The Adcardo people will throw a lively party on Christmas. Let's spend some money on good food and beer, and use the Adcardo camp to hold an internal meeting.
Now that everyone is officially on board, we need to set some ground rules for the team.
Whether it's the distribution of rewards, or the duties and responsibilities of team members, and of course, benefits, we need to sit down and have a good discussion.
I also need to introduce you to a friend of mine—she's actually the first member of my team, so let's all sit down and get acquainted.
Then, we need to start preparing for the mission."
Mercer didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "Initially, I need you guys to verify some intel. Once the information is confirmed, I will start drafting the action plan.
The goal is to complete Wagako's mission within a week. After getting the money, we'll officially move into Dog Town and set up a secure base for ourselves."
"After that, we'll start taking on commissions, find ways to earn money, and upgrade everyone's cyberware. Just having a Sianwistan isn't enough.
You need to install a Synaptic Accelerator or a Krenzikov for cognitive boosts to fully control your speed."
As Mercer spoke, V's fighting spirit was visibly high: "No problem! Let's go for biotechnology! By the way, did Wagako mention what our reward would be?"
"Starting at 300,000, and if we can get our hands on valuable data, the price can be negotiated further." Mercer finished, looking at V whose eyes were glowing, ready to take off at any moment.
"Damn! 300,000 Euros!? Being a proper mercenary pays off! How many gigs on the street would it take to save up that much?"
V excitedly clenched her fist.
Mercer just smiled and then invited her and Qiwei to meet Rebecca.
Rebecca and Pira finished up in the afternoon, narrowly avoiding trouble. Pira pointed a gun at a security guard's head, while Rebecca drove away a car from the underground parking lot.
Driving the car, losing NCPD who were eager to join in, and parking it in the garage specified by the Old Captain, the mission was done.
Mercer mentioned being at the ripperdoc's place, so they didn't disturb, but instead said they'd wait for Mercer to finish and then find a restaurant near their motel where Rebecca would personally treat them.
Mercer didn't refuse, and took V to find Rebecca and Pira. The five of them had a simple synth meal at a restaurant, joking around, and luckily there were no unexpected troubles.
Successfully completing a well-paid, low-effort job left Rebecca extremely happy, so much so that she couldn't even sit still during the meal as she had never seen her bank account hit five digits before.
Pira, using his long arms, performed some acrobatics, juggling three cups like they were juggling balls, making V cheer and drink heartily, enjoying the free meal.
After getting to know each other better over dinner, once everyone was full, Mercer returned to the Adcardo camp.
.....
"What's going on with you?"
Just as Mercer returned to the camp, he ran into Pan'an who had just driven back, dust-covered, from outside.
Pan'an looked at Mercer, a bit shocked to see him looking physically bigger than a day ago, her gaze lingering on the black metal exposed on his neck for a long time.
"Didn't Dr. Victor say you needed to wait a week before doing this? Why have you got everything installed already?"
Pan'an showed a worried expression, speaking irritably: "Why rush things?! If there's any trouble, just stay with the Adcardo, we have your back even if the company comes at us!
Why abuse your body like this?
Look at your skinny frame, what's it been turned into!"
"Pan'an~" Mercer stretched out the words, took off his mask, and looked at her with a smile: "I'm aware, why are you the one getting anxious?"
"I'm not anxious! If you don't care about your body, look who will care for you."
Pan'an left angrily, but after a few steps, she turned back: "I'm going to get Lucy to keep an eye on you. For the next few days, just rest, don't think about going out and wandering around. If anything goes wrong with your body, I'll drive you to see Victor."
"Alright, I really do need to stay in the camp for a couple of days."
Seeing Mercer agree so decisively, Pan'an looked at him skeptically for a few moments before nodding:
"Don't blame me for being upset, I...I know I shouldn't treat you like a kid, but even as a friend, I can't just watch my friends get into trouble."
Mercer smiled: "Got it, Pan'an, I keep my promises. Were you...just busy getting back?"
Pan'an hummed: "Did a little job, brought a carload of contraband from outside, just delivered it. Damn, drove all day, fuel costs alone were hundreds, and I only got paid 2,000 Euros, so damn cheap."
"There might be some work for you in a few days, keep an eye on your schedule."
After Mercer finished speaking, Pan'an's eyes lit up: "No problem! Working for you is way easier than for those other folks, less hassle and more money, I'll be waiting for your update."
Mercer and her chatted as they returned to the camp, and also mentioned that V and Rebecca would be coming tomorrow.
Pan'an readily agreed: "Your friends are my friends too, bring them over. We Adcardans never refuse friends, just don't forget to have them bring some snacks and drinks, even a crate of beer counts.
At our Christmas bonfire party, we share food with each other. As long as you have the beer and BBQ ready, no one will care whether you're an Adcardan or not."