V was right.
Barely two minutes had passed when the distinctive roar of a jet engine echoed from outside.
"Commencing docking procedure. Clear the area. Security protocol initiated. All personnel, lower your weapons and avoid alarming the client."
By the time Leo opened the balcony door with V by his side, Trauma Team operatives had already deployed a floating platform, neatly forming ranks.
An Atlas-class AV from Zetatech hovered steadily, its blue flames scorching the air beneath it.
The strong gusts from the engines ruffled Leo's hair, forcing him to shield his face with his hand.
Noticing the discomfort, the pilot adjusted the altitude to reduce the wind impact — a meticulous touch to their service.
As Leo and V approached, the lead medic briskly stepped forward.
"Good day, sir. Are you Mr. Leonardo Di Caprio?"
Leo nodded.
"Thank you for choosing Trauma Team. We are committed to ensuring your safety. As part of the onboarding process, we need to verify your identity and perform a brief implant scan.
Please rest assured, we will only check your implant model and collect real-time health data. Your privacy remains protected."
He lifted a portable medical scanner as another team member presented a data cable, gesturing for Leo to connect it to his neural port.
"Father, the scanner is safe. Proceed."
Receiving Shironeko's assurance, Leo inserted the cable into the port behind his right ear.
The medic monitored the data stream, his voice maintaining a friendly tone.
"Your health looks good, sir. The slight inflammation and rejection reaction from your neural interface are normal. All vital signs are within a healthy range.
I also detected traces of mild stimulants and painkillers — the dosage is appropriate. You seem to have a reliable ripperdoc."
The scan took only a few minutes.
"All set. Your data has been successfully registered in our system. By the way, I'm the squad's lead EMT. A certified professional — rest assured, you're in good hands."
"Thank you for your cooperation. Now, we can proceed with the contract signing."
A notification popped up on Leo's interface — a pre-filled insurance contract. All that remained was for him to select the membership plan and complete the payment.
Without hesitation, he chose the Platinum package, opting for the mandatory six-month upfront payment.
"Processing payment to Trauma Team... Verified contract. 12,000 Eurodollars deducted."
The transaction was lightning-fast, with the funds gone before Leo could even confirm.
"Feels like daylight robbery..."
The lead EMT's elation was practically palpable, even through the sealed helmet.
"Congratulations on becoming a Platinum member. Here is your membership card, securely linked to your identity. While you won't need it for most services, please keep it safe for tax purposes or in specific scenarios."
The gleaming, high-end card exuded an undeniable air of prestige.
Leo pocketed it and gestured toward V. "This is my... employee. She's applying for a Gold membership."
"Understood. Miss, please proceed with identity verification."
The process repeated, though this time, a slight hiccup occurred.
"Miss Vivian, your health is stable. However, many of your implants are outdated. For safety, we recommend an upgrade. Additionally, your pain editor settings are too low, which may increase the risk of unnecessary harm."
V frowned, brushing her hair back. "That's none of your business. I have my reasons."
"Of course. However, there is one more issue — our system lacks your occupation and income details. Without collateral such as real estate, we cannot offer you a Gold membership."
V's expression darkened.
Sensing the tension, Leo stepped in. "You're telling me money can't buy a service?"
"It's company policy, Mr. Di Caprio. We assess a client's payment capability. If the risk of default is deemed high, we can't offer services above Silver level. That said, there is an alternative."
"Go on."
"If you are willing to act as Miss Vivian's guarantor, we can deduct payments directly from your account. This would allow her access to Gold membership."
"That's rich. I don't even have an official occupation or income."
"Sir..." The medic hesitated. "Based on the data from our information department, your account activity shows expenditures exceeding 100,000 Eurodollars in a short period. You qualify as one of our esteemed high-net-worth clients. Rest assured, we did not access detailed records — everything remains within legal bounds."
Leo clenched his jaw. Having his financial activity monitored so casually was frustrating, but that was just how the world worked in 2077.
With a reluctant sigh, he finalized V's Gold membership under his guarantee. An automatic payment contract was signed, deducting an initial fee of 2,000 Eurodollars.
"Thank you for your patronage. Stay safe and healthy!"
With that, the Trauma Team operatives saluted, swiftly retracting the platform and returning to their AV. The sleek vehicle lifted off, vanishing into the smoggy sky.
Leo held up both cards, comparing the shiny platinum and gold.
"Ten minutes. 14,000 Eurodollars gone... Just like that."
V crossed her arms, smirking. "What did you expect? Trauma Team didn't become a megacorp by giving away free healthcare. Plus, you've seen their setup — AVs identical to the NCPD's, fully armored squads with smart rifles and SMGs.
Not to mention, there's always a backup crew inside. Pilots, copilots, gunners. Each AV has mounted heavy machine guns. They hit harder than most cops."
Leo raised a brow. "You seem pretty familiar. Got into a fight with them before?"
V's eyes flicked away. "Nope. I can't take them on. But I did see them clash with scavengers once. They busted right in and pulled their client out. Pretty badass."
Leo nodded. "Good. They'd better be. I'm Platinum now, remember? According to Jackie — if I so much as lose a hair, they'll come crashing through the ceiling."
Grinning at the thought, he trailed behind V as she returned to the apartment.
But then —
"Wait a second! Don't forget your membership card, Miss Vivian!"
V froze mid-step, visibly stiffening.
Her shoulders tensed, and for a moment, it looked like she wanted to disappear. Leo's grin widened.
"Busted."
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