Cyberpunk: Ultimate Cyborg System

[They seem to be using a custom app with end-to-end encryption.] Said Volcan. [It is similar in build to the app used by Caligo members, but it does not seem like they have the private infrastructure. The servers are private, but they make use of a commercial network.]

'Makes sense… did you get their message logs?'

[Yes. I have performed a quick analysis and grasped the hierarchical structure of those communicating through this particular app. Unfortunately, it does not seem like any of the upper echelon make use of this app.]

Dante glanced at Rose then returned his attention to the road. The information she provided him with stated that Black Skull was divided into several echelons. The upper ranks only ever interact with squad leaders like Jeremy Brighton, creating a clear divide between them and the foot soldiers.

That divide meant there was no direct flow of information between the upper and lower Ranks.

"Dante." Rose spoke, pulling him out of his thoughts. "It's almost time. Are you ready?"

"... Almost…"

His partner likely asked the question out of concern for his health. They were closing in on the spot where they would execute their plan, but after watching him barf, she was rightfully worried whether he could play his part or not. Dante had different concerns, however.

'Do you still have the altered footage from a couple of days ago?'

[Yes.]

'Upload it online.' Dante said. 'Use a spare account. Once that's done, send the link to the team leaders through the target's account.'

[Understood.]

'Also…' thinking for a moment, he added one more instruction. 'Block any messages sent to the target.'

Creating a good enough distraction had been their biggest challenge thus far. They needed to isolate the target and ensure no one notices his disappearance, at least until they got out of the district. They didn't have to worry too much about being tracked, since Volcan could always erase their presence from security footage. Once they have their hands on the target, the difficult part would be over.

[The footage has been uploaded.] Volcan said. [It is currently in a private channel and can only be viewed by those who receive the link. The link can be sent any time.]

"We're ready." Dante said.

"Noted." Rose replied.

On the miniature map in the corner of his vision, Dante watched the dot representing Jeremy slowly approach the corner where they planned on taking him in. Taking a turn, Rose entered an alleyway pressed between two buildings and stopped the car, keeping the engine running.

'Send the link.' Dante said internally. 'Add a "are you seeing this?"'

[Done.] Volcan replied right after.

A chatbox opened, showing the message along with the link, sent under the name JB1. The replies flooded in right away, but Dante simply dismissed the projection.

'Give me a different account.' Dante said. 'Connect it to the target's, and leave the handle blank.'

A new chatbox appeared, the handle at the top displaying JB1. Dante brought up a virtual keyboard and types a quick message. Glancing at the map in the corner of his vision, he held back for a few more seconds before tapping the send button.

[ [ ]: Make a single move and your brain is fried.]

The dot on the map came to a sud den halt.

[ [ ]: Just so you are aware, we don't need you alive.

You will follow my instructions if you wish to live.

Understod?

]

Dante gazed up at the rearview mirror, watching the pudgy figure standing still at the entrance to the alleyway.

[ [ ]: Turn to your left and walk into the alleyway.]

The man turned his head, looking at the car.

'Does he have any other bionics?'

[Several.] Volcan replied.

'Choose one that doesn't hinder movement and heat it up a little.'

[Understood.]

Dante continued to watch the target, and not long after, he saw him clutch his left side, his body bending as he trembled.

[ [ ]: I won't ask again.]

This time, the message got across, both literally and figuratively. Still holding his left flank, the pudgy man made his way into the alleyway, limping lightly. When he was about to reach the car, Dante glanced at Rose, and she glanced back at him. Without him having to say anything, she pressed a button on the dashboard, and the trunk popped open.

The pudgy man came to a halt a few feet away. He was looking at the trunk, eyes wide with realization. Dante knew that much even when he couldn't see him from his seat. He decided to send in another message, all just to mess with him.

[ [ ]: Toss your weapon and get in.

Close the door behind you.

]

Sending the messages, Dante turned to his resident AI.

'Up the heat.'

"Agh!!!"

A pained cry came a second after Dante gave the command. Dante knew that if the pudgy man was going to resist, this was going to be his last chance. Fortunately, it turned out that he wasn't that much of an idiot. The car bounced slightly as the heavy specimen boarded, and right after, the trunk closed.

Dante glanced at the rearview mirror once more, then at the button Rose pressed, confirming that the trunk was closed by its glowing icon.

'Is he really inside?' He asked to confirm.

[Yes,] Volcan replied. [He is currently curled up in the small luggage compartment of this vehicle.]

Heaving a sigh of relief, Dante glanced at Rose, about to give her the sign to get going. Something caught his eyes at that moment and he looked at the map, sing two red dots running in the direction the target came from. Just as they appeared at the entrance to the alleyway, Rose seemed to notice them in the mirror, prompting her to press on the gas pedal, but Dante grabbed her shoulder and stopped her.

"Wait."

The two were clearly following Jeremy Brighton. Though they might not have seen him get into the trunk, the gun he dropped was going to hint at what happened, and if those two weren't complete morons, they would undoubtedly figure it out right away. Dante wasn't about to engage with them, of course. He waited until they got close enough to the car, and at that moment-

'Fry them.'

The next instant, they ignited with flames.