Chapter 7

The next two weeks start with a deluge of activity from the renters, and some agitation from your 6th Street racket collector Greg. You don't understand much, and there's too much noise to filter through to get anything usable down. Even Peni is a little caught off guard from this development, and stays in the living room more often now-- presumably to keep an eye on you.

Cute, but unnecessary.

You hit your workshop and call Padre under your Anansi guise to get some info out of him. He's not exactly open to tell you stuff, but he does at least give you contact info for less scrupulous Fixers.

With them, you work out a deal for one-time payments that put you on a metaphorical grapevine-- even hooking you up to a chat room where rumors and intel are exchanged. Here, you learn the truth.

In the wake of the gang war between 6th Street and the Valentinos, Scav activity has seen a resurgence; the low lives being seen hauling away the fallen from both sides in the aftermath of some battles. It's gotten so bad that both sides called a truce to deal with the issue, but it might be too little too late.

Ambushes, kidnappings, and even full on assaults on some gang holdings have been reported-- with the scavs mobilizing to take advantage of both the 6th Street and Valentino gangs' current situation to carve a small slice of turf for themselves; ironically in the same area that the two gangs perviously fought over. It's even gotten a nickname from the locals; Scav Alley.

With that stronghold, the scum have launched operations into the turfs of both 6th Street and Valentinos; with ambushes and abductions being report in the middle of gang-controlled zones.

There is some good new to this though; with the Scavs making their move, both 6th Street and Valentinos are now more motivated than ever to exterminate them-- marshaling their best fighters and bringing out their heaviest gear to the fore. So there's hope yet of the Scavs being kicked back into the dark where they belong.

Still, the situation is developing. Thus, your 2k Eddie investment is actually paying dividends already. Sweet.

(established intelligence network, gained Notable Intel section to Start-of-Turn menu, unlocked new Personal Actions)

Peni is… not at all pleased with this development. Oh, she doesn't say much about it, but you can tell it's eating away at her.

Now she spends some more time looking out windows with deep, worried looks and an expression that looks like a mix of want, fear, and anger. It's easy enough to figure out why-- she wants to go out and do her superheroing thing again to make NC a safer place but still needs her mechsuit.

You're the only one who can make it, but it's not like she can force you to work on it; you were busy enough already with your current projects.

Speaking of projects, you're actually running low on materials for them. So you give the list of suppliers a call and find a relatively new supplier willing and able to bring you goods at a decent price.

You make a bulk order and the supplier is more than happy to send it to the usual drop off point--Vik's storage unit. They schedule the delivery for tomorrow and you make sure you get some sleep before going out, sending a message to your group of friends to see who's available to help out.

Kiwi, surprisingly enough, offers to lend a hand since she's free for the time being. You're more than happy to welcome her assistance.

Early the next day, you take your Mai Mai and drive out to the storage area. News comes of a traffic jam on the main road, so you have Thread look up a map of NC to give you a shorter route.

This deep in 6th Street turf, you were reasonably sure nothing would happen to you; you paid your racket, kept your head down, did nothing to warrant attention. You should have been fine.

Should have.

As you're driving, a group of gonks run across the end of the alley and drag with them a fence-- reinforced with additional metal rods as well as spikes. Then, from the side, men in hoodies kick open doors and rush out into the open brandishing handguns, SMGs, and melee weapons.

Scavs.

Immediately, you put your car in reverse and try to back out, but then the other end of the alley is closed off with heavy garbage cans, held in place with rocks wedged under the wheels plus an indistinct white van

You brake and curse as more people come out, also armed. All bear the same look of malicious stoicism-- not showing any emotion yet possessing of body language that means harm.

You open your Agent to try and contact help from Kiwi, but the signal is dead-- which means you're either in a dead zone or (more likely) the Scavs deployed jammers.

Which means you're all alone.

You grit your teeth and consider your options as the men and women walk closer, heart racing and fear rising.

You take a deep breath to calm down, flinching as the Scavs shoot-- their bullets failing to punch through the bullet resistant glass of your ride.

This was a bad day to take a shortcut through an alley. But it's okay, you're not completely screwed; there's still ways out of this. The doors the yonos in front of you used to pop in the alley go into the building, and all buildings have multiple doors leading to various places.

