A few days had passed since the Swelter Skelter festival. The gang had been introduced to Raymond Kenny, the newest addition to the team. It was a bit bittersweet, actually. Riley was no longer the newest member, but she was still the most inexperienced when it came to straight hacking. Sure, she'd been picked for her assignment because of her skills, but they were largely self taught and only went so far. And now they bring on board someone who was the near prophet of hacking into computers? Well, it left her with a strong feeling of inadequacy.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbin0bio6m
She hadn't spoken to Wrench much after the festival. They still checked in with each other over comms every so often, but she couldn't help but feel she was making things awkward. It wasn't him, honestly, it was all her desire not to disappoint him any further than she had. Hopefully it would all go back to normal soon. She missed their genuine conversations.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DhqOfMi6L
Riley was shopping for a few items around the apartment at the closest marketplace, standing in line for the checkout with her cart. It was unusually busy for a Sunday, and there were still two people in front of her waiting for their turn.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4pj151udQ
The brunette sighed, slouching against the cart. Bored out of her mind, her eyes skimmed the concessions and magazine racks that decorated the check out lanes. None of the tabloids were real news, just inflated egos and opinions printed loud and large on a page to attract people's attention. As a journalist, Riley found them annoying and kind of insulting.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Z2sn2DFqK
Nonetheless, her boredom prompted her to pick one up. The least annoying-looking one on the shelf, which was a technology publication. She flipped through several pages of articles on smart cars and self-learning machines, the space program and other technological highlights, until she came to a small article towards the very back.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tnjTcyGuF
DEDSEC: FRIEND OR FOE?copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOJQ8LV9g9
Riley raised a brow, already starting to read what the author had written.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p92Sw4vcv
DedSec. A common term thrown around San Fransisco nowadays. We all know their name. We know their skills and accomplishments. But why haven't we started questioning their intentions? Who are these people? What do they really want with your data?copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeYEySQ7yl
Some see them as vigilante, social privacy justice for the people of the new age. But are they really that blind to ignore the criminal activity they commit in order to expose 'unjust systems' within large corporations? Nobody mentions the breaking and entering, espionage, and use of the very data they claim to protect in their mission to expose the companies they despise. The hypocrisy is real, people.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ9xQhiMry
The brunette rolled her eyes, closing the little book and putting it back where it belonged. She'd read enough. There wouldn't be anything but more slander to follow anyway. The line moved forward, and she rolled her cart ahead a few feet.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrY4tQBxmN
Her boredom returned, and she sat there staring at one spot, until a vibration in her pocket made her reach for her cell phone. She turned on the screen, but there was no notification window of having received a text. Riley frowned, confused. Maybe she'd imagined it. Sometimes that happened. Without much more thought, she put it back in her pocket.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2D21hAT8Ir
A minute or so went by of just standing there, before the vibration happened again. Perplexed, she pulling out the phone again and still didn't see any notification. She stared at it, wondering what the hell was going on with her phone.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwqC3gUm2l
It happened again, and this time, she saw an image of a pixelated cat appeared and skitter across her screen before disappearing again. "What…" She muttered, now staring at her screen a bit more intensely. Unlocking it with her password, she navigated through several apps, to see if any of them were the issue. Nothing came up, until she opened the DedSec app that Sitara had dowloaded for her. As soon as she opened it, a pixelated cat blocked most of her screen.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYNU2gLEO7
"Shit…" She muttered, closing out of the app and turning off her phone. She didn't want this thing infecting all of her stuff. She tapped the earpiece in her ear and tapped into the comm channel.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRLtS24LbN
"Uh, guys? Is something going on with the app?" She asked quietly, wary of the other people around her. In an effort not to look too weird, she brought her phone up to her ear to seem like she was just taking a call.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEjDhnUbJX
"Yeah, we know." Sitara said in a frustrated tone. "Our servers got hacked."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFVlzYBkCq
"By who?" Riley questioned, avoiding the gaze of the person in front of her.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3idxagCWr
"We don't know yet." Josh replied, and Riley could once again hear the faint tap of his keyboard. "Still searching the servers for any trace."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡp86IMn5GzP
