Brave The Storm (Panam Palmer X Male Reader)

Chapter 2

The sun rose over the Aldecaldos' camp, casting long shadows over the desert landscape. The early morning light revealed the bustling activity as the nomads prepared for the day ahead. Vehicles were being repaired, supplies inventoried, and plans made for their next moves.

Y/N sat on a crate outside Panam's tent, the events of the previous night still fresh in his mind. The drive containing the damning evidence against Arasaka felt like a lead weight in his pocket. He knew that what they had uncovered was just the beginning of a larger battle.

Panam emerged from her tent, looking tired but resolute. She gave Y/N a nod and motioned for him to follow her to the main campfire, where Saul, the Aldecaldos' leader, was already waiting.

"Morning, Y/N," Saul greeted, his tone serious. "Panam filled me in on what you found. We've got a lot to discuss."

Y/N nodded, pulling the drive from his pocket and handing it to Saul. "This is the proof we need. Arasaka's been running illegal cybernetic experiments for years. My parents tried to expose them and were killed for it."

Saul plugged the drive into a portable terminal, skimming through the files with a grim expression. "This is explosive stuff. If we can get this to the right people, it could bring down some of Arasaka's key operations."

"But that’s a big 'if,'" Panam interjected, crossing her arms. "We need to be smart about this. Arasaka won’t just sit back and let us expose them."

Saul nodded in agreement. "We’ll need allies. People with influence who can help us distribute this information widely and protect us from the fallout."

Y/N glanced around the camp, seeing the faces of the Aldecaldos as they worked. These were people who had taken him in, who had stood by him even when the odds were against them. "I have a contact in the Afterlife," he said finally. "Rogue. She has the connections and the resources to help us get this out."

Saul raised an eyebrow. "Rogue? She’s a legend, but also a wild card. Are you sure you can trust her?"

Y/N nodded. "If anyone can help us navigate the complexities of Night City’s power struggles, it’s her. Besides, she has no love for Arasaka."

Panam gave him a thoughtful look. "Alright. We’ll need to move carefully. Saul and I will start rallying support among the other nomad families. We’ll need everyone on board for this."

Saul leaned back, a contemplative expression on his face. "We’ll also need to tighten security around the camp. Arasaka won’t hesitate to send operatives our way once they realize we have this information."

Y/N stood, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I’ll head to the Afterlife today. The sooner we get Rogue involved, the better."

Panam placed a hand on his arm, her grip firm. "Be careful, Y/N. Night City is a different beast during the day, but it’s no less dangerous."

"I will," he assured her, meeting her gaze. "We’ll get through this. Together."

With that, Y/N made his way to his motorcycle, the hum of activity around the camp a steady reminder of the allies he had gained. As he roared back towards Night City, he steeled himself for the confrontation ahead. Rogue was a powerful ally, but also a shrewd operator who would expect something in return for her help.

The Afterlife was buzzing when Y/N arrived, the familiar neon lights and pounding music creating an atmosphere of barely controlled chaos. He made his way to the bar, nodding to Claire, the bartender, who recognized him immediately.

"Rogue’s in the back," Claire said, gesturing towards a private booth. "She’s expecting you."

Y/N walked to the booth, finding Rogue seated with a glass of whiskey in hand. She looked up, her eyes sharp and assessing. "Y/N. It’s been a while."

"Rogue," Y/N greeted, sliding into the seat opposite her. "I need your help."

Rogue took a sip of her drink, her gaze never leaving his. "I’ve heard. You’ve stirred up quite the hornet’s nest with Arasaka. What exactly are you hoping to achieve?"

Y/N handed her a copy of the files, watching as she skimmed through them. "I want to expose them. Make sure the world knows what they’ve been doing. And I need your help to do it."

Rogue set the terminal down, a thoughtful expression on her face. "This is big, Y/N. Dangerous. But you already knew that. What’s in it for me?"

"I figured you’d ask that," Y/N replied, leaning forward. "I can offer you exclusive access to any future intel we uncover. Arasaka’s operations, their weaknesses. And a chance to hit them where it hurts."

Rogue smiled, a calculating glint in her eyes. "You drive a hard bargain. But I like it. Alright, Y/N, you’ve got yourself an ally. But remember, in this game, trust is earned. Don’t screw this up."

Y/N nodded, relief washing over him. "Thank you, Rogue. You won’t regret it."

As they finalized their plans, Y/N couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope. The road ahead was fraught with danger, but with Rogue’s backing and the support of the Aldecaldos, they had a fighting chance. The battle for justice had only just begun, but Y/N was ready to face whatever came next.