Chapter 181

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"Let's get going."

Inside the safehouse, Lucy turned off the workstation and, after confirming the surveillance system was activated, looked back at V and spoke. V stood up from her chair and stretched lazily, appearing a bit bored from the long wait. 

Since a few hours ago, she had been sitting in that chair, quietly watching as Lucy busied herself with various electronic screens. V couldn't help but sigh, realizing that she was indeed not cut out for office work; she became sleepy and yawned continuously after a short while. Finally, with some action in sight, she eagerly declared, "Let's go, whose brain are we rescuing today?"

Not long ago, after explaining things to Gloria, V had started working and living alongside Lucy. Firstly, it allowed her to help Lucy with field tasks and earn some money since jobs at Gloria's place weren't always available. Secondly, she wanted to express her gratitude; seeing Lucy handle the network surveillance alone, it was evident she was struggling. The work wasn't too complicated: she would sit and wait while Lucy monitored and traced cyber crimes online. Once a target was located, they would head out to apprehend the cyber hackers. These tasks were generally low-risk as most hackers worked in pairs or small groups and weren't heavily armed. Although these cyber hackers had numerous attack methods, under Lucy's protection, V just charged in and dealt with them without worrying about getting hacked.

Sometimes, if they were quick enough, they would arrive to find the targets already neutralized, their brains fried. The two worked together smoothly. Lucy had applied for and received a stipend for informants from the network surveillance budget, so V earned a decent amount each mission. With the surveillance department's ample budget for hiring informants, V's earnings were comparable to her gigs. Once they were ready, the duo left the safehouse.

While descending the stairs, Lucy explained, "This time, we're not capturing anyone. We're heading to the Badlands, to the Aldecaldos' tribe."

"The Badlands?" V was puzzled about the purpose of their trip since the network surveillance's duties shouldn't cover the Badlands. "I've heard of the Aldecaldos, a well-known family out there. Their leader, Saul, has quite the reputation. But nomads generally don't welcome city dwellers."

Lucy responded frankly, "This is Tang Yu's doing. It might be related to the subnet in your head. You'll understand once we arrive."

V found it odd. Even someone in a suit was involved in this? She followed Lucy downstairs and saw a Delamain waiting by the curb. V was somewhat surprised, "Hiring this to go to the Badlands must've cost a fortune. A single trip probably equals half a month's work for me."

Lucy opened the car door and chuckled lightly, "Don't worry. Someone else is footing the bill."

V thought for a moment, wondering why Tang Yu would hire a Delamain for the Badlands. It seemed reasonable given his corporate demeanor. The Badlands, though, were no less dangerous than the streets of Night City, maybe even more so. It was a haven for criminals and chaos; there, dying without anyone knowing was a real possibility. Concerned, V asked, "Is this mission dangerous? Why is Tang Yu involved?"

Lucy's eyes darkened. She knew why Tang Yu was personally going: apart from liaising with the Aldecaldos, he needed to be there during her deep dive into cyberspace. It was crucial. They had to enter cyberspace through Maine's team signal source to locate the matrix space and discover its true purpose.

Lucy said directly, "If everything goes smoothly, there shouldn't be any danger. It's connected to Arasaka."

V recalled attending an Arasaka corporate event with Tang Yu recently. Memories from that night flashed, including the bizarre attack by a waiter, intriguing conversations, and Arasaka's new infrastructure plans highlighting the matrix space. Although the concept of the matrix space was no longer a secret, Arasaka's partnerships with other major companies had already made headlines. Progress in its construction seemed smooth, promising to offer network services to all Night City residents.

V asked, surprised, "Is it related to Arasaka? When we investigated cyber psychos, the first spot we went to was an Arasaka site, where the guard seemed brainwashed."

Lucy nodded slightly. She was aware of V's points. Arasaka's actions were outside network surveillance's scope unless there was proof they were breaking the Blackwall or helping rogue AIs beyond it. This evidence likely lay within the matrix space.

Delamain's mechanical voice interrupted, "There are real-time news updates about Arasaka. Would you like to listen?"

"Go ahead," Lucy said nonchalantly. She was familiar with Arasaka's ongoing negotiations over matrix space. The network surveillance had representatives at these meetings, though likely for show. Arasaka had tried to bypass network surveillance by involving city officials, hoping for local control over the matrix space.

Delamain continued, "Today, led by city representative Jefferson Peralez, Arasaka held a business meeting with Militech, Biotechnica, Kang Tao, and others to discuss the new infrastructure plan focusing on matrix space."

"Discussions on implementing Arasaka's proposed matrix space were carried out, with agreement to proceed with its initial phase. This phase includes providing basic network services to these companies."

"City supervision and network surveillance will jointly oversee matrix space operations. So far, several companies, including Arasaka, have signed cooperation agreements, while others remain in negotiation."

