Chapter 7: A day that excites
-Present, Vs mega building -
All stocked up for whatever has Jackie so psyched, I make my way downstairs. Coach Fred has a new training bot for the little boxing ring he runs here in the building, looking for new talent. "Woo. Hey V! Check out the new punching bag. Just got done giving me a next gen ass wooping. Wanna try it out, I'm curious to see how it measures up to the likes of V?"
"Sure thing. Just don't complain if I break something." I could do with a little adrenaline, get myself pumped for my next gig.
The bot is rudimentary all things considered. It can't handle my right hook moving past its guard, likely not designed to anticipate indirect strikes. It keeps its balance, but a mix of shoving and quick hits keeps me completely untouched. The bot seems done now.
"Well well. You got good instincts V. Say, wanna turn those instincts into eddies? I could arrange a few lucrative fights for you." Fred asks me.
"Could you text me the detes coach? Jackie's waiting out front. Got a job for us. I'll hit up those fights when I got a minute."
"Sure thing. I have a good feeling about this."
Moving on, Wilson calls out to me from his gun cage. "Hey V, your little .50 is ready to go and waiting for you." I asked Wilson to do some work on my pistol. Maxtac could do wonders with the personal touch he gives these weapons. "Well, let's see it." My pistol, Resistance, is a modified Malorian arm's series that I spent all my time toying with in my Maxtac days. It shoots electric rounds, with a chance to burn shocked enemies by causing small electrical fires in their cyberware, more chrome means more damage, perfect for Borg freaks. Not all that effective when taking down cocktail junkies from the animals, but it gets the job done.
"Thanks Wilson. See you later."
Making my way to the elevator, news is spouting some garbage about an Arasaka parade, as if it's something to celebrate. Only thing people will be there for is the sense of security that comes with the parade. Arasaka can't afford any small time criminals stealing attention from them after all.
Jackie's waiting at the street vendor outside my building grabbing some food.
"V. Come on sit. Got hungry just waiting for you." Jackie invites me to sit next to him.
"Sure Jack. Now what's got you all excited?"
"Oh nothing big, just a sweet ass j-o-b I scored us with a little known someone named Dexter Deshawn." He says with that unique smile on his face he always has. One of a kind hearted and ambitious nature. "Only the top fixer in night fucking city! Fat assed black Jesus of the Afterlife."
"If he's such a big time fixer, how come I'm only hearing about him now?"
"Well, Dex had to lay low a while back. Got caught up in some gang conflict two years ago but now he's back."
"And he needs some up and comers cause his cred is shot. Needs to do a big job to get back on top, but most major league mercs work for Rogue. Meaning he needs us." I say, having caught on to why Jackie's so excited.
Not many opportunities come like this in Night City. Major League mercs get the major league gigs, up and comers like us need a chance to prove ourselves. A gig like whatever Deshawn has cooking is the kinda thing that would take our careers into the stratosphere.
"Well then. What's the gig? We meant to come out alive?" I ask.
"Don't know. Dex says he wants to meet with you. Get a read on you while he gives you the detes."
"Alright then. Tell him I'll meet him."
"Ah right. One last thing. Got my guy to fix the dents in your baby."
"Thanks Jack. You know you really didn't have to."
"Nah it's no big deal. She rides like she looks now, factory new."
"Well alright then. Time to meet this new opportunity."