Infinite: Progressing from Arasaka, Chapter 110

Her scenes in this opening act have temporarily wrapped up.

She should be in a state of being secretly annoyed by being tricked right now.

Making a show of bravado, Vera nodded briefly to the protesters before heading to the hotel helipad, where a new car and escort convoy were already prepared.

Adam Hammer, clad in basic exoskeleton Cyborg armor, stood out prominently at the entrance of the vehicle's unfolded hatch, his figure appearing as if cast in steel.

It was not equipped with Cybernetic Kong.

Even the upgraded and improved Cybernetic Kong is still too large to be convenient for close protection inside the cabin, but at least the structure has been optimized for Adam Hammer's special characteristics. It is stored in the air vehicle that travels with the formation and can be combined and dressed at any time.

"Thank you for making this trip, Adam."

"Director, I'm actually looking forward to some fools coming to their deaths. Night City has been getting a bit too boring lately." A cold, metallic voice rang out as Vera the car; it was Adam Hammer.

Vera chuckled softly, turned her head away, and said in an extremely flat tone, "The thrilling and exciting days are coming. It all depends on whether you can continue the legend."

"Haha... With your words, I'm really looking forward to it, Director."

Adam Hammer chuckled hoarsely as he boarded the vehicle with Vera's Cyber Ninja companions.

Click.

The hatch closed.

Amidst the roar of the engine, the scenery outside the car windows, now tinted and transparent, began to rush upwards and recede rapidly, disappearing into the distance amidst the escalating protests and opposition from the 'civilian' community in San Diego against Militech and from Washington.

Heading north, destination: Night City.

They remained silent the entire way.

Everything went very smoothly and steadily.

Adam Hammer was quite disappointed. No petty thieves jumped out to stop him, no missiles came flying from afar, and no planes or drones crashed.

There wasn't even a bad weather along the way, and the journey was completely unimpeded.

Yes, the agent program is progressing smoothly.

[... A swift and decisive West Coast independence would inevitably lead to direct war between us and Washington, but a slow and gradual approach, a game of one state at a time, is the human nature you taught me. This is the salami-slicing tactic; using this event as a pretext, we can nibble away at our territory step by step.]

[The pretext for interfering in New Mexico and Arizona has been obtained; local parties will inevitably want to revive state power... Yes... Yes... I understand. This won't happen again, I promise, Lord Saburo.]

Beep beep—

Hang up the phone.

"Phew..." The image of Saburo Arasaka had been scolding with a stern face but was now full of energy, had disappeared from her cornea, Vera couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.

Sigh... I got scolded by Old Deng, a scolding with stern concern, saying that her self-inflicted injury was too risky, which warmed my heart a little.

Vera picked up a glass of iced water from the bar, took a sip, and leaned back in her chair to calm herself down, tapping her fingers lightly on the armrest.

Based on the intelligence she had just obtained from the secret agent organization, it was just as she had expected.

While local parties in the Western States were somewhat baffled as to why Washington would make such a foolish move—was it because they were furious and desperate, leading to a loss of judgment—the consensus among everyone was to pin the blame on Militech and Washington.

Many people have started to make a big deal out of the attack on the Arasaka delegation and her assassination attempt.

This matter has nothing to do with Militech or Washington. Whether Vera and Arasaka believe it or not is irrelevant; what matters is whether the international community and the people of the Western States believe it.

The so-called self-proof is a trap; as long as you try to prove yourself, you are wrong.

If Militech is investigated, it will inevitably be found to be partly at fault.

Choose to publish the results truthfully.

While claiming it was the individual actions of certain frontline agents suffering from Cyberpsychosis, Vera focused her criticism on their incompetence, lax and chaotic management, and lack of effective organization and coordination.

If they can't even control their own Federal Intelligence Agency, how can they govern the Free State of the West? How can the millions of free-spirited citizens of the West still entrust their future well-being to Washington?

The choice is to neither respond, acknowledge, nor disclose.

That means you're guilty; you dare to do it but not admit it.

