The Man Who Sold The World
The MetaCorp office in Eureka, North California was not an imposing structure, but it was impressive anyway; it was long rather than tall and faced directly onto the ocean. It was a new building, a nomad hub for the west coast and a corporate headquarters at the same time. The entire facade was polarised glass on its long axis, producing a near-mirror effect.
Panam thought it looked like a fancy version of one of the heavy aerial vehicles used to move cargo around the world. The shape was a little like that. The upper floors were larger than the lower ones and overhung.
Yet the car park was more interesting.
As the convoy drove in, the selection of nomad clans to be found there was astonishing. There was at least one vehicle from every family Panam had ever heard of, and a couple from groups she hadn't. They came from as far south as the Yucatan, and as far north as the Yukon.
The open space overlooked the water too, and there were docks, with a selection of Thelas nation boats and corpo yachts.
The Meta didn't seem to mind the clash of style and substance, the worlds of corporate and nomad America mixing with strange... synergy. It was a good sign, Panam thought. The corpo-nomads hadn't forgotten where they had come from any more than the Snake Nation, it seemed.
"Welcome to Eureka," Zacharias proclaimed over the radio, "She's a beaut isn't she?"
"This is where you got your contract, right?" Carol asked in reply.
"Yeah, this office does the dirty business of contracting for the Pacific region," the Jode confirmed, "While decisions happen in the Meta office in Night City or on that floating HQ in the Gulf, negotiations and coordination happen here. The whole town is MetaCorp, it's safer."
Safer for friends of the Meta, anyway.
"Looks like pretty much everyone is here too," Panam remarked, "And to think I told Saul the Meta weren't to be trusted, and he agreed."
One of the few moments of unity in the old days... the days before V.
"You two were the only ones that thought that, obviously," Carol said, amused, "They must be doing something right."
"Ah yeah, no small number of clans owe their survival to the Meta up here," Zacharias said, his voice crackling over the speaker, "Solidarity forever is their watchword. They only hire nomads here."
Carol snorted. "Well, at least we know the Meta marketing department have a sense of humour," she said.
"I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact we're cheap and available," Panam drawled back, all sarcasm.
"Getting all cynical about it isn't gonna help your cause here," Zacharias said, acting offended, "Not that I think there is anything that can help, your idea is nuts."
Panam didn't respond to that. No need for the Jodes to know what cards she was holding. Even they were part of the negotiations, after all.
The convoy was directed to park up in a corner by security bots, waving glowing traffic batons. It was as far from the building as it was possible to get and it was right up against the sea. A pretty sight, but an obvious move by the Meta.
If there was trouble inside, help was far away, and was trapped on one side by the water.
Still, the relief of finally arriving was on everyone's faces, all smiles as they climbed out of car, truck and rig. Militech had not only let them through in the end, but had provided an escort through the ashen remains of Tahoe National Forest until Yuba City. Whatever V had done, it had worked.
Panam reconnected with Carol, and sent people to fetch the leaders of the other clans in the convoy, while onlookers began gawping from the tops of their cars parked elsewhere.
"Looks like we have an audience," Carol observed, "You'd swear they never saw a convoy before."
"Not one with affiliates from five of the seven nations," Panam pointed out, "Riding as one. That hasn't happened since the days of Santiago."
"Think it'll draw media?" her friend asked, "Maybe we should've arrived separately."
Panam shook her head. "There was no avoiding it," she answered, "This isn't exactly a secretive location, and that's the point. We don't know the Meta's cover story, but they'll definitely have one, and we're gonna be forced to play along real quick."
"Heads up, here comes the rest," Carol whispered quickly, nodding in a direction behind Panam's back, "Ass first." What the hell did that mean?
The ass in question was of course Nemo, with Val in tow. Both were now dressed in full business suits with the same Snake motif, though the latter itched at her wrists while the former looked like he was born in it. The other leaders were wandering over too, in their best clothes but certainly not in suits.
"So, here we are," Nemo said, "I think we should keep this just to ourselves, the leaders. No need to make a fuss, and it is not like we could breach that building with the numbers we have here anyway. So let's play nice."
