"Are we turning into bodyguards more and more these days?"
Jack muttered while testing one of the weapons Kurt Hansen had provided.
"I mean, not all our big gigs are protection contracts, but it feels like every job lately ends up with us guarding someone."
"Doesn't matter as long as there's no conflict of interest," Oliver replied, adjusting the newly issued firearm, though it felt unwieldy. "For this job, keeping Kurt Hansen alive is basically the baseline. If we can earn a little extra on the side, why not? A payday's a payday."
"I just hate that we have to wear Phantom Dogs gear and carry their weapons," he added. "We were part of Arasaka's special ops once, remember?"
"That's just how disguises work," V said, unconcerned, much like when he wore Arasaka uniforms.
"We know Militech's people are gunning for Hansen. If they see us near him, they might go into hiding or delay the op. Disguised as Phantom Dogs, we blend in perfectly."
"I doubt the king of Dogtown has that much trouble finding people when he wants to," Maine grumbled, dressed in a Phantom Dogs uniform even larger than Jack's.
"These things are just modified New USA gear. Putting it on reminds me of my days in the army—and not in a good way. Hansen should just sit tight in his fortress and let his men sweep Dogtown. They'd flush those Militech goons out for sure."
"That might not work," Karl said while adjusting his uniform. "If Hansen had that kind of control, Militech wouldn't have been able to hide here for so long. Plus, someone in his ranks might be involved. Someone who wants him dead. No guarantee the info they submit is even accurate."
As Karl tugged at the uniform, he let out a long sigh.
"What is it?" Jack asked. "Uniform too tight?"
"Fits fine. It's brand new, intentionally weathered too. Hansen did a good job with that. I'm just worried we'll look out of place. And this color..."
Karl sighed again.
"All this green... even the helmet. It feels heavy."
"What's wrong with green?" Oliver asked, already wearing his helmet and looking through the visor.
Karl stared at the green dome.
"...Nothing."
He suited up.
"If you're not comfortable, maybe hang back with Pilar and the others," Maine offered. "We've got enough people inside."
"What, and sit outside with the mechs? I'll pass."
Dogtown was crawling with unmanned Phantom Dogs mechs from various companies. Karl couldn't help but prefer Night City.
Sure, Dogtown folks claimed their place had "soul" and called Night City folks posers, but to Karl, Dogtown was a steel jungle—chaos wrapped in hardware.
Still, Dogtown and Night City were both far better than Los Angeles.
The Militech and New USA training bases there had been brutal. Compared to them, Hansen's rule felt downright civilized.
Karl finished putting on his gear.
To lure out the Militech squad and any traitors, Hansen wasn't staying hidden. He planned to patrol Dogtown himself—like a lion surveying his territory.
His entourage? A few Phantom Dogs rookies and the disguised Karl and Maine squads.
Say what you want, but Hansen had guts. Once he suspected betrayal, he ditched his usual guards, bringing only a few new recruits and the mercs in disguise.
It was a bold move—but tough on Karl and the others.
They didn't know Phantom Dogs procedures, so they had to fake it. Still, as seasoned mercs, they could bluff. Oliver was already chatting with one of the newer Dogs about which braindances were trending and if Cloudtop's service was really that good.
"So, what do you think of the car?" Hansen asked Karl from the driver's seat.
"Old Colby model. Got Crystal Ball holo tech and reinforced plating. Not bad."
Karl gave the interior a quick look.
"Can't see in from the outside, perfect clarity from inside. Armor's good too. I tested it earlier with my neurotoxin blade—barely scratched it. This stuff could block standard rifle rounds."
"You tested the armor?" Hansen raised a brow.
That kind of stunt would've earned anyone else a harsh punishment.
But this was KK.
"I guess I need to get used to how you mercs operate," Hansen muttered as he stepped on the gas.
If you hire mercs, you have to suck it up.
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