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Me too. Orchid is so deeply focused on the machine that she doesn't seem to notice me leaning over her shoulder as she works. Your fingers are so nimble they're little more than a blur over the clattering keys. Mysterious symbols scroll across the glassy screen. I don't understand their meaning, but I assume they must be some kind of incantation or spell written in a holy language.

Alphas and omegas are approaching using curious expressions.

Suddenly, the frequency of the Source's vibration changes. It grows deeper and stronger. All turn away from the Source in anticipation. All except Orchid. She just keeps hitting.

"I think I almost made it," she says. "I just need-"

A roar and crackle of static makes everyone in the chamber jump in fear. A film of eerie light, like the blue part of a dying flame, flickers on the surface of the massive sphere. Gradually, the plasma freezes into a giant, ghostly face.

We were all in awe, mouths hanging open.

Then speak.

"Hello. I'm Algorithmic Popula