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"Why do doctors always set up their clinics in basements?"
Arthur and V trailed behind, Arthur's hoarse voice murmuring the question.
...
What sounded like casual chatter between friends was, unsurprisingly, overheard by the Doctor inside the clinic.
"If you're not satisfied... you can always try another hospital.
There's one by the church, or that other one set up in a bathroom... The church even does it for free."
The doctor—Farida—didn't bother with courtesy, snapping back without hesitation.
It made sense. Not just here in the chaos of Dogtown, but even in Night City, few ripperdocs had patience to spare.
When their eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness, Arthur and V finally took in the clinic's interior.
It was remarkably clean—even cleaner than Vik's. The tiled walls and polished floors gleamed, every instrument neatly organized.
Deeper inside stood a fully integrated operating table, much like Vik's own.
Beside it, a wall of flowing data cables served as a router—perhaps the Doctor did netrunning on the side.
"Alright, out with it. Who's missing an arm or a leg? Put them straight on the table.
I don't care for small talk."
Farida was at a workbench, tinkering with a Cyberware arm. It shone with a metallic finish, likely nickel-plated—clearly high-grade.
As she spoke, she waved dismissively, not even glancing their way.
"No one's hurt."
As the only one who knew her, Melanie stepped forward.
"It's an installation job. Probably something you haven't seen before, so I thought I'd explain."
Something in her tone caught Farida's attention.
She turned, leaning casually against the console behind her, curiosity brightening her expression.
"Something I haven't seen?
Don't underestimate Dogtown. When it comes to Cyberware and weapons, this place has more variety than Night City."
Her eyes flicked instantly to the case in Arthur's hands, sizing it up in a second.
"Zetatech? They've been flashy lately, but their products are still rough around the edges.
No need to guess—it's your piece, isn't it?"
Farida was tall and solidly built, a little shorter than V but still half a head taller than Melanie.
Her complexion was distinctive, her features striking—but it was her sharp, goblin-like nose that drew the most attention.
She dressed plainly and androgynously—just a white T-shirt and black pants, stripped down to pure utility.
"Yes... it's mine.
This thing... it's already cost me more than a few brothers' lives."
Frowning, she nodded, clapping her hands together.
"Let's get started. My clinic doesn't stop."
She strode quickly to the operating table. When she turned back, her face had already hardened into impatience.
"Who's the patient? Get up here and lie down—unless you'd rather I cut you open standing."
"You sound busy... but your place doesn't look too crowded."
V stepped forward in a few strides, giving the Doctor a sharp once-over.
"Business isn't about foot traffic—it's about the ledger!
Now quit staring. Sit down. I'll handle the anesthetic—this is top-shelf gear."
She was already strapping on her kit—scalpels, surgical arms, robotic tools—making Arthur shiver involuntarily.
If not for the sterile surroundings, it might have looked like Scavs at work.
"And you... explain the installation process. What do I need to do?"
The question was aimed at Melanie.
"It's simple, as long as you're careful.
There are two main steps. First, install a program into the Neural Link..."
She glanced at V, saw no objection, and continued.
"Then, implant two tiny devices beneath the subscapular lymph nodes, connecting them to the bloodstream.
After that, just injections."
Her explanation made it sound almost too easy.
Meanwhile, Arthur set the Cyberware case on a cabinet.
When the heavy lid lifted, the first thing to catch their eyes was a vial at the center—brilliant, liquid gold.
The operation went smoothly. Arthur stood aside, watching the two women work at the surgical table.
He didn't understand most of it, but the ECG line on the monitor was familiar enough. As long as it didn't flatline, things seemed fine.
The procedure wrapped up quickly. Barely an hour had passed before Farida stepped back from the table. V was still unconscious, and the vial of golden reagent had only reached halfway injected.
"Now we wait for it to finish."
Melanie spoke softly, her eyes fixed on the glowing vial.
"Tell me," Farida asked across the table, "what are those tiny devices you connected to the blood vessels? They're smaller than a fingernail."
"Two 'factories.' They monitor the blood for implant components... and handle maintenance."
Her answer was brief, and then she turned toward Arthur.
"With this, the Gig's payment is settled.
Maybe I could get your contact, Arthur. Our troubles aren't over yet—I hope next time you'll give us a hand again."
A faint glimmer crossed Arthur's optics, and the name Melanie appeared in his Neural Link contacts.
He raised a hand toward her, his rasping voice carrying across the room.
"If you don't want the corp hunting you down and strangling you... surrender might be the smart choice. If all they want is the tech.
We can't just rush to save everyone, everywhere. Not even the NCPD can manage that."
"Too bad. The corp wants more than just the technology."
Melanie didn't elaborate, only glanced toward the iron door outside.
"Someone's here to pick me up... I'm not walking through Dogtown alone again."
The farewell was abrupt—maybe her team had their own urgent issues. She left in a hurry.
But that was no longer Arthur's concern. Their car rolled smoothly through Dogtown's checkpoint, heading toward the lights of Night City.
...
(70 Chapters Ahead)
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