The blessed Machine Cult grows further with the joining of I s, and Germanic knight22.
May their toils honor the machine.
-----
A Bucket of Rust
"Yo, Buck" Scab's annoying voice grated against his ears "You sure your corpo catch is comin'?"
"You questioning me, Scab?" He demanded with a growl, optics flaring.
The fresh chrome immediately raised his hands and took a few steps back "Just saying the fucker is already twenty minutes late. He might be settin' us up is all."
"The cargo is too valuable to him." Bucket said, irritation growing.
And of course, Scab was still fucking standing there like an idiot "Why did we even bring her here then?"
"Because, you gonk" Bucket growled "Her 'ware has inbuilt tracking, and if we don't bring her, she ain't bait." He tapped his smart submachinegun threateningly "Now stop asking stupid fucking questions and get back to watching, you waste of good chrome."
The little gonk offered a sloppy salute "Sure thing, boss!" And ran off.
"Trip-Six save me from these idiots" He complained but just because the little shit was annoying didn't mean he was completely wrong.
Bucket sharpened his Optics and scanned his trap just in case.
Scab in the open as bullet bait, Pierce and Tot hidden in the truck with their shotties, and Evil Eye hiding on top of a nearby container with his sniper.
The corpo fucker he was going to sell to his boss in pieces should only have one or two hustles at most, unless he was secretly Saburo's Mexican lovechild, which meant another easy win for Bucket.
Suddenly he felt his Optics glitch out for a moment and began cursing.
That stupid fucking ripper is getting his spine pulled out of his ass tonight!
Michael 'Magos' Sobronov
An anticipatory grin slowly spread on my face as my Cyberdeck settled down and I pulled out from the lead Maelstromer's Personal Link.
It was a shame their 'links were too low grade to actually record their thoughts but just watching and listening through them was already more than enough.
Never again will I allow a simple lack of cameras to slow me.
Focusing back on the mission, I exited my van, weapons holstered and a large duffle bag slung over my shoulder, and began walking to the small dockside warehouse yard.
As I got close enough, I threw out a silent ping and observed their outlines.
The chrome cultists grew more and more agitated with each second that passed after the deadline, and soon I could hear the leader get into another banal argument with his fellow soon to be dead man.
I hid behind a heavy container and took a good look with my optics, quickly calculating a plan of action and immediately acting upon it.
My Agent began blasting music directly into my brain as time seemed to slow down, my excitement spiking and my Cyberdeck churning out its daemons, the Burya I looted already pointing at the Maelstromers' heavily chromed leader.
The sudden agonized scream of the sniper whose head spontaneously combusted drew their inhuman Optics away, and perfectly hid the loud charging noise of the Soviet borg killer.
'Bucket' didn't even have time to activate his second gen Sandevistan before his neck was completely crushed through by a subsonic tungsten shell, the top of his head launching off into the air while half his chest caved in.
I did not stop my advance as the remaining 'Stromers were stunned into a panic, holstering the spent one shot pocket railgun with my right arm while rising my mother's Igla with my left.
'Scab' could barely hold on to his pistol and thus went ignored for now as another Maelstrom goon pushed her way out of the truck's cabin, immediately being slammed back inside by a shotgun shell to the chest.
She tried pushing herself up but the panic and pain shock left her wide open for my bloody hand in the Net, and another Maelstromer was thrown into hell with their skull burning from inside out.
Loud curses came out from the other side of the truck and I could see the red outline of the second to last gangoon rushing out.
Five seconds at least, I noted.
'Scab' was still shaking like a leaf, screaming cringe worthy movie lines at me in an attempt to hype himself up while visibly pissing himself and failing to raise his gun.
The Igla's roar liberated him from his shame forevermore.
Ignoring the wet splash of a body torn to shreds I calmly pulled at my shotgun's lever action, ejecting the shells and loading a fresh pair with now practiced hands, and clicking the mechanism shut just as a furious 'Stromer with a massive Carnage in his hands rushed out of cover like a complete gonk.