What gives you the right to remain silent? You have no right to remain silent.

Vera was the one who was 'attacked'. She is someone who cares so much about her image and cleanliness, and she was made to look so disheveled this time. The losses and casualties on the scene were even greater for Arasaka's personnel and assets.

This is about selling a long-established persona for a reasonable 'price'.

This would further promote and ignite public opinion.

Although Vera is not Rock Kid star like Johnny Silverhand and cannot rally fans to march, demonstrate, or violently storm federal agencies, local parties in Western States, people who hate Washington, and vested interests who oppose federal power over state power will seize the opportunity. If they don't take advantage of such a good opportunity, they deserve to miss out!

Moreover, Kei Arasaka's 'legacy'—those surviving secret agent societies and intelligence communication stations—have evolved and expanded over half a century, cultivating to varying degrees a degree of external, covert power. Their intricate web of interests and local influence give them a significant advantage, allowing them to leverage considerable resources.

If Militech were any smarter, Vera could almost predict Washington's next move: either fabricate evidence or release some clues in a montage-like manner to muddy the waters.

For example, they would say how outstanding and meritorious the senior agent who suffered from Cyberpsychosis was, and publish his resume, such as how his mentor died because of Arasaka, and how his brothers and students were killed by Vera.

He is portrayed as a good person, with emphasis on how Vera's arrogant behavior and hostility towards the New America in "The Austin Conference" caused him to suffer from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and how Vera's return journey happened to pass through the area of his retirement post, which led him to take risks due to inner torment and neurological illness.

To cut off the beginning and end, to take things out of context.

They even deduced that it was all orchestrated by Arasaka himself, and then, through sophistry, accused Vera of being the one responsible for the escalation of the incident.

There's plenty of room for verbal sparring, but Arasaka is definitely the one who's going to dominate.

Thus, New Mexico and Arizona will become key battlegrounds for direct public opinion clashes and heated debates among Arasaka, the western Free State, local parties, Militech, and Washington, but—

"Washington State, Oregon, Seattle, Olympia, Portland, Salem ..." Vera's indigo eyes shimmered with anticipation.

Didi.

[Jimmy, this is Vera. Operation begins.]

[...]

[Jimmy: Yes, Director. Within a week, I will distribute the instructions for "Operation Free Will" in batches to the trusted veterans who have already been screened in the 2023 Old Arasaka Tower era in Washington and Oregon.]

Okay, be well prepared, Jimmy, be careful.

The situation in Night City is always too exciting, while the situation in North America is too boring.

Sharing joy is better than enjoying it alone; Vera wants to make North America truly vibrant.

"A feint to the east while attacking in the west, combining orthodox and unorthodox tactics."

A trick doesn't have to be old, as long as it works.

With a ding, Vera put down the crystal glass that had been filled with ice water and looked at the outline of Night City that had already appeared on the car window.

Good afternoon, Night City.

Loyalty!

Chapter 113 All People (4.6K)

Night City in April 2076 is noisy, volatile, and rife with civil conflicts.

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through Chinatown plagued by severe light pollution.

As usual, live models posed provocatively in the glass windows of roadside shops, serving as living advertisements; in the muddy, filthy alleys, exhibitionists playing with masturbation toys huddled inside, groaning with pleasure; like zombies, ragged urban Nomads strolled along the curb, raising their cloudy eyes to look at the densely packed crowds holding banners and signs that had appeared and gathered on the street ahead.

What are they howling about?

"Oppose Washington's dictatorship and tyranny, and respect the independence and sovereignty of Free State!"

"Get Miles out of Night City, out of California!"

"Greedy Easterners, go back to your cold, dark East Coast! The West belongs to the flag of freedom and the cowboys of the Free People!"

"Arasaka should be kicked out of Night City!"

"Stop Vera Adelheid and Michiko's conspiracy! America belongs to the Americans!"

The homeless man seemed to have heard the rant of these idle idiots.

But it's like letting out a fart.

His blank stare shifted, and he turned his head away. Carrying all his belongings in a tattered, greasy bag, he found a fresh, untouched metal trash can and began searching for anything of value. For him, this was the important thing.

