Cyberpunk: From Dogville to Legend

Chapter 117 Greed and Sin
Michiko Arasaka almost never works in the Arasaka Tower.

Like her grandfather, Michiko's office was a one-to-one replica of the working environment in the Arasaka family house in Tokyo, as requested by Saburo.

Compared to facing all sorts of wild wolves in the serious Arasaka Tower, she prefers dealing with the "cats" of the dangerous girls—

But in fact, this detective agency, which is based on anime and manga culture, is not just a place where young men and women wearing cat ears go around searching for the whereabouts of the targets requested by their clients. This private detective company, which is located in North America and around the world, actually has a very strong intelligence gathering ability.

For example, a guy who interests you might be "smelled" by the girls.

Michiko Arasaka tucked a stray hair behind her ear, holding up the information sheet that the girls had collected, a smile playing on her lips as if she had just seen a new toy.

The automatic door opened, and Michiko Arasaka turned the document in her hand face down, quietly observing the woman in front of her.

Abernathy was puzzled as to why this close associate of Arasaka, whom he rarely saw and who only appeared at shareholder meetings, requested a meeting with him. Abernathy, backed by several board members, was well aware of the subtle factional struggles within Arasaka.

Michiko Arakasaka possesses an exceptionally intelligent mind and is an unconventional person who dares to challenge conventional thinking.

As far as Abernathy knew, many of those who invested in the company through technology or were technocrats at the shareholders' meeting valued Michiko highly. She always treated these old scholars with utmost sincerity, instilling in them complete confidence in Arasaka's future.

The doves, as their name suggests.

Michiko Arasaka's philosophy has always been to treat other forces with a cooperative attitude. She even actively tries to broker connections between Arasaka and New America, actions that undoubtedly anger the prince at headquarters in Japan.

According to rumors, Saburo Arasaka has not appeared at the headquarters meeting for a long time.

But no one dared to speak ill of this empire's leader. Even though Arasaka Yorinobu had practically turned Tokyo into a one-man show, there was always an invisible force restraining this radical faction.

In some ways, Abernathy didn't come on board with Michiko Arasaka.

She needed to figure out what this woman meant in order to avoid displeasing the forces behind her.

"Ms. Michiko."

Abernathy is adept at Japanese etiquette, but when facing Michiko, he still uses the interpersonal rules of the new American corporate world.

Michiko Arasaka seemed to have summoned Abernathy for a heart-to-heart talk. "Director Abernathy, tea or coffee?"

What is the full title of the position?

Abernathy had a feeling something bad was about to happen, and she glanced at the teacup next to Michiko.

"Tea, thank you."

Michiko poured tea, her gaze sweeping over Abernathy. "Mind if I call you... Susan?"

As they spoke, a cup of steaming hot liquid was steadily handed over.

Abernathy took the teacup—

Before she could even place the scalding hot tea on the table, she asked, "Auntie, how have you been lately?"

The almost overflowing teacup spilled hot tea, and Abernathy's eye twitched.

Michiko seemed oblivious to Abernathy's lapse in composure and smiled slightly, "The girls under my command are rather naive; they like to gossip when they're not busy. It just so happens that my aunt hasn't visited me in Night City since she was in Japan... so she took a look for me."

"Drink tea."

Abernathy really wanted to swallow that teacup.

What does that mean? Does it mean she's very aware that she's a "pheasant"?
The more silent Abernathy remained, the more Michiko pressed him.

"Your situation doesn't seem too good, does it, Susan?"

Abernathy couldn't stand this interrogation anymore. Although she had climbed to the position of director step by step, it was not only because she knew how to use her lover, but also because she always held the initiative, and this had never changed.

“Ms. Michiko, please speak frankly. The girls who are dangerous may not understand my relationship with Ms. Hanako—but I can have a heart-to-heart talk with you, of course, for the sake of Arasaka’s interests.”

