Chapter 41: Military Technology

Chapter 41: Military Technology

"Mr. Li Ang, your idea is simply brilliant! I fully support you in this endeavor!"

Lucius immediately stood up excitedly, grasping Li Ang's hand with enthusiasm as he exclaimed:

"I can't speak for the rest of Night City, but in Watson, I guarantee that every police officer will participate in joint training at LA Corporation!"

"Great, it's a deal."

Lucius's enthusiastic agreement exceeded Li Ang's expectations, leaving him quite satisfied and in a much better mood.

This was understandable, as this decision aligned perfectly with the interests of both parties.

The rank-and-file officers of NCPD (Night City Police Department) were underfunded. To make ends meet, they either collaborated with street gangs or worked grueling part-time jobs.

Over time, the NCPD had become largely ineffective, with the only competent unit being the counter-terrorism SWAT team.

However, Li Ang's arrival had changed the game.

At that moment, Lucius couldn't help but feel increasingly pleased with Li Ang. Knowing the capabilities of LA Corporation, he regretted not visiting them personally sooner.

Based on the current electoral data, Lucius was almost guaranteed to become the next mayor of Night City. With his election, he would gain greater authority to implement his policies.

The only downside was that upon becoming mayor, Lucius would no longer have direct control over Watson's NCPD, even though he used to be their superior.

But LA Corporation's bold move had effectively marked Watson's NCPD with their brand.

Through Li Ang's connections, Lucius could still exert some influence over the police department, albeit limited, which was better than nothing.

This maneuver bypassed city hall's legislative restrictions, using corporate power to expand Lucius's own influence.

All Lucius needed to do was maintain a good relationship with Li Ang and solidify their mutual alliance.

As for whether the next head of Watson's NCPD would object to this arrangement? That wasn't his problem.

Even if they protested, it wouldn't matter. The officers, who had already tasted the benefits, wouldn't care about the complaints of their superior. If anyone dared to cut off their income, they could easily arrange for an "accident."

"I've managed Watson well, but that kid Wilton might not be as lucky!" Lucius thought gleefully.

He couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Wilton Holt still struggling with the chaos in Heywood caused by Johnny Silverhand, while he himself was on the verge of soaring to new heights.

"Mr. Li Ang, working with you is always such a pleasure! We should collaborate more often."

After speaking, Lucius instructed Detective River to gift a cybernetic Doberman to Li Ang. Stroking the expensive, high-tech animal, Li Ang couldn't help but smile.

He knew these cyber-dogs were custom-made by a biotech company for the wealthy elite. Each one cost an average of €500,000, with premium models exceeding €1 million.

Lucius's gesture of giving such a precious gift was a clear demonstration of his commitment to their partnership.

"Yes, Councilman, we should collaborate more often."

Li Ang held the leash of the Doberman, which symbolized the invisible tether LA Corporation had wrapped around Watson's most powerful figure, Lucius.

"Here's to your success and wealth. Together, we'll build a better Night City."

"Excellent! Excellent indeed!"

Amid the laughter and camaraderie at the Watson NCPD station, members of the Triads and Maelstrom gang, fully armed, had already launched a purge against Watson's other underground forces.

Lizzie's Bar was shuttered, its neon and holographic signs extinguished, awaiting the dark night of destruction beneath the leaden gray sky.

From that moment on, any stray dogs without "LA Corporation" engraved on their tags would be driven out of Watson.

The only ones allowed to remain would be legitimate residents, businesspeople, and members of LA Corporation.

---

City Center: Empathy Club

"I'll rise up, and corporate dogs will cower in fear! Can't take me down, keyboard warriors beware! Never stop, I walk the path of rebellion…"

The Samurai band blasted their latest hit heavy metal album, "Plugged In," on stage, assaulting the audience's ears and fueling their anti-corporate rage.

The electrifying music sent the crowd into a frenzy, their blood boiling as though heated by electromagnetic waves. They screamed and shouted with abandon, caught in an Infinity cycle of catharsis.

As the song ended, Johnny Silverhand ignored the crowd's cheers and tossed his microphone aside, retreating backstage to indulge in a romantic interlude with a striking woman.

Outside the room, the rest of the band pounded on the door, hurling insults like "scumbag," but Johnny paid no mind, lost in his moment of intimacy.

However, their peace was soon shattered by the deafening blast of a shotgun, followed by panicked screams from the crowd.

"What the hell? Which street punk has the guts to cause trouble on my turf?"

Johnny immediately grabbed his gun, shoving the sultry woman aside as he pulled on his pants. But before he could reach for his Malorian kinetic pistol, the steel door to his dressing room was kicked open.

"Shit!"

Before he could react, a dozen heavily armed mercenaries surrounded him. Leading them was a tall, blonde female executive who radiated competence and authority.

"Hello, Johnny Silverhand. My name is Meredith Stout, head of operations for Militech."

Clad in a dark leather uniform, her demeanor icy and arrogant, Meredith gazed down at Johnny with disdain.

"I require your cooperation. Please comply with us."

Seeing her condescending attitude, Johnny wanted nothing more than to raise his gun and blow her away.

But with a dozen guns aimed at his head, he had no choice but to restrain himself, enduring the female executive's brazen demands.

"And if I refuse?" Johnny countered fearlessly, locking eyes with Meredith.

"Ha, you don't have the option to refuse."

Meredith's tone was cold and overbearing as she stared him down. "This is a direct order from President Elizabeth Kress. As a citizen of the New United States, you are obligated to—"

Before she could finish, Johnny moved with lightning speed, knocking over a nearby mercenary and pressing his gun to their head.

"Screw your New United States President! I don't care! If you think I'll sell my soul for that old hag, think again!"

Johnny's disdain for the military-industrial complex stemmed from his nightmarish experiences as a teenager in the U.S. Army.

To him, the American Congress and its corporate overlords were nothing more than exploitative parasites, sending young people to die for their hollow rhetoric.

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