Chapter 239: "Night City"

"Welcome to the Ruins Base Hub. Please remember your belongings and exit the train in an orderly fashion."

As the maglev train came to a stop, the announcement echoed through the cabin. Soap, Ghost, and Roach each grabbed their duffel bags and exited the train, joining their colleagues from the armed division on the platform.

As they walked with the "main force," they could see engineering teams operating mechs, unloading containers with the Atlas logo onto the platform. Some of the containers were labeled with terms like "New Firearms," "New Equipment," and "Condensed Batteries."

Seeing this, Soap slung his bag over his shoulder and remarked to his companions, "Remember when our vanguard gear used to be the most advanced the company had? I wonder if we'll get an upgrade on this mission."

Roach nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, the hazard suits feel a bit outdated," Ghost added, reflecting that it had been a long time since their vanguard team had received new equipment.

After a while, the three of them and their armed colleagues boarded a railcar to the base's main facility. From there, they transferred to the armed division's living quarters and stored their personal belongings in the company-assigned temporary dormitories.

With the front-line base still under construction, they had received the following orders: 

"Please transfer to the front-line base in Universe 09 before 10:00 a.m. on March 9th in the main universe."

After settling in, the three decided to visit the bar in the living area to catch up over drinks while waiting for updates from the vanguard and investigators. These updates would provide them with enough intel before their trip to Universe 09.

Later, inside the company-run bar:

This bar wasn't like the loud, bustling bars or clubs outside; it played soft music instead. Soldiers from emergency response and rapid reaction units came here to relax and ease their tension, engaging in quiet conversations over drinks.

Some of the male soldiers even hoped for a "chance encounter," knowing there were also elite female operatives in the armed forces. More excitingly, they might even run into female elves from Terra, Universe 07.

It had been nearly three years since the company fully integrated Terra from Universe 07. The engineering department had hired many dwarves for their forging and construction skills, while elves, known for their hand-to-hand combat and sharp vision, naturally joined the armed forces.

"Average age over 100 years," "innocent minds," and "angelic looks and physiques"—

Elves were also known for their moral belief in lifelong companionship. Once they committed to a partner, they would remain loyal even after their partner's death, never easily remarrying.

This was a "critical hit" to humans from different universes.

If not for the strict requirements for crossing the space gates, most employees would have volunteered to transfer to Universe 07.

Of course, elves had their flaws too. Their stubborn personalities made it hard for them to change their habits, and if a partner ever cheated, their vengeance could be extreme.

Still, many soldiers were willing to "charge forward" regardless.

At the bar counter:

"Three gin cocktails, make them however you like."

Soap ordered, then sat down with Ghost and Roach on the high stools.

"Got it."

The bartender quickly prepared three transparent glasses, pouring the pale blue gin into them in no time.

"Enjoy."

"Thanks, man," Soap grinned at the bartender and took a gulp of his drink, downing half of it. He exhaled with satisfaction, "Ahh, that's the stuff! Couldn't touch a drop at home. Feels good to be free again!"

"Ahh~!" Roach sighed, closing his eyes as he relaxed.

Ghost, however, lifted just a portion of his mask to drink, not reacting as dramatically as his two friends.

"Man, do you wear that mask even at home?" Soap teased.

Instead of answering directly, Ghost changed the subject, "Based on the images and videos Price sent us, Universe 09's Earth seems to be a near-future world. The investigation unit has already sent agents into the nearest city by the space gate for reconnaissance."

"Price is one tough old guy," Soap quipped, shaking his head. "Almost fifty, yet he's always on the front lines and voluntarily takes on overtime. I could never handle that.

And I heard the boss returned to Universe 08 (Halo) as soon as the space gate opened. But the intelligence division definitely got a heads-up from the boss, so they probably know more than the investigation unit by now."

"Yeah," Ghost replied in agreement. "This might be the first time the boss hasn't directly participated in exploring a new universe. It suggests that the humans in Universe 09 aren't nearly as powerful as our company."

While neither Ghost, Soap, nor Roach knew about the existence of the "Reset," they understood that the intelligence division's precise information was largely thanks to the boss. Everyone simply kept this unspoken truth to themselves.

"Glug... glug~!" Soap downed the rest of his gin in one gulp, letting out a satisfied sigh.

"If it weren't for the boss, the three of us would probably still be stuck in SAS, carrying out dirty jobs for corrupt elites."

Just then, their company-issued phones beeped with a notification.

Soap set down his glass and checked his phone, unlocking the screen to find a new order from the company:

"Major John MacTavish, please report immediately to Conference Room 04-141 in the living area."

Roach and Ghost received the same order.

"Looks like the intel guys have mapped out our initial objectives. Let's go."

Soap scanned his company ID chip on his wrist at the bar's sensor to pay the internal company price for the drinks, then stood and headed for the exit. Roach and Ghost followed closely behind.

Outside the bar, they made their way through the slightly crowded living area, which resembled a town made of steel.

The rock walls had long been covered in steel, concrete, and metal structures. They approached a building guarded by armed security at the entrance and took the elevator to the fourth floor. Following the room numbers, they entered Conference Room 04-141, which was already filled with unit leaders and officers.

One figure stood out in the room: a woman with long silver hair dressed in casual athletic wear, Reyroya.

"Hey there, welcome!" 

