It’s late at night, John is still waiting on Jamar to come back as Santiago sits beside him as they sit together in silence. Santiago looks over at John from his phone as he seems relaxed while John stares off into the space in front of him.

“Don’t worry, he’ll be back.” Santiago says.

John looks over at him.

“You make it sound like he’s done this before.”

“Only when he gets really upset about something.” A voice adds on.

John looks over to see the same female soldier from before carrying a tray of cups of coffee. Santiago stands up to grab one as she looks over at John.

“I don’t believe we’ve met before, John says.”

“I’m Anya, I was a SEAL’s operative, specializing in local support. Heard a lot from you from Jamar, nice to meet the legendary, John Fray.”

John laughs to himself.

“Legend? More like a dead man walking.”

“So what’d you say to piss him off?” Santiago asks impatiently.

Anya looks over at him with a look as he shrugs it off, staring back at his phone.

“Did you reject his offer?” Anya asks.

“You guys wouldn’t want me anyways.”

“You can say that again. I heard about all the war crimes you guys committed” Santiago adds.

Anya kicks him.

“Knock it off.”

“The Butcher of Al-Kharj.” Santiago mutters.

“They weren’t considered war crimes back then.” John replies.

“For fucks sake, you listening to this guy.”

“Santiago, shut it. Everyone was doing it back then.”

“That doesn’t make it any better.”

“Jamar did it too.”

Santiago doesn’t reply.

“So what, you think you can walk in here and take the position of vice-leader?”

“Even if I joined, which I don’t want to. I don’t want to lead anymore.”

“Good, cause I would never recognize someone like you anyways.”

Anya sighs.

“You really are as dumb as bricks, Santiago.”

“Ah, fuck this. I don’t have to listen to this shit.” He replies, getting up and leaving.

Anya facepalms to herself as John looks around the room confused.

“What the fuck just happened?” John asks.

“It’s complicated.” She replies.

“You can stay here until Jamar gets back, he’ll figure out what to do with you then.”

“Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it. Let me grab you a blanket.” Anya says as she begins to walk away.

----------------------------------------

BANG! BANG! BANG!

John gets up from the couch as he throws his blanket off, looking around. It’s dark outside, John checks his phone, it’s a quarter past midnight as he uses the light to look around the room.

He can hear faint groans coming from outside.

“Anya… Santiago…. Franky… Louis… Mia…”

“Someone- Let me in…”

The noise of loud banging repeats itself.

Heading downstairs, we’re greeted by two men who walk down in their pajamas. They turn on the lights as they look over at John who’s trying to peek out the window.

“Coming!” One of them shouts as John looks back at them.

They give him a glance as they head towards the door.

Quickly moving to unlock several bolts and latches, they open the door.

Stumbling inside, Jamar walks around drunkenly.

He looks over at them, then at John.

“John. John. You’re still here, that’s good.” He says slurring his words.

“Ugh, you smell like shit, Jamar. Let’s get you upstairs so you can shower and get some rest.” One of the men carrying him says.

“Wait. Wait. I want to talk with John. It’s important.”

They sigh as they look over at him.

“He’s not going away anytime soon.” They say to Jamar.

“No, you don’t understand.” Jamar says.

He tries to push them away as they reluctantly look over at John, shaking their heads.

“I need to talk to him.” He continues.

“It’s okay, Jamar. I’ll be here tomorrow too.”

Jamar breaks free as he stumbles forward, John looks at the others who are now on the ground, making his way forward to stop him from falling down.

“Hey John.”

“Yeah, Jamar?”

“Ever been to Night City?”

“Isn’t it dangerous?”

Jamar waves at him.

“Pshh, maybe if you’re homeless, you just need to act like you belong. Like me.”

He points to himself as John looks in doubt.

“Fuck if my friend of mine is going to die without going there at least once.” Jamar says as he begins to awkwardly cry. John looks up at the others who look at him differently.

“Promise me, John.

He pauses for a moment.

“Promise me, you’ll go with me to Night City.”

Jamar looks at the ground as John watches.

“Promise me.”

“Promise me.

“Yeah, I will.” John replies.

Jamar stops talking as John looks over at him, the other two walk up to John.

“Jamar?” John shakes him to no response.

