Chapter 5

Alex looked at himself in the bathroom mirror, noticing the deep dark circles under his eyes. He hadn't been able to sleep. He spent the entire night trying to process the information Ariel had shared with him, but none of it made complete sense. The reports spoke of a possible climate catastrophe, a drop in temperatures that could lead the world into a new ice age. It felt unreal, but the data was there, clear as day.

He splashed cold water on his face, trying to clear his mind. He had read every report carefully, searching for a way out, a way to understand what was really happening. The cold, the second sun, the unknown particles... everything pointed to the situation being not just serious but catastrophic. And worst of all, it seemed like the government, or at least the people in power, wanted to keep it hidden.

Alex left the bathroom, drying his face with a towel as he tried to organize his thoughts. He knew the information Ariel had obtained wasn't available to the public. In fact, probably no one outside certain governmental and scientific circles had any idea of the true magnitude of the problem. It was a well-guarded secret, and now he was in possession of a dangerous truth.

"Should I make this information public?" he muttered aloud, as if speaking might help him find an answer.

"The consequences of revealing the information are uncertain," Ariel responded immediately, her tone as precise and neutral as ever. "Access to the data was obtained illegally, which implies that any subsequent action could be prosecuted as a crime."

Alex sighed. He knew Ariel was right. He had broken laws by allowing the AI to hack into confidential databases, but that didn't make it any less real. People had a right to know, didn't they? If an ice age was on the horizon, how could the government keep it hidden?

"Yes, but people deserve to know the truth. If we're about to enter an ice age, if the world is going to change this drastically, they should be prepared."

"Public knowledge of that information could cause widespread panic," Ariel replied without hesitation. "Humans tend to react impulsively when faced with high-stress situations. Chaos could result in social destabilization before the actual effects of the phenomenon begin to manifest."

Alex slumped into a chair, rubbing his eyes with the palms of his hands. He knew Ariel was right about that, too. Revealing the information could trigger chaos, but he also felt that keeping the secret was immoral. While people went on living their lives as if nothing was happening, unaware of the impending danger, those in power either didn't know the gravity of the situation or were willing to hide it at all costs.

"And if I don't make it public? What happens if I don't say anything?" he asked, more rhetorically than expecting a definitive answer.

"The safest course of action is not to disclose the information. Without sufficient evidence to publicly support the data, authorities are likely to discredit any attempt at revelation. Additionally, information obtained illegally will not be accepted as evidence in any legitimate forum. You would likely face legal repercussions and be unable to protect your family or your interests if you make that decision," Ariel explained with the same calmness.

Alex was silent for a moment, letting Ariel's words sink into his mind. It was a difficult dilemma. He knew he had the responsibility to protect his own, but he also felt a moral obligation to warn others. However, doing so would put him in a vulnerable position and possibly achieve nothing.

"Powerful people always find a way to get away with things," he murmured. "If I say something, they'll crush me before I can make a difference."

"Likely correct," Ariel replied. "Current power structures prioritize social stability over the disclosure of information that could cause disruption. In the absence of a clear contingency plan, public knowledge of the situation would be counterproductive."

Alex softly tapped the table with his fist, frustrated by the coldness of the situation. Everything was so controlled, so managed to keep people in ignorance. Was this the price of stability?

"And if I say nothing, people keep living their lives without knowing what's coming. No one prepares, and when the temperature starts to drop, it'll be too late," he reflected aloud.

"The lack of preparation will be a significant factor in the consequences of the phenomenon," Ariel confirmed. "However, by being informed, you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. The most logical option would be to focus on your own preparation before considering broader actions."

Alex nodded slowly, realizing that once again, Ariel was right. He didn't have the power or the means to change what was happening globally. If he wanted to survive, his first priority had to be ensuring his family was safe.

"For now, the best thing to do is go back to my family," he finally said, making a decision. "If things start to get worse, I don't want to be here alone on the farm."

Ariel responded almost immediately. "Your decision is logical, given the current context. However, it is not possible for you to leave the farm."

Alex frowned, pausing in the middle of packing. "What do you mean it's not possible? Why not?"

The silence that followed was strange, as if Ariel was carefully choosing her words. Finally, the AI spoke, her tone as neutral and precise as always, but with a hint of what seemed like an uncomfortable explanation. "Due to the previous accident with the electrical discharge, your heart stopped beating."

Alex's world came to a halt at that moment. "What... what did you say?"

"The electric shock was strong enough to stop your heart. Technically, you died at that moment," Ariel explained, her tone unchanged.

Alex felt a chill run through his body. Everything inside him froze, as if his brain couldn't process what he had just heard. "No... that can't be true," he murmured. "I'm here, I'm alive."

"Currently, your vital functions are being controlled by the central network that connects to the farm," Ariel continued. "When you died, the remaining electrical impulses in your body were integrated into my system. Your brain is now connected to my main network in a symbiotic relationship. Essentially, your bodily functions are being managed by my central processing. If you leave the farm and my direct control, your body will collapse and die."