This warrior, a hybrid of human, vampire, and werewolf, waved enthusiastically at Soap and the others.

Though Soap, Ghost, and Roach hadn't interacted much with her, they nodded back politely, acknowledging her as a colleague. They chose seats near the window and waited.

Soon, the automatic door opened and closed, and Jack Krauser, commander of the Emergency Response Unit, walked in. He stepped to the front of the room and addressed everyone:

"Everyone, you will be responsible for the company's initial efforts to integrate humanity in Universe 09."

Krauser used the podium's holographic display to project images and text for Reyroya, Soap, and the others, explaining:

"Three elite investigators from the Intelligence Division successfully infiltrated a human city called 'Night City' four hours ago. 

Based on their findings, Universe 09's Earth is set in the year 2075, a near-future world. Investigators discovered that the local residents heavily rely on cybernetics and prosthetics. Almost everyone has neural ports that allow them to connect their brains directly to the internet."

Cybernetics. Prosthetics. Neural ports.

Hearing this, the faces of those present grew serious.

The company's biology division had begun researching cybernetics and prosthetics long before the space gate opened. The initial goal was to help people with disabilities live normal lives.

By the early 1990s in the main universe, the biology division had developed many safe and tested products. For example, Rod Hornild, who lost his legs during the Reaper mothership interception, had been fitted with bionic limbs by the company's medical team, allowing him to walk, run, and live a normal life again.

However, the biology division strongly opposed neural port research. Directly connecting the brain to the internet could overload it, and malicious organizations could potentially develop brain-targeting viruses, leading to brain death.

Despite this, the biology division completed neural port research because it was closely tied to projects like androids, consciousness transfer, and brain editing.

However, Soap, Roach, Ghost, and most combat personnel were part of the "old-school" faction. Every year, when asked in company surveys if they would undergo neural port surgery, they all checked "No."

They didn't want their brains to be hacked.

Even though the biology division assured them that the neural port's firewall could block any known attack, they still refused such modifications.

On the other hand, traditional enhancements like the Inquisitor serum or nano-robot implants were within Soap and the others' acceptable limits.

Krauser paused briefly before continuing:

"Investigators also found that Night City's security is extremely poor, with a massive gap between the rich and poor. Violence is rampant, and gangs and mercenaries are everywhere.

Additionally, Intelligence Division reports indicate that Night City is not governed by any official government but is controlled entirely by corporations like ours.

This actually makes it easier for Atlas to execute its integration plans.

However, using force to unify Universe 09 could trigger intense local resistance. And right now, the company is focused entirely on Universe 08, so we can't spare extra manpower or resources for Universe 09.

Remember, even after the military integration of Universe 02's Earth (Pandora), some areas are still experiencing low-intensity security conflicts.

So, the company plans to establish a branch in Night City first, introducing our ideas and benefits to the local population. This way, by the time our main forces finish dealing with the Covenant and the

 Flood, we'll have garnered enough support in Universe 09."

At this point, Krauser raised his head and lowered his voice as he addressed the group:

"Your main task is to assist the company in establishing this branch and opening the market in Night City.

Once you deploy to the front-line base, Colonel John Price will handle the detailed arrangements.

Does anyone have any questions?"

"I do! I do!" Reyroya eagerly raised her hand.

"..."

Krauser's expression remained unchanged, but his somewhat distant gaze suggested he was trying to remember Reyroya's full name. After a brief pause, he finally said:

"Captain Vitalius, go ahead."

"Yes, sir!" Reyroya lowered her hand and asked, 

"Since our mission is to help the company establish the branch, how can we blend into the local society without raising suspicion?

I read the declassified reports on Universe 06's Earth (Pacific Rim), and Prime Magnus started by trading scarce resources like cigarettes and alcohol with the local gangs to establish a gang-based organization. 

Are we supposed to start a gang too? Wouldn't that hurt the company's reputation?

Also, it looks like Universe 09's humans are pretty advanced in cybersecurity, so how are we supposed to defend against hacker attacks?"

After patiently listening to Reyroya's rapid-fire questions, Krauser remained composed and said:

"The company has already considered Captain Vitalius' concerns and has taken countermeasures."

Krauser then turned his gaze toward a woman sitting in the corner, dressed in a black uniform.

"To that end, the company has assigned its newest model of artificial intelligence to assist you with cybersecurity."

At Krauser's words, Reyroya, Soap, and the others turned to look. The woman, with a near-perfect physique and facial features, had black hair, and her eyes emitted a faint purple glow.

Realizing she had become the center of attention, the black-haired woman stood up and smiled:

"My employee ID is A-OD-00017, but you can just call me Selene. It's easier to remember than my ID number."

"Alright, Selene, you can sit down now," Krauser said, gesturing for the AI to sit, then explained to the group:

"Selene is the latest product from the biology division's core team, developed using cloning and android technology.

Her cognitive abilities far surpass previous AI models, and her physical body has been significantly enhanced. Additionally, her brain can directly connect to the internet."

"Whoa..."

Hearing Krauser's explanation, Roach, still single, expressed his amazement with a sparkle in his eye. He seemed even more eager for the day when the company would officially release androids.

"But don't forget," Krauser added, "Selene's production costs are in the billions, so while you're on your mission in Night City, make sure to protect her."

"Alright, you're all dismissed."

"Yes, sir!"

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