Chapter 11: She Knows

Date: 30th of December, 2075

Location: America - Night City - Watson - Northside 

POV: Victor Von Doom 

Location: America - Night City - Watson - Little China 

POV: Omniscient. 

The clock was 4 p.m., and time was moving as slowly as it ever did. Victor alongside his disciple David remained seated attentive to their own devices. 

Maneuvering a chess piece forward Victor Von Doom stared at the continental map, his eyes slowly turning to face David who kept messaging Rebbeca. Rebbeca's flirting gliding over the clueless teen. Rebecass noticing it, grew ever so frustrated. The boy was obviously hormonal yet lacked the keen eye at her ques. Not bothering his disciple he returned back to his work, an artefact appearing in his hand. It's electrical currents pulsing with power. The energy signatures no doubt mana. 

The tool allowed for signals to detect mana fluctuations only, unlike energy spikes from electricity and radio waves. Allowing it to connect to his monitor the pulses would allow him to gauge any strange movements adhered to by the supernatural. 

The strange church society had been gnawing his mind, their movements tracked back and forth from the Vatican. While their movements were tracked, their actions after it were shrouded in mystery. Most likely they had noticed the tracking but decided to press forward to inquire about its origins. 

"Strange…" He murmured seeing large signs of energy fluctuations appear before him. Analysing its origin it was found to be pulsing from within Watson. About to take action he was hampered by an emerging figure. A prostitute one most likely affiliated with the Mox, the typical purple and neon attire worn. Kitsch, style over substance.

"Hey, uh… Would you mind doin' work on me?"

"Diagnostics, Re-equipment or Instalment? The prices are by the side here." He voiced sending her a menu. Prompted by regulars and new customers such an action was warranted to ensure his time was not wasted. 

-

[ Menu ]

[Services]

Diagnostics  50 - 100

Surgery  100 - 100000

Instalments 100 - 100000

Prices subject to change (Negotiable)

[Cyberware]

Sandavistan [+]  10000 - 1000000

Ocullarware [+] 10000 - 1000000

Reinforced Organs [+] 10000 - 1000000

Misc [+]

-

Taking a gaze around she noticed the clean interior with the office high end. It almost seemed odd to enter from the entrance. While armed by a single man, the dingyness of the outside compared to its high-end interior was shocking to her.

"Fuck me… Maybe I should go to fingers…" She murmured to herself. Her anxiety spiked through the roof. 

Maybe getting a few dodgy pieces won't hurt… She thought heaving. 

"I need a new face plate… Preferably something cheap but not too shoddy? Ran into a few troubles with my current one." She asked slightly ashamed, rubbing her neck she looked at the floor. She had a feeling she would've been kicked out by now. The office smelled way too nice to be in some random hole. Perhaps a secret corpo ripper doc? 

Victor noticed the amount of malpractice with just a notice. The refitting was poor, the current one not at all fitting her face. With slight dents to the side, the face plate was mostly used and abused even before her time. Such poor instalment would lead to long-term damage and or cyber psychosis. 

"I must say whoever had installed your cybernetics did a poor job…" Victor murmurs to the gal. The stone-cold gaze on his face slightly scared her. Iron and unflinching the eye sockets blurred with emptiness. A near soulless construct. Not sure what to do she slowly backed out so as not to offend the figure. Feeling goosebumps she remained still, yet slightly shivering. 

"I apologise I'll leave sir…" She whimpered. Her feet hesitated to jump out just then, lest she get shot in the neck due to offending him. 

"You are afraid. Do not be. I will do the re-adjustment for free, but the price for the face place will cost you." Victor replied.

"You sure?"

"I am certain."

"How much for the face plate?" 

"A mere 220 eddies. Faceplates are not at all expensive."

"They aren't?" 

"Of course, they aren't. Unless you're a mercenary or corporate operative face plates are merely a flask and replacement for the face. Any proper and competent ripper-doc would be able to construct one in a couple of weeks perhaps a few days if they're good." 

"A week? But…"

"You're most likely ignorant. I do not blame you for such a travesty. Whoever was your Ripperdoc fooled you or is highly incompetent." 

