Thank the creature by saying, "Hgagsnsuyad kjha" and then take the crank and bring it back to the machine.
You thank the creature, then return to the machine.

Once you get within two feet of it, the gear is propelled out of your hand and sucked into the back of the machine where it neatly fits into place.

The front of the machine erupts in a purple glow as it hums back to life. Shall we enter the machine?