Chapter 258
With her head held high, she scanned the press conference hall, filled with flashing cameras and a flurry of microphones, with her deep brown eyes.
"The 2023 Night City Arasaka Tower nuclear explosion was carried out by Militech and the New America."
Whoosh—!
The entire audience erupted in uproar and discussion.
Too lazy to distinguish between the shills and the actual cyborgs, the female hacker on stage, who was almost entirely cybernetic, simply stated the facts as she knew them.
In addition, there is a slight requirement for a specific bias and emphasis.
"Faced with a protracted war and internal and external difficulties, then-NUSA President Elizabeth Kres chose to fund a cyber mercenary group led by Morgan Blackhand, Saul, Spider Murphy, Thompson, Johnny Silverhand, and others, and subsequently implemented a nuclear attack tactic..."
In the White House War Room, watching his former "protégé" slander and expose classified documents of the New America on a rival television program, Miles simply smiled contemptuously.
She was angry, of course she was, but she'd already had enough. The hours-long Presidential Impeachment Hearing that morning, answering the barrage of questions and harassment from those parasites on Capitol Hill —she'd had enough. These old, tired revelations, whatever, enough is enough.
The key point is how to retaliate.
"Let them laugh, then let them laugh a little longer."
Miles glanced around at his advisors and strategists. "The final victor is the true victor. Have you pinpointed the location of that damned aircraft carrier?"
"It has been confirmed."
An official stood up. "The Adelheid is cruising 100 nautical miles off the coast of the San Francisco Bay Area, close to the contiguous zone. Global Strike Command reports that our Anti-ship Missile Unit, which is secretly hidden in the Nevada Mountains, is ready."
"Very good."
Miles took a deep breath.
"Since Arasaka is pressing us relentlessly, we have no choice but to fight back. Just as President Kres was able to defeat Arasaka, so can we. The ancestors of United States are watching us."
"Can."
One Cabinet Minister, still harboring doubts, pulled out a pocket square to wipe the sweat from his brow, "Starting Corporate War..."
"Then what other brilliant ideas do you have?"
Miles simply stared at him coldly. "Continue to back down and let Arasaka devour us step by step? Just slink off the stage like this, let those bastards pin all the blame on us, and then be remembered for our incompetence?"
"I..."
He stammered, and finally lowered his head.
"Very good! In that case, we agree."
Bang! Miles slammed his fist heavily on the table, stood up, leaned forward, and braced himself with his hands on the table. He gave a final, aggressive look around, "I hereby issue an ultimatum to Arasaka. At the same time, I declare that the New America is under Martial Law!"
"A nationwide ban on all Political Activities, parliamentary activities, criticism of the Head of State, Militech soldiers to immediately move into Capitol Hill and arrest Opposition Party Leader."
"Order our hidden Anti-ship Missile Unit in the Western States to target the Adelheid and launch Saturation Strike. Sink it the moment the war begins!"
Soon, 15 minutes passed, and the screen in the War Room began showing footage of Militech soldiers storming Capitol Hill. The atmosphere in the War Room became even more tense than before.
"Your Excellency, President."
Under the watchful eyes of all the cabinet officials, the Military Liaison swallowed hard, stood up, and announced, "Anti-ship missiles are ready to launch. Please provide instructions."
"Emission."
Miles waved.
"Emission!"
At the same time, Vera, who was holding an online meeting at Arasaka Tower, suddenly looked up.
Beep beep!
The red-to-black pop-up window is the notification sound for an urgent email.
[War Incoming Warning]
Chapter 252 Yesterday's World.
This is the world before the war.
Night City, Heywood Park.
Company community, Megabuilding, Unit 17.
House number 18-H913.
"May God bless us, Amen."
As the first rays of morning sunlight streamed into the bedroom through the automatic blinds, the room's owner—a red-haired woman with a small cube implant on her right cheek—was already dressed and standing before the shrine with her eyes closed, hands clasped together, murmuring to herself.
It should be said that the scale of the shrine is quite cyberpunk and combines Japanese and Western styles: the edges of the polymer pavilion are wrapped with neon strips, and the crucifix of Jesus inside the shrine is also holographic.
A metal incense burner is placed in front of the shrine, with Japanese incense sticks inserted in it.
The incense was just offered.
The red-haired woman also had a cross necklace around her neck.
This is heretical behavior that would enrage fundamentalists.
But it's 2077 now, and there are very few truly devout believers. Most are either involved in cults and brainwashing, or they're just people who believe in money and lack conscience. People are free to believe whatever they want or however they want.
"Call!"
After silently reciting her prayer, Gloria Martinez exhaled a heavy breath, releasing the pent-up emotions within her, and opened her eyes, concluding her prayer for the day.
As Hispanic, she was influenced by Christian Culture Sphere and was considered old-fashioned in the rebellious Night City. Her beliefs aligned with those of the Valentino Gang, such as a strong sense of traditional identity and a focus on family.
Although she felt these things were not as good as experiencing a Mewtwo when she was young, she gradually regained her faith after becoming a mother.
Especially given the high risk of David's job.
Gloria knew very well that her past experience could no longer help David.
Not causing trouble is the greatest help.
Now David is busy while she is leisurely (relatively speaking), a complete reversal from the days when she racked her brains to raise tuition fees for the Arasaka Academy.
With free time and anxieties, it was natural for her to buy a shrine to pray for blessings in her spare time. Since David worked in Arasaka, she followed local customs and incorporated some Japanese Shinto elements into her prayer rituals.
Whether it's useful or not, I don't know, but it's a kind of spiritual sustenance.
Finally, Gloria donned the striking fluorescent yellow jacket issued by Night City Medical Center and prepared to head out.
I still have to go to work. After so many years of hard work and seniority building, I finally made it to the top by virtue of being a relative of Arasaka Employee. As the Ambulance Team Leader and Chief EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), I am a high-ranking official with five people under my command. I might as well take the salary increase.
Even with the turbulent situation in North America, frequent conflicts and deaths in Night City, and Death Lottery, there are still people busy working and struggling to make a living.
As she walked to the entrance, she sent a text message to her son as usual.
Gloria: David, take care of yourself and remember to let me know you're safe.
It's very short and very ordinary.
Because she knew the nature of David's work, she didn't want him to be distracted by it.
And naturally, it is in the "unread" state.
Are they still on a mission...?
"Well!"
Sigh.
Looking back, Gloria glanced at the Holographic TV in the living room: the news was reporting on the Santa Fe City Conflict Frontline, where corpses lay strewn everywhere. This was a recent international hot topic.
Bold headline. "Escalating Situation: Power Armor Unit Join the Fight - Conflict? Or War?"
It was a clip of footage showing a young Lazarus Soldier with a broken leg being hit by Thermal Cannon operated by Barghest Power Armor Warrior, instantly turning him into a charred mess.
The background is the desolate ruins of Santa Fe City, bathed in the morning light.
Broken concrete walls and charred vehicle wreckage intertwine, the sky dotted with explosion clouds, and amidst the blurred ruins in the camera's aperture, soldiers showering in White Phosphorus Shells, shrill energy weapon beams, and Cybernetic Steel Man locked in combat...
Finally, the image focuses on Adam Smasher, the meat grinder: his face, as pale and eerie as a corpse, covered in meat and embellished with carvings, bathed in blood, oil, and carcass.
Some clips are covered with a thin mosaic that is barely noticeable.
Those media outlets that pride themselves on authority love this kind of tone; they call it "formal."
"David ..."
With her eyes lowered, Gloria unconsciously clenched her jacket in front of her chest. "I hope you're not in Santa Fe."
Taking a deep breath and burying her worries deep in her heart, she turned and walked out the door.
Ding! She took the elevator to the underground parking lot, found the red-painted economy model Thornwell Colby Muscle Car, and got in.
The old, beat-up car was replaced a long time ago, and this new car was only bought about six months ago.
It was a birthday gift from David to Gloria, who valued the versatility and powerful horsepower of this passenger and cargo van.
Money is not a problem; even the lowest-paid Corporate Dog earns enough to support a large family.
Gloria straightened the photo frame in the slot behind the passenger dashboard: David, now several heads taller than her in his Arasaka uniform after Combat Cybernetic Modification, started the car and drove out of the parking lot.
Jingle--
A communication cursor lit up on her iris. After glancing at the Anonymous Caller, Gloria answered the phone.
"It's me."
A rough voice came from the other end of the phone.
"Maine?"
"Hmm. Gloria, I have something to tell you."
Maine said.
"Did David Kid remind you to stock up on emergency food? Is he here? Or is he out on a mission Comms Blackout? Listen to me, it's not enough. You'd better stock up on more medicine, food, and even weapons and ammunition."
"This conflict won't end like that... cough, yes, the attack on the director of Badlands something."
"According to my inside information online, Arasaka and Militech exchanged no fewer than 10 ultimatums within two hours, with neither side backing down, and the rhetoric becoming increasingly heated with each exchange..."
Watson remains the same as always, a half-dead Old Industrial Zone in the north of the city.
Inside a rusty, abandoned old factory building, lies a hidden Hidden Safe House with a secret within.
After resting for more than two and a half months, having replaced his Dual Arm Cannon [Projectile Launch System], and having received proper rehabilitation, Maine leaned back on the sofa with great stride, the communication cursor on his prosthetic eye flashing. As he spoke, he picked up a 'Tech and Fierce Goods' hamburger from the table and started eating it.
In front of me is an old-fashioned LCD TV that plays WNS News.
Dorio, Muscular Woman who is both a partner and family member, sat thoughtfully watching TV with her arms crossed.
Pilar and Falco are not here.
"... According to Arasaka's side, America's Miles was thoroughly outmaneuvered by her 'favorite general,' making a fool of herself on Capitol Hill and facing impeachment. She won't let it go easily. And the higher-ups above Arasaka are clearly prepared to protect that 'nightingale.'"
Maine looked at the TV screen and said, "Looks like they're going to stick with it to the end."
"Don't catch us off guard, Gloria."
Gloria: Phew... I got it. Thanks, Maine, I'll keep it a secret.
"Um."
After saying that, Maine hung up the phone.
Next, pull out the disposable anonymous SIM card and crush it.
"Gloria's son Comms Blackout."
He looked at Dorio, "It looks like they've gone on a field mission, but I don't know exactly where they're going."
Could it be Santa Fe?