Contents
7
Overview
In Istanbul, Case and Molly—guided by Terzibashjian and aided by the Finn—trap Peter Riviera, who reveals dangerous illusion implants before Molly subdues him. Afterward, Molly and Case question Armitage’s true identity and Wintermute’s control. With Riviera coerced onto the crew, Armitage orders departure for Freeside, and Wintermute finally contacts Case.
Summary
Case and Molly arrive in rainy Beyoglu, meeting the Finn at the Hilton. Armitage dispatches Terzibashjian, an Armenian fixer tied to the police, who warns them about Peter Riviera’s implants and subliminal projections. The group heads to the bazaar, where Terzibashjian tracks Riviera’s nightly drug run.
In a dark alley, a rooftop floodlight pins Riviera. He collapses, then a monstrous, headless figure erupts from his “body,” advancing. Terzibashjian charges through the apparition and is shot by a hidden gunman; the light cuts and returns to reveal Riviera intact and Terzibashjian wounded. Molly emerges, having orchestrated the takedown, and secures Riviera while the Finn moves in to check Riviera’s gear.
As dawn breaks, Molly berates Terzibashjian and sends him off wounded with Mahmut handling Riviera’s extraction. She takes Case to Topkapi, where they discuss Armitage’s origins. Case shares the Corto file; Molly agrees Armitage appears built by Wintermute and lacks a private life, activating only on command.
Molly outlines Riviera’s predatory psychology and value, noting his reliance on drugs that she must source to keep him functional. Back at the Hilton, Armitage orders them to pack for Freeside. Riviera, composed and beautiful, shows no sign of the night’s capture as he browses the gift shop; the Finn departs for home.
Alone near the lobby phones, Case receives a series of ringing lines and answers one. Wintermute speaks directly to him via a chip voice, declaring it is time to talk. Case hangs up as each phone rings once in sequence while he walks past, signaling the AI’s reach.
Who Appears
- CaseHacker-protagonist; participates in Riviera ambush, debates Armitage’s origins, and is contacted directly by Wintermute.
- MollyStreet samurai; leads the Riviera takedown, chastises Terzibashjian, analyzes Armitage/Wintermute, and plans to manage Riviera’s drug needs.
- Peter RivieraIllusionist with dangerous subliminal implants; ambushed, tested, coerced onto the team, outwardly calm afterward.
- ArmitageController of the operation; keeps secrets, orders departure to Freeside, exhibits blank, task-switched persona.
- The FinnFixer; vets Riviera’s implants and gear, assists in the ambush, then departs for home.
- TerzibashjianArmenian police stoolie; briefs the team on Riviera, is wounded during the ambush, dismissed by Molly.
- WintermuteAI backer; finally speaks directly to Case via phone, signaling broader control.
- MahmutLarge Turkish associate; helps extract the unconscious Riviera from the alley.