Chapter Text
“So, Valerie, is it?”
The source of the quiet voice spun around in their seat, revealing a vibrant mint and punch undercut, illuminated by a dim desk lamp. The slim woman was decorated with numerous tattoos, garbed simply in a stained knotted tank top and black leather overalls. She possessed deep umber eyes, eyes which were glued to the documents in front of her.
Valerie refrained from commenting, the Mox’s were already quite well known for their unique approach to corporate dress code. On occasion, she did glimpse them in suits but they were likely for reserved circumstances.
“Just V, ma’am.” she responded politely before clearing her throat with a wince. Urgh. Should’ve had that drink of water. If only she didn’t spend as much time fixing her lipstick and eye shadow.
A tinkling laughter followed; the tattooed beauty tipped her head back, amused by the formalities. “Just, Judy is fine.”
“Judy. Got it.”
It was necessary to squint through the darkness to make out Judy glancing over with a tiny quirk in her brow. Did she have blood on her from that ridiculous borg’ed out fool from earlier?
V glanced down to inspect her attire quickly.
Pristine.
She swallowed and shifted her gaze off into the corner, fingers dancing against the surface of her knees. Focused on the thin beam of afternoon that slipped through the sides of heavy, dull grey curtains, shedding light upon profound crimson carpet within the elliptical shaped office. All too aware of the bead of sweat rolling down her spine.
Jesus christ, it’s warm in here. Wait—It’s not my implants acting up again, is it?
“So, uh…Pretty dark in here.” her voice nearly cracked in the process.
“I spend most of my times editing and developing braindance software. As a result, I prefer a darker workspace.” A rustle of pages accompanied the matter-of-fact reply, Judy slanted off to the side, still studying the sheets. “Do hope that won’t be an issue though.”
“Huh? Oh, no! Of course not!”
“Good. Well, I think I’ve seen enough.” The techie placed the papers to the side neatly. “Do have a few questions though.”
V stiffened just able to make out through her peripherals, Judy leaning against the edge of the large mahogany desk, elbows resting upon the surface and chin perched atop her knuckles equipped with a faint smile. V shifted her focus back.
“Before we address the two-year gap in your employment history.” Judy gestured to the resume off to the side with a slight nod. The dim lighting cast an eerie shadow over her smooth features. “Are you aware of what we do here at the Mox’s?”
V let loose a nervous chuckle, stomach knotting in the process. The filtered air tasted ashy in her mouth. She just couldn’t get a read on Judy. “Y..Yeah, you guys sell protection services and braindances.” Releasing a pent-up breath as Judy nodded slowly with a growing smile. “If you don’t mind me asking… but why is the Chief Technical Officer for the Mox’s interviewing me? I know you guys aren’t really traditional but even this is a bit…Much isn’t it?”
A faint squeak emanated from Judy’s seat as she leaned back while answering. “You’re applying to be my personal bodyguard. I figure that alone would warrant my full attention, no?” Her smile failed to reach her eyes.
V fought back a grimace. She missed that part entirely, the application only stated bodyguard! But at least that meant she could resume her career somewhere above the bottom. “Right.” Biting back her follow up as Judy added.
“Since we’ll be spending so much time together, I figure we need to get to know each other a little. It’d defeat the purpose of having a bodyguard if they want to make me blow my brains out.”
Okay. Dark…But fair.
Judy peered at the resume, from what V could tell it lingered near the top. Where her name was printed. Her stomach coiled as her interviewer extended a finger towards the thin stack of sheets and tapped a fingernail against it.
“Could you elaborate how a university graduate like yourself has trouble with employment? Or am I wrong to assume that you’ve been unemployed this entire time?” Judy gave an inquisitive tilt that made her seem more like a cat than a person.
V grew tense, fingers curling inward into a clammy fist. “I worked as a Solo for a bit. Didn’t think corporate was for me.” She sucked in a sharp breath as Judy’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. They beckoned for her to continue. “Eventually…the abnormal hours and inconsistency became too much. I wanted stability, so here I am.”
The half-truth came out smoother than anticipated.
To think even IEC wouldn’t touch her. Militech, sure. They laughed her out the building. A small part of her was glad, she didn’t exactly fancy the notion of being borg’ed out. They were so…Unrefined at times. Relying far too much on their mechanical counterparts.
“I see…” Judy inclined her head and fell quiet. V couldn’t help but notice the metal plate on the side of the braindance editor’s head. Despite her current outward appearance, the protective plating looked remarkably polished and clean. Maybe it’d just been a long night. V's old boss frequently slept and napped in the office.
“Odd, how come we’ve never heard of you? V is your handle, isn’t it? If you were even remotely successful, the Mox’s would have heard of you.”
