Mercer glanced at Hans, then said, "The focus on weaponry is mainly on the supporting weapons for Single Soldier Armor and the development of unmanned machinery.
The software is likewise adapted for the aforementioned direction, and also involves smart driving for vehicles, weapon chips, quick hacking programs, and so on."
After briefly explaining, he decisively pitched to Hans for investment: "If you are willing to invest some money, more importantly, some equipment and other resources, I might consider sharing the development results to a certain extent."
Hans just pondered for a moment and then said, "You know, I can't persuade other investors with just one or two sentences from you..."
Then why are you bullshitting with me, want a PPT? Then wait, buddy, I'll draw some pictures and ask for your money when I have time.
Mercer immediately returned to a calm expression: "So, I also have some curious questions. I wonder if Mr. Hans can answer them for me?"
"Go ahead and ask." Hans put down his tea bowl and smiled at Mercer.
"I know the people behind Hansen are a mixed bag, but who is really the patron and supporter behind him?"
Mercer began to probe into Hansen's background.
If you asked about Hans himself, he might ramble on, but if you asked about Hansen, Hans had nothing to hide.
Hans replied directly, "There are three factions supporting Hansen: First, the Cubans... The smuggling trade comes from around the country. How could Hansen alone have so many sources of goods, so many smuggled items needing transit through Dog Town?
The Cubans' criminal groups in New American territory channel their ill-gotten gains, be it cybernetic parts or weaponry, through Dog Town.
Some will fence the goods directly in Dog Town, others will have them received by the Netherworld Dog and then resold to clients in other states.
Among them, the Cubans' demand is the greatest; their trade network spans New America, involving drugs, cybernetic parts, equipment, and even trades you can't imagine...
In short, if anyone is Hansen's greatest supporter right now, if anyone helped turn Dog Town into a smuggling haven, it would be the Cubans."
Hans continued, "Second, it's his connections made during service in New America, mainly with Military Science and top military officials in New America.
Military Science and these military elites sell some weapons and equipment to the Netherworld Dog to continue dividing Taiping Prefecture and Night City, and use Dog Town to transport some weapons to Night City.
Although the war is currently on pause, everyone knows the battle between Military Science and Arasaka is only a comma, not a full stop. Military Science and New America originally saw Hansen as a scapegoat, but never expected him to be propped up by the Cubans, so they simply went along with it.
On one hand, they use Dog Town's Gem Cyan to destabilize Arasaka supporters in Night City, covertly infiltrating to support Military Science and New America backers.
On the other hand, they are also courting Hansen, aiming to continue their 2069 failed, or rather suspended, 'Midnight Storm' plan, trying to establish an extraterritorial base of operations for New America and Military Science in Night City."
Hans paused, took a puff of his cigar, and finally said, "Third are those so-called social elites. They need a lawless land where they can fully unleash their instincts without being disturbed by Night City's pervasive media.
They also need a venue independent of Night City's system where they can talk business, talk votes, involving various celebrities and executives from other parts of New America…"
Hans laughed a couple of times, looking at Mercer, and said, "Hansen is very generous in bribing those politicians. Do you think he managed to develop Dog Town to its current state just with strong arms and a background?
Of course not, without the local support from Night City, the Netherworld Dog is, frankly speaking, just a bigger gang. How could it possibly build a city within a city in Taiping Prefecture?"
Mercer fell into thought, processing this information, and then posed a rather sharp question: "Then, are Mr. Hans's Cuban friends more supportive of you or Hansen?"
Hans just gave a faint smile: "Ah, you must know, before the establishment of Dog Town... I was already an intermediary in Taiping Prefecture."
Mercer nodded, understanding, and then shifted the conversation to matters with the Voodoo Gang.
"Earlier, when chatting with Hua Tiao, we discussed the Voodoo Gang in Taiping Prefecture... I wonder how Mr. Hans views these Haitians?"
Mercer's question made a glint flash in Hans's eyes. He looked at Mercer, and after a while, suddenly laughed and said, "The Voodoo Gang in Taiping Prefecture? In my eyes, they're just pests. If there were a strong enough insecticide available, that would be ideal."
"Is that so?" Mercer nodded and then picked up the tea bowl, taking a couple of sips, falling into contemplation.
After a while, he raised his head, smiling slightly at Hans: "I wonder if Mr. Hans has any other questions to ask?"
"No, we're just having a chat, not a hearing."
Hans chuckled, but subtly hinted: "I just heard you've been appointed as a director under Hansen, just curious about your recent changes, it seems we are still friends, which is good."
"The help Mr. Hans provided us earlier, I can assure you, I have not forgotten. Therefore, you need not worry; we are still mercenaries, and with profitable deals, you can still contact me anytime.