Cyberpunk: Starting in 2071

Chapter 96 The Cooperation of Sliders

For a period of time afterward, Mercer led the Fire Seed Squad to begin a long-awaited period of low-key development.

Adcado's people smuggled the biotechnology equipment in under the guise of transporting building materials. After assembling it in Mercer's workshop on the first floor, they left it idle for the time being and did not put it into operation.

As a pleasant surprise, among the equipment Mercer had seized this time, besides the rapid cloning machine and its accessories that he had been longing for, there was also a drug synthesis machine and an advanced molecular analyzer.

A truckload of raw materials for the equipment was also packed up and brought by the Adka team.

However, Mercer remained cautious and did not start conducting experiments casually—mainly because the raw materials needed for rapid cloning technology are special biotechnology-specific materials that are not sold to the public.

Mercer studied the equipment data and found that the batch of raw materials he had would be used up after cloning the machine about ten times.

After acquiring the equipment, Mercer carefully studied the machine's technical components and the raw materials and processes required for cloning. He then basically abandoned the idea of ​​making the raw materials himself and repeatedly cloning using the instrument.

Although this rapid cloning technology exists only as a peripheral technology for other cloning projects in biotechnology databases, it is actually highly sophisticated in itself.

It can be described as an integrated product that incorporates the cloning technology accumulated by biotechnology companies over the past few decades.

Its workflow can be basically understood as follows: first, biological DNA sample cells are placed into the rapid cloning machine.

If you do not have viable sample cells, you must use a matching cell culture machine. Using the DNA blueprint replication technology, you can copy the DNA information you have and cultivate a live sample cell.

Then, the rapid cloning machine dedifferentiates living cells, using a miraculous technique to reverse the state of adult cells, making them 'rejuvenate' and return them to a state similar to pluripotent stem cells, like fertilized eggs.

Then, this pluripotent stem cell will redevelop in the rapid cloning machine until it becomes an embryo. At this point, the rapid cloning machine needs to be injected with a catalyst that causes the embryo's cells to divide rapidly.

This catalyst lasts for about three months, and when the effect of the catalyst ends, the rapid division of cells will stop. By this time, the embryo has developed to the physical state of an average 22-year-old.

At this point, the cloned human's cells will enter a stable period. After a week of observation without any gene breakdown or other problems, the cloning can be considered successful.

The entire process requires two special raw materials: a cell catalyst and an ultra-high concentration nutrient solution. The former promotes rapid cell division, while the latter ensures that the cells have sufficient nutrition during the rapid division process.

Doesn't it look simple?
But in fact, judging from the information Mercer obtained from the biotechnology department, there are far too many ways the whole plan could fail.

First, during embryonic development, cells may result in stillbirth or diseased fetuses.

Secondly, after the catalyst is injected, the cells may become diseased during division or be unable to fully metabolize the catalyst, causing the cells to divide rapidly at all times, ultimately resulting in the cloning of only one patient or a short-lived person with a lifespan of less than a year.

Third, even if everything goes smoothly, the cloned person may be a useless individual with very low physical and intellectual potential.

Because this rapid technology doesn't actually restore your original DNA 100%, but rather turns the DNA you provide into an embryo and lets it develop all over again.

Just as identical twins can have significant differences, even a body regenerated from your DNA can never be exactly the same as your original body.

This forced Mercer, who was originally eager to clone himself, to suppress his idea and decide to find a cost-effective guinea pig to try it out first.

This little white mouse... what he was thinking about was Johnny Silver Hand.

He planned to use Johnny Silverhand's DNA to perform rapid cloning technology to see if there were any other hidden dangers in this technology. Ideally, he would have Relic resurrect him directly into this body and then see if he would encounter any problems.

If something goes wrong, you can try using the Soul Killer program to extract it again—doesn't that also allow you to experiment with the Soul Killer program at the same time?

However, achieving this is not easy, because who knows where Johnny Silverhand's DNA is now? Mercer pondered that if all else fails, then he would have to make do with Johnny and not expect the original; he would just use a cloned body.