"He told me they needed to be custom-made and adjusted!" She heaved. While she had done the deed for service many times, it was due to the ridiculous prices. The average ripper would heave for 1,000 eddies plus more. Oftentimes times it was third-rate parts scavenged from a corpse and sold back to the living. 

"Sure Custom-made pieces need to be constructed and are more expensive than adjusting it to the new owner's face. But all that needs to be done is to remould it to suit the client's face - such a thing is quite a breeze. Though noting the construction and alteration of your current face plate, such a thing was not at all adjusted but merely forced open your face."

This was true, any competent ripper doc could remould the current faceplate to suit the needs of the client. What was unfortunate was that due to the nature of Night City, such prices were inflated in comparison to skill. What could easily be passed in Texas was punted by NC. If such malpractice was seen in Texas, they would no longer be seen. 

"Would you be willing to do it for free?" She inquired, her hands slipping down to her bodily parts. The suggestion shut down immediately. 

"I have no use in fornicating with a joytoy." Victor waved away. The nature of her work was revealed to his eyes. It didn't take a genius to figure her out. Promiscuous cyberware with kitsch clothing. Some may propose style but a master could tell when equipment was used. Such was the file lodged in her name. 

Somewhat disheartened she understood the man's words. She was after all "Used". But to hear him speak made her a little ashamed and slightly angry. She had to eat somehow… not everyone could be a thief or kill. Some that worked, worked with their might only to earn what they could in a session. 

"Now let us head into my office. I will run a few tests before beginning surgery." He voiced.

Following the man's advice she sat on the chair slightly anxious. Fearful she clenched her hands only to merely stare at the ceiling for a few minutes. With time slightly passing with each second, she wondered what the man was doing. Usually by now, she'd have passed out. Her body was left to whoever was looking. 

"Your current face plate has been adjusted. Though I do have a new one here. Similar yet calibrated to be more functional than what ever waste you brought in. You may decide on the two. For a first-time customer, I'll do this service for free. In future, such kindness will not be seen." 

Holographicly Displaying the face plates on her face they swapped between one another to show a comparison. Viewing the two, face plates, they were both lower jaw pieces. The original was quite honestly strange, the skin texture to her original face was slightly more tan with the new one matching perfectly. The line slits were also less prominent in comparison. If worn it would be hard to differentiate at all if she had one. It was almost like seeing her real face. 

"Wow…" She murmured seeing it conjured on her face. Touching it she found her finger fade into it. Memories of her childhood flooded, and slightly tearing she closed her eyes.

"I almost forgot what I used to look like." She murmured. Her accident caused her to lose both her family and her lower jaw. Such an action prompted her to survive the streets, the scraps of the accident leaving her with just enough to heal her alive. But not enough to compensate for what she lost.

"Analysing your head I noticed that your old face plate was elongated. Most likely the former user had a much more angular face… I've altered the news to fix the awkwardness present. Should impress your clientele more. Though in case you prefer the old one, I will be able to adjust it likewise, though the new ones' capabilities are much more efficient. More lightweight with an increase in breathability." 

"I'll take the new one." She accepted. Closing her eyes she awaited the darkness only for the installment to clip smoothly on her face.

"That…" 

"Shocked? You can thank my expertise. Unlike the rubbish you had before, I've altered your face plate to be able to drop and enter as prompted. Similar to your old, you'll have accessibility with your HUD." Victor spoke.

"Accessibility?" She inquired.

"Ah, yes. Since the new face plate is "yours" you'll be able to control it. Perhaps you wish to bite someone's arms off. You now have the capability to do so." 

"How come I didn't have acceptability with my last faceplate?" She inquired.

"Most likely the control key was lost with its previous user. And alongside your previous Ripperdoc they never bothered or most likely couldn't link it back to you. Compatibility and the quality of the cyberware is important. "

"Thank you, Doctor. Say, I never got your name" She replied, transferring the eddies. The Account is linked to the menu. 

"Call me Doctor Doom. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon Miss Charlotte." 

Walking out she realised that she had never revealed her name at all during their interaction… Victor exited through another exit to find the origin of the mana spike. While quite dramatic in its pulse, it was merely small in diameter. 

