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“I… I don’t understand.” Judy stammered, frowning at the old ripperdoc, her thoughts crashing around her skull like a fishing boat caught in a wild storm. “I thought she was…” Judy trailed off, refusing to say the word that had haunted her every waking moment these past few months; the soul-crushing conclusion she had arrived at after not hearing from V for all that time – that she was gone.
This had become the techie’s new reality, and now she was being told, like so many other chapters of her life, that this reality was a lie. For the first time in what seemed like forever, a small flame ignited in her chest, a soft flickering light, that if given enough time to breathe could erupt into wildfire – hope.
“I thought so too.” Vik agreed soberly. “Had almost given up on ever seeing her again. And then there she was, dumped on the front door of Misty’s shop like a bag of trash, naked and unconscious. She was in bad shape.”
“But she’s alive, right? They fixed her?” Judy asked desperately, trying to remain calm.
Vik’s expression faltered and he pulled his lips into a thin line. “Well, those ‘Saka fucks did what they said they would, I’ll give ‘em that. The Relic is gone and she’s no longer dying, but…”
“I need to see her!” Judy interrupted, unable to contain the cyclone of emotion raging inside her any longer.
Vik sighed, his eyes falling to his feet. “I don’t think that’s…”
“Vik, please!” Judy pleaded, tears welling in her eyes as she reached out and grabbed the man by the arm. “I thought I'd lost her. I need to see her, need to touch her. I need to know this is real!”
The ripperdoc winced as his gaze met Judy’s once more, his shimmering eyes whispering a mutual pain that his lips refused to speak. “There were… complications.”
Judy’s brow furrowed. “Complications?”
Vik let out a deep breath. “I don’t know what they did to her on that Orbital Station, but during the surgery, her brain was severely damaged. Knowing those bastards, it was probably intentional.”
“Damaged how?” Judy asked urgently, the flame inside her beginning to suffocate.
“Some of it was to be expected and can be attributed to deterioration from the Relic. But the hippocampus especially – the part of the brain that stores episodic memory – has been all but destroyed.”
“Vik, what the fuck are you sayin’? She doesn’t remember anythin’?” Judy cried, reverting to her default coping mechanism, anger.
“Most of her higher functions are still intact: fine motor skills, sensory perception, reasoning. She’ll have a general understanding of the world and how it works, but anything specific, especially memories attached to emotion…”
Judy glared at the ripperdoc, her eyes searching his face for confirmation to the question she didn’t want answered.
“She will know she is V, but who that is exactly will be unclear. She’ll know she has a birthday, but won’t remember when it is. She’ll know what food is, but not what food she likes, and have no intimate memories of specifics. She won’t remember the birthday present she got three years ago, for example. Or that time you shared an ice cream on the way home from a night out.”
“And me?” Judy croaked.
Vik stared at the techie, anguish darkening his cyan eyes. He tore his gaze away from her before shaking his head. “V won’t even remember herself. You, me, Panam. It’ll be like we never existed. And even if we attempt to reconnect with her, she doesn’t have the capability to retain that memory. Within a few hours it will all have vanished again.”
The flame extinguished, plunging Judy’s heart into a cold darkness. Agony clawed its way up her neck, wrapping its icy fingers around her throat - she couldn’t breathe. She stared hopelessly at the ripperdoc, that same darkness began to seep in at the edges of her vision, as if the walls of Vik’s clinic were closing in around her. Month-old wounds that were yet to heal tore open again, the pain more excruciating than ever. It bled out of her soul and consumed her - she was drowning.
Vik cleared his throat and continued in a low voice; his words strained. “’Saka already wiped her holo: contacts, messages et cetera. I think it’s in her best interest, and ours, to leave it that way. It’ll be tough for her. Each day will be like groundhog day, except she won’t remember the day before for comparison. In a weird way, I guess that’s a small mercy.” Vik removed his glasses to clean them on his shirt, wiping at his eyes with the back of his hand. “With any luck, she’ll still have a long, healthy life ahead of her, we just won’t be a part of it. I’m sorry kid.”
Tears were cascading down Judy’s cheeks, mascara staining her skin. “I can’t just forget her.” She choked.
“I know, and I don’t expect you to.” Vik replied with a pained smile. “But if you love her, you’ve got to let her go.”
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Three months later
Streaks of lazy, morning sunlight filtered through the shutters of the apartment, dancing across V’s face and playfully coaxing her from her slumber. She groaned and pried an eye open, sleepily peering around the room. Fear slapped her awake and she bolted upright. Where was she? What was she doing here? Her eyes fell on a note next to her pillow and a wave of relief washed over her.
