"This job is pretty straightforward. To put it simply, there's a prototype piece of tech—a biochip. The group, likely affiliated with Milite
"This job is pretty straightforward. To put it simply, there's a prototype piece of tech—a biochip. The group, likely affiliated with Militech, wants me to acquire it for them. That's the extent of the job."
Now that he was confident his life wasn't in immediate danger, Dexter DeShawn slipped back into his usual fixer persona. Or at least, he was trying to put on the steady, calculated front expected of someone negotiating high-stakes deals.
He lit a cigar and continued. "Of course, the chip itself is anything but simple. I don't think I need to explain—clearly, it's the property of a corporation. And I'm guessing I don't need to tell you which one Militech is targeting."
"Arasaka," said the handsome young man standing behind Allen.
Dexter gave him a slight nod. "So you already know. Alright, let's get into it."
So, they already knew. Looks like there were plenty of people, not just Militech, aiming for that piece of Arasaka tech.
"I'd like to know just how much you already understand," Dexter said, trying to probe the group. "Maybe I can skip some unnecessary exposition?"
"No need, Mr. DeShawn."
Allen bared his teeth in a polite smile—but it made Dexter instinctively feel a dangerous chill. "We're happy to hear everything. After all, it's often the details that decide success or failure, right?"
Yeah, not going to be easy getting information out of them either. And I still don't know who they're working for…
They clearly knew Militech's target, and they knew more than just surface-level info. Were they from another corp? One planning to profit while Militech and Arasaka fought it out?
Dexter's mind flipped through all the major players in Night City. After eliminating those without a strong local presence, or those too small to withstand heat from both megacorps, he was left with three possibilities: Kang Tao, Biotechnica, and Night Corp.
Kang Tao was an unlikely candidate—too committed to neutrality. They only stepped in when chaos guaranteed opportunity. Facing off against both Arasaka and Militech? Not their MO.
Biotechnica? Unlikely too. Sure, the chip was biological tech—right up their alley—but they had the capability to develop something like it eventually. Why risk everything for a head start?
Besides, the Italians who ran Biotechnica knew how to play sides better than anyone.
Which left… Night Corp. Local, powerful, and ever-watchful. Almost nothing in Night City escaped their notice. And they'd been quiet for a while. Was this move the beginning of their next act?
With his suspicion now firmly on Night Corp, Dexter said, "Relic. You heard of it?"
Allen nodded. He'd already been briefed before the meeting. "A prototype neural implant. Designed to digitize human consciousness. The flagship tech behind Arasaka's Secure Your Soul program—meant to convert brain data into an engram and store it for later resurrection."
"You're impressively well-informed, Mr. Allen."
Exhaling a plume of smoke, Dexter continued, voice slow and deliberate.
"This was Arasaka's deepest secret. Anyone who so much as glanced at it got crushed. But even the strongest walls have weak spots… and this one came from within. Saburo Arasaka's own rebellious son—Yorinobu—stole it."
Dexter didn't notice the slight flicker of emotion on the face of the young man behind Allen. He was focused solely on his guest.
"Yorinobu fled to Night City to avoid his father's wrath. And the chip—the Relic—is with him. That's what you're here for, isn't it?"
Now that Allen had confirmed his knowledge of the Relic, Dexter was certain. These people were a third party—another group interested in the chip.
"A technology that offers immortality? Who wouldn't want a piece?" Allen said with a casual nod. "But leaving something that powerful solely in Arasaka's hands? That wouldn't be right. Technology like this—shouldn't it be shared?"
Dexter was taken aback by the sentiment. After thinking it over, he concluded it must be a reflection of Allen's backers' philosophy: they didn't want Arasaka having exclusive control.
Makes sense. No one wants to be at the mercy of a rival corp's tech. Especially not when it's something you stick inside your head. If you're gonna be chipped, better to have built it yourself.
"Well, if we're on the same page, we should talk plans," Dexter said.
"There are two days until the Watson District lockdown. I still haven't been told why it's happening, but one thing is clear—we have to move before then. Once the district is sealed, even if we get the Relic, getting out would be hell. So we have to be ready by the day after tomorrow."
"Ready how?" Allen asked.
"We need to know Yorinobu's exact location. And where he's stashing the Relic."
"No one wants to break in while the guy's still home. And no one wants to spend hours searching, only to trip an alarm and walk out with a handful of air."
"So what's your plan?"
"Militech's people are only executing the job. The prep work? That's on me. They paid me a fat stack for it too. Whether I live to enjoy it is another matter."
Dexter grinned behind a cloud of smoke.
"My original plan was to hire another crew for the setup. But now…"
He looked at Allen directly. "You've already got false identities. If you're preparing to make a move, those covers will be perfect for posing as mercs. Militech won't suspect a thing."
He added, "After all… we all have our little secrets."
Allen chuckled. "Mr. DeShawn, you're quite the fixer."
Dexter was playing the double game—pretending to help while undoubtedly planning to use those fake identities to rat them out to Militech at the perfect moment. Set the two sides against each other, then slip away during the chaos.
No one survives long in this city by being a fool—especially not fixers.
Still, Allen nodded.
"Then we'll count on you, Mr. DeShawn. Now, tell us about the operation prep."
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🔥🦾 CYBERPUNK: THE RELENTLESS 🦾🔥
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