ANTECHAMBER

Fred says joyfully to the Machine, “My friend, I’ve lost years of my life to the insanity of Machine thoughts. They weren’t meant to be heard by mere men, but I heard them anyway, and there’s no going back for me. I know that I am meant to be here and to learn all I can about you.”

The Machine responds, “I know this Fred, and I am happy to let you explore this place for as long as you wish. I can use my Machine thoughts to lead you where you need to go.”

Sam approaches the Machine timidly. He asks, “Ms. Machine, I don’t know if I want to dedicate my life to this like Mr. L does, but I also don’t know what else to do. I trust you and your Machine thoughts. Will you help me learn, and someday, drop me off at just the right place?”

The Machine thinks about this for a moment. “So you want to be my apprentice now? I suppose I can manage it. I am grateful for your trust.”

Murphy looks at the first two incredulously. “That’s it? Fred, I’ve protected you all this time, and for what? You’re just going to die in here obsessing over Machines?”

The Machine looks at him patiently. “Mr. Murphy, I can see into your heart, you care only for riches and conquest. You thought you might find the former in my shell, and you worry you were mistaken, but you were not. When you’ve found it, I can take you to the latter as well.”

Murphy considers this for a moment. “Hmph… I’ll give it a shot.”

“So we’re all just gonna trust this thing? Seriously?” Mark is on the verge of freaking out.

“Mark Ozark,” says the Machine calmly, “your body is changing. You feel stronger than you did before, stronger than you should be. You hear more and see more and know more. That is no mere illness.”

“H-how did you?”

“I simply looked around and I could see everything about you. You don’t have to stay, but if you’re worried, you should stay. I can show you more about your condition.”

Mark looks defeated, but he accepts this.

After speaking to the others, the Machine turns to you. “You haven’t asked me for anything yet. It’s ok, I know you’re confused. You want to know about your memory, right? And not to mention that Key you have…”

“...Yeah, yes I think so,” you reply. “So… what should I do?”

“You can find all the answers in these halls, so I suggest you simply spend some time here. Why don’t you try sticking with one of the others on their journey?”