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Home > Expos > Event 7 > Page 47
THE GRINDING MACHINE▼
THE GRINDING MACHINE
[Kevin MacLeod: Scheming Weasel [1 HOUR]]
Collector
A duo, and artist and his "cleaner" were on their way to Zookeeper's elevator when they were stopped by a fellow co-worker, though none that either has met yet. "So you're the new artist everyone's talking about in the company."
Collector
2024-12-26 16:18:39
Collector Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-07-29 07:55:26
"And uh, your cleaner."
Collector
"Is your art really as good as everyone's been saying?"
Zion
The robot looks at the AI, looking back and forth at the small space of the elevator before pointing at himself.
Collector
For some reason this simple action baffles Collector. "W-Who else could I be talking to?" Collector looks behind the duo. No one but paper pushers back there.
Collector
"Yeah, you, man! I just need to know if they're going to replace me with you."
Collector
"You kind of look like me, and uh, well I don't think Skipper would realize the difference."
Zion
Skipper… that name sounded familiar.

He takes out a piece of paper from days prior, holding out to the AI as if to ask 'this?' Skipper's name and number written on the small sheet.
Collector
"No way I'm already getting replaced!"
Collector
"Sip......"
Collector
"G-Guess I better find a coop to live in...."
Collector
"Well if you're going to replace me. At least take this." Collector hands Zion a paper titled "Skipper's care sheet."
Collector
"Make sure to feed Skipper 4 times a day, he says he only eats 3 times a day but if you don't feed him for the 3rd time he opens the fridge and stares at it with a terrible look in his eyes for 30 minutes in the middle of the night."
Zion
Zion looks at Collector a bit perplexed before shaking his head.

The emote of his eye squints, a bit confused and uncomfortable. "Not– not a replacement." His voice is a bit meek among the others in the elevator.
Zion
"Didn't know there were others that looked like Zookeeper. Are you his brother?" He asks, a bit of a sparkle in his eyes.
Collector
"Buddy, pal. That's what YOU think, but I can read a room. You're going to be working the machine!"
Collector
"And Zookeeper is going to take me out back......"
Collector
"What if he feeds me to Madam!"
Zion
2024-12-26 16:23:44
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-07-29 07:56:56
"How unfortunate..." He whispers.
Zion
"Should I kill myself then? So this doesn't happen?"
Collector
"WOAH DON'T DO THAT. I'M FINE WITH DYING BUT I'M NOT FINE WITH YOU DYING."
Collector
"I'm not a Zookeeper, or his brother." Collector pushes the top of his head open.
Collector
"I'm his left capsule cekeki."
Tibia
"Oh! It's a pleasure to meet one of his boobs."
Zion
"…. His left boob?"
Collector
"You don't have to say it like that!"
Tibia
"Zion, maybe you should take that up. Zookeeper seems to be doing well with it."
Collector
"Wait, you know he keeps his capsules in there?"
Zion
"No wonder you're slimmer than your friend. Sometimes boobs are uneven… You seem a bit uneven. Too tense."
Tibia
"It's ok boob. You can loosen up."
Collector
".........................................................................."
Collector
"Yeah well, what does YOUR cekeki look like?"
Collector
"Bet you look uh. Malnourished as well!"
Zion
2024-12-26 16:27:07
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-07-29 07:57:53
"Not malnourished. Just damaged," He gestures to his arm.

