The Astral Hacker (Cryptopunk Revolution Book 1) by Brian Terenna (best ebook reader .txt) 📗

his head again. “I was wrong. I believed in myself entirely, and I still failed.”

His words are like a punch in the nose. “No, you were right.”

“I would have saved Americus then.”

Hell, what do I say to that? Losing Americus is a tremendous blow to our cause.

“I also would have stopped them from torturing you.” He looks down, ashamed.

“You stopped them from installing the Evo. You came when I needed you most.”

He considers that, then nods slowly.

“What if this setback, no matter how large, was what we needed to win?”

“What do you mean?”

“What if this was part of the path to victory?”

“How could it be?”

Hmm. “Well, not only did you rescue me, maybe losing Americus and your injuries will drive us on even stronger.”

He rubs the stubble on his jaw and purses his lips as if in thought. After a moment, he nods, looking determined. “Maybe you’re right. No, not maybe, you are right,” he says, his voice more upbeat. “It’s not over. What was I thinking? I’m Navin Briggs reborn.” His shoulders push back, his half-bandaged, muscular chest puffing out. A smile stretches on his face, and his eye regains its fire. “I am creating my reality. It’s just not exactly how I planned it.” He faces me squarely. “I’ll destroy the NIA for hurting you, and I’ll fight on in Americus’ name until everyone is free. This I vow.”

A surge of pride overtakes me, and I grin back at him. Hell yes, Alexander. Hell yes.

  CHAPTER 23

∴ THE EYE OF PROVIDENCE ∴

Three days later, I sit alone in my tent, thinking of ways to topple the NIA after listening to Nav and Alexander argue about it relentlessly. A couple of days ago, I managed to hack a small government archive and learn about the NIA’s robust defenses. When I told the others what we’re facing, their arguments got even more intense. I didn’t want to get involved until I had something real to contribute, and as of yet, I’ve had no breakthrough ideas.

Nav and I also worked on creating a program that could crack the NIA’s cybersecurity, which is ten times stronger than even Xyphotech’s. Nav had some interesting ideas to try, but nothing we did worked. If I can’t figure out how to hack them, we can’t show the world their crimes or destroy them.

The rest of the time, I relaxed with my three friends and Brandon, who arrived two days ago. I also had some private conversations with Alexander about our childhoods and futures. The more I get to know him, the more I admire his drive, dedication, and even-tempered nature.

I glance at Sunny, who sits on the floor, playing with his hologram, Bean. At least someone can have fun. I prop up my pillow to lean back, then shut my eyes and focus on the present. As I slowly exhale, I consciously relax my body, letting go of the tension in my stiff muscles.

My recent capture and Alexander’s accident try to push themselves into my mind, but I force them out and focus on the NIA. How can we defeat them?

They have at least twenty Mark2 security bots, two thousand operatives, missile turrets, sniper turrets, and the Air Force’s Liberator and Executioner drones only twenty minutes away.

If I can’t hack the NIA network from the outside, I’ll need to figure out how to get something inside. Unfortunately, the building has armor powerful enough to withstand all of our weapons. Even if they open the outer door to send out security bots, they have an inner door, which shuts before they open the outer one. They also scan all agents for unwanted tech daily. On top of that, Nav wants to save everyone who has the Evo.

The Obliterator suit would be excellent against the NIA’s Mark2 robots but couldn’t withstand their missile turrets.

The tank would have helped, but their missiles would probably blow that up too. I also don’t see how I can hack them or their non-networked robots. So what can we do?

Maybe if I try to meditate, I’ll come up with something. It seems to help Nav. I concentrate on my breathing, slowing my inhalations, and relaxing my muscles with every exhalation. I continue to breathe slowly, only focusing on the present moment until a calm serenity envelops me. Eventually, I let my mind wander.

Images of the base’s defenses and ideas on how to attack them drift through my head. I’m not sure how much time passes as I sit there when, finally, a complex plan forms in my brain. I smile to myself and step out of the tent.

Brandon sits at a camping table, tinkering with his wrist drone. Sunny watches. Alexander, who’s free from bandages, and Nav stand toe to toe, looking heated. Alexander shaved the burned side of his head, which is mostly healed thanks to our quick medical attention and the advanced healing patches. He looks like a Viking or pirate with his old facial scar, eye patch, and unique hairstyle.

“That’s crazy. We should find another group to join. We can attack them together,” says Nav.

“I agree,” says Sunny. “We need to increase the probability of victory.”

Alexander throws his hands up. “That will take forever. They know we’re on to them. They’ll improve their defenses. Navin Briggs would seize this opportunity.”

“He wasn’t nearly that dumb,” says Nav, raising her voice.

“You’re calling me dumb?” he asks, tapping his chest, incredulity plain on his face. “We have a Corefense Obliterator suit, tons of other weapons, and two strategically brilliant minds.” He indicates him and me. “We’ll win.”

“I don’t think it’s enough,” says Nav. “Maybe we should leave for another country to get help. I want America freed as much as anyone, but we don’t have a chance without more people and more serious weapons.”

“Makes