Dark Skies 2077

***Dark Skies 2077*** is an episodic series that takes place in Night City in the Fall of 2077 after the events of both *Cyberpunk: Edgerunners* and *Cyberpunk 2077*.

## Prologue

* **April.** V was a female (she/her). V coordinated a meet with Meredith Stout via holocall and the two met to discuss the stolen Militech convoy (*The Pickup*). Meredith suspected V works with Anthony Gilchrist and they're trying to usurp her position, but quickly the two come to an agreement. Meredith gave V a credchip that was spiked. V gives it to Royce, leader of the Maelstrom, not knowing it's spiked and she and Jackie Welles fight their way out. Militech arrives on the scene and reclaim the convoy. Meredith and V later have a sexual relationship (*Venus in Furs*) and Anthony is killed off by Meredith (still located in the bay).
* **May.** V steals the Relic, is betrayed by Dexter DeShawn, and wakes up in the massive junkyard on the southeast side of Night City. She is taken by Goro Takemura. A trio of highly enhanced solo operatives from the security company Arasaka attacked V and Takemura in the Badlands. Their corpses were the target of Militech's Reclamation Team, two being collected easily found along a path of destruction that was torn across the wastes by the Arasaka Asset known as Codename V. The third was taken by Tyger Claws and kept in an abandoned conapt in Kabuki. It was believed they've been trying to negotiate a buyer or find a ripper willing to parse out out the highly sought after cyberware in the corpse. Word on the street was the Tyger Claws' defenses were heavily weakened by a Militech raid, but the corpo solos were pushed off by the gang and forced to leave as NCPD and Arasaka were made aware of their actions in the city. V was romantically involved with Judy. While on the rooftop spot shown to her by Misty, Johnny Silverhand offered V a suicide run option so that no one else they cared about would be hurt to fix the Relic problem. V stormed Arasaka Tower through the front door, broke through into Mikoshi, and is believed to have died inside by most outside parties. Rogue doesn't talk about it at the Afterlife and will have anyone who brings up V, Silverhand (except in the context of ordering a drink), Relic, or even Arasaka in her presence chucked out. (Canonically, the chosen ending is "Temperance", also known as the "New Dawn Fades".)
* **August**: A few months after the assault on Arasaka Tower, V leaves Night City for good, having succumbed to the Relic as Johnny was the one to return, he leaves the city as well. Johnny, in V's body, gets out of Night City and starts a new music career under a new name (Jane Black). He receives assistance from Kerry to start up and get studio time. It is believed he is now living somewhere in New York City.

## Episode 0: Crossover

* **August 31.** Gabbie goes missing. Arson at Riot club caused by Reaper AI-controlled Jezz Styles and an unnamed Biotechnica employee during a performance by the musical group Candy Gossip.

### Regi Narrative

"Gabby" Trauma Team Con Apt 18th Floor, Apartment E Regi closed his eyes as he clutched the hairbrush closely. The familiar fragrance of coconut oil didn't bring comfort as it once had. He felt his heart sink into his stomach as he thought back to the morning he last saw her. He remembered seeing the blue shimmer of the hollow call flicker away in the vanities reflection. A fearful expression revealed in her deep brown eyes. He asked from the bed, "Gabby? Everything okay?" "Yeah," her eyes softened as her lips quickly forced a smile as she looked back in the reflection, "Good morning, mi amor." He had wanted to dig deeper but didn't pry. Gabby could always handle her shit, it's what attracted him most to her. They had met a few months ago at Club Atlantis and since that night he was all in. Night City moved fast and so did he and Gabby. Their chemistry was electric. Standing from the vanity she pulled on her shirt and swept back her jet black hair. "I'll be back tonight. Chino has family in Texas. He'll help us make arrangements." Regi opened his eyes, returning to the empty apartment. "Costa Rica," he whispered. Choking back the knot growing in his throat. Something was wrong.

* **1 September.** Buzzard meets with the cyberpunk crew known as the Bright Reds. Their leader, Box, trades information regarding the Arasaka ninja being held by the Tyger Claws for Buzzard to help the wounded cyberpunk named Gentle. The information is passed on from the ripperdoc to the fixer known as Hungry.

### **Buzzard Narrative**

Buzzard looks at the mercenaries and raises an eyebrow. "I don't work for free," he says, his voice cold and calculating. "But I might be willing to make an exception for you, depending on what you can offer me in return." The leader of the mercenaries, a burly man with a cybernetic arm, steps forward. "We can offer you information," he says, his voice gruff and menacing. "We know things that could be valuable to you." Buzzard nods, his eyes scanning the wounded man. "I'll need to see what I can do for him first," he says, motioning for Hans to bring over the medical equipment. As Buzzard gets to work, the mercenaries watch anxiously, their eyes darting around the clinic as if expecting an ambush at any moment. Buzzard is focused on his task, ignoring the tension in the air. After a few tense minutes, Buzzard finishes patching up the wounded mercenary and turns to the leader. "I've done what I can for him," he says, his voice still cold and detached. "Now, tell me what information you have that could be of value to me." The leader of the mercenaries leans in, his voice low and urgent. "We know where a powerful weapon is hidden," he says. "A weapon that could give you a significant advantage in Night City." Buzzard raises an eyebrow at the mention of a powerful weapon. "I'm listening," he says, his interest piqued. The leader of the mercenaries begins to explain the location of the weapon, and Buzzard listens intently, his mind already calculating how he can use this information to his advantage.

