Chapter 43: Establishing Dominance
Chapter 43: Establishing Dominance
In truth, the emergency security services were just one part of Trauma Team's business. The real backbone of the company lay in its medical insurance and advanced medical technologies.
But that didn't mean Trauma Team disregarded the financial contributions from the emergency security sector.
On the contrary, their annual investment in aerial vehicles and security weaponry was massive.
When news broke that LA Company's emergency response team could arrive at the scene within five minutes and extract their clients safely, Trauma Team's senior management was immediately alarmed.
Faced with this sudden emergence of LA Company, Trauma Team chose not to act rashly. Instead, they sent Nadya Ra to personally meet with Li Ang, attempting to initiate a cordial business negotiation.
"Is this LA Company's aerial vehicle? It looks much more elegant than the oversized metal blocks from military tech," Nadya remarked with a sweet smile.
Currently, Trauma Team used aerial vehicles manufactured by military technology firms. These were large, cumbersome, and ill-suited for use within Night City.
That was precisely why Nadya referred to them as "oversized metal blocks," given her lack of affection for such vehicles.
In contrast, the Atlas aerial vehicle behind Li Ang was sleek and agile—perfect for urban emergency missions!
"If you like this aerial vehicle, Ms. Nadya, LA Company can gift you one," Li Ang replied with a light chuckle.
Nadya Ra didn't respond directly, offering only a knowing smile. Her aim wasn't for one or two aerial vehicles—it was for an entire fleet of them!
She had invited Li Ang to Trauma Team's headquarters in Night City today specifically because of Atlas' three-minute life-saving capability.
As they walked and talked, Nadya briefly introduced the company's office space and Trauma Team's corporate philosophy to Li Ang.
One had to admit that Trauma Team's headquarters was unlike any other.
There was no stifling or stale air here. Air purifiers were hidden throughout the ventilation systems, working 24/7 to ensure a constant supply of fresh air.
The lighting wasn't the harsh neon glow often seen elsewhere but soft and natural, providing a pleasant working environment.
Luxurious cafés, recreational gyms, and even full-sensory VR experience rooms—everything was impeccably arranged.
These Europeans truly knew how to enjoy life.
Soon, Li Ang and his group arrived at the entrance to Trauma Team's executive conference room.
The double doors, adorned with the company logo, were flanked by two fully armed mercenaries.
Judging from their lightweight exoskeletal armor, it was clear these two were not to be trifled with.
"Apologies, Mr. Li Ang, but you may only bring one security officer inside. All our executives are present, and I hope you understand the need for this protocol," Nadya said, blocking the rest of Li Ang's team and explaining politely. Though Li Ang was a guest, he still needed to follow their rules.
Li Ang nodded without argument. Turning to Mann, he signaled for him to act as his bodyguard.
Among Mann's squad, he was the best at close-quarters combat, especially with his Sianweistan implants.
Although he recently replaced his prosthetic with a weaker model, his offensive capabilities were still outstanding. The addition of an ICE defense system also enabled him to resist cyberattacks effectively.
If something did go wrong, only Mann would be capable of escorting Li Ang out safely.
"Lucy, stay outside and monitor the situation. Don't wander off," Li Ang instructed the rest of the team.
"Understood!"
As his words faded, the doors to the conference room slowly opened. Following Nadya, Li Ang entered to find a round conference table surrounded by executives with diverse appearances.
Most of them were European Caucasians, each representing the interests of various European conglomerates.
In the cyber world, the European Community was arguably the most powerful faction on the planet—without question.
Even the century-old Arasaka Corporation and resource-rich Soviet petrochemical giants couldn't rival Europe's unity.
If the cyberpunk world had a scenario where humanity ventured into space and embarked on interstellar exploration, the only force capable of spearheading such an endeavor would be the European-dominated orbital aerospace corporations.
"Mr. Li Ang, if I may ask, which company are you a director of? Arasaka, Biotechnica, or some other enterprise?"
The question came from a blond, blue-eyed, balding middle-aged man named Knapp. He represented German conglomerate interests and was a key figure among the executives present.
Knapp's question was tinged with malice, intending to intimidate Li Ang and assert Trauma Team's corporate dominance.
However, Li Ang, seated calmly, responded with unwavering composure:
"Oh? You mean to tell me that before inviting a guest to discuss business, you didn't even do your basic homework? Or perhaps you've never heard of LA Company?"
Li Ang's retort left Knapp momentarily speechless. His attempt to intimidate Li Ang had backfired, leaving him in an awkward position.
"Mr. Knapp, LA Company is an entirely independent tech enterprise focused on weapons manufacturing and prosthetic research. That much is indisputable," Nadya interjected to defuse the situation.
Seated beside Li Ang, she played a holographic video for the executives.
The footage showed LA Company's Atlas model aerial vehicle rescuing Lucius at the Red Queen's Race Club.
Nadya presented performance comparisons across dimensions such as speed, size, and noise, showcasing how LA's vehicles outperformed those of military tech.
The results were clear—LA Company's aerial vehicles outclassed their military-tech counterparts in every way!
After watching the video, Knapp grew even more perplexed. At present, the only company capable of surpassing military tech in aerial vehicles would likely be Arasaka.
After all, Arasaka was a dominant player in electronics manufacturing. Even orbital aerospace companies sourced many of their electronic components from Arasaka.
"Mr. Li Ang, are you from the Far East, specifically China? I hear the situation there is rather chaotic. It's hard to believe your company possesses such advanced R&D capabilities," Knapp said skeptically.
His words drew the attention of every Trauma Team executive in the room. Their gazes fixed on Li Ang, scrutinizing him as if he were a swindler trying to dip his hands into their wallets.