“Don’t worry about him, he’s just asleep.” One of them replies.

John looks up at them.

“Oh right, name’s Louis, he’s Frank.” Louis says.

“I’ll take care of him.” Frank says as he picks up Jamar.

“Sorry about all of that. He’ll probably forget about everything that happened, so don’t worry about it.” Louis says as he and Frank carry Jamar back upstairs.

John stands around as the room clears out.

He sits back down as he looks at himself.

----------------------------------------

Bright neon lights and signs light up the streets. John and Jamar walk together through the crowded streets as people dressed in streetwear go on their way. As loud music can be heard coming out of buildings while people get out of their cars on the road.

“You sure it’s alright for the two of us to be going here alone.” John asks.

“It’s fine. The others like to do their own things on the weekend. Besides, this really isn’t a place that most women like to go to.” Jamar replies.

Several women can be seen dancing on poles in holographic projectors as loud advertisements begin to play selling various sexual products along with drugs and other things.

John looks around not staring too long at one thing as he raises his eyebrows.

“I wonder why.”

Jamar lifts up his arms.

“Who knows, it’s got everything, drugs, alcohol, entertainment, and women too. Ah, I love the Japanese. Really have a knack for this kind of thing. They call it Geisha, even know what we want, been bringing in these Venezuelan girls. Hot~ I heard if they didn’t come over they’d be living in poverty, now they’re living the dream, partying with guys like us.”

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A group of almost naked women seemingly walk by. One of them waves at them as they smile.

“Hey ladies!” Jamar says with a wave.

“Come to Club Amor, if you want to talk to me.”

She shows her neckline to him as she winks. John looks down at their feet and catches a glimpse of a noticeable bruise on one of their legs.

“Jesus Fucking Christ.”

Jamar looks back at him.

“They’re Christian too, if that’s your thing. Used to know a lot of senators that would stop by, well before all that happened but let’s not talk about it.”

“I wanted to ask you something.”

“What does Santiago think of all this?”

“This stuff? He fucking hates it. Prude I’ll tell you that. I mean look at this place! But with him it’s just Mia, this Mia that.” Jamar complains to him.

“I’m not sure it’s as great as you’re making it to be.” John says hesitantly.

“Ah, fuck off. You’ll love it here.” Jamar says.

“Anyways, who’s Mia?”

“Oh, she’s our nurse. CNS. Picked up another job can’t blame her, after the accident but she still volunteers with us from time to time, giving back to the streets.”

John nods along.

Suddenly the sound of a loud engine’s roar comes from down the block as people turn over to the street to watch as John and Jamar look over. Two cars fly by accompanied by several others on the street.

“Street racing?” John says.

“Yeah, legal too. Not sure how many car accidents cause but I’m sure some rich asshole’s kid is involved. Looks like it’s a practice match for the New Years.”

“Huh.”

“Come on, let’s go. I want to show you the club I usually go to.”

They walk away.

Continuing to walk along, they walk in silence.

“We’re going to take a left here, then it’s just down ahead.”

They turn as they see a small line form outside.

“Ah, you’re going to love it here, music alright, drinks are cheap and it’s packed.”

“Sounds like fun.”

Standing in line, Jamar looks over at John then puts his hand into his jacket.

“Right before I forget. Take this.”

Jamar takes out a pistol, as he walks right up to John.

“Just in case shit hits the fan.”

Looking down, John sees it as he quickly puts it away,

“What do you mean if shit hits the fan?”

“It’s just in case of an ‘emergency’. Don’t worry, it’s christmas eve.” Jamar laughs

As they move forward in the line the loud bass can be heard echoing around them, eventually they finally reach the bouncer, he’s tall and fat as he looks over at them, giving John a look, he turns to Jamar.

“Who’s he?” The bouncer asks as he turns his head towards John.

“An old friend of mine.”

“Eh, you’re good.” The bouncer says as he steps aside.

They head inside.

It’s dark inside, with neon lights giving off a faint light in the area. It can be described as your typical night club, a large enough dance floor, with several tables and seating all around. With a bar and the addition of several hosts and hostess waiting around. The men are wearing suits while the ladies are wearing neon colored tight fitted dresses. Some more revealing than others, others more flamboyant with neon colored hair and synthetic skin.

