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

“And Gabriel,” says Alexander. “Before you preach execution, ask yourself, would something without a soul save our lives?”

Gabriel blinks, then tilts his head before staring off as if in prayer. Silence and tension hang in the air as we wait. His brow furrows, but then he nods and turns to Americus. “The bible tells us that there’s no greater love than someone who lays down their life for their friends.”

Americus’ eyebrows dip even further as he looks from Nav to Sunny, and back to his friend.

Gabriel rests a hand on Americus’ shoulder. “This is strange for me, and I don’t pretend to know God’s plan, but we couldn’t continue the fight against the Antichrist if the AI didn’t save us.”

Americus’ hard face twists as if he’s wrestling with the idea, then he sighs and lowers his gun. “You’re right, old friend.” He turns to me, his face serious. “I will accept Sunny. He saved us, and I recognize that he’s conscious. Still, the risk is great. He must always listen, and he can never network.”

I open my mouth to respond, but he cuts me off.

“Never. At the very least, he could be hacked and used against us. At worst, it’s goodbye to humanity. You got me?”

He’s right about the hacking, at least. “Yes Sir,” I say to him, and then when he stops scrutinizing me, I whisper to Sunny, “You’re all right. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“I know,” he whispers, but his usually steady tone wavers with uncertainty.

 “And Alexander, just remember who’s in charge,” says Americus.

“Of course, you’re the boss,” says Alexander holding his hands out deferentially. “It’s just that sometimes you need an advisor. That’s me.” He holds out his knuckles.

Americus grunts in acceptance but doesn’t tap his fist. “I value your input. Same to you, Gabriel, but as long as the Knights are working with me, I’m in charge. No more pulling these stunts without my go ahead.”

“It won’t happen again, Americus,” says Gabriel.

There’s love in Gabriel’s eyes, love that comes from being a lifetime friend. It’s tinged with a hint of darkness, though, an underlying current of tension.

Americus turns to Nav, and his face hardens again. “I don’t even know what to say to you.” He turns back and pushes the car into gear. It takes off with a jolt.

Nav stares at the floor mats, a deep frown etched on her face. A few strands of hair poke from her headband, and a shadow seems to hang over her eyes. Her typical confidence is a melted puddle, just a memory of itself.

I can’t imagine her inner conflict as she raised a gun on her dad. Although their relationship is strained, it must have been terrible. She cared enough about Sunny’s consciousness to do it, though. I owe her even more now.

I inch closer and put my arm around her waist. She looks down at me and forces a smile before taking my other hand in hers.

I gaze over at Alexander, my other hero. He rose, his long wavy hair rippling, his strong jaw tilted upwards, and his toned shoulders pressed back. His eyes were weapons that drilled through any defenses set before them. When he spoke, he did so with precision and certainty. Americus was tough to crack, but Alexander swayed him.

The fire is gone from Alexander’s eyes now as he lounges back in his chair. He notices me looking, and with a sly smile, he holds out his closed fist. I lower my head to let my curls hide my smile, then bump his fist. When I do it, it feels like something changes as if I’ve joined a club.

Who is this guy? He’s so calm and casual now as if we weren’t just in a gunfight with killer robots or holding pistols at each other. He stood up for Sunny even though he must have just realized he was conscious. Did he do that for me? Alexander brags a lot, and it’s mostly ridiculous, but right now, he’s a true hero.

Red and blue lights flash up ahead.

“What’s this?” asks Gabriel. “Damn, it’s a barricade. This is the only road back.”

Alexander shrugs and points. “Take it off-road. We’re cloaked. Everyone just needs to be quiet.”

Americus grunts. “Of course.”

Our rugged SUV drives off-road, the suspension amazingly smooth. We pass by four cop cars, their lights flashing urgently. Several cops mill about, their guns drawn.

Losers.

We drive the rest of the way in silence, tension thick in the warm air. We reach the warehouse, and the metal gate opens. Knights and Loyalists gather round and cheer as we enter. When we exit the car, Knights surround Gabriel. A woman with short hair hands him some kind of drink with ice.

“Gabriel, thank God,” says a chunky man.

“I know you were a Marine, Deacon, but you have to bring some of us next time,” says someone else.

Astrid walks up to Americus and grabs him in a tight hug. “Sir, we were worried sick about you.”

He hesitantly hugs her back. “There’s no need to worry. You’d all be fine without me.”

Astrid pulls back. “We’d be lost without you, sir.”

A shirtless Brandon and other Loyalists chime in about how vital Americus is.

Americus smiles. “I’m glad to be back also.”

Nav eyes Brandon’s muscular chest.

I squint at her. She likes him? Sure, he looks like someone’s in-game avatar, but can he be trusted?

“Geez, Brandon. Put a shirt on. No one wants to see that,” says Alexander.

It’s true.

“Some people might,” he says with a mischievous smile as he looks at Nav.

I can’t believe this creep. Alexander seems right about him.

“Everyone, listen up,” says Americus.

Conversations die down, and everyone turns their attention to Americus.

“We successfully stole the Xyphotech data. Once we decrypt this, we’ll be able to prove their guilt.”

Everyone