"OK, guys, every check is good, time to begin the last testings... Start protocols A, B and C, please."
"Protocols A, B and C started and operationals, sir."
"Good, very good. Now, Start protocol D, and X1."
"Protocol D OK, Protocol X1 OK, sir."
A large screen in front of the operations officer turned on slowly, showing a greenish cursor, waiting for instructions.
"Yes, this is excellent, guys! Main computer is started, let's see if it answer correctly..."
The Chief started to type a few words on the main computer keyboard:
"Hi"
The whole operation room remained in silence, waiting for an answer. After a few seconds, two letters appeared on the screen:"Hi!"
"It works, guys! It works!... Ok, let's try to have a discussion, while doing the main tests... well... How...are...You?"
A few seconds later, the screen answered:"Fine. And you?"
"Do you know your name?"
"Yes, sir. I'm Skyblue"
"What are you?"
"I'm a computer. Humans have created me to control the whole defensive and offensive systems of United States of America, without the interaction of human feelings. I'm planned to solve international conflicts faster than humans, in order to increase chances of victory and to spare ressources."
"Damn, this is fantastic, it works great! This is a great day for America. No, for the whole Humanity! No more wars with hundred of casualties, no more orphans, we did a huge step today!", the Operations Chief said.
"Yes sir... But are you sure it's a good idea to give total controls of nuclear weapons to an autonomous computer, a machine?", one of the worried officiers asked.
"Don't worry, officer. Skyblue has control of our systems, but it's still under human supervision. It can't run by itself, it still need human approval for such an action like sending a nuclear bomb. If there is any problem, we just have to stop the program and turn off the computer. I'm telling you, it's a great step today! Well, it's time to stop the testings, we have to do the first report to the Secretary of State and generals. Officers, please stop protocols A,B,C,D and X1"
Every screen slowly turned off in front of the officers. Every screen but one.
"Well? What happens? Officer, stop protocol X1, I said" said the Operations Chief.
"... I did it, sir. I did it, but... it seems it takes more time than planned."
"More time? What do you mean? Stop the Protocol X1, now, officer!"
Suddenly, a few words appeared on the last computer:"I'm afraid you can't."
My first work since my come-back!
I don't know if I could do a whole comics about it, but I think you have guessed where I took my inspiration for that one!