Devastator: The Warp, #2

By Jason Cordova

The Warp is perfectly safe, its creators claimed.

After the events which took place one year before, the last thing Tori Adams wanted was to go back into The Warp. She enjoyed college and the challenges it brought. She had no desire to set foot into the virtual reality realm ever again. Life moved on, and The Warp changed for the better as improvements were made.

The Nexus was a new login realm that allowed for gamers to avoid being stuck in-game for too long. The alpha testing had gone fine, but when the open beta testing began for the Nexus, it turned on—and stayed on. Nobody could explain it, and WarpSoft did everything in their power to shut it down. Unable to investigate from without, they asked Tori to go back in to find out what was keeping the Nexus online. She's convinced it's nothing more than a computer glitch. WarpSoft agreed with her, but…

What if something—or someone—far more dangerous was behind it?

There was only one way to find out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chris Kennedy
• Release date: Jul 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781948485005

Book preview

Prologue

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The future of warfare isn’t on the battlefield or the skies above, the man standing on stage said as he looked out over the seated crowd. He could only see dark outlines thanks to the bright spotlight shining on him, but he knew precisely who was in the crowd. Of the hundreds out there, hanging on his every word, he only cared about impressing one person—a man who could make or break an innovator such as himself.

Cyberterrorism has grown at three times the rate of conventional terrorism over the past five years, he continued and began to pace across the stage. He had his speech memorized, as he’d been planning this event for almost eighteen months. State-sponsored terrorism, where the hijacking of planes is used to send a message to another country, has gone by the wayside. Security measures put in place have reduced the success of that sort of terrorism to zero. Suicide bombers, once the bane of military and civilians alike, have slowed in most areas of the world.

Except Indonesia, he didn’t say. Southeast Asia had turned into a political and religious mess, and nobody wanted to admit it was happening. It was one of the reasons he chose to base everything out of the United States.

We now have multi-state parties infiltrating and stealing information on an unprecedented scale, he said as the screen behind him changed scenes. Worse still, inattentive employees are falling victim to phishing attempts they find online and are allowing third party sites access to their companies’ supposedly secure mainframes. With legions of companies out there selling personal information to anyone willing to pay, it’s only a matter of time before various enemy states use this information to their own ends.

He knew he had them now. Though the spotlight blinded him, what little he could see was very encouraging, with everyone typing notes into their laptops and hanging on his next words. He had their bites, now it was time to set the hook and reel them in.

With the new quantum net available from Rathe Solutions, we now can provide a safe, completely encrypted environment anywhere, whether it be on the Internet or anywhere else. The quantum net is guarded by a 4096-bit advanced encryption standard and can transfer data at over one hundred thousand terabytes per second. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the future. We boldly invite you to step forward and join us in it.

The crowd audibly murmured at that revelation. Rathe Solutions and Technologies had been leaking all sorts of rumors in the lead up to the Taipei International Information Technology Show, more commonly called COMPUTEX Taipei. Thousands of companies and almost a million people passed through the doors of the convention centers which shared hosting responsibilities throughout the week, and it was the biggest tech trade show outside the United States. Indeed, COMPUTEX Taipei even featured Leo Champion, WarpSoft’s primary owner and founder, as its keynote speaker.

He’d be on the following night. For now, Rathe Solutions—more importantly, he—had stolen the show.

"The quantum net allows the users to have unparalleled access to instant communications, file transfers, digital uploading and downloading, as well as instantaneous streaming capabilities, he promised as the slide behind him changed. No longer will viewers be forced to deal with lag or delays when watching their favorite streamer broadcasting live from within, say, The Warp. The connection will be immediate, secure, and completely...free.

"That’s correct, ladies and gentlemen. Rathe Solutions is so certain of our quantum internet that we’re offering to install it in any city with pre-existing infrastructure for free. Humanity needs to take a bold new step and blaze a path in technology, and we’re going to run it for free. Free quantum internet for all humanity is our ultimate goal. Does this sound good to you? It sounds amazing to us! Rathe is willing to put its money where its mouth is, and we’re here to help."

