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[rebelsamurai]

[ Amidst the impressive technological marvels and distractions present on the ship, Johnny found it impossible to resist the allure of commandeering the network for a brief moment. While he's no deckhead or with a fancy BD strapped to his head, Johnny at least knows how to work a camera. This is why everyone is getting a good view of the scowling rockerboy as he puffs smoke directly into the camera.

Yeah, he's smoking again already. Don't ask how he got his hands on another e-cigarette. It probably involved a five-finger discount and a lot of schmoozing. Despite being such a complete asshole, Johnny is at least charming.

He's a charming little parasite. ]

Okay, chucklefucks. [ He mutters before taking another drag on his cigarette. Smoke billows from his nose as he exhales, resembling an angry demon/oni graphic on his tank top. ] Let's have a little talk.

Where the fuck are all of you from? Half of y'all look like your average Joe, while others look like wannabe supermodels who just walked off a Jinguji photoshoot.

[ Johnny lets out a chuckle as he brushes some ash off his cigarette. ]

So, who wants to go first? State your name and where the hell you're from.

Comments

[sunbeloved]

There is something that I recall hearing once, "the love of money is the root of all evil", was it?

It doesn't buy what the heart is missing, or truly bring as much peace as they think.

(martha might be pleased with jeanne that he memorized that were they there, even if karna held different beliefs personally, he did not judge them for their own.)

Though there also is more to it than that. Not all terrible acts are committed over money.
Anyway, at the very least, it's peaceful until trouble decides to make itself known.

[rebelsamurai]

Yep, and that quote is straight out of the King James version of the Bible too.

[ He's from the Bible Belt, okay? Johnny knows a thing or two about that so-called holy book. ] Not that it means much, especially since most Bible thumpers are horrible fucking people.

[ Fortunately, he won't indulge in an extended tirade regarding that. ]

The road to hell is always paved in good intentions, isn't it? It's definitely not just the love of money that makes folks act out of pocket. But I gotta tell you, it feels nice to be away from all that bullshit now.

Nonetheless, none of us have any idea what's going on here.

[rebelsamurai]

I'm certain that I would be a more competent father than my own dad.

[ Though, he really doesn't want to be anyone's "dad" here. ]

Izaya, huh? Ever heard of a hellhole called "Night City"?

[precocity]

i haven't
but i must say with such a charming introduction
i can't wait for you to tell me all about it

[rebelsamurai]

[ "Um-eric-uh?" That wins a snicker from Johnny. He's trying so hard not to laugh, but no dice. ]

Sheesh! You're definitely not American with that bullshit pronunciation.

[Not that he's offended or anything. The version of America he recognizes is essentially a lifeless entity, perpetually being plundered by predatory megacorporations that continue to siphon off the nation's resources. In layman's terms, Johnny is particularly patriotic for various reasons.]

The hoosegow? You were in prison, choom?

[ That gets an eyebrow raise from him. ]

What was the charge?

[rebelsamurai]

Let's just say Night City is a combination of Los Angeles meets the Devil's ass crack mixed in with violent dust storms and even more violent corporations.

If you're not getting poisoned by eating day-old worm-made Scoop burgers, you're getting your brains bashed in by either the local gangs in town or by NCPD.

[justamobster]

And you ain't a Fir, a G, or a towner, but I ain't jammed over it, yeah?

That time 'round it was bank robbery, attempted robbery, armed assault, larceny, auto-theft... [ He takes a moment to think. ] Think they threw assaultin' an officer in there because I spat on a cop. Basically anythin' that would stick at that point. Which's why me and Hardy broke out.

[sunbeloved]

(he'll avoid asking more on that, anyway. then again, if he mentioned that he knew saint martha and jeanne d'arc of all people....that might also be more confusing. it's something he notes for another time. this man, for the impression he gives off, has the vibe they could have interesting conversations from their differing views.

then again, karna only talks more when someone can manage to get him to.)

The planet itself we're going to is said to be desert climate, I know what to expect somewhat....although India, my birth country, isn't necessarily like one fully, I've dealt with the heat enough.

Figuring out what this "Song" is will take time. I'm sure a number of us are skeptical about it, but our hosts do seem like we were brought here with some manner of good intentions.

....though I did get multiple boxes shoved at me at the trading post and people asking me to come back for discounts whenever I'm just a stranger to these people.

[rebelsamurai]

A desert planet, huh? While we’re fainting from the heat, we might face sandworms as big as skyscrapers, if Frank Herbert's works are to be believed.

