An Engineer in Night City, ch 6.6 & 6.7 (Patreon)

This chapter will be unlocked for the public on the 10/21/2024.

It IS Rocket Science (6)

Mark enters the public office of Wube Inc. and he is greeted by the ‘management’ staff. “Good morning Kiwi, how is everything going?”

“Surprisingly well, despite the Chief Engineer neglect,” the Netrunner and current systems engineer answers. “You better thanks little David over there.” The boy in question grunts in embarrassment, but otherwise don’t react to the woman’s teasing.

“Can I take a look?” Mark asks with curiosity over the work of the company new ‘intern.’

“Sure thing boss,” he says and sends the financial results to Mark’s hybrid HUD. “The diary book is dutifully recorded, every bill is paid on time, all the sales are accounted for, taxes provision are carefully set aside, and all assets and liabilities are balanced.” The young teenager buffs his chest in pride before remembering something. “The only thing I couldn’t do is to invest the money, but dealing with money is the only area where the corpos are sticker for rules.”

Kiwi snorts. “Of course they are, they made the rules, after all.”

Reviewing the data, Mark concludes that the sales of Green, Red, and Blue chips goes increasingly well, though production of Blue chips is lagging behind demand as expected.

“Did you guys finished the tasks for the morning?” Mark asks his two employees, earning an affirmative sound from both of them. “Alright, I have something interesting to show if you are interested. It will take us out of Night City into the badlands, but we’re bringing security for this.”

“Will it take long?” Kiwi asks and Mark nods, “then I will pass. I promised to teach a fellow Netrunner on my off hours.”

Mark scratches his armored chin, pondering for a moment. “Does this Netrunner needs a job? You can invite this person if you want. It’s not a publicized event but the news will catch wind of it right away.”

“What else could you do that would make the news talk about you?” The Netrunner asks skeptically, “did you find a way to eradicate every single Scav in Night City all at once?”

“Not yet,” Mark ominously answers, “but it’s a relatively rare event, so the news might decide to cover it if it’s a slow news day.”

“Is that related to the recent approval you got from Night City and NUSA?” David asks his employee, looking at the older man with awe and eagerness.

“NUSA? How are you getting NUSA involved in this?”

Despite his face being hidden by the armored mask, Kiwi could hear the smile on Mark’s face. “Why don’t you ask David? Anyway, we will leave after lunch so think about it. If you wish to invite your protegee, you’re also welcome.”

Mark exits the office and proceeds towards a recent addition to the compound, the medical wing, where David’s mother currently works. “Good morning, Gloria. How is the work going?”

“Hello Mr. Henderson,” she answers in a formal tone, “everything is fine, with no workplace accidents or other medical emergencies.”

“Great! Though you can either call me Mark, or if you’re feeling formal, call me ‘Engineer.’”

“If you say so, Mr. Henderson.” Mark rolls his eyes over Gloria’s cheek, “is there something you wish to talk with me?”

“Are you free enough to leave Night City for a few hours? There’s a private inauguration event I’m holding for some of our employees, though the media will learn about it soon.”

Gloria thinks it over, but shakes her head. “No, I better stay here in case there is an emergency. I don’t want to use our precious Trauma Team contract for something trivial. Just make sure to stay safe out there, alright?”

“Alright, got it, and don’t worry. Everyone will be safe with me. Have a nice day!”

After leaving the medical wing walks towards the packaging area for the chips. There aren’t many employees at the moment, but the factory works in three shifts so it can stay active twenty-four hours a day, every day. The workers had initially thought they would be working the typical ninety hours per week, then they were caught off guard when the mandatory work hours announced was a mere forty-eight hours while receiving a full salary. They even had a day off, alongside other benefits!

When the workers inquired the Chief Engineer about the work hours, his answer was, “don’t you have a life? Family? What’s the point of working if you can’t use the money earned to spend time with those you love?” The answer was so alien to the workers it took until their received their first paycheck to realize that Wube Inc. was serious about their work culture.

At the packaging section, the workers greeted Mark as if he was their savior, and in a sense he was after he took them under the Wube Inc. umbrella. Surprisingly, this action insulated Wube Inc. from casual acts of betrayal and corporate espionage, as the workers feared losing their current job far more than they coveted the uncertainty of a large paycheck promised by the other corporations.

