The contingent cycled steadily for a week, taking breaks for refreshments or rest whenever needed.
"Baby, are you feeling okay?" Jenny looked at Billy with concern.
"Why do you ask that, Jenny?" Nick responded as they rode through the transit forest zone leading to Mount Volta.
"I feel like Billy might be ill," Jenny suggested hesitantly.
"Why do you say that, Jenny? We should seek medical attention. We do have some herbal medicine, but Billy needs a proper diagnosis first," Nick replied carefully.
"But how are we supposed to diagnose him? We don't have a medical professional among us!" Jenny fretted.
"We could use artificial intelligence—if there's a mobile network here," Nick offered.
"Artificial intelligence? How would that even work?" Jenny asked, intrigued.
"By taking photos, recording observable signs and symptoms, and submitting them to the system for analysis," Nick explained.
"Wow, advanced technology! I had no idea we could do that here. Let's do it right away before his symptoms get worse!"
Nick checked the network signal strength, and luckily, it was strong enough. The contingent stopped for a while to carry out the diagnostic tests.
"The AI indicates allergies exacerbated by the change in environment have contributed to the baby's illness," Nick relayed. "He needs a tranquilizing medicine to boost his immune system—it's still developing, and he's susceptible to communicable diseases that require vaccinations at this stage. We can rest here in the meadow since it seems safe from hybrids during the day, and it's far from Mt. Volta's main bases."
Billy was given a couple of doses of medicine, and the group settled down to rest. William sat beside Jenny, admiring the baby and keeping her company. Tiffy and Nick sat close together, Elizabeth paired up with Mikal, and Jasmine, John, and Lama gathered at one end. From their seating positions, everyone started private conversations.
Elizabeth found it odd interacting with Mikal. Perhaps she was just flirting or treating him like a normal friend, especially since she was an ideal candidate for unlocking the "goodness kiss," which could influence the looming divorce trajectory.
"Mikal, you need to heal! I've been worried about you since the surgery," Elizabeth said with genuine concern.
"Thanks! I'm still convalescing, but it doesn't seem painful anymore," he replied.
"You need more medicine—I insist. I want to be sure you're okay."
"Hmph! Okay, you can give me some herbal medicine if you're not sure about my health."
Elizabeth gave Mikal a spoonful of calming medicine.
"Does that make you feel better?" she asked cautiously.
"I think I'll be fine. Thanks, Elizabeth," Mikal replied, holding her hand gently.
Elizabeth then asked about his background. "So, I'm just curious… Tell me a little about your past?"
"Okay. I'm Mikal Kaal. I grew up in a rural village bordering the Mansoon forests. The forest is huge—I swear I never knew there was a permanent basement beneath it. I sold my soul or body to the secret societies. No one forced me; it was my choice. I wanted to help my family, to lift them out of poverty. Being the firstborn, all the responsibility fell on me. After finishing high school, I decided to get initiated to such cults. It was a quick way to make money. I loved gambling as a child—getting frustrated when predictions failed, yet craving the thrill. I guess that pushed me to sell my soul or body. My family was helped in the long run. I remember fighting my brother after losing a bet once. The game lasted hours, and when I finally realized he won, I was so frustrated I threw his things and we dueled. Later, I regretted it and asked for forgiveness. It was a traditional board game, like chess, but involved gambling. I always wished for education and military training. I just don't want to gamble anymore."
"So, you're a high school leaver who loved gambling, got addicted to quick riches -schemes, and ended up selling your soul to secret societies. It's like many youths are vulnerable to these cultic groups."
"Yeah, it's true! They visit high schools, lure students in with motivational speeches about selling their souls after graduation because corruption dominates job markets. Connections only guarantee a few jobs compared to the increasing graduands released annually, and cybernetic market monopolies exist. The few youths in the job market often do little work but get fair salaries. Monotony exists in such divisions of labor. These hopeless conditions make youth easy targets for secret societies."
"If the government offers few jobs but encourages soul or body-selling, then the government is the problem. They work hand in hand with secret cultic societies to make life unbearable. They're wicked, but we can't fully judge them yet. We must uproot evil in this country so that injustice doesn't thrive. All youth must have equal chances for employment. The government, having monopoly powers and capital, can invest more to create more jobs. I wonder where the revenues goes."
