Ascension Technology
"Long time no see, V."
In the reception room, Rocky greets V across the table. "Arasaka sent you, right? What do they want?" Rocky asks directly.
"Long time no see, L," V answers.
"You are right. Arasaka wants deeper cooperation with Ascension Technology on the advanced soldier serum."
"For example?"
"Arasaka wants exclusivity on the soldier serum, and a large, steady supply."
V does not circle. "Counterintelligence reports your upcoming press conference aims to sell serum to outside buyers. Even if you only sell a weakened primary version per the contract, Arasaka keeps an edge. But they are not satisfied. If a weakened serum hits the market, Arasaka's advantage erodes, and Militech will find 'shady channels' to get it. Arasaka wants soldier serum to be Arasaka-only."
He adds, "From Arasaka's side, it is already a huge profit: small upfront cost for original-formula advantages now, and in two years they get the recipe to self-produce and take market share. But greed grows. If serum lets them press Militech underfoot, the payoff is terrifyingly large. They will not miss the chance."
Rocky smiles. "Exclusive soldier serum? Easy. I promised Arasaka priority on orders. If Arasaka buys everything we make, that is a de facto monopoly." He is joking; they both know that is not realistic.
V clarifies: "Arasaka wants exclusivity in the contract itself. Now and after the formula transfer, only Arasaka—besides Ascension—can have soldier serum."
"Details," Rocky says. He is open to a deal if the terms satisfy him. He wants money in hand. He has sunk eurodollars into expanding Ascension's industrial park, arming the mech corps, and expensive tech exchanges. His original plan was to sell primary serum publicly to raise cash. If Arasaka pays enough, cooperation is fine.
V lays it out. "Provide serum only to Arasaka and cancel outside sales. In exchange, Arasaka places large orders and pays a huge exclusivity fee when the formula is delivered in the future." Rocky shakes his head.
"That swaps today's sales for tomorrow's promise. Ascension can accept exclusivity, but the compensation must be paid immediately when we sign. We need tangible benefits now."
V nods. "I cannot decide that. I am here to brief you on Arasaka's intent. Final terms require talks with the board. I will pass your condition up. Arasaka treats the serum as a high priority and will try to meet reasonable asks."
Rocky tilts his head. "Interesting. Looks like Cybertron hit Arasaka hard."
V's expression shifts. Cybertron should not be a word from Rocky's mouth. "Cybertron is an Arasaka experimental project. You seem to know it?"
"A little. That big toy stirred up the Badlands. Arasaka developed an exosuit secretly and used Militech to test it in the field. Pity all the test-subject data vanished in the end." V goes from surprised to shocked. That loss is an internal secret. How does Rocky know?
"I am curious how you got that intel," V asks. He asks out of curiosity, not loyalty. He does not see himself as Arasaka's faithful dog.