So Mercer simply put away the equipment and stored the materials in an incubator, and temporarily suppressed his desire to clone the equipment. Instead, he focused on learning related techniques from the biotechnology field, hoping to reduce the number of failures in the future.

Aside from his studies, Mercer devoted all his other energy to cracking the Soul Killer and researching Relic.

Time flies, and in less than half a month, Adcado's people expanded Mercer's original base by an additional 500 square meters of above-ground space.

So he simply moved everyone's dormitories upstairs, leaving the basement purely for storing all sorts of valuable equipment, and spent over a million euros to upgrade the servers.

The main improvement was in the storage space; otherwise, there would be nowhere to store the data scraped by the ctOS system.

Being able to move to live above ground is certainly a good thing for everyone; nobody likes to live a cramped, sunless underground life all day long.

Mercer originally thought he could lie low for a while longer, so for safety reasons he had everyone live underground together.

But now, not only in Dogtown, but even in Night City, everyone knows that a powerful mercenary group called the Fireseed Squad has appeared in the city.

There's no point in hiding it then.

Fortunately, moving was not difficult. The walls of the original dormitory in the underground base could be directly broken through to create a new work area, and the living room was even demolished and moved upstairs. Apart from a few thousand euros in labor costs, there were basically no extra expenses.

Hansen didn't have any important tasks assigned to Mercer for the time being. Mercer simply helped him set up a production line step by step and didn't worry about anything else, such as weapon development or equipment development, which he would deal with when he had time.

Just when Mercer thought he could develop in peace for a month or two and settle down, an unexpected person suddenly sent him an email, temporarily interrupting his plans.

[Slide: A, I know you stole our online business from Hansen and also took our market share by selling quick-crack programs in the Kabuki district.]

But don't get me wrong, I'm not here to cause trouble, but to have a talk with you.

If you're interested, let's have a good chat at 8 PM tonight at the "Heartache Club," on Hanz's turf, how about it?

A: I won't spit out what I've already taken in.

[Slider: I understand, your online skills are indeed impressive, I am ashamed of myself, so I came to you this time just to talk about cooperation.]

I'm different from those voodoo gangs outside. If I had a choice, I'd rather we all get rich together than keep it all to myself. Who knows, we might make more money and gain more friends along the way. What do you think?

A: Sure, let's meet then.

[Slider: Alright, I promise you won't be disappointed when we meet!]

Mercer stared at the text displayed on the prosthetic eye, clicked his tongue twice, and shook his head.

No wonder Slippery was able to expand his Voodoo Gang's influence several times over in just one year after leading people into Dogtown; this guy is truly adaptable.

Looking at the time, Mercer thought for a moment. Everyone seemed to be pretty bored lately. Rebecca even helped Adcardo's people swing sledgehammers while they were renovating, which showed how much these energetic guys had been holding back.

Mercer decided to have a team-building event. Except for Sasha and Jack, who hadn't arrived at the base yet, everyone went to the Heartfelt Club for a few drinks to relax.

As soon as he made the announcement, everyone else excitedly agreed. Only Xingzi blinked her eyes pitifully, but Mo Se laughed and hooked his arm around her neck, wanting to take her out with him.

This really excited the kid: "I can go too? Will the bodyguards let me in?"

“Maybe it wouldn’t have worked before, but now. I don’t think any bar would stop us from going in. But to avoid trouble, you can wear a mask too.”

Mercer laughed and said, "Anyway, you're about the same height as Rebecca. With a mask on, who will know your age?"

"Yay!!" Kyoko jumped up excitedly: "I'm going to 3D print one right now!"

“Go ahead.” Mercer watched as she enthusiastically went to DIY a mask for herself, while Lucy stood beside him with her arms crossed, frowning: “Isn’t it a bit too early to take her to a place like that?”

"Come on, you don't even deserve to go," Mercer said, looking at her with a mocking expression.

Lucy kicked his shin in an annoyed tone: "And what about you? Heh, I'll have Morning Star change it for me in a bit, change it to thirty years old, okay?"

"Ha~"

Mercer smiled, but before he could speak, V suddenly cast a sharp glance at him: "I knew it! Your claim of being eighteen is absolutely nonsense!"

