Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 110 Wild Wolf Bar (Second Update)
"You've come at the perfect time! My mom's keeping a close eye on me today, so I can only drink a couple more bottles if you come!" Jack chuckled, revealing a set of white teeth.

He was tall and muscular, with bronze skin, his hair tied in a Japanese samurai bun, and wearing a flashy Hawaiian shirt. He exuded a rugged yet sincere aura.

Valerie took the beer, skillfully opened it with a bottle opener, and took a big gulp.

The cool liquid slid down my throat, dispelling some of the dullness I felt from the office.

Seeing Jack's relieved expression, she couldn't help but smile: "Is Mrs. Wells still so strict?"

“That’s right!” Jack sighed dramatically. “They watch me like I’m a thief every day, afraid that I’ll go back to my old ways, hanging out with gangs and causing trouble.”

Now look what's happened! Even as a legitimate mercenary, she still doesn't trust me; she even rations my beer! Good heavens, how old am I?!

“She’s doing this for your own good,” Valerie stated calmly. “When you were with Valentino, you caused her a lot of worry.”

“I know, I know.” Jack waved his hand, his expression becoming more serious. “So now I’ve turned over a new leaf! I’m honestly taking jobs, saving money, and dreaming of one day making a name for myself, becoming a big shot in Night City, and giving her a good life.”

His eyes sparkled with anticipation for the future.

“Speaking of things…” Valerie put down her bottle and leaned forward slightly, “Have you heard anything about Mann’s team lately?”

Jack raised an eyebrow, giving him a "I knew it" look: "What? The company still can't forget about those guys? Wasn't the mess you made last time big enough?"

“This time is different,” Valerie explained. “It’s not about causing trouble. Jenkins wants to establish contact and see if there’s any possibility of cooperation, like in military technology. After all… a direct confrontation would be too costly.”

Her voice trailed off as she recalled the details circulating in the department about the two destroyed outposts and Abernathy's fate.

Jack nodded thoughtfully and lowered his voice: "It's all over the place. They're saying that Mann and his gang are incredibly powerful now. They've somehow gotten their hands on some amazing guys and powerful backers. They even dared to go head-to-head with the company and made them suffer. Now, in the eyes of the mercenaries on the street, they're practically this."

He quietly gave a thumbs up.

“However,” he changed the subject, his tone tinged with self-deprecation, “they’re really big shots now, their whereabouts are quite mysterious. I heard they’re not based in the city anymore, they seem to have a base over in the Badlands.”

Even when they go to the city, they go to places like the "Next Generation" where big shots gather to discuss business. Someone like me, a street kid who hasn't made it big yet, can't even get close enough to build connections.

"The last time I was able to get in touch with you, it was thanks to the priest's help. I owe the boss a favor."

Valerie listened silently, her fingers unconsciously tracing the label on the beer bottle.

Jack's words confirmed her suspicions: after their conflict with the company, Mann's team not only did not disappear, but their status rose, and they became more cautious and difficult to approach.

“Father…” Valerie said thoughtfully, “It seems I have to visit him again.”

"Do you need me to come with you?" Jack asked enthusiastically. "The priest looks serious, but he's actually quite kind to the young people in Haywood."

“No need,” Valerie shook her head. “This is a company-level meeting, and it’s more appropriate for me to handle it myself. Thank you, Jack.”

“Why are you being so polite with me!” Jack patted his chest heartily. “But Valerie, to be honest, you have to be extra careful when dealing with these people who are really dancing on the edge of a knife. The ways of the company don’t necessarily work on the streets.”

Just then, a gentle but concerned voice broke in: "Jack, are you lecturing others behind their backs again?"

The two looked up and saw Mrs. Wells walking over with a plate of freshly fried tortilla chips.

She was a Mexican woman with a kind face but sharp eyes, wearing an apron around her waist, clearly busy in the kitchen. She placed the tortilla chips on the table, affectionately patted Jack's hair, and then looked at Valerie.

“Valerie, it’s been a while. How’s work going?” Mrs. Wells asked, her gaze carrying the scrutiny of an elder.

"It's alright, Mrs. Wells. Just some routine matters," Valerie replied politely, her usual sharp, corporate air toned down considerably when she was with Mrs. Wells.

Mrs. Wells sighed and sat down next to Valerie: "Child, you have to be careful when you work in a company. Those big shots may look glamorous, but they're shrewd and calculating."

You might work your ass off for them, but they might not consider you one of their own. The day they decide you're no longer useful or become a problem, they'll throw you out without hesitation.

She hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. "In short, you need to protect yourself and don't trust the company's talk of 'loyalty' too much."

Valerie felt a mix of emotions as she listened to this familiar yet earnest advice.

She was well aware of the company's ruthlessness. From the moment she decided to step into Arasaka Tower, she knew it was a path full of thorns.

But the allure of power, the desire to climb the social ladder, and the urge to prove her worth led her down this path, and she is unwilling to turn back easily.

“I understand, Mrs. Wells. I will be careful.” Valerie nodded, her tone sincere, but the determination in her eyes remained unchanged.

Mrs. Wells glanced at her, then at her son, and said nothing more, only patting Valerie on the shoulder: "You two chat, I'm going to get back to work. Jack, drink less!"

"Okay, Mom!" Jack replied quickly, and only after watching his mother leave did he breathe a sigh of relief and make a face at Valerie.

The two continued drinking and chatting, their conversation shifting from work to reminiscing about the past, recounting the funny incidents they got into together in the Heywood district when they were kids. The bar was filled with a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Jack grabbed two more beers and shared with Valerie the few small tasks he'd recently taken on, boasting about how cleverly he'd solved the problems.

Valerie also temporarily put aside the troubles at work and enjoyed this rare moment of leisure.

However, her thoughts would occasionally drift away.

Mann's team, the mysterious behind-the-scenes "boss," the deal in military technology... these fragmented pieces of information swirled in her mind.

She knew she would soon be back at work, carrying out Jenkins' orders and trying to build a stronger connection with Mann's team.

This is not easy, but it is also an opportunity.

If she can successfully open this channel for the company, her position in the counterintelligence department will be more secure.

After finishing her last sip of beer, she said to Jack, "I'm going now to find the priest and get things done as soon as possible."

Jack shrugged, downed the rest of his drink in one gulp, and stood up. "Alright, let's go. But it's a deal, you can't go to the priest empty-handed this time. You'll have to bring something."

“I know the rules.” Valerie stood up, straightened her jacket, and her eyes regained their sharpness and focus.

　I'll post two updates today to tide me over, and the rest later. I've found that I only get into the zone after 10 PM, so it might be a little late to finish. Brothers who can't stay up late don't need to wait.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)