Chapter 225

Beneath the simply decorated but wonderfully atmospheric small street shop lies a cramped tunnel, artificially excavated, that connects to the underground boiler room of the Moth Bar.

A direct route NUSA Joint Intelligence Bureau Safe House—where the original entrance was buried and blocked by the collapse.

In the slightly dim and empty room, tables, chairs, sofas, and various haphazardly piled-up items filled half of the space. Some were brand new, while others were still covered with dust cloths. The dusty stains on the edges had not been cleaned, and the room was filled with the smell of old age.

Federal Intelligence Agency undercover agent Solomon Reed sat on the edge of a folding bed, holding his custom-designed technical pistol, "The Orphan," in one hand and a military-grade PDA tablet in the other, lost in thought.

On the table beside him lay some crumpled A4 sheets of paper, covered with densely handwritten encrypted information.

When it comes to transmitting sensitive information, whether the technology is new or old is not important; what matters most is that it is not intercepted.

In the cyber world, sometimes the more primitive the method, the more effective it can be.

On the screen of Reed's PDA, the decoded text was displayed:

[Intelligence 1]

The infighting between the heads of the Counter-Intelligence Department and the Special Operations Department in Night City Arasaka Tower has reached a fever pitch.

Two days ago, it appears that Director of Special Operations Susan Abernathy snatched away the coveted job that Counterintelligence Director Arthur Jenkins had painstakingly secured. This assignment involves a trip to Los Angeles and may be related to Michiko Arasaka.

[Intelligence 2]

In mid-month, the middle and upper management of Arasaka collectively received a reward from Vera Adelheid Russell herself. Arasaka's internal nickname is "Pet Little Dinosaur."

It is speculated that the sub-project of "Jurassic Project" which aims to revive and mass-produce dinosaurs has made a breakthrough.

Note: Based on observations, the dinosaurs resurrected by Arasaka have most likely undergone targeted genetic programming modifications, are very docile, and the possibility of weaponization or cybernetic transformation cannot be ruled out.

Regarding whether the original essence of the "Solaris Staircase Project" is used, further observation is needed. In my opinion, mass production is unlikely; only high-end customized products are possible.

[Intelligence 3]

According to rumors gathered around the Arasaka Waterfront, Vera seems to have promised Michiko Arasaka a very valuable gift.

According to Westbrook, Vera herself has been going out early and returning late these days, and there are frequent roaring sounds coming from her mansion and shooting range. The Arasaka logistics department is frequently going in and out to transport raw materials, including building materials, machinery, and bioengineering materials.

Yesterday, an armored hovercraft drove out of the Russell family mansion, handing over valuable cargo to the Special Operations Department of Arasaka Tower.

[Intelligence 4]

The Arasaka Special Operations Department is redeploying personnel, Abernathy himself is suspected of going on a business trip.

Destination: Los Angeles.

Some of this intelligence came from other Federal Intelligence Agency agents, some from the Night City branch of the Militech, with the two sides often sharing and complementing each other's intelligence, and some came from underworld intermediaries, professional intelligence sellers, and so on.

Comprehensive consideration and analysis.

Abernathy is going on a business trip, transporting very valuable goods. The two heads of Arasaka's confidential departments are vying for his favor. It's a gift from Vera to Michiko Arasaka... These things can be roughly confirmed.

As for the specific gift, it could be a high-end customized dinosaur exclusively for Michiko, or it could be a new product in the R-618 'Rebirth' series of medicines, such as a rejuvenating drug.

After careful consideration, Reed decided to take action.

It involves both risk-taking and gambler's mentality, as well as political considerations.

Not fighting back is definitely not the style of the Federal Intelligence Agency.

Putting aside the gift Vera gave to Michiko Arasaka, there's still Abernathy as a backup, isn't there? As the head of North American Arasaka intelligence network, taking her down would be a form of demonstration and retaliation.

During this period, Arasaka has been quite arrogant. Washington's strategy of luring the enemy with weakness has indeed made Arasaka's allies' attitudes delicate, but President Miles is not having an easy time and is under a lot of pressure.

The message from the higher-ups at the Federal Intelligence Agency is that they should seize any opportunity to take down Arasaka.

For President Miles, there was never too many exhilarating victories like the 'Frankfurt Incident' that left Arasaka in a bind.

"Joseph, tell our men to prepare for the attack."

Reed turned to look at the agents inside wiping down their M-179 Achilles electromagnetic precision rifles.

"Clear."

The agent, disguised as a street kid with flashy hair and large tattoos on his arms, nodded.

He got up briskly and walked outside.

Just as Reed turned his attention back to continue analyzing the intelligence, the gate opened and a blonde, dark-skinned woman with a nose ring walked in.

Tap, tap.

"So, is it worth making such a fuss over mere speculation?"

Slamming her hands on the table in front of Reed, the dark-skinned girl said indignantly, "Reed, think it through. We barely escaped the double pursuit of Arasaka and the Barghest. We played dirty tricks, returned to this godforsaken place, and operated for half a year, managing to get through the screening and stabilize."

In response, the Mimetic Shroud on her face underwent an optical transformation, her skin color changed from black to brown, her facial features were subtly adjusted, and her true appearance was revealed.

It was Alex.

Or perhaps, Daphne, the owner of the Moth Bar who is wanted by the Barghest of the Underworld.

The former is her code name, and the latter is her former name, which she used as a disguise.

