"Hey, look—an AV's heading this way."
"Seriously? Another big shot showing up?"
"No wonder Lizzie's Bar is always packed. Even those VIP types come here to have some fun."
"Honestly, the quality here really is great. Sure, it's not on the same level as Clouds, but for the price? It's unbeatable."
Up above Lizzie's Bar, a few people shooting hoops paused mid-game, exchanging helpless looks. At first, they used to get annoyed whenever an AV swooped in and took over the rooftop court, but after so many times, they'd gotten used to it. Anyone arriving in one of those things was way out of their league—they couldn't afford to start trouble.
Soon, an AV marked with the PROJECT insignia landed beside the court. When the hatch opened, two Imperial Guard robots stepped out first. They scanned the area, confirmed there was no immediate threat, and then moved aside.
If anything unexpected happened, those two would instantly turn into the toughest shields imaginable.
The Mox member guarding the entrance naturally spotted them. Her expression tightened, and she gripped her baseball bat—mostly preparing to… run.
Fight? Against that? Yeah, no—charging a pair of security bots like those was basically asking to die.
Roland stepped out of the AV, straightened his clothes, and walked up to the Mox girl.
"Hey, robots and heavy firepower aren't allowed inside."
"That rule applies to guests. As for the owner of this place, I don't see why it should apply to me."
Roland looked her over, noticing she wasn't anyone he recognized.
"Just let Elizabeth know Roland is here to see her."
"Hey! Show some respect—that's our boss you're talking about! And who do you think you are, telling me what to do?"
She frowned, unable to hold it in.
"If something actually happens, do you really think a regular Mox like you can take responsibility for it?"
Roland didn't push her. One hand slipped into his pocket while the other pulled out a cigarette. He put it between his lips, raising a brow.
She hesitated for a moment, torn, but eventually sent a message down to the girls below.
"I told them. You better not try anything funny!"
Roland ignored the threat and tilted his head. One of the Imperial Guard bots extended a finger—sparks flared at the tip, lighting his cigarette.
"Elizabeth, someone calling himself Roland is waiting for you on the rooftop."
A Mox runner found Elizabeth immediately. She was going through paperwork in her office when she heard the message, and her hands froze. She took in a long breath.
"Got it. You go on ahead—I'll meet him soon."
"Do you want me to—"
"No. If anything, he's my savior."
Elizabeth shook her head, fixed her appearance just a little, and headed toward the rooftop.
...
When the door opened, Elizabeth stepped out and found Roland waiting.
"It's been a while, hasn't it, Elizabeth?"
"Yes, Mr. Roland. May I ask what brings you here today?"
She nodded politely and got straight to the point.
Roland didn't answer immediately. Instead, he glanced around.
"Let's talk inside. This isn't the right place for a conversation like this, is it?"
"Understood. This way, please."
Elizabeth nodded and turned to lead him in.
She genuinely felt grateful to Roland, but she hadn't wanted him to come looking for her. For a long time now, he hadn't contacted her at all—she'd almost thought he'd forgotten about her. That thought brought her relief. If Roland ever demanded something she didn't want to do… she probably wouldn't be able to refuse.
The Mox's explosive growth had been possible almost entirely thanks to him. Territory expansion, NCPD's convenient "blind eye," major clients giving support—
All of it had happened because PROJECT Corporation backed them. Now the Mox were no small gang; they had close to a thousand members.
Soon, the two entered Elizabeth's office. Roland sat down on the sofa, crossed one leg over the other, and looked at her.
"Gotta say, Lizzie's Bar seems to be doing pretty well."
"That's mainly thanks to your—"
"No need to be overly modest. I'm just stating facts."
"Well… we've secured the surrounding territory, and even taken parts of Watson."
Elizabeth explained the Mox's current situation.
Roland raised a brow, somewhat impressed—he hadn't expected her to carve out turf from right under the Maelstrom's nose.
"How are the profits looking?"
He asked casually. But Elizabeth hesitated, suddenly looking awkward. She fumbled for words, and Roland's brows knitted together.
"What's going on?"
"...As for profits… we're only earning a very small portion…"
"I thought all your bars were doing great business?"
Roland looked at her, clearly expecting a real explanation.
After a moment of hesitation, Elizabeth chose honesty—things like this wouldn't survive an investigation anyway.
She explained that she paid insurance for the dolls and gang members, offered compensation for injuries or deaths during fights, and provided many other benefits.
It cost a lot. But the upside was clear: Mox members were fiercely loyal.
"Mr. Roland, I hope you won't cut these expenses. I—"
Roland waved his hand, cutting her off. Her expression darkened, thinking he was rejecting her request.
"It's fine. I'm not going to stop you."
He glanced at her and didn't dwell on it. He'd heard plenty about Night City's doll industry, and honestly, if he could help them even a little, he would.
Besides, the money he'd invested into the Mox was never meant to make a profit. He just needed a reliable group for certain tasks.
"Really? Thank you—thank you so much!"
Elizabeth's eyes lit up instantly. She looked at Roland with real excitement—though also some confusion… wondering what exactly he wanted from them.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser