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

a branch that lies on the sidewalk. A weapon. I pick it up, break off some smaller twigs, and I have a staff.

Sunny looks up at me and tilts his head.

“Just in case we run into trouble.”

We find a faded wooden bench. I prop my staff on it and sit.

Two young men in baseball caps stand by a tree, chatting. One wears an older model q-link, but the other has none. He must have the Evo. I scowl and turn to watch two kids throw a holographic football. Another boy slashes a holographic sword to cut down incoming flying aliens. A breeze blows by, ruffling my hair and bringing the smell of someone’s floral perfume.

“What do we do now?” I ask. “I’m starving.”

One of the kids throws the football, but his friend misses it. It hits the ground next to me, disappears, and reappears back in the kid’s hands.

“There are some plants over there. You could eat those,” says Sunny, pointing to some shrubs.

Yite. What am I a rabbit? “I can’t eat just any plant. Only certain ones.”

“Oh. I’ll research edible weeds.”

“No. We need something more.”

What can I do? Beg? No. I don’t need anyone. Rob a store? No, think clearly. Images of code appear in my mind. I know I could get money with my hacking skills. I might even be able to break into Barbra’s bank account.

I swore I wouldn’t hack again, though. I almost did to help Blaze, but I didn’t, and this is different. Although I’m sure I wouldn’t hurt anyone, I’m still too upset about the last time. It’s too risky, anyway. If I were caught, they might suspect me of killing Barbra. I did touch the scissors.

I push on my stomach, trying to dismiss my hunger pains that suddenly feel worse. It doesn’t work. I circle back to my original thought. I could steal money from someone. Or just food, I guess. Oh, the convenience store would be perfect.

“Come on, Sunny. I have a plan.” I push myself up with my staff.

“Does it involve breaking the law again?”

“Maybe.”

“I don’t like this, Fae. I wish we could think of something else. The Foster Buddy manual says that I should hug you when you’re upset, but that’s no good.” He looks away and shakes his head. “How about farming?”

I snort a nervous laugh. “That takes a little longer than I’d like.” I tug at my shirt. I’ve been cautious my entire life, but I’m too hungry to care anymore. “Remember the fourth law. Sometimes you have to break rules.”

“So what’s the plan?”

“We’re going to steal food.”

“I don’t need any,” he says in all seriousness.

“Really, since when?”

“I’m not biological. I only require—” He cuts off as he sees my smile. “Oh, you know I don’t need food. Good one.”

☼☼☼

We stop across the street from the convenience store. Not only do they seem like an easy mark, but I’m also mad that they didn’t let me pee.

I eye the twenty-something security guard, who walks the block with a holstered handgun. He looks alert and fit, but he’s only one person, and I doubt he’d shoot me for shoplifting. Besides, I won’t be caught.

“Chim,” I whisper. “Show me all networked devices at Family Convenience.”

A list appears in front of me. I scan it and see that they don’t have any cameras. It’s on.

I bring up a holographic map and search for an escape path. “Sunny, wait behind this building.” I point to a location. “If something happens, meet me here.” I indicate another area.

“I hate to leave you. What if you need me?”

“I’ll be fine. Just hold my staff.” I rub his head to try to calm my anxiety. “Now go.”

Sunny’s glowing eyes look up at me for a moment, then he turns and leaves.

I pull my bag strap further up my arm and walk toward the store, my nerves spiking. I take a breath and try to appear relaxed as I enter.

There are a few people inside but not many. I look around until I see the security mirrors so I can find a location, which isn’t as visible. I pass by the bathroom and into the aisles of food.

All right, what should I take? I pass some chips and cookies and then find packs of protein bars. That’s it. I stretch and casually look around, then reach for a box, my heart racing.

An old woman with a gigantic nose strolls into the aisle.

Diablo! I drop my hand to my side.

Why is she looking at me? Wait, does she know? No. Just try to look normal for once. I bend down and examine a pack of soy jerky.

She looks past me, then turns to leave.

Now! I open my bag and shove in two boxes of protein bars.

I look around me again. No one saw. Hell yes. This is easy. I should get a toothbrush too.

I slip down the next aisle and wait for my opportunity. When no one is around, I take a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.

This is hardly even stealing. Mouth hygiene is very important. I pass by a survival knife and grab that too. It’s always smart to upgrade weapons. I wait at the end of the aisle until the manager turns away, and then I slip out of the building. I’m a master!

Wooh. Wooh. Wooh. An alarm blares.

What the…. Oh, hell. They must have microchips in the boxes. I frantically search the area to find the security guard. He’s one store over and, unluckily, in the direction I planned on running.

Adrenaline pumping, I sprint the opposite way, catching a glimpse of Sunny’s glowing eyes where I told him to wait.

The security guard takes off after me. “Stop!”

I bolt down the street. My bag bumps against me and