The Merc and The Netrunner (a cyberpunk tale)

Chapter 7 Cloud's rescue

"Alright Diego I'm in just go in like a normal person don't ask to many questions or else they'll know something is up" Quartz said in a serious tone while scrolling through the CCTV cameras "Yeah yeah I got it Quartz" Diego said as he reached the front desk. "Hello welcome to clouds where you can have a wonderful experience" the girl at the desk said "Heard this place is good heard it from a old choom of mine" Diego said as he had to disconnect the line from Quartz and texted her "Had to go dark I'll call when I'm in" as Diego inserted his nerolink in order to pay for the fee "Let's see you oh your going to be with our newest doll Anna oh by the way clouds is a no weapon zone also what would you want your safe code to be" The receptionist said looking at Diego waiting for a response.

*A few minutes go by*

"My safe word is going to be assassin yeah that's it" Diego said smirking a bit "Not a bad choice All right Anna will be waiting for you in booth 12 enjoy your time at clouds" the receptionist said. Right as he walked in he texted Quartz he was in as responded with a quick wink face and he headed to booth 12 it opened and Diego the doll Anna looking at him "So you must be Diego am I correct" Anna said as Diego quickly looked at the picture that officer Joey sent him and it was her however he had to go along with the plan. "Yes that's me" Diego said as he sat down on the bed "I can tell you are hurting inside from your past and it's killing yourself slowly" Anna said as she walked to him and sat next to him looking at him "How do you know that I'm hurting and yes I am haunted by my past mistakes" Diego said rolling his thumbs "You feel like you could have done something better so it wouldn't effect you psychologically was it your fault though" Anna said putting her hand on his leg.

"Part of me wants to blame myself even though I did everything in my best way to make sure my buddy my old friend Anthony he was like a brother to me we had that older and younger brother relationship" Diego laid down on the bed. "Maybe his death was not in vain or maybe not an accident because everyone in Night City goes out in many different ways you are lucky to be here maybe sacrificed his life in order to keep you alive" Anna said laying down next to him facing him "I just want the world to know that I was there for him and he was there for me however I don't want to be known as the person who abandoned him left him to die" Diego said sighing trying to not let his emotions get ahold of him. "Maybe that's not how the world will see you maybe some people see you as just friend or a loyal pal to him however it's best you do not let your past catch up to you because if it does it might affect you" Anna said as she was about to put her hand on Diego's cheek he said the safeword "Assassin" and then the room lit up "What happened was it something I said" Anna said confused as she got up pacing back and forth.

"Hey that talking kinda helped me made me feel like I need it too let it go to know that I wasn't my fault however I'm here to rescue you to bring you back to your uncle" Diego said as he stood and looked at her. "Officer Joey my uncle Oh my I thought he was gone I never really saw him My God what am I doing working here dressing up like this I thought he was gone" Anna said as she started getting emotional "Hey hey he's still alive he's very well he just misses you he also said that the family isn't the same without you" Diego said as he handed her some old merc gear so she can change into as he turned around and called Quartz "Target is secure on my way back to you now" Diego said. "It's best you hurry up because someone is on their way like now" Quartz said as she sent live for footage of a couple of staff members heading Diego's way "Pretend that you are hurt and I'm helping you out can you do that Anna" Diego said as Anna nodded right as security came in and quickly started asking questions about what happened as Diego explained that Anna had a manufacturing as they tried to escort him out of clouds Diego punches the security guard in the gut and kicked him into the other guard causing the both of them to fall down.

"Anna RUN" Diego said as noticed other security guards started shooting at them as both of them started morning to the entrance of clouds and Diego grabbed his pistols also shot back at the security guards right as they made it to the elevator the security guards stopped chasing them. "Quartz Target is secure I repeat target is secure heading to the car right now" Diego said "We need to talk when you get in the car It's kind of important about the job and the other night" Quartz said as she started the car and drove to the entrance of the Omega building. "Get in" Diego said as he opened the back door for Anna who was shaking from the running and shooting "Diego I really need to talk to you It's about this gig and what happened the other night" Quartz said as she sped off to the drop off zone "Now's not the time Quartz Hey Anna I must say she did really good for that roll you did work with me and Quartz we could use another pair of hands That's if you're up for it the offer still stands" Diego said as quickly looked back at Anna who was now calm.

*They reached the meet up point*

"Anna" officer Joey said as he got out of his police cruiser and ran to her hugging her while crying "Uncle Joey I'm sorry I never meant to hurt you I never meant to do all those things I said and did to you" Anna said hugging him back as well. "What a happy moment who would have thought and uncle reunited with his niece" Diego said looking at Quartz who couldn't help, but leave a little smile "Thank you two have been really good in my book I'll make so I clear your NCPD files Just in case if any other NCPD personnel try to arrest you that is your payment let's go Anna" Officer Joey said as Anna pulled away "Uncle no I want to work with them I know it must be hard seen me like this, but I like doing undercover and taking out unfinished business also I'll still visit you every other weekend" Anna said as she went back to Diego and Quartz. "Officer Joey I hope you are able to understand It's not like you can't force her it's her choice I know you understand kind of like how you chose to put on the badge I promise me and Quartz will keep an eye on her" Diego said as he offered a handshake as officer Joey reluctantly shook his hand and he drove off in his police cruiser "How about we get something to eat also Quartz you wanted to talk to me about something" Diego said to Quartz as he entered the car "It's nothing forget about it was something about the gig all I was trying to say this gig just to rescue someone and have our NCPD files removed" Quartz said as she too got in the car and they sped off to Tom's diner.

(Sorry posting this chapter a little late than usual I have been really busy with the holidays and that I posted today but if you are reading this on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Merry Christmas to you and stay safe out there chooms as for new chapters they will be coming out in the next year with more accent and more interesting characters well see you next time)