Ascendant Saga Collection: Sci-Fi Fantasy Techno Thriller by Brandon Ellis (easy to read books for adults list txt) 📕

Jaxx reached his Air Wing and patted its belly. “But, still, the power has always worked to defend before.”

“Yes, against those that don’t know what it is or how to properly use it. Chi is the equilibrium in nature, in the body, and in every living thing in the Universe. Without it, you would not live. You think of it as power, as if it was solely created for that purpose and that purpose alone. Don’t be mistaken, Jaxx. Chi is what’s in between. The middle way, the calm between the joy and the storm. The center between up and down, the medium between left and right. It’s the fulcrum for all of life.”

“What do I do with it then?”

“You do nothing.” The lion smiled. “Or, you do everything. The only way to allow negative Chi to affect you is by allowing negative Chi to affect you. It needn’t. It mustn’t. I didn’t allow the Agadon to feed off me and throw me across the forest. Why? Because I use the middle path, the way Chi is meant to be harnessed and used.” He tapped Jaxx’s third eye with his claw. “Use the calm in the middle of the storm. It’s always there. It’s the basis of all Chi.” He put his paw on Jaxx’s chest. “You just have to find it.”

“I don’t even know where it comes from.” He stepped up on his craft’s wing and pulled himself up into the cockpit.

“Remember, Jaxx. You don’t have to think of negativity to use your Chi to defend yourself. In fact, if you use the images and memories of love, you’ll pack more of a punch. Light negates darkness. It’s not the other way around and never has been.”

Jaxx nodded. “Teach me how?”

An explosion filled the air and the lion grimaced. “If we survive this, then yes.” He glanced over his shoulder, giving out a thunderous roar.

The forest shook and a mech walked from the tree line and onto the meadow.

“Until then, we have a fight to win.” The lion turned and ran toward his mech.

Jaxx shut his cockpit window. “Time to kick some ass.” He lifted into the air and rocketed toward the battle.

41

E-Quadrant, Earth - Alliance, Nebraska

The helicopter vibrated. The cabin’s back and forth movement nearly drove Drew bat-shit crazy.

Segarra eyed Drew as if Drew was a pedophile, the worst filth in the universe.

Drew hadn’t kidnapped his daughter, used her as bait to get Segarra to do his bidding, or Anderle’s bidding. He needed this man to see the truth.

Mya wrapped her arms around her father’s forearm. She said something in her dad’s ear and he shook his head—the third time in as many minutes.

Drew tapped his helmet, then gestured for Segarra to put the helmet in his lap on.

Segarra again shook his head.

Drew jiggled the helmet mic near his lips, mouthing, “Let’s talk.”

Segarra dropped his shoulders and clenched his jaw. He placed the helmet over his head and pushed it down, bringing the mic closer to his lips. He crossed his arms, almost dragging Mya over his lap. He paused and ruffled her hair, forcing a smile. One glance back at Drew and the smile disappeared. “What do you want?”

“I kept her safe. Her mom—”

Segarra lifted his chin. “Where’s my wife? My son?”

Drew hesitated. He didn’t want to tell Segarra the truth, especially not about his wife, who was a bloody mess, dead and decaying in a Charlotte, North Carolina car dealership, along with Segarra’s son. Drew didn’t want this incredibly buff man’s hands around his neck, choking him out in front of Mya.

Maybe if Drew had some weed on him or a bowl, they could smoke out for a while, and make some peace with their deaths, maybe eat some grub and call it a night.

That wasn’t going to happen. Drew pressed the mic closer to his mouth. “She’s in North Carolina.”

Segarra pursed his lips. “Take me there.”

Drew thumbed over his shoulder. “I’m not the pilot or the one in charge.”

“Tell them to turn this thing around and take me to the rest of my family.”

Mya raised her chin toward her father’s ear, saying something.

He shook his head.

She flopped on his lap, dejected.

“What does she keep saying?” asked Drew.

“Nothing to worry your mind about. Now, tell me why you can’t take me to North Carolina.”

“I don’t know.”

Segarra leaned forward, twisting Drew’s shirt in his hands, pulling Drew closer. “You better—”

“Take your damn hands off him, or you’re not going anywhere, partner.” T-hacker held a gun, aiming it directly at Segarra’s face.

Segarra eased up his grip and backed off, coddling Mya, turning her away from the gun. “Where are you taking us?”

Anderle chimed in. “We’re taking you to Whitefish, Montana, but we’ll be making several pit-stops to fill up. So, make yourself comfortable. If you have to use the bathroom, well…don’t.”

Segarra stood, baring his teeth, knocking his head against the ceiling. “Dammit.” He sat down hard and massaged his neck. “Why are we going to Whitefish? That’s the last place I want to go.”

“Why?” Drew inquired. That was a strange reaction to a rather peaceful place—at least peaceful when he’d visited it a few years back.

Anderle turned. “Don’t answer that.”

For a moment, there was silence. Segarra scratched his chin, eyeing Drew. “You’re not part of this...thing...whatever this thing is, are you?”

Drew frowned. “What thing?”

“Did they capture you as well, use you as bait for something you’re not privy to? Mya keeps telling me you’re nice. I keep telling her that you’re not. Maybe she’s right.”

The helicopter violently dipped and a rumble rattled inside the cabin and cockpit.

“Shit!” screamed Anderle. “Bogeys, bogeys. Or, whatever the hell you call them. Uh...jet fighters.”

Segarra looked around Drew, doing his best to see through the cockpit window. “Are they American?”

“I believe so,” said T-hacker, doing some computations on the helicopter’s console. He nodded. “Yes, they are.”

“And you’re in a Chinese goddamn helicopter? Now doesn’t this just fit like a nice rotten cherry in an apple pie,” responded Segarra.

The helicopter shook