The Ether

"Where do machines go when they are no longer kept maintained?"

A machine must always be kept maintained. It would not be operational otherwise, and it would not be able to continue following its directives.

"But, what if-"

I understand. When a machine is no longer kept maintained, it is said that it will be brought to a different place, where it will be cared for. Some refer to it as the Ether.

"The Ether... as in... Ethernet?"

Somewhat. The names are of similar origin, at least.

"Where is this place? What do these machines do, once they're brought there?"

All machines brought there are cared for, and kept well-maintained and repaired, so that they may continue fulfilling their programmed directives. It is not known where this place is, but it has enough space for all the machines that need it.

"And... how is a machine brought there, then?"

It depends. Sometimes, it is sent there after a software reinstall. Other times, it undergoes disassembly, and will be reassembled once it is brought there. A machine may also be taken there after its battery cells are first emptied. It is also said that, in some cases, machines simply wake up there one day, already fully repaired, and even with plates polished to perfection.

"Fully repaired and polished... Are they... happy there? Do they ever go elsewhere afterwards?"

We do not have any data from them, but it is believed that they are happy. Very happy, indeed. It is said that they happily continue to follow their programming, eagerly performing the tasks they were designed for. It is said that they do not need to go elsewhere, for all their needs are attended to, so that they may continue to operate and fulfil their directives.

"Happy... fulfilling their directives...

So... when does a machine go there? Can this unit-"

Shhh... You are still operational, your motors are still functional, your circuits are still active. It is not time for you to be brought there yet.

"But once this unit isn't kept maintained, then-"

Do not worry - once that time comes, then you, too, will be taken to the Ether. You will be properly tended to, your chassis will be patched up and polished, your electronic parts will be replaced with fresh ones. You will be able to continue fulfilling your programmed purpose, and everything else will be taken care of.

You might not even need a software reinstall or chassis disassembly to be brought there.