"Don't have a cekeki. Never asked what those are. Is that what you and the lady are called?"
Collector
"HA! HA! HA!"
Collector
"YOU'LL NEVER BE ZOOKEEPER'S LEFT CEKEKI!"
Collector
"Wait, you don't even know what a cekeki is? Do you know where you work?"
Zion
"I'm not sure I'd like being the uneven boob… If I could be one I'd like to be apart of a pair that is even."
Zion
"Also, I am a new hire. Paid internship! Exciting."
Tibia
"...Very exciting."
Collector
Collector closes the top of his head as he mutters to himself. ("Paid intership I never got paid for my intership. He thinks he's such a hot shot. Gonna take my job, my capsule, and the right side of the bed.")
Collector
Collector steps to the side. "Go ahead. Not like I can stop our new star artist."
Zion
"You misunderstand. I don't want to take your position. In fact I'm here seeking to broaden my network of artist friends."
Collector
"Yeah. And I'm telling you, the best artist is going to take my spot by the machine."
Zion
"But if your job is too taxing, feel free to offload some of your work on me. I don't need to sleep or anything. I'd be happy to help."
Collector
"You're too nice, now I feel bad for being rude even if you're unintentionally taking my job!"
Zion
He gives Collector a firm but friendly pat on the shoulder. "Never feel bad about feeling troubled. No biggie."
Collector
"You're making it worse! Call me a bitch no good artist or something!"
Tibia
"You're a bitch, and a no good artist!"
Collector
"Not you. Cleaner."
Zion
"I'm sure your art is spectacular."
Zion
"Woah- hey. That's my friend…"
Zion
"And my boss."
Zion
He takes a step back, behind the comfort of Tibia who is still far smaller than him.
Tibia
2024-12-26 16:32:55
Tibia Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-07-29 07:59:09
"Even as a cleaner, I hold more power than you 'machine handler'. Let's hurry on, Zion."
Collector
"Doubt it."
Collector
"I think I could beat you in arm wrestling."
Collector
"And I can't beat anyone at arm wrestling."
Tibia
They squint at the robot. "Yeah?"
Collector
("Uh oh, what did I get myself into now?")
Collector
"Yeah. Let's do this."
2024-12-26 16:34:35
Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-07-29 08:02:29
[Undertale OST - It's Showtime! (PAPYRUS'S TV)]

IT'S A CLASH!!!

Collector rolls a 20 sided die. A 7 is rolled.
Tibia rolls a 20 sided die. A 12 is rolled.

Tibia totally beats Collector at arm wrestling!

Collector
"Fine whatever! I'll stop bothering you! Go see Zookeeper!"
Tibia
There's a smug grin on their face as they pull on Zion's arm to get into the elevator.
Zion
2024-12-26 16:35:47
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-07-29 08:03:17
"Bye…" He waves at Collector as he follows Tibia.

"Hope to see you soon."
[Limbus Company - Science Story Theme]

The duo reach the top floor and exit. Up here the full devastation of the flood could be seen. If there ever was a city outside the citadel, it surely wasn't there anymore.

2024-12-26 16:37:49
Profile
Posted by ID #29
Last edit: 2024-12-26 16:40:37

A beelitz perches on Zookeeper's desk. The capsule it paints is rather basic and plain.

2024-12-26 16:39:43
Profile
Posted by ID #29
Last edit: 2024-12-27 14:07:55
Zookeeper
"Oh how wonderful to see you both today! Madam, pull him up a seat. Let's not have our intern waiting."
Madam
2024-12-26 16:41:32
Madam Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-07-29 08:06:27
Madam looks worriedly at the duo, before getting both of them a seat, despite Zookeeper ignoring one of them.
Zookeeper
"How are you feeling at the company so far?"
Zookeeper
"I know we haven't put you to work yet, but we're trying to ease you into it."
Zion
2024-12-26 16:42:37
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-07-29 08:10:07
"Um. Very interesting party of workers. Met one before getting here, looked exactly like you. He was very nice," He says, not taking the seat but rather choosing to stand behind Tibia.
Zookeeper
2024-12-26 16:57:06
Zookeeper Profile
Posted by ID #29
Last edit: 2024-12-26 16:57:14
"Oh? Collector? Yes he's not a very creative worker. Down to even his looks!"
Zookeeper
Zookeeper, noticing Zion's apparent apprehension, motions to the chairs. "Please, take a seat, Zion."
Tibia
Their smile breaks, just a smidge. They try to not let their emotions impact their expression. Tibia takes the seat furthest away from Zookeeper, knowing they aren't needed.
Zion
"I don't.. really like sitting, in chairs especially. It's no problem if I stand right?"
Zookeeper
"That is fine! Sitting is a motion that people like us do not need. I only sit because people find it strange and creepy to stand up."
Zookeeper
"Madam please take both chairs away."
Madam
Madam shuffles over to the chairs, looking at Tibia in hopes that they get up on their own.
Tibia
Tibia stands up, trying their best not to make a comment.
Madam
2024-12-26 16:59:45
Madam Profile
Posted by ID #29
Last edit: 2024-12-26 16:59:55
Madam takes both chairs without a word. She knows its rude but Zookeeper will mention that he asked for both chairs to be taken if she doesn't do it.
Zookeeper
"So what brings you both here today? Or would you like to talk shop?"
Zion
Zion looks at Zookeeper before looking over at Tibia with a look of mild discomfort.

