The cooperation between Military Science and Diana has been officially finalized.
However, Mercer wasn't interested in beating around the bush. He simply said, "I suppose you're not particularly interested in enhancing our relationship, so why don't we get straight to the point?"
"Very well, then you've got the time it takes to smoke a cigarette to convince me to stay," Stout said as she took out a cigarette, lit it, blew out a puff of smoke, and extended a hand, signaling that Mercer could start talking.
"First, the entire immunity drug plan is a scam."
Upon hearing this, Stout merely sneered dismissively, as the cooperation in drug development had just commenced. Even if she knew the other party was lying, what could she do?
To deal with that group of people, they would have to wait until the investment showed no returns and became a total loss to have a chance.
"Secondly, even if you don't think it's a scam, I can assure you that Military Science's investment will be wasted entirely."
This statement piqued Stout's interest. Her hand tapped lightly on her knee as she responded, "Should I deal with you now to ensure the project's smooth progress?"
"Very well, a loyal Military Science dog. I hope you can climb to the position of operations director through your loyalty before you turn into an old lady."
Mercer also let out a sneer, then placed his hands on his knees, leaned slightly forward, and stared at Stout with an aggressive gaze from his masked, blue eyes.
"I need to know if there will be a special operation by the action group later... As long as you can help me figure this out, I'll take care of the rest."
After Mercer finished speaking, Stout looked at him indifferently, "You want me to be your informant inside the company? Ha, then you've got it all wrong."
Even so, Mercer knew full well that when dealing with such a high and mighty woman, one shouldn't listen to what she says but watch what she does.
The fact that Stout was still sitting there obediently showed that she was already anticipating a plan she'd be willing to 'consider.'
"I have a heist plan. Biotechnology will be transporting a batch of equipment to Night City by the end of January, equipment that I'm very interested in."
Mercer spoke leisurely, his expression calm.
Stout narrowed her eyes, "Aren't you afraid I'll turn around and sell you out to Biotechnology?"
"Oh? But this was something agreed upon between the Biotechnology director and me." Mercer chuckled softly, "Why do you think Biotechnology is transporting such equipment over?"
Mercer pointed to himself, "Because I want it."
Then, Mercer leaned back on the sofa, speaking calmly, "Transport route, personnel configuration, I've already figured them all out. The only thing I haven't figured out is how Military Science plans to intervene in this matter."
Stout probed, "So what? Are you planning to outright rob a convoy jointly transported by Biotechnology and Military Science? With just you? A gang of rookie mercenaries?"
"How I plan to rob it is my business. I just need you to provide me with information."
At this point, Mercer spoke thoughtfully, "Think about it—your superiors and colleagues have finalized a major cooperation involving funds probably reaching tens of millions in Europe.
Now that the contract is signed, it means there's no turning back.
If this investment succeeds, it has nothing to do with you—they get promotions and raises, while you remain just a senior operative.
But if this investment goes disastrously wrong... you might become the hero who salvages the investment.
"Sounds nice," Stout said, keeping a sharp eye on Mercer.
"The entire cooperation is built on the development of the immunity drug, and to develop the drug, you must meet two conditions: one, equipment, and two, developers."
Mercer raised his hand, explaining slowly, "This batch of equipment is labeled as 'for immunity drugs development,' which means, in the eyes of Military Science's people, the equipment is to develop the immunity drug.
I guess... the director from Biotechnology who persuaded Military Science to provide transport security must have done so under this pretense."
"The person from Biotechnology you struck a deal with, is that the same one who secured Military Science's cooperation... Diana Kuno?"
Stout spoke sharply, without even bothering to hide Diana's name anymore.
Mercer nodded.
Stout nodded in understanding, then sneered, "It appears your friend from Biotechnology wants to take this chance to kill you."
"I figured as much... Even if it fails, and the equipment gets hijacked, she could easily blame Military Science and her own security.
After all, she would have done her best to protect the equipment, yet it was still lost. That way, she could completely shift the blame."
Mercer paused before continuing, "Then she could continue demanding higher security from Military Science, and since this would cause a major embarrassment and loss for both Military Science and Biotechnology...
I would simultaneously become a wanted man by both companies, allowing her to easily send agents, soldiers, to relentlessly come after me."
Stout silently watched Mercer.
Mercer merely let out a soft laugh, "The most crucial element... If her research ultimately fails, she'll have a ready-made excuse—without the equipment, how could she develop new drugs?
And among this batch of equipment being transported, there happen to be some rare, discontinued items relegated to technical reserves. I estimate that even with her abilities, she wouldn't be able to procure a second one."