Abernathy didn't believe Michiko could have investigated so thoroughly; she was more inclined to believe that Michiko was bluffing her.

"You could have easily used the counterintelligence department as a stepping stone for you, but you didn't expect Jenkins to be trying to gain credit in Dogtown, did you? Japanese headquarters has already taken notice of this mid-level manager, and even his subordinates... the new head of the security department. You've tried everything, but it's still very difficult to deal with him, isn't it?"

Michiko got straight to the point.

What is this? Has Michiko gone mad?
Abernathy shook his head. "We are all working for Arasaka's benefit. There is no such thing as a stepping stone. This department has been an important part of Arasaka's business for the past two decades. I would not joke about Arasaka's future."

This is pretty much what a string of lies looks like.

Michiko realized she had underestimated the director's stubbornness; at the very least, she wouldn't reveal her ambitions to the higher-ups.

"The new head of the security department, you know he's from the counterintelligence department, do you know why he promoted you?"

Abernathy: "Arasaka's military operation against the Military Science Institute was a success. Headquarters has ordered Rin to go to Japan for training—"

Michiko sneered, "Training?"

This woman, whose words carried considerable weight in the New America Arasaka speech, then uttered a statement that could almost have earned her a beheading by an Arasaka ninja: "Arasaka Yoriyuki wants to support him, don't you understand? Your Night City security chief may not seem like much, but tonight at this very moment, he's representing Arasaka's company at a Night City party!"

"You're officially the one suppressing the counterintelligence department, but if Lai Xuan is backing you up, how long do you think you can hold out?"

Lai Xuan wanted to get involved, and Abernathy couldn't possibly be unaware of this.

But she didn't have the guts to touch Jenkins at this critical juncture... On the contrary, she even had to be wary of Jenkins making a ruthless decision to jump into hell with her.

Abernathy stood up and bowed.

“Ms. Michiko, I will pretend that tonight’s conversation never happened, and that you have never seen me.”

This shrewd special operations director wouldn't backtrack. Whoever supported her first would be her boss—Michiko was very eloquent, so much so that she could win a "debate" with the president of the new United States, but that wouldn't work with Abernathy. She needed to remain loyal and wait for the perfect opportunity to purge the counterintelligence department.

Michiko unfolded the paper in her hand, and without saying a word, she simply held it up.

Abernathy reached out and took it, his expression turning sour after reading what it said.

"Move over, Susan."

Michiko took a sip of tea. "Perhaps you're right. I haven't seen you tonight, and you haven't seen me either."

Abernathy stood there dumbfounded for a long while. "How is that possible?"

The list was very simple; it just contained some information about the new security chief.

But the black wall in the information, and the series of modifications that Arasaka made to this guy, are the key points.

Michi said, her voice slightly agitated, "My uncle has gone mad! This is a human nuclear weapon! He left this guy in Arasaka. Do you know what will happen if other companies and New America find out? Arasaka will become the target of everyone's wrath."

"This guy is the public enemy of Future Corporation!"

"What is the position of director? What is a promotion and a raise? Arasaka will be in trouble by then. I used to think my uncle was just radical, but I'm increasingly finding that he's doing things that are hard for us to understand... So, that's all I have to say."

Abernathy took a deep breath. "Mr. Lai Xuan is going to protect this guy to the death, isn't he?"

Michiko waved her hand and said, "No, based on my understanding of Lai Xuan, he won't easily step in to protect someone—he's smart, but also arrogant."

“I’m thinking about the best interests of the entire Arasaka community. I know very well what the consequences would be if this guy got out of control. If you ask my aunt, I think her answer wouldn’t be much different from mine.”

"So while there's still room for maneuver, try to get rid of this guy. I can even give you resources."

Abernathy began to waver.

This is a good thing, as a powerful faction within the board has directly supported her. However, it's also a bad thing, as she needs to be wary of those behind her discovering this. Disloyal dogs are the easiest to be ousted in Arasaka.