'What could possibly cause such a spark,' Victor mused. His head turning to see a young woman being harassed by a random duo. 

Noticing the young woman's distinctly otherworldly clothing she seemed odd in comparison to the rest. Neither Neo kitsch nor Kitsch, a weird style of Entropism. 

Charming were her looks. A true maiden one could say, as she displayed a fair white hair, with a lustre of youth present. 

"HA! Check this chick out, bro. Bitch is rocking around with a sword. What the hell kinda clothes is that too? Yo! You a nomad or something?" A random goon shouted.

"I would prefer if you would leave me alone good sir." She replied slightly revolted. Her eyes scanned the man back and forth. 

"Never seen a guy like me huh babe? Chromes are kinda sweet, right? She totally digs me, man."

"Meh, leave the chick alone. I'm gettin' tired."

"But she's hot! Surely i can get your number!" The goon replied only to be dragged away.

"You seem lost, stranger. May I be of service? My name is Victor, a local doctor. Mind if I may ask for your name madam?" Victor asked her, his tall frame and figure slightly domineering from the women. Yet she remained amused, not at all threatened by Victor's presence. 

Victor scanned her biometrics and possible origins came blank. No paper trail no origin, at all in any possible city he had in control. In a world filled with technology and magic, she most likely belonged to the latter. Perhaps a lost renegade of an order. Possible princess of a hidden kingdom? Nothing was off the table when it came to the unknown. Hell even possible was that she was alien. 

"It seems even in another world, a man of culture exists." She murmured.

"I am indeed lost, good sir. I go by Ciri, I prefer not to disclose my whole name." She replied smiling. She had seen the type before.

Scoundrels attempting to woo her over or merely interrogate her like a doll. Which one he was, would be seen. She would entertain the man for now. The new world was strange even for her. Metal chariots zoomed about with steel birds fluttering about. The noise of this world is loud and clustered in comparison to even the most bustling of cities. 

Remembering the warmth of her home she wished she could return back into the embrace of her mentor. How long had it been since she last saw him? Too long, far too long… Gazing at the figure he seemed to exclude a charismatic cover with a hidden monstrous aura. Similar to a warrior the man had gone through his own trials. Even worse, was his might. For Ciri saw a towering abyss shrouded by a crimson and ebony mist. His presence was almost mystical… Like a witcher….

"Well, may I show you around? Perhaps you are quite parched? Maybe even ravenous?" Victor inquired.

"Your words are flattering. You have me sold." She smiled.

"Then let us depart." He voiced before his bike zoomed behind him. The sight catching Ciri.

"Is this… Your stead?" She inquired. Victor noting the surprise was confused. 

Victor analysed the confusion and pondered himself the connotations it set out. Was she surprised by the vehicle randomly appearing? Or was it the fact it was a motorcycle? 

"Suprised?" 

"Quite, I've never seen a stead… So metallic. Is it alive or a construct of magic?" She voiced.

"You're a sorcerer?" Victor inquired.

"One could say that." She smiled. 

Victor hearing her voice such a thing, mentally shook his head. The girl was naive, possibly brave but naive nonetheless. Regardless his analysis continued.

"Then my fair lady, hold tightly. Unlike the steads of old, mine may cause you to drop." Victor teased.

"I've bested many speeds. I doubt yours will triumph over me." She heaved.

"Then let us persist onwards," He honoured. Her hands covered his waist. Gripping hard they sped off quickly, the whiplash nearly getting her. Feeling the rush of hair envelope her she quickly swore at Victor.

"You could've warned me…" She heaved.

"I did," Victor replied appearing at a burger establishment. While fine dining was an option, the women had most likely never seen such restaurants before. An assumption that rang true. 

Entering she almost seemed lost once again by the voices, the colours and random gunshots ranging about.

"Whatever is that noise?" She inquired.

"None of our business." He replied.

Rolling her eyes, she felt as if her mentor had followed alongside her. The man while maintaining theatrics hid a deadpan of comments. 

"What is a burger?" She replied overhearing others' orders.

"A sandwich, with a pattie stuck between two pieces of bread. A dish often served with soda. Soda is a carbonated refreshment, do not be frightened by the "burn" It is merely apart of the concoction." Victor informed.

