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Not long after Kael's mid-air rescue of Sasha, Maine and the rest of the crew tore into Corpo Plaza in their armored truck, arriving just in time to pick them up.
In the back of the bouncing vehicle, Kael was already performing field surgery. His hands moved with a clinical steadiness that belied the fact that this was his first time stitching a human being in the real world. Between his "Technical Genius" trait and dozens of high-end medical braindances he'd absorbed, he replicated advanced trauma techniques with the ease of a veteran ripper.
Sasha, equipped with a high-end pain editor, didn't even need a sedative. She sat calmly, watching Kael work, even finding the strength to comfort a frantic Rebecca.
Maine, gripping the steering wheel, was a storm of nervous energy. "I told you we needed a second Hacker for overwatch! If Kael hadn't been there, Sasha, you'd be a sidewalk painting!"
"From that height? I would've survived," Sasha whispered, though her eyes were downcast with guilt. She knew Maine would have never forgiven himself if she'd died. Her "failure" wasn't a lack of skill, but an impulsive need to heal the scar her mother's death had left—a secret she wasn't ready to share.
"Quiet," Kael said, gently closing Sasha's mouth for her. He finished the final stitch, admired the clean closure, and draped his long coat over her shoulders.
Maine caught Kael's eye in the rearview mirror. He saw the way Sasha was looking at the kid—a look of pure, unblinking fascination. Maine started to say something, but a sharp elbow from Dorio in the passenger seat silenced him. Young people's business, her look suggested.
"Pull over at the next rail station," Kael said. "I'm heading back."
"Stay at our place, Nuo. We owe you a massive thank-you," Maine insisted.
"Can't. I've got a girl waiting at home."
Kael knew Lucy. If he didn't walk through that door soon, she'd spend the whole night on the sofa, her iridescent eyes fixed on the entrance.
The car slowed. As Kael stepped out, he felt a tug on his sleeve. Sasha's fair, soft hand was still gripping his coat. She let go quickly, her face flushing as she ducked into the oversized collar. "Rest well, Miss Cat," Kael smiled.
"You too," she whispered.
As the truck pulled away, Rebecca leaned halfway out the window, waving like a maniac. "THANKS, PANCAKE VENDOR!"
"I'm going to kick her," Kael muttered, pointing a finger at the disappearing taillights.
Kael returned to the Plaza. The area around the Biotech building was swarming with NCPD cruisers, but they weren't looking for a "Pilot." They were busy cataloging the broken security bots and filing reports. For a megacorp, this was just an annoying mosquito bite.
He took the elevator to his floor. The moment the door hissed open, a cool, lithe body crashed into his chest.
"I haven't showered yet, Luce—"
Kael felt her breath hitch against his neck. Lucy didn't have olfactory augments, but her "Woman's Intuition" was apparently legendary. She pulled back, her eyes shining with a dangerous light.
"Explain. Now."
"I... rescued a cat. It fell off a building."
Kael gave her the short version. Lucy's expression was a mix of skepticism and feline possessiveness. She knew exactly what kind of hero-complex she'd fallen for.
"Tsk. Another damsel in distress," Lucy muttered. She didn't stay mad for long; in Night City, you didn't waste time on jealousy when every day could be your last. She dragged him toward the bathroom. "The best way to get other women out of your head is to focus on me until you can't see straight."
Her logic was sound, but she underestimated the "Power of Three." By the time the sun rose, it was Lucy who was begging for a ceasefire.
A few days later, Jackie sent the word: V was back in Night City and ready to talk.
The meeting was set for Lizzie's Bar. Kael and Lucy arrived early, greeting Rita at the door.
"Good evening, Rita," Kael said.
"Good evening my ass," she snapped. She looked at Lucy and grinned mischievously. "So you've got a woman? 'Kitty' is going to be heartbroken when she finds out."
"Don't start, Rita," Kael warned. "Your commissions are too low for you to be this annoying."
Inside, they found Jackie in a private booth, watching a holographic dance projection. He turned it off the second he saw Lucy, looking like a teenager caught with an XBD. "Lucy! Please don't tell Misty. I was just... calibrating the optics."
"I'm telling her everything," Kael deadpanned.
"Nuo! Brother! Please!"
"Fine. One time pass," Kael laughed, ruffling Jackie's hair.
Moments later, the door opened. A man in a sharp Arasaka suit walked in—V. He looked every bit the corporate elite, but the way he loosened his tie and unbuttoned his collar showed the street-kid underneath was still breathing.
"Am I late?" V asked, sitting down.
"Just in time," Jackie said, giving his old friend a bear-hug. "V, this is Kael. He's the one I told you about. You can trust him with your life."
V's gaze was sharp, calculating. He'd spent years in Arasaka Counter-Intel; he didn't trust easily. "Investigating your father's death? I've seen your file, Kael."
"Then you know I'm not just looking for a handout," Kael said. "My father died in the chair you're sitting in now. You think you're safer because you're more talented? In Arasaka, talent just makes you a bigger target."
V fell silent. He knew Kael was right. His mentor, Jenkins, was already losing his grip in a power struggle against Abernathy. V had been brought back as a weapon, but he felt like a sacrificial lamb.
"To survive in that building, V, you need the street. Jenkins can't help you there. We can."
V took a slow sip of his drink. "I heard a rumor. Militech is testing a new Sandevistan prototype—the 'Apogee'—and they're moving it through a local warehouse tonight. If you can get me that prototype, I'll open every archive you want."
Kael raised his glass, his eyes reflecting the neon glow. "Consider it done."
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