Relax, this is your home
V frowned in confusion as she glanced around the apartment once more. It didn’t feel like home. Sure, it had a bed and a sofa and all the things you’d expect to find in your home, but none of it was familiar. No, single object elicited any emotional response whatsoever. There was no warmth or sense of sanctuary. It was just a room holding a collection of stuff. V did take a small comfort in the fact that she, or someone had clearly left that note to ease her concern, but why couldn’t she remember?
She stood up from the bed, pulling on the pants from the floor that she presumed were hers, and switched on the television before locating the vending machine.
The idea of coffee didn’t excite V in the slightest, she only knew that it was good for a pick-me-up and was what people drank when they woke up. She was relieved to see only one option for nondescript ‘coffee’, as decision making seemed rather difficult for her at present. Did I drink too much last night? Feels like my brain is still asleep.
“Good morning, Night City!” Exclaimed the strange, gold suit-wearing man on the television. “And a Happy Valentine’s Day to all the chromed-up Romeos and RealSkinn Juliets out there. In other news, jewelry theft is up 300%. Nothing like a delusional romantic to kick-start a crime spree…”
V collected her coffee from the dispenser and placed it to her lips. “Argh! Shit that’s hot!” She yelped, blowing on the hot beverage to cool it down. She took another cautious sip and nodded to herself approvingly. Note to self, I like coffee.
Twenty minutes and four coffees later, V found herself sitting on the sofa, bouncing up and down on the spot. Her skin felt alive, like it was covered in a swarm of ants. Note to self, limit yourself to three.
Her fingers drummed along the sofa cushion uncontrollably as she glanced around the apartment yet again, finding it just as alien as before. She was well and truly awake now, surely she should recognise something.
A soft pressure rubbed against V’s leg, and she glanced down to see a cat staring up at her. “Oh, hey there.” She stated as she instinctively leant down and scratched the feline’s chin. With her other hand she reached for the cat’s collar, lifting up a plain, gold tag with ‘Nibbles’ etched on it.
“Hello Nibbles, am I your Mommy?” V asked, now scratching behind the cat’s ear. He purred and licked her hand appreciatively. “Sorry buddy, havin’ one hellova bad day. How could I forget a face as cute as yours?”
V continued to stroke Nibbles’ back, much to his delight, as she pulled out her holo. Hopefully someone could shed some light on her chronic forgetfulness. Her heart sank when she found only three contacts listed: Building Management, Trauma Team and Delamain Corporation. She checked her messages, which were empty, and her call log only listed calls to Delamain, once a day it seemed.
V frowned down at Nibbles, her shoulders slumping. “Why don’t I have any friends? Is there something wrong with me? Am I a bad person?” An unknown source of optimism surged through her, and she smiled at the cat. “First task of the day, make some friends.”
Nibbles had escaped her petting and was now weaving himself around her legs, mewling insistently.
“What is it boy? Are you hungry?” V queried.
At the mention of the magic word, Nibbles trotted across the room and sat down beside a small cooler near V’s desk, his meowing becoming impatient.
V opened the chest to find several packages of unspecified meat. She tore the plastic wrap off one of the parcels and placed it in front of Nibbles. The cat buried his face in the food without as much as a thank you. Note to self, feed the cat.
A sudden thought hit V and a new wave of panic rippled under her skin. “Oh shit, I must have a job. That’s what adults do, right? What do I do? When do I do it? Should I be there right now? Am I running late?”
Nibbles ignored her question as he continued to wolf down his food. V tapped a finger on her chin in thought. Think V, think… ahah! She clicked her fingers and walked over to the closet, her hand dancing over the articles of clothing until they settled on a black, armored uniform. V examined the outfit, her mouth falling agape. “No way!” She exclaimed to Nibbles, who looked up at her blankly with one leg cocked, before returning to unapologetically licking himself. “I’m a MaxTac officer!”
V placed the MaxTac helmet over her head, glancing at her surrounding. “This is so cool! Does this mean I’m a badass?” She waved a hand at Nibbles dismissively when she received no response. “Add it to the list. Second task of the day, call NCPD and ask for my roster… I hope today was my day off.” She clasped her fingers together in the shape of a gun and took a wide stance, pointing her imaginary weapon at the cat. “Freeze psycho!”
Her foot bumped against something solid, and V glanced down to see a box. She pulled off the helmet and discarded it haphazardly to the floor, her gaze fixated solely on the box’ contents – a diving suit.
She collected the suit in her hands, her fingers tracing over the neoprene fabric. A feeling came to her then, not a visual memory, but more of a residual energy connected to the object. She felt a rhythmic pressure on her chest, firm and consistent, her own name ringing in her ears. “V!”
V frowned at the suit, trying to make sense of what she had just experienced. It was the first time today that she had evoked such a response. The sensation of familiarity was as exciting as it was unsettling.
Like a dorpher searching for their next hit, V started a sweep of her apartment, running her hands over every surface and object, determined to conjure another reaction.
She came to a stop at the wall by her bed, her eyes landing on what appeared to be a photograph of a church. Shimmering blackness swam across her vision before a burst of orange light flared out before her. The faint peal of the church bells echoed around her skull and reverberated under her skin.
It was only when the memory evaporated that she realised she was holding her breath. V took the picture off the wall, holding it in her hands as she scanned the image once more, willing her mind to remember. She let out a frustrated huff and turned the picture over, noticing a small note at the bottom corner.
‘Laguna Bend’
06/07/2077
V mouthed the name several times. Laguna Bend? Why does that sound familiar?
She glanced over at Nibbles, who had now decided to stretch out lazily on the sofa. “Friends and work can wait!” She declared with a sudden surge of vigor. “I’m going on an adventure!” She pulled out her holo and made a call.
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The Delamain cab was awaiting V when she reached the ground floor of Megabuilding H10. Before clambering into the taxi, V was greeted with a bombardment of strange and contradicting smells. The aromatic fragrance of exotic spices from the food stalls amalgamated with cooking oil, cigarette smoke and overflowing trash. The pungent cocktail of odours made her nauseous. V found this peculiar. Surely she should be accustom to the scent by now.
As V settled into the backseat of the cab, a projection of a humanoid face appeared on a screen embedded into the back of the driver’s seat.
“Welcome on board this Delamain service. With Delamain, you leave your problems at the door.” The face announced.
V grimaced. “Unless you’ve got a cure for amnesia hiding back here, I don’t think my problems are gonna be so easy to shake.”
“Unfortunately, I do not.” Informed Delamain. “Although please help yourself to a complimentary refreshment.”
V looked around the cabin until she located a can of Real Water tucked into the door. She cracked the can and saluted the AI “Thanks choom.”
“Before we begin our journey, I must verify your identity. Please proceed to connect your personal link.”
V pulled the cable from her wrist and connected to the port.
“Thank you. Welcome back Miss V.” Delamain chimed as he confirmed her details. “A pleasure to have you travelling with us a…”
“Wait, you know who I am?!” V blurted abruptly, jolting forward in her seat excitedly as if she’d just been zapped with a cattle prod.
“Of course, you are one of our most valued customers, and the first ever recipient of the lifetime Excelsior package.” Delamain informed proudly.
“Nova!” V grinned before her brow transitioned into a frown. “Uhh… what does that mean, exactly?”
“It’s a premium package tailored specifically for you. It essentially ensures that your every need is met and that your safety is guaranteed to the full extent of my capabilities. The package was organized by an anonymous benefactor on your behalf.”
V’s frown deepened. Anonymous benefactor? What am I? A trust fund baby?
She peered out the car window at the towering pillar of poverty in which she resided and quickly scratched that thought from her mind. She was becoming annoyed with her forgetfulness. How was none of this ringing any bells?
V bit her lip in thought and looked at Delamain’s projection once more. “So, bein’ such a valued customer as I apparently am, you must know somethin’ about me, right?”
Delamain paused to ponder V’s question. “I can divulge the information on your personal file if that would assist?”
“Yes, please!” V begged with a glint of hope in her eyes. Finally, she might be onto something.
“As you wish.” Delamain replied before another brief pause.
“Customer #35677 – V. Date of birth: 12th October, 2049. Place of birth: The Badlands. Current residence: Megabuilding H10, Little China, Watson. Occupation: Unknown.”
“I’m a MaxTac officer.” V beamed proudly. “…I think.”
“Would you like me to update your file?” Delamain asked.
“Maybe next time choom. There’s a small chance I’m actually a diving instructor, so lemme get back to you on that.”
“Very well.” The AI replied. “Did you find this information helpful?”
V’s shoulders slumped. “Not really, sorry Del… can I call you Del? Just kinda feels right.”
“Of course. As I am of other intelligence, I hold no affection to something as trivial as a name.”
A pained smile crossed V’s lips. “I understand that more than you know.” She let out a deflated sigh. “You sure there’s nothin’ else on that file? Anything that might help me remember who I am?”
There was a moment of silence before Delamain spoke again. “There is something. An update was made to your file 6 months ago. Your surname was changed to Alvarez.”
“Alvarez?” V mumbled. A flash of lidded, chestnut eyes stared into her soul. It was gone in a heartbeat, though the emotion lingered thereafter. Love sparkled on the surface of that fleeting gaze, but a deep-seated despair lay beneath, like a pair of fireflies dancing against the backdrop of a starless night.
V scrambled for her can of water, her mouth suddenly very dry. The refreshing liquid snapped her back to the present. “Can you pull up any info on other customers with the surname Alvarez?” She croaked.
“I’m afraid that information is confidential.” Delamain informed.
“Fuck.” V huffed. “And what was my surname listed as beforehand?”
“Unspecified.”
V groaned. Another dead end. “OK, guess I’ll stick to the plan. Do you know where Laguna Bend is?”
She could swear she heard a hint of amusement in Delamain’s tone. “Oh yes, I am quite familiar with that location by now.”
V stared out at the sprawling metropolis as Delamain drove her through the streets of Night City. She knew this place, in the same way that her heart knew to beat, or her lungs knew to breathe. It was undeniable, yet disconnected from any conscious efforts. There was a familiarity that thrummed under her feet like electricity and thickened the air like humidity. She was a part of it, attached to it. Like a parasite on the underbelly of a great Leviathan.
Though that connection was lacking any substance or significance. As preposterous as it was, V felt like she was experiencing the city, in person, for the first time, and any recognition was nothing more than a picture from a magazine.
She found herself taken aback by its sheer magnificence. It was as shockingly beautiful as it was breathtakingly depressing, like a young starlet overdosing on Glitter. Neon monoliths wore masks of abundant opulence in a desperate attempt to hide their ugly faces. But this artificial charm was only skin deep, and the hideous nature of The City of Dreams seeped into each wall and every street, staining the skin of all who lived there.
As the cab exited the city limits, and the marvelous monstrosity disappeared into the distance, V felt its constricting grip go with it. She peered out at the ragged, barren landscape of the Badlands and a sense of calm washed over her. It was welcoming, embracing, and for the first time that day, she felt like she could breathe.
V glanced over to the empty seat beside her, and her pulse quickened. Searing, drunken kisses trailed down her neck to her collar bone. Love and lust consumed her thoughts entirely as a tattooed hand crept up the inside of her thigh. The memory faded, leaving the ghost of her touch tingling V’s skin, a dull ache throbbing in her core. V’s breath hitched and she rubbed her thighs together to ease the tension.
“V? Is everything OK?” Delamain enquired. “I’m sensing a drastic increase in your heartrate.”
V exhaled slowly, her cheeks flushing pink. “Yeah Del, I’m uh… fine. Thanks.”
“Excellent. Well, I am pleased to inform you that we have arrived at your destination.” The AI added cheerfully.
It was only then that V realised they had stopped moving. She clambered out of the cab, quickly scanning her surrounding before ducking her head back inside the vehicle. “Wait here for me Del, would ya?”
“Of course.” Delamain replied matter-of-factly, as if he had already intended on doing so.
Laguna Bend was not what V had expected, it wasn’t really anything at all. The disheveled lake-side bungalow certainly didn’t appear worthy of having its own title.
A gentle breeze kissed her skin as V stepped towards the cottage. She approached a rusted-out shell of a car at the front of the property, feeling the urge to run her hand along its dilapidated body. She paused, almost certain she heard a voice in the whispering wind.
“Well, factor that in and you look fuckin’ amazin’.”
V strained to home in on the voice, but was met with nothing more than the quiet whoosh of the breeze and the soft lapping of the water against the shore. Disheartened, she wandered past the wreck and onto a wooden platform that extended from the cabin and out onto the lake.
She took a seat on the edge of the jetty, her feet dangling over the side, using the lake’s tranquil soundtrack to gather her thoughts. She glanced to her right, her heart skipping a beat as she heard that same voice from before.
“Don’t say anything. Just gimme your hand.”
Wrists pressed together, skin against skin. A pair of electric-blue optics sparkling at her.
