During the early hours of Cyberpunk 2077's main quest line, players face a crucial decision during "The Pickup" mission regarding whether to contact Militech agent Meredith Stout. While contacting her remains entirely optional, making that phone call opens up several strategic pathways for recovering the stolen Flathead bot. Navigating this encounter sets the stage for corporate intrigue, unique combat scenarios, and long-term narrative consequences.
What Happens When You Contact Meredith Stout
Choosing to meet Meredith Stout before heading to the All Foods plant introduces a tense negotiation where she offers an infected Militech credchip to buy the bot. Accepting her terms allows V to potentially complete the trade without spending personal funds, provided the malware is triggered against Maelstrom. However, players who analyze the chip can choose to remove the malware or warn the gang leader, entirely shifting who becomes hostile during your escape.
Consequences of Siding with Militech
If you use Meredith's infected credchip without warning Royce or simply initiate combat against Maelstrom, Militech forces will back you up during the raid. Eliminating Royce and helping Meredith secure the military hardware leads to her prevailing over her internal corporate rival, Anthony Gilchrist. This outcome grants V access to a special follow-up quest later in Act 2, which includes exclusive rewards and unique weapon drops.
Consequences of Betraying or Ignoring the Agent
If you decide to ignore Meredith Stout altogether or warn Maelstrom about the virus on her credchip, Militech becomes the primary enemy during the plant's lockdown. Fighting alongside Royce and the gang allows Maelstrom to retain control, but it results in Meredith's tragic demise off-screen. Anthony Gilchrist takes her position instead, effectively closing off any future personal interactions or romantic encounters with Stout.
Making the Right Strategic Choice for Your Playstyle
Deciding whether to meet the Militech agent ultimately comes down to what gear, relationships, and narrative outcomes you value most for your character. Siding with Meredith yields the highest immediate profit and unlocks the iconic weapon "Sir John Phallustiff" during a secret encounter. Conversely, keeping Maelstrom friendly can simplify future encounters in Night City, making both options viable depending on your preferred path.