Which means there has to be a way out of this through the building.

You activate your spiderbots and give them orders, scuttling them to the windows while keeping them out of sight. You roll your windows down a little bit, just enough to shoot through, and pop off some shots.

The Scavs hit the deck or jump for cover, flinging return shots at you which don't come close to you or your car. It also immobilizes them, which makes them prime targets for a ramming.

You loosen the brakes and put the pedal to the metal, the MaiMai's wheels screeching on the ground and lunging forward. The Scavs scramble out of the way, but you tag at least two-- running over one's leg and clipping another on the side.

You hit the fence, the impact jostling you in your seat and angling the MaiMai so that it effectively blocks off a door.

Shaking off the impact, you grab your shotgun and exit out the driver's side door; lowering the windows and keeping low as shots are flung your way. You scamper through the building's open door and give the spiderbots the order to attack.

Screams rise up as you move inside, not bothering to check.

=X=X=X=X=X=

It was supposed to be an easy mark.

Big car, little guy, takin' a shortcut. We box him in, pull him out of the car, cut him up for chrome and organs, and send the car to a chop shop. Did it dozens of times before, no reason why we couldn't do it again.

So we do the usual-- fence on one side, blockade on the other. We come in all armed and ready and mean, right? Figured the gonk would've frozen up and let us zero him in his seat right there.

But then we found out that his ride's got bullet-proof glass, and then he shot back. Spicy fucker, I'll give him that-- takes some guts to shoot back when you're outnumbered. Even downed two of us from his car; that's how good of a shot he was.

Then he tried to run us over. Hit Yeezo on the side and popped Yelena's leg.

When he ran into the fence, I thought 'we gotchu now' and ran up to him with the others. I saw the windows go down and…

…

Kurt went down first to those… those things. They swarmed him, cut him up like meat while he screamed and screamed. Vince died next, fell down when one of the bigger ones shot him in the head.

We tried shooting them, but they were just… they just so fast! They scuttled around like they were real spiders, and when the got close they cut at you! Uri and Dom died like that-- those things jumped onto their faces and just-- FUCK, man!

We had to run! We HAD to-- they were just so fast! I tried dragged Yelena back to the van, but they jumped on her and they just-- I-I couldn't do nothin' man! They cut her up while she screamed and I couldn't do nothin'!

I'm tellin' you man-- don't fuck with that MaiMai! Just don't!

=X=X=X=X=X=

Kiwi comes immediately after your call to help, having diverted from the storage unit straight to you when you gave her a call. She arrives on her bike and immediately drew her iron as she ran to you with questions.

The two of you hesitantly went to check at the suspicious lack of gunfire, and find dead Scavs everywhere-- either shredded or downed from gunfire.

"Goddamn…" she breathes. "Pete, what did you do?"

"N-Nothing! I just sicced my Spiderbots on them to cover my escape!" you protest. "I… I-I guess the Assassins might've gone a little too far."

"Assassin--" Kiwi pauses, takes a deep breath, and exhales. "You. You built assassin spiderbots."

"No, I just outfitted regular Weaver-types with blades and programmed them to prioritize stealth but move fast if they're detected." you pause. "Huh. A dedicated stealth spiderbot sounds like a--"

"Not here, Pete." Kiwi sighs, walking over to your MaiMai. "Hm. The front windscreen's all fucked up, but it's still driveable it looks like. You're gonna have a hard time looking through it though."

"I can just take it off and drive that way, no problem." you sigh. "I'll get the gate-- mind driving it out the alley?"

Kiwi agrees easily enough. You blast the lock off with your shotgun and push the gate aside, allowing the MaiMai to drive back out into the main street. There, you remove the busted windscreen and put it in the back, not wanting to leave any evidence for NCPD to track you down with.

You also do a cursory check on the area; both to look for evidence and to find anything worth looting. Which you do.

Two Guillotine SMGs, a Carnage shotgun, two Claws, and a Cut-o-Matic. You sniff at the Slaught-o-Matic-- those guns were worthless anyway. But main thing you found off of a dead Scav was a nifty piece of clothing.

