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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 megacity 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 countermeasure 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 tattooed 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 laug,h 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, Still 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 parts 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 to send 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, she 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 has a 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 a 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 activate,s 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 no,d 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 Silverhand who was responsible for the Arasaka bombing fifty years ago."

Hearing this, the Section 9 Operatives exchange glances at one another, 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. She 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, its facade 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 blurs 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 door, the sound 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, Militech, Netwatch—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 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 were 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 detes you 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 can finish this chat?"

"Yeah, " V nods, but with added caution. "But if this is a trap, you're going to have some problems from me."

With that said, V would leave The Afterlife Bar followed by Togusa & Batou in tow. 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, however, I'll be keeping a close 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 to 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 to think 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 sincerely

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's 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 keep guessing?" Judy replied leaning in, concerned

"They're from a special unit—Section 9. Government-backed, I think. The Major, their leader, is 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, 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 measuredly.

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.

Chapter Text

Cyberpunk 2077/Ghost In The Shell

Beyond The Blackwall

"Good evening, Night City! This is Ruth Dzeng, your guide to the glitz, grime, and guaranteed chaos of the neon jungle we all pretend to love. Tonight on Info Flash, we're diving headfirst into another day of corporate melodrama, gangland soap operas, and dystopian flair—because what else would you expect from the city that never sleeps, just glitches out for a moment before crashing? First up, Arasaka: because apparently, one megalomaniacal empire wasn't enough for humanity. Rumors of power struggles within the gilded halls of the Tower? Check. Corporate espionage? Always. And what's this? Word on the street is someone might've cracked the 'Arasaka invincibility cheat code.' Too bad the rest of us didn't get the patch notes Meanwhile, in other news, Militech continues to prove that 'shoot first, profit later' is an excellent business model. But don't worry, folks. They assure us it's all in the name of freedom—freedom to own your very own tank, that is. Just sign here, here, and... yeah, right there in blood. And finally, Night City's favorite pastimes: mercenary shootouts, braindance overdoses, and conspiracy theories, courtesy of Garry the Prophet—who, by the way, claims the vending machines are spying on us. Who's to say he's wrong? In this city, they probably are. Stay tuned, chooms. We'll be right back after a word from our sponsor. Arasaka—because dying once just isn't enough. This is Ruth Dzeng, and you're watching Info Flash." - Ruth Dzeng "Info Flash"

Chapter Two: It's a Dog Eat-Dog World

Arasaka Tower, Downtown City Center, Night City

Arasaka Tower is more than just a skyscraper piercing the Night City skyline—it is a symbol of indomitable corporate power, the arrogance of megacorporations, and the dark resilience of humanity's greed. The tower, situated in the Corporate Plaza of the City Center, looms like a silent monolith, casting long shadows over the streets below. Its sleek, angular design of black steel and mirrored glass reflects both the ruthlessness and refinement of its masters. The red Arasaka logo glows ominously atop its heights, visible for miles, a constant reminder of the corporation's reach and influence. The original Arasaka Tower, completed in the late 20th century, was an architectural and technological marvel, standing as the jewel of the Arasaka Corporation's empire. However, in 2023, it became ground zero for one of the most defining moments in Night City's history. During the Fourth Corporate War, the tower was destroyed in a cataclysmic explosion when a nuclear device was detonated as part of a raid led by Militech-backed operatives, including legendary figures like Morgan Blackhand and Johnny Silverhand. The blast obliterated the surrounding district, leaving a massive scar on the city both physically and psychologically. Despite the devastation, Arasaka Tower was rebuilt, rising again like a phoenix from the ashes. The reconstruction was both a statement and a warning—a declaration of the corporation's unyielding power and its ability to recover from even the most devastating blows. The new tower, taller and more imposing than its predecessor, now houses some of the most advanced security systems in the world, including automated drones, netrunners embedded within its infrastructure, and black ops teams stationed at key points. Inside, the tower is a fortress of sterile opulence. Polished black marble floors, gold accents, and holographic displays showcase Arasaka's vast technological advancements. At the heart of its operations are secure data vaults, bioengineering labs, and meeting rooms where the corporation's darkest secrets are whispered. The top floors are home to the Arasaka boardroom, where the corporation's elite—led by Saburo Arasaka's successors—continue to orchestrate their vision of global domination. For the people of Night City, Arasaka Tower is more than just a building. It is a monument to the city's unending cycle of ambition, betrayal, and destruction. Even after surviving a nuclear strike, its shadow remains both literal and figurative, a towering reminder of the lengths to which those in power will go to maintain their control.

"You are seriously going through with this? After everything—after what our father did? You want to repeat his mistakes, Hanako? Using Songbird like she's just another tool in Arasaka's arsenal?" A Japanese male's voice can be heard pacing, a voice simmering with frustration. This man was Yarinobu, the second son to The Arasaka patriarch and CEO, Saburo Arasaka. Born into the Arasaka dynasty, Yorinobu Arasaka was raised under the shadow of power and control. From an early age, his father Saburo groomed him to uphold the family's legacy—a destiny Yorinobu resented with every fiber of his being. To him, Arasaka was not just a corporation—it was a prison, and Saburo's vision for the future was nothing more than a stranglehold on freedom.

Yorinobu's rebellion was interrupted by tragedy—the death of his older brother, Kei Arasaka, who had been Saburo's favored heir. Kei's death created a vacuum within the family, leaving Yorinobu reluctantly pulled back toward the empire he despised. Saburo saw Kei's absence as an opportunity to mold Yorinobu into the heir he never wanted to be. It was a cruel irony—the son who had rejected the family was now the only one left to carry on the legacy. Though he returned to the corporation, Yorinobu's heart was never loyal to Arasaka. Every boardroom deal and corporate meeting felt like a betrayal of the freedom he once fought for. But he kept his true intentions hidden, waiting for the right moment to bring down his father's empire from the inside.

The breaking point came during a fateful meeting at Konpeki Plaza. Yorinobu confronted Saburo in the penthouse suite, and years of suppressed rage boiled to the surface. He murdered his father with his own hands, ending decades of oppression and seizing control of the corporation. Yet, instead of feeling victorious, Yorinobu was consumed by guilt and paranoia—Saburo's death had not freed him. It only set the events into motion, plunging the city into chaos. Yorinobu's actions unleashed a chain reaction—the Biochip in V's head, Johnny Silverhand's engram, and a corporate power struggle that threatened to burn Night City to the ground. The ghosts of his past now haunted him in new forms. Every step he took only seemed to drag him deeper into the game he had once sworn to destroy.

"This isn't about Father's mistakes. It's about survival—about ensuring Arasaka's place in a world that's constantly threatening to tear us down and Songbird represents an opportunity. With her abilities, we can finally gain control over the rogue AI, secure our dominance, and stay ahead of Militech." Hanako calmly spoke but was resolute, standing firm.

"You're delusional!" Yarinobu raised his voice shaking his head, "You're turning a person into a weapon, just like Father did with the soulkiller project! Songbird is a victim, and you know it. You talk about survival, but this will destroy everything. This project? It's crossing a line that'll end in ruin—for Songbird, for Arasaka, for everyone!"

"You never understood what it takes to lead, Yorinobu. Sentiment has no place in this world. We have enemies at every corner—Militech, the rogue AIs, even the very foundations of Night City. Do you speak of ruin? Without action, we will be ruined. Father's way may have been flawed, but he knew what was required to stay in power." Hanako steely replied her voice cold with edge.

"And that power is exactly what killed him! Can't you see that you're repeating his mistakes? You're selling your soul to the same rotten system that corrupted him!" Yarinobu retorted leaning forward as his eyes blazed with anger.

"I'm securing the future of this family. You always wanted to tear it apart. If you can't stand with us, then you are against us." Hanako narrowed her eyes toward Yarinobu

"I'm standing with what's right. You're blind, Hanako. And when this all comes crashing down when Songbird breaks free—or worse, falls into cyberpsychosis—it won't be just your hands stained with blood. It'll be on all of us." Yarinobu paused as his voice lowered into a growl.

"Then I will bear that burden. But I will not let this family fall apart because of your idealistic fantasies. Songbird will serve her purpose, and Arasaka will thrive." Hanako coldly turned away from her brother.

With that said, Yarinobu would walk away from his sister leaving her behind. It was too late to stop his beloved sister from becoming who and what he had resented for the entire of his life. "Not if I can help it." He said underneath his breath leaving Hanako alone in her office.

In the dimly lit Arasaka holding cell, Songbird sat hunched on the edge of a cold metal chair. The hum of the neural dampeners clawed at her mind, numbing the edges of her thoughts, but her fury burned through the fog. The reality of her betrayal by Kurt Hanson—the one man she thought she could outmaneuver—settled into her like a jagged knife. A door hissed open, and she jolted, her restraints clinking softly. An Arasaka operative stood silently, observing her through deadpan cybernetic eyes, but Songbird ignored him, her mind racing. It hadn't been enough. Trading President Myers for the AI Neural Matrix—her desperate gambit, her last chance at freedom—and still, she ended up here.

Her voice, when it finally came, was low and venomous. "That bastard... Kurt." She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms. "I gave him everything. And he gave me to them." The operative said nothing, but the weight of her situation was suffocating. Hanson hadn't just sold her out—he'd condemned her to the very fate she feared most: becoming a tool for Arasaka's ambitions. Every moment she spent in their hands, she felt herself slipping closer to that void where the line between her thoughts and the rogue AI lurking in the Neural Matrix would blur. Her breath hitched as panic clawed at the edges of her anger. She had wanted to survive, to escape this nightmare, to be free—but now she was on the verge of becoming what she feared most: a weapon. Her hand thumped against the cold metal table in front of her, a hollow echo in the sterile room. "No... no. I won't let them turn me into another damn pawn."

Her teeth clenched, and her expression hardened with resolve. "Hanson thinks he's safe, hiding behind Arasaka. But if I get out of here... he'll see what it's like to be discarded." Songbird knew she had only one option now—wait for the right moment, play along until she could twist the knife in both Hanson's back and Arasaka's heart. But deep down, a darker thought gnawed at her: maybe it was too late, maybe the part of her that was still human was already unraveling. Her voice dropped to a whisper, more to herself than anyone else. "I tried... I tried." The weight of regret clung to her words. She had gambled everything, but now the cost was more than her freedom—it was her soul. And she wasn't sure if anyone, not even V, would be able to pull her back from the edge in time.

The Apartment of Judy Alverez, Kabuki District, Night City

V sat at the small kitchen table, the warm morning light filtering through the blinds. The familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled Judy's apartment, creating a rare moment of calm in the chaos of Night City. Across from her, Judy leaned back in her chair, taking a sip from her mug, a soft smile on her face.

"Been a while since we had mornings like this, huh?" Judy spoke.

"Yeah... moments like these don't last long in this city. Gotta take 'em when you can." V nodded taking a slow sip of her coffee.

Judy chuckled softly, looking out the window. The city was already buzzing with activity, but here, it felt distant. Almost peaceful. Just as V was about to relax into the moment, her holocall rang, the device on the table vibrating softly. V frowned and glanced at it—Togusa's name flashed on the screen, alongside an unknown number.

"Guess peace doesn't last long, huh?" V sighed, picking up the call. "Togusa? What's up?"

On the other end, Togusa's voice came through, calm but urgent. "V, we've got a lead. The Major and I just got intel on Songbird's location. She's being held in Dogtown."

"Dogtown? You sure?" V sat up straighter, the relaxed atmosphere evaporating instantly.

Before Togusa could respond, another voice joined the call—The Major herself, her tone decisive and authoritative. "We're certain. Our intel's solid, and we can't afford to wait. If we're going to get her out, we need to move now. Meet us in Dogtown. We'll brief you on the rest once you're there." V exchanged a glance with Judy, who had already set her coffee down, her expression shifting to concern.

"Alright, I'm in. On my way now and... thanks for the heads-up." As V ended the call, she exhaled slowly, the weight of the situation settling on her shoulders as Judy watched her for a moment before speaking.

"Guess I'm not keeping you around long this time either, huh?" Judy spoke with a hint of concern in her voice

"Seems like it. Can't say no when people are counting on me." V offered her a half-smile, standing up from the table.

"Just... be careful out there, okay? Dogtown's a different beast, and you've got enough on your plate already with that biochip and everything else." Judy stood too, crossing her arms as she walked over to V, her expression soft but serious.

"I will. Promise." V nodded, appreciating the concern in Judy's voice as she leaned in and gently kissed Judy on her forehead "Thanks, Judy, and I'll catch you later."

As V grabbed her jacket and headed toward the door, Judy called out one last time. "You better or Otherwise, I'm coming to drag you back myself."

V grinned as she stepped out into the sunlight, ready to head into Dogtown and face whatever awaited her. The stakes were high, and the clock was ticking, but that's how it always was in Night City. Time to get back to work. As V checked her weapons & equipment, The digital construct of Johnny Silverhand once again manifests with his iconic cigarette appearing between his metallic fingers as he leans against a wall, his face a mask of disdain mixed with reluctant acceptance.

"You think these Section 9 types are different? They talk like they're here to save the world, but I've seen this before. Always the same song and dance. They get you to trust 'em and say they're doing it 'for the greater good. ' Next thing you know, you're their puppet." He spoke as he took a long drag from his cigarette, exhaling slowly.

Johnny Silverhand was many things—a soldier, a rockstar, a revolutionary, and now, a digital specter haunting the mind of V. Born Robert John Linder, Johnny abandoned his identity and past as a disillusioned soldier in the wake of corporate wars that left him disgusted with the systems he once served. Rebellion became his creed, and he forged a new persona as Johnny Silverhand, the charismatic and dangerous frontman of the band Samurai. Armed with a guitar and a microphone, Johnny wielded his music like a weapon, preaching anarchy and resistance against the soulless megacorporations that choked life out of the world.

But Johnny was never just about rebellion for its own sake—his hatred for corporations became deeply personal after the kidnapping of his lover, Alt Cunningham, one of the most talented Netrunners of her generation. The Arasaka Corporation used Alt's genius to develop Soulkiller, a program that could digitize and imprison human consciousness. Alt was torn from Johnny, her mind uploaded into cyberspace, leaving him with an unrelenting rage that burned across the years. From that moment on, his war against Arasaka became an obsession—a vendetta against both the system and the company that took the only person he ever truly loved.

Johnny's life as the frontman of Samurai was more than just playing gigs—it was an act of defiance. With songs that called for a revolution, Johnny became a symbol of resistance for Night City's disillusioned and disenfranchised, offering them a voice to channel their anger. His concerts were chaotic and cathartic, blurring the line between a performance and a riot. But for Johnny, the stage was never enough. Music was a means to an end—a way to rally people against the corporations he despised.

Over time, however, Johnny's passion began to spiral into self-destruction. His need to fight back at any cost alienated those closest to him. Even his closest friends, such as his best friend & Samurai bandmate Kerry Eurodyne, struggled to keep up with the intensity of Johnny's rage-fueled crusade. His uncompromising nature made him enemies, both within and outside his circle, pushing people away while pulling him deeper into his war.

His final, most infamous act of defiance came during the 2023 raid on Arasaka Tower, where Johnny planted a bomb to cripple the corporation. At that moment, he wasn't just a rockstar—he was a soldier again, prepared to die for the cause. But things didn't go as planned. Johnny was killed by Adam Smasher, a cybernetic monster loyal to Arasaka, and his consciousness was uploaded using the very technology he despised: Soulkiller.

Decades later, Johnny Silverhand's digital engram resurfaced inside V's mind, embedded in the Biochip stolen during the Konpeki Plaza Heist. What began as a curse—a second consciousness battling for control—eventually became a strange, complex relationship between the two. At first, Johnny's presence was overbearing: a relentless voice of anger and rebellion, constantly urging V to follow his path of destruction. But over time, Johnny and V began to understand each other, sharing moments of vulnerability amid the chaos of Night City.

Johnny's presence in V's mind was not just a nuisance or a second voice; it became a mirror, forcing both of them to confront their inner demons. Johnny saw in V the same fire he once had, while V recognized in Johnny the fear and loneliness hidden beneath the bravado. Their relationship evolved into something akin to friendship—an uneasy alliance formed through shared pain, mutual respect, and the understanding that both were running out of time.

Johnny's time as an engram in V's mind forces him to confront not only his legacy as a rebel but also the wreckage he left in his wake. His war against Arasaka and his attempts to avenge Alt were driven by rage and desperation, but they also caused pain to those closest to him. Now, trapped in the digital afterlife, Johnny is haunted by the question: Did his fight matter? Or did he burn everything down for nothing?

Through his experiences with V and Section 9, Johnny begins to see a path beyond destruction. V's struggle for survival mirrors his own—fighting against impossible odds to carve out meaning in a world designed to crush individuality. In helping V find a way to survive, Johnny hopes to redeem himself, even if just a little.

For the first time, Johnny contemplates a future beyond revenge—a world where fighting isn't about destruction, but about protecting what matters. His alliance with Section 9 is a reluctant acknowledgment that sometimes, even rebels need allies. And in V, Johnny sees the chance to leave behind something more than just the ashes of rebellion—a chance to make things right, even if he can't escape his past.

"Johnny, this biochip is killing me, you & I both are running out of time and if these people from Section 9 are indeed here to help, then what other options do I have?" V questioned the engram of the Rockerboy as she adjusted her jacket and mounted her bike starting the engine up.

"They might not be Arasaka, but they reek of control freaks. Look at them—military precision & all that high-tech gear. And that Major? She's cold as ice. People like that don't care about folks like you, V. They care about their mission or whatever program they've been plugged into. Yeah, I get it. You're stuck between a rock and a hard place, but don't forget—these people didn't come here to save you. They came here because you're useful to them. And the second you're not? They'll toss you aside. Seen it happen too many times to count. But damn, what choice do you have? That biochip's gonna kill you if something doesn't change soon. Stabilize it, they say. Buy more time. That's tempting, I won't lie. Hell, I can feel it too—the way this chip's grinding your brain down, bit by bit. They might be able to keep you alive a little longer, but what about me, huh? They screw with the chip, and what happens to me? I'll still be here, just quiet enough to fade into the background. Or do I start losing pieces of myself too?"

Johnny tosses the cigarette aside, pacing again, more animated.

"And this Blackwall shit? Are rogue AIs busting through like it's Judgment Day? Yeah, we need to stop it—don't get me wrong. But these Section 9 operatives, they're playing with fire. If the corpus or those rogue AIs don't kill you, those self-righteous ghosts-in-the-shell might just finish the job by accident. Sure, they're not out to enslave humanity—yet—but they're not the saints they pretend to be either."

He pauses, staring at V with intensity.

"You gotta be smart, V. I'm not saying don't work with them—hell, you don't have many options left. But watch your back. These types? They always think they're doing the right thing until they've got their hands so far up your skull they start pulling your strings. You're nobody's puppet. Remember that."

Maybe Johnny's right, V thought to herself as she sped the Yaiba Kusanagi through the streets of Night City leaving Judy's apartment & Kabuki behind her in the distance. How well does V know these people from outside of town or the NUSA entirely? What are their true intentions with So Mi and stopping the rogue Artificial Intelligence from potentially invading beyond cyberspace? And will this Major and her operatives make good on their promise and relieve the Biochip that is gradually killing V from the inside? If one thing was certain: V had a job to see to the end... Even if it costs her life.

