Perhaps the Infinite Machine was simply too ancient. The languages it spoke and the meanings it conveyed were far too vague. Or perhaps it did not know how to express its processor's thoughts through "language."
But it still noticed something and took the initiative to speak with Xi Yan and Beta.
{Infinite Machine: Dear Beta! Allow me to call you that. I have identified familiar frequency bands in your code. Are you Cybrex? Or a species created by the Cybrex?}
Xi Yan was startled. This had not been in the original version. His virtual body sat up, and he began communicating with the Infinite Machine.
Beta was also deeply surprised.
"I think I recognize you too. You're a machine created by The Excerptors. They left you here to, uh... [understand infinity]?"
{Infinite Machine: It really is you. Our Cybrex friends, our database still contains records of you. Did the Cybrex meet the same fate as my creators?}
"They're all gone," Beta replied. "Well, we can catch up later. In truth, I've only heard about your existence."
"Can we help with your research?" Xi Yan immediately interjected.
Attempting to trigger the event chain... Success!
{Infinite Machine: Ah, well... Hmm, perhaps.
Borrowing your most advanced processors and finest minds could complete 7.51 × 10^-9% of our calculations. We would be pleased to finish the calculations sooner. We want to know the answer.}
"I'll allocate resources to you." Xi Yan breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as the mission had triggered normally, everything was fine.
{Infinite Machine: You have already done so. Perhaps you are the ones who came before. That does not matter. The task will soon be complete. We are excited.}
"What does that mean?"
{Infinite Machine: We once met people like you. But you were not there, Beta.}
Xi