Not willing to take a hit and ruin yet another coat, I short-circuited his leg, and just as he was in the process of falling over himself I destroyed his hollow cranium with a double tap, turning the small warehouse yard completely silent.
The music switched from death metal to calming Jazz and I slowed my breathing.
That took only ten seconds all together...
Feeling understandably proud with myself, I nearly rushed directly into looting the place but the sudden flash of memory where I declared myself to be immortal before eating a Burya shot was all it took to take the wind out of my sails.
Gnashing my many rows of teeth, I made sure to reload both my shotgun and Burya, and sent a few more pings just in case.
And immediately paused as the ping's 'louder' version penetrated the truck's cargo hold and revealed the shaking outline of what looked to be a young woman.
I considered my next steps for a moment... before shrugging my shoulders, and slowly picking out all of the Maelstromers' weapons and storing them in my duffle bag.
At the same time I buzzed a call to my Fixer, getting an answer after only two rings this time.
[Regina Jones: Magos.] The eyepatch wearing woman nodded lightly in greeting.
[Magos: Miss Jones.] I returned the nod through the holocall [All Maelstromers have been removed. Five in total.]
Naturally, I also sent her images recorded by my Optics.
[Regina Jones: Excellent work-]
She went to speak further but I preempted her.
[Magos: There appears to be a minor complication however.]
If she was annoyed by the interruption, she did not show it.
[Regina Jones: I am listening.]
[Magos: The 'cargo' the client was meant to negotiate for appears to in fact be a person currently tied up in the back of the Stromer's truck. Looks to be a young female, Latino-American from what little I spied of their conversation.] I paused for emphasis [I was unaware the gig extended beyond simple elimination.]
Her response was as swift as it was terse.
[Regina Jones: It didn't.]
I paused my looting, curiosity piqued.
[Magos: You mean to tell me I could just walk out right now with no issue?]
There was a flash of anger in her eye as she responded.
[Regina Jones: The client didn't share the exact form of the 'cargo' with me. I expect he didn't think 'it' would survive.]
I frowned.
[Magos: So this wasn't some attempt to underpay me?]
I could see my question irritated her but she held her composure.
[Regina Jones: It is my responsibility as your Fixer to give you all the info you need for the job. As far as you are concerned your gig is closed.]
Just as she said that I saw my account grew by fourteen thousand eurodollars.
[Magos: My thanks for your honesty.]
Her lip twitched lightly upwards.
[Regina Jones: You seem reliable, at least for now.]
She looked away for a moment, my software allowing me to notice she was sending a string of messages, before turning back, eye shining with satisfaction.
[Regina Jones: It seems I have another time sensitive gig for you.]
'Ah, it would seem we have reached an understanding.' I smirked.
[Regina Jones: Take the 'cargo' and bring her to a Valentino hideout in canal-side Vista Del Rey, payout is 2K]
[Magos: I am always interested in more honest work.] I drawled in my most 'sincere' tone [I will call you when I get there.]
[Regina Jones: Good, the 'Tinos will be informed of what you look like so they don't just shoot you on approach. Sending you the cords now.]
[Magos: Miss Jones.] I nodded and the call ended.
With a deliberate patience borne of pettiness, I took my time climbing up the container and taking the 'Stromer's sniper, a shitty Overwatch that was half-rusted already but still worth some eddies, and only then did I move to the back of the truck.
A quick hack had the rollup cover opening and I was met face to face with a bound and gagged Latina whose panic only grew upon seeing said face.
She seemed fine as far as damage or viruses went at least.
Feeling inspired, I proffered my hand and spoke "Come with me if you want to live."
---
"Still can't believe I got saved by a nerd." Clara tearily giggled as I drove us down the streets of Vista Del Rey, a far overused tissue hanging between her fingers "I swear, you almost gave me a heart attack."
"And the gunfire didn't?" I quipped, Optics firmly on the road.
"Come on, you gotta admit" She went on, clutching her right hand as it shook "What is less likely in Night City?"
