Hallo and welcome to part nine of the Cyberpunk solo campaign that I’m playing using the Mythic GME 2nd Edition and TinyD6 Cyberpunk.
Renee really managed to get both corporations on board and – at least for now – working together more or less harmoniously. Let’s hope that it stays that way.
Scene #39 – When we say “Jump!”, you say “How high?”
Pacific Boulevard, The Glen, City Center – 02-03-2079, 18:13
The rain hammered against the reinforced glass of Charm’s Shion, blurring the neon-slicked streets of Night City into an impressionistic smear of color. She was cruising through the grimy underbelly of the city, heading towards Chantale Fanfan, a notoriously eccentric netrunner known for her ability to coax every last drop of performance from outdated cyberware. Her own rig needed a serious overhaul; her reflexes were starting to lag, and she’d been experiencing frustrating glitches during recent dives.
Her comm chimed, interrupting her thoughts. It was a group call – Hill and McDonald. She hesitated for a moment before answering, a knot of apprehension tightening in her stomach. “Yup,” she answered curtly.
“Ms. Chambers, we need you on something urgent,” Hill’s voice crackled through the speaker, laced with his usual brand of condescending authority. “A situation has developed that requires your… unique skillset.”
McDonald quickly interjected, a note of urgency in his tone. “Kang Tao is pushing things too far. We need you to run a gig against them – a deep dive into their systems and erase all information pertaining to Project Echelon.”
Charm’s breath hitched slightly. “Erase everything? That’s… extensive,” she replied cautiously. “It needs to be clean,” McDonald confirmed. “But neither Arasaka nor Militech wants any association with your gig or its fallout. It’s a liability we can’t afford.”
A long silence followed, punctuated only by the relentless drumming of the rain. Charm finally spoke, her voice carefully neutral. “You realize that even if we erase it all, there’s still a chance someone could reconstruct it? There are countless people working on that project…”
Hill let out a derisive snort. “That’s where your second task comes into play.” He paused for dramatic effect. “Eliminate everyone on the employee lists of Kang Tao who worked directly on Project Echelon. Every single one.” Charm burst out laughing, a sharp, sarcastic sound that echoed through the car’s interior. “Is there anything else you need me to do? Bake a cake? Knit a sweater for your CEO?”
McDonald’s voice cut through her sarcasm, sharp and serious. “This is not a joke, Charm. This is incredibly serious. We need this handled cleanly and efficiently.” He paused briefly before continuing. “You will meet with a contact – codename ‘Silas’ – in three days. He’ll provides you with a list of potential members of a crew we want you to assemble.”
He continued, his voice taking on a more formal tone. “All resources for this operation will be provided by a joint pool of Arasaka and Militech. You’ll have access to advanced weaponry, transportation, intel support – everything you need.”
Charm remained silent for a moment, processing the implications of what she had just heard. It was a monumental request, bordering on impossible. A full-scale elimination operation, backed by the combined might of Arasaka and Militech? The sheer scale of it was daunting.
Charm sighed, a weary sound escaping her lips. She pulled the car over to the curb, killing the engine and letting the rain intensify around her. This was far more than she had bargained for when she agreed to help with Project Echelon. It wasn’t just about uncovering a conspiracy anymore; it was about becoming a weapon in a corporate power struggle, a pawn in a game she barely understood.
She looked out at the rain-swept streets of Coast View, her reflection staring back at her from the darkened window. The pink streaks in her black hair seemed to glow faintly in the dim light, a stark contrast to the grim reality that lay ahead. She was just a netrunner, trying to make ends meet, and now she was being asked to orchestrate a series of assassinations on behalf of two of the most powerful corporations in the world.
“Understood,” she finally said into the comm, her voice flat and devoid of emotion. “I’ll be in touch with Silas.” She ended the call, severing the connection and plunging herself back into the solitude of her car. The rain continued to beat against the glass, a relentless soundtrack to the impending storm.
She started the engine again, pulling back onto the street. Fanfan would have to wait. This was going to require more than just a cyberware upgrade. The thought of assembling a crew for this kind of operation sent a shiver down her spine. She needed someone reliable, ruthless, and capable of handling the pressure. Someone who wouldn’t ask too many questions.
Scene #40 – The legend of Rache Bartmoss
Megabuilding H05, Vista del Rey, City Center – 02-05-2079, 23:07
The rain hadn’t let up, but Charm barely noticed it anymore. The world had shrunk to the confines of Nadiya’s apartment in Megabuilding H05. For the past few days, she’d been consumed by preparation, meticulously dissecting Kang Tao’s digital architecture and formulating a plan that could cripple their Project Echelon operation – and erase any trace of its existence.
The apartment had transformed into a war room. Data streams flowed across her monitors, displaying network diagrams, employee profiles, security protocols, and countless lines of code. She’d spent hours poring over leaked documents, intercepted communications, and even managed to bribe a disgruntled Kang Tao technician for access to their internal schematics.
The goal was about causing maximum disruption while leaving minimal trace. Charm understood that Kang Tao wouldn’t go down without a fight. Their security systems were notoriously robust, layered with firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and AI-powered countermeasures. She needed to find the weak points, the vulnerabilities that could be exploited to create chaos.
Her plan centered around a multi-pronged approach. First, she identified several key nodes within Kang Tao’s network – their primary data servers, research & development hubs, and communication relays. These were the arteries of Project Echelon, and disrupting them would effectively sever its lifeline. Second, she realized that coordinating her digital assault with the physical elimination of the employees involved offered a significant tactical advantage and minimize suspicion.
The core of her strategy was an automated script – a digital parasite designed to burrow deep into Kang Tao’s intranet and lie dormant until activated. She’d spent countless hours coding, ensuring it was both efficient and stealthy. The script, dubbed “Wraith,” would crawl through their network like a ghost, attaching itself to all relevant data chunks related to Project Echelon – research documents, design schematics, financial records, everything. Once activated, Wraith would systematically delete this information, leaving behind only digital echoes that could be easily dismissed as glitches or errors.
Charm chuckled softly, remembering the legendary netrunner Rache Bartmoss and the DataKrash of 2022. The memory of that event – a catastrophic collapse of the old net that nearly brought civilization to its knees – had always been a source of fascination for Charm. She imagined what it must have felt like for Bartmoss, preparing for such a monumental act of digital sabotage – his dead man’s switch.
“He was probably just as annoyed by buggy code,” Charm muttered to herself, shaking off the reverie. This wasn’t the DataKrash; it was a targeted operation with specific goals. But the scale of the task still felt immense.
The following days were a blur of coding, testing, and refinement. She ran simulations, stress-tested her script against virtual replicas of Kang Tao’s network architecture, and meticulously reviewed every line of code for vulnerabilities. Sleep was a luxury she couldn’t afford. Nadiya’s apartment became a chaotic mess of empty nutrient paste containers, discarded cables, and scattered notes scribbled on anything she could find – napkins, receipts, even the back of her hand.
She also spent time researching the employees slated for elimination. Charm analyzed their routines, identified potential weaknesses in their defenses, and started formulating strategies for her team to exploit.
The most challenging aspect was ensuring that she hadn’t left any traces of her preparations. Kang Tao’s cybersecurity division was known for its aggressive monitoring practices. Every packet sent, every connection established, every line of code executed – it all left a digital footprint. Charm had been meticulous in covering her tracks, using proxy servers, encrypted channels, and constantly shifting IP addresses to mask her activity. The paranoia was starting to get to her, but she knew that a single slip-up could jeopardize the entire operation.
Finally, the day arrived when she was scheduled to meet with Silas. Charm took a long shower, scrubbing away the grime and exhaustion of the past few days. She donned a simple streetwear, concealing her smart pistol beneath its fabric. She checked her comm one last time and stepped out into the rain-soaked streets of Night City, heading towards her rendezvous with Silas.
Scene #41 – I once knew a man called Silas
Warehouse 45, Ingolstadt Drive, Northside Industrial District – 02-07-2079, 04:12
The warehouse was exactly as she’d been told – bleak, cavernous, and utterly devoid of any distinguishing features. Rain hammered against the corrugated iron roof, creating a constant, rhythmic drone that amplified the sense of isolation. Charm scanned the space, her hand instinctively hovering near the grip of her smart pistol.
Silas was waiting for her, just as she’d been told – an unremarkable man who blended seamlessly into the background. Middle-aged, with a face that could have belonged to anyone – a clerk, a delivery driver, a sanitation worker. Perfect for his job. He wore a nondescript grey suit and carried himself with a quiet confidence that belied his unassuming appearance.
“Ms. Chambers,” he said, his voice a low monotone. “Punctual. I appreciate it.” Charm nodded curtly, her eyes still scanning the warehouse. “Let’s get this over with.”
