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

Alexander eyes him as he lets out a frustrated breath. “If we had those RX9 missiles, we could have breached the walls. I still can’t believe we got duped.” He scowls. “A bunker-buster bomb would work if we could get one.”

“We won’t be saving anyone from a vaporized headquarters at the bottom of a thirty-foot crater,” says Nav. It doesn’t matter anyway, we have no money for new weapons, and there’s no way we could pull a fifty-one percent attack after their new countermeasures. Besides, all of our contacts, including the weapons dealer, were compromised when my father was tortured into giving them up.”

“I know we can figure out a way,” says Alexander, shaking his head. “If you’d just work with me.”

“You’re the one who’s impossible!”

With Americus gone, there’s a power vacuum, just like when I joined my guild in Silent City. As caring as Nav is and as fearless as Alexander is, I can’t have them making the decisions. We’ll lose if they do. They both supported Americus’ plan that ended in disaster, and they’ve made too many other critical mistakes.

Without me, we never would have discovered that the NIA expanded the Evo’s distribution, hacked them, and then overthrew our government. It’s time to believe in myself. If I had earlier, Americus would still be alive. I won’t deny my friends’ tremendous contributions and skills. I’d be dead without them, but I won’t be subservient anymore.

I’ve pledged myself to them, and I’m determined to meet their goals, but if we’re going to obliterate the NIA, I need to command, and the only way people will listen is if I’m StarFeather.

Alexander had said that the universe is mental. I can be whatever I want to be. Imagine it, believe it, do it.

I imagine myself as StarFeather, tall and dominant. I could do anything. I remember the time that my enemies pointed a hundred guns at my face, and I maintained my supreme confidence.

I smiled as I threw myself off a rusted railing on top of a skyscraper. The wind ripped at my clothes and then caught in my expandable wing, letting me glide to safety. I waved to my stunned enemies just before I detonated the Airburner bomb at their feet.

Believe it. I’ve escaped certain death and military prisons. I’ve breached impossible firewalls and saved my friends’ lives. I’ve dominated people’s minds like a god, all while being tormented by the ever-present demons of my past. And although I broke, I’m reborn with purpose.

Do it. I have always been StarFeather. I was born to lead. I plant my legs, facing the others, then push my shoulders back and lift my chin, like I did as the commander of FreedomFire so many times.

I breathe in slowly and feel energy surge inside me as if by changing my stance, I opened myself up to the power. I breathe out, my confidence now bolstered, and my drive resolute.

“Listen up,” I say, projecting my voice from my diaphragm.

They cut off from their arguments with a start and turn to me as if they forgot I was here.

I lock onto Nav’s eyes, holding them prisoner until she looks down. I meet Alexander’s sharp eye. Although I’m uncomfortable, I force myself to hold his gaze until he looks away as well.

“I’ve hesitated to speak up at times, but those days are over,” I say. “We need each other to become whole and powerful. Alexander, your endless knowledge about famous battles and military tactics put us on par with the enemy. And your brilliant shooting skills top their best,” I say as I rest my hand on his shoulder.

He glances at my hand, then beams, his eye radiating strength.

“Nav,” I say, taking her hand. “You’ll find a way to help us save many people, and your wise coding skills are invaluable. Plus, you can punch through a brick wall with that arm.”

She nods, the set of her jaw and her furrowed brow showing a fierce determination.

“Sunny, your ingenuity, engineering skills, and big heart have saved the day more than once. And you’re the best friend a girl could have,” I say and rub his head. “And Brandon, you’ve accomplished more than most, and those experiences will help guide us. We’ve been through a lot, and yes, we’ve made mistakes. But that’s what we needed to happen in order to win. Together, we’ll destroy the NIA and break their illegal hold over our government. And I know exactly how to do it.”

Alexander gazes at me proudly, his eye holding mine. “Commander Luna! You’ve awoken.”

I grin at him. When I first saw Alexander, he was a cocky, thin nobody, but now he’s an accomplished, athletic champion. His scar and stubble that had made him look rough now make him look heroically rugged, especially with that eyepatch.

When he rescued me, he charged in like an over-powered gamer, his confidence a shield, thrashing noobs all over the place. The recklessness of it both thrilled and terrified me.

It was that last-second rescue and his near incineration that made me realize something…or at least accept it. I have a thing for Alexander.

I kept the truth from myself because the risk of losing him is so high. When this is over, though, who knows? Maybe I’ll take a chance.

“Welcome back, Fae,” says Sunny. “I’ve seen you win hundreds of battles in your game and know you can do this.”

“I fought with you in those battles, and I agree,” says Nav, “FreedomFire forever.”

“FreedomFire. Is that our new name?” asks Alexander. “Because it’s boss.”

“FreedomFire?” asks Brandon. “That’s funny because I used to play this game Silent City and that was my guild name.”

Nav eyes him, and then she gasps. “TigerShadow?”

“Wait…Blaze? I can’t believe I didn’t see it. You look just like your avatar. Maybe that’s why I thought you were