45 Chapter 18 (Part 1)

April 14, 2065, 17:40

Marco Ramirez

Marco Ramirez gazed into his half-empty glass with weary eyes. Today, he was embarking on a task that would test his mettle. Succinctly put, his future hinged on the outcome of this mission: either he would catch the eye of the city's top fixers for more lucrative jobs or continue to fade into the background, dealing with minor tasks.

His mission was deceptively simple: infiltrate the Sovoil company's factory and extract information from a primary computer. The client had been sparse on details, but it was understood that the data pertained to the production of new reactors powered by uranium-235. Although the technology was not novel, it was clear that it was under active development, a common target for corporate espionage where secrets and innovations were regularly pilfered.

Marco could only speculate about the identity of his fixer's employer, with his suspicions leaning towards the Chinese corporation Kan-Tao, recently implicated in espionage by the Soviets. It wouldn't be far-fetched to assume they'd orchestrate a similar scheme.

Incoming video call - Zorge (Fixer)

Call accepted – connecting

"Hello, Marco, I trust you're prepared for the task and haven't reconsidered?" Zorge's voice came through, each word carefully enunciated in his preferred, meticulously polite tone.

"It would be awkward to back out now, but I do need more details," Marco responded, settling comfortably into his apartment chair. An icon indicating a person appeared in the top left corner of his vision, thanks to his Kiroshi eye implant, which allowed him to receive video and audio calls directly, without the need for spoken words.

"I understand the need for specifics, but I must caution you that I'm limited in what I can share," Zorge explained, his hands spread in a gesture highlighting the significance of his words.

"We've touched on the mission's details previously, yet one critical aspect remains unclear..." Marco trailed off, his gaze fixed intently on his nonchalant interlocutor.

"And that would be?" Zorge inquired, his head tilted, a look of earnest confusion on his face.

"Is this operation a solo endeavor, or am I permitted to seek assistance?" Marco asked, reaching for a soda on the table without breaking eye contact.

"The method you employ to achieve the objective is immaterial. If you have someone in mind for assistance, that's your prerogative. However, remember the goal is to extract the data discreetly, without resorting to unnecessary violence. Killing is expressly forbidden. Should you find the mission surpasses your abilities, retreat is the advisable option," Zorge stated, his hands clasped, his gaze piercing through the screen.

"With that clarity, I have no more questions," Marco responded, taking a few thoughtful sips of his soda before closing his eyes in contemplation.

"Best of luck," Zorge concluded.

Call ended - connection terminated

"Do you still need my help?" Jeremy interrupted, capturing the pensive man's focus as his conversation with the employer concluded.

"Taking this on solo would be quite the challenge. I'm counting on you for backup," Marco admitted, lapsing back into contemplation while absently swirling the drink in his can.

"And you couldn't find anyone more suitable than an ex-security chief?" Jeremy quipped, his smile carrying a hint of challenge.

"Well, it's not like you're being forced..." Ramirez retorted, volleying the playful provocation back to his counterpart.

"Enough with the pleasantries, let's get to the point. Our objective: break into the recently acquired Sovoil corporation facility and extract data on the reactor developments from their mainframe. And we need to do it discreetly, leaving no trace or harm."

"This reeks of classic corporate espionage. Given the target, our client might have ties to Kan-Tao," Jeremy analyzed, piecing together the information provided.

"I had the same suspicion, but it doesn't alter our mission. We just need to get in, secure the data, and get out," Marco remarked, his smile tinged with irony.

"Oh, is that all?" Jeremy laughed. "Well then, count me in."

"40,000 eddies aren't just lying around on the street," Marco acknowledged, noting Jeremy's interest in the job. "I'm prepared, but are you?"

"I've got a Militech Paraline model three equipped with top-tier ice and stealth capabilities," Jeremy indicated, tapping the temple where his cyberdeck was implanted.

"I wouldn't have pegged you for a runner," Marco expressed, eyeing his smirking associate with skepticism.

"A chief of security needs to be well-rounded, not just adept at looking stern in front of the team," Jeremy retorted, his smirk widening as he continued the jest.

"The more we work together, the more I learn about you..." Ramirez mused, eyeing Jeremy with a mix of suspicion and amusement.

"Everyone should keep a few secrets, even from their allies."

"Maybe so... Now, let's hammer out the details of our plan..."

***

April 14, 2065, 21:32

"Alright, I'm in position," Marco stated, his voice steady over the secure audio channel established with Jeremy's assistance. This channel, impervious to easy interception, required specialized equipment to crack its encryption and the protected rerouting offered them a significant advantage.

"Good, let's begin," Jeremy responded, orchestrating the operation from a nondescript motel room, his connection routed indirectly to mask their digital footprint. Should corporate security pick up on their intrusion, the breadcrumbs would lead to a foreign IP, buying them time to vanish without a trace.

Taking a moment to steel himself, Marco gave his cheeks a firm slap for motivation before venturing into Sovoil's robot-guarded domain. The company preferred robotic security, arguing that these intelligent machines offered more reliable defense than the most diligent human guards. Marco found merit in this approach, appreciating the unerring vigilance machines provided over human oversight.

"I need to tap into the local network. It's safer than attempting to hack the cameras externally. Triggering the security system is a risk we can't afford," Marco communicated his plan, cautious of the potential backlash from an alarmed security system.

"Roger that. I'll look for the security hub. There's likely a human team on standby, just in case," Jeremy replied, acknowledging the strategy.

Using a commandeered drone for reconnaissance, Marco mapped out the patrol routes of the guarding droids. Though flight over the factory was officially off-limits, he exploited the facility's location for a discreet surveillance operation. This preparation allowed him to highlight the patrolling robots within his vision, enabling him to track them through obstacles with software enhancements provided by a contact of Jeremy's, Victor Vector. Victor, a renowned ripperdoc from the Trauma corporation, was a man of contrasts; reserved with strangers but markedly open among acquaintances, a duality that Marco found jarring.

With the drone's data, Marco identified a discrepancy in security density between the exterior and interior of the complex, noting the robots' meticulously planned patrol patterns. The external defense was daunting, yet inside, opportunities to maneuver presented themselves.

"Got the data from the drone... Security's lighter inside. I've mapped their routes and sent it your way. Proceed with caution," Jeremy instructed, forwarding the vital information.

"Thanks," Marco acknowledged, slipping through the perimeter with relative ease, thanks to the intel. Yet, the real test loomed within. The security drones operated in a tightly coordinated network, each within the surveillance reach of others, rendering isolated take-downs unfeasible. His only recourse was to disrupt their coordination temporarily using a satellite dish on the roof to jam the security network. The robots, designed for a maximum of one minute of independent operation, would momentarily be blinded, granting Marco the window he needed to infiltrate the facility.

"Activate the jammer," Marco instructed, preparing to breach the interior.

"Remember, once inside, I can't assist until you link me to their system."

"I'm aware." Marco moved forward, acutely conscious of the ticking clock as he embarked on the most perilous phase of their mission.