The Astral Hacker (Cryptopunk Revolution Book 1) Brian Terenna (best novels to read to improve english txt) 📖

I look down, still embarrassed.

“Good stance too, and I didn’t see your hand move as much. Let’s see how you did.” He rolls back the target.

One bullet punctured just off-center, and the other two struck the edge.

“Excellent, Sprite. Looks like your FPS experience has made you an accurate shooter. It won’t take long to make you an expert.” He holds out his fist to me.

I smile at the compliment, feeling redeemed, but I shake my head at his offered knuckles. I’m also still annoyed at that nickname. Does he think I’m some kind of fizzy drink?

He shrugs and lowers his fist like last time. He really rolls with the punches.

He shows me how to re-load the pistol, and we proceed with our practice. I fire off several magazines worth of ammo, and with his continued tips, I manage to strike the target more than three-quarters of the time.

“I have to say it once again,” he says with a wide smile, “Great addition to the team.”

At first, I thought it was annoying that he keeps saying that, but now it’s kind of nice to hear…even though I probably won’t stay long.

He turns toward the main room. “Let’s go see what everyone is doing.”

Brandon meets us before we get there and stops before me. “I wanted to apologize for my compliment yesterday.”

Alexander groans and keeps walking.

“Sorry if it made you uncomfortable,” says Brandon as he fidgets with his silver bracelet.

I wave a hand at him, dismissing it. I never like lingering issues, and it was more of what Alexander said about him that made me uncomfortable.

 “I was just in high spirits because Naveha was safe. It’s scary when someone you know is in danger.”

I wonder if he likes her. He seems to, but according to Alexander, he’s like that with all the girls. I nod with a polite smile. “It’s okay.”

He seems relieved and wanders off.

I leave to find Alexander but see him talking on his q-link to someone. A grunt from Americus draws my attention. He stands squared up with Nav, their eyes nearly at the same level, anger plain on their faces. Americus’ raven, Ron Paul, perches on his shoulder.

“We’re the freest people in the world,” says Americus. “Before the revolution, Americans lived in a police state. Navin Briggs saved us from hell.”

“And yet, we’re still forced to obey at gunpoint,” says Nav.

“You live in a fantasy world,” he says. “We have a clearly defined constitution that protects our rights. There are no lobbyists, strict limits on campaign funding, checks and balances that work much better than the old system, and only sales tax.”

“A voluntary system has no taxes.”

“And no government services,” says Americus.

I wonder if there’s a way to lower taxes and still have services.

Americus flips a hand at Nav. “We can trust this government to look out for us.”

“And yet, politicians still become corrupt,” says Nav.

“For freedom’s sake! That’s why we can kick them out of office before their term ends.”

Ron Paul flaps his wings and caws.

“Freedom means choosing what you want,” says Nav. “We still have to pay taxes. We still have to follow their education curriculum. Police still kill innocent people.” Nav glances at me. “And kids still get hurt.”

Her concern breaks my heart. She cares about me, but does that mean I should stay after the war is over?

Americus growls. “It’s not perfect, but your system of anarchy would be chaos. Tons of people will die, and the country will fall into ruin.”

“No. That’s not how it would work. Most people are inherently good. They will join into groups to make decisions and voluntarily join organizations. It would be more focused on the community rather than centralization. And when there’s less power concentration, it’s better for everyone.”

Americus scoffs. “To a point. What if there’s a fire or someone needs the police?”

“People can hire private firefighters and private security.”

“How about roads and bridges? They’d crumble.”

Nav huffs, anger tinting her eyes. “It’s the same thing. People would unite in their communities and contribute to fixing the infrastructure. Plus, businesses would have an incentive to contribute since people would use the roads to get to them.”

“Who will protect the environment?”

“There would be organizations, and people could boycott products from companies that pollute,” she says, her voice raised.

“Bah,” says Americus as he steps away, then steps back. “This is why we could never get along. The transition alone would be chaos.”

“Many years ago, William Wilberforce fought to abolish slavery even though he knew it would hurt the economy. Sometimes, you have to do what’s right despite the short-term pain,” says Nav. “No matter what, the system will always rule through violence.”

Americus scoffs at her. “This government is the best there’s ever been and ever will be.”

I wonder if that’s true. Could it be better? Then a thought comes to me. What if the government was moved to a blockchain like I want to do with foster care? All logic and no human component. It would solve the minor corruption and imperfect freedom with the current government. And prevent the issues with Nav’s ideas. I say nothing, though, afraid to get into the fray.

Nav waves a hand dismissively at Americus. “And what about the NIA?”

“That’s different. They’re just a temporary problem that needs to be fixed. We’ll eventually have enough votes to disband them.”

Nav bunches her fists. “You’re impossible.”

“Guys, guys, guys,” says Alexander. “Come on. I think we can all at least agree on one thing.”

Nav turns, her face hard. Americus frowns.

“That I’m a boss!” says Alexander with a huge grin.

I cover my mouth to stifle a laugh. He’s crazy.

“Boss,” says Ron Paul.

Awesome. He does talk.

Nav huffs and turns away.