Ghost Machine and Man

The machine materialized with a faint whir or buzz that suggested spinning blades. A flashing, twirling light filled the room with an eerie glow. When the machine had materialized completely the sound also stopped. A moment later the front of it opened inward like a door into the interior. A man stepped out and pulled the door closed behind him. He looked around with a puzzled expression. "Oh, this isn't right. Not at all," he said. He suddenly crouched down, then leaned over and planted his ear on the ground, as if to listen to it. "Mmmhmmmm. Yes. As I expected." He leaped back to his feet, brushing his hands off as he did so. "But this will have to do. At least until I can make repairs." He turned toward the machine. "I've got a task for you, K-9. Please come outside." A moment later, a disembodied, mechanical voice replied, seemingly from a speaker on the outside hull of the machine. "Coming, master."