"Fair" I chuckled, slamming my hand on the car horn as one idiot tried to cut me off "Fucking asshole!" I cursed before pushing the gas and scraping the side his expensive ass Quadra.
"Also" I went on, pretending like I didn't just cost a man thousands of eddies "Are we just going to ignore the fact you recognize the reference?"
"Who doesn't?" She immediately retorted.
"Well, it is a classic for a reason" I shrugged. Pre-krash media was just plain better, sue me.
She made an agreeable noise.
A few minutes later, as we approached our destination, she shuffled out of her near-fetus position and looked up at me "Hey, uh. I never got your name."
"Magos." Like hell I was going to share my name with the kid of the corpo I just extorted.
"That isn't a real name" She sniffed half sad, half humorous "But still, thanks, Magos."
Way to make me feel like shit...
Just as I drove into a small side-street, I felt a buzz in my Personal Link and saw a contact request from one Clara Hernandez.
"Don't be a stranger" She offered a conspiratorial smile and stepped out of the van, five Latino men in bright Valentino colors already standing there and waiting for her.
I scanned them all just in case, and after sharing a quick nod with with their leader, I reversed my van and left without another word.
What a weird woman...
I sent a quick message to Regina, and moments later I was two thousand eurodollars richer.
---
Not even three minutes after I dropped off my 'cargo' my Personal Agent buzzed again, this time with the ringtone I set for Jackie.
And yes, I did set it to mariachi.
It was hilarious at the time.
[Magos: Hey Jack.] I greeted.
[Jackie Welles: Mike, mi hermano! Why didn't you say you were in the neighborhood? You trying to avoid your choom, is that it?]
The fuck?
[Magos: How the hell do you even know where I am?]
He grinned.
[Jackie Welles: It's all thanks to my irresistible ex 'Tino charm.]
[Magos: Riiight...] I sighed [I was on a job, don't think it is too bright to shout that out from the rooftops.]
He chuckled at that.
[Jackie Welles: No need to explain yourself homes, I get you. You done for the day?]
I considered for a moment before nodding.
[Magos: Yeah, it is getting pretty late.]
[Jackie Welles: Why not stop by by the Cojo? Let me introduce you?]
I wasted no time in answering.
[Magos: Sure, be there in 10.]
[Jackie Welles: 10? The hell are you driving?]
[Magos: ...the van we took from the Scavs.]
He just stared at me through the call for a good twenty seconds before slowly shaking his head and muttering a string of vaguely solemn Spanish words.
[Jackie Welles: You have balls of steel, choom.]
I replied without skipping a beat.
[Magos: I am glad you remembered something from my operation at least.]
He made a choking noise.
And then began laughing his ass off.
---
Thankfully, the El Coyote Cojo's parking lots were not overcrowded by the time I finally managed to herd my box of rust to its destination.
I didn't even have time to look the area over before I saw an eager Jackie walking out of the venue with arms spread in welcome.
"Mikey!" He grinned and gave me a manly hug, one I didn't return because I wasn't sure if I'd snap something "Good to have you here."
Lightly patting his back I nodded "I could only evade the mystical Coyote for so long."
"Ain't that the truth" He chuckled and waved for me to follow him "Come on in, mi mama is cooking tonight."
The sudden pep in my step just had him chuckling harder.
The inside of the Coyote Cojo was surprisingly old fashioned, akin to a salon from old pre-krash western movies but with the Valentino spin of skulls and crosses tastefully spread around as well.
"Pepe, two tequilas!" Jackie called out to the bartender.
The man kept humming along the song that was playing but nodded, suddenly pausing as his eyes landed on me "This your new choom Jaquito?"
"Scary motherfucker, isn't he?" Jackie patted my shoulder "Mike, this is Pepe, Pepe, Mike."
"Pleasure" I offered my hand.
He just huffed good naturedly and placed a glass of the aforementioned tequila within instead of shaking it "Heard a lot about you from Jackie here." He smirked "That one is on the house."