"You should probably get back to the hackerspace if you can. We need all the help we can get figuring this out." The female hacker continued. Riley nodded.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7uys4x4o9
"I'll be there as soon as I can."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQdM4KXknT
Seeing the person in front of her in line began placing their items on the conveyor belt, Riley moved forward again, her foot bouncing in anticipation and impatience. Hopefully this wouldn't take forever.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM2SvOfAuP
The others were glued to their laptop and computer screens, trying to figure out what was going on. It seemed Marcus was still on his way. Riley placed her bag on the floor by the couch and approached the others.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7WUGoZdsn
"How long has this been going on for?"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXeAKilHDI
Wrench's mask displayed his irritation, gesturing aggressively with his hand. "The last half hour. But we still don't know who did this."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡApvDh0rxAV
"Josh is still scrubbing through the server data to try finding any signatures." Sitara held out her hands with palms down, trying to calm everybody down. Wrench's anxiousness and anger wasn't helping too much.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡm13iWKHVYa
All of a sudden, the screens on the wall glitched out and changed from the default DedSec Logo into a static image of one of those pixelated cats. "What the fuck?" Wrench said, standing and toppling over one of the chairs at the table.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡil7xWRQhzt
They heard steps by the stairs, and Marcus hurried his way over. The screen changed again, this time to show a very familiar face. "Of course. Fucking, Lenni." Marcus said with a shake of his head. Riley was about to say something, but the many different screens of Lenni began talking.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aTvNaveI6
"Citizens of the world, may I have your fucking pathetic attention. DedSec," the screen glitched a few times, and she laughed in a creepy and annoying way, "is a bunch of losers spamming your news feed. They pretend to be the saviors of your free will. When really?" Again with that stupid laugh, Riley cringed. "They're just some script kiddies…who want desperately to be popular."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡa48en4Y5ZW
Riley grit her teeth and clenched her fists as Lenni laughed again on the screen, cheap and low-poly images edited all around her. If this wasn't the biggest of slaps in the face, she didn't know what was. Was this because of the things Wrench and her had said at the festival? Was this her payback? The rest of the gang were watching with contemplative or angry, in Wrench's case, expressions.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiimQeeGwO
"It all stops now." The smugness on her face was infuriating, and the brunette was itching to do something about that. "I am going to teach DedSec a lesson. And DedSec…if you think I won't…or," she laughed again, that teeth-grindingly annoying laugh, "can't…destroy your system? Well. Then. Please allow me to introduce myself! Ahaha!"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxY33Mez1W
The sound of her final laugh was set on repeat, and continued on and on. Riley covered her ears from the noise, finding it highly unpleasant. "Make it stop!" She yelled, seeing Wrench wander off on his own.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb0OpoSotS
"Tell me it's just Kiki." Marcus pleaded over the incessant noise, and Sitara sighed.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIaE50TkHq
"It's just Kiki. We're housecleaning the felines, and Josh is brute forcing the crypto key."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RX7U0T9AU
"Argh! Shut the fuck up!" Wrench shouted, and the next moment something glass shattered. Blessedly, the sound stopped, leaving an eerie yet peaceful stillness in the air following after. Riley uncapped her ears and sighed in relief.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5g664wuXUY
The masked hacker, annoyance clearly written in his mask, wandered back over with a sledgehammer in his hand. "Alright, so…are we going to war for this?"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgHZUN0O7H
"Absolutely! We're not letting these trolls drag us into their sewers. DedSec doesn't back down!" Sitara pointed at them all, emphasizing her point.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡefybntcgCM
"So what!?" Josh yelled, silencing the rest of them. There was a heavy pause. Riley had never heard him so upset before. He looked so…defeated. "What good is going to war with them" It won't break their lock on us. It doesn't change anything…They got in!" Overwhelmed with emotion, he smacked the arm of his chair a few times.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡbI3hO8Nj5I
Riley felt hopeless. When he put it like that, what were they supposed to do? But no, they couldn't just give up. This wasn't about to turn out like another Dušan trap. They weren't losing their faith again so soon. Like Sitara said, DedSec didn't back down. "We can't just let this go." She added, glancing between the rest of the group.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUZZUUMVIU
"She's right, fuck that!" Marcus rallied, walking to stand in the center of them. "Listen up. We're not gonna let Prime_Eight derail us. Let's be smart about this."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWab8xFlNi