The moisture in V’s mouth wicked off in an instant. The prickling in her throat intensified, a month out of work and she already violated rule #3. Her mind raced to come up with a fitting response, “Uhh, I kept a low profile. An extremely low one. Didn’t want a target painted on my back.” A bead of sweat tickled down her spine. Maybe it was time for her ace in the hole. “You can call my reference, page 3. Jackie Welles, we worked together for a few years.”
“Hm.” It wasn’t a convincing hm as Judy withdrew away from the only source of light in the room, clasped her hands together and tucked it behind the back of her head. The techie rocked back and forth. Thin lips pushed forward into a thoughtful pout, revealing full bow-shaped lips.
V fought the urge to clasp her tummy as Judy continued to rock back and forth; trained upon like a hawk. The knot in her stomach disappeared and in its stead the beat of a thousand butterflies wings had taken its place.
An uneasy silence fell between them.
With the back of her wrist, she brushed a strand of her hair to join the rest of her fringe. She continued to maintain her gaze forward, staring past Judy. Fighting every instinct to break the quiet and meet the scrutinizing eye.
If this fell through.
She would be ruined.
***
Judy tapped against the digital screen, just one of many; a slight frown accompanied the motion. The lighting and atmosphere didn’t match, something just wasn’t right and it still eluded her. Uurggh…Susie’s gunna start nagging soon at this rate.
Massaging the ridge of each brow with right index and thumb, she leaned back and released a groan. Sappy romance always sucked. The lack of true emotion was always an uphill struggle. Give her a hardcore BDSM or pure carnal fuelled scene any day. At least that delivered an authentic enough experience.
A large creak interrupted her musing. She peered out from the side of her screens. A bright beam of fluorescent light shone through the crack of the oak doors leading in to her office eliciting a whine from as she shielded her eyes.
“Agh! Shut the door!”
The impressive doors shut with a distinct weighty thud.
She lowered her arms as footsteps drew near at a comfortable amble. A quiet but pleasant voice followed.
“A little birdie told me that someone finally heeded my advice.”
Judy grunted and returned to the screens, “Yeah, yeah…If only to get you off my case. ‘Chu need something Evie?” She looped a finger around her mug and raised it up into the air.
BANG!
Judy nearly fell backwards. The force of her best friend’s palms slamming against the desk shook the screens violently, Judy clutched her heart as it beat against her chest from the sudden spike in adrenaline. “JESUS—What the fuck?!”
Evelyn Parker stormed around the side in a huff, hands on hips, a light frown creased the bridge of her nose. Even under the dim lighting Judy could make out her cerulean bob. “And I expected you to take it seriously! You’re the CTO for Christ’s sake. What’s this nonsense I hear about you hiring from the streets!?”
Judy set the cup back down on the desk. Checking her shirt for any spillage. What was even in it again? “Big deal! All I do is polish braindances and—”
Evelyn cut her off. “And produce some of the finest editing software Night City has EVER seen—How are you failing to comprehend your value here, Jude!?” The former joygirl turned actress silenced her with a palm, snapping. “Your line of products account for nearly half of the Mox’s combined revenue!”
“Okay! Okay…Fine, you win. You’re right as usual, Eve…” Judy rolled her eyes, pushing away from her desk with her feet and spinning in her seat. “I’ve already found someone. She worked as a freelance solo.” Trying her best to ignore the splutter of disbelief. She slumped in her seat slightly, ready for the inevitable shouting match.
“Show me.”
“Second draw on the right.” Judy relented as a sour taste filled her mouth. She bit back a moan, anything else would’ve been preferable for what was to come. Even Susie coming to nag her ear off about the delay with their premium product line. With a quick twist she pivoted in her seat to face the drawn curtains.
A brief moment of concord as Evelyn rifled through her belongings.
“Aha! ……What the?”
Aaand here we go. Crabby Eve. Judy spun around “What? She graduated university, apparently worked as a Solo for the last two years. Well-mannered, well-dressed and easy on the eyes” She could only smirk as Evelyn gave her a dirty look. “Oh, come on! You can’t expect me to have some gonk metalhead tailing me everywhere I go.”
“Apparently? And I do, if it means ensuring your safety, Judy.” Evelyn countered before addressing the papers again. Ooft. She used her proper name. That was never a good sign. “But. This Valerie person, you said she worked as a Solo?”
“...Yeah.” Judy scratched at her cheek. The motion ceased, instead covering her mouth as Evelyn eyed her. “By the way, I heard you’re starring in a—”
“Don’t.”
Fuck.
Evelyn sauntered over with a steely gaze. Coming to a halt just before her. Leaning in with a finger in front of her, pointed towards the ceiling. “Don’t. Try. To. Change. The. Subject.” Judy winced as the finger stabbed her in the chest as she finished her point. Literally.
“S..Sorry.” Judy mumbled, averting her gaze. Sometimes she wondered if Ev was trying to become her mother. She rubbed at the spot the finger attempted to cave her chest in. Ow!