Alex tried to explain the current predicament, "The new intelligence network is not yet fully established, and the Barghest's sweep is still ongoing..."

"Of course I know there are risks, but we are secret agents."

Setting down his PDA, Reed offered words of comfort, "In our line of work..."

"Go to hell!"

Realizing he couldn't persuade the blockhead in front of him, Alex angrily interrupted Reed's attempt to console him.

"You think you're so noble? Six years? Do you know how I spent my six years in Night City? All because of you, Reed! You haven't changed a bit. One sentence from above and you're already scrambling to get yourself killed. Have you forgotten how you were betrayed and barely escaped death?"

"I haven't forgotten."

His expression was obscured by his dark face. Reed replied, "It's less a 'betrayal' and more a 'transaction,' a 'peace negotiation.' The price for ceding territory is my head. Peace comes at a price... someone always has to pay it. Seven years ago, our people went too far."

"Even the deepest wounds eventually heal and scab over... In a few years, at most it will just itch."

"Hmph, heal? You make it sound so easy. If you can't heal, you're going to die, aren't you?"

Alex sneered.

"Forget it, I don't care anymore. Miles probably loves loyal idiots like you the most. Damn it, we're all going to die sooner or later. If we stay here, one day when the neighborhood is being renovated and the safe house is exposed, we'll all die anyway."

The sound faded into the distance; she came in a hurry, then left in a huff.

Only Reed knew that Alex had actually reluctantly agreed to his idea.

They have been partners for many years.

The difference lies in their perspectives. Alex is a frontline agent, while he has to consider the opinions and needs of Washington and the White House.

"Thank you, Alena Zelenax."

Reed murmured silently, head bowed, still reading the paper intelligence. This was Alex's real name.

He looked at the PDA again.

Didi.

A senior cyber operative in Washington responded to the proposal.

[Plan approved; intelligence support for non-combat military operations: Lark]

"Xiao Song."

Reed's eyes flickered slightly as he looked at the code name.

But it was fleeting.

After reviewing the intelligence one last time, he threw all the paper documents into the shredder. Amidst the whirring of the rotating blades and the hum of the drive motor, he deleted and shredded the decoded files on the PDA.

Next, he inserted the Separate Chip and brought up a monitoring report.

Afterlife club.

A large, seemingly kind-looking middleman with his hair in a bun and wearing a jacket, and an even larger cyber mercenary with blond hair, brown skin, and sunglasses.

"Maine ..."

Reed's deep gaze lingered on the face of the blond, brown-skinned giant.

He had been observing this former military officer for some time and even considered recruiting him as an unofficial Federal Intelligence Agency agent.

I never expected that Maine would take on Arasaka's job, especially from the Counter-Intelligence Department. Life is truly unpredictable.

And it involves internal strife within the Arasaka...

In a way, he should thank Maine.

If he hadn't happened to know Maine, and the two had served together in the New America Special Forces, he might not have noticed Maine among the vast number of mercenaries, and then Jackie Welles. While investigating the background of this well-regarded middleman, he unexpectedly confirmed his judgment that the internal strife in Arasaka had intensified.

This was also one of the important reasons why he decided to take action.

The Counter-Intelligence Department's lackeys are plotting to overthrow their Special Operations Department superiors. How interesting.

The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.

It would be a disservice to his profession not to take advantage of such an opportunity.

If I had to say the only thing I'm sorry for—

"Maine, I'm sorry."

Reed pulled out the Separate Chip, crushed it, and threw it into the shredder. After a series of clicks, he pulled out the shredder's shredder compartment and poured the paper scraps into the brazier. The burning flames shone through the grille onto his face, casting swaying shadows.

All mortals must die, but one can choose the meaning of death.

"The interests of the nation are above all else."

Even if the methods used are unacceptable to the world.

One day later.

South of the Pacifica controlled airspace.

Buzz... Buzz...

The Vector Engine roared.

[AI: Director Abernathy, the hovercar has left Night City airspace and is about to pass through the Border Checkpoint into the Badlands.]

"Understood. Notify all groups to remain vigilant."

[AI: Received.]

Inside the armored hovercraft of the Arasaka Special Operations Department, Abernathy cheerfully picked up a wine glass and swirled it around.

Jenkins must be itching to kill her, right? Just thinking about her old rival's bitter face, like he'd lost his father, made her feel incredibly satisfied and couldn't resist.

Taking a sip of champagne, the delicate bubbles seem to dance and tumble in your mouth with joy.

When you're in a good mood, everything seems pleasant.

Abernathy couldn't help but look out the window: biotechnology protein farms, massive photovoltaic power stations, dilapidated wind farms, winding, Stone Ridge Mountains, and then Badlands, a desolate world of yellow sand...

Just like Jenkins' future.

[AI: Has left Night City and entered Jackson Plains.]

Abernathy calmed himself down and put the wine glass back on the car bar.

Although she felt that Jenkins would eventually do something outrageous, he wasn't important right now. What mattered was the research mission to Los Angeles and— Abernathy glanced at the large incubator in the cabin, which could probably fit two and a half adult Border Collies.

Give it to Lady Michiko, and then try to build a relationship with Michiko.

Suppressing his curiosity, Abernathy immediately brought up the in-car holographic projector and focused his attention on the work report from the Los Angeles branch.

About a minute or two later, the warning lights inside the cabin suddenly started flashing.

Beep! Beep!

[AI: Alert! Alert! The vehicle has been locked onto by a guided weapon.]