>>6179237Good question, Agent Dragon!
You're right that normally these groups wouldn't play nice together. But each brings something specific to the table, and they're smart enough - barely - to recognize that. Think of it like this:
Steel Vipers bring the tech and the money. These trust fund adrenaline junkies have cutting-edge gear that makes our budget requests look modest. Plus, they've got the kind of social engineering skills you only get from growing up in penthouses. They can walk into places looking like they belong, people trust them, some slick in a sharp suit can get people to do a lot of stuff that a man with a gun and a beret just can't fathom.
Ninth Streeters? They're the muscle and the tactics. Say what you want about their 'hardcore' posturing, but they actually know how to clear a room and maintain fire discipline. Unlike their old Brigadier buddies who just like to play dress-up, these guys actually get into the military-thing wholesale. And they're willing to do things that the Steel Vipers won't, so the Vipers are using them as hardcore enforcers. It's a symbiotic relationship, because the Streeters don't have the grace and connections to think of pulling stuff like this normally.
And the bonejackers? Well, they know exactly what they're after. They've got the black market connections, the surgical expertise, and most importantly - the complete lack of moral restraints needed to treat people like walking spare parts catalogs. That's what they do. They're like vultures, drawn in because of the promised payday. They know with all this chaos, they can hit a hospital - a HOSPITAL!! - and probably have good odds of making it out as the Vipers and the Streeters take the fall.
As for why they're not turning on each other? Nakaramura is coordinating this, subtly. He's someone with enough pull to make these disparate groups see the bigger picture. Steel Vipers get their thrill and a chance to show off their tech, Ninth Streeters get to prove they're 'real operators' with a major op, and the bonejackers get prime picking of high-grade augments from a hospital full of wealthy patients. And all he's really had to do is approach each of them and make the offer, let them think it's their big idea. They'll guide themselves to the result he wants.
But you're right to be suspicious, Agent Dragon. These alliances are temporary at best. Once the job's done... Well, I wouldn't want to be the one holding the payment when the music stops. And Mr. Nakamamurara knows the situation is dynamically unstable. Each group of hardcases is a brawl WAITING to happen. Only local bosses and the fact that the Metroplex is bearing down on them is keeping them from breaking out into small brawls.
But you can exploit this yourself - they're naturally divided and unlikely to work together under pressure and stress.