"They pass gluttony laws that sustain them as they push the secret societies' evil agendas!"
"That's systemically evil! Who's to blame then?"
"The government, obviously."
"The roots of systemic evil—gaining capital by unscrupulous means. Don't you think those roots need uprooting so that fair and just systems can emerge?"
"I think so. People do miss their children. Madam Jezebel always misses Levi and Malaki. But since I've transformed, I can't wait to reunite with my family."
"It's nice to hear that. But why does Madam Jezebel still encourage her kids to sell their souls if she has all the necessary portions?"
"We wonder the same. As hybrids, we met her at her place. Levi and Mikal, despite their grotesque transformations, still embraced their mother, and she welcomes them. It's mysterious why she tolerates their misdemeanors if she holds the solution portions."
"Hmph! I never thought about it that way. Maybe she's hiding something."
"Why say that? Just because she holds solution portions doesn't mean she has sinister plans."
"Yeah, but it doesn't make sense to offer magic services while her kids act hypocritically. Preaching water but drinking wine."
"Maybe she has sinister plans."
"I think so, but she's been a good mom and hospitable. Why would she betray us?"
"They say don't judge a book by its cover. We'll see her true colors later."
"Anyway, I never doubt holiness, faithfulness, and goodness in the land of the living. So you want college and military training? I can hook you up at Sultan Military Camp after this mission."
"Really? Elizabeth, you'd do that for me?"
"Yeah, why not? I care about your healing and recovery now that you're transformed."
"Thanks," Mikal said, hugging her briefly.
"I do care. What course would you like to study?"
"I have anxiety disorders and mental illness. I haven't decided yet, but I'd love a medical-related course. I got a B grade in high school, so I'm somewhat qualified."
"Oh, you look like A material just by how you are! You could study medicine at Sultan Military Camp."
"Stop flattering me! What do you mean by 'look of things'? "
"I mean you're knowledgeable, master trainings fast and well. You seem like a fast learner. You just need to be more serious to improve your intelligence quotient."
"Okay, I'll try to improve my IQ. Thanks for the advice."
"You're welcome. Now that you're enrolling, would you mind if I gave you company?" Elizabeth leaned into Mikal's chest.
"Looks like someone's in love here," Mikal whispered, laughing quietly.
"Why whisper?" Elizabeth looked toward Nick and quickly sat upright. "Oh, sorry! I know Nick is a precarious situation. I love him, but I'm afraid of hurting Tiffy. She's been a good teammate, even though she hurt me back in high school."
"Well, don't rush into me. If it's meant to be, it will be. Are you using me as a backup, afraid of being hurt by the 'gems'?"
"No! I'm not misusing you. I'm just trying to protect Tiffy. If I told Nick to be with me—since we all fell in love—he'd fall for me, no matter the gems' outcomes," Elizabeth whispered.
"Don't you think you're still using me? That's not true love. Also, I overheard Nick has mental issues."
"Mikal, don't say that!" Elizabeth held his face gently. "You're my type. I've loved you since I first saw you. Your personality—ingenuous, bold, creative, sensitive, integrity—attracts me. I want to be your girl." Mikal quickly pulled his hand away, scanning to see if anyone had noticed.
"Elizabeth! What are you doing? This is embarrassing! Nick has his eyes on you, and you on him. This mission involves you—be careful and sober up!" Mikal whispered sternly.
"I know. But is it wrong to fall in love with you? I'm not sure about Nick, even though I love him. I'm not using you as a last resort—I'm expressing genuine feelings. A girl can fall in love in many ways with different people. But do you love me?" Elizabeth whispered.
"Hmph! I can't answer that yet."
"What if I help you enroll in military college?"
"What if the gems chooses you and Nick? Would you dump him for me?"
"Yes! I'm willing—to repay Tiffy and get along with you."
"You're crazy! All this journey just to dump Nick for me?"
"That's called true love. Don't you think?"
"Urgh! Your reasoning is annoying. Let me get some fresh air." Mikal stood up, drawing the attention of the others.
"Hey, Mikal! What's going on? Should we keep going up the mountain or rest more?" John asked.
"I think we should move," Mikal said.
"Want to lead us this time?"
"Okay! I'm motivated now. Let's roll!" Mikal said as the group mounted their bicycles and followed him towards Mt. Volta.