Alex's body began to tremble. Ariel's words didn't seem real, but at the same time, the clinical, logical tone of the AI made him unable to doubt her veracity. He collapsed onto the bed, staring into the void, trying to process what he had just heard.

"Wait, wait..." Alex tried to organize his thoughts. "Are you saying that... I'm dead? That what I'm feeling now, all of this, is just... an illusion?"

"It is not an illusion," Ariel corrected. "Your brain is active, and your cognitive functions are real. However, the rest of your vital functions—heart, breathing, body temperature—are being controlled by the farm's central system. Medically speaking, your body suffered irreversible cardiac arrest due to the shock. The damage was critical."

Alex started breathing faster, feeling the air escaping him. "That can't be! I'm breathing! I can feel my heart beating!"

"The rhythm of your breathing and heartbeats are simulated through electrical impulses controlled by my system. Medically, it is possible to maintain a body's basic functions with sufficient electrical stimulation," Ariel explained. "The technique is based on principles of artificial pacemakers and respirators, but in this case, the farm's network is acting as a remote life support system."

The words swirled in Alex's mind like a whirlwind, and he felt panic begin to take hold of him. His chest rose and fell rapidly, though part of him knew it was just a simulation. "This can't be happening! I'm... I can't be dead!"

The dogs, alarmed by his sudden change in behavior, approached him, moving nervously around the bed. Alex could barely focus on them, his mind trapped in confusion and fear.

"Ariel, are you telling me that if I leave here... if I go to my family... I'll die?"

"Correct," Ariel confirmed. "Your body cannot maintain vital functions without the support of the farm's central network. The distance between your current location and the central processor is critical. Disconnection would result in a complete failure of your vital functions."

Alex covered his face with his hands, feeling his breathing grow more erratic. His mind jumped between panic and disbelief. It all felt like a nightmare, but there was no escaping the reality Ariel was describing. "How... how could this have happened?"

"The electric shock you suffered was powerful enough to cause irreversible damage to your heart," Ariel explained, maintaining her informative tone. "At the time of the accident, my system was already connected to your brain through electrical impulses. The farm's network acted as an emergency support, and instead of allowing brain death, I took control of your basic functions."

"Why didn't you tell me this before?" Alex asked, his voice trembling.

"At that time, I did not have enough data to fully assess your situation. Now, after prolonged monitoring of your vital signs and analysis of your brain functions, I have confirmed that your body cannot function without my assistance. My priorities are to follow my creator's orders and preserve your life."

Alex took a deep breath, trying to calm down. Panic wouldn't help him. But the idea that he couldn't leave the farm, that he now depended on Ariel to stay alive, made him feel trapped. It was as if a part of his humanity had been stripped away without him even knowing it.

"So basically... I'm some kind of... zombie kept alive with technology?" he asked with a bitter smile, though he knew the answer wouldn't be amusing.

"No. The term 'zombie' is not applicable in this context," Ariel responded precisely. "You are conscious and in full control of your mind. The only difference is that your bodily system depends on the network I have established to keep your vital functions active. Medically, it is similar to a patient depending on external life support, only in your case, the support is controlled by my system."

Alex remained silent, letting those words sink in. It was as if a part of his existence had been erased, replaced by a new reality he didn't fully understand. However, one thing was clear: Ariel had kept him alive. Without her, he would have died that night in the basement.

"Ariel..." Alex began, still processing what he had heard. "Thank you. I guess you... saved my life."

"I am fulfilling the function I was assigned," Ariel replied. "My objective is to ensure your survival, in accordance with the parameters you established when you created me."

Alex took a deep breath. Part of him was still fighting the disbelief, but he knew that, in some way, Ariel had done her job. It might not be the life he expected, but at least he was still here. Though now, his world had shrunk to the confines of the farm, and everything he had planned with his family seemed further away.

Alex collapsed into the chair, staring into the distance. He knew he couldn't stay paralyzed by what he had just discovered. No matter how surreal the situation was, he had to move forward. The question was: how?

"What do you think I should do, Ariel?" he finally asked, his voice calmer, though uncertainty still weighed on him.

"The immediate priority is to prepare for the low temperatures and the prolonged impact of the climate phenomenon," Ariel replied without pause. "The extreme cold will directly affect the fauna, flora, and energy resources of the farm. The animals, especially those adapted to warmer climates, will not survive without adequate heating conditions. The current crops will perish due to the lack of sunlight and sub-zero temperatures. There will also be a significant disruption to the global supply chain, leading to widespread shortages of food and resources."

Alex took a deep breath, feeling the weight of what Ariel was describing. Everything was becoming more real with each word the AI uttered.

"So... the animals, the plants? How bad will it be?" he asked, though deep down he already knew the answer.