Silas produced a datapad and handed it to her. “Here’s the list of potential candidates for your… team,” he said, carefully avoiding any direct mention of their purpose. “They all have experience in covert operations, varying degrees of skill, and a certain… willingness to overlook ethical considerations.”
Charm flicked on the datapad, the screen illuminating her face with its cold glow. The list was extensive – dozens of names, each accompanied by a brief profile outlining their skills, specialties, and known affiliations. There were fixers, mercenaries, ex-military personnel, even a few reformed gang members looking for a second chance – or at least a lucrative payday.
She scrolled through the entries, her expression unreadable. It was a tedious process, sifting through the dross to find the gems – individuals who possessed the right combination of skills, experience, and discretion. Hill and McDonald had been right; this wasn’t something she could do alone. Kang Tao’s security detail surrounding Project Echelon’s developers was formidable, requiring a coordinated assault from multiple angles.
“This is a lot to sift through,” Charm commented dryly, without looking up from the datapad. “I need some time to evaluate these candidates.” Silas nodded impassively. “Naturally. I expect your selections by this evening.”
“I’ll contact you with my list,” she replied, copying the list to her cyberdeck. She handed back the datapad and turned to leave, the rain intensifying as she stepped out of the warehouse and into the night.
Kabuki Roundabout, Kabuki, Watson – 02-07-2079, 06:44
The neon lights of Buck-A-Slice reflected in the puddles on the pavement, casting an eerie glow over the Kabuki Roundabout. Charm grabbed a slice of synthetic pepperoni pizza and a lukewarm cup of coffee, finding a secluded booth to study the list Silas had provided.
It was slow, painstaking work. Each profile needed careful scrutiny – checking for hidden affiliations, past performance records, and any potential red flags. She cross-referenced their backgrounds with public databases, and even attempted to hack into a few private intelligence agencies for additional information.
Hill and McDonald had insisted that eliminating the developers was the only way to truly cripple Project Echelon. Charm initially resisted the idea – she wasn’t a killer, and this felt like crossing a line she didn’t want to cross. But the more she analyzed Kang Tao, the more she realized they were right. A purely digital assault wouldn’t be enough; it would just create temporary chaos while allowing them to rebuild their systems and continue their research.
The weight of responsibility settled heavily on her shoulders. She was about to orchestrate a series of assassinations – for two corporations that didn’t care if she lived or died. But the alternative, letting Project Echelon come online, was far worse. The potential consequences were too dire to ignore.
After what felt like an eternity, Charm finally narrowed down her choices to three candidates who met her stringent criteria.
First there was Hinata – a 34-year-old Japanese solo with a reputation for meticulous planning and flawless execution. Her specialty was infiltration and exfiltration, able to slip in and out of heavily guarded locations without leaving a trace. Charm had reviewed footage of several of her past operations; the woman moved like a ghost.
Next was Mutagen – a 40-year-old ex-Marine with a penchant for brutal efficiency. He was a walking arsenal, trained in close-quarters combat and possessing an uncanny ability to anticipate his opponents’ moves. His background was checkered, but Charm believed he could be controlled with the right incentives.
Finally, there was Ghoul – a 33-year-old German mercenary known for her expertise in unconventional warfare and complete lack of moral qualms. She was rumored to have worked for various shadowy organizations throughout Europe, specializing in sabotage and disruption. Her price was high, but Charm figured she’d be worth it.
All three were specialists in covert operations, each bringing a unique skillset to the table. Hinata would handle infiltration and reconnaissance; Mutagen would provide muscle and security; and Ghoul would bring the chaos.
Charm sent the list to Silas, attaching detailed profiles of her selections. The response was almost immediate: “Affirmative. Those are suitable candidates.”
A wave of exhaustion washed over Charm as she leaned back in her booth, the synthetic pepperoni pizza growing cold beside her. She had a team now – a collection of hardened professionals ready to carry out her orders. But the real challenge was just beginning. The rain continued to fall outside, mirroring the storm brewing within her.
Scene #42 – I can feel your tounge when I poke my finger in there
Warehouse 45, Ingolstadt Drive, Northside Industrial District – 02-08-2079, 23:17
The atmosphere inside Warehouse 45 was colder than the night air. Charm received the message from Silas earlier that day – a terse notification confirming a meeting with her assembled team at the same location as before. She’d spent the intervening hours reviewing their profiles again, trying to anticipate their personalities and potential conflicts. It hadn’t helped much.
