The Astral Hacker (Cryptopunk Revolution Book 1)

by Brian Terenna

  I take the opportunity to scan those who are affected and confirm my suspicions. They all have the Evo.

  “They’re trashing our ride, Alexander,” says a muscular woman in the group.

  A large crowd shouts around an open-air military vehicle, rocking it back and forth, with frenzied expressions. We all gape at the lunacy of it.

  Then, as if it’s just another rainy summer day, everyone around the vehicle stops attacking it, and everyone else with the Evo pauses and shuts their mouths.

  Those without Evos are too stunned to react to the abrupt end of insanity. The silence is sudden and pervasive.

  The crowd looks around, confused when their nightmares don’t fade after waking. Then all hell breaks loose. The people around the car run off in different directions as others scream in horror and shout in pain.

  A man in a suit clutches his bloody leg, wailing.

  “What just happened?” asks someone. “What is this?”

  “Where’s my daughter?” yells a woman, whose wet hair sticks to her face. “Has anyone seen her?”

  “He’s dead. Oh my God. He’s dead,” says a third as she shakes a small boy.

  Diablo.

  “Those poor people,” says Nav. “We need to help them.”

  “It’s too risky, and that’s not the mission,” says Alexander’s bearded companion.

  Alexander grits his teeth but nods. “Everyone in. Let’s get back to headquarters.”

  We all cram into the vehicle and take off. Wind rushes by, cooling me from the ordeal. The driver presses a button, and a hologram of a sedan appears over us.

  I hold Sunny tight and whisper, “Remember, no one can know what you are.”

  CHAPTER 8

  CONNECTING THE DOTS

  As we drive, we continue to pass by injured and crying people, who have others comforting them. I can’t even imagine why someone would need to hack everyone with the Evo. It feels like the world is falling apart around me. First, a prison escape, then the drones, and now this.

  It was almost as if someone was testing out all the sadistic things they could do to people. I don’t know how I got wrapped up in this, but I don’t want any part of it.

  I whisper to Nav, “Maybe we should just get out of this country. There are no Evos outside of America. We’d be safe.”

  She shakes her head. “No. This is bigger than us now. We need to figure this out, or more people will get hurt.”

  I sigh as my hope for a normal life dims.

  “I can’t believe that Anna wouldn’t come,” says Nav. “I should have carried her.”

  “If you had, we’d both be dead,” I say. “Besides, she has the Evo. They could have used her against us.”

  She nods, but her sullen expression remains.

  I glance over at Alexander, who rests his rifle between his legs.

  It’s a long, sleek weapon with an advanced looking scope. It’s smaller than the fifty-caliber snipers that TigerShadow liked in Silent City, but it was more than enough to take down the lightly armored LR7 Defense Drones.

  I know that he was understating how hard it is to run and aim the thing since I’ve tried it in-game. And yet, he only missed once.

  He’s young but older than I am. Maybe nineteen. It’s strange. I don’t know if I’m deluding myself, but he kind of looks like Jack Trackton…except for his eyes. Jack’s are disarming and make him look non-threatening and boyish. Alexander’s are like an eagle’s eyes, sharp and commanding. The combination of that and his rough look make me wary of him, but then again, I’m wary of everyone.

  I take a slow breath and sense the world around me, the hum of our SUV, the smell of recently cut grass from someone’s lawn, and the sharp pain in my arm. Life has never been very good for me, but almost dying changes things. At this moment, I let it all touch me, even the pain in my arm and my recent horrors. I welcome any experience over empty darkness.

  Alexander reaches into a side pocket and pulls out a pouch. “Let me look at your wound.”

  “Thank you.” I suppose I am a little lightheaded.

  “I’ll put a bullet patch on it, which will stop the bleeding, accelerate your healing, and numb the pain. It should be fine in a week.”

  I move the bunched-up shirt away, and warm blood drips down my prison jumpsuit. I unzip it and pull it down to expose my shoulder.

  “You’re tough. You’ll make an excellent addition to the team.”

  I doubt I’ll be staying around, but I say nothing.