### **Hungry Narrative**

The sun was long gone, but that seemed to only brighten the neon lights that wove through The Glen. Rain slowly trickled down from the skyline above and the usually crowded streets felt somewhat empty on this particular night. A large hooded figure marched down the sidewalk, continuing until he reached an area protected from the rainfall by the highway above. Parked along the side of the road was a colorful food truck that simply said "Hungry's". A few patrons were lined up at the window and the hooded figure fell in the back of the line. The hissing sound of food being fried could be heard even over the roar of traffic from the highway above. An older bald gentleman popped his head through the window, handing the next customer in line a sleek, steaming box with a smile and a nod before disappearing back into the truck to prepare his next order. This process continued until the next customer at the window was the hooded figure. The figure lowered their hood, revealing a chromed out man with strong facial features and long, flowing dark tech-hair with LEDs that strobe from root to end with white light. @Dapper Dan Regi made eye contact with the chef, who immediately nodded and pointed to a dark alleyway behind where the food truck was parked. Regi began walking down the dark alleyway which seemed to be more barren of life than any other alley in Night City he had ever seen. As he continued down the lifeless alley he began to mentally ready himself to be ambushed at any minute. Just as that thought occurred to him a garage door slid open with a crash and a familiar figure popped out of the building the door was attached to. "Good to see you, Reg. The big guy's been expecting you." said the figure, motioning for Reginald to follow him inside. "Been a minute, Chino. Thanks for meeting up on such short notice." Reginald replied, stepping into the open garage door. "You know what it is, choom. Gabs is family, and we're never too busy for family." said Chino as he slid the garage door closed behind Reginald. The inside of the small storage warehouse was luxurious contrary to the run-down alleyway outside. Everything was renovated and looked completely new. Some of it seemed a little too flashy for Reginald's taste, but he could still appreciate how nice it looked. At least what he could see through the cloud of smoke permeating the air inside. A thick leather chair positioned in the back corner of the room next to a large desk began to spin around, revealing a hulking figure of a man sitting upon it. The man was bald and obese and had a twisted kind of ugly facial features. He wore far too much jewelry including a watch, bracelets, and a few different sized chains around his neck including one large gold chain with a diamond-bezel cheeseburger ornament hanging as the centerpiece. "Have a seat, Regi." The large man spoke with a bass-filled gravel-and-brimstone tone, motioning to an open chair in front of him. Even never having met the man before him, he knew from the stories and reputation proceeding him exactly who this was. Reginald sat down and looked the man fiercely in the eyes before speaking "Hungry." "Chino told me what happened. How long ago did Gabs go missing?" Hungry asked "I last saw her two days ago. She was going to see Chino about some family in Houston. Did Chino even see her?" Regi asked, looking back to Chino. Chino shook his head no, "She never made it. I've been waiting to hear from her." "Chino is already working with the family and has a few leads. We will find out exactly what happened to her, you need not worry. We will find her. In the meantime, I need a favor in return. Got a job coming up, need a man of your talents to take the lead in case things get.. dicey." Hungry spoke facial expression devoid of emotion. "Saka tech has fallen into the hands of the Tyger Claws. Militech is in the running as well, already hit the gonks over in Kabuki but weren't successful. The Claws haven't recovered from the attack, so now is the perfect opportunity to make a move. Got a ripper already lined up to extract the tech I want, just need you to lead a team in there and retrieve it." Reginald paused, thinking for a moment before Hungry continued. "As an added bonus, once this gig is done same doc might be able to help you with some of your other.. problems." Reginald was surprised at Hungry's last words, but forced himself to not react. "I'm in."

### **Moonie Narrative**

Moonie wiped his blackened, oily hands on the dirty old rag in his hands before slinging it over his shoulder, reaching up and slamming the hood of the car shut. He reached over and grabbed his hat off the workbench, settling it on his head and tipping the brim forward. Plucking a cigarette from behind his ear, he tapped it down and lit it, taking a drag as he walked across the garage, spurs jangling, and slapped the button that would open the overhead door. Harsh desert sunlight flooded into the garage, and Moonie looked up to see his brother. Jumbo’s hulking frame cast an ominous darkness over the interior, blocking out the sun and leaving his younger brother standing in his shadow. Moonie smirked, tipping his hat. ‘Howdy, bro. Here to see how the ride’s coming along?’ He rested his hands on his belt, fingers curled around the grip of the heavy revolver slung at his hip. A force of habit. Jumbo grunted and ducked his head under the overhead door, stepping inside. He pushed a heavy engine block aside, making some room as he walked around the vehicle Moonie had been working on. It had a rough, chiseled, with a reinforced grill for running Wraiths off the road and the patina of an old junkyard. Jumbo smiled. ‘Dad would be proud. She ready to roll?’ Moonie nodded, casting his gaze over the compound outside before turning back to his brother. ‘Sure is. Wouldn’t mind taking her out for a spin, kick up some dirt. You know it ain’t a real ride unless you get a lil’ dirty.’ He flicked his cigarette outside and joined his brother in admiring the vehicle. ‘Whadya say, bro? Set the seats back far ‘nough even a big fucker like you should fit. Hop in, let’s take ‘er out!’ Jumbo paused for a moment, then opened the door and squeezed in to the passenger seat. Moonie hollered, sliding across the hood and hopping into the driver’s seat. A moment later the engine roared to life, and Moonie put the pedal to the metal and the rubber to the road.