As for those who have no worries about food and drink, and own houses and cars, their affairs are none of his concern...

Crackling sound

Amidst the increasingly violent shoving and shouting, several crisp cracking sounds rang out, followed by a burst of flames. There were flashes and flames, but no explosions—it was a Molotov cocktail.

The cries of those affected and the gasps of onlookers could be heard.

Almost simultaneously, the opposing marchers came into physical contact, with people pushing and shoving, fists, steel pipes, bricks, stones, and smoke bombs flying everywhere. The scene was instantly filled with blood and gore. Some hot-tempered guys even picked up real weapons. Bang!

Gunshots rang out, blood splattered, cries of pain echoed, screams filled the air...

As the crowd surged, accompanied by stampedes, increasing gunfire, and wailing sirens, NCPD officers, dressed in full riot gear and supported by security robots and bipedal Drone Mechs, violently dispersed the demonstrators who were engaged in a full-blown street brawl between supporters of Arasaka and Militech, and Free State and Washington.

On the street, Maine and Dorio, who were on their way to the 'Afterlife' nightclub, looked at each other in bewilderment.

In Night City, a place rife with Cyberpsychosis, gunfights, and virtually no rule of law, such a large-scale protest has suddenly erupted. How many protests have there been today? I've never seen anything like it before.

A bunch of idle people who've had too much free time.

They're evenly matched, what's there to argue about? They're both rotten!

"This reminds me of the days when Rock Kid Johnny was active. It is said that at that time, under his leadership, countless people took to the Corporate Plaza and launched a large-scale demonstration against Arasaka."

Lucy, the team's savings girl, said thoughtfully.

"Ha, you still watch that kind of outdated stuff?"

Rebecca, the lawless loli who went berserk, put her hands on her hips, her pink-green gradient pupils flashing with resentment.

"Anyway, those washed-up legends are all old bastards, especially Bartmoss. If he hadn't messed up the internet, I wouldn't have to go through all this trouble just to get online! Now everyone's saying Bartmoss ruined everything. Silver Hand, his greatest achievement was fighting against Arasaka, but Arasaka is still alive and well, even we..."

"Alright, Rebecca, that's enough."

Kiwi pinched and tugged at the rampaging loli's ponytail.

A cigarette was inserted into the round hole of the pink metal mask. She took a puff and exhaled a smoke ring before looking at Maine.

"Don't inquire about the company's messy affairs unless you need to do so for a specific client."

"Learn."

Maine nodded seriously, clearly understanding what Kiwi was trying to convey.

They're essentially working on two fronts now. If they're exposed, it's uncertain whether Arasaka will protect them, but the Militech behind Faraday will definitely do everything in their power to destroy them!

"However, apart from companies, parliament, and government officials, no one else would have the time or inclination to promote such civilized activities as marches."

This has nothing to do with them.

With a wave of his hand, Maine led his team into a small alley and into a parking lot that was particularly dark and damp due to the towering Apartment building blocking out the sunlight year after year.

"Kiwi... As expected, the 'Afterlife' Queen's movements have attracted many skilled mercenaries to come and investigate."

Lucy glanced around and her brows furrowed slightly.

The parking lot was filled with luxury cars and modified cars of all brands and models.

From the sexy Gudela 66 to the luxurious Alvarado V4F, and then to various heavily modified Mizutani Jun and Mackintosh...

"With such a large-scale attack on the US-Mexico border, Arasaka will not let it go. Large-scale conflicts between those independent local politicians in New Mexico, Arizona and Washington are foreseeable. Even Rogue cannot sit idly by."

Kiwi remained calm.

If Night City in California is this lively, one can only imagine how bustling it must be in New Mexico and Arizona, where Arasaka's pretext for interference is being implemented.

"Will she take sides?" Lucy asked after a moment's thought.

"Who knows?"

With a deep, thoughtful look in her eyes, Kiwi gazed toward the entrance to 'Afterlife'.

Nothing special.