  He moves a strand of wet hair out of his face and asks, “What’s your name, anyway?”

  “Fae.”

  He applies the patch to my wound. “Fae. Ah, like the fairy realm.”

  I grit my teeth at the pain. “What?”

  “It’s nothing. I’m going to top you off with synthetic blood. Looks like you lost a bunch.”

  I nod, and wince as he injects me with a needle.

  When he’s done, he says, “Here, have some water.”

  I take several large gulps, happy to rehydrate.

  He raises his q-link and calls someone. “We saved them, Boss, and we’re on our way.”

  “Is Naveha okay?” asks a man on the other end.

  “She wasn’t hurt. The small one has a minor injury, but it’s nothing to worry about. We’ll see you soon.”

  The small one? That was rude.

  “Keep your wits about you,” says the other man. “Don’t take any risks.”

  “Well, that was crazy,” says Alexander. “Let’s save the discussion until we’re back with Americus, though. Let me introduce you to everyone, Fae. Oh, first, do you need anything more for the pain?”

  I shake my head. It’s bad, much worse than when my demon foster brother shot me with a pellet gun, but nothing I can’t handle.

  “Tough. I knew it. The driver is Weird Tom. He’s an ancient alien theorist and a stickler for rules.”

  The man with the six-inch beard and long bushy hair grunts. “It’s Thomas. He’s right about the aliens, though. Did you know that aliens taught ancient Egyptians how to make light bulbs? There’s evidence in the hieroglyphics. I could tell you things that would blow your mind.”

  I discount the alien stuff, but interestingly, he’s not wearing a q-link, and I know he doesn’t have the Evo since he didn’t go crazy.

  Alexander spirals his finger at his temple, where Tom can’t see it. “Riding shotgun. That’s Asher. He’s a ninja, but I still have the edge in hand to hand combat.”

  A forty-something man with thick eyebrows and big ears waves. “You know I’m better than you, Alexander.”

  Alexander shakes his head to me. “In the middle up there, that’s Astrid. She’s second in command to Americus and a powerlifter. Almost beat me at arm wrestling once.”

  She turns around, and her exposed muscular shoulders speak volumes. “Hello, Fae. He’s never beaten me,” she says over the rush of the wind.

  “And next to Naveha is Yumi,” says Alexander. “She’s newer. She plays a mean harmonica though…and she thinks Astrid is pretty.”

  Yumi’s pale face blushes a bright red, and she shuts her dark eyes.

  I envy her straight black hair. Mine always becomes a frizzy mess in humidity, and God forbid, I have to run from tons of lunatics in the rain.

  Astrid glances back at Yumi with a slight smile on her angular face.

  Alexander motions a hand toward me. “Everyone, this is Sprite.”

  “It’s Fae.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I said.”

  Nav whispers in my ear, “just ignore him.”

  It’s kind of hard because he talks so much, but I’ll do my best.

  “What’s that little robot for?” asks Alexander, his long wavy hair blowing behind him.

  I hold Sunny tighter.

  “He’s too small to even carry your gear. Why didn’t you leave it?”

  I can’t believe he’d suggest such a thing. “I like him.”

  “What is he…on
e of those children’s toys?”

  I lower my head, feeling even smaller than I already am.

  “Alexander, enough,” says Nav.

  He shrugs.

  Twenty minutes later, we pull up to a building. A large metal gate rises, and we drive in.

  Nav leans near my ear. “When you meet Americus, don’t get upset. He can be a grouch.”

  Inside, it’s some kind of expansive warehouse. Crates and ammo boxes line one wall. The smell of well-seasoned meat drifts over from a kitchen area.

  I crinkle my nose.

  Ten or so people in various styles of clothes cheer, clap, and whistle as we drive by. Alexander stands and raises his big rifle above his head with a huge grin.

  “You did it Alexander!” says a gray-haired man.

  “Like Navin, himself,” shouts a plump woman in camouflaged shorts.

  Hell, they love him. Maybe that’s why he’s so cocky.

  We park next to several military vehicles, and everyone but me climbs out. A group of people crowds around, hugging and patting the backs of the ones who rescued us. Alexander receives the most attention.