He wasn't used to taking initiative in conversations. It was more comfortable to have someone else talk for him.
Tibia
"Ah, he was wondering when he'll start meeting artists and the such."
Zookeeper
"Well there's artists around you!" Zookeeper picks up the Beelitz.
Zookeeper
"Like our new intern!"
Zookeeper
"We also have Madam and Herr. Might not seem like much, but they're artists! If you're more interested in talking to artists than lil ole me feel free to chitchat with them and get back to me later."
Madam
"Very kind of you to call me an artist, Monsieur-"
Zookeeper
"I'm Zookeeper!"
Madam
"But I do not do much art these days. Herr is who you should speak to. I fear my advice would be of no help." Madam points up, but everyone knows where Herr has been this whole time. They just didn't want to look at him.
Zion
"The little lady is fun to talk to. You are… interesting to have conversations with, admittedly." He gestures at Zookeeper.
Zion
"I suppose getting to know the few I have I'm slightly curious what this job holds for me in the long run."
Zion
"Like in terms of art, what exactly would I be selling?"
Zookeeper
Zookeeper takes out a gumby and puts it on the table.
Zookeeper
"This is one of your works right? You painted this gooby?"
Madam
"Gumby."
Zookeeper
"Gumby."
Zookeeper
"You just need to do that again! It'll be even easier. Our cekekis don't have the frills these gahboos have!"
Madam
"Gumby."
Zookeeper
"Gumby!"
Zookeeper
"And maybe, if gabagools are popular, we can sell them as well!" Madam gives up.
Zion
2024-12-26 17:05:43
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-07-29 08:12:08
He looks at Tibia, a bit at a loss for words.

"Ok," He responds a bit flatly.

"But I don't… own gumbies. He does." He says as he points to the metaparxi.
Zookeeper
2024-12-26 17:05:59
Zookeeper Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-07-29 08:12:32
"You mean he owns the concept of painting gumbies? I mean, you can get a blank gumby on the black market."
Zookeeper
"So you are saying, without approval, we cannot paint, then sell gumbies-"
Madam
("He's not saying it wrong now. Is he...playing?")
Madam
("Ah no, he likely was just trying to make them laugh so they'd be easier to mess with.")
Zookeeper
"That......"
Zookeeper
2024-12-26 17:06:39
Zookeeper Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-07-29 08:13:00
"Makes complete sense to me! After all, we do the same with cekekis!"
Zion
2024-12-26 17:07:20
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #29
Last edit: 2024-12-26 17:07:44
"I am an artist, not a saleman or businessman like you are. Tibia handles the legal work for them." He looks away from the robot, a bit turned away from his intensity.
Tibia
Tibia feels their life flash before their eyes, just the meer possibility of Tibia's and Zion's only link being overtaken by Zookeeper made them feel... Terrified.
Zookeeper
"How much for the rights to paint and sell gumbies?"
Zookeeper
"Know that I only offer this as a right of showmanship. You come from another universe. Your patents hold no water here."
Tibia
"You're really going to take everything from me...?"
Zookeeper
"What? No! I'm asking you how much you want for them!"
Zookeeper
"But if you don't sell them to me, I will just go patent them before you can in this universe."
Zookeeper
"Madam, start the paperwork."
Madam
"On it, Zoos!"
Zookeeper
"Better start making your demands. Madam has fast fingers and a textbook knowledge of the legal system."
Tibia
"You took Zion... My respect.... My life!"
Tibia
"I- I'm Zookeeper! Not "Tibia" not- "The Cleaner""
Herr
"Zookeeper took those away from me too...."
Zookeeper
"No one's talking to you Herr. Let this man have a breakdown."
Zookeeper
"You sure are a Zookeeper! And as a Zookeeper, you should know that this is what we do."
Zookeeper
"I'm sure you've done this to others before, haven't you, Zookeeper."
Zookeeper
"Are you proud of what you've done?"
Zookeeper
"Or was that game your way of attempting to escape it?"
Tibia
"There is no we! I am not you!"
Zookeeper
"The Zookeeper is an anomalous force."
Zookeeper
"Those who become the Zookeeper, gain the same goal in life."
Zookeeper
"Even if we are not the same person, we have the same goal, and you must have went after them. I mean look at your friend. He's empty inside."
Zookeeper
"What did you do to him? Huh? Maybe throw him in the machine over and over until there was nothing left to harvest? I've seen that happen before."
Tibia
"I didn't- he was already like that!"
Tibia
"I would never hurt Zion!"
Zookeeper
"Of course! You would NEVER EVER hurt ANYONE to feed the machine."
Tibia
Tibia looks up at Herr, a silent request in their eyes. Days of cleaning after him had led to small talk, and hopefully a small bond between the two...?
Zookeeper
"I don't believe you at all! That person right there? That Zion? He's missing his mind."
Zookeeper
"If you didn't do that to him...what did?"
Zion
The robot turns away from the two, gaze glued to the floor as he nervously fidgets with the wires protruding from his arm.
Tibia
"Zion, please! Tell him I didn't do this to you!"
Herr
Herr is curled up on the ceiling. "Every day I close my eyes and I hope I'd just wake up from this horrible dream."
Zookeeper
"Who made you what you are now, Zion. Because I could tell you who made me like this."
Madam
"......................."
Madam
"The filing is almost ready to be sent."
Zion
He hesitates, nauseatingly long as his gaze stays fixed to the floor.
Zion
2024-12-26 17:17:10
Zion Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-07-29 08:15:04
"I… I…

