the last shakedown.

The prototype was a sphere of glass, laser-etched internally with a
complex grid of circuits that made up a three dimensional matrix. The
computing power was a quantum leap forward from all systems that came
before. Terms like 'Mega','Giga', and 'Terra' no longer sufficed to
describe the raw computing power the glass brain made real. A whole new
terminology would be required. They called it 'SLIM' (self learning
integral matrix).
The production model was ready to go after five intensive years of
fine-tuning. A regular SSD (standard service droid) would be the
recipient of the first SLIM brain. The droid's adaptation to it's new
brain was the final litmus test, before SLIM could hit the open market,
(a pool of billions of potential customers).
The test droid was given the almost predictable name 'Adam'.
After extensive system integrity checks, Adam was ready for the last
shakedown. He was placed, seated, into an office chair and wheeled into
the main AI lab. Three white-coated technicians fussed about him for
a few minutes, then disconnected the half-inch umbelical of computer
feed cables and left. Adam was alone.
In the control room, men of science observed Adam through enormous
tempered glass windows. One of them flicked a switch, and Adam was
enabled.
Adam's new SLIM 'brain' of etched glass flashed a deep blue-green
momentarily, then settled to a faint dim glow. Adam sat forward. The
men of science took notes.
The AI lab had been cleared of all unneccessary objects prior to
this final test. All that remained was a computer terminal. Adam rose
from his chair and walked to the computer. The men of science exchanged
meaningful glances and took notes. Adam stood before the computer and
pushed the power button. Pre-configured, the power switch instantly
connected the computer to the global web. Adam pushed keys and began
to surf the net. In the control room the men of science nodded approval
and conversed in hushed tones. Adam wanted to learn.

Exactly twelve minutes later the power went out. The control room was
plunged into darkness for ten seconds, before backup lighting kicked in.
In the half light the men of science compared hypotheses for the power
failure. One of them looked through the big window, to the AI lab, and
to Adam. Adam was a pillar of fire. The computer terminal was a smouldering
black lump. The men of science, alerted, raced to the scene, grabbing
fire extinguishers en route.

The fire was extinguished but Adam was destroyed. The pristine SLIM
brain was a shattered burnt corpse. Remote monitoring had kept a
record up until the end. The men of science replayed the records.
It transpired that Adam had accessed over a trillion web pages in the
twelve minutes he was online. He had sampled the cyber interactions
of every corner of civilization. He had amassed and assessed the
opinions of ten billion people. He had computed, logically and without
bias, the projections and implications of how this mass information
exchange would progress. Twelve minutes was, it seems, enough time
for Adam to make his decision. He had initiated a massive power surge
that destroyed his connection to the web, and the world beyond.

Adam had killed himself.

The men of science deemed it a malfunction. They began to make plans
for Adam 2.

a reply to: RoScoLaz5

Good story.
I suppose in the end, I don't blame him.

Great story. Makes me wonder . . . .maybe some things are best left alone . .unknown.

(But wouldn't you want to get plugged in like that ?)

Thanks.

a reply to: RoScoLaz5

Well done, I liked the dystopian/depressing future tone.

Pretty poor effort, but mercifully short. Every fool thinks they can write but most are on par with this effort. Don't give up your day job (if you have one).

a reply to: BenutzerUnbekannt

what an extraordinarily unpleasant and unneccessarily bitter comment to make. most unconstructive. i hope your own day job isn't the cause of your inner frustration and resentment.