Food for the machine...... Onward they march, those who are already dead. Minds blank, their final task: to return to the machine and accept its final judgement. On this world the process of death has been simplified. At birth nanomachines are added to each new life, which is then connected to the mechanical world mind. Throughout their long lives they are kept healthy and free of disease. Only the final quick onset of old age or random unfortunate accidents can claim their lives. The machine is a seer who can peer far into the future. It knows the time of death for all its citizens. Once the time has come, the incident that would cause the death is avoided but the ones involved are called back to the machine. Everyone is accounted for, no loose ends are left behind. In those final moments, the newly dead in a trance like state must march. Their families quieted, they simple stand up and walk to their fate. The nanomachines will insure that even the most damaged survive until they reach the hallowed halls of the ancient machine. A few though have stronger wills, they can fight, just barely the complusion to return. They too are rounded up by sentinels and returned by force. Rumor has it that some have escaped, but how could that be possible. The nanomachines report the exact locations of all its citizens. So........... onward they march, food for the machine. Judgement day is at hand. For all, their organic components are recycled to make new life. For a chosen few, their 'souls', deemed worthy are allowed to move on to the next realm of life. Life angels they float beyond the realm of mortal man. For the rest, its one more kick of the can, they return to a new life, letting the cycle continue once again.