Chapter Text
Ghost in The Shell/Cyberpunk 2077
Into The Blackwall
"Hey, Night City! It's your boy MaxMike, bringing you the hottest beats and the wildest news from the heart of the chaos! You know how it is out here—always something brewing or shocking. And boy, do we have some juicy rumors to sink your teeth into tonight! Word on the street is that something big is happening, and everyone is talking. Sources say that Section 9—the infamous cybersecurity specialists from way out in the East—might be appearing right here in our beloved Night City. That's right, folks. The same Section 9 is known for its no-nonsense approach and razor-sharp skills in the world of espionage and tech warfare. But hold onto your cyberdecks, because it doesn't stop there. Rumor has it they're not just here for a casual visit. Nope, they're diving headfirst into the muck of our city's biggest messes. Arasaka, Militech, rogue AIs—you name it, they might be on the case. And if there's one thing we know about Section 9, it's that they don't play games. So keep those ears sharp and those eyes wide, Night City. Things are about to get a whole lot more interesting around here. I'll keep you posted as we dig deeper into this story, and you know I'll be bringing you all the dirt, all the way from the underground to the top of the food chain!" - MaxMike of Morro Rock Radio.
Night City, the free mega city on the western coastline south of San Francisco, California in the not-too-distant future of The New United States of America (NUSA). With the six main districts such as Watson, Westbrook, City Center, Heywood, Santo Domingo, and Pacifica, Night City was a massive dream of concrete, Neon lights, civilians with cybernetic augmentations, and cutting-edge technology. However, this Neon-lit utopian oasis of steel & chrome was also a place of violence & oppression as street gangs roamed the six districts, Law Enforcement & political corruption were ever-present in the city, as some would call it, that never sleeps where even Megacorporations had greater sway & control over city government officials. In the shadows of Night City once existed the old net, a bastion for Netrunners to explore the infinite boundaries of cyberspace. It was here that years ago, the renowned Netunning genius & anarchist cyber-terrorist Rache Bartmoss would hack the system unleashing his Roving Autonomus Bartmoss Interface Drones (R.A.B.I.D.S) virus that aimed to breach and destroy corporate data fortresses causing global economic collapse upon his death at the hands of corporate agents who were tasked to hunt him down. As the virus would shut down a majority of the net, it would start to mutate creating rogue A.I.s that would attack & kill any Netrunner that was daring enough to venture onto the net. Netwatch, a corporate security agency based in Europe, was tasked to stop and contain the rogue A.I.s by creating a special firewall program called The Blackwall. The Blackwall program would serve as a counter-measure to further prevent Rogue A.I.s from escaping digital cyberspace and finding ways to invade reality however even walls were made to be broken.
A young Netrunning prodigy, by the name of Song So Mi also known by her pseudonym Songbird, was sought after and recruited as an Intelligence analyst by The NUSA's Federal Intelligence Agency (F.I.A)after escaping Netwatch's custody for hacking into data forts belonging to Biotechnica & Militechwhere she worked alongside fellow FIA agent Solomon Reed during the Unification Wars in the late 2060s & early 2070s. By the end of the Unification War, FIA Agents were ordered to leave Night City after the assassination of an Arasaka admiral, Songbird, on orders of the NUSA President, was to betray Reed leaving him for dead in Night City as several undercover Arasaka agents attacked him. After the reclutant betrayal of Reed, Songbird would be tasked by The President to breach the Blackwall however each breach would take a toll on the Netrunner's life. In the year 2077 & during a flight on Space Force One, President Myers, Songbird, and nine other crew members were traveling along the Californian Coast when they were shot down by a missile attack forcing them to crash into the war-torn walled-off slum district of Dogtown in Pacifica. With communications jammed, Songbird, using her abilities as a Netrunner, would contact a well-known Mercenary named through the relic they possessed to safely evacuate The President from Dogtown while avoiding the forces of The BARGHEST militia, led by Ex-Militech commander turned Dogtown tyrant, Kurt Hansen. Although V was able to save The President in the nick of time, Songbird was nowhere to be found fearing for her well-being. V, On orders from President Myers, was tasked to contact a sleeper agent who turned out to be none other than Solomon Reed to find and rescue Songbird from Kurt Hansen.
Meanwhile elsewhere in New Port City in the Niihama prefecture of Japan, was the Public Safety Section 9, an elite task force that handles domestic, & global terrorism and then later on Cybercrimes. Led by Major Motoko Kusangi, a cybernetically-enhanced operative known for her calm & stern tactic approach to every mission, Section 9 and its operatives consisting of Ex-Army ranger turned lead Investigator Batou,2nd Investigator Togusa, Covert Intelligence & Technology Executive Ishikawa, 3rd Investigator Pazu, Spotter, Investigator & bomb specialist Boma, and Tactical Sniper Saito, this team of operatives works in the shadows and their latest mission will take them into the heart of Night City itself.
Chapter One: Ghost In The Wires
Kabuki, The Watson District of Night City
Kabuki was once the pride of the Japanese medical corporations in the Watson district of Night City with dense maze-like sprawl of neon lights, narrow alleyways, and towering structures looming over the streets. The air was thick with the scent of food being prepared by vendors in the courts along with oil and the faint tinge of burning electricity from billboard advertisements selling everything from cyberware to back-alley augmentations that cast a surreal glow over this part of the district. There was also tension in the air in Kabuki as the violent gang Asian gang known as The Tyger Claws roamed the area this gang operated much like the Japanese Yakuza whether they were running bars, restaurants, underground casinos, braindance clubs, and brothels however these were fronts for illegal operations such as the manufacturing of the drug known as glitter, prostitution, human trafficking, and money laundering. They say you cast a stare on a Tyger Claw and you will end up with a Katana in your gut however today would be different- for The Tyger Claws that is. In a dark alley the Tyger Claws, brandishing cyber blades, baseball bats, semi-automatic pistols, and submachine guns would have a woman with dark purple hair dressed in black but they had no idea who they were dealing with.
"What's a Corpo-bitch like you doing in our territory? Aren't you a long way from your fancy tower?" a lead Tyger Claw would say with a sneering grin as a neon-lit katana rested over his heavily tattoo shoulder sizing up the mysterious woman.
"I'm not here for gutter trash like you." The woman in black calmly replied. "Move aside, and you might live to see tomorrow."
"She thinks she can take us alone, " another Tyger Claw laughed mockingly, "How cute."
The Tyger Claw Leader would laugh gesturing to his minions to close in.
"Let's see how that tin can of a body holds up after we tear it apart."
"Looks like you made your choice." the Black-clad woman quietly said almost to herself.
As one of the gang members lunges at her with a blade, the woman moves at lightning speed, catching the male Tyger Claw's wrist in mid-swing, twisting it with fluid motion, disarming him, and in one swift motion the woman incapacitates the gang member with his blade striking a critical point in his cyber arm rendering him useless. Another Tyger Claw member rushes in, swinging a baseball bat, but the woman ducks under the swing grabs the bat, and smashes it into the gang member's chest, using the momentum to send him flying into two of his allies, With a few strikes, she disarms another gang member wielding a submachine gun twisting his arm behind his back and fires the weapon at two approaching Tyger Claws wounding their kneecaps dropping them both instantly.
"What the fuck are you!?" The lead Tyger Claw shouted in panic his eyes wide with shock
"More than you can handle." The woman coolly spoke as she disassembled the confiscated submachine gun dropping the pieces on the pavement.
"We gotta get out of here! She's not human!" A Tyger Claw nervously spoke getting to his feet
"No! We kill this fucking corpo-rat bitch now! There's more of us than her!" The Lead Tyger Claw furiously shouted backing up
Surrounded by more Tyger Claws, The Purple-haired woman momentarily paused, her body tensing up briefly. Then in a burst of speed, She launches herself at the leader, striking him in the chest with enough force sending him flying into a nearby wall and crashing with a bone-breaking thud. With brutal efficiency, She knocks down more gang members, using their weapons against them in a flurry of blows & counters. In the aftermath, the woman stood over the wounded and unconscious bodies of the Tyger Claws unfazed by the confrontation & checking her surroundings, the woman dusted off her jacket and casually walked away from the scene.
"Target's down. Send a cleanup crew for the trash." She spoke into her comms.
This woman was Motoko Kusanagi, the cybernetically enhanced agent of Public Security Section 9's cybercrimes division field leader known for her stoic, calm under-pressure attitude, and tactical approach to a mission. Along with six other operatives, The Major, on the orders of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Section 9's high-ranking chief Daisuke Aramaki, was dispatched to investigate Night City, the high-powered corporations oppressing it, and the possible threat of rogue A.I.s attempting to escape the old net bringing forth a global-scale catastrophe that could be on par if not greater than The Datakrash caused by Rache Bartmoss decades ago. Quietly stepping into an abandoned building and ascending a stairwell, Kusanagi would enter a room where the other six Section 9 Operatives were setting up equipment.
"Welcome back Major, " A tall, burly muscular male with cloud-white hair tied into a short ponytail and a pair of cybernetic eyes greeted. "Had a nice evening stroll greeting the new neighbors?" This man was Batou, another one of the Section 9 field agents and ex-Army ranger who worked closely with Kusanagi. Known to be the jokester of the team, Batou loves to tease his partners including Major Kusanagi herself. The former ranger always had a love for life whether he was drinking, fighting, training, or people-watching. Aside from his sense of humor, Batou always strong sense of justice to match his resilience and no-nonsense way of thinking as he'll often stand up for the weak.
"Cut the comedy, Batou, " Kusanagi responded sternly, arms crossed as she stared at her fellow operative. "Any word from the chief yet?"
"None yet," Batou replied after moving around some equipment. "He should be calling any time now we're just waiting on Ishikawa to set up the holoprojector so he can brief us on the mission."
"Everything's all set, Major, " A bearded male operative spoke up after running technical & software diagnosis. This operative was Ishikawa, the technical analysis expert of Section 9 who served alongside Kusanagi & Batou in the Ground Self-Defense Forces from the Japanese UN Contingent before the three were recruited into Section 9. While he did not possess cybernetic augmentations unlike his allies, Ishikawa was adept in data gathering and hacking the net with his poor physical condition compared to his compatriots. He is seldom shown to engage in combat however Ishikawa was a very laid-back individual. "The Chief should be coming on right about now."
With the team in place, the holo-feed activates displaying a stern-faced elderly male familiar to the Major & her team. This man was Daisuke Aramaki, the high-ranking Chief of Section 9's Cybercrimes division, as his commanding presence was felt even across a digital feed wasting no time and getting to the point. "I trust you're all settled in Night City."
"We're in position, Chief, " Kusanagi responded with a nod standing in the forefront of the team. "What's the latest intel?"
"As you know, The President of The NUSA, Rosalind Myers's Space Force One shuttle went down over the walled-off city of Dogtown in the Pacifica district of Night City. She was escorted by a Netrunner named Song So Mi, who uses the pseudonym Songbird. We also believe she somehow contacted a well-known Mercenary named V to evacuate the President from Dogtown before the forces of BARGHEST, led by former Militech commanding officer Colonel Kurt Hanson from assassinating The President. Afterwards, Songbird disappeared into Dogtown possibly being held captive by Hanson. Regarding the looming global threat of Rogue A.I.s, we also believe Songbird has some form of cybernetic augmentation that gives her access to reach beyond the Blackwall potentially destroying it." The Chief continued as the holo feed displayed a pink-haired female whose body had been heavily augmented with experimental Netrunner tech.
"Songbird's net running capabilities aren't like anything you've encountered before." The Chief continued as the display flashed, showing a visual breakdown of Songbird's augments- complex neural pathways fused with cybernetic enhancements. "She's more than just a runner. Her body has been augmented with experimental tech that allows her to directly interface with the Net on a deeper, almost symbiotic level. Her neural network is hardwired into a next-gen interface, enabling her to bypass even the toughest ICE barriers and manipulate data at incredible speeds. However, despite this impressive tech, it comes with fatal consequences for each time she dives into the Net, it takes a toll on her both mentally & physically."
"So, she's more machine than human now?" Another Operative, this man being Togusa, a former investigator with the Niihama Police Department now working with Public Safety Section 9, spoke up in grimacing discomfort. "That kind of augmentation... it's dangerous. What does that do to someone's mind, their soul?"
"It changes you," The Major responded noticing Togusa's discomfort. "There's no denying that but Songbird was pushed into this. She's still there, still human, but her augmentations give her the edge she needs to survive in a world like ours. The risk is how much control she can retain over her mind. The deeper you dive into Net, the harder it is to hold onto yourself."
"That's the problem," Togusa replied as he watched the display, the augmented reality diagrams lighting up with Songbird's internal network. "We're walking a fine line here- how much tech can you put into someone before they stop being human? I get needing the edge, but at what cost?" Despite having a brain cyber brain, Togusa was one of the operatives who did not undergo a full cyber-body augmentation to maintain his humanity due to being a loving husband & father.
"We don't always get to choose, Togusa." The Major once again spoke understanding Togusa's unease but knowing the world's reality. "Sometimes it's about survival, and the world Songbird was thrown into gave her no choice. She's still fighting to hold onto who she is, but we need her to be ready if she loses that battle. For now, we need her skills, and she needs our help."
"Now then, we move onto the person who Songbird last contacted for assistance," Chief Aramaki continued briefing as the holo displayed a female with long burgundy hair shaved on the left side of her head. "This is V, Age twenty-four, born in the Heywood district of Night City, and she's a skilled Solo with unique augmentations but there's more to this mercenary than just combat expertise. V's body houses an experimental Biochip that contains the engram of Johnny Silverhand- The very same Johnny Sillverhand who was responsible for the Arasaka bombing fifty years ago."
Hearing this, The Section 9 Operatives exchange glances at one other, both cautious and intrigued, while The Major continues to watch the holo feed with unblinking optics. "Wait, " Batou spoke up as he leaned back in his chair with arms crossed trying to process the complexity of what he was hearing. "So she's carrying a ghost? How the hell does that work?"
A digital diagram representing V's neural pathways and the integrated Biochip can be shown. "As you can see the biochip is gradually overwriting V's neural pathways causing deterioration in her body. In short, V is living on borrowed time. V was never meant to be the final host for Silverhand's engram and now she's fighting for control over her body but somehow V & Silverhand are co-existing- for now that is." Chief Aramaki continued via holo feed.
"Silverhand's Engram & V are both fighting for control over one body yet they found a way to co-exist," The Major said. "It's a precarious situation, and that makes her unpredictable. But her skills as a tactical netrunner and an expert in combat also make her invaluable. She's also pulled off jobs that no one else could. We may not have much time, but right now, we need allies, and V's the best we've got. Ishikawa, can you pinpoint any of V's known whereabouts or places she'll frequently visit here in Night City?"
"I have something Major, " Ishikawa replied as he found places where V visits. "She stays at a Megabuilding here in Watson but visits a small Esoterica shop owned by Misty Olszewski and a Ripperdoc clinic in a back alley run by Dr. Viktor Vektor on Urmland Street in the Little China section of Watson."
