1 Let's Get Chromed

October 9th, 2013, 12:00

Jason woke up feeling groggy. His head felt like it was being split into twenty pieces while the system downloaded and all the memories from both lives fused together. When it all calmed down, Jason was left as a sweaty mess on his mattress.

Jason looked around the alley that he had just found himself sleeping in and instantly felt annoyed. The other him had never lived this way and the memories from both lives caused him to disdain his current situation.

'Whatever. Let's check out the system first.'

Jason opened up the system and a holographic screen appeared in front of his eyes. On the screen were 5 sections that he could click through. Armaments covered weapons and clothing, Cyberware had all the cyberware and mods for them, Robotics covered drones, robots, and vehicles, Meds covered all types of drugs and medications, and Chipware covered all the possible skill chips he could get.

Jason did a quick browse through all the sections and his face instantly soured. While most of the Cyberware was reasonably priced, he couldn't afford even the cheapest Fashionware was way out of his price range, not to mention the most expensive stuff like cars that were around the 6-figure mark.

'Fuck you, God! You couldn't have at least...'

Just as Jason was thinking about how he had been ripped off with the reincarnation lottery, he saw that he had been gifted a beginner's package.

'I meant, thanks, my guy. I appreciate you giving me a headstart so I don't have to struggle so much.'

Jason mentally opened the Starter Pack and was pleased with what he saw.

[Gifted: 1x Neuralware Processor, 1x Chipware Socket, 2x Basic Cyberoptics, 1x Cybermodem Link, 1x Cybermodem, 1x Cyberarm, 1x Streetslang Chipware, 1x Free Instalation]

Jason had gotten pretty much a basic package. The processor was the basics of the basics because that was installed into everyone in order to control all the cyberware they get installed. The chipware socket and cybermodem were also pretty basic as well since the latter is how most got involved in netrunning and the former is how others installed chipware skills.

The optics were great for getting built-in scopes so that he would be able to carry around guns more conspicuously yet have better aim than others. The link and cyberarm were a bit more advanced but still pretty common in the world of Cyberpunk.

The best part of the package was the free installation. Jason's number one worry about getting his Cyberware was getting it installed.

Normally, a Ripperdoc would install cyberware for someone for a fee. And because he was a homeless kid born before any actual cyberware had been created, the odds of Jason finding one was next to none. When he looked at the various cyberware he could buy, he also noticed that it would cost him an extra 20% on each cyberware that he wanted to have installed.

The free installation he got would save him so many eddies when he got all of his cyberware installed into himself and be the basis for his future in Gotham.

'Alright. let's get started then. Select all items and free installation.'

Jason thought that the process would be painless but that was foolish on his part. The moment the installation started, he passed out from the pain only to be awakened by the next wave of it. Jason could feel each and every piece of cyberware being installed into his body.

Several people passed by the alley and heard his screams but none of them entered. They all did like they would usually act when they heard someone suffering in Gotham City: they turned away from it and continued on to make sure they didn't get in any trouble.

The installations were over about 30 minutes later but the pain was so severe that Jason was unable to stand it. As soon as his body was able to relax, the teen passed out.

When Jason woke up several hours later, he felt pain all over his body but he also felt better than ever. Each piece of cyberware that he had installed made him feel like he was so much better than he was before.

Jason caught himself smiling in the reflection of a broken mirror. It was after he saw the glee on his face that he remembered something important.

'Shit. Almost forgot cyberpsychosis is a real thing. I need to be careful about how much I get chromed in the future.'

Jason looked up and saw that the sun was beginning to set. It was about to be the best time to get himself some quick eddies and also the most dangerous time as well. Because soon it would be night. And that was when the Bat would be on the hunt.

Jason put on his red jacket and picked up the wrench he always carried for self-defense. He then grabbed the last 30 bucks he had to his name and began walking out of the alley.

'First things first, let's do some recon.'

As the streets emptied of all the men and women of the day, the people of the night began to spread out. Whether it was the young adults looking for a night out on the town, the thugs and criminals that were securing their turf and making their runs, or those unfortunate enough to be stuck out at this time, they all began going from place to place to find out where they would belong.

Jason walked through these crowds and drew the normal amount of attention that a person his age would get. People kept an eye on him when he got close in fear that he might be a thief and double-checked their pockets after he passed by but otherwise ignored him when he was far away enough.

And that was just how Jason liked it.

Jason made his way through the streets until he arrived in the north side of the city. This was where many of the low-level thugs met up. And they met here for one reason.

"Joker just broke out and is looking for some new blood. Who is down for the clown?"

"Two-Face needs some guys for a gig. Not permanent and you'd only be working security. For more details, come and ask."

"Penguin has set up a bounty. Anyone who wants to try their luck for it, let me know."

This part of town was where all the information brokers were. Or in Cyberpunk terms, these guys were the Fixers and this was a Night Market.

These men and women were either connected to a single gang, contracted to a gang, or were just spreading the word on jobs and taking a cut of the profit. No matter what though, if new criminals wanted to make a name for themselves, they needed to come here.

The Night Market looked like any legit night festival one could find in another city. Their tents were set up all over with various neon lights and signs. There were even a few games being played. If not for the large number of guns, drugs, and joytoys, this would be something kids would think was for them.

Jason walked to the first tent he saw that had multiple teens in it. It had a decent line of 10 people so Jason figured that whoever the fixer was, they were legit.

After waiting for 20 minutes, it was finally Jason's turn.

The person sitting behind the desk seemed to be an overweight man in his 30s. He wore a tacky suit but Jason saw that the two men next to him were carrying some serious iron. Definitely not anything that a normal thug could get their hands on.

Nick saw Jason checking out both him and his men. He noticed that the boy seemed to be cautious of them but not afraid. Seeing that, Nick smiled brightly. Jason was the first to not be scared or overconfident. He was the type to survive.

"You look like a smart kid. What makes you come here?"

"In need of some cash. Realized that my parents aren't coming back so I need to rely on myself."

"That's what everyone needs. Either that or a gang for protection."

"I don't need anyone's protection. I'm just looking for work."

Nicked smiled at Jason once more. The more he looked at the kid, the more he liked him.

"How old are you, kid?"

"15."

"Hmm. Not bad. How are you at fighting?"

"I've lived off the streets for 6 months now and no one has taken any of my shit yet."

"Pretty good then. Sal Maroni's twin sons are about to head into high school. He can't influence their daily actions nor does he have anyone that will report to him from the inside. He is looking for kids around their age to help them while they are at school."

Jason nodded and got the gist of it. His main job would be making sure that the two didn't get killed off by a random thug and also making sure they didn't ruin their father's image.

"How much is the pay?" Jason asked, slightly interested in the job

"2K per month. Bonuses if your performance pleases the boss."

Jason shook his head at that. If he only wanted to earn 2K for a job that would most likely be 10 hours a day, he could get any normal job. He also didn't need the connection to the Maroni family since he knew that they would be brought down within the next 5 years anyway.

"Any other jobs you got?"

Nick was surprised that Jason had so quickly rejected the job but he didn't think much of it. He also thought the job paid way too little for what they were asking for.

Nick was about to list off his other jobs when he felt his phone vibrate. He pulled it out and saw that his connection in the Black Mask Gang had a job they needed to be done ASAP.

"Just got word that Black Mask needs a package delivered. They are looking for a kid or young teen so they don't attract too much attention. Not allowed to take any vehicles. Only on foot or using a bike. Pay is 1000 bucks to get it there by morning. Doubled if you can get it to them before midnight. You interested?"

Jason thought about it for a moment before nodding. Even if Black Mask was unreasonable, he most likely wouldn't be meeting with the man himself. Instead, he would just meet with some mid-level lieutenant at most.

Nick pulled out a piece of paper before writing down all the important information that Jason would need to complete it.

"Good. Take this and get going. You're going to be getting a good workout tonight."

Jason took the paper and took off in a random direction until he left the market and ducked into an alley. That's when he took out the paper and read the information.

[Pickup Location: 8983 Northern Lane, PO Box 725

Password: 967493

Dropoff Location: 3321 Cornwall Street. Alley on the left under the grey shoe box]

Jason read the information 3 times over to make sure he had it down before swallowing the paper to destroy the evidence.

With the evidence destroyed, Jason began running in the direction of the pickup location.