After a round of back-and-forth, Southern California and the New United States finally reached a rough agreement. As for the specific terms, those would be left to their subordinates to hammer out in a formal contract.
"Pleasure working with you, Mr. Jamde."
"The people of Southern California and the people of the New United States will remember what you've done."
Jamde gave a slight nod, then cut the comms. A faint smile appeared on his face as he turned to his subordinates.
"Pass down the order. Our forces are to advance directly toward the western front. No hesitation. The Unification War begins immediately. Southern California has returned to the embrace of the New United States."
"Yes, sir!"
...
"According to multiple media outlets, the New United States has officially launched a new Unification War against the independent states in the western region. The scale of this conflict is unprecedented and is expected to plunge the entire West into chaos. We urge—"
"We strongly condemn the New United States for recklessly initiating war and disregarding civilian safety—"
"President Myers emphasized that we will do everything in our power to reclaim our former lands. The territory of the New United States is inviolable. We will protect the interests of our citizens. Make the New United States great again!"
"Sigh… looks like the world's about to get messy again…"
Vik watched the news cycling across different channels and let out a long sigh before walking over to Jackie.
Jackie was still eating something that looked suspiciously like instant noodles. After slurping down a mouthful, he spoke through the food.
"Vik, worrying too much won't help. This kind of thing isn't something we can change. Just focus on living your own life."
"That's true enough. So how's your squad doing lately?"
Jackie scratched his head.
"How should I put it… pretty good, I guess. With such a big-name figure leading us, the gigs are all major contracts. Sometimes we don't even need to get our hands dirty. It's just… that guy feels different from when we first met."
"Oh? How so?"
Vik took a sip of whiskey, clearly intrigued.
"Mm… he feels a lot crazier than before. Says a bunch of weird stuff all the time. Rebecca's been a bit worried lately. But overall, he still seems okay."
"I see… If you get the chance, you should bring him here for a checkup. I suspect he might've gone well past that threshold. He could already be showing signs of Cyberpsychosis…"
"…No way?"
Jackie looked at Vik in shock, clearly finding it hard to believe. After a brief silence, he still nodded.
At first, Jackie had been pretty wary of Jhin. But after working with him on several gigs, aside from being a bit strange at times, he seemed like a decent guy.
Not to mention, Jhin had saved his life.
"Alright. I get it. I'll keep an eye on him."
...
Butz couldn't help but smile as he looked at the Militech special envoy standing before him. He knew it—Militech wouldn't be able to sit still forever. Sooner or later, they'd come looking for a gang to act as their mouthpiece.
The Tiger Claw Gang had Arasaka backing them. The Mox were supported by PROJECT. The Valentinos weren't really an option. As for the 6th Street Gang and the Animals, they were too far from the core of the corporate conflict to get involved here.
Anyone who wanted a piece of this mess would have to get past a few major obstacles first.
Which made the Maelstrom gang the best choice.
Their base was in Watson District, and they'd recently been targeted by PROJECT Corporation. PROJECT Corporation had also been getting cozy with Arasaka, while previously clashing with Militech—making them the perfect target.
"Mr. Butz, I'm sure you understand why we're here," Sentarri said with a smile. "I don't think I need to spell it out again."
"I still need to confirm the target," Butz replied calmly.
"Any faction under Arasaka or PROJECT is acceptable. Take your pick. Personally, I'd recommend PROJECT Corporation—it's only been around for a short time, after all."
Sentarri smiled as he spoke.
"Of course, your compensation will be based on your performance. As for the exact amount… take a look at this."
He handed Butz a document.
"Burn it once you're done reading. It's better not to leave records of this kind of thing."
"Don't worry."
Butz nodded, opened the document, and glanced inside. His eyes immediately lit up when he saw the numbers.
"You know the Tiger Claw Gang. With Arasaka backing them, they're not easy to mess with. Your suggestion definitely interests me."
He raised his head and looked at Sentarri.
Sentarri nodded knowingly.
"Rest assured, we're fully prepared. We'll provide you with military support, as well as a batch of newly developed, high-powered cyberware—next-generation Berserk Cyberware."
"I think… your people will really like these little treasures."
A strange smile crossed his face as he handed over a chip.
"The address is stored on the chip. That's all. As far as we're concerned, we never met today."
Butz watched as Sentarri got into his vehicle and drove away. After glancing around, he pocketed the chip.
"Alright, you lot! Let's go! I'm taking you to grab some good stuff!"
Much of what Militech provided to the Maelstrom gang consisted of military-grade weapons and cyberware, including their latest prototype Berserk Cyberware. It even came equipped with a "Hero Descent" function.
Both the function and the Berserk Cyberware itself were still in the experimental stage, meaning there were plenty of flaws and side effects.
These included, but weren't limited to, spasms, seizures, and nerve damage. In other words, they were in dire need of "volunteers."
Right now, they needed the Maelstrom gang's muscle. Based on internal assessments, if Maelstrom agreed—and judging by the combat strength PROJECT Corporation had recently displayed—
If PROJECT Corporation was willing to pay a certain price, they could probably wipe out the Maelstrom gang outright.
Yes, Militech had no intention of stepping in to protect Maelstrom. These people were nothing more than a pack of untamable wolves. There was no reason to keep them around.
It would be better to use this opportunity to eliminate Maelstrom and prop up a new gang in their place.
Let Maelstrom burn out what little value they had left.
One move, countless birds.
Why wouldn't they do it?