The car slowly parked in the garage.
From the outside, El Captain's office looked like an ordinary car modification shop, but the interior was quite impressive, giving off the vibe of a 4S dealership.
Luxurious leather sofas, real flowers, real grass, fresh air—
There was even a fish tank with 100% real fish swimming inside. This scene was quite novel for street kids like V and Jackie—
The only animals they'd seen, apart from humans, were rats and cockroaches; other animals were only seen in braindance.
The two wandered around, taking in the surroundings.
Leo and El Captain sat opposite each other, with a bottle of top-quality tequila on the table, looking like a limited edition from the god of alcohol.
Overall, the environment was great—so good it felt more like a high-end restaurant in the city center rather than a car modification shop.
Leo was also a bit surprised. He took a sip of the tequila and said, "All this fancy stuff?"
El Captain smiled proudly: "Well, if the setting doesn't look good, how can people believe I'm a capable fixer?
The place where you do business has to be as good as the cars. Speaking of cars, I have a few good ones on hand. If you've got more money than you know what to do with..."
At this, V suddenly leaned over and asked, "Do you have a GTS Outlaw?"
"Uh, not at the moment, but if you want to place an order, I can figure something out."
Leo quickly interrupted, "No, we don't need it, at least not right now. Let's talk about Thorton first."
V clicked her tongue lightly, sat down next to Leo, and boldly gulped down the tequila from the table. After finishing it, she seemed to enjoy the taste and even drank Leo's glass as well.
"It's like this," El Captain said, placing a chip on the table. "Thorton has offered two plans. One is to sponsor a new car for free."
Leo inserted the chip and reviewed the details.
The new car was simple: a Colby Hellhound, the exclusive armored vehicle of the Hellhound unit. It's a genuine warzone vehicle with an armored body, bulletproof windows, and a chassis capable of withstanding a 10-kilogram TNT explosion. It boasted 300 horsepower.
It came equipped with the same electronic weapons system as the Hellhound, and the trunk could hold an entire armory.
It was great, but the drawbacks were also clear. This was a standard-issue armored vehicle, lacking personality, and there was always the chance that hackers might find security loopholes.
"The second option is to continue modifying the car. They've got some experimental war vehicle technology and want to use Mackinaw's design to quietly test it out."
The second plan was wilder, using more advanced, experimental technology.
From the outside, the car would still look like Mackinaw, but the chassis would use special alloy steel, as strong as the Korby Hellhound, and it would have a transforming structure.
This structure, combined with a special shock-absorbing and tire system, could automatically adapt to terrain and allow omnidirectional movement.
The new power system wouldn't just provide 400 horsepower; the circuitry would support various automatic weapon systems and holographic crystal ball technology. Since it's a modular upgrade, it would be up to Leo to decide how to arm the vehicle.
In addition, it would come with a custom armored exterior and an electronic intrusion defense system.
In short, after the modifications, the car would only look like a Mackinaw from the outside, but internally it would be a Batmobile—
In fact, when in combat mode, the truck bed could even close up, turning it into a full-fledged tank.
But to be honest...
"With this level of modification, why still call it a Mackinaw?"
Leo's expression was odd.
"You know how it is with the stock market. Mackinaw launched a concept stock because they're afraid the buzz you've created will disappear one day, causing the stock price to plummet and affecting their operations.
By launching the concept stock, they can rake in some cash from gullible investors while also promoting their unsold Mackinaw models to clear out their inventory.
Mackinaw cars are tough to sell. Clearing just one brings in profits; clearing two is a jackpot."
Tough to sell, indeed.
With the money it costs to buy a Mackinaw, only a fool would drive this oversized truck in the city—it's big, slow, and guzzles gas.
It performs well in the badlands, but nomads generally don't have the money for something like this.
The second plan was bizarre, but in theory, it was just as practical as the Hellhound armored vehicle. The only issue was that it was a one-off modification.
Since it wasn't factory-made, there's no guarantee that problems wouldn't arise during actual use, and there'd be no after-sales support.
However, Leo was confident he could handle it, and maybe even make a few tweaks along the way.
Leo removed the chip. "I'll go with the second plan. When can we start the modifications?"
"We can start tomorrow and finish the day after. Thorton's in a bit of a hurry."
"What's the rush?"
"They're worried you'll be driving another company's car next time you stir things up in public."
That sounded odd.
After finalizing the sponsorship, Leo thought for a moment and said, "Can you get sex doll chips? The higher-end, the better."