“Now, describe this…Her, was it?”
“Whaddyu mean?”
Evelyn rolled her eyes. Gesturing to her own head, “What she looked like?”
Judy stared up at her with a puzzled expression. “…What, why?”
“Just do it.”
It took a moment for Judy to recall. “She…Had dark hair. Short but not too short. Think they call it like a long pixie? It went down just a bit past her jaw. Caucasian. Green eyes?” She paused, “Oh—Yeah, and she was dressed in one of those fancy corpo suits. Mhm.” Bobbing her head before finishing, “Looked expensive too.”
Evelyn straightened, once again casting a doubtful half-sneer. The disdainful expression faded as she touched her lip, muttering something inaudible under her breath. Was that perhaps a flash of…Recognition?
Judy sat up and leaned in, about to inquire.
Eve smacked her lips, “Hm…Well, alright then.”
“Look! I told you, she’s more than qu—Wait, what?” Judy blinked dumbly. She crawled up her seat, performing a little but vigorous shake of her head. “That’s it?”
“That’s it.”
“No protest? Just…Just like that? You’re going to let me go through with this?”
The actress gave a slight quirk of her brow. “Should I not?”
“We...Well I could be lying—I mean…!” Judy waved her hands. “Not that I am! But you’re usually just…I dunno, a little more persistent?” She regretted her words immediately. Evelyn let out a quiet if not forceful exhale.
“That’s because I worry about you, Jude.” Evelyn tipped her head to the side, bob parting from her cheeks. “Now, unless there’s something I should be concerned about. I think I’ll take my leave.” She gave an expectant look.
“Oh…Nope. Nothing at all.”
“Good. Are we still on for lunch, Thursday?”
A beam spread across Judy’s face, “Yeah!”
“Excellent. See you then.”
Judy waited for Evelyn to depart before releasing a pent-up breath. Something to be concerned about huh? I’m pretty sure that kid doesn’t even know the right end of a gun. She slumped again.
Well…She’ll be pleasant on the eyes at least.
***
Fuck. God damn it, Jackie. V pinched the bridge of her nose and gripped the railing of the balcony tightly. The silver metal creaking in protest only served to further the throbbing in her head. She released the railing as if scalding hot. Her only saving grace was a frigid breeze that could only be found forty floors above ground. Cooler temperatures agreed with her. A faint smirk tweaked, recalling Jackie’s frequent but offhand comments such as. “La hostia, V! It’s a friggin’ Ice box in here.”
Part of her wished she was back in Judy’s office.
Maybe it was the hangover speaking.
Everywhere else? Too bright.
Like picturesque bright.
But this was the only place that remained relatively secluded.
Why the hell did I let him talk me into drinking.
Mama Welles’s cheerful enthusiasm as she toasted to V’s success flashed into her mind alongside the lemony zest and spicy kick of homemade tacos accompanied by the harsh but fruity sting of tequila.
At least it was a great night.
The memory helped against the judgemental gazes from the other Mox’s. They seasoned her the minute she stepped foot inside the building. Looks of disgust, annoyance and doubt. She’d seen it a million times.
It was impossible to escape from in Night City.
But it still smarted at times.
Couldn’t blame them either. She was just a nobody now.
At least she was back in Corporate again. If all went well, she could pay off her debt to Vik before the end of the year.
Just weather it, V.
The blunted thunk of automated doors parting alerted her to another’s presence. Heels clicked quietly against the marble flooring after at a leisure pace. Great…
“Oh. You must be the new hire.” A woman’s voice. Sly and…Playful?
Teasing.
V whipped around and snapped back, “What’s it to—” An immediate jolt ran up her spine. Fuck! The sharp retort earned her a flat stare from Night City’s premier actress. The shock must’ve been visible because the highly sought-after former adult actress turned starlet gave her a once over before tipping to the side, a wry smile tugged at the corner of her own lips.
Evelyn Parker. She hasn’t aged a day since…
“Rough night?”
V straightened up and stood at attention. “No ma’am!” She stared straight, past the renowned braindance actress. The spike of adrenaline sharpened the thumping in her head into a knife.
To her surprise, Evelyn shrugged and sauntered forward. Coming to a rest besides, nonchalant as she stared out to the rest of neon tainted and ever shifting advertisements of Night City. After a brief moment the actress reached into the breast pocket of her snow fur coat and retrieved a case. Unfolding it to reveal a neat row of cigarettes. She retrieved one and placed it between her lips then paused and offered the case.
“Oh—Uh. No thank you.” V declined with a hesitant wave but quickly rummaged into her back pocket.
“Mm. Good for you.” Evelyn mumbled through and tucked the case away, searching her pockets.
“Let me.” V rushed forward and offered her zippo.
