Overview
The second machine is a Project Remus device in “The Third Machine.” Also called the Cartesian Machine, it is Helen Fenton’s system for preserving, transmitting, and restoring human consciousness.
Role
The alpha facility’s second machine is substantially more advanced than the beta facility’s version. After the third machine connects the two facilities, Helen Fenton gives Helen Hayworth instructions for building a functional beta version so Raymond Hayworth’s mind can be saved.
The beta version successfully stores Raymond’s consciousness on datatape, but the dimensional bridge destabilizes before he can be transported safely. Helen Hayworth later brings the datatape into the alpha facility.
In the story’s final sequence, Helen Hayworth straps John Fenton into the alpha second machine and reverses its channeling system. The machine overwrites John’s consciousness with Raymond’s stored mind, making it the means of John’s death and Raymond’s return.