“We’re not unaccustomed to dealing with threats from the outside. From the day the first tower of the Grid rose up there have been those who would bring it down. Some see the organization of power as inherently evil, despite the good it does. Fortunately there have always been those who would fight on our side, if only for personal gain.

“Virus attacks have occurred in the past too. Yes, Babbage that’s what this is, make no mistake. The victims you’ve stumbled across are casualties in a war waged against the Grid. It’s only a matter of time before the focus turns and sharpens. The reason none of these attacks have been successful in the past is that we have always been willing to fight back, to raise the stakes. We stay one step ahead.

“Of course, lately things have become more difficult. The talents we employed have left, the machines have slowed. We are vulnerable Babbage. We need your help.”

Babbage stared at the man in front of him, leaning forwards, suddenly speaking of the Grid as a part of him. For a moment he wondered when that line had been crossed, when the man outside had become another part of the great machine. He was no longer an individual. Perhaps he would be better off on the other side of the world, the side of dreams and possibility. At least he could still dream himself.

“I have my own reasons for doing this. Let’s just say our goals share a common path.”

“Of course, of course. You’ve seen glimpses already, you need to know more. That drive is your strength, Babbage, we rely on such characteristics. Such predictability. It is rare these days.”

He hadn’t said a thing but they knew it all. Knew of the visions he’d seen, knew of the bar and the man slumped against it who somehow sat at the centre of this all. Of course they knew it all. He wondered if they were capable of understanding.

“Think of yourself as bait Babbage, nothing more. We need to draw this virus out to cleanse it completely. Then we can cauterise and move on. Perform your duty and leave the answers to us.”

Babbage found himself on his feet and realised he’d been dismissed. He turned and walked out of the office, knowing he’d never see it again.

“The search for understanding doesn’t always lead where you might expect, Babbage. Never forget what you are.”

Was that a friendly piece of advice or a warning? He decided he no longer cared.

The office door swung slowly shut behind him and he was left staring at the stark waiting room.

The secretary sat primly, clattering away on the ancient typewriter. He felt he should say something, make a final statement to sum up the years he’d spent here. Had it been years, or only moments? It didn’t matter, nothing here did. Briefly he wondered if they’d even remember him.

He leant down, grabbed her chin and kissed her roughly on the lips.

A moment later he was on his way out. His lips were warm, and the office behind him had fallen silent.