The night of the meeting between Arasaka's representatives and Kurt Hansen had arrived. "Azurite Hotel—Hansen's fortress. The lower floors a
The night of the meeting between Arasaka's representatives and Kurt Hansen had arrived.
"Azurite Hotel—Hansen's fortress. The lower floors are military barracks for elite soldiers, and the upper levels are a playground for the city's rich and powerful. Never thought I'd get the chance to see the inside."
Sitting in the backseat of a Chevrolet Ceres 388 Jefferson, Jack adjusted his suit and looked out the window at the towering skyscraper coming into view. He nudged Oliver beside him.
"So, what do you think, man? Don't I look sharp tonight?"
"Not bad. But next to me? Still a step behind in the charm department," Oliver replied, also suited up. He gave Jack a side glance and added with a chuckle, "Feels weird not being behind the wheel while talking to you. I'm too used to driving."
"Happens when you do it long enough."
Jack glanced up front at the Dogtown soldier driving their car. "But hey, it's nice to get chauffeured around for once. Might as well enjoy it."
"No kidding."
Even as they bantered, Oliver opened comms to check in with Karl and V, who were riding in the car behind.
"Karl, V, how's it going on your end? You almost at the hotel?"
"We're right behind you. Can see the hotel already," Karl replied.
Staring through the front window at the dazzlingly lit hotel growing larger with every second, Karl added, "Azurite Hotel… Dogtown's own version of the Embers Tower. I always thought people around here were just hyping it up, but seeing it in person—yeah, it's got that vibe."
"So, what's the plan for tonight? Just make an appearance?"
Oliver asked over comms, "After we came back from shopping at the stadium yesterday, V, Jack, and I spent the whole night sorting through the stuff we bought—getting ready to ship it back to Night City. Didn't get to hear what you and Kenichi Hoya talked about."
"Well, that's what you get for buying half the market," Karl said, thinking of the mountain of weapons and shady Dogtown snacks piled up in their hotel rooms. "As for Kenichi, nothing too deep. We're heading to the 99th floor of Azurite—the club and casino level. Hansen's throwing some kind of reception there tonight. That's where we'll talk business."
"He invited a bunch of guests? And you're negotiating in the middle of all that?" Jack asked, confused. "He's not worried about people eavesdropping? Or looking bad for chatting with Arasaka in public?"
"He might not care," Karl said calmly. "This guy attacked Arasaka during the war, then betrayed Militech. Now he runs Dogtown like a damn warlord. Hansen knows how to play the power game. My guess? He wants people to see him meeting with Arasaka. It sends a message."
Karl paused before continuing, "Honestly, I think he's waiting for the highest bidder. If we see anyone from Militech at the party tonight, then you can bet whatever deal we're here to strike won't go down smoothly."
Militech had no problem throwing a wrench in Arasaka's plans, and they'd pay top eddies to do it.
"So that's why the meeting was set for today," Oliver muttered. "We got to Dogtown yesterday, but the meeting's tonight—just so it lines up with the party. That way all the guests can see him making deals with Arasaka. But what about the business itself? Isn't it risky to talk openly like that?"
Karl shrugged. "Guess the deal doesn't need to be secret. Maybe he wants it public."
Hearing that, Oliver sighed. "And yet Kenichi Hoya hasn't told us anything about it. Aren't we the official representatives?"
"You're misunderstanding him," V chimed in. "Kenichi Hoya tried to tell us the details yesterday. But Oliver, remember when you said, 'We're mercs—just pay us and we don't ask questions'? He took that literally and didn't explain further."
"Huh? When did I say that?"
"When you were stuffing Soviet caviar into my bag, hoping I'd carry the extra weight. I called you out on it."
"Oh. Right. That... sounds vaguely familiar. Dammit, I've gotten too used to leaving the negotiations to Karl. I used to be the smart one! Also, you actually noticed the caviar thing?"
"You did it in broad daylight, man."
V rolled his eyes, just as the vehicle reached Azurite's grand front entrance. He checked the time.
8:05 PM. Twenty-five minutes early.
Looking out the window, he noticed other guests stepping out of similar Chevrolet Ceres models, making their way toward the glowing tower.
"We're here," he said, stepping out of the car in his suit.
He looked up at the building's impossible height, its top obscured even from this close.
"Looks even taller from here. Wonder if it's higher than Arasaka Tower?"
"No idea," Karl replied, also getting out and glancing at the flowing crowd. Then, he started walking.
"Let's go. Looks like it's time for us to make an entrance."
They were early—but with so many guests arriving tonight, it was the perfect chance for Karl to spot a familiar face or two.
Four men in suits strode toward the Azurite Hotel.
And the Dogtown guards watching them had already sent a message through their comms:
Team KK has arrived.
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