"Very well, that'll be the first location to find V, " The Major said with a nod to Batou & Togusa. "Batou, you and Togusa should get going to this Esoterica and see if the store owner can contact V while we gather more intel regarding Songbird. I'm certain if she can help us, we can help save both her & Songbird." With that said and on orders of Major Kusanagi, Batou & Togusa would head out to Misty's Esoterica in hopes of finding V.
As the sun dips below the horizon, Night City awakens with a life all its own. The last traces of daylight fade, giving way to the vibrant pulse of the urban jungle. Skyscrapers, towering steel and glass giants, begin to glow with a kaleidoscope of neon hues—electric blues, vivid pinks, and deep purples, all cutting through the twilight like shards of light. Once bathed in the warm amber of the setting sun, the streets are now illuminated by the cold, sharp glow of holographic billboards and flickering neon signs.
Each building seems to compete for attention, their facades shifting and morphing with the play of light, as if the city is alive, breathing in the night's energy. Down below, the veins of Night City—the bustling streets and alleys—glow with a phosphorescent undercurrent. Neon lights reflect off the wet asphalt, creating pools of liquid color that ripple with every passing car and every step taken by its denizens. The sidewalks are awash with a mix of soft neon glows and sharp, piercing lights, casting long shadows that dance and twist in the evening air. As the day transitions into night, the city's true colors emerge.
The sky, now a canvas of deep indigo, is punctuated by the artificial constellations of corporate logos and advertisements, each one vying for a moment of attention in the perpetual twilight. The city hums with life, a low, constant thrum that reverberates through the air, a reminder that Night City never sleeps. This is Night City in all its glory—a neon-soaked metropolis where day bleeds into night, and the darkness is never complete. It's a place where the line between reality and illusion blurs, where the lights are always on, and the city's heartbeat is felt in every glowing corner.
As Batou and Togusa cruise through the neon-lit streets of Night City on their way to meet V, the hum of the engine fills the silence between them. The towering buildings shimmer with vibrant hues, glowing advertisements reflecting off the rain-slicked streets. Night City is alive, yet it's a hollow kind of life—synthetic, fragmented, much like the people within it. Togusa, seated behind Batou, finally breaks the silence. "You ever wonder if there's a point where we lose ourselves in all this tech?"
"You mean Songbird?" Batou grunts, adjusting his grip on the handlebars maneuvering past a speeding Delamain cab while the city blurring by in streaks of light.
"Yeah... The things she's been through, and what they did to her. Those augmentations—jacked so deep into her mind it's like the net's her second skin. It makes you wonder how much of her is still... human." Togusa nods, though Batou can't see it.
"You know, Togusa, you sound like you walked out of an old noir flick." Batou huffs, a sardonic smile tugging at his lips as he drives.
"I'm serious, Batou. I mean, look at what happened to some of the cyberpsychos we've put down. The line between man and machine—it's thinner than ever. What happens when you stop seeing people as more than just code or data streams? When the machine eats up what's left of the person inside?" Togusa chuckles dryly, but his tone remains reflective.
"That's the risk we all take, Togusa. Every upgrade, every implant—it's a piece of yourself you trade. The trick is holding on to what matters." Batou shifts his gaze from the road for a second, his expression softening.
The road bends, and Batou revs the engine, speeding past a market in the Kabuki district.
"And you think Songbird's still got something left?" Togusa asked his partner as he shifted his eyes over at Batou
"If she didn't, she'd be dead already." Batou's jaw tightens, and he glances at the passing neon signs with a distant look.
Togusa lets that thought sink in, gazing at the endless sprawl of Night City. The conversation feels unfinished, a lingering reminder of the delicate balance between survival and identity in this place.
"You ever feel like we're just one bad day away from the same thing happening to us?"
"Every damn day, partner. Every damn day." Batou snorts, but there's no humor in it.
They ride on in silence after that, the roar of the bike cutting through the city's noise. The streets narrow as they approach V's last known location. Somewhere ahead waits a merc with her own ticking clock and a ghost in her head—someone trying to hold on to the previous pieces of herself just like Songbird, just like everyone else in this city caught between steel and soul.
Misty's Esoterica & Chakra Harmonization, Urmland Street in the Little China section of The Watson District
The quiet hum of Night City's streets barely reaches inside Misty's dimly lit esoterica. Shelves lined with tarot decks, charms, and incense fill the space with strange serenity. As Batou and Togusa approach the do of Garry Prophet's familiar voice cuts through the air from the alley nearby, his manic energy impossible to ignore.
"I'm telling you! It's all connected! The Blackwall isn't just a barrier- It's a damn trap! Netrunners go in, but do they come out? No! Arasaka and Militech—they built it together! They want to lock the rogue AIs behind it. And who's behind them? Not corps, not the NUSA... no, it's the machine gods of Alpha Centauri!"
"You think he's got a subscription to this nonsense, or does he just run on pre-recorded crazy?" Batou leans against the doorway, arms crossed, an amused grin creeping across his face.
"I've seen cases where conspiracy theories end up having kernels of truth," Togusa, more serious, rubs the back of his neck, processing the strange details in Garry's rant. "You think it's just nonsense?"
Garry spins around wildly, pointing a shaky finger as if sensing the two operatives' presence. "You! You think I'm mad, but wait until you see it yourself! Rogue AIs! Ghosts in the machine, whispering to us through Chrome and code! A reset is coming, and when it happens, no one—not the corpos, not even Section 9—will stop it!"
Batou raises a brow, his grin vanishing. "Wait... what did he say about Section 9?"
Before they can question him further, a blond-haired young woman wearing a long royal-blue sweater hanging slightly off her right shoulder, a short black skirt complete with fishnet stockings, and a spiked choker, steps out from the back of her shop, her voice soft but grounding. "Pay Garry no mind he's been... off the rails for a while now. But he's not always wrong. Sometimes, even the strangest voices catch echoes of things others miss." This woman was Misty Olszewski, a long-time friend of V and girlfriend to her late partner & fellow mercenary, Jackie Welles. In a city much like Night City, Misty was a gentle soul who devoted her life to healing broken spirits through esoteric & spiritualism.
"Well, that's... comforting." Togusa exchanges a glance with Batou, his expression skeptical but thoughtful.
"Please, Come in." Misty motions for them to step inside.
Batou throws one last glance at Garry, who continues his wild preaching about machines, rogue AIs, and an inevitable reckoning. "You know, if he wasn't so nuts, I'd almost say he was onto something."
As the door swings shut behind them, Garry's voice echoes faintly: "And when the ghosts wake up, they'll choose their path! Not ours!"
The encounter plants doubt in Batou and Togusa's minds—an unsettling hint that Garry's ramblings might be more than just conspiracy theories, echoing deeper truths about the rogue AIs and the mission at hand. Misty's Esoterica smells faintly of sage and incense, thick with an otherworldly calm. Batou and Togusa stand amidst flickering candles and strange ornaments, feeling strangely out of place. As they follow Misty to the back, the subtle hum of a nearby cyberlimb workshop grows louder. They enter the cluttered, sterile workspace complete with old boxing trophies where Dr. Viktor Vektor, a former heavyweight boxer with the Night City Devils Boxing Club turned Ripperdoc and friend of V's, sits in a worn-out chair, wiping his hands clean after a procedure. The renowned ripperdoc glances up, narrowing his eyes in recognition.
"Well, you don't see folks like you around these parts every day. What brings two heavy hitters to my little corner of Night City?" Vik said as he glanced at Batou & Togusa.
Batou smirks, taking a slow glance around the room. "We're looking for someone. V. Heard you'd know where she is."
"She's not exactly easy to track these days. V's been through a lot." Misty steps in, leaning against a shelf lined with tarot cards.