Restraining her wish to break his nose, Panam clicked her tongue, pretending to think the idea over. It did make sense, however shit the man's attitude was.
"No need to scare anyone," she agreed, "But I'm thinking our seconds come too." No need to go along with the prick entirely.
Nemo smiled widely, and spread his hands. "An excellent idea," he said, "Let's proceed inside."
The other leaders were already circled around behind him, so Panam shrugged and stepped away, straight towards the MetaCorp office. There was an open lane the whole way, punctuated by the same security bots that had been directing traffic.
As the leaders of the convoy walked, the onlookers got more curious, moving up to get a closer look.
The Thelas in particular seemed to be most interested, getting right up to the fence that separated the docks from the car park and talking rather loudly about 'the nations uniting' and crap like that. While that sort of talk made Panam's heart beat faster, like they were really doing something big, that was the last thing she wanted anyone connected to Night City to hear.
They were about half way to the front entrance of the building, directly in the middle of it, when Zacharias ran up and elbowed her in the ribs. It hurt a little, and Panam stopped, turning to unleash some choice words on the Jode... But he spoke first.
"It's the gonks from the train," he said, at least having the restraint to not point directly, "The ones I told you about back in Wells." He nodded off to her right.
That sure as shit got her attention.
Panam scanned the direction he was looking in, and sure enough, there was a collection of maybe five trucks and the same again as many nomads.
They were leaning against their vehicles, watching Panam's little council closely. They certainly looked like nomads; jeans, driving jackets and gloves, sunglasses in classic styles. Their vehicles looked corpo; they were the same Chevillon models that the Militech border guards used, and they were definitely up-armoured.
Who the fuck were they? There was one guy who might know.
"Hey Nemo," Panam called over her shoulder, "You know these puppets?"
"Never seen them before," Nemo replied coolly, "A local private security corp, maybe?"
That answer had been too quick, Panam thought... And the Meta had enough bots on the premises to do whatever they wanted. If V had tagged along, maybe they would've kept more organic security around so he couldn't just deckhead his way through the bots, but he hadn't.
"Nemo, you're a terrible fucking liar," she sighed, "But whatever."
Val immediately chuckled, giving Nemo a slap on the shoulder playfully. Clearly she didn't get to see Nemo put in his place very often. The man himself just smiled once more and gave a shrug, like it had been a take it or leave it explanation. But it didn't matter.
If his secret friends wanted to watch, it didn't matter; the Meta were guaranteeing the meeting, and any other nomad clans would be absolutely insane to attack it. Hell, other corps would have trouble; their logistics relied on DT&R, on the Meta.
The procession continued and entered the building, the air conditioning hitting you in the face at once like a wall. A MetaCorp representative was waiting; a young man in a blue suit with a white shirt, but no tie.
"Welcome to MetaCorp Eureka," he said politely, "You have arrived earlier than expected. We ask that you please wait in the lounge bar while we make the necessary preparations."
He gestured to an open double door to the left, through which was a pretty upmarket set of comfortable looking booths on one side, with a countertop and stools on the other. Most of the group walked with a little more haste than was polite straight on through, led by Zacharias. A cool bottle of suds was just what the doctor ordered to most of them.
It sounded great to Panam too, but as she moved to join them with a quick nod of thanks to the rep, he quickly stepped in front of her.
"Miss Palmer, your presence is requested for a private meeting at once," he continued, "If you would please follow me."
What fucking thing now, she thought. "Is that so?" Panam asked, icily, "Very well."
"You sure?" Carol asked, still hanging around.
"Don't think I can avoid it," Panam replied, "Go on and get a drink. I'll be down in a bit."
Her friend shot a warning glare at the Meta rep, who returned a small smile which promised nothing untoward was about to happen. Not that he'd know. Dissatisfied but having received a clear message, Carol left, joining Val on a stool at the bar itself.
The rep took her into one of the two elevators directly to either side of the front desk, and brought her up to the top floor. On exiting, he moved directly left, taking them to the far-north side of the building.