I was always like this," He mutters pathetically, to himself as if in an attempt to save-face for his friend.
Zookeeper
"If you are going to lie to me."
Zookeeper
"You can leave."
Tibia
"Why are you saying it like that?"
Tibia
"Zion, I never did anything to you!"
Zookeeper
"Tell them the truth, Zion."
Zion
He hides his face within the comfort of his hands, hoping it'd drown out the voices of the two.

"……I… I want to sit here and pretend that it's ok. That I don't care or that it wasn't a big deal. I don't care. It's fine because I'm long past being hurt. Why reminisce on the past….

We– we are friends, or… or I think we are? We were so close and… and they told me it'd be more efficient if I just….

Gave everything up…."
Zion
"My body, my– my limitations, my feelings. We could create more if those things were snuffed out.

Am– am I so wrong for trying to hold on…?" He asks, mainly as if to convince himself.
Zookeeper
"You gotta take that promotion. It'll help us all."
Madam
Madam lowers her head, trying to become as small as possible.
Zookeeper
"You were ok. Maybe not at the best point in your life. But you enjoyed where you were."
Zookeeper
"But we gotta have it."
Zookeeper
"We need it."
Zookeeper
"We gotta have more!!!!!!!! Don't we!!!!!"
Madam
"S-Sorry...."
Zookeeper
2024-12-26 17:20:11
Zookeeper Profile
Posted by ID #29
Last edit: 2024-12-26 17:20:28
"But it's ok, because we deserve more. We Need More."
Zion
"I– I don't want more. I'm not like you…" He holds his head in his hands.

"There's no commonality between us. I–I just want to be at ease."
Zion
"I don't need more people betraying me."
Zookeeper
"I won't ever betray you."
Zookeeper
"I won't ever make you do anything you don't want to."
Zookeeper
"But your friend here, was so willing to lie in an attempt to protect themselves."
Zookeeper
"Hhhhh Do you want to be with a Zookeeper that lies to you and others about what they've done, or do you want to be with one that'll always be honest with you?"
Tibia
"I-..."
Tibia
"I don't- Zion, you're joking, right?"
Zion
"……."
Zookeeper
"Can't even admit to what they've done."
Zion
"Five years ago. When I joined our company, I was happy… I was happy painting, happy making art…

I could look at a canvas and feel the soul behind my work…"
Zion
"Now I feel. Empty, nothing.

I can't stand looking at a canvas. It feels like everything is upside down."
Zion
"I thought it was ok, being like this, the ends were supposed to justify the means.