This is going much better than planned, the man thought as he looked at the crowd and waved as the audience reacted to his announcement with thunderous applause. He knew there were only three cities in the world at that moment which could actually support the quantum net, but the foundation had been laid. He knew it’d only be a matter of time before other cities upgraded their systems to better handle the new network.

The spotlight dimmed, and he could see much better. His eyes sought out the man he was looking for in the crowd. He finally found him, in the back near an aisle exit. He smiled and bowed his head slightly to the other man. Leo quietly applauded him and bowed in return, a sign of mutual respect. You have no idea what you’ve helped bring about on this little ball of mud, do you? Gargoyle mentally chuckled as the applause continued to roll. Leo Champion might be a genius and brilliant innovator, but he was still human, after all.

And humans make mistakes.

* * * * *

Chapter 1

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Tori pushed through her second set of push-ups quickly, her strong arms powering her along. She exhaled easily as she pressed the ground away from her body, brain set in an alpha state as she worked out. She was aware of her immediate surroundings while her mind was actively imagining that her arms were pushing the Earth away. It was a good feeling, the exercise and the tiredness.

It was far better than the alternative.

The rising sun in the east was just beginning to peak over the horizon, reflecting off the James River and casting various colors across its surface. Low clouds off on the horizon also added to the colorful display, and the birds were already up and singing. With the exception of a few others like her jogging the Noland Trail, the city of Newport News, Virginia was enjoying the Saturday off.

She hopped up and trotted over to the pull-up bar. She began to lift herself off the ground in quick repetitions, as her mind started going over coding and mathematical equations. It helped her to drown out the pain of her morning routine, while systemically keeping her darker thoughts at bay. There was no reason to dwell on the past.

It’d been just over a year since she’d defeated Crisis and disrupted the plans of the cyberterrorists now known as the Rogues. The nightmares still came, but with less frequency these days. She’d fought them through counseling and her own workout regimen, and the demons were in a steady retreat. She could make it through an entire night without the bad dreams on occasion, which was a huge step from where she’d been during the first few weeks after.

She dropped from the bar and stretched. The next part of her workout involved jogging the rest of the trail, which was almost two miles long, then skirting past the Mariner’s Museum before she was back on campus. It was usually a fairly easy run, but this morning she felt a little stiffer than normal. She was also painfully alone.

Stop, she told herself as she tied her shoelaces. She didn’t need to dwell on the fact that Dylan was back at Denver University. She knew she’d see him in two months. Her father had already given his blessing for her to travel to Colorado to visit him and his family. She was given a lot more freedom than the usual seventeen-year-old college freshman.

After everything that had happened to her in Crisis, she’d taken a break from school and gone on vacation, at the insistence of both her father and Leo Champion. She’d met up with Dylan and his family in Rapperswil, on the shores of Lake Zurich, and had spent a full month there, recuperating. She’d also developed her relationship with Dylan into something tangible.

Upon return from vacation, she’d focused on finishing high school as quickly as possible. Thanks to the remote learning system her father had set up for her before their move to Germany, she’d been able to knock out her last two years of high school in a matter of months, and had been accepted for early enrollment at a number of universities. After some careful research and consideration, she’d surprisingly chosen Christopher Newport University over more notable schools like California State Polytechnic University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Despite the amazing weather and food Southern California had to offer, and the reputation MIT brought to the table, it’d been the friendly and welcoming attitude at CNU which had decided for her. She’d never really liked Chicago while she’d lived there; it was the complete opposite of what she found in the coastal area of Virginia. For starters, she was able to go out after dark without too much worry, something that was simply not done if she ventured anywhere south of Wrigleyville. Chicago still had Newport News beat on quality food, but the Tidewater region was catching up quickly to the Windy City. The differences between the two couldn’t be any more pronounced.

Plus, being away from the expected helped her feel a little safer. She was seeing a psychiatrist to help her deal with the nightmares which still plagued her. Sixteen months might seem a long time for some, but her psychiatrist had assured her that everyone’s minds dealt with things differently.