John and Jamar walk inside as a male host makes his way over.

Jamar whistles as he looks over at the floor.

Dancing on a floor in front of it, a pale woman white bleach blonde hair wearing wings dances on it provocatively as Jamar stares.

“Evening gentlemen. What can I do for you?” The server asks.

As from across the room, John reads the lips of the hostesses that are talking.

“Is he supposed to be here?”

John raises his eyebrows. As the host looks at him.

“Oh, I can get you one if you want, I thought I’d just get you settled in first.” The host anxiously replies. Jamar pats John on the back in response.

“Don’t mind my friend, it’s his first time. Why don’t you get us two drinks? Is the booth there available?” Jamar quickly asks.

The host checks his tablet as he looks up.

“Look good to me, I’ll get you those drinks.” The host says giving John a thumbs up.

John and Jamar walk towards the booth.

“So what do you think? Not bad right?”

John gives Jamar a look.

“I thought you said it was to die for.”

“It is.” Jamar says as he looks away. Grabbing his neck he begins to rub it.

“I get it, but why me?”

“Would you believe me if I said you're the only one I could trust?” Jamar asks.

“No.” John

“The others said no.” Jamar lazily replies.

They begin to sit down as Jamar looks over at him.

“Any more questions?

“Is it business?”

“No, personal.” Jamar shakes his head.

John nods.

Two black hostesses walk by as they accompany a wealthy looking white man.

“Ooo, look at those two fine sisters walking by. That one there’s got a nice ass.” Jamar says as he points towards the two as John looks over.

He looks down at their legs, one of them is wearing a split thigh dress. As she moves parts of her thigh are revealed, it’s dark but for a moment, John sees it, dark bruises on her skin, hard to notice in the room. It’s faint and settled in as if make up had been applied to it.

John looks over at Jamar who continues to put on a facade.

Suddenly, the male host returns with two drinks.

Taking out a hundred, Jamar hands it to him.

“It’s on me.”

Putting the drinks onto the table, the host swipes the cash.

“Is there anything else I can do for you gentlemen today? Anyone you were hoping to see or meet?” The host asks.

“Is Destiny in?” Jamar asks.

“I think so. Anybody else?” The host replies.

“Her friend, what was her name? Jada I think, the middle eastern one. For my friend.”

“Of course.”

The host walks away.

Around them loud music plays reminiscent of a mixture of both Jazz and Electronic Dance.

They pick up their drinks as John begins to cough.

“Shit, you alright?” Jamar asks.

Coughing for a bit, John looks up.

“Yeah, got it under control with this medicine I got from the Doc.” John replies.

He sighs.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do, if my insurance claim doesn’t go through.”

“Listen, don’t think about it, just try to enjoy yourself.”

“That’s hard to do.”

“Relax, if everything goes how I think it will, it’ll just be a good night to remember, that’s all.”

“I’m paying, why don’t we have a toast. To… err to you getting better!”

“You don’t even remember.”

“I have a lot going on my mind right now. Sorry.” Jamar replies.

“Sure.”

They toast as Jamar jeers.

“Yeahhh, that’s my man. It’s gonna be a lot of fun, trust me.”

Looking towards the entrance, John points at a group that’s entering into the venue, decked out in cyberware, wearing a mixture of cybernetic polymer outfits they look around as a host guides them towards a booth in the corner around them.

“Who are they?” John asks.

“Oh, nobodies, just some Street Samurais’ getting done with a gig.”

“What?”

“Oh didn’t I tell you? This place is run by the Mexi-Cali Cartel.”

John facepalms to himself as he looks over at Jamar who shrugs.

“Ah come on, it’s not a big deal. Besides, it’s not like they’re the only group in town.”

“Are you insane!?”

“Come on, now. It’s not a big deal, now be quiet, they’re coming.”

Walking over, we’re greeted by Destiny and Jada, who put on smiles as they head over.

“Heyyyy” Destiny says as she walks over.

Slowly seeing who it is, Destiny’s smile begins to fade.

She stops in front of the table as Jada does the same.

“I thought I told you to stop coming over.” Destiny says as she looks over at John.

