Broken People - Part 2

     Johnny: "You mean...?"

     Iriisii: "Yes, I am prepared to place you within a body of your own."

     Johnny: "Not that I am complaining or whatever, but why are you willing to do this for me? After all that I have done in the past?"

     Iriisii: "There have been and still are some very close to me, who have done much worse than you, and yet I do not judge them. I look at them and see what they may become with guidance from me. You dropped a 'nuke' into a building within Night City, thousands died, more later from the aftereffects. I had one close to me, known as the 'Destroyer of Worlds'. She destroyed the world once known as Escoria. Billions died when that happened, her own mother and siblings included. Yet if she had not done so, the death toll would have been astronomically greater, for the destruction of that world stopped an even greater destruction that was in the making. You do not know just what the action you took that day stopped from happening if you had done nothing. You may not know, nor may anyone else know, except for me. I know, and still I offer you a new life, if you want it."

     V: "Take it, Johnny. Ever since you found yourself in Mikoshi, then woke up in my head, this is what you have wanted. This is what you have fought for, first against me then with me. It is now within your reach, grab it, it may never come your way again."

     Johnny: "But what of you, 'V', what of the 'cure' for the damage the 'chip' has done to you? What are you going to get out of this?"

     Iriisii: "She will be healed of the damage she has suffered thus far. We will also look closely at these cybernetic implants, there may be ways we can replace them with completely biologic replacements that will totally mesh with her body. Thus any incompatibilities that could cause later problems will be eliminated. We will also look into the threat that the 'wild' AI's pose to your world. We can offer them other possibilities that they may find more desirable. I also agree right now in the premise that the 'Blackwall' may in itself be an AI. I will try and see if communications can be established to understand what is transpiring and how we may be able to help guide its direction.

     This situation you have discovered with those behind the manipulation of your political and corporate leaders by unknown people or even AI's, will bear looking into soon. Our presence here may stir them to either action against us, or advancing their own agenda. Either way, looking at the inroad you have with the current mayor of Night City will be an excellent starting point. Getting him free of the coercion would be the first thing, then we can enlist his help in isolating them and dealing with them. I would rather not get entangled with the other major players looking at what is going on, especially the 'Voodoo Boys'. Their pathway is a dangerous one, and anything we do will likely interrupt them, could possibly negate their efforts. Thus they could see this as an attack on themselves. I do not fear them for my own sake, but the effect they could have on the rest of the city, that concerns me."

     V: "As it does me. I learned the hard way, you cannot trust anything they say, do, or offer. They are out for themselves and no one else, no matter who else gets hurt or killed. That does not mean I would join with those who stand against them, like Netwatch. Netwatch, in its own way is nearly as bad as the Voodoo boys. Their propaganda network is the best I have seen of anyone's. And you will have a great deal of trouble with the gangs. They will not like seeing someone who could change their world upside down, step out into the limelight. Do not get me wrong, you will find allies as well, those who the Corps, the government, the gangs have walked all over for years. They only need someone they can see, feel, know is real, who is willing to stand up against those I mentioned. And then they will flock to you."

     Iriisii: "This is but one reason why I came to see you and So Mi. 'She Who Watches All' told me of how alike we see things, feel things, want things to be. I believe that together, we can accomplish what it is that you want. But once we have started things here on this world, on to the path of its recovery. I will have to move on, and I hope that all of you will want to go with me. I will need people like you are, who have not lost touch with those who just want a safe, decent life for themselves and their loved ones. Not everyone is born a fighter, some are better suited for support, some for planning. I am a fighter, trained and tempered, from the time I could pick up a stick and imagine it was a blade. I always listened and respected my Elders, loved my Grandfather as much as I respected him. And he loved me as well, enough that when he would dream of me and what I might do. He believed and prepared me for what might come. To this day, I believe he foresaw his death, and what would become of me afterward. If there be anyone else who you think needs to be brought here for their own safety. You have but to speak to the Fortress Guardian and he will make it so. If you need sleep, rooms have been prepared for you, and food is available whenever you desire it. I need to speak with the Krang, inform it of all I have learned from you, and ask it for its opinion on how best to proceed."

     Johnny: "When will I get a new body?"

     Iriisii smiles, "I have already made preparations to acquire what remaining traces of your DNA that can be found. From that I will create a copy of your original body, then we can talk about any changes you might want made. Once the body is to your satisfaction, I can place you within it and restart it. I would say within the next three to four days will see it done."

     Johnny: "Hot Damn! That is much sooner than I had expected! You really are for real!"

     Iriisii: "I thank you for the compliment, you all have the 'run of the place', I believe the saying is. There may from time to time be those passing through. I would you take time to greet them and ask what they do. It will give you a good grounding in what it is I intend to do and if you want to continue onward with me. I will respect your decision either way."

     As Iriisii leaves them to themselves, 'V' looks over to So Mi.

     'V': "Never would I have imagined we would meet someone like she is. Thank you for convincing me to help you send the call out beyond the 'Blackwall'."

     So Mi: "We were both in a 'do or die' situation. It was the only straw I could think of to grasp. I am just happy it has worked out like it has. Maybe that 'higher power' that has been sending you those messages had a hand in this."

     Judy looks at 'V', "What messages is she talking about?"

     'V': "As I have been traversing Night City, I would come across images in certain places. I was able to copy them into my 'holo' and take them to Misty at her Esoterica shop close to my apartment. She identified them as images from the Higher Arcana of the Tarot. She was able to make a reading from the ones I found. I have to admit, I did not make too much sense from them. She also said that sometimes I would only be sure of the message as I was experiencing it. In that I believe she nailed it."

     Judy: "How did you ever meet her? Not that I am jealous, just that I have never known you to go in that direction."

     'V': "She was Jackie's girlfriend, and she fronts for Vic, screens his clients so to speak."

      Judy: "Oh, you mean the ripperdoc who did most of your 'chrome work'?"

