Act 2: Negotiations
December 20th, 2075, 5:45 A.M Night City
Rain lightly tapped against the body of the limo as it sped down the freeway the Rayfield limo it's sleek design sped across the city as skyscrapers passed.
"Take the next exit." A gruff older voice commanded.
Quickly complying the driver veered to the left driving down a ramp before slowly driving towards the stadium's entrance.
"Well, there it is." The driver said matter-of-factly.
"Are you sure this is a good idea I can think of about 100 things that could go wrong not including Washington finding out. Best case scenario is they tell us to fuck off."
The driver's face grew into a frown "Are you really even sure once you meet him that you can convince him?"
The old man took off his general's cap running a hand through his bald head.
"I'll sell him don't worry Solomon because if this doesn't work, then that's game."
Solomon in return rolled his eyes letting a grunt escape his lips.
"Oh, thank you for easing my mind could at least brought more than just me."
"Being inconspicuous is the aim here can't have any eyes towards us you more than anyone should understand that."
Solomon didn't say anything as they slowly began to roll up towards the checkpoint in front a large concrete wall stood a snarling dog spray-painted in the middle alongside the militec logo. Guard towers lined the top of the wall to the right side of the road stretched a metallic fence and razor wire ran to the wall on top and on the sidewalk stood guards carefully eyeing the approaching limo.
"Christ…Alright here we go…"
The limo slowly approached the gate gradually stopping at the gate as a guard two guards eyed each other before one walked toward the window gesturing for the window to be rolled down.
"You lost or something? The hell you are doing here." The man asked his voice low with an obvious look of suspicion on his face as he inspected Solomon with a glare.
"We're here for a business we-."
"I'm here for Kurt."
The older man said moving his head through the limos partition. The guard knelt down slightly in an attempt to get a better look of the man.
"Kurt?...Hansen! HA fuck outta here old man the boss ain't seeing anybody c'mon go and drive back down the road."
"I have important matters to discuss with him now be a good dog and raise him on your radio."
"The fuck you say choom!?"
The guard snarled out his hands moving towards the rifle that hung at his side. However, before he could do anything Solomon in the blink of an eye whipped out his own pistol pointing it right in the man's face.
"Do I need to put you down? Mutt."
The guard stopped his face contorting into rage as he didn't move. However, around the limo, dozens of guns were raised as guards surrounded the car a hair breath away from firing.
"Ha, you're so fucked y'know that?"
A chill ran down Solomons's neck as he quickly took in the standoff, they found themselves in. The whole situation had taken a turn too quickly for his liking. The limo could handle small caliber rounds although it wasn't a nice thought knowing there were so many trained weapons on him, could he make an escape if things went tit's up not even considering how their cover would be blown.
The sudden hiss of the limo doors opening made Solomon's hairs stand up. Stealing a glance behind himself he saw the general stepping out the protective limo and into the rain.
"S-sir! What are you-" Solomon quietly rasped out however the man waved him off stepping outside and into the rain his decorative uniform quickly becoming soaked as the multitude of metals pinned to his chest seemed to gleam as an assortment of guns snapped onto the generals body.
"Unless you want to gun down a general of the N.U.S.A. I'd highly advise that you boys let us pass."
The general's voice carried across to everyone despite the rain as confused and cautious looks were plastered onto the guards faced with some shifting uncomfortably as they gave the man a more scrutinizing look.
"Oh, sure you are and I'm Adam Smasher, an N.U.S.A. pig out in night city practically alone please!"
"Like my associate said we're here for a business offer with the big dog himself."
"Unfortunately, the boss doesn't take walk in visits so take your senile ass and get the fuck outta here."
"Mmmm sorry no can do son, either we meet with Hansen, or I order the drone that's been circling around this area to release its payload killing you and me and everyone else on 400 yards."
"Y-you're bluffing! t-there is no drone."
The general spread his arms wide a blank and eerie look etched onto his face.
"You realllyy want to take that chance go for it I don't care I'm a dead man if my government finds out anyways makes no difference to me."
Solomons heart thumped in his chest a silence engulfing the area as the downpour continued,my god please buy it… Take the bait.
" ."
The guards stood unmoving s unsure how to proceed. With a huff one of the guards walked to the side his eyes lighting up an unnatural blue as he presumably made a call. Time seemed to drag on as the seconds passed until finally the man came back a small scowl on his face and he quickly looked around his arms crossed. Before staring into the general's eyes with an intense glare. The general returned his glare with one of his own although much more subdued already knowing that his gambit had paid off.
"God dammit… let em through."
The guards slowly lowered their guns suspicion and surprise evident. The General flashed a sloppy salute at the guard as he re-entered the limo with Solomon slowly re-holstering his pistol.
"You heard him. heel."
The guard's teeth grinded as he begrudgingly backed away letting loose a torrent of quiet curses. The gate then raised up as the car made its way into dog town. Closely shadowed by a barghest escort.
Solomon let an exasperated sigh leave his lips as he gripped the steering wheel.
"That was fucking close and a drone? really Jesus I don't know how we got through."
"The lord protects the righteous and we are on the righteous path. Now we feed Hansen the honey."
"And if he says he's not interested?"
"I know Hansen's type see a bit of myself in him maybe that's also why I loathe him so much…but in regard to your question…I'm making an offer he can't refuse."