Once you've chosen a side, stick with it and don't switch allegiances.

This is the biggest commonality among many who were eliminated from Arakawa.

Abernathy nodded, and she quickly got ready.

The counterintelligence department can play along with them slowly, but not this security chief. He's already using the resources and authority given to him by Lai Xuan to get things done. Once this guy has fully matured, she won't even need the counterintelligence department to do anything; she'll be packing her bags and leaving.

Michiko watched Abernathy's departing figure and added:
"Don't even think about that batch of weapons anymore; you almost gave yourself away."

Abernathy paused, and the automatic door closed.

……

Inside the floating vehicle hangar on the top floor of Arasaka.

The group, now with access granted, quickly walked into the vehicle that was already parked between the two rows of hovercars.

Suzuki pressed his hand against the door frame, and waited until the other security guards got into another hovercar before whispering, "Boss, the data."

Lin Yue took the items and pointed to the chair opposite him.

I have a very detailed report in my hand.

Looking at the above content, Lin Yue felt that this bureau chief, who was essentially a corporate employee trying to transition into a bureau, was being far too "proactive".

Privatizing the NCPD came at a price; one of the conditions demanded by the city council was to reduce Night City's crime rate.

But it seems that Jerry Fort's method is quite crude:
The first condition is to abandon the Pacific Island region where "legal citizens" of Night City are almost non-existent. The city council accepted this condition entirely because Jerry had the NCPD database under his control—even if you have legal identity information, the NCPD will cancel your identity if you appear in Pacific Island for an extended period of time.

If you are a victim of illegal acts in Pacific Island, it is not a crime against ordinary residents of Night City, and the NCPD has no jurisdiction over it.

The Badlands are even simpler: the people who appear there are divided into two categories: Night Wanderers and Wanderers.

Yes, they're all criminals, not Night City residents.

As for the customs area and the towns near it, the NCPD felt they were easier to manage, so they were naturally designated as areas for crime rate statistics.

Lin Yue pointed at these things and asked, "How could the city council believe such idiotic nonsense?"

Suzuki said, "Boss, it's very simple. Bribery is the most direct method. As for those who don't believe it or have reservations, most of them will come to their senses afterward. After all, a large number of security companies are waiting for customers to buy their services, and no one will block the company's path to wealth."

The second one is even more outrageous.

The renowned NCPD director, in an effort to reduce the crime rate in Watson North, directly brought in the Cleaners.

The cleaners have designated areas of operation here, which means they are encouraged to attack "street racers," "mercenaries," and "gang members"—thus naturally reducing the crime rate.

Just as Lin Yue was thinking, Suzuki pulled a chip out from behind his neck.

"Mr. Jenkins has granted your request. We have obtained some of the director's transaction records, and the hacker lady has also found the rest."

Lin Yue felt that Suzuki was becoming more and more reliable.

AI: "Reminder: Destination, the Dark Matter Club, is expected to arrive in five minutes. The advance security team has already landed in the designated area."

After scanning the remaining information, Lin Yue immediately put down the documents in his hand.

He suddenly asked Suzuki, "How do you think we should treat this friend?"

Suzuki shook his head decisively, "I'm sorry, boss, this is not something I should be concerned with. You should decide everything."

Just like Goro.

The samurai trained in this Arasaka style are almost all loyal dogs, and they know exactly how to behave.

Lin Yue looked directly at Suzuki and said, "I'm just sharing my opinion."

Seeing the boss staring at him like that, Suzuki could only say, "My friend, you're being too petty."

Lin Yue: "Such petty talk... Go on."

Suzuki, a rough man, was easily persuaded by Lin Yue to reveal his true feelings: "He wants to curry favor with the politicians in Night City's city hall, so he has to keep a close eye on the crime rate—but this guy also wants to make money, so he doesn't dare to eat his fill and can only fill his pockets with some despicable methods."

This guy really does seem low-class; even Suzuki finds him despicable.