A modified Tactical Turtleneck with in-built 'pockets' for armor plating. It doesn't protect the wearer from headshots as the hole on his left temple proves, but hey it's something at least!

So you gingerly help yourself to it and the various guns you found. Not like these gonks would have any use for them now.

"Pete, you done looting yet?" Kiwi calls out. "We gotta go and you your ride still has the windscreen to take out!"

You run over, toss your gains in the back, and make quick work of removing the windscreen. That done, you and Kiwi drive off without another word.

(gain 2 Guillotine SMGs, gain 1 Carnage shotgun, gain 2 Claws, gain 1 Cut-o-Matic, gain 1 Armored Tactical Turtleneck)

You make sure to tell everyone about your run in and make sure to emphasize that you're okay. You didn't even get hit once in that engagement, and you got some nice loot out of it too.

Peni sends you a frowning emoji, but nonetheless tells you how glad she is that you're alright.

Hah. She can't even get mad at you since this is all self-defense.

Anyways, you and Kiwi reach the storage unit unharmed and get to waiting for the next materials delivery to arrive. With the time available to you, Kiwi takes the opportunity to scold you for taking a stupid shortcut despite knowing about the recent upsurge of Scav activity.

"I know you keep your head down and you've gotten a ton of stuff since you moved out, but please Peter-- NC is dangerous. There could always another threat behind a corner, and you have to keep your ears perked and eyes peeled." she lectures, and you take it with the experience of you taking lectures from your Aunt May. "I get that you aren't a bennie anymore and that you've got iron, but it's still risky."

"Yes mooooooooooooom." you groan. Kiwi smacks you. "What? You talk like one, so I might as well call you that!"

"Brat." she huffs. "What happened to the clueless kid I picked up a from an alley so long ago who was so wide-eyed and stayed at my place for months?"

"Night City happened." you snort. Kiwi laughs. "But yeah, I get it-- keep my ear to the ground and try not let this happen again if I can help it. The news about surging Scav activity should've kept me away from the alleys and side roads in the first place."

"Right. Why do you think there's a lot of traffic jams lately?" she huffs. "You're such a gonk, Pete."

"You remember that this 'gonk' built you a ton of stuff for your netrunning work, right?"

"Still a gonk."

You grump and grumble as the older woman giggles.

"This was a bit of a real wake up call though." you admit. "I might… do some work on myself so if I'm in a situation like that again I'm not as potentially helpless without a small team of bots."

"You should." Kiwi nods. "You're a hot item now, Pete-- people are starting to notice the techie who makes all the Spiderware that's circulating in the market right now. I know for a fact I've been asked about my tech supplier, and so has Vik."

"Damn, really?" you wince. "Shit, I thought I was being careful…"

"You are. The fact that no-one been able to find you goes to show just how effective your anonymity is being." Kiwi tells you. "But the more you pump out, the more likely it is for someone to find out who you are. And when that happens… well, I'm sure you know what that means."

You swallow heavily and nod.

"So, since self-betterment is on the table now, I'd recc taking up self-defense lessons. Something simple so you don't have to worry about assassins." she tells you. "Maybe consider chippin' in?"

"I've considered that, yeah." you nod. "Though, ah, I think I'll go to Vik for any installations and such. Plus, any chrome would have to be from me."

"That's a start." Kiwi nods. "You know, I was wondering if you'd ever expand into more specialist chrome-- like optics and sensors or tendons. Those are pretty useful, and plenty of Runners need them for jobs."

"I've thought about it, yeah. I've got optics planned, but it's still just a prototype right now-- nothing usable yet." you shake your head. "Gimme a few weeks though and we'll see."

"Good, good." Kiwi nods.

A silence falls over you two, comfortable and easy. There was nothing else to say or do, but it's… nice. Like walking down memory lane.

And speaking of memory lane…

"Hey, Kiwi?" you say. And when she turns to you, you lean in and hug her. "Thanks. For coming for me when I asked."

"…gonk." she smiles and wraps an arm around you. "You're welcome Pete. I knew you'd do the same if I asked, no way I wouldn't return the favor."

