"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the media—today, we stand at a historic crossroads to witness a monumental decision. I address you now with firm conviction and a vision for the future, to explain: why are we relinquishing the Free State of Pacifica? Because we're doing it for Night City.
This is a strategic choice—one that defines our shared future. Pacifica, once a name full of glory, belongs to our past. Today, we must make sacrifices for a far greater goal—Night City.
A place brimming with dreams and opportunity, Night City stands for innovation, progress, and our collective commitment to what lies ahead. The City Council firmly believes that by letting go of Pacifica, we can concentrate resources, gather talent, and build a brighter, more dynamic Night City together."
As Mayor Lucius Raines' voice echoed across the press conference, Karl was escorted by Andy into the NCPD-restricted area. In a secure backstage room, he was issued a full NCPD uniform.
"This is actually my first time wearing NCPD blues," Karl said as he adjusted his officer's cap. "Let's see… Arasaka, Hellhounds—I've worn half the iconic uniforms in Night City at this point. Feel like I'm Martin the Cyber-Chameleon. New look every day."
"Lower the brim a little—it'll look sharper," Andy replied, not bothering to react to Karl's rambling. He motioned toward Karl's styled hair. "Also, your fake hair's sticking up."
"It's not fake. Just didn't fix it this morning."
Karl tugged his cap down, then gave his reflection a once-over.
Not bad. Actually kind of slick.
"So, Karl—are people going to die at this press conference?"
Andy gave Karl's disguise a quick final check, then raised a brow. "If the mayor goes down here, I need to plan ahead to cover things up."
"Relax. If something happens to the mayor here, it's got nothing to do with me. I'm just spectating."
At least for now.
Karl flashed a crooked smile and changed the subject. "What about you? Got time off for Christmas? You should swing by my place."
"Depends on the duty schedule. I've heard from others in the precinct that the holidays are always busy. Might not get the chance."
Andy handed him an Ajax rifle—now standard-issue for NCPD. "But if I do, I'll be there with Mr. Johnson."
"Deal. C'mon, once a year, you've gotta take a break. If you need backup, just say the word. I'll clean up the streets a day early—make sure things stay nice and quiet on Christmas."
Andy gave a half-grunt that might've been a "thanks." He wasn't big on holidays, but if Karl was going all in, maybe he'd make the time.
"You ready?"
As the two finished making their casual holiday pact, a familiar female voice rang out from outside the dressing area.
"All set," Karl called back, stepping into the open—and sure enough, it was someone he recognized.
"Mr. Karl! Long time no see. That uniform looks good on you. Really suits your vibe."
"You're…"
Karl squinted at the NCPD officer, then chuckled. "How's the braindance biz going? Still in the game?"
She was Mr. Johnson's niece, and Karl remembered her well—she'd once asked to record a BD with him.
"I haven't done that in ages," she said, shaking her head. "The salary from the precinct is more than enough now. I actually got promoted recently—same rank as Andy. I even treated my squad to a proper meat dinner with the bonus and had leftovers. No need to sell BDs anymore. Besides, I'm swamped these days. I still record stuff, but editing? Haven't had the time."
"If you need an editor—or a distributor—I know two people."
Karl thought of Judy and David. "I can get you their contacts. Tell them I sent you. Could make a few eddies on the side. Might even score yourself a new ride."
"Coming from you, they must be pretty well-connected."
"The editor, yeah. Real pro. The seller? Still a student, but reliable."
As they chatted, Andy walked over. "How's it looking out there?"
The woman looked at him and casually smoothed out a wrinkle in his jacket. "Perimeter's fully secured. Barring any surprises, it should be a quiet day."
"It won't be."
Karl offered a sly grin. "Like… say, a cyberpsycho showing up to shank the mayor?"
The other two turned to stare at him.
Andy spoke slowly, eyes narrowing. "But it sounds like… that psycho won't succeed."
Karl smirked. "Not with us righteous NCPD officers standing guard."
"Come on, Sergeants—we've got a job to do. Can't have unauthorized guests wandering in and bothering our honorable councilors and the mayor, right?"
The three of them exited the prep area and stepped out into the gleaming company plaza. As they moved among the NCPD Special Ops teams maintaining crowd control, not a word was exchanged—but everyone noticed.
Without so much as a signal, two of the on-duty officers and both ranking sergeants subtly shifted formation, placing the seemingly ordinary "officer" at the center of their protective coverage.
To these NCPD cops, Karl wasn't just another guest speaker or some pompous bureaucrat.
He was one of their own.
And their own always came first.
-
-
-
🔥 Cyberpunk: The Relentless
📢 Chooms, Listen Up! 📢
Cyberpunk: The Relentless has 500+ chapters ahead available on Patreon! 💾🔥
Jack in deep and experience Night City's chrome, blood, and chaos far ahead of the public release.
🛑 Exclusive and early-access novels on Patreon include:
Game of Thrones: Secrets Beneath the Dreadfort
Cyberpunk: Lucy Adopted Me and I Got a System
My Girlfriend's a Cyberpsycho—Who Knew?
My Cyberpunk 2077 Simulator
The Rebirth of Harry Potter
Dragon King of Ice and Fire
Star Wars: Relics of the Past
R18: Reincarnated in Her World
🔗 www.patreon.com/c/MrMagnus👤 SrMagnus🐦 https://x.com/SrMagnusBook
⚠️ The novel with the most Power Stones always gets more chapters first!