Flesh and Chrome
There’s a saying in LC that newcomers usually die in a week. Not knowing the city, they either die on the streets or find themselves in a clinic where their organs are used to pay for the bills they couldn’t pay for when alive.
Calling me in the morning early. Aidan gave me the cords and attached me to a waypoint. We have a rule now that anything goes to me first before they bother the Boss. Kei’s busy anyway, dealing with Sato as usual. She might not under Sato anymore, but Sato’s her business associate and they work closely in some aspects. Because who would have thought running a business isn’t as simple as they thought it would be?
Paperwork holds importance. It serves as the backbone of our operations, ensuring legal compliance, protecting intellectual property, and maintaining transparent client relationships. From client agreements that outline service terms to meticulous record-keeping for tax, every document plays a crucial role. Sato demands comprehensive documentation to foster professionalism, instilling confidence in clients. It also acts as our safeguard in case of disputes or emergencies, enabling continuity of operations. Ultimately, proper paperwork is not just a bureaucratic necessity, but a vital tool for success and sustainability.
And Kei, after spending weeks in the Alonzo District, she realized how fucked our paperwork was. Upon concluding the case, a detailed case summary or report needed to be compiled, encapsulating the case’s key facts, legal arguments, and outcomes. Which serves as an invaluable reference for future inquiries. Court orders and judgments, the official decrees from the court AKA, the decree from the OB and the TCU itself, must be carefully filed for a clear understanding of the case’s legal implications. Settlement agreements, regarding the data we found, had to be meticulously drafted and signed by all parties involved, outlining agreed-upon terms and conditions. In addition, we had to ensure that we properly settled all financial matters related to the case by organizing the billing records and invoices. Furthermore, preserving evidence and exhibits presented during the case was imperative, with some items requiring retention for a specified period. Client correspondence, including emails, letters, and notes, has to be archived for a comprehensive record of client interactions. And Kei had to combine this with a post-case analysis for future references on how cases like this should be approached if something similar occurs.
Kei had called her lawyer to handle the legal matters. The invoice we sent to the lawyer was honestly so high I had to question it. Kei told me it’s how things were. Gabriel Dubois was our lawyer, and judging by his appearance and the fact he’s been doing business for 50 years made him worth paying.
A good lawyer is a guardian angel in this city. If you survive the attacks, you can sue the shit out of your attacker and make their life a miserable hell. How Kei had someone like Mr. Dubois as a lawyer add to my list of questions regarding how Kei gets to know people.
Taking a cab to the cords pointed out. I found myself in the middle of this narrow street with signages colliding mid-air, as if they were trying to see who’d be on the front.
The cords said they were street level, and the signs told me underneath this Kapri Street was a lane full of Gearhead surgeons. You can usually tell if something was going on when the streets were still.
Pulling my sword out from my waist. I followed the pathway and defended myself from an overhead strike from one of Aidan’s freelancers.
“Can you not?” I said to the freelancer. He eyeballed me, then shouldered his stun baton. “Sorry. Got jumpy.”
No one I didn’t recognize was around. Aidan went out of the operation room and saw me with a sword drawn and the blade of mine still crackling with energy from the stun baton.
“Thanks for coming. I hope you don’t fault these boys. They’re just jumpy after some Juju Boys shot them up.”
One of the many gangs in this city. Dreadlock wearing motherfuckers who are chrome-addicts who abandon their humanity to serve their Juju aka this machine god they conjured up when one of their previous leaders had some cyberspace-induced hallucination similar to the 12 Demis…
“You zeroed them?”
“No. Only the ones who started it. I was hoping to the fuck them over, but we got a call from their Rasta about going lex talionis.”
“You accepted it?”
“I’d like to kill them all, but we got even. Don’t see the point of this when we have footage of them, the first one shooting and we the one on the right.”
“Quite lenient. Your freelancers are okay with this?”
“They’ll be.”
Aidan crossed his arms and observed his people.
“They were newbies. Recruited them two days ago and got themselves killed. That’s how things are.”
“It is, isn’t it?”
Two days meant nothing to people here. Same reason it took me three months to get friendly with Kei. If you can’t even survive a month in Changye, then it’s better not to know your name either.
“Guessing they wanted new chrome.”
“Yeah. Juju Boys were robbing a Gearhead doctor. Turns out they were robbing the same place. They killed ours first, then when we heard how shit was going down. We marched in and butchered these bastards.”
I squatted on the ground and fished out my smoking pipe and filled the bowl with tobacco.
“Did you scare them? Juju Boys ain’t usually this reasonable in my previous experiences.”
“Hmm, I had some understanding with their leader. I was the one who flatlined the previous Rasta.”
I had no clue about what happened with the Juju Boys years ago. However, I heard a bunch of mercs get in and bulldozed them with the help of the current Rasta.
“So you were one of them, huh?”
“Collaboration. We were trying to settle down, and we heard they were offering a treat.”
“How convenient for us, then.”
“Yeah. Be glad. Anyway, you know any Gearhead doctor worth their shit?”
I was wondering why he’s asking me. He’d probably knows more people here than me.
“Why?”
“Most of the Gearheads I know ain’t here. Can’t trust the Doctor here after this.”
“Had to call him first.”
Called Simone first. Told him if he was going to welcome new customers in his clinic. He told me he had no intention of refusing potential customers.
“Told me he’s willing.”
“Good. LISTEN UP MAGGOTS.”
Aidan let out a beastly roar and gathered the attention of the freelancers under him like a drill instructor.
“Gather our friends. Rest of you are in the truck and getting chromed. We’ll stop coming here.”
They had bought a truck of their own. I got into Aidan’s muscle car and along the way to Simone’s clinic, I called Kei to give us some introduction to Simone.
“Alright, I’ll tell him what’s up.”
Aidan drove fast and the truck driver following us could keep up with the old man’s driving. Felt like a convoy when we got out of the vehicle and crowded Simone’s clinic.
Simone got out, fresh from an operation, and was looking at the new freelancers preparing themselves.
Dr. Simone’s clinic always exuded this air of calm professionalism, its walls adorned with posters and PSA. As he stood in front of them, the Gearhead Doctor’s face gathered their attention.
“I am Dr. Simone, and it is my privilege to guide you through our clinic’s policies and options.”
A palpable sigh of relief passed between the newbies. Dr. Simone motioned towards a sleek display screen, a digital canvas illuminated with an array of augment options.
“Regarding the choice of bringing your own augments versus purchasing from us,” he continued, “there are considerations for both paths.”
He spoke with authority, explaining the meticulous process.
“Should you choose to bring your own, we’ll require detailed documentation of their specifications and origins. This is to ensure seamless integration and, most importantly, safety. Each augment will undergo extensive assessments and compatibility checks.”
Aidan nodded, a quiet appreciation in his eyes for the thoroughness that Dr. Simone advocated. Aidan’s always the professional and I think he can appreciate it when they act like one.
“And what about warranties and maintenance?” Aidan inquired, his voice reflecting the meticulous nature of his questions.
“An excellent query,” Dr. Simone acknowledged. “Every augment acquired from our clinic comes with a comprehensive warranty. Additionally, we offer tailored maintenance packages to preserve optimal functionality. Our team is always at your disposal for inquiries or concerns.”
“And data security?” Aidan queried, his concern palpable.
“A crucial concern, Sir. We employ state-of-the-art encryption and security protocols to safeguard your personal data. Our clinic is unwavering in compliance with all pertinent privacy regulations. We hold your information in the highest regard. And unless they want to hear from our sponsors in UC and the wrath of the Associations, they’ll be safe.”
Dr. Simone’s reply was resolute, underscoring the clinic’s dedication to safeguarding their clients’ privacy and also the power behind them.
A shared glance between the newbies conveyed their growing trust in Dr. Simone’s expertise. Aidan, I think so too, was having no problems.
“In the end,” Dr. Simone assured, “the choice rests with you. We are here to navigate this path together, ensuring you leave our clinic not only satisfied, but with an unwavering confidence in your augmented choices. Of course, I also offer medical services after your freelancing... tasks”
“Thank you, Dr. Simone. For your professionalism. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.”
Aidan affirmed, his voice reflecting the shared sentiment between everyone here.
