Hansen felt a bit pained, but after pondering for a moment, he said, "If you can ensure that all the equipment development is completed in the workshop, I can agree to your condition.
At the same time, you must also ensure that the people of Netherworld Dog are prioritized to be equipped with your new stuff.
The equipment for your people can be considered as bought outright from Netherworld Dog, but I'll only charge you for the raw materials, and all related upgrade and maintenance work must also be conducted in the workshop, how does that sound?"
Mercer appeared dissatisfied: "If my people get stronger, doesn't that equate to Netherworld Dog also getting stronger? Right now, everyone knows I'm a person of Netherworld Dog, what's the logic behind me paying out of pocket to buy equipment for my own people? Isn't this like taking a loan to work?
How about this, give me a discount, I'll cover half the cost of raw materials, but if Dog Town ever needs my people to step in, you also have to follow the rules and pay a commission fee, of course, this fee will also be discounted.
Just consider my people to be semi-attached under the name of Netherworld Dog."
Hansen argued logically: "Your people have neither formally joined Netherworld Dog nor officially served and worked for Netherworld Dog.
I can't show favoritism to your people just because you are my director, wouldn't that be encouraging all officers to keep private soldiers?
If it's your equipment, I can provide it to you for free, but there's no reason for Netherworld Dog to bear the cost of equipping your people, is there?"
After Hansen finished speaking, he glanced at Jack and the others beside Mercer, and said in a deep voice: "In fact, allowing you to serve as director of Netherworld Dog while also having a private armed group is already me giving you a lot of leeway.
Quite a few brothers in Netherworld Dog feel that I'm already breaking the rules by giving you preferential treatment — you know, Netherworld Dog has always enforced strict rules.
Mercer, you and I both know, most of our conflict actually stems from the conflict of interests between your small group and Netherworld Dog...
I really admire you, otherwise, I wouldn't have made such generous offers and terms to you.
But I also hope you see Netherworld Dog as your own career, not just a source to subsidize your small team..."
After Hansen laid his cards on the table, Mercer candidly spoke: "I haven't ruled out deepening cooperation with Netherworld Dog, but I have to consider my own people, not everyone can adapt to Netherworld Dog's harsh terms.
You know what it's like in the mercenary field, higher risks and higher returns, we're accustomed to freedom, even if they were willing, I wouldn't want to bring them into Netherworld Dog and make them contract soldiers.
You've led troops before, you should understand how difficult it is for me as well."
Mercer showed a somewhat forlorn expression, seemingly speaking earnestly with Hansen: "Personally, I don't actually mind working for others, for me, being able to conduct research without worries is a blessing.
But that's just the way it is, Colonel Hansen, I have to be responsible for my people, you can't be loyal to two groups at the same time, right?
But I assure you, at least in completing your tasks, I've never slacked off, as for the kindness Netherworld Dog has shown to me, I've certainly felt it, at least under Netherworld Dog, I consider myself to be generous and friendly to the brothers.
If possible, I also hope to have a better relationship with Colonel Hansen and a deeper relationship with Netherworld Dog, but..."
Mercer turned to look at Jack and the others, showing a hint of regret.
Hansen studied Mercer's expression, unable to discern if he was being sincere or just putting on a front, so he tentatively suggested:
"How about this, I can create a special position for you in Netherworld Dog, you can have your people work for Netherworld Dog with basic salary and benefits.
But your people must identify themselves as part of the Spark Team of Netherworld Dog and also be more actively involved in the building of Netherworld Dog.
I know you don't like being managed or bossed around, so you will remain the captain of the Spark Team, and you only need to report to me.
Typically, you'll just need to help Netherworld Dog solve some troubles, and I'll reward you accordingly based on the difficulty of the tasks..."
After Hansen finished speaking, he observed Mercer's expression.
Mercer seemed to show some hesitation, appearing a bit tempted: "This... I need to go back and discuss it with them."
"Alright, no problem," Hansen agreed decisively: "Let's prioritize the development of your team's equipment for now.
If you agree, in the future, your team will have the priority to use the most advanced equipment and weapons developed by you for Netherworld Dog..."
After a few more exchanges, Mercer led the team away, and V, who had been holding it in for a long time, couldn't help but ask as soon as they got in the car: "So? Are you really planning to have us join Netherworld Dog together?"
"Yes." Mercer said thoughtfully: "If Hansen can truly fulfill the conditions he offered... this path is not out of the question."
"Why? You know that son of a bitch's conditions, no matter how good, I suspect in the end it will barely be half implemented, it's clear he just wants to lure us in first," Rebecca muttered with dissatisfaction.
She genuinely disliked Hansen — his perpetually stern look of arrogance just made her want to give him a couple of punches.
"To more quickly build Netherworld Dog's reputation, providing us with a legitimate status for when we officially take over Dog Town in the future."