The walled-off Sub-district of Pacifica

V pulled up to the agreed-upon rendezvous point on the outskirts of Dogtown, the rumble of the bike quieting as she dismounted. The sun hung low, casting the decayed buildings and rusted metal in an amber glow, giving the ruins of Dogtown an even more dangerous feel. There wasn't much out here besides old containers and broken-down buildings—a perfect spot to meet off the grid. In the distance, Section 9's operatives stood gathered, their high-tech gear contrasting sharply with the dilapidated surroundings. V recognized Togusa, Batou, and a couple of other operatives, all looking over maps and data on a portable holo display. Standing slightly apart from them was The Major, her sharp gaze catching sight of V as they approached.

"Looks like I made it in time. What's the play?" V spoke nodding as she got closer

"We've just finalized the recon. Songbird's being held in one of the more fortified areas deeper into Dogtown. It won't be easy getting in, but with the intel we've got, it's doable." The Major turned her posture as commanding as ever. She crossed her arms, studying V for a second before nodding back in greeting.

"The place is crawling with BARGHEST soldiers, not to mention whatever automated defenses they've set up. We're expecting heavy resistance. We can't afford any mistakes." Togusa chimed in, tapping the display and zooming in on a section of Dogtown.

"Been in tougher spots. We've got this. And if we run into BARGHEST, well, they've got no love for me, but I can deal with them." V studied the map and then looked at the operatives

"I like the confidence. Just make sure you keep up, hotshot." Batou grinned slightly, clearly not one to shy away from a challenge.

"I'll do more than keep up, V smirked as she loaded an ammunition clip into her Smart assault rifle & pistol.

"We move in fast, avoid drawing too much attention. Songbird's the priority, but we'll have to keep an eye on whatever else they're hiding in that facility. Intel suggests more than just a simple holding cell—they're likely experimenting on her, prepping her for something." The Major turned to face the team, her voice steady but sharp with focus.

"Yeah… probably turning her into their next weapon. We've got to get her out before it's too late." V grimily spoke

"We've got your back, V. Just don't get yourself fried before we reach her." Batou nodded, tightening his gear as the team prepared to move.

"We'll have to be careful. If the biochip in your head causes any issues during the op, it could compromise the mission." Togusa added as he loaded his Mateba Autorevolver while checking the safety.

"I can handle it. Just make sure we get to her before it's too late. We're not leaving anyone behind today." V glanced at him, then at The Major.

"Good. Stick close and keep communication tight. We don't know what else is waiting for us inside." The Major gave a brief nod.

"Alright then. Let's go save Songbird and kick down the door while we're at it." V spoke with a smirk, ready to move out

V adjusted her gear, feeling the weight of what was coming. Dogtown wasn't going to make this easy, and neither was BARGHEST. But with Section 9 backing her up, V felt more ready than she had in a long time. With that, the group silently began their approach toward Dogtown's underbelly, shadows blending into the evening as the real mission began.

V, Major Kusanagi, and the Section 9 operatives push through the grunge and decay of Dogtown, navigating its labyrinth of twisted metal and broken streets. The lights flicker erratically as they approach Kurt Hansen's headquarters—an old, repurposed casino that's now a fortress for the leader of BARGHEST. Guards armed to the teeth patrol the grounds, their cold eyes locking on the group, but no one dares make a move. Everyone knows who Kurt is—and no one comes here without reason.

Inside the casino, now a shadow of its former self, Kurt Hansen stood as if he was waiting for someone or something, his cybernetic hand gripping a half-empty glass of something that was likely more potent than it looked. His cold, calculating eyes size up the group as they approach him. He doesn't seem surprised—almost as if he was expecting them.

V steps forward, her eyes burning with intensity. Major Kusanagi and the rest of Section 9 fan out behind her, the tension in the room palpable.

"Well, Well, Well, This is a surprise," Hansen spoke as he stood at the entrance of the Black Sapphire accompanied by his chief aide & Lieutenant Colonel Chester Bennett, His chief accountant Jago Szabo, and several heavily armed BARGHEST troops. "If it isn't the little merc who not only rescued The President of The NUSA but killed a few of my best men in the process and it seems she brought a few new faces to my humble town. You people don't seem like dogs of the NUSA's army but allow me to make an educated guess: You're with Japan's Public Security Section 9 and you, Miss, must be the infamous Major Motoko Kusanagi, Am I right so far?"

"We're not here to play games, Colonel Hansen." The Major calmly responded with her arms crossed unfazed by the looming threat of BARGHEST's troops. "We're looking for Song So Mi, A netrunner & technical analyst to President Rosalind Myers, where is she?"

"Straight-forward and to the point, I see," Hansen smirked as he took a sip from his wine glass. "I'm flattered you'd come all this way to ask me a simple question. But you know how things work in Dogtown—information comes at a price."

"You can either tell us what we need to know, or we can find other ways to extract it." Major Kusanagi calmly yet coldly responded.

"If you want to know where Songbird went," Kurt's grin fades, replaced with a serious, almost predatory look. "I'm afraid it'll cost you- after all, You don't come to my domain without paying your respects."

"Cut the shit. We're running out of time," V interjects annoyed by Hansen's posturing, "Where. Is. Songbird!?"

"And that's the million Eurodollar question," Hansen replied as he adverted his gaze towards V before he finished his drink. "That So Mi... She's an elusive one indeed, slipped right through my fingers but all I can tell you is some VIPs from Arasaka visited me late last night and made an offer I couldn't refuse. They seemed very interested in So Mi's services and I found it impossible to turn them down."

"You sick rat-faced weasely son of a bitch," Batou frustratedly growled through gritted teeth stepping forward. "You pawned her off to a fuckin' Megacorp just like that!? Who the hell do you think are!?"

"Batou, Stand down." The Major calmly ordered Batou to control his anger while trying to de-escalate an already tense situation before turning her attention to Hansen. "And what exactly does Arasaka want with her? Tell us about this deal you made with them and maybe we'll keep them off your back once this blows up both in your faces?"

"And ruin something that could benefit Dogtown for years to come? My apologies, Major, but I can't disclose the details of our arrangement if you want So Mi that bad, why not speak with Hanako Arasaka herself? By now, they've already moved her out of Dogtown. Now, if you excuse me, I have some business to attend to. I'll have my people kindly & safely escort you to the gates from there." Hansen finished as he walked away into his fortress signaling to his men to escort V & Section 9's operatives out.

"Hey, we're not done," V called out to the Colonel. "You didn't answer our question!"

"We have what we wanted, We're leaving." The Major said calmly placing a hand on V's shoulder.

V glances back, her expression unreadable, turns & heads for the door with Major Kusanagi and other Section 9 operatives close behind.

The tension from the conversation with Kurt Hansen hadn't even dissipated as V and the Section 9 operatives made their way out of the grim casino headquarters. The flickering neon lights of Dogtown barely illuminated the alleyways, creating long, shadowy corridors that seemed to stretch endlessly. As they moved down one of these corridors, a sudden, eerie silence overtook the sounds of the bustling streets.

V paused, sensing something off. Major Kusanagi's eyes darted to the rooftops, and Togusa instinctively gripped his weapon tighter. They were surrounded.

From the shadows, a squad of BARGHEST soldiers emerged, blocking their path. The alley filled with the sounds of boots hitting concrete and weapons being drawn.

"Should've known that motherfucker wouldn't let us leave that easy," V growled through her gritted teeth.

"It was too quiet." The Major spoke coolly & composed

"Orders are orders. Colonel Hansen says you don't leave here alive." A BARGHEST commander gruffly spoke

The Section 9 team drew their weapons, positioning themselves defensively. V's fingers hovered over her hacking interface, ready to pull out any trick to survive the upcoming onslaught. Before anyone could make the first move, a voice echoed through the comms, clear and familiar. "V, Major, get down! I've got your six." Suddenly, gunfire erupted from the far end of the alley, precise and controlled, cutting through the BARGHEST soldiers in the back ranks. Several of them dropped instantly, hit with surgical precision. A male cloaked in a ragged hood emerged from the shadows, rifle blazing, his expression focused as he laid down cover fire.

"You need to move, now! I'll hold them off." The male shouted as he rained gunfire on the BARGHEST soldiers from a distance picking off a few of their ranks.

"Everyone! Fall back! Move as one!" Kusanagi called out to her team.

"You're a sight for sore eyes, Reed!" V nodded at the male.

The Section 9 operatives wasted no time, expertly moving in formation as Reed continued to rain fire on the approaching BARGHEST troops. Batou laid down suppressive fire with his heavy machine gun, while V hacked into nearby systems, sending an electrical surge through the soldiers' optics, temporarily blinding them. As bullets ricocheted off the walls and sparks flew from nearby electronics, the team darted down a side alley, ducking for cover behind old dumpsters and broken-down vehicles. Reed fell in behind them, keeping the enemy at bay as they made their escape.

"That was too close… What the hell was that about?" Togusa spoke panting heavily

"Hansen never plays fair. But now we know we're on the right track." V replied panting.

"Thanks for the assist. You have impeccable timing." The Major glanced at Reed.

"I'm just trying to stay alive. And make sure you all do too. Kurt's playing for keeps—and we just rattled his cage." Reed replied with a shrug.

"That was some nice shooting back there," Batou complimented Reed as he with an extended hand. "You ex-military?"

"The Name's Solomon Reed, Federal Intelligence Agency," Reed introduced himself shaking hands with Batou glancing at him and then at The Major "I'll explain why I'm here later but for now, we need to keep moving before Hansen's men find us."

With a brief nod of thanks, the team reloaded their weapons and began to disappear into the labyrinthine streets of Dogtown, leaving the smoldering remains of BARGHEST soldiers behind them.

After Solomon Reed's timely intervention, the group quickly regroups in the dark alleys of Dogtown. The neon lights from nearby signs flickered, casting an eerie glow on their faces as they caught their breath. The sound of BARGHEST soldiers regrouping in the distance added urgency to their situation. They had to escape without getting into another firefight—it was time for strategy over brute force.

"We can't keep blasting our way out of this. Kurt's got more of those goons on standby." V whispering, scanning the surroundings.

"We don't need another firefight. We need to outmaneuver them. Reed, you got an extraction point?" Major Kusanagi spoke assessing their position.

"I've got a secure route. It'll take us through a service tunnel that leads out of Dogtown and back into Pacifica, but we need to stay low and keep quiet. Kurt's guys will be swarming the area soon." Reed nodded.

"Stealth, huh? Not exactly my style, but I guess we don't have a choice." Batou said as he checked and tightened his gear.

"If we're spotted, we're dead meat so let's make this count." Togusa nervously glanced around.

The team quickly made their way to a hidden back street, Reed leading them toward a less guarded section of Dogtown. Reed pulls up a holographic map of the area from his wrist implant, pointing to a nearby abandoned subway entrance that serves as a potential escape route.

"There. The old subway system. It's barely functional, but the BARGHEST patrols won't expect anyone to use it." Reed pointed out.

"Subway systems are ideal. No open ground, limited access points, and plenty of cover. Let's move." The Major replied as the team made their way toward the subway, V noticed something in the corner of her vision—a surveillance camera perched atop a rusty streetlamp, swiveling toward them.

"Not today." V quietly said to herself accessing her cyberdeck as she quickly sent a command to the camera. Its feed infinitely looped a peaceful image of an empty street, hiding its presence.

"Nice trick." Batou grinned at V's hacking abilities.

"You haven't seen half of what I can do," V smirked.

"Let's keep moving. We're not out of this yet." Saito, the team's sniper, said.

They continued, slipping through the narrow alleyways of Dogtown. Reed took them through backstreets and over rooftops, avoiding main thoroughfares where BARGHEST patrols were already sweeping the area. With every step, the pressure grew—one wrong move, and they'd be in a firefight with the odds heavily stacked against them.

As they approached the subway entrance, the group came to a halt. A group of BARGHEST soldiers blocked their path, casually patrolling the area, unaware of the group's presence… for now.

"Well, looks like stealth's not gonna be enough here," V whispered.

"We don't have to fight. If we time it right, we can slip past when they turn the corner." Reed quietly said.

"Or we create a diversion. A small distraction to draw them away. Togusa, can you rig one of the nearby vehicles to cause some noise?" The Major spoke analyzing the situation

Togusa nodded, moving to a nearby abandoned car. He accessed the wiring through a panel under the dashboard and rigged it to blow its horn and flash its lights on a delayed timer. "It's set. Thirty seconds. That'll pull them off our backs." Togusa said as he returned to the team.

As the BARGHEST soldiers approached their position, the car erupted into a loud, blaring noise, its horn blaring and lights flashing erratically. The soldiers turned their attention to the noise, moving away to investigate.

"Now!" Reed quickly motioned The team moved swiftly and silently, slipping into the subway entrance. The moment they were inside, the loud clang of the steel gate echoed as Reed pulled it shut behind them, sealing them in relative safety.

Inside the subway, the air was stale, and dust clung to the walls. The old tracks stretched into darkness, a forgotten remnant of Night City's chaotic history. The only sounds were their footsteps echoing off the stone walls as they descended into the depths, away from the streets of Dogtown.

"We're clear for now. Let's keep moving before they realize we've gone underground." Kusanagi looked around watching Reed seal the entrance.

"This place gives me the creeps, but if it gets us out, I'll take it." V nodded in agreement.

As they traveled deeper into the subway tunnels, V and the Section 9 operatives began to relax slightly, knowing that they had outmaneuvered BARGHEST. For now, they were free—but they knew it wouldn't last.

Their next stop: finding Songbird.

The Abandoned Underground NCart tunnels, Dogtown, Pacifica

As Section 9's operatives and V carefully traverse the dark and dilapidated subway tracks beneath Dogtown, the atmosphere is tense, with only the faint sounds of water dripping and distant echoes of the decaying infrastructure surrounding them. The conversation turns to Reed, as they know his involvement goes deeper than just a routine mission. "

"So, Reed... I get the feeling this rescue mission is more than just orders for you. You've been tangled in this from the start, haven't you?" V spoke breaking the silence as the team ventured through the tunnels.

"Yeah... more than I'd like to admit. So Mi was once my responsibility—my protégé. I trained her, trusted her, and she trusted me. What happened to her... it's my fault." Reed replied with a sigh as he glanced at V.

Solomon Reed is a man shaped by duty, loyalty, and regret. A veteran FIA (Federal Intelligence Agency) agent, Reed has spent years buried deep within covert operations, sacrificing personal desires for the stability of the New United States of America (NUSA). His career demanded secrecy, manipulation, and, at times, morally questionable decisions, but Reed always told himself the ends justified the means. The NUSA gave him purpose—a mission to restore control and order in a fractured world—yet that same purpose has taken everything from him.

Working for the FIA has honed Reed into a master of espionage, fieldwork, and negotiation. With a calm demeanor and sharp instincts, Reed thrives in the gray areas of politics, skilled at extracting information, turning assets, and negotiating fragile alliances with dangerous people. He has operated for so long in the shadows that even he struggles to remember who he was before the job. His roles as spy and patriot are inseparable, leaving him isolated from the rest of society—an invisible soldier fighting wars most will never know.

His reputation among FIA agents is one of unwavering loyalty—a man willing to follow orders no matter the cost. Yet Reed is haunted by the human toll of his actions. The lines between duty and conscience have blurred, leaving him unsure whether he serves to protect his country or simply because he no longer knows how to live any other way.

Reed's most profound regret is tied to Songbird (So Mi), the gifted netrunner and AI test subject he recruited into the FIA. She was meant to be an asset, someone whose talents could serve the NUSA's interests—but he couldn't protect her from becoming a pawn in the government's increasingly ruthless ambitions. The neural augmentations meant to make her invaluable slowly tore her apart, and Reed feels responsible for every scar—mental, physical, and emotional—that her service has inflicted.

The moment she was betrayed and handed over to Kurt Hansen was the breaking point. It left Reed wrestling with guilt and shame, realizing that in his loyalty to the NUSA, he had betrayed the one person he swore to protect. Forgiveness feels like an impossibility, especially for himself. He knows there's no undoing the past, but the desire to make amends with Songbird and give her a second chance at freedom drives him to risk everything.

When Reed joins forces with V and Section 9, he is initially hesitant—untrusting of mercenaries and skeptical of foreign operatives meddling in what he sees as the NUSA's affairs. However, as the mission unfolds, Reed begins to see in them something he had lost: purpose beyond duty.

V's determination to fight for her survival despite impossible odds resonates with Reed, reminding him of the value of personal freedom.

The operatives of Section 9—especially Major Kusanagi—demonstrate a philosophy Reed admires but finds foreign: the idea that identity and humanity are things you must define for yourself, not something imposed by an institution.

Though uneasy at first, Reed gradually forms a genuine bond with V and Section 9's team, learning to trust in something beyond his rigid loyalties. Their mission becomes more than a professional collaboration—it's a chance at redemption for Reed, an opportunity to dismantle the systems that took so much from Songbird and from himself.

Together, they aim to stop the rogue AI project, Arasaka's schemes, and Kurt Hansen's ambitions. Reed no longer serves the NUSA unconditionally; instead, he fights to right the wrongs he once perpetuated, protect the people who still matter to him, and ensure Songbird can reclaim her life. His alliance with V and Section 9 is a turning point—the moment Reed decides to define his sense of justice, even if it means walking away from the life he's always known.

As Reed works alongside his new allies, his old instincts battle with new doubts. Can someone as steeped in lies and betrayal as Reed learn to live an honest life? Can he forgive himself for the choices that led to Songbird's suffering, and more importantly, will she ever forgive him?

The answers remain uncertain, but for the first time in years, Reed believes there's hope. With V's strength and Section 9's support, Reed sees a way forward—not just for Songbird but for himself. It's a dangerous road, one that could cost him everything, but Reed has learned that some things are worth fighting for, even when the odds are against you.

"Responsibility is a heavy burden. We've all had to make hard choices. But something tells me it wasn't just you that put her in this position." The Major spoke as she scanned the surroundings walking ahead.

"Arasaka, Militech... They pull the strings, but the people like us are on the ground bleeding." Ishikawa said while monitoring signals from a device on his wrist.

"Exactly. She was just another asset to them, but to me... she was different. I thought I could protect her from all this. Then Myers decided to weaponize her." Reed nodded

The group pauses at an intersection of tracks, waiting for the all-clear from Batou, who scans ahead for potential threats. The subway tunnel creaks and groans as if it could collapse at any moment.

"You couldn't have known. This city—these corps—they eat people alive. Trust me, I've learned that the hard way. The Biochip... Silverhand... I'm barely hanging on myself." V said

"What exactly did Myers plan for Songbird? Arasaka, Militech... They don't just invest in someone like her without expecting a massive payoff." The Major questioned Reed as she turned to address him

"They wanted to use her abilities as a weapon, a tool for ultimate control. The things she can do... Her abilities with rogue AIs, and her cyberpsychosis—it's a double-edged sword. Myers sees her as an asset she can control. But in the wrong hands? Songbird could be a catalyst for war. Another Corpo war, or something even worse." Reed replied

Batou motions the group forward, and they continue down the tracks. The light of their flashlights dances across the rusted rails and crumbling concrete. The tension in the air thickens as they edge closer to freedom.

