Capítulo 9: Closer to the Goal
The Afterlife. Old as hell but popular. It had a legacy. Old but gold.
Lei was back. This time, she didn't need to sneak in. Drifter had made it onto the list. Preem. The surroundings teens and lowlives that weren't mercs hung around the lot.
All of their gazes landed on the drifter. She was headed straight toward the bouncer after all. Definitely had a rep.
"Anyone know who that is?"
"No clue."
"Obviously someone who matters. How else would they be able to get in?"
"Maybe he's new. Can't really tell under the cloak."
"See that cannon on his leg?"
"Cannon? Oh, a Burya. Handcannon."
After a brisk walk, the drifter was in front of the bouncer. He glanced at her for a second. Obviously pissed at how she was able to get past him the first time. He eventually stepped to the side.
"Drifter. Don't start any trouble like last time."
"Hmph." She grunted in response.
The door slid close behind her. Meanwhile, the outsiders immediately gossiped to each other. Didn't seem like they had anything better to do. Probably saw mercs as celebrities.
"Drifter?"
"Never heard of him."
"Him? Kinda sounded like a girl."
"Wonder what cyberware she's rocking."
"Tried to look under the hood. Only saw red."
"Damn." They all sighed collectively.
Lei casually strolled over to the bar. Claire was there per usual, making drinks and striking conversation. The bartender recognized her as soon as she sat down.
"Hey there. Want the recommended again?"
"Not this time. Can you just choose one that tastes good? Taste over everything."
"Coming right up. You'll probably like this one much better."
"Preem."
As she waited for her drink, she glanced at Rogue's booth. The fixer seemed to be busy speaking with someone else. Another woman but she didn't look too happy. Seething more like.
Lei watched for a while but stopped when her drink arrived. Claire gave her a smile before moving on to another customer. The liquid was pink this time. Strawberries were floating at the top. Taste test…
"Mnnn." She hummed. Very good.
"That's the Hana Barbery. A great solo that always remained low key until it mattered. Thought you'd like it." Claire spoke up. She'd been watching from afar.
"My new regular." Lei responded. The bartender nodded.
Almost 20 minutes went by. It was excruciatingly long for the sickly woman. Especially when your life was on a timer. She had things to do. People to see. Gigs to complete. A cure to find.
"Ugh." She groaned. The drink made her a bit tipsy. Lei could afford to lighten up a little. Her tense muscles relaxed. She took a breath…then exhaled.
"Relax." She muttered to herself.
'Yes. Relax. You just did a corpo gig. Nobody else would be rushing for more work right after that.' Johnny said.
"True."
'Rogue is right there. She saw you. It's fine.' Johnny continued.
Another 15 minutes went by as she enjoyed the alcohol in her system. It dulled the constant ache in her chest. Drugs were great.
'She's free. And she's looking at you.'
Lei glanced over to see the previous merc stomping out of the club. She was pissed. Extremely. Rogue sat back in a relaxed manner.
Not wasting any more time, the drifter went over. She ignored the security guard and sat down. The fixer crossed her arms.
"Gig is done." Lei said.
"I know."
"Well?"
"Well what?" Rogue pretended to be oblivious.
"Did you find out where I could potentially dive?"
"Oh right, that. The Voodoo Boys are the best way I can see you achieving this."
"Who?"
"They're a gang made up mostly of netrunners. Pacifica based. They don't speak to outsiders and only deal with their own turf. A tough lot."
"So they won't help me."
"Not even if you came to them with a billion credits."
"...Seriously." Lei frowned.
Immediately, she began thinking of other methods. Mostly along the lines of brute force. If they wouldn't help, then they'd burn. All of that ego shit pissed her off. Dick measuring contests and such. The drifter didn't have time for that.
"I found a way around this problem though." Rogue continued.
"............................."
That seemed to calm her down a bit. A slight smile appeared on her lips. Lei sank back into the comfy seat.
"I have a contact that has a contact. A merc that knows a Voodoo Boy. Help with the merc's gig, the contact will be introduced to you." The fixer explained.
"Preem. Who's the merc?"
"Name's Panam. You just watched her storm out a second ago."
"Ah…her." Lei's voice was flat.
"Sending the deets. Good luck."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome…Is Johnny there?"
"Sitting right next to you."
Rogue turned to face where the holo should be. Silverhand turned to her as well. Not that Rogue could see it.
"We'll talk in a few days. Need to deal with some stuff." She said.
The merc legend lazily waved his hand without saying anything. He seemed to be thinking about something. Rogue turned back to Lei.
"What did he say?"
"He said preem." Drifter lied.
It was time to go. After getting up, they said their goodbyes. The fixer looked at her a bit weirdly.
"Why the look?"
"You seem much happier today. More genuine."
"Ah, it was that bad huh."
"Last meeting all of your expressions were fake. Honestly thought you were a cyberpsycho."
"Most people do. That's the normal reaction."
"What changed? If I can ask."
"Just feel a bit rejuvenated." Lei answered.
'It's cause that corpo bitch filled up your tank. Got your rocks off.' Johnny mocked. She ignored him.
"I see…well, I won't keep you here." Rogue said.
"Seeya."
The drifter downed the rest of her drink and left. She would call the angry merc tomorrow. Hopefully she'd be calm by then.
As Lei made her way back to Heywood, her display pinged. She couldn't check yet due to her current action…splitting lanes on the Kusanagi. Gotta pay attention or crash when you least expect it.
It took about 20 minutes to get back home. Her suite was on the 32nd floor, so the elevator ride would take a second. This was the time to check her display. Lei couldn't help but raise an eyebrow upon reading the notification. It was text.
'Hey, choom. Me and the team are headed to the Turbo Bar in a few days. Wanna come? I still owe you that drink. Or maybe a meal.' ~ Sasha
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