Cyberpunk:Gained a body of steel

"Jack, David, we won't be mercenaries forever. It's only a matter of time before we're rich."

Peter leaned back against the luxurious couch, watching Jack and David admire the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"That's true," Jack replied, sighing as he glanced at the neon-drenched cityscape below. "Maybe after this job, we'll have enough to eat, drink, and live the good life for a while."

Peter didn't respond immediately, instead pulling out his flathead bot.

"Peter, are we heading to Arasaka's room now?" Jack asked, noticing the small bot in Peter's hands.

"No," Peter replied, shaking his head. "Tbug and Lucy are still working on breaking through the building's network defenses. Until they're done, we should rest up."

"Great! I've been dying to try out this big bed since we got here," Jack exclaimed, throwing himself onto the plush mattress with a satisfied groan.

David followed suit, stretching out on his own bed. Within moments, both men were fast asleep.

Peter stayed on the couch, fiddling with his bot, when V sat down beside him.

"Peter," she said softly, her voice tinged with concern, "promise me something."

Peter turned to look at her, curious. "What is it?"

"No matter what happens, take care of yourself. Don't put the mission or anyone else above your own safety."

Her serious tone made Peter pause. "Don't worry," he said, trying to reassure her. "You know I can handle myself."

"I know," V said, her eyes searching his. "But I still need to hear you say it."

Peter hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I promise."

Satisfied, V smiled faintly. Peter leaned closer, and before either of them could overthink it, he kissed her. V didn't pull away, instead leaning into him as memories of their younger days together flooded back.

Meanwhile, miles away, a fleet of ten massive aeroplanes soared over the Pacific Ocean toward Night City. Inside the lead craft, an older man with a sharp, commanding presence reviewed a tablet.

This was Saburo Arasaka, head of the Arasaka Corporation. Standing at his side was his trusted bodyguard, Goro Takemura.

"Goro," Saburo said, setting the tablet down.

"Yes, Master Saburo?" Takemura replied, bowing slightly.

"Take a look at this report," Saburo instructed, gesturing toward the tablet.

Takemura picked up the device and began reading. The report detailed Peter's activities and the growing rumors surrounding his abilities.

After a few minutes, Takemura looked up. "Master Saburo, this report seems exaggerated. A man without prosthetics stronger than those with cybernetic enhancements? It's difficult to believe. There's no need for you to personally visit Night City. It's far too dangerous."

Saburo chuckled, shaking his head. "You're right, Goro. The claims do seem far-fetched. Still, there's something about this individual that intrigues me. Have you confirmed anything with Takikawa?"

"Yes," Takemura replied. "The shareholders at the Night City headquarters believe Takikawa has been too reckless. He's sold off several key projects to Kang Tao and Militech. Many of our operatives in the company have been removed under his leadership."

Saburo frowned. "It seems my son hasn't learned from his past mistakes. His decisions continue to weaken the company."

Takemura hesitated, then said, "Master Saburo, I believe Takikawa acts with the group's best interests in mind, even if his methods are misguided."

Saburo sighed. "Perhaps. But sometimes, I wonder if I'd be better off with someone like you as my successor, Goro."

Takemura's eyes widened. "Master Saburo, please don't say such things. Takikawa will grow into an excellent leader in time."

Saburo didn't respond, his gaze returning to the tablet.

---

Two hours later, Tbug's voice crackled over Peter's comms.

"Peter, we've breached the building's network defenses. You're good to go."

Peter straightened up, and V quickly moved away, fixing her disheveled collar.

"Got it," Peter replied, standing. He walked over to the beds where Jack and David were still snoring.

"Wake up, you two. It's time to get the goods."

Jack groaned, rubbing his eyes. "Work already? Fine, fine, I'm up."

David yawned, stretching. "Let's get this over with."

Peter shook his head. "You two were out like lights. What happened to staying alert?"

Jack grinned sheepishly. "Hey, we're awake now. That's all that matters."

Once everyone was ready, the team headed to the elevator. Peter scanned the surveillance camera inside and nodded when it displayed a friendly mode. Tbug and Lucy had everything under control.

The elevator dinged, and they stepped out onto the floor of Arasaka Takikawa's private suite. The room was lavishly decorated, but Peter focused on the task at hand.

"Tbug," he said, "start unlocking the safe with the relic chip."

"On it," Tbug replied. "Peter, once you grab the goods, get out of there fast."

"Understood."

Peter turned to Jack and David. "Jack, you handle retrieving the item. David, keep an eye out for anything useful. I'll cover the room."

The team got to work, moving swiftly and efficiently. Peter's eyes scanned every corner of the suite, noting the extravagant decor and the hidden security measures.

"Man, this place is something else," Jack muttered as he worked.

"Focus," Peter reminded him.

As they moved through the room, Peter couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get a lot more complicated. But for now, the mission was all that mattered.

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