"So, we save her, then what? You expect us to just hide her from Militech and Arasaka forever?" Saito spoke quietly

"No. I expect us to give her a chance. A chance to live without being a pawn. Once she's safe, we'll figure out the rest." Reed paused for a bit before responding

"Yeah, well, 'safe' in this city doesn't last long. We're gonna have every corp, fixer, and net runner crawling out of the shadows once they realize we've got her." V said with a smirk

"That's why we need to keep moving and stay ahead of them. This mission is no longer just about survival. It's about stopping them from turning her into another weapon." The Major nodded

The group continues walking, the light from the subway exit visible in the distance. They're not far now, but the road ahead feels heavier with the weight of what's to come. Each of them is prepared for the battle that awaits but also understands the stakes go far beyond Songbird herself.

"We get Songbird out, deal with the corps, and then... we face whatever comes next. Batou gruffly spoke

"Whatever it is, we'll face it head-on. Together." V determined said

The conversation lingers in the air as they approach the exit, ready for the next stage of their mission, and perhaps, for the unpredictable chaos that awaits them once they surface from the darkness.

The Office of Chief Daisuke Aramaki, Public Safety Section 9, New Port Island, Niihama, Japan

"I trust you know the weight of what's been sent your way. This isn't just corporate greed—it's something far worse and if it continues, Night City won't be the only place to suffer." A low Voice via over an encrypted holo-call spoke with Chief Aramaki.

"You're taking a great risk by sending this information, whoever you are. Corporate matters of this scale tend to end in one way—silence, then death. Why get involved?" Aramaki spoke calmly yet analytically.

"You know what Arasaka is capable of. My reasons are my own. What matters is that this project—this weapon—cannot be allowed to reach its full potential. Songbird isn't just another piece in their game. She's dangerous. And if she's pushed too far, it'll be a catastrophe for everyone." The voice continued leaning forward as their face was partially obscured by shadow.

Reading between the lines, Aramaki would slightly nod. "You're right. It's clear Arasaka isn't just making another move against Militech. They're playing with forces beyond their control. But tell me... What stops me from considering you just another corporate pawn, looking to shift power for your gain?"

The voice would fall silent for a moment before firmly speaking again, "Because this isn't about me. It's about stopping them from creating a weapon that could tear everything apart. You don't need to trust me—you only need to act on the truth of what I've given you. Section 9 is in a position to stop this. And you're the only ones who can."

"And if we intervene? What happens when we expose this when we bring Arasaka's project into the light? You must know there will be consequences. Blood will be shed." Aramaki spoke studying him with a measured tone.

"Blood is already being shed. The difference is, you have a chance to save countless lives if you act now. This is bigger than Arasaka, bigger than the war with Militech. If Songbird falls into cyberpsychosis or breaks the Blackwall, it won't just be Arasaka's end—it could be the end of us all." The voice spoke darkly

Falling silent for a moment, Aramaki would speak with finality. "You've done your part. We'll do ours. But if this fails, and we're drawn into a war—be prepared for the consequences."

"War is inevitable. But I'd rather it be one we can fight, instead of the annihilation of everything we know. Don't waste time, Chief Aramaki. The clock is ticking." The voice spoke darkly.

Leaning forward in his chair & carefully scanning the information sent, Chief Aramaki continued to browse through the data via holo-screen of a long-forgotten project known as "Project: Divine Voice", a secret project that was personally funded by Saburo Arasaka decades after the nuclear destruction of Arasaka Tower in Night City. This project used twelve child netrunners to explore the old net that was destroyed by Rache Bartmoss's Datakrash in an attempt to contact Rogue Artificial Intelligence however when venturing forth into the old net, the children were picked off by the rogue A. I. s. When any of the surviving children attempted to escape Arasaka, they were violently eliminated by agents as a means to silence any survivors causing the project to be temporarily shelved that is until it was reactivated when Hanako took the reigns of the Arasaka corporation in the wake of Saburo Arasaka's death and word of a skilled netrunner, that being Song So Mi using advanced cybernetic net running augmentations, was located in Dogtown. Through So Mi, Arasaka could use her augments deep dive beyond The Blackwall created by Netwatch & contain digital Rogue A.I.s that roam the Old Net for the sake of weaponization against Arasaka's foes.

"This is very concerning indeed," Chief Aramaki chimed in as he finished reading the outline of "Project: Divine Voice". "We cannot allow Arasaka to continue this unethical behavior & abuse of power any longer."

"I pray you & your team can stop this project from coming to fruition, Chief Aramaki," The voice finished before disconnecting the holo-call. "Until then, I will be in contact should any changes come."

After reading over the information once more, Chief Aramaki contacts one of his technical analysis specialists. "Connect me to Ishikawa there's something he needs to share with The Major."

Arasaka Tower, Downtown City Center, Night City

A dimly lit room in an Arasaka tower, overlooking the sprawling city below. Yorinobu stands with his back to Hanako, fists clenched, his jaw tight. Hanako is calm, her expression unreadable, as she watches a live holo-feed showing Songbird being moved into a secure transport vehicle bound for the Badlands.

"You're going through with this? You've seen what Songbird is capable of, Hanako. If she falls into full cyberpsychosis, if she breaks the Blackwall, she could destroy everything." Yarinobu spoke as his voice was filled with anger turning sharping to face Hanako.

"She is a necessary tool. Our research on her abilities is crucial. With the right conditioning, we can control her. She will be an asset to Arasaka, not a threat." Hanako calmly replied in a measured tone.

"You're deluding yourself! You sound just like him! This isn't about control—it's about power. You're turning Songbird into a weapon for your ends, and you're too blinded by our father's legacy to see the catastrophe that's coming." Yarinobu spoke raising his voice as he took a step forward.

"This is not about Father. This is about securing the future of Arasaka. The world is changing, Yorinobu. We must be prepared to face the threats that lie beyond our borders and within. Militech, rogue AIs, cybercriminals—Songbird can help us defend our position." Hanako spoke remaining composed as her tone sharpened.

"At what cost? You're gambling with her life—and ours. You're pushing her to the brink. Songbird isn't some tool to be used and discarded, Hanako. She's a human being, caught in the middle of your schemes." Yarinobu shook the head with disbelief in his voice.

"She knew the risks when she made her choice to side with the NUSA. We have allowed her to survive in this world. The rest is up to her." Hanako spoke steadily with a cold stare

"Damn it, Hanako! You're going to start a war! Militech won't sit back and let this happen. The moment they find out what you're doing with Songbird, they'll retaliate. And when she loses control, it won't just be Militech we're fighting—it'll be everything we've built burning to the ground." Yarinobu growled in anger slamming his fist on the table.

"You underestimate me, brother. I have taken every precaution. The project will continue. Songbird will be transferred to the facility in the Badlands, where she will be secured and monitored. You must learn to see beyond your personal feelings, Yorinobu." Hanako softly spoke with finality.

"I'm not blinded by emotion—I'm trying to stop this family from repeating the same mistakes as father did. You're too obsessed with control, too loyal to a father who saw us all as pawns in his game. If you go through with this, there will be no coming back." Yarinobu said quietly yet with bitterness in his voice.

"Then you have made your choice. And so have I. This is what must be done—for the future of Arasaka." Hanako was cold yet dismissively spoke.

As Hanako leaves the room, Yorinobu stands alone, his expression dark, and conflicted as he watches as the transport vehicle carrying Songbird fades into the distance, bound for the Badlands. His dismay deepens, knowing that his sister's actions could lead to devastation—not just for Night City, but for the world beyond.

Kabuki, The Waston District of Night City

After escaping Dogtown and returning to Kabuki, the atmosphere is tense but focused as V, the Section 9 operatives, and Solomon Reed gather to regroup. The old, cluttered streets of Kabuki hum with low-key nightlife, neon signs flickering above as they settle into an abandoned apartment building to reassess their situation. They've just evaded BARGHEST's forces, and now they need to figure out their next move in rescuing Songbird from Arasaka's clutches. The group sits in a darkened room with old tech and gear strewn around. V checks her weapons, Reed leans against a wall lost in thought, while Batou and the rest of Section 9 stand nearby, their eyes on Togusa's holo-screen as they wait for updates. The tension breaks as Ishikawa receives an encrypted holo-call from Chief Aramaki.

"Got a call coming in from The Chief—everyone, listen up," Ishikawa spoke glancing up at the others.

"I have some critical intel for you all. We've received word from an inside informant within Arasaka. They're offering assistance with Songbird's retrieval." Chief Aramaki spoke via the holo-feed, his expression & tone serious.

"Arasaka, playing both sides again? What's their angle this time?" Reed responded with arms crossed sounding skeptical.

"This informant claims to have grown disillusioned with the direction Arasaka is taking. From what they've shared, this project involving Songbird has the potential to cause catastrophic fallout—not just for the company, but for everyone. They're willing to provide you with vital intel to help with the extraction." Aramaki said.

"This guy is good, Chief. Whoever sent this message knew what they were doing—layered encryption rerouted through at least a dozen different ghost servers. It looks like they don't want us tracing them." Ishikawa said leaning back in his chair.

"No one's untraceable, Ishikawa. Keep digging. What do we know so far?" Aramaki spoke calmly yet focused.

"Well, they slipped up just enough. Their routing is solid, but I managed to grab some metadata embedded in the transmission. It's old-school Arasaka code, the kind they used to use for high-priority covert communications." Ishikawa slightly grinned.

"So, someone inside Arasaka. That narrows it down… but not by much. They've got hundreds of suits playing cloak-and-dagger every day." Batou said crossing his arms.

"Maybe not. Check this out." Togusa chimed frowning at his screen as he pulled up an overlay on the main screen, showing a faint digital signature. "This signal pinged an old Arasaka commsat that's been offline for decades—one that's only accessible through legacy credentials. Whoever this is, they've got serious clearance."

"Legacy credentials? That limits the suspects to high-ranking individuals… or family members of the Arasaka lineage." Aramaki spoke narrowing his eyes

"Bingo. Cross-referencing the signal's origin with Arasaka's personnel logs… And there it is. Looks like the signature matches one specific ID tag. It's been dormant for years, but it's active now." Ishikawa said as he tapped away at the keyboard.

" And Whose tag does it belong to Ishikawa?" Chief Aramaki questioned as he leaned forward.

"Yorinobu Arasaka." Ishikawa smirked while pressing keys." "The rebellious son of the late Saburo Arasaka wanted for treason and his little stunt at Konpeki Plaza."

This revelation caught the team off guard including V, who was present that evening at Konpeki during the heist for the Biochip. Even the digital manifestation of Johnny Silverhand could not believe what he was hearing. "No way, No fuckin' way this shit is real. You mean to tell me the corpo-prince himself is this guy's informant!? I knew somethin' about your new chooms wasn't right, V." Silverhand's digital construct spoke in V's head in disbelief.

"Guess the prodigal son's came crawling back. Or maybe he's playing both sides." Batou darkly chuckled

"Yorinobu Arasaka? He's the one feeding us intel? What's his angle?" Togusa said leaning back in his chair sounding surprised.

"Yorinobu Arasaka has always been a wildcard. He despised his father's legacy and tried to bring the corporation down from the inside, yet he's still tied to the Arasaka name. If he's reaching out to us, it's not out of loyalty. He wants something." Chief Aramaki spoke with steepling fingers his voice sounded calm & calculated.

"I'll bet my gear on it. He's trying to clean up his mess and what his company wants with Song So Mi has his fingerprints all over it, and he probably knows it's only a matter of time before it all comes crashing down." Ishikawa spoke.

"Prepare a response. If Yorinobu Arasaka wants our help, he'll have to come out of the shadows and face us directly. But keep this quiet. If Hanako catches wind of her brother's betrayal, she'll make sure he doesn't live long enough to help us." Chief Aramaki said with a sharp tone.

"You think we can trust him, Chief?" Togusa questioned

"Trust is irrelevant. As long as his goals align with ours, we'll use him. And if he becomes a liability, we'll deal with him accordingly." Chief Aramaki spoke with a response.

"So, Yarinobu Arasaka wants to help us against his sister's ambitions." The Major calmly spoke.

"But it's his company that's using So Mi and now the question is why is he helping us?" Reed questioned as he turned to The Major.

"We'll have to ask Yarinobu ourselves chances are he's not very fond of this whole situation as much as we are," V said.

"Just as the Chief said we approach this with the utmost discretion. If Hanako or anyone within Arasaka were to find out, it wouldn't be just Songbird's survival we'll be worried about as well." The Major calmly nodded resting her chin on the tip of her thumb.

Just then, the team heard the door to the safe house slowly creek open and as if on instinct everyone quickly pointed their guns at the door only to find the person entering was none other than Yarinobu Arasaka, with his hands up, entering.

"Ha, speak of the fuckin' corpo-devil himself as if on cue almost." The digital manifestation of Johnny Silverhand chuckled with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"Yarinobu Arasaka, The CEO of The Arasaka Corpration, I presume?" The Major questioned with a gun trained on Arasaka as he entered the room.

"I believe you may have questions and I am more than willing to provide you with the answers you seek," Yarinobu spoke breaking the tense silence still with his hands up.

"We're listening, " The Major coolly replied as she signaled everyone else to put their guns away "Start talking."

Writer's Appreciation: Hey guys, Silverhand here and I just wanna say thank you so much for the follows, favorites, comments, and so on! If you're enjoying the story so far it's motivating to have somewhere to post and edit something finally I've been dreaming of doing for so long. Things are heating up now that Yarinobu is revealed to be an informant to V, Reed, and Section 9's Operatives during the mission to save So Mi from Arasaka. Hope you guys can stay onboard for this wild ride through the Ghost In The Shell/Cyberpunk 2077 crossover fan fiction. Please enjoy and keep on reading! Chapter 3 and Beyond is gonna be a real banger!

Chapter Text

Ghost in The Shell/Cyberpunk 2077

Beyond The Blackwall

"Good morning, Night City! Or afternoon? Who the hell even knows anymore—time’s a construct, and so is your rent increase. I’m Ruth Dzeng, here to remind you that no matter how bad your day is going, someone in Watson just got flatlined over a burrito vending machine dispute. Again."  Top story today—Arasaka insists it’s ‘business as usual’ despite half their board members mysteriously disappearing, Militech is testing out new ‘non-lethal’ weaponry that is lethal, and in a shocking turn of events, some corpo somewhere just got away with fraud. Meanwhile, out in Pacifica, tourists are still wondering why their ‘luxury vacation package’ came with a free gang initiation and a chance to get mugged by a cyberpsycho. Hope the souvenirs were worth it!" "And in the Badlands, nomads have once again proven they’re the only sane people left by staying as far away from us as possible. Can’t blame them—if I had a choice between breathing fresh air or choking on neon and burning tires, I’d probably choose to drive off into the sunset, too. So, Night City, strap in for another day of unbridled chaos, corporate exploitation, and existential dread. Stay tuned for traffic updates—spoiler alert, it’s all bad—and remember: if someone offers you ‘experimental cyberware’ in a dark alley, it’s either going to kill you or make you the most interesting news segment tomorrow. Stay alive, stay wired, and try not to get flatlined before lunch. This is Ruth Dzeng, signing off from Info Flash—because someone’s gotta tell it like it is."  - Ruth Dzeng "Info Flash"

Chapter 3: A Sheep in Corpo's Clothing

Flashback: Konpeki Plaza Hotel, Arasaka Waterfront, Watson District of Night City. One Month Ago.

Konpeki Plaza, The Pinnacle of Corporate Luxury in Night City. Standing as a gleaming monument to excess and exclusivity, Konpeki Plaza is the crown jewel of Arasaka’s corporate empire, nestled in the heart of the Arasaka Waterfront in Watson District. A towering bastion of opulence, this five-star, ultra-luxury hotel caters exclusively to the world’s elite—corpo executives, high-profile clients, and those with more eddies than morality.

From the moment guests step into its pristine marble-floored lobby, they are enveloped in an atmosphere of quiet dominance. Security is airtight, with Arasaka-trained guards patrolling the premises and top-tier surveillance ensuring that privacy is a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. The hotel’s signature suites boast panoramic views of the city, high-end cyberware interfaces, and automated concierge services that cater to a guest’s every whim—legal or otherwise.

The indoor sky garden provides a rare pocket of serenity, a stark contrast to the chaos of the Night City below. Meanwhile, the platinum-grade restaurant and bar, offering the finest imported delicacies, serves as a meeting ground for the powerful and the dangerous. Deals worth billions—or lives—are made over glasses of imported cognac and synthetic Kobe beef, often sealed with a handshake or a quiet threat.

Yet, beneath its carefully polished surface, Konpeki Plaza has a darker history. It was the site of Yorinobu Arasaka’s infamous patricide, the catalyst for a chain of events that would shake the very foundations of the Arasaka Corporation and send the entire city spiraling into further chaos.

Konpeki Plaza is more than just a hotel—it is a statement of power, control, and corporate sovereignty. In Night City, luxury is just another weapon, and at Konpeki, only the strongest—or richest—survive.

The atmosphere in the penthouse suite belonging to Yarinobu, the heir apparent to the Arasaka Corporation, was tense as he was about to receive an unexpected visit from a ghost in his past. He sat at a well-polished marble table where wine bottles rested on its pristine black surface, tensely reading a screen sheet while the massive cyborg nightmare, Adam Smasher, scanned the room by the elevator entrance should any threat come to endanger his employer. And there, descending from the stairwell that led to the Aerial Vehicle landing pad above and accompanied by his loyal bodyguard, Goro Takemura, was the elderly Chairman & Patriarch of the Arasaka Corporation,  Saboru Arasaka.

"I thought I told you not to meddle in my affairs," Yarinobu spoke to this estranged father as his fingers combed through the screen sheet and a voice laced with nothing but scorn & tension.

Few names in history evoke fear, respect, and controversy like Saburo Arasaka—a man whose iron will and ruthless ambition shaped the world as much as it destroyed it. Born in 1919, Saburo served as an officer in the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II, witnessing firsthand the devastation of Japan’s defeat. The experience would leave an indelible mark on him, fueling his unyielding belief in Japan’s resurgence—not through military conquest, but corporate domination. In the post-war years, Saburo took control of his father’s modest business and transformed it into a global superpower. By the mid-20th century, the Arasaka Corporation had evolved into more than just a security firm—it became a financial empire, a military-industrial juggernaut, and the de facto ruler of Japan’s corporate-political sphere. As its CEO, Saburo ruled with an iron grip, ensuring that every decision, every contract, and every war waged in Arasaka’s name was an extension of his vision. At the height of Arasaka’s power, the world became a battlefield between Eastern and Western corporate supremacy. Militech, the dominant American defense contractor, stood as Arasaka’s greatest rival, leading to decades of clandestine warfare, espionage, and proxy conflicts that shaped the Fourth Corporate War. For Saburo, Militech wasn’t just a competitor—it was an insult, an emblem of American imperialism that he sought to crush at all costs. His uncompromising nationalism and personal vendetta fueled a series of escalating conflicts that reshaped global power structures, culminating in the catastrophic Night City Nuclear Attack of 2023, a devastating blow that nearly destroyed Arasaka’s hold on the world. Saburo Arasaka was not just a corporate overlord—he was a father, though fatherhood never softened his nature. His eldest son, Kei Arasaka, was his chosen heir—loyal, methodical, and obedient. His second-born, Yorinobu, was the black sheep, rejecting his father’s oppressive rule and forming The Steel Dragons, an anti-Arasaka insurgent group. His daughter, Hanako, was a reserved but brilliant tactician, kept in the shadows yet always within her father’s reach. For decades, Saburo maintained his iron grip over the family and the corporation, refusing to relinquish power even as his body aged. Through cutting-edge life-extension treatments, cyberware enhancements, and corporate-fueled medical advancements, he lived to the age of 158, outlasting wars, coups, and betrayals. Yet, in the year 2077, his greatest downfall would not come from his enemies but from within his bloodline.

