Part eight! Welcome to my Cyberpunk solo campaign where Charm is currently knocked out in the badlands. After she forced Rook to retire last week, she now is in desperate need of help.
Let’s hope that the message to Nadiya reached her in time! Here we go again!
Scene #35 – Trauma Team
Reservoir dam, Laguna Bend, Badlands – 01-15-2079, 16:47
The world swam back into focus slowly, accompanied by a muffled voice cutting through the haze of pain. It took a moment for Charm to register what she was hearing – a familiar voice.
“Renee? Can you hear me?”
It was Nadiya. The sound alone sent a surge of relief through Charm’s battered body, momentarily eclipsing the agony radiating from her ribs. She blinked again, struggling to clear the lingering fog in her vision. Opening her eyes fully revealed a scene both comforting and unsettling. Nadiya knelt beside her, her face etched with worry and exhaustion.
Nadiya gently attempted to help Charm into the Mizutani Shion. “You have to explain a lot to me,” Nadiya said, her voice tight with concern. “But first, we need to leave. Now.”
Charm leaned heavily on Nadiya’s support as they slowly made their way into the car. The interior felt like a sanctuary after the brutal exposure of the Badlands. She winced with every movement, acutely aware of the fractured ribs and the throbbing ache in her head.
“I saw… a trauma team squad operating near your body a few minutes ago,” Nadiya continued, her voice low and urgent. “They were working fast. Loaded a dead body into their Aerodyne.” She paused, her gaze fixed on Charm with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. “After they left, I was able to get to you.”
“They were efficient,” Nadiya added, her voice laced with a professional detachment that barely concealed her worry. “Clean sweep.” She glanced at Charm, her expression hardening slightly. “You’re lucky I was on patrol nearby. Told my colleague to bing me here and ended my shift.”
Charm tried to speak, but only a strangled gasp escaped her lips. Nadiya seemed to understand without needing an explanation.
“Don’t try to talk,” Nadiya instructed gently, securing the door and starting the engine. The familiar hum of the vehicle filled the silence. “We need to get you to a Medpoint. How comes that I always have to take you to a Medpoint, huh?”
Medpoint on Grey Road, Rancho Coronado, Santo Domingo – 01-15-2079, 17:05
The sterile scent of antiseptic stung Charm’s nostrils as she was wheeled through the Medpoint in Rancho Coronado. The fluorescent lights hummed overhead, reflecting off the polished chrome of the medical equipment. A quick assessment confirmed what they already suspected: multiple fractures, a concussion, and a healthy dose of blood loss. They stabilized her, administered painkillers, and patched up the worst of the damage. It wasn’t pretty, but it was enough to keep her from bleeding out.
The ride back to Vista del Rey in Charm’s modified Shion felt surreal. “He’s dead,” Charm mumbled, her voice raspy from exhaustion and pain. “Rooks is dead.” Nadiya gripped the steering wheel tighter, her expression unreadable. “You killed him?” she asked, her tone carefully neutral. “Yeah,” Charm confirmed, a grim satisfaction settling over her. “I emptied a magazine into his head.” She winced as a movement jostled her injuries. “It was… necessary.”
“Necessary?” Nadiya repeated softly, but there was no judgment in her voice. “He was behind it, wasn’t he? Your parents…” Charm nodded, the memory of her parents flooding back – her mother’s bright smile and sharp wit, her father’s quiet strength and unwavering integrity. “My mom was working on a story,” she explained, her voice tight with suppressed emotion. “A deep dive into Project Echelon. She got too close. Rooks had to silence her.”
A long silence hung between them as the Shion navigated the crowded skyways of Megabuilding H05. Finally, Nadiya spoke, her voice low and thoughtful. “Do you feel… better now? That he’s gone?”
Charm considered the question. The adrenaline had faded, leaving behind a hollow ache in its wake. But beneath it, there was a sense of closure she hadn’t felt in years. “Yeah,” she admitted, surprised by the simplicity of the answer. “I do… I guess.”
“It’s not over,” Nadiya said abruptly, shattering the quiet moment. “Rooks was just a symptom. Project Echelon is the disease. Killing him won’t stop them.” Charm tapped against her temple. “Got a complete confession from Rooks,” she announced casually. “Recorded it all on my braindance recorder.” Nadiya’s gaze sharpened, fixing on Charm with an intensity that could cut steel. *”A *braindance* recorder!? And what in hell do you need a braindance recorder for?”*
Charm winced, her usual defiance faltering. “It was… on discount,” she mumbled, avoiding eye contact. “With my eye implants.” She shrugged, attempting nonchalance. “You know how it is. Hard to say no to discounts.”