"I know, I just wanted to thank you anyway." you hum. "It's only fair."

"Yeah. Yeah, it is." she sighs.

You hug for a little while longer before pulling away with a big grin.

"So, I heard that a certain badass Edgerunner with the "Miss Webb" handle was able to move up in the edgerunning business and get into Afterlife." you grin. "Know anything about that, Kiwi?"

"So you heard about that, huh? Bah, you say that like it's big news." she snorts, but you spot the faint red on her face. "It's just another Fixer."

"From what I understand, Afterlife is the Fixer in NC. They have the best rep and cater to the highest paying clientele in the business." you snort back. "It's not something you can be humble about-- I mean you can, but it's still a big achievement for a runner! You should be proud!"

"Ugh, you make so hard to dislike you Pete." Kiwi laughs. "Okay, yeah, I'm a little proud of that and it's basically NCs big leagues for Runners. But c'mon Pete, it's nothing to make a racket about."

"You say that, but you're in the big leagues! Most runners don't last that long, if they last at all!" you laugh, cheering. "You deserve to flaunt a little!"

"…Maybe I do." she smiles, a small and happy thing that lights your heart up with joy. "Thanks Pete."

You beam at her.

"So, anything else happening to you that I should know?" you ask, a little eager.

"Ugh, prying much?"

"Color me curious. It's been ages since we last sat down and talked, y'know?"

"Hah. Alright, fair." Kiwi takes a deep breath and exhales. "So… I'm seeing someone."

"Oh." you blink. "Well. Congrats!"

"I-It's nothing serious!" she argues, blushing. "I worked with him for a few jobs and we saved each others lives. We went drinking a few times and… we clicked, I guess." she shrugs. "It just sorta happened."

"Okay…?" you blink. "I don't get why you're so defensive about this."

"You…" she turns to you. "You're not mad?"

"Why would I be?" you gawk. "Kiwi, what gave you the impression that I'd be mad about anything you do? It's your life, I can't tell you how to live it."

"I-I know that! It's just…" she fidgets. "I didn't think you'd approve."

"Kiwi, I'm the last person you need to seek approval from." you sigh. "I took in a stray gonk myself, did I go to you for approval?"

"…no." Kiwi sighs, shoulders slumping. "Ugh, I'm such a gonk."

"Then that makes two of us." you laughs, patting her shoulder. She shoots you a look. "But for real though, congrats. You deserve some happiness in this shithole, Kiwi. God knows we need it."

"Yeah… didn't think you were religious, though." she squints at you.

"I can be whatever I damn well want, that's no issue." you shrug. "Anyways, you and Mr…?"

"Mister my butt." she snorts. "His name's Richard. He goes by Rich in the Street. A little new on the block, but he's got the bite to back up the bark. He and I are working in tandem-- I hit the 'Net, he hits gonks in realspace."

"A good combo." you nod. "He needs any chrome?"

"Nah, he's got his own. Nothing from you, mind-- just the usual street stuff with some decent Corpo chrome thrown in." Kiwi nods. "He's not half bad for a relative newbie. Don't have to cover for him a lot, for starters; he can take care of himself mostly."

"Good to hear then." you beam. "I'm happy for you, Kiwi. Really."

"…thanks Pete." she smiles at you. "Oh, and just in time; there's the truck."

"Hell yeah. Let's get these loaded so you can tell me more about this 'Rich' guy-- he sounds like quite the character." you laugh.

(gain 40,000 Materials)

Material stocks replenished and Kiwi spoken to, you get back to work with your production center.

It hasn't been touched since the last time a few dumbass gonks tried to turn it into a hideout, so you decide that now it as good a time as any to get to work on it and finally make mass-production easy. For that, you have to drive on in the early hours of the morning, hook the trailer to your car, and haul it to a safer location. From there, you bring your tools in and get to work.

Building the machines that would build the chrome is easy enough-- you build them in your apartment piecemeal and then transport them over to the trailer to be installed inside.

The interior of the trailer itself is… pretty empty. Whatever was in here had been moved ages ago, leaving a bare interior-- allowing you to set things up without much of a hassle.

Now to put it all together and see if it works. Easy peasy.