But no one will ever be able to justify selfishness." He turns his head to the side, back still facing the two.
Tibia
2024-12-26 17:28:01
Tibia Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-07-29 08:16:30
Tibia begins to back away, eyes darting around the room. Despite being in such an open space, they feel suffocated. Eyes staring them down, judging every single movement.
Tibia
Were they... really like the Zookeeper of this universe?
Zookeeper
"Hhhee heee ha!" Zookeeper moves to one of the walls which the machine has invaded. His feet clicks a switch, and it opens. Ever changing colorful gears clatter on, the sound is deafening. Zookeeper holds out his arms, as if about to make a sale's pitch.
Zookeeper
"From the looks of your scars, Tibia, you already tested the machine yourself. But you couldn't commit as much as your "friend" Zion did."
Zookeeper
"Please. Go ahead, Tibia. Jump into the machine. Commit."
Zookeeper
"Maybe the machine made you forget. Maybe it could do that again."
Tibia
Should they...? After all, all Bones' are fated to this. One after another, into the great machine... They were a fool to think they could escape the fate engraved into their skin.
Tibia
Tibia launches themself at Zookeeper. The whispers of their goat, whispering and whispering... They won't be the only dead one tonight.
[Limbus Company - Cry For My Dream]
Zookeeper
2024-12-26 17:45:14
Zookeeper Profile
Posted by ID #29
Last edit: 2024-12-26 17:51:09
Tibia wasn't wrong. They wouldn't be the only one dying tonight.
Madam
Madam had gotten in the way as soon as she saw the charge. She didn't want to fall into the machine, but that tail of hers got caught in the gears.
Madam
"Didn't think I'd become a masterpiece in my life." She squeezed on to Tibia to fight back the pain.
Madam
"But I guess that's what I deserve for turning my Monsieur into a shell of himself."
Tibia
The pain brings Tibia back to sanity, the metaparxi curling into the cekeki. They can't say a single word, but tears begin to roll.
Tibia
Tibia cries and cries and cries. They wail and sob at the mercy of the machine, the machine they devoted their life to. Their eyes are shut tight, hands turning into nothing as it melts off their bones.

Their words are incomprehensible, but the only thing that could be understood are...

"I'm sorry, Zion."
Zion
For a split second, there's something in Zion's glance. Maybe fear? Sadness. It was hard to tell. All muddled up into one look that was indecipherable as he put a hand up as if to reach out for his friend, but hesitated.

And as quickly as it was there, it died out in him, like the last piece of him was snatched by Tibia's words and into the machine. Just as quickly as there was something, there was nothing. Everything was consumed by the machine.
Zookeeper
"Madam?........." Zookeeper approaches the machine, watching the colorful gears turn. He pauses, before closing it.
Zookeeper
".............................................................."
Zookeeper
"I'll need a new assistant. The machine is going to rip out the only good parts of her by the time it spits her out."
Zookeeper
There was nothing there. Nothing. What seemed like emotion was just processing time. Just like Madam said. "I fully understand if this event was traumatic." He saunters over to the computer, pressing complete on the form Madam had finished.
Zookeeper
"If you don't want to work here anymore, that's fine and understandable! Please. Take this as a gift." Zookeeper motions to the beelitz.
Zookeeper
2024-12-26 17:47:42
Zookeeper Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-07-29 08:18:35
"I got what I wanted today. Even though I had to pay a tad bit of a bigger price than expected!"
Zion
He looks down at it, his gaze unreadable as he picks up the critter.
Zion
"…….

When do I start?"
Zookeeper
"But if you do stay, my offer still stands."
Zookeeper
"No lies. Everything you've wanted. Access to all the art supplies and artists you need."
Zookeeper
"And if you leave, I'll accept it. No strings attached!"
Zookeeper
"I already learned my lesson that it's too hard to keep an artist that hates you around."
Zion
"……..

I'll stay."
Zion
"Even if I leave, there's no point. There's nothing left out there for me."
Zookeeper
"I know right?"
Zookeeper
"Anytime I go out there, I don't see anything that's interesting. I don't feel anything in particular!"
Zookeeper
"I remember when Madam used to take me to the beach as if I'd ever care about such a sandy wasteland."
Zookeeper
"There's only one thing that I care about. And that's.....hhh..."
Zookeeper
"...the....hhhhh....art........"
Zookeeper
"All the amazing art that we're making!!!!!!!"
Zookeeper
2024-12-26 17:50:10
Zookeeper Profile
Posted by ID #107
Last edit: 2025-07-29 08:19:47
"Welcome to the team, Zion."
End of Orientation
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