[TN:Late Chap]
At the Redcoat Psychiatric Hospital, the same place where that unlicensed doctor used to operate.
David's gang lay side by side on the beds, watching the news and exchanging glances.
Besides David, another person was lying in the adjacent room: Diego Ramirez, the veteran who nearly perished in a showdown with the Savage that night.
The veteran's mind was still somewhat dull, a typical state of recovery from cyber psychosis, much like Cedric before.
Beside him sat a little girl of about 10 years old. She sat quietly, not making a sound. But if you looked closely, you'd realize she had no idea what to do.
"WNS News brings you this report."
"Last night's terrorist attack on H8 Megabuilding was undoubtedly a severe blow to Night City's law and order."
"Several officers stated that the terrorists were horrifying cyber psychos. Before leaving, they stuffed the victims' bodies into a box, with blood seeping out."
"One NCPD officer remarked: 'I had heard their name, Burgers BigShots, but it wasn't until I saw this scene that I understood its meaning.'"
"'Yes, they really do put people in... burgers. I guess that box was some kind of human meat processing device. Ugh... sorry, I need to...'"
At this point, Leo turned off the TV, his face darkening, and looked at David.
Leo had been learning about the events at the Ho-Oh Nightclub that night.
"Go on."
"Uh, okay. The Savage gave up resistance. Later, a fixer found his girlfriend's body in the Ho-Oh. It had been in the fire for some time.
Mr. Ramirez was lured here by Jotaro, who deceived him, promising to release his daughter if he took care of the trouble.
But…"
David hesitated, unable to continue. Regina took over, "But Ramirez's daughter had been dead for a long time, a 17-year-old girl. Jotaro had displayed her as a façade, her organs removed.
Both of these men were deceived by Jotaro. He promised to spare their loved ones, but he never intended to.
Perhaps the Savage subconsciously realized the truth but chose to immerse himself in the present, accepting modifications and becoming Jotaro's enforcer.
Ramirez believed Jotaro only responded to strength, but he didn't realize his daughter had long been dead—or maybe he refused to believe it.
In any case, both men, one choosing submission, the other resistance, broke down simultaneously, turning their blades on each other.
In a way, they were similar, wanting almost the same things. Without these events, they might have become friends—
But that's just how Night City is."
After she finished, the room fell into a brief silence.
Regina sighed and continued, "Jotaro's tragedies don't end there.
The little girl in the room was the 'cargo' from the van that night. Thankfully, she was rescued.
I investigated her background. Her father was a scumbag, frequenting the Ho-Oh Nightclub for gambling, drugs, and prostitution. Unemployed, living off his elderly mother.
He kept his 70-year-old mother locked in a makeshift tin shack in the slums, denying her food unless she paid—more accurately, unless she paid for injected food.
The old woman was entirely dependent on feeding implants.
When he finally ran out of money, he sold his daughter to Jotaro.
When we took the girl home, her grandmother had just died of starvation."
Leo looked toward the other room, where Ramirez stared blankly at the little girl, gently stroking her messy hair.
The girl didn't react, sitting quietly, just as she had in the van that night.
"At least... it's over now."
Regina exhaled deeply, as if trying to expel all the emotions trapped in her chest.
But these events are just a small part of Night City.
True family warmth is rare; it's far more common for people to fall into corruption, betray each other, and engage in vendettas over money.
After a while, David suddenly raised his head, "I want to install the Sandevistan from the Savage!"
Everyone looked at him in surprise.
Maine voiced his discontent, "Hey, kid, if anyone's getting it, it should be me first."
"No! I'll do it," David interrupted firmly. "Maine, you've already got too many implants. Even if you turn some off, you're near your limit.
The capacity of a body with implants decreases permanently. I've barely had any implants, so I'm the best candidate for the procedure."
During this debate, Leo turned away, walking to the wall with Regina.
Regina was the first to speak, "You guys took down 172 registered Tyger Claw members that night. The total bounty is 85,000 eddies.
As for the job fee, based on your request, the buyer arranged for your extraction, so the price is a bit lower. After fees, your share is 70,000 eddies.
Lastly, there's the bonus for taking out Jotaro—this is something I'm giving you personally. I had a job from the Mox too, and I'm giving you the unused 50,000 eddies."
Transfer: +205,000 eddies
Account balance: 361,704 eddies
Not bad, another three hundred grand in the account.
After settling the finances, Leo asked, "Not bad. What's your next move?"
"Jotaro's mess has opened up a lot of loose ends. I guess I'll be busy taking on contracts from angry victims for a while.
Remember that human trafficker Jaehyun? He's actually a Scavenger, well-connected with Jotaro.
I've tracked down their hideout. Interested?"
"Me? We need to lay low for a bit. Maybe you should think about... them."
Leo gestured towards David's group in the room.
Finally, the argument reached a conclusion.
David managed to convince Maine with solid reasoning and the team's advice—especially Dorio's strong recommendation—landing a figurative heavy blow.
Just as Leo turned slightly, he caught David looking at him with bright eyes.
He redirected his attention back to Regina, "What do you think?"
Regina smiled, "Of course. With the Sandevistan and their experience, they'll be top players on the streets.
By the way, about this hospital... I checked. No gang protection, but lots of collaboration with Scavs. What's your plan?"
Leo pointed out the window.
Boom.
The heavy roar of engines echoed from a distance, clashing with the usual hum of Night City's small cars.
Four Nomad vehicles pulled up by the roadside, and Panam hopped out, waving at Leo with visible excitement.
Several Nomads hauled large guns from their trunks, slinging them over their shoulders as they approached the hospital.
River and Anna were also downstairs, wearing NCPD uniforms, leading the way.
"From now on, this will be an Aldecaldo outpost in the city."
"And the staff?"
"There are plenty of young people in Westbrook looking for work. I've got people recruiting there, and there are many chip holders. I believe many will prefer proper jobs over being sex workers."
Regina nodded in agreement but remarked with a curious expression, "You know, that sounded a bit discriminatory towards sex workers."
"Ah?" Leo scratched his head, "To be honest, I think they should choose jobs that give them more autonomy."
"Just to be clear, I agree with your sentiment, but the Mox might not. Those girls idolize you guys now, so best keep that opinion to yourself, or they'll be disillusioned."
"I'm not in the media business; I don't have an image to maintain."
Regina's expression turned even more peculiar, "I am in the media business."
"Can we drop this? Contact me if anything comes up."
"Speaking of which," Regina added, "a big name wants to talk to you—Jefferson Peralez, a mayoral candidate. He helped with the tower incident."
Leo raised an eyebrow, "Did he say what it's about?"
"It's regarding the northern Watson industrial zone. He'd like a face-to-face meeting. He just asked for your contact through me. What's your take?
My advice is to think it over carefully. Working with politicians isn't simple. If you're unsure, I can mediate."
Leo stroked his chin, pondering. Everyone advised him against diving into politics without a group backing him.
But ignoring politics doesn't stop politics from affecting you.
Leo wasn't one to ignore politics; in fact...
Though his memory was a bit hazy, he felt it was something he excelled at.
"Let's talk first. I'll have a word with my team, then prepare for some implant surgeries."
"Alright."
After a simple farewell, the two parted ways.
Jackie and V were waiting in the corridor outside, both looking somewhat thoughtful.
Eventually, V asked the question lingering in both their minds.
"Leo... is getting implants really that dangerous? What were they arguing about?"
Leo glanced at the varying expressions of David's crew inside, then back at the clear-eyed duo before him, and replied slowly, "With me, there's no danger."
"Mano, I knew you were reliable!" Jackie clapped Leo hard on the back. V, walking beside him, smiled slightly, "You're so full of yourself."
Leo shrugged.
That's just how it is.
[Unstable energy about to erupt.]
[Countdown: 24 hours]