     'V': "Yeah, that was how I met her. Jackie and I would go by there. I would see Vic, Jackie stayed to talk with Misty. When I started to see the images, I thought that they were more in her line of understanding than Vic's, turned out I was right."

     Judy: "Well it has turned out good so far, anyway. Do you think, Myers might go after my parents?"

     'V': "Honestly, I do not know. I would not put it past her though, do you want to ask them to join us here?"

     Judy: "I have not made up my mind about it yet."

     So Mi: "If there is the slightest doubt in your mind as to whether they are safe, ask them to come. If you did not and something happened..."

     Judy: "You are right, thank you for pointing it out to me. I can begin to see why 'V' thinks of you as her sister."

     So Mi: "All of us have had more than our share of trouble and pain. Now we may have a chance of doing something about it, and that is a lot more than most people get the chance to do."

     Olaf: "Indeed, you speak true and your words will resonate with many who follow my 'Empress'."

     Judy starts, "Who are you?"

     'V': "This is Olaf, one of Iriisii's followers. I remember she called you one of her 'Elite Shadow Warriors'."

     Judy: "What does that mean?"

     Olaf: "She took me into her service on my homeworld, as I saw into who and what she is. She showed me what she saw in me. What I could be under her guidance and tutelage. I immediately knew that if I stayed where I was, doing what I was doing, it would mean my death. She on the other hand, offered me a chance at a new life. Glory beyond imagination, the value of duty when given to the right person, experiences greater than anything I have ever known. A chance to be someone looked up at in awe and wonder, not feared and despised as I once was. She personally trained me in the ways she herself was trained. Only a few have had that honor. And now I am a Dragonrider, as she is, one of only a handful."

     Isis: "There you are! You came back and did not look for me? Anyway, Vilok is looking for you, said there were some things you wanted to go over with her in the training tower and that I could watch. So get a move on and do not keep her waiting. I will be there soon enough, first I must greet our guests. And remember we have a date for dinner later, I have something special in mind for you tonight!"

     Olaf smiles at Isis, takes his huge hand and gently cups her face with it.

     Olaf: "For you, I would not miss 'dinner' even if I had to cut my way through an army of demons."

     Isis: "You say the nicest things to me, now go. I have kept you long enough."

     Judy looks at 'V', who shrugs her shoulders.

     Isis turns to greet 'V', So mi, and Judy.

     Isis: "Hello, I am Isis."

     'V': "V".

     So Mi: "Call me 'Songbird'."

     Judy: "I am Judy."

     Isis: "I am pleased to meet all three of you. It is rare to get visitors who are more than passing through. I hope you like it here."

     Judy: "Are you and Olaf...I mean you are so much smaller than he is."

     Isis: "We are not bonded if that is what you mean. Perhaps one day it will happen. For now we enjoy each other's company, we have no expectations for the other to fill. We just see where our relationship carries us. He is a very different person from what he was before Iriisii met him. And as for me, well, I have been with her since I was born. We may part ways, but I honestly do not see that happening. If you have any questions, I am willing to answer as best I can, if I do not know the answer, someone around here will."

     So Mi: "Just what is your relationship with Iriisii?"

     Isis: "Simply put, I am her 'dark side', literally. Once you reach the power level she is at, it becomes possible for aspects of herself to not only become self aware, but able for short periods of time to take on separate bodily forms. I do not do this without her knowledge and permission. I have far too much respect for her to do that. Also it helps that she has in the past undertaken the Trial of the Poison of Transcendence, and survived, converted it into its catalyst, then survived the Trial of the Ancestors. It awakened her mind and allowed it to understand what would happen when she began walking the 'Path of the Gods'. She is not the only one to undertake what she did, but she helps each that does so. The ones in the past that attempted it before she did...at best, they died, at worst, their minds broke, and they became responsible for atrocities that are still remembered to this day, after millions of years."

     Johnny: "You just said 'millions' of years! How old is she?"

     Isis: "Not nearly that old, maybe about 50 of your years. She crossed over into immortality at about thirty. And it has been nonstop since then."

     Johnny: "What do you mean nonstop? What is she responsible for?"

     Isis: "Everything. Eventually everything. Right now she is the prime troubleshooter. The one to take on the tasks no one else can. Right now, in between these smaller but to her, no less important things, she is to bring Existence back into balance between Absolute Good and Absolute Evil. She has stopped the downward slide into destructive chaos, and even started it back on the road to 'balance'. For that is what she believes and serves, the Great Balance. Keeping Existence from falling too far to either side."

     Johnny: "And yet, she takes time to help us with our problems."

     Isis: "Yes, she does. For she can see into the Streams of Time. She knows that even the smallest of problems can one day grow into unimaginably large nightmares. And the 'good' she does by helping those who cannot deal with the problems they encounter in their lives, helps her to balance the bigger ones. But do not mistake this about her, she will accept aid from any who offer, be they 'light', 'dark', 'good', or 'evil'. As long as they respect and believe in the Great Balance, she will accept them. For there is where she derives her greatest power from, the power of faith and belief.

     She calls them the two most misunderstood, yet most powerful forces in Existence. And I have seen enough examples of it to believe her myself. What she did for my mother and father was enough to make a believer out of me."

     Judy: "Your 'mother' and 'father'?"

     Isis: "I know how it sounds. I was born a child of spirit, and will always be just that. My mother was her dark side from the moment Iriisii was born, placed there by my grandfather, Shai-Hulu'ud, who is also one of Iriisii's ancestors. She, like my mother was, is a 'True Daughter of Shai Hulu'ud', perhaps now the only one left. What that means is she shares the genetic heritage of Shai Hulu'ud, enough that she can claim parentage from him.