There were bots here too... many of them. They weren't armed with simple pistols either, but with the latest in smart assault rifles from Nokota. The extra ablative armour on their torsos made them seem fat, but there was no doubt about their capability.
Panam began to feel as itchy as Val had been in her business suit, suspecting that something was very off. Why so much security? Worse, there was no way in hell Carol and the others were going to be able to rescue her if the need came up.
Into the lion's den she went, her jaw clenched shut. Or rather, the lioness' den.
The rep opened the door to the last office, which was marked 'Chief Operations Officer'.
Inside was a corner room with a magnificent view of the ocean and north Cali coastline. The only thing marring the image was the tidal generator towers; the docks and the Thelas' boats were nowhere to be seen, tucked carefully away to the side behind a wall that blocked direct line of sight.
Sitting at the desk, ignoring the view, was a woman in her late thirties by look. Her natural blonde hair was tied up in a bun, and she was dressed in a black blouse and skirt, her legs crossed. Pure professionalism seemed to exude from her... Panam didn't like it at all. There was no room for anything that might be considered human life.
The woman read something from a pad for a few seconds, before looking up and noticing the newcomer. Panam's insides twisted when she recognised who it was looking at her... but she was uncertain if it was a good thing or a bad thing.
Victoria Meta, leader of the Meta across the entire NUSA, narrowed her brown eyes and gestured for Panam to come closer.
"Please, do come in Miss Palmer," she said, her voice husky, "It isn't my office, but it is the best in this complex. We have much to discuss."
Panam grit her teeth, remembering who she was, confidently moving forwards.
"Guess we do," she said, striding right up to the desk, "Though I hoped to make my proposal to the entire group." She offered her hand to the CEO of MetaCorp like it was nothing.
Meta's eyes relaxed, and she stood up, taking the hand and giving it a firm shake.
"I believe we can be more candid here, alone," Meta said, "If you're wasting my time, I want to know it without having to sit through a broader meeting. It is expensive to remain here."
Some things began making sense to Panam with those words.
"The clan in grey and black trucks," she said, "They're yours, aren't they?" Some sort of special protection unit, it had to be.
The CEO cocked an eyebrow, not having expected a question about the subject.
"They are," Meta confirmed, "A guarantee against matters turning nasty, not to mention a stipulation of my corporation's insurance agreements. I am not allowed to go anywhere without heavy security."
After all, if something happened to the CEO, MetaCorp's stock would drop in value and the leadership thrown into disarray. At least it wasn't some Arasaka conspiracy.
"Sounds like a drag," Panam said, sitting in the chair directly in front of the desk like she owned the place.
"It can be, but it is necessary," Meta said, remaining standing, "This should tell you how significant I find the meeting of the nations to be."
Panam felt a spike of excitement climb up her. "Significant is exactly the word I would use," she said, "We have an opportunity here to improve all our fortunes."
Meta pursed her lips, and sat down in her chair again at last.
"I think it is more significant in that you have managed to bring together nomads like this for the first time in years," she said, "Perhaps it is an opportunity, but it is also a threat to the Meta. What you do reflects on us."
Panam felt her face warm with a little anger. "Then why did you agree to this?" she asked, "If it is a threat, you could collapse the whole thing by refusing to participate."
"I wanted to get the measure of you," Meta replied, "And your idea. That will take some time, I think, but let's see if you can pass the first test."
The CEO leaned forward on the desk, clasping her hands in front of her.
"Given your history and recent events, there is only one thing I can guess you want from the seven nations," she stated, "Tell me, why should the Meta participate in an attack on Arasaka?"
A little surprised that the Meta knew about the events in Arizona, Panam crossed her arms in front of her. Alt had given her the information to deal with the problem of turning the Meta against Arasaka... time to see if it was worth anything.
"Imabari," Panam said.
The Meta CEO's brow rose slowly, and she sat back into her chair just as slowly.
"Now that is an interesting answer," she said, deliberately, "Care to elaborate?"
Panam waited for a moment, enjoying the position she had taken up, before she gave a single nod.
"Imabari Heavy Industries," she continued, "Largest aerodyne yards in the world. They built 65% of your heavy cargo AVs, especially the larger ones."