Dr. Simone tried to smile warmly, but all he showed was the uncanny lack of actual flesh on his face. Hell, it was a testament to what he had done to himself.
“It is my privilege. I stand honored to be part of your voyage towards enhancement. Let us commence and see who wants to go first?”
They already had decided on who to go first. Simone’s assistant started taking names and what augmentation they will require. It’s about setting up appointments and from the looks of it. Doctor Simone’s week was going to be filled up.
Aidan got out of the clinic. I was leaning on the railing drinking cola when he started smoking his cigar.
“You got chromed?”
“Bioware.”
“I see. Where were you augmented?”
“Europe.”
“Pricey bioware requires more attention. The strength and certainty of steel. It requires less maintenance and even the decrepit will become strong.”
“Maybe. I asked myself if I ever want to get some metal. But I guess I’m one of those idiots who can’t understand the need to cut my flesh for metal. Guessed like feeling alive. Wind running down my arms and all of that.”
“I wonder if you feel the same when you’re bleeding?”
Everyone has a preference. Chrome’s cheaper and stronger and takes less maintenance. It provides this comfort that flesh can’t. Hell, even those who are so against cyberware and install bioware instead prefer to install a pain editor to nullify the pain.
You walk around this city long enough. Walking around this city for a long time will help you understand why most of its population is chrome to their gills.. You want to find the best cyberware hardware in the market. You come into this city and you’ll have every selection of implants you can find from the bargain bin to the cutting-edge ones who’d turn you into a killing machine or the most durable factory worker there is to exist.
I’m guessing Aidan wants me to take a look at the freelancers we’re working with. Understand what he’s dealing with and who’s running around under our office with my own eyes. Who are the grunts that keep us updated on the anoms and check them out myself? Because if there’s one thing you can understand about the people who get their implants by taking off their flesh. They can handle what’s coming. If they’re crazy enough to chrome their flesh, then they have enough mindset to take on the anomalous creatures they’ll have to keep dealing with until they either fuck off and leave for a better-paying job.
karsev
Thanks for reading!
Don't forget to add it to your library and share!
Flesh and Chrome
There’s a saying in LC that newcomers usually die in a week. Not knowing the city, they either die on the streets or find themselves in a clinic where their organs are used to pay for the bills they couldn’t pay for when alive.
Calling me in the morning early. Aidan gave me the cords and attached me to a waypoint. We have a rule now that anything goes to me first before they bother the Boss. Kei’s busy anyway, dealing with Sato as usual. She might not under Sato anymore, but Sato’s her business associate and they work closely in some aspects. Because who would have thought running a business isn’t as simple as they thought it would be?
Paperwork holds importance. It serves as the backbone of our operations, ensuring legal compliance, protecting intellectual property, and maintaining transparent client relationships. From client agreements that outline service terms to meticulous record-keeping for tax, every document plays a crucial role. Sato demands comprehensive documentation to foster professionalism, instilling confidence in clients. It also acts as our safeguard in case of disputes or emergencies, enabling continuity of operations. Ultimately, proper paperwork is not just a bureaucratic necessity, but a vital tool for success and sustainability.
And Kei, after spending weeks in the Alonzo District, she realized how fucked our paperwork was. Upon concluding the case, a detailed case summary or report needed to be compiled, encapsulating the case’s key facts, legal arguments, and outcomes. Which serves as an invaluable reference for future inquiries. Court orders and judgments, the official decrees from the court AKA, the decree from the OB and the TCU itself, must be carefully filed for a clear understanding of the case’s legal implications. Settlement agreements, regarding the data we found, had to be meticulously drafted and signed by all parties involved, outlining agreed-upon terms and conditions. In addition, we had to ensure that we properly settled all financial matters related to the case by organizing the billing records and invoices. Furthermore, preserving evidence and exhibits presented during the case was imperative, with some items requiring retention for a specified period. Client correspondence, including emails, letters, and notes, has to be archived for a comprehensive record of client interactions. And Kei had to combine this with a post-case analysis for future references on how cases like this should be approached if something similar occurs.