* **2 September.** The events of the Dark Skies 2077 Episode entitled Crossover occur. Hungry, Regi, and Mack take a trip to Kabuki in the food truck and meet with Ebizo Koga, the Tyger Claw ganger in charge of the crew holding the Arasaka ninja corpse. Johan is instructed by Vernon Fisk to retrieve the Arasaka ninja's internal cyberdeck, a prototype of the Militech Paraline. Johan hires Moonie to be his driver so he can go negotiate for the body and they end up at the same spot. Seeing Hungry's truck, they do not exit the vehicle and watch from the other side of the street. Hungry and Regi load the dead body onto the truck and they head to Buzzard's clinic with Tyger Claws running defense. Moonie tails them, Regi spots the tail, a fast chase happens through Japantown into Arroyo and the Tyger Claws break off. Hungry and crew feel they've lost the tail and make it to Mission Waterfront. They give Buzzard the body and Moonie drives up behind the truck. A tense standoff between Hungry and Regi on one side and Johan and Moonie on the other occurs, but the two fixers work out their differences without much of a fight and everyone gets what they want.

### **Moonie Aftermath**

Moonie rolled into the compound and parked the Wraith car where he found it. Walking in to the garage, he found Jumbo sitting at the work bench with two glasses and as he closed the door behind him, the big man pulled a bottle off the shelf and poured a few fingers out for each of them. Without a word, Moonie sat down and together they raised their glasses to a framed photo of their father hanging above the workbench, clinked them together, and downed the cheap liquor in one go. ‘So how’d it go?’ Jumbo asked in his chest-deep voice as he filled the glasses again. Moonie laughed and slapped a hand to his thigh, sending a thin cloud of dust into the air. ‘Man, it was wild! So I meet the guy, right? Got some details, shoulda been an easy pickup. Some dead chromer or some shit, I dunno something about a body. Anyway, it’s just me and uh, Johan that’s the guy. ‘Anyways, Johan and I roll up to the spot and I guess someone else had already closed the deal. So they loaded up and we followed them, a big food truck and a few Tyger Claws. I guess they scoped me because the Claws peeled off and tried to chase me down but I lost them, then I followed the truck till they pulled off. ‘Johan offered me a bonus if I went with him and acted tough, but I gotta tell ya bro, I was nervous as hell. After I got you that first chunk of change though I knew I had to see what the city life was all about. So we pull up and get out, me and Johan, and this guy Hungry and some scrappy fucker who was lit up like a got-damned Christmas tree. Johan and Hungry started talking business, and this guy comes at me!’ Moonie was getting into it now, waving his arms dramatically as he continued. Jumbo laughed as he poured some more liquor out. He explained the brief scuffle, Hungry and Johan and Moonie pointing guns at each other, trying to keep things from popping off. ‘Good news is no one died, things seemed to mellow out. Even got Hungry’s info, seems like a solid fixer. Told him to give me a call if he ever needs a driver.’ Moonie grinned, maybe a little drunkenly. ‘Guess ol’ Moonie made an impression, ‘cause he seemed interested. After that we tore outta there, dropped Johan off and managed to make a little extra.’ He reached for his agent and sent 400 to Jumbo. ‘20% for the family.’ Jumbo chuckled, setting his agent aside as the payment went through. ‘Not bad, little brother. I’d say you’re off to a good start. Keep it up and we’ll start working in the city full time. But until then…’ He poured out another glass. ‘We drink!’

## Episode 1: No Fires in Hell

* **3-4 September.** The events of the Dark Skies 2077 Episode entitled No Fires in Hell occur. Hungry musters a crew of bodyguards after being called by Seamus Darcy to help with security at Candy Gossip's gig at the 7th Hell Club. They meet at the club on the 3rd and get a lay of the land for the event the next day. During the show, a woman dressed in very gothic attire ends up in the 2nd floor bathroom and tries to cover herself in CHOOH2 to start a fire in the club. Guinea and Regi attempt to detain, but a shard in her neural link sparks up, the fuel doesn't ignite, but she dies almost instantaneously. A second culprit gets into a fight with Mortar on the stairs and shoots the old solo directly in the head, but it bounced off his armorjack. Guinea manages to rush from upstairs and ends up killing the culprit, who was an unnamed nomad type who also had strange shards in his neck. One is extracted and given to Asuras, who later identifies that it was filled with a rogue AI/Daemon called "Reaper" that would've infected anyone who slotted it.

