You know I always had a creepy thought about the brain in the tank... its been in there like fifteen years.. with no outside contact/stimulation.. I'm afraid the thing would be crazier than Glitch. I don't know that it would be a good idea to try and merge them again. Anyway, enjoyed your take on it.

The phoenix metaphor was great, maybe a little overdone by actually stating phoenix, I feel like at that point you're just spoon feeding your audience what you want them to get. That's all I really have to say though, this was well thought out and elegantly executed; the only change I would make is removing the phoenix line and letting the reader get that point for themselves. Have a little faith in us, I think we'll surprise you.

That. Was BEAUTIFUL.