The Hive is an open-source cyber organization.
Its main business scope is selling affordable, practical, and durable cyberware equipment; if you're missing a head or an arm, they can supply it.
Of course, sometimes the cyberware market doesn't need so many hands, as those who dared to obstruct their business have pretty much been wiped out.
So they also take on commissions, running errands for the people of Night City, teaching a lesson to those who don't pay their debts, and delivering a head-on blow to those who violate public order and good customs, endangering the stable lives of Night City residents.
In short, The Hive, as it sounds, is a public welfare organization composed of many enthusiastic people.
Its core principle is full of love and enthusiasm for humanity.
Of course, the most important point is that they have many formidable fighters.
Very unfortunately, and quite mistakenly, this also led to a small misunderstanding between them and the Night City government, causing the latter to define them as an illegal organization.
Berry has always deeply regretted this.
The people of The Hive are very simple; they are all law-abiding citizens who contribute to the development of Night City.
Berry had to emphasize this point.
In short, this is what Saul and Panam Palmer heard: a gang that felt a bit strange, and upon closer inspection, a little dark.
However, even though these people sounded somewhat like Scavengers, they were mainly interested in Berry's subsequent words.
The Hive wants to ally with the Aldecaldo Family.
If they hadn't misunderstood, Berry had indeed said, "Heaven and Earth bear witness, Night City's politics are simply too dark. Given this harsh living environment, law-abiding citizens like you and me should learn to protect ourselves. We should unite and establish a Nomads' survival front."
"Nomads' lives matter! That's what we need to do."
Berry excitedly said, pounding her fist into her palm, leaving Saul and Panam Palmer stunned.
"Uh, I thought you were Night City residents. Are you Nomads too?"
Seeing Berry portray Nomads as a group of simple, kind, hardworking, pitiful people who were unjustly oppressed and bullied by evil forces, making them seem utterly vulnerable.
This made Panam Palmer, who had robbed several corporate transport convoys, blush a little, and she interrupted awkwardly.
"Ah, of course, we are also from Nomad backgrounds."
"It's just that, this doesn't conflict with our identity as Night City residents, does it?"
Berry spread her hands, explaining righteously.
"Being Nomads when you're with Nomads, and Night City residents when you're in Night City, that's perfectly natural."
"And that's not important."
Dismissing this outrageous statement about being Nomads when with Nomads and Night City residents when in Night City, Berry then extended her hands towards Mitsuhide and V.
"What's important is, look at Mitsuhide, he's very capable, and my V is also very capable."
"Aside from them, in The Hive, there are several others just as capable."
"So, cooperating with us will be the most suitable deal."
After Berry finished her passionate speech, her mouth was dry, and she was sweating. Then she looked at Saul, the Aldecaldo Family's chieftain, waiting for his response.
However, Berry was still very confident.
At this difficult time for the Aldecaldo Family, The Hive's outstretched hand of friendship was undoubtedly a timely help.
Berry didn't believe she couldn't win him over.
The focus now shifted to Saul, who was stroking his chin in thought.
Mitch, Scorpio, and the other elders, not to mention Panam Palmer, were all nervously watching Saul.
This was a matter of life and death for the tribe; it was up to Saul to decide.
Of course, putting everything else aside, Panam Palmer personally was quite moved.
Compared to the corporations whose words were like farts, The Hive, which had extended help to them several times, seemed more worthy of an alliance.
Even though Panam Palmer had never heard of The Hive before.
"Hmm..."
Saul pondered for a while, then slowly spoke.
Being a bit older, he now preferred to use his brain to consider problems rather than just muscle.
This Mercenary girl's proposal indeed moved him, but he still needed to confirm some things.
In these times, one couldn't be too careful.
After all, the sugar coating of poison is also sweet; who knows what you're really putting in your mouth.
"Is the idea of an alliance yours, or your boss's?"
Saul finished speaking, then looked up at the two in front of him.
"Well, actually..."
"This is naturally our BOSS's idea."
Berry's words about being The Hive's boss herself were cut off by V before she could speak. Seeing V step forward, she seamlessly took over the conversation.
She had to step in; if she didn't, her silly girl would foolishly reveal all their secrets.
"Our organization also faces many problems. You know, people in Night City don't really like others taking their jobs."
"Under the BOSS's command, we come with friendship."
"Yes, yes."
Berry quickly nodded, agreeing with V's statement.
"Hmm, I understand."
Saul nodded after hearing this, but he neither agreed nor disagreed at the time.
After a short period of thought, he spoke again.
"If we cooperate with The Hive, what can we gain, and what do we need to give? I think cooperation always needs to be practical, doesn't it?"
Saul's question was not without reason.
If both sides couldn't provide what the other needed, then cooperation would only be empty words.
Additionally, he wanted to probe and see what capabilities this so-called Hive possessed that made them think they could ally with the Aldecaldo Family.
At this point, Berry was already fully confident about the alliance between the two parties.
Are you kidding?
She could personally craft 90% of the good stuff in Night City; with her around, would The Hive ever lack tangible resources?
"We have naturally thought this through."
"We've also learned a bit about your tribe's situation. Facing the invasion of the Wraiths, you are currently very short on heavy weapons that could change the tide, aren't you?"
"Heavy machine guns, man-portable rocket launchers, high-quality bulletproof vests—we can provide you with these good items that are hard to get on the black market."
"In exchange, you will need to provide us with some raw materials."
"You know the junkyard outside the city? Piles of scrapped cars, old refrigerators, broken furniture—there are many good things in there. People who can't utilize these treasures just leave them in the wasteland to rust, and that's unacceptable."
"The Aldecaldos can go to the junkyard, cut out those useful parts, and provide them to us as part of the deal."
At this point, Berry had made it very clear.
The Aldecaldos could exchange valuable heavy weapons from her by scavenging for junk in the junkyard.
Honestly, these were exceptionally good terms.
Where else could you find a deal where some open-air junk parts could be exchanged for hard-to-get heavy weapons?
Hearing these favorable terms, the Aldecaldos were indeed moved.
Each of them lowered their heads, deep in thought, considering the pros and cons of this heaven-sent deal.
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