"We know. But we need to talk to her—it's urgent. We think she can help us with something... big." Togusa, still processing the strange encounter with Garry the Prophet, steps closer.
"V's life ain't been easy. She's got people coming at her from all sides—Arasaka, corpos, mercs. So, forgive me if I'm cautious about giving her location to a few strangers." Viktor's gaze hardens slightly, measuring their intent.
"We're not strangers. We're with Section 9. We don't want to hurt her. We might be her best shot at staying ahead of Arasaka." Batou said as he showed Vik and Misty his Section 9 credentials.
"Alright. Last I heard, she's been hanging around the North Oak Memorial Park. Something about that place helps her clear her head." Viktor exchanges a glance with Misty, who gives a slight nod. He sighs, rubbing his temple.
Misty adds quietly, her voice soft with concern. "She goes there when she's reflecting... or when she's carrying too much on her shoulders or to visit the niche where a mutual acquaintance & my boyfriend Jackie was buried or you could try The Afterlife that's where Mercenaries go to take jobs from Fixers in Night City."
"Sounds like we caught her at the right time, then." Batou's playful grin fades into a more serious expression as he processes the information.
"Thank you. If you think of anything else—if you think she's in danger—let us know." Togusa folds his arms, glancing between Misty and Viktor.
"Just... be careful. If you're taking her deeper into whatever mess you're involved in, make sure it's worth it. She doesn't have much left to lose." Viktor said.
Batou gives Viktor a nod and turns to leave, but Misty catches Togusa's attention with a thoughtful look.
"When you see her... remind her that the stars are still out there. Even if the city's lights drown them out, they're always there. She needs to remember that." Misty nodded at the two men.
As Batou and Togusa step out into the neon-lit streets, Viktor's words linger. They know they need to tread carefully—because V's life is teetering on the edge, and whatever they pull her into next could be her last chance… or her final mistake.
North Oak Columbarium, Westbrook District Of Night City
Night City. A place where dreams are often sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed and survival is earned in blood. In the swirling chaos of neon lights, soaring skyscrapers, and broken promises, one figure stands out amidst the shadows. V walks with confidence born from experience, but beneath the surface, there's a tension—a reminder of the ticking time bomb inside their head. The Biochip. The cursed relic that links them to the past, to a legend long dead, but still haunting every thought. Johnny Silverhand lingers in their mind, his voice and presence more than just a ghost in the machine. The crowded streets of Night City provide little solace. V has seen it all—the betrayals, the gunfights, the corporate schemes. They've been a player in every one of them. But today feels different. There's a storm on the horizon, something bigger than the usual mercenary gig or back-alley deal. And for once, it's not just V's survival on the line.
As V's bike roars through the dimly lit streets of Night City, the usual rush of adrenaline from a completed gig feels muted, overshadowed by a gnawing sense of uncertainty. The neon lights blur into streaks of color as she ascends towards North Oak, the more affluent district of the city, where the skyline is less cluttered, and the air feels a little less suffocating. Reaching the overlook, V dismounts her bike and walks toward the edge, where the city sprawls out below her, a chaotic tapestry of lights, life, and death. She pauses, the sound of the wind whispering through the trees contrasting with the distant hum of Night City's never-ending pulse.
This place, so serene in comparison to the rest of the city, offers a rare moment of clarity—a chance to reflect on everything that has brought her here. V's thoughts drift back to Konpeki Plaza, the beginning of the end for so many things. The heist was supposed to set her and Jackie up as legends, but instead left a void that still aches—a void shaped like a best friend who should have been there for all the victories that followed.
"Jackie... We were supposed to make it, choom." V softly spoke almost whispering to the wind
The memory of Jackie's last moments, his laughter, his hope, all of it tinged with a bitter edge, gnaws at V's mind. They were so close to the dream, of finally breaking free of the city's endless grind, only for it to be shattered by betrayal, blood, and loss. V's hand instinctively reaches for the back of their neck, where the Biochip—a small, deadly piece of technology—sits, a constant reminder of how fragile life has become. Johnny Silverhand's presence within their mind is a double-edged sword, both a curse and, in some ways, a strange kind of salvation. The relic has turned their life into a ticking time bomb, one where every second counts and the future is a hazy, uncertain thing. Johnny's voice echoes in her mind:
"Regrets are a waste of time, V. This city chews up people like you & me and spits us out. You wanna be a legend? Then stop looking back. We've got a score to settle, remember?" As the digital manifestation of the rebel, Rockerboy turned terrorist spoke
But even Johnny's bravado can't drown out the weight of the thoughts pressing down on V. The recent mission in Dogtown—the rescue of the President—was supposed to be a win, but it only underscored how fleeting everything has become. The Biochip, the dwindling days she has left... every move forward feels like one step closer to the edge. V turns her gaze back to the city, to the sprawling neon jungle that has been both her battleground and home. Becoming a legend in this city always seemed like the ultimate goal, but now, the title feels hollow, especially when each passing day is another reminder of how little time she has left to claim it.
"What's the point of being a legend if you're not around to see it?"
The wind picks up, carrying with it the sounds of the city—the distant rumble of traffic, the faint echo of music, the hum of countless lives being lived. It's a reminder that Night City goes on, with or without them. The legends, the stories, they're just flickers of light in the endless darkness. V takes one last look at the city, then turns back toward their bike. There's no time for self-pity, no room for doubt. There's a job to do, and if they're going to make it count, they need to keep moving forward. The Afterlife awaits, and so does the next step in this twisted journey.
The North Oak Columbarium rests in solemn silence beneath a blanket of twilight. Distant city lights glimmer on the horizon, but here, the world feels quiet—detached from the chaos of Night City. V sits on the steps, staring at the wall of plaques honoring the dead. One of them reads: "Jackie Welles. Once a Choom, Always a Choom. Good night, sweet prince." She reaches out and places her hand against the cool stone, closing her eyes. Memories wash over her—Jackie's smile, his unwavering loyalty, the ride to Konpeki Plaza. His death hits her again, just as hard as the day she watched him bleed out in the back of the Delamain. And since then, things haven't stopped spiraling: Betrayed & shot by the Fixer Dexter DeShawn, left for dead in a landfill, Waking up with Johnny Silverhand's voice in her head. She was told she was living on borrowed time with the ticking time bomb that is the Biochip. The hope that Songbird might finally offer her a cure. V's mind feels heavy. Even as she fights to survive and carve out a legend, she wonders how much of herself she's already lost along the way. She pulls a cigarette from her jacket and lights it, the smoke drifting upward in lazy spirals. A call comes in on their holo, interrupting their thoughts. It's Misty, her voice tinged with worry.
"V, you might want to sit down for this. Some new people have been looking for you and they're not the usual corpos or fixers."
"New? Who the hell would even— Wait, what's this about, Misty?" V frowns, the scar on their temple tingling as if in response.
"They didn't say much. Just that they're not from around here. Sounded... serious." Misty said with a hint of worry in her voice.
V's instincts kick in—years of surviving the underbelly of Night City have made them wary. This isn't just another job. It feels... off.
"Heh, 'not from around here'? Sounds like fun. Maybe it's time we take a little field trip, and see what they want. Hell, maybe they're from orbit. Gonna zap you into space or something." Johnny spoke his voice cutting through V's thoughts, as sardonic as ever.
"Alright, " V ignores him, focusing instead on the message Misty's trying to send. "Guess I'll find out soon enough, Thanks, Misty. I'll check it out."
"They'll meet you at the Afterlife- And V, " Misty would finish before hanging up. "Be careful."
