##examines:runsub whattodo;

##whattodo:runsub machine/3 or almost/5;

##machine:
var $act to (whirs, hums, beeps)
say 'msg',"[$actor] $act";

##almost:
say 'msg',"[$actor] starts making a fast series of beeping and whirring";
say 'msg',"What is it doing?";
say 'msg',"A ball of energy starts growing at the end of its barrel...";
say 'msg',"What...? OH NO!!! It's going to shoot!!!!";
say 'msg',"Superman flies in through the walls and blows [$actor] to pieces!";
say 'msg',"Phew! That was close!";
say 'msg',"[$actor] somehow rebuilds itself";