A few months ago, everything changed. The advanced Soldier Serum rewrote the problem that stopped Cybertron. The drug strengthens the body's resistance to heavy cyberware, making complete installation reliable. With that help, Cybertron's research surged, proving Arasaka paid the right price for the serum.
Back to the test plan: use Militech as the live-fire opponent to measure Cybertron. It was an open trap. Militech had always coveted Arasaka's new frame. Leak a hint and they would rush the table. Whether the last laugh belonged to anyone depended on Cybertron's performance.
V studied the handler line, saw the name Kate, and smiled. "Confident, aren't we? I'm not afraid. Does Militech actually take the prize? Still, Cybertron against Militech will be a show." Kate—the one with the three dark red "petals" above her crown—had been a prominent figure in Counterintelligence. She still was, just under V's shadow. Whether this test raised her or ruined her would be worth watching.
Watson District, Afterlife.
Maine's crew drank in a booth. Since Rocky injected Maine with the advanced Soldier Serum, his condition improved: no more warning signs of cyberpsychosis, and his body pushed higher. He even took Rocky's advice and stopped adding chrome. The serum alone raised his ceiling enough to make jobs easier.
Fate's gear teeth slipped. Pilar did not get his head blown off by that creep this time. Faraday still knocked and pointed them at Tanaka's data, but Maine did not lose control of the job. They completed the commission and got the goods. From there, the crew rode their skill into Afterlife's short list of merc teams people actually named.
In the booth, Maine and Dorio talked low. Pilar and Falco traded lines and laughs. Kiwi stayed as silent as ever. With twin ponytails and a sharp grin, Rebecca had slipped in with them. She had left the team and stood with Ascension Technology now, but old teammates are still friends, and drinks still happen.
A figure broke the room's flow: classic red suit, white hair, three-lens implant stacked at the right eye. Even dressed like an executive, he wore the Night City fixer's calculus on his face. Faraday.
"Faraday, you came to me for business?" Maine asked, putting his glass down and getting to the point.
"A big deal," Faraday said. "Biggest you've ever seen."
"Oh? Bigger than kidnapping an Arasaka executive last time?" Maine raised an eyebrow. Big money walking to your table is not always bad, but it is never simple. High return means high risk, and big deals usually mean corps. Corps are the most dangerous things in this city. They would not be drinking here tonight if they had not handled Tanaka cleanly, secured the data, and ridden Militech's cover afterward.
Faraday tossed him a shard. Maine looked, then slotted it.
Just as he expected from a fixer with Militech ties, the commission led back to Arasaka. The play was bigger this time: hit an Arasaka armed convoy and take the cargo. Yes, the biggest deal Maine had seen.
Whether to accept it was the problem. Robbing Arasaka's transport is picking a god in the eye. But mercs live for name and money. Refusing a payout like this is hard. With this money, he could ease off for a long time. Anyone would be tempted.
After a moment's hesitation, Maine decided to take it.
He was already close to the top of Night City's merc ranks. The chance to stamp his name might be here.
"Maine." Rebecca shook her head.
He met her eyes and understood. Do not take this one.
He did not know why. He thought a beat, then chose to trust her.
"Faraday, I'm passing on this one."
He gave up a massive job and dodged the risk that came with it. Maybe Rebecca had intel. Perhaps she just saw the seam. Either way, he stepped back.
Faraday had not expected a no. With Maine's temperament, he should grab the chance. The fixer's brow tightened.
"You let a kid sway your judgment? You're getting ridiculous, Maine."
"This isn't your concern, Faraday. I've decided."