"What's going on?"
"The New United States forces stationed outside Pacifica have suddenly mobilized. They're moving massive amounts of weapons and equipment into the interior, and reinforcements are being funneled in nonstop."
Roland narrowed his eyes.
From what he knew, the New United States would eventually launch Operation Midnight Storm, seize Pacifica in one decisive strike, and then withdraw after Arasaka's sudden intervention.
So this… was it Midnight Storm?
He couldn't say for certain. But whatever the case, he needed to respond.
"The Night City government forces have already reached Pacifica, right?"
"Yes. Defensive lines are in place. With our support, they've quickly established several heavy weapons positions."
"Hmm… Inform Zed. Cancel their original plan. I need them to infiltrate the New United States–occupied zones and gather intelligence."
"Understood. Anything else?"
"Let me think… Recall Apocalypse from Idaho. The situation there has opened up. The PROJECT squads can handle it now. Transfer Chris over—he's better suited to command this front."
Lissandra nodded slightly to indicate compliance, then vanished from Roland's sight.
Still, something about the New United States' actions felt off to him.
He just couldn't put his finger on it.
Then suddenly, a spark of realization flashed through his mind.
They were moving too fast. And they weren't even trying to hide it.
It was practically an open declaration: We're attacking Pacifica. If you don't want it to fall, come stop us.
But the original Midnight Storm had been a covert midnight strike—a surprise assault, not a loud frontal advance.
"So why are they in such a hurry…"
...
"Infiltrate the New United States forces in Night City and obtain internal intelligence… Understood. I'll handle it personally. No room for error."
Zed received Lissandra's message and nodded.
He immediately issued orders to Shadow Stream: all members were to pull back and secure headquarters. All external operations were suspended for now.
V, who had just finished fighting a BARGHEST squad, also received Zed's message. Though confused, she didn't question it and returned straight to headquarters.
"Sir, did something happen?"
"Yes. Get ready. You're coming with me."
Zed glanced at her and made the decision on the spot.
"Huh?"
V had just set her weapon down, expecting a break. She stared at him blankly.
Zed simply waved for her to follow.
With a resigned look, V grabbed her gear and hurried after him.
...
After receiving the transfer order, Chris nodded. He called Jackie over for a brief word, then boarded an armed AV and left Night City.
As the aircraft passed over the New United States forces stationed outside the city, Chris glanced down.
The troops were busy preparing for battle—but part of the force wasn't gearing up. They were loading supplies.
His eyes narrowed.
"Activate the Jellyfish System. Don't let them detect us."
"Understood."
Chris departed Pacifica. Another PROJECT commander took his place. The overall strategy remained unchanged—they would hold the line against the New United States.
Jackie's squad received new orders as well. Together with other units preparing to deploy, they began setting traps throughout the urban area—primarily EMP devices and landmines, along with graphite bombs rigged between high-rise buildings.
...
"Hansen. Orders from above. You're needed."
Yuri pushed aside the tent flap and stepped inside.
"Got it. I'll head over."
Hansen stood immediately and made his way to the command center, where Fidel's projection stood at the center of the room.
"Commander Fidel. What's the assignment?"
"Headquarters has issued orders. You're to lead the assault against the Night City and PROJECT forces stationed in Pacifica. Don't worry—you won't be the only unit involved. You'll simply act as the vanguard."
Fidel nodded as he spoke.
Hansen's face remained expressionless, but his fists clenched tightly.
"Understood. I'll lead the attack."
"Good. Your contributions will be remembered after this operation."
Fidel smiled with satisfaction, offered a few perfunctory words of encouragement, and ended the transmission.
The moment the projection vanished, Hansen let out a cold chuckle, eyes narrowing.
He could more or less guess what Fidel and the higher-ups were thinking.
BARGHEST had always followed his command above all else. Their loyalty to upper command was… secondary at best.
That undoubtedly made some people uncomfortable.
Sending BARGHEST in as the spearhead of the first major clash?
Smelled like an attempt to weaken them.
As for Fidel's promises—Hansen didn't take them seriously.
He was already a colonel. Fidel's rank was only slightly higher. What exactly could that promise offer him?
"Just trying to suppress BARGHEST's influence…"
Hansen frowned as he walked out of the command room.
If that were the only goal, there were better ways to do it. He wasn't fully convinced.
In reality, Myers' plan was far more deliberate.
She intended for BARGHEST to take heavy losses, weaken Hansen's standing, then transfer him away. After that, she would attempt to pull him into her own faction.
She appreciated his ability.
What she didn't like was his personality.
Ambitious, yet loyal. Stubborn to the core. Once he decided on something, he wouldn't budge.
So she needed to grind him down first.
Temper him.
Make him easier to use.
"Hansen, what's the situation?"
Yuri asked as Hansen stepped outside.
"Headquarters wants us to lead the assault on Night City."
"What?! Just us?!"
"Yes."
Yuri's face darkened.
If the goal was to reduce casualties and maximize combat effectiveness, joint operations between units would make far more sense. Different teams specialized in different roles.
Deploying only BARGHEST as the vanguard?
That was deliberate.
BARGHEST had never been used as frontline shock troops before. They usually operated as special forces or served as the core firepower unit mid-battle.
"What do we do?"
"Follow orders."
Hansen glanced at Yuri, fully aware of what he was thinking—but he didn't voice it.
His decision was calm and final.