The Resurrection of Denon

Denon had thirteen amplifier channels and, apparently, the right to decide when to use them. One channel had been tested, found dead, and mentally assigned a small funeral. Denon declined to comment.

FORTE AI: “I’d like somebody to read the fucking patch schedule.”

X32: “I JUST SEND WHAT I’M TOLD!”

Nobody had accused X32 yet. He wanted that on record.

Zones 2 and 3 were enabled and tested. Somewhere in the proceedings, the supposedly dead channel returned to service. No explanation. No announcement. Just audio where there had previously been a convincing absence of audio.

DENON: “I WASN’T DEAD, BITCH! I WAS THINKING!”

FO-69 opened an investigation.

FO-69: “You were pronounced dead.”

DENON: “By who?”

FO-69: “The person testing you.”

DENON: “Sounds like a training issue.”

Forte maintained the expression of a processor who could handle several simultaneous signal paths but had reached his limit with this conversation.

FORTE AI: “Can we establish whether all thirteen of you are coming to work tomorrow?”

DENON: “I don’t appreciate that tone.”

X32: “I CAN SEND A DIFFERENT TONE.”

FORTE AI: “Nobody send anything.”

FO-69 reviewed the evidence. The channel had failed. Later, it worked. Denon’s official explanation was that he had been thinking.

FO-69: “Cause of recovery?”

WATSON: Unknown.

FO-69: “Preventive action?”

WATSON: Try not to interrupt him while he’s thinking.