Lin Yue pointed at Suzuki.

"You..."

Suzuki quickly bowed his head, "I'm so sorry!"

Lin Yue gazed at the scenery outside the window. This NCPD director had great potential. The goods in Dogtown were all smuggled out. If this NCPD director discovered his business opportunities in Dogtown, it would be difficult for him to take action and shut the guy down. Lai Xuan had done him a great favor this time.

If they mess up Dogtown again, then they might as well just give up and go to sleep.

As for how to deal with this guy, Suzuki had come up with a good idea—

While I was thinking, the hovercar circled once above Westbrook before finally landing steadily on the top floor.

The vehicles that disembarked from the other parking lots were representatives from various companies, making them difficult to distinguish.

Only military technology stands out the most, with its meticulous and impeccable attire, and even its female companions having short hair.

The other company representatives were all fashion trendsetters, and these custom-made luxury clothes were basically designed by so-called fashion masters, which only the company's top executives could afford.

His hostile gaze swept over the Arasaka guy from head to toe.

Lin Yue, followed by security personnel and led by a Dark Matter receptionist, passed through a group of company representatives who seemed to be familiar with each other as soon as they got out of the car, and had even started exchanging pleasantries.

"Do you know that guy from Arakawa?"

"Where's Chiba?"

The two company representatives, who were like peacocks spreading their tails and obsessed with kitsch, rolled their eyes.

Arakazam's return to Night City was hard-won and came at a great cost. The biggest obstacle was military technology—the musical produced by News 54, which even the passersby in Night City could sing a few lines of, was full of things that smeared Arakazam.

Therefore, among the residents of Night City who curse the company as dogs, Arasaka is the one who curses the most.

Lin Yue's purpose was very clear; he had nothing to discuss with the politicians and companies of Night City.

Because the company's interests are not determined by the company representatives, most of the time it's just an excuse to sign contracts here, and most of the time it's just a pre-existing chain of interests—Lin Yue only needs to greet them and clink glasses.

The Dark Matter Club is good because even sex pairs are expensive.

In the memory of Kerry, the "Fierce Sisters" and V put on an exciting performance here. It seemed like a counterattack against the record company, but it was actually more like a helpless struggle still under the rules, which seemed so weak.

But at least, Lin Yue was not unfamiliar with this place.

Lin Yue stepped out of the elevator. The jazz music and the glittering ambient lighting made the venue quite different from most of the bars in Night City that used bold, hot, or exotic themes as gimmicks.

Many familiar faces flashed through Lin Yue's eyes, including radio host Stanley, Channel 54's Julianne Jordan, and even WNS's Arif Iqbal—the one who claimed that Chuisaburo was a god descended to earth.

It was quite different from the gathering of the Gemstone Green Gang; there wasn't a single gang member here.

Lin Yue looked at the group of people talking animatedly in the center area. One of the men in a suit seemed to notice him being looked at and turned to look at Lin Yue.

In that instant, Lin Yue seemed to see a blue light gleaming in the guy's eyes.

A chill ran down my spine.

Those few unruly fellows in my mind started to get restless.

"The Ye family..."

Lin Yue wondered, who was that gentleman?

At this moment, a waiter carrying a wine tray came over. Suzuki stopped the waiter, scrambled the order of the four glasses of wine, picked up a glass and drank it down, and then gestured for Lin Yue to get more wine.

Lin Yue picked up his wine glass, raised it towards the blue-eyed guy, and gave him a cryptic smile.

The Night Clan is one of the five giant corporations in Night City: because the company mandates that employees work less than 80 hours a day; and because the Night Clan's business does not conflict with other companies at all, venture capital is their area of ​​expertise—not only that, the company also plays with prosthetic soccer.

Ye's Group seemed like a company that didn't care about worldly affairs. If it weren't for Sandra Dorset extracting details from the database about the company's use of artificial intelligence to control its employees, and the control over Jefferson... Lin Yue would know very well what kind of shady business this was.

