle of the dance floor. Looking him straight in the eye.
-Yes boss.
As the last song came to an end, Tubio once again modified his voice in the microphone. He then launched into a new song, a well-known Night City tune often played on the radio. He turned all the light red before starting the song. RESIST AND DISORDER by Rezodrone. The beat began... heavy, slow and steady. The riffs began to accompany the song, followed by the lyrics.
I am the man who holds the keys
I sow the seeds, and I've got what you need
I live in fire, I am discord
I destroy, I am a demon
Tubio lyrics were powerful in almost a whispering hoarse voice, complementing the rhythm, which moved at the same slow speed. Suddenly, a new riff cut through the song, taking it from there in an exclamation.
Weight of the world, the price of a fighter!
Where I decide when you'll make your stand!
Rise, up! Resist and disorder
Rise, up! Resist and disorder
Some of the dancers sang along to the song, some even raising their fists with Tubio, who towered over them, some were bewildered and just following the rhythm, while others got even more involved.
Nowhere to run, it's all undone
Everything burns, everything burns
I'll watch you fall down, I'll drag you face down
Everything burns, everything burns
Changing his voice between verses, he replaced it with a harmonious one, creating the idea of two people conversing in the song. Electricity in the air was at its peak Tubio took up the lyrics in his hoarse modified voice, turning the lights towards him, he absorbed all the attention on him as he sang for the audience.
Behind the veil, is the machine
It steals your soul, devouring all your dreams
My hand is firm, upon the wheel
I control, I am the demon
Below him in the dark he could see the dim lights from the dancefloor, but in all of this only one thing came to his mind. Above all, the optics, he remembered at the Steel Arms, all those red lights on him during the parties, how intense they were... He didn't think he'd ever see them again, but there they were, a dozen or so. Looking at him red and murderous. And he felt the rage rise inside him.
Hate for the world the birth of a soldier
When I decide if you live or die
Rise, up! Resist and disorder
Rise, up! Resist and disorder
He thought back to his time in the Maelstrom. Anger welled up inside him, at the world, at Night City, at the death of his friends, of Gaton, of Spike, of Boris, of the pain his mother had had to bear. His helplessness. His inaction. He raged against Doug, against his father's death, against himself for everything he could have done and didn't do.
Nowhere to run, it's all undone
Everything burns, everything burns
I'll watch you fall down, I'll drag you face down
Everything burns, everything burns
He repeated the refrain twice, each time gaining new momentum. Each time shouting his lines in a liberating chant. Leaving the lights free again on the dance floor, he let everything in him explode for the final, creating a double of his voice in the lyrics, as if two people were singing at the same time, adding a melodious chorus to his modified voice. He finished the song with a wild crowd and out of breath as he turned to see Lucas and Ivan mouth wide open. Turning to Ivan he nodded his head.
-So… what’s up?
image [https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1178789115622326365/1210602648605294622/Tubio_and_Lucas.jpg?ex=66101293&is=65fd9d93&hm=2dbcd94dc0d2998d449100d12640ecb24ae2932ec3cfe1454093d2e2c968ecd1&=&format=webp&width=365&height=597]
******
Yesterday
Ruby and Elizabeth rarely saw Tubio, who would drop in once in a while before leaving again. He would have realized that the two accomplices had prepared a surprise for him.
-Are you sure he won't mind?
-This unworthy son should visit his mother more often, instead of roaming the streets. A little heart attack should set him straight. Come on, get up.
Elizabeth guided Ruby out of bed, new legs in place, it only took a moment and despite a slight sway she managed to stand.
-Perfect, now walk along the wall.
Ruby placed her hand against the wall and began to walk, one foot at a time, finally free of Elizabeth's prescription; they hadn't waited long to install a replacement for her legs. Far from what Ruby was used to, she had to be patient, as there was no operating room for her high-tech legs. Holding her other hand, Elizabeth was ready for the slightest sign of weakness. Ruby was very happy, for the first time in months she was able to walk.
-Ok, that's it for me, remember, I want you to walk every day a little, don't hesitate to get out of the room, call me if there's any problem, your legs are far from being the last ones out, but they're adapted to be carried by you. I've seen the ones you've described and I'm categorical: I need an operating room, I need you to be anesthetized and I need precise equipment, and once it's reinstalled, maintenance can be done almost anywhere. But not the installation.
-Yes I know, once again I can only thank you.
-It's nothing at all, my darling, now you can go and shower by yourself. So you see I'm not doing this out of the kindness of my heart.
-Tubio really didn't fall far from the tree.
-You've never seen his father, he's the spitting image. But back to you, no madness, okay?
******
When she heard Tubio was having a party, she had to come, smiling to herself as she wondered what she was going to do, what she was going to wear or even where the party was going to take place, she reviewed what she knew and could do. After a bit of conversation, Elizabeth agreed to let her out, but she had to wear stylish clothes - she was going to the club, after all. Taking a little of her own money, she went out with Elizabeth. Going to a clothes store because the clothes she was wearing were Sabrina's, and although Elizabeth had lent them to her, they weren't her clothes.
Knowing where to have the party was a piece of cake, but the biggest problem has been convincing Elizabeth to have the evening to herself.
