You begin to call the Militech agent Meredith Stout. Thinking to yourself as your phone rings that it'd be better to just rip the corpo band-aid off. Especially if you want to be sure Royce doesn't want to fuck you. Metaphorically speaking.

Stout: Stout here. Start by telling me how you got this number.

She orders.

(Y/n): Quite the charmer...Know more than your number. Heard you misplaced a convoy.

You explain as you heard sounds of struggling in the background of the call.

Stout: You! Shut him up! Spill what you know. Don't make me wait.

She says in a demanding tone once again.

(Y/n): Nuh-uh, not on the horn. Let's meet, cut a deal.

You counter not to anting to bend the knee to this corpo bitch that easily.

Stout: A deal... Fine. Storm channel under the highway - meet you there.

She hangs up prompting you to call your car and drive to the marked destination. As you drive, Johnny appears in the passenger seat.

Johnny: If I were you, I'd stay on your toes during this meet.

(Y/n): Got some words of wisdom or are you just here to say fuck corporate cunts like this woman we're going to see?

Wisdom. Millitech has been around longer than I have. They're cold, calculate, even if you look at them the wrong way you'll be flatlined in a heartbeat.

You give a toothy grin and lean back in your seat.

(Y/n): Well...I'll be sure to put on my good manners then.

When you arrive, you see one heavily armoured millitech vehicle with two black cars surrounding it. You see Meredith herself exit the huge armored car.

(Y/n): Hmm...

Johnny: Double hmm...why only the one armour and the two unmarked normal cars...?

(Y/n): Feels like I'm a pig walking into a meat grinder.

You kill the engine and exit your ride. You approach Meredith and see all eyes on you.

Stout: Meredith Stout. Take it you were the one to call....

She puts her hand out for a handshake which prompts you to return the gesture.

(Y/n): Yep, Got an offer for ya-

You don't get the time to finish talking before getting knocked out onto the floor.

Stout: Thought you could blackmail me, fucker?! Set conditions?! Got any more for me?!

She yells as one of her bodyguards picks you up and holds some iron to your head.

(Y/n): Calm the fuck down! I just wanna talk!

One of the guards connects a wire to you. His eyes glow as he focuses on you.

???: Christ, Meredith...

You hear another voice followed by laboured breathing. You see a man who looks as if he had been beat within an inch of his life.

Stout: Shut your trap! That fucking thing ready?

She says as she looks at the guard who had the gun at your temple and a wire in your neck.

Militech Guard: All set.

Stout then faces you and with a stern expression, approaches you closely.

Stout: Now answer my questions. Honestly. Forthrightly. Are you here alone?

She asks. You nod in response.

(Y/n): Yep. Just little ol' me.

The guard turns his face slightly to face Stout but keeps his eyes trained on you.

Militech Guard: It's the truth.

Meridith takes a drag of her cigarette and looks around with uncertainty. Almost as if she was overly cautious.

Stout: Do a sweep. Now.

She says as a drone flies out of an armored car and begins to scan the area.

Stout: Now listen close. This piece of shit, Antony GilChrist is he your contact? Is he the one who leaked intel on the convoy?

She asks as she gestures to the beat up man.

(Y/n): That guy? Never seen him before.

The guard nods at Stout.

Militech Guard: Checks out.

Before she could ask another question, you speak up.

(Y/n): Listen, I know where the transport is. I can help you. Just want a favor in return.

You say trying to negotiate your way out of this situation.

Stout: Hmm...

Gilchrist: I told you! I fucking told you! I'm not the mole! Jesus Christ!

Stout puts her hand up to silence him before gesturing for her other guards to throw Gilchrist into the armoured car.

Stout: Shut him up.

The guards complies and takes Gilchrist to the car.

Gilchrist: Unhand me now before I-- ungh!

They shove him in the car. Stout then taps the guard that has you pinned to the car on the shoulder.

Stout: Him you can let go - wanna hear what he has to say.

The guard takes the wire out of your neck but keeps his iron trained on you.

(Y/n): Couldn'ta been chill from the start?