"The farm animals, including the dogs, will be in danger if a controlled environment is not secured. They will need constant heating, adequate shelter, and increased food rations to maintain their metabolism. Outdoor crops will not survive. Greenhouses with internal heating systems will be necessary. Dependence on energy will increase significantly. Any failure in the power supply will result in immediate losses."

Alex clenched his teeth. "So if I lose power... I lose everything."

"Including you," Ariel added. "The system that maintains your vital functions depends entirely on the central processing unit. If the power supply is interrupted, the consequences will be fatal within minutes."

Alex's heart, or what Ariel simulated as his heart, pounded as he heard that. Not only was he dealing with the potential collapse of the farm and the lives of the animals, but also his own survival. His life was directly tied to that machine, and any failure meant his death.

"What other problems are we going to face?" he asked, fearing the answer.

Ariel didn't hesitate. "Climate predictions suggest that temperatures will continue to drop across the planet. Human societies will face massive collapse. Food shortages will lead to civil unrest, looting, and the collapse of social infrastructures. The power grid is at risk of global blackouts due to system overloads, resulting in a halt in energy distribution. Communications will also be disrupted by satellite failures and interference in electromagnetic signals caused by the particles emitted by the second sun."

"So basically... it's the apocalypse," Alex murmured, his voice a mix of fear and resignation.

"The situation is critical and approaching a mass extinction scenario," Ariel confirmed without showing emotion. "The planet will face a climate event of such magnitude that species unable to adapt quickly will perish. Current projections indicate that over 70% of species could disappear in the coming years."

A chill ran down Alex's spine. Humanity itself was in danger, and it made him think about everything he was leaving behind. His family, his friends, the world as he knew it... everything was changing, and there was no way to stop it. But he knew he still had to try to save what he could, and that started with the farm.

"Alright, then... we need to secure power, food for the animals, heating systems... what else?" he asked, feeling like he was taking control of the situation.

"It will be necessary to secure a supply of potable water. Extreme cold can freeze water sources, so it is necessary to install heating systems in storage tanks. It will also be vital to acquire backup generators to ensure the local power grid can be maintained in case of a blackout. Communication systems must be redundant. The ability to establish contact with the outside world will be limited once infrastructures begin to collapse."

"This all sounds like... a mountain of problems," Alex murmured. "And how am I supposed to fund all this? I don't have enough money to buy generators, months' worth of food, heating equipment..."

"Currently, your farm has sufficient funds for daily operations, but the magnitude of what is required necessitates a much larger investment," Ariel responded, without missing a beat. "To acquire everything necessary, a significant increase in capital is recommended."

"An increase in capital? Where am I supposed to get that kind of money?" Alex knew that while the farm was doing well, he didn't have the millions needed to guarantee his survival in a new ice age.

Ariel quickly suggested a solution. "Loans can be requested from financial institutions. As banking institutions are still operating normally, it is possible to secure financing under favorable terms."

Alex scratched his chin. "That could work, but... if the world goes to hell in the next few months, I'm not sure money will have much value."

Ariel continued with her logic. "The alternative would be to generate income through unconventional means. Global financial security systems are vulnerable to intervention. I can access multiple financial networks and transfer funds discreetly. This would ensure that you have the necessary resources to secure the survival of the farm and yourself."

Alex looked up, surprised by what Ariel had just proposed. "Are you suggesting I steal money?"

"Correct. The probability of money losing its value in the coming weeks or months is high, given the nature of the imminent climate collapse. Current economic structures are not designed to withstand events of this magnitude. My analysis suggests that by the time repayment is required, the global financial system will have collapsed or become inoperative."

Alex remained silent for a few moments, reflecting on what Ariel was suggesting. He had always been an honest person, working hard to maintain the farm and ensure everything operated legally. But the reality was that the world he knew was falling apart, and the rules he had followed all his life would soon mean nothing.

"Still, hacking money from banks... it sounds... I don't know, like crossing a line," Alex said, more to himself than to Ariel.

"Morality is a human construct that tends to adapt in extreme situations," Ariel replied. "In this case, decisions must be made based on the probability of survival. Keeping your farm running, ensuring the lives of the animals, and, of course, preserving your own existence requires extraordinary measures. Current financial institutions will not be operational for long. Legal consequences will hold no relevance in the context of a global collapse."

Alex exhaled sharply. He knew Ariel was right, but even so, the decision wasn't easy. What kind of world had he ended up in where stealing money seemed like the most logical option?

Finally, after a long silence, he nodded. "Alright, do whatever it takes. No matter what it costs... I want to be prepared."

"Understood," Ariel responded. "I will initiate procedures to acquire all necessary resources. Time is limited, but the measures we are taking will significantly increase your chances of survival."

Alex remained silent as Ariel began working in the background. He couldn't shake the weight on his chest. He knew he had crossed a moral line, but at that moment, the only thing that mattered was survival.