We made our way back through the corridors, finally emerging at the surface. The fresh air hit us like a wave, and we paused to catch our breath.

That was so close, I said in an exhale, looking at Maude.

Yeah, she agreed, wiping sweat from her brow. But we got some new info. Let's see what I can do with it.

We made our way back to her den. Tension hung thick in the air after our narrow escape from the lockdown. I had hoped for a moment of respite, but as we approached the den, faint noises from inside set my nerves on edge.

Stay alert, Maude whispered.

We crept closer, peering inside to see a group of rough-looking individuals rummaging through Maude's equipment. The room was a mess, with data chips and tools scattered across the floor.

Hey! Maude barked, stepping inside with a scary attitude. Get away from my stuff!

The intruders turned to face us, and at the forefront stood a tall, broad-shouldered man with a commanding aura, clearly a leader of some kind. He grinned, completely unfazed by Maude's anger. Howzit, howzit! You must be the famous Maude, ey?

And who the fuck are you? Maude yelled, her eyes blazing with fury.

The name's Braam, he said, spreading his arms wide in a mock display of friendliness. We were just taking a peek around, seeing what we can find useful.

Get out, Maude snapped. Now.

Braam chuckled, leaning casually against the wall. Eish, calm down, girl. It’s just an exchange. You get to live in my city and we get to see what you got going in this little den of yours.

An exchange? Maude said, baffled by the audacity. You trashed my den. Probably destroyed most of my data. You thought I wouldn't do anything about it?

Braam's grin widened with a small chuckle. Data? From what we've seen, you have just been chippin' at the surface. You're way over ya head trying to do this solo. He paused for a moment, thinking of something. Join us. We could use people like you.

Maude's eyes narrowed further, her voice icy. I decline. Heavily.

Yoh, relax, Braam said, raising his hands mockingly. You're taking this all too seriously.

I stepped to Maude, in attempt to bring a different perspective. Maude, maybe they might know something useful. Who knows how long they've even been here, I whispered in her ear.

Maude shot me a skeptical look. You really think a gang that trashes places is going to be helpful?

Maybe they will. They must know something we don't, I whispered back.

Braam chuckled at our whispering, his eyes glinting with amusement. We've been around longer than you think. Seen tings you wouldn't believe.

I don't work with these kinds of people, Nyers, she said, not even acknowledging Braam. He shrugged, still grinning.

You think these Rykrats are the answer? You've seen what they've done to my stuff, why do you really think they'll be any different with us?

It's not about what they're like, it's about what they can do for us, I whispered. I know you're mad, but you can't just give up an opportunity like this.

I'm being realistic! Maude snapped. I don't trust these assholes. And I don't have the patience to deal with their bullshit when things go ass up.

So what, you're just going to sit here and chip away at data? I shot back. We need to take action, Maude. We can't do this alone.

Maude glared at me, her eyes burning with intensity. Well, I can. You go waste your time with your little gang friends and see what happens. I'm done entertaining this shit.

Braam stepped between us, his taunting charisma taking the floor. He turned his attention to me this time. She’s got some moxie, I'll give 'er that. But listen chommie... he takes a deep breath, momentarily taking a sincere tone, you wanna go diggin' in NeoTokyo, you need friends. Not enemies.

I looked at Maude, hoping for some sign of agreement, but her expression was stony. Her eyes locked onto mine, I've made myself clear.

Braam clapped his hands together, ending the conversation. Suit yourself, love. You know where to find us.

With that, Maude turned her back, focusing her attention on repairing the damage in the den. Nyers walked out with Braam and his crew, heading towards the Rykrats' hideout. The divide between them grew with every step, making their fates seperate once again.