Sponge

"*Most people in this city turn out to be dickbags only looking out for themselves anyway.*"
―Sponge to Panam when they first met

## Occupational information

### Allies

Seth Forebull (deceased)
Mirage (deceased)
Panam Palmer  (formerly)
Viktor "V"(formerly)

### Enemies

Dustin Haroldclats (deceased)

**Sponge** is a minor character who debuted in Cyberpunk 2077 as a well-respected mercenary who reaches out to V requesting assistance on a job. It is established that he has extensive history with Panam Palmer, and has been a mercenary in the streets of Night City for long enough to be recognized simply by uttering his name.

## History

### Early Life (2048-2065)

Born and raised in the streets of Night City's Westbrook district, he quickly became associated with many criminals and from a young age was already robbing vehicles and stores with his friends - mainly his best friend, Seth. No one knows who his parents are, not even him, so when he was taken in by a gang called the Sepulchrum Latrones, he did not get a name until he was ten years old and they sent him on his first mission.

The mission was a simple one indeed, he and his friend Seth - who is six years older than him - were to go to a liquor store and rob some alcohol for the gang to drink while they sat down to have a "family movie night". However, the operation went sideways when the store clerk pulled a shotgun on the children and fired away. Miraculously, Sponge and Seth both survived, with Sponge absorbing all the damage. Seth referred to him as a "bullet sponge" and thus, his name was created.

Throughout the years, Sponge and Seth moved up in the ranks of the Sepulchrum Latrones until it came time for Sponge's seventeenth birthday in 2065. On this day, the (at the time) leader of the Latrones - Dustin Haroldclats - told Sponge and Seth that he wanted them to take over control of the gang, as "it's time for this old boy to retire". The thing is, Dustin told them he wanted them to fight to the death for the role. Both the twenty three year old Seth and now seventeen year old Sponge declined the offer, and as such, the conniving Dustin ordered a hit on Seth and Sponge, and fired them from the gang.

### On the Run (2065-2067)

Over the next two years, Seth and Sponge had carefully avoided all the hitmen and mercenaries sent after them, and from a streetrat perspective, saw the rise of the new futuristic and technologically advanced era usher itself in. Within no time, Seth and Sponge had illegally acquired some chrome technology, as well as loads of Militech level guns and weaponry.

On the 7th of June, 2067, Seth and Sponge had finally concocted a plan to murder Dustin and take revenge out on him. At this point in time, Dustin had worked his way up through the ranks of Night City's underbelly, abandoning small-time gangs like the Latrones and was working with heavy-hitters. The two boys had learned that Dustin liked to spend his days in one of two places: the bar called the Afterlife, and a dollhouse called Clouds. They also recalled that he doesn't like to lock his car doors when he's in the parking lot of a place he thinks he's safe at, so with this information and Seth's leadership, they had a plan.

"*Here's the scoop: our boy Dusty likes to spend his days either fuckin' robots or drinkin', right? So this is what we'll do: when he leaves his car to go and drink in the Afterlife, we'll sneak in the backseat of his car and patiently wait for him to return - the dumbass won't check his backseat so we'll be fine - and when he gets in the car... BOOM. Paint his steering wheel a pretty shade of red.*"
―Seth explaining the plan to Sponge
The day came and the plan was put into action. They went to the Afterlife right around the time Dustin would be exiting his car to enter the bar, and they smoothly and quietly climbed into his backseat. A few hours later, Dustin arrived and got back in his car. As soon as they heard the engine start, Seth raised his handgun up to Dustin's head to shoot him... pulled the trigger and... it jammed. Dustin was now aware of their plan and quickly locked all the car doors. He started mocking them and then when they least expected it, he pulled a knife out of the glove compartment and stabbed Seth right in the face. Sponge screamed in horror for his lost friend, and in an act of reaction, pulled out his own handgun and shot Dustin right in the back of the head through his seat's headrest. The mission was completed... he got revenge on Dustin... but at what cost?

### A New Family

The bloody and traumatized nineteen year old steps out of the car after saying his final goodbyes to his brother. He's been on the streets long enough to know to flee the scene after gunshots are fired, so he goes down into the Afterlife. At first, the security guard does not let him through, but Sponge looks up at him with eyes that show a mixture of pain and anger, this combined with the blood on his face is enough to convince the security guard to let him through. He walks in and sits down at the counter, in front of the female bartender. She introduces herself as "Claire" and remarks that he's awfully young to be in here. He stays silent no matter how much she tries to communicate with him, so she eventually just gives him a drink, "on the house" she tells him. As the night continues, he gets drunker and drunker. She tries to stop him multiple times, but each time she does, he fakes sobriety and tells her he's fine. He continues drinking until he finally "decides" to open up to Claire. He tells her pretty much his whole life story, and they have a nice bonding moment for a few minutes, talking about their similarities, before he ultimately asks if he can stay with her until he gets back on his feet. Seeing him like a little brother, she agrees, and as she clocks out that night, he goes home with her.

### Working Up the Ranks (2067-2074)

Over the next seven years, he not only grows up mentally and physically - reaching the age of twenty-six - but he also meets many new allies and builds a new reputation in Night City. His journey from a mysterious and nameless orphan to a renowned and respected mercenary becomes the stuff of legends in the cyberpunk underworld.

Sponge's time at The Afterlife served as the foundation for his ascent. He honed his combat skills, enhanced his cyberware, and earned the trust of Claire. She became not only a mentor but a mother figure to Sponge, teaching him the ways of survival in Night City's unforgiving streets. Under her guidance, he learned the art of negotiation, strategic thinking, and the importance of keeping his emotions in check.

As he ventured deeper into the criminal underworld, Sponge started accepting more high-profile contracts. His reputation for unwavering reliability and a code of honor that distinguished him from other mercenaries began to spread. He gained allies among the fixers, the techies, and even the nomads who roamed the Badlands on the outskirts of the city. He was known for his trademark black trench coat and mirrored cybernetic eyes, which earned him the title "Sponge, The Shadow of Night City."

One of his most significant alliances was with a netrunner named Mirage, who shared information and connections that proved invaluable in Sponge's line of work. Together, they took on some of Night City's most dangerous and lucrative jobs, from corporate espionage to liberating AI from the clutches of unscrupulous corporations.

However, Sponge's rise to prominence was not without its challenges. His past continued to haunt him as he crossed paths with old acquaintances and enemies, each encounter forcing him to confront the demons that had driven him to a life of crime. The weight of his actions weighed heavily on his conscience, and he often found himself questioning the moral cost of the choices he made.

Yet, despite the darkness that surrounded him, Sponge remained true to the code he had developed with Rosa. He refused to let the harsh reality of Night City extinguish his humanity. This unwavering commitment to his principles only further solidified his reputation as an enigmatic and respected figure in the city's criminal underworld.

By 2074, Sponge had become a legend in his own right, a name synonymous with danger and reliability. Night City knew him as "Sponge," the shadowy figure who could handle the deadliest of contracts with unmatched skill and an unwavering sense of honor in a world that had lost its way.

### Losing Another Brother

The job that would forever haunt Sponge's memories involved Mirage, the skilled netrunner who had become one of his closest allies in the unforgiving streets of Night City. It was a high-stakes operation, one that promised a hefty payout, but it also carried an air of danger that neither Sponge nor Mirage could ignore. Their target was a powerful and shadowy gang known as the Neon Vipers, notorious for their ruthless tactics and formidable influence in Night City's criminal underworld.

As they delved deeper into their mission, Sponge and Mirage uncovered disturbing secrets about the Neon Vipers. The gang was not only involved in illicit activities but had also developed a sinister plot involving a stolen AI technology that could wreak havoc if unleashed. Determined to prevent this catastrophe, Sponge and Mirage pressed forward, risking their lives to expose the gang's dark agenda.

The climax of their mission took place in a dimly lit, underground data center where the Neon Vipers were hoarding the stolen AI technology. It was a fierce battle that pushed both Sponge and Mirage to their limits. In the midst of the chaos, as bullets flew and alarms blared, Mirage valiantly defended their digital flank while Sponge confronted the gang's heavily armed enforcers.

Tragically, Mirage's valiant effort to protect their digital front came at a high cost. In the midst of a cyber firefight, Mirage sustained mortal injuries, unable to recover in the real world. As Sponge held his dying friend in the flickering glow of the data center's monitors, he couldn't shake the haunting feeling of déjà vu. It was a stark reminder of the day his best friend and brother, Seth, had been killed when he was only 19.

The loss of Mirage devastated Sponge, reopening old wounds and reigniting a burning vendetta against the Neon Vipers. For the next year of his life, Sponge became a relentless force of retribution, dedicated to dismantling the entire gang, one member at a time. He left no stone unturned, using his formidable skills and connections to hunt down every member involved in Mirage's death.

Sponge's relentless pursuit became a legend in Night City, a whispered tale of vengeance and determination. He operated in the shadows, executing a carefully orchestrated plan to eliminate the Neon Vipers' leadership and cripple their operations. Slowly but surely, Sponge fulfilled his promise to Mirage, ensuring that none of the gang members responsible for his ally's death remained alive.

In the end, Sponge's quest for vengeance left a lasting mark on the criminal underworld of Night City, a testament to the depths of loyalty and the lengths one would go to avenge the loss of a cherished friend.

### Falling in Love (2075)

One night, Sponge pulls up to The Afterlife, dapping up everyone he sees, now knowing and being good friends with all the regulars. As he walks in, he sits down at the bar table as usual, orders his regular, the "Dustin Haroldclats", and starts talking to Claire. As he does, he looks around the bar, and notices a beautiful woman in a booth by herself, hunched over the table drinking a beer. She has brown hair tied into a messy dread bun, and she's wearing clothing reminiscent of what a member of a biker gang would wear. He finds himself in awe at her appearance, and notices that she seems to be deep in thought. He puts a pause on his conversation with Claire, who completely understands, and walks over to the woman. He sits down across the table from her. They introduce themselves to each other, as Sponge and Panam, and then engage in an open conversation about loneliness and the value of not caring about others' opinions. Sponge encourages Panam to prioritize self-acceptance over societal judgment, leading to a shared understanding of the liberation that comes with not seeking external validation. As they discuss the self-serving nature of most people in the city, Panam reveals her aspiration to be unburdened by others' perceptions. Sponge expresses his support, resulting in a flirtatious exchange where Panam playfully teases him about her outfit. Despite Sponge's momentary discomfort, Panam reassures him that no one in the bar took notice. Their banter takes an intimate turn, with Sponge suggesting a move to a more private setting, teasingly flashing his car keys as an invitation to his apartment in the City Center, to have sex that night. The next morning, Sponge drops Panam off at The Afterlife to get her car, and they promise the other one to see them again soon. As Sponge gets back home, he realizes this was more than just a hookup for him, and he's in love.. it doesn't help him getting her off his mind when he realizes she forgot a sock at his house. As much as he knows it's wrong, he can't help but go back to sniff it every now and then.

### Just the Woman for the Job

"*Got a call from a guy last night… said he had a job for me. Figures I’m a reliable merc. He told me to put together a group of trusted associates to do it with me, but after our night together last week I did my homework. You’re even more skilled than I had known, so I figured I’d call you up and see if you wanted to do it with me. The job is simple: there’s a shipment of Arasaka armes caches being transported to the docks three days from now. We need to intercept the transport, stop the weapons from even leaving the trucks - let alone the city - and bring them to a warehouse in the badlands, where we will meet him and get our pay. Whaddya think? You in?*"
―Sponge detailing the job to Panam
A week later, Sponge, still captivated by the memory of Panam, receives an unexpected phone call from a crime boss offering him a job involving intercepting a shipment of goods. Recognizing that Panam is the perfect fit for the task, Sponge hangs up and dials her number. Surprised but intrigued, Panam answers, and their conversation quickly turns warm and flirtatious as they catch up. Sponge confesses his interest in her and misses their previous encounter, which Panam appreciates, even if it's unexpected. Sponge then offers her a job, the details of which he refuses to divulge over the phone, leading to plans for a meeting the following evening at the Afterlife. Panam, smiling on her end, eagerly anticipates reuniting with Sponge.

The next day, Sponge eagerly waits for Panam at the Afterlife, sharing light-hearted banter with Claire, the bartender, while he regales her with stories and jokes. Moments later, Panam arrives, exuding a more professional demeanor this time, prepared for business. Sponge can't resist a passionate kiss, and after they break away, he steels himself to discuss the job at hand.