They just had to start from scratch and work their way to a conclusion. Just like coding. Work through the problem. Marcus' natural charisma as a leader seemed to kick the rest of them in gear. Sitara spoke first, offering up an idea.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z0bgPj38o
"Alright." She shrugged. "Prime_Eight sells Zero Day exploits to anyone with money."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrjLqeFd9n
Wrench latched onto that line of thinking, holding out a hand as he explained. "Yeah, fucking governments. Blume, Nudle…even goddamned terrorists."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MkhXsPDND
They all contemplated this information, trying to see connections and ways to somehow strike back against Prime_Eight. Josh may think it wouldn't matter, but at some point, pride came into the mix and no amount of hopelessly could undermine that.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVCW7SMqWV
"Sons of Ragnarok." Marcus said quietly, staring down at the table.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJm8uMma0v
Wrench turned towards him, but didn't understand what they had to do with anything. "What?"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8hSpflfT9
"…Hell yeah, Sons of Ragnarok." This revelation was energizing, because he knocked on the table then rubbed his hands together. "They hire themselves out to Sons of Ragnarok, right?" Sitara nodded an affirmative, and Marcus continued, pointing at them all in turn. "So we find out as much as we can about their people and their operations."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP4uMbnyCk
Riley thought it made sense. By targeting their business partners, they might be able to find an exploit to take Prime_Eight down, or at least interrupt their ops enough to put them in a tough spot with troublesome people. It was small, but it was something. Wrench nodded slowly, thinking along the same lines.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡtr3PzxCWIC
"We're not going to roll over. Not for anybody." The leader proclaimed with a newfound determination in his eyes, finally rounding in place and spreading his hands in a wide shrug. "Yo, Josh man, where you at?"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgKJ9aZupS
They all looked over to Josh, seeing him slumped in his chair, but his eyes were bright. Riley could practically see the gears turning in that big brain of his. Then he slowly stood, clenching his fists. "Now it's war." Wrench was seated in his chair, and he gestured him away. "Move."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiIIMuUa2w
Sitara had switched into gear, walking towards her laptop on the other table. "I'll put the message out on the back channels. These guys are bound to have enemies who'll give us some intel."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvYxky5WuN
Marcus figured they should speak to Lenni at least, to see if she would somehow slip up and give them intel about how they could get back at her. Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡzW4jGeuGIT
"She didn't give up any info, just laid out what she wanted in return for the key. DedSec releasing a video discrediting ourselves. Which is never gonna happen." copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmch5ZLZ9N
"Damn right." Wrench said, punctuating it with an aggressive point.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDiubD3gAx
"Hopefully you found something on your end. And uh, Riley?"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49u9tbnXR6
"Yeah?" She asked, surprised she was being called out.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrs3Iy2txc
"You must've done something to piss her off in particular, because she had a few choice words for you. I…uh, won't repeat them." He relayed, and her eyebrows rose. She shared a glanced with Wrench, who had his amused and/or happy expression displayed on his mask. Obviously he thought this was funny. But, if this was all in retaliation for her comeback at Swelter Skelter? That didn't sit well with Riley, despite how petty it made Lenni out to be.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4Pzz1dCiN
Still, despite the setback Marcus encountered, there was still good news. Josh had dug up some info. "Ragnarok just hired Prime_Eight to upload malware into ATMs."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡanWEwqQUnI
"Bank machines it is, folks!"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0f9tiS1llz
The rest of the gang, minus Marcus who was out at the club still, gathered around the hacker, formulating their plan. Josh kept piling information they could use, and Wrench picked something out from the bunch.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCEncdpqQH
"They run that through their main club hangout, Rhonda's Diner." Wrench said, perking up suddenly. He had a fun idea, but Sitara began talking before he could voice it.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡd04aFBAwvY
"I'll send Gooly there to scope the place. Marcus, meet with-" Before she even finished talking, Wrench was bouncing in place and raising his hand.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡewdo0wg1RB
"Ooh, ooh, me! I wanna go! We're gonna destroy the bank machines, right?" He asked in excitement, two wide circles on his mask. Sitara cocked her head to the side, giving him a grin.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpefNrtcRj
"Yeah, by interfering with the coding. But…you want to blow them up, don't you?"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4jZfZAPv6
"Pleeease? It's been forever since I've gotten to do something fun."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKD18DxoEp