First is the power source. Then the wiring. Then the assembly machines themselves. You arrange it so that the machines would pump out products and a dedicated conveyor belt would haul the stuff to a collection point where you'd come in and pick it all up.

Maintenance is simple, and feeding the machines raw materials is easy enough to accomplish-- literally just go inside and dump the various materials in the various feedstock funnels where they would be processed into parts for assembly. You'd have to do this once every two weeks and it will take a chunk out of your material stocks, but that's alright; with the profits your Spiderware sales make, you can just buy more materials.

The real issue here is mobility. The reason why you picked this trailer in the first place was due to that after all-- keeping it stationary would invalidate that choice. Sadly, Padre sent a runner to take his truck back do you're on you're own.

You think about it for a good half hour before come up with a solution-- if you don't have an engine to move your trailer, then you'll just make one.

Well, not just one-- have a trailer move with one giant engine is a weak point that any gonk could take out. No, you instead make multiple engines (all electric) and set them all up under the trailer.

Each one powers and moves one wheel, and it comes with a dedicated nav computer linked to a publicly accessible map of NC-- so you can track it and so it knows where it is.

The mechanics to that is simple; the trailer knows where it is at all times. It knows this because it knows where it isn't. By subtracting where it is from where it isn't, or where it isn't from where it is (whichever is greater), it obtains a difference, or deviation. The guidance subsystem uses deviations to generate corrective commands to drive the trailer from a position where it is to a position where it isn't, and arriving at a position where it wasn't, it now is. Consequently, the position where it is, is now the position that it wasn't, and it follows that the position that it was, is now the position that it isn't. In the event that the position that it is in is not the position that it wasn't, the system has acquired a variation, the variation being the difference between where the trailer is, and where it wasn't. If variation is considered to be a significant factor, it too may be corrected by the GEA. However, the trailer must also know where it was. The trailer guidance computer scenario works as follows. Because a variation has modified some of the information the trailer has obtained, it is not sure just where it is. However, it is sure where it isn't, within reason, and it knows where it was. It now subtracts where it should be from where it wasn't, or vice-versa, and by differentiating this from the algebraic sum of where it shouldn't be, and where it was, it is able to obtain the deviation and its variation, which is called error.

…

Anyways.

There's the issue of security though, but you think that's easy enough to circumvent by keeping this thing to the outskirts of NC; on the abandoned roads between NC proper and the Badlands. That way, you don't have to worry about it being taking by hostile Nomads or some enterprising gang.

You'll come back to it with proper security measures, but until then, you put away all the newly made Spiderware and hit the switch-- watching as the automated trailer quietly rolls away.

…

"…shit, people are gonna talk about a haunted cargo trailer again, aren't they?" you sigh. "Dangnamit."

(gain Automated Production Center, -800 Material per turn, automatically produces ParkerTech items for sale, no longer need to take actions to manually produce ParkerTech items for sale)

A few days after you finish with the trailer, you get a call from Vik asking for assistance about something regarding his set up. You zoom over there and take a look at what's wrong.

"It freezes and glitches out every now and then. Nothing happens while I'm chippin' people in, but I figured it's best to see it fixed now before it messes someone up." you tells you as you run a diagnostic check. "Wouldn't want to accidentally flatline a client while I'm installing some chrome into him, y'know?"

"Yeah, that'd be bad for business." you wince. "So why didn't you call up someone else to help? Like Sasha or some other runner?"

"Netrunners aren't techies, Pete. They breach data-fortresses and steal info, not fix things." Vik laughs. "They might interact with electronics and chrome, but what they do is worlds apart."

"Ah. Right, fair point." you nod. "Okay, I found the issue. You've been poking around in the coding, have you Vik?"

"No?" he blinks. "Why, what's up?"

"Well, there's been some tampering with your setup's code here and here." you wave him over and point that affect lines of code. "Nothing I can't fix, but this kind of fuck up is usually done deliberately by someone accessing the source code and replacing some things."

"Ah, shit." he sighs. "Can you tell who did it?"

"Sure, lemme check the edit logs…" you do some tech wizardry and open said logs. "Okay, so, it says here that the last person who did anything in here before me was… an app?"

