Gris frowned as he reviewed the intel—Arasaka had practically spelled it out. They were planning an attack to draw Militech's attention and divert its forces.
The people who'd hired the Maelstrom gang had never openly claimed to be from Arasaka, merely dropped hints suggesting it. So even if Militech exposed them publicly, it wouldn't make much difference—just lead to finger-pointing between the two sides.
And even if they did go public, it would be after the fact—Arasaka would carry out the plan regardless. Night City wasn't their home turf anymore; they could afford to burn it without consequence.
"Mr. Weis, it's confirmed—Arasaka hired the Maelstrom gang to help them stage an attack on our factory."
"So the Maelstrom gang doesn't plan on backing off, huh?"
"...No, sir. Their boss, Fado, hasn't appeared once. It's safe to assume he intends to go through with the plan."
"This is quite the predicament… an open provocation. But no matter. If anything goes wrong that day, just contact the Counter-Terrorism Unit. If Arasaka really targets Fiers, that unit won't be able to intervene anyway."
"Understood. Should we reinforce or reduce our personnel at the factory?"
"No reinforcements. Maybe prepare some extra compensation funds. As for reducing staff… no. More people means they can buy more time, reduce the damage a little."
"Understood."
Gris acknowledged the order and ended the call. In those few brief seconds of conversation, the fates of every worker and security officer at that factory had already been sealed.
After giving his directives, Weis took a calm sip of his coffee. He wasn't particularly worried about Fiers. Why? Because he didn't believe anyone in Night City was capable of killing Fiers under these conditions.
Unless Adam Smasher himself led a strike team of Arasaka's elite ninjas—then maybe. But Arasaka would never risk something that blatant. The fallout would be enormous.
Such a move would only unite the two internal factions of the New United States against Arasaka. From any angle, it would be a losing deal.
...
"Boss, looks like Arasaka and Militech are butting heads again."
Eric Zhang reported, glancing down at the intel file in his hands.
"Probably over that Fiers business," said Harvey. "Forget about them. Let them fight—it's none of our concern and won't affect us anyway. But… that Kuroda guy interests me. He was involved in the relic project, wasn't he?"
Harvey didn't care about the Fiers situation; he was far more intrigued by the people on Arasaka's side.
"Yes, he was involved in part of the relic's research, though not as a core member of the main team."
"I see… If the chance arises, find a way to bring him over. Question him properly—I want to know exactly what he knows."
A bright smile crossed Harvey's face as he looked at Eric Zhang.
Eric nodded. "By the way, PROJECT Corporation sent us a new smart firearm. Its accuracy and firepower are significantly improved, and its penetration even surpasses standard kinetic weapons."
"Oh? That's a pleasant surprise. It's just a shame that company doesn't belong to us. Has their boss still not accepted our offer?"
Harvey's face lit up in excitement, then dimmed with a trace of regret.
"No, not yet. They're working with both us and Arasaka, so they don't plan to commit to either side."
"They've found quite the delicate balance, haven't they? Tsk… let's just hope they don't end up burning themselves. Have R&D incorporate the weapon's core tech into the Zhuo-style prototype—we might see faster progress."
"Understood. I'll handle it right away."
"Oh, and about Kuroda—don't send our people. Pass the job to Rogue from Afterlife. Don't reveal our identity, and make sure there's a scapegoat ready."
After giving his orders, Harvey returned to his usual work. The conflict between Arasaka and Militech didn't concern him much. Night City's environment was unique—that's why Kang Tao had established such a large branch here.
But in the end, this wasn't their headquarters. Both Militech and Arasaka knew Kang Tao's strategy and preferred to avoid provoking them. After all, Kang Tao had no real ambition to control Night City.
...
"So this is where Rebecca lives…"
Jhin looked up at the building—one that, in the game's future, would be occupied by a certain old man. He couldn't help but smirk. That guy had never survived under his command—always blown up by a grenade sooner or later.
The thought made him chuckle softly as he climbed the stairs. Strangely enough, the place hadn't changed much from what it would be like ten years later—graffiti along the walls, trash scattered around, bottles and cans lying in the corners.
Before long, Jhin reached what he guessed was Rebecca's door. He raised his hand and knocked.
A loud clang came from inside, making him wonder what had just happened. Then the door swung open—and a pistol was immediately pressed to his chest.
"Huh? Oh, it's you, choom! How'd you know where I live?"
Rebecca looked up at him in surprise.
Seeing that the gun aimed at him was the very one he'd given her, Jhin simply reached out and nudged it aside.
"I asked around."
"Tsk. You sure you're not creeping on me, choom? That's a crime, you know."
Rebecca chewed her bubblegum, giving him a playful but suspicious look.
Jhin narrowed his eyes, then flicked her on the forehead.
"Ow! What the hell, choom?!"
Rebecca winced, clutching her forehead.
"Enough. I came here because I need your help."
"Huh? Me?"
Rebecca blinked, pointing at herself.
"Yeah."
Jhin nodded and handed her a weapon.
"Keep this for me. Let's say… I'll come back for it in five days. If I don't, it's yours."
Rebecca froze.
"Hey, choom! You're seriously trusting me with this? We've only met twice!"
"I don't know many people in this city. You'll do. Later."
"Hey—wait!"
But before she could finish, Jhin was gone, vanishing from sight. He only wanted to leave her with a brief impression—too much talk or involvement would be dangerous.
And indeed, he was right. Later, when Rebecca returned home, still holding Jhin's weapon, she found herself staring at it in silence—lost deep in thought.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser