The state succeeds in eliminating all thoughts of independent existence for many years, perhaps centuries. The Saint of the Pyre is the only man who re-discovers the existence and meaning of the word "I" — and he is condemned to death. The other members of society do not even wonder about what is missing from their lives. Equality 7-2521, however, says that the sight of the Saint being burned has stayed with him, "it haunts us and follows us, and it gives us no rest." More than the injustice of a hero tortured to death haunts Equality 7-2521; it is a desire to know the Unspeakable Word at all costs. "What — even if we have to burn for it — is the Unspeakable Word?"
He is alone with these tormenting thoughts until the Golden One joins him on the quest to discover this lost word. Attempting to express her feelings, she realizes the inadequacy of the vocabulary available to her. "No . . . We are one . . . alone . . . and only . . . and we love you who are one . . . alone . . . and only." Two threads intertwine here. They know of the Unspeakable Word. They also recognize that they are unable to properly express themselves in the first person. In short order, they come to realize that the two issues are the same.
Despite the suppressive methods of the Councils, some members of this society retain individuality. Equality 7-2521 wonders ceaselessly about the lost word. He maintains the secret of the tunnel and uses it for his forbidden research. He decides that the Golden One is not to be touched by the Councils' policies of state-controlled breeding. He is a man who stands tall. But he does not have to stand alone. Others in this society have not surrendered their minds to the rulers.
International 4-8818, like Equality 7-2521, commits the Transgression of Preference; he selects Equality 7-2521 as his friend from the mass of humanity. Upon hearing Equality 7-2521's astounding words that they will not report the tunnel, International 4-8818 covers his ears, for never has he heard such words. But he chooses to risk death with his friend rather than obey the councils. "Rather shall we be evil with you than be good with all our brothers." He covers for Equality 7-2521 during the years in which he conducts his illicit research and never betrays him.