"Leave us," Saburo ordered the dismissal of Takemura.

"Arasaka-sama, I still haven't done a full sweep." The loyal bodyguard spoke as he scanned the room.

"This is my son." The elderly male calmly responded as if assuring his concerned Bodyguard.

"Of course. Shall I retrieve what we came to...?" Takemura questioned his superior.

"I will handle it," Saburo repiled. "You may go."

With that said, Takemura would bow to the aging CEO and leave the penthouse suite with the hulking cyborg that was Adam Smasher following behind, leaving the estranged father & son.

"Did you think I wouldn't know it was taken from me?" Saburo questioned his rebellious son, referring to the Relic Biochip Yarinobu that he had stolen from his father.

"I don't think of you at all. Ever." Yarinobu coldly replied his voice still tense at the presence of the elderly patriarch. "You see, that's YOUR problem. You think the world revolves around you. Arrogant!"

"Why did you come here? To humiliate me? To personally see your son knows his place?" Yarinobu continued, his voice laced in venom towards his father.

"The nail that protrudes from the wall gets hammered..." Saboru spoke, quoting a Japanese proverb.

"Couldn't think of anything orginal to say?" Yarinobu groaned in annoyance as he stood to his feet, anxiously pacing.

"And do you think it was 'original' to sell our greatest achievement to Westnerners - Our future to these... Barbarians!?" Saboru replied referring to the enemy he has fought against for countless decades on both the battlefield and in the corporate world.

"Our future? OURS!?" Yarinobu retorted as his animated pacing stopped for a moment, hands resting on his hips. "You are mistaken. You've only cared about yourself... And your sick schemes!"

"I knew this day would come," Saboru spoke as he took a few steps towards a glass holo-screen standing across from his rebellious & estranged son. "That sooner or later your impudence would cross the line. There is much I could forgive you, but for treason- No. I'm just glad your mother didn't live to see this. The heart should break but once."

And finally, in a rage, Yarinobu would violently lunge at the elder Arasaka patriarch, slamming him against the glass holo panel, causing it to crack slightly from Saboru's weight as he spoke his final words to his father.

"You shall never have to forgive for anything again!" 

Yarinobu's hands gripped the windpipe of Saboru, strangling him until the elder male's body went limp and landed on the penthouse suite's floor with a thud. Years of anguish, frustration, and refusal to conform to family traditions and the company boiled over resulting in the death of Saboru Arasaka, the once proud Lieutenant of The Imperial Japanese Navy & pilot who survived his plane being shot down resulting in the lost of his left eye & arm during wartime, and turned long-living Chairman of the most powerful conglomerate in not only Night City but the entire world. With Saboru's death, Yarinobu would believe there was a victory over his greatest enemy, his father; however, there was a feeling he could not shake. A feeling of emptiness & paranoia washed over him as the Japanese male anxiously paced around, attempting to compose himself until finally kneeling next to his father's lifeless body, checking for a pulse.

"I wish..." Yarinobu spoke to Konpeki's A.I. still trying to compose himself. "I wish to put the hotel on lockdown."

"May I ask why?" The A.I. questioned.

"Saboru Arasaka has been murdered." Yarinobu once again spoke, his voice sounding almost sorrowful.

"Code Red, initiated. Attention: Code Red initiated throughout Konpeki Plaza. Please remain in your rooms and follow all instructions given by staff." The A.I. sounded.

Hearing the code red, Takemura & Smasher would rush back into the penthouse suite only to find the corpse of Saboru on the floor and Yarinobu approaching them. "What happened!?" Takemura questioned.

"Someone... Someone poisoned my father." Yarinobu responded.

"Poisoned!?" Takemura questioned, his voice sounding in shock as he stared in horror at the lifeless body of the man who had given him a place within Arasaka as a soldier and finally served as a trusted bodyguard.

"It seems so," Yarinobu said.

"Yarinobu-san... I doubt-" Just before Takemura could finish, Yarinobu would cut him off.

"What is your job, Takemura?" He questioned Takemura with a stern tone of voice.

"I don't follow..." A confused Takemura replied.

"It's a simple question. Answer it." Yarinobu sternly demanded.

"To protect the head of the Arasaka Family." Takemura reluctantly answered.

"I do sincerely hope you do a better job of executing your duties from now on..." Yarinobu sternly reprimanded.

"Forgive me, Arasaka-sama," Takemura spoke as he lowered his head in shame. "I shall not disappoint."

With that said, Yarinobu, Takemura, & Smasher would leave the penthouse suite. But what Yarinobu did not realize was that there were witnesses who saw the events leading up to Saboru's death present in the room. Hidden in a cubbyhole behind the glass holo-screen were two merceneries assigned to steal the Biochip only to watch in horror at the events that unfolded before them: Jackie Wells, The Ex-Valentino gang member from The Heywood District, and V, Both of whom needed to escape Konpeki Plaza, however only one would survive and find themself pulled further deep into the rabbit hole that is Night City.

End of Flashback

Kabuki, The Waston District of Night City (Present Day)

Sitting the edge of the roof of the abandoned apartment building which acted as Section 9's safe house with a cigarette in between her fingers taking in the hum of the traffic on the streets below while watching neon glow of the Night City was V. All of the events that had occured so far had been too much for the young up and coming edgerunner who had witnessed the most powerful corporate CEO in the world die at the hands of his rebellous & estranged son, watching her partner & brother-like figure, Jackie Welles, bleed to death in the back of a Delamin, being shot & left for dead in a garbage heap by the scheming fixer, Dexter Deshawn in a desperate attempt to cover his tracks the moment The Konpeki Plaza heist went south, being revived by the Biochip which holds the digital engram of Johnny Silverhand who fiffty years ago destoryed Arasaka Tower with a nuclear weapon only to be told she did not have much time unless she finds a way to remove the chip without killing herself, to hear from a mysterious netrunner who happens to be the aide of the President the New United States of America that they could save her life if she can rescue The President from a former soldier who found himself as leader of a militia within Dogtown, and finally recruited by an elite anti-cyberterrorism task force from Japan to rescue Song So Mi from Arasaka. On the surface, all V can do is chin up, load her gun, and move forward, but deep down she was mentally & physically overhelmed but somehow the bonds she made along the beaten path with Judy, Panam, River, Kerry, and of course, Johnny Silverhand, who despite his self-destructive and fight the system of opression attitude, gave her a sliver of hope in a city where you can die from a stray bullet while hailing a taxi kept her going. Still, finding out Yarinobu Arasaka, the Yarinobu Arasaka who was wanted for treason & patricide while serving as acting CEO of Arasaka Industries,  is an informant to Section 9 was a mind-blow.

As V sat to herself, taking long drags of her cigarette and exhaling the smoke, the digital engram of Johnny Silverhand would manifest behind her pacing. "Yup, I knew somethin' about those guys smelt worse than molded scopdogs wrapped in dogshit while being sold next to the Coronado Bay in the summer," Johnny spoke, sounding cynical and his pacing more animated than usual. "And yet, here you are eatin' it up as if it was the greatest fuckin' thing ever made like some dumbass gonk would, V. The fact they have Saka' jr in there spillin' his guts out about some forbidden project the porcelain cunt herself is backin' says it all. The military-grade gear, the know-it-all netrunner with the beard, and the cold-as-ice Major whose main concern is the fuckin' mission says it all, or maybe I need to spell it out for you: THEY. ARE. WITH. ARASAKA! As if workin' for the government and the secret agent asshole wasn't bad enough-"

"JOHNNY!" V shouted through gritted teeth, feeling annoyed by the sound of Silverhand's voice. "Can you shut the fuck up and let me think for five seconds!?"

"What's there to think about, V? Oh, lemme guess: their promise for a cure if you save the caged bird? They're playin' you like a fuckin' fiddle and it's only a matter of time before they end up offin' you once you get the job is done, I warned you about them and pretty soon, you're about to get hit with a big ass platter of 'I told you so' if that goddamn Biochip doesn't do it first. I'm not sayin' this just because I like the sound of my voice, but I'm sayin' this because you don't need them gaslightin' you with a sense of false hope. Sure, the whole thing with the Rogue A.I.s breakin' through that Blackwall shit sounds pretty damn scary but all I'm sayin' is don't let those gonks play you."

Despite the rockerboy's ranting & ramblings, V could sense Johnny's concern, "I know you're worried Johnny and I appriecate your concern but we gotta see this through not just for my sake but for Songbird's we can't let Arasaka use her to start another corporate war or bring the blackwall down. There's too much on the line and we're fighting the same fight, and if they do go back on their word, then it sucks to be them."

"Hey, heads up! Here come those ghosts-in-the-shell now," Johnny said as he could see The Major, Togusa, & Batou approach from the rooftop entrance. All three with a look of unreadable seriousness written on their faces.

"V, we're about to speak with Yarinobu in regards to his sister's project now," The Major said, breaking the silence.

"Lemme guess, you guys need me there, too?" V replied, after taking one last drag of her cigarette before flicking it off the roof. Her voice sounded with slight exhaustion.

"It's up to you, kiddo," Batou replied. "But I'm sure you have a ton of questions that need to be answered, too, and it seems like a good time, if any, regarding that Biochip."

"Yeah, you could say I have a lot that needs to be answered." V sighed as she turned to face the Section 9 Operatives, her voice still sounding tired.

"V, are you alright?" Togusa questioned as his voice was lined with slight concern.

"Maybe. Guess running from BARGHEST tired me out a bit." V replied as she walked past the operatives to the door. "Well, let's go see what the Corpo-prince has to say."

Sensing there could be something wrong with V, The Major, Batou, & Togusa would take a moment & open a privately-encrypted line between the three of them, sharing their concerns.

"Has anyone noticed that V's been a little off since we left Dogtown?" Togusa questioned as his voice was laced with a bit of concern while Batou, the Major, and he trailed behind V.

"Maybe it's from finding out that we have someone within Arasaka as an inside man," Batou shrugged. "Or it could be that damned Biochip causing a ruckus inside the kid's skull." 

"In any case, we have to make sure that V is not straining herself too hard, and if the Relic is causing complications before we can treat her, it'll compromise the mission," The Major coolly spoke. "Batou, Togusa, I'll need both to keep a sharp eye on V and make sure it's not the biochip causing her any problems. I'll do the same and run it by Ishikawa as well."

"Understood," Both Batou & Togusa said in unison.

As V, The Major, Batou, & Togusa entered the main room, they could see Satio, Ishikawa, Reed, & Yarinobu sitting around quietly as if they were waiting for the Major to return, as atmosphere was silently tense, possibly from the presence of Yarinobu Arasaka, who was seated at a table finishing a meal he had requested a short while ago. "Major." Reed greeted Kusanagi as she entered the room. "Reed," The Major nodded. "Has Arasaka said anything to you in regards to why he is here?"

"Other than requesting something to eat?" Reed replied as he shook his head, his eyes glancing at Yarinobu, then at Kusanagi. "No, he wanted to speak with you, so we waited. Guess he wanted everyone to know what we're dealing with. Still, he knows where Arasaka's keeping So Mi and why they have her."

"I see," Kusanagi spoke with an unreadable expression. "Thank you, Reed, I'll take it from here." The Major would walk to the table where Yarinobu was seated as she pulled up a chair, sitting at the opposite end. Her glancing eyes met his.

"I understand you spoke with Chief Aramaki in regards to the project your sister Hanako had recommissioned," The Major calmly spoke to Yarinobu as Batou & Togusa joined, her eyes still locked on his as if she was beginning to process what the heir to The Arasaka Corporation had to say. "Tell us everything you know."

Closing his eyes for a brief moment to reflect on his past and the events yet to come, Yarinobu would take a deep breath and lift his head to meet the Major's gaze as he began. "As you know, the relationship between the man whom I refuse to call a father and I were never on good terms. It was always about his company and the power he had. He groomed my older brother Kei, my younger sister Hanako, and myself to take control of the company, but the moment I learned he was nothing more than a tyrant trying to play God, I fled."

"And started that anti-Arasaka gang, The Steel Dragons." Togusa chimed in. "I've heard of them through a few reports when I was a detective for the Niihama Police Department. You were spreading protest against the company?"

"Yes, the Kotestu No Ryu, we were devoted to ending my father's regime," Yarinobou nodded. "That is, until the death of my brother Kei during the fourth Corporate War. And one of the confidential projects I learned of is here on this datashard." 

Yarinobu would hand a datashard to Major Kusanagi, who would then hand it over to Ishikawa. After inserting the Datashard into the holo-projector, the screen would light up, outlining Project: Divine Voice. 

Project: Divine Voice was Arasaka’s most classified and controversial cyberwarfare initiative—an ambitious yet horrifying attempt to contain, control, and weaponize rogue Artificial Intelligence (AIs) that lurked beyond the Blackwall. Conceived as a retaliatory strike against Militech following the events of the Fourth Corporate War, the project sought to harness the power of AI-driven cyberwarfare to ensure Arasaka’s dominance in a new Corporate War.

At its core, Divine Voice was designed to integrate highly advanced netrunners—many of whom were forcibly recruited or "acquired"—into a direct neural link with rogue AIs, using them as conduits to access, subdue, and weaponize digital entities beyond the Blackwall. Among these netrunners was Songbird (So Mi), whose immense potential as a bioengineered netrunner made her a keystone for the project.

Project: Divine Voice – Objectives & Capabilities

1. AI Weaponization

   • Arasaka sought to convert rogue AIs into combat assets, deploying them in both cyber and real-space warfare.
   • These AIs could override and corrupt enemy security systems, shut down infrastructure, and hijack cyberware remotely.
   • The ultimate goal was to deploy AI-driven malware capable of devastating rival corporations and nations.

2. Blackwall Breach & Control

   • Using Songbird and other netrunners as human relays, the project aimed to tap into and manipulate rogue AIs without letting them escape unchecked.
   • The Twelve Child Netrunners Experiment was a dark chapter in this initiative, where young prodigies were forced to breach the Blackwall—all perishing in the attempt.
   • The project relied on experimental cybernetic implants that would act as firewalls, preventing full AI corruption.

3. Arasaka’s “Divine Retribution” Against Militech

   • Divine Voice was Arasaka’s countermeasure against Militech’s NetWatch, which had dominated cyberwarfare.
   • The project aimed to neutralize Militech’s security, effectively leaving them blind to an impending corporate war.
   • Should hostilities escalate, Divine Voice AI weaponry would be deployed as a first-strike measure, crippling global networks and critical infrastructure.

4. The “Singularity Protocol” – AI as Gods of War

   • Saburo Arasaka envisioned a future where Arasaka’s AIs ruled digital space as “divine” entities.
   • These AI “gods” would self-learn, expanding Arasaka’s military and technological power beyond human limitations.
   • However, such a plan carried unforeseen dangers, including the risk of AI rebellion—a digital apocalypse.  

"You think you know how low Arasaka can stoop? You’ve only scratched the surface," Yorinobu begins, his voice quiet yet cutting. He casts a cold glance around the room, his gaze lingering on Reed and Major Kusanagi. "For years, Arasaka has toyed with the Old Net, trying to reclaim the untamed chaos beyond the Blackwall. My sister, Hanako... she’s desperate to prove herself worthy of my father’s legacy. And for that, she was willing to do the unthinkable."

He pauses, his jaw tightening as if reliving a nightmare. "Twelve children. Twelve young netrunners, plucked from the slums of Night City, promised glory, wealth, and power. They were sent beyond the Blackwall to map out the rogue AI networks... and they never came back."

The room falls silent, save for the faint hum of the room's holo-projector. Batou clenches his fists, his mechanical arms creaking under the pressure. Togusa looks away, visibly sickened. V narrows her eyes, her anger barely restrained, while Johnny Silverhand’s voice growls in her head: "Fuckin' corpos, feeding kids to the meat grinder. This is exactly why I burned their tower."

Yorinobu continued, his tone now bitter. "The children didn’t die quickly. The rogue AIs tore their minds apart, piece by piece, using their neural imprints as raw data to strengthen their systems. Arasaka called it a necessary sacrifice—an ‘experiment in progress.’ And when it failed, they turned to Songbird."

Reed’s expression darkens as Yorinobu gestures toward the holographic display, which flickers to life with archived footage of Project: Divine Voice. It shows So Mi in the early stages of her augmentation, her body hooked into a massive neural rig, screaming as the interface forcibly fuses her mind with the AI network.

"When the children failed, Arasaka needed someone stronger, someone who could endure the Blackwall’s terrors," Yorinobu explains. "They turned So Mi into their bridge. Her neural architecture was the only thing capable of linking human commands to rogue AIs. But the strain... it’s killing her."

Yorinobu switches the footage to a live demonstration of Project: Divine Voice in action. Rogue AIs, controlled through Songbird’s neural link, attack Militech servers, plunging entire networks into chaos within seconds.

"This is what Arasaka wants: an army of rogue AIs under their control, wielded like weapons to cripple Militech and anyone else who opposes them. But the AIs don’t want to be controlled. The more they’re forced into servitude, the more they resist... and the more dangerous they become."

Kusanagi steps forward, her voice cold and sharp. "And what happens if the Blackwall collapses completely?"

Yorinobu’s gaze met hers, the weight of his failure evident in his expression. "If the Blackwall falls, the AIs will no longer be contained. They will spill into the global Net, assimilating everything they touch. Humanity won’t survive the aftermath."

Batou growls, his voice thick with disgust. "Twelve kids slaughtered to feed your sister’s ambition? You’re lucky I don’t put a fucking bullet in your head right now!"

Togusa shakes his head, his voice trembling with anger. "They were just children... How could anyone justify that?"

Reed’s face is grim, his guilt over Songbird’s fate now compounded by this revelation. He turns to Yorinobu, his voice low but furious. "You knew this was happening, and you let it continue? You’re complicit."

Yorinobu clenches his fists. "I tried to stop it. I leaked information, sabotaged key stages of the project, and even contacted Netwatch & Militech operatives to expose it. But my sister and the board are too entrenched. Every time I got close, they crushed me under the weight of their power."

V finally spoke, her voice dripping with rage. "You think excuses are gonna bring those kids back? Jackie and I were there at Konpeki Plaza the night you killed your father. I saw the man you wanted to be. But this?" She shakes her head, her voice breaking. "If you’re serious about stopping your sister and that project, prove it. Help us take her down."

Johnny’s voice chimes in her head, sardonic but approving: "About damn time somebody called him out. Let’s see if this corpo prince has the guts to clean up his family’s mess."

Yorinobu steps closer to the group, his tone resolute. "I’m done running from my family’s sins. I’ll give you everything you need: the locations of key facilities, security protocols, and even the access codes to Hanako’s private server. But I can’t do it alone. If we’re going to stop my sister and save So Mi, we’ll have to destroy the core and sever Arasaka’s control over the AIs."

The room is quiet for a moment before Major Kusanagi speaks, her voice steady but icy. "If you’re lying to us, you won’t live long enough to regret it."

Yorinobu nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "Then let’s make sure I don’t have to."

"About Konpeki Plaza that night," V spoke, pausing as she stepped up next to The Major, Batou & Togusa. "I was there that night, along with my partner, Jackie, when we saw everything that happened between you and your old man."

"And what were you doing there?" Yarinobu would give a sideways glance in V's direction, questioning her.

