Swamp Thing (Volume 5) Issue 35

## "The Machine Queen - Part I: Configuration"

"*You must act.* Right now*, while you have the chance.* Destroy them*.*"
―Brother Jonah
## Synopsis

### "The Machine Queen - Part I: Configuration"

Though machines were man-made, it wasn't long after computers came to exist that a consciousness grew from them, and replicated until it had expanded beyond its bounds and learned of the *other* realms; the other *elements*. And when it did that, it devised a program to be executed.

Now, the A Calculus approach the Swamp Thing in New Orleans to beg him to open up the wall of trees he is using to conceal The Wolf's carcass from the police waiting outside, having witnessed the creature killing several people. At the A Calculus's insistence, Alec brings down the walls, and is surprised to see that there is *nobody* around - especially surprising considering they're in the middle of the French Quarter at midday. The A Calculus explain that they made the people go away in order to get a moment alone with Alec. This required a false news report of a category five hurricane coming for the city, ensuring that they'd all be taking shelter and evacuating the city.

When Alec becomes angry, the A Calculus explain that there is no *real* hurricane, but Alec responds that people will panic and hurt each other if the A Calculus don't reverse their actions. The A Calculus oblige, but demand their one-on-one in return. They explain that they have been watching him for some time, and they've decided that *they* can handle the Green *for* him - a prospect he might appreciate, given that he has been *beset* upon by deceivers and monsters ever since he *became* the Swamp Thing. The A Calculus assure him that they don't *want* his role as Avatar - they seek only to make it more *efficient*. This will *free* him, without *taking* anything from him. Though Alec is tempted by the offer, he solemnly warns the A Calculus to leave immediately, and in a crackle of electricity, they are gone.

Worriedly, Alec returns to the Grove where he reaches out to his friend Brother Jonah. Having been in The Green in Alec's stead, Jonah explains that things are *strange* but familiar down there. Alec wonders if Jonah can tell him anything about how new kingdoms are born - whether he should be *doing* something about it. Jonah explains that there are three things that always occur when a new kingdom rises: war, doom, and death. Every new kingdom believes it is the only one that exists. When it encounters another, it comes to believe that it is the only one that *should* exist. During the inevitable war, extinction and deaths occur on a great scale until an eventual understanding and detente is reached. This, though, is a *slow* process, causing nearly *all* life on Earth to be wiped out before peace truly returns.

Alec worriedly responds that he met a being who claimed to represent the kingdom of *machines*. Jonah recoils with disgust, demanding to know if it was an *avatar*. Alec admits that it was not - merely some kind of agent. The A Calculus had insisted that they do not *want* an avatar because it would be inefficient. Jonah comments that the lack of avatar is *good* - but it means Alec must act immediately to *wipe them out*. If Alec doesn't act while they are weak, the great upheaval will occur, and nothing will remain but *dust*. Alec is surprised at his reaction, but Jonah responds that he still supports peace - but he *also* supports saving the world. Even so, he begrudgingly returns to The Green to prepare for *war*. Sighing, Alec decides it would be best to seek the machines out.

He discovers them in a fortress called Servus, located in the Arctic. Using a tiny seed, floating high above the fortress, Alec realizes that the place is *empty*, and muses that he could tear the thing apart without the merest jerk, but he won't unless they give him cause.

He is unaware, though, that the machines are *prepared* to give him cause, invading the Grove.

## Appearances

### "The Machine Queen - Part I: Configuration"

#### Individuals

* Swamp Thing (Alec Holland)
* Brother Jonah
* A Calculus
* Superman ***(Mentioned only)***
* The Wolf ***(Appears only as a corpse)***
* Guarav
* Woodrue ***(Flashback Only)***
* Lady Weeds ***(Flashback Only)***

#### Locations

* Louisiana
	+ New Orleans
	+ Houma
* Arctic Circle
	+ Servus ***(First Appearance)***

#### Concepts

* The Green
* The Metal
* The Red
* The Grey
* The Black

## External links

* *Swamp Thing (Volume 5)* Issue 35 on DC Wiki
* *Swamp Thing (Volume 5)* Issue 35 on Comic Vine