The limo slowed down just outside the Black Sapphire the imposing structure loomed over. A man at the front entrance stood waiting patiently.
"Follow me Mr. Hansen will see you."
The two trailed behind the man as they weaved through the opulent palace-like area as the elite mingled together. It was clear that there was a party although moving deeper inside the building the chatter and music began to fade. They continued to follow until entering a large bar-like area a few guards stood around however in the center of the room sat Kurt Hanson on a couch, his eyes Immediately shooting towards the two.
"So, they weren't lying it's really you…"
"Long time no-see How are you doing colonel?"
"I could ask the same for you, it's not every day that the colonel of the famed ghost wolfs comes for a visit."
"It's lieutenant general now." The general matter of fact replied pointing to the three stars on his officer's uniform.
Kurt's eyes narrowed slightly. Although the rest of his body was unreadable as he let out a hoarse chuckle.
"Hmmm so you got a little promotion congratulations must be nice being the new Militech joy toy?"
"I despise it."
A tense silence settled onto the two with nether one giving anything away to the other's intentions as the seconds seemed to drag by.
"Why are you here?" "N.U.S.A. finally had enough of me… or you've come to trade in some military secrets."
"Like I've stated I'm here to talk business and make an offer."
"And what is it that you want?"
"America."
Kurt's face scrunched as his once stoic mask was replaced by one lined with confusion.
"The desert must have really short-circuited that brain of yours."
"Oh no my eyes have been opened for now I truly see what must be done and how I must re-claim these United States."
A sardonic laugh escaped from Kurt's mouth as he shook his head in disbelief.
"God, you really have lost it, ''re-claim these United States'' please don't tell me you came all the way here to tell me about your power fantasy. As far as I'm concerned that flag is a piss-soaked pile of ash now. What I built, I built with my own two hands, for me. And sorry to say but the ravings of a power-hungry general with nothing to offer doesn't exactly interest me."
Kurt then stood up as he made his way to leave.
"How about Rosalind Myers's head as an appetizer?"
Kurt halted in his tracks staring at the general a more intrigued look on his face.
"And how exactly do you plan on doing that?"
"That's where my partner comes into this you want Myers well, he's key."
Kurt's gaze shifted to Solomon who up till this point had remained silent as he now became the center of interest.
"Is this so? You can get Myers?"
"All I need is a little preparation and the go-ahead."
"He's an F.I.A. and one of Myer's closest agents in Night City he can bring you Rosalind head on a silver platter."
Kurt took a second as he digested the information.
"Alright let me ask this again, what is it you want?"
It was the general turn to laugh as a smile broke across his face before he gestured for Hansen to sit. Kurt slowly walked back sitting down with his arms crossed his interest evident.
"I don't even recognize the country I'm supposed to be sworn to protect. All I see is how far we've fallen how low we as a nation have crumbled. And now the Russians and Japs scavenge the remains. You think YOU have it bad, being abandoned in this dump please, you have your men, your money, and your small little fiefdom. All I have are memories and regrets. My men my wolfs are dead…died for a war we didn't have the balls to finish thrown in time and time again outnumbered and outgunned and yet persevering through it all…for what. For us to call it quits when we were on the cusp of victory. I think back what it was all for… did they really die for nothing did our forefathers bleed and died to see their country be exploited by the likes of Arasaka and Russia."
Kurt remained silent as he listened before sighing deeply.
"I have to agree so close to greatness just for us to shit the bed at the first sign of trouble and left me to die in this city. However, you still haven't answered my question of what exactly you want."
"I want to bring back AMERICA. Not Militech or the N.U.S.A. AMERICA. Return us to our rightful place and strike back at the tumor that is the Russo-Arasaka Coalition. And in order to do that I need Night City; Night City is the nerve center that I need to attack. But in order to do that I need your help with your resources."
"What kind of resources…"
"The first thing I need is a base of operations in Dog Town. I can't have anyone in Washington figuring out what I'm doing."
"Base of operations? What exactly are you operating?"
The general pulled out a folded pink slip of paper unfolding it he placed it on the table sliding it towards Hansen. The front was sketched with a symbol red circle crossed by three lines.
The general leaned looking at Kurt Hansen with a determined look.
"There are still patriots out there, patriots who will give their life for America I already have a list of people now I just need the resources and financers."
"…"
"I also require access to Night City's telecommunications that along with other smaller things is all I need."
"Look I get the cherry and sprinkles, but you get the Sunday if this goes well you can get all of Night City and who knows a general spot may open up…"
"So, after you take out Myers what you become president for life? And what happens if the Russians and Japs come, I can't imagine them being too thrilled if they lose their biggest market."
"Let them come we'll show them the true America. Plus, war is good business."
Kurt took a few seconds in deep thought before standing up and stretching out his hand.
"Y'know you would fit right in as a corpo."
The general and Solomon both roes up as the General clasped the robotic hand in a firm handshake.
"I've been told that I possessed a silver tongue."
The two begin to leave escorted by an entourage of heavily armed guards.
"Oh, and general we'll be in be in contact soon."
Walking out the Black Sapphire the rain had stopped leaving a humidity thick in the air with the early morning rays of lights shining through the clouds."
"Well, shit I can't believe he agreed to it what's our next move?"
"Next we go ahead to phase 3 now we prepare."
Hey new chapter make sure to favorite share and comment more on the way soon