"And it's taste?" 

"Mediocre." 

"Really now? Taking a fair maiden to a "mediocre" restaurant? Are you attempting to state something?" She humoured.

"None the sort. Perhaps where you're from they may not serve such a delicacy. Perhaps it may foster a new palette?" Victor mused.

"For a man of quiet humour, you sure do hide behind a mask. Tell me, why do you shroud yourself? Are you perhaps a mercenary?" 

"One could say that. I prefer the term "fixer" though. An individual that employs contracts with the occasional grunt work here and there." He insinuated.

"A contractor? Does your lands run an adventurer guild of some sort?" 

"Independently so. The lands of Night City foster a crude atmosphere. One could say it's a shame you landed here." Victor replied honestly.

"You say this how?"

"Oi fuckers no sudden movements! Keep yah head down and no one gets flatlined. Oi! Fucker, put the money in the bag and don't do anything stupid!" The Robber jolted, his hands knocker the cashier into the register.

"Such a scene is often common here." Victor replied lazying about.

"Should we not stop them?" She heaved drawing her blade only to be stopped.

"Not necessary. They have chosen an unfortunate time to rob this establishment regardless." Victor voiced seeing officers approach. Instantly armed with their weapon their heads were shattered into pieces of their metal face plates staggering to the floor. Not a single person batted an eye at the scene besides a few.

"Here's your order." A worker voiced serving the two their meals. 

"Surely that was unjust…" Ciri muttered shocked at the gruesome scene.

"Welcome to Night City." Victor smiled, the iconic line plastered against his head. 

"What a world I've come to…" She muttered.

"Metal… I notice it amongst the populace. Why is that?" 

"Prosthetics." 

"As in replacements for appendages? To this degree?" 

"Often times an individual's flesh fails them. A human could only do so much, here. Here Iron is merely an extension of oneself. Instead of a blade, why not forego the arm and trade it for something more powerful?" 

"But to forego their eyes… Arms and legs… Is this not harmful?" 

"In Night City you must often forego your flesh to survive. It is either you or them." Victor voiced gesturing to the moving corpse. 

"An amazing place I've landed in. Is there no better place than this?" 

"Perhaps, but where you seek protection-," Victor stated.

"You trade freedom…" Ciri finished, her mind in deep thought.

"Those weapons I see strangers carry what are they? I have yet to see an individual carry a blade… Are all individuals sorcerers here? I've seen more mysticism and strange sights here than I have ever back home." 

"What you see is not magic per se Ciri. Perhaps to the uneducated, it may seem so. But this… This is all science. Achievable through mankind itself. If a stone was the origin of long-distance combat, and a cannon the next, this is but the next step forward." Victor replied.

"A canon held within the palms of one's hand?" She replied shocked.

"Indeed. Here technology has advanced to compete with magic. Wizards and sorcerers are all but a dying breed. This world is dying." Victor replied.

"Then this world is not safe?" She inquired.

"Indeed, but not for long. I intend to change that." 

"And you plan to do so how?" 

"Time will tell," Victor replied.

Ciri weighing his words decided to stare at her meal. Grabbing it she decided to smell it first and found it quite fragrant, a list of spices riddled throughout. Deciding to take a bite she was stopped.

"Remove the wrapper first…" 

"Wrapper?" Ciri inquired, before ripping the parchment off and seeing the meal within her hands. Seeing the burger, she almost seemed to pause. It had been months since she last had a proper meal. Months of running away from The Wild Hunt had cost her a proper meal. Berries, fruits, and game were all she had. Attempting to look for spices in worlds had all but left with failure. It took too long, often with herbs being mere weeds.

"Ah, I see." She smiled. Taking one last whiff she took her first bite of the cheeseburger and found it amazing. The toasted brioche bun yielded with a satisfying crunch, giving way to the succulent beef patty infused with the deep, smoky notes of barbecue sauce. The sharp cheddar melted into a creamy layer, contrasting beautifully with the richness of the beef. A hint of spice from the aioli danced on the taste buds, adding a thrilling zing to each mouthful.