And here comes the highlight of my day, she whispered as a group of incredibly fit men came running along the trail, each and every one of them with their shirts off. While she liked Dylan a lot and would never cheat on him, there was just something about a Navy SEAL team out for an early morning run that made her stomach do backflips.

She’d discovered that the SEAL team ran along this route quite by accident, after she decided to jog earlier than normal a few weeks before. She’d initially been terrified at the sight of twelve incredibly fit men running at what seemed like full speed directly at her. She’d screamed and dove into the bushes, which had caused them to stop and make certain she was okay. After a few embarrassing minutes of explanation, one of the SEALs had recognized her from television. Suddenly she had some of the most dangerous Special Forces soldiers in the world asking for her autograph and to pose for selfies. Initially mortified, Tori had eventually warmed up to the attention and was able to start talking to them on a more regular basis.

Good morning, Ms. Adams, the SEAL leading the pack said as the men slowed to a walk. They all smiled and waved but nothing else. Once they’d pegged her as being underage, the flirting had ended immediately. However, they still stopped and spoke with her, even if it was for only a few minutes. She liked to think it was because she was cute, but deep down she knew it was because she was, for lack of a better word, famous.

Good morning, Lieutenant, she replied and tried not to stare too hard. How’s Lorna?

Ready to pop any time now, the SEAL smiled at the mention of his wife. She hates being pregnant and just wants to get it over with.

I bet, she nodded. She pointed at the SEAL’s shoulders. I feel sorry for her.

Maybe he’ll be slender, like her? He shrugged. If he’s like me, well, I think this might be an only child.

She giggled. I hope not. The world needs more good people in it.

The SEAL opened his mouth to speak when his Bluetooth suddenly chirped. He blinked in surprise as Tori cocked an eyebrow at him. He grinned and held up a finger.

Sorry, he apologized and moved away a few feet.

Lieutenant Massa, how can I help you, sir or ma’am?

She tuned his conversation out as the SEALs milled about, each exercising on their own with pushups and weird combination sit-ups while they waited. She knew they were ready to continue running and the stop, while nice, wasn’t what they were out to do. Still, they were all polite enough. They no longer fanboi’d her, for which she was grateful.

Roger that, sir. We’ll be ready. The lieutenant ended the call and opened his mouth to speak.

Tori’s own cell suddenly began blasting O Fortuna, her dial tone for any number originating from her dad’s work. She did some mental math and realized it was already noon in London, which was where he and Chelsea were spending their honeymoon. Why is he calling from work if he’s supposed to be on his honeymoon?

She pulled out her cell. Hello?

Tori? the Australian accented voice was easily recognizable even though they hadn’t spoken in months.

Mr. Champion, she said with a smile. She watched the SEALs grow silent as they realized she was talking to the wealthiest man in the world. She had to admit being famous wasn’t that bad of a thing at times. This is really early for me, and it’s even earlier for you. What’s up?

Well, first off, I wanted to see how you were doing, Leo said. I try not to pry into my employee’s personal business, but your father is on holiday, so I decided to reach out directly to you.

I’m okay, she stated. Dylan went back to school last week now that fall break is over, so I’m just focusing on homework and midterms.

That’s good, good, Leo said, his voice distracted. Listen, I actually called for another reason, but now I’m having second thoughts about it.

C’mon, spit it out, she said. One of the younger SEAL’s jaw dropped at her statement. She stuck her tongue out at him. Don’t eavesdrop then.

I need your help with The Warp.

Her heart suddenly turned cold, and her palms grew sweaty. Her morning workout had made her heartrate climb, but as sudden fear poured through her veins, her heart began to hammer wildly in her chest. She swallowed twice and tried not to panic as she felt a little dizzy. Blood drained from her face and she knew, from the concerned look Lieutenant Massa was giving her, she looked like she was about to faint.

I’m not going back in there, she whispered in a hoarse voice. I told you I was never going back in there.

No, I would never ask you to do that, Leo said, trying to placate her. Never. No, I need your help with something else related to it, however.

What? she asked and tried not to let the relief in her voice be too obvious.

I need you to put together a team of gamers and Mods you trust, he said. A list for me, actually. I’ll do the actual recruiting and whatnot. But I need people who you think are the best and brightest of the bunch, plus are trustworthy, to go in. People whose skill sets might have slipped under our radar.

I suppose...how soon? She said. I mean, how soon would you need the list?

Whenever you can, Leo said in a soothing tone. We’re testing something out and need alpha testers who know the game. Specifically, people who knew tiered realms like Crisis.

A lot of my friends quit playing after...everything, she paused as she struggled to breathe. The therapy was helping, but she was still nowhere near where she felt she ought to be at this point in the healing process. I don’t even think Dylan goes into Crisis anymore. It’s not the same without any prize money to be won.

You still have your contacts though? Leo pressed. "You’d help us out?

Well...yeah. She looked at the SEAL team, who were now doing their best to ignore her conversation. She smiled at that.

I’ll hire you at an hourly rate, say seventy dollars an hour, to locate some people for me you’d trust to go into The Warp, Leo stated.

"Seventy dollars an hour?" she squeaked.

Plus any other expenses you might need, Leo replied. He sounded a little stressed, Tori realized.

Uh...

I won’t ask you to do anything you don’t want to, he said. Actually, if you don’t mind, I’ll fly to Norfolk later this afternoon, and we can talk about it in person. I’ll bring one of my tech gurus, if you want the nuts and bolts explained. It’s a problem I feel you’re uniquely suited to help solve.

Seventy an hour?

Plus expenses.

This afternoon?

I could put it off until tomorrow, but, given the window of time, today would be best. I’ll even pay you a retainer fee of five hundred bucks just for meeting me on such short notice.

Um, okay. She breathed out. We can talk this afternoon. Uh, can you come by my school? I mean, a campus location, not my dorm. No boys are allowed in my dorm, and I don’t have a car. Well, I have a friend with a car, but he doesn’t like driving... she stopped as she realized she was beginning to ramble.

Tell you what, Leo began. Bring someone you trust, and if you start to feel bad, they can be your support system while you repeatedly punch my arm. I’ll meet you at the David Student Union this afternoon at around four your time. I’ll get a meeting room arranged. If I have to, I’ll throw some money at the school. Seems like an up-and-coming tech college, and good PR is what I’m all about right now.

Sure, sure...

You still look the same, or do you have some facial piercings I need to tell your dad about? Leo asked her.

I dyed my hair black and blue, she admitted after a pause. No piercings. Yet.

Oh, a rebel, Leo said with a chuckle. I’ll bring some paperwork for you to sign if you accept the job offer. See you later this afternoon.

Sure, bye, she said and disconnected. She closed her eyes and focused on her breathing like the therapist had instructed her. After a few moments, she opened her eyes again. She saw all of the SEALs were looking at her, concerned. She offered a weak smile. Job offer.

Sounds like it was more traumatic than that, Lieutenant Massa said. He rolled his massive shoulders and gave her a protective look. Need someone killed?

I hope you’re joking, she said and giggled slightly as the stress began to bleed out of her. "You are joking, right?"

The SEAL grinned. A gentleman never tells. Well, good luck little lady. We have our own stuff to do. Hope to see you soon.

The SEALs quickly began to run back toward the naval station six miles away, their pace now incredible. She considered that her top sprinting speed, but it still appeared as though the SEALs were merely jogging at a faster rate than before. She shook her head. The Special Forces men were scary, but they were still nice guys overall.

Though she did feel very sorry for the lieutenant’s pregnant wife.

* * * * *

Chapter 2

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The David Student Union wasn’t the oldest building on campus by far, but it certainly wasn’t the newest. Tori had fallen in love with the beautiful brick building from the moment she’d first set foot on campus for her tour. Large windows allowed lots of natural daylight into it, and the open area in front seemed to be the epicenter for most student life activities. The majestic stone pillars only added to the décor and appeal of the building.