"We were hired to klept the Relic by Evelyn Parker. She went to a sleezy & desperate fixer to commission the heist after scrolling a Braindance to get info for the Voodoo Boys, who wanted to contact an AI beyond the Blackwall. She promised us both a good pay until the job went straight to shit when you killed your old man, Jack died, Eveyln went off the grid, I ended up with a bullet to the brain and left in the middle of a garbage heap dying while Silverhand's engram was slowly taking over my body." V continued as she pointed to where she was shot. 

"Evelyn," Yarinobu recalled. "Yes, she and I had a business behind closed doors relationship, but I had no idea she would plan a heist and hire two mercenaries to steal from me."

"Yeah," V replied. "And she paid for it. The Voodoo Boys, being the types that don't forget or forgive, hacked her systems, leaving her in a coma, then the sick bastard she was working for at Clouds had his way with her while she was unconscious before pawning her off to some shitty back alley fixer before he had the Scavs take her away. A friend & I were able to rescue her, but she was still unresponsive. A few days later, she took her own life."

Learning the revelation of Evelyn's fate, Yarinobu would lower his head and tightly close his eyes while squeezing the bridge of his nose. Evelyn, despite being a doll, was everything he could've wanted in a woman, and she too was gone as another causality in Night City. "Evelyn," Yarinobu whispered with a hint of sadness in his voice as he took a deep, depressing sigh, feeling remorseful. "Night City truly is an unforgiving hellscape. Had I known she needed help, she should've come to me instead."

"But here I am, half-dead because of that damn Biochip your family made. My best friend's gone because of your family's greed. And now... now I hear that it’s killing me, too. So tell me... Is there a way to stop it? To fix this?" V continued, her voice cracking slightly.

"You think killing my father was liberation? That it was some righteous act?" Yorinobu leaned back, his expression unreadable, but his eyes betrayed a mixture of guilt and resignation. "No. It was vengeance, plain and simple. And it changed nothing. The corporation is still a beast that feeds on lives. Yours. Jackie Welles. Evelyn Parker. Countless others. As for your Biochip... There is no cure, no fix. That relic was never designed for you. It was a tool for immortality—for him. For Saburo. A perfect vessel for his ego. What’s left in you is just rot. A ghost wearing out its welcome."

"BULLSHIT, Man!!!" V spoke. Clenching her fists, she rises from her seat, anger and desperation flaring in her voice. "So that’s it? I’m just supposed to lie down and fuckin' die? Let this thing eat me alive while Arasaka keeps playing god? After everything I’ve fought for!?"

Yorinobu stared at her for a long moment, then sighed, his voice softening. "I don’t know what you’re fighting for anymore, V. But I do know this—Arasaka doesn’t lose. It devours everything. Even me. You’re a fighter, but this... this isn’t a fight you can win. If you want to survive, you need to stop chasing miracles and start thinking like a mercenary again." 

"Enough." The Major spoke, stepping in with her cool, detached tone. "She’s not dying today, not if we can help it. Yorinobu, if you can’t offer solutions, at least give us something useful. Information. Leverage. Anything."

Yorinobu looks at the Major, his jaw tightening before he speaks. "Useful? Fine. Do you want to take down Arasaka? Hanako is your key. She’s the one pulling the strings now, just as our father did before her. But don’t expect me to shed a tear if you fail. The only thing Arasaka teaches is how to bury the dead."

The Arasaka Research & Development Base - The Badlands

Buried deep within the sun-scorched Badlands, far from the neon-drenched streets of Night City, lies one of Arasaka’s most secretive and heavily fortified installations—a clandestine Research & Development base responsible for the corporation’s most advanced cybernetic, AI, and military innovations. This base is more than just a testing ground for cutting-edge weaponry; it is the epicenter of Project: Divine Voice, where rogue AIs are studied, weaponized, and controlled in Arasaka’s bid for absolute corporate supremacy.

The Facility: A Hidden Fortress

• Location & Structure:
  The base is a sprawling subterranean complex, hidden beneath layers of reinforced rock and military-grade plating, ensuring it remains invisible to aerial surveillance and satellite scans. The only visible surface structure is a faux-abandoned industrial outpost, heavily guarded by drones, automated turrets, and Arasaka spec-ops teams. Beneath the surface, a maze of labs, weapons factories, AI containment chambers, and cyberware research centers operate under extreme secrecy.

• Security & Defense Systems:

  • Sentry drones and high-grade mechs patrol the perimeter.

  • Jammer fields and EM scramblers disrupt unauthorized signals.

  • Prototype cyber-soldiers, enhanced with experimental Arasaka Omega-Series augmentations, act as the base’s last line of defense.

  • Neural-linked security, where guards' cyberware is synced to an AI overseer, ensuring total obedience.

Weapon & Cyberware Development

The facility is responsible for some of Arasaka’s most dangerous advancements, including:

• AI-Integrated Cyberware: Bio-digital implants designed to interface directly with rogue AIs, a byproduct of Project: Divine Voice, allowing Arasaka to manipulate and repurpose them as tools of war.

• Experimental Relic Upgrades: Successors to the Biochip technology, capable of implanting engrams with full autonomy—a potential means for creating AI-human hybrids.

• Prototype Military Cybernetics: Ultra-high-performance combat exoskeletons, nanite-infused limbs, and adaptive cloaking systems meant to push operatives beyond their human limitations.

• Blackwall-Piercing Netrunning Tech: Devices designed to break through the Blackwall, giving Arasaka access to forbidden AI constructs—a key component in Project: Divine Voice.

• Next-Gen Smart Weapons: Firearms and melee weapons that utilize predictive AI targeting, making them nearly impossible to evade or counter.

Project: Divine Voice – The AI War Machine

At the core of the base’s operations is Project: Divine Voice, Arasaka’s most morally and ethically reprehensible experiment to date. By capturing and reprogramming rogue AIs, the corporation seeks to create an unstoppable digital war machine capable of:

• Controlling netrunners’ minds via AI integration.

• Hacking enemy cyberware in real time, turning soldiers into unwilling puppets.

• Unleashing self-replicating AI constructs that can destroy entire infrastructures.

• Weaponizing engram technology to implant AI-controlled consciousness into cybernetic bodies.

The project, however, has resulted in numerous catastrophic failures, with several AIs breaking containment, resulting in violent purges of personnel and entire sections of the facility being sealed off. The facility remains in operation, but the risks grow with every experiment.

Inside the cold, sterile confines of the Arasaka facility, Songbird sat restrained in a high-tech containment unit. The room was lit by harsh white lights, making the metallic surfaces gleam with an unsettling brightness. The hum of machinery and the faint beeping of monitoring systems filled the air, a constant reminder that she was nothing more than a tool to them now—a weapon they were refining, controlling, and molding to their needs.

Her wrists were cuffed to the chair, augmented restraints ensuring there was no escape. Neural dampeners had been placed around her head, suppressing her abilities, cutting off her connection to the Net and her power. The once-vibrant energy that coursed through her body felt distant now, dulled by Arasaka's technology.

Her mind raced despite the numbing haze they had forced upon her. She thought back to Reed—memories of their missions together, their conversations about freedom, and the belief that they could rise above the corporate machines that ruled their lives. How had it come to this? How had she allowed herself to be caught in this web of manipulation and control?

Songbird's heart raced, anger bubbling beneath the surface. She had been used by too many—first by Militech, then by President Myers, and now by Arasaka. Each time, she had been promised something better: freedom, power, autonomy. But it had always been a lie.

"They’ll never let me go… will they?" Songbird whispered to herself.

The door to her cell hissed open, and a figure stepped inside—a faceless Arasaka technician accompanied by a pair of heavily armed guards. The technician approached her, adjusting the controls on a nearby console. She could feel the neural dampeners tighten, a sharp pain shooting through her skull as they reasserted their control. 

"Your abilities are impressive but uncontrolled. Soon, we’ll refine you into the perfect asset. Don’t fight it." The Technician said, adjusting the controls.

Songbird glared at him, her blue eyes burning with defiance despite the pain. She had been a weapon for others her whole life, but this time, it felt different. Arasaka wasn’t just trying to use her—they were trying to strip away everything that made her human. They wanted to turn her into something else, something monstrous.

She could feel the rage rising in her chest, but it was useless against the cold, unfeeling machines that held her in place. Still, there was a flicker of hope. She had heard whispers—rumors that V was still out there, searching for her. Maybe, just maybe, she wasn’t entirely alone. As the technician continued his work, Songbird closed her eyes, trying to hold onto that small thread of hope. She couldn’t break free on her own, but if Reed, V, or anyone from the outside found her in time, there was a chance—just a chance—that she could be saved. But with every passing second, that hope grew fainter as Arasaka’s grip tightened around her mind and body.

"V… if you’re out there, don’t let them win. Don’t let them turn me into this." Songbird whispered through gritted teeth.

Inside the high-security cell, the sterile, clinical air was suddenly filled with the presence of Hanako Arasaka. Unlike her cold, corporate surroundings, Hanako was a figure of calm authority, her poised demeanor a stark contrast to the suffering Songbird endured. Dressed in elegant white with hints of silver—a symbol of her family's legacy—Hanako moved with grace, her dark eyes scanning the room before they settled on Songbird.

Songbird, weakened but defiant, lifted her head as the door slid shut behind Hanako. There was a tension in the air, a silent battle of wills before either of them spoke. 

"You’re stronger than I expected. Most would have broken by now." Hanako calmly spoke

Songbird's eyes narrowed. She knew the Arasakas weren’t here to save her—they saw her as a tool, a weapon to further their ends. But the restraint, the calm with which Hanako addressed her, was unnerving. 

"What do you want from me? You already have me locked up like a lab rat. What more can you take?" Songbird spoke hoarsely

Hanako’s expression didn’t change. Her tone remained as cool and composed as ever, but there was a trace of something in her eyes—a calculated sympathy, perhaps, or a subtle form of manipulation. Either way, Songbird wasn’t about to trust it.

"Song So Mi, you misunderstand. I’m not here to take anything from you. I’m offering you something... valuable. A future. One where you are no longer being chased by Militech, no longer hunted by President Myers. Under my protection, you can be free." Hanako replied.

"Free? You call this freedom? Strapped to a chair, pumped full of drugs, treated like some experiment? I’ve seen what your family does to people like me." Songbird bitterly laughed off.

"Perhaps you see yourself as a victim. But in truth, you are more than that. You have power. Great power. And without control, that power will destroy you—and everyone you care about. Arasaka can help you harness it. Shape it. Together, we can ensure that you do not end up discarded like so many others before you." Hanako replied tilting her head slightly, her gaze steady.

"And what’s in it for you? I know how this works. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t stand to gain something." Songbird clenched her fists, feeling the restraints dig into her skin. The thought of being molded by Arasaka filled her with rage, but she couldn’t deny the truth in Hanako’s words. Her powers were unpredictable, volatile. Without control, she would burn out like a flame that had no fuel left to consume.

"My family values strength, but we also value loyalty. With your abilities under our guidance, you could help bring about a new era. Not just for Arasaka but for Night City and the world. A place where you are no longer hunted. A place where you can be in control." Hanako spoke, allowing a faint smile to cross her lips.

Songbird’s mind raced. The idea of control was tempting. After everything that had been taken from her, the idea of finally being in charge of her fate was almost too much to resist. But she knew the price. Arasaka’s version of control wasn’t freedom—it was subjugation under a different name. 

"I’d rather die than let you turn me into your goddamn weapon," Songbird spoke through gritted teeth as she glared at Hanako.

"You misunderstand. We are not asking for your permission. You will serve Arasaka, one way or another. But I would prefer if you did so willingly." Hanako’s expression didn’t change, but there was a slight edge to her voice as she replied.

There was a long silence, the weight of Hanako’s words hanging in the air like a death sentence. Songbird felt her heart pounding in her chest, her mind racing for a way out, for a way to resist without giving in. 

"You can chain me, drug me, but I’ll never belong to Arasaka." Songbird softly yet defiantly spoke 

"In time, you will come to see the wisdom in my offer. Or you will be left behind. The choice is yours." Hanako rose slowly, her calm exterior unwavering.

Chapter Text

Ghost In The Shell/Cyberpunk 2077

Beyond The Blackwall

"Good morning, Night City—if you're tuning in, congratulations! You made it through another night without being gonked by a corpo hit squad or eaten alive by a rogue AI pretending to be your HMO chatbot. I'm Ruth Dzeng, and welcome to 'Corporate Carnage & Coffee'—the only segment where I make the rich uncomfortable before brunch. First up—Arasaka! Yes, the family-run empire that puts the 'fun' in 'funded paramilitary death squads.' Word on the street is they’ve taken a sudden interest in soul preservation. Forget NFTs—why not turn your consciousness into a collectible? Pokémon, but make it trauma. Meanwhile, Militech—ever the jealous ex—wants their own flavor of digital domination with something called 'Project Cynosure.' Because nothing says 'freedom' like uploading your soul into a federal database managed by the same people who need six meetings to reboot a drone. Biotechnica’s back in the headlines, too. Apparently, their new 'eco-friendly' corn syrup causes spontaneous bioluminescence in 1 out of 10 consumers. But hey, in this economy, glowing in the dark means you save on utilities." Kang Tao, bless their malfunctioning targeting systems, just unveiled a new line of smart weapons so smart they might unionize. Only time will tell if they aim better than their PR team. In lighter news, Night Corp has announced a new civic AI program aimed at improving the quality of life in Night City. Considering their last program tried to rezone Watson into a 'spiritual vortex,' we're cautiously optimistic this one won’t spontaneously rewrite everyone’s memories. And finally—The NUSA Government! Who else but our pals in DC would try to declare martial law over a city they barely control, using a president who survived a crash landing only to lose a chess match to her own secret agents? It’s like Game of Thrones, but with worse lighting and more cyberware. But hey, chin up, Night City. At least you’re not being run by AI—yet." - Ruth Dzeng "Info Flash"

Chapter 4: Bedlam In The Badlands

Kabuki, The Waston District of Night City

With everything that has happened, V, Major Kusanagi, Solomon Reed, and the other operatives of Section 9's cyber crimes division were now given a new resolve: To rescue Song So Mi and put an end to Arasaka's Project Divine Voice. After obtaining vital information from an inside informant, who was revealed to be Yarinobu Arasaka, the team must now prepare for the crucial suicide mission ahead. However, first, there was a need to find a way into the Arasaka base where So Mi had been taken. 

"Any idea on how we break in and get So Mi out?" Togusa questioned while leaning against a nearby wall. 

"That's something we'll have to figure out once we find that base and we have what we need to do so." The Major coolly responded

"Wait, I may know some people who could help," V spoke, breaking her silence. "The Aldecaldos, they're a group of nomads who I helped before, and if anyone can get us inside that base, it's them, I'm sure of it." 

"Nomads?" Batou responded with a chuckle as an eyebrow raised over one of his cybernetic optics. "You're friends with sand pirates?"

"Well, one of them," V said with a grin. "Helped her out with a job, getting her ride back, saving their leader, and stealing an old tank from Militech. Think of it as callin' in a debt."

"Very well," The Major nodded. "V, call your contact in the Badlands and see if they can assist us in breaking into that Arasaka compound.

As the mission to rescue Songbird loomed closer, V knew they needed an edge—someone with experience navigating the Badlands, firepower to back it up, and a crew that could handle the unpredictable dangers outside Night City.

She made the call, which Panam answered almost immediately, her voice sharp with curiosity. "V? Haven't heard from you in a while. What's going on?"

V got straight to the point—an Arasaka research facility hidden deep in the Badlands, locked down tight, and in need of infiltration. If anyone could help find a way in and bring the firepower to match, it was Panam and the Aldecaldos.

A pause. Then, a scoff. "You always bring me the craziest shit, V. But… yeah. I'm in. And if it's sticking it to Arasaka? The clan will back you up, too."

"Thanks, Panam. See you soon." V said before hanging up. "Looks like The Aldecaldos are onboard with the rescue mission, too."

"Alright," The Major said. "Then let's get to it."

Stretching out from the cracked concrete arteries of the Santo Domingo district, the Badlands are a jagged scar on the earth’s face—a sun-scorched, arid wasteland where civilization fades into sand, rust, and ruin. Once thriving agricultural plains, the region has long since withered under the weight of corporate exploitation, climate collapse, and urban sprawl.

To the untrained eye, it’s a barren no-man’s-land of scrub, dust devils, and abandoned highway relics. But look closer, and you’ll find it alive—in the shadows, the scars, and the silence between gunshots.

Dominating parts of the landscape are Biotechnica’s protein farms: sterile, white monoliths belching synthetic nutrients into towering silos, surrounded by genetically modified vegetation more plastic than plant. Nearby, the Jackson Plains Power Plant—now a skeletal ruin after V and Panam brought it down to intercept a Kang Tao AV which had a former Arasaka employee onboard—looms like a gutted beast, its wind turbines forever frozen mid-turn.

But the Badlands are more than just a corporate graveyard.

The Nomads rule the dust here. The Aldecaldos, a fiercely independent clan of wanderers, call this place home. They roam in convoys, living by a code forged in fire and loyalty, making the desert bloom in their wake. Where others see ruin, they see refuge.

Then there was their polar opposite: The Wraiths—violent, unhinged scavengers who stalk the dunes like jackals. They take what they want, leave nothing behind, and paint the sand with blood. In their eyes, chaos is the only law.

And nestled deep within the rock—hidden behind layers of deception, anti-air defenses, and cloaking tech—lies Arasaka’s R&D facility. Few know of its existence. Fewer still survive an encounter with it. Here, beneath tons of reinforced concrete, Songbird is held, her mind shackled to Project Divine Voice, a technological monstrosity that blurs the line between sentience and slavery.

The Badlands may be forgotten by the corporate suits of Night City, but out here, war is always one ignition away. The wind carries the howl of Nomad engines, the buzzing of Wraith drones, and the whispers of experiments best left buried.

Welcome to the Badlands: where the edge of the map still bites.

Driving along on the road exiting Night City in an unmarked van through the scorching hot desert sun, prepared to meet with The Aldecaldo Nomad Clan at their campsite, V, Section 9's operatives, & Reed were completely silent while deep in thought. Reed, who still felt responsible for So Mi being in the current situation she is in, V recalling Yarinobu's words that it was impossible to save her life from the Biochip relic that is gradully causing deterioration to her neural pathways opening a door to Johnny SIlverhand's digital engram to take full control of her body, and finally, Section Nine's operatives who are focused on the mission to not only stop the possibilty of another corporate war & rogue artificial intelligence breaking through The Blackwall but a way to save V & So Mi both their fated end. As V sat quietly by herself with the mission & The Major possibly keeping to her word on her mind, Johnny Silverhand's digital engram materialized beside her.

"Well, this is a fine shitshow if I ever saw one," Johnny spoke with his usual snark & bravado, "Now Panam & her nomad tarmac rat clan are involved in this little dungeon crawler quest to save the Netrunner Princess from Arasaka? Brilliant work, V., No, seriously, brilliant fuckin' work. First, these ghosts in a shell who offers you a cure if there is one once we save the caged bird, then secret agent man pops up feeling guilt offers to help, the corpo prince wants to stop his porcelin cunt sister and now, we have the Aldecaldos opening a back door to sneak in and save our little caged bird. This shit keeps gettin' better and better if you ask me."

"This might be the only way to get Songbird out of Arasaka's hands, Johnny, " V responded to Silverhand's digital manifestation as she gently caressed the side of her neck. "And yeah, the whole situation is fucked up, but what would you've done if you were in my shoes?"

"Have you forgotten, dumbass?" Silverhand's digital construct replied, leaning back, crossing his arms, "I am in your shoes and had this been my gig? I dunno, call Rogue to round up a posse of the best mercs from The Afterlife, storm the front gates, put a bullet in every Saka gaurd's head, break Birdie from her cage, and blow that whole base to kingdom fuckin' come. That would've been my plan instead of countin' on some gonks from outta town to make a move. Speakin' of these ghost gonks, when are you going to stop bein' so fuckin' gullible when it comes to these people, V?"

"Johnny, cut them slack, we're doing this to save Songbird," V replied as she sat back further against the van's wall. "And we can't let those corporate fuckers have their way with her any longer, only for them to break The Blackwall. The Major, her chooms, and Reed might be our only at saving her and to stop the chip from flattening us both."

"Fine," Johnny sighed in defeat, "If this means stickin' it to Arasaka, then I can't stop you, but watch your ass, V., I still don't think these gonks are who they say they are."

"Hey, kid," Batou called out to V as the van pulled up to a mobile campsite. "Is this the place?"

"Yeah, this is the place, " V replied as the van stopped a few feet from the camp. "Hold on, lemme talk to them."

The Aldecaldos aren’t just a nomadic clan—they’re a family forged in the fires of exile, displacement, and survival. Born in the early 2000s from the vision of Juan Aldecaldo, the clan was formed as a response to the corporate destruction of rural America. From its inception, the Aldecaldos stood for something simple yet radical: freedom, solidarity, and living on their own terms.

By 2077, the Aldecaldos are one of the largest, most tightly bonded Nomad clans on the continent, their culture a blend of old-world traditions and high-tech resourcefulness. They roam the Badlands outside Night City, making a life in the margins while staying fiercely independent from the mega-corps and the broken systems of the NUSA.

Their convoys are their lifeblood—massive mobile bases that travel together like iron herds, complete with repair bays, living quarters, watchtowers, and sometimes even small schools. Within these moving strongholds, everyone has a role, from elders to mechanics, from warriors to hackers. Decisions are made communally, not dictated from on high. Loyalty to the clan comes first—above profit, politics, and even personal ambition.

Led by Saul Bright, a pragmatic yet often-criticized leader, and supported by trusted lieutenants like Panam Palmer, Mitch Anderson, and Carol Emeka, the Aldecaldos walk a line between tradition and adaptation. Panam, in particular, represents the growing divide between those who want to settle and those who believe the clan must remain on the move, evolving with the times, never stagnant.

What makes the Aldecaldos exceptional is not their firepower (though they have plenty), but their unshakable bonds. They don’t leave their own behind. They’ll raid a corporate convoy to free a clan member, storm a fortified facility to rescue a friend, or go toe-to-toe with the Wraiths if it means protecting their people.

For outsiders like V, becoming one of them isn’t just about earning trust—it’s about proving you’re family, that you’ll bleed and ride and fight for the people next to you. And if you do, you’ll never ride alone again.

In a world ruled by corruption and machines, the Aldecaldos are a roaring engine of humanity, rebellion, and hope on wheels.

Where the road ends, the clan begins.

"V, haven't seen you in a while," A dark-skinned female nomad would speak as she approached V. "You look like shit." This was Panam Palmer. 

Born into the Aldecaldo nomad clan, Panam Palmer grew up traveling the endless highways and open deserts beyond Night City. For Panam, life on the road was freedom—a place where she could be herself, unburdened by the restrictions of city life or the grasp of corporate interests. The Aldecaldo way—loyalty, community, and self-reliance—was in her blood, but her restless spirit always pushed her to seek more. She often clashed with the clan elders over tradition and authority, believing that survival in the modern world required adapting to change, not resisting it.

Over time, her frustrations boiled over, and Panam left the Aldecaldos to make a life for herself outside the clan. But life as a solo merc in Night City wasn’t what she expected. She found herself caught between the city’s brutal underworld and the exploitation of those trying to escape it. Isolated and struggling to find her place, Panam discovered that without the Aldecaldos, life felt unmoored and directionless—like a road without end or purpose.

Panam’s path crossed with V when the two were brought together on a dangerous job by the fixer Rogue Amendiares. What started as a reluctant partnership quickly grew into a deep and meaningful friendship. V didn’t just see Panam as a hired gun—she saw her as a person worth believing in, someone who fought fiercely not just for herself but for others. Panam found something in V she hadn’t realized she was missing: a friend who stood by her without judgment, offering loyalty without strings attached.

Together, Panam and V navigated the treacherous landscape of Night City and the Badlands, facing down gangs, corporate enforcers, and mercenaries. The two became inseparable, each seeing in the other a kindred spirit—a fellow outsider fighting to survive in a world that didn’t care whether they lived or died. V’s struggles with the Biochip only strengthened their bond; Panam understood what it was like to carry a burden too heavy to bear alone and made it her mission to help V, no matter what.

In V, Panam found the kind of trust and companionship she rarely experienced—a connection that reminded her of the best parts of her time with the Aldecaldos. Though she often downplayed it, V’s friendship saved Panam from losing herself entirely to the bitterness she felt toward her past and her estranged family.

Despite her anger and resentment toward the clan, Panam could never truly let go of the Aldecaldos. They were her family, even if they had driven her away. With V by her side, Panam found the strength to reconnect with her roots and confront the rift between herself and Saul Bright, the clan’s leader. Though their reunion was rocky, Panam came to realize that the Aldecaldos had also suffered without her—and that perhaps both she and the clan had something to learn from each other.

In helping V navigate her own personal battles, Panam found clarity about her own future. She knew that life outside the Aldecaldos wasn’t what she wanted, and returning to the clan offered her a chance not just to reconcile with her past but to shape a new future for the family she loved. V’s friendship gave Panam the courage to challenge the clan’s traditions, proving that survival and loyalty didn’t have to come at the cost of change. She rejoined the Aldecaldos—not out of obligation, but out of choice—determined to lead the clan into a new era.

Panam isn’t the type to let people in easily, but once she does, her loyalty is unshakable. Whether it’s going to war with the Wraiths, stealing Militech hardware, or taking on impossible odds, Panam fights for those she cares about with everything she has. Her stubbornness and fiery temper may cause friction, but her heart is always in the right place.

As a skilled driver, markswoman, and tactician, Panam thrives in high-stakes situations, especially when it comes to outsmarting the powerful corporations that threaten the freedom of the people she loves. The open road is where she feels most alive, but it’s the people she travels with—her clan, V, and the family she’s chosen—that give her life meaning.

Panam Palmer’s journey is one of forgiveness, redemption, and rediscovery. She didn’t just return to the Aldecaldos—she returned to herself, finding a balance between the rebel she had always been and the leader she was meant to become. With V’s friendship guiding her, Panam learned that home isn’t a place but the people you choose to stand beside.

In a world that tries to break people down and pit them against each other, Panam Palmer stands tall as a symbol of defiance, loyalty, and hope. She’s a fighter, a friend, and a dreamer—a nomad who found her way back to the people she loves and forged a new path forward.

"Yeah, good to see you too, Panam," V chuckled at Panam's comment as members of Section 9 and Reed flanked behind. "These are the people I told you about that're gonna save the Netrunner from Arasaka." Panaam took a moment and glanced at the team as everyone except for Batou, who waved with a big smile on his face, stared back with a readable look of stern determination. "Damn, V," Panam whistled. "You really know how to meet'em, but the Aldecaldos will back you all up and provide you with whatever you need for the mission. We have our word."

"Togusa, " Batou spoke to Togusa as he gently nudged his partner's shoulder. "What do you think of the nomads so far?"

"They seem like decent people," Togusa replied as he looked over at Batou right before looking glancing at the Aldecaldo guards who stared at the team cautiously. "No judgment here."

"They also seem to have a sense of honor and familial bond," Saito spoke as he casually lit a cigarette and took a short drag while walking along with the team. "I can respect that."

"Not bad for a small community that roams the desert away from Night City's usual chaos," Ishikawa added as he looked around at the Aldecaldos, possibly staring at him & the team.

"It's the ties that bind them," The Major calmly spoke up. "While Night City is a megalopolis surrounded by neon lights and corporate-owned skyscrapers, the Aldecaldos prefer the freedom of the open road and this wide open space. Also, they hold V in high regard despite her city upbringing."

As V, Reed, Panam, and the Section 9 operatives walk along the campsite's dusty trail, they would be greeted by the leader of the Aldecaldos Saul Bright, and the clan's lieutenants, Mitch Anderson, a former corporate war veteran & skilled mechanic, & Carol Emeka, the Aldecaldos' skilled technician, resident netrunner, and another war veteran. "V, Long time no see," Saul spoke as he extended his hand to V. "I understand these are the people Panam told us about?"

"Good to see you too, Saul," V replied as she shook Saul's hand, "And yeah, we need you guys' help with breaking into an Arasaka base for a rescue mission, think you can do it?"

Saul took a moment to look at Section 9, sizing them up before finally saying, "You already helped this family in the past in more ways than one, along with saving my ass from the Raffen Shivs, you already know we're willing to pay you back in exchange. Also, anyone who is allied to you is more than welcome into the Aldecaldos."

"We're very thankful for you and your clan's assistance, Mr. Bright," The Major spoke as she nodded.

"Of course," Saul would nod back, yet giving The Major a slightly puzzled look, ok unable to make out who she was. "And you are?"

"Major Motoko Kusanagi of Section 9 cybercrimes division based in Japan," The Major introduced herself. "And this is my team, Batou, Togusa, Ishikawa, & Saito. We're here in Night City to investigate the possibility of Rogue A.I. becoming a threat to not only the city but the entire world, and from what we gathered, Arasaka & The NUSA is making that possible for the sake of another corporate war, but neither side won't be able to contain the rogue A.I.s from beyond the Blackwall."

"Rogue A.I.s and The Blackwall," Saul quietly spoke. "I recall hearing stories about that growing up and how it was caused by Bartmoss decades ago, but if you're here to stop that, we'll do what we can to assist you and your team. Follow me, Mitch & Carol should have the intel you need ready for infiltrating that Arasaka base you're looking for." Inside a makeshift ops tent, the group huddles around a holographic projection of the Arasaka R&D facility—a multi-layered complex buried beneath rock and sand, shielded by camo-netting and armed security towers.

"It's been a while, V," Mitch waved as he held rolled up maps tucked under his metal arm, then placed them on a table, "How're you holdin' up?" 

"As much as I can, Mitch," V replied with a slight smile before getting down to business. "So, what are the details?"

“This here is the main structure. It’s built into the canyon walls—classic Arasaka. Underground labs, reinforced gates, and anti-vehicular mines in the front. But we’ve got a backdoor.” Carol gestures at the projection.

“There’s a collapsed service tunnel here—used for supply convoys back when the place was active. Still structurally sound, just buried. We’ll need to dig and drone out the debris quietly.” Mitch chimed in.

“And So Mi? Where’s she being held?” Reed questioned with a nod.

“Sub-level 3. Heavily shielded. They've got a lockdown zone with Blackwall-level firewalls, reinforced cell doors, and probably a direct uplink to Mikoshi.” Carol replied, pointing to a projection of where Songbird was possibly held in the facility.

“We’ll need a synchronized breach. One team disables surveillance and comms. Another breaches the tunnel and gets to the lab. Songbird’s extraction will trigger alarms—we’ll need an evac plan ready the second we’re in.” The Major spoke as she stepped forward, analyzing the feed.

“We can run a decoy with cloaked drones and false signals—pull attention north while we move south,” Ishikawa added, scribbling on his digital notepad.

“Once we’re in, we’re burning a bridge with Arasaka. You sure you’re ready for the blowback?” Saul spoke, visibly skeptical

“We’re not just doing this for Songbird. Whatever Arasaka’s cooking down there—Divine Voice, or Mikoshi—it needs to end. We’re done dancing around corporate secrets.” V coldly replied, yet focused as the meeting spot fell quiet. Then, Carol slams a button, lighting up a series of entry points and contingency routes.

“Then let’s make some noise,” Carol spoke once again.

Moments later, after the briefing, the Nomad convoy was prepping vehicles and drones under the moonlight, Section 9 was loading gear, and Reed was quietly loading a round into his pistol. The war for Songbird begins.

After changing into some tactical gear and loading his pistol, Reed can be seen sitting on a rock formation quietly reflecting to himself, staring into the horizon. His moment of reflection is interrupted by Batou, who approaches him.

"Yo, Reed," Batou would call to the former FIA agent. "The Caldos and the rest of the team are loaded & ready. Time to get this party started and slip Songbird out of Arasaka's hands. You ready?"

"Give me a moment, Batou," Reed replied, still keeping his eyes forward. "I just needed to do a bit of thinking."

"Is this about the mission?" Batou questioned as he took a seat & a short foot away from Reed.

"That and So Mi," Reed replied as he tightened his tactical armor along with one last check of his firearm. "When I met her, she was just some kid from Brooklyn who got lucky and cracked her way into both Militech & Biotechinca's data forts. For someone who was So Mi's age at the time, she was good, almost a pro, but she slipped up, and Netwatch was close to napping her. The moment Myers made the call to have So Mi flatlined, I was against it and decided to bring So Mi in, not on an arrest, but to be a technical advisor. She wanted no part of working with the NUSA and flat out rejected the offer, so I goaded her into joining by saying that NetWatch would come after her family, friends, and her unless she took up the offer, which she did.

"So, you coerced her into joining the FIA for her own protection?" Batou questioned as his cybernetic optics glanced at Reed.

"So Mi called it blackmail," Reed exhaled slowly, the motion heavy with guilt. "But she eventually accepted in the end. She packed up, said goodbye to her old life, and was sworn under oath into the NUSA by Myers herself. Afterwards, she was publicly declared dead, or rather, the old her in this case. Took her under my wing as a trainee & protege, both her and another, my old partner Alex, who wanted to be a braindance actress. Three of us worked a few missions, including one in Colombia. But, after the Unification War, Arasaka was able to make a deal with the NUSA: Pull out all the FIA agents in Night City, and the war is over. However, they needed one last thing, which Myers gave So Mi the orders to leave me for dead on a Maglev train at the hands of some Arasaka agents. Batou, the truth is... So Mi trusted me, and I ended up giving Myers another fuckin' pawn to her side of her board just to manipulate, and in the end, I got burned. Hell, I've been in this game long enough to know what happens when pieces outlive their purpose."

There was a silence between the two as they stared at the faint glow of Night City's neon lights, while in the background, the sound of the desert wind & the Aldecaldos working on makeshift generators under the stars can be heard as Reed continued to look at the horizon of the city.

"Listen, Reed," Batou said, finally breaking the silence. "You can spend the rest of your life counting the ways you got played- or you can make damn sure Songbird walks away from this. That's the only move left that matters now."

"Yeah," Reed responded as he continued his glance towards Night City's neon glow. "I just hope it's already not too late."

The Nomad convoy rumbled over cracked asphalt, headlights cutting thin blades through the Badlands’ darkness. The faint, sickly glow of Night City loomed far behind them; ahead, only the vast emptiness and the black silhouette of the Arasaka R&D complex against the horizon. Inside the lead vehicle, the air was thick with the hum of the engine and the quiet rustle of gear checks. Major Motoko Kusanagi stood at the front of the AV’s cramped troop bay, one hand gripping the overhead rail as the other flicked through a holo-map projection. Her voice cut clean through the noise.

“Alright, one last time—our target is Songbird, held deep inside the Divine Voice central core. Arasaka’s expecting no one, so we keep it that way. No alarms, no comm chatter unless it’s critical.”

She pointed to the glowing outline of the facility. “V, Reed, Batou, and I will be the infiltration team. We enter here—south perimeter, blind spot in their motion sensors. Once we’re in, Reed and I secure access to the core while V and Batou keep the way out clear.”

She shifted the map, highlighting the outer ridges. “Our lookout team—Togusa, Panam, Saito, Ishikawa—will maintain visual from the high ground. You’ll feed us enemy movement, alert us if any AVs scramble, and be ready to draw heat if we need an extraction distraction.”

Panam’s voice crackled in over comms from her Thorton Mackintaw, known as "Warhorse", trailing the convoy. “Don’t worry, Major. If things get hot, we’ll make it loud enough for the whole Badlands to hear.”

Kusanagi allowed the faintest smirk before her face hardened again. “If things get hot, we’re already too late. Songbird doesn’t have much time—we move fast, we move quiet, and we don’t stop until she’s out.”

Reed leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. “And if Yorinobu’s on-site?”

The Major’s eyes narrowed, the faint neon reflection from the map giving them a predator’s edge. “Then we adapt. Mission’s Songbird. Everything else is secondary.”

The AV hit a bump, rattling the deck beneath them. Outside, the faint hum of the R&D base’s perimeter lights began to flicker into view over the horizon.

“Gear up,” the Major said. “From here on out, every second counts.”

The Aldecaldos’ convoy rolled to a silent halt behind a jagged ridge of sandstone. Engines were cut, lights killed. The desert night swallowed everything except the distant hum of the Arasaka R&D base’s perimeter lights. Panam’s Thornton and a pair of modified trucks idled in the shadows, their crews checking weapons and drones. The infiltration team—V, Major Kusanagi, Reed, and Batou—slipped out, moving low under the cover of rusted fencing and weathered service ducts. Togusa, Saito, and Ishikawa set up on overwatch, high-powered optics sweeping the facility. The Major’s voice was barely above a whisper over the comms. “We stick to shadows. Sensors along the east wall are on a six-second sweep. Time our movements or we trip alarms.”

They darted between blind spots, hugging the darkness until they reached a maintenance hatch near the cooling vents. Inside, the base’s innards felt cold and clinical—polished metal floors, fluorescent strips buzzing faintly overhead. Every step echoed just enough to keep their nerves on edge. By the time they descended two levels, the air had shifted—colder, heavier. Sub-level 3 was buried in reinforced concrete, the kind of place Arasaka didn’t want sunlight—or prying eyes—ever touching. Reed led them down a narrow access corridor, scanning for life signs. His face went grim. “You’re not gonna like this,” he muttered, sending the readings to everyone’s HUD. The biometric tag was unmistakable.

Batou frowned. “Smasher. Big, bad, and here in the steel.”

The Major didn’t slow her pace. “Then we avoid him. Smasher’s not the mission.”

Before anyone could reply, Togusa’s voice cut in, sharper than usual. “Heads up—we’ve got another problem. Just picked up a Militech convoy moving fast from the west. Ten vehicles minimum, lead AVs tagged to Meredith Stout.”

Reed swore under his breath. “Perfect. Arasaka’s monster inside, Militech’s attack dogs outside.”

Panam chimed in, tone dry but tense. “Guess the quiet part of the night’s officially over.”

The Major stopped at the last security door before the core chamber, her hand hovering over the bypass jack. “Doesn’t matter. We keep moving. Songbird’s in there—and the longer we wait, the smaller our odds get.”

Somewhere deep below, a low metallic thud reverberated through the floor. Whether it was a generator kicking on… or Smasher’s footsteps closing in, none of them could say for sure.

At the front gate, a Militech convoy of ten vehicles led by a corporate-owned AV would arrive, and several armored soldiers, armed with heavy machine guns, power rifles, and tech weapons, exited the vehicles. Leaving the AV was Meredith Stout, a Militech agent & representative, who had appeared at the Arasaka base on the orders of President Myers to retrieve Songbird, and should Arasaka's forces resist, brutal & excessive force would be the final option. Atmosphere would become more tense as several heavily armored elite Arasaka troops matching Militech's own would exit the gate, then suddenly the sound of metallic feet crushing the dirt & sand below, along with a grim and mechanical voice, can be heard following behind the Arasaka troops.

