A Machine in Locomotion

The machine springs to life, rushing to meet demand. A commander yells to his compatriots as they man their stations:

Increase oxygen intake!

(Expanding air exchange chambers)

Increase energy delivery rate!

(Accelerating hydraulic pump rate)

Watch that temperature gauge, Corporal!

(Releasing coolant through external vents)

Easy, we’re burning a lot of fuel here. We’re going to need to keep this going.

(Tapping into latent energy reserves)

Divert spent fuel to air exchange chambers for expulsion!

(Redirecting spent resources through hydraulic delivery system)

Eject contaminants!

(Contracting air exchange chambers)

The thump, the hiss, the coolant

Meet machine’s sensation;

But the crew’s clockwork competence

Goes without congratulation.