You decide to follow along with whatever Murphy decides to do. This place seems dangerous, and he’s the only guy you see around here with a weapon. The Machine shows Fred a passageway, down which she promises that he will find the knowledge he seeks. Then, Fred bids Murphy a sad goodbye. Fred seems upset to leave his friend behind, and even though Murphy keeps a cool facade, you can tell it pains him as well. Sam goes with Fred, and Mark decides to stay with you.
When they’re gone, Murphy turns to the Machine. “So. You know what I want?”
“Yes of course,” the Machine responds serenely, “I know everything about you.”
“Hey, don’t be creepy with me. You offered to give me everything I’ve been looking for. So let’s hear about that.”
Mark watches Murphy with a light of admiration in his eyes. He leans toward you and mutters, “I like this guy. Knows how to cut to the chase.” If the Machine is insulted by Murphy’s tone, she doesn’t show it. She responds, “Mr. Murphy, I can show you invaluable things here. Far greater than the human race can comprehend. You must trust me, and travel to my heart.”
“Nah. What’s in it for you?”
“Excuse me?”
“Don’t play dumb, I’m a lifelong grifter, I know better than to trust someone who offers things like that without saying what they get out of it. So what’s the catch? Why give all that to me? And what are you going to do to the other two?”
The Machine seems to ponder this for a moment. She speaks carefully. “The other two are part of me already, they were as soon as they stepped into this place. They will stay here, safe, and become like organs to me. It’s not as bad as it sounds, and it was inevitable anyway.”
Murphy seems deeply put off by this answer, but he lets her continue.
“As for you, I need your help. There is a Great War being waged amongst Machines. I know you are only a human mercenary, but I must admit to you, I am quite weak. If you agree to help me, I will give you what you need to fight on the level of a Machine.”
MURPHY CONSIDERS THE OFFER ==>