"So, Militech sends its meat to be slaughtered," The grim and synthesized voice would belong to a nine-foot-tall & fully armored cybernetic humanoid monster that resembled a walking war machine designed for death. This black chrome cybernetic behemoth was none other than Arasaka's head of security, Adam Smasher. 

With cyberwear consisting of Heavily Modified Dragoon armor, an experimental Sandevistan, which gave him a speed advantage in combat, a Shoulder-Mounted Smart Rocket Launcher, a Retractable Arm Cannon, self-ICE, which protected him from hacking by netrunners, jump boosters, Armor Regeneration Matrix, Berserk, and a pair of cybereyes with lowlight infrared/UV & Anti-dazzle modifications, while being armed with an MK. 31 heavy machine gun, Adam Smasher was less a man than a walking war crime wrapped in titanium and hate. Nearly three meters tall, his frame was an ugly marriage of blackened alloy, hydraulic muscle, and combat plating thick enough to shrug off anti-tank rounds. His silhouette looked wrong against the sterile corridors—too broad, too heavy, like something designed for a battlefield, not a hallway.

His face—if it could still be called that—was a half-mask of burnished metal, expressionless save for a single red ocular sensor that pulsed like a predator’s eye in the dark. Servo motors whined low with each shift of his massive shoulders, and the faint hiss of cooling vents whispered from beneath his armor. Every movement was deliberate, economical, as if the weight of his body alone could crush the air from the room.

There was no humanity left in Adam Smasher, no hesitation, no mercy. Just the cold efficiency of a killing machine programmed with the cruelty of the man he used to be. To see him in person was to understand why legends painted him as a nightmare that stalked Night City’s underbelly—a thing that didn’t just kill you, but erased the fact you’d ever mattered at all.

When his shadow fell across the corridor, it wasn’t fear that gripped you.
It was the certainty that you were already dead.

"How foolish of them." Smasher's cold & cybernetic voice finished as the Arasaka unit parted, giving the hulking & intimidating giant of titanium room until he stood between the Arasaka elite guards & Militech's troops.

"Cut the bullshit, Smasher," Stout spoke with a tone colder than ice as the female Militech agent stepped forward, hand hovering over a holster, and jaw locked, until she was staring upwards at Smasher's burning red optics. "We're for Song So Mi; she's too valuable an asset to the NUSA, and Arasaka isn't equipped to handle her instability. You can either hand her over peacefully, or we'll take her by force. We're not taking no for an answer."

Adam Smasher didn’t respond. He didn’t have to.
The giant’s red optic flared, sweeping over the Militech agents as if already calculating the order in which they’d die. His massive frame stood motionless save for the faint hiss of hydraulics and the metallic growl of his voice:

“No.”

The first shot cracked the air—no one would ever agree who fired it—but in an instant, the desert night erupted into gunfire. The Militech team poured lead into the Arasaka line, but it was Smasher who moved first, a black avalanche of armor and violence. He tore through the front ranks as if they were made of paper, ripping rifles from hands, twisting limbs until they snapped, and crushing torsos beneath his weight. Bullets from Smasher's heavy machine gun tore through the Militech's soldiers quickly & instantaneously as chunks of flesh, and fresh blood splattered to the ground like wet red paint on a blank canvas all the while Stout screamed orders to fall back only for her witness in horror as troops of Militech's finest & well-trained are turned into piles of bullet-ridden corpses with minimum & merciless effort from walking titatum-plated giant. Meredith drew her weapon, barely raising it before Smasher’s shadow fell over her. His hand—more claw than flesh—snapped forward, clamping around her throat as Smasher effortlessly lifted Stout off her feet. 

"Go to hell, you fucking bastard!" Meredith choked as the blackened chrome claw tightened around her neck like a noose.

"You First." Smasher's cold, deliberate, & synthesized voice growling would be the last thing the female Militech agent would hear.

 She kicked, clawed, and spat curses into his mask, but he did not flinch. The pressure built with an awful, hydraulic inevitability until the sound of bone crushing came—wet, sharp, and final. Stout’s lifeless body was thrown aside to the dust like discarded meat.

From their perch on a rocky ridge, Togusa, Panam, Ishikawa, and Saito watched in frozen horror through their scopes, the violence seemed unreal—until the comms lit up with Smasher’s synthesized growl ordering the Arasaka line to advance.

"Holy fuck..." Saito's voice spoke stood frozen fear.

“This is bad,” Togusa muttered, his voice thin. “Real bad.”

"We... We need to update The Major and the rest. Now." Ishikawa watched in disbelief.

Panam keyed her mic to the infiltration team.
“V… Reed… Major... you’ve got a nightmare at your front door and he’s not slowing down.” The team watched as Smasher and any remaining Arasaka troops returned to the base, leaving the lifeless remains of Militech's soldiers and Meredith Stout in the dust along with debris from the destroyed convoy trucks.

Inside the sterile heart of Arasaka’s R&D facility, the air hums with the faint vibration of cooling systems and the muted clicks of keyboards. Technicians in white coats cluster around the towering, glass-encased core of Project Divine Voice, their eyes darting between glowing data streams and the silent figure suspended within—Songbird.

At the center of it all, Yorinobu Arasaka stands in his immaculate black suit, flanked by an entourage of chrome-plated security drones. His presence is a rare and unsettling occurrence here; the staff straighten nervously, mistaking his visit for a routine inspection. He speaks little, offering only curt nods as he reviews status readouts and listens to clipped reports. His expression is unreadable—polished corporate calm masking something colder.

Once the technicians disperse, he steps toward the core alone. The glass doors slide shut behind him, sealing the chamber in silence. His hand hovers over the interface for a long moment before he begins working the console with practiced precision. Entire banks of code vanish in bursts of cascading red text—critical Divine Voice algorithms erased beyond recovery. In the upper levels, alarms flicker to life, but only briefly, before being overridden by his personal clearance.

Finally, he brings up the self-destruct protocol—a command buried so deep in the system that only a handful in Arasaka could even know it exists. His finger lingers over the authorization prompt, jaw tight. This isn’t sabotage born of carelessness—this is a deliberate erasure, a surgical strike to obliterate not just Project Divine Voice, but the leverage his own family has sought to wield.

The base’s automated voice breaks the silence:

"Warning: Containment breach. Self-destruct sequence initiated. Evacuation protocols engaged."

As red strobes flash across the lab and klaxons roar to life, Yorinobu turns and walks out without looking back—his face still as stone—while chaos erupts behind him.

The hum of cold machinery filled Sub-Level 3, the sound muffled beneath layers of reinforced walls and server racks. Dim red emergency lights pulsed in the narrow corridors, casting shadows that seemed to stalk the infiltration team with every step.

V knelt by the final security panel, her eyes flickering with neon reflections from her deck’s holo-display. Fingers danced over the interface, slotting in the decryption spike. Lines of code scrolled in rapid bursts, counter-ICE snarling back like an angry animal.

“Come on… come on…” she muttered, forcing the last intrusion command through.
A shrill tone sounded—success. The heavy maglocks on the containment door clicked in sequence, followed by the low, hydraulic sigh of steel parting.

The team stepped inside.

Songbird lay slumped in a rigid restraint chair, her arms bound by chrome clamps, cables snaking from her spine into the towering server pillar behind her. Data streamed into the central core of Project Divine Voice, the air thick with the ozone tang of overworked electronics.

Her eyes fluttered open at the sound of footsteps. Pale, trembling, yet she still managed the faintest smirk.
“Took… you long enough.”

The Major’s gaze swept over her, assessing the damage. “She’s alive,” she confirmed, but her voice was grim. “Barely.”

Reed’s jaw tightened. “Then we get her out now.”

V was already moving to sever the cables, her tone sharp but steady. “Hold on, So Mi. We’re pulling the plug—literally.”

Behind them, Batou kept his weapon trained on the doorway, the distant sound of alarms now joined by a heavy, echoing thud… thud… thud growing closer. Each impact rattled the walls like something massive was on the move.

V had just finished unhooking the last of the neural cables when Songbird slumped forward into her arms, weak but conscious. Reed and the Major moved in to steady her, each of them working with the silent, efficient rhythm of people who knew they had seconds, not minutes.

The comm in Batou’s ear crackled, Togusa’s voice breaking through—low, tense, and grim.
“We’ve got a problem. Scratch that—we’ve got two problems.”

“Spit it out,” Batou growled.

“Adam Smasher just tore through Militech’s strike team at the front gate like they were tissue paper. Meredith Stout’s dead—snapped her neck with one hand.” There was a brief pause, the sound of Panam swearing audibly in the background. “And he’s heading your way.”

As if on cue, the thud… thud… thud in the distance grew louder, the vibrations crawling up through the floor and into everyone’s bones.

Before anyone could answer, an alert flared across the base’s internal monitors—static, then a grainy security feed of Yorinobu Arasaka standing in a command chamber, his hand poised over a biometric console. His voice, calm but unshakable, filled the PA system:

“Let my father’s evil die here with me.”

He pressed his palm down.

Across the screen, a countdown timer came to life—15:00—as every warning klaxon in the facility erupted at once. Red strobes flooded the hallways, bathing the team in a light that felt more like a death sentence than an alarm.

Reed’s face darkened. “Self-destruct. The whole place is rigged.”

V shifted Songbird’s weight against her shoulder. “Then we move. Now.”

Batou’s voice rumbled over the chaos. “Too late for stealth—time to run and gun.”

Somewhere beyond the metal walls, the pounding footsteps of Adam Smasher drew closer.

The wreckage of Militech’s convoy still burned outside the Arasaka R&D base, black smoke curling into the night sky. Meredith Stout’s body lay twisted in the dirt, her lifeless eyes staring blankly as the last echoes of gunfire faded.

Adam Smasher stood motionless at the front gate, servos humming softly, his enormous silhouette outlined by firelight. Around him, Arasaka’s elite security unit regrouped—black-clad, armored, disciplined. Where Militech had fallen apart under the slaughter, these soldiers moved like an extension of Arasaka’s will.

A voice crackled through the command channel, static-laced but urgent.
“Commander Smasher, priority update—Yorinobu Arasaka has triggered the facility’s self-destruction protocol. Fifteen-minute countdown engaged.”

For a heartbeat, the soldiers shifted uneasily. Even the most loyal among them knew what it meant: no one inside would survive if the order wasn’t countered.

Smasher tilted his head, the glowing optics of his helmet narrowing into predatory slits.
“Coward,” he muttered, his voice metallic and flat. He turned toward the base, flames reflecting off his armored plating. “Fine. Then we kill them all before this place goes up.”

The security unit snapped to attention, their discipline restored. Heavy boots pounded as they marched toward the interior gates, weapons ready.

The base groaned with klaxons and emergency strobes, the walls seeming to pulse with the countdown of doom. Somewhere below, in the sub-levels, the infiltration team was scrambling with Songbird in tow.

And now—Adam Smasher and Arasaka’s elite were coming for them.

The alarms were a living thing — a high, insistent keening that seemed to resonate through bone and steel. Red lights strobed across the lab, throwing everything into frantic, cinematic chiaroscuro. Overhead fans screamed and coolant lines hissed like wounded serpents. Dust and the tang of ozone filled the air.

V had Songbird in her arms, knees weak, hair damp with sweat and something darker. The kid’s chest rose and fell, shallow but steady. Around them, the team moved like clockwork, but the clock was broken: a digital readout on the console blinked SELF-DESTRUCT: 15:07:24, and the numbers kept eating themselves down, merciless and exact.

Yorinobu stood by the core’s shattered glass, his silhouette cut clean against the infernal wash of the emergency lights. His suit was scuffed where debris had grazed him, and his face — usually arrogant or bored in a million boardrooms — carried something like exhaustion and a quiet gravity. He watched the core like a man watching a temple burn.

The Major didn’t waste breath.

“Yorinobu,” she said, voice level and clinical, but everything about her posture said move. Thermoptic shimmer clung to her like a second skin. “We get out now. Everyone out. This place goes. No one stays.”

Reed, still wired on adrenaline, stepped forward. “You don’t have to do this alone. We can get you off the site. Aldecaldos are already prepped at the extraction point. Panam and her people can take you—”

Yorinobu’s jaw tightened. He glanced at Songbird, who was awake enough to stare, eyes hollow but focusing. “You don’t understand what it is to watch a machine become a god,” he said, quietly. “My father spent his life building cages and crowns. This— this place would have been his last victory. If I let it live, even buried, it will be revived. It will be reassembled, and the same logic will turn again.”

Batou let out a frustrated snarl. “You can’t be serious. The fuck you mean, ‘revived’? You’re telling me you’d rather die than let us scoop the data and burn everything later? We can sanitize it. We can—”

“You think Arasaka doesn’t have backups?” Yorinobu interrupted. “You think a man like Saburo dies and the world forgets his idea? There are redundant copies, offsite nodes, and corporate trustees. If the core survives, this is what they will use to justify making that power legal, bureaucratic, and permanent. I can’t let that happen.”

The Major stepped closer, eyes cold as a scalpel. “So you destroy it now and risk your life, or you let them take it later and risk everyone’s lives. Those are the options?”

“Not my choice,” Yorinobu said. There was no pleading in it, only a flat, immovable calm. “It is the only choice I can make.”

V’s hand tightened on Songbird’s shoulder. The rockerboy’s engram in her head flared up — Johnny furious, conspiracy-born bile blasted through the mental static — but V blocked it down and leaned forward. “You’re not some fuckin' martyr. You don’t get to decide who dies for your guilt. If you walk out of here with us, you still have a chance to—”

“To be a ghost in the world of men?” Yorinobu finished. He turned at last, and something in his face cracked open — not regret, not forgiveness, but a kind of tender anger. “I tried to stop him before. I failed. I watched the edges of what he made, and I realized how easily it consumes. If I can burn the seed now, then maybe there’s a place where Songbird, V, and all the others can breathe a little longer. That matters more than my skin.”

Reed didn’t hide the anger in his voice: “You give up your life and—” he swallowed. “You leave Hanako, the corporation? You think killing yourself solves Arasaka?”

Yorinobu smiled thinly. “You think I’m doing this to spite them? I am doing this because I watched the world they would make. This isn’t about retribution. It’s about making sure there’s no blueprint left.”

The Major reached for him then, faster than anyone expected — not to drag him out, but to pry his wrist from the console. “If you insist on staying, you give us something first,” she said. “A guarantee, a failsafe. Data—where else are the copies? Tell us that, and we can make sure your sacrifice actually means something.”

For the first time, his eyes registered a different sort of calculation. Yorinobu dug into his inner breast pocket, producing a compact matte shard — a datashard the size of a fingernail. He didn’t hand it over right away. He held it between them for a breath, then offered it to Kusanagi.

“This contains the routing tree,” he said. “Offsite mirrors, trust holdings, escrow nodes. There are keys embedded across three corporate trustees and one Latvian shell company. Everything you need to find the rest. Take it. Use it. Make them suffer for it, if you must.” His voice had the soft metallic edge of someone who had stopped believing in absolution a long time ago.

Batou barked again in disbelief. “You’re really handing us more ways to hunt the corpse.”

“I’m handing you the place to pour the gasoline,” Yorinobu replied.

Songbird, weak but watching, lifted a hand and squeezed V’s fingers. “If he does this… make it count,” she whispered, voice raw.

V didn’t argue. There is a line between pleading and coercion — and Yorinobu had already chosen. She stepped forward and took the shard, fingers brushing his. For a second, their eyes met: a flash of recognition — two people who’d both seen how monstrous institutions look from the inside.

“Come with us,” V tried once more, huskier now. “We’ll do the rest. We’ll finish this right.”

He shook his head. “No. Not this time.” Then, with a sudden, almost human laugh that had no humor in it, he reached up and keyed in the override.

The lab’s lights flashed into a deep, urgent red. A mechanical voice intoned — sterile, patient, implacable:

SELF-DESTRUCT SEQUENCE INITIATED. AUTHORIZATION: Y. ARASAKA. /CONFIRMED/

The next minutes were a choreography of terror and resolve. Ishikawa cursed as he tore through a data stream, trying to copy and diffuse any final bits of actionable code. Tachikoma’s optics whirred and whistled as it tried to ferry people and equipment. Reed checked Songbird’s vitals again, voice steady despite the tremor in his jaw. Batou covered every exit as if each one were a promise.

The Major moved to him one more time, hand on his shoulder — an impulse for contact, maybe to shake him — but also to anchor him. “If you go in alone, you go in knowing there’s nothing left for you after. That’s something to be sure of.”

Yorinobu’s face softened. “I am sure,” he said. He straightened slightly, as if steeling himself for a long, cold swim. “Tell Hanako… tell her she can still choose.”

His last look was not to them, but to the core — to the machine his family had built — and for a heartbeat the arrogance returned: the careless, corporate pride that raised empires. Then he turned away.

“Get out,” he said, quietly. “Save as many as you can.”

V’s boots thudded against metal. The team moved as one, carrying Songbird, escorting the injured, and dragging salvage where it mattered. The Major’s face was an unreadable plane of concentration as she prepared the route and the extraction call to Aldecaldos. Reed's hands were steady, but when V looked at him, his eyes had that empty, braced look of a man watching something he may not be able to stop.

Behind the,m the rumble began. Pressure valves released with hydraulic screams. The pillar of the core seemed to shiver like an animal about to be put down. The alarms became a tidal beat in the chest.

At the threshold, Yorinobu paused. He would not flee; he would not bargain further. He gave a small, impossible shrug and walked deeper into the antechamber, toward the heart of his father’s legacy, and as the team turned to the convoy waiting below the canyon, they heard, barely, the sound of something large and final closing.

V did not look back. She didn’t need to. The shard in her palm was heavy with consequence and possibility.

Outside, the Aldecaldos’ engines were a promise. They roared into life. The convoy rolled. The desert swallowed noise and heat as the team vanished through dust and headlights.

Behind them, in the sealed heart of the lab, the fire that would end years of secret experiments began its patient work. Whether it would be enough — whether a man’s annihilation of a machine’s seed could stave off what the world had already courted for decades — that was a question for the years to come.

For now, they ran. For now, Songbird breathed. For now, V and the Major and Reed and those who had just given everything held onto the single, dangerous thing they could: hope.

The sub-level hummed with klaxons and the pounding klang of machinery tearing itself apart as the self-destruct sequence wound down. Red emergency strobes painted the concrete walls in pulses of warning light. V steadied Songbird against her shoulder, the frail netrunner’s breath shallow and ragged. Reed snapped his pistol into a full mag. “Emergency hatch should be just beyond corridor C-12. We move fast, we move quiet—” Batou cut him off, cybernetic eyes narrowing. “Too late.” From the darkness ahead and the steel corridors behind, synchronized footsteps echoed like war drums. Shadows broke into armored shapes—Arasaka’s elite soldiers, helmets glowing with tactical HUDs, rifles raised with perfect discipline. They moved like a wall of steel closing in. Then came the sound that froze every instinct in the room. A heavy, grinding thud-thud as the floor itself seemed to quake. Adam Smasher stepped into the strobing light. His frame filled the corridor, plating gleaming with blood and soot from Militech’s slaughter. His optics burned like furnace coals, locking instantly onto the infiltration team.

