"You're not even bringing your two beautiful bodyguards?" Hansen seemed a bit surprised.
Mercer looked up, showing a somewhat lost and sad expression, nodded: "Just like that, I'll move over by myself, let them stay at the base..."
"No problem, let it be this way. I'll still send a number of people to protect your team, don't worry, the stadium's security is only better than your base's."
Hansen lifted the corner of his mouth in a rare satisfied smile in front of Mercer.
Seeing Mercer conceding, he even waved his hand, signaling someone to bring Mercer a glass of iced Coke. Mercer appeared somewhat disheartened, slumping on the sofa, while Hansen showed a gentle smile.
"Kid, encountering such things isn't always bad—people need setbacks to realize that a single person's power is ultimately limited. That's one of the reasons I formed the Netherworld Dog.
Arasaka is scary, but trust me, after today, we won't give them another chance to harm you and your friends.
Just focus on doing what you're good at, showcase your talents, trust me, there will come a day when Night City won't be dictated by Arasaka, or Military Science, Kangtao, Biotechnica... but us, the Netherworld Dog!"
Hansen comforted Mercer warmly and spoke in an inspiring tone: "The Netherworld Dog is my home, and it can be yours as well. Once you truly integrate into this group, you'll find that Arasaka isn't really that scary.
At least in Night City, we won't need to worry about their power.
Listen, Mercer, go back and get a good night's sleep, I'll arrange a room for you as soon as possible, and as for the threat from Arasaka, don't mind it—they're strong, but we have our trump cards.
If they dare to force their way into the stadium, I'll make sure that even Adam's Hammer won't return! And regarding this matter, I will stand up for you. Dog Town is not a place for Arasaka to cause trouble, you just wait and see."
Hansen's confident appearance made Mercer ponder a lot, but in the end, he maintained a forced smile:
"Thanks, Colonel Hansen, I'll see tomorrow what needs to be moved over... I'll stay at the stadium, it's convenient for my research and production."
"No problem." Hansen immediately agreed, still very friendly and comforting: "How are your friends? Do they need help?"
"Our cybernetics were mostly severely damaged by EMP weapon attacks, a lot of new cybernetics and electronic components are needed for repairs..."
Mercer started writing a list as usual, and this time Hansen agreed unusually readily: "These things aren't expensive, I'll get them for you soon."
Mercer sighed, then took a sip of his drink wearily: "That's it, I need the Netherworld Dog to take me back to the base, and my friends too."
"Gago, make arrangements, get the personnel ready to secure the route before departing!" Hansen instructed.
But Mercer didn't lift his head, only nodded slightly, still looking a bit dejected, then left with Gago.
On the way, Gago was all ears: "Listen, Mercer, don't put too much pressure on yourself, that's Arasaka!
Arasaka's other businesses may have declined, but in assassination, they are as good as Military Science, especially since you faced Adam's Hammer directly this time, that's a terrifying big guy..."
Mercer sighed, said nothing.
Gago kept comforting Mercer until he got him in the car, and Mercer returned to the cybernetic doctor, staying there for most of the day until Rebecca regained consciousness. Then Mercer had the Netherworld Dog lead them back to the base.
Qiwei and others at the base finally breathed a sigh of relief. If it weren't for fearing Arasaka's ambush, they would have rushed to meet them right after Mercer's ambush.
But Mercer didn't give everyone a chance to relax. He immediately gathered everyone for a meeting, announcing his upcoming plans.
"What? You're moving to the stadium? Alone!?"
V almost instantly objected after hearing what Mercer was saying: "No way! What if Arasaka comes looking for trouble again? You don't expect that bunch from the Netherworld Dog to protect you, do you?"
"Listen to me, V..."
Before Mercer finished speaking, Rebecca, who was lying sickly in her chair, also sat up straight: "I also disagree! If you feel unsafe at the base, let's leave now, go anywhere anonymously!"
Lucy almost instantly agreed, "Mercer, you're the leader of the team, at times like this, you want to leave us behind and go alone? What are you thinking?"
Mercer could only blink, waiting for them to finish objecting one by one. Even Pira couldn't help saying: "If you think we're holding you back..."
"Stop, stop, stop." Under everyone's gaze, Mercer helplessly waved his hand, "Listen to me first!"
V glared at him angrily, Rebecca, rarely, showed a somewhat disappointed look, and Lucy silently stared at him without moving.
Jack and others simplified matters, these girls have said it all for them, they just needed to stay silent to express their stance.