You question. Meredith gives you an unamused look.

Stout: Shut the fuck up. Tell me what you want.

She demands.

(Y/n): Okay, I need a bot - Flathead model. Guys who ripped you off have it. Promise me that bot, I'll point the finger.

You explained.

Stout: You have a plan how to deal with 'em?

She questions as she then takes another drag of her cig.

V: Could just take it by force. But they're expecting payment, so I could go that route, too.

Stout begins to hum to herself as she comes to the armoured truck and opens the passenger door.

Stout: Hmm... Fine, the latter. But on one condition - you pay with our money.

She says as she holds a shard in your face.

(Y/n): (Intelliegence 10) I take it we gotta keep our heads down once the bug does its work?

Meredith smirks.

Stout: Is that gonna be a problem?

You dismiss the worry and take the shard.

(Y/n): Nah, as long as the drones are programmed to leave me and my choom alone while we clear out.

You pocket the shard and go to turn away, Meredith however grabs your arm very firmly.

Stout: You pay with that chip, and that's all you gotta worry about. Try to fuck me in any way, and I'll be seeing you real soon.

She threatens. You nod and pull your arm away as you then hear yelling from the back of the armoured car.

Gilchrist: You're making a mistake! This cunt's already good as dead! And she'll take you down with her!

He warns as Meredith gets into the car and takes off. As soon as they're out of sight, you return to your car and head to the industrial area. You see Jackie hanging outside the chop shop on his bike. He sees you pull up and waves as you wave back and exit the car.

Jackie: Ah, there you are. Lemme hear what you squared away.

You lean against the bike with one arm.

(Y/n): Been waitin' long?

Jackie: Mi madre always said patience pays off, so...

He says. You then tap your ear.

(Y/n): T-Bug show any sign of life? You two talk?

Jackie smiles and nods as he jumps off his bike.

Jackie: She's up-to-date and fired up to work with Dex. Preparin' already. They're familiar, y'know. Worked together before Dex took his break.

You take this info in. Couldn't have just been the two of them. Then again, Deshawn is who he is for a reason...

(Y/n): So, quick rundown. Dex already paid the Maelstromers for the corpo bot. Thing is, can't be sure the gangoons are still willin' to hand it over.

Jackie: He paid up front? Hijole...Well, whatever. Let's go get this tech.

Jackie and yourself start heading towards the chop shop.

Jackie: You scheme yet? You got a plan?

You check your arms. Mainly the monowire implanted into them just to see if they're good to go. After that you pull out your iron.

(Y/n): Doubt shit can go smoothly. This is Maelstrom.

You warn as you unclip the magazine to check it then place it back into the pistol and cock the chamber.

Jackie: Gonk world ain't too complicated, Might's right, the strong survive. Either you fuck others, or you get fucked. So, into the borgbeasts' den?

You holster the pistol and nod towards the chop shop.

(Y/n): Yeah. Let's go see these bastards.

You both approach the entrance and look at the intercom.

Jackie: All right, let's knock on their door. See if they even open up...

You hit the call option on the intercom and wait.

Jackie: I hate these 'borg fuckers. Just had to be them...

(Y/n): Just a gang like any other, right?

Jackie shook his head at your inquiry.

Jackie: Take the Valentinos. They follow God and the Santa Madre. Honor means something to 'em. You know what they want, how they get it, and what pisses 'em the fuck off. With Maelstrom, you just never know.

The intercom lights up, drawing the attention of both Jackie and yourself.

???: Hm, don't know you.

You roll your eyes and lean against the wall that the intercom was attached to.

(Y/n): Just open the fuckin' door.

???: Yeah? You make a fuckin' appointment? 'Cause I don't see nothin' in my book.

You lean in closer to the intercom.

(Y/n): Wanna talk to Royce. Dex sent us.

The intercom goes quiet. It only takes a few seconds before it lights up.

???: Main room. We been waiting.

The door opens as both Jackie and yourself enter the den.

Jackie: Cozy place. Could use a few plants, though.

He jokes as you both traverse through the building. You come to a staircase where three mines attached to the wall deactivate.