But it was the surprising complexity of flavours that truly stole the show. The brie, with its velvety texture, merged seamlessly with the fresh crunch of lettuce and tomatoes. The red onions, thinly sliced and sharp, cut through the richness, while the pickles provided a burst of tangy freshness, leaving an unforgettable impression.

It was a taste symphony—an orchestrated medley of savoury, spicy, and tangy notes that harmonized perfectly. The Chess Burger wasn't just a burger; it was a culinary masterpiece, a delightful revelation of flavours that lingered long after the last bite, leaving a tantalizing memory on the palate.

Seeing small blades of yellow sticks she inquired its origin.

"What are these?" 

"Fries, fried potatoes seasoned with salt." 

"Delicious…. Everything here is delicious."

"For a man to claim that this, is but mere mediocrity what kind of meals deserve the title of excellence?" 

"Steak, preferably seasoned to excellence. Salt, pepper, basted with butter and cooked to medium rare. Serve me this with baked potatoes, a few greens and mushroom sauce and you have an excellent meal. Not to mention a wine of some sort to pair the meal." He replied.

"Steak? As in beef? I do indeed miss such meals too." She voiced, her mind reminiscent of back home. 

"You've had it?" Victor asked.

"Of course, in quite the abundance too." 

Victor pausing at her words noted it. Steak or beef steak was rare. Extremely so, only those of nobles and corporates' dogs had ever tasted a slither. To have such a treasure in abundance noted wealth. Wealth is comparable to the big three. 

"Though tell me, where do you come from? You seem far from home. I find it strange you decided to arrive here of all places." 

"Far beyond your borders." She replied a white lie for sure. While truth could be hinted at, her words seemed to be sunken somewhere. Her expression told no lies. She was not from around for sure. Perhaps not even from the corporations… 

"Say tell me just what is your home like?" 

"Dramatically different from here that is for sure. Where I come from, the land breaths air with lustre. Tree abundant with wildlife singing free. Sure there are creatures of the night but such is life back home. The sky too, blisters with life, the stars a dazzling view. I often miss home. A shame I cannot go back." 

This confirms it… No place in this world regardless of the environment friendliness posted, has a description of the sort. Gone were the days when any scene could be replicated. Perhaps for Texas maybe but such a plan would take a few years. And she was definitely not from Texas. 

"Your home sounds beautiful. Maybe one day I may be able to visit." 

"Hmm, perhaps not." 

"Pessimistic? You don't believe I can come?" 

"I doubt so, not even I can make it back so easily." 

"Then perhaps we can wager that I may do so one day." 

"One day, eh? Sounds of a wasted wager I say." 

"Hmm, I guess we'll see. Shy you'll lose?" 

"Fine." She replied, rolling her eyes.

"As always tension between Dogtown continues to fester. Be careful citizens of Pacifica I wish you good luck in these trying times."

A video of gangs stampeding between locals inside Watson, gun fights between police and others apparent. 

"I notice that your people… They fight from afar… Such a concept seems foreign. Do they have no sense of honour? I see them ducking under cover their hands merely poking out. What kind of combat is this?" 

"Combat of the future. Where Wars are fought from a distance. Here in this "World" death from the unknown is a much more lethal killer than the blade."

"Truly strange…" 

"Seeing as you may encounter trouble take this," Victor replied handing her a pistol. The nue is a custom build with a sleek design. A simple and light work problem solver.

"Your aim may not be quite the sharpshooter but I feel that in time you will find yourself comfortable with it in no time. You'll have many opportunities to test your mantle here." 

"I don't believe I'll need this… My blade and spells are enough," She remarked.

"I insist. You might come across a day when you'll need the weapon. Perhaps not today, but maybe tomorrows tomorrow. Here too is a key to a home, one of my safehouses. It should keep you well. It's located on this map." Victor replied handing her a printed map and other sort of miscellaneous items and apparel.

"Why are you doing this?" She inquired.

"Contrary to my abilities I lack the luste of a mage. I am in need of a teacher…" Victor revealed.

"Then I can suffice, it's the least I can do… Thank you." She replied.

"The thanks is all mine. You will find me here on the map. If lost you'll find me and my associates merely ask for me they will respond in kind." He revealed. 