As she hung up, V pulled her jacket tight and checked her weapons. There's a job on the horizon—something that promises to be more than just creds or contracts. There's a weight in the air, something that feels like a crossroads. Mounting her Yaiba Kusanagi and revving the engine, V rides back into the neon glow of Night City and her next stop: The Afterlife.
The Afterlife Bar, Little China Watson District, Night City
The Afterlife isn't just a club—it's a monument. Tucked beneath the shadow of abandoned warehouses and forgotten streets, the Afterlife has thrived in the heart of Night City for decades. It began as a morgue, a fitting origin for a place that would become the gathering ground for mercenaries, fixers, and legends who dance on the edge of life and death. Over the years, it transformed from a cold, sterile hall of the dead into a gritty, neon-lit sanctuary for those who live outside the law. A second home to the few who claw their way out of the muck to earn a name worth remembering. The Afterlife is not just a bar—it's a proving ground, where street mercs become legends or fade into the static of the city's chaos. Those who survive long enough get a drink named after them—a mark of immortality etched into the menu. Jackie Welles. David Martinez. Morgan Blackhand. Johnny Silverhand. Their names remain scrawled in the neon-soaked air, stories retold with every pour. Here, even in death, you live forever.
Batou and Togusa push through the heavy steel door, the bassline of electronic synth & heavy metal thrumming deep beneath their skin. The air smells of alcohol, old leather, and cigarette smoke, with a metallic undertone that clings to everything like the memory of blood. The lighting is dim, bathed in the flickering neon haze of shifting colors, and holographic advertisements swirl above the bar like ghosts. As they step further inside, the crowd parts slightly—a mixture of mercs, edge runners, and dealers sizing them up as unfamiliar outsiders. Batou casts a glance at the walls, decorated with old photographs of the dead and lost legends. "This place reeks of glory days and trouble," he mutters. Togusa gives him a sidelong glance. "Fitting, isn't it?" he says, adjusting his coat. "A place where you only become famous if you're dead or lucky."
Behind the bar, Claire Russell, the resident bartender & skilled mechanic, wipes down a glass with the practiced ease of someone who's seen the worst of Night City's chaos her expression is warm, if slightly tired. "New faces, huh? You two lost?" she asks with a grin, setting the glass down. Batou leans on the bar softly. "Nah, just waiting for someone," he replies, shooting her a grin. "Though this joint has quite the rep. History lesson while we wait?" Claire chuckles, pouring a couple of drinks for herself and her guests. "Depends on what you're curious about. You know what they say—this place makes legends, or it buries 'em." She slides the drinks over. "If walls could talk, they'd probably scream." Togusa glances around, noticing Rogue Amendiares seated in her usual booth, a silhouette shrouded in cigarette smoke. Her icy blue eyes lock on them for a moment—calculating, sharp, and unforgiving.
Even the act of watching feels like an interrogation. Claire follows his gaze and leans in closer. "That's Rogue, watching you two like a hawk. If you're waiting for V, you'd better not waste her time." Batou's grin doesn't waver. "We've handled worse," he says, raising his glass. "But thanks for the warning." Togusa shifts uneasily, taking in the pulse of the room—an undercurrent of tension laced with old stories and unspoken rivalries. "This place feels more like a battlefield than a bar," he mutters. Claire nods knowingly. "That's the Afterlife. Everyone here wants to settle a score or write their chapter." She offers them a final look, her smile tinged with sympathy. "Just ensure you don't end up as someone else's cautionary tale. "With that, Batou and Togusa settle in, waiting for V to arrive, all while Rogue watches from her booth like a queen surveying her court—silent, dangerous, and always in control. The Afterlife hums around them, alive with the stories of those who made it and the ghosts of those who didn't. It's the kind of place where legends are forged—or forgotten.
A motorcycle engine pulling into The Afterlife's parking lot can be heard as V arrives at her destination. The Afterlife was supposed to represent a sign that V & Jackie had made it to the major leagues of being elite edge-runners in Night City as the duo would be hired for huge Eurodollar jobs however it would be the beginning of the events that led to the young mercenary's life being changed forever due to the botched heist at Konpeki plaza. Now V was here to meet a few strangers from out outside of Night City unsure of their intentions. Walking through the metallic doors and into the usual crowd of mercenaries conversing over drinks with fixers as the sound of electronic synth music loudly blared through the speakers, V was greeted by the bartender Claire, who was chatting with two unknown faces. "Hey V, " Claire called out. "Got a minute?" Walking over to the bar to speak with Claire, V would take a seat while Batou & Togusa watched the two. "Say those two chooms over there were waiting to meet with you, Any clue as to who they are?" Claire asked as she poured a drink for V. "No idea. Did they say anything to you?" V responded as she took a sip. "No, nothing but they asked about the club and said they were waiting for you that's about it but they don't seem like the average corpo or fixer." Rogue's voice from her private booth can be heard calling Claire to serve some drinks. "I gotta go we'll talk later, V." As Claire headed to Rogue's booth, V walked over to where Batou & Togusa pulling up a barstool next to them. "Heard you were looking for me," V said to them as she took another sip of her drink. "So what's up? What do you want?" V asked as her Kiroshi optics would scan them both.
"You're V, right? I'm Togusa & this is Batou we have some questions regarding the recent events involving The President's shuttle landing in Dogtown." Togusa introduced himself. "We'd like you to give us the details that could help us out."
V gazes at the two with a mix of suspicion & curiosity wondering how they knew about the shuttle crash and her rescue mission to save The President their intentions do not appear to be hostile however the need to press them about their identities lingered. "What dates do wanna know? Are you with The NUSA?"
"Not quite, " Batou spoke in a serious tone. "But this involves her netrunner, Songbird, You were the last person who came into contact with her and we could use your help with our investigation."
Johnny Silverhand's voice in V's head spoke as his digital engram appeared next to her. "Something about these gonks ain't scratching with me the right way, V. I say don't tell them shit."
"Alright, " V responded ignoring Silverhand's voice and finishing her drink. "What do you wanna know about Songbird?"
"We shouldn't talk about it here, " Togusa interjects. "Mind following us to Kabuki so we finish this chat?"
"Yeah, " V nods but with added caution. "But if this a trap, you're going to have some problems from me."
With that said, V would leave The Afterlife Bar following Togusa & Batou in toe. Meanwhile, Rogue leaned back in her chair, the Afterlife dimly lit around her as the usual murmur of mercenary business hummed in the background. She glanced at the holo screen in front of her, a report that had been forwarded through her network about the arrival of an unknown group—Section 9—in Night City. She had seen the city's many players, from corpos to gangsters, but this group was different. They didn't belong to any known factions. They weren't gangers or even corpos—no, this was something else entirely. As she scrolled through the information, a smirk tugged at the corner of her lips.
"High-tech, military-grade, and quiet. Not like anything we've seen here before. No one moves through the city without me knowing, but they're managing just fine under the radar." Rogue said as she scrolled through the information, a smirk tugged at the corner of her lips She took a slow sip from her glass, thinking it over. "They don't act like they're here to muscle in on anyone's turf. More like... problem solvers. But what problem needs that level of firepower?"
"You talking about those operatives from out of town? Heard they were poking around in Dogtown. Tough crowd to hang with." Claire, the bartender, glanced over.
"Yeah, they're making quite the impression. The problem is, when someone new shows up, someone else always tries to figure out how to exploit them—or how to kill them." Rogue's smirk deepened as she flicked the report closed and stood, walking toward the bar where Claire was wiping down the counter.
"You think they'll be trouble?" Claire spoke as she finished wiping the counter clean.