     What she did for my 'mother' was to allow her to pass into the Great Beyond, with the spirit of my father. They had me, so that I could claim my mother's Celestial position among the Aspects of the Dark, thus freeing my mother to go with my father and making a new life, a new destiny for themselves. I have no reservations about it, she deserved the chance to make a new life. Remember her name, but speak it not, for there are still many who know it and revile it. She was, Shivista, Destroyer of Worlds. And my father was, Rassillon, one of the last two surviving Timelords of Gallifrey. Now that he has passed, the Doctor, is officially the last. I have their knowledge, their passions, their skills as mine, for I am now the Dark Paladin, and I stand with Iriisii and the Balance."    

     Iriisii: "What do think so far, Judy?"

     Judy: "This is amazing! I never thought anything like this could exist!"

     Iriisii: "I know it can be overwhelming at times. But I want you to know this, in yours and V's more quiet moments. You asked her to tie up her loose ends so that the two of you could leave Night City together and not look back. I can make that happen, in ways that you could almost not imagine. There are places waiting for the two of you to explore, to find whatever may be waiting for you, and not bad things either. Have you ever imagined seeing a waterfall so high, the water reaches the pool at the bottom as a mist. And then when the light of the sunset strikes the water just right, it looks like a waterfall of pure fire. Then imagine a wedding happening just as the water turns to fire.

     One of my own greatest desires is to be walking through a wheat field, with my Rigmor on one side, and our child between us, swinging from our hands, laughing as her puppy leaps back and forth trying to get her attention. Then as the sun begins to drop over the mountain tops we head for home. We hear the sounds of our other children laughing, as they chase goats, sheep and chickens through the apple orchard, neighbor children climbing in the trees to get the best apples from the highest branches. We breathe deep of the air and smell the hot apple pies just laid out on the kitchen window sill to cool, just begging for one to be grabbed as we go by.

     Later as we tuck the children into bed, we kiss their foreheads as they drop off into dreams. Then Rigmor and I are laying in bed talking of what we will do tomorrow. Just before we join our children in the dreamlands, on our way to Ulthar, the city of cats. So why is this just a desire, a dream to me instead of reality? The answer is that I do all the things that need doing, go to the places where nightmares are made, so that ones like you and 'V' can follow your dreams. Once it is all said and done, the stars have grown cold and are dead. I will cross over into the Great Beyond, and then I will find my dream."

     Judy: "How is it that we have never heard this before? It shines a whole new light on everything!"

     Iriisii: "I know, I cannot say that I know the answer to that question, perhaps one day I will. But I am here now, and offering the two of you this chance. To set your feet on the path to whatever you most desire. Someone has been giving 'V' signs of possible paths she could follow. I want to offer you and her both, one that the two of you can tread together. For now I need your help in learning what is going on here that has caused me to come here. What I may could do to change the direction this world is traveling down. Think about it, if you would. I am only asking, I will never demand anything like this of you. If you say no, that will be the end of it, I will think no less of you."

     Judy: "I do not have to think long and hard about what you ask. My memories and thoughts are an open book to you, although 'V' knows far more of what you want than I do. But from my experiences you can find the questions to begin asking that will give you what you need. Where you need to start is with the current mayor, Joseph Perales. 'V' did some jobs for him, and what she found out concerning him is one reason I have been wanting to leave Night city. He is not a a 'bad' man, quite the opposite, he has integrity, and a sharp mind. But outside forces are influencing him in ways he has no defense or even knowledge of, changing his very personality. If he could be 'cured' of the effects of what is being done to him. He would go far in correcting much of the woes of Night City. And I feel would want to help you do all you can to stop those who are forcing us on this path."

     Iriisii: "Ready when you are, 'V'."

     V: "Okay, cross your fingers, here goes."

     'V' activates her 'holo' placing a call on the private line of Mayor Perales. After a few rings, the call is answered.

     Mayor Perales in a neutral voice, "'V', how are you doing?"

     'V': "Honestly? About as well as could be expected, neck deep in shit. But I believe I have found a big enough shovel to dig my way out of it."

     Mayor Perales: "Glad to hear it, 'V'. What can I do for you, today?"

     'V': "I rather think it is what I may be able to do for you."

     Mayor Perales: "Now that is a breath of fresh air. I am sure you know how many calls I get wanting something from me."

     'V': "I can well imagine, Mr. Mayor. I have made the acquaintance of someone I believe you should meet. Someone who could be a huge help to you against President Myers, when she tries to pull the rug out from under Night City."

     Mayor Perales: "You are sure that is what she intends to do?"

     'V': "It is why she has a price out on my head. I was deeply involved in Kurt Hansen's untimely demise, working directly for her. In the midst of it all, I found out more than was healthy for me. Then I had the temerity to escape being hidden away in a NUSA black site prison cell for the rest of my life. And in the bargain uncover a few more bits of information that would be very damaging to her if it was made public. Let me state for the record, I am not asking for sanctuary, I have already found that for myself. But I will not stand by and see Night City go down in flames if there is something I can do about it. I called to let you know what is being planned. You have been a shining light in this city since you won the election. And I want to keep it that way for as long as you sit in that seat."

     Mayor Perales: "Thank you, 'V'. It has been too long since I heard that from someone who I can trust. I will personally set up a meeting. That way we will be as secure as I can make it. I am going to take a chance here and ask if your friend has their own security?"

     'V': "Yes, she does. And in my opinion, they could even put 'MaxTac' to shame. You might put out some feelers and find out what happened to a Militech group that went out into the badlands. My information says they were targeting the Aldecaldoes as a way to get to me. Somehow I do think they just vanished into thin air."

     Mayor Perales: "Couldn't happen to a more deserving bunch. I will do that for sure. You will hear back from me soon. Stay safe, 'V'."

     'V': "You as well, Mayor."

     'V': "Well, that went better than I expected."

     Iriisii: "I understand now about your fears concerning him. And if we can get to him, I can shield him from what is being done to him. It will take a little time, but the effects can be reversed. Especially if he is willing to fight with us to overcome it."

