WarpDancer (Cyberpunk: Edgerunners)

First Step

(Tw: Sexual abuse)

The door slides closed with a hiss behind me, after nearly an hour talking out the details Lucy had decided she was ready to go through with calling up this "Kiwi" chick. Normally this choice would scare the hell outta me, but oddly, I feel almost relieved. In all the years since we'd met I hadn't seen her this determined before, like shes finally comfortable stepping outside of hiding for the first time. Sure it's a risk, but as long as it's her choice I'll be right beside her for the ride.

I'd decided that it'd be best if she handled the setup on her own, if she wanted to go down this road I'm certainly not about to take charge. I trust her with my life, and despite how paranoid I am I know she's just as cautious as me for the most part, she won't let herself get talked into anything that she doesn't believe is safe or manageable. She's got this, I'm better off taking care of some things on my end. 

Stepping out of the appartment complex into the late afternoon sun, I double check my connection to the building, ensuring that my optics are properly linked to the new location before hopping back into my car and starting off back acrossed the bridge. It's been a few days, but with this meeting coming up, and the Job one of these nights I'd best stop by Doc's and get myself looked at, best to let Simon have a look at everything in case I really need to let loose.

The drive through downtown is always a pain, traffic's always bad and theres not much room to go anywheres once you're caught in it, may as well just park somewheres  first chance I get and walk the rest of the way. After following my own advice and spending a few minutes walking towards the westside of the district I reach the clinic; A small private firm that primarily caters to the upper class from around this area, handling the snobby rich types every need for cyberware. Continuing past the front entrance I swing down the alleyway, reaching a heavy steel door at the rear of the building away from the street view, moving towards it the door slides open just long enough for me to step inside before shutting just as quickly. 

Taking care to avoid any of the clientele I carry on to the first door on the right, heading down the stairs into a brightly lit storage room. One of the clinic's nurses passes me on the stairway, nodding in recognition, I'd never spoken to them but we'd grown to recognize eachothers faces. Passing through rows of neatly orginized shelving I reach the far wall, connecting my personal link to one of the terminals nearby to 'check in', a tedious way of doing things but I'm not about to complain, after all this is a lot to ask from someone operating so publicly. Retracting my link after a small audible click sounds from a nearby set of lockers I step over as they slide into the wall, revealing a short corridor to another door. Entering into a pristine operating room of sorts, various medical implements for both organic and cybernetic components alike lining countertops, a comfortable chair in the center of the room aside a set of terminals. 

Taking a seat in the center of the room I decide to lay back and rest my eyes, the sleep debt I owed was comming due whether I like it or not and I'm not about to rush Simon. Letting out a long-winded yawn I  lean back and get comfortable, it's hard to believe I could let myself relax like this. That look though...  Lucy was like a whole other person for a moment, she looked driven, like she'd found something she genuinely wanted to persue because she wanted to. Oddly, I'm excited to see how this meeting goes, to see where that chase leads her.

---------------

The air is cold, not freezing, but just cold enough to incite discomfort.

I'm still sitting, but the chair is no longer soft and cushioned, it's hard... metal...

Familiar...

I try to open my eyes but closed or not all I can see around me is darkness, looking down I can't even see my own body, like I've been blindfolded. I struggle to raise my hands, only to find them bound to the the arms of the chair, lashed down by what feels like thick leather straps that cut into my wrists. I pull against them with all my might but the strength I've grown accustomed to just isn't there. Blind, weak, helpless...