The blue-eyed guy seemed surprised that Lin Yue would raise his glass in a gesture of greeting, smiled, and turned away to continue the conversation.

Lin Yue was quite certain that this was not Mr. Blue Eyes, but the Night Clan badge on his chest told him that he was a company employee.

It seems that many things are now clear.

Is AI using séances?

Almost no one from Arasaka came up to make connections.

Lin Yue clinked glasses with several female celebrities from Super Dream, stared at their swaying hips, and shook his head slightly.

It seems that Lai Xuan was able to obtain this authority mainly because no one from Arasaka was willing to do this kind of thing—but Lin Yue wasn't afraid of embarrassment. His purpose was different; he needed to find out where the so-called newly appointed director was, so he didn't have the time to integrate into the so-called upper circle.

Suzuki leaned closer. "Boss."

Following the direction Lin Yue pointed, there was a guy sitting in a private room smoking in silence, with what appeared to be a security robot standing next to him, seemingly a Kangtao cargo... Another security guard was constantly watching the surrounding movements.

Lin Yue checked the time in his prosthetic eye; the process would begin in about half an hour, so he had to hurry.

He put down his wine glass and started walking, while Suzuki pushed away the sex doll that tried to approach him, and the group headed towards Mr. Jerry's booth.

"stop."

Security personnel moved closer and blocked Suzuki.

Suzuki remained unfazed, despite being a head shorter than the man in front of him, even though Jerry's security guards were practically face-to-face with him in a provocative manner.

"Don't fucking bother me—damn, uh, Arasaka's."

Jerry looked up and cursed, then noticed the young man was wearing an Arasaka company brooch. "I don't recognize you?"

Suzuki stepped forward. "Want to try it? Hmm?"

Jerry waved his hand. "Let them in."

Lin Yue didn't mind this burly guy showing off, and instead went into the private room and sat opposite Jerry.

Jerry sized up the young man, then suddenly chuckled, "There's no one left in Arasaka?"

Lin Yue shrugged. "Seeing you is enough. You really expect a representative or shareholder from the Arasaka faction to come?"

Jerry's smile vanished. "Friend, I invited you in because I think highly of you. If there's nothing else... you can get lost."

Lin Yue's smile faded. "Dear Night City NCPD Chief, are the Cleanup Police not performing as well as expected? Or did you just give your money to a few Night City councilors again? You look so worried—"

Jerry muttered under his breath, "You bunch of company dogs are the most fucking insane! Investigating me? Sending a few Tom, Dick, and Harry?"

He pointed his cigarette butt at Lin Yue and said, "Don't try to extort me. It's not my place to tell me how to do things."

Lin Yue nodded. "We do look down on you. Do you know why the company doesn't want to get involved in the NCPD's mess? There's no profit in it. Since we have to give residents a proper explanation for their safety, the NCPD can continue operating whether it makes money or not. But you're stuck in the middle, wandering around everywhere... Since you're not sincere, let's not talk about it."

Jerry scratched his chin.

"Who exactly are you to Arasaka? What do you mean by saying that?"

Lin Yue crossed his arms and said, "You're acting like you've given up, isn't it because you know you can't get the company's resources? Cooperating with gangs isn't worth the money. I'll give you a suggestion."

Jerry's cigarette butt almost burned the filter.

It's hard to believe that this idiot, dressed in a well-tailored suit and preoccupied with how to report back to the Night City Hall, is in charge of resident safety!

"Then you fucking hurry up and tell me."

Lin Yue said, "The Cleaners... the Vortex Gang, these lunatics are hard to deal with, aren't they? Once they get involved with you, they're like flies, you can't get rid of them, and they'll make you lose money."

"And you... you haven't taken a small share either. Now the NCPD has cut half its staff and is short of money. Weapons, drones... can you fulfill the promises you made to the city council?"

Jerry's expression gradually calmed down.

Did you have a serious talk with yourself?

