"Good evening, everyone. Welcome to tonight's edition of News 54. Today, Night City has witnessed a major shift in leadership that's caught the attention of the entire city. After years of service, NCPD Commissioner Carter has officially announced his retirement, ending a 25-year career in law enforcement."
"During his time in office, Commissioner Carter dedicated himself to maintaining order in Night City. Despite the city's complex environment and relentless crime, he led the NCPD through several major operations with remarkable results."
"At today's retirement ceremony, Commissioner Carter delivered a heartfelt farewell speech, stating that the city's future must be carried by a new generation of leaders to face its increasingly complex challenges. He called on citizens to continue supporting the work of the NCPD."
"Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Johnson has officially taken over the role, becoming the first NCPD Commissioner to rise through the ranks via a formal, standard process since Night City's independence. With nearly 30 years of service, Johnson is known for his decisive leadership and forward-thinking approach to high-tech crime. His appointment is widely regarded as a step toward a more disciplined NCPD."
"In his inaugural speech, Commissioner Johnson emphasized the importance of strengthening the NCPD's connection with citizens, while utilizing cutting-edge technology and advanced weaponry to combat crime. He also stated that future efforts would focus on street violence, cybercrime, and gang-related offenses."
"Reactions among Night City residents are mixed. Some hold high expectations for Johnson, believing he could bring new hope to the city. Others remain cautious, skeptical that law and order can improve in the short term. Regardless, today marks the arrival of a new NCPD Commissioner—one born and raised in Santo Domingo."
Seated in a downtown diner, Karl listened to the news broadcast while casually checking the time. Beside him, Oliver was already counting on his fingers.
"Almost thirty years… I think Commissioner Johnson is forty-seven, right? That means he joined the NCPD when he was, what, eighteen?"
Oliver looked surprised. "And didn't he serve as a patrol officer in Santo Domingo for, like, sixteen years? That's nearly half his career spent on street patrol."
"Sounds about right."
As Karl responded, he overheard some other patrons in the restaurant chatting about the same news.
"Commissioner Carter... Man, I forgot Johnson wasn't the commissioner yet. For the past year or so, all I've heard is how Johnson led raids on Scavs or busted some gang hideout. I nearly forgot Carter was still around."
"Wasn't it this guy who upgraded the street patrol's gear? Shit, the weapons they carry now are almost on par with corpo security. If I'd seen NCPD look this badass when I was a kid, I might've actually studied harder in community school, see if I could make it in."
"C'mon. That's now. Back then, NCPD officers got iced by gangs and punks left and right. If you were dreaming of joining the force back then, you probably wouldn't have lived to see it. Now we're chillin' in a nice restaurant, working seventeen hours a day with a whole two days off a year. What more do you want?"
"Oh, I'm not complaining. Just feels like... we missed something, y'know?"
"Well, why not have your nephew try out for the NCPD? Isn't he doing well in school? Might not be corpo material, but he's definitely qualified for the force."
"I've got some connections, too. You heard about that Special Response Unit? Directly under the commissioner. I've got an old friend on that squad—I could put in a word. They say those guys have gear rivaling the anti-terror teams."
"Yeah, but that unit handles dangerous shit. I've only got one nephew, y'know?"
"Dangerous? Man, I've got something juicy for you."
Though the pair had lowered their voices, their conversation still reached Karl's ears clearly.
"You know what I heard?"
"What?"
"That Special Unit? It's working for KK."
"KK?!"
The name made the other man instinctively raise his voice in shock—but he quickly caught himself, glancing around to make sure the two men and one woman sitting nearby hadn't taken notice. Then, in disbelief:
"You mean that KK?"
"How many KKs do you think there are in this city? Ever wonder why fewer and fewer gangs are willing to mess with the NCPD lately? Even the Maelstrom and Tiger Claws have been lying low. I saw 6th Street smiling and kissing NCPD ass the other day. Hell, even the corpo rats have started pulling over and showing ID when cops wave them down."
"No kidding… I gotta talk to my nephew about this tonight. Kid's sharp—might go far someday. Hey, this round's on me. Drink up, bro."
"Your salary barely covers a night out, man... but alright, just this once."
Oliver had clearly picked up on the whole conversation. As the topic drifted to family life, he glanced at Karl, eyebrows raised in obvious inquiry.
"The Maelstrom guys are still busy tearing each other apart over their boss's death. Tiger Claws lost their emperor—Arasaka's dead, remember? No more swagger from them. And you know how 6th Street is—businessmen first. You think they don't smile when there's money involved?"
Karl calmly explained the "strange rumors" floating around town. But then T-Bug chimed in:
"What about the corpos? Why are they backing down?"
"Hm…"
Karl genuinely didn't know. After a pause, he guessed:
"Maybe it's because the NCPD is actually getting shit done now?"
"So... nothing to do with you, huh?"
Oliver scoffed. "Commissioner Johnson climbed four ranks in two years. You're saying that had nothing to do with you? He sat in the same role for over two decades before that."
"Long-earned promotion?"
"You're too damn modest. Now that I think about it, the first weapon you ever picked was Kenshin. That might've been a bit too humble."
"Trying to make a pun on my gun now?"
Karl, looking like an average unassuming guy, turned toward the window. His eyes followed the NCPD patrols on the street—and the citizens around them, walking openly, relaxed, even smiling. No fear.
After a moment of silence, Karl murmured:
"Maybe... I really have contributed, just a little, to making this city better. But honestly, I think most of the credit belongs to people like Commissioner Johnson."
He paused, then added:
"If it weren't for their dedication, those they once helped—the ones who joined the NCPD inspired by that kindness—might've disappeared long ago."
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🔥🦾 CYBERPUNK: THE RELENTLESS 🦾🔥
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