A Bunch of Stupid Thieves

Will "Gunner" was the second-in-command of the 6th Street Gang. In Night City, a year can turn your life upside down, but spending two years in a gang? Well, that's about time to switch careers.

Gunner was already well-versed in the workings of the gang. He wasn't earning too much but not too little either, which naturally led to other thoughts—like taking out the boss.

Gunner had been thinking about this a lot.

To be honest, he didn't know too much about his boss Morton's side hustle with Biotechnica, but he was there the day burger King stormed into Arroyo. They crashed in and strutted right out—Morton had really messed up there. The underlings were all watching.

Finally, after two years in the gang, this was the year Morton assigned him a large territory!

According to 6th Street Gang rules, the gang would nominally support him and send a bunch of new recruits. Gunner would then "collect taxes" and give a portion back to the gang.

But even before leaving Arroyo, Gunner had already placed a mole next to his boss.

Once he had the money, with a bit of cunning, the position of leader of the 6th Street Gang would be his!

But there was one issue: the gun dealers and car modders weren't listening to him. He needed to start by targeting someone easier.

Gunner's lips curled into a smirk. "I laugh at Morton's incompetence."

"Boss, we're here."

The car stopped by the street. Gunner looked up—it was a small, private "meat shop."

The owner was Tina Alonque, a biotech graduate. Somehow, she got her hands on some equipment and started a synthetic protein business—selling on the black market.

This was a highly lucrative business. After all, the demand for meat, even synthetic meat, was huge, and her protein tasted just like real meat, packed with protein. It was a stable, high-volume business. How could he not protect that?

As the car idled by the street, Gunner began messaging Tina.

Will "Gunner": Tina, it's time to pay the protection fee.

Tina Alonque: I don't understand what you're talking about. Stop messaging me.

Will "Gunner": Oh, you understand. You know exactly what I mean.

Will "Gunner": Listen, I respect your skills and your ability to make money. You've got talent.

Will "Gunner": But now it's time for you to respect me.

Will "Gunner": I know about your black-market protein business. Half the restaurants in Santo Domingo are serving your meat, whether it's cheap cuts or luxury dining.

Will "Gunner": Frankly, if I didn't admire your entrepreneurial spirit, I'd say you were just stealing from your own farm.

Will "Gunner": I need 95%.

Tina Alonque: I work for Ricky.

Gunner rolled his eyes at this message and looked at the woman in the backseat—one of his own gang members, bound and at gunpoint.

This was Ricky, the previous protector of Tina's operation.

"That woman sure is loyal, but unfortunately for you, her loyalty is going to cost you."

With that, Gunner cocked his gun and shoved the barrel into Ricky's mouth, shooting through his spine.

Bang!

The others grimaced as they wiped off the blood and other fluids splattered on them.

After wiping down his gun, Gunner continued texting.

Will "Gunner": Listen, sweetheart, here's the thing: Ricky's gone. Out with the old, in with the new.

Tina Alonque: I'll give you 15%, same as I gave Ricky.

"Damn it!" Gunner slammed the steering wheel so hard the car shook. "Stupid bitch doesn't know what's good for her!"

He motioned to his men, and one of them pulled out a shotgun from under the seat and chambered a round.

Will "Gunner": Tina, I admire your business sense, but greed isn't good.

Tina Alonque: Fine, half a percent then.

Gunner exited the car and slammed the door.

Will "Gunner": No, it's not about the money anymore. Tina Alonque: Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you.

Will "Gunner": :(

TN:LOL what

C-chak!

The shotgun was loaded, and Gunner and his men headed towards the warehouse across the street.

Tina peeked out from behind a half-closed door and immediately pulled back inside.

Bang!

The bullet nearly took her head off.

"I'm screwed—" Tina's blood ran cold as she collapsed to the floor in a panic.

She scrambled to the control panel and slammed the button. The warehouse door began to slowly descend.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Bullets pelted the door, creating deep dents. Soon, holes began appearing, letting rays of sunlight pierce through the dim room. Tina crouched against the wall, terrified and helpless.

"Blow this damn door open!" Gunner yelled.

She could hear them placing explosives on the other side of the door.

Tina fumbled for the back door, but her hands were shaking uncontrollably, making it impossible to open it.

Boom!

Suddenly, V's voice came from the comm: "So why do you need a sex doll chip? Feeling better now and thinking about having some fun?"

V was squinting mischievously at Leo, who was busy testing the new car's electronic defense system.

"It's for work. The pharmaceutical industry needs discretion. You don't want some major corporation or crime syndicate getting wind of this project, do you?"

V shrugged, "Oh, I see. So today we're warning this Gunner guy?"

"Yep, and maybe collecting some cash too—wait, is that C4?"

They saw some of Gunner's lackeys sticking explosives onto Tina's warehouse.

The device began flashing faster and faster—then stopped.

It didn't explode.

One thug angrily shoved another forward to check it out. The guy hesitated, then slowly approached the C4...

Boom!

Blood and flesh flew everywhere.

"Haha! Did you see that?" V doubled over in laughter. "The idiot blew himself up!"

"Tina has to stay alive, and Gunner... it'd be better if he lived too. Stop laughing!" Leo scolded, drawing his pistol.

The three of them pulled out their sidearms—nothing fancy, just enough to deal with low-level gang members.

Leo, on the other hand, knew his aim was terrible.

Good thing auto-targeting is a thing.

"Damn it! How does this even happen?" Gunner cursed, looking at his dead man, before ordering his crew: "Get in there and kill that bitch!"

Vroom—

A loud engine revved from the street. Gunner and his men turned around to see a Mackinaw barreling towards them like a beast.

They raised their guns in a panic, but the car began to drift!

Wait—Mackinaws can drift??

Bang bang bang!

Leo and V fired from the passenger seat, hitting several gang members.

Gunner knew things were going south. His kerenzikov was already starting as he dashed inside the warehouse for cover.

Bang!

The Mackinaw spun around, mowing down gang members like bowling pins. Those standing were flung aside, and those who were shot were crushed under its wheels.

"Damn it..." Gunner peeked out to see the carnage, but—

Bang!

A hand burst through the warehouse door and grabbed his head.

Bang!

Jackie's massive hand smashed Gunner's skull against the door, and his vision went dark.

Meanwhile, a surviving gang member dragged himself into the driver's seat of a nearby car, eyes fixed on the pedal.

If he could just reach it—

Bang!

V shot him dead, and his body slumped out of the car.

The fight was over in no time. Tina was still fumbling with the door handle while the 6th Street thugs lay dead all around.

Leo pulled out his phone and dialed the 6th Street Gang boss, Morton.

"Sergeant? Long time no see. I've got a business deal to discuss."

(End of Chapter)