"Could be. But they might be the kind of trouble that takes out other threats. Which, in this city, can be useful. The problem is, they don't look like the kind that sticks around or plays by local rules. That could upset some people... including me." She let that hang in the air, considering her next move. "Either way, I need to know more. If they're playing the long game or just here to solve something short-term. And if they're going after Arasaka or Militech, well, that's a game I'm very familiar with."
"Should we be worried?" Claire questioned.
"Not yet. But I'll be keeping an eye on them. If they get in over their heads or start stirring up something bigger, they'll need help—or they'll make enemies. And if they're smart, they'll come to me when that happens." Rogue shook her head.
Kabuki, The Watson District of Night City
The Section 9 safe house is tucked away in one of the neglected alleyways of Kabuki, an old apartment building repurposed for covert operations. Dim lights flicker above the door as V steps inside, flanked by Batou and Togusa. The air smells faintly of cigarette smoke and stale coffee, and the distant hum of Netrunner equipment vibrates through the walls. V's senses sharpen immediately—military-grade tech lines the room: weapons, surveillance feeds, and holoprojectors displaying tactical maps. Her eyes lock on a figure seated casually at the center of the room, dressed in a leather jacket and tight combat gear. Major Motoko Kusanagi. She leans back slightly, analyzing V with a sharp, unreadable gaze.
"So you're V— the one carrying a ghost in her head," Motoko spoke calmly.
"And you're Section 9's boss. Heard you've got an offer." V shrugs, trying to hide the weariness creeping into her voice. "Let's skip the introductions and get to the part where you tell me how this ends."
"It's come to our attention that you were hired by The Netrunner known as Songbird to rescue President Myers from Dogtown & the forces of Colonel Kurt Hanson and his BARGHEST soldiers. We have reasons to believe that Songbird is in danger and that her abilities can be weaponized. Am I correct?" The Major questioned V as she was stern yet calm.
"Yeah, " V replied as she gazed at Motoko. "She promised me a cure to save my life from the Biochip that's slowly killing me from the inside. And what's this about her being a weapon?"
"We have reason to believe that the NUSA and President Rosalind Myers are manipulating So Mi into attempts to breach the Blackwall unleashing rogue A.I.s but each of these breaches is damaging her mentally & physically and we have to stop that from happening."
V, with arms crossed giving The Major a confused & unreadable gaze trying to understand, would ask. "So, What are you saying? She's dying too?"
"Yes, V, and we need your help to save So Mi's life- both hers... And yours as well."
"Help me? Lemme guess this is about the Biochip, huh?" V questioned, "If you're offering me advice, forget it."
"No, Not advice but a possible solution. We've seen cases like yours—people trapped between life and something else. Whatever Arasaka did to you with that chip, it's pushing your body and mind past their limits. We might be able to help stabilize it." Matoko spoke calmly but with purpose.
"Stabilize it? I've been to the best ripper docs in this city, and they've all said the same thing: it's only a matter of time before this thing kills me. What makes you think you & your team can do anything different?" V replied skeptically, her voice edged with frustration.
"We've been studying this tech since we got wind of Arasaka's engram experiments. They were playing with fire, merging human consciousness with artificial intelligence. Your chip is a prototype, so there's still a lot about it that even they don't fully understand. But we do." Ishikawa brought up another holographic display of the biochip and the engram inside it, showing advanced analysis.
"We've got tech far beyond what your city's rippers can handle. If anyone can keep you from flatlining because of that chip, it's us. It won't be easy, but it's possible." Batou spoke.
"Yeah, I've heard that before. Possible. Always with a catch. What's it gonna cost me?" V said with a bitter laugh, shaking her head.
"No catch. We're not offering you a cure, just a way to buy more time. Stabilize the chip, and slow the damage. It'll give you enough time to figure out what you want to do next—whether helping us with this mission, finding your path, or dealing with Johnny Silverhand in your way." Kusanagi spoke meeting V's eyes, her tone serious but not pushy.
"And what about Johnny? He's the reason why I'm stuck in this nightmare in the first place. If you mess with the chip, what's going happen to him?" V questioned glaring at the mention of Johnny's name, a wave of emotion surfacing.
"The engram's delicate, and right now it's integrated with your neural pathways. If we try to remove it outright, you could lose more than just Johnny—you might lose pieces of yourself. But if we stabilize the connection, both you and the engram should stay intact for longer. It'll keep him from completely overwriting you, at least for now." Ishikawa leaned in, tapping a few keys on his console to display more information.
"So you're telling me you can keep me alive, but Johnny's still gonna be in my head. Just a little quieter?" V asked as her expression darkened, torn between frustration and a sliver of hope.
"More or less. We're not here to make your choices for you, V. This is your life, and Johnny's presence complicates things. But what we're offering is time. Time for you to figure out what you want. Time to fight for your survival. It's not perfect, but it's more than you have now." The Major responded.
"Time… You make it sound like that's the most valuable thing left for me." V spoke pausing, thinking it over, clearly conflicted.
"In Night City? Time's about the only thing that matters. And you're running short." Batou said with a slight smirk
"I don't trust easily. Too many people in this city have tried to screw me over. But you're saying you can help, that you're not just trying to use me like everyone else?" V sighed deeply, running a hand through her hair.
"We've all been used before, V. I know what that's like. This isn't about turning you into a tool. It's about giving you a fighting chance—against the chip, against the corpos, and against whatever's coming. The decision is yours. Take it or leave it." The Major spoke firmly but sincere
V, after a long pause, finally nodding, though still cautious, would reply. "Alright. I'll take your help—for now. But if this goes sideways, if this makes things worse… we're done. No second chances."
"Fair enough. We'll set things up as soon as you're ready." The Major nodded in agreement
"Ready as I'll ever be. But don't get your hopes up. Night City has a way of chewing up promises." V spoke smirking slightly, a hint of defiance in her voice "So when do we get started?"
"Tomorrow, we're going to Dogtown to seek out So Mi and get her out of there. Until then, I'd suggest you get some rest and be ready the moment we contact you." The Major said.
"Alright, if anything changes, Give me a call on the holo." With that, V would leave the safehouse with thoughts about Section 9's mission to rescue Songbird from being weaponized by The NUSA and the possibility of being cured from the Biochip that was slowly and surely killing her from the inside. As she mounted her motorcycle, V would ride off in the direction of the apartment belonging to her girlfriend, Judy Alvarez.
V walks into Judy's apartment, clearly exhausted. She's just come from a tense meeting with Section 9. The neon lights from the city outside cast a soft, colorful glow into the room. Judy is sitting on the couch, fiddling with her holo tools but immediately looks up when she hears V enter.
After Laguna Bend disappeared beneath the water, Judy drifted through Night City, eventually finding a sense of belonging among The Moxes—a group of sex workers, anarchists, and outcasts banding together for survival. The Moxes' philosophy of mutual support and resistance against exploitation resonated deeply with her. She wasn't just a techie in their ranks; she became their lifeline, handling braindance rigs, security systems, and maintenance work. Her skills as a BD technician allowed her to dive deep into other people's minds, giving her a unique understanding of both technology and human emotion. Through her work, she saw the darkest parts of Night City—the trauma, pain, and exploitation that so many lived through daily—and developed a burning desire to help others find a way out of their suffering. Judy didn't just treat technology as a tool; she viewed it as a way to reclaim agency in a city that constantly tried to take it away. Whether fixing rigs for her friends or crafting illicit brain dances to expose corporate atrocities, Judy used her skills to protect those she cared about and to fight back against a system designed to oppress. However, the emotional burden of trying to save others while battling her demons weighed heavily on her, often leaving her feeling isolated and misunderstood.
