Chapter 87

As Vera clarified her target, the scope quickly narrowed down, eventually settling on the border area between Dogtown in Pacifica and the Santo Domingo Valley District.

The secondary control screen next to it also lit up, outlining the territories controlled by the Six Street Gang and the Hound of the Underworld on the Night City map.

The Six Street Gang is one of the major gangs in Night City.

The general distribution of influence is in the Lijiang scenic area, the Santo Domingo valley, and the Coronado Farms.

Originally formed by a group of veterans who participated in the Fourth Corporate War, the Six Street Gang decided to form to protect themselves and their community due to their dissatisfaction with the NCPD's inaction.

They claim to be a group of old-school American Patriots, but their actions are no different from those of gangs that bully the weak in the community.

After the Metal War ended in 2069, Militech seemed to have established a good cooperative relationship with them, continuously supplying them with weapons and supplies. The Six Street Gang undoubtedly acted as Militech's black glove in Night City.

Their personnel composition and the historical background of their establishment determine that their stance is naturally inclined towards Militech and the new United States.

Needless to say, Vera had no interest in spending a lot of money to win them over. It would be better to eliminate them and support the NUSA rebels, who were the most hostile to Militech and New America among the Ghost Hounds, to take power.

Capitalizing on Kurt Hansen's (former NUSA Military colonel, now the leader of the Barghest Gang in Dogtown) growing ambition and his hatred for the betrayal of former CEO of Militech and President of New America, Rosalind Miles, he secretly guides the Barghest Gang expand into the valley region of Santo Domingo.

As the two gangs happen to be adjacent, Santo Domingo can be said to be the only viable direction for Kurt Hansen to expand his power.

Other directions include deserts, suburban technology farms for biotechnology, the less lucrative territory of the Pacifica Voodoo Boys and Animals Gang, or Heywood, a place across the river filled with company buildings and a powerful NCPD force.

Vera didn't believe that Kurt Hansen had no desire to expand his territory.

The target of his beating was the Six Street Gang, and his ex-girlfriend's new mistress.

If he showed even the slightest inclination or wavering, she had a hundred ways to tear the flesh of the Six Street Gang apart, mash it, shred it, and stuff it into his mouth.

Militech will inevitably lead to suspicions about Arasaka, but Vera isn't afraid of their suspicions. Let's play the game.

Ideally, we should attract them to transfer elite agents from other regions.

Vera needs to leverage the international influence brought about by Saburo's return to Arasaka in 2076 to infiltrate key cities in the Free State on the West Coast of North America, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, and San Diego, and to restore the influence within the former sphere of influence of Arasaka's power.

In addition, following Saburo's instructions, we continued to iterate on the phased byproducts of the "Solaris Staircase Project" in Night City, and directly delivered them to the North American market to obtain clinical data.

Just as Vera was Vera how to better sabotage Militech and eliminate New America's influence in the western Free State, Didi... A communication marked with the highest priority...

Vera then put on a perfect and appropriate faint smile.

[Lord Saburo.]

"Vera, your leisurely sightseeing is over. Your stage shouldn't be limited to academic research. Night City is where you truly shine. Now, unleash your imagination and don't disappoint me."

Thank you for your support.

Vera knew perfectly well what this so-called 'brilliant idea' meant.

For example, she verbally mentioned to Saburo the experiment of fusing a tyrant with a cybernetic body and equipping it with a new 'King Kong' exoskeleton. This is just one example. Saburo, who hates Militech, clearly wants Vera to have no worries and to first put any ideas she has into the forefront of the competition with Militech.

The communication was disconnected.

Vera smiled at first, then a hint of wistfulness flashed in her eyes. She stood up and walked out of the command room surrounded by a group of Arasaka Lone Wolf agents.

Standing by the railing outside the towering command tower, Vera looked at the super-large airships docked on the aircraft carrier's flight deck, as well as the high-speed escort airship formation.

Although it's called a hovercar, it's actually more like a spaceship. While it can't compare to President Miles' Air Force One, it's still a high-speed flying vehicle capable of entering the stratosphere.

She will return to Night City in this vehicle, escorted by a squadron of naval fighter jets from Arasaka.

Night City Arasaka Tower.

Counter-Intelligence Department.

"Hey V, our reconnaissance personnel around the Arasaka factory in Watson District are in position. A complete silence order has been issued for our undercover agents and intelligence providers. Emergency assessments indicate that there is already a risk of exposure. Our people in Zeta and Kang Tao, as you instructed, have also been given the order to evacuate."

