Meeting the Mystery Man

Tom knew something amazing was about to happen, and his insides swelled with butterflies, like the last moment before a roller coaster shoots down its first gigantic hill. "Whatever you say, Machina, I'll shut up."

"Now there's a line I'd wish that toolbox Silver Head'd learn to say. That wee little square bot could talk the ears off a mammoth, he could." Tick laughed, but didn't say anything, keeping his promise.

"All right, that about does it, I'd say," Machina said to herself as she settled her body, growing still. "Just keep yourself nice and comfy there, lad, and good old Professor Atticus will wink us away any minute." There was that word again. Wink. Tom almost asked about it, but kept quiet, nervously rubbing his neck.