In the store she opted for cool clothes, not knowing the degree of cybernetic acceptance. She'd rather take a jacket with a fur collar, underneath a blue and red crop top, denim mini shorts with a red belt and stockings of the same fabric, red gloves to cover her hands and voilà. arms and legs hidden, when it came to her hair. There were no 36 solutions: either go bald, or wear a bandana or beanie. Ruby chose the blue beanie, even if she wasn't a fan of the pompom on it. Better that than her shorn sheep's head.
-Wow, well, you've clearly got more style than him.
Ruby looked at Elizabeth, unsure of what to say.
-Tonio, if you could give him a little time I'm sure you'd do wonders with him.
Ruby smiled before inhaling.
-Thanks, but I like him just the way he is.
-Uh-huh.
-That's not what I meant.
-You're young, you've got to make the most of your opportunities.
As much as Ruby enjoyed teasing Tubio in this way, she now understood a little of what he must be feeling. Elizabeth stayed with her for tea in the living room, where at last she could take a seat. And as the evening finally drew to a close, she thanked Elizabeth, who gave her a hug.
-If you have any problems, call me. Okay?
-Okay.
If this was what it meant to have a mother, Ruby wished she'd had one sooner. Going out for the second time in months and the first time on her own, she suddenly felt empty on what to do after tonight. Where to go, what to do, immersed in her thoughts she headed for the nearest staircase. Night and day didn't exist in a tower, apart from rare systems slightly dimming the light. Ruby wandered through the crowd of people. With her armor and mask gone, she missed a great deal of information. Wherever she could she would have connected to the network, but now she was watching with her eyes. Analyzing the people she passed, she arrived at the upper level. Announcing her arrival in a new territory, a neon sign was in front of her, she was surprised by the cleanliness of the place. Asking no questions, she ignored the guards evidently standing watch as she made her way to the club. And after a short walk she arrived at the entrance where two tattooed guys greeted her.
-Hi guys, are we full?
-Good evening, nah there's always room for someone like you and the atmosphere's great tonight.
She transferred the eddies and the bouncers let her pass, smiling.
-Have a nice time.
Smiling to herself, she reached a hall to put some things in the checkroom. Hesitantly, she decided to keep her jacket and hat on. After pointing out the few places where she could hide a weapon without having one, the guy let her in. Reaching the top, she descended a few steps to feel the rumble of the room. The music vibrated and people danced in the center of the room. Ruby went to the bar as she looked around. She ordered a drink and looked around. The room was a large oval with the dance floor in the center and various tables around it, a corridor where people could move around and waiters could serve the tables. There was a floor above with a railing and more tables, many doors too for more privacy. Upstairs, a window overlooked the floor, and she could see a young man clearly in charge of the lights and music. Ruby looked around, searching for other augmented. She saw a few, even if the augments in question were all minor, except for one table, which looked like a table at the Maelstrom: a big, beefy guy with a girl as full of chrome as him on his lap, covering him in kisses while 4 or 5 others drank and joked in their glasses.
While she was drinking in front of the bar she heard a familiar voice beside her turning she saw Tubio being opened a door to go backstage. Cursing herself for having missed her chance, she fell back on her stool. Not even 2 minutes later. The light and the music stopped. Then came one of the most successful entrances she had ever seen. Capturing the attention of the entire room.
She felt herself move to the beat, watching Tubio singing with all his might in the room above, she got up and walked to the middle of the floor. Blending in with the crowd the first song ended that she couldn't get enough. Without any restraint she let herself be carried away, she stopped only after the fourth or she went to drink again. Tubio did not stop chaining the hits, making fluid and impactful transitions. She had never set foot in the Steel Arms when Tubio was DG for the Maelstrom. Now she regrets it a little.
A lot of people were dancing now, even the Maelstrom guys had turned to the floor as the music played.
Quickly finishing her glass Ruby went back to dancing. Forgetting her problems as the evening progressed. She remembers all her memories of the gang. She drank several times. Increasing more and more her reminiscences. She ended up stopping in the middle of the crowd. looking to see if the others were there. Spike, Ulysses, Waver, Foxir, Boris... Her dad... She looked up. Looking at Tubio. Smiling, she called him by holo. Taking her cyclops voice she gave him the order. To put his songs.
Gaton loved this song. Resist and Disorder.
It was the song of the Maelstrom as he called it. A call to action for people to fight back against oppressive systems and fight for freedom. The lyrics portray the speaker as the person in power, controlling the situation and manipulating things to their advantage. The speaker encourages listeners to rise up and resist, refusing to accept the current state of affairs. The song also speaks to the destruction of dreams and the harrowing reality that things are burning and there is nowhere to run. The message of the song is clear: to have a chance at a better future, one must grit their teeth and fight back against oppressive systems.
She spent the song singing with Tubio screaming at this system. Around her, members of this chrome group sang with her, some raising their fists towards Tubio who showed the example above them. Surprising other dancers. Tubio finished the song sweating, catching his breath before giving way to another person. Ruby left the dance floor to return to lean on the bar.
Smiling and satisfied, She also had to catch her breath with the beanie and the jacket, she was freaking hot. Then when she was going to order, a guy approached her from the side.
-Good evening beauty.
image [https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1178789115622326365/1210602050807926824/dream_TradingCard_26.jpg?ex=66101204&is=65fd9d04&hm=ab5c05bc6fac7d387518b5e1fa754d8674cbad164a3c095635b5a79d11d03646&=&format=webp&width=365&height=597]