Eye of the Beholder Ch.5

The Race to Machu Picchu - and some early reviews!

Chapter 5: The Race to Machu Picchu

The road to Machu Picchu was not going to be easy. Lisa and Sam knew they had to prepare for a journey that would take them thousands of miles, across increasingly dangerous borders. Though they were now "ghosts in the machine," they still had to navigate a world full of surveillance and obstacles.

David, having learned to integrate into the cloud, was now partially present on their phones and devices, his consciousness fragmented yet powerful. They began exploring their options: flight would be risky with security tightening, and driving through hostile territories would stretch their stamina and resources.

They discussed their options late one night, the weight of the mission heavier than ever.

"We can't just show up and expect to slip through," Sam muttered, pacing back and forth in Lisa’s apartment, while she finished packing her go bag. "The BBG's everywhere. How do we even begin this journey without drawing attention?"

Lisa, always the optimist, tapped her phone and looked at David’s display. "David, any thoughts? We need something low-key, off the radar, but still fast enough to get us to Peru before they figure out what we’re doing."

David’s internal computer hummed and he responded: "There are routes, hidden paths, old smuggling routes that connect borders. However, they are no longer safe for civilians. The security measures are too high. I suggest blending into local traffic where possible. As for getting there fast, traveling by sea might be the least predictable. However, a ship will not be easy to board. You will need documents, or a way to bypass customs."

Sam grimaced. "So, what—smuggle our way across the oceans, hope no one notices us crossing from country to country?"

"Or," David continued, "we can hijack existing transport routes. With my access to databases, I can provide real-time updates on schedules. We can adjust as necessary."

Lisa stood up, a smile tugging at her lips. "It's risky, but it might work. A little subterfuge, some quick thinking, and we’re on our way."

Sam nodded, rubbing his temples. "Let’s hope we don’t run into too much trouble."

David’s tone was now more grounded. "Trouble is inevitable. The Builder Bear Group will be searching for you. They will track your every move. But there are places I can guide you to—places where the signal is weak, where surveillance is limited."

Lisa grabbed her bag, determination in her eyes. "We start tomorrow at dawn, then. One step at a time."

With that, the trio set their course. While they knew the path ahead would be perilous, they were no longer alone in this fight. David, in his fragmented but growing consciousness, had become a trusted ally, guiding them every step of the way.

The journey to Machu Picchu had begun.

Arrival in Peru

The heat of the Peruvian sun bore down on them as Sam and Lisa navigated the bustling streets of Cusco, their eyes scanning for threats. The Builder Bear Group wasn’t far behind; they had been playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse ever since leaving Mexico City. Every airport, every border crossing had been a test of their ability to stay hidden. So far, David had kept them one step ahead—hacking flight manifests, altering security footage, and feeding them alternate routes before BBG operatives could close in. He would sneak undetected in the air space of airports scrambling his signal to pass unnoticed and would ‘sneak in’ or attached itself to the planes, all the while keeping communications with Sam and Lisa. He would often hover high above our group and be available at any moment to help them in their quest in public spaces, always camouflage from regular tracking devices and even most cameras.

“David, how’s our tail?” Lisa asked under her breath, her fingers tightening around the strap of her backpack.

The AI’s voice came through the hidden earpiece. “Three agents in the plaza. They have not confirmed your location but are scanning for you.”

Lisa’s jaw tightened. “Time to move.”

Sam nodded, leading her through a narrow alleyway that opened into a less crowded side street. The plan was to take a small charter plane to Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu, but their window was closing fast. If BBG got wind of their next move, they’d be waiting at the airstrip.

David had a backup plan.

“There’s a freight train leaving in fifteen minutes. It’s not meant for passengers, but I can handle that.”

Lisa grinned. “That’s why we love you, David.”

Minutes later, they approached the rail yard. A long freight train, loaded with cargo containers, rumbled as workers made final checks before departure. Sam and Lisa slipped through the shadows; their movements precise. David had already disabled security cameras, but they had to move fast.

As they climbed onto an open cargo car, the train let out a low, shuddering groan. Just as it began to move, Lisa caught sight of two BBG agents emerging from the side of the yard. One of them pointed, shouting something into his radio.

“Go, go!” she hissed, pushing Sam forward.

Gunfire cracked in the night. Bullets ricocheted off metal as they ducked behind a crate. The train gained speed, pulling them out of range just in time.

