Interdimensional Scientist, Starting from Cyberpunk

Back to business.

Since Leo didn't impulsively shake hands, Jefferson wouldn't keep embarrassing himself either.

Besides, from the moment they walked in, based on Leo's demeanor, if he had eagerly shaken hands, that would've been suspicious.

That would have raised concerns—was this mercenary truly trustworthy, or did he have ulterior motives?

"Alright then." Jefferson withdrew his hand and started cutting his steak.

This was genuine steak, fresh from a real cow.

Jackie and V had already finished eating, now staring longingly at Jefferson as he cut his meat with a knife and fork—

They hadn't used utensils at all, assuming the napkins on the table were meant for holding the meat with their hands. They even wondered what the small knife was for.

They thought using napkins to hold food was quite elegant.

Seeing this, Jackie leaned back slightly and gave V a glance. The latter immediately started texting.

However, in this place, short-range communications were jammed.

Nearby, sirens blared, and Jefferson's hand holding the knife paused mid-cut.

He had already been struggling to keep his composure!

He was having a high-level conversation with Leo, yet these two were just stuffing their faces?

And judging by their expressions, did they actually think they were being refined?

But now, with the alarm sounding, how was he supposed to react?!

The atmosphere instantly turned awkward.

Leo calmly reached out and disabled the alarm via the control panel.

"Uh..."

"Back to business. We're all on the same side."

Jefferson felt embarrassed but forced himself to stay composed, maintaining the sophistication of the conversation. "Alright... Since you're smart and straightforward, I'll be direct. I want you to help me deal with the Maelstrom gang."

Leo quickly understood.

He grabbed a napkin, wrapped it around a steak, and took a bite before speaking. "You saw how we handled the Tyger Claws, so you want us to do the same to Maelstrom and put them in check."

Jefferson nodded. "I never imagined that mercenaries could drastically reduce Westbrook's crime rate, yet that's exactly what happened.

You didn't just cripple the Tyger Claws—you also sent a message to other gangs and criminals: some things just aren't worth doing.

Unlike Night City's paper-thin laws, you didn't need to explicitly dictate rules, yet everyone fears you.

No one knows the full details of what you do—not Night City, not even me. Outsiders only see you accomplishing one incredible feat after another.

Each time, you expose and crush the corruption of corporations, NCPD, or gangs. You're practically... legends!"

Jackie and V, who had been embarrassed a moment ago, now nodded in agreement.

Yeah, keep talking.

Leo spelled out Jefferson's intentions: "You want to rein them in, lower the crime rate, so that the city council re-evaluates their policies.

This way, Militech will have no choice but to back you over-relying on Rhyne's promises."

"Exactly. Militech's support will be the final straw that topples Rhyne."

Leo took another bite and chewed before asking, "What exactly do you want us to do?"

"You're the experts, and I've heard you like missions with a lot of freedom.

So here's my offer: for every bounty-eligible Maelstrom member you take down, I'll match the bounty with my own payment.

Additionally, for every 1% drop in crime rate, I'll pay you 100,000 eddies."

Leo chuckled. "What do you take us for, a damn wish-granting machine?"

Sure, the job was flexible, but...

Crime rate reduction was a public security issue—was he seriously treating them as some elite private security force?

That was one hell of a commission.

Jefferson could only offer a wry smile. "I don't know much about gang affairs, so this is the best approach I could think of.

All I do know is that Maelstrom is deep into illegal cyberware modifications and black-market braindance production. They're bold enough to attack Militech convoys...

They have no bottom line—actually, they're even worse than the Tyger Claws. If they weren't, I wouldn't be coming to you.

Maybe you should just take out their leader and install someone more obedient?"

Leo was speechless.

Jefferson was undoubtedly a political genius, but when it came to handling gangs, he was completely clueless.

And not just a little clueless—so much so that even Jackie and V looked confused.

This high-profile politician truly had no idea how the underworld worked.

Maybe he wasn't bluffing about refusing corporate and gang bribes. He really didn't seem like someone familiar with this world.

Leo finished his steak and nibbled on some salad, grimacing at the taste—

Even in 2076, salad still sucked.

After eating for a bit, he spoke up. "Alright. Pay me 100,000 upfront, and I'll figure something out."

"Deal."

At this point, V couldn't hold back. She asked bluntly, "Wait, you're just handing us the money? What if we take it and run?"

Jefferson shook his head. "It's standard to pay a deposit upfront. Besides, I trust you wouldn't ruin your reputation over 100,000 eddies."

Leo wiped his mouth.

"With that kind of attitude, I promise we'll overdeliver on this job."

"Then let's leave it at that for today." Jefferson wiped his hands and pinched the bridge of his nose. "It was good meeting you all.

I have a headache—probably from overworking lately.

If you don't mind, I'll be leaving early."

Leo nodded. "Of course."

Jefferson, looking visibly exhausted, stood up and left.

Outside, he pulled a small stim from his pocket and injected it into his arm.

"Why do I keep getting these headaches...?"

Sitting down, he recalled Leo and the others eating steak with their hands, and a tired smile appeared on his face.

The big shot and King? No surprise—they were classic street thugs, no table manners.

But Burger King? Jefferson didn't believe Leo was some uncultured brute who didn't know how to use a knife and fork.

Still, for some reason, he found it oddly fitting.

Then the pain worsened. He grabbed a pneumatic injector and gave himself another dose.

As the stimulant kicked in, he let out a long sigh.

—

Outside the Ember building, watching Jefferson's hovercar fly off, V spoke up.

"Hey, don't you think this mayoral candidate is kinda weird?"

Jackie nodded. "Yeah, he started off smooth, but at the end, he barely said a word."

"Can you two let me go now?"

Leo, squeezed between them, was struggling.

"Nope!" they both replied in unison.

Jackie glared at him. "Mano, that was messed up! You let us eat with our hands while you just watched?!"

V was just as annoyed. "Yeah, you're asking for it!"

"I have no idea what you're talking about—hey, hey, stop!

There weren't even cameras inside, and the cyber-eyes' recording function was off!"

"But that politician saw it! And he remembers everything!"

"Are you dumb? He's not gonna go around telling people!"

As Leo looked on in horror, two large hands closed in on his head.

"Alright, alright! How was I supposed to know you'd eat like that? Wouldn't it have been even weirder if I tried to teach you?!"

After thinking for a moment, that actually made sense.

Now, all three of them had eaten like savages.

Come to think of it, that actually looked pretty intimidating, right?

Leo added, "Hey, what's wrong with eating with a little style?"

V glanced at Jackie, who looked back at her.

Then, begrudgingly, V let go of Leo, giving him a light smack on the head.

"Fine, I'll let it slide this time.

Damn, that politician is generous—just threw 100,000 eddies at us. No wonder he rides in a hovercar—filthy rich."

Leo rubbed his head. "That's nothing. His degree alone is worth 27 million."

"That much?!"

Both of them gawked.

"Alright, quit freaking out."

Leo walked ahead while Jackie and V started counting on their fingers.

Just then, a message arrived.

[Sender: Meredith Stout]

[Meredith: I'm disappointed. You still haven't contacted me.]

[Burger King: Got a new job?]

[Meredith: ...Fine, yeah, I've got something sensitive. We need to talk in person.]

[Burger King: Give me a hint?]

[Meredith: Remember the guys who raided a Militech convoy in the Badlands?]

Oh, he remembered.

Because that was him.

So Meredith wanted him to hit another convoy.

Probably Militech's.

Connections were great. A plan started forming in Leo's mind.