“Bullshit! Eighteen is eighteen!” Mercer retorted confidently, unsurprisingly causing V to start arguing with him again.

Everyone was used to the two of them bickering after just a few words, but Rebecca jumped onto Mercer's back, hooked her arms around his neck, and interrupted him:

"Whatever! I don't care how old I am. Come on, help me figure out what to wear tonight."

Mercer was helplessly carried away by her gorilla-like arm. V pouted and watched the two leave before muttering, "Why the hell did you change your clothes so early? What do you want to eat tonight?"

Dorio, standing to the side, rolled up her sleeves: "Come on, let's just grab something. Anyway, whatever we eat, you guys are all going to throw up tonight."

"I won't throw up," V insisted, and the two quickly went to the kitchen to prepare a simple dinner.

Mann sat on the sofa with a cheerful smile, turned on the TV, and leisurely opened a can of beer—to be honest, he absolutely loved this kind of life.

As evening fell, everyone dressed smartly, got into their cars, and drove off together, each headed towards their own destination, deep in thought.

Upon arriving at the club entrance, unsurprisingly, this group of mercenaries, for whom Faraday had placed a three million bounty, were recognized by the bodyguards at the gate before they could even get close.

Forget stopping people, they even greeted Mercer with smiles. There was no question of checking their age, and no one even told them to put their guns away.

When Rebecca arrogantly strode in with her iron-clad bodyguard on her back, bodyguards and passersby alike generally made way for her.

The group didn't go to any private rooms. Mercer greeted the smiling manager and simply asked for a large booth. Without a word, the manager led them directly to the largest booth on the first floor of the club.

This booth can seat about twenty people, making it spacious and comfortable for Mercer and his large group.

Whiskey, beer, or vodka—everyone picked out their favorite drink, regardless of price, and laid them out in a row on the table.

The manager even cautiously asked if they needed to find some girls or some exciting Mewtwo—but before Pira could even open his mouth with his eyes shining, Rebecca shoved Iron Grit into his mouth and firmly refused.

The group chatted and laughed as they drank, while Mercer remained true to his old ways, sitting alone in the innermost seat with an iced Coke, legs crossed, listening to their boasting, occasionally joining in with a laugh.

After playing for a while, with dice and cards scattered all over the table, it was finally time to meet the Voodoo Gang.

The Voodoo Gang leader, Slippery, led seven or eight equally armed Voodoo Gang thugs into the club with an equally imposing presence. They immediately spotted Mercer and his group sitting in the largest private room, having a great time.

His lips twitched slightly as he thought to himself that these people really didn't give him any respect, but he just smiled nonchalantly and walked over.

Before the people arrive, the sound comes first.

"I didn't keep you waiting long, did I, A?"

Sliding walked over with a smile, but didn't sit down. Mercer was there to discuss cooperation, not to show off. He gave Rebecca, who was sitting next to him and was half-hanging on him, a wink.

She then pursed her lips, sat up straight, and tilted her head towards Pila: "Brother, go sit over there and make room for the Voodoo Gang leader."

Pila stood up, glanced at the group of smiling slickers, then looked at the thugs behind him who were now looking like thugs, and without saying anything, simply moved over to make room for Mercer next to him.

Rebecca showed no intention of stepping down, and the slider didn't seem to care—in this kind of situation, it wasn't wrong for a big shot to be chatting with a girl.

He smoothly took his seat on the sofa to the left.

The other Voodoo gang members only had one muscular-looking man sitting in the booth; the rest stood around the area, looking menacing—well, these thugs didn't look like good people just by standing there.

"What would you like to drink? It's on me." Mercer was wearing a mask, so Slide couldn't see his expression, but his tone sounded relaxed. "I don't really like drinking. We're both hackers, you know." Slide said with a smile, then leaned back in his chair, not in a hurry to talk about business, but instead trying to get closer to Mercer's people.

He didn't give off the impression of a dignified gang leader, which was rare. He was also very polite when speaking to V and Rebecca, which made everyone else have a good impression of him.

The other members of the Voodoo Gang had probably been warned by the slider before they arrived, so although they didn't participate much in the conversation, they mostly stayed quietly to the side.

