Chapter 86

Spanning a year, it recounts Vera's experiences in Tokyo.

Jackie looked at Maine, who looked puzzled.

Just as the other person showed a look of sudden realization, he grinned and said, "Yes, it's her."

"What was her position a year ago...? Commander of Arasaka's Special Rapid Response Unit, and... never mind, it's not important."

Jackie pointed at the beautiful woman on the screen.

"Maine, all you need to know is that the guy who slaughtered hundreds of people in the Vortex Gang, the one with the rumored 'Afterlife,' who personally killed over a dozen vans of agents from the Militech secret front, and who ordered the lockdown of an entire city in South Africa to search for and kill people... that god of death who was in charge of Night City's Arasaka security field operations, armed forces, and special military operations, is coming back after getting a promotion and a raise."

Although Jackie thought that Vera's three major reforms after her promotion and raise shouldn't normally affect him, a law-abiding citizen of Night City, the fact that his best friend V had emphasized this meant that there must be confidential company information that couldn't be leaked or made public.

For the sake of his good friend V, he absolutely cannot say anything out loud in public; he should just stay away from her.

No wonder...

A cigarette was stuck in the grille of the pink iron mask. Kiwi glanced at Jackie.

This 'Afterlife' mercenary has kind features that are the complete opposite of his muscular build.

"Maine. I agree with Mr. Wells's explanation," Kiwi said. "It's because Vera Adelheid is coming back. No wonder the city police officers from the Arasaka Security Department were so proactive, responding to the NCPD's rescue call immediately..."

"Hey, old woman, explain yourself clearly..."

Rebecca took a big gulp of beer and said.

"I told you before, watch the news more often." Kiwi seemed to sigh.

This is the problem with many cyber mercenary groups: aside from taking on missions, they spend the rest of their time either indulging in pleasure or living a life of debauchery.

In their eyes, news is just rambling nonsense. They might occasionally use it as a soothing melody while eating, but if they really want to watch it, they might as well sell their butts to watch Mewtwo. Playing video games and getting a prosthetic body would be more beneficial than watching the news.

"At dawn, in Heywood, the clash between the Valentino Gang and the Six Street Gang occurred. The Arasaka City Sheriff, who had signed a stabilization contract with the NCPD, flew over. It is said that after the battle, dozens of corpses could not be pieced back together... The Valentino Gang fared relatively well, but the Six Street Gang suffered heavy losses."

"So you mean you're not going to accept it and are giving up?" Maine asked.

"Mm." Kiwi nodded.

"..."

After a moment of silence, Maine looked at Jackie was dangling a large gold chain on his left arm.

"Brother Jackie, that's settled then. I accept your reasons for terminating this cooperation agreement, but you need to compensate me by introducing me to new clients. To be honest, I'm a bit short on cash lately."

"Oh, no problem, let me think..."

"No." Kiwi suddenly spoke, interrupting Jackie's thoughts.

She looked at Maine.

"Although we don't know what happened, someone as well-connected as Mr. Wells knows to lay low. Why should we be fools and throw our lives away? There's probably some big plan brewing up on Arasaka's side. Just to be safe, we need to stay away."

"Maine needs money." It was Dorio.

The woman, with masculine features and Muscular Woman, spoke with a conflicted expression, "You know Maine's situation..."

"Then let him obey. Temporarily remove those military-grade Combat Cybernetics that kill and self-destruct, especially the one Gloria gave us. We can always put them back in later if we have the money..."

"Enough!" It was Maine.

He slammed his fist heavily on the coffee table, shattering it and sending shards flying. "I said it. In Night City, I will never remove my cybernetic implant. I will protect you all, including Lucy's dream of going to the moon. I mean what I say... Hiss hiss..."

As he spoke, Maine was breathing heavily. His fist, which he had pulled from the wood chips and glass shards, began to tremble as if in a muscle spasm, and he could not control it properly.

Upon seeing this, Dorio exclaimed, "Maine!" and pulled out a pneumatic injector bearing the Arasaka Clover logo, then plunged it heavily into Maine's arm.

"Call..."

The effect was immediate; Maine's breathing calmed down.

He reached out and took the atomizer that Dorio handed him, put it in his mouth, and took two deep breaths before he finally calmed down and looked at Jackie had an extremely serious expression.

"I'm sorry, Jackie, for showing you such a sordid side of things. Please keep this a secret for my team."

"I understand. But, Maine, do you know what your symptoms are? Cyberpsychosis... You're at risk of losing control." As he spoke, Jackie looked at the nebulizer in Maine's hand.

Arasaka produced Flex Stimulant.

This latest product boasts enhanced nerve conduction and the ability to suppress implant side effects. Thanks to the use of new technology, there is currently no issue of drug resistance. Upon its release, it quickly became a favorite among highly cybernetically enhanced mercenaries, topping the bestseller lists for various combat potions.

The only downside is the price...

"What happened during that commotion, Jackie?!"

Just then, Misty, with her tousled, dry, yellowish hair, wearing a blue-sleeved dress with a tilted shoulder, a choker around her neck, and smoky makeup, pushed open the door and entered. She was the owner of the store and Jackie's current girlfriend.

"Haha... I got a little excited while talking to a friend. Oh, Misty, my sweetheart, don't worry, I'll handle everything and compensate you for the damages."

"So, what did you talk about when Ms. Misty was reading the tarot cards with me?" A white-haired young woman with a cigarette between her fingers, wearing eyeshadow and a crop top, entered the room from behind.

"What is the commission?" Lucy looked at her mentor, Kiwi.

"No requests. Let us cease operations and lay low for now. As for the rest, money can solve everything."

Kiwi stood up. "Lucy, let's go."

As she passed by Maine, she said, "Maine, you know your own body condition. Don't let tragedy happen and then regret it. Right now, temporarily removing that damn Combat Cybernetics from your back is better for everyone."

"..." Maine remained silent, his face filled with conflict, his lips trembling slightly as he looked down at the Projectile Launch System mounted on his thick arm.

He clenched his fist.

After a long while, he finally sighed.

Maine looked at Jackie.

"Thanks, Jackie. I'll consider laying low for now. If you come up with any new jobs, remember to let me know..." The voice was weak and listless, like a deflated doll. "Come on, Dorio, let's go find Faraday."

Faraday?

Jackie, who was comforting his girlfriend, immediately became alert.

Speaking of which, according to the gossip of his 'Afterlife' friend, this Faraday works for Militech and is his adversary. Because, in a way, he works for Arasaka.

After all, his younger sister is in Arasaka, and his connections are Arasaka's connections.

For middlemen with higher-level connections, these things can be guessed with a little investigation and verification of the source of the information.

If it's for working for Arasaka... it depends on whether the girl has any needs.

"Maine brothers, if you really need the money, I have a suggestion that's not entirely certain. I don't know if it will work out, but would you like to hear it?"

Meanwhile, in the Japanese Archipelago, at Yokosuka Port.

Arasaka Navy Second Fleet.

The catamaran, the Super Aircraft Carrier Kujira.

Vera stood by the railing outside the towering command tower, gazing into the distance.

Huff... huff...

Her long, light golden hair fluttered in the sea breeze.

"New shipbuilding plan, Adelheid..."

Vera put down the thick paper plan in her hand, a playful smile playing on her lips.

"Interesting..."

Even she felt immense pressure from Lao Deng's heavy bet; she wondered if Norinobu would be driven mad.

Saburo set up phased rewards for her.

Do you want to own your own Super Aircraft Carrier for the Night City fleet?

If you want it, then work even harder on Militech!

Vera would have to pry open the independence of the former West Coast Free State, including Southern and Northern Free State, Oregon, and Washington.

Didi.

It was an internal communication notification tone. Vera glanced at the virtual screen grid built into her prosthetic eye.

It was Jimmy, her adjutant in Night City.

[Jimmy: Director, the first phase of the operation against the Six Street Gang is complete. Using gang violence and disruption of public order as a pretext, even if Militech detects anything amiss, the media and diplomacy won't be able to find any major problems with our operation.]

Vera nodded, her expression serious. "Then let's move on to the second stage."

"Use the pawns we planted in Dogtown years ago. Incite a territorial battle between the Barghest Gang and the Six Street Gang."

The former Militech and the new American rebels, the current Militech supporting gangs, and their territories are adjacent, there are many points of conflict. What Vera needs to do at this stage is to intensify the conflict.

To fan the flames.

I'm so tired of changing these sensitive words!

Damn it, I don't believe it. Why are there so many things preventing me from having an early menstruation before midnight?

Chapter 091 Vera is about to arrive in her loyal Night City

The bridge of the Kujira.

Central command center.

Vera placed the paper plan for the new Super Aircraft Carrier Adelheid from the Arasaka Manufacturing Department on the command table, and sat quietly behind the carrier dispatch and command control simulation platform, watching a group of Arasaka Navy commanders and operators busy in front of the central display console.

Since we're already here, how can we not experience firsthand what it's like to remotely control a war from a supercarrier?

Authorized by Saburo Arasaka.

Although no explicit order was issued to place the fleet under Vera's command, it was still perfectly acceptable for her to board the ship without any hindrance or restriction to observe and experience it.

It's all just empty promises. The new shipbuilding plan for the Adelheid even uses Vera's middle name, which carries auspicious connotations...

Vera can only say that this pie is big and delicious!

Anyway, she ate it.

She'd been eyeing that multi-hundred-thousand-ton Super Aircraft Carrier for ages. It was way more impressive than any airship or the new Air Force One.

As for returning to Night City on this fleet... cough, Vera hasn't floated away yet.

The current situation in North America is neither appropriate nor mature.

Saburo Arasaka isn't dead yet. In the original timeline, Hanako Arasaka was able to sail directly to Night City on the Kujira without facing significant diplomatic or public criticism, and even received subtle support from other factions, because her father had died.

Saburo died in Night City. Before others knew the truth about Sano Arasaka's patricide, the prime suspect was Militech.

After all, Militech has a history of such practices.

More than half a century ago, Militech used nuclear weapons to destroy Arasaka Tower, and then, by falsely accusing them of being unwitting victims, they pinned the blame on Arasaka. Arasaka's eldest Crown Prince, Kei Arasaka, was also assassinated by cyber mercenaries hired by Militech.

Arasaka thus had a legitimate reason to attack and completely gained the upper hand in diplomacy and public opinion.

Now, in 2076, the "Alvin Peace and Unification Agreement" signed Metal War is still in effect.

If Arasaka were to send the Kujira to the West Coast without any basis, it would be far more serious than wrangling over increasing troop numbers or establishing new military facilities. To outsiders, it would be a signal of war, a trampling of peace, and a violation of international law.

Treaties are meant to be torn up.

This statement is true for cyber giants; violating international law is easy, but the timing is crucial. It depends on whether the potential gains outweigh the negative impacts and losses from violating international law.

Starting with a powerful move is a bad idea.

"Six Street Gang".

Vera lightly traced the tabletop with her fingers, muttering the name of the victim she was about to harm.

On the large screen in the command center, there was a high-resolution aerial view of the southern part of Night City, Free State, Northern California.

After the fleet commander introduced the basic parameters of the Kujira and the Second Fleet, Vera signaled them to bring up a global map of Night City.