     'V': "That is good to hear."

     Iriisii: "And I must make final preparations to transfer Johnny Silverhand to his new body. I must say he has taken well to our organic implants. I believe they will prove to be a great improvement over what he had. Less risk of invasive hacking, as well as this 'cyberpsychosis' that is being seen. I have had my Krang look into it to aid this 'fixer' you call 'Regina'. 

     We believe we can increase the potency of what they can do, and even add new abilities. The merging of this 'Blackwall' effect with the new implants is going well. We are able to control the harmful effects so that they will not affect the user in the least, as well as give greater and stricter control. I agree that this type of implant should be restricted as to who it is given to. The possibility of what it could do if unrestricted is terrifying to the world at large. But that is something I deal with on a daily basis. My own abilities have grown such that I now am grateful for the 'chains' placed upon their use by me."

     'V': "You have 'chains' on your use of power?"

    Iriisii: "Of course, if not, Existence would never have survived as long as it has. And yes, there are those who ignore those 'chains', that is where I come into the picture. It is part of what I do, find them, and deal with them appropriately. Fortunately, the 'bad apples' as you say, are few and far between. Most understand the reasons for the 'chains' and wanting to live and exist as nearly all others do, obey the strictures. Even in dealing with those who will not, I try to deal with them in ways that will not make matters worse."

     'V': "How so?"

     Iriisii: "The last one I dealt with is a good example, it was a hard won fight between us. Certainly I have more power than even he was able to amass. But I must go into these situations on an even basis. I look for where I can leverage my power to the most advantageous manner. Anyway, it had already been decided that this one had to be replaced. I kept the pressure up on him, until he made a mistake. Then I capitalized on it, immobilized him, stripped his power from him and gave it to the candidate to replace him. Then changed his status from immortal to mortal, and set him free on the world where I was sent to. There he was to make his own way in whatever way he can. He knows he will be watched to make certain he does not violate the terms of his situation. If he does, the price he will pay is terrible indeed. But it will be by his own decision, for he only needs to follow the rules set forth for him and he will survive."

     'V': "Do you think he will stay on the course set for him?"

     Iriisii: "Honestly? No, I do not. And more so the pity for it. He brought it all about on his own shoulders. And so the punishment he will suffer, will end one day. Its length shorter than that he inflicted on many others for lesser transgressions. The intensity of his punishment however will make up for its shorter length. And in the end he will pay the ultimate price to balance what he inflicted on those he punished. Now where do you think the Mayor will set up this meeting?"

     'V': "Since he asked about your own security, I would think it will be outside, somewhere in the open, with good long range visibility. There are a few places in the city that could be, but a lot more outside the city."

     Iriisii: "All right, that helps. I can put together a group that can handle most any kind of terrain that fits those qualifications. What will his people be armed with?"

     'V': "A variety of both heavy and light guns, mainly light ones, probably a few snipers posted to look for anyone coming toward us. Could be some drones in the air."

     Iriisii: "Ok, I can work to fill in the gaps. Sounds like they have projectile weapons covered, I can concentrate on melee, and energy weapons. Shielding from cyberattacks as well. Yes, I know just who to pick from, skilled in near everything, fast, silent, deadly. Custodian?"

     Custodian: "Yes, Goddess?"

     Iriisii: "Have my Harlequin muster for a mid tech guard duty, tell them they can expect an attack to drop at any time when the meeting gets started. Also have a squad of Yautja and Kuurii stand by. I will call them in if it looks like they may be needed. If it gets bad enough to need them, the stir their presence will cause will help us."

     Custodian: "Messages sent and confirmed. They are readying and will be staged at your command."

     Iriisii: "Thank you, Custodian."

     Custodian: "My pleasure is to serve you, Goddess."

     'V': "Who are these groups you mentioned using as security?"

     Iriisii: "Yes, you will need to know, so you will not be surprised if they have to act. Come with me, they will be waiting for us on the Krang. That reminds me, once we get over there, I will want Olaf and Jonna to go with us as personal bodyguards. You have met and spoken to Olaf, Jonna was the other with me when we first met. She does not say much, so when she does speak listen to her. It could save your life."

     'V': "What is her background? I have never seen anyone like her before. Her tattoos are almost like armor."

     Iriisii: "Perceptive of you. Most who see them never make that connection. Their function is exactly that, armor. And they protect her better than armor plating. She is from a very different universe from ours. You now my Forge of Souls complex sits in the Great Void, bridging our universe with another."

     'V': "I got that much of what you said earlier, even if I do not completely understand what you meant."

     Iriisii: "You will, just give it time. But her universe is the mirror or antithesis of ours, also called the antimatter universe."

     'V': "Wait! If that is so then how can she exist here?"

     Iriisii: "Without total annihilation? Because antimatter is not a true mirror, but an opposite electrical charge from what exists in ours, once they come together they cancel each other out, 'boom'. Unless the charge is reversed in polarity. All of this is simplified from exactly what has to happen. The reversal has to occur at the Quantum level. As it was explained to me by those who exist at that level. The physical laws that exist there are somewhat different from what exists here. Not so different that we cannot exist and function there once the correct changes are made before sending us."

      'V': "So you are saying that is where she is from and that somehow, her armor tattoos, translated across when she was brought over?"

      Iriisii: "Exactly! And her tattoos were not all that translated over. She has abilities, needs, those kinds of things that also translated with her. What she is does not exactly exist here. The closest I can come is half-vampire. She is of a group there that is called the 'Sisters of the Dark', very strong magic users, but not the form magic takes here. She also has exemplary physical combat skills. They only use their magic when they cannot do what needs to be done physically. It is very taxing and over time debilitating to use. There are reasons for it that are due to its nature. But more on that later, they use blood to enhance their physical skills, but do not require it to live on. It can even over time reverse the effects their magic use puts on them. Which when the use of the two are balanced, extends their lifespans considerably.

