Cyberpunk 2077: V

Chapter 66: Cab Convo

The back doors of the cab automatically swung open as V and Jackie walked around, and the faint smell of clean, actual leather and new car scent hit V's nose as she swung into the vehicle. She practically melted into the seat, eyes widening as she took in the lush interior, the very expensive ballistic glass, the thick armored doors, the controls on the ceiling, and the integrated computer system in the backs of the front seats. Jackie slid in with a grunt, and he too stared wide-eyed as the doors clicked shut and bolted, sealing them in like a tank.

On the screens in front of them sat Delamain; or at least, a personification of Delamain. V always found his persona interesting: paper-white skin, ice-blue lips, and the faintest brush of eyeshadow over pale cyan eyes. Bald, with a cream shirt and black tie, he looked professional and clean-cut, matching the cheery, upbeat greeting he offered them.

"Welcome on board this Delamain service. With Delamain, you leave your problems at the door."

Jackie began snuggling back into the rich leather of his seat.

"Son of a bitch! Better fuckin' believe I will!" he said excitedly.

Delamain came back with what V could have sworn was a slight lilt of offense to say, "I see no reason why you should be using expletives."

He pronounced it as "ex-plee-tives," which V found a little funny.

"Forgive my friend," she offered, turning to look at her own screen. A tiny little camera eye stared back at her from above it. "He's just very excited to be here. It's... it's been a long time comin'."

"I see," Delamain said. "Well, I am pleased to hear that my services are sought after and looked forward to. I strive to ensure that I am available for those in need of my services."

Jackie huffed and gestured at the screen.

"Oh, yeah? Available? What about that time I wanted to hire you for my cousin's bachelor party, huh?"

"Jackie!" V hissed quietly, lightly hitting his bicep with her hand.

"Unfortunately, we do not take on such contracts," Delamain replied smoothly.

Jackie folded his arms and pouted. "Three months I'd been savin' up scratch..." He sighed, then leaned back and haughtily waved a hand. "Ah well, water under the bridge. Hit it, Del-bro!"

"Before we begin our journey, I must verify the identities of all customers," Delamain explained. "Please proceed to connect your personal links."

V and Jackie both looked to see a tiny blue light shine on the data stations in front of them, indicating where to jack in. Giving each other a glance, they both selected their jacks and connected to the cab. A tiny command prompt popped up for a split second, then a small chirp and a "You may now disconnect." V retracted her jack and sat back.

"Thank you," Delamain said brightly. "Excelsior package activated."

Suddenly the car turned on, and V watched as the wheel began to move, felt the engine shift as they reversed out of the parking spot. The ride was smooth, like butter. It felt more like they were hovering over the ground than driving.

"Excelsior!" Jackie laughed, clapping his hands together. "Oh, this just keeps gettin' better!"

V looked over at him. "Why all the excitement, Jackster?" she asked.

Jackie gave her a mischievous grin. "Hang on, watch this! Delamain, initiate combat mode!"

"My apologies, but you do not appear to be in any sort of imminent danger," Delamain replied.

A look of disappointment immediately pulled at Jackie's face, and he gave V a sheepish look before saying, "Oh well..." Then he perked up again to tell her, "Trust me, he'll mow down an army of 'Saka ninjas if it comes down to it! What's not to be excited about!"