She rolled her eyes and shrugged. "Alright, alright! I guess it would piss off Prime_Eight even more if the whole mechanism were destroyed…" She spoke into the comm channel. "Marcus, get back to the hackerspace. Wrench has got this one."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgPevDGYQx
"Alright, I'm on my way."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKCBJSBkH6
The gang dispersed to their various stations. Wrench wandered over to his workspace, and grabbed a set of keys, then headed for the stairs. Riley felt like she had no part to play in this operation, so she followed after him, meeting him at the bottom of the stairs.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwR4xZH5nm
"Can I come?" She asked, pouting a little. Wrench paused mid-step, and Riley mistook that as doubt in allowing her to join him. She clasped her hands together. "I want to help in some way. Even if I can't do a whole lot, there's gotta be something I could do. Just sitting here doing nothing would eat me alive."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnClB8Yi7O
His mask flashed exclamation points, before becoming a wink, and he held out a fist. "Let's go blow some shit up."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpys1ikCC2
Riley smiled, bumping her own fist with his, and they made their way upstairs.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3yA76zPbW
Marcus got back to the hackerspace and noticed the absence of not just one, but two DedSec members from the hackerspace. Ray didn't count, seeing as he was away on his own personal mission he wouldn't disclose. The man was more secretive than the companies they exposed. DedSec allowed their members freedom to choose whatever they wanted to pursue, so they didn't ask.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHjO2VW1d3
Marcus sauntered up to Sitara, a brow raised. "Where's Riley?"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3sovtGQ6j
The female hacker shrugged, smiling a little. "She left." Marcus leaned closer with a knowing expression, his unspoken question clear. Sitara's smile widened, but she played it off as best she could. "Yes, with Wrench."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPmrqux0jJ
"Mhmm…Sounds about right." He nodded smugly, pushing away from her and backing away. "You know, you're this much closer to owing me that $100."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvrgjtcguq
"Pff, please." She scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "There's no proof. I'll believe it when I see it."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkuNI0hpQn
"I'm telling you, Wrench'll do something about it. Just watch. Dude's full of surprises."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJd4aEzIET
"Uh huh. Just be prepared to hand over that $100 when they end up nothing more than friends." Was her only response, and Marcus let it go, turning with a chuckle to lay on the couch. He could use a nap while the others were out on their operation.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBoSRIm4YR
Surprisingly, their first stop was to his garage. "Hang tight, I'll just be a second." He said, parking in front of the place and hurrying out of the car. He jogged around to a side door, then disappeared for several minutes. Riley sat there, glancing around at the people walking by. Nearly everyone was on their phones. She wondered how many of these people even knew how easy it was for their information to be stolen and used for unlawful purposes. How many of them were clueless to what was going on?copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjbZ6UZnjP
Riley glanced at her own, playing a stupid click-farming game until there was a bump at the back. She turned to look through the window behind her, seeing the trunk had been opened, but whatever he was doing she couldn't tell. The car moved as he stowed something back there, and finally he slammed it shut, brushing his hands together to clean them.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1yZ6JDFri
The driver door opened, and he eased into the seat with a sigh. "There. All set."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTTWMLF9PE
"What did you grab?" Riley asked, putting her phone away as he threw the car into drive. Another wink was sent her way.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kXcj36jrp
"You'll see."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dqHdwrRcT
They eased up to Ronda's diner. It was now late in the afternoon, the sun slanting into their eyes painfully. Several people milled about the front, and they could already hear the music from inside from the parking lot.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KN2HzOmJD
Wrench lead them over to a stack of wooden boards and planks for the construction nearby. Their informant, Gooly, was sitting on the ground there waiting for them. He looked up and lifted his chin in greeting.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JYYWi22Bu
He informed them of the scheme Sons of Ragnarok had been running, how the ATM hack would triple their cashflow from their normal cash skimming ops. Gooly gave them the specs of where the ATM machines were located, and left them to it. They returned to the car, and Wrench opened the trunk.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKHSrVpTMB
Riley's eyes widened at the duffel bag full of explosives that was just sitting there. She pointed to them. "We drove with those just in our trunk?"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVlzY39MqS
"Oh, relaaax. They weren't gonna blow up." He reassured, shrugging. "Probably…" He finished in a mutter, too low for her to hear. Beside the duffel bag was a few weapons, which he strapped to his person.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqCpoyHqBj
"Do you expect to go in guns blazing?" She asked, stepping back to allow him room to maneuver.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡU23CVvxkok
"Well, if you've got my back, then no. But I always like to prepare for the worst. Never know when a gun might be handy." He patted the improvised and customized weapons with affection, finally reaching in to grab the bag of explosives. "Now, let's get this show on the road."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaghKekT1L
Taking a deep breath of her own, Riley followed after him with the laptop Wrench had brought with them. They met back up where Gooly had been sitting, deciding it would be their 'base of operations,' or sorts. Wrench knelt by her to see the screen as she pulled up the security camera feed for the diner.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrboQAXy1y
"Alright, the first machine is in the diner itself. I don't know how you're going to get inside looking like that." She admitted gesturing to his normal outfit. Wrench acted taken aback, placing a delicate hand on his chest.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWBVzwq7RP
"What's wrong with the way I look?"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM0H4KWpEX
"Nothing!" She assured, shaking her head. "It's just going to make it obvious that you're part of DedSec."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqpmPgXMPY
She was genuinely concerned she'd offended him, but the moment his eyes displayed two happy icons, she rolled her eyes. Always with the teasing. "Alright, tough guy, how are we going to plant those explosives?"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGVWCvt2Cl
"Easy. This little guy will do it for us." He said, taking out the RC car from the bag as well. He set it on it's wheels and turned it on. "You'll have to help me get it inside without being noticed, though. Pretty sure people will freak out if they see bombs strapped to this thing." He admitted.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡR38RLcCHCg
Riley gave him a pointed look, but checked the cameras inside anyway. The diner was busy, unfortunately, but the room the machine was in was thankfully empty. And the door was open. "Ok, I'll have to find you an opening. Get it all set up."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMG59vl6ib
Wrench strapped three or four of the explosives around the car, taping them over so they wouldn't fall if it needed to jump over any obstacles. Riley was worried it would blow up from the jostling around, but if they hadn't done so on the drive over, it should be fine now. Hopefully.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DS0Auw4w8
Once done, he gave her a nod and pulled out his phone, sending the RC car over to the entrance of the diner. It parked itself just beside the doorway, waiting on her signal.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡpocxgYKSGm
Riley watched the movement of people, the walking patterns of the waitresses, and as much detail as she could take in.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l9PrilNoE
Unbeknownst to her, Wrench watched as she became hyper focused on the laptop screens, determined to find him a way inside. He appreciated her dedication and confidence. She remained calm, and didn't panic. He was glad she was here helping him.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtiQuSk0XR
Riley noticed that most of the occupants had wandered over to the far side of the diner, and those who stood near the door were looking up at the tv screens, where a football game was playing. "Ok, go, go!" She insisted.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nglUxjFpZ
Wrench pushed the RC car to move, skirting around the doorway and into the diner. It made a beeline for the back room with the machine. Riley's timing was perfect. Wrench watched on the RC car's webcam for guidance, easing it closer to the ATM. He jumped it higher up, then let it fall behind it.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ylaoMsKzR
"What are you doing?" Riley asked, watching as the car's metal arm started unscrewing the back panel of the machine.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxkGnPzIPw
"Wedging this thing inside. It'll reduce the the chances that the whole place goes up in flames." He answered, and Riley was glad he tried minimizing the risk to innocent people. Once it was well-situated in the wiring of the ATM, Wrench turned off the screen and placed his phone back into his pocket. "Alright, one down, two to go. Where is the second?"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYTQkOnDuN
Riley switched her camera view to the back area of the diner, showing a fenced off, restricted zone. "Back there. The gate is guarded, so you might have to jump the fence."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwmYGLK9vk
"Ok, where at?"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TRlAfb9Y0
Riley kept searching the perimeter, finding him the best location. "Looks like the best way in is gonna be this south side. There's a small alcove you can get in without being spotted right here," Riley pointed towards the area of the screen, "and you'd be right near the next machine."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyZApkpMXT
Wrench nodded his appreciation and headed off towards the side of the diner. Riley sat in her spot behind the wood, ensuring no one looking this direction would spot her. She flipped through a few cameras, monitoring Wrench's progress while he moved along the wall, rapidly approaching the right section.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡABpWz6Hkgd
"Alright, go in right…there." She said into the comm channel quietly. Immediately, he stopped in place and prepared to scale the stone wall. Riley switched cameras again to inside the compound, watching as people lingered and paced the inside. She frowned in concern, seeing more than she'd anticipated.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh6wDHMORK
"There's a lot of people in there. Be careful." She warned, and he laughed.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxjO7I8xu6
"Careful is my middle name. Right after Danger."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4HQ1hXIBd
The brunette smiled, shaking her head. "You can only have one middle name, Wrench."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgu2M7KyVB
"Only one? That's so limiting." Was his disappointed reply, making her laugh.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡjK8CzgkIOO
Out of the corner of the screen, Wrench could be seen vaulting the wall and dropping out of sight below. Riley tapped more keys, flipping camera perspectives until she found one with him in sight. The bag of explosives was still slung over one of his shoulders, and he was peering around a corner.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfTx5UO3Dp
"Are we clear?" He whispered, waiting for her go ahead.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzFLCsSm0O
"No, get back behind the box." She said, seeing someone approaching from the right. Wrench stepped back, hiding out of sight as the person passed him by, none the wiser. "Ok, now run to that parked truck."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkz6W9ngRb
Riley switched the camera again, watching as he sprinted across the open space. Despite knowing there wasn't anyone looking his way, it was still nerve-wracking to watch him in action because of her directions. One wrong move and he could be in a bad spot. Focus, Riley. Don't let the pressure get to you.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HqZewU2zx
"Ok, it's in that shed. No one's inside." She said after checking the camera, indicating a small wooden building directly in front of him. The screen switched back to where Wrench was. "There's two people walking to the right side of the truck. Stay there, wait until they pass. Then hold until my signal."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡsP78AJAt5B
"Got it." He whispered.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3VR9S0w8S
The goons were conversing amongst themselves, slowly walking past Wrench without knowing he was even there. One glance to the left and they'd see him though. Riley couldn't help but hold her breath, finally releasing it when they were behind one of the walls of the shed.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeA7dOE7Rd
Next, her attention was on his surroundings, watching for anyone that might be looking his way. Seconds passed by, and Wrench got a little antsy just sitting there. "Riley?" He asked, waiting for some indication.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj2MrDv27B
"Wait." One goon in particular on the opposite deck was staring his direction. Swallowing dryly, she realized he had a gun strapped to his waist. And he looked ready and willing to use it, too. She stared at him, willing him to look away. There! Someone called for him, gaining his attention. "Ok, go!"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpEzgOrhkA
Without another moment to lose, Wrench ran for the door and threw it open. No one shouted out in alarm, thankfully, and he locked it behind him. "Nice." She praised, smiling in relief.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2OKa1zO9q
"I aim to please." He said, and she laughed. From her view of him in the camera, she could see his mask take on his amused expression while setting the duffel bag down and placing charges on the machine. "Heh, it's like you're my own personal Navi."62Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasMDfrYiXN
62Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFScwux29hq
"Oh, please. Don't ever compare me to that useless blue fly. You'll have to come up with a better comparison."62Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa193ZoE2z1
62Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJtXmJol1m
He seemed speechless at that, maybe thinking up another example.62Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HeldJSgSa
copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OK4AcH6eP
62Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3cQ6bfLdO
Riley was already switching back to the outside cameras to watch for anyone that might be heading towards him. For the time being, the coast was generally clear. "Almost done?" She asked.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSemsvaUNu
"Yup. The last one should be in a private dock?" He confirmed, and he unlocked the door to the shed, waiting on her go-ahead. Riley waited for the next opening, then lead him back the way he'd come. The dock was outside of the gate, on the shoreline further north of the diner.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXxjIHlivu
There weren't any security cameras that could really track his progress up until he made it to the covered dock. She accessed the only camera she could see, which was inside the structure. "Wait!" She said, noticing movement inside. Two people were conversing with each other right next to the ATM. "There's people inside. Is there any way to create a distraction?"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwjsAUEi0T