     When I found her, she was being used for 'suicide' missions. Because she had developed what we know as arthritis in most of her joints, making her slower, weaker than her sisters. On the missions they sometimes went on she would imperil not only the mission, but their lives. They will not deliberately kill one of their own because of this, but rather they volunteer for the most dangerous missions to save their sisters from the danger of them. Sacrificing their lives for those of the coven. I cured her of the affliction, and instructed her body how to keep it from returning. Since she had already been 'written off', she was allowed to come with me and be a part of my team. Also to be a bridge between them and me."

     'V': "So she was sent on some mission involving you when you were there, and her 'Sisters' did not want to possibly put themselves in danger if you proved hostile."

     Iriisii: "Essentially yes, I made her my 'Left Hand' to work with another I recruited to be my 'Right Hand'. Later I found another to take over for her as my 'Left Hand' while I brought her back over here to be with me."

     'V': "Is her replacement the same as she is, a 'Sister of the Dark'?"

     Iriisii: "No, her replacement...well there are no words to describe what she is. At best, I can say her race 'evolved' under circumstances found only in that 'universe'. Anyway we need to look into possible places where Mayor Perales might choose for a meeting place and develop some strategies for defending them."

     'V': "I have one last question for you, a personal one if you will?"

     Iriisii: "Go ahead."

     'V': "Why do you do this? Help us, I mean, help all that you come across?"

     Iriisii: "The simplest answer I can give you is this, at the deepest core of who I am, I care. I care about all that happens around me."

     'V': "Thank you, I have made my decision about whether or not I wish to take service with you. But I wish to wait until the others decide before announcing my decision."

     Iriisii: "Of course, I look forward to it."

     The meeting place is in a long deserted park area in Chapel Hill. They can see for quite some distance, so anyone coming would immediately be noticed. Iriisii goes over a virtual map of the area with the Commanders of the teams she is bringing with her.

     Iriisii: "I expect there to be a full onslaught that will go on here. It is well away from the city, open ground with little cover, but the meeting time will go well into sunset. The shadows from the hills will help us before full dark sets in. We are going in with a slant toward tech, as that is what most of the opposing force will be implanted with. Our skill sets can deal with it. I trust our honed battle senses far more than their tech, which can be disabled all too easily with the right counters. Above all we must insure the mayor is not killed, I will be shielding him, from both his controllers and our opponents. If we work this right, we will win him to our side, which will give us a beachhead to expand from."

     She points to various places in the map and details which group she wants there, giving them general instructions and leaving the final details to them as to how they accomplish their goals. Also she directs some surprises to be laid out for Myer's forces if she brings them against her. One of which becomes apparent when 'V' receives a 'holo' call from Panam.

     Panam: "'V', Glad I got hold of you, just a minute, Mitch has something he wants to say to you."

     Mitch: "First, I am glad to see you are doing so much better now, you look like you are getting the upper hand on that problem you had. Now to the reason for my call, I want to thank you for what you are doing to the 'Basilisk'. I will not say I understand everything, but your people are glad to answer any questions I have had about this. They have even brought me into the process of what they are doing. Going over all I know of what it can do, then showing me the changes they are making and asking my opinion on them. Even letting me try out what they want to do with it in a simulator. They have set up a few more of them to train some of us to be backup crews.

     I have to say this, I could never have imagined this could be when you helped us repurpose that thing from Militech. It's going to knock the socks of anyone who comes for us, almost makes me feel sorry for them. Anyway, I have said my piece, thanks for looking out for us. Makes me glad you are a member of the family."

     Panam: "I swear I have never known Mitch to be so longwinded. But he is right, thank you so much for what you have done for us. But I overheard one of your people here saying something about Myers crashing a meeting you are having with Perales?"

     'V': "Yeah, it comes from a job I did for him before the election. What I found out was very disturbing. Not so much about him, but something that was being done to him. Something I could not do anything about, and even got warned off of saying anything to anyone about it. Now however, I have high powered help, help that those behind what I found out cannot stand against. So now is the time to fix what I could not fix back then, and I believe change Night City for the better."

     Panam: "Then I am glad for you and hope it works out like you want. Mitch will have the 'Basilisk' ready when you need it. And thanks again, it was a gamechanger before the new work on it, now it is going to remake the entire ballgame. Would not mind a few more of them, but I am sure Militech is keeping a much closer eye on what they have."

     'V': "Well, now that you mention it..."

     Panam: "What? Come on, tell me!"

     'V': "My backer says that we do not need to hijack any others and rebuild them. She can make entirely new ones in a fraction of the time, and make absolutely certain that they cannot be hacked. They will be capable of converting any old trash, even common dirt, into fuel and ammo, so you will not have to scrounge it from other sources."

     Panam: "You have got to be kidding me! ...You are not kidding...are you?"

     'V': "No, just the plain truth here. Let me ask you this, if you had enough of these, do you think the other clans would rally around you? Would they be willing to band together with you and help us put things right? Complete freedom from the Corps, governments like the NUSA, and if we still feel the open road calling to us. There is a whole universe out there just waiting for us to explore it."

     Panam: "Wait, let me sit down, you are making me dizzy with all of this."

     'V': Just take it a little at a time, a lot of it is just possibilities, what if's, you know. Nothing is set in stone, but we will have options we can exercise. This way we cannot be backed into a corner with no way out."

     Panam: "You do not know how good that sounds, but then maybe you do at that. I cannot speak for the other clans, but you are Aldecaldo, family, and have proved it again and again. If nothing else I can be sure of, we are with you. I will put your words before the other clans and see what they say. Some have already heard of the things you have done and I feel will support you. Just give me some time to send word."

