Riley had just finished putting her groceries into her car when she received a text from Marcus.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVadxGH5Fn
You have a moment to meet? Something I'd like to discuss.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4InhUBurS
She struck a confused face, placing the bags of bread and eggs on top of everything else so they wouldn't be crushed. Shutting the trunk of her car, she wheeled the shopping cart over to the designated return area. On the way back to her car, she sent a quick reply.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqOi3VQg47
I'm just finishing up some shopping. I'll drop this off at home and we can talk. Any place in mind?copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4i3fvBVdGB
Part of her was worried. Had she done something wrong? Had her first post not been up to their expectations? They hadn't asked for her help again in the past few days, could they be questioning their arrangement? The other half of Riley knew that she was probably just overreacting and this was all a big assumption on her part. She climbed into the driver's seat and turned on the engine, reversing out of the parking spot and heading towards home.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfGjDXderE
Her phone pinged, alerting her to a text, but she was in the middle of driving and didn't want to risk an accident. Phone tucked between her thighs as she drove, Riley meant to reply at the next red light she hit. A few streets later and the opportunity arose.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p5VH9RypV
Union Square, if you can.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡGteKJJlFW1
Yeah, should take me about 20 minutes.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxgWQUT38l
Riley sent the message just as the light changed, and she set the phone down to drive again. Thankfully traffic today was lighter. Sundays tended to mean less people on the road, just because most wanted to stay home rather than go anywhere. It was a solid concept. The brunette normally liked being lazy on Sundays too, but she was critically low on food for herself and Pants. If she accidentally ran out for him, well, suffice to say she wouldn't hear the end of it.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfLNasW21m
Once making it home, Riley spent the arduous task of walking up three flights of stairs several times because of the amount of food she'd bought. Her arms were sore and aching by the end of it, and Pants was freely perusing the bags she'd set on the ground to search for anything that was designated for him. Bringing the last of the bags up with her, she shut the door with her foot, then dropped the bags onto the floor gratefully.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHQcrzVNeS
"Shoo, it's not time to eat yet." She said, gesturing the cat away with her hand. Pants wasn't feeling so inclined to go anywhere. Giving up because she was tired and he was stubborn, she quickly sorted and put away the food into their proper places. Nonperishables went in the pantry, and everything else went in the fridge.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvq5shZml8
With that taken care of, she knelt down and patted the cat's head affectionately a few times. "Alright, buddy. I'm leaving again, so guard the apartment while I'm gone." He purred and rubbed up against her hand. She knew full well he could easily be persuaded should an intruder feed him, so he'd be a useless protector.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3nsRyVOBX
Giving Pants a quick kiss, she stood and grabbed her purse, heading back out the door and locking it.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡazE1L6AHTP
Riley parked in one of the only parking spots left on the street. Despite it being a Sunday, Union Square was one of those places that was always busy no matter what. A commerce and social hub, Riley honestly hadn't had much reason before to visit. Of course, when she'd originally set up in San Fransisco to begin her assignment, she'd staked out many of the more popular locations in the city. This had been one of them, but there hadn't been any reason for her to come back very often.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHl0NNhM9D
People milled across the concrete square. Some walked or ran with dogs on leashes. Other played guitar, the cases open to implicate tips were welcome. Some had set up blankets in the grassy areas to sit in the grass, laptops and books stealing their attention. Covered tables lined the square, and most were occupied.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQGjjyRfms
She walked slowly through the center of the square, not quite sure what to look for. Marcus hadn't been too specific with the instructions to meet here, so she just looked around hoping something would become apparent.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡcx2RzNXauR
Someone sitting at one of the tables started waving in her direction, and she saw it was a dark-skinned man. He was wearing one of those snapback hats and carried the same messenger bag as Marcus did. She smiled, walking towards him.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04zl4m8m9h
"Nice to see you again, Riley." He greeted when she approached. He held up his fist, and she bumped hers against it.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ48GnsefIB
"You too." She sat in the chair facing him, shrugging off her purse and placing it in her lap. "All going well?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV9KMIxKS1
"You know it."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS5aeaxmwG
"Nice. So, what did you need me for?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwKMc8fqnX