Listening, Lucy found nothing new. Arasaka, likely orchestrated by Tang Yu, was among the first to cooperate, ensuring the matrix space's launch. V, however, found the developments increasingly peculiar. Jefferson Peralez leading the discussion meant that Lucius Rhyne's plans had failed, boosting Peralez's prominence. Night City citizens were unimpressed, wary of corporate networks overriding the existing public one.

Delamain improved regulations by including municipal involvement, aiming for balanced oversight. Despite concerns, Delamain continued, "The new infrastructure plan's release was met with opposition from underground hacker groups, denouncing the matrix space network services."

"Damned corporations," V muttered. "They're leaving no place for us."

Living on Night City's streets, V understood its need for space more than life itself. The city's allure lay in its freedom, drawing dreamers worldwide. Corporations encroaching on this freedom uprooted everyone.

Lucy's eyes darkened, echoing, "If the new infrastructure succeeds, Night City will be a cage."

V agreed, adding, "Exactly. If this place becomes a prison, it's no longer Night City."

Delamain continued reporting the latest information he had gathered.

"Dr. Paradox made a public statement claiming that the Night Corporation's Matrix project aims to turn all of Night City into fertile ground."

"To cultivate the deities they revere, those AIs roaming in cyberspace."

"By then, everyone will have to worry that one day another voice might suddenly appear in your head, laughing and saying."

"'Your brain is nice; it's mine now, hehe.'"

...

Watson District, large municipal conference room.

After the meeting ended, the suited participants stood up one after another, stepping out of the room in succession.

The Militech business delegation was the first to leave the meeting site. Meredith Stout followed them, walking behind the Vice President of External Public Relations.

Militech's delegation was quite sizable this time, demonstrating their seriousness. A senior vice president, paired with a director and three department heads from the administrative, project, and special operations departments, attended the meeting.

Despite Militech giving Night Corporation due respect on the surface, they conservatively declined to cooperate with them, opting to wait and see how things unfold.

Militech and Night Corporation have many project collaborations; Night's security is essentially handled by Militech, and they purchase weapons and equipment in bulk from them.

Meredith originally thought Militech would readily agree to the proposal, but the outcome was completely different from what she expected.

Militech's division in Night City didn't need network services provided by Night Corporation. Even if the cooperation seemed redundant, joining the Matrix project wouldn't have a significant impact on Militech due to their long-term relationship.

Meredith quickly realized the key point wasn't about that. It was Arasaka's bizarre eagerness to cooperate that was concerning.

According to intelligence, Arasaka was the first to respond to Night Corporation's proposal, prompting other companies to follow suit.

What exactly is Arasaka trying to achieve? What is Night Corporation's hidden agenda? These questions left her uncertain of the situation.

After the vice president got in the car, she indicated for Meredith to meet her in her office once they returned.

Moments later, the Militech business team arrived back at the company building, and Meredith headed directly to the vice president's office.

She waited at the door until the access system unlocked, then walked in.

The senior vice president was not only a board member responsible for Night City affairs but also Meredith's boss. Militech's emphasis on Night City far exceeded their focus on other regions, making even the management highly competent.

Upon seeing Meredith, the vice president said straightforwardly, "Keep an eye on Night Corporation's Matrix project. Higher-ups don't want to see another 'country within a country' in this region."

Meredith's heart skipped a beat, her face adopting a serious expression as she nodded in agreement. After receiving the orders, she turned and left.

She had a rough idea of the situation. The higher-ups didn't want Night Corporation successfully implementing their new infrastructure plan, which could turn Night City into an 'independent kingdom.' They preferred a chaotic and ungoverned Night City, where they could find an opportunity to re-integrate it into their territory.

Night City's importance to the West Coast of New America can't be overstated. It is not only an international metropolis but also has an excellent deep-water port and high regional economic strategic value.

Meredith took the public elevator back to her office, lit a cigar, and stood in front of the panoramic glass window, her face showing a worried expression. This matter was indeed difficult.

The Matrix project was set to launch the next day. It was too late to plant saboteurs, and such a move would be foolish; if they were exposed, it would leave a bad impression of inefficiency.

Night Corporation's security was under their control, and the ongoing conflict between Councilman Jefferson and Lucius Rhyne seemed like a good point to exploit.

Sabotaging the new infrastructure plan was no easy feat.

Meredith exhaled a deep breath of smoke, her brows furrowing even tighter.

...

Aldecaldos Camp.

Tang Yu wore a cowboy hat, twirled the gun in his hand, checked the bullets, and spun it around twice.

It was an old-fashioned revolver, a durable military firearm with no smart assistive features. Accuracy depended entirely on the user's skill.

