This machinery is fascinating, Grizzel.

“Good morning, Grizzel!” said Magenta.

“Hey Maggie!” said a small creature with long pointed ears and green, pale skin. “And hello, Ixia.” She nodded.

“My turn to take over!” said Magenta. “Yup, and I need to rest now. So, make sure you don’t break anything and get this thing going.” And he vanished into thin air.

“Well, now!” Magenta said, “the project did move forward and the steam engine should soon operate well. I like working with him.”

“Yes, he is reliable,” said Ixia. “And his serious airs make him a designated volunteer for pranks.”

“Let’s get started, then,” he said. “Could you pass me that rod?”

They carried on with their work for a while. Magenta paused to think out loud.

“That moment where a person just has an idea. And that idea is a revolution and changes the way we see life and how it operates. That is a very special moment.”

“Right you are,” said Ixia. “This machinery is fascinating.”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“Speaking of machinery,” said Magenta, “do you think our ancestors were more technologically advanced than we are when they built this?”

She paused to think for a moment.

“There is no doubt that today’s technology is millions of times more advanced than that of the people who built this steam engine. But for their time, this was technologically advanced. We lost the knowledge of that craft. We rely on our current technology to build new stuff. But we can’t build it ourselves. Without Liwa, we’d probably be thrown back in time.”

Magenta sighed. “Yeah, it is a shame that we must relearn everything. But on the other hand, it’s fascinating. And we have time.”

The piston was now operating smoothly. The contraption puffed clouds of smoke and radiated heat.

“Any news from Vinyl?” asked Ixia.

“No… I asked Liwa but she said the time was not right. She wouldn’t say more though.”

“Be patient and don’t worry,” Ixia suggested.

“I know, I know, but it’s hard. And you know I’m not a fan of anything that is so disproportionately more powerful than we are. And that’s Liwa: absolute, uncheckable power that grows every second. It feels weird that, for the first time in our very long history, we have no more agency over ourselves. We’re very much part of Earthilium’s wildlife.”

“You’re alive and well and I know you’re pretty happy here with me.”

“Yeah, but still. The thought is daunting. The feeling of being totally insignificant.”

“Not sure why you’d need more. I’m good as is, with you. Much better to just enjoy an infinite playground!” The pixie grinned and threw a firework at Magenta who managed to dodge.