"One distraction, coming up." He whispered, putting the duffel bag aside and digging in his pocket for something.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ILl4eRf8E
More out of paranoia than anything, Riley switched to the cameras covering the ATM's they'd already hooked up with explosives, making sure nothing was wrong. She froze, spotting someone walking towards the shack. "Uh, we might have a problem."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDChXlYiDt
"What? What's wrong?" He paused, stooping beside the building to appear less of a target.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡNl06OA0tT1
"Shit…" She muttered, switching back to the camera inside the shed. Someone walked in, looking around curiously. He paused a second, then walked up to the machine and inspected the bars. "Someone just found the second ATM. He might try to take off the bombs."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0J8mOmd3v
"Aw, fuck…I'll have to blow them now."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡSO9u56P3os
"But they'll know you're there." Riley protested, watching anxiously as he walked quickly out of the shed, no doubt to notify somebody.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbOxiC7j61
"Doesn't matter. We don't want them salvaging any of the machines." Wrench said, pulling his phone out to detonate them remotely. Riley tensed, seeing two people return to the shed and start reaching for the explosives on the machine. Biting her lip, she braced for the sound of-copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡks14BoSYCW
Boom! Boom! Two consecutive explosion echoed through the air, and the ground vibrated underneath her feet. She could see a billow of smoke rise in the air in the direction of the shed, and people screamed from within the diner. Like she predicted, a torrent of customer flooded out the entrance and ran towards their cars in the parking lot. Nobody was looking back at the diner though, so Riley went unnoticed.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuKDZQJOU7
Riley lost a visual on both cameras for the diner and shed, as they must have been damaged or destroyed from the blasts. A babble of yelling came from the back of the diner, and she became worried. They'd be combing the area now for who was responsible.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrj5YCI6VO
"Are you ok?" She asked, switching back over to the camera inside the dock. The two people in there were on high alert, but remained inside the building. Both of them had guns now cocked and ready to shoot. There was no response from Wrench, but as she watched the feed, he burst through the door and shot both goons inside. They had no time to react and fell to the ground in pain.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gh9kTydRa
"I am, but they're not." He finally replied, and she huffed out a breath of relief.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡalFVYELItF
The brunette watched as he quickly knelt in front of the machine and placed the charges, taping them securely so they wouldn't fall off. He made a few more adjustments before grabbing the duffel bag and sprinting back out the door again.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK79Q5LycH
Several seconds passed, with Riley trying to find a visual on him, before a third explosion rocked through the sky. More yells rang out, and Riley worried that they'd figured out where Wrench was. All she could hope for now was for him to get back soon so they could get out of there. All three machines were destroyed. Their mission was done.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkXFuiz2vr
And then the shooting started. Riley jumped, startled by the noise.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGMSBLxnt0
"Wrench, where are you?" She asked, peeking over the wooden crates to try to see. She spotted him hiding behind a tree near the side of the diner. Like he was covering from weapon fire in his direction. "Get out of there!"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jLatBgfat
"Trying!" He said, swinging out from behind the tree and popping off a couple shots while he ran in the direction of the parking lot. The covering fire helped him get further out of range, before he dropped his returning shots entirely and began sprinting full tilt towards where she was hiding.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyNUehcNkI
"Get the car ready!" He said through the comms, and Riley scrambled up from her seat. She ran over to the car and slid hastily into the driver's seat. More gunshots rang out behind her, but she ignored it for now.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡexp1q1NXoh
Fumbling for a moment with the keys, her haste getting the better of her, the brunette was able to shove them into the ignition and start the engine. She threw it into drive and waited for Wrench.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsBJD4kTjv
He was still running, and she saw him suddenly lurch forward, stumbling a few paces before picking up speed again. "Ugh…fuck!" He muttered on the comms, and she worried he'd been shot. The Sons of Ragnarok thugs continued their shooting, trying to catch up with the fleeing hacker, even as he rounded around the car and threw himself inside.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡmg3aairn5L
"Go! Go!" He shouted, pulling his phone out of his pocket. Riley stepped on the gas and rocketed them forward towards the road.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kjvlJw9GV
