“Plato’s Cave”

The place we were before we were born.
Primal. Uncut.
The image flickered as it slowly revolved above the ancient dais.
“Come forth.”
The engine hummed.
Steam burst through vents.
“Come forth.”
The image flickered. Wires cracked.
Engine. Steam. Revving.
“Come forth!”
The image conceived.
The child stirred as remnants of the image dripped off and stood.
“Aba.”
“I am well pleased.”