A Meeting with Maine's Crew
Maine and his crew stepped into the room, their usual bravado somewhat dimmed.
Unlike their usual reckless, headstrong selves, they took their seats without a word.
David leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, watching them.
"So," Maine finally spoke, rubbing his hands together with an awkward chuckle. "Uh... Mr. David."
It was the first time David had ever seen Maine—normally tough, imposing, and all business—put on a flattering smile.
"I was just wondering..." Maine hesitated, then leaned forward. "That armor you used back there against Faraday and those Militech mercs—where'd you get it?"
His tone was cautious, but his eyes?
They burned with pure desire.
David knew exactly why.
Maine had witnessed firsthand what his combat armor could do—the raw power, the unmatched durability, the ability to shred through high-grade mercenaries like they were nothing.
For a merc like Maine, a suit of that caliber was the ultimate prize.
It meant never having to worry about cyberpsychosis, no matter how much chrome you stacked.
And in a place like Night City, where even the strongest could get burned in an instant?
A Game-Changing Offer
David stayed silent for a few moments, letting the anticipation build.
Then, in a calm, measured voice, he finally spoke.
"I have access to more armor like that."
Maine's team visibly tensed.
"And since you're my partners now," David continued, his gaze sweeping across the room, "I can let you use it."
Then, Maine's cybernetic hand clenched into a tight fist.
"You serious?" His voice was hushed, almost disbelieving.
David gave a small nod.
"But," he added, his eyes glinting, "I have one condition."
Pilar, who had been quiet until now, suddenly grinned.
"Mr. David, say the word!" He slapped his chest, his tone exaggeratedly loyal.
"One condition? Hell, even if you had a dozen, as long as we can do it—we're in! No questions asked."
He then turned to Maine, giving him a not-so-subtle nudge.
Maine's jaw tightened.
'Damn it, Pilar... You just stole my chance to swear loyalty first,' he grumbled internally.
But still, after a moment, he nodded.
"Whatever the condition is, David, we're listening."
David's expression didn't change.
He already knew he had won.
"It's simple," he said smoothly.
"I don't just want partners anymore. I want allies. From this moment on, you're not just working with me."**
He leaned forward, his voice dropping into something lower, more commanding.
"You're working for me."
David let the words settle in.
He wasn't offering them just equipment.
He was offering them a future.
A real shot at power.
And all they had to do?
The reaction was immediate.
Maine was the first to move.
With a sharp clap, he raised his cybernetic hand to his forehead in a firm salute.
"You got my word, David. From now on, I follow your lead."
Pilar, never one to be left behind, instantly followed.
"Same here! You point, we shoot. East, west, up, down—you say the word, we're there!"
Dorio gave a firm nod, her expression serious.
"If Maine's in, I'm in."
One by one, the members of Maine's crew swore their allegiance.
David studied each of them, reading their expressions.
They weren't just saying it.
Loyalty in Night City was rare.
That could make a man kneel faster than any bullet.
And David had just proven he had all three.
As the moment settled, David felt a nudge at his side.
Jack, looking less than thrilled.
He leaned in, muttering under his breath.
"Choom, are you really sure about this?"
David glanced at him, his expression unreadable.
"You mean the armor?"
"Yeah, man. I mean, you're giving Maine's team some serious firepower. We barely even know if we can fully trust them yet."
His tone was low but urgent.
"What if they turn on us later? Or worse—sell us out?"
David let out a slow breath.
He understood Jack's concern.
But he wasn't worried.
"Don't stress," he said calmly. "They won't."
Jack scoffed. "And you're so sure about that because...?"
David finally turned to him, his eyes sharp.
"Because they know exactly what happens if they do."
Then, after a moment, he gave a crooked grin.
"Damn, choom. You're really playing the big leagues now, huh?"
Maine's crew had pledged their loyalty.
Loyalty meant life or death.
They wouldn't betray him.
Not if they knew what was good for them.
And if they ever did?
David had made it this far by knowing how to deal with problems.
And he sure as hell wasn't stopping now.
How will Maine's team handle their new allegiance?
Will Jack learn to trust them?
What's David's next move?