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

quick thinking. If something happens to me, you’ll take charge. I’m promoting you to Field Sargent.”

Astrid bristles, looking hurt that she was passed over.

Alexander pumps his fist. “Boom. And the legend begins!”

Loyalists smile and clap for him.

“Way to go, Alexander. You deserve it,” says Yumi, patting him on the back while not realizing that Astrid is upset.

Americus sure thinks a lot of him. He has been competent in our fights, but definitely has shortcomings.

Astrid stands up tall, looking even more imposing. “Sir,” she says. “Are you sure he’s ready for this? He’s reckless.”

Alexander shrugs as if it doesn’t matter.

“I’m confident in Alexander,” says Americus. “We discuss tactics and strategy often. I’ve taught him everything I know from my time in the Marines. And he proved himself capable at Xyphotech and the distribution center.”

Astrid frowns but nods grudgingly.

“That being said. I respect you just as much, Astrid. You’ve been my Lieutenant commander for four years now—”

I yelp as someone smacks my butt. I twist to berate Nav, but Sunny’s standing behind me, his little green mouth curled into a grin. My face burns as everyone turns to look at me.

Sunny looks around at everyone, then to me. “Was that funny?”

Yumi barks out a laugh. Astrid and Nav join her but cover their mouths.

“Sorry,” I mumble to Americus. “Keep going.”

Americus shakes his head disapprovingly and continues, “Astrid, your organization, dedication, and leadership consistently get the job done. I have complete faith in you. If I fall, you will take charge as the base commander. You’ll make all decisions regarding missions and the future direction of the Loyalists.”

Astrid’s face lights up, and she nods with satisfaction. Yumi rubs her back and grins up at her. The other Loyalists clap and cheer for her.

Americus’ q-link beeps, and he holds up his hands for everyone to be quiet. He activates it, and holographic text appears before him. “Everyone quiet. I have several messages from my NIA asset. Zill, play the messages.”

“First message,” says his q-link. “Major, I have a contact who has critical information about the NIA and Evos that will let you end this. Let’s meet up ASAP. Second message. They’re onto me, sir. I’m going to try to escape, but if I’m caught, I’ll activate my failsafe tracker. Third message. Oh no, they’re breaking down my door! I’m erasing my contacts now. Just—”

Everyone silently looks at Americus.

Americus’ expression transforms from surprise to anger. “Damn them. We have to get him.”

“Cancelling the deal now, might cancel it forever,” says Alexander. “What information could be more important than a missile launcher? We can win with that, Boss. I know he’s your friend, but our mission is too important.”

“It’s not just that he’s my friend,” says Americus.” His information might make victory a sure thing. What if it’s a shutdown code for the NIA defenses?”

“Yeah, but Boss—”

Americus raises his hands to silence Alexander. “Before you get worked up, let me call the weapons supplier and ask.” He calls.

“You weren’t supposed to contact us for four hours,” says his supplier. “What’s going on?”

“We have an issue. I still want the weapons, but we need to delay for two days,” says Americus.

There’s a moment of silence on the other end, then the supplier says, “Unacceptable.”

Americus growls. “Something came up beyond my control, but you have weapons to sell, and I have money. Do you want it or not?”

The man on the line confers with someone, arguing back and forth.

Americus’ face gets harder as the minutes pass.

“Fine. Two days. Don’t mess this up again,” says the supplier.

Americus hangs up, and Alexander looks satisfied.

“Alexander, come with me. We’re going to plan the rescue. Everyone be ready. I’m not sure who I’m going to need yet. We leave in an hour.”

☼☼☼

After they finish planning the mission, we begin to gear up.

“I’ll be fine,” I say to Sunny. At least I hope I will be. Of course, Americus asked me to supplement Nav on hacking duties. “Americus wants you here with Silas, Bob, and the others.”

“But you said I could come to protect you.”

“I said, I’d think about it, but we can’t go against Americus’ orders.”

“Make sure you’re careful.” Sunny lowers his head and walks away.

“I will. I’ll see you soon.” His look saddens me, but what can I do? I walk to the staging area and pick up a spider-silk vest.

“Let me get that,” says Alexander as he takes it from me. He puts it over my head and helps me strap it on. “You’re too important to die,” he says with a wink.

Brandon helps Nav next to me. “And you’re too beautiful.”

“You’re sweet,” she says, touching his arm.

Nav deserves happiness after losing Ty, but I hope she’s careful if she decides to pursue Brandon, and he had better not cheat on her. At least she’ll have her vest on correctly. I look for Sunny to make sure he’s okay, but he must have left for the room.

We all pile into three SUVs and head out. We drive through town in the middle of the overcast day, our military SUVs cloaked. Since we’re under martial law, there are checkpoints in and out of town, but fortunately, the prison is in town. The streets are so quiet that it’s eerie after the riots and gunshots.

It’s not long before we arrive at the parking area.

“Tom, Tamera, and Racer,” says Americus. “Stay with the SUVs and use your tactical glasses to watch us and the surrounding area. Everyone else, follow me.”

We pour out of the SUVs.

Even though the others are cloaked, I modified the program so we can see each other through the glasses.

We jog forward, and shortly after, arrive at the outskirts of the complex. The rescue team heads to one side, and