This also shows that although he appeared somewhat weak in front of Mercer and others, Slide was highly respected by his own people.

The burly man next to Slipper was a typical street thug, drinking and swearing in a boisterous manner. Slipper didn't drink, so he drank Slipper's share as well, and the atmosphere quickly became harmonious.

Only when the slider felt the atmosphere was right did it turn to Mercer, who hadn't said much, with a smile, and tentatively ask, "I heard you also have a technical director position at the Ghost Hounds?"

“It’s just a nominal position, but you’re quite well-informed,” Mercer said.

"Haha, Dogtown is only so big, and news travels so fast. You're really something. You took care of the military science and biotechnology transport team one minute, and then sold Arasaka's stuff back to the military science team the next, and then became Hansen's director."

To be honest, when I first heard this, I thought I'd made a mistake. I initially thought you guys were a professional hacker group.

The slider looked quite moved, but his words revealed that he had indeed investigated Mercer very thoroughly.

The reason he knew that Mercer had sold the exoskeleton to the Military Science Department was because the Military Science Department had held a press conference a few days ago, in which they used the exoskeleton to condemn Arasaka for using heavy firepower in Night City.

The two sides argued fiercely as a result. The military also wanted to take this opportunity to transport its heavy equipment to Night City. The war of words between the two sides has not stopped yet, but it is estimated that in the end, the military can only gain some benefits in the war of public opinion.

Neither Arasaka nor Night City would allow the Military Science Institute to bring heavy firepower into Night City; this would only lead to another escalation of military tensions between the two sides.

Military Science was well aware of this, so they were simply trying to extract some benefits from Arasaka and Night City.

Mercer responded politely to Slide's praise: "Your skills are not bad either. You were able to seize the opportunity in Dogtown and, in just two years, build a gang that can rival the Voodoo Gang in Pacific State."

I've heard your businesses span the internet, from selling software to modifying prosthetic bodies. You've got your hands on almost every lucrative business in Dogtown; that's quite impressive.

Slide chuckled: "Comparable to you, brother. We've only been here a short time, and you've already put immense pressure on Dogtown's online business and software industry!"

Our brothers are afraid to go online casually now, lest you accidentally kill them online. You're really something else. I heard you even burned down half of the voodoo gang's server in Taiping Prefecture. Now that's what you call powerful.

The way the two of them were praising each other was so fake, but surprisingly, none of the street kids around them thought anything was wrong.

It was like two businessmen sitting in a group of thugs. Mercer and Slide chatted idly, but in the end, Slide couldn't hold back and interrupted the conversation by saying he wanted to drink water, and then got straight to the point.

"Actually, the voodoo gang in Taiping State contacted us."

As soon as the slider said that, V and the others, who had been chatting and laughing, suddenly stopped talking and turned to look at him.

The voodoo gang member next to the slider was stunned for a moment before quickly showing a serious expression—damn, how come these people are so professional?

Mercer draped an arm over Rebecca's shoulder and said with a chuckle, "Oh? What's going on?"

"What else could it be? They just want to team up with us to take you out first. They even said they're willing to give us the bounty."

They also said they were willing to share the market for rapid cracking with us, and to share the Taiping state network with us on a time-slot basis.

After finishing his sentence, the slider paused, then immediately laughed and said, "But how could I not know what they're thinking? These idiots want to use me as a rag!"

He leaned back in his chair and said meaningfully, "At the time, I was thinking, if these idiots can plan to take you down with me, then why can't I join forces with you to take down the Voodoo Gang in Taiping Prefecture?"

Slide spread his hands, looking helpless: "Look at the situation now, there's a Voodoo Gang in Taiping Prefecture and another in Dog Town. How can there be two gangs with the same name operating together in this world?"

"After much thought, I still have to tell you, brother. You see, you guys are outnumbered, but you're highly skilled and strong. As for us, while we might be a little less skilled than you, well..."

He chuckled and patted the burly man next to him: "Don't be fooled by the fact that we only have a few good young men with the berserk system installed. Our real strength lies in the advanced security robots we bought at great expense."