### Morning News 3 September

*b-roll of night city on a rainy day, morning traffic an absolute slog* "Goooood morning, Night City! Yesterday's body count lottery was a solid twenty-seven! Santo Domingo with a strong eight splatters, one being a crazy cyberpsycho. MaxTac really had their work cut out for 'em yesterday! *screen shows cyberpsycho with mantis blades cutting a maxtac's hand off before being shot down by other maxtac officers* Rainy for most of the day, but looks like it'll clear up for a nice Friday night. A weekend full of dreams and screams! If you're in the Center tomorrow, check out Candy Gossip over at 7th Hell. It's sure to be a scorcher! *screen shows arson at a bar in heywood, where the band last played*"

### Referee Narrative

Screamsheets are afire with stories of arson seemingly connected with a couple fires from the summer. It seems the band *Candy Gossip* has had their shows followed by some psycho with a penchant for starting blazes. The band was set to cancel their local tour, but their publishing group want them to finish off the tour strong with a show at the 7th Hell in the City Center. Their manager, Seamus Darcy, isn't going to leave the safety of his band to the people at the bar. He's putting out the offer to local fixers and it's being passed around down from them because it's not a terribly lucrative gig. But it's work. Gig is on Saturday (the 4th), so Seamus is looking for anyone who he can get as soon as possible.

### Mortar Narrative

"A job's a job. Give me the contract and I’ll get it done. I'm not here to make friends. I'll do it with as little fuss as possible and then fade back into the shadows. Just stay out of my way when we're in the AO." -- *Mortar*

### Guinea Narrative

Guinea parks his truck a few blocks away from the place. He takes another good long look at the contact info that Fixer fella "Hungry" had given him. "Buzzard..." he reads aloud, eyes squinting at the morning sunlight glaring off his agent's screen. He counts the stack of eddies in his jacket one more time - only a damn fool would haggle with a Medtech right before going under the knife. Walking against the breeze, he absent-mindedly feels for the stack of cash in his jacket as he approaches. His stomach growls at the smell food on the air. Food costs money. He catches his reflection in the window of the little pierogi shop, taking a hard look at his scrawny, wiry limbs. "I guess kibble ain't so bad..." He stops at the next door, checking the address that Hungry sent his way. Not your typical idea of a "hospital", but his standards had never been high. Guinea pushes the button near the door; hearing the buzzer sound on the other side.

### Buzzard Aftermath

Buzzard sat hunched over his lab equipment breathing mask on with his micro optic eye set to 50x magnification, he wasn't particularly adept at synthesizing the drug yet and didn't want to breathe in any possible mistakes or waste eties buying more raw materials. 96% pure the scanner read... "Vell I won't be selling it to any pharmacies and I doubt any punks will be able to tell the difference..." As he began tidying up the lab, the internal agent in his head went off and the translucent chyron screen poped up showing the alley just outside the clinic, a scrawny almost sickly looking punk stood outside pacing around the door. "Hmph, Hungry's punk it would seem, never know what types zat man will be working with next". "Guinea is it, I've been expecting you" he says through the buzzer "Come in, and straight to zee back and we vill get started...Oh and don't mind zee dog, his looks are vorse zen his bite". Guinea enters the clinic passing through a small waiting room, an old model holodeck suspended from the ceiling and an old leather couch pushed up against the wall, a large St. Bernard snoring away on it drooling onto the floor, he saw what Buzzard meant, half the beasts face was heavily scared and burned revealing the sharp canine teeth beneath and he could suspect the dog was blind on that side thou it didn't stir as he walked by.

"Hey, doc, Hungry said you could do me a quick install for a good price if I brought the hardware and the eties" Guinea said patting his bag. "Of course, and if you will have a seat on zee operating table vee will get to work". Guinea explains to Buzzard the hardware he needs done and tries to hand over the eties up front in a show of good faith. "I vill take payment after the procedure, you will make sure the hardware comes online and works to your liking first, zat is how I do business". "A man of your size, I am thinking local anesthesia is maybe better, if I put you under the trauma from surgery maybe is putting you into a coma" "Fuck that Doc, put me under I don't wanna see you cutting my guts up and open, if I don't wake up...well at least it will be peaceful, better then most punks get" Guinea laughs and passes out as the mask comes over his face. What feels like mere moments later Guinea wakes up on the old leather couch in the waiting room, the room spins for a moment and his legs feel heavy. "Ah fuck he botched it and now I'm a cripple, no fuckin way I can afford borg legs"... Guinea suddenly realizes the weight on his legs is the big dog laying on top of him happily panting and drooling onto his pants. He pats the big dog and stands up, suddenly feeling good, really fucking good. "Oh hell yea Doc, this is the stuff". A voice comes over the intercom "I am glad you are satisfied, I noticed you still carry cash, how quaint, leave the 200 eties with zee dog...I am sure I will see you again, guten tag Herr Guinea"

### Guinea Aftermath

Guinea watches the doc meander back to his business and risks giving the dog a friendly pat on the head before tucking the cash in the big animal's collar. The dog hops down off his legs and wanders back towards his napping spot. "Alright well... I'll just let myself out... Fine work, Doc!" Guinea walks out the way he came, surprised at the extra weight he feels through his whole body. He grabs his agent, dialing Captain Robbie as he steps outside. "Aye sir.  Feeling fine so far, maybe a touch sore. Calls himself 'Buzzard'. Aye, trustworthy. For certain." Slipping the agent back in his pocket he catches his reflection on the window in the afternoon sun. His baggy, raggy clothes seemed to fit better... was he taller? "Not bad, Guinea Pig. At least you still look human enough."