Megabuilding H05, Vista del Rey, City Center – 01-15-2079, 20:12
The apartment in H05 was small but meticulously organized – a contrast to Charm’s old chaotic living space in Arroyo. Nadiya was guiding Charm towards the bathroom. “You need to clean up,” she said, her voice laced with concern. “And rest.”
Nadiya helped Charm undress, carefully avoiding any movements that would exacerbate her injuries. The cool air of the apartment sent a shiver through Charm’s skin as Nadiya turned on the shower. The water cascaded over her, washing away the grime and blood, but it couldn’t erase the memories of what had transpired in the Badlands.
Nadiya waited patiently until Charm finished showering, then wrapped her in a thick towel and guided her to the bedroom. It was a small space, dominated by a comfortable-looking bed and a few essential pieces of furniture. Nadiya helped Charm settle into the sheets, pulling the covers up around her. “I’ll make you something to eat,” Nadiya said softly, pausing at the door. “Just rest.”
The aroma of noodles filled the apartment as Charm drifted in and out of consciousness. When she finally woke again, it was to find Nadiya sitting beside her bed, a bowl of steaming ramen in her hands. “Eat something,” Nadiya urged gently. “You need your strength.”
Charm ate slowly, savoring each bite. The warmth of the broth soothed her aching body and calmed her racing thoughts. As she finished the last of the noodles, Nadiya settled back into a chair beside the bed, watching over her with quiet vigilance.
“Thank you,” Charm whispered, exhaustion pulling at her voice. “For everything.” Nadiya simply nodded, her expression unreadable. “Get some rest,” she said finally.
Scene #36 – A desperate plan
Megabuilding H05, Vista del Rey, City Center – 01-21-2079, 14:37
Charm felt marginally better, though the lingering ache in her ribs and the dull throb behind her temples were constant reminders of the encounter with Rooks. But recovery wasn’t her priority; Project Echelon was. And that meant finding a way to get someone at Militech.
The Kang Tao infiltration had been a messy success – a desperate gamble fueled by adrenaline and desperation. It wouldn’t work on Militech. The are layered with security protocols, redundant systems, and enough private military contractors to make a legion blush. A lone netrunner couldn’t crack that kind of shell. She needed something more… direct.
Charm spent days trawling through databases and back channels, sifting through mountains of data for any scrap of information about Militech personnel. It was tedious work, but her persistence paid off. She found him: Neil Hill. Senior Director of the Night City branch. A high-ranking executive with a reputation for ruthlessness and… surprisingly, a history of gambling debts.
The intel suggested he frequented the Diamond Dogs casino in Japantown. Charm considered it, but decided against it. Too public, too risky. Militech’s security was pervasive; even a casual encounter could be monitored and flagged. She needed something more subtle, more direct. A personal connection.
“He has a family,” she muttered to herself, staring at the grainy image of Neil Hill on her screen. “A daughter, apparently. Estranged, but still…” It was a long shot, a desperate gamble born out of necessity. But it was all she had.
Militech Building, Corpo Plaza, City Center – 01-22-2079, 16:52
The Militech building dominated the skyline of Corpo Plaza – a monolithic sign of corporate power and ambition. Polished chrome and reinforced glass reflected the grey sky, creating an oppressive atmosphere that seemed to suck the life out of everything around it. Charm parked her Shion several blocks away, wanting to minimize any potential surveillance.
She smoothed down her clothes, trying to project an air of confidence she didn’t feel. This was insane. Walking into Militech headquarters and claiming to be a long-lost daughter? It sounded like something out of a bad holo-drama. But desperation had a way of blurring the lines between sanity and madness.
The lobby was vast and sterile, all polished marble and cold efficiency. Security cameras tracked every movement, their lenses glinting ominously. A single receptionist sat behind a reinforced counter, her face impassive as she scanned incoming visitors with practiced indifference.
Charm took a deep breath and approached the counter. “Hello,” she said, forcing a smile. “I’m… Neil Hill’s daughter. Can I talk to him, please?” The woman didn’t even blink. “Mr. Hill doesn’t have any daughters registered in our system,” she replied flatly, her voice devoid of emotion.
Charm braced herself for rejection but pressed on. “That’s… complicated,” she said smoothly. “We haven’t seen each other in years. My parents divorced when I was very young.” She paused, letting the information sink in. “It wasn’t a particularly amicable split. He doesn’t exactly make an effort to stay in contact.”
She leaned forward slightly, injecting a note of vulnerability into her voice. “I know it sounds strange, but I really need to speak with him. It’s important.” The woman studied Charm for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, surprisingly, she nodded slowly. “Sit down and wait,” she said finally. “Mr. Hill is not available at the moment.”
Charm settled into one of the uncomfortable chairs in the lobby, trying to appear nonchalant while her heart hammered against her ribs. The silence stretched on, punctuated only by the hum of the ventilation system and the distant chatter of employees. She scanned the room, acutely aware of the security cameras watching her every move.
Just as she was starting to lose hope, a man walked past the counter. He was tall and imposing, with a face carved from granite and eyes that seemed to bore into everything they looked at. “Uhm… excuse me, Mr. Hill? Your daughter is here, waiting for you.” the receptionist says, her voice barely audible. She pointed in the direction of Charm.
The man stopped immediately, his gaze locking onto Charm with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. He moved towards her with slow, deliberate steps, each footfall echoing on the polished floor. His presence filled the space around her, radiating an aura of cold authority.
He stopped directly in front of her, close enough for her to see the faint lines etched into his face and the steely glint in his eyes. “Of course… my daughter!” he says, his voice a low rumble that sent tremors through her body. The tone was laced menace.
He paused, then issued a curt order without taking his eyes off Charm. “Lead her to my office,” he commanded, addressing the hulking figure standing silently behind him. The bodyguard, a mountain of muscle and chrome, nodded in acknowledgement and extended a hand towards Charm.
Charm swallowed hard, fighting down the urge to bolt. This was it. She had no idea what she’d walked into, but there was no turning back now. “Alright,” she said, her voice surprisingly steady despite the tremor in her hands. “Let’s go.” As she allowed herself to be led away by the bodyguard, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had just stepped into something far more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. The game was afoot, and she had no idea what the rules were.
Scene #37 – Luck is with the stupid
Militech Building, Corpo Plaza, City Center – 01-22-2079, 17:45
The chair was uncomfortable. It pressed against Charm’s spine as the bodyguard, a monolith of chrome and muscle, positioned himself directly behind her. The air in the office felt loaded with tension, charged by the silent scrutiny of the man who now occupied the large desk across from her.
Neil Hill was everything she’d imagined – imposing, cold, and radiating an aura of ruthlessness. He circled his desk slowly, a predator assessing its prey, before finally settling into the high-backed leather chair behind it. His gaze fixed on Charm with a mixture of suspicion and amusement.
“My guards have direct orders,” he said, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through the room, “to eliminate you if you try anything stupid.” Charm nodded, maintaining eye contact. “Understood,” she replied calmly, refusing to show any sign of fear or intimidation.
He leaned forward, his expression hardening. “And what is this charade? Why are you here, claiming to be my daughter?” Charm took a deep breath and launched into her carefully rehearsed explanation. “I’m trying to arrange a meeting,” she said, keeping her voice even. “A meeting between Arasaka and Militech.”
Hill erupted in laughter, a harsh, unsettling sound that echoed through the room. It wasn’t a friendly laugh; it was the sound of someone enjoying another person’s discomfort. “Arasaka and Militech? You want to bring those two together? Are you delusional?” He paused, letting his laughter subside before continuing. “And why should Arasaka and Militech meet? What possible benefit could come from such a ludicrous proposition?”
“I have vital information,” Charm stated firmly. “Information that both corporations would find… valuable. Information about a common enemy.” She didn’t elaborate, knowing that revealing too much would be counterproductive.
Just as Hill seemed poised to dismiss her entirely, Charm’s comm chimed – a sharp, insistent sound that cut through the tension in the room. Her heart leaped with a mixture of relief and apprehension. It was Colby McDonald, her father’s old friend at Arasaka.
“Can I take this call?” she asked, glancing at Hill. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest, a smug grin spreading across his face. “Be my guest,” he said dismissively. Charm answered the call, her voice filled with nervousness. “Mr. McDonald, good to hear from you. I’m currently at Militech.”
“Chambers, You’re at Militech?” Colby’s voice was clipped and professional, devoid of warmth. “Yes,” Charm replied curtly. “I need to put you on speakerphone. Can I do that?” Hill’s grin widened, a predatory gleam in his eyes. He clearly relished the prospect of witnessing this unfolding drama.
Charm activated the speaker function and placed the call on loud enough for Hill to hear. “Arasaka has reviewed your proposal,” Colby said, his voice cold and precise. “We agree to meet with a representative of Militech. Neutral ground is suggested. Militech may choose the location.”
A brief silence hung in the air as everyone processed the unexpected turn of events. Charm held her breath, unsure if this was a genuine offer or another elaborate game.
Hill’s expression shifted from amusement to calculating consideration. He tapped his fingers on the desk, lost in thought. After a moment that felt like an eternity, he spoke. “Very well,” he said finally. “We accept your terms.” The call ended abruptly, leaving behind a palpable sense of unease. Charm braced herself for what came next.
“You’re dismissed,” Hill said after a while, gesturing towards the door with a dismissive wave of his hand. As she reached the doorway, he spoke again, his voice low and laced with a chilling warning. “Do you understand that if this goes sideways, you will be the first to die?”
Charm didn’t respond. She simply walked out of the office, leaving Neil Hill and his bodyguard behind. The cold air of the corridor felt like a welcome relief after the suffocating atmosphere of the room she’d just left. “That… was much easier than I thought,” she said to herself.
Scene #38 – The meeting
Megabuilding H05, Vista del Rey, City Center – 01-25-2079, 11:32
The message arrived as a curt chime on her comm – an encrypted message from Colby McDonald. Charm scanned it quickly, her expression tightening slightly. Militech and Arasaka had settled on a date and location. Tomorrow, at 15:00 hours, the meeting would take place in the Rocky Ridge Mine Tunnel, connecting Red Peaks and the Rocky Ridge in the Eastern Wastelands. It was a remote spot, chosen for its neutrality – or as neutral as anything could be in Night City.
“Confirmed,” she replied to Colby’s message, keeping her response brief and professional. The weight of what this meeting represented settled on her shoulders. Charm checked her equipment: the mobile braindance devices, ensuring they functioned flawlessly. The recording she’d made of Mr. Rooks’ confession – the linchpin of this whole precarious arrangement – needed to be flawless. Any glitches could derail everything.
Nadiya had insisted on accompanying her. “Backup,” Nadiya had called it, with a wry smile. Charm hadn’t argued. Having someone with her wasn’t a bad idea when dealing with Arasaka and Militech.
Rocky Ridge Mine Tunnel, Eastern Wastelands, Badlands – 01-26-2079, 13:45
The drive out to the Badlands was a tense affair. The landscape was bleak and unforgiving, all rust-colored rock and scrubby vegetation under a burning sun. Charm navigated her Shion along the winding road, the vehicle’s suspension groaning with each bump in the terrain.
She arrived at the Rocky Ridge Mine Tunnel well ahead of schedule, giving herself ample time to prepare. The tunnel itself was a gaping maw carved into the mountainside, its entrance shrouded in shadow. Only the headlights of her Shion illuminated the immediate area of the tunnel interior, casting long, distorted shadows that danced across the rough walls.
Nadiya stood silently beside the car, her hand resting on the butt of her gun. “Everything alright?” She asked quietly, her voice barely audible above the hum of the Shion’s engine.
“Just… nerves,” Charm admitted, running a hand through her pink-streaked black hair. “This could turn ugly very quickly.” She set up the braindance devices on the hood of her car. The recording of Mr. Rooks’ confession was ready to play – a damning piece of evidence that she hoped would be enough to convince both corporations to listen.
Rocky Ridge Mine Tunnel, Eastern Wastelands, Badlands – 01-26-2079, 15:00
The silence stretched taut as the first vehicle approached the tunnel entrance. Then another, and another, until two convoys of cars – one emblazoned with the sleek logo of Arasaka, the other bearing Militech’s insignia – filled the approaches to the tunnel.
As the convoys converged at the center of the tunnel, where Charm and Nadiya waited, two delegations emerged from the vehicles. The air crackled with tension as heavily armed bodyguards flanked each group, their eyes scanning the other side with palpable suspicion.
Leading the Arasaka delegation was Colby McDonald, his face impassive and professional. Beside him stood a man Charm didn’t recognize – a tall, impeccably dressed Japanese executive with an air of quiet authority that radiated from every pore.
The Militech contingent was equally formidable. Neil Hill strode forward, radiating confidence and barely concealed impatience. Beside him stood a woman who could have been sculpted from ice – blonde, sharp-featured, and exuding an aura of cold competence. Charm hadn’t seen her before either. She looked like she knew exactly what she was doing, and that was more than enough to make Charm uneasy.
