Early the next morning, David woke up early and went through his usual exercise routine.
As he was finishing up, Lucy knocked on his door.
"Come down for breakfast," she said, smiling.
David nodded, tidied himself up quickly, and the two of them headed downstairs to a small Chinese breakfast restaurant.
The aroma of fresh soy milk, youtiao, and steamed buns filled the air as they took a seat.
As they ate, David pulled out his phone and called Jack.
"Come over," he said. "I need to talk to you and Lei about something important."
After all, they had made a big decision with Rogue yesterday about taking on a job related to Militech.
Now, it was time for his team to prepare.
About half an hour later, Jack arrived in a hurry.
He looked even more intimidating than usual, clad in the Emperor 740 Iron Armor that he had just acquired the day before.
"Hey, mano! What's the big deal, calling me this early in the morning?" he asked, grinning.
Then, without hesitation, he waved at a server.
"Oh, and while I'm here, get me a whole Chinese breakfast!"
In no time, his table was filled with youtiao, soy milk, and a steaming bowl of millet porridge.
David chuckled and took a sip of his own soy milk.
"Yesterday, I got Rogue to line up a job for us," he said between bites. "It's for Militech. Don't know the exact payout yet. You in?"
Jack, mid-bite, froze for a moment. Then, his eyes widened.
"Militech?! Brother, that's one hell of a job. That company plays for keeps."
David raised an eyebrow. "You scared?"
Jack burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Scared? Come on, since you're taking it on, captain, you know I'm with you!"
Then, he nudged Lucy with his elbow.
A while back, Lucy had hesitated when David suggested going after the Tiger Claw Gang.
She gave a firm nod, her eyes determined.
After everything they had been through, she and Jack both believed in David's strength.
Since he was willing to take on this mission, they had no reason to doubt him.
"That's what I like to hear," David said, smiling.
Then, he leaned forward.
"This job isn't about going head-to-head with Militech directly. It's about a middleman named Faraday who works for them."
Jack's grin faded slightly. "What's his deal?"
"He's been sniffing around, trying to dig up information on us. We need to send a message—one he won't forget."
David glanced at Jack and Lucy, waiting for their opinions.
Jack shrugged, gulping down his porridge.
"David, you're the captain. You don't need to ask me." He grinned. "I was ready to hit Militech itself. A middleman? That's nothing."
"Just tell us the plan," Lucy said, nodding. "We'll make sure everyone does their part. No reckless moves like last time with the Tiger Claws."
Jack immediately agreed.
"She's right. We're a team. We stick together."
David smiled. "Good. I'll handle the planning. But first, I want to see if we can recruit some extra hands for this."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "What kind of extra hands?"
"Eat first. You'll find out at noon."
"Man, you love keeping secrets."
Lucy gave David a curious glance but didn't press him further.
Even if she didn't know the details, she trusted him.
David wasn't just another merc in Night City scrambling for eddies.
He was playing a long game.
After finishing breakfast, the three of them returned to David's apartment building and took a short rest at their base.
"They're impatient," he muttered.
"Jack, get the door."
Jack groaned as he stood up.
"Who the hell is knocking this early?"
When he pulled the door open, his jaw nearly dropped.
Standing outside was the entire Maine team.
Jack blinked. "Huh? What are you guys doing here?"
David leaned back on the couch.
Jack looked over his shoulder. "Wait... are they the extra hands you were talking about?"
Instead, he simply gestured for them to enter.
Jack, still confused, stepped aside.
Rebecca was the first to step inside, her usual energy on full display as she practically bounced into the room.
Sasha followed close behind, her eyes scanning the place with interest.
"Hey, David!" Rebecca grinned.
"Mr. David, nice to meet you," Sasha added politely.
David nodded in greeting.
Then came Maine, Pilar, and Dorio.
As they stepped inside, their eyes darted around the apartment.
For a supposed "Afterlife bartender," David lived in an unusually nice place.
"Damn... living in a place in Night City? Must cost a fortune."
"Yo, maybe we should've gotten into bartending instead of merc work."
Maine chuckled but kept his expression neutral.
Then, he turned his gaze toward David.
"Alright," he said, crossing his arms. "Why'd you call us here?"
David leaned back on the couch, his fingers steepled.
"Because I have information you want."
Maine raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah? And what's that?"
David's smirk widened.
"The murderer behind the Tiger Claw Gang case."
Maine's easygoing demeanor vanished in an instant.
He yanked off his sunglasses, staring at David in shock.
"You... know who did it?"
David's expression remained calm.
"Are you that surprised?"
Maine clenched his jaw, studying David carefully.
David knew something.
And that meant one thing—
David crossed one leg over the other and locked eyes with Maine.
"I have a proposal for you."
Maine exhaled slowly.
"Alright," he said. "I'm listening."
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