## Episode 2: Two Birds One Crash

* **7 September.** The events of the Dark Skies 2077 Episode entitled Two Birds One Crash occur.

### Referee Narrative

**From:** <REDACTED> 9:00AM 9/7/2077 **To:** Johan Yevnesky contact **Subject:** <SECURE> Reclamation Task 7174.03

Contact, Task 7174.02 was picked up by NUSA StratCom, possible leaks. Target Delta crash location 35.373929, -120.736302. Known Nomad activity in the area. Monitoring area, requesting immediate action. Recover Delta wreckage, priority flight recorder, ASAP. Flight recorder will require Interface to open secure an remove recorder. Sortie: Hire non-contractors, move to coordinates, acquire wreckage in full or in part, return to address listed denotes a warehouse in Watson. Pay: • If flight recorder and wreckage of Delta is recovered: 30,000. • If flight recorder is recovered: 15,000. Detail: Wreckage is confirmed Aerodyne Manufacturer Rayfield Model Excalibur reflective silver exterior. entire wreckage could easily fit on the bed of a tow truck or inside the box of a semi-truck Report on sortie within 48 hours. Have job completed by 9/8/77 11:59PM PST. Thankyou, <REDACTED>

### Lamplighter Narrative

"A good runner understands that by the time the target knows they've been infiltrated their server room better be ash.  Or it'll be your ass..." -Lamplighter

A small dark room.  They call it an apartment but by all accounts that's just a sick joke to remind those residing who they are and what they deserve in Night City. We all have a story, no matter how pathetic or pointless.  "I'm not special.  Just another chromed up nobody waiting to die.  The only difference, I'm taking some particular people with me.  They have a meeting with the devil that's long overdue, and I'm the ferryman."  For such a shithole the room is relatively clean, save all the tech junk heaping on top of each other connected to various screens and drives all culminating in a beaten up office chair in the center of the room.  Bucket of ice water on the floor next to it. Across from the chair, on the wall, is an antique dartboard with a few photos of men  and woman, look to all be Corp.  One specifically, in the center, is a tall, lanky, greasy looking man.  The kind of man that gives off an air of terror and suffering.  Someone who's caused a thousand deaths but never touched a trigger.  Kunai surrounding the board except one, sickeningly ornate pocket knife is stuck in the chest of the man in the picture. Lastly on the other side on the wall, a giant board with pins, pictures and scream sheets with various notes and codes sprawled seemingly randomly.  Again you see pictures of that man, the only person consistent throughout the room. At the top of the board you see nicely written, like a title to this shrine of paranoia, "Jinteki Will Fall". What the fuck is a Jinteki 🤷‍♂️ oh well, not YOUR problem.  Now go find that fixer and collect...

### Moonie Aftermath

Moonie's sitting at his workbench with the drone he recovered laid out in front of him. He scratches his head before filling up his glass with the bottle Hungry gifted a few days earlier. This thing was a bit too much for him, but he liked the idea of having a drone around to watch his back. Now he was in good with a few fixers, maybe they could find him a tech who could fix it up for him. As he reached for his agent, another thought occurred to him. Maybe they could find Raina, too. Last he heard she'd headed in to Night City, if she was still around, well...Might be a good time to reconnect. He lingered on the thought for a moment before typing his message out, sending it on to Dakota, Johan and Hungry.

'I've got this drone here, needs fixin' and I ain't got the know how to do it. I'm also looking for a former Nomad named Raina, moved into Night CIty a few years back. Just looking for info right now, but I can pay, trade favors, do some jobs, you name it. Lemme know if you find anything.'

## Episode 3: Agents of Fortune

* **9 September.** The events of the Dark Skies 2077 Episode entitled Agents of Fortune occur.

### Letti Narrative

RECEIVED DATE/TIME Sept 9 2077/8:03AM PST FROM: Minerva "directornc@biotechnica.secure" TO: Violetta "letti@biotechnica.secure" CC: <EXTERNAL> Veronica Styles "majorvs@militech"

As you well know, we here at Biotechnica are doing everything in our power to ensure our front-facing image is shored up and we are received by sponsors as a promising investment. After the Securicine information incident last year, we've moved our Public Relations efforts to the forefront and are keen to remedy the problems put in place by our predecessors. That is why I'd like to put you, a valued member of our team, on the cutting edge of cleaning up Biotechnica's image with other firms. Last week during a concert for a local band called *Candy Gossip*, a woman by the name of Jezz Styles was brutally murdered and her body burnt as an act of arson was committed at Riot, a night club on the south side of Little China here in Night City. It has come to our attention that the culprit was a former Biotechnica employee who also died in the blaze. We do not believe this employee acted in the interests of Biotechnica and we've sent all of our files related to the former employee over to Major Veronica Styles, an employee of Militech and mother of the victim. It is in our best interest to work with the Major to ensure all details of her daughter's death are uncovered. Please coordinate further, Violetta, and ensure Major Styles is helped in this matter to the fullest extent possible.