Judy's life took an unexpected turn when she crossed paths with V—first as part of a job involving the braindance of Evelyn Parker, and later during their joint efforts to take down the infamous Voodoo Boys and uncover Songbird's secrets. V's arrival in Judy's life was like a spark in the dark—a reminder that there were still people willing to fight for what was right, even when the odds were impossible. At first, Judy admired V's fearlessness from afar, but as the two spent more time together, admiration grew into something much deeper.
V was different from the others in Night City—vulnerable yet determined, fighting against her impending death from the Biochip and somehow still finding time to care for others. It was this complexity that drew Judy in. Their bond was forged through moments of intense struggle and quiet intimacy, from late-night conversations on rooftops to shared victories that felt like small rebellions against a world built to crush them. V saw through Judy's defenses, offering her a kind of acceptance she hadn't known in years. For the first time in a long while, Judy began to believe that she wasn't alone in her fight—that she had found someone who understood the weight she carried.
Judy and V's relationship wasn't just about romance; it was about finding hope in each other when everything else seemed to be falling apart. V gave Judy something she hadn't dared hope for: the belief that things could change, even in a city as unforgiving as Night City. Judy, in turn, became one of V's closest allies and confidants—a source of both emotional support and tactical expertise as they navigated the dangerous world of merc work and corporate intrigue.
But their relationship wasn't without challenges. Judy knew that V was running out of time—the Biochip slowly eroding her life with every passing day—and the uncertainty of the future weighed heavily on both of them. Despite the odds, Judy refused to give up on V, determined to help her find a way to survive. Their relationship became a beacon in the chaos of Night City—a reminder that even when the world seemed beyond saving, love and connection still mattered.
As V's condition worsened, Judy became not just her lover but also one of her fiercest advocates. She worked tirelessly to explore every avenue of escape from the Biochip's curse, even when the odds seemed impossible. Whether modifying tech, gathering information, or just being there when V needed someone to lean on, Judy's loyalty never wavered. Through her time with V, Judy learned that survival wasn't just about fighting against the world—it was also about holding onto the people you love, even when everything else was slipping away. She showed V that it was okay to be vulnerable, to rely on others, and to find joy in the fleeting moments of peace they could steal from a city always on the edge of collapse.
Judy's journey is one of resilience and hope in a world that constantly tries to beat her down. From the flooded ruins of Laguna Bend to the neon streets of Night City, she carried with her a belief that things could be different—that people could find freedom, even in a world dominated by megacorporations and corruption. Through her relationship with V, Judy found a new reason to keep fighting—not just for herself, but for the future they dared to dream about, even if the odds were against them. Judy Alvarez isn't just a techie or a lover—she's a symbol of hope, rebellion, and unwavering loyalty, proving that no matter how dark the night is, there's always a chance for something brighter. And in the face of everything, she remains unbroken, a dreamer with the tools to make those dreams real.
"Hey, V," Judy spoke sitting on the couch, fiddling with her holo tools but immediately looked up when she heard V enter. "You look like you've had one hell of a day. Come in, sit down."
"That obvious, huh? Met with a group today—real serious types. They're here about some AI business, and it's… heavy." V says as she drops her jacket on a chair and slumps onto the couch next to Judy. She lets out a deep sigh, rubbing her temples.
"AI? Do you mean like rogue AIs? I've heard stories… Sounds dangerous. You gonna tell me more, or should I just keep guessing?" Judy replied Leaning in, concerned
"They're from a special unit—Section 9. Government-backed, I think. The Major, their leader, she's sharp and no-nonsense. They've got this mission, dealing with rogue AIs beyond the Blackwall, and it's bigger than anything I've ever faced. Feels like… it's all riding on me." V said Glancing at Judy, a faint smile forming despite the exhaustion
"Shit, V… That sounds like a lot to take on. You're already dealing with so much—the Biochip, Silverhand, everything from Dogtown. And now this?" Judy frowns, her brows knitting together as she takes in V's words.
"I know. Feels like I'm drowning in it all sometimes. But I can't back down now. Can't let these rogue AIs tear everything apart. And I've got this chip ticking away inside me, like a damn time bomb." V replied taking a deep breath.
"Look, I get it. You've always been the one to take on the impossible, to dive headfirst into danger. But… you're not alone, V. You've got people who care about you, who want to see you make it through this. Don't forget that, okay?" Judy places a comforting hand on V's arm, her voice soft but firm.
"Thanks, Judy. I needed to hear that. Sometimes it feels like it's all on me, you know? But knowing you're here… it helps." V looks into Judy's eyes, her expression softening, the weight of the day easing just a little.
"Always. You're crashing here tonight, right? You need to recharge before you face whatever's coming next." Judy replied as she squeezed V's hand gently.
"Yeah, I think I will. Just need a few hours where the world isn't trying to kill me." V Nods, as a small, grateful smile plays on her lips as they share a quiet laugh, a moment of normalcy amid chaos.
"Good. I'll make some coffee in the morning, and you can tell me more about these Section 9 chooms. But for now, just rest. The world can wait." Judy would gently press her lips on V's cheek.
V leans back into the couch, closing her eyes for a moment, allowing herself to relax. Judy stays by her side, offering the silent support that V needs as she faces the challenges ahead.
The Walled-off Sub-District of Pacficia: Dogtown
Dogtown felt like a city on the brink of collapse—barely held together by the iron grip of Kurt Hansen and his BARGHEST troops. It was a place where the neon-drenched grandeur of Night City evaporated, replaced by something far more primal, almost savage. The district was a smoldering ruin of forgotten ambition, once a promising corner of Pacifica, now a grim reminder of failed dreams and rampant corporate greed. The streets were narrow and winding, like veins pulsing with the heartbeat of desperation. Crumbling buildings loomed over alleys filled with makeshift markets selling black-market implants and illegal weapons. The air was thick with the stench of exhaust fumes, sweat, and burnt-out circuitry. On every corner, clusters of heavily armed mercenaries and scavengers eyed newcomers with suspicion, ready to draw guns at the slightest provocation. Dogtown had no patience for outsiders.
The district was a graveyard of corporate ambition, littered with skeletal high-rises that had never been completed, their frameworks reaching skyward like broken fingers. Between them, gutted shopping malls and abandoned mega-structures served as dens for gang hideouts and smugglers. Even the once-grand highways that were supposed to connect this part of the city to the rest of Night City had become twisted metal wrecks, repurposed into makeshift barriers that kept Dogtown isolated from the corporate-controlled districts beyond. At night, Dogtown glowed with the eerie light of red and purple neon. Holographic billboards, cracked and flickering, advertised long-dead corporations and forgotten products. The artificial haze from the nearby combat zones and black-market labs cast a faint, sickly hue over everything, making it hard to tell where reality ended and the digital world began.
Kurt Hansen's soldiers patrolled with grim efficiency, their faces hidden behind black visors, carrying weapons that looked decades more advanced than what the average street merc could scrounge up. Their presence was oppressive, more machine than human—just like Dogtown itself. The people here were survivors, scavengers living off the bones of a dead dream, forced to navigate the constant threat of being swept up by Arasaka's secret deals, Militech's aggression, or the rogue AI network lurking behind the Blackwall. Dogtown was a paradox—thriving on decay, where the rules of the outside world no longer applied. This was something different even for operatives like Major Kusanagi and her Section 9 team, who were used to dealing with war zones and political turmoil. Dogtown wasn't just a place; it was a state of mind that swallowed you whole if you weren't careful.
