Helen's car sped through Night City's dimly lit streets as she and Nyx continued their conversation.

Nyx was growing concerned about their unexpected change of destination. "Where are we going?" he inquired.

Helen kept her eyes on the road, confidently maneuvering through the chaotic urban landscape. "Well, the Maine's crew is likely at our apartment, and I'd rather not walk into that mess."

Nyx couldn't help but express his worries about Helen multitasking, especially when she was netrunning on the go. "You're driving and netrunning at the same time. That's not safe, Helen."

Helen dismissed his concerns with a wave of her hand. "It's fine; it's just a simple code that updates me on the camera doorbell. David just opened the door for them, and I'm not ready for the tension they'll bring."

"So, you want to avoid going home? Where are we headed, then?" Nyx questioned.

Helen's eyes flickered with a hint of satisfaction as she revealed Faraday's uncertain fate. "Well, I did just mortally wound their Fixer. Did the Trauma Team show up in time, or is the 9mm going to finish him?"

Nyx paused, considering his response carefully. "He's in a Trauma Team AV as we speak, so he's probably going to survive. But are you sure it was the best choice to leave him alive?"

Helen seemed unfazed by the moral implications. "I nuked and zombied his server, and he still has a role to play, as annoying as it is. Though if he died like a bitch to a 9mm, he probably deserved it."

The sleek, modern car carrying Helen and Nyx came to a halt in front of an ancient and enigmatic building. The structure was a stark contrast to the high-tech, neon-lit world of Night City, as if plucked from a period movie set in the 1920s. The hotel's grand façade featured intricate stonework, arched windows, and an ornate entryway that exuded a sense of timeless elegance.

Helen and Nyx stepped out of the car, their boots clicking against the cobblestone driveway that led to the entrance. The surrounding streets were eerily quiet, devoid of the usual cacophony of sirens and gunfire, making the scene feel like a forgotten corner of the city.

The towering hotel, a relic from a bygone era, was a testament to a different time. A simpler time.

As Helen and Nyx stepped into the lobby of the vintage hotel, they were met with an atmosphere of class and sophistication. The dimly lit space was adorned with plush red carpets, polished mahogany furniture, and crystal chandeliers that cast a warm, golden glow. A pianist in the corner played a soft and melodic tune on a grand piano, adding to the ambiance of elegance.

A tall, impeccably dressed concierge stood behind a luxurious marble counter, watching their arrival with a discerning eye. He offered a polite and knowing smile as they approached.

"Welcome to the Continental, ma'am," the concierge greeted Helen in a hushed and respectful tone. "How may we assist you today?"

"Nyx, welcome to the Hotel California, it's such a lovely place." Helen says ignoring the concierge.

The man's smile faulters as he looks at the cat.

The concierge's smile wavered, and he couldn't help but exchange a puzzled glance with a nearby bellhop. Dealing with unusual guests wasn't uncommon in Night City, but Helen's statement, accompanied by Nyx's cyber-augmented presence, was certainly… Something.

"Indeed, ma'am," the concierge replied, maintaining his professionalism. "We strive to make your stay at the Continental as comfortable as possible."

"The firewall and VPN this palace is running is actually rather scary. To top that off there is like 4? No 5? Net runners actively defending the network." Nyx says

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

The concierge had undoubtedly seen his share of eccentric guests in the past, but a talking cat was a new one even for Night City standards. Still, he had been well-trained to uphold the discretion and professionalism for which the Continental was renowned.

"Please let me know if there's anything we can assist you with," the concierge replied, although there was a subtle glimmer of curiosity in his eyes. "We aim to make your stay as secure and comfortable as possible."

Helen reaches into her pocket and pulls out a gold coin, placing it on the counter. "I need a room for the night. Last name Wick."

THe concierge looks at her in concern "Out of retirement already is it?"

Helen just smiles in response.

The concierge accepted the gold coin with a nod, and his demeanor shifted slightly as he understood the gravity of the situation. Helen Wick was indeed a figure of genuine infamy. Her presence at the Continental Hotel indicated that something significant was in motion.

"Of course, Ms. Wick," he replied with a touch of understanding. "We have a suite reserved for you, and your feline friend, I assume?"

Nyx, perched calmly beside Helen, gave a nod of confirmation.

Helen smiles dropping her car keys on to the counter, "Dont add more than 75 miles to the Odomiter other than that have fun." Helen says grabbing the Key to the room

The concierge's surprise was palpable as he took in the old-fashioned car key that Helen had nonchalantly left on the counter. It was indeed a rare sight in Night City, a place where advanced technology was the norm.

"Thank you, Ms. Wick," he managed to say, his professionalism keeping him composed despite his astonishment. "We will make sure the car remains secure."

With that, Helen and Nyx made their way to the suite, leaving the concierge to wonder about the chaos to come.

==============================================

David was kinda surprised, he didn't know when this cute girl had gotten in here or why she was so interested in the book he was reading. But maybe she liked him? Is this how this type of relationships worked?

the book David held was an encyclopedia dedicated to the Apollo missions to the moon, serving as a critical resource for his ongoing historical research paper about lunar colonization—a topic he was deeply passionate about. Lucy, too, shared a profound fascination with the moon, and this common interest had become the crux of their engaging conversation.

As their discussion about lunar exploration unfolded, Lucy's curiosity nudged her to inquire about the origins of the book. She couldn't help but wonder where David had obtained such a comprehensive resource on Apollo missions.

"Where did you get that book?" Lucy inquired, her eyes reflecting genuine interest.

David paused briefly, setting the thick volume aside. "Well, Miss Helen, the owner of this apartment, has an extensive collection in her private library."

Lucy's eyes widened in astonishment. "A private library?"

David affirmed with a nod and gestured towards a corner of the room.

Curiosity piqued, Lucy turned around to inspect the space, and what she discovered left her momentarily speechless. The entire length of the wall was adorned with bookshelves laden with an eclectic array of tomes. The subjects ranged from naval history to space travel.

"... Helen also mentioned food?" Lucy asks

"Ah, you are the guest she mentioned before she left! Yes you should consider yourself lucky. Her food is to die for." David says

"Really?" Lucy asks

"Yep," David responds as he pauses as he gets a call from his mom on the holo.