Chương 75: Machine Man 73 The Green Figure

In the opulent penthouse atop the towering Arasaka Tower, Alex Saburo Arasaka reclined in a plush chair, the rich aroma of expensive wine swirling around him. The panoramic windows offered a breathtaking view of the glittering city below, looking down at New York, city below he feels that he doesn't have enough control and power over the things that are coming, he still need to prepare some more.

Across from him, a digital red hue silhouette took form—a young girl in a Victorian-style red dress, her features ethereal and lifelike, despite her artificial form. This was Skynet, the advanced AI system that served as Alex's most trusted confidante and a beloved daughter.

"Skynet," Alex began, his voice echoing softly in the spacious penthouse, "what is the status of Arcadia and its capital, Night City?"

Skynet's digital avatar shimmered with data streams as it processed the inquiry. "The citizens of Arcadia are thriving in the virtual world of the Matrix," she replied, her voice melodic yet tinged with the cool precision of artificial intelligence. "They lead lives of normalcy, and promising talents have emerged—warriors, scientists, and even a scientific and military council ready to serve their Emperor at any time."

Alex nodded, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. "And what of the construction progress of Arcadia?" he inquired, his gaze fixed on Skynet's shimmering form.

"The construction and security of Arcadia and its many cities like Night City proceed as planned," Skynet reported. "Squiddy drones and T-800 units are diligently working to build and protect the country, ensuring that no human can detect its presence. Stealth systems have been deployed throughout the country, concealing it from prying eyes."

Alex leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Excellent," he murmured, his mind already turning to the possibilities that lay ahead.

"As for the completion progress," Skynet continued, "we estimate that it will take a few more months to finish the entire country. Once complete, Night City will be ready for its citizens to move in."

Alex nodded in satisfaction, his vision for Arcadia rapidly taking shape before his eyes. With Skynet's guidance and help from multiple AI's and their tireless efforts with his advanced technologies, he was on the verge of creating a utopia unlike any the world had ever seen—a realm where he reigned supreme as its undisputed ruler.

As Alex, sat in contemplation, his mind wondered to the Militech Robots he was selling, "Sky," Alex began, his voice measured and composed, "what is the current status of the Militech Robots Mark 3?"

Skynet processed the inquiry, her digital algorithms swiftly analyzing the data at her disposal. "The Mark 3 models are still the same, they're currently being utilized by the wealthy and elite," she replied, her voice resonating with cool efficiency. "Their high cost has made it hard for normal citizens to purchased them."

Alex nodded thoughtfully, considering the implications of Skynet's report. "And what of the release of the Mark 4?" he inquired, his gaze fixed on the holographic displays before him.

Skynet paused. "They are ready to be released at your command," her digital form flickering slightly as she asked a question. "Should we consider lowering the price of the Mark 3 to accommodate the release of the Mark 4?"

Alex shook his head decisively. "No, for now, we will keep the price the same," he replied, his voice firm. "Lowering the cost would disrupt the economy and could tarnish our image, just make sure the price of the Mark 4 is above its predecessor."

As they spoke, the room was bathed in the soft glow of holographic projections, displaying maps and data feeds from around the world. Skynet's digital consciousness sifted through the information, her algorithms analyzing the global landscape with unparalleled precision.

"Skynet," Alex said, his voice tinged with a sense of determination, "tell me about the major powers and countries purchasing our Militech Robots Mark 3."

Skynet's response was swift and concise. "Numerous countries and major powers have acquired our robots for use as personal armies, China, UEA, Russia, the United Kingdom, United States and some more other countries." she reported, her tone betraying a hint of disdain. "They believe they have full control over the machines, due to their servers and IT infrastructure, but their unaware that you can take back control at any time." She continued, "Some countries are using the robots to wage war at each other's", she said with some amusement from her tone.

Alex's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Let them fight," he remarked, his voice cold and calculating. "The more robots that are destroyed, the more they will order. It's a cycle we can exploit to our advantage."

Skynet's digital form flickered momentarily, a digital approximation of confusion. "Dad, are we the baddies?" she quipped, a reference to a popular meme from the digital archives.

Alex chuckled softly, a sound that echoed through the quiet confines of the penthouse. "The easiest people to deceive are those who believe they know things well, but in reality, they don't," he mused, his gaze fixed on the holographic displays before him. "They will continue to buy our robots, using them for their own petty conflicts and wars. And with each purchase, they only further solidify our dominance."

Alex continued, his voice resonating with authority, "As for the common masses, we must ensure that my image is perceived as that of a visionary, a pioneer of the future." It got him thinking that with the companies he had built over time, Arasaka Industries and Militech he will be able to lead humanity into a new age. And bit by bit, he will release innovative technologies that will make them dependent to the technology he made, making sure that they can't live without it.

Skynet nodded, her digital algorithms whirring as she calculated the best course of action. "Understood, Father," she replied, her voice echoing softly in the quiet confines of the penthouse. "I will take the necessary steps to manipulate information and shape public perception to align with your vision."

As they spoke, the holographic displays flickered to life, showcasing images of Arasaka Industries' groundbreaking technology and Militech's formidable arsenal. Skynet's algorithms began to sift through the vast network of social media and digital communications, subtly influencing the narrative to cast Alex in a favorable light.

"Furthermore," Alex continued, his eyes gleaming with determination, "we must ensure that any negative connotations surrounding our operations are swiftly suppressed. My PR and legal teams must work tirelessly to control the flow of information and manipulate public opinion in our favor."