Kei had called her lawyer to handle the legal matters. The invoice we sent to the lawyer was honestly so high I had to question it. Kei told me it’s how things were. Gabriel Dubois was our lawyer, and judging by his appearance and the fact he’s been doing business for 50 years made him worth paying.
A good lawyer is a guardian angel in this city. If you survive the attacks, you can sue the shit out of your attacker and make their life a miserable hell. How Kei had someone like Mr. Dubois as a lawyer add to my list of questions regarding how Kei gets to know people.
Taking a cab to the cords pointed out. I found myself in the middle of this narrow street with signages colliding mid-air, as if they were trying to see who’d be on the front.
The cords said they were street level, and the signs told me underneath this Kapri Street was a lane full of Gearhead surgeons. You can usually tell if something was going on when the streets were still.
Pulling my sword out from my waist. I followed the pathway and defended myself from an overhead strike from one of Aidan’s freelancers.
“Can you not?” I said to the freelancer. He eyeballed me, then shouldered his stun baton. “Sorry. Got jumpy.”
No one I didn’t recognize was around. Aidan went out of the operation room and saw me with a sword drawn and the blade of mine still crackling with energy from the stun baton.
“Thanks for coming. I hope you don’t fault these boys. They’re just jumpy after some Juju Boys shot them up.”
One of the many gangs in this city. Dreadlock wearing motherfuckers who are chrome-addicts who abandon their humanity to serve their Juju aka this machine god they conjured up when one of their previous leaders had some cyberspace-induced hallucination similar to the 12 Demis…
“You zeroed them?”
“No. Only the ones who started it. I was hoping to the fuck them over, but we got a call from their Rasta about going lex talionis.”
“You accepted it?”
“I’d like to kill them all, but we got even. Don’t see the point of this when we have footage of them, the first one shooting and we the one on the right.”
“Quite lenient. Your freelancers are okay with this?”
“They’ll be.”
Aidan crossed his arms and observed his people.
“They were newbies. Recruited them two days ago and got themselves killed. That’s how things are.”
“It is, isn’t it?”
Two days meant nothing to people here. Same reason it took me three months to get friendly with Kei. If you can’t even survive a month in Changye, then it’s better not to know your name either.
“Guessing they wanted new chrome.”
“Yeah. Juju Boys were robbing a Gearhead doctor. Turns out they were robbing the same place. They killed ours first, then when we heard how shit was going down. We marched in and butchered these bastards.”
I squatted on the ground and fished out my smoking pipe and filled the bowl with tobacco.
“Did you scare them? Juju Boys ain’t usually this reasonable in my previous experiences.”
“Hmm, I had some understanding with their leader. I was the one who flatlined the previous Rasta.”
I had no clue about what happened with the Juju Boys years ago. However, I heard a bunch of mercs get in and bulldozed them with the help of the current Rasta.
“So you were one of them, huh?”
“Collaboration. We were trying to settle down, and we heard they were offering a treat.”
“How convenient for us, then.”
“Yeah. Be glad. Anyway, you know any Gearhead doctor worth their shit?”
I was wondering why he’s asking me. He’d probably knows more people here than me.
“Why?”
“Most of the Gearheads I know ain’t here. Can’t trust the Doctor here after this.”
“Had to call him first.”
Called Simone first. Told him if he was going to welcome new customers in his clinic. He told me he had no intention of refusing potential customers.
“Told me he’s willing.”
“Good. LISTEN UP MAGGOTS.”
Aidan let out a beastly roar and gathered the attention of the freelancers under him like a drill instructor.
“Gather our friends. Rest of you are in the truck and getting chromed. We’ll stop coming here.”
They had bought a truck of their own. I got into Aidan’s muscle car and along the way to Simone’s clinic, I called Kei to give us some introduction to Simone.
“Alright, I’ll tell him what’s up.”
Aidan drove fast and the truck driver following us could keep up with the old man’s driving. Felt like a convoy when we got out of the vehicle and crowded Simone’s clinic.
Simone got out, fresh from an operation, and was looking at the new freelancers preparing themselves.
Dr. Simone’s clinic always exuded this air of calm professionalism, its walls adorned with posters and PSA. As he stood in front of them, the Gearhead Doctor’s face gathered their attention.