The warehouse was even more desolate than she remembered. The only illumination came from a single bare bulb hanging precariously from the ceiling, casting long, distorted shadows across the concrete floor. Silas stood near the entrance, his expression as impassive as ever. He gestured towards three figures huddled in the center of the room.
The first was Ghoul – a woman who immediately radiated an unsettling aura. Tall and lean with close-cropped black hair and piercing grey eyes, she moved with a predatory grace that sent a shiver down Charm’s spine. Her attire was practical – dark tactical gear layered over a form-fitting bodysuit – but it couldn’t disguise the intensity of her gaze. Undeniably German.
Without preamble, Ghoul approached Charm, her movements fluid and deliberate. She stopped just inches away, then unexpectedly, she reached out and cupped Charm’s face in her hands. The contact was surprisingly gentle, yet intensely unsettling. Her fingers traced the contours of Charm’s cybernetic jawline, pausing at the seam where her chrome met flesh.
Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, Ghoul inserted a finger into the cavity of the augmentation, tracing the outline of the internal mechanisms. A strange sensation pulsed through Charm’s neural network – a combination of discomfort and morbid curiosity.
“Interesting…” Ghoul murmured, her voice low and soft. “I can feel your tongue when I poke my finger in there!”
Charm recoiled slightly, slowly pulling away from Ghoul’s touch. The woman simply smiled, a thin, unsettling expression that didn’t quite reach her eyes. It was clear she wasn’t apologizing; it was more of an observation than anything else.
The second member of the team was Hinata – a stark contrast to Ghoul. The Japanese woman was small and wiry, with bright, mischievous eyes and a perpetually amused expression. She wore a brightly colored combat armor and carried herself with an almost playful energy that seemed entirely out of place in the grim surroundings.
“Konbanwa!” Hinata chirped cheerfully as she noticed Charm’s arrival. “Good evening! I brought mochi! Would you like some?” She held up a small container filled with sweet, glutinous rice cakes. Charm managed a weak smile. “Hello, Hinata. Mochi later.” The woman just grinned and popped one into her mouth, chewing contentedly.
The final member of the team was Mutagen – and he was exactly as Charm had feared: an arrogant, blustering idiot. A mountain of muscle with a shaved head and a perpetually scowling expression, he immediately launched into a monologue about his military experience.
“So, you’re the runner,” he grunted, barely glancing at Charm. “Good. We need someone who can open doors. I’ll handle the rest. Just so you know, I was a Marine for ten years. Recon specialist. Trained in all forms of combat. You kids probably wouldn’t even know what a bayonet is.”
Charm resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “I’m aware of what a bayonet is,” she retorted dryly. “And I’ll handle my own part of the operation, thank you very much.” Mutagen just snorted dismissively. “Whatever you say, sweetheart. Just don’t get in the way.”
Silas cleared his throat, attempting to restore order. “Let’s focus on the task at hand,” he said, his voice devoid of emotion. “Ms. Chambers has outlined the plan. We need to coordinate our efforts to ensure success. And please… do not forget, that SHE is in charge of this operation.”
Charm took a deep breath and began to lay out her strategy – explaining the target locations, the security protocols, and the potential risks involved. Mutagen interrupted frequently with unsolicited advice and condescending remarks.
“Shut up,” Ghoul stated flatly, her grey eyes fixed on Mutagen with an intensity that could melt steel. There was no inflection, no emotion – just cold, hard command. “And let the leader talk. She gives the orders, and we follow… ALL of us! Understood?”
Mutagen sputtered, his face reddening under his shaved head. He opened his mouth to retort, likely launching into another tirade, but Ghoul’s gaze pinned him in place. The sheer force of her presence seemed to physically restrain him.
Hinata stifled a giggle behind her hand, offering Charm a sympathetic glance. Silas simply nodded curtly, acknowledging the restoration of order.
As Charm continued to explain the plan, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had assembled a motley crew – a collection of disparate personalities who were unlikely to work together harmoniously. But they were all she had. And failure wasn’t an option.
Charm glanced at her team – Ghoul’s unsettling gaze, Hinata’s cheerful smile, and Mutagen’s blustering arrogance – and knew that this operation was going to be far more complicated than she had initially anticipated.
To be continued…
Thank you for your time and interest in part nine of my solo campaign. I hope to see you next week!
