The Energy Crusades Read Online Free

became active as bicycles were set in motion, and was just one way to produce energy for an account.
    Virtual Guards now surrounded the Field. They stood on the outside of the track, about a meter apart, all the way around, kilometer after kilometer, as far as the eye could see. This was now a well-guarded University. With the rise of the Resistance, those who resisted the rule of the Descenders on Earth, and along with it, a campaign of sabotage against the government, it became increasingly necessary to guard places where Elite Crusaders trained.
    The guards were imposing. They each stood about the same height, nearly two meters tall, and wore full body armor, a mixture of Kevlar and Titanium. The suits were blindingly white in the afternoon sun. Where their faces should be, Virtual Guards wore solarized masks, nearly all black and featureless so you could never mistake a moment of humanity in them. They had no humanity. They were simply energy, poured into armor.
    My stomach filled with butterflies. I told myself I had nothing to worry about. I was a world class Athlete, but here, I would be just another Student. I had to prove I was worthy of the Elite Crusade I ' d been accepted on.
    My parents slowed their pace and then stopped all together. My father touched my arm and I met his eyes.
    "This is as far as we ' re going," he informed me softly. My stomach clenched.
    "Professor Baal would like you to meet with her on your own," my mother added. Her shoulder length, auburn hair fluttered just a bit around her face in the afternoon breeze. Her green eyes showed some sadness, but her expression said there was no room for negotiation. They had brought me this far, but now I needed to go on without them. I stood up straighter and squared my shoulders. I took a deep breath.
    "Okay." I looked each of them in the eyes. I could do this. I could do anything — I was going to live at home with my parents again. I hugged them both tightly and then turned to face the Guards. As I approached, one of them turned its head toward me slowly. It was eerie how the faceless mask appeared to stare right through me. I felt the air grow thick around me. The Guards emitted an energy barrier, and if I were to try and cross without permission, I would be electrocuted at the very least. I held up my arm, allowing the inside of my wrist to show. My fingers balled into a fist while I waited for the mask to read the information implanted in me. It was my identification. A moment later, I felt the barrier retreat. The Guard lowered his head to me, bowing as I passed. Then all the other Guards began bowing as well. One by one they lowered their heads, and even though I could only see a portion of the field, I knew they would all lower their heads for me. I was an Athlete. They had to show me respect.
    I waited several moments as the bicycle riders whizzed past. When there was a lull, I sprinted across the track and its sponge like surface and headed for the food science building. I ' d entered at the northwest end of campus, not far from my destination. The building itself was situated against a hill. Behind it stretched the greenhouses of the hydroponic farms, row upon row of crops grown without the use of soil. Silence greeted me as I pushed open the doors and stepped inside. A hallway branched off to my left lined with Teacher offices. To my right, a staircase led to the food labs on the second floor. I was tempted to head upstairs and explore the labs while I willed my heart to be calm. Instead, I stood a few moments in front of Professor Baal ' s office and tried to collect myself. Just this morning I was at the Tennis Academy. Last night, I ' d played my last tennis match for the Reformation. Now, a new chapter of my life was about to begin. I took a deep breath, gave a short knock, and opened the door.

Chapter Two
    University
    When I stepped into Professor Baal ' s office, her head was bent in conversation with a young Student. Their heads