Marcus leaned casually back in the metal chair, eyes glancing around at the milling crowd. "I've been talking with the others, and we've decided that we can trust you. What do you say we have you meet the rest of the team?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25SbPFUnpN
"Oh." Riley sat back, surprised. This had been the last of her expectations. Marcus sensed the surprise in her tone and smirked at her.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1GucUFJgc
"You don't want to?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVIaHUiXlF
Riley hastily shook her head, trying to recover. "No, nothing like that! I just know how cautious DedSec is when it comes to the people they work with and trust. I hadn't thought I'd earned that yet."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnLOyBttYT
"Heh, Wrench said something to you about earning our trust, didn't he?" Marcus laughed with humor. Not wanting to lie, but also not wanting to get Wrench in trouble either, Riley shrugged with a small pout. "Don't worry about it. He was part of the discussion too."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnUWS6RyP7
"Well, I'm grateful." Riley smiled, feeling a surge of warmth. This was exactly what her investigation needed. That close trust would gain her access to most of DedSec's information. It would also gain her some valuable friends, too. Of which Riley currently had few.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf2sqKmIIH
"So, ready to see the hackerspace?" Marcus clapped his hands together in excitement, leaning forward. Riley was still overwhelmed by how quickly this was progressing, but she was also extremely curious as to the inner workings of DedSec.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡoD4arDLV7K
"Sure."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡOn7Ik0ObyE
Marcus stood and Riley followed suit. He gestured to follow, and she did so. He weaved through the people in the square, going slow enough not to lose Riley in the crowd. They were headed in the opposite direction to where Riley entered, but she wasn't concerned. This was one of the few places that there weren't any parking meters along the street.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiUmKk673P
They continued until the street was in sight. Marcus was headed towards a nondescript, white van. Riley raised a brow and laughed. "You know, this all seems very serial killer-esc."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡPssUCUyoPF
"Oh, really? How so?" Marcus glanced back at her as they approached the vehicle, amusement evident in his smile.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D3gmngbzO
She counted off on her fingers. "A vague text asking me to meet you, a white van, not telling me exactly where we are going…what's next, a blind fold?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡPS7JeS4lZ7
Marcus had opened the passenger door to the van, then paused. He looked over his shoulder at her, shrugging apologetically when he showed her the blindfold in his hand. "Well, about that…"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOzDIcygAn
The brunette stared down at the cloth with a sigh, smiling despite herself. "You trust me enough to know your identities, but not the location of your base, is that right?" She took the blindfold and gave Marcus a look.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJ1ZZomgzW
He rubbed at the back of his neck, laughing hesitantly. "It's nothing personal…don't get me wrong, we do trust you. It's just-"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pOc834dp4
"No need to explain, I understand." She waved away his attempt at answering, giving a reassuring smile. "We only just started working together. I'd be a little wary too."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡkATUdC7MSI
Her words seemed to relieve Marcus a bit, and he nodded happily. "Great to hear. Now, let's get you in the seat before putting that on."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOrbOqAbG9
She climbed inside while Marcus went to the other side. She slammed the door shut and strapped on her seatbelt. She aligned the blind fold with her eyes, then wrapped it around her head so she couldn't see. The driver side door opened and Marcus climbed inside while she tried tying it behind her head. The angle was awkward, and she couldn't quite see the knot or anything. He must have seen that she was struggling.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LyWYHZ3Up
"Here, let me." He offered, taking the two sides from her hands.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fZ0adChZv
"Thanks."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9krl8SVjz
The cloth tightened around her head, but not painfully so, and then a second knot secured it there. Riley heard the engine start up, and she settled into the seat. This was all a bit thrilling. Being blindfolded, and taken to an unknown location. She really should be more concerned about her safety. After all, she'd only ever Marcus once before. Logically, she shouldn't be able to trust him this much yet. But he was DedSec. And Riley trusted DedSec. That was all she needed to know.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rlDnjlnmf
The van lurched into drive, and began to move. Not being able to see while they moved was a bit disorienting, but Riley quickly adjusted and held onto the handle on the door. She intentionally started distracting her thoughts with song lyrics so she wouldn't unconsciously start keeping track of turns and distances as they drove. They trusted her not to know where they operated, and she'd keep that trust sacred.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuvLvFZ8XY
"So, any questions for me before we get there?" Marcus asked. Riley smiled, jostled by a particularly bad pot hole in the road.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX7Yot7hor
"Not really. Is there anything I need to know before meeting everyone?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtSb7gusDR