"If a real fight breaks out, although I wouldn't dare say that I can handle the military science and biotechnology departments as easily as you guys, to be honest, we can take care of twenty or thirty ordinary street thugs by sending out a few security robots."

Slide spoke confidently, then paused and said, "Moreover, in the past two years, we've not only figured out how to make money in Dogtown's smuggling business, but we've also accumulated a lot of connections and sales channels in Night City."

The only thing we're lacking now, to be honest, is a base of operations in Night City. If we could also take over Taiping Prefecture, buddy, I'm telling you, just from smuggling goods, we could earn at least this much a month!

Slide held up three fingers and said, "Three million euros! Just from smuggling those prosthetic bodies and taking a cut from the black market, we can make that much!"

Not to mention, we can inherit the Voodoo Gang's business. If we join forces, we'll monopolize the entire Night City chip and software market!

The slider pretended to be excited and said, "You still have a relationship with Hansen. You're still the equipment design director. We can continue to maintain a good relationship by supplying Hansen with goods."

"With all this going on, making four or five million euros a month is a piece of cake, isn't it?"

"Then we'll take out the animal gang. If we can take over the whole of Taiping, even the NCPD will have to look after us. We can even turn Taiping into an even bigger dog town!"

While the slider depicted the future, it didn't forget to give Mercer a slice of the pie in the sky: "I guarantee that all our future deals will be split at least 50/50. You guys will be responsible for providing high-end combat power and crushing those trash in terms of technology."

We'll provide manpower to manage your streets. You know, Taiping Prefecture is full of xenophobic Haitians, but if I were to step in, I guarantee those Haitians would all obey! They might even risk their lives for us!
If you guys can pull off some big, valuable deal, the brothers can get rich together! Once we take over the Voodoo Gang, we can easily raise a hundred or so thugs—we'll be the Ghost Hounds!

The slider lowered his voice, adopting a mysterious air, and said, "I know you and Mr. Hans are on good terms, and so am I. When the time comes, we'll have money and connections, and we can get another batch of awesome stuff from Mr. Hans."
Even the Ghost Hound might not be a match for us!
"Then Dogtown will be yours, and I'll look after you in Taiping State. If we can take over Hansen's smuggling business..."

Slide swallowed hard: "Ten million euros a month? Twenty million? I have no idea how much money Hansen can make in a month!"

It has to be said that Slider is really good at negotiating business. At this moment, even Rebecca, who was next to Mercer, no longer showed any impatience. Instead, she listened to his description of the future with her eyes shining.

Mercer pondered for a moment before calmly saying, "Believe me, if we join forces and take down the Voodoo Gang outside, then Hansen will have to support the Animal Gang to deal with you."

Slide was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and said, "That's why I need your help, brother. You're practically a member of the Ghost Hounds now. To be honest, there are only a handful of Ghost Hounds who are truly loyal to Colonel Hansen."

As for the rest, as long as they're paid enough, who knows who they'll consider their boss if something unexpected happens to them?

His seductive words only elicited a cold laugh from Mercer: "That's a good idea. Then you take care of Hansen and become the boss of Dogtown, while I go to Pacific State and live a carefree life as a gang leader, how about that?"

The slider blinked, then its excitement vanished abruptly, replaced by calm. It smiled and asked, "So, what do you want to do?"

"It's simple. The Voodoo Gang needs to be dealt with. I really hate these idiots who have nothing better to do than dig up the Black Wall. I'm also very interested in their Poseidon server."

Mercer paused for a moment, then said, "Partnering with you in business is no problem, but the profit sharing will be divided according to the different industries. For example, in the market of rapid cracking, you will be responsible for the distribution, and we will be responsible for the program. The profits will be split 30/70."

"Thirty percent is ours?" Slide looked at Mercer with an incredulous expression—you're just going to give us thirty percent?

Mercer calmly replied, "Tell me, if I were to periodically update your cracking program with ICE or an anti-intrusion program, would you still be able to continue your business?"

Mercer looked at the slider and said without any hesitation, "While I'm shutting down the public internet in Taiping State, I'll also update their programs for free 24/7. For every quick crack you update, I'll update ICE and anti-intrusion quick crack in return."