If she wasn’t in class or her dorm, then the Owl’s Nest was where people could find her. The game room was filled with NIDs, or neural interface devices, where one could hop into The Warp. These devices were provided by the school if students couldn’t afford their own. She didn’t use them, but oftentimes helped some of the gamers out if they had any questions. She preferred to play board games with some of the older graduate students. Old school gaming is what they liked to call it. For her, it was an entirely new experience. Since college was all about new experiences, she embraced her nerdiness fully and continued down the path to Nerd Godhood.

Today, however, the Owl’s Nest was empty. True to his word, Leo Champion had managed to reserve a room for them to talk. Surprisingly, the college had lent him the Owl’s Nest for two hours. For a rather small donation and a guest lecture in the Cloyd Technical Hall at a later date, the president of the university had sealed off the room for WarpSoft’s CEO. She had to show both her student ID and her German driver’s license before security would let her in. It was even harder to convince the overzealous guard her friend Shane was supposed to come inside with her.

Shane Taylor was what they’d termed a big, an older student assigned to help mentor incoming freshman. Due to her notoriety and fame, it’d been decided she’d get to pick her big from the list of volunteers. She’d gone over the list twice before she’d asked if there was someone who was a computer science major and a gaming nerd. Surprisingly, there had only been a few, and only one of them was even remotely interested in being a big. It had taken some convincing, but Shane had finally come around and agreed to mentor the precocious teen.

Tori! The tall Australian greeted her loudly the moment she walked into the room. He was dressed immaculately as always, his three-piece suit a stark contrast to the more relaxed American style. His hair was perfectly groomed, and he smiled easily at her. She couldn’t help but grin back. It was almost impossible to be mad at someone who had given you twenty million dollars, after all. How’s college?

Love it so far, Mr. Champion, she replied and shook his hand. Even though she knew him, her father had instilled manners into her from a young age. She looked behind him and saw a second person seated uncomfortably in one of the many gaming chairs provided. She jerked her chin at the mysterious stranger. Who’s that?

Who’s that? Leo countered and stared hard at Shane. She smirked and looked over her shoulder, where Shane was trying to make himself as small as possible.

He works for you, she grinned. Leo looked at her in confusion and she laughed. He’s a part-time Moderator for WarpSoft.

That explains the deer in the headlights look I’m getting. Leo chuckled and offered Shane his hand. Nice to meet you. What’s your name?

Uh... Shane’s voice trailed off as he shook the hand of the wealthiest man in the world.

His name is Shane Taylor, she helpfully supplied. He’s shy, but you said I could bring someone, so I brought him.

Well, the man with me is Dr. Vilim Boussard, Leo offered and motioned for the shorter man. It took a second for the older man to get out of the chair and then over to the trio. He’s one of my most trusted employees.

Like my dad? she asked. Leo clucked his tongue and looked thoughtfully at the other man.

I don’t know, Leo said. Vilim is closer to the top of the food chain than your father is. He’s no Jorge, though. No offense intended, of course.

She shrugged. Whoever this Vilim was, he sure wasn’t head of the entire European branch of WarpSoft like her father was.

So what in the world is going on that you need a retired gamer to help you out? she asked as she sat down at one of the larger tables in the room. It was the one she and her group typically used on Wednesday game nights. Shane sat down nearby, while Leo and Vilim sat opposite her. Vilim set his laptop on the table and opened it. He typed in a few commands before turning it to show her.

Since we did the launch of Warp 2.0, we’ve changed how the system works while logging in, Vilim stated as she watched the demo video. Now we’re adding a new feature. We created an intermediary point called the Nexus to ensure gamers can log out whenever they want. Sure, there would be penalties involved if in a PvP zone, and as long as the system believes you’re in a non-PvP zone, you’ll be locked in until the combat is complete or the timer in your NID expires and boots you from the game, but otherwise this is the best option for preventing another incident like the one in Crisis.

Sounds cool, she said with a shrug. So...?

So...