The Office of Colonel Kurt Hanson, The Black Sapphire Casino, Dogtown
The room is sparsely furnished, with exposed concrete walls and a large metal table in the center. Hanako Arasaka, escorted by several Armored Arasaka soldiers and her bodyguard, Sandayu Oda, sits calmly at one end, her elegant demeanor a stark contrast to the rough surroundings. Kurt Hansen, rugged and imposing, stands at the other end, flanked by his top lieutenants. The tension is palpable.
"Mr. Hansen, thank you for agreeing to this meeting. I trust you understand the significance of what we are about to discuss." Hanako spoke calmly and measured.
Hanako Arasaka was the embodiment of grace, intellect, and ruthless ambition, a woman who moves silently in the background of Night City's most dangerous power struggles. Raised in the shadow of her father, Saburo Arasaka, Hanako's life has been a constant exercise in obedience and perfection. Though she outwardly carries a calm and delicate demeanor, beneath the surface lies a calculating mind shaped by the endless pursuit of power and control. She bears the weight of continuing her family's legacy, knowing that the survival of the Arasaka Corporation depends on maintaining its dominance. Hanako's intentions are cold, precise, and unyielding. She views the world as her father did: a battlefield of control, where every move must advance the Arasaka name. To her, Saburo was not just a father but an emperor whose empire must endure beyond his death. She believes she has to ensure the corporation's survival by any means necessary, even if it means navigating treacherous corporate politics and making enemies of old allies. Her leadership is subtle, preferring manipulation over open force. She pulls strings behind the scenes, orchestrating events with surgical precision. Saburo's legacy is not merely a corporation but an ideology—one of absolute power and control over everything, from people to information, from minds to machines. Hanako believes that to honor her father's memory, she must safeguard this ideology and impose it upon the future. However, her pursuit of this legacy is not without a personal cost. Hanako constantly measures herself against her father's impossible standards, fearing that failure would mean erasing everything he built. It is both a burden and a purpose—a path she follows not because she wants to, but because she knows no other way.
"I don't take meetings like this lightly, Miss Arasaka. If you're here, I know it's serious. Let's get to it—what does Arasaka want with Songbird?"Hansen asked gruffly yet intrigued.
Once a celebrated Colonel within Militech, Kurt Hansen was known for his tactical brilliance and ruthless ambition. A man with a mind like a battlefield, Hansen thrived in the chaos of covert operations, rising quickly through the ranks. However, his methods were often too brutal even for Militech's standards. When a high-profile mission went sideways, leaving civilian casualties in its wake, the corporation saw him as a liability. Rather than let his career fall apart, Hansen went rogue—taking classified knowledge, stolen assets, and soldiers loyal to him into the shadows. With nowhere left to turn, he carved out his kingdom in Dogtown, a once-thriving district of Night City now reduced to a walled-off wasteland. There, Hansen built BARGHEST—a mercenary army loyal only to him, enforcing his rule with brute force. Under Hansen's iron grip, Dogtown became a black-market haven where weapons, drugs, and cyberware were traded freely, and no one dared challenge his control. His rule was fueled by a twisted belief: power is the only currency that matters, and anyone weak enough to be betrayed deserves it.
When Hansen learned about Song "Songbird" So Mi, the net-running prodigy enhanced with groundbreaking neural technology, he saw an opportunity to secure his hold on Dogtown and expand his influence beyond the city's borders. Tasked by President Rosalind Myers to bring Songbird under control, Hansen promised her freedom in exchange for one final mission—a deadly operation targeting the NUSA's enemies. But freedom was never part of Hansen's plan. Instead, he betrayed her the moment her usefulness ran out, delivering her directly into the hands of Arasaka in a secret backdoor deal. The betrayal cut deep. Songbird had trusted him with what little hope she had left, only to be sold like a pawn to the very forces she sought to escape. Hansen viewed his betrayal as nothing personal—it was just business. In his mind, trust was a weakness to be exploited, and those who relied on others were doomed from the start.
Hansen's alliance with Arasaka was born out of cold pragmatism and mutual greed. Arasaka promised him access to advanced technology and funding to maintain control of Dogtown, in return for delivering Songbird and keeping the NUSA distracted with chaos. To Hansen, the arrangement was perfect—Dogtown would remain untouchable, shielded by the same corporate power he once sought to escape. And with Militech watching from afar, unable to intervene, he could operate with impunity. But Hansen's ambition extended far beyond Dogtown. He dreamed of turning the district into an independent fortress-state, a power strong enough to rival Night City's factions. If aligning with Arasaka meant securing that dream, so be it. Hansen saw corporations as tools to be used—not masters to be served. BARGHEST soldiers fought with brutal efficiency, believing that Hansen's vision of control was the only path to survival.
Kurt Hansen is the embodiment of unchecked ambition and merciless pragmatism. His time as a Militech Colonel shaped him into a man who sees trust as a flaw, compassion as a weakness, and betrayal as a necessary tool for survival. His rule over Dogtown is not just about power—it's about proving to the world that only the strongest deserve to rise. In Hansen's mind, alliances are temporary, trust is a liability, and the only thing that matters is being the last one standing. But even as he amasses power, Hansen's world is built on shifting sand. His deal with Arasaka binds him to forces beyond his control, and his betrayal of Songbird has left enemies in every corner of Night City—not just among her allies, but within his ranks. To some, Hansen is a tyrant. To others, he's a necessary evil. But to those who know him best, he's a man running out of time—grasping for power as the walls close in. In the end, Kurt Hansen's greatest weakness is not his brutality, but his belief that betrayal is the only path to survival. As Night City descends further into chaos, Hansen's lies will catch up to him—and when they do, even his fortress in Dogtown may not be enough to save him from the enemies he's made.
Leaning forward slightly, Hanako would continue "Songbird represents an opportunity—a very rare and valuable asset that Arasaka cannot allow to fall into the wrong hands. I'm sure you've considered what she could bring to Dogtown, but what I'm offering goes beyond that."
"You've got my attention. Keep talking." Hansen replied with a raised eyebrow
"First, let's discuss your organization, BARGHEST. Your men are formidable, but with Arasaka's resources, they could be so much more. We can provide advanced weaponry, state-of-the-art cybernetics, and military-grade technology. In short, we can strengthen your ranks to make Dogtown impregnable."
"And what's the catch? I'm not naive enough to think this is out of charity." Hansen replied with crossed arms.
"Of course. In return, you will deliver Songbird to us, unharmed and intact. In addition, we will ensure that your operations here in Dogtown receive Arasaka's full corporate protection. This means immunity from interference by rival corporations and even the NCPD. You will answer to no one." Hanako said with a faint smile
"That's a tempting offer. But what about me? I'm not just looking to protect what I have—I want to expand, to be more than just the king of this scrap heap." Hansen slowly nodded
"Which is why I'm prepared to offer you a position within Arasaka itself. A role that will allow you to influence our operations here in Night City and beyond. Your talents could be put to far greater use within our corporate structure, guiding Arasaka's interests while continuing to rule over Dogtown." Hanako gave an understanding nod.
"Now we're talking. But you and I both know that deals like this are built on trust—and trust is hard to come by in this city." Hansen said with a grin.
"Trust is earned, Mr. Hansen. You'll find that Arasaka is a loyal ally to those who prove their worth. Deliver Songbird, and everything we've discussed will be yours. Fail to do so, and you understand how quickly fortunes can change in Night City." Hanako spoke as she stood up composed.
"I do. Alright, Miss Arasaka. You've got yourself a deal. But if you try to double-cross me, remember—I didn't get this far by playing fair." Hansen smirked.
"Nor did I, Mr. Hansen. I'll expect your confirmation within 24 hours. Our forces will be on standby to assist with the transfer." Hanako nods slightly and exits the room, leaving Hansen to contemplate the deal, the echoes of their negotiation lingering in the air.