106 Edging

"Sup." she quietly greets as she sits herself beside Kiwi, completely uncaring of the building tension...

"So, since we've already decided to help your dumb ass, what's the gig?" Pilar questions as the garage doors shut, leaving them all in artificial lighting.

"Hang on! Shouldn't we, y'know, introduce everyone?" Rebecca asks.

"Already met most of 'em. Ain't that right?" Ori throws a dull glare at Maine.

The big man chuckles as Rebecca looks between them in confusion. "Hahaha... Yeah..." he rubs the back of his head. "Well, our crews don't know each other so might as well. Name's Maine, I lead this bunch."

"Aren't you missing something?" Sasha questions with a cat-like smirk.

"Eh?"

"About what people call you... Megaman." she giggles as Maine's face reddens slightly.

"I didn't pick that. And no one has the balls to call me that to my face." he quickly says as Rebecca bursts into laughter. Even Kiwi and her 'student' were chuckling.

Dorio grips Maine in a headlock, laughing, "Hahaha! You never told me about that! You were so embarrassed you kept it a secret! That's hilarious!"

"Oi! Oi! Oi! Enough of that, we're sitting in the same room as the 'Zombie'." he jabs a finger at Ori, "If anyone's got something to be rattled over it's him!" he says, attempting to change the subject of their mirth.

The rainbow-haired girl quirks a brow, "He's 'Zombie'? Doesn't look like much."

"Yeah well, screw you popsicle! This one bites!" Rebecca responds in Ori's defence, causing her to frown.

Maine shakes his head, "This here's Dorio, Pilar, Kiwi, and Lucy. Before we get into it though, why don't you tell us how much this gig's worth to you?"

"Oh, Lucy's just here for the experience by the way. First time she's seeing action... Plus, she's got a personal interest in the job." Kiwi adds.

...

"Do we get a 'friends and family' discount?" Rebecca wonders aloud.

"He ain't no family of mine!" Pilar instantly rejects, only for Rebecca to throw an empty can of beer at his head.

"I guess we could, ain't like we've had much luck concernin' work lately." Maine says.

"Seven K each." Ori offers.

"Isn't seven a bit low?" Lucy questions.

"Weren't you forgoing pay?" Ori asks back.

She shrugs, "I don't have to be involved to know a gonk deal."

Kiwi nods, "It ain't going to be an easy gig either. We're rattling the Tyger's cage here, with a bandoleer of steaks."

"You're right about that..." Maine mutters.

"Eight and a half, final offer. I'm not going any higher than that." Ori scowls, that was basically all of his funds, especially after buying his new truck.

"That's like, thirty-four thousand total? Eh, I guess that'll work" Maine nods, "Alright, we're in. Let's hear 'em detes."

Sasha leans forwards, gesturing at the holographic map floating above the table, causing it to light up with various information concerning the gig. "This is what we're looking at, Tyger Claw base with lots of gangers. Basically a prison inside a fortress, and we're looking to find Ori's sister if she's inside."

"Who's that?" Pilar questions, pointing at a Japanese pan's photo that'd just popped up.

"Fujino Kiyoshi, a 'former' Tyger Claw trying to break up the prisoners inside. We'll head out on that day, try work with him. But... The Tygers almost definitely know what he's doing."

"Can he be trusted?" Kiwi inquires.

"No idea, but our goals align so hopefully?" Sasha shrugs.

"Got any pics of the sister?" Dorio asks, "Better to know who we're tryin' to rescue."

Ori gestures at the hologram, pulling up a photo he'd extracted from Bats' gift. A photo of a younger Cat, short hair, almost goth makeup and an unamused expression. "She's older now, probably going to be underweight... Long hair too..." he scowls severely, "She's had a doll chip installed, so expect resistance from her."

"Shit..." Pilar utters, sending a slight glance at Ori, "That's totally fucked up!"

"Yeah, I know. We all know." Ori shakes his head, "I'm planning to sneak inside with Rebecca and Sasha as Fujino makes his move... Whenever that is. You guys and Six will wait nearby as backup."

"You sure? That doesn't sound smart..." Kiwi remarks.

Ori sighs, "Your friend," he gestures a hand at Lucy, "She a Netrunner?"

Lucy nods, crossing her legs, "Yeah."

"You two keep an eye on things while we work. Try and find my sis and guide us to her if you can. I doubt the Tyger Claws have ICE good enough to block three Netrunners."

Maine chuckles, "Sounds like a plan, Lucy here's almost as good as Kiwi."

Kiwi shrugs noncommittally, "I'll be working with Lucy then, making sure no Tiger Claw runners tag us."

"That all? You got planned?" Dorio asks.

Ori shakes his head, "'Becca, grab that." he gestures over at a large bag in the corner of the room. She does so, hopping out of his lap and dropping the bag on the table, interrupting the hologram.

He opens it up, revealing some peculiar-looking items...

"Er, RC cars? Like the things kiddies play with?" Pilar asks, completely baffled.

Ori just nods, gingerly picking one up, "A friend of ours quickly made them. As you can see, they aren't the type you want kids playing with." he shows the bottom of it, revealing a large explosive charge, causing most of Maines crew to back up in surprise.

"God damn! That's some devious fucking shit right there!" Pilar exclaims with a laugh.

"Did Judes make those?" Rebecca asks with a huge grin growing on her face.

"Plus Bats, he's still in her lab making more. I said he couldn't come so this is what he's doing..."

"How many are you planning on making!?"

"We've got around six here, so we'll have ten or more depending on when Fujino moves."

"What's the payload like?" Kiwi inquires.

Ori wets his lips, "Not sure... I was told each of them should destroy an armoured truck if used right... I will need someone to control them though."

"ME! Pick me!" Pilar shouts, "Trust me, I'm the best person here for it! The egg-heads will be busy emailing guys, and these meatheads probably don't know how to spell!" he exclaims, drawing hostile looks from his crew.