Signed,

Minerva, Director of Public Relations

**ALERT: DUE TO THE EXTERNAL RECEPIENT, THIS EMAIL COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE BEEN INTERCEPTED. ALL BIOTECHNICA SENSITIVE MATERIAL ATTACHED HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY YOUR DIRECTOR**

**<<Letti: Reply All>>**

Director Minerva and Major Veronica Styles,

Thank you for trusting me with such a delicate and important task. I will do all within my power to assist Major Styles in this matter. To prepare to assist, I will start by reviewing the former employee’s files immediately

Major Styles,

Would you prefer to discuss the details over agents or face to face on how I can best assist you?

Salute,

Violette Costa

Marketing and Public Relations

**ALERT: DUE TO THE EXTERNAL RECEPIENT, THIS EMAIL COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE BEEN INTERCEPTED. ALL BIOTECHNICA SENSITIVE MATERIAL ATTACHED HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY YOUR DIRECTOR**

RECEIVED DATE/TIME Sept 9 2077/8:30AM PST FROM: <EXTERNAL>  :militech: Veronica Styles "majorvs@militech" TO: Violetta "letti@biotechnica.secure"

In person. Red Dirt Bar. 6PM. Located in Arroyo at Farragut & Hargreaves. Open invite to you and yours . See you then.

Signed,

Veronica

**NOTE FROM NINA:** The following text was located in the metadata of this email:

ȯ̶̅p̸̫̔ë̷́͝n̶̏̄ ̴̉͌ȉ̵̐ń̷̃v̵̎͒ì̷̮t̷̡́a̷̐̓t̷̐͐í̵̾o̸͂͠n̷̈́̐ ̵̽̈́a̸̾͌l̵̀̒l̶̄͠ ̸͒̾a̴͋̕r̸̃͝e̵̓̀ ̸̐̓ẅ̷́̇e̴͊̀l̴̓̾c̴̋̎o̷͙͛m̴͂͝e̸͒̀

This appears to be an open invite to any Netrunners that have intercepted the message. I can run trace to see if the email has been open by anyone noteworthy on Biotechnica's radar. Would you like me to run this process?

**<<Letti: Reply to Veronica Styles "majorvs@militech>>** I will notify my parties. Thank you and see you then.

Salute,

Violette Costa

Marketing and Public Relations

**<<Letti: Reply to Nina>>** Please do. I’ll get to work reviewing the files and making notes. Can you check the schedule and see if my 4:00PM is still open? I’d like to pick up a little something from Viggiano’s Bakery. Let me know if you want something, on me.

Salute,

Letti

**<<Lamplighter: encrypted message to Letti>>**

You're gonna need a runner.  You don't know me but I'll be at the meeting.  I believe you'll find my ability well above adequate.

**<<message auto deletes after closing>>**

**INTERNAL REPLY FROM NINA TO LETTI:** Totally open. I'll send a courier to grab whatever you'd like. Your usual?

*Nina pulls the encrypted email and smiles, quickly using Biotechnica's secure system to lock the META of the auto-delete and shift the program aside. She then starts running, linking up to her joint connection in Militech to coordinate and pull any data regarding who the mysterious runner could be.*

**INTERNAL REPLY FROM NINA TO LETTI:** Regarding the email you just received, they seem brazen and plucky. Could be useful...?

*After a half an hour...* "Our plucky Runner goes by the handle Lamplighter. Just did a job for Militech sock out in the Badlands. He must be hungry if he's willing to send an encrypt into our datafortress so boldly. He sounds cute. *the reply has images of Lamplighter from his time meeting with Johan at the Dicky Twister*

**<<Letti: Reply to Nina>>** Wonderful. Usual and add an extra two Sfoglitella boxed separately please. My nonna always said that a good pastry can help heal a wounded heart. Also helps with business.

As for the runner. He at least trusts himself that he can be helpful, which is better than some we’ve worked with. I’ll trust him at least once. Think I should bring in a gun or two or wait till the meeting?

Salute,

Letti

**<<Nina: Reply to Letti>>** Oh, yeah, definitely. I have a contact for a shooter name Razor. Seems professional. He too likes his mother. I'll send him a contact. And I'll reply to this Lamplighter and tell him to show up.

*the above listed contacts are made, Razor is requested for bodyguard work, short gig, 5pmPST at Red Dirt, Lamplighter a simple request to arrive on time*

**<<Letti: Reply to Nina>>** Gorgeous. Am I wrong to assume that there might have been additional runners who have seen those emails? If possible it’d be nice to know who else might show up. I’m not buying them pastries though.

**<<Nina: Reply to Letti>>** Need a few hours to sort out the deets on the other ghosts that were sniffing around, but I'll have that info before your meeting with the Major. I forwarded Razor's contact info to your agent. Pastries will be here in about 15. I'll have front door bring them your way.

### Lamplighter Narrative

Lamplighter over agent "Gramps!  Where are those programs?  I already paid and have no problem with krashing your shit!" ... belch from other side "Firstly, chill out ya edge lord beav fucker.  Secondly, check your deck." Lamplighter seeing the programs installed visibly annoyed, "Lastly, we need to talk about this gramps thing.  I'm the one at the club while you're getting ready for b....." Lamplighter hangs up... Carbon leans back in his chair, "Just don't die kid.  You have shit to do."

### Asuras/Ex/Guinea/Letti/Razor Aftermath

On the ride home for the night, While cleaning his katana, Razor says, "So, Guinea thanks for the ride. And Lamplighter, nice shots out there, and thanks for opening that gate so I could get the one that ran easier." Guinea replies while moving through traffic, "Yeah... Wild how none of you have a bus pass or somethin'... But yeah, you're welcome." Razor replies, "Oh I ride the train often to visit my mom but figured since you offered a ride I'd take it."

"I sure did," Guinea says, not remembering if he did or not. Lamplighter chimes in, "Thanks, nice work yourself.  I was actually really into kendo as a teen.  Cool to see someone carrying the art along." He then directs his comments at Guinea, "Yeah, I have a pass myself.  I just kinda kept following and it kept working." He shrugs, "Appreciate it though." He slaps Guinea's shoulder with a chuckle. Focused on driving, the nomad nods his head. Lamplighter continues, "What were those moves out there? Gotta be trained." Guinea nods, "Savate. Maybe a little bastardized, but that's what it is. Popular with sailors in the "old days". It's kept me alive this long." Razor sheathes his clean katana "I know some karate but fighting with my katana is just the best. It cuts so smoothly..." Guinea looks over at the young solo admiring his own sword, "You did good, kid. Both...All? All of you did a fine job keeping the suit alive, let's just hope she keeps that in mind come payday." Guinea does a head count, realizing that Ex is settled in the middle and Asuras is right behind him tucked neatly in her seat. Ex lets out a laugh. "Sorry--I thought the bus pass covered the boat ride and the car rides. Did the city not expand its transit services?"

Ex lets out a laugh. "Sorry--I thought the bus pass covered the boat ride and the car rides. Did the city not expand its transit services?"

Asuras lets out a hoarse chuckle "you gotta sense of humor, choom," she mutters at Ex. Via her internal agent she opens a chat for Ex and Lamplighter.

**<<ASURAS MAGDALENA:>>**  you two did good in the field today. If you're gonna survive in :NightCity: , you're gonna need to up your skills with a pistol. (don't ask me how I know that) Unless you've got corposec around your runner chair, even gonks like the Addams will flatline you without a good defense.

Meanwhile, Violetta leans back into the soft cushions of the Biotechnica vehicle and sighs. She then sends 500eb to each of their accounts along with a copy paste message to each of them. "Thank you for your assistance today, please check you accounts and confirm that you have received your payment for tonight's work. I will be in touch. - Letti" She scans through other messages and emails on her internal agent.

Guinea frowns at the fuel gauge after dropping off the other punks all across Night City. He sees the message on his agent and checks his accounts before replying: "Received. Pleasure doing business with you, Miss. Keep me in mind if you're ever in a pinch."

## Episode 4: Ghosts of Yesterday

* **10 September.** The events of the Dark Skies 2077 Episode entitled Ghosts of Yesterday occur.

## Episode 5: Time in a Bottle

* **13 September.** The events of the Dark Skies 2077 Episode entitled Time in a Bottle occur.

### Morning News 13 September

*b-roll of night city on a rainy day, morning traffic grid locked* "Goooood morning, Night City! Body count lottery for Sunday was a solid eighteen! Looks like most of the recycling happened at the Dollop of Sunshine during a screening of *Corporate Wars: The Musical*. Honest scuffle concerning someone using their agent during the showing that blew up because security went a bit overboard *a screen shows a massive firefight between random movie goers and the theater staff as well as private security firm Danger Gal* Don't fucking go to the theater without switching off, choombas! Still rainy from the weekend, probably gloomy all throughout the week. Stayed chipped in to N54 for traffic and weather updates all day long!

## Episode 6: Vigilance

* **13 September.** Edgerunner crew called the Etchers killed by Nat in Santo Domingo.
* **14 September.** Unnamed Edgerunner crew killed by Nat in Santo Domingo.
* **15 September.** Edgerunner crew called the Rollers killed by Nat in Santo Domingo.
* **16 September.** The events of the Dark Skies 2077 Episode entitled Vigilance occur.

*early morning sunrise over Night City skyline* GOOOOOOOOD MORNING, NIGHT CITY! Just got over the hump and riding for a bad ass weekend! Big numbers yesterday for the body lottery. If you put your chips down on 52, then all that money's coming to you! Edgerunners getting slashed up in The Glen and Wellspring by some Jack the Ripper type. NCPD and Cyberpunks are up in arms about this mysterious figure. Any information? Report it to N54 at 998532. *footage of crime scenes, lots of severed body parts and large splashes of blood* Have a happy Thursday, folks, and keep it tuned in here for traffic and weather throughout the day!

## Episode 7: Death to Death

* **17 September.** The events of the Dark Skies 2077 Episode entitled Death to Death occur.

