After departing the hangar, I decided to contact Karim.
Max: "The limo's all set in the hangar for your father."
Karim: "Excellent work. I'll transfer your payment over to you; I'll inform you when I require your assistance again."
Following our conversation, I hopped on the metro to return to the car dealership and retrieve my car. With some extra time on my hands, I made my way to Frank's gun shop with the purpose of exploring some new cyberware options.
As I pushed open the door to his shop, I caught sight of Nigel in the midst of washing his hands. He noticed my reflection in the mirror.
"Ah, Max! How have you been? It's been quite some time since our last encounter."
"I've been well, Nigel. Actually, I'm in the market for some new cyberware. Could you help me out?"
"Of course, what specific cyberware enhancements are you interested in?"
I gestured to my neck and explained, "I'm looking for anything that could enhance the effectiveness of my sandal."
Nigel took a moment to consider the cyberware options that would complement my Sandevistan.
"How about a Kerenzikov and a reflex tuner?"
Both suggestions sounded promising. I inquired about the cost for both enhancements, and Nigel quoted a total of forty-two thousand eddies. I was taken aback by the hefty sum. However, the eddies I received from both Wakako and Karim would cover most of it.
"That's quite a sum, Nigel."
"That's the way of the world, kid," Nigel replied.
I handed over the eddies and followed Nigel into an operating room where he could commence the installation of the upgrades.
Nigel reached into his pocket and handed me some Tough n Might, a specialized pain relief drug designed to make the cyberware installation process more bearable. I took a deep breath, ingested the drug, and gave Nigel the go-ahead to start the installation process.
The installation proceeded quickly and without much discomfort. I could feel Nigel working on each piece of cyberware, but it was more of a strange sensation than actual pain.
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"Alright, all done! You might feel some discomfort for a little while, but it will pass. If you encounter any issues, don't hesitate to come back and see me," Nigel reassured me before we shook hands and I exited the shop.
As soon as I stepped outside, my phone rang. It was Henry asking to meet up for a potential job opportunity. Eager to hear more, I jumped into my car and drove to Henry's location.
When I arrived at the metro station, I spotted Henry standing next to Rhys. After greeting Henry with a hug, I turned to Rhys, who took the lead in explaining the assignment.
"I know you two are focused on the Patriots matter, but I have a task that I need your help with. In return, I'll lend a hand with the Patriots situation," Rhys explained, laying out the proposition for Henry and me.
“And why should I help you? Given the fact that you didn’t want to help us.” I asked.
“You know that shit you pulled on the highway wasn't gone done well with the elite table; you know that.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” I asked curiously what Rhys was alluding to.
“I’m not supposed to say this, but some of the elites aren’t happy with you killing Sam. I won’t deny that Sam was a scumbag and was begging to be flatlined. However, some of the elite felt that Sam was a trustworthy fixer. Now don't get it twisted; I never liked Sam, but there are some people who did.”
I rubbed my forehead. “Fuck.”
“What do you need us to do?” Henry asked.
“I need you to flatline someone before they flatline me, and in return, I’ll get the elite to ease up on the two of you, and I'll also help with the patriots. Do we have a deal?”
I looked at Henry, who nodded his head, indicating that he was willing to do the gig.
"Fine, who is the guy you want to be flatlined?”
“Hector Lockwood.”
My mind drew blanks when I heard that name. “Who’s that?”
“Someone who wants me dead, and that’s all you need to know.”
"Reece, you’ve got to be more specific on who this stranger is. How can I trust you if you're holding out information?”
Reece led us through the bustling metro station, guiding us with purpose as we made our way to the platform. We followed him onto the sleek, modern train and found a spot near the door. As we waited for the train to start moving, Reece's eyes darted around the crowded carriage, as if searching for someone in particular.
Suddenly, Reece turned to us with a grave expression and revealed some shocking news. “Look, Hector is planning to run as a major of Night City, as this cannot happen because he’s a major drug kingpin who needs to be flatlined. And he’s put out a contract on my head.” He said.
Intrigued by the severity of the situation, I couldn't help but ask how much I could earn for bringing in Hector and ending the threat once and for all. Reece's concerned expression shifted to one of pure anger. He urgently stressed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for seriousness.
Before bidding us farewell, Reece discreetly passed a note to Henry. As the train rumbled towards its next stop, Henry unfolded the note to reveal the name of a shop where Hector was rumored to be hiding out. We patiently waited for the train to reach our destination before making our move to go after Hector.