The CEO's lips thinned. "What about them?" she asked.
Her playing coy to see how much the Aldecaldos knew was just fine by Panam.
"Imabari is right in Arasaka's backyard," she said, "Yorinobu could take over the transport industry inside ten years if they buy out the corp. And he's got every motivation in the world to control global logistics."
Panam stretched out a little, getting more comfortable. "Where does that put the Meta?" she growled happily, "Right up shit creek without a paddle or a prayer."
Meta sighed, and clapped her hands three times. "Bravo, Miss Palmer," she said, "Our own reports say exactly the same thing. Which is where I presume you got this information."
Panam had no idea where the information came from. For all she knew, Alt had hacked it out of an Arasaka counterintel database or had impersonated a Militech officer on a call to get it.
"We have our sources, but I'm not gonna reveal them here," she said, dodging the matter, "What matters is that Arasaka is very likely going to screw you."
"True, but we do have contingency plans," Meta replied, "And our policy is not to get on the wrong side of the law."
What ridiculous bullshit.
"Oh please, you're a corp," Panam laughed, "And you're one of us. What nomads and corporations have in common is they both do what's necessary to survive. Nothing less. You'll get over having to break the law if it means protecting your bottom line."
Meta cocked her head, conceding the point. Clearly it had been a lure to get Panam to show her own cards regarding their commitment, but it was one she was happy to provide.
"Even so, what makes you think you're the best option for us to do something about the situation?" she asked, "Arasaka has many enemies. You're not even close to being the most dangerous."
Easy answer there.
"We're not the best option," Panam admitted at once, "But we're the option that will have the least blowback on you, and the one that'll be ready to go soon. Anyone else who could do damage would cause a war. You'd be Militech's puppet inside a month of that."
Meta turned her gaze to the ocean outside for a full minute, tongue moving in her mouth as she thought. Panam watched, forcing her foot to stop moving up and down on top of her knee with conscious effort. She got the feeling the CEO was trying to unnerve her, still testing her.
"We shall hear your proposal," Meta said at last, "I don't think we will be able to accept, but you are correct in your assessment of Arasaka's intent, and our options. You have proven skills, your attack on the Tower made that clear. I will give you a chance to make your case."
Panam half jumped up from her seat, a smile splitting her face. "You won't regret this," she said, offering her hand again.
"Don't get excited just yet," Meta replied, nonetheless taking the hand, "We won't sign on without the other five nations. We cannot afford a breach in trust."
Even the smallest delegation could sell out the other nations to Arasaka, so there needed to be total agreement. It was a reasonable request.
"Yeah, that's what I would say in your position too," Panam agreed, "What now? Straight to the negotiation table?"
Meta stood up herself and rounded the table, gesturing for Panam to follow.
"We can leave the others to enjoy their drink for now," she said, going for the door, "We need to establish a cover story for why you're meeting with me. That will not stay secret for much longer, if it even still remains so. Luckily, you brought a man who can help provide one."
Three minutes later, and Panam found herself in front of a MetaCorp backdrop alongside Meta and Zacharias, a hovering camera staring at them as the CEO prepared.
Zacharias swayed back and forth slightly, the smell of whiskey enough to tranquillise a person if they got any closer. Panam gingerly side-stepped away from him, glad that he at least appeared attentive despite his inability to stand up without rocking.
Victoria Meta began her statement.
"In line with our Reconnecting America strategy, we are proud to announce the expansion of the road and rail security project. In addition to the Jodes interdiction group already operating in Nevada, negotiations to create new groups contracted from the Aldecaldos, Snake Nation and others will begin today."
"With this new influx of manpower, we hope to reopen the cargo railroads connecting the Pacific Coast to the Great Lakes and suppress the criminal element that terrorises the lands between our great cities."
"I would like to personally thank Panam Palmer of the Aldecaldos for bringing forward this proposal, and Zacharias Lynch of the Jodes for assisting in getting her to Eureka unharmed in the face of a brutal Raffen Shiv attack."
"Together, we will bring a new era of prosperity for DTR, MetaCorp and America."