These days, not many people used such guns, but Cassidy was a true believer in the cowboy-and-revolver combination. Even as he aged, he cherished these antique items.

"You handle the gun well, but let's see if you really are as good as Panam boasts." Cassidy stood aside, watching Tang Yu play with the revolver with a smile.

The tan-skinned Panam stood with her hands on her hips and said boldly, "Tang, don't disappoint us. Show them the flair of a sharpshooter. I trust you completely. If you win, how about a quick drink later?"

Mitch, wearing overalls, awaited the shooting showdown with interest, adding fuel to the fire. "Though Tang gave me a big favor, I still think Cassidy has a better chance. After all, no one plays with these antiques anymore."

Panam looked displeased and tried to regain face for Tang Yu, loudly saying, "Mitch, let's make a bet. If Tang wins, you give him that 'Overwatch' sniper."

Mitch put on a sage-like expression. "Even without the bet, I think giving 'Overwatch' to Tang is pretty fitting."

These words left Panam annoyed, and she retorted with a laugh, "Go to hell, Mitch, stop trying to tick me off."

Before their argument could end, they heard the sound of gunshots, followed by the shattering of glass bottles.

Panam quickly turned her head, only to see that in the moment of distraction, Tang Yu and Cassidy had drawn and fired.

In the distance, glass bottles shattered one after another, fragments flying everywhere.

When both of them holstered their guns, the group immediately inspected the results.

Cassidy still had one bottle left unhit, while Tang Yu had shattered all six bottles.

This precise and swift shooting left everyone present in awe.

Considering they both employed a cowboy-style quick-draw, hitting such distant bottles was not an easy task, let alone purely relying on skill.

Cassidy had practiced this quick-draw technique for years and was proficient in it.

Yet Tang Yu, on his first try, won the competition with a perfect score.

Whether it was luck or skill was clear.

"Damn, Tang, you really impressed me."

Panam turned to Mitch, proud and questioning. "Well, Mitch, what do you have to say now? Handing 'Overwatch' to such a sharpshooter sure won't waste your craftsmanship."

Mitch remained calm. "I don't use sniper rifles anyway. You can hand it over to Tang for me, but seriously, when can we have another big favor?"

Tang Yu removed his cowboy hat and handed both the hat and gun back to Cassidy, saying, "The opportunity will come soon."

Cassidy took the items, praising, "Panam undersold you; you're not just a sharpshooter, but a born marksman."

The crowd shared a hearty laugh.

Tang Yu walked over to Panam and said softly, "Panam, I have something to discuss with you privately."

Panam nodded and followed his lead.

After the crowd dispersed, the two of them sat under a deserted tent.

Panam grabbed two beers from an ice chest, bit off the caps and passed one to Tang Yu.

Tang Yu took the chilled beer, and they clinked bottles.

Panam, somewhat proud, said, "Didn't expect you'd blend into Aldecaldos so quickly. If Saul were here, he'd definitely appreciate you."

Saul had taken some key family members to the city for business talks, causing a fallout with Panam.

Tang Yu took a sip of beer, gazing at the sunlit desert encampment, feeling like he was at home.

He had spent time here with Panam, getting to know every member of the tribe.

Wild yet gentle Panam, the righteous Saul, Mitch, Scorpion, the proficient hacker Dakota, and Carol, among others.

Tang Yu had sat with the tribe members, playing folk songs and enjoying the campfires amidst the quiet wilderness.

He even had wild nights with Panam under the starry sky, unexpectedly witnessing her shy and sensitive side.

Those times were beautiful.

And now, as the Aldecaldo family thrived, everyone still smiled and laughed, untouched by the wars.

Tang Yu felt content; family being together was the best thing.

He slowly began, "This is what I wanted to talk about. Since Saul isn't in the camp, you shouldn't get involved in this operation to avoid any friction when Saul returns."

Recently, Panam's relationship with Saul was tense. If Panam used the tribe's resources to help Tang Yu without consulting Saul, it could cause further division.

Tang Yu didn't want Panam to be cast out from the tribe again. Cherishing the present was important; the future was uncertain.

Panam, with confidence, said, "I thought it was something serious. Relax, Saul isn't petty. He remembers the favor you did for the tribe."

"But what's this operation about? With deep-diving setups and mobilizing a convoy, I've been itching for something big."

Tang Yu, seeing the moment to be right, spoke up.

"The target is Night Corporation. I plan to infiltrate through the magnetic levitation tunnel outside their compound and install a signal program chip to find out what they're up to."

Night Corporation?

Panam looked astonished and asked again, "I know that site. Militech has set up the security there. What's your plan?"

As they talked, Scorpion, wearing a hood, approached them and said gravely, "Panam, there are two people from the city looking for you and Tang."

Panam looked at Tang Yu in confusion, and he simply said, "Everyone's here. Let's get started."