Though her focus was mainly on the road as they get away, Riley then noticed that Wrench hadn't returned with the duffel bag. She glanced over, seeing him tapping a few commands into his phone. Her lips moved to ask where the rest of the explosives went, but the much bigger, much louder explosion that sent a vibration wave through them even from this distance answered it for her.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEn1o05IUp
"That should slow them down." Wrench said breathlessly, shifting his left arm more comfortably.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡegFirQATeF
"Did you get shot?" She glanced over, seeing blood freely streaming from his bicep. Wrench kept a hand covering the wound so she couldn't see how bad it was.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkZYQlHmuo
"It's fine, just get us out of here." He said, and she grimaced with concern. But, he was right. They had more pressing issues at the moment. She kept driving until they were in the middle of the city, where no amount of searching would uncover them. Time to get back to the hackerspace.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡiU3FWrG2aA
"You crazy motherfucker." Marcus said with an impressed smile when Wrench and Riley stepped foot into the hackerspace. The two guys met halfway and fist-bumped, but Wrench grunted with pain, forgetting his injured arm. His friend noticed, holding up his arm to see. "Yo, you got shot!"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpR7HiYhbc
"So don't jerk it around like that." He complained, wrenching his arm away from him, which actually just made things worse. "Ah, shit…"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQxWPniwKM
"I have a first aid kit in my car." Riley offered, and Sitara nodded.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3HYJDqpFB
"That would probably be helpful." She said, and the brunette ran off to grab it.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ070RfHadYm
When she returned, Wrench was leaning on his workbench, wrapping a ragged cloth around it, but Riley placed the first aid kit on the table and laid a hand on his to stop him. "Here, let's put a better one on there. And clean it first."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWdXS2laz6
Wrench didn't say anything, but hesitantly let her unwrap the makeshift bandage he'd been attempting to wrap and set it to the side. Riley pulled up the closest chair and made him sit so she attend to it better.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡXu9EtSiUiY
"I can do it myself, you know." He offered not unkindly, but she waved his offer aside.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi5vakdkyc
"Yeah, but so can I. I like feeling useful." She said, stopping any further argument thereafter.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡHY8VW1Xicw
Wrench sat there, letting her clean the wound. Thankfully it had gone all the way through and there wasn't a bullet to dig out. Wrench had a hard time looking at her, especially when her hands were pressing so gently against his arm and she was concentrating so hard. Her hair was a bit disheveled, probably from running to the car back there in a panic. It was…cute.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡo91yOuq7oI
It was then that he realized he hadn't thanked her for all of her help. But with her so close like this, he didn't know how to say it properly. The words got caught in his throat. The sterile wipe passed over an especially tender point on the wound and he recoiled a little.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5U1bpbvDw4
"Sorry." She said, smiling gently to assure him she'd be more careful.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd3Y8ZZ6hc
Something came to mind, then. "Cortana." He said, catching her off guard.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGlEea9Fhx
"What?" She frowned, grabbing the roll of bandages from the kit.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡonrpyRA4v7
His happy expression returned, and he rested his good arm on the table beside him. "Fuck Navi, like you said. You're like Cortana. From Halo."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8llcjtbjAt
The confusion cleared, and Riley laughed, nodding slowly to herself. "Which makes you Master Chief?"copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdaRRp204k
The implications made Wrench giddy, and two heart icons appeared on his mask. "Fuck yeah."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡytH0SfStkn
Riley laughed again, and she tenderly wrapped the bandage around his arm, making sure it wasn't too tight to cut off circulation. "Well, even though I was terrified almost the whole time that something would go wrong…that was pretty awesome what you did."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtIVF2pRlZ
Exclamation points replaced the hearts. Wrench honestly didn't know what to say other than… "Thanks."copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRdvJ5VL5Z
They both went silent again while Riley finished up patching Wrench up.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EsMEl2wOn
Marcus and Sitara stood to the side, and he gestured over to the oblivious pair of hackers with emphasis. "I mean, look! What other proof could you possibly need?" He whispered.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpQCkwFKn0
Sitara looked unimpressed, shrugging. "Nope. It's not set in stone, Marcus. No indisputable proof? No $100." With that, she patted him empathetically on the arm and walked away with a smug smile. Marcus would have to do better than that to convince her.copyright protection58ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJSXfB2am8
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