"Until then, I have other matters to attend to. I will drive you to your new home."

"I appreciate your kindness… Are others like you here?" 

"You can attempt to find out…" He replied. Reaching her spot he dropped her off and made his way back to the office. A few Mox were stationed outside his spot. The harassment of Jackie being pressed by a somewhat slim female a peculiar sight. Backed by other Mox members they fiercely stared at Victor.

"Look Choom, she came in and went out! I swear on it." Jackie voiced. 

"You didn't activate the security sweep?"

"Look the Mox aren't bad people choom but these gals won't leave even after I told em everything." Jackie sighed defeated. In his heart he to rid of them but they weren't bad people. He didn't have the heart to just flatline a few individuals seeing closure for their friend. No matter how hard they tried to beat him. 

"Hey, you! Fucker, where did you take Charlotte!" A Mox spat, her bat slung beside her shoulder as she attempted to eye Victor down. Her attempt at aggression merely earned a scoff as she had to peak upwards at his chin. 

Staring back at her the steel-plated gaze merely locked with her eyes, a feeling of unease found at her tips. With neon eyes, Victor merely responded with an inscrutable gaze that deeply looked down at her.

"I believe it is rude to inquire before introducing oneself." 

"Fuck you talking about Tincan! Where the Hell did you take Charlotte, huh? You tryna mess with Mox big guy! We don't let that shit slide around here." She offended raising her bat his head. Victor uncaring merely stared at her associate. 

"You seem to be mistaken, I have no clue of the whereabouts of your Charlotte." He replied, a small crowd seemingly gazing at the four Moxs and himself.

"She was last seen here…. We know you own this spot… Would be a shame if we were to burn it down…" 

"You seem to be overstepping yourself here…" Victor sighed, his patience ticking at each passing second.

"Cool it, Rita… He might be telling the truth…" Her netrunner spoke.

"You best listen to your Netrunner Rita," Victor spoke uncaring, his hands merely waving the tapes of security cam footage.

Hearing him speak she paused at the revelation brought by Victor.

"Fuck our comms are compromised, I'm shutting down… Best you run Rita this guy no jo-jo-jo-jo…" Crashing before she could finish her sentence she swore loudly

"Fuck Judy don't leave me alone!" Rita spat, "Fuck!" 

"What'd you do to Judy, Gonk!" 

"Nothing. Merely severed your connection. Here are the security tapes of when your associate arrived and of what occurred during surgery." Victor voiced, a slight tinge of annoyance creeping against his mind. How dare they step against him? Did they wish to die?

Rita not knowing what to do grabbed the data chip, only to be held up by the throat with a single hand. Victor's wrath bolstered to a thousand. Her associate unable to move fell to the ground her systems infected with a virus. 

"Your anger is understandable but if you ever come again and disrespect me. You and your little gang of whores will shudder at my wrath. Understand this… I will not be trifled with." Victor voiced before throwing her to the side. Her associate gaining consciousness stood back up alarmed at how she had fallen.

Tasting the grime on the floor she spat out her spit disgusted and disheaved. The blunt trauma startled her, sweat creeping from her brows as she felt anxious. 

"Rita you good? I just reconnected back." Judy answered from her room, her eyes locked on Victor who seemed to be turned away uncaring for Rita. Noticing she was on the floor she quickly grew concerned. The scene of the sight was slightly dazing. First was silence and the next the girls were on their knees.

"Are the girls good?" Their leader spoke from Judy's side.

"They're alive, Q… Biometrics are fine but their cybernetics shut down for a brief moment. Currently, them adjusting" Judy murmured, the numbers telling her all she needed. She wasn't the best Netrunner she knew this but give her a few tech and time and she was good. 

"Rita… Are you good? Do you copy?" Judy asked again. 

"Yeah… I'm good. We got the files and security footage from when she came here. He gave it to us without… Any issues." She replied panting, the clench against her throat an experience she had never come across. She had Gorilla arms of all things and she was still bested in strength! Whoever this corpo reaper was, he was lethal. 

"Hurry along now…" Victor voiced showing them away. 

Jackie seeing the sorry scene almost forgot about how they were ganging up on him.

