The Astral Hacker (Cryptopunk Revolution Book 1) Brian Terenna (best novels to read to improve english txt) 📖

the remaining Generals to install the Evo. It looks like the takeover is complete.”

Alexander grips the handle of his revolver in its holster.

“And even more concerning,” says Americus. “President Falk stated that in order to normalize relations between the USA and the RSA, Xyphotech will be working with Neurôdados to create a new brain implant for international export.

Nav gasps. “They’ll take over the entire world.”

“I’m surprised the Republic of South America would agree to that,” says Alexander. “We just crippled their country.”

He’s right. Could it just be that they’re desperate? What if it’s more? A thought strikes me. “I have an idea,” I say more quietly than I mean to.

Americus eyes me. “Speak up. I can’t hear you.”

My breath catches, and I squeeze my wrist to build courage. “What if Xyphotech took over the Republic of South America also? Their military was destroyed. It would have been easy, especially if Xyphotech compromised Neurôdados’ Eletron.”

“Concerning for the RSA people, but not our problem,” says Americus. “We need to save America before we can do anything else.”

Astrid runs into the room, her toned shoulders and biceps glistening with sweat. “We just got an encrypted report from Gabriel. They caught him inside of Xyphotech headquarters.”

“I can’t believe he didn’t include me,” says Alexander.

Americus pounds his desk with a growl. Ron Paul flies over to Alexander. Alexander rubs his back, and the raven leans into it.

Americus sighs, and the bags under his eyes seem to grow darker. “He had to jump the gun. This is just like him.”

“What do we do?” asks Nav.

Americus clenches his jaw, his lips pursed. “We rescue the old fool.”

Alexander stands and pumps his fist in the air. “Finally, some action!” He turns to me. “Wait until you see me on this mission.”

After I relax from his outburst, I realize that I’d have to be there to see him. “I don’t have to go, right?”

Americus looks at Nav, questioningly.

Nav’s big brown eyes meet mine. “We could use your hacking skills, Fae.”

My heart sinks, and I feel like I’m going to puke. People are always trouble. Always. I owe her, though. I nod to them, but I can’t help but feel like this will be my last act.

☼☼☼

Alexander, Nav, Americus, Sunny, and I drive to the Xyphotech headquarters, outfitted in tactical gear and weapons with explosive ammo to penetrate Mark2 Security bots. We also have two q-links for complete invisibility. I made the program more efficient, but we also brought external battery packs so we won’t have to worry about running out of power.

We park our invisible military vehicle a few hundred feet away from the main building.

Americus turns to look at us. “Thanks for your help. This means a lot to me.”

Nav and I nod.

“Boss, whatever you need. I’m there,” says Alexander.

Americus bumps Alexander’s outstretched fist, then turns his dark eyes on me. “Are you sure you can hack the door?”

I incline my head, but I’m suddenly anything but sure. What if I mess up? At least Nav is here to help.

“If all goes well, we won’t even have to use these guns,” says, Americus patting the bulge under his button-down shirt.

Alexander shakes his head. “What’s the fun in that?”

I like the idea of not having to use force. It will mean we stayed out of danger. Still, I’m glad to have the Torg that Alexander gave me. Who knows, maybe his gift will save my life one day.

I rub Sunny’s dented head to calm myself. When I agreed to come, I said I was going to bring Sunny to give me confidence. Americus argued against it, comparing me to a child carrying a stuffed animal. When I said I wouldn’t come otherwise, he had to relent. I’m glad he did because I’d be a wreck without Sunny.

I lean in and whisper to him, “Stay here. I’ll be fine.” I hope.

He looks at me with a frown. I’m sure that he wants to argue, but he’s too smart to reveal himself as an AI again.

We all jump out of the car.

Americus holds up his q-link. “HQ, we’re beginning the rescue mission now. I’ll update our progress when I can.”

“We read you, sir. Be careful in there,” says Astrid.

We stroll up to the building in our professional clothes, a few employees walking next to us. Nav strides ahead, like she knows we’ll succeed.

I can’t believe I’m doing this. With each step I take, my stomach pains me a little more, and my heart pounds a little faster.

We separate from the employees and make sure no one is looking while we activate our cloaks on the way to the back of the building. Alexander, Nav, and Americus fade into the background.

“I’m heading toward the side door. Contact me when you’re ready,” I hear Alexander say from an empty space nearby.

“Chim, access Team Tracker.” A small holographic map with a cloaked back appears in front of me. The green dot that represents Alexander veers off. The others activate their trackers, and we jog to the back door.

I stop at the door and access my q-link. “This is dangerous and won’t be easy. I created a stealth hacking program on the way over, but it’s experimental.”

“Do you need help?” Nav’s voice comes from thin air.

It’s strange to hear bodiless voices. It must have been devastating for Barbra. “I might. If I’m detected, I’ll need you to distract their cybersecurity while I access the door.” Luckily, I only have to breach the secondary systems. Otherwise, I’d have no chance.

I enter the system and immediately detect five cybersecurity personnel, certainly all with the Evo. I crawl through their firewall’s code, searching for weaknesses.

When I find what I’m looking for, I begin my assault, careful not to give myself away. The