Bar Entrance
"Tell me, how did you get tricked?" Peter asked, looking at Panan in front of him.
"Well," she began, "I asked Rogge to pick up a character for me a few days ago. I was short on a partner, so I asked Rogge to find one. She ended up bringing me a guy named Nash. Turns out he's from the Chaotic Knife Society! And knowing that I'm from the Adecardo family, he stole my car while on a mission."
As she spoke, Panan's frustration was clear. The thought of Nash made her seethe with anger. "I can't wait to kill the b*****d who took my car."
Peter nodded, his expression unreadable. "It seems like you've got a bit of a backstory, but there's a reason Rogge didn't tell you Nash was from the Chaos Knife Society. No matter who you are in Night City, you have to be careful."
Panan's face tightened. "I know, I should've been more cautious. But now, I'm stuck with this mess, and I want to fix it."
Peter gave a small shake of his head. "How many mercenaries in Night City are really reasonable or loyal? You've learned the hard way, but this could've been worse. At least it's just the car. Be thankful you're not dealing with the kidney cutters from Qingdao."
"Che, it's always something with Rogge," Panan muttered, clearly annoyed. "I should've known better."
Peter didn't answer her right away. He was considering her words, but before he could speak, Panan slapped him on the shoulder and added, "See you next time. I have to grab something before I go after Nash."
Peter raised an eyebrow. "What are you planning to do?"
Panan didn't answer directly. Instead, she gestured toward the car and then walked off toward a nearby shop. "I'll grab a new car and we'll go find him."
Peter watched as she walked off, then turned his attention to something else. He remembered a particular sports car he'd seen in Badlands. It was exactly what he needed right now. He could use it for himself—and maybe help Panan along the way.
"Panan," Peter called, "Actually, I have a car that was also taken by the Chaos Knife Society. How about I come with you?"
She paused for a moment, eyeing him with suspicion. "Is that a coincidence? You sure you're not playing some other game here?"
Panan tilted her head, clearly skeptical. "You just happen to have a car stolen by the same group, and now you want to help me? Doesn't add up."
Peter shrugged, trying to keep his tone light. "Doesn't matter if you believe it or not. I'm going to get my car back, and it just happens that I can help you out in the process."
Panan rolled her eyes but gave in. "Fine. But first, I need to buy a car before we head out."
Peter followed her as she found a modest pick-up truck for a few hundred euros. She spent a little time modifying it, no doubt preparing for the worst.
Peter shook his head. "It's just a temporary car. You don't need to modify it this much."
"What do you know?" Panan shot back, glancing up at him from under the hood. "I'm just making sure it's safe."
Peter couldn't help but sigh. He found it hard to keep his eyes open as she worked, barely resisting the urge to fall asleep. Half an hour later, Panan finished her modifications.
"Alright, now we need to track down Nash before we can get to the car," she said, climbing into the driver's seat.
Peter stretched. "Your car is at Rock Hill."
Panan blinked, confused. "How do you know that?"
"I asked Rogge," Peter replied nonchalantly.
"F**k! Why didn't she tell me when I asked her?" Panan slammed her hand on the steering wheel in frustration.
Peter raised an eyebrow. "You went to Rogge in such an aggressive manner, what did you expect? You think she'd just spill everything to you? She probably just tossed your question in the trash can."
"Ugh, you're right," Panan grumbled, her mood souring. "But now I have to make a quick phone call before we go. Stay here."
She got out of the car and walked a few paces away, dialing her phone.
Peter leaned against the car, arms crossed, when Johnny appeared from the shadows.
"Heh, this chick's trying to work behind Rogge's back," Johnny muttered. "If it doesn't work out, she's really screwed."
Peter chuckled at Johnny's comment. "Yeah, she's trying to make her own deal, but if things go south, she'll be in a lot of trouble."
Johnny grinned. "That's what makes her interesting though. Panan's got guts, even if she's stepping on Rogge's toes."
Peter didn't comment on that. He was used to the fact that in Night City, making enemies was part of the game. Still, he didn't envy Panan's position.
A few minutes later, Panan returned, looking relieved. "I've made an agreement with Boz. We've got some time now."
Peter raised an eyebrow. "You really think they'll give you a pass after all this?"
Panan shrugged. "I wasn't sure at first, but Boz owes me a few favors from previous jobs. I just hope he remembers them."
Peter sighed. "Alright, but you should prepare. I've got the gear with me, but you don't look like you're carrying much."
Panan shot him a glance. "What, are you trying to say I'm unprepared?"
Peter patted the G-58 hanging from his waist. "This is Kangtao's work. You sure you're going in without your own gear?"
Panan seemed impressed. "I can't believe you've got that kind of stuff on you."
"It's alright," Peter said, shrugging. "Barely usable."
"I'll be right back," Panan said, starting the truck.
Less than twenty minutes later, they arrived at the Adekado family's compound, just outside Night City.
As Peter walked through the compound, his phone buzzed. It was a message from Rogge: "I hope that little cynic can complete the task. Good luck to you."
Peter read the message, then pocketed his phone. Boz must have called Rogge right after their conversation, and now Rogge was aware of their situation. He smiled. As long as he was still in Night City, no one would dare cross Rogge.
Inside the compound, a couple of the Adekado family members greeted Panan.
"Hey, what wind brought the big man back?" Scorpion called out.
Mitch, laughing, added, "Hahaha, is this a human or a ghost? If it wasn't for the alcohol I drank last night, I wouldn't believe my eyes."
"Hmph, f**k you," Panan replied with a grin, bumping fists with Mitch.
"Who's your friend?" Scorpion asked, eyeing Peter curiously.
"My nanny," Panan quipped.
Peter raised an eyebrow, amused by the joke.
"Ye Fei, this is Mitch and Scorpion. I don't know if you've met them before," Panan explained.
Peter shook his head. "No, I was just cleaning up the battlefield back then."
"Oh? Tell us more," Mitch said, his interest piqued.
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