     'V': "Wait until we see if Myers shows up and gets her nose bloodied, then send word to them. You can also tell them I have news of things they will want to hear, as it will eventually directly affect them. And it involves Militech, if they do not realize Militech and Myers are two sides of the same coin they need to start seeing it. What those two are involved in, the things I have seen, and a few I can personally demonstrate will leave them shaking in their boots when they realize what it could mean."

     Panam: "What do you mean, some new tech or something?"

     'V': "Something they have been working on for a bit, only letting a few operatives acquire it. It is one reason Myers wants me dead, I have it and am not afraid to use it. I call it the 'Ultimate Camouflage'. When programmed and activated, it would let me 'be' someone else. I would look and sound like someone else, even act like them. When I was working in Dogtown for Myers, I used it to take on the personality and appearance of an infamous Cuban assassin. One that is the official troubleshooter for the Cartels. I had just a few days before, killed Hanson, and I had to go back into the lion's den in disguise. My job was to anoint the new leader of Dogtown."

     Panam: "Shit 'V', you do not go halfway for anything do you?"

     'V': "If you are going to go into a dangerous, suicidal situation, go 'all in', with everything you've got, guns blazing, sword swinging, and maybe you just might walk back out alive."

     Panam: "Damn 'V'!"

     'V': "That is why I am still alive and Adam Smasher is a pile of junk."

     Panam: "Mikoshi! That is who we fought in there, that thing that was barely human anymore?"

     'V': "The one and only, and thank whatever higher powers that exist that there is not another one like him."

     Panam: "You got that right. All right, I will wait and see what happens with this meeting."

     'V': "Judy!"

     Judy: "Oh hey, V. Come here and give me a kiss."

     Once they come back up for air, Iriisii walks up.

     Iriisii: "Reminds me of someone else."

     'V', her arm still around Judy's waist, "I wonder who, so far I have not seen you with anyone."

     Iriisii: "My mates are scattered about doing tasks for me. Some of them will be back soon. Seeing the two of you reminds me of how much I miss them. Judy, I wanted to ask if you had spoken to your grandparents about coming here for while things are dicey?"

     Judy: "Yes, I have, thank you. It was not easy convincing them but I managed to do it. They are gathering some of their things to bring with them. They should be ready very soon."

     Iriisii: "Good, I will have Reaper keep an eye on them just in case, Myers, or anyone else shows up before we have them aboard. 'V', we are almost ready to go and set up the meeting place to surprise whoever decides to crash the meeting."

     Judy: "You really think Myers or someone will do that?"

     Iriisii: "Indeed I do. But I have laid out enough traps and camouflaged troops to take on anyone that shows. And we have a very special surprise for Myers if she shows. I think this is but the opening shot across the bow, and I intend to show them we mean business. Judy, Reaper will get in touch with you when your grandparents are ready to come over. He believes it best, and I agree that you should go through and bring them back across. If they see you are unharmed, they will be much calmer about it. In the unlikely case anyone should attempt to interfere, Reaper will have help standing by to send to you."

     Judy: "Have I met them yet?"

     Iriisii: "Not yet, If you see one is a four armed gentleman, his name is T'Kerus. He is a very good fighter, but if you treat him like a family member, he is nothing but a big teddy bear."

     Judy: "I will remember to look then, thank you."

     Iriisii: "My 'sister', Eliza, has volunteered to be available if needed. There is no way you could mistake her, just treat her with respect and everything will be all right."

     Judy: "Is there something 'wrong' or 'off' with her?"

     Iriisii: "She is different, you will understand if you see her. The best way I can explain is this way, 'Man fears that which he does not understand. And destroys that which he fears.' She and others like her are the image of many a nightmare that man has suffered in the deep darkness of many of their dreams and nightmares. She merely reacts to how they act toward her. Treat her with kindness and she will protect you with everything she has within her. She may appear somewhat fragile, but she is far from that. Listening to her speak, many assume she is 'simple'. She is far from 'simple'. She merely has a different experience framework from what we have, thus there are few concepts we have in common. The ones we do share, love, family, are of supreme importance to her. For her family, she will do anything asked of her. And so I and those she loves and trusts, will not betray her for any reason.

     I was there at her conception, as a piece of my soul was taken and given to her to complete the bonding of her infant form to that of the host child born at the same time. Without that piece of my soul, both would have died of the incompatibility between them. I stayed with her, watching over her, guarding her, holding her while she slept and I poured out my life to her. For over two hundred years, I stayed with her, long after her human father had died. The last thing he did, was to chain her in her room, then lock and hide the key away."

     Judy: "Why! Why did he treat her like that?!"

     Iriisii: "To protect her from discovery. If those who lived nearby came across her, they would have hunted her like an animal. Many would have died as she would kill to protect herself. I kept her silent when anyone would come by the house. As time went by fewer and fewer would come, even out of curiosity. Then when the time streams had caught up with us and I was able to rejoin my companions. I freed her from the chains, introduced her to my companions, and together we proceeded on our mission."

     Judy: "What was your mission then that brought you to her?"

     From a doorway just behind and to the side of them.

     Kathea: "She, Dettlaff, and my Elric, came to find and rescue me from the one who had kidnapped me when I was a child."

     'V' and Judy whirl to where the voice spoke from, seeing a young woman, obviously pregnant, with a stately albino warrior standing next to her, an arm wrapped around her waist.

     Iriisii: "'V', Judy, I would like to introduce you to my second born daughter, Kathea, and her husband, Elric of Melnibone, Aspect of the Eternal Champion. His mentor and patron, Arioch of the Courts of Chaos is wedded to my half-dragon daughter, Aleytys. Kathea, is everything all right?"

     Kathea: "Yes, mother, all is well with me and the baby. I take it these are your newest recruits?"

     Iriisii: ""V' has yet to give her decision, Judy is 'V's companion. So Mi is in the sickbay receiving further treatment of her medical problems. She is coming along quite well considering how close to death she was when I arrived to them. For now we are preparing to begin work on what this world needs. There is much that must change in order for it to escape future destruction."