She heard him laugh from beside her. "We might not be what you're expecting, so don't be surprised if DedSec is a little…different."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpldbRTaZR
"Different?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DOgCdJJu8
"Lots of people call us misfits for a reason."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡblC4wJk1cX
Riley couldn't keep back the snort of amusement. "I've met Wrench already. Surely none of you are stranger than him?" If they were, maybe Riley was in for a lot more than she had bargained for.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUme8x62H5
"True. He does stand out a bit more than most. If you can handle him, you'll be fine."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQJJ6lXQ5r
That was reassuring. But it wasn't like Wrench was all that ridiculous. In fact, he seemed almost normal. Hmm, although she didn't know that much about him. He certainly was interesting. Riley looked forward to getting to know him a bit more.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhNBljlFkx
"So, what's your story?" She asked Marcus, turning in his general direction out of instinct. "What got you into DedSec?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdsZsBxzEf
She heard a scoff. "Awhile back, Blume's new algorithm tagged me as the most likely suspect in a high tech equipment theft. Only problem is, I didn't do it."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy5ohcKf3P
"Ah yeah, I've heard that system was massively discriminatory." Riley added, nodding in understanding.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡG26tErNZ78
"Right?" He agreed, then continued on. "They put me in community service, but no one believed that I was innocent after that. Made life a lot harder."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKm0JPCgog
"I can imagine."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3PBr7ObmR
Marcus sighed gently. "I wasn't gonna take that shit lying down, though. Started working on computers, figuring out how they worked, exposing small leaks here and there. Made myself more of a nuisance than anything." He explained, taking them into a left turn. Riley had no idea where in the city they were at this point. "DedSec noticed what I was doing, and offered me a spot if I could erase my ctOS profile."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13T7xyzlxH
Riley paused, suddenly nervous. "Am I gonna have to do that?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5rP6aEIr3
"Nah, nothing like that." He chuckled with humor, amused by her nervousness. "It was just a trial to prove my skills to the rest of the group. You won't have to, since you're mainly going to be helping Sitara with getting our name out there."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡZX6PzxWnJj
"Cool." She said, feeling a bit better.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKm9SUHsff
It seemed they'd arrived wherever they were going, because Marcus slowed the van to a stop. The brakes squealed in slight protest underneath them. He threw it into park and turned off the engine. Riley unbuckled her seatbelt but then sat there, unsure of what he wanted her to do.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IlAyrLdad
"Do I still have to keep this on?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9bmZKUV8E
"Yeah, just for a little while longer." He said, opening the driver's side door and closing it after him. He walked around to her side and opened her door, gently guiding her to jump down to the sidewalk. At least, she assumed it was a sidewalk. It felt like concrete under her shoes.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡfopCxhwfJM
The door was slammed shut behind her, and Marcus lead her forward with a hand on her back. She cautiously moved forward, one hand extended slightly in front of her just in case she bumped into anything. Even if she trusted Marcus wouldn't let that happen, her lack of vision made it impossible not to worry about it.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTvPt3hfhr
The concrete under her feet became a short carpet, and the sound from outside was muffled as they entered a building. It was much quieter inside, and Riley began to feel a bit ridiculous. Were there a lot of people in here? How many of them were staring at her, wearing a blindfold and being lead by someone? She could feel her cheeks growing red.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxBEUApPwx
"Just a little further." Marcus said quietly, patiently leading her again.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLWTnuaUJU
They walked to what she assumed was the back of the room, then took an immediate left, before Marcus halted her with a hand.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeNb4hflxw
"One second." She heard faint tapping sounds, before some sort of lock disengaged.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡN04pEZZ3Pw
Riley couldn't help but laugh. "This is feeling more and more like a real life spy movie."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjixcG1nAL
"Heh, I know. It's pretty sick." Marcus took her arm and pulled her forward, a bit slower this time. "There's a set of stairs here, so take it slow."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhZ5t3nIoV
Riley did as instructed, thankful for Marcus' guidance and patience. There wasn't a handrail to help, so she just trailed her hand down along the wall to keep her balance. It was made of concrete as well. This felt like a basement of some kind.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcVkBzjBD8
The sound of computer keys, and some newly released song faintly playing overhead came into her hearing. She nearly tripped up getting down the final step, but Marcus caught her just in time.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8erqLE6N1H