El Captain paused, stunned: "For a brothel? What am I supposed to do with that? You can't... you're not planning to... with the car, are you?
Unless..."
"No, just don't ask what I need it for. Explain the situation."
"Well, since you're asking for sex doll chips, you probably know what they're capable of.
As for where to get high-end sex doll chips, it's obviously from high-end brothels.
Most of the high-end brothel business is controlled by the Tyger Claws. The Mox gang should have some too.
These two gangs don't interact much, though the Tyger Claws do have some conflict with the 6th Street gang. Other than that, there's not much overlap.
Boss, I'm not too familiar with this stuff. You see how poor things are in Santo Domingo—no one's really in the mood for that kind of thing."
"Alright, I'll figure something out. I'll leave the car with you for now. Do you have any other vehicles?"
"Of course!"
Another Mackinaw rolled out of the garage and parked at the street corner.
The three looked out through the glass and saw an almost identical Mackinaw slowly turning towards El Captain.
El Captain grinned, rubbing his hands together: "One more thing I didn't mention—Thorton's Mackinaw distributor is actually me."
"You've got some connections, huh? Alright, if there's nothing else, we'll be on our way."
"Hey, Boss, actually, there's one more thing. The 6th Street gang has been a bit restless lately. Word is their leader, Morton, has been colluding with a corporation.
There's this guy called Cannon, sneaking around gathering people. He was there when you guys broke into Arroyo.
I think this guy's trying to take over. He's been at it for nearly two years, and it's about the time to betray his boss."
"What's this got to do with us? We're not gangsters. Are you asking us to take care of him?"
"Cannon is ambitious in his power grab, but he's a fool when it comes to running things. Their leader gave him a territory to collect protection money, and that just so happens to overlap with our business.
I've seen him hanging around the factory market and Rama's armory these past few days."
Leo rubbed his chin. "Do you have his home address? I'll pay him a visit."
"It's hard to find his home, but he's been hassling a meat vendor lately. He goes there every few days to stir up trouble.
Boss, here's 10,000 eddies for travel expenses. Have fun."
[Transfer completed.]
As soon as the money hit Leo's account, he passed it straight to V.
Debt successfully decreased to 1.65 million.
Will "Gunner" was the second-in-command of the 6th Street Gang. In Night City, a year can turn your life upside down, but spending two years in a gang? Well, that's about time to switch careers.
Gunner was already well-versed in the workings of the gang. He wasn't earning too much but not too little either, which naturally led to other thoughts—like taking out the boss.
Gunner had been thinking about this a lot.
To be honest, he didn't know too much about his boss Morton's side hustle with Biotechnica, but he was there the day burger King stormed into Arroyo. They crashed in and strutted right out—Morton had really messed up there. The underlings were all watching.
Finally, after two years in the gang, this was the year Morton assigned him a large territory!
According to 6th Street Gang rules, the gang would nominally support him and send a bunch of new recruits. Gunner would then "collect taxes" and give a portion back to the gang.
But even before leaving Arroyo, Gunner had already placed a mole next to his boss.
Once he had the money, with a bit of cunning, the position of leader of the 6th Street Gang would be his!
But there was one issue: the gun dealers and car modders weren't listening to him. He needed to start by targeting someone easier.
Gunner's lips curled into a smirk. "I laugh at Morton's incompetence."
"Boss, we're here."
The car stopped by the street. Gunner looked up—it was a small, private "meat shop."
The owner was Tina Alonque, a biotech graduate. Somehow, she got her hands on some equipment and started a synthetic protein business—selling on the black market.
This was a highly lucrative business. After all, the demand for meat, even synthetic meat, was huge, and her protein tasted just like real meat, packed with protein. It was a stable, high-volume business. How could he not protect that?
As the car idled by the street, Gunner began messaging Tina.
Will "Gunner": Tina, it's time to pay the protection fee.
Tina Alonque: I don't understand what you're talking about. Stop messaging me.
Will "Gunner": Oh, you understand. You know exactly what I mean.
Will "Gunner": Listen, I respect your skills and your ability to make money. You've got talent.
Will "Gunner": But now it's time for you to respect me.
Will "Gunner": I know about your black-market protein business. Half the restaurants in Santo Domingo are serving your meat, whether it's cheap cuts or luxury dining.
Will "Gunner": Frankly, if I didn't admire your entrepreneurial spirit, I'd say you were just stealing from your own farm.
Will "Gunner": I need 95%.