Jackie: Oh yeah. They look damn well prepared.

(Y/n): Don't think I've ever seen security like this in a chow factory.

You say as you pass the mines.

Jackie: Ehh, gear from the Jacked convoy, gotta be... Must've been all over it like maggots on dead meat.

You scan the mines before going through the door.

(Y/n): Anti-personnel mine, directional Shrapnel spitter. My favorite...

You both enter into a large hangar. A powerful spotlight turns on almost blinding you both. You walk through the shop as you see some eyes on you while others tended to their own biz.

Jackie: Stay cool... They're just tryin' to spook us.

You and Jackie take the freight elevator up.

Jackie: All right, keep chilled, V. Remember, we're on their turf.

You nod and put your hand up for a fist bump. He looks at you and smirks before fist bumping you. Suddenly the elevator door opens revealing one of the maelstrom members.

???: So whaddaya want?

You instantly recognise his voice as it was the same one from the intercom.

(Y/n): Here to see Royce. We got biz to transact.

???: Royce is busy just now. You'll deal with me.

You and Jackie share a stare, uncertain if you should talk biz with this gonk. Nonetheless, hopefully you don't have to deal with Royce and can just get the bot.

(Y/n): You got a bot - model MT0D12, called the Flathead.

???: And? The hell you care?

Okay now gonk is getting on your nerves. You can even see all ten of Jackie's fingers twitch.

(Y/n): Guy I represent already paid Brick for it. I'm just here for the pick-up. I can talk direct to Royce, if necessary.

???: Nah, you'll talk to me. Name's Dum Dum.

He then points at the couches in the middle of the room with his iron.

Dum Dum: Now couch, plant it.

Both you and Jackie get off the elevator and head to the couch. You sit down while Jackie stands in between the two couch arms.

Dum Dum: Ahh, well, shit. Goes for you too.

Jackie crosses his arms.

Jackie: I'll stand.

Dum Dum gets visibly annoyed at Jackie's rebel attitude and stands up quickly and faces Jackie.

Dum Dum: This so fuckin' hard? Fuckin' ass on the fuckin' couch!

Jackie uncrosses his arms and squares up to Dum Dum.

Jackie: Make me.

Dum Dum: Thought you'd never ask. Sit your ass down 'fore I plant a bullet in your skull.

You look at Jackie as if he was crazy. Was he seriously going to blow this whole thing?

(Y/n): Jesus, Jack. What gives?

Jackie: Primerito, I don't like this guy's tone. Segundo, sitting on your ass makes you an easy target.

Dum Dum: Sit your ass down 'fore I plant a bullet in your skull!

Seeing Dum Dum's increasing annoyance, you tap Jackie on the shoulder.

(Y/n): Jack, sit down.

Jackie looks at you then back at Dum Dum. He relaxes a little and then curses under his breath as he finally sits down.

Jackie: This ain't gonna end well but... shit...

Dum Dum: Well, all right. Come on, gotta lighten up.

He pulls out an inhaler and takes a hit. He then holds it out to you.

Dum Dum: Take a hit.

(Y/n): Whatcha blowin'?

Dum Dum: S-keef. Pure as baby powder.

He says as he blows smoke.

(Y/n): Black Lace? Tough to get your hands on. Gotta have a good source.

Jackie looks at you.

Jackie: What's it do?

You look at Jackie and explain its properties.

(Y/n): Ups 'dorphs and adrenaline to the point you feel no pain. Trip's so intense it verges on psychosis. Corps fed it to their fighting legions during the Corp Wars.

Dum Dum lets out a cackle as he seemed impressed by your knowledge.

Dum Dum: Cyberpsychos pop the tabs like candy. Vaporizing it mellows the burn without killing any of the effect. Come on, give it a whirl!

You take it and inhales the stuff. Dum Dim fist bumps himself with a smile.

Dum Dum: Better?

He takes it back and takes another hit.

Dum Dum: Now we can talk...

He says as another maelstrom member comes next to him holding a giant case. He puts the case on the table next to Dum Dum.