While Mark couldn’t bring any of them to visit the badlands away from Night City, he does set up a large monitor for the workers to pause for a moment and watch the surprise he has in store.

After leaving the packaging area, Mark goes to find Miguel in the barracks. The barracks is another recent addition, meant to house the Wube Inc. private security force. The basic security is armed with the proprietary weapons developed by Wube Inc. and are armored with the Modular Armor set in a simple configuration focused on combat. The security team isn’t connected with the Factorio system directly, thus they lack an inventory beyond the slots afforded for ammunition in their three weapon slots save for a few exceptions. Usually working in fire teams of four where three private security carries a handgun sidearm, a submachine gun, and a shotgun, while one combat medic also has a dedicated inventory slot to carry medic kits.

However, Miguel’s outfit is different than the rest as the head of security. He also wears a Power Armor Mk. I focused on combat, his inventory also has dedicated slots for ammo, medicine, grenades, and he exchanged his handgun sidearm for a reusable rocket launcher. While he’s not as dangerous as The Engineer, his combat experience, natural chrome, and provided equipment makes him into a force to be reckoned.

“Good morning, Miguel. Is everything in order?”

“Good morning, Mark. Everything is in order, we’re just waiting for the trucks to arrive to continue our final check ups. By the time we finish lunch, we will be ready.”

“Great! How is your niece going, by the way?”

Miguel beans at the mention of his family, “everything is preem! Vik took out the last Maelstrom chrome and she’s recovering quickly. She might even get back to school once her physical rehabilitation goes well.”

“With how cyberpunks go around high as a kite on chems and chrome, I almost forgot how long it takes for a normal person to recover. I’m glad she’s doing well.”

Miguel wisely doesn’t mention how the Engineer threats his injuries as little more than speed bumps thanks to his medpacks, or how he can go through dozens of such kits like water in a way that puts the craziest chem junkies to shame. Instead, Miguel nods to his friend. “Thank you for your concern. I will make sure to tease my niece about it later.”

Shaking his head Mark leaves the barracks for Afterlife, ready to drop a couple more items ‘liberated’ from Scav hideouts found outside Pacifica. Unfortunately, the gangsters were like cockroaches: when you see one it means there are at least a hundred hidden somewhere.

Mark enters the bar from a side entrance reserved for staff, a privilege that even the most prestigious Fixers don’t possess, however, The Engineer is no mere Fixer. After greeting the bar staff, Mark meets with Rogue Amendiares to quickly conduct his usual business. “You wouldn’t had come to me just for this,” the living legend says, “what kind of headache should I expect?”

Mark doesn’t bother to defend himself from Rogue’s accusations, since most of them turns true. “Spread this message among the Fixers of Afterlife, except Dex DeShawn. Make sure it’s extra hard for him to gather this information.”

Rogue reviews the message, and her eyes widen in surprise. “Are you sure you want to step foot in this arena?” The former Solo asks, a hint of fear entering her voice. “The other corpos might take this as your intrusion in the adult’s table.”

Mark shakes his head. “Ultimately, this is the purpose of Wube Inc. from the very beginning. Everything else was built for this. I need to take advantage of the element of surprise if I want to survive the corporations scrutiny. Besides,” Mark gives Rogue a dangerous smile, “Wube Inc. was always one of the big boys. There are very few entities that can escalate better than Wube Inc.’s Engineers. The few that come to mind are CORE and ARM Commanders, and they’re far less forgiving of the corporations liberties.”

“I don’t know who they are, but I will take your word for it.” Rogue answers while making a note to research who those two entities might be. “On a related note, are you finally moving against DeShawn?”

“I’m going to start marinating that fat bastard in fear.” Mark replies, “I will first make sure he loses all notion of belonging here in Afterlife, while still not being blacklisted. We will see how long it takes for him to do something stupid. The following message will certainly spook him and the Engineer’s enemies.” Mark passes another note to Rogue, “try reading this after today’s surprise. I bet you will like it.”

Rogue scowls but pockets the note. “Stop being coy and just go do your thing, you damnable brat.”

With one last farewell, and a meal for the road, Mark returns to the factory to wait until the time is right.

It IS Rocket Science (7)

At the factory, Mark does a last minute check to make sure everything is in order. The trucks carrying material are all loaded, and the escort vehicles are ready with both security and ammunition in case of trouble. The staff will ride together with Mark, while the Wube Inc. convoy waits for the last minute guests.

The first ones to arrive are Maine’s crew in the car loaned by Mark for the following weeks. The group disembark from the vehicle and come to greet the Engineer.

“Hey Mark, thanks for loaning your preem ride!” Rebecca waves at Mark excitedly, while the rest of the crew approaches the Wube Inc. Chief Engineer at a sedate pace.

Mark and Maine shakes their hands. “Hey choom, how are you doing? Heard you wanted us as guests?”

“Things are doing well, Maine. Thanks for asking. Yeah, I have some things to discuss with you and the crew, but instead of meeting at Afterlife I wanted to let you guys take a peek at some of the things I’m cooking. Also, we can’t have a more private meeting than being in the middle of the Badlands. Even if someone else will also tag along.”

As if on cue, another car parks nearby after being directed by Mark’s security team. From the upscale car a familiar figure exists.

“Faraday.” Mark nods to the Fixer, “you arrived in good health, I presume.”

“Of course, I am know by my punctuality.” The Militech Fixer answers with none of the implied hostility of his previous encounter with Mark, acting like a picture perfect professional.

Mark nods. “Private security will be limited, as already agreed on the document I sent you.”

“Of course,” Faraday readily agrees, “don’t worry, I made sure that my security is sufficient for this little journey. Did you know that ever since Militech heard I was acquainted with the Engineer I heard talks of promotion? It is all thanks to you, my friend.”

Mark raises a single eyebrow at Faraday’s audacity, while the rest of Mine’s crew has a more visible reaction, specially Rebecca as her jaws drops open in surprise.

“Well, talk with Miguel, he will give you more details about following the convoy. Please excuse me, I have to talk with my staff. Maine.” With a final nod to the Edgerunner Mark looks for Kiwi and David.

Mark finds Kiwi, Sasha, and a new figure teasing David when he approaches. “Ladies, please, wait a few years before the boy can legally drink.”

“Screw you, gonk.” David flips the bird to Mark, and the Engineer simply laughs it off.

“It’s hard being popular, isn’t it?” Mark teases the boy before turning to the girls. “Hello Sasha, Kiwi, new girl. I assume Kiwi invited you? Could you please introduce us, Kiwi?”

“Sure,” the older Netrunner of the group says, “this is Lucy Kushinada, I mentor her in my off hours and help the little scamp get her footing on Night City scene.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet with the famed Engineer.” The younger Netrunner greets Mark with a slight bow. “Thank you for the invitation.” Mark could see a bead of sweat running down the young woman’s face, as she appeared to be scared of Mark.

“Hey, Kiwi probably told you to stay on your best behavior, but there’s no need to be nervous. Only Scavs and similar gangsters deserve my full wrath. You can relax, you’re between friends here, alright?”

“Nova. Uh, thank you for inviting me.”

Mark gives Lucy a thumbs up, then turns to Kiwi. “I’m glad you decided to attend.”

Kiwi shrugs. “It was a good opportunity for a change of air. I almost would complain from the lack of forewarning, but that’s corpos for you.” At Kiwi remark Mark winces, “what?”

“Would you believe me if I said I forgot to to tell you and some of the staff? I was so busy with other things it slipped my mind.”

Kiwi raises a single eyebrow, mimicking Mark’s earlier attitude with Faraday.

“So! Sasha,” Mark turns to the third Netrunner to try and distract the others from his blunder, “how are you doing?”

“Oh, everything’s preem, don’t worry. Thanks to you I didn’t get much heat from my job, so it’s fine.”

“Great, great. Anyway, I just came here to remind you that after the event there will be an open bar and buffet, and wanted to know, is there any dietary restrictions for any of you?”

“Nope, I’m good.” “I’m fine.” “Don’t worry, I brought my face today.”