Slide's face darkened.

Mercer simply smiled and said, "I haven't done it because I don't have time right now, because I'm not that short of money. But if I wanted to, no one could compete with us for this business."

He looked at the slider, his tone still calm: "Those prosthetic bodies you smuggle are basically just cheap, genuine products from the black market with dubious origins, hacked and optimized, and then resold. I feel the technical content is just so-so."

As for the rest—selling medicine, scams, and the like—I have no intention of getting involved, nor am I interested in getting involved. I despise people who make money through such means.

Sliding Strip's expression brightened: "You mean this part of the market?"

"I'm not the mayor of Night City, so I can't interfere with you for the time being."

Mercer's words reassured the slider.

"Then let's try cooperating? As long as you don't touch these industries, I'm willing to give you the lion's share of the profits from quickly cracking these technologies."

The slider cautiously probed, "So, what are you planning to do?"

Mercer pondered for a while, thought it over, and then laughed: "Don't rush. Do you think you can take over Taiping Prefecture just by defeating the Voodoo Gang? We need to plan this carefully."

"However, we can start cooperating in other areas sooner rather than later, such as the market for rapid program cracking and your prosthetic body smuggling business."

As Mercer said this, Slide felt a little annoyed, but there was nothing he could do. Now that he was at a disadvantage, he had to admit defeat.

Mercer now holds a technological advantage, maintains good relationships with Hanz and Hansen, and is quite capable. If it really comes down to a fight, Mercer isn't confident.

As for colluding with the Voodoo Cult outside to take action against Mercer?

He never considered this option from the beginning. He came to Dogtown because he knew how stupid those people were. How could he possibly go back to the same place?
So even though Mercer is now openly robbing people, he can only agree: "No problem, let's start by cooperating on these aspects."

But I suspect the voodoo gangs outside have limited patience. We need to catch them off guard before they find other reinforcements.

"Don't worry, they're just grasshoppers in autumn. I'll make my move after I've taken care of the key figures. Otherwise, taking down the Voodoo Gang in Taiping Prefecture will only be a waste of their efforts."

You also need to contact the peripheral members and leaders of the voodoo gang outside, and try to take over the situation quickly and painlessly after we take down their core members. Do you understand what I mean?

Mercer's words made Slide nod knowingly, and he grinned: "Don't worry about that, I've never lost contact with my old friends outside."

"Then it'll be a pleasure to cooperate?" Mercer smiled and extended his hand.

Sliding reached out and shook his hand firmly: "Then it's settled. You handle some key figures, and I'll handle the Voodoo Gang and the local Haitians. You provide the technology, and I'll provide the manpower. Let's get Taiping Prefecture sorted out as soon as possible."

Mercer nodded, let go of his hand, then chuckled as he put the Coke straw in his mouth, downed it in one gulp, and said, "You guys keep playing, I have to go upstairs."

"Come upstairs?" Sliding bar paused, then seemed to realize something, his expression turning somewhat strange: "You mean, Mr. Hans contacted you to meet?"

"Yeah, while we were chatting, he sent me a message complaining that I didn't tell him I was coming to his turf beforehand, and that he even paid for all the drinks today."
So, brothers from the Voodoo Gang, don't be shy, drink as much as you like. Mr. Hans will be paying tonight.

After Mercer stood up, V gave him an inquiring look, while Mercer simply nodded and waved his hand to indicate that it was okay before getting up and walking toward the club's elevator.

By the way, I sent a message to Hans.

[A: We're done talking. I'll go up now.]

[Hanz: No problem, the tea is just warm. I've already spoken to the bodyguard; you can just go upstairs.]

Mercer walked to the elevator, pressed the button, and at the same time, seemed to be deep in thought.

It seems that ever since he took the position of Director of Equipment Development from Hansen, the people in Dogtown have been observing him for a while and finally couldn't wait to talk to him about something interesting.

The slider's target is the Voodoo Gang outside.

Hansen's objectives have not yet been fully revealed.

And what about Hanz?

What thoughts and feelings did he have when he dealt with Mercer?
(End of this chapter)