"Alright, you can take that off now." He said, helping to untie it from behind her head.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiYxorBMaZ
Riley slid it off of her face, blinking a few times to get used to the light again. The brunette jumped backwards into Marcus upon seeing Wrench's mask a few inches from her face. It flashed two X's at her.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpcCJNc3pP
"Fucking-!" Riley cried, causing the masked man to laugh openly. Her heart was racing a million times a minute, and she raised a brow. "Really?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡbx4DXQh4Dj
"I couldn't help it. Ha ha, you should have seen your face!" He doubled over in an attempt to contain his amusement. It wasn't working.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcCJK0blNl
"Obviously you've met Wrench. A bit of forewarning: he can be an ass sometimes." Marcus chuckled good-naturedly.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡluLx7vlkyK
"Clearly…" She muttered. Riley shook her head and collected herself, examining her surroundings.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKieof4GkI
She was standing in a concrete basement, as she'd guessed, but it was so much more than that. As soon as you entered, bright and vibrant colors assaulted your eyes, but she was enthralled with it rather than offended. The DedSec name was graffitied all over the place, their logo and symbols everywhere.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5UBPFC00p
To her right was a sectional couch and small living area, complete with lockers and a vending machine. Past that was mostly open space, a few desks spaced out against the walls at intervals. And towards the center of the room was a large wall of over a dozen computer or tv screens. All in all, Riley was impressed.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡllU7T2Cema
"Sitara, Josh! Come on over and meet Riley."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxVhLjxQZR
A woman, whom she assumed was Sitara, met them first. Her outfit was just as loud and colorful as the greeting wall, but tastefully so. The purple hair, off-the-shoulder cardigan and thigh-high socks were actually pretty stylish together. Not something Riley would have thought of, but still appealing nonetheless.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZXtAM9cM9
"Ah, our newest recruit." Sitara said, standing across from her and cocking her hip. "It's nice to meet you finally. Loved the blog post, by the way."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8vwfpzSEV
"Glad you liked it." Riley said, genuinely meaning it. She always enjoyed hearing that others liked her work. "Have you seen any sort of difference since it was published?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DtYVeht5h
She gestured to a laptop on the closest desk. "Hell yeah. Our app downloads have increased about 15%, and I was able to source them from your post."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDgi7Q4g3R
"How so?" Riley couldn't see how that would be possible to track.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG0WcflL7Z
A man in a green hoodie approached next, just behind Riley causing her to jump from fright when he spoke. "We tracked the source coding from your blog post and sequenced it with those phone IP's that have our app data. It wasn't that difficult."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaDa8ypq1u
"Damn, are you guys all trying to kill me from fright?" She asked, placing a hand over her heart. His expression didn't really seem all that concerned.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn8YFgPKxT
"Sorry." He said simply, standing there awkwardly. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYzBUMRgyZ
"It's alright. I'm assuming you're Josh?" He nodded neutrally, almost inspecting her closely without being overly intrusive.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfaTqjsQJt
"Yeah."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrRuqwKggi
"Well, I'm Riley." She cast her glance around the small circle of people, nodding with a smile. "I'm thrilled to meet all of you, officially, by the way. You've certainly been making a name for yourselves, I didn't know what to expect coming here."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SgIubumr2
"We're not all that bad." Wrench said, shrugging his crossed arms. "Well…sometimes."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHiwAJP2Az
"Riley wouldn't have started working with us if she thought we were bad people." Sitara pointed out.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV1nprUaHb
Marcus jumped in with a laugh. "You'll learn to love us eventually. Weird quirks and all."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡsR3IAyT5Ul
"I'm sure I will." Riley agreed, looking around at the odd bunch of faces. Josh just watched the conversation quietly. From what she knew of him, he wasn't much of a talker anyways.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8g2qMDaCGK
Sitara cleared her throat, gesturing to the set-up of paper and colors and graffiti at the foot of the stairs. "Now that we've got introductions out of the way, we'll give you a run-down of our operations here, but let's start with my station. You know, since you and I will be working together on spreading the word."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdFcB5Evfm
"Sure." Riley followed after her, glancing around to see the others go back to what she assumed were their own personal work spaces. Marcus wandered over to the couch and lounged. Josh returned to a computer further in, and Wrench stood next to the 3D printer in the center.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHdKqOjkTd
"This is where the magic happens." Sitara opened her arms wide, indicating all of the artwork and equipment in her area. "Like I said before. I've spent a long time working on DedSec, making it into the army we need to take down these big corporations."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1uIshmCT2
Riley inspected the various logos and artwork on the walls and floor. "DedSec is your baby?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4f2hR8Wmn
"Oh yeah. Guess you could call it my life's work. I've put blood, sweat, and tears into building it from the ground up." Sitara admired her own handiwork, a proud smile settling on her lips. Riley had no doubt that she'd done just that.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡi35wNwk7Qd
"What is it exactly that you'd like me to focus on?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwePfG6BjZ
Sitara turned back to the brunette. "Getting people to download the app, mostly. But also just waking people the fuck up to what's happening." The hacker shrugged and took on a incredulous expression. "Honestly, it's easier getting all this data to expose to the world than it is changing people's minds about it."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG4TJmKRi7
Riley nodded slowly, thinking about it. "People don't like realizing that something they'd previously supported or believed in is wrong. Humans are prideful. They don't like being wrong."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBal7YRs5I
"No kidding." Sitara smirked, turning back to the printer to show her how it was done.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqeVftCl4V
Riley spent the next half hour or so learning from Sitara the inner workings of DedSec's 'marketing' campaign, so to speak. She explained the process of graffitiing certain billboards in specific locations, or covering specific messages that would get the most attention. How all of this affected the fans, the dissenters, and just the general public who didn't know what to think of them. The journalist was surprised that Sitara had thought so far ahead and so thoroughly about this, but then again, the woman had been doing this a long time. She'd had a lot of time to learn.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡlICqClMmd4
Riley in turn brought up good points of interest for online supporters, and ways to better integrate their art on the web. Most of the information Riley couldn't tell if it actually would help or not, but Sitara was at least polite enough to listen anyway. The brunette honestly couldn't tell how much of a help she was being. Sitara seemed to have everything covered already.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡusGENNDFgI
After going over everything she could think of, Sitara lead her over to Josh's desk, where he was busy tapping away at keys and going through lines of code. "I'll let you meet with the others and they can tell you about what they do. We want you to get to know all of us around here."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡnW9BSo5uKa
"Awesome." Riley said, watching as she returned to her workstation. Then the brunette turned back towards Josh, watching as he intently did whatever it was he was doing. "What's all this?" She asked, pointing towards the screen.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6S3wvoiRB
Without missing a beat, eyes glued to the computer, he responded. "Rewriting the security codes for the Haum robots. They could come in handy later, and this will make it much easier to hack into one."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl430SRDx7
"Nice." She said, watching for a few more seconds. He didn't say anything after that, and she tried finding something else to say. "So, what is it that you do for DedSec?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡmU4wwXUBsF
He gave her a small glance, before focusing on the screen once more. "The others say my coding is superior to theirs. I do a majority of the long-distance hacks."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSLEVh9kA1
"I can see why." She leaned closer and pointed to some strings of code he'd already typed up. "Some of this I don't understand at all where you're going with it. A lot more complicated than I'm used to. But it must have a purpose right?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXn11oTS2q
He nodded, but didn't explain it. Riley gave him some space again, awkwardly biting on her lip as another silence persisted. God, she wasn't very good at this conversation thing was she? Why did she have to be so awkward?copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ol5UR2Ptu
"Where did you learn to code?" He asked out of the blue, fully looking at her this time. She crossed her arms and leaned up against the corner of the desk.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfnhUjz4E9
"A friend of mine was really into hacking. He taught me most of what he knew. Went by the name of Cyph3r."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5A7tC8Rv1T
"Cyph3r. I've heard that name." Josh said, frowning as he thought to himself. "He isn't from San Fransisco."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2ii7daa3D
Riley shook her head. "No, we lived in New York. I'm not originally from around here, so…"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyS2PNmpR0
"I know. I read your file." He said bluntly. That neutral expression never seemed to change. Riley pursed her lips.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWBGqdPhJQ
"That's…slightly ominous. But I guess I should have known you guys already knew everything about me."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGTuY0I8bL
"Not everything." Josh was quick to correct, shaking his head and looking at her again. "Just what's on the web. Despite what people might think, you can't know everything about a person from their ctOS profile alone. Lots of things can't be measured by a computer."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQkETarfzj
Riley cocked her head. "Like what?"copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8fSOG5DYP
"Self-worth. Loyalty. Trustworthiness. Creativity, and other things. The human part of what makes us human. Not everything can be put into a statistic."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9vnEtomCA
Riley opened her mouth but couldn't find anything to say to that. His words were unexpectedly and satisfyingly deep. She'd never thought of it that way. And it was strangely comforting. They were more than just a number and face on a screen. She smiled at him.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oqs2jCuzb
"You're right. That's never occurred to me before." Josh must not have known what to say to that, because he just went back to typing at the codes on the screen. Riley took that as a sign that she'd overstayed her welcome. "I'll let you get back to it, but I'm glad we'll be working together, Josh."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPj3I8KOLI
"Sure thing." He said, flashing her a small, quick smile. It looked very sweet and cute on him. Josh was just…cute all around. So innocent and genuine. Patting his shoulder gently, she wandered over to where Wrench was tinkering with the 3D printer.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgS9EwD3Sf
Riley tried walking as quietly as possible to sneak up on him, suddenly popping up beside him out of nowhere. "Whatcha got going on over here?" She asked, hoping to see him jump from fright like she had earlier. However, he only laughed and his mask took on an amused expression.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0D3sGn4bW
"Ah, so much to learn, young padawan. I could hear you coming from across the room."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZMA3vINju
She smirked, then shrugged. "Well, it was worth a shot. But really, what's all this?" Riley spread her hands to indicate the machine.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWLo6qUJtN
"This," Wrench said, introducing the machine with a flurry of his hands, "is our amazing-shit-making device."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7NCafjyku
The brunette raised a brow, unimpressed. His mask turned into three dots, and she made a dismissive gesture. "The name's a work in progress. Anyway," he waved her closer to inspect it, "as long as we have the epoxy, we can make whatever the fuck we want."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBuicxNVl6
"What do you normally make with it?" She smiled at the image of a unicorn adorning the front.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR3bf9CaT5
"Eh, you know. We've got this cool jumper car that gets us into hard-to-access places. And a flying drone to scout around with. But oh ho ho," he rubbed his hands together diabolically, "the weapon plans I've got in store? That shit's gonna make some really cool explosions."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRcKun0NVl
Riley laughed, unable to help herself. This Wrench was very different from the one she'd met on the previous few occasions. Before, he was distant. Guarded and cautious. The contrast was almost staggering. And kind of cute. This Wrench was so weird and…well, dorky. "I'd love to see them when they're done."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡirWMJ9kw4F
"Oh, trust me, you'll see them. They'll be huge explosions."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuxHGMRiWK
Riley shook her head with mirth, and looked along Wrench's workspace. He had various blueprints and diagrams posted along the board. Some were obviously weapons and guns, while others were a bit more vague and unassuming. Perhaps they were bombs? Who knew.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTCAE6YEUU
Intermingling with the designs were posters and printed out memes, solidifying her earlier assessment of him being a big dork. In fact, from what she could discern, the entire DedSec team were big dorks. But that was just fine, because so was Riley. In fact, she was itching to use that 3D printer to the fullest extent. Of course, perhaps they wouldn't want her using it to print off figurines of Batman and Darth Vader, but the retail prices on those things were hella expensive, and she could just print them herself with the right design plans for almost nothing.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡZclWY45iB9
She'd have to ask later.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfEvXlhODe
"Are you the engineer of the group?" She guessed, seeing tools and various computer parts stuffed in boxes on the shelf beneath the desk. Wrench leaned against it casually, his eyes turning into X's again.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡy27bCLiBqc
"Yup. You need something taken apart or put back together, I'm your guy."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpoQmnVrFx
She glanced around at the hackerspace again, taking in everything. "Huh. It's cool that you've all got separate strengths. Sounds like the team works well together."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDNf8KBqye
"Oh yeah, haven't come across a problem we couldn't fix." Wrench replied proudly. He stuck a thumb towards the rest of the hackerspace. "Sitara's gave us the face and name, Josh is the brains, Marcus is the brawn, and I get shit done." He summarized jovially, mask indicating his good mood.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7gMiTyBuZ
Riley couldn't help but reflect his positivity about it. "I'd love to see how you all work together. For such huge information leaks, you're such a small team."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0ocRKzMcf
Wrench shrugged. "We do call on our supporters on occasion, but yeah, it's pretty much just us in San Fransisco."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNT731REsp
