The difficult back-and-forth between Mitsuhide and Panam Palmer continued.
Berry didn't know what exactly Panam Palmer saw in Mitsuhide; couldn't she change that aspect of him?
But seeing how smitten Panam Palmer was, it didn't look like she could be changed anytime soon.
Therefore, Mitsuhide made up his mind: no matter what Panam Palmer asked for help with in the future, he would refuse everything.
This mistaken bond would be severed by him.
"Do you remember that thing I mentioned to you last time, about the road convoy?"
"I vaguely remember. A Militech transport team, right? What, you still haven't given up?"
"Give up? You must be joking, I don't even know how to write those words. Anyway, don't interrupt. I wanted to ask, can you come and help me? With your weapons aid, the tribe can pull off a big score."
After speaking, Panam Palmer stared at Mitsuhide with wide eyes, waiting for his reply.
Hmm... hijacking a transport team. This is a common way for Nomads to make a quick buck.
So, should he agree or not?
Seeing the hopeful look in Panam Palmer's eyes, Mitsuhide made up his mind.
Sorry, I can't.
He couldn't make any more mistakes.
This train heist plot existed in the game as well.
If I remember correctly, in the game, Male V would have a "tank romp" with Panam Palmer after this convoy heist mission.
Since I am busy distancing myself from Panam Palmer, why would I proceed with this plot?
Besides, with the weapons I have provided, the Aldecaldos can manage on their own; there is no need to cause extra trouble.
So, Mitsuhide made up his mind: there was no way he was agreeing to Panam Palmer this time.
Be disappointed, be dejected; in truth, Mitsuhide is just such a cold, unfeeling guy. Panam Palmer, you should wake up soon.
"Sorry, I can't help you with this."
"Huh?"
Panam Palmer froze for a moment, clearly not expecting Mitsuhide to refuse.
"We can share the loot we raid; we won't keep it all for ourselves."
Panam Palmer quickly explained, thinking Mitsuhide had misunderstood; they hadn't intended to hog the supplies anyway.
But it was obvious that wasn't what Mitsuhide meant at all, so Panam Palmer's persuasion was destined to fail.
"I am very sorry. We fully understand the clan's difficulties, but Hive currently has no spare troops. We can only offer moral support."
Berry had already decided not to help.
Somehow, Mitsuhide had almost won Panam Palmer over. If she hadn't known, it would be one thing, but now that she did, how could she let this mistake go any further?
So she spoke very tactfully, but with great resolve.
Hive is willing to provide any support other than direct military intervention.
After a stream of circular talk, Panam Palmer was left completely bewildered.
After finishing, Berry felt the timing was right and was preparing to have Mitsuhide leave, when Panam Palmer, finally reacting to the barrage of words from Mitsuhide, hurriedly called him back.
"But besides the 'Basilisk' tank we need, that transport convoy also has two 'Rhino' armored vehicles."
Mitsuhide's departing steps halted.
Seeing there was a chance, Panam Palmer felt a surge of joy and continued.
"We only want that tank; the armored vehicles go to Hive. Don't you think this is a fair trade?"
"The 'Rhino' armored vehicles you mentioned... they wouldn't happen to be the military version, would they?"
Hesitating for a moment, Mitsuhide still couldn't resist the allure of the armored vehicles and spoke with difficulty.
"Absolutely military-grade. These were originally wartime stock; their performance hasn't been neutered at all."
...
Honestly, Berry was a bit tempted.
Fine, not just a bit tempted. After hearing the name, Berry wanted these two big toys right now.
She had been agonizing over how to quickly deploy her super-soldier squad throughout the city, and the appearance of these armored vehicles was like finding two big pillows when she was dying for a nap, shaking her resolve to sever the bond between Mitsuhide and Panam Palmer.
With these armored vehicles, why would she need to send super-soldiers on trucks? That had zero style.
As for these vehicles, it wasn't like she couldn't build them.
But they take a long time and require many parts; nothing beats picking up ready-made ones.
After less than two seconds of thought, Berry gritted her teeth and made a decision.
This was a difficult choice, a necessary sacrifice.
Let Mitsuhide suffer a bit more; he can shoulder the infamy himself.
"Welcome to the warm family of Hive! May I ask, when do we act?"
Mitsuhide, who had just turned to leave, now strode forward, his face breaking into a joyful smile. He enthusiastically shook Panam Palmer's hand, putting on an eager display.
The contrast in his attitude was so great that even Panam Palmer was a bit confused.
You can do that?
"Uh, so you're agreeing?"
"Of course! When an ally is in trouble, Hive will absolutely not stand by and watch!"
...
Three days later.
Deep in the badlands at an abandoned gas station, the Aldecaldos had arrived and were double-checking the plan.
The personnel were all there.
Mitch, Panam Palmer, Scorpion, the female mechanic Carol, and the cowboy Teddy—several of the Aldecaldo Family cadres were all there.
This operation had received Saul's tacit approval.
But they had to be fast, accurate, and ruthless. Grab the goods and leave without leaving a trace, or else Militech would absolutely make the Aldecaldo Family pay dearly.
Militech not being able to beat Arasaka Corporation in Night City is one thing, but wiping out a Nomad clan is more than enough for them.
Right at the tail end of the agreed time, a large truck roared through the sand, wrapped in dust, and stopped in front of the Aldecaldos.
"Good noon, everyone."
Opening the door, Mitsuhide jumped down from the driver's seat.
"No way, Hive only sent you alone?" Mitch, one of the Aldecaldos who came to greet him, raised an eyebrow, somewhat disbelieving.
"Of course not, the guys are in the back."
Naturally, it was impossible for Mitsuhide to come alone.
Hive was here to split the loot; if Mitsuhide came alone, how would he have the nerve to take anything?
So, for this reason, Berry had dispatched three tough guys.
Methodically unlocking the rear door of the truck, Mitsuhide shouted inside.
"Alright, big guys, come on out."
As he finished speaking, noises erupted from the truck bed, and they were quite loud.
It was as if an elephant had been locked inside. The Aldecaldos couldn't see into the truck bed, only hear the commotion within.
As a few muffled thuds sounded, something was moving inside the truck bed. The footsteps were heavy; every time they moved, the truck body swayed, the tires pressed into the ground, and the steel bars inside creaked, unable to bear the weight.
The surrounding Aldecaldos were shocked.
Good grief, what exactly did Hive bring over? This doesn't sound like human movement.
First, they saw a flash of white, then realized it was just the tip of the iceberg. A tall, sturdy armor nearly two meters high jumped off the truck, entirely white, its large feet landing on the ground and kicking up a cloud of dust.
Tilting their necks back unconsciously, the Aldecaldos finally saw clearly: three massive white humanoid mechs had jumped off the truck one after another and stood before them.
White paint, thick armor, fully enclosed helmets; the glass visors reflected the sunlight, making it impossible to see inside, leaving people unable to tell if what stood before them were three machines or humans.
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