[ The last fucking thing he wants to do is battle massive sandworms. That doesn't seem enjoyable at all, especially since he's lacking half of his cybernetic enhancements. But that wouldn't stop V from trying to fight one of those things and that fucking scares him. ]

But in any case, you're from India? The same nation with a population of approximately a billion people? Holy shit, you're like one of the few Earthlings I've met so far!

As for all this "Song" bullshit, I'm on the fence about it until we actually start piecing together the clues. These goofy-ass chooms put my ass on the archive and research team, so I guess I gotta get to work once we land.

Not the kind of work I ever envisioned for a rockstar such as myself, but whatever.

Well, at least you’re getting a discount~! As for me, I believe in the five finger discount.

[sunbeloved]

Sandworms....
That might be a first for me, guns aren't necessarily my forte when it comes to ranged.
Bows, that's a different story.

Still, not everyone seems capable of fighting, and I'd worry more about the possibility of any non-combatants getting hurt.

(frank herbert isn't an author he knows of entirely, though karna did have knowledge of the modern era for his time. books he knew of were found by his own hand, education and all that he took upon himself during more quiet hours. he was always studious.)

That's right. If my brother were here, he likely would have been more obvious than me in sticking out appearance wise.

(rockstar? he frowns briefly to himself, the last time he heard a guitar was when someone decided she would play one for summer....he isn't going to talk about her skills in it.

five-finger discount is a term he recognizes from being taught by a few troublemakers that he knew before as well.)

Thievery? I'm surprised. (if only because he can still read people, just not how he used to do with their nature and detecting lies.) With the impression you gave off, you seemed more capable of talking people into things.

A bit of a troublemaker, but also one that enjoys himself.

[mikoshi]

[ It feels as if they're speedrunning a relationship — but then again, how many couples can claim they've soulbonded with their partner, biologically and metaphorically?

"Because it's not like you're hearing voices. You're both yourself and Silverhand, simultaneously." ] You proposing to me, Silverhand? [ A formality at this point. If destroying a man's greatest enemy wasn't the wedding ring, then what is? ]

[rebelsamurai]

[ Talk about killing the mood, Vinny. Johnny takes a sharp breath once he reads the text. While he honestly detests the commercial idea of marriage and being owned by someone thanks to some stupid ring, he isn't against the actual concept of marriage. At least, he's not against the original concept behind such a union. They should rethink their approach before things escalate, but it may already be too late for that.

Johnny knows how V feels about him and vice versa. They're two halves of the same soul at this point. They've merged in such a way that they can still hear the ghostly echoes of each other's thoughts. It's freaky, very freaky. Johnny had never had this kind of connection with anyone before. It used to scare him but over the long months, he stopped being scared of V and realized that he needed him.

They both need each other. ]

Fuck. [ He takes longer than it seems necessary to text back. His thoughts are spiraling out of control. ]

There's only one Mr. Silverhand, you know? Just as there's only one Mr. Tanaka, though I'm open to finding a middle ground.

But that shit will have to wait until after we figure out what the hells going on.

[ So yeah, that wedding ring is definitely happening someday. But they need to get their shit together while on this spooky-ass spaceship. ]

[rebelsamurai]

You think you've figured me out, huh? [ He jokes after rereading that last bit for a second time. This choom is dangerous. Very dangerous. Now Johnny is on guard again. Gone is that cavalier attitude of his from earlier.

The real hellraiser is about to show up. ]

Word of advice: you don't know shit and will never know shit about me. Not unless I say so, but yeah—maybe I like causing a little bit of trouble.

It's better than just farting around singing "Kumbaya" with a bunch of weirdos in the middle of outer space. But whatever, right? It seems like we're stuck on this ship for the long haul or until the Edicts get bored of us.

[ With that out of the way, Johnny returns to the conversation at hand. ]

The noncombatants should keep their asses on the ship; that's obvious. As for those who can fight, we need to ensure that whoever is on security detail can actually do their fucking jobs.

[rebelsamurai]

Ain't jammed, huh? Stealin' that too.

[ At this point, Johnny is bound to start talking like Landon if this keeps up. He's soaking all this bullshit up like a sponge. ]

Shit, you got one hell of a rap sheet! Maybe you outta cool it a bit, choom. However, I'm all for spittin' at the pigs whenever.

I fucking hate the cops in Night City. They're just another gang but with a badge.