"Do you ever feel overwhelmed? I mean, you're basically taking on the technological backbone of America. Silicon Valley isn't small." She'd been wondering about how a group of four people could do all this damage. They were only human after all. Surely the pressure got to them.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7xaTQ3sry
"Hell no, this is the kind of shit I live for." The masked hacker picked up a tool from behind him and waved it around as he spoke. "You'll see. Just wait until we've got ourselves another target."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfzQrqB1dN
Riley nodded, taking his word for it. He knelt and picked up the remains of a motherboard for a computer, various wires and cables sticking out of it.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxB9FEbwjE
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I've gotta finishing taking this baby apart. You can stay and watch if you really want to, but it might get boring." He added with a shrug, not wanting to be rude.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcLunEkr7M
She took a step back. "I'll leave you to it then."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0y1zpt00ud
He started tear away at the cables and wires, dismantling the motherboard piece by piece. Riley turned and glanced around again at the hackerspace. She was extremely impressed so far. This small group of 20-somethings was able to make serious hits against all these companies with a few computers and some hacking skills? Incredible. The journalist couldn't help but imagine an entire news station with resources and people skilled like this. With the right focus and motivations, a team like that could have the potential to hack across the whole country.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLLpVq37Xn
There wasn't anyone new to talk to, so Riley wandered around, gazing at the walls and posters plastered everywhere. Most were memes or DedSec graffiti. She slowly walked through the giant room, taking in all there was to see. The others let her wander, giving her space to look around.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUAwoXbIoi
Marcus had been right. They weren't what she expected, but not in an unpleasant way. In her mind, she'd conjured up this dark den with dozens of people tapping away at keyboards. For some reason her mental image had them all wearing black hoodies. Huh. What a cliche.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoRwXg0Ygv
In reality, DedSec was open and friendly, and welcoming. Just a handful of people trying to make a difference. Trying to get people to care about their privacy and security. Trying to stop those with power from exploiting the rights of the people. Riley could get behind a group like that.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4gXtcoxjm
Her wandering brought her over to an empty desk at the far end of the room. The wall in front of it was decorated with dozens of pictures of another man she hadn't met before. Riley glanced down at the desk, seeing dust beginning to gather on the keys and screen. Whoever this was hadn't used this workspace for awhile.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5gvBEsMnR
Marcus sauntered up beside her, looking up at the wall himself. They both took a few moments to look over the pictures, before he quietly spoke. "That's Horatio. He was our operations coordinator, and a good friend."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SfXpddpbu
Riley saw the solemness in his expression and kept silent, not wanting to ruin the reverie. He paused but eventually started up again. "The Tezcas kidnapped him and questioned him for information on DedSec. He wouldn't give us up. So they killed him."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnzbl3nJBH
"Oh my god…" Riley murmured, horrified by the truth. Past that, she wasn't sure how to respond. Marcus apparently didn't expect anything more, because he nodded slowly.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wMl1o0ubo
"We made sure the Tezcas payed for what they did, but Horatio is still gone…He gave up so much for DedSec, believed in it with everything he had…We can't let that mean nothing." Marcus finished with determination. He turned to Riley then. "DedSec isn't just a movement. It's so much more to us than that."copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡlghAeHOs70
He gestured to the others who were busy working away at their various tasks. Riley thought she caught Wrench looking away quickly when she glanced over, but she couldn't tell for sure. The brunette sighed deeply, beginning to understand that perhaps she was thinking too superficially in terms of what DedSec was.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1nwdIABsb
"I'm coming to realize that." She said eventually, meeting Marcus' eye. They shared a brief moment of understanding, of mutual respect, and of shared pain. Riley may not have known Horatio personally, but the care and love that went into memorializing him here was painstaking and obvious. And any loss of life was sobering.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxH5TJuUdF
She had a feeling this was what Wrench had referred to when he'd threatened her before. Of course, the reality was a bit more surreal than she'd imagined, but now she understood his caution in trusting her. He didn't want to see any more of his friends be hurt or killed. Understandable.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyWB9aiYCp
Riley was left looking up at the photos, smiles and laughs and silly faces in each picture. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you, Horatio. You seem like a good person.copyright protection104ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzrm6F5Ggy
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