"The Netherworld Dog has already been dispatched."
Hansen, in a lukewarm tone, continued to instruct mercilessly: "First, take your team to check the server's security system. Then, deploy your people throughout the hall. The first batch of guests will arrive soon, in about half an hour."
Mercer nodded calmly, "Understood."
As he watched Mercer dutifully lead his team to check the security system, Hansen looked at his back, gritting his teeth — if he didn't care about losing face, he would have canceled the medal ceremony to ask Mercer what the hell he was up to!
But unfortunately, that wasn't an option. Not only could he not bare his teeth at Mercer, but he also had to ensure Mercer's safety. Otherwise, if word got out that the newly appointed director was taken out by Arasaka, he would indeed become a laughingstock.
Although it was said to be checking the security system for Hansen, it was really just a formality. Every camera and server in Gem Cyan was currently under the control of Mercer's server. He only needed to ensure that no one physically plugged in a USB drive.
As for other security plans, Hansen would not allow Mercer to participate; his own elite team would handle it.
Half an hour later, Mercer returned to the hall, where Hansen was sitting in a booth chatting happily with a few guests.
Seeing Mercer return, Hansen cheerfully called him over.
"This is my equipment design director. Don't be fooled by his young age, his skills..."
Hansen began to praise Mercer's skills and then, changing the topic, pointed to the impressive and imposing V, armed with a helmet, behind Mercer: "See that single soldier armor? That's one of his masterpieces."
The rather wealthy-looking individuals instantly responded with a collective "Wow."
"Mercer, these are my friends from Europe. As you know, they've always been very interested in high-tech products and have extensive connections." Hansen subtly indicated to Mercer that these individuals were potential buyers.
Mercer smiled, took Lucy's hand, and sat next to Hansen, beginning to boast about the advantages of his armor to the European tycoons.
The guests listened intently. One middle-aged male tycoon eagerly asked if someone like him, who hadn't installed many prosthetic enhancements, could customize a cool armor suit.
Mercer promptly said no problem, and the tycoon cheerfully placed an order with Hansen on the spot, with just two requirements — the appearance had to meet his aesthetic needs and look sufficiently stylish.
The other requirement was that it could allow him to achieve his dream of solo flight mobility without an operating system.
It seems the old chap bought it purely as a grand toy. The two million euros price set by Hansen didn't even spark a negotiation, and he even remarked that it's much cheaper than a hovercar.
You have to admit, wealthy people's spending is indeed extravagant. He didn't even ask about any weapon parameters, only cared that it was safe enough, could fly awesomely, and looked sufficiently cool.
After Mercer finished chatting with the European tycoons, more and more guests in suits and gowns walked into the hall of Gem Cyan.
Without needing Hansen's reminder, soft music began playing, and well-dressed waitstaff moved around, serving drinks to the guests. Deeper into the hall in the entertainment lounge, quite a few were playing blackjack and Texas-style poker games, the atmosphere gradually heating up.
Hansen kept Mercer by his side, who had Lucy with him, greetings with various guests, making acquaintances until it quieted down at seven in the evening.
"The formal ceremony begins at eight. After a ten-minute performance, there will be the medal ceremony. After the ceremony, many guests will come over to ask about the details; don't mess up."
After Hansen spoke, it seemed he received some sort of message. His brows immediately furrowed, his prosthetic eye flickered with light, and after a moment, he couldn't help but curse before turning sharply to look at Mercer.
"What have you stirred up in Night City again? Why is NCPD coming over?"
"What?" Mercer frowned slightly.
Hansen raised his voice: "I said! NCPD has blocked the entrance to Dog Town, demanding we immediately stop our network attack on Night City — what the hell are you up to?"
Only then did Mercer realize, but he only calmly replied: "I haven't done anything. This afternoon, I detected traces of roaming AI in Night City's network, perhaps it's some rogue AI causing trouble."
"Then why did they track us down to Dog Town?" Hansen glared angrily at Mercer.
But Mercer just calmly said: "Colonel Hansen, if someone has determined to cause you trouble, what excuse can't they use?
The network fluctuations occurred several hours ago. Strictly speaking, Night City's network issues have persisted all day.
They intentionally chose to blockade Dog Town an hour before the party started, the reason and purpose, can you not figure it out? This is deliberately putting pressure on us."
Hansen coldly stared at Mercer; he could be sure that this time, NCPD's sudden appearance was undoubtedly linked to Mercer.
Mercer, on the other hand, was even clearer that NCPD suddenly blocking Dog Town was directly targeting him. Even without him ordering Venus to counterattack, tonight's events would have happened just the same.