"I find it strange you didn't defend yourself," Victor spoke.

"I didn't feel like hitting a bunch of women, amigo… Not my style." 

"Thank god you're okay Jackie…" Misty replied wrapping her arms around him. Tightening her grip he smiled warmly back at her. 

"Meh, good ol' Jackies fine, nothing bad happens to me anyway…" Jackie voiced.

Back at the Mox's bar, the crew found themselves in a dead end. The Ripper docs files coming back normal. Nothing of the sort was strange except his strength and capabilities. In comparison to his files, the man was anything but normal. 

The strength that could best be a highly chromed mox? One who could slam her fists against concrete and scoff it off… That was not normal at all. On top of it all was an amazing defence against any attack through the net. Any attempt at hacking the cameras on sight was locked with the attempt backlashing against Judy who nearly had his brain melted by the attempt.

"Did you find anything strange with the video? Any cuts, edits or anything that can help us?" 

"Nothing… She merely walked in, got a new faceplate and left…" 

"Fuck, me…" Rita voiced seething. The Mox were a tight group a bunch of Joytoys that banded together and looked after one another. With each member tightly knitted even their movements were netted between each other. 

Charlotte hearing of a new and affordable ripper went and had surgery. She had of course alerted them of her choice and set out. Busy they couldn't spare a member to accompany her… A mistake that now cost Charlotte her life and safety as she was pronounced missing. 

As after such procedures, they would often be called in case of safety… The call came out flat with no response prompting them to move. 

"Most likely our best bet is that ripper… But… I don't have a clue on how to approach him. But even then I wouldn't know what to ask him. We left a bad rep with him. I have a feeling we're gonna get flatlined if we approach him… We might need to send someone over… I just don't know who." 

"Evelyn?" Judy asked.

"Evelyn? I don't know. Don't think she's ready for that kind of mission." 

"Fair enough… I'll go," Q replied sternly. Her hands crossed to her back. While her heart felt fear she understood that she needed to do something. Soon enough there would be no Mox to be apart of the gang. And at that point what good was being a leader in an empty faction? She would be protecting nothing, discarding all that they stood for. 

"Wait what! You can't go. If anything happens to you, the mox will fall!" A member panicked.

"Look, we Mox gotta stick together and if it means I gotta jump in the lion's den, then… I got to do it. He'll hear us out if I go personally. Charlottes isn't the first and I doubt she'll be the last. What about the others that have gone missing? This man… He might be able to help us." 

Victor who was hearing in from his home wondered how to proceed. The fool that was Charlotte had now given him an opportunity to approach the Mox.The thought of moving towards their territory had always lingered his mind yet the cost and benefit of doing so was low. What the gang offered in comparison to the others was low. 

The Mox were weak in comparison to the other gangs and had little territory. For a group of whores they were impressive yet not enough to warrant any further interest. Yet what lingered in their midst was potential. 

A group of slags that whored themselves out to who paid? Did that not sound perfect for infiltration and information gathering? The perfect blackmail too. Offices could be manipulated and controlled from their cocks and vaginas. Yet even that would take time. Time wasted. Kidnapping and torture were far more effective methods in comparison. Took little time and left a deeper impact.

"What to do with… Hmm….Espionage? Hidden assassins… Perhaps…"

"Hey Doc, what was with all that noise?" David Inquired waking up. The boy slumped over the couch drooling.

"Minor inconveniences, they arrived seeking information. They were sorted." Victor responded uncaring as always.

"Hmm, alright 'm gonna head over to Bec's apparently it's game night tonight…" He revealed.

"Remember to not slack on your studies… and to use protection." Victor fired.

"Protection? I've always got Iron on me." David voiced.

"Perhaps you won't need one then…" Victor murmured. 

"Wait you mean…" David mumbled, his face starting to press red. With his heart now thumbing. 

Thinking back to his love life, he tapped his fingers wondering if Panam had moved on. If she was still as fiery and passionate. Her touch had never been lost to Vicotr who seemed paused in his own world.

"Alright, I'm out." 

"You take care, David…" Victor stated. A few pictures of Panam projected into his view. Gazing at the few, he quickly dismissed them and returned his efforts in organising his troops in Iraq. 