"Thanks" I nodded and raised the glass, an action quickly followed by both Pepe and Jackie as we all clinked them together and downed them in one gulp.
The two of them twitched at the burn but I merely closed my eyes, enjoying the new sensation "Interesting taste." I said after a moment.
"Interesting?" Jackie demanded "That is the very heart and soul of Heywood you just drank and it is only worth an 'interesting'?" He covered his heart "The betrayal!"
"Jackie, are you bothering a guest again?" A somewhat aged female voice called out from behind us.
"Ehehe" Jackie scratched the back of his head "Not at all mama" He clapped my shoulder twice "Mike, meet Mama Welles."
"The legend in the flesh?" I teased as I turned to the older woman and greeted her "Ms. Welles."
The aged grey-haired woman smiled warmly, and I did my best to ignore the sudden tightening of her posture as she saw my face "What foolishness has my Jaquito been spreading around this time?"
"Nothing but deserved praise, I suspect" I smirked, making sure not to show off my teeth this time.
Her tension retracted slightly, and her face lit up with a proud smile as she ruffled her son's hair "At least this tonto of mine is good for something, even if he keeps not listening to his mother."
Jackie grumbled something in Spanish while pretending to try and fight her off.
She chuckled at the sight and focused back on me "I'm always happy to welcome more of Jackie's friends here, so no need for any of that Ms. Welles niño, just call me Mama Welles like everyone else."
"No." Was my instant and absolute response.
She blinked in surprise, visibly taken aback, and shared a quick look with Jackie who just shook his head.
"Well, I can't force you" She smiled a touch awkwardly "You two just sit tight, I was just preparing some quesadillas, and drinking on an empty stomach is never good." And without waiting a moment she walked off.
"I hope I haven't offended her." I muttered as an amused Pepe handed me another glass of tequila.
"Don't worry about it" Jackie waved it off "You were a bit intense but she will understand."
"Right" I nodded, unsure.
Jackie put down his own glass with a loud clunk "Now then" He turned to me with expectant eyes "Going to finally tell us about your first gig?"
-
By the time I was done, Jackie was face down on the bar, Pepe looking down on him with pity, while I was enjoying some genuinely delicious Mexican food.
"Man" Jackie grumbled into his arms "I was going to brag about a big gig I got lined up from Padre but you are already butchering 'Strommers..." He sighed overdramatically "It took me years of shit work and I am still not there..."
"Might have something to do with me being a heavy bulletproof borg" I quipped "Just saying."
He looked like he wanted to protest but just slumped back down after a moment, a far too loud to be real sigh leaving his lungs.
"We could always just go on gigs together?" I thought aloud "Regina seems to be willing to gamble on me, for whatever reason, so I might as well pull you up with me."
His eyes briefly flashed into a glare as he looked away "I don't need handouts."
"Right, sorry" I raised my hands placatingly, and seeing how he was so agitated, I tried to bring his mood up "So what is this mysterious gig you have lined up? If you can talk about it that is."
He looked up, still a bit put off, or playing at it, and muttered "Just don't spread it around."
I nodded.
"It's a delivery job" He said in a hushed tone, slowly leaning up with his elbows "Going to drive to the Mexican border to help with transporting something big. I don't even know what it is yet but the payout is great."
"Interesting." I muttered as I began tapping the counter, somewhat surprised at the flash of worry I felt for someone I've only met a few days ago.
Feeling decisive, I stopped tapping and looked back at him, my Optics practically gleaming "Interested in some last minute upgrades?"
"You what now?" He blinked.
-----
Blessed is he who casts his stones.
The moste terrible locale of the Patreon is possessed of 16 chapters of Sorcerer's Tale and 12 chapters of Shiny and Chrome should you decide to rise above the rabble and eat more than mere soup (at patreon .com/ Rastislav156)
If you want to discuss the story or just meme about join my discord server: https://discord .gg /6nyrX9gE (link should work for a week. refreshed as of 18.9.25)