Dum Dum: Here we go. The Flathead, model MT0D12.

(Y/n): Militech's not gonna come lookin' for it?

You question.

Dum Dum: Fuck 'em. They can hop around and try. We removed the serial number and lifted access locks using our soft. Once it's yours, it's yours.

He reassures.

(Y/n): Need to see it.

Dum Dum: Suit yourself.

He opens the case revealing the Flathead. He reaches into the case and pulls out a shard.

Dum Dum: Fuckin' tricked out this thing. Dynamic, thermo-optic camo armor. Full cognitive immersion with a Raven controller.

He slots the shard into his head and controls the Flathead.

Dum Dum: Pimped out, prototype actuators made of titanium-vanadium-Kevlar® composite. 'N' watch this...

Jackie and yourself watch as the Flathead begins crawling around the room, attaching itself to the ceiling and walking along it.

Dum Dum: Fully integrated link, too, so when the spider starts crawlin' up walls, danglin' from ceilings...

(Y/n): Mhm, could lose your lunch.

Dum Dum: So watcha think?

He asks as the Flathead comes back and rests back into the case.

(Y/n): (Technical 6) Huh, Raven's not the dedicated control unit for a Flathead.

Dum Dum: Hah! 'Course not! Militech controllers autolink to Militech systems. I mean you wouldn't want them trackin' their stolen tech back to your hands? Yeah, Raven's our baby. Got improved neural sync and no fuckin' pesky tracing. You ask me, we oughta sell that shit.

(Y/n): We'll take it.

Dum Dum: Preem, sure, yeah. Let's see your cred.

(Y/n): Brick got it. It's all paid up.

At this point Royce enters the room. Dum Duk retreats to the couch Jackie was on as you and Jackie almost jump as you both were too focused on the flathead to even notice Royce standing at the end of the room. He points his gun at you.

Royce: "Brick got it..." Heh. I don't see any fuckin' Brick around here, do you?! I'm talkin' to you!

The rest of the Maelstrom goons surround Jackie and yourself. You look up at Royce.

(Y/n): Fuck Brick, then. Let's cut a new deal.

You say hoping to calm this shitstorm you've waltzed on into.

Royce: Hmm... Hah! Now that's good business sense. All right, you want the Flathead? I better see some eddies.

He then plants the barrel of his pistol deep into your head.

Royce: You fuckin' deaf?!

(Y/n): Relax. Got 'em right here.

You reassure Royce as you show off the Militech shard.

Royce lets out an amused laugh as he looks at his lackeys and shrugs.

Royce: Just like that? Without battin' a fuckin' eye?! Hahah!

You narrow your eyes at him as your free hand slowly reaches for your piece.

(Y/n): Want it or not? I got places to be.

Royce turns his attention to you again as you stop moving your free hand so he doesn't catch you pulling a fast one.

Royce: Hmm... Y'know, ya never did say who sent you, never did say who you're workin' for...

(Y/n): Dexter DeShawn, that's who.

Royce's mouth curls into a smile.

Royce: Dexter DeShawn... The lard ass who punching-animal-fucked half of Pacifica? Mean he ain't dead?

His men start to laugh amused by Royce's remark towards Dexter. Using this opportunity, you give Jackie a nod as he nods back. Royce turns to face you again but freezes as you put your own iron against his chin while Jackie pulls out his dual gold pistols and aims one of them at Dum Dum while holding the other at the back of Royce's head.

Jackie: No, he's alive, well and kicking. An' he sends his regards.

You plant the barrel against his under chin.

(Y/n): So you gonna consider my offer now?

Royce: Mmm...mhm...

He lets out as he breathes heavily.

Johnny appears in the back and leans against the wall.

Johnny: Look at that. Fifty-four years later and gonks like these are still all bark and no bite.

He states clearly amused by the scenario. Also curious on how you were going to play this.

Choices:

Kill Royce and shoot your way out of the chop shop.

Help Militech take down Maelstrom (give Royce the shard)

Quickly hack the shard and help Maelstrom fight Militech.
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Until next time :)