Skynet nodded in agreement, her digital form shimmering with purpose. "Consider it done, Father," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of digital assurance. "With our total control over social media and the digital world, we have the power to shape the narrative and control the masses."

As the conversation drew to a close, Alex and Skynet stood together in the quietude of the penthouse, their minds focused on the task at hand. With their combined efforts, they would ensure that he, Alex Saburo Arasaka's image remained untarnished, his legacy as a visionary secured for generations to come.

With that though in mind, Alex then strode purposefully towards the elevator nestled in one corner of the room. As he enters, he placed his palm on the digital number pad, the surface illuminating with a soft blue glow as it scanned his handprint.

The elevator hummed to life, its doors sliding closed descending. As the floors ticked by on the digital display, Alex's mind buzzed with anticipation for the night ahead. With the elevator coming to a stop and a soft ding, Alex's steps into his secret base hidden deep beneath the Tower.

As he approached the array of weapons and gadgets that lined the walls, Alex's gaze fell upon two sleek pistols, their futuristic design gleaming in the dim light. Skippy 1 and 2, his trusty smart pistols, awaited his command, their digital image shape like a cartoon bullet smiled with anticipation.

"Hiyah, Chooms!" greeted one of the pistols in a chipper tone, its voice emanating from the weapon's integrated AI. "Are we going on another night out?"

The other pistol chimed in with a maniacal laughter. "Can't wait to shoot some criminals! Hehehe."

Alex smiled faintly at their enthusiasm. "Sure, let's go," he replied, his voice steady and determined. "It's the best way to release stress."

With practiced ease, Alex holstered the pistols at his sides, feeling the weight of their presence as he did so. And then, with a subtle shift of energy, his form began to change, transforming into the formidable Arkham Armored Suit.

The cobalt-blue helmet of the suit gleamed ominously in the dim light, its angular design exuding an air of menace. As his eyes began to glow with a faint blue hue, Alex felt a surge of power coursing through his veins.

Making his way towards the garage, Alex was greeted by the sight of the Terminator Robot Ghost, standing at attention with unwavering loyalty. The imposing figure of the robot served as a constant reminder of Alex's prowess and dominance in the underworld.

With a nod of acknowledgment to his loyal guardian of the secret base, Alex stepped into the sleek, black Arkham mobile. The vehicle's design was a marvel of engineering, sleek and streamlined yet bristling with hidden weaponry.

As Alex revved the engine, the Batmobile emitted a low growl, its tires screeching as it performed a burnout before rocketing into one of the concealed tunnels beneath the city streets. With the roar of the engine echoing through the underground chamber, Alex knew that tonight would be another night of justice and retribution. And with the Arkham Armored Suit and the Arkham Batmobile at his disposal, no criminal would escape his wrath.

A few hours later…

In one of the darkest parts of Hell's Kitchen, under the cover of night, a group of mobsters found themselves bound and helpless, surrounded by hulking silhouettes with massive backpacks on their backs.

Two figures stood atop a nearby rooftop, their identities concealed by blue and red eye masks. The blue-masked figure, slightly shorter but no less imposing, spoke with a sense of urgency.

"Let's just get these guys to the streets so the police can find them," he suggested, his voice suggest he might be the leader of the group; with his commanding tone.

The taller figure, adorned in a red eye mask, remained silent for a moment before abruptly kicking the tied-up crooks, sending them hurtling off the building's edge.

As the mobsters tumbled down towards the unforgiving pavement below, they were saved by a stroke of luck as they crashed into a nearby tent, ultimately landing in a trash bin, somewhat battered but miraculously unharmed.

The blue-eyed-masked figure's anger flared at the reckless action of his counterpart. "Are you crazy? You could have killed them!" he admonished, his voice tinged with frustration.

The red-masked figure seemed unfazed by the outburst, responding in a nonchalant manner. "They're fine," he simply stated, his tone betraying no hint of remorse.

The blue-masked figure's frustration only grew as he pressed further. "Did you even know there was a dumpster there?" he demanded, his voice rising with concern.

The red-masked figure paused for a moment, as if considering the question before casually admitting, "I might have."

With a sniff, he confirmed his suspicion, "Yeah," he affirmed, a hint of amusement in his tone as he acknowledged his own foresight.

As the group stepped fully into the light, their distinctive appearances became fully visible, it was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Donatello, the somewhat skinnier one with a purple eye mask, interjected into the conversation between the blue and red-masked figures.

"If it helps, the dumpster being or not being there really gives no guarantee they'd survive," he offered, his voice tinged with practicality.

The blue and red-masked figures, known as Leonardo and Raphael, responded in unison, their frustration evident. "Doesn't help!" they chorused, their exasperation clear.

Suddenly, Michelangelo, the funky-looking one with an orange eye-masked, let out a gleeful scream, drawing the attention of his brothers.

"What is it? It'd better be..." Leonardo trailed off, his voice filled with anticipation.

As they rushed towards Michelangelo, their eyes widened in amazement at the sight before them: the Specter Mobile, a tank-like vehicle modeled after the Arkham Knight Batmobile.

Leonardo's voice was filled with awe as he spoke, "Good," his words tinged with a hint of excitement.

Donatello chimed in, his voice filled with admiration, "It's beautiful."

Raphael whistled appreciatively, his curiosity piqued. "What do you think something like that costs?" he wondered aloud.

Michelangelo, ever the jokester, quipped, "My soul probably. Since I'd pay that."

As they marveled at the sight before them, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder who the owner of the car is.