I didn't start running around or screaming in rage. That would've been stupid. Life is fickle and unpredictable anything can happen here.
Incoming Call: Sebastián Ibarra
"Did you complete the mission?" Ibarra asked without wasting time.
"No. The intel was off. This isn't just a few small-time thugs. We're talking full-on Tiger Claws forces nearly a hundred of them, all heavily armed and loaded with high-end implants," I replied.
"You're sure? That changes everything... Believe me, I didn't send you there to die. My name and word aren't empty, but clearly, someone fed me bullshit. I'll deal with whoever dared to lie to me. For now, I'm sending reinforcements. With them, you'll take care of the whole lot," Sebastián Ibarra said.
This wasn't just a routine sweep anymore it was a full-scale war. And me? I was supposed to be on the side of the law, but now I was knee-deep in a gang conflict. Should I report this up the chain? Maybe prevent a bloodbath or worse, escalate it? If the gangs tore each other apart, that might be the best possible outcome. As long as no civilians got caught in the crossfire. But how the hell do I make that happen without drawing too much attention?
"Etna, calculate the safest option to minimize civilian casualties. What actions should I take?" I finally asked the AI. Maybe she'd have something useful for once.
"It is recommended to contact dispatch to log a potential conflict and request police intervention for faster response," Etna answered.Why didn't I think of that?
"No police. Suggest alternative options."
"Based on current conditions, here are the most viable options:
Distract and draw enemy forces to a more neutral location. Success rate: 35%.
Warn civilians for quick evacuation. Success rate: 12%, assuming enemy forces don't catch on.
Create a threat or panic among civilians to prompt self-evacuation. Success rate: 56%."
That third one sounds like the best fit for me. But... what if I combine the first and third? If I draw their fire, they're not likely to abandon the fight just to chase me. That gives the civilians time to get the hell out. Then the Valentinos can flank them from behind.
"Run the outcome for that combo."
Probability of serious injury: over 60%.
Lethal outcome: 23%.
Chance of minor injury: 17%.
Result: Civilian casualties reduced by over 90%.
That's workable. Now I just need to strike a deal with the Valentinos.
Incoming call: Rick Morton. Accept/Decline?
What the hell does he want now? To remind me of my "little debt"?
"Hey rookie, hope you haven't forgotten about that small favor you owe me," Rick Morton's voice crackled through.
"No, I remember. But now's really not a good time. I'm a little busy," I replied.
"Busy, huh?" Rick chuckled. "I've always been there for you, and this is how you repay me? But I'm not calling just to nag. It's a job dangerous, yeah but the pay makes it worth it."
"I'd love to help, but I've got my hands full with something else right now," I shot back.
"Something else? Wouldn't happen to be in Japantown, would it?" he asked quickly, like he already knew.
"I don't disclose where I'm operating," I said coldly. How the hell did he know? Does everyone know more than I do?
"You're working for Ibarra, aren't you? Relax, kid, I'm in the loop. He and I have a temporary alliance going. I'm not too fond of those Tiger Claw bastards either. Slimy sons of bitches, those fucking Asians why can't they just stay in their own turf? Green'll be there soon. Fill him in and waste every last one of those pricks," Rick added.
A temporary alliance... Looks like the city's doing what it always does trying to keep the power balance. And when someone steps out of line, everyone else gangs up on them. Seen it before. Nothing new.
"I keep my anonymity," I warned.
"Not a problem. Call yourself Yorinobu Arasaka for all I care," the Colonel replied casually. "If you want your identity kept in the shadows, that's how it'll be. Green's in on it too and gave his word no one will know who you are."
"Alright, I'm waiting," I said. Reinforcements are always useful.
All that was left for me was to finish scouting the Tiger Claws' forces, pinpoint their weak spots, and find the best routes to their positions. Well, at least the AI turned out to be useful for something. It quickly mapped out their locations and marked weapon depots, helping to form plans for a pincer strike and other assault maneuvers. But I'd had enough of that voice in my head I shut it off. I didn't need it anymore.
The first to arrive was Green Sullivan. He picked the meeting spot and brought a small team with him. The room we met in was cheap, tucked away in a rundown hostel. Green wore armor and carried an assault rifle. He also had a few grenades of different types strapped to his vest.
"Good to see you, choom," he said, offering a handshake. I took it, and we sat down at the table. "You said you've got a plan?"
"Yeah. A detailed one," I replied.
"Alright, we'll go over it with Valentino. You'll walk us through how it's gonna play out. By the way, what should we call you?" he asked.
"Peacemaker. And why are they running late? You got here way earlier," I said.
"Can't blame them. The Tiger Claws' surprise attack wiped out a lot of their forces. They don't have many people left it's tough scraping together a proper fighting unit."
"So this hit was mainly aimed at Valentino?" I asked for clarification.
"I don't know their exact goals, but yeah, they're probably looking to expand their turf. There's a lot of people in Heywood. If they muscle in, the profit's huge," Green answered.
"And that's why you're there too?" I asked.
"That's part of it. We've gotta hold our ground. If we don't, we weaken and that makes our people vulnerable," Green explained. "I get what you're thinking. I know what we're doing here. But it's either this or we get crushed. Then Tiger Claws, Valentino, and Maelstrom will run this city into the ground. Maybe only the corpos could stop them," he added grimly.
It was hard to argue with that. Their reputations spoke for themselves especially Maelstrom and the Scavs.
"So you and Valentino are temporary allies?" I asked.
"Yeah. We're not friends, and this alliance won't last forever. But they're a damn sight better than the Tiger Claws. They've got principles, some kind of code. They run their biz clean and quiet," Green said.
"I've got a request. I came unarmed. I need a piece," I said.
"We got you covered. Luke, bring the box," Green ordered.
A heavy crate was placed on the table. Inside was an M2067 Defender light machine gun and a Militech M221 Saratoga submachine gun.
Weapon: M2067 Defender
Type: Light Machine Gun (Power-type)
Manufacturer: Constitutional Arms
Core Specs:
Rate of Fire: 11 rounds per second excellent for suppression
Magazine / Reload Time: 80-round capacity, 2.1-second reload
Heavy Weapon: Slightly reduces movement speed and jump height
Range and Accuracy:
Effective Range: Up to 500 meters
Design Notes: Right-hand grip and front bipod provide stability in prone position; scope and suppressor cannot be mounted
Weight: 11.5 kg
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Weapon: Militech M221 Saratoga
Type: Submachine Gun
Manufacturer: Militech
Core Specs:
Rate of Fire: 15 rounds per second ideal for close-quarters
Magazine / Reload Time: 40-round capacity, reloads in 1.4 seconds
Design Features:
Effective Range: Up to 100 meters
Mods: Can equip a short-range optic and suppressor for improved handling
Variant:
BARGHEST mod by Hansen Armory: Increases armor penetration, reduces mag size by 10 rounds
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