V tried desperately to hold onto that image, to focus on it. Like grasping for a precious photograph that had been picked up in a gust. Arms extended, fingertips stretching yet remaining just out of reach as the picture is whisked away by the devilish wind.
V sighed as she got to her feet. There had to be something that her mind could cling to, something that could tell her who she is.
Confident that she was at least in the right place for answers, V made her way towards the front of the bungalow. She raised her hand to knock on the door, faltering as it slid open upon recognizing her biometrics. “That’s strange.” V muttered as she stood in the doorway, puzzled. Do I… own this place?
As V stepped inside the cottage, she noticed a door leading to a bedroom in front of her, and another door to her left. On her right, she was greeted by a modest living area. A worn-out sofa sat along the back wall under a window, a round coffee table placed beside it. Shelving littered with books and knick-knacks ran along the right-hand wall, leading to a grimy kitchenette and a small dining table. The place was a mess, with empty NiCola cans and pizza boxes scattered throughout. Comparing it to the state of her apartment, V concluded that she could very well be the owner.
Her eyes settled on a coffee pot which sat on the kitchen bench, her body shivering involuntarily.
“Must be chilled to the bone. I’ll brew a pot.”
V slowly circled the room, her gaze drifting from one object to the next. Her hands were outstretched, brushing over each surface, desperate to trigger another vision or sensation.
Not receiving any response, V made her way to the other rooms by the entrance. She opened one door and stepped into a small bathroom, bathed in a cold-steel hue. Contrary to the room’s aesthetics, V felt a nervous energy warm her from within. She found herself compelled to sit on the edge of the bathtub. As she did, her heartbeat accelerated, her hands becoming clammy.
“Wanted this to be just our day…”
“It is ours.” She mumbled aloud, her fingertips tingling with the memory of a sweet caress, her pulse now pounding in her ears.
She was lifted to her feet then, as if by some unseen magnetism. Drawn - no, pulled from the bathroom and into the bedroom.
Her body quaked with desire as she stood at the foot of the bed, eyes fixated on the tousled sheets. The same lidded, chestnut eyes stared back at V, shimmering with anticipation. Warm, amber lighting danced across soft, tattooed flesh. Hands roamed impatiently, exploring every inch of her naked body. A mess of green and pink moved down V’s stomach, trailing teasing kisses until…
V gasped, a quiet moan escaping her lips. The memory faded, returning her to the vacant room, her core aching with need, her body yearning to feel that touch once more.
She took a moment to catch her breath and frowned at her sudden impulse for a cigarette. I didn’t know I smoked.
Once she had calmed down, V returned to the living room, hopelessly scanning the area once more. She sighed, concluding that with all options exhausted, her little adventure had come to an end. Deflated, she collapsed onto the sofa. Playful giggling filled her head, the warmth of an arm around her waist, the weight of a head resting on her shoulder. V tilted her head, leaning into the touch as she closed her eyes.
A sadness settled in with each steady breath. She felt like her mind was a puzzle missing most of its pieces. To have fragments of something so beautiful seemed crueler than not remembering at all.
She opened her eyes, tears now rolling down her cheeks. She was lost, in every sense of the word, with no idea how to get home. The utter helplessness of it all was overwhelming.
V peered over at the coffee table, her brow furrowing as she noticed a glimmer catch her eye. She sat upright, lifting a copy of Rache Bartmoss’ Guide To The Net, to find an ornate cigarette case.
She picked up the small tin to examine it further. Its cover was embossed with a rabbit’s head within a heart, all in gold. Below the rabbit sat three sparkling diamantes on a golden banner.
The case hummed in her hand as she turned it over. As V looked up, she found herself in a dimly lit room, a cellar or basement perhaps? Hope flooded back to V as she stared at the glowing pink, neon sign on the wall. Its fluorescent glare increased in intensity until it washed out the shadowy figure sat beneath it. The two words imprinted on V’s vision, and she smiled. She knew where she had to go next.
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Lizzie’s was a cauldron of chaotic energy for its annual Valentine’s Day party. Giant, neon hearts hung from the ceiling, glow-in-the-dark roses were handed to each patron upon entry, and the club’s usual pink and blue hue had been accented with a deep red.
Judy sat at the bar; her head propped up with one hand as she absentmindedly stirred her drink with her finger.
“You OK, Jude?” Mateo asked as he readjusted his cupid wings with a deprecatory huff.
“Mmhmm.” She hummed in response, not taking her eyes off her drink.
“Maybe tonight’s not the night for…” Mateo trailed off upon receiving the signature Alvarez death glare. He raised his hands in surrender. “OK. I’m just saying. Lizzie’s is going off. Everyone’s having a good time. Maybe you should try and let loose a little.”
Judy threw back her Centzon in one gulp, slamming the glass back down in front of Mateo, eyeing him intently.
The bartender sighed and reluctantly poured Judy another drink. “Alright, I’ll drop it. But just take it easy, yeah?”
V made her way through the crowded dance floor, scanning the room wildly until her eyes fell on a woman at the bar, and time stood still.
She stared at the woman and exhaled a shaky breath, her pulse matching the frantic rhythm of the EDM that thundered throughout the club. Everyone and everything around V fizzled into obscurity. Her heart beamed like a beacon, shining through the heaving mass of humanity and lighting the path home - the path to her.
V pushed her way through the drunken mob of dancers, oblivious to the cries of outrage and angry glares as she shouldered people out of the way. Her sole focus was on one person. An anxious electricity sparked beneath her skin. Nothing about today made any sense, and she felt no closer to knowing who she was. But one thing she was certain of beyond a shadow of a doubt, a surety she had no explanation for – that she was in love with the stranger sitting at the bar.
She came to stand next to the woman, hesitating before clearing her throat.
Judy pulled her gaze from her drink and stared up at V through her pink and green fringe, her eyes growing wide, her mouth falling agape.
“Hey, ah… I’m sorry to bother you.” V bumbled, her cheeks turning red. “And I know this is gonna sound really weird…” She groaned, fumbling around her head in search of the right words. “You see, I’ve been havin’ some trouble remembering who I am… remembering anything really… But I…” She gazed at Judy and shook her head. “I’m sorry, this is stupid…” She turned to leave, but a tattooed hand shot out and grabbed her wrist. The touch sent a burning sensation flaring up V’s arm, setting her heart alight.
“No, please.” Judy pleaded, her eyes a sea of emotion. She pulled her hand away, collecting herself before asking casually. “What is it?”
V sighed, finding reassurance in the lidded, chestnut eyes that peered back at her. “I can’t explain it, but I feel like I know you. Like, really know you. Does that make sense? Have we met before?”
Judy’s eyes welled with tears, her lip trembling as she stuttered in response. “Ahh.. I…”
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.” V winced. “I shouldn’t have…”
“No, its OK.” Judy replied, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I jus’…”
“Well, how about I start from the beginning.” V insisted with a smile and extended out her hand. “I’m V.”
Judy choked on a sob, wiping the tears from her face before shaking V’s hand. “Hi, V. I’m Judy.”
V’s smile widened. “So, Judy. Can I buy you a drink?”
Judy chuckled softly and nodded. “I’d really like that.”
V's eyes lit up as she reached for her back pocket. “Oh, I almost forgot…” She retrieved the glowing rose and offered it to Judy. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Judy smiled lovingly at the other woman as she took the flower. “Happy Valentine’s Day, V.”
Rita stood reclined against the bar, her elbows resting on the counter. “I dunno how she does it.”
“Hmm?” Mateo queried, quirking an eyebrow as he dried a glass and returned it to the rack.
The bouncer motioned to the two women with her chin. “Punchin’. Why does she put herself through it?”
“I think it’s fascinating.” Mateo replied, slinging the cloth over his shoulder, and placing both palms on the bar. “Every day Judy sits there waiting, and every day V finds her.”
“Yeah, just so she can walk her home and be forgotten about all over again.” Rita shook her head, collecting her drink from the bar and taking a sip. “I get wantin’ to look out for her - the note she leaves in the morning, the Delamain thing. Hell, she even pays her rent. But everything else? All for an output that doesn’t remember you. Sounds like torture.”
Mateo shrugged. “There’s not a lot of certainty in this goddamn city, but as sure as the sun will rise each day, those two will always find each other. I don’t think the end of the world could keep them apart. It’s like destiny, y’know?”
“Shit, input. Didn’t know you were such a deep thinker.” Rita teased as she finished her drink, gesturing to the bartender for another.
Mateo pulled out a bottle of Ab-synth and refilled the bouncer’s glass. “That’s because you’ve never asked.” He grinned as he poured himself a drink. “All I know is that to Judy, it’s worth it. She’d rather relive this day with V over and over again than to not have her at all.” He watched the two women giggling to each other and smiled. “There’s no greater love than that.”
But unbeknownst to all of them, every day, V was remembering just a little bit more.