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A deep dive was one of the unique ways netrunners entered cyberspace.
For top-tier netrunners, it was essential.
Through specialized neural transmission connectors, they could send their consciousness into cyberspace itself.
As long as they avoided NetWatch patrols, they could move freely on the safe side of the Blackwall without much obstruction.
But in Night City, every major corporation had large teams of in-house network security specialists trained to explore the Old Net and prevent netrunner intrusions.
Cyberspace was also extremely vulnerable to viral programs that could affect a netrunner’s consciousness or even take their life.
That sick, invasive method of breaching local networks was one reason the world had become so dependent on chrome.
It had pushed humanity toward invasive body modification.
…
Rook watched the four women in front of him strip with professional efficiency as they prepared for the deep dive.
Somehow, he still had enough nerve left to tease them.
“I have to say, even with all the cyberware each of you has installed, you netrunners have damn good bodies.”
He was not especially interested in getting personal with T-Bug, but he did not mind appreciating the view.
“Rook,” Lucy said without mercy, “don’t tell me this is your first time seeing a woman’s body.”
In a different mood, Lucy might have felt embarrassed.
Now the situation was urgent, and this was business, so she was remarkably open about it.
She did not seem to mind showing herself in front of him at all.
For once, Rook did not fire back.
Annoyingly, she had a point.
He really did have no experience in that area.
His silence became the first weak spot Lucy had ever managed to grab.
Even Sasha could not help staring at him in surprise.
“No way.
A guy like Mr.
Rook coughed twice to break the awkwardness.
“Argus,” he said quickly, “what do I do?”
…
“Mr.
Mercer, in this situation, I am afraid I do not have useful advice to offer.
After all, as a human, your thought process and mine are not the same.”
Argus’s answer made all four women laugh.
This time, even Kiwi and T-Bug joined Lucy in mocking him.
“Damn it, Argus.
I was asking how to transfer you into their neural transmission system.”
With the kind of view in front of him that made his blood run hot, Rook finally flushed.
He turned his head away and asked again, openly embarrassed.
“Understood, Mr.
Mercer.
You only need to insert me into the main port of the neural transmission device.
I will compile four subsystems and follow the four ladies into cyberspace.
Please remember, Mr.
Mercer.
Insert.”
“Additionally, ladies, each of you only needs to bypass NetWatch and briefly breach the firewalls of Arasaka, Militech, Kang Tao, and Zetatech.
Leave the rest to me.”
Argus’s eerily human personality left Rook wishing the floor would swallow him.
Annoyed, he took off the gold-rimmed glasses.
The nanometal reshaped itself, and he quickly inserted the connector into the port.
Then he sat to the side and stopped talking.
The four women knew when to let him breathe.
They stopped teasing him, settled into the tubs, and connected their neural transmission devices while surrounded by ice water.
It took only about five minutes.
For elite netrunners like Lucy, Sasha, Kiwi, and T-Bug, evading NetWatch and punching briefly through several corporate local networks was not especially difficult.
…
When the four woke up and got dressed, Argus’s voice appeared in the room again.
“Mr.
Mercer, as instructed, I have destroyed the four corporations’ investigative files on you.
At the same time, I erased the city’s traffic data related to your movements last night.”
“There are also several matters you may find interesting.”
“First, regarding Arasaka.
One week from now, a major cash transfer will occur through one of Arasaka’s bank investments.
The funds will be moved from a Night City bank to Konpeki Plaza by armored cash transport.”
“Second, regarding Militech.
Tomorrow, Militech will be transporting a large quantity of high-grade cyberware frames into the city.
Based on your travel plans, there is a high probability you will encounter aerial transports and armed escort vehicles in the eastern Badlands.”
“And finally, one more matter.”
“Through this cyberspace connection, I discovered something interesting.
You may wish to find a braindance technician to improve the capabilities of your netrunner team.”
Rook frowned as he listened to the reports.
‘Robbing an Arasaka cash transport inside Night City?’
‘Seizing high-grade Militech cyberware frames?’
And what did a braindance technician have to do with netrunners?
Fortunately, Argus explained the last point immediately.
“Mr.
Mercer, through this deep dive, I have captured the cyberspace neural signatures of Miss Lucy, Miss Sasha, Miss Kiwi, and Miss T-Bug.
You may consider creating a local network that belongs exclusively to you.”
“I can edit cyberspace into a real-time braindance map and update it continuously.
In that case, they will no longer need to carry out dangerous conscious deep dives.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.