Waiting for what never came...

When I awoke, I was sitting up against a large rock, surrounded by a strange mix of people: friends, enemies, and strangers. Everything was moving slowly as if I were still caught in the dream, but one thing was certain: most of them were trying to stop me from doing something.

I guess that whatever I had done so far while unconscious in that dream would likely be easiest to continue but I can barely even move from a dull pain throbbing in my chest.

I look up to Trigger, who is unusually emotional - it could be anger or sadness, I'm not sure. X is lunging toward me desperately, but I can tell by the look in his eyes he believes he is already too late. I see his father's image behind him, his daughter beside him shimmering softly, a tear in her eye.

I look at my chest and I can see that I have somehow managed to drive a knife between my ribs and into my lungs. There is an alarming large quantity of blood falling into my lap. But I suppose that would explain the delirium.

It is interesting to note to myself that I have made a choice that could affect the rest of humankind. All of the half-machines out there are suddenly aware of the existence of such a choice, thanks to the special attention given to my programming. Strangely, I have an urge to mark this victory over the Holy Family with words, as if I had achieved something.

But before I can speak there is a sudden shudder in my ribs that causes my back to give out and my body to slip against the face of the rock. My cheek makes contact with the dirty ground. I can still see the girl. As my vision dies her image remains clear to me even as everything else fades to darkness. And in the distance behind her I can see the shadowed edge of the universe slowly collapsing, enveloping me like a blanket.