[mikoshi]

[ Part of Vincent is disappointed at the rebuttal — leaves him feeling shamed, as if he miscalculated somehow, a scary thought. Does this mean they're drifting apart once more? Becoming different people, or different enough what they feel for each other will change? There's a desperation in the pit of his stomach at the possibility of losing Johnny once more, but this time not to circumstances out of their control, but rather to their own actions, which is worse.

But another part, the pragmatic solo, understands. There are more important matters at hand than a white wedding. ] Okay. [ Uncharacteristically succinct. But he's not going to admit he's at the edge of crashing out over a 'later' rather than a 'no'. Embarrassing. Get it together, Vincent. ]

[precocity]

that sounds like a great time
don't you miss it already?

[ izaya would have so much fun just watching everything ]

[rebelsamurai]

[He can almost feel the disappointment behind that “okay”, and he can’t help but mentally kick himself for it. However, they don’t get the luxury of planning a wedding just yet. Not when they have this weirdo space odyssey happening but it’s definitely not a “no” in Johnny’s book.

But how can he prove that to Vince?]

So, what’s it going to be?

[Wait, what is he talking about now?]

Silverhand-Tanaka or Tanaka-Silverhand?

[mikoshi]

Johnny.

[ He knows exactly why Johnny is asking this. ]

It's okay. Jumped the gun. Let's just drop it.

[rebelsamurai]

No. You didn’t jump the gun.

I’m just—shit, maybe we should just talk in person. I don’t want to admit how I feel over text like some shitty input. Fuck that, not with you.

I’ve already fucked up one too many relationships with my bullshit. So let’s just…talk. In person.

Text > Action

[mikoshi]

Okay. Hangar.

[ What the fuck is going on with his emotions? It's all the manic depression of teenagerdom with the spiraling of young adulthood. Unsightly. Ridiculous.

As Vincent paces around his ship, zipping up his bright orange utility jumpsuit, he wishes he had an actual cigarette. Nicotine would calm him the fuck down. Throwing himself into Arasaka Tower, one against hundreds? Who gives a shit.

But talking to Johnny about whatever this is? Sends his whole body into a shake. ]

[sunbeloved]

(he'll keep that in mind, is what karna thinks briefly. he isn't bad at this. reading people, what he looks at more is mannerisms and actions. some have often said he was capable of reading someone down to their soul with that....they wouldn't be wrong, either. evil is evil, but not every terrible person is incapable of reason and does hold their own beliefs. their own thoughts, karna does understand this too well as a man that a man's word can only get one so far.

not all men desire to keep that word they gave their fellows, another thing he keeps in mind. he almost frowns to himself, a nerve likely was struck. unintended, but he does know the type.)

My apologies, then.

(polite, even when in the wrong. thoughtful, too, since he decided to leave it at that, with something simple.)

That depends. I have been practicing my target shooting with the gun they handed me, it isn't difficult as I already know archery and how to use a bow in a different comparison.

And I am not bad with my fists if I need to. I don't count on this being peaceful.

I haven't met the others yet from the security division....so I won't be able to give any thoughts about what I think of them. If anything, I'm used to taking charge and going from there on terms of action....words is another story.

I'm better at acting than speaking.

UN: broly

[gobrolygogo]

[It doesn't take nearly as much fiddling this time for Broly to activate the speech to text function. He's learning.]

Broly.

I'm from Vampa.

What is a "super model"?

[rebelsamurai]

[ One might assume that confronting a gun would be more terrifying than dealing with V at this moment, but Johnny would actually rather face that than engage in this discussion. He struggles to articulate his feelings, often masking them as righteous anger. In fact, a part of Johnny finds it challenging to understand his emotions after years of being emotionally cold. Yet, here he is, making his way to the hangar to undertake the daunting task of discussing his feelings before a man who truly loves him.

It's like he's being sent to the gallows with blades pressed against his back. He's so fucking scared right now that he brought back the shades. Classic Silverhand tactic 101: don't let them see the fear in your eyes. Those dark brown sunglasses come in handy in a pinch and this is a huge pinch. ]

Vince.

[As soon as he catches sight of the orange jumpsuit, he calls out to him. His tone is neutral for the time being. No malice, no anger, nothing of the sort. Johnny is trying his best to hide his emotions for now.

However, that doesn't really last when a smile curls onto his lips.]

I see you couldn't help yourself. You just had to start tinkering away, huh?

[rebelsamurai]

It's a great time until you catch a stray bullet to the cranium.

But most folks usually deck themselves out in cyberware to avoid getting their brains splattered that easily.

[precocity]

you're making it sound like an open warzone
but now i'm curious about how decked you are in cyberware