### Morning News 17 September

*early morning drone shot of the bay between city center and watson* GooooooOOODDD MORNING NIGHT CITY! Big fucking corpo throwdown last night on the water at Pinewood Pier. Militech cannons, crazy cyberpsychos *an image shows of Regi @Dapper Dan the solo shooting and fighting with a team of Arasaka security near an exploded and burning container, the shot had to have come from directly above and close* and Edgerunner punks! MAXTac is on the look out for this fellow, please be advised he is armed and dangerous! *the b-roll runs some random images of North Oak* On a happier note, members of the music group *Trickshot* are planning on performing next weekend at a number of venues. Keep it tuned in here for locations and times! Body lottery is delayed. Currently trying to get an accurate tally. Due to a massacre over in Charter Hill, it's somewhere between 58 and 63. Click here for footage. Stay tuned for all your traffic and weather needs!

## Episode 8: Keep Your Head Down

* **18-19 September.** The events of the Dark Skies 2077 Episode entitled Keep Your Head Down occur.

### Regi Narrative

SENT DATE/TIME Sept 18 2077 - 4:26AM PST FROM Reginald Parker "RParker2@traumateam.secure" TO Julian Cline, MD @“JCline@traumateam.secure"

Jules,

I need your help. I’ve the eds to cover my debt but I need more chrome.  I’ve completed the therapy as you requested and attached are psych evaluations and summaries from both Dr. Miller and Dr. Valipurui.  Detailed within these medical reports you will see supporting evidence that I can resume augmentations.  I’ve taken the liberty of highlighting their findings for your review. Furthermore both of the specialists concluded, “…antipsychotics are no longer needed at this time.” (Miller-Valipurui, p. 27).

Doc, this isn’t foolish edgerunning. I’ve stumbled onto something real bad and I can’t see it to the end without your help. I hope to have the opportunity to tell you more in person.

Sincerely,

Regi

SENT DATE/TIME Sept 18 2077 - 5:13AM PST FROM Julian Cline, MD @“JCline@traumateam.secure" TO Reginald Parker "RParker2@traumateam.secure"

Reginald,

My availability is limited this time of year. I have a 2-hour on Monday (20 Sept) at 10am. I'll hold it for you, but from what you're asking I can guarantee it's not covered by your insurance. Send forward the exact make/model and I'll secure it from inventory.

I don't think you understand how close to the line you're pushing yourself. I've read through Miller and Valipurui's reports and their professional opinion, undoubtedly paid for, is all that is giving you the green light on this. So, I will perform the service and I will make an availability for you. But don't think I'm doing anything besides being a professional. Our friendship has been in duress ever since you started doing out of pocket work.

After our meeting on Monday, I'll be putting forward a formal request to have your medical records and future scheduling moved to General and will respectfully decline any future install date. If I see a request for removal of some of the combat ware come across my desk, I will see you there.

Stay safe, Regi.

Regards,

Jules

<<TEXT MESSAGE FROM JULES 9/18 7:03AM>> What the fuck, Regi? You send me an email wanting more crome and you're featured in the news where it's you versus Arasaka? What the hell is going on?! (edited)

<<TEXT MESSAGE FROM REGI 9/18 7:09AM>> Its good to see your message but, I’d rather not talk much over phone.  I know your busy till Monday but I’m need a quick patching up before then. Anyone you’d rec to see for a stitch and patch? Just looks like some grafted flesh wounds but you know how I am with docs.

Attached is specs for some ware I could benefit from. Let me know if there is anything you think would suit my augmentations well. You know how much your input has meant for my chrome.

<<REPLY FROM JULES 9/18 7:10AM>> You're on the news, Regi! Attacking Arasaka! What the fuck.

<<BLOCK>>

<<REPLY FROM REGI 9/18 7:11AM>> FUCK JULES! They have a rogue AI or some kind of sentient Daemon that’s turning people into psychos!

<<THIS NUMBER IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING MESSAGES FROM YOU>>

<<MESSAGE FROM JULES 9/19 1:00PM>> Hey. Saw the news special on N54. I've set your appointment up for Monday. I'll see you there. I should've trusted you and I'd like to talk to you about everything tomorrow at your appointment. See you then.

<<MESSAGE FROM REGI 9/19 1:11PM>> "I understand how it looked Jules and I don't blame you.  See you then Doc."

### Noon News Sunday September 19

*During the N54 News Sunday with Gillean Jordan, she leads in with a story regarding Cyberpsychosis with a crossplug for the hit show #Hogwatch. In her report, she claims that corporations have a habit of claiming people who stand against them are Cyberpsychos and, due to the stigma regarding this disease, are easily able to demonize these opponents of theirs. The story goes into an exposé fully detailing the life of Reginald Parker, an associate in good standing with Trauma Team. The story shows footage acquired by Trauma Team showing Reginald's efforts to go above and beyond in combat situations, serving as an exemplary door gunner on an EMT AV. It spins Reginald's life in an absolutely positive light, using music to elicit empathy and explaining he's a heroic figure doing his best to do the right thing in Night City. He shines as an example of a person who has been effected by the horrors of Night City as well, with detailed information regarding his girlfriend Gabbie's untimely end at the hand of gangers known as the Sinful Addams. In conclusion, Gillean calls for NCPD to stop their manhunt for Reginald Parker and for Arasaka to come clean with all footage available regarding the Pinewood Pier Incident.*