  I climb down from the SUV with Nav’s help, a dull ache in my legs, and a sharp pain in my shoulder.

  After the celebration dies down, someone hands us all towels. We dry ourselves as Yumi and Astrid start chatting. Nearby, Asher, the big-eared man, flips around nunchucks.

  When does he think he’s going to use them? I guess that’s why Alexander called him a ninja.

  Weird Tom asks a few people to play poker, but no one seems interested. He slumps on a bench next to some kind of big cage with a frown. He takes out a deck of cards and shuffles them with practiced precision.

  Alexander calls someone on his q-link. “The techniques in the book you recommended really work. I saved the day, and I’m back at base. I’ll tell you the details later.”

  A dominant looking man with brown skin, similar to Nav’s, and a thick, peppered-gray beard steps in front of us. A raven that looks just like Navin’s did perches on a towel on the man’s shoulder.

  I wilt back a few steps as I study the man. His bloodshot eyes are hard and unforgiving, and his military shirt tells me that he doesn’t mess around. Something about his face is familiar as if I’ve seen him somewhere, but I can’t remember where.

  The man rests a thick hand on Alexander’s slimmer shoulder. “Thank Navin you were nearby. You’ve proven yourself again,” he says, his voice deep and powerful.

  Alexander winks and holds out his fist. “Bump it.”

  Americus grunts at him but taps his knuckles into Alexander’s. “Naveha, I’m glad you weren’t hurt.” He puts out his hand.

  She looks down at it, sighs, and then shakes it. “Thanks for sending in the cavalry.”

  “Are you still keeping it together after the accident?” he asks.

  “I’m fine.”

  Americus nods, then points at me. “And who’s this?”

  I step in front of Sunny.

  “This is Fae,” says Nav.

  Americus frowns, the wrinkles around his eyes becoming deeper. “Can’t she talk?”

  I cross my arms over my chest and slouch down.

  “It doesn’t matter,” he says. “Let’s discuss what you’ve found out.” He turns away. “Alexander, come with us.”

  “Your wish is my command,” says Alexander.

  “You too, Astrid,” says Americus.

  I start to follow.

  “We don’t need you. Just take your toy,” says Americus, pointing at Sunny, “and go get some food. You’re safe now.”

  I lower my head and stop.

  Nav shoots me a sympathetic look. “Fae has firsthand knowledge, has had many valuable insights, and is a better hacker than me. We should include her.”

  Americus casts me a doubtful glance. “Fine. Come.”

  I lower my eyebrows behind his back. The old fool probably doesn’t even know how to use a q-link. I glance at his wrist, and I’m surprised to see a stylish, newer model. It’s probably for show. “Wait here, Sunny.” I follow them as we walk back to a small conference room.

  We all sit, and everyone looks to Americus.

  “First, an update. Gabriel and the Knights of Christ are okay and will be back from their protest tomorrow.” Americus sets his grim expression on Nav. “Update me on your infiltration of the Cardinal Post, then we’ll talk about this other insanity.”

  She was talking to him? Not sure how I feel about her not telling me.

  “We interviewed their Board of Directors,” says Nav. “We learned there’s a buyout offer from Candor News. Anna McCloud, a board woman at the Post, opposed the first vote and then conveniently had a schizophrenic break before the second. Since they needed a unanimous vote, it’s very suspect.”

  Americus grunts. “Anything about the reporter?”

  “Not exactly. Just that they were uncomfortable when we asked. Right, Fae?”

  Everyone looks at me, including the hard-eyed Americus.

  I glance up at his unforgiving face, then lower my gaze. “Yeah.”

  Americus shakes his head as if annoyed at the distraction. “We’ll need to figure out what news story she was going to run. I wonder if there’s more or if it’s really just about the buyout going through.”

  How would Barbra be tied to the buyout? She was a military analyst. And what about this latest mess? Are people this sick that they’d give others hallucinations to get what they want? I have no idea. I shouldn’t have copied all my work in history class to spend more time coding. But then maybe I wouldn’t have escaped the prison.