Tina Alonque: I work for Ricky.
Gunner rolled his eyes at this message and looked at the woman in the backseat—one of his own gang members, bound and at gunpoint.
This was Ricky, the previous protector of Tina's operation.
"That woman sure is loyal, but unfortunately for you, her loyalty is going to cost you."
With that, Gunner cocked his gun and shoved the barrel into Ricky's mouth, shooting through his spine.
Bang!
The others grimaced as they wiped off the blood and other fluids splattered on them.
After wiping down his gun, Gunner continued texting.
Will "Gunner": Listen, sweetheart, here's the thing: Ricky's gone. Out with the old, in with the new.
Tina Alonque: I'll give you 15%, same as I gave Ricky.
"Damn it!" Gunner slammed the steering wheel so hard the car shook. "Stupid bitch doesn't know what's good for her!"
He motioned to his men, and one of them pulled out a shotgun from under the seat and chambered a round.
Will "Gunner": Tina, I admire your business sense, but greed isn't good.
Tina Alonque: Fine, half a percent then.
Gunner exited the car and slammed the door.
Will "Gunner": No, it's not about the money anymore. Tina Alonque: Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you.
Will "Gunner": :(
TN:LOL what
C-chak!
The shotgun was loaded, and Gunner and his men headed towards the warehouse across the street.
Tina peeked out from behind a half-closed door and immediately pulled back inside.
Bang!
The bullet nearly took her head off.
"I'm screwed—" Tina's blood ran cold as she collapsed to the floor in a panic.
She scrambled to the control panel and slammed the button. The warehouse door began to slowly descend.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Bullets pelted the door, creating deep dents. Soon, holes began appearing, letting rays of sunlight pierce through the dim room. Tina crouched against the wall, terrified and helpless.
"Blow this damn door open!" Gunner yelled.
She could hear them placing explosives on the other side of the door.
Tina fumbled for the back door, but her hands were shaking uncontrollably, making it impossible to open it.
Boom!
Suddenly, V's voice came from the comm: "So why do you need a sex doll chip? Feeling better now and thinking about having some fun?"
V was squinting mischievously at Leo, who was busy testing the new car's electronic defense system.
"It's for work. The pharmaceutical industry needs discretion. You don't want some major corporation or crime syndicate getting wind of this project, do you?"
V shrugged, "Oh, I see. So today we're warning this Gunner guy?"
"Yep, and maybe collecting some cash too—wait, is that C4?"
They saw some of Gunner's lackeys sticking explosives onto Tina's warehouse.
The device began flashing faster and faster—then stopped.
It didn't explode.
One thug angrily shoved another forward to check it out. The guy hesitated, then slowly approached the C4...
Boom!
Blood and flesh flew everywhere.
"Haha! Did you see that?" V doubled over in laughter. "The idiot blew himself up!"
"Tina has to stay alive, and Gunner... it'd be better if he lived too. Stop laughing!" Leo scolded, drawing his pistol.
The three of them pulled out their sidearms—nothing fancy, just enough to deal with low-level gang members.
Leo, on the other hand, knew his aim was terrible.
Good thing auto-targeting is a thing.
"Damn it! How does this even happen?" Gunner cursed, looking at his dead man, before ordering his crew: "Get in there and kill that bitch!"
Vroom—
A loud engine revved from the street. Gunner and his men turned around to see a Mackinaw barreling towards them like a beast.
They raised their guns in a panic, but the car began to drift!
Wait—Mackinaws can drift??
Bang bang bang!
Leo and V fired from the passenger seat, hitting several gang members.
Gunner knew things were going south. His kerenzikov was already starting as he dashed inside the warehouse for cover.
Bang!
The Mackinaw spun around, mowing down gang members like bowling pins. Those standing were flung aside, and those who were shot were crushed under its wheels.
"Damn it..." Gunner peeked out to see the carnage, but—
Bang!
A hand burst through the warehouse door and grabbed his head.
Bang!
Jackie's massive hand smashed Gunner's skull against the door, and his vision went dark.
Meanwhile, a surviving gang member dragged himself into the driver's seat of a nearby car, eyes fixed on the pedal.
If he could just reach it—
Bang!
V shot him dead, and his body slumped out of the car.
The fight was over in no time. Tina was still fumbling with the door handle while the 6th Street thugs lay dead all around.
Leo pulled out his phone and dialed the 6th Street Gang boss, Morton.
"Sergeant? Long time no see. I've got a business deal to discuss."
(End of Chapter)
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