“I am Dr. Simone, and it is my privilege to guide you through our clinic’s policies and options.”
A palpable sigh of relief passed between the newbies. Dr. Simone motioned towards a sleek display screen, a digital canvas illuminated with an array of augment options.
“Regarding the choice of bringing your own augments versus purchasing from us,” he continued, “there are considerations for both paths.”
He spoke with authority, explaining the meticulous process.
“Should you choose to bring your own, we’ll require detailed documentation of their specifications and origins. This is to ensure seamless integration and, most importantly, safety. Each augment will undergo extensive assessments and compatibility checks.”
Aidan nodded, a quiet appreciation in his eyes for the thoroughness that Dr. Simone advocated. Aidan’s always the professional and I think he can appreciate it when they act like one.
“And what about warranties and maintenance?” Aidan inquired, his voice reflecting the meticulous nature of his questions.
“An excellent query,” Dr. Simone acknowledged. “Every augment acquired from our clinic comes with a comprehensive warranty. Additionally, we offer tailored maintenance packages to preserve optimal functionality. Our team is always at your disposal for inquiries or concerns.”
“And data security?” Aidan queried, his concern palpable.
“A crucial concern, Sir. We employ state-of-the-art encryption and security protocols to safeguard your personal data. Our clinic is unwavering in compliance with all pertinent privacy regulations. We hold your information in the highest regard. And unless they want to hear from our sponsors in UC and the wrath of the Associations, they’ll be safe.”
Dr. Simone’s reply was resolute, underscoring the clinic’s dedication to safeguarding their clients’ privacy and also the power behind them.
A shared glance between the newbies conveyed their growing trust in Dr. Simone’s expertise. Aidan, I think so too, was having no problems.
“In the end,” Dr. Simone assured, “the choice rests with you. We are here to navigate this path together, ensuring you leave our clinic not only satisfied, but with an unwavering confidence in your augmented choices. Of course, I also offer medical services after your freelancing... tasks”
“Thank you, Dr. Simone. For your professionalism. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.”
Aidan affirmed, his voice reflecting the shared sentiment between everyone here.
Dr. Simone tried to smile warmly, but all he showed was the uncanny lack of actual flesh on his face. Hell, it was a testament to what he had done to himself.
“It is my privilege. I stand honored to be part of your voyage towards enhancement. Let us commence and see who wants to go first?”
They already had decided on who to go first. Simone’s assistant started taking names and what augmentation they will require. It’s about setting up appointments and from the looks of it. Doctor Simone’s week was going to be filled up.
Aidan got out of the clinic. I was leaning on the railing drinking cola when he started smoking his cigar.
“You got chromed?”
“Bioware.”
“I see. Where were you augmented?”
“Europe.”
“Pricey bioware requires more attention. The strength and certainty of steel. It requires less maintenance and even the decrepit will become strong.”
“Maybe. I asked myself if I ever want to get some metal. But I guess I’m one of those idiots who can’t understand the need to cut my flesh for metal. Guessed like feeling alive. Wind running down my arms and all of that.”
“I wonder if you feel the same when you’re bleeding?”
Everyone has a preference. Chrome’s cheaper and stronger and takes less maintenance. It provides this comfort that flesh can’t. Hell, even those who are so against cyberware and install bioware instead prefer to install a pain editor to nullify the pain.
You walk around this city long enough. Walking around this city for a long time will help you understand why most of its population is chrome to their gills.. You want to find the best cyberware hardware in the market. You come into this city and you’ll have every selection of implants you can find from the bargain bin to the cutting-edge ones who’d turn you into a killing machine or the most durable factory worker there is to exist.
I’m guessing Aidan wants me to take a look at the freelancers we’re working with. Understand what he’s dealing with and who’s running around under our office with my own eyes. Who are the grunts that keep us updated on the anoms and check them out myself? Because if there’s one thing you can understand about the people who get their implants by taking off their flesh. They can handle what’s coming. If they’re crazy enough to chrome their flesh, then they have enough mindset to take on the anomalous creatures they’ll have to keep dealing with until they either fuck off and leave for a better-paying job.
karsev
Thanks for reading!
Don't forget to add it to your library and share!