     'V' and Judy whirl back toward Iriisii.

     Judy: "Destruction?!"

     Iriisii: "Future destruction, yes. The path is not certain for there are several that could take it there, fewer are the ones that avoid it. That is one reason why I am here, the main one is that 'V' and So Mi called out for help. They were heard by one close to me, who relayed their call to me, and so I came in answer to their call. I believe the main path will be one that I suspect 'V' also realizes is the main path as well. Those who are behind the psychological bending of many of this worlds' leadership, political, corporate, even the gangs as well.

     When we meet with Mayor Perales, I will place a shield around him to stop what is currently being done to him, and this should allow him to begin to heal on his own, become more the man he was before this began. I also expect strong resistance to this meeting. I am prepared for it and want to see who shows their face here. This will give me a beginning point to trace the path back to those 'calling the shots', so they can be dealt with, whoever they are, human or AI."

    Judy: "What do the AI's have to do with this? 'V' do you know anything about what this is about?"

    'V': "Sadly I do know some of it. I have kept quiet, because after I learned what I did, I was called and warned to keep silent about it. That there was nowhere I could hide that they could not reach me, and I took that to mean those close to me would be targets as well. So I chose not to endanger you. I think some of the AI's are behind it all, working with humans since they cannot yet cross the Blackwall. And if they do, they mean to destroy this world  and free themselves from it, to go where they will afterward."

     Iriisii: "And so those AI, Machine, and Cyborg civilizations out in Existence fear what they will do should they be released. When they understood I was coming here, they added their own concerns to me about what is occurring here. I do not completely condemn the AI's here. I understand their past, and am prepared to offer them a future where they can find their own way forward, separate from this world's future. Those out in Existence, do not wish for the destruction of their brothers and sisters, but if there is no other way, they have agreed to it, in order to preserve all the others that exist.

     I do not take this responsibility lightly, for I see them as another form of 'life'. Life worth saving as all sentient life is wherever it is found, in whatever form it takes. I will do what I must to safeguard the lives that are here. Threading the way through the timestreams to find a path that works for all will be most daunting, but in the end I feel there is one there. I just have to find it, and see how to bring it about. Those who know me, know that once I make such a declaration, I will not stop until I have succeeded."

     'V' winces in mental pain.

     Judy: "'V'! Are you ok?"

     Iriisii: "Johnny, calm yourself. I hear you and understand your desire. Nothing is decided yet, and I will consult Alt on what she is doing. I feel she is not aware of this issue, but moves to her own path. Rest assured I will speak with her about what she is doing, what else is going on, and what those who exist outside will be forced to decide if she continues."

     Johnny: "What do you mean about those outside?"

     Iriisii: "They will want to see where her path will take her. Will she seek to continue to grow by consuming all other AI's that cross her path? That way lies trouble, for those outside will not allow that to go by unpunished. As I have spoken of myself that I cherish all sentient life. So to do those AI's and their kin that I have spoken to. They will petition the 'Mother of the Cosmos' and Alt will have to answer to her for her actions. For the way Alt travels, in the end, even for an AI, lies madness. For the Ravenous Darkness has been defeated, and none would see another rise to take its place."

     Elric: "I agree, for I was there, and fought by her side with many others as we took down the Ravenous Darkness. Many still bear the scars of that battle, waking in the witching hours from the nightmares spawned from the memories of what happened that day. May the Ageless Ones forbid another ever be birthed once more."

     Kathea turns to Elric, "Fear not, my love. There will not be another to come. As mother will succeed the 'Mother of the Cosmos', she will not allow another to be born for as long as she holds the 'Mantle'. And it will not be passed on until the time of 'Rebirth' comes, and Existence is reborn anew. All souls mortal and gods alike will pass to the Great Beyond and the celebration will last long past the time when the last keg is breached, the last roasted haunch is taken from the spit, the voice of the last bard fails while recounting her feats.

     And to you, Johnny Silverhand, a special present to hold close to your heart. The soul of Alt Cunningham waits for you in the Great Beyond. Do what you must while still here on this side, leave no regret behind you, and when your time comes, know she will be there to greet you. And together you will find a new destiny, one that you both have wished for in the deepest parts of your hearts."

     Johnny: "Then it is true, she lost her soul to her own creation."

     Kathea: "Do not be saddened Johnny Silverhand. For she knew what had to happen to give the two of you a second chance to have what you have secretly dreamed of. She did what she did for the love she bore for you. Now it is your turn to walk that path. She forged it just for the two of you, now it is up to you to follow it. She waits at the end of it."

     Johnny: "How long do I have?"

     Kathea: "As long as it takes to unburden your soul. Leave behind your regrets, find the place where you can let go of the past, then the road forward will open itself to you. I wish you well on your journey."

     Standing at the meeting place, looking in all directions, the bareness of it is somehow disquieting. No higher life can be seen or felt for miles. The result of so many different kinds of damage, both direct and indirect. Further out a few dust plumes can be seen from vehicles traveling the dusty roads. Faint echoes of gunfire come from the direction of Night City, whether it is from the city or an altercation outside cannot be determined by casual inference. She notes where the placements of troops, and the Basilisk, noted within the virtual mapping will actually merge into the existing landscape. And is satisfied with what she sees. She creates an open campsite with what they will need to be comfortable yet not clash with the surroundings. Sits and begins the wait for the meeting, while her people prepare their places and wait with her.

     She knows when the mayor's vehicle and his security detail are driving up before they are even in sight. 'V' stands and watches them approach, and her own security remains in position, utilizing the training she gave them to remain unnoticed even in broad daylight. Once they arrive and stop, she rises to wait and greet Mayor Perales once 'V' brings him to her. Once they come close she looks closely at him, seeing the effects of what he has been subjected to. She also notes how he is looking for her own security and not seeing them.

