Chapter 6 - Change in policy

Two months ago, politicians would've shouted in protest.

In the first place- these specialists would never even show up. Nobody was there to support the war machines.. unless they were crazy.

War Machines didn't even guarantee control. They didn't have controls or even an override.. They had guidelines.

A safety net of 4 different systems let the war machines have limited freedom, but no one knew if it really worked.

Even president Trevor Smith, who'd been elected to fight against the rise of AI, became the very person who insisted on War Machines the most.

"I brought you here because we need to fight magic with machines. Our soldiers are dying on the battlefield because they can't keep up with the enemy." Trevor Smith opened a powerpoint presentation.

Several images were shown, all equally horrible. A mage burning soldiers alive. One knight dashing through fifty helpless soldiers, who died without being able to react. Five planes were instantly shot down side by side. A black box captured the last moments of the pilot.

"I want to create a new division and fighting style, based around these mechanized warriors."

People nodded in agreement. Soldier deaths numbered the hundred thousands world-wide, and were nearing half a million. Only fighter jets could put up a proper fight. But even they were starting to suffer.

"If I could, may I interject?"

The silence was broken by a young Admiral, named Mach. He sat in a chair near the 5-star generals. Atlas stood to his right, and his Lieutenant to his left. People began to notice his position.

Mach wasn't even a 4-star general, yet he'd been invited to the meeting. Even 4-star generals had a hard time meeting the requirements. President Smith seemed to know this man.

"Go ahead."

"I've fought the mages to some success, but my fleet is equipped with state of the art war machines. You won't be able to counter them with mass produced War Machines."

His suggestion echoed across the room. Two phrases rang in everyone's heads. 'Some success,' and 'Mass produced.' 

Nobody knew what to say. Mass production had been the exact solution they were thinking. Also, it was hard to believe that a single fleet admiral had any kind of success.

"... Instead of mass production, I would suggest that we focus on making small groups. Small squads of elite war machines would minimize losses on the battlefield and cut through the enemy quickly."

"Where are you getting this experience?"

"From him.." Mach motioned towards Atlas, who stood to his right. 

"Atlas is my 'vanguard,' so to speak." 

Everyone froze. People murmured.. nobody realized that he was a War Machine- at least not until Mach said it. The Air Force Commander spoke up. He'd already talked with Mach about this approach.

"Atlas. Please give us a detailed report."

"Gladly. I have eliminated 15 different mages, and 3 flying creatures."

"Based on your experience.. why would you see elite war machines as a better approach?"

"... I do not specialize in strategy, but... Mages are strong against the weak, and weak against the strong." 

Atlas paused before concluding.

"To properly kill a mage, you will need a force twice as powerful. Numbers don't matter because the mages are all-rounders. Everything improves when they train, from physical ability to reaction speed."

Everyone muttered. Researchers and officers alike started to talk in small groups, so they could better inform their decisions. "I agree. We'd use too much time on scale. It's better to make elites that can specialize in killing." One researcher added.

Mach nodded to reply. 

"That's right. We'd lose too many resources if we split our efforts up. It's better to make an invincible force."

Silence.

Many generals did not know, but the specialists around the country had developed secret tech. Much of it was never put into practice, because the technology greatly exceeded the needs of the war.

Russia and China must've had similar plans. Nobody wanted to raise the stakes, so they designed weapons in secret, and refused to build them.

The information gap between a future army and the present… It was a problem and a blessing.

"I'll assign Ren Warner to head the new division. Equal to Mr. Warner I'll add a co-head, Dr. Smith."

Atlas turned his head in surprise. His creator had been mixed in the crowd. The doctor noticed Atlas' curiosity and smiled. He silently waved towards Atlas, who timidly waved back.

'He's still afraid of his creator..' Dr. Smith wondered. 'Or maybe he sees me as a father.. should I go up and talk to him?'

That was the answer. Dr. Smith smiled to himself. He could use a son too. There wasn't enough time to make a family with all this research. In a way, he admitted.

'I only longed for a son, I guess..'

What a nice feeling. He couldn't take his eyes off the machine. Dr. Smith couldn't wait to talk to him.

When the meeting concluded, Atlas saw Dr. Smith approach him. "It's been a while Doctor-!"

Mach stood up and shook Dr. Smith's hand. The old man took it well. 'I selected the right guy.'

"How are you living Atlas?"

"... good."

A dull reaction. He wasn't afraid? Or maybe these were more complicated emotions.

"I'm sorry I couldn't see you." Atlas perked up.

"You..know… I don't know.." Atlas struggled to talk.. Nearby, people who knew about Dr. Smith's connection to Atlas shuddered. Fortunately the doctor didn't seem to care.

"I'm sorry. It's my fault. I've been putting too much time into research." He admitted.

".. It's fine. I know what you do is very important." Altas followed Mach out of the briefing room, along with his Lieutenant and the doctor. Outside, Illania was waiting.

"-hey.."

She noticed Atlas' grim expression. "..Is it him?" Dr. Smith jumped inside. 'This woman..' He trembled. Not for his life, but for respect. He feared like a father. Nobody wants their son to betray them.

"I'm sorry, but I have yet to introduce myself. I am Dr. Smith, Atlas' creator." The doctor bowed his head slightly. He was an American immigrant, so bowing was a rare habit. Illania felt surprised to see such a man.

"Oh.. are you okay Atlas?"

She asked Atlas, who frowned. "I'm fine."

"You don't look fine." Dr. Smith interjected. ".. these are trying times. I don't think my absence can be fixed by a simple apology." Atlas smiled. His grin warmed Mr. Smith's heart.

'Did I really create such a man? He has so much dignity, so much respect!' Dr. Smith's heart began to thump. He didn't value Atlas for his power, but for his character. A war machine of his nature did not have to care for the weak.

"You're going to create new war machines now." Atlas mentioned. He seemed troubled, but also hopeful. Dr. Smith put his hand on Atlas's shoulder. With his short height, Dr. Smith could barely reach it.

"I won't create another you. Not in my lifetime."

A warm smile. Atlas felt happy. 'Is this how Frankenstein should've felt?' He thought.

The divine power in his veins glowed with strength.