Match Made in Doomsday Device

Ellie can barely make out Wayland’s voice above the steady din of machinery working all about them. “I—I can’t believe it,” he says, “It’s actually working. It’s actually working!”

Computer systems hum, coming to life. “Program Alpha operational,” a female voice says over the crackling loudspeaker.

“Excellent,” Wayland mutters to himself.

“What does this all mean?” Ellie asks.

“This machine we’re standing in,” Wayland explains, “is going to take over the world! This might be cliché, but would you rule the world with me, Ellie?”

She hesitates, but only or a moment. “How could I say no to the world?”