"Don't be foolish Victor…. Your gaze lays elsewhere." 

With the clock striking 8 p.m. she arrived the leader had actually brazenly arrived in his territory alone. A feat that he had foreseen, yet ired his amusement. 

"I wish to speak to your boss." 

"Susie 'Q'? The Q?" Jackie inquired.

"Look I don't have time my people are getting kidnapped and the longer I wait the worse of fate they'll go through… Please let me talk to him…" Susie voiced.

"You hear that boss?" Jackie asked the empty room.

"Indeed." A voice spoke through the speakers.

"You may enter…"

Susie passing through security looked at the front of the entrance intrigued stationed was a mystic shop with the back of it holding a lab. The area was sterile and clean. Too clean for a mere ripper doc. While it was always prided by a few to remain tidy and neat this was on a whole nother level. 

"I'm impressed…" She murmured.

"You shouldn't be," Victor answered, his figure appearing in front of her. Sitting down he sat with hid hands by each side. 

"I've come to apologise on the behalf of my group. It was an honest mistake committed through passion we didn't-." 

"That I would retaliate? Don't be foolish I have forgiven your mistake. Now speak. What is it you require?" 

"Look we need help finding Charlotte."

"Details… Why should i begin to care if a few whores go missing?" Victor inquired.

"Those whores were people! Do you have no heart?" She spat.

"Heart? I must've lost it on my journey here. Are you seriously speaking about morals in Night City?" Victor heaved with a smile.

"Look, I'll pay you." She adjusted, an obvious tint of hatred seething at her response. 

"You wouldn't be able to afford me," Victor replied honestly.

"Then what do you want?" She replied.

"You." He responded.

"Excuse me…" She replied recoiling. 

"Hmph, don't be mistaken it is not your body that I wish to acquire merely your entire so-called gang," Victor spoke.

"No way." She spat ferrciosuly. How dare he stomp on her efforts. To discredit their efforts at survival. Most had never wanted to open their legs and yet he who had wanted to take over her gang to his arms? What was she a fool? 

"Think with that brain of yours, your sachet of members and collective… Imagine the networking that could have been accomplished had you utilised your brain. Instead, you wasted time merely running a small bar with mere Brain dances. The amount of influence that could've been spread would've been tremendous…" Victor spoke, displaying their influence on the map.

"I am giving you an option… A way out… You plead loyalty to me, and the Mox will go from a mere group of whores and sluts… To the finest assassins in Night City." He spoke, the scene of her influence slowly growing throughout the map.

"I…" 

"Think to yourself. How many more of your women will be abused and whored out. Do you not seek freedom? Freedom from such degeneracy? I am your salvation. I can give you power. You have nothing to lose, but the shackles tied to your waists. Accept me and I shall open the gates. No longer will your people be forced to sex work, no longer will your people feel fear."

"Even to the likes of Arasaka?"

"Hmph, even to the likes of corporate scum." Victor seethed.

"How can I trust you'll follow through with your word…" She revealed.

"Perhaps this may help…" Victor expressed, a sigil appearing before her. The sight shocking her.

"Impossible…" She murmured. 

The sigil was the symbol of great power and ferocity. The sigil of the all Father.

"You wish to make us a bunch of terrorists? Would we not be in more danger?" 

"You are assassins, not grunts. What I'm offering is better than anything that Night City can offer. Would you rather live kneeling or die standing? Decide Susie on which side you want to be on. Night City will eventually crumble under NUSA's might. The only thing stopping them is us. Every day you already fear a random bullet, why not pull the trigger yourself?" 

"Fine but I wont force my members to concede…" She replied.

"Then sign this contract and we have ourselves a deal," Victor spoke. 

Staring at the contract she signed it, an ominous feeling drowning her heart as she twirled the pen. Blinking she found herself shrouded in a red mist, the land around her barren with millions of individuals kneeling towards a throne. Atop the throne sat a single figure… The All-Father, his eyes lingering towards her compelling her to submit. Understanding she kneeled unable to resist.

Closing her eyes she reopened them to find she had returned to Victors' office.

"What was that…" She murmured.

"Welcome to the cause." Victor smiled.