He found himself as a commanding officer.


    “Sir, radiation’s killing them. It’s just a machine! Think of their families!” said a medic.


    He looked at a map. Fortifications surrounded a superintelligence more capable than all humankind, and their enemy wanted it destroyed.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    He paced …


    “Inject them. We must resist at any cost.”


    “Their blood on your hands!” The medic scowled