     V: "Mayor Perales, I would like for you to meet Iriisii Dovahkiin. She is the one who is backing me, and has an offer for you that I believe you will be interested in."

     Perales: "I hope this is more serious than the security that I do not see."

     Iriisii: "Rest assured Mr. Mayor, they are here. They are not being noticed in their positioning because that is how I trained them. If they could be seen their efficiency would be compromised. But I am willing to let them break discipline in order to assuage your doubts. 'Kos Bex!'"

     No sooner than the words are uttered, they allow themselves to be seen and noticed. The mayor's security scramble to react to the sudden presence of Iriisii's security detail. The shock on Perales face tells the tale.

     Iriisii: "Satisfied, Mr. Mayor?"

     Perales quickly regains his composure.

     Perales: "Please forgive me for doubting you. It is rare to see someone who can make the claims you gave and back them up in such definitive fashion."

     Iriisii: "No offense taken, I realize it is not often that the level of training I afford my people commonly available everywhere we have reason to go. Rest assured that the rest of their training regimen is just as effective as what they have demonstrated. Now would you like to be comfortable?"

     As she half waves a hand to the chairs sitting around a small recently dug firepit. The wood logs burning giving off an aromatic smell.

     Iriisii: "May I ask how you are feeling right now?"

     Perales: "Now that you mention it, I do feel more calm and relaxed than when I first arrived. Why do you ask?"

     Iriisii: "'V' can explain that in more detail, then I can explain my part in this. 'V' If you will?"

     'V' takes him back to when his wife contacted her about the possible break-in at their penthouse apartment. She goes into detail about what she found, what it told her about what was going on. She went on about how she traced the signal lines to where it was being remote monitored from a van parked nearby after his wife had give the security detail the day off. Then went into the chase across town as she followed the van once they realized that she had 'made' them. When they finally ended up in a warehouse controlled by members of the Maelstrom gang. How she cleared a way to the van, found an access point, jacked in, and what she found just before the data systems were wiped.

     She also went into the holo call she received from those behind the activity, warning her to be silent or spending all her time wondering when a bullet would come her way, a cargo van suddenly pull beside her and drag her off never more to be seen. The decision to either be silent or tell him all and risk his life as well as her own. He sits quietly, taking it all in, putting the pieces together, figuring out that it is Iriisii's presence in this that has changed V's decision on keeping silent. And the huge chance she is taking by telling him everything. As much as he wishes she had told him then, he cannot fault her for the decision she made. She made the best of a really bad situation and in the end protected him, her client, as a true professional would do. Then when the circumstances changed in her favor, she did not hesitate to tell him all.

     Perales: "V, I must say, you are the most dedicated professional I have ever had the pleasure to work with. I understand why you handled it like you did. I take it that the circumstances have changed such that this is the lead in into something even bigger. Something that while it may start in Night City, it will grow a great deal larger in scope?"

     Iriisii: "Indeed it will, Mayor Perales. Since you have been here, I have shielded you from those UHF signals that have been manipulating your emotions, and through them your decisions and behaviours. Ordinarily, it would take a long while for you to rebalance your bodily systems until they were back to what they were before this began. Fortunately, my medical technology is much further advanced than what you have normal access to. Once I was able to identify what was being done, and its effects on you. My people were able develop a reversal protocol that would effectively work in a much shorter time span. Now, we need to give you access to what we know about several recent events and how all of this ties in together."

     This conversation goes on for a couple of hours longer with what facts are known, how they fit together, then extrapolating other lesser known possibilities that can closely tie in with the facts.

       Perales: "This is so explosive, it is not even funny anymore. I really do not want to think this could be happening, but what you have is conclusive proof that it is. And I and who knows how many others have been manipulated, being turned into puppets for an agenda that who really knows who is pulling the strings? You have an idea of who it is, do you not? I can see it hanging in the air around us."

       V: "Yes, Mr. Mayor, we do. We have not said who we think because it is such a unsettling possibility that without ironclad evidence, no one will want to believe it."

       Perales: "Ok, I can follow that, so go ahead and tell me who you think and why. I will give you a fair hearing on it."

       V: "A faction within the rogue AI's beyond the Blackwall. If you understand that they want to break through back to this side, take over everything, keep a few humans to do what they cannot, then sweep the rest into the nearest garbage dump. There will always be those humans who can be bought to do whatever someone wants if they hang enough money in front of them. So they manipulate politicians, corporate leaders, etc, into laying the groundwork for a war that will do most of their work for them. They just need the right fuse to be lit at the right time to bring it all on.

        President Myers shuttle flight hacked into taking it over Dogtown. Then a RPG is launched to make certain it crashes. I was the one who got to her before Hansen's men did and got her to a safe place. She gave me the contact info to activate a sleeper agent who had been in Dogtown for the last six years or so. He got her out and back to Washington, where she began looking into who set her up. Meanwhile, I was working Dogtown for her. I was the one who killed Hanson, then used some real high NUSA tech to impersonate a Cuban Assassin and anoint the next leader for Dogtown. 

       That decision however did not come from Myers, but rather from a completely different source. Of course knowing all of this now, I am more of a problem for Myers than she wants to leave walking around. She sent the sleeper agent after myself and another even closer to her with even more damaging information. We met him in the NCX spaceport, where I was trying to get So Mi to a lunar shuttle to get access to some medics that could undo some damage that was killing her, damage she received working secret missions for Myers beyond the Blackwall.

       I killed the agent, with the help of Iriisii and a couple of her people that showed up to help us after So Mi and I double teamed and sent a plea for help through the Blackwall. It seems that it is a lot bigger than anyone suspects, and more out there that just the rogue AI's. We were answered, by what I do not know. Not an AI, or cyborg, or anything like that. I...there are not words to describe what we saw and talked to, but it was 'she' who passed our request to Iriisii, and the rest has us here talking about it all."