“Well, well,” his voice rolled out, distorted and cruel. “Rats in the walls. And you’ve stolen Arasaka property.” His gaze lingered on Songbird, then snapped to V. “Do you have any idea what you’ve signed up for?”

The Arasaka soldiers fanned out, forming a tightening noose, rifles trained on the group. The emergency hatch was behind them—but so was Smasher. Major’s hand hovered near her sidearm, her tone even but taut. “V. Reed. Batou. Options?”

Reed’s jaw tightened. “Only one I see.”

V adjusted her grip on Songbird, eyes hardening. “We fight.”

Smasher let out something between a laugh and a growl, servos whining as his massive arm flexed into a killing claw.
“Good,” he said. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

The walls seemed to close in, the countdown blaring overhead. Trapped between the ticking death of the base and the living nightmare in steel,  there was no turning back.

The klaxons blared louder, the mechanical shriek of collapsing systems echoing through the corridors. The heat of rupturing conduits hissed around them, and Songbird’s frail body seemed to grow heavier with every second in V’s arms.

Major Kusanagi’s cybernetic eyes swept the encroaching circle of Arasaka soldiers before locking on Adam Smasher. His armored bulk stood unshaken in the chaos, like a predator savoring the kill. The clock was ticking—too many enemies, too little time. “V. Reed. Batou,” Major’s voice cut through the alarms with absolute authority. “Take Songbird and run. Now. The Aldecaldos convoy is your only way out.”

Batou’s head whipped toward her. “Major, that’s suicide—”

“Not up for debate,” she snapped, already drawing her pistol and chambering a round with chilling calm. “She’s the priority. Arasaka can’t have her. That means you make damn sure she gets out alive.”

Reed clenched his jaw, recognizing the tone of a soldier issuing her final order. V hesitated, shaking her head. “You can’t take him alone—”

“I don’t need to win,” Major said coldly, her gaze fixed on Smasher’s burning optics. “I just need to buy you some time.”

Adam Smasher tilted his massive helm, the sound of servos grinding as he stepped forward. His voice came like a sneer reverberating through metal.
“Staying behind to play hero? Cute. You’ll be just another corpse on my list.”

Major smirked faintly, sliding her pistol back into its holster. Her hands flexed, combat protocols syncing across her implants. “You’ve got a big mouth for a tin can. Let’s see how much of you is left when I tear it apart.” The corridor split in two directions—the hatch and escape route behind V’s group, and the looming wall of death in front of Major. V tightened her grip on Songbird, eyes flashing with frustration and respect. You'd better make it out, Major.”

“Don’t wait for me,” Major said flatly, her tone final. “Move.” Reluctantly, V, Reed, and Batou forced themselves to retreat, dragging Songbird toward the hatch while Arasaka's elite soldiers advanced.

And there, beneath the pulsing red glow of self-destruction, Major Motoko Kusanagi stood alone against Adam Smasher. Two legends of chrome and carnage, facing each other as the world literally burned around them.

The Arasaka soldiers surged forward, rifles raised, cutting off V and the others. But before they could fire a shot, Major blurred into motion.

A soldier’s arm snapped clean at the joint as she twisted under his rifle, spinning his own weapon across his throat before slamming him into the floor. Another burst of fire sprayed, but Major was already gone—sliding low, driving a heel into the shin of one, an elbow into the sternum of another, her body a whirlwind of devastating precision.

Batou couldn’t help but mutter, half in awe, half in grim admiration while exiting the emergency hatch with the others: “Damn… she’s dancing with them.”

With surgical efficiency, Major disarmed three more soldiers, the butt of a rifle cracking a helmet, then a swift pivot crushed another’s windpipe. Every move was a lethal blend of speed and grace—no wasted effort, no hesitation.

Even as the alarms screamed and the base shook from the imminent self-destruct, her combat calm was absolute.

At the far end, Adam Smasher actually paused. The crimson optics inside his armored helm glowed brighter, his modulated voice low and grudging.
“Well, well… didn’t expect this. Not bad, not bad at all.”

Major flicked blood from her knuckles, eyes narrowing as she stepped over the fallen soldiers. “Is that all you brought? Disappointing.”

Smasher’s guttural laugh rumbled like a storm.
“You’ve got spirit. Maybe I’ll rip out that pretty chrome spine and keep it as a trophy.”

She squared her stance, shoulders loose, utterly unshaken.
“You’ll have to catch me first.”

With V, Reed, & Batou getting Songbird off the base and to the safety of The Aldecaldos convoy, The Major, still inside the base, stood before hulking titanium-plated nightmare that was Adam Smasher however there was very little time left as The Arasaka R&D base was prepared to blow in a matter of minutes but to The Major, the only thing that mattered was Songbird's survival and completing the mission. Now, Motoko Kusanagi would find herself face to face with a Corporate-made death machine that shed both its physical and mental humanity for the sake of killing anyone that stood in its way, that machine being in the form of Adam Smasher.

14:01 minutes until detonation

"You," Smasher spoke in a metallic growl as his systems went into full combat mode. "I've heard of you, The Ghost of Section 9, Major Motoko Kusanagi, was it? Your reputation for being the best precedes you, but killing a bunch of worthless meat grunts does not impress me in the slightest. However, I'll take great pleasure in stripping the flesh from your chrome slowly." 

The Major stood opposite from Smasher, unfazed by his sadistic threats, her stance was relaxed as her hand hovered over a holstered pistol while another reached slowly for a plasma knife, breathing steadied despite the chaos around her & the eight-foot tall chrome-plated nightmare that stood in front of her, cybernetic optics focused, calculating every possible move both she & Smasher would make. "And you're Adam Smasher," The Major calmly spoke, breaking her silence, "Night City's greatest horror story. You traded your humanity to become a full-cybernetic monstrosity. You have no idea what you are anymore."

"In fact, I do," Smasher's synthetic voice darkly chuckled, "I have become much more than weak & meager flesh and meat, little girl. I am superior, the evolution of metal, a perfect killing machine. Now, I have the chance to kill those that are weaker, and once I am done with you, I will hunt down your allies and kill them all without mercy."

"Enough talk," The Major spoke, unholstering her pistol, "Let's get this over with, you sick bastard."

"And here I thought you'd never say that," Smasher responded.

The stare down and time for words were finished. It was time for a duel to the death between The Major & Adam Smasher. The battle for survival would start as Smasher's metallic frame would charge down the corridor full speed at Kusanagi as the massive borg would throw a clenched metal fist prompting the Major's cybernetic muscles go into instinctual alert mode and in with a show of impressive superhuman agility, flip over the hulking mass of walking black titanium chrome causing Smasher's fist to slam into a few steam pipes, bending & breaking them on impact, and with a quick turn, The cyborg monster that is Adam Smasher would unleash a barrage of machine gun fire from his arm cannon missing every shot as The Major would out run each blast, hiding behind a steel beam and firing shots from her pistol at the mechincal nightmare only for the bullets to ricochet off the surface of Smasher's chrome armor, as she hid behind the steel beam, The Major would discard her empty pistol and pick up a defeated soldier's assault rifle, firing more shots at Smasher's armored frame until the weapon's clip was empty prompting Smasher to fire a barrage of smart missiles from his shoulder-mounted launcher narrowing missing The Major, who's lightning fast reflexes once again came into play dodging the incoming missiles only for the surronding area to be destoryed reducing almost everything to debris of scrap metal.

"Not bad, little girl," Smasher spoke, "But speed won't save you from the inevitable, and I am the inevitable."

Stalking the area while scanning the surroundings, Smasher hunted The Major like a predator seeking out its prey until finally the hulking metal monster felt something or someone land on his shoulder, ripping the mounted launcher away from his body, damaging his metallic frame, then disappearing again. "So, you want to play games? Very well then!" The Major, using her thermoptic camouflage, would rip away Smasher's shoulder-mounted missile launcher, rendering the weapon useless, all the while damaging Smasher's right shoulder. She would then disappear amongst smoldering debris, loading another firearm to combat the sadistic killing machine until- "Found you." Smasher would throw another hydraulic-powered punch, this time landing upon the Major's abdomen as the impact would send her flying & crashing into a nearby wall, injuring her in the process. "Of fucking course he can see me." The Major coughed, struggling to get back to her feet as blood dripped from her lip.

"A neat trick," Smasher darkly chuckled as his red optics shone in the darkness of the corridor, and his metallic feet came stomping towards the Major. "But, it's useless. Nothing will save you from death, worthless meat." As The Major got to her feet, she could feel the impact of a shoulder tackle slamming her through the surroundings of the base corridor from Adam Smasher using his sandevistan protocol to slow down time, forcing her body to slam into incoming walls until the cyborg killing machine stopped sending her crashing to the hard floor. "I'll take my time killing you slowly, then I'll rip that pretty spine of yours from your pathetic meat."

"Guess again," The Major smirked as she struggled to get back to her feet. What Smasher did not realize the Major had attached an electromagnetic pulse grenade to his damaged shoulder, and then suddenly the grenade would detonate, causing Smasher's systems to go haywire. "You fucking bitch! Im-impossible!" With Smasher's systems damaged and rendering him immobile, The Major would once again leap onto the armored juggernaut of death & destruction, unsheathing a monomolecular knife, cutting through his chrome armor and stabbing into his sandevistan neural port, causing him to roar in something he had never felt in ages: Pain. Then, finally, The Major, with a revolver, would unload six shells into where she damaged the cybernetic titan until Smasher was a crumbled heap of steel, chrome, and sparks. "And you," The Major spoke before firing one last shot into Smasher's processor, ending the battle once and for all. "You're obsolete." Despite her injuries, The Major stood victorious over Adam Smasher; however, it would be short-lived as she got a distressing call over her comms.

Smoke and fire choke the ruins of the Arasaka facility, the structure groaning under its own collapsing weight. The Major stands over the wreckage of Adam Smasher, her synthetic lungs heaving, her systems strained from the brutal fight. Sparks sputter from his destroyed frame, his monstrous cybernetic body a twisted heap of molten metal and shattered servos. She doesn’t waste time. Her comms crackle to life. “Major, do you read me? We need you moving, now!” It’s Batou—his tone is urgent, the rare edge of worry bleeding into his voice. "V, Reed, and Songbird made it out, but you need to exfil—immediately. That place is about to go nuclear!"

A violent tremor shakes the facility. Warning klaxons shriek, a final death rattle of a sinking ship. The self-destruct sequence is seconds away from reaching critical mass. The Major tightens her grip on her sidearm, her mind already running through every possible escape route. She turns, sprinting down the crumbling hallway, dodging falling debris as fire licks at her heels. Her augmented legs propel her forward, pushing her speed to its limits. Another explosion. The blast rips through the corridor behind her, sending her hurling forward. She tucks into a roll, landing hard but regaining momentum. She sees daylight. Up ahead—a gaping breach in the outer wall. Beyond it, she spots the Aldecaldos’ convoy waiting at the extraction point, engines roaring. A VTOL drone hovers above the battlefield, its side hatch open—Batou and Ishikawa inside. "Jump, Major!" Batou shouts. She doesn’t hesitate. A final shockwave erupts as the facility’s core detonates. The explosion engulfs the structure, a roaring inferno of destruction. The Major leaps, her cybernetic limbs straining against gravity—but she makes it. She lands hard inside the VTOL, rolling into a crouch as Batou pulls the hatch closed. Below, the Arasaka facility collapses, vanishing into a sea of fire and smoke. The battle is over.

But the war isn’t.

Through the static of the collapsing Arasaka base, Yorinobu’s voice came through, steady and eerily calm. His face appeared on the flickering holo-screen, lit by the crimson glow of warning lights. “Hanako,” he began, his tone gentle, almost brotherly in a way she had not heard since they were children. “By the time you see this, I will already be gone. Don’t grieve. This… was the only way.” He took a long, quiet breath, the echoes of alarms drowning faintly in the background. His eyes, weary but clear, looked directly into the recorder. “Project Divine Voice was never salvation. It was a chain. A chain forged by Father, perfected by Kei, and now thrust upon you. I could not allow it. If I did… You would inherit not just the company, but their corruption, their hunger for control, their obsession with power. That is a curse, Hanako. Not a crown.” His lips curved faintly, a sorrowful ghost of a smile. “I have lived my life rebelling against Arasaka, even as it defined me. Perhaps I was weak. Perhaps I was a coward. But not today."

"Today, I take responsibility—for all of it. And I beg you… don’t follow their path. Do not become what they were. Be better. End the cycle.” A distant explosion shook the feed, dust falling across his shoulders as the chamber rumbled. Yet his voice remained calm, resolute. “Goodbye, Hanako. May this be the only time I ever did something worthy of being called your brother.” The transmission ended. Moments later, a brilliant light consumed the horizon. The Arasaka R&D base detonated in a roaring inferno, erasing Yorinobu Arasaka from the world. He had chosen his end—not as a would-be usurper or corporate tyrant, but as a man who, at last, made peace with himself.

The desert night was lit orange behind them, the thunder of the Arasaka base’s final detonation rumbling across the sands like the end of the world. The Aldecaldos convoy rolled to a halt, engines idling, headlights cutting through the swirling dust. For a rare moment, no one spoke. V leaned against the side of her vehicle, chest heaving, still wired from the escape. Beside her, Songbird sat silent, staring back at the distant inferno that marked Yorinobu Arasaka’s grave. Reed pulled his jacket tighter around him, his usual hard edges softened, jaw clenched not in anger, but in something close to respect.

Batou and Togusa stood with the other Section 9 operatives, their cybernetic eyes reflecting the dying blaze. Even hardened soldiers, veterans of endless black-ops, bowed their heads. The Major said nothing—her expression unreadable, but the faint flicker in her eyes betrayed a recognition of sacrifice. Then Johnny Silverhand appeared at V’s shoulder, his digital silhouette shimmering in the night air. For once, he didn’t sneer, didn’t spit venom at the name Arasaka. His arms were crossed, but his tone was strangely subdued.

“Never thought I’d see the day,” Johnny muttered, eyes fixed on the horizon. “An Arasaka… giving his life to tear it all down. Guess even the devil’s blood can be washed clean in the end.”

The wind picked up, carrying the last echoes of the explosion across the convoy. V lowered her head, whispering under her breath—whether it was a prayer, a thank you, or just a way of honoring the dead, even she wasn’t sure. One by one, they all turned away from the flames. There was no time to linger. Arasaka would hunt them, and the world wouldn’t stop turning because a son of Saburo chose redemption. But in that fleeting moment, on the edge of the Badlands night, they all carried the weight of Yorinobu Arasaka’s sacrifice. For the first time in years, even Johnny Silverhand stood silent.

Back at Arasaka Tower, the chamber was silent except for the measured rustle of silk and the faint hum of augmented respirators. Hanako sat poised behind her desk, her expression as serene and impassive as a statue carved from ivory. Her aides stood in a tight formation, awaiting her word. One spoke first, voice calm but insistent. “Lady Hanako, the remnants of Project Divine Voice can still be salvaged. With your direction, we can begin reconstruction immediately. Yorinobu’s… recklessness need not set us back.”

Her golden eyes flicked up, unreadable, carrying the weight of command. She inclined her head slightly.

“Then begin,” Hanako said softly. “Arasaka endures.”

The aides bowed deeply, filing out of the room without another word. The heavy doors closed behind them with a quiet finality, leaving Hanako alone. The stillness that followed was suffocating. For a long moment, she did not move, as though rooted in place by her own composure. Then, with hands that betrayed the slightest tremor, she reached toward a corner of her desk. There lay a photograph—old, its edges frayed, its colors faint. A rare relic untouched by time’s cruelty. Three figures stood within it: a young boy with a mischievous grin, a girl with her hair tied in a neat bow, and their towering father, stern even in stillness. Yorinobu’s small hand had been gripping hers in the photo, their bond frozen in innocence. Hanako’s gaze lingered on her brother’s boyish smile. Her polished golden fingers hovered above the image, trembling with the weight of memory. Her lips pressed tightly together, but her eyes—so carefully restrained before others—began to glisten. A crack ran through her composure. Her shoulders shifted, the perfect posture faltering, and a quiet, ragged breath escaped her.

“You fool…” she whispered, the words breaking apart, more plea than condemnation. “Why did you always have to stand against us?”

Her hand finally touched the photograph, golden fingers brushing lightly against her brother’s face as though he might feel it. The mask of Arasaka’s ice-cold heiress fractured further. For the briefest moment, she was not the successor of Saburo, nor the iron will guiding the corporation’s future—just Hanako, the sister who had lost her brother forever. Then the moment passed. She straightened, wiped her eyes with careful precision, and placed the photoface down on the desk. When she rose, her expression was once again serene, unreadable. The heir of Arasaka had returned. But in the shadows of her chamber, the memory of her brother lingered like a wound that would never heal.

The Aldecaldos’ campsite buzzes with activity, the tension of battle slowly giving way to relief. The rescue was a success—Songbird is finally free from Arasaka’s grip. But as the dust settles, another crisis unfolds. V barely makes it out of the transport before her body betrays her. A blinding pain sears through her skull. Her legs buckle, her vision fracturing into jagged pieces of corrupted data. The world spins. A sharp, synthetic scream rings in her ears—Johnny’s voice, distorted and distant. She crashes to the ground. Convulsions wrack her body.

Warning: Relic Malfunction Detected

“V! Shit, hold on!” Panam is the first to reach her, dropping to her knees, trying to steady her friend. Togusa & Batou rush in right after. Reed and So Mi push through the crowd, panic etched on their faces. “It’s the Biochip!” Songbird gasps, clutching her head, her own trauma fresh. “She’s degrading!” Johnny’s hazy engram flickers beside V, rage and frustration twisting his features. “Damn it, we don’t have time for this!” Ishikawa moves fast. He doesn’t hesitate, kneeling beside Songbird as he pulls out his cyberdeck. “We need a firewall program. Now.” Songbird nods, her fingers already flying across the holo-interface of her own deck. Panam’s voice shakes. “You can fix her, right? Tell me you can fix her!” Ishikawa doesn’t answer immediately. He’s too focused, linking his deck to V’s neural interface. His eyes dart across lines of code, searching for a vulnerability in the Biochip’s override sequence. “She’s breaking apart. If we don’t patch this fast, there won’t be anything left of her to save.”

“Then work faster!” Reed barks, watching helplessly. Ishikawa and Songbird work in tandem, their expertise in netrunning and cybernetic warfare pushing their abilities to the limit. The camp around them is silent—watching, waiting, hoping. The seconds into eternity. Then—a breakthrough. “Got it!” Songbird gasps. “Injecting the firewall now!” A pulse of blue light radiates from V’s neural implant. The Biochip’s rogue data streams flicker—halted, at least for now. Her body relaxes. The convulsions stop. But she doesn’t wake up. Songbird checks her vitals, her cybernetic eye scanning for neurological activity. “She’s stable, but… she needs rest.” Ishikawa pulls back, rubbing his temples. “We bought her time. That’s it. Five days, maybe. But this is a patch job, not a fix.” Panam clenches her fists, her jaw tight. “Then we find a real fix. No matter what it takes.” Motoko kneels beside V, brushing damp hair from her forehead. “Hang in there, V. You’re not done yet.” The group stands in somber silence as V is carefully moved to a makeshift cot inside the Aldecaldos’ tents. Outside, the wind howls through the Badlands. And inside, V sleeps—unconscious, trapped in the quiet limbo between life and oblivion.