"Okay. Tell our people to withdraw slowly, without alerting the enemy. Otherwise, they'll be discovered. Once the new instructions are issued, temporarily suspend all contact."

Having just finished a meeting with their superior, Arthur Jenkins, V and Harry walked back to their office down the corridor, passing nearby staff hurrying by.

The public news video wall in the corridor is showing a replay of a press conference from the Tokyo Arasaka Tower headquarters.

"... My decision, in the final analysis, is for the happiness of those around me, for my family, and for my employees. Therefore, I am making an important decision to double the number of the company's security forces stationed in Night City."

"Perhaps President Miles sees my actions as a violation of the Arvin Accord, a dangerous provocation, and a target of the New America and Militech. Then, I ask you, what about the terrorist attacks in South Africa a year ago?"

"My junior, one of Arasaka's best employees, was attacked in a premeditated manner during her school trip, and we all know why."

"And she will return to Night City as a senior manager of Arasaka and an outstanding scientist. With her here, the Night City Arasaka Tower will become Arasaka's vital economic lifeline and research center for new products. This demonstrates our respect for and responsibility towards that land that was lost for half a century..."

"Increasing military and security forces is based solely on the principle of reciprocity. Arasaka will never allow the tragedy and persecution of half a century ago to repeat itself. Our actions are not directed against any individual or group..."

The person present at the press conference was none other than Saburo Arasaka had recovered to the physiological state of a seventy or eighty-year-old.

When faced with questions from global media giants including NC Night City Inquirer, News Channel 54, WNS News, EU News, CNN, The Washington Post, and The New York Observer about whether Arasaka's troop increase in Night City violated the spirit of the Alvin Peace Accord, Saburo answered them one by one with ease and composure.

For Arasaka Employee, such polite words should be taken with a grain of salt and treated as mere trash talk.

Will we go to war with Militech?

Harry looked at V thoughtfully and lowered his voice.

"It's only a matter of time."

V appeared very calm.

It's common knowledge that Militech and Arasaka are at odds, and any employee who joins Arasaka and tries to climb the ranks needs to be mentally prepared to clash with Militech. Just like employees who voluntarily join Militech, they are inevitably prepared to confront Arasaka.

"The exact time when it will break out could be a few years from now, or it could be more than a decade from now. It depends on what the bigwigs in Tokyo are thinking."

"Oh, and there's also Director Vera Adelheid. We'll know once she gets back, just look at her actions." V waved, walked across the cubicle office, and headed to the Watson District to check on the mission progress.

Upon entering the elevator, V pressed the switch to go down to the next floor, then frowned slightly.

Private communications.

It's Jackie.

Has something happened?

[V: Jackie, what's up?]

[Jackie: Yes and no. Girl, do you remember when you contacted me and asked me to help you figure out a suitable 'Afterlife' mercenary to exit the game?]

V naturally remembers.

Thanks to the increased deterrent effect of the Arasaka Security Department's efficient riot control, she helped her good friend Jackie successfully infiltrate the 'Afterlife' nightclub.

'The Afterlife'. A legend in Night City's underworld, teeming with reckless cyber mercenaries. Thinking it might come in handy later for dirty work, V instructed Jackie to develop his network and connections. Since there was no immediate need, she didn't inquire much about this after giving the order.

[V: Do you have a suitable candidate? Give me a straight answer.]

[Jackie: Look how anxious you are. Well, there's a pretty established group. They have two skilled cyber hackers. They seem really short on cash. And because of your warning, my deal with them fell through. They're about to take on a Faraday Future project.]

[V: So?]

[Jackie: That Faraday guy, according to my information, is probably a middleman working for Militech. Most likely. You Arasaka always like to be at odds with Militech, don't you...]

"Are you sure?" V's gaze sharpened instantly, and he said in a very serious tone, "People in Militech?"

[Jackie: Confirmed. Would I lie to you? Almost certainly. Anyway, for you, the commission they need is easily fed to them by just a little bit of money slipping through your fingers. Give me an answer, or do you want to confirm it in person?]

V fell into thought.

Just then, ding. The elevator doors opened.

It is one of the floors belonging to the Security Department.

"Heywood, the Valentino Gang should quiet down for a while."

"The Moxes Gang is a bunch of bitches, just warn them. As for the Tyger Claws, talk to their leader. Cease all criminal activity for now. There's a direct order from above: the crime rate in Night City must be brought down when Director Russell gives his inaugural speech."

"The key is still the Six Street Gang and the Vortex Gang."

"Then let's sweep through again. Commander Jimmy's idea is to focus on the Six Street Gang; their reach is too far..."

Several Arasaka administrators belonging to the Security Department were talking in hushed tones.

V's brow furrowed slightly, then quickly relaxed.

The Security Department...

As news of Vera's meteoric rise in Tokyo reached Night City, the status and influence of the Security Department, especially the General Security Bureau, in Night City became increasingly prominent.

Thanks to their early friendship, Jimmy from the Special Rapid Response Unit, Brian and Laurie from the Security Team, and even Tanaka from the Security Department are among Corporate Dog people who can talk to the new Director of the Night City Director of Operations and the Security Director in the eyes of many corporate employees. They are all riding high these days.

She's really climbed the social ladder.

Other Corporate Dog were filled with envy, jealousy, and resentment.

I'm not afraid of my brother suffering, I'm afraid of my brother driving a Land Rover.

V recalled the counter-espionage mission in South Africa.

She was sent to Johannesburg and Cape Town to arrest many spies. One of the rapid reaction team members was interrogated and suspected of being a Militech recruit, so she was promoted directly.

Undoubtedly, the South African terrorist attack was the work of Militech, and given Vera Adelheid's personality, she would definitely seek revenge.

A conspiracy to sabotage Militech...

A flash of orange-red data appeared in V's eyes.

[V: Jackie. Agree to his request and keep him calm. If your information is correct and this matter is handled properly, I might be able to connect you with a big shot. I'll discuss the details with him personally.]

[Jackie: OK. Girl, see you at the Mystic Astrology & Psychic Parlor in Chinatown, Bradbury Street...]

Chapter 92 A Gathering of Fortune, You, Me, and Him (4.6K)

"That's roughly what the terms are."

"Thank you so much for your support, Jackie."

After gesturing for his girlfriend Dorio to take Rebecca out of the room, Maine expressed his heartfelt gratitude.

"Hermanos (brother), may you and your companions be well." Jackie, sitting across from the broken coffee table, patted the sofa cheerfully. "Of course, don't rush to thank me. I'm not in a position to judge my good sister. She will come to talk to you herself."

"What?"

Maine was slightly taken aback.

"Your sister, the Corporate Dog worker at Arasaka? She's coming to see me? When?"

"Now."

Shaking the beautiful liquid slowly swaying in the glass beer bottle, Jackie curled the corners of his mouth and stood up.

"It's been so long since I've had a real get-together with my sisters. I need to find my treasures... Heywood's homemade wine, hmm, there's a noodle place in the Kabuki District that's absolutely amazing. And Tom's Diner, a long-established Heywood, their fried eggs and bacon, roasted ribs, spare ribs... they're all top-notch street food. I need to pay extra to make sure the owner uses some good meat, not some cheap synthetic meat. I bet V will love it."

As Jackie rummaged through the stacks of boxes behind him, his eyes gleaming with the orange glow of food orders placed over the phone, "... I wonder if she missed these flavors during her time in the Arasaka Snake Den."

Muttering to himself, he pulled a metal box from under the clutter, dusted it off, and looked at Maine.

"Friendly reminder, Maine Brothers, don't say anything detrimental to the company in front of my good friend... Also, you know the rules of the game. Watch your mouth and your team's mouths."

Maine nodded at Jackie's reminder.

He is no longer in a position to be picky.

He needs money; his team needs a lot of money.

Since Saburo Arasaka miraculously regained his youth and made a comeback in Tokyo in mid-autumn of 2075, Arasaka has reached a series of cooperation agreements with allied companies such as European Bank and biotechnology companies.

A series of "Rejuvenation Surgery" targeting the upper class and dignitaries were opened up, while new types of Flex Stimulant and Implant Neutralizer Inhibitor were launched in markets with high spending power, such as Night City.

The so-called 'Rejuvenation Surgery' is a simplified, diluted version of the R-618 regeneration agent.

Saburo was unwilling and unable to open up his most cutting-edge technology to forces other than Arasaka, but in order to gain allies and buy some leeway for Arasaka, he had to grit his teeth and cooperate with forces that he could barely accept, and bring out the new results from the interim results of the [Solaris Staircase Project] that Vera mentioned, which were more inclined towards 'beauty and skin care, health care and basic medical care'.

These technologies might be utterly useless to cyber mercenaries who live on the edge, mere pretentious effeminate products they have no need for. But for the upper class, the elite find them invaluable.

As for prosthetic bodies, the higher the quality, the more closely they fit the human body.

Bio-Components are a technology that uses biological modification to replace cyber implant components. They are a product of the same period as third-generation cyber-component technology.