  “There’s still Barbra Scavo, Fae’s foster mother,” says Nav. “She’s involved somehow but doesn’t seem connected to the buyout.”

  “Right,” says Americus. “She’s the one who killed herself.”

  I flinch at his blunt statement. How dare he?

  “What you know about Barbra that might be relevant?” Americus asks me.

  I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. I shut it and try to build up my courage.

  Americus smacks the table, and his raven leaps up, flapping its wings. “What are you waiting for?”

  “Come on,” says Nav. “She’s been through a lot.”

  “Geez, Americus. You need to lighten up,” says Alexander. “She was shot, you know.”

  Americus frowns at both of them, then turns back to me. “Sorry, go on.” His eyes seem even more bloodshot now, and the bags under them deeper.

  Even though the last thing I want to do is talk to Americus, I force the words out. “Barbra suffered from untreatable schizophrenia just like the other two women. Also, like them, she had the Evo. When she quit her job as a military analyst, she said, ‘you hear distressing things.’ I didn’t know what to make about it at the time, but now I wonder what she heard.”

  “Got it. Anything else?” asks Americus.

  “When she killed herself…” A moment of sadness washes over me as I relive her death again.

  Nav puts her hand on my shoulder.

  “Go on,” says Americus.

  “Give her a minute,” says Astrid. “Have some compassion.”

  Americus lowers his eyebrows. “We’ve all been through a lot.”

  Astrid looks down. “Right.”

  “It’s fine,” I say, not wanting problems. “When Barbra killed herself, she wrote on the wall that she couldn’t face him and for me to run to the clouds. She also drew the Eye of Ra.”

  Americus’ face scrunches up. “Who was she afraid of, and what does run to the clouds mean?”

  “She was hallucinating,” says Alexander. “Maybe it doesn’t mean anything.”

  “Maybe,” says Americus. “But she’s definitely tied into this. So, what in Navin’s name do you think all the insanity was today? It must be the Evo, but did anyone get confirmation?”

  I look around, hoping someone else scanned the affected people. Alexander shrugs, Astrid shakes her head, and Nav looks at hi
m blankly.

  Hell, looks like I have to talk. “I scanned them, and it seemed to me that all the affected people had the Evo.”

  Americus scowls. “That settles it then. There’s a mass problem with the Evo. I’ve always been wary of it. True libertarians know better than to put any computers in their bodies. It was bad enough when it was just the threat of tracking and privacy invasion. Now, it’s so much more.”

  “I’m glad you taught me about it, Boss,” says Alexander.

  “So, this is somehow tied to the Cardinal Post buyout, and a military analyst,” says Americus. “And Fae, you’re also accused of murder, right?”

  Sweat trickles down my sides. “Yes.”

  “Maybe it’s just because you were connected to Barbra. They thought you knew something, so they tried to get rid of you.”

  That would make sense.

  “It seems like a hack because people were targeted, but do you know for sure it’s not a malfunction?” Americus asks Nav.

  “We don’t know for sure, but the first three Evo issues were local, and the Evo distribution in this area was part of a larger batch. We should check if this latest insanity was also local. That would make it nearly impossible that it was a malfunction.”

  “Astrid,” says Americus, “contact the other brigades and ask them about the mass hysteria.”

  Astrid steps away from the table and calls someone.

  “Naveha, bring up the articles about Barbra, Sandra, and Anna,” says Americus. “Let’s see if we can learn anything else. Also, search for other articles about schizophrenia or hallucinations.”

  “We searched for related articles before,” says Nav, “but I’ll check for new ones. Oh, but first, I need a q-link.”

  Alexander hands her his, and she uploads her operating software.

  It looked like there was a lot more than just hallucinations going on. I look to Nav, hoping she’ll say something.

  She doesn’t.

  Hell. I raise my hand.

  Americus motions impatiently. “Spit it out.”

  I breathe deeply as Nav showed me, taking a moment to compose myself. “We saw a variety of medical and emotional issues in the streets. I think we’ll have to look for more than just hallucinations.”