“So, get into your stance…. Hmm. That’s a weaver stance. It’s okay, but I think it would be better for you in a boxer stance.”
I didn’t have to worry about any of this in Silent City. It’s just aim and shoot.
“Put your one foot up a little bit…. No, your other foot.”
I sigh and move my other foot.
“Good. Now, raise the gun…. Wait, wait.”
I freeze.
“I’m going to adjust your grip,” he says, but he looks at me questioningly instead of moving.
I study him, strong jaw, thin nose, and eyes that look like they can read your soul. It has always made me uncomfortable to be touched, but I nod.
He steps up, then takes my left thumb and moves it around to the gun’s left side. I freeze at his touch. His skin is rough but pleasant. His nearness makes me tingle, and I look away.
“There. You never cross your thumbs with a semi-automatic,” he says.
I step back from him. “Why not? It feels like a better grip.”
“When the gun fires, the slide rockets back and will tear open your thumb.”
Diablo, that’s important. I make a mental note to remember that.
“You’re set. We’ll start you at seven yards. Take the safety off, aim the gun, and pull the trigger when you’re ready. Fire three shots.”
I line up the sights on the human-shaped target and pull the trigger. Bang.
The gun rips out of my hands, the recoil much more than I expected. I gasp as the bullet goes high, hitting the cable that holds up the target. The target drifts to the ground. I jerk around to see where the gun went and smack right into Alexander. I stumble and nearly fall.
He catches me in strong arms. “Whoa. I got you.”
I don’t move, too shocked by the debacle. I glance up at his green eyes and suddenly feel my face heat. His earlier touch made me tingle, but this is on an entirely new level. It’s the closest I’ve ever been to a man…that wasn’t beating me, at least.
I pull away, flustered, and mumble an apology. Diablo. I’m a train wreck. Looks like I won’t shock him with my shooting prowess, after all.
“I bet you’re dangerous at a wine party.” He grins.
I roll my eyes but let myself relax.
He fixes the target and says, “Okay, let’s try that again, but keep a strong grip. I also noticed you jerked your hand and finger when you were firing. This time, slowly squeeze the trigger and consciously don’t move your hands. Fire three rounds.”
I get into position, a little reluctant to shoot again but force myself to fire off three shots. Bang, bang, bang.
“Kept hold of the gun, so that’s an improvement.”
I look down, still embarrassed.
“Good stance too, and I didn’t see your hand move as much. Let’s see how you did.” He rolls back the target.
One bullet punctured just off-center, and the other two struck the edge.
“Excellent, Sprite. Looks like your FPS experience has made you an accurate shooter. It won’t take long to make you an expert.” He holds out his fist to me.
I smile at the compliment, feeling redeemed, but I shake my head at his offered knuckles. I’m also still annoyed at that nickname. Does he think I’m some kind of fizzy drink?
He shrugs and lowers his fist like last time. He really rolls with the punches.
He shows me how to re-load the pistol, and we proceed with our practice. I fire off several magazines worth of ammo, and with his continued tips, I manage to strike the target more than three-quarters of the time.
“I have to say it once again,” he says with a wide smile, “Great addition to the team.”
At first, I thought it was annoying that he keeps saying that, but now it’s kind of nice to hear…even though I probably won’t stay long.
He turns toward the main room. “Let’s go see what everyone is doing.”
Brandon meets us before we get there and stops before me. “I wanted to apologize for my compliment yesterday.”
Alexander groans and keeps walking.
“Sorry if it made you uncomfortable,” says Brandon as he fidgets with his silver bracelet.
I wave a hand at him, dismissing it. I never like lingering issues, and it was more of what Alexander said about him that made me uncomfortable.
“I was just in high spirits because Naveha was safe. It’s scary when someone you know is in danger.”
I wonder if he likes her. He seems to, but according to Alexander, he’s like that with all the girls. I nod with a polite smile. “It’s okay.”
He seems relieved and wanders off.
I leave to find Alexander but see him talking on his q-link to someone. A grunt from Americus draws my attention. He stands squared up with Nav, their eyes nearly at the same level, anger plain on their faces. Americus’ raven, Ron Paul, perches on his shoulder.
“We’re the freest people in the world,” says Americus. “Before the revolution, Americans lived in a police state. Navin Briggs saved us from hell.”
“And yet, we’re still forced to obey at gunpoint,” says Nav.
“You live in a fantasy world,” he says. “We have a clearly defined constitution that protects our rights. There are no lobbyists, strict limits on campaign funding, checks and balances that work much better than the old system, and only sales tax.”
“A voluntary system has no taxes.”
“And no government services,” says Americus.
I wonder if there’s a way to lower taxes and still have services.
Americus flips a hand at Nav. “We can trust this government to look out for us.”
“And yet, politicians still become corrupt,” says Nav.
“For freedom’s sake! That’s why we can kick them out of office before their term ends.”
Ron Paul flaps his wings and caws.
“Freedom means choosing what you want,” says Nav. “We still have to pay taxes. We still have to follow their education curriculum. Police still kill innocent people.” Nav glances at me. “And kids still get hurt.”
Her concern breaks my heart. She cares about me, but does that mean I should stay after the war is over?
Americus growls. “It’s not perfect, but your system of anarchy would be chaos. Tons of people will die, and the country will fall into ruin.”
“No. That’s not how it would work. Most people are inherently good. They will join into groups to make decisions and voluntarily join organizations. It would be more focused on the community rather than centralization. And when there’s less power concentration, it’s better for everyone.”
Americus scoffs. “To a point. What if there’s a fire or someone needs the police?”
“People can hire private firefighters and private security.”
“How about roads and bridges? They’d crumble.”
Nav huffs, anger tinting her eyes. “It’s the same thing. People would unite in their communities and contribute to fixing the infrastructure. Plus, businesses would have an incentive to contribute since people would use the roads to get to them.”
“Who will protect the environment?”
“There would be organizations, and people could boycott products from companies that pollute,” she says, her voice raised.
“Bah,” says Americus as he steps away, then steps back. “This is why we could never get along. The transition alone would be chaos.”
“Many years ago, William Wilberforce fought to abolish slavery even though he knew it would hurt the economy. Sometimes, you have to do what’s right despite the short-term pain,” says Nav. “No matter what, the system will always rule through violence.”
Americus scoffs at her. “This government is the best there’s ever been and ever will be.”
I wonder if that’s true. Could it be better? Then a thought comes to me. What if the government was moved to a blockchain like I want to do with foster care? All logic and no human component. It would solve the minor corruption and imperfect freedom
with the current government. And prevent the issues with Nav’s ideas. I say nothing, though, afraid to get into the fray.
Nav waves a hand dismissively at Americus. “And what about the NIA?”
“That’s different. They’re just a temporary problem that needs to be fixed. We’ll eventually have enough votes to disband them.”
Nav bunches her fists. “You’re impossible.”
“Guys, guys, guys,” says Alexander. “Come on. I think we can all at least agree on one thing.”
Nav turns, her face hard. Americus frowns.
“That I’m a boss!” says Alexander with a huge grin.
I cover my mouth to stifle a laugh. He’s crazy.
“Boss,” says Ron Paul.
Awesome. He does talk.
Nav huffs and turns away. Americus shakes his head, his frown deepening.
“But seriously. We’re on the same side,” says Alexander. “Navin said we need to put our small differences aside and unite over our large similarities.”
Americus nods, but his face is still hard. “That’s not the quote.” His face softens. “But point well made.”
Alexander smiles. “Navin was a wise man.”
Nav stalks away from them and slams her enhanced hand into a steel support beam with a growl. It rings, and the sound reverberates through the room. She paces around, mumbling under her breath, then wanders over to me. “Do you see how difficult he is? Now I’m going to have to meditate to calm down.”
I nod, fidgeting with the q-link on my wrist. That’s probably a good idea.
“I’m glad you’re easy to get along with. I really appreciate our time together,” she says.
Me too. I should say something nice.
Before I think of something, Nav sighs, looking despondent, and says, “I’ll be in the room.”
After she leaves, the main steel door to the warehouse rolls up, and everyone turns to it. A long van drives inside and parks next to the other vehicles.
The van door slides open, and twelve people who are clean-cut and wearing crosses exit. Two of them unload some large technological devices and other equipment. The others spread out and greet the rest of the group. It doesn’t seem like the same level of friendliness that we got when we returned, but amiable. I notice Brandon standing close to some woman, who smiles broadly at him.
A large man approaches us. He wears a black, short-sleeved shirt with a clergy collar around his neck. The veins in his bulging biceps stick out, making him look like he shoots up steroids. He’s got a few inches on Alexander, who’s the next tallest, and his chest and arms are three times as big around.
He takes a sip from a flask, then shakes Alexander’s hand and pats his back. “Good to see you, son.”
“You too, Boss,” says Alexander before wandering off to sit on the same bench he was on yesterday. He pulls out his gold medal and admires it. He notices me looking and winks at me.
I blush and turn away.
The ripped man walks up to Americus and wraps his arms around him, squeezing tight. They both pat each other’s backs.
Gabriel pulls back from Americus and grins. “You seem even smaller than when I left.”
Smaller than you but hardly small.
Americus chuckles, shaking his head. “Looks like your stomach grew by just as much.”
Gabriel laughs, his large belly shaking, and smacks Americus on the shoulder. Americus’ raven flies over to Alexander and lands on his arm. Alexander pets the bird.
“I’m glad to be back,” says Gabriel. He takes another swig of his flask, then passes it to Americus.
Americus sips the liquid and scrunches his face. “Good stuff,” he says, pointing to the flask. “I’m glad to have you back, old friend. How did your Knights of Christ fare at the protest?”
Gabriel grimaces. “It was a lot better before world war three started, or whatever in God’s name is going on. But we’re getting through to people. We got thousands to sign the anti mark of the beast pledge.”
Americus hands back the flask and nods grimly. “Good, good. That should help slow the spread of Evo adoption. I have some new intelligence for you. We need to figure out what to do next.”
“I told you. We need to find out who the Antichrist is and kill him. It’s all that matters. The fiery pits of hell await those who took the mark, but we can still save everyone else.”
Whoa. That’s one way to look at it.
Americus nods. “Navin is shaking in his grave at what they could do with this power.”
Gabriel takes another swig of his flask. “We should get to work.”
I leave to comfort Nav. That argument sure stressed her out.
She cries on the bed, her head lowered.
Hell, it was worse than I thought. I sit down gently to not disturb her and rub her back.
She looks up, and adjusts her yellow headband, then lowers her head again.
“Upset about your argument?”
“Yes, but it’s a lot more than that,” she says, her voice brittle. “I’ll never hold Ty’s framed picture again. He gave me it when we got engaged.”
“I’m sorry, Nav, but you were divorced, right?”
Her frown deepens. “He’s actually my late husband. It happened a few weeks before we met up.”
Late? What does—ohhh. Oh no. That’s terrible. I can’t imagine finally finding someone to love and then losing them. I guess that’s how fate works; some people get screwed. I wonder how it happened. Must have been an accident since he was young. I hope it wasn’t drugs. Hell, what if she had to see him die or wake up next to him? I’m curious but don’t dare ask. No wonder she’s sad and made that noose. I put my hand on hers, something that almost seems normal now.
“I just wish there was something I could do to bring him back,” she says. “Even if I had to trade places with him. Why did I survive and not him? He was so much better than me.”
This is why she had money problems and wanted to do the hack. “No, you’re a wonderful person. You deserve to live.”
She shakes her head. “I just wish… It doesn’t matter,” she says with a sigh. “He was just so perfect for me. He was a counselor and so caring.” She looks off with a frown. “It’s why we were going to open an agency. I still want to, after things get to normal.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“It’s fine,” she says and manages a weak smile as she looks up.
Poor Nav. I wish I knew how to help her through it.
Something tickles the back of my mind, a memory trying to surface. I focus on it to see the NIA blimp crushing a man and his wife. A wave of anxiety weakens my knees, and a sickening realization strikes me like a comet.
My impetuous blimp hack was two weeks before Nav asked for help, just like her accident was. The blimp killed the groom and injured the bride. Her husband is dead, and Nav has a cybernetic arm. She had said she couldn’t afford her medical bills from her accident.
I suddenly remember where I recognized Americus from. I wish it weren’t true, but the entire news report is burned into my mind. He was the protesting father.
I stare at Nav’s face in horror. It’s the same dark shade as Americus’, and their features are too similar to be a coincidence. I swallow bile, hoping that, somehow, I’m mistaken. “Is Americus your father?
“Yeah, unfortunately,” says Nav.
Oh hell no. My stomach twists, and acid stings my throat. My blimp hack killed Nav’s husband.
CHAPTER 10
PROFOUND CORRUPTION
Over the next week, the only news about the countrywide war was by the press secretary. She said, ‘Until the war is over, everyone must stay in their homes, except for essential activities. More information to follow.’
Americus and the others were surprised that the usually very freedom-oriented president would sign off on it and debated whether it was constitutional.
There was no news about the Evo hack and subsequent insanity, which is no surprise since Infoworld
bought out most media companies.
Based on social media reports, things seem horrific. Gang activity and recruitment are up. There are countless images of bleeding people, crying kids, and destroyed homes. The disruption of food supply chains has led to rampant looting and mass arrests. Businesses are closed, and people aren’t working. I can only imagine the damage this will do to the economy.
I chatted with Sunny when no one was around, but it took me two days to tell him what I did. He stuck up for me as always and assured me he’d never let it slip to anyone.
The rest of the time, I trained with Alexander, shooting, running, and now lifting weights. After we started lifting, the newcomer, Gabriel, joined us, and hell, he could lift a house with those burly arms.
Each night, when all the Loyalists sat in the main hall, I saw Alexander polish and admire his gold medal while having engaging conversations with Americus. I’m not sure what they talk about, but if it’s anything like my conversations with Alexander, they’re probably discussing historical battles and their commanders.
Surprisingly, Americus apologized to me for how he was when we first met. He said he was irritable and burned out from the situation and worrying about Nav. After he apologized, he made sure I had everything I needed and even thanked me for helping out Nav.
If he only knew.
Unfortunately, what I did to Nav and her late husband overshadowed everything else. The memory will haunt me forever. I was in the middle of programming an app when their disrupted wedding appeared above my other q-link on a live feed.
I was appalled the NIA would disrupt a wedding, but when I thought about how my father abandoned us because of them, I got unreasonably angry. And as the impulsive teen I am, I boosted my signal to reach the blimp.
I never thought I could really breach the pilot’s Evo. Besides, I just wanted to turn the blimp away. I only broke through the driver’s defenses for an instant, but that’s all it took for him to lose control.
I’ll always remember the moment of horror when the blimp plummeted on the wedding guests. I hoped that it somehow missed them, or it would turn out to be fine, but it didn’t. Nav, Blaze, my only real human friend, lost her arm because of me. Worse, she lost her husband, her chance at happiness and love.
The Astral Hacker (Cryptopunk Revolution Book 1) Page 16