Cyberpunk: 2075.

Chapter 885, 95. Trust me, okay?
At the moment Hansen successfully broke away from Li De, the atmosphere at the New U.S. Command Center in Night City had reached freezing point.

"Your Excellency, Agent Li De's signal has been separated from Hansen's location! According to the fragmented information transmitted back by Agent Li De's personal channel, after a direct confrontation, Hansen successfully broke away and his current whereabouts are unknown!" The technician's report was filled with barely concealed urgency.

Rosalind Myers stared intently at the stadium's structural diagram on the satellite image. The simulated point of confrontation between Li De and Hansen was flashing wildly, and in her assessment, the probability of Hansen being eliminated was rapidly decreasing.

Miles's face darkened completely, and his last shred of hope vanished.

Hansen not only possessed the ability to modify the reactor, but also had an unwavering determination to start it up. This was no longer political blackmail or intimidation, but a real contest. Li De's failure meant that the decapitation operation had failed, and conventional means could no longer stop Hansen.

"Are you trying to race me, Hansen?"

“We can’t wait any longer.” Miles’ voice was icy cold, resolute, and left no room for doubt: “Execute the ‘nuclear explosion’ protocol in twenty minutes. Authorization code: Rosalind Miles. Target: Dogtown Stadium. Ensure that no one—including our people—leaves the containment zone before the explosion.”

“But Mr. President, Agent Li De and Nightingale are still inside!” A senior advisor couldn’t help but step forward, his voice trembling slightly. “Perhaps Li De still has a chance to get her out. Isn’t it too early to start now?”

While he talked about top agents and key assets, he was preoccupied with something else—his nephew, whom he had personally sent into the attack team, was among them. He had thought it would be a quick and easy operation to gain prestige, but who could have imagined it would turn into a nuclear wasteland.

He had to buy himself another second, even if it was just one more second.

Li De, what exactly are you doing, Li De!
He couldn't help but blame the top agent in his heart.

You used to be capable of everything, accomplishing countless things for New America. Why did you fail after contacting Hansen today? What were you doing? Has your loyalty to New America vanished during your years of infiltrating Night City?!
If my nephew dies, then even if you come back alive, I will make you pay with your life!

This senior advisor only dared to be obsequious and plead for advice when facing Rosalind Miles, but when facing Agent Reed, he had countless ways to get things done to Reed.

Hearing the senior advisor's words, Miles abruptly turned his head, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the command center like a poisoned blade. Gone was his usual composure and calculation; only a naked, ruthless determination to achieve his goals remained.
“For the overall interests of the new America, necessary sacrifices are unavoidable! Lidby understands his mission better than anyone else, and he should have been aware of it from the moment he stepped into the stadium. And all the new American soldiers on the front lines,” she paused deliberately, emphasizing her words, “should have been prepared to die for their country for the greater good. Now, I am not asking for opinions—follow orders!”

A chilling pressure swept through the entire command center, the air seemed to freeze, and everyone who wanted to speak was choked by this undisguised killing intent.

Having risen to the presidency after the iron-fisted Elizabeth Kress, Rosalind Myers' methods will only be more ruthless. She has no need for dissenters, and those who leave her camp will only face utter destruction.

"Yes, Your Excellency!" The communications operator dared not delay any longer, his fingers flying across the control panel, relaying the destructive orders down the chain of command.

Rosalind Miles withdrew her gaze and stared at the light spot on Li De.

Hansen, you've certainly given me a difficult problem, but you're being naive if you think you can drag me down with you this way.

Her heart was as calm as a still lake. The sacrifices of Li De and the Nightingale were indeed regrettable, but as long as Hansen was completely eliminated and the blame for detonating the nuclear bomb firmly pinned on him, the deal was still politically worthwhile. As for public opinion? With proper manipulation, Li De and the New America agents and soldiers could be portrayed as heroes who bravely sacrificed themselves to stop Hansen's insane plan, which would actually add legitimacy to New America's actions.

"President, the 'nuclear explosion' protocol has been activated. The countdown has begun. All command units confirm receipt of the order." An officer stood at attention and reported.

Miles nodded slightly, his face expressionless, only a hint of almost cruel determination flashing deep in his eyes.

“Very good. Continue to monitor the stadium’s energy signals and report any abnormalities immediately. At the same time, have the Propaganda Department and the Intelligence Bureau prepare to launch the ‘post-narrative’ plan. I want to see a complete framework for guiding public opinion within one hour of the explosion.”

"Yes!"

Hansen planned to conduct the nuclear explosion 30 minutes later, but Miles decided on a faster time.

Twenty minutes later, a nuclear bomb will send the stadium into the sky.

Once everything is over, the new American personnel will continue to advance in the nuclear radiation until Hansen's death is assured!
The plan was set, but then a change occurred.

"I see. Rosalind Miles is preparing to use a nuclear weapon in twenty minutes, while my message is that Hansen is preparing to use one in thirty minutes. It seems that in terms of urgency, our President is a bit more impatient. But thinking about it, it makes sense. Older women do tend to be more impatient. What's that called again? Menopause?"

"Perhaps that's true."

Hearing the gentle voice coming from the other end of the communication, Karl smiled: "Anyway, thank you for telling me all this while you were with the president, Blanca. It's so good to have you here. Now I can act at the set time. Twenty minutes is indeed a bit rushed."

“I will always help your Carl as long as you need it,” Blanca said, her voice tinged with undisguised worry. “But you must be careful with Carl. If anything unexpected happens, you must evacuate immediately. If things don’t look right…”

She looked up at Rosalind Miles, who was staring at a satellite image with her back to her not far away. The voice coming from the channel was soft but unusually firm: "I will kill the president if necessary to buy you time."

"Don't risk Blanca's safety. I would never forgive myself for trading my own safety for yours."

As Carl spoke, he gripped 'KK' tightly.

"Trust me, okay?"

"Ah."

(End of this chapter)