The bodyguards on both sides remained vigilant, their hands hovering near their weapons. The only sound was the low hum of the Shion’s engine and the distant echo of dripping water within the tunnel walls.
Charm cleared her throat, the sound echoing unnaturally loud in the confined space of the tunnel. She took a deep breath, trying to project an air of calm she didn’t entirely feel. “Thank you both for agreeing to this meeting,” she said, addressing Colby and Hill simultaneously. “I understand your time is valuable, so I’ll get straight to the point.”
She paused briefly, letting her words sink in before continuing. “I have information regarding a project initiated by Kang Tao that poses a significant threat to both Arasaka and Militech. A project designed to destabilize both of your corporations.”
Hill snorted derisively. “Kang Tao? Playing nice with the big boys now, are they?” He crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. Charm ignored him, focusing on her audience. “They’ve developed a sophisticated piece of malware,” she explained, “specifically designed to target and disable critical systems within both Arasaka and Militech products.”
“Malware? Every corpo has malware,” Hill interjected, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “What makes this one so special?”
“This isn’t your run-of-the-mill virus, Mr. Hill,” Charm replied, her tone clipped. “This is a targeted attack, meticulously crafted to exploit vulnerabilities in both of your systems. It’s designed to cripple you simultaneously.” She continued, “If this isn’t handled with extreme care, it could very easily escalate into another corporate war – one that neither of you can afford.”
The Japanese executive from Arasaka remained impassive, his expression unreadable. Colby McDonald watched Charm intently, a flicker of something akin to concern crossing his features.
Charm pressed on, knowing she needed to deliver the full weight of her information before they dismissed it as another corporate ploy. “Kang Tao’s goal isn’t just about profit,” she said. “It’s about creating chaos, weakening both Arasaka and Militech, and positioning themselves as the dominant power in Night City… the world, possibly.”
She paused again, taking a moment to build suspense. “And I have proof.” She looked directly at Hill and Colby. “I possess a first-hand confession from the chief of security for Kang Tao. He admitted to eliminating anyone who learned about it… Project Echelon to be exact.”
Hill let out another scoff. “Eliminating? You’re saying someone at Kang Tao ordered assassinations? How original and completely unpredictable,” he said. “Including my parents,” Charm stated flatly, her voice devoid of emotion.
Charm reached out to the two mobile braindance devices and the copies of all the material she gathered. She handed one to Colby and the other to Hill. “This contains his all proofs,” she said. “A full sensory recording of his admission. You can experience it firsthand.” The tunnel fell silent as both men examined the devices, their expressions shifting from skepticism to cautious curiosity.
The bodyguards remained tense, their hands still hovering near their weapons, but even they seemed to be holding their breath, waiting to see what would happen next. Charm watched them both, her heart pounding in her chest. This was it – the moment of truth. Would this evidence be enough to convince these corporate titans to put aside their differences and face a common threat?
The devices were passed down the line, landing in the hands of the companions flanking Hill and Colby. The Japanese executive’s associate was a stoic figure, barely shifting as he initiated playback. Nadiya watched intently, her hand never straying far from her weapon. A collective silence descended upon the tunnel as each man absorbed the raw data of Rooks confession and final demise.
When the braindance ended, a palpable shift occurred in the atmosphere. The Japanese executive and the blonde woman exchanged a brief nod, acknowledging what they had just witnessed. Hill turned to McDonald, his expression now serious, devoid of the earlier snark. “We have a lot to discuss,” he stated flatly.
He then pivoted towards Charm, a smirk playing on his lips. “You’ve proven… useful,” he said arrogantly. “Expect a message from me if I think you might be of use again.” Charm ignored the jab, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.
Stepping forward, Colby McDonald broke the tension. He approached Charm and placed a firm hand on her shoulder, a gesture that felt surprisingly genuine amidst the corporate machinations. “Thank you,” he said sincerely. “For your work, and for your proactive behavior. You’ve potentially averted a catastrophe.”
Charm met his gaze, allowing a small smile to grace her lips. “Just doing my part,” she replied, keeping her tone professional but with a hint of relief woven into her words. The future remained uncertain, but for now, she had managed to pull back the curtain on a dangerous conspiracy and perhaps, just perhaps, prevented another corporate war from erupting in Night City.
To be continued…
I hope you liked part eight of the playthrough. I’m looking forward to see you next week when Charm continues her adventure in part nine.