David blinks as one of these where not like the others, but he didn’t pry on other people’s business.

“Alright, get ready everyone, we will soon depart!”

After making sure everything was done, everyone went to their respective vehicles and started the convoy, with Mark leading the group. They left Night City from one of the main roads, driving for a while until they reached a large electric pole that acted as an improvised landmark, and the group turned right.

The full journey took an hour, but eventually the group reached a large concrete that stretched far into one direction. Mark disembarked and directed Miguel and the rest of the security team to direct the vehicles before they entered the large structure. Passing electronic gates, they travel further inwards a large empty area through a concrete road until they reach the designated area.

Most of the guests park their vehicles while the large trucks drive a little further towards the storage area where their valuable cargo will be later transferred. Everyone is directed to a prepared area with chairs, a podium, and other equipment and amenities meant for this special day. The guests seated on their seats, with the drinks and food tempting them on the back while Mark does a last minute preparation, and he also gives ear muffs for everyone present.

When everything is ready and everyone is accounted for, Mark climbs the podium to start the ceremony.

“Thank you for everyone present here. Some of you are part of the Wube Inc. staff, and we have been together for a brief period you quickly became valuable employees of the company, with some of you I have the honor to call friends.” Miguel smiles while standing guard, and even Kiwi relaxes slightly at Mark’s words.

“Wube Inc. is primarily a company that works setting up precious infrastructure, from roads, water treatment plants, electrical grids, buildings, factories, and even farms should the need appears. As such, is it any wonder if Wube Inc. also has the means to reach for the Final Frontier?”

Mark clicks a remote, and a large projector shows the hidden Rocket Launch Site with its gates currently closed. Near the Rocket Launch Site there are several Inserters putting three special materials inside the Launch Site: Low Density Structures, Solid Rocket Fuel, and Rocket Control Units.

Some of the guests gasp at what they see, since Aerospace is still an area that’s considered expensive for corpos standards. A rocket to the moon costs around a hundred thousand eddies, a significant sum for an individual, and that’s only for a single ticket. The cost to set up the infrastructure to send a rocket to space isn’t anything anyone present has experience estimating.

“I am happy to announce that Wube Inc. received the permits to work with Aerospace operations, and starting by launching the Wube Inc. Satellite Network, Wube Inc. will build its private orbital stations, and soon we will start colonization process to extract precious resources from other planets, moons, and asteroids, with the aim to further scientific progress for humanity.”

Finally, the inserters stop their arms and the large gates slowly open, revealing the rocket hidden inside. Slowly, the rocket emerges from the ground for everyone to see both with the cameras and with their eyes further away.

“It is the hope of Wube Inc. to also use our Satellite Network to ease the burden of communications around the world, reconnecting the cities and countries once more into a new World Wide Web, hopefully avoiding the mistakes of the past and earning new wisdom along the way. Please feel free to put on your mufflers.”

Those without the necessary chrome put the provided pieces of ancient PPE, and once Mark realized that everyone was protected he activated the launch. Slowly at first, but then faster and faster, the rocket lifted in the air before going higher and higher until it disappeared from view. The gates of the rocket silo slowly closes, and the surprisingly intact inserters once again insert the three special items on the Rocket Launch Site. The camera feed cuts off as Mark turns to the audience and bows.

Most guests clap with enthusiasm in appreciation of the achievement, and before Mark can open the open bar and buffet, Mark receives a series of messages from his System.

Factorio System detects Extra Terrestrial Link

Current firmware version 1.5.10132020

A new firmware update is available to Factorio System

Updating firmware…

Update complete!

Factorio 2.0 installed!

Factorio reached Space Age!

Recalibrating current modules…

Recalibration finished!

Factorio System update complete!

Remember the Motto…

To the surprise of everyone present, Mark starts laughing, though they quickly dismiss it mere happiness for accomplishing something so important for the new company. “I’m sorry everyone. Please, enjoy the open bar and the buffet!”

The last restraint of the guests evaporates, and Mark slowly walks to the buffet table to celebrate his latest achievement, while silently muttering under his breath.

“The factory must grow...”