Chapter 169: Old Europe
Deep within the European continent, inside a castle with centuries of history, thick stone walls shut out the clamor of the outside world.
Several senior partners of European banks sat around a fireplace, holding vintage wines from the best vineyards in Bordeaux.
The flickering fire cast dancing shadows on their bespoke suits. In the distance, the silhouette of the Alps loomed faintly in the twilight.
"A game for barbarians." A silver-haired senior partner swirled his crystal glass gently, his tone carrying an innate sense of superiority. "This crude violence will only plunge capital markets into unnecessary panic."
The younger partner sitting opposite him leaned forward slightly. "But please, don't forget, during the Fourth Corporate War, it was precisely this 'crudeness' that created unprecedented opportunities for us.
"At that time, through channels in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, we provided critical financing to both Arasaka and Militech simultaneously."
The firewood in the hearth crackled softly.
Everyone present knew that history: it was the exquisite capital maneuvers of the European banks that allowed the war to last long enough for them to acquire significant seats within both giants through debt-for-equity swaps.
Even that orbital strike which ended Bartmoss had the shadow of their influence over the European Space Agency behind it.
The flames in the fireplace danced slightly, casting swaying shadows on the ancient carpet.
The younger partner put down his glass, leaning forward a bit more.
"The current situation indeed bears similarities to the Fourth Corporate War." His fingers tapped lightly on the chair arm. "Our people in Tokyo sent the latest report. Arasaka is urgently mobilizing global funds.
"Their weakness has been completely exposed. This is the best time for us to extend a helping hand."
The German partner, who had been silent, slowly raised his eyelids. His neatly trimmed beard glinted silver-grey in the firelight.
"The technology displayed by this emerging force is indeed more disruptive than Bartmoss was back then." His German accent added weight to every word. "We should emulate the success we achieved with Arasaka, incorporating this new power into our network of influence through appropriate investments and cooperation agreements."
The younger partner immediately followed up. "We can operate through holding companies registered in the Cayman Islands. Provide support in the name of R&D funding, while demanding core technology patents as collateral."
He paused, glancing at the tablet in his hand. "Meanwhile, the special fund we established in Luxembourg has already begun massive short-selling of Arasaka-affiliated stocks and bonds."
The silver-haired partner nodded slowly, fingertips caressing the stem of his crystal glass.
"Have the Zurich team prepare a complete proposal." His voice was gentle but unquestionable. "Remember, treat this opportunity like a top-vintage wine: wait patiently for it to fully ferment, and open it at the most appropriate moment to taste the most perfect flavor."
He took an elegant sip of the crimson liquid and continued. "Notify our old friends at the Bank of Japan and in Washington. The European banks are willing to provide necessary liquidity support to 'maintain global financial stability'."
A faint smile touched the corner of his mouth. "Of course, all of this requires a suitable price."
The wood in the fireplace crackled softly. The ancient grandfather clock on the wall chimed the hour.
Outside the castle, the silhouette of the Alps blurred into the twilight, but the conversation inside continued. Every decision made here could stir new waves in the future.
Outside, the Alpine night sky was dotted with stars.
But within these ancient stone walls, a new financial storm was brewing.
These European bankers still believed that in this world, the most powerful weapon was not a plasma cannon, but liquid capital; the most lethal strike was not the destruction of buildings, but the disintegration of confidence.
Simultaneously, in a private salon on the Left Bank in Paris, another group of European bank affiliates was holding a more secretive gathering.
Among them were a former EU Competition Commissioner, a retired Deputy Governor of the Bank of France, and several lobbyists with close ties to major European defense contractors.
"It is time to restart 'Project Helios'," a middle-aged man in a tailored suit whispered, his fingers gently rubbing the rim of his crystal glass.
"Project Helios?" The young woman sitting opposite him frowned slightly. She was Sophie Renault, a recent entrant into this inner circle. "Forgive my ignorance, but is this..."
"No need to apologize, dear Sophie." The middle-aged man gave a meaningful smile. "It is a name sealed in dust. During the Fourth Corporate War, while various factions clashed in the open, we initiated Project Helios.
"simply put, it is a comprehensive strategy to maximize European interests through non-traditional means."
He paused, looking around at everyone present. "Back then, we realized that simply providing funds, while yielding short-term gains, could not ensure long-term influence. Thus, under specific circumstances, we would take more direct intervention.
"For example, when an uncontrollable variable appeared..."
Another older attendee took over, his voice low. "Like that hacker named Bartmoss. His abilities began to threaten the stability of the entire financial system.
"So, through our special channels within the ESA, an orbital kinetic weapon was deployed.
"Official records will show it was a 'testing error,' but in reality, it precisely eliminated the threat."
Sophie's pupils contracted slightly. "So that famous orbital strike..."
"Was an early implementation of Project Helios," the middle-aged man nodded gently. "Now, this mysterious force appearing in Night City possesses technological strength clearly beyond the scope of conventional commercial competition.
"If we cannot bring it under control, we must at least ensure it does not fall into the hands of our rivals."
"The core of the plan is simple," the elder explained. "Through our network of agents distributed across continents, assess, contact, and if necessary, employ special measures.
"All actions will be conducted through layers of subcontracting and intermediaries, ensuring complete insulation from the name of the European banks."
Sophie looked thoughtful. "So, we are not only continuing operations in the financial markets but also preparing for more direct action?"
"If necessary, yes." The middle-aged man took a sip of wine. "But remember, in Project Helios, we are always the shadow behind the scenes. Let the Americans flaunt their military might, let the Asians display their technological ambitions.
"And we need only make the most precise intervention at the most critical moment."
The flame in the fireplace suddenly leaped, casting swaying shadows on everyone's faces.
This night, Project Helios was restarted after years of silence. And this time, its target was a mysterious force capable of destroying Arasaka Tower.
(End of Chapter)