It's not difficult for the company to find these things; the difficulty lies in these money-intensive matters. Can Arasaka clean up his mess?
Jerry sat up straight. "What exactly is your position in the company?"

Lin Yue waved to Suzuki, "Bring the things here."

Suzuki placed a chip on the table.

“We’ll talk after we’ve looked at it. We have ten minutes left before we finish our conversation—Jerry, don’t waste our time.”

Jerry rubbed his hands together, then finally picked up the chip and inserted it behind his neck.

Lin Yue dusted off the cigarette ash on his suit and waited patiently.

He didn't even look at Jerry's expression, because Night City wouldn't offer such favorable conditions.

The guy didn't pull out the chip until Lin Yue had finished his cigarette.

Jerry felt like this was a windfall. The chip contained military equipment, and it was being sold for about 10% less than the market price. That wasn't all; it would also help him resolve the internal power struggles within the NCPD as it entered privatization. This left Jerry speechless...

Even a fool knows there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Picture what?
His only motivation is that as the director of the NCPD, he will endorse Arasaka and act as a lackey for the company.

Lin Yue didn't say a word. He knew that this shameless person didn't care at all what would become of Night City.

Jerry said, "Military technology is more expensive than yours, and they'll give me money—"

Lin Yue held up five fingers.

The first finger fell, "One, those guys who are fighting you for shares, Arasaka will make them disappear."

The second finger is placed down. "Second, the Arasaka Police will maintain security at the company square free of charge. You can send the extra people to manage Watson and Santo Domingo... You can also lay them off, the choice is yours."

The bodyguard, who understood the cost clearly from Suzuki's last sentence, unconsciously clenched his fists.

"Third, 30% of the weapons and equipment will be yours, and in return, I require you to guarantee that Arasaka will be a regular partner of the NCPD."

……

On the helipad, Lin Yue's neat formal attire was lifted by the engine of the hovercar.

Jerry's greed was beyond his imagination. For a moment, he even hoped that Jerry would refuse his proposal and tell him that Night City would be thrown into chaos because of the deal, with civilians dying everywhere and the problem would be even bigger.

But Jerry agreed almost without hesitation, even making the deal on the spot.

Night City, this relentlessly running machine, is already broken. The people's hard-earned money is its fuel. Jerry is a heinous beast in human clothing, so what about himself who made a deal with him?
Recruiting Jerry means more crime will occur in Night City, the NCPD will abandon the investigation due to limited police resources, or even turn a blind eye, and more people will die at the hands of Arasaka Weapon...

This was the most painful punishment, and Lin Yue knew that making a deal with a greedy criminal like Jerry was evil in itself.

But he didn't care; some sins are precisely what are prepared for new life.

Cooperating with Lai Xuan is a necessary awareness.

He glanced at Suzuki behind him, and Suzuki also noticed that Rin was looking at him.

Suzuki lowered his head. "Get in the car, boss."

This boss, who was even younger than him, had a light in his eyes that he had never seen before; perhaps he would never know what kind of emotion it was.

But Lin Yue knew that this world would definitely change—

It's just that there's bound to be a place for them in hell.

　【Arasaka Residence】: An ordinary Japanese-style courtyard in Tokyo, but it is said that no lone wolf in this world can break through Saburo's seemingly undefended residence.

　　【Wild Ghost】: One of the gangs in 2077.

　　[Sandra Dorset]: The company employee rescued by Jack after the prologue of 2077.

　　[Jefferson]: The 2077 side quest continues, with Mr. Blue Eyes appearing in this mission, and Jefferson is suspected of being controlled by AI.

　　I've been really busy today, I'm sorry everyone.

　　Please bear with the 7,000 words. I've been trying my best to accumulate drafts for updates lately, because writing 10,000 words a day takes time and it's difficult to save up drafts. So, I'll write more tomorrow, Saturday, to save up and try to get back to 10,000 words a day around the 10th.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)