"A what?" Vik blinks. "Apps can do that?"

"Only if you give them permission to, yeah." you squint. "Uh… Did you happen to plug in any chrome recently in here?"

"Yeah, I plugged one in-- a particularly shitty piece from a no-name techie. He said it was his 'best work." he snorts. "Toss it back at him when I saw so many conflicting errors."

"Ah, yeah that'd do it. It seems something slipped inside and is in the process of fucking over your setup." you grunt. "Luckily, I can fix it."

"Phew. Thanks Pete-- you're a lifesaver." Vik pats your shoulder. "I really shouldn't just plug any junk chrome into my setup, huh?"

"You should probably look into getting a spare just in case." you tell him. "But that's just me talking. You're free to ignore or use it if you want."

Fixing the fuckup is easy enough; it's just a matter of isolating it, and gradually narrowing down the location of where the source of issues lay. First in a group of 50 folders, then lessening the number to 40, then 30, 20, 10, 5-- until you find the source folder. From then, you make sure to scan to verify your suspicions before siccing anti-virus/malware protection software on it.

It's a pretty unique piece of code, with elements taken from your ICE and Black ICE research. You put it in, and it gets to work on the malware installed-- deleting the program with a snap of your fingers.

After that, you do a little bit of coding to turn it into proper anti-virus software; periodically running scans, quarantining suspected files, and then deleting them. That done, you look up the operation record to get a look at what the malware is-- if only so you can learn what it does for future coding projects.

It's… well, it's pretty simple in operation. Rather than any kind of coding damage, it simply spreads itself all over the affected rig and gathers information. At some external signal, it transmits the gathered intel and then promptly deletes itself.

"Cheeky little shit…" you murmur. "Alright, your setup's all clear Vik."

"Thanks Pete." he sighs. "So, what's the damage?"

"Nothing-- it's all good. Just a passive data collection program that was supposed to monitor you and send the data on command." you muse. "It wasn't supposed to show up, but I guess it was incompatible with your rig."

"Yeah, mine is a little out of date. Bought it and got it set up a few years ago." he sighs. "Guess that saved me, huh?"

"Apparently." you nod. "I'm giving you a custom anti-virus and malware protection just in case though-- can never be too careful." you purse your lips as you type. "I am curious though; do you remember the gonk that the shit chrome was from? The one you plugged in to make this mess?"

"Only caught his handle, sorry." the older man sighs. "Called himself 'Unix'. No idea what his history is or what he's done, but he is pretty new."

"So he's a hotshot wannabe tryna play info broker." you snort. "Fuckin' gonk."

(gain 3000 Money, gain 1500 Material, Vik is pleased, unlocked new Personal Actions)

Making sure to file that information for later, you head home and take a bit to eat and refuel. Peni's in the kitchen cooking something, and the smell makes your stomach rumble happily.

"I figured I'd try out some of Misty's tricks." she beams at you. "I'm happy to say that they work on all types of Prepaks."

"I'm making her some tricked out Spiderbot bodyguards then." you grab a plate and take a seat at the kitchen counter. "Alright, feed me."

"What am I, your maid?" Peni snorts, amused. "You're lucky I'm cooking a big portion. But it's omurice though."

"Please tell me you're cooking the omelete and the rice separately."

"Of course I am-- what do you take me for, an idiot?"

"Sorry, I've been surrounded by a lot of idiots that I'm starting to have my doubts." you shrug. "Now, food!"

Peni grumbles good naturedly as she spoons some of the Prepak fried rice(?) and omelete(?) to your plate, then spoons the rest on hers. You take a bite and smile, a tear coming to your eye-- thankful that there's at least SOMEONE in NC who knows how to cook.

"I'm making her those spiderbot bodyguards." you announces, and Peni nods. "Someone like Misty can't be allowed to be harmed, not after giving us this."

"Agreed." Peni nods. "Y'know, if you fixed my mech, I can do patrols around her place often."

"You're telling me you can make a nine foot tall mechsuit go unseen?" you cock a brow. Peni shrugs.

"People don't look up often enough, what else can I say?" she tells you.