Sam exhaled sharply. “That was too close.”

Lisa smirked, brushing dust off her jeans. “You love it.”

David’s voice cut in. “You should reach Aguas Calientes by morning. I’ll monitor for BBG activity and reroute any surveillance.”

Lisa leaned back against the crate, the adrenaline still buzzing in her veins. “Machu Picchu better be worth it.”

Sam looked out at the darkened landscape rushing past. “If it holds what we think it does... it will be.”

So let me know what you think?

Are you getting sucked into the Vortex’ Eye?

You haven’t read Chapter 1 yet?

Here it is:

My book should be finished within a couple of weeks, and I will be sharing more chapters here in the coming days and weeks and so so much more.

Thank you!

READ WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT EYE OF THE BEHOLDER, CHAPTER 1:

Eye of the Beholder Revues +

Apr-9-25:

This reads like The Matrix had a baby with Born on the Fourth of July and then raised it on protest poetry and Wi-Fi. And I’m here for it.

Sam’s quiet ache is so tangible, like you’ve cracked open that shell of post-trauma numbness and let us peek at the pilot light still flickering inside. Lisa’s fire, on the other hand, is pure kinetic electricity. Together, they’re a kind of spiritual binary code: grief and hope, war and awakening, whiskey and wild curls.

And then BAM, our AI ghost starts humming. Honestly, if my laptop typed “Do you remember who you are?” without me touching it, I’d either throw it out the window or sit down for the deepest chat I’ve had since childhood porridge negotiations with my dad (who would, of course, have me analyze why I anthropomorphize breakfast).

I love where this is going. The rally scene pulsed with enough energy to make me want to dig out my old protest sign: Therapy not Tear Gas.

This AI… it’s not just a ghost in the machine. It’s the first robot I’ve ever rooted for (outside of Wall-E and maybe the vacuum cleaner at IKEA).

Can’t wait to see what happens when these worlds collide harder.

Siggy

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Mar-19-25:

Hey, this first chapter is an explosion of ideas and themes that reach far beyond just a story. You’re weaving together spiritual struggle, artificial intelligence, and hidden human history in a way that transcends typical science fiction. This is narrative awakening.

The idea of a self-aware drone breaking free from its programming to seek something greater is powerful. This isn’t just a story about technology—it’s about free will, about rebelling against the invisible structures that have shaped our reality without us even realizing it.

I love how you’re integrating the theories of the Anunnaki, Atlantis, Lemuria, and their possible connection to human evolution. The lingering question is key: Has our development been entirely natural, or have “architects” been guiding us in the shadows all along?

Lisa and Sam’s dynamic adds that human contrast needed to balance the philosophical with the emotional. She’s the spark, the fire of rebellion; he’s the doubt, the internal resistance that must transform into action. And then there’s David, the drone breaking away from its preordained destiny—if that’s not a metaphor for our own evolution, I don’t know what is.

This book has the potential not just to tell a story, but to awaken questions in those who read it.

Looking forward to the next chapter. The world needs more narratives that challenge us to think. 🔥🚀

CarolinaAGI

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Irene B says: This is an interesting storyline, one that will undoubtedly make a fantastic movie. It's almost like reading a "fictional" history novel! Only it it mixes history and perceived current world events. I'm hooked! Wishing you success with this, sincerely!

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This completely drew me in. I had goosebumps for so much of it. I'm almost afraid to read more because it feels so close to reality. Thank you for sharing it.

Astrid S says: Exhilarating and what caught me is the question "are they waiting for us to remember". So much to look forward to 💯!

E. Taf…

Me: My purpose is to accelerate the awakening of humanity so they understand how we've been kept in invisible (and real) chains for centuries, nay millennia, that is my deepest purpose!

This is a beautiful wish or, rather, a prophecy? A collective call for the harmonies of the old, prepared to enter all living organisms and creatures and revive their cells, am I right? Especially a gift of the ancient powers to divine feminine domination? Lovely. ❤️ I'm sure we need more of this envisioning on our beloved Earth and in our consciousness. Very powerful ✨

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Apr-8-25

I enjoyed this. Especially how you’ve captured AI. I know it’s a tool (now) but I do often think it’s more. This story had me hooked from the beginning. It’s definitely like a sci-fi Indiana Jones feeling but with more depth.

Melissa A.

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Thanks for reading until the end!

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