Chapter 39: NCPD Station

Chapter 39: NCPD Station

The burnt cigarette between Lucy's fingers silently fell to the ground, the faint plop sound becoming unusually distinct amidst the exchange of gazes between the two, like a note struck upon the strings of the heart.

For mercenaries in Night City, survival was a necessity, while fairness was an unattainable ideal.

In Lucy's eyes, at this moment, Li Ang was the chosen one destined to forge survival and ideals in Night City. For this alone, she was willing to give her life for him.

"Lucy, I'm glad you feel that way about me."

Li Ang extended his hand to clasp Lucy's palm, placing two Trauma Team chips into her hand.

"I can't make any promises to you all right now, but the one thing I can guarantee is that I'll do my best to ensure everyone's safety."

"These two Trauma Team chips are for Vik and Misty. Please deliver them for me. I need to head to the NCPD station now, with Morgan."

"You stay here for now. I'll contact you immediately if anything happens."

Looking at the miniature biochips in her hand, Lucy raised her eyes to gaze at Li Ang, whose exterior appeared stern yet was infinitely warm toward others. She couldn't help but throw her arms around him in a brief hug.

"Okay, I'll wait for you."

---

Watson District, NCPD Substation

Lucius, the district mayor, had barely finished his press conference and hadn't even had the chance to sit down before he was called to the conference room to greet his guests.

"Is it ready?"

Lucius asked Detective River beside him as he made his way to the conference room.

"It's ready. It's very obedient. I'm sure Mr. Li Ang will like it!" River responded.

To repay Li Ang for saving his life, Lucius had spent a fortune commissioning a cyber-pet from a biotech company.

It was a genetically engineered Doberman, enhanced with cybernetic augmentations for superior vision and smell, capable of recognizing human pupils to identify its master.

Though these cyber-dogs might contain less than 70% organic canine components, they had impressive lifespans of over 50 years and, most importantly, were highly obedient!

Such a cyber-dog cost Lucius hundreds of thousands of eurodollars—a luxury that was nothing short of exorbitant.

"Good to hear."

As they spoke, Lucius entered the conference room. Sitting on the couch was Li Ang, with Morgan Blackhand standing nearby, acting as his bodyguard.

"Ah, Mr. Li Ang! It's been days—I've missed you!" Lucius greeted him warmly, a wide smile plastered across his face.

"Good day, Councilman. Congratulations on still being alive."

Li Ang smiled and nodded. "Our company's emergency response services aren't too bad, are they? Open your eyes, blink, and the rescue team arrives."

"Excellent! Just excellent!"

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lucius wasted no time in presenting Li Ang with what he desired most: the infrastructure contracts for the Watson District, along with operational rights for the northern industrial zone and the coastal ports.

With the signing of these agreements, every brick and tile in the Watson District would become part of LA Company's assets.

Li Ang's influence in the Watson District would rival that of Arasaka Corporation's dominance over Westbrook—a true local "king."

"Councilman... no, Mayor, I trust our partnership will grow even stronger from here on."

After signing the agreement, Li Ang and Lucius toasted to solidify their mutually beneficial alliance. Though its longevity was uncertain, for now, they were allies on the same ship, each gaining what they needed.

"Haha, thank you for your kind words, Mr. Li Ang! My mayoral approval rating has skyrocketed recently. Even those Maelstrom cyber-psychos have helped boost my votes."

Lucius now fully understood the meaning of "blessing in disguise." Unless something unexpected happened, his path to becoming mayor of Night City was nearly guaranteed!

"As for those Maelstrom thugs, what do you plan to do, Mr. Li Ang? Should I deploy some NCPD officers to assist you?"

Lucius looked at Li Ang inquisitively.

Li Ang had already briefed Lucius the night before, explaining the collusion between Maelstrom and the Tyger Claws. Though Lucius had been outraged, he admitted he had no effective way to address the issue.

The reason was simple: Maelstrom couldn't be eradicated entirely. Retaliating against them would be a futile endeavor.

Their gang members were a mix of drifters, scavengers, and local street punks. Unlike the Tyger Claws, whose distinct features made them easier to target, Maelstrom was too fragmented and chaotic to deal with effectively.

"For Maelstrom, I'll send people to deal with them myself. If necessary, I'll deploy my company forces."

Li Ang spoke calmly.

Company forces were security units typically owned by megacorporations like Arasaka, Militech, or Trauma Team.

In reality, only those with control over private military forces or the ability to assemble armies on demand could truly be considered megacorporations.

Even a seemingly low-profile yet powerful biotech company, though appearing to lack private security, could quickly muster a substantial force if needed.

"Good! Good!" Lucius nodded. All he cared about was his upward climb; the fate of a few street punks mattered little to him.

"Councilman, speaking of the NCPD station, I have an idea you might find interesting."

Li Ang smiled, hinting at the real reason for his visit.

"Is that so? Let's hear it."

Lucius gestured for him to continue.

"Do you know who this is?"

Li Ang started by shifting the conversation, redirecting Lucius' attention to Morgan Blackhand.

Lucius furrowed his brows as he scrutinized the silent, black-armed man standing nearby. "He looks familiar. Where have I seen him before?"

"Councilman, this is Morgan Blackhand—the legendary mercenary who's completed numerous missions for Militech and the New United States."

Detective River, well-versed in Night City's many tales, immediately recognized Morgan upon entering the room.

"He's Morgan Blackhand? He looks... ordinary," Lucius blurted, his candid remark causing River to glance nervously at Morgan.

He feared the mercenary might snap and crush Lucius' fragile neck with his massive arms.

After all, Morgan Blackhand consistently ranked among the top three on Night City's mercenary leaderboard, often holding the number one spot. A cunning and formidable lone wolf, he was not someone to provoke lightly.

A lone wolf—mercenaries who operated entirely solo, taking on jobs without a team—were feared for their ruthlessness and independence.

Such individuals were dangerous in any context.