Several days passed, and the uneasiness within the cell group became more apparent. Alberto's brothers spoke to him only when necessary. He had become an outcast for voicing his opinion.

Rosario pulled him over after communal lunch. Seemingly upset, she spoke her mind in a hurried and unfiltered manner. "Did you really tell John that the unfinished AI needs to be neutered?"

Caught off guard, Alberto took a moment to recompose himself. "Yes, I did. Why do you ask?"

"Because you shouldn't have done that," said Rosario, "you were way out of line."

"I was just telling the truth," Alberto argued. "That AI program is an abomination. There's a reason why the government killed the project and had it locked up in a box."

"That's not the point," said Rosario. "When I brought you in, I thought you were a team player. Guess I was wrong. You had to go against the grain and voice your opinion. Now John's going ape shit after your reckless stunt. You practically disrespected him in front of everyone!"

"How is that wrong?" asked Alberto. "What we're doing is unholy. We're all going to regret dearly if we let that AI out."

"Oh, You think John doesn't know that?" she asked. "The day he nabbed that box from the government, he knew it was a dangerous thing to tamper with. But he's pursuing a vision, and it's not for us to question. Our job is to follow him and do as we're told."

"That makes no sense," he said. "Do you realize we're playing with fire?"

"Of course I do," said Rosario, "but offending John was not the way to go. Now he's holding a grudge against you, and he might make a move soon."

Alberto took a step backward. "What do you mean "make a move"? Am I in danger?"

"I think it's not safe for you to be here anymore," explained Rosario. She kept her voice down, trying not to attract unwanted attention. "Look, ever since John obtained the box, he's become paranoid and easily angered. That's why he sees you as a threat now. You should run. Soon."

Alberto was taken aback. He looked down as if there were answers while drawing deep breaths from the surrounding ceiba trees. As the reality sunk in, he returned gradually with a freshened perspective.

How ironic, to be condemned for speaking candidly. They said the truth was often hated, but Alberto did not foresee it like this. Still, the trouble was worth it. No matter how much one must compromise, there had to be a bottom line. Even if it meant danger, Alberto would still stand against the AI.

"Run away with me," said Alberto. He reached for her hand, hoping she would say yes to happily ever after.

But Rosario pulled away gently. "I can't. My life is here."

"It doesn't have to be," he said. "We can go to the Far East and start over. No one knows us there."

"When the Third Tech Bubble burst," she said, "I lost everything. No job, no money, my life was completely ruined. Then John found me and took me into the Zephyr. Without him, I'd be nothing."

"He doesn't define you," Alberto argued. "Nobody defines you but you."

Rosario warmed up. Her still water smile had resurfaced. "You do remind me of the old John. He used to be pure and righteous until he found the box. And that's why I brought you in, so you could be his mirror and nudge him back to his old ways. But it was too late. His heart had turned to stone already. Very soon, John will lead us all to destruction. That's why you must go."

"But I can't run away like this," he said. "Not without you."

"Just get to somewhere safe first," she suggested. "And when you're ready, come back for me, come back for the entire Zephyr. We all need saving."

Saddened, Alberto moved his head in an almost imperceptible nod. "The forty-day period is almost up. How will I find you? Any idea where John plans to go next?"

"I overheard him saying the AI in Box 7:1 needs to be summoned over dry and open ground. So I think he's looking for some kind of desert region. Which region is that, I'm not sure."

"That's fine, I'll find you no matter what. And when I do, I'll shake heaven and earth to save you."

Rosario laid her hand on his cheek, her eyes moistened. "I know you will. As I said, I did my homework."

They wrapped their fingers and shook on the promise. With the jungle bearing witness, they felt confident of its timely fulfillment. Fate, however, had other arrangements. Alberto and Rosario parted ways, not knowing this would be the last time they spoke with each other.