The Astral Hacker (Cryptopunk Revolution Book 1) by Brian Terenna (best ebook reader .txt) 📗

I remember Barbra’s hallucinations. I open it up.

An ad pops up that shows a small flying griffin zipping around a teenage boy.

“Drone pets are the best pets,” says a narrator. “Bring home one of twenty adorable pets, from birds to mystical creatures. Play with them as long as you want since their solar panels allow them to fly indefinitely.”

Barbra glances at me. I skip the rest of the ad.

I read the news story rather than watching the video so I don’t upset her.

‘Sandra Clark, a Stroudsburg woman suffering from hallucinations, had to be rescued by firefighters from the top of the flagpole at the courthouse building today. She was reportedly trying to get her diamonds in the sky. She was taken to the local hospital, where she was treated for hallucinations and a bad flu. She was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and is receiving care.’

Strange. Another woman with the flu and schizophrenia. I close the article even more determined and read all the information I can find about encephalitis.

After a thorough review, though, the doctor was correct. It doesn’t seem possible that Barbra’s hallucinations were from encephalitis…unless there’s a new type.

☼☼☼

Later, I’m sitting on my bed with Sunny.

“So, that happened again,” I say.

“It’s unfortunate,” says Sunny.

“At least the doctor said she should be fine now.”

“They said that last time.”

Blunt as always. What if he’s right? I can’t stay with her if she keeps having hallucinations. “The doctor seemed sure this time.”

He nods.

“Something cool happened when we were there.”

He turns his glowing eyes on me. “Tell me.”

“Barbra wants to adopt me.”

“That’s great. It’s what you’ve always wanted.”

He’s right. What would it be like to have a mother again? “Let me see my mother’s picture.”

His compartment slides open, and he pulls out my dad’s letter.

I open it and smile at the picture. She’s young, only a few years older than I am now. I’m lucky to have it since I’ve moved so much, but Sunny is a good caretaker. What do you think, Mom? Should I let her adopt me?

My second law tells me no, but my heart says yes. I flip the photo over and glance at my father. I’m not sure why I haven’t ripped him off yet since he abandoned us. I still wonder why the NIA was after him. My mom never told me, but it must have been bad because he was apparently heartbroken that he had to leave. I’m still mad at him, though, even if he had a good reason.

I’ve only ever been burned by people, but it feels different this time. And the doctor said she would be okay. “Do you think I should let her adopt me? I want to say yes, but maybe I’m crazy.”

“There are serious risks if she breaks again,” says Sunny. “She almost killed you the first time.”

I frown.

“Your heart rate and cortisol levels are much lower since you moved in, though,” he says. “She also doesn’t beat you, and she shows you physical affection.”

I laugh. “Good argument.” He’s right. I’ve been happy in the last six months. She’s fed me, cared for me, and talked to me. Although I’ve mostly held back, I’m closer to her than any other human, except for maybe Blaze, but that’s only online.

“I’m going to do it,” I say. “It’s finally time to break the second law.”

Sunny clasps my hand in his small cold one. “It’s a logical—I mean, I’m happy for you.”

I shake my head, feeling my worries vanish like discarded code. I relax against my propped-up pillow, and pull my stuffed bear, Qubit, into an arm. Air slowly escapes my lungs, and my body calms even more. Things can finally get back to normal…or maybe it will even be better.

“What are you going to do about Blaze?”

The question punches into me like a shotgun blast. Right. Blaze. I let out a long sigh and slump forward. “I wanted to ask Barbra about it.”

“And now?”

“I don’t. First, what if the stress of my problem causes her to relapse?”

“You could lose her.”

I tug at the smooth bedsheet. “You’re right. And second, what would she think about me if she knew I was a hacker?”

“She might not want you.”

I frown and wring my clammy hands. “I’m not going to ask her, but I still need to decide.”

“Let’s go over the problem again.”

I put my bear down and face Sunny, sitting cross-legged. “I promised myself I wouldn’t hack again, but Blaze needs me.”

“What are the risks?” he asks, tilting his head.

“I could be arrested.”

“Wouldn’t this fall under the fifth law? This is dangerous.”

For years, I’ve followed that law. No one looks out for me, so I have to look out for myself. Am I foolish to consider risking myself for Blaze? Probably. I swore I’d never hack again…but she needs me, and she said no one would get hurt. This will have to be the last time. “If I’m breaking one rule, I might as well break another. I’m going to do the hack for Blaze.”

“That’s a logical fallacy. Breaking one rule is not contingent on breaking another.”

I roll my eyes. “There you go again. Too logical.”

“Is there such a thing? I still support your decision, though.”

“You’re the best. I’m going to say goodnight to Barbra, then we’ll go to bed.”

I open my door to see Barbra in the living room, sitting in front of her painting with a brush.

“That’s looking great.” And I’m not just flattering her. Navin Briggs’ robust mustache and proud face come alive on the canvas. I look into his wise eyes, and I swear he looks back.

She beams at me. “It means so much to hear you say that. I’m very happy with my work. Are you going