Evelyn’s Aegean brows shot up, recoiling involuntarily at first. She leaned in to accept the courtesy before commenting. “It’s rude to let someone smoke by themselves.”
V cupped the top of the lighter then ignited it. “Don’t smoke.”
Evelyn sucked on the cigarette, relishing in the exacting perfume. “…Really?” She gestured to V’s right hand.
“Oh...Force of habit I guess.”
Evelyn’s cheek dimpled as the corner of her eyes crinkled a little.
Thank God. She doesn’t remember me, phew.
The throbbing in V’s head dulled, prompting a pale grin. Maybe it was the nicotine or the inexplicable relief. She used to be around it all the time. Or perhaps…
Evelyn gave her a sidelong look. “How’re you finding your first day?”
“Fine! Yeah—Great…” V tried to sound upbeat as she joined her by the rail, leaning into it and staring into the distance. Between all the other skyscrapers, down into the distant smog-filled roads. Trying her darndest to ignore the aloof stare emanating from her left.
Evelyn chuckled and took a prolonged drag. Oval features bathed in sun, highlighting her angled jawline. Flaky ash from the cigarette evaporated to the distant ground below. “Not what you’re used to?”
“…Yeah, I guess. Not sure what to do, nobody’s given me a task all day. Just kind of moped all day until…Tom? Ms. Alvarez’s secretary told me it was lunch time.” A shrug bobbed her shoulders, the tension within the muscles stiffened the movement.
Evelyn mirrored the motion, “Never heard someone complain their work is too easy.”
V shuffled on the spot and rubbed the back of her neck, turning to the skyline and rolling her shoulders to ease the taut muscles. “The scratch is good.” She sighed and tipped her head side to side. “But I don’t want to come off as a burden. Just doesn’t sit right with me.”
“Hm…” Evelyn followed her gaze. The gnaw of discomfort ebbed away as they stood in relative peace. It didn’t seem like she was here for conversation.
V lost track of the minutes that passed by, the distant din and hum of traffic to seeped in. The rhythmic horns of deadlock, the screech of brakes and police sirens. The constant beat, enough to lull one’s senses into an odd respite. That familiarity…She missed it. To be able to sit back and ponder as the rest of the world passed by. Without worry about her next meal or next pay check.
To think just yesterday, she’d been in the thick of it. The bustling crowds as they pushed, squeezed and shuffled by in a flurry of bodies. The pockets of foul stench, like invisible landmines lined even the busiest of streets. Worried about her future and living off kibble.
She rubbed her tummy, just the thought was enough to twist her stomach. Lethargy set in as the motion set off a wave of nausea. She pressed her cheek against her right forearm and rested against the railing with more of her weight.
The edges of the skyscrapers blurred, the neon signs ineligible as her world unfocused.
“What’d you do before this?”
“…Research.”
The cigarette butt backflipped into the air. “How long?”
“…Two years.”
“Anything in particular?”
V gave a dismissive wave, “Whatever he wanted.”
“Oh? Anything?”
“…Yeeup.”
Peace settled in again. A spine-tingling breeze ran through the air, working down the collar of her shirt. V breathed in deep, that was the stuff.
Nice and chilly.
“I thought you looked familiar.”
She froze. The realisation hit her in less than a split second. And in that instant, the world shifted back into focus. Her chest tightened into a ball; bile burned in the back of the throat. From the bottom of her eyes, she glimpsed Evelyn twisting on the spot. A self-satisfied smile and twinkle resided.
“We’ve met before, haven’t we?”
The hair on the back of her neck rose, opting to remain silent. But the steady thump in her chest rose in tempo and force. Pounding against her chest like rapid war drums. She flinched as Evelyn grabbed her by the chin and practically yanked to meet her eyeline. Catching herself at the last minute from throwing a quick punch to the jaw. It didn’t even faze the actress.
V stared up at her jaw agape. She sucked in a short breath and closed her mouth.
“I remember you...” Evelyn leaned in with narrowed eyes. Cerulean bob cut billowing gently in the air. “Let’s see…Was it at Militech. No—Wait, not big enough. Jeez, there’s just so many but I never forget a cute face.” The teasing edge in her voice rose, it reminded V of a playful cat. Staring down its prey.
A growing sense of unease welled.
“The way you carry yourself, hmm… Yeah… Arasaka. Right build, slender, agile. Efficient.” Evelyn mused; glee trickled in. “…I’m right, aren’t I?”
“N... No.” V muttered, cheeks burning. She cupped her right cheek to feel.
Yep.
Betrayed.
Was she that easy to read?
“Aha! Haha--Hah!” Evelyn released her chin and golf clapped, entertained by the discovery. A loud yet somehow ladylike guffaw escaped from the actress. “David, that was the insistent prick’s name, wasn’t it? I remember now!”
V squeezed her eyes shut as her stomach fell out from underneath her.
***