"…fair point. I still think spiderbots are better." you pause, remembering that you don't quite have the right tools yet. But you know some people might have them, and you know people who can help acquire those tools... for a price. "Huh. Actually, I can get that fixed right quick."

"Get what fixed?" Peni blinks. "You just stared into nothing and changed topics entirely."

"O-Oh, sorry, meant to say I'd get my lack of precision tools fixed."

"…you don't have precision tools?" she gawks. "Then how could you have fixed the SP//dr suit? Hell, how could you have done all the scienceing that you've been doing?"

You contact Padre once more and talk to him about acquiring intel regarding gangs that might be in possession of high-precision tools that are otherwise hard to get without casting yourself in the limelight.

The fixer hums and you hear him typing something.

"Si, there's plenty of gangs that have high-precision tools operating in NC." he tells you. "But I don't know if there's a lot in my neck of the woods, though."

"Hmm… any one of them held by freelancers?" you ask, sliding him some eddies. "Techies, independent gangs, solos, etc?"

"You really shouldn't be aiming for solos, menino-- especially ones with their own high-spec gear." Padre tells you. "But then, if they're sloppy enough to let slip that they have that kind of stuff in the first place…"

"Then do they really deserve it?" you chuckle. Padre chuckles too. "So?"

"…okay, I have some targets for you." he says. "First, there's the ones held by 6th Street and the Valentinos. They have local facility producing stuff like ammunition and such for their grunts."

"They do? I thought they just bought it from suppliers?"

"They do. These are from the ones who want to try self-sufficiency." Padre tells you. "Give it a few months and they'll be gone-- either from rival gangs or sabotage by jealous gonks."

"Figures." you snort. "What else?"

"Well, there's the local ripperdocs that you can raid. They have precision tools too, but… well, they're ripperdocs."

"Crap. Well, any that look shady enough to rob and nobody would mind overly much?"

"Oh, plenty. There's this one chica I know who's supposedly in cahoots with some Scavs-- takes the clients she fucks over to those basura for eddies and street chrome."

"Alright then, mark her down." you note. "Any independent gangs?"

"Ah… there's one in the Santo Domingo-Coast View area. They're yonos trying to make it big in NC proper using gear that's surprisingly well-made." Padre tells you. "They might be using stuff from a NUSA army cache that was left behind, but I don't know for sure."

"A NUSA Army cache? In the hands of a gang?" you wince. "Why hasn't anyone dealt with them yet? Hell, them being in Santo-Domingo means that 6th Street probably has an eye on them, right?"

"That's what I heard." Padre chuckles. "I think they're preparing to take 'em out. Not sure when, though."

"Okay, cool, cool." you nod. "And any solos?"

"…there's one." he tells you. "A piece of work goin' by the handle Susie. She takes jobs from Strommers and Scavs and uses their pay to get herself a better kit." a pause, likely him reading her dossier. "Apparently, she's holed herself up in an abandoned building somewhere in Red Peaks. Could be worth looking for, at least?"

"She armed?"

"Yeah. And she's a Netrunner."

"Hoooooo shit…"

"Okay, a good spread of targets." you nod. "So, if I were arrange a job for it, what's gonna be the price tag?"

"Well, that depends on what how you want it to play out." Padre tells you. "Cheaping out would set you back around… 30-60 thousand eddies depending on the target. Buying the best would be… 50 to 80 thousand."

"Hmm, a 20 thousand eddie difference each." you hum. "I'm guessing some of the targets are too hot for most runners then. Not surprised."

"It's either hitting a big gang like the 'Tinos or 6th Street, hitting a shady ripperdoc, taking on a new gang, or tangling with a Netrunner." Padre lists. "Those jobs ain't cheap nor are they easy. Only the really good or the really desperate would pick these kinds of jobs."

"Fair enough, fair enough." you nod. "Though… removing some of the shittier threats would be a good reason for you to chip in a little right? Since you benefit too from this arrangement?"

"I'm contributing enough as it is, menino." Padre laughs. "You're smart, but your tongue isn't silvery enough to fool me."

"Drat." you sigh good naturedly. "Oh well, at least I tried. Alright, let's talk numbers and details…"