“I brought a friend this time.” Jamar says.

“You don’t have to keep looking after me anymore, I’ve grown up already.” Destiny says.

“What kind of brother would I be to do that to a family friend?”

Jada glances over at the table as the other hosts begin to stare.

“Dee, why don’t we sit down?” She says.

Reluctant, Destiny sits down beside Jamar as Jada sits beside John.

“Just act like you’re having a good time.” Jamar says with a smile.

She opens her eyes as she stares at him, then proceeds to smile and laugh. It’s eerie, yet almost completely natural. As Jamar does the same, only more exaggerated. John is bewildered as he looks over at Jada who’s already in front of his face.

“They said you were looking for a middle eastern girl. What’s wrong?” She says with a baby voice. John looks away, trying not to cringe.

“No- Nothing.”

“Is this your first time?” She giggles.

“Do you need me to wear a hijab? Most of my customers only feel comfortable when they see me wearing it.” She states.

“No, you’re fine the way you look.” John says.

“So, you think I’m pretty.” She teases him.

John’s face turns red as he looks over at Jamar who’s talking to Destiny.

“Just tell me which piece of shit it is that hurt you. We’re family. I’ll talk to them for you.”

“You don’t understand. These guys are dangerous. You’re just a mercenary, I’ve seen how many of those guys they’ve dealt with.” Destiny responds.

Jamar laughs as he looks over at John.

“I might be a bit older than those guys, but trust me, I can take care of myself.”

“Do you know how many men have come through those doors telling me the same thing, saying they’re Navy Seals, Rangers, and Special Forces. You’re family to me, Jamar. I don’t want to see you getting hurt.”

Jamar winces in pain. As Jada can be heard laughing.

“Wow, I’ve never experienced this before. You’re so straightforward.”

“Sorry, I’m just not interested.” John replies with a smile.

“Who is she?” Jada asks.

“I’m sorry?”

“The girl.”

John smiles.

“There is no girl.”

“I don’t believe it, a guy like you, dying of cancer, but nothing? I heard stories of guys like you.”

“Oh?”

“Guys at death's door, coming here for one last shot before they die. Someone to keep them company after all they’re loved ones leave them. It can be alot.”

“Yeah.”

They pause briefly as John thinks to himself.

“So, who was she?”

“There is no one, I never had the time.”

“Never had the time?” Jada asks.

“All my life, I spent trying to escape poverty, joined the military, spent every spare moment trying to improve myself and get better, at the end of the day I just never had the time to meet anyone. To live life, or experience anything.” John says.

“And where did that get you?” She asks, listening intently.

John lets out a small laugh.

“I’m here aren't I? Doing one last shot before I die.”

He picks up his drink and downs it.

Jada begins to laugh along.

“I’m sorry for asking.”

Finishing the bottle, he looks towards her.

“Don’t be. I learned a lot from you too.” John replies.

“Really?” She seems intrigued.

“You ask all the guys who come in here for their stories?” John asks.

“Just the ones I find cute.” She replies.

“Mmm. Sweet talker, too.”

They laugh together.

Seeing Jamar still deep in conversation, John looks around the room, he sees the Street Samurai having a meal together as it seems they’re waiting on somebody.

“So, Jada, can you tell me more about how this host and hostess system works?”

“Sure. Well, where do I start? The hosts help the guests to their tables and bring drinks and food, while the hostesses keep the guests company. Over time a relationship forms and the guests become patrons, it’s nothing sexual really, but for most of these men, they’ll stop coming if they don’t receive anything. Sometimes they get violent, so it’s the role of the host to take care of the hostesses in case anything happens.”

“So, they’re pimps.” John says.

“No… More like something closer to a security guard, they get paid through tips from the patrons too, so it can cause some problems. There’s a head manager, he’s more like a pimp.”

“Oh. But for the most part, it’s nothing sexual, really. For the most part it’s just talking and dancing. Where the guest can sometimes get lucky.”

“Mmm. That sounds a lot like escorting.”

“Escorting? What’s that?”

“Prostitution.”

“No, it’s not like that at all. Afterall, prostitution’s illegal. It's more like providing people with comfort.”

“You’re absolutely right.”

“I’m glad you understand.” Jada says with a smile.