Panam takes a seat beside Sponge, her curiosity piqued. Sponge explains that a mysterious client has offered them a high-stakes gig: intercepting a shipment of Arasaka arms caches bound for the docks in three days. Impressed by Panam's skills, Sponge invites her to join him on this dangerous mission. He outlines the plan, which involves ambushing the transport, disabling the vehicles with mines, and securing the valuable cargo. Panam, undaunted by the risks, enthusiastically accepts the offer, drawn by the promise of a substantial payday.

"*I’ve got a rough draft of a plan… basically, we hide in my car in an unlit alleyway between two seacans at the docks. On the road, we have mines lined up so that they drive over them. The shipment consists of one car guiding one truck. I estimate the car will have maybe two to four people in it, while the truck would only have one. The car is leading the way, so he will drive over the mines and KA-BOOM, that’s four guys scratched off - easy. Next, the two guys in the truck will get out to see what the hell just happened, that’s when we get out of the car and stick ‘em up. Interrogate them, then kill ‘em, take the truck and head out to the drop-off location to get paid.*"
―Sponge detailing his plan to Panam
They seal the deal, agreeing that it'll be just the two of them on this mission, which means a more substantial cut for each. Panam eagerly anticipates the opportunity to upgrade her gear and accepts the challenge. Sponge shares his initial strategy, which involves laying mines to disable the vehicles and neutralize the Arasaka personnel. With their plan in place, Panam is excited about the prospect of taking on Arasaka suits, getting paid handsomely, and enhancing her arsenal.

As they wrap up their conversation, Panam inquires about who will be driving during the mission. Sponge volunteers for the task, and they finalize the details for their rendezvous at the docks in three days. Panam departs with a quick, passionate kiss, leaving Sponge with anticipation for the dangerous yet profitable mission ahead.

### The Job

The night of the job arrived, and Sponge and Panam found themselves hidden in Sponge's car, nestled in a dark alleyway between two shipping containers at the bustling docks. Their hearts raced with anticipation as they meticulously positioned a line of mines along the road, the same road the Arasaka arms cache shipment was expected to traverse.

As the minutes ticked away, tension mounted inside the car. The neon-lit Night City skyline served as their backdrop, casting an eerie glow on the waters of the harbor. Sponge's hands tightened around the steering wheel, and Panam checked her gear, ensuring everything was in place for the impending confrontation.

Finally, the distant hum of an approaching vehicle signaled the arrival of their target. The Arasaka shipment, led by a car and followed by a truck, rolled into view. Sponge and Panam exchanged a knowing glance, their plan about to unfold.

The car, its headlights slicing through the darkness, drove directly over the concealed mines. The resulting explosion echoed through the night, lighting up the scene in a fiery burst. With the car engulfed in flames and several Arasaka operatives taken out, Sponge and Panam swiftly exited their hiding spot.

As the dust and smoke settled, the two remaining Arasaka personnel from the truck emerged, bewildered and disoriented. Sponge and Panam moved in quickly, weapons drawn, and took control of the situation. Through intense interrogation, they extracted crucial information about the arms cache, ensuring they had all the necessary details for their contact.

Afterwards, with the information secured, they regrettably had no choice but to eliminate the Arasaka operatives, leaving no witnesses behind. With the truck now under their control, they headed for the designated warehouse in the Badlands to meet their contact and secure their well-deserved payment.

### All Good Things Come to an End (2076)

A year had passed since Sponge and Panam had formed both a romantic relationship and a formidable duo in the dangerous world of Night City's mercenary work. They'd tackled numerous missions together, their trust in each other growing with each successful operation. However, their life was about to take a drastic and heart-wrenching turn.

The call came from the same mysterious individual who had tasked Sponge with the Arasaka arms cache job. This time, the offer was unimaginably lucrative—a job that promised a payoff a hundred times greater than any they had previously encountered. The catch? Sponge had to betray Panam and leave her to face extreme danger on her own.

Torn between his loyalty to Panam and the irresistible allure of unimaginable wealth, Sponge made the agonizing decision to accept the offer. He knew that this betrayal would forever alter their relationship, but the promise of a life-changing sum of money was too tempting to resist.

The mission was unlike anything they had ever undertaken. It involved infiltrating a heavily fortified Arasaka facility, deep within the heart of Night City. Their objective was to steal a highly classified piece of technology with the potential to rewrite the balance of power in the city's shadowy underworld.

The mission unfolded in stages, each more treacherous than the last. Sponge and Panam had meticulously planned every detail, relying on their well-honed skills and unwavering trust in one another. They navigated laser-tripped alarms, bypassed armed guards, and decrypted complex security systems as if they were ghosts in the machine.

However, as they neared their ultimate goal, the ominous truth behind the mission revealed itself. It became apparent that the mysterious employer had no intention of letting both Sponge and Panam walk away with the technology. In a shocking twist, the employer betrayed them, unleashing a wave of deadly security drones and locking down the facility.

Sponge, now torn between his commitment to the mission and his love for Panam, was faced with an impossible choice. Reluctantly, he activated the facility's self-destruct sequence, a desperate gamble to ensure that the technology would never fall into the wrong hands. As the countdown ticked away, Sponge left Panam behind, his heart heavy with guilt.

Panam fought valiantly to survive, narrowly escaping the facility as it crumbled around her. Her determination and resourcefulness allowed her to defy the odds and make it out alive, albeit battered and betrayed.

Their relationship, once built on trust and love, was shattered irreparably. Panam, now bearing the physical and emotional scars of the ordeal, vowed never to see Sponge's face again. She couldn't forgive the betrayal that had torn them apart, and she disappeared into the unforgiving shadows of Night City, forever haunted by the memories of that mission and the man she had once loved. Meanwhile, Sponge, haunted by his own actions, grappled with the consequences of his choices, knowing that the wealth he had gained came at a devastating cost.

### You Reap What You Sow (2077)

In May of 2077, Sponge found himself in need of an ally for a particularly challenging mission that had come his way. He recalled Claire, the friendly bartender at The Afterlife, who had previously provided him with Panam's contact information. He reached out to her once again, seeking assistance, and she offered another valuable lead—V.

Sponge received V's number and placed the call. V, well aware of Sponge's reputation in Night City, accepted the proposition. They agreed to meet and discuss the details of the mission in person. Upon their meeting, Sponge outlined the job—an intricate heist involving infiltrating a heavily guarded Arasaka facility to retrieve sensitive data.

The mission was complex and required a combination of hacking, combat, and stealth skills. Sponge and V made for a formidable team, each contributing their unique talents to overcome obstacles. They navigated through layers of security systems, neutralizing guards and bypassing intricate electronic locks. Their communication was seamless, their trust gradually solidifying as they made their way through the facility.

However, halfway through the mission, V received an unexpected call from Panam. Curious about what V was up to, she inquired, and V, unaware of the past year's events, mentioned that he was assisting Sponge on a mission. Hearing Sponge's name sent shivers down Panam's spine as she recalled the betrayal she had endured. She couldn't help but share her harrowing experience with V, detailing how Sponge had betrayed her, leaving her to face danger alone.

V initially struggled to believe Panam's account, as Sponge had appeared genuinely friendly and trusting during their collaboration. He reasoned that their partnership seemed sincere, but Panam's words continued to haunt him. She revealed that she had been dating Sponge when he had betrayed her, making her deeply suspicious of his intentions with V.

As the mission approached its conclusion, tension hung in the air. They had successfully retrieved the data and were poised to collect their reward. Sponge, preparing to divide the spoils, turned to face V, unaware of the turmoil brewing within his ally. But just as Sponge was about to hand over V's share of the money, V swiftly drew a gun, leveling it at Sponge.

With a cold and unrelenting tone, V confronted Sponge, bringing up Panam's accusations and questioning his true motives. Sponge pleaded with V, attempting to convince him that he had changed and genuinely wanted to work together. However, V's trust in Sponge had been irreparably shaken.

In the end, V made the heart-wrenching decision to pull the trigger, ending Sponge's life and seizing his cut of the job. He saved the remaining money to give to Panam, determined to ensure she received what she deserved. With Sponge's lifeless body on the ground, V departed, leaving behind a fractured alliance and a haunting reminder of the dark realities of Night City.