"If it really happens, then we'll talk again."
After Mercer finished speaking, V nodded, but Qiwei hesitated: "Me? I'm not sure about my skill level..."
She was one of the few in the team who hadn't yet experienced a proper battle; even Kyoko had fought the Chaotic Blade Association a few times.
"I choose you because you're calm and experienced. You're not going for frontline combat or assessing combat terrain, but to provide a cool head while gathering intelligence in Sillan Town."
After Mercer explained, Qiwei understood her task.
"Got it. When anything happens, I need to give them a hand. Best to check the biotechnology situation unnoticed, without getting caught."
She summarized her task.
"Right, you all find an excuse to investigate quietly, make contact yourself. Qiwei, at critical moments, be wary of V and Pan'an's tempers. Pan'an is a good girl but has a personality similar to V's..."
Meanwhile, Mercer transmitted several quick-crack packages to her: "Store the quick-crack in your Network Access Vault. If there's an accident, use my cracking program, there's nothing wrong with being a script hacker.
These quick-cracks have almost no rival except against military-grade ICE enemies. The only limit to your hacking speed is your brainpower."
You can also study these programs to hone your skills.
Although these programs have a lot of room for optimization, the framework is complete in theory. I prefer improvisation, so I haven't enriched them further, but you can give it a try."
Qiwei nodded vigorously, accepting the mission—she owed Mercer a lot. If she kept hiding behind, when would she ever repay him?
V pursed his lips, glanced at Rebecca, who was smiling at him, and looked away unhappily.
What does bad temper mean... Both V and Rebecca thought their personalities were quite good.
Mercer just continued: "On the other side, Lucy, Rebecca, Pira, you all need to conduct market research.
The goal is to investigate the program chips sold in Kabuki District, and Sorcery Puppet Chips sold in other areas.
I want to know how large the chip market is in Night City, the market share, which gangs act as protectors, where the programs are sourced from. If it's too complex to figure out, leave it for now; I have ways to find out."
This intelligence could be obtained by paying intermediaries, but those markets might already involve intermediaries, so be careful when going out. If you're targeted, don't hesitate to leave immediately.
Pira, you must know these black market deals well, so this time, you must exert yourself.
But Rebecca, don't let things get to your head again. I'm entrusting Lucy to you. You must bring her back in one piece, with no one hurt.
If there's a risk of gunfire, immediately request support."
Rebecca laughed confidently: "Relax! It's within our business scope! That jerk of a brother just loves mixing with those black market traders; getting some info won't be a problem!"
Pira finally showed a confident expression too: "That's right, buddy's been tagging along with these traders since ten years old. I know their ways inside out."
"I'll sort out the technological level of these programs." Lucy also showed a firm expression.
This was the first time Mercer let her do something alone; she absolutely couldn't mess it up!
Mercer nodded, pointed at the drone the size of a briefcase: "Both sides need to take this with you, one for each.
Have the squad hacker brush a certification program. Use it for aerial reconnaissance, fire support, and suppression if necessary."
Bring an extra magazine; the drone's machine gun carries only fifty rounds. An external magazine can expand it to one hundred fifty rounds when necessary.
There's also a grenade launcher underneath the drone; just slide in a hand grenade card, and it can be detonated remotely."
If things get dangerous, use the drone to charge in for a self-destruct. These things aren't as expensive as you think."
"You can also call me for support. I can deep dive and access the drone; just remember to enable the drone's public signal connection so I can access through public networks."
Mercer confirmed there was nothing to add to the first step of the plan, then said: "That's all for now."
I'll send the important details and the intelligence I know to your encrypted communication software. Remember, everyone read it thoroughly before acting."
For now... You can all gather your things and go enjoy some food and drinks. Did you bring the food you were asked to?"
"Yes, but left in the car... We discussed it, each brought a case of beer and some snacks. Tonight, we're not leaving till we're drunk!"
Rebecca said excitedly as she reached out to Mercer but then thought better of it and put her hand down:
"But Mercer, you better skip it. You just had major surgery; I heard drinking too much can increase nerve stress and pain."
"Alright, don't worry about me. Go and have fun."
Mercer waved them off, sending them out to enjoy Christmas.