Chapter 18 (Part 2)

As soon as the jamming devices were activated, the drones immediately came to a halt, struggling to reestablish the lost connection with the main security computer. The primary flaw of these drones was that, although their decision-making was faster due to their connection to a supercomputer, they lacked independent autonomy in such scenarios. Their only programmed response was to counter direct aggression, nothing more.

The brief window of opportunity allowed for a discreet entry, with the remaining seconds used to dash into a utility room to plan the next steps. Contact with Jeremy was cut off, as being inside the building heightened the risk of detection. Marco decided to postpone communication, prioritizing awareness of his immediate environment.

Fortunately, Marco discovered a room leading to a corridor that was lightly guarded and acted as a nexus connecting all the complex's buildings. The corridor was deserted, a lucky break. Marco certainly didn't want to encounter a security patrol at an inopportune moment.

Using internal communications, he managed to navigate to the administrative building with little trouble. This building logically housed the control point for all security systems. Along the way, Ramirez had to neutralize several operational cameras using a special device that created interference within a certain radius. This device had cost him a hefty 5,000 eddies, but its usefulness was undeniable in this moment.

"So, this looks like what I need," Marco muttered to himself, trying to soothe his frayed nerves.

The room was vacant except for a lone coat hanging on a rack, indicating that a guard had momentarily stepped away. Wasting no time, Marco connected a viral chip to the control computer, gradually compromising the entire system. As soon as the program was fully integrated, he quickly deleted any traces of his intrusion and left the room hastily. Footsteps were already echoing nearby; Marco had to quicken his pace, narrowly dodging a run-in with a patrolling guard at the very last moment. After evading detection, the relieved mercenary checked the remote access to the system. Confirming everything was operational, he messaged Jeremy.

"Everything's ready, job's done. Access acquired... Cameras and security systems are under my control," Marco reported.

"What about the drones?" Jeremy inquired.

"Hold on... Damn, they have a separate control unit. Looks like the higher-ups didn't want to take any chances," Marco realized.

"As you see, their caution wasn't unfounded... Anyway, no drones spotted inside the building," Jeremy noted.

"Only three people are in the administrative building. One is in the camera control room, and two are stationed in the guardhouse near the main entrance," Marco concluded.

"They rely too heavily on robots," Marco remarked, shaking his head in disapproval.

"Regardless, our target is in the building adjacent to the one you entered for the administrative wing. According to the fire safety map, the chief engineer's office is directly above the production docks."

"And the security situation?"

"There are a few drones stationed at the entrance, along with various activity scanners. A direct infiltration attempt would have surely set off an alarm."

"I'll wrap this up as quickly as possible. The apparent simplicity of this mission is unsettling."

"I share your sentiment, but you're right. Retrieve the data and exit promptly."

The communication ended once more, leaving Marco in contemplation. The ease of his progress was disconcerting; it could be a trap, or maybe a sign of Sovoil's oversight—an idea the mercenary wasn't ready to accept just yet.

The work hangar was expansive, filled with the unfinished models of future reactors. Operations halted at night, allowing for manual intervention in the event of an automation failure—a reminder that, despite technological advancements, equipment malfunctions were still a reality.

Navigating the vast space, Ramirez gazed in awe at the enormous structures poised to generate vast amounts of energy. However, he didn't dawdle in the production area, swiftly making his way to the chief engineer's office upstairs. Upon arrival, he encountered an unexpected obstacle: the door was secured with a DNA analyzer.

"Jeremy, we've hit another snag."

"What's the issue?"

"A door with a DNA analyzer. Check for alternative entry methods."

"One moment..." Jeremy briefly paused the conversation, searching for a workaround, then swiftly found a loophole. "You're clear to proceed." The door hissed open, admitting a bewildered Marco.

"How did you manage that?"

"Let's just say it's a bit of old-school ingenuity from Kabuki. Doors like these might seem formidable at first, but they're often riddled with vulnerabilities." Jeremy's voice carried a note of smugness.

"I had no idea you were such a skilled netrunner," Marco commented as he approached the wall-mounted computer that managed the plant's internal processes.

"A former colleague taught me a few tricks that were so effective, I decided to delve deeper into netrunning. As you can see, it paid off."

While Jeremy was boasting about his netrunning skills, Ramirez efficiently connected to the computer with the chip provided by their client, immediately commencing the search for the specified information. It didn't take long for him to locate the desired reactor schematics, which he promptly copied. The only task remaining was to erase the data of the most recent active session from the system to erase any evidence of his presence.

"I'm done here. What's the situation outside?" Marco peered out the window, noticing the silhouette of a robot gliding past the hangar.

"We're still under the radar, but we've got to move fast. The temporary override I installed is on a timer and will self-destruct soon. You've got about three minutes before the system returns to its default security protocols."

"Got it, three minutes is all I need." The mercenary quickly vacated the chief engineer's office, reactivating the compromised DNA analyzer door in his wake.

Exiting the control room, he made a beeline for the stairs leading to the roof. Once atop, he surveyed the area, choosing the optimal moment to descend quietly, evading another patrol droid. The heavy rain muffled his movements, impairing the robots' auditory sensors, and enabled him to exit the complex undetected. Upon his return to the motel, Marco entered the room with caution to avoid drawing attention. Inside, Jeremy awaited, leisurely sipping a soda.

"Catch," said Jeremy, tossing another can to Marco, who caught it effortlessly, surprised yet amused by his partner's demeanor. "We'll celebrate with something stronger once we're paid. I think it's time we contact the client and confirm the job's completion."

"Right, he's probably anxious to hear from us by now..."

***

Incoming video call - Zorge (Fixer)

Call accepted - establishing connection

"Hallo," came a slightly groggy male voice.

"We've secured the data and are awaiting further instructions."

"Excellent news. Given the silence in the city, it seems you've managed without drawing any unwanted attention. Well done." The fixer's previously sleepy voice now carried a hint of vigor. "I'm sending over the coordinates for our meeting. We'll exchange the data in half an hour. Don't be late."

The call concluded abruptly.

"So, what's the situation?"

"The client's pleased and has provided the meeting location. It's a gas station in the Coronado ranch area. It's not exactly secluded, but it's a common spot for this type of transaction."

"You're more familiar with these matters, so I'll defer to you," Jeremy said, setting aside his soda can. "Should I accompany you, or will you handle this solo?"

"Having a dependable partner by my side wouldn't be amiss," Ramirez responded with a smile, checking his watch. "Time is of the essence, and I prefer to arrive before the client. A little extra caution can only benefit us."

"Let's not waste any more time, then."

With that, Jeremy and Marco discreetly exited the motel, returning the keys at the front desk. They reached their destination riding two motorcycles, an essential mode of transport in the cityscape for navigating swiftly between districts. Motorcycles were favored for their affordability and low maintenance costs, with a good model costing around 7,000-8,000 eddies, a fraction of the price of a car. Despite some disadvantages, their benefits were undeniable.

Upon reaching the meeting location, the duo awaited their client's arrival. Only a few minutes remained until the designated time. They didn't have to wait long; soon, an armored vehicle made its way toward the gas station.

"Wow, they didn't skimp on transportation," Martinez remarked, impressed by the approaching vehicle.

"Do you recognize that model?" Marco inquired, turning to his partner.

"It's a Soviet Bars, designed for VIP transport. It boasts fourth-class tank armor, meaning it can withstand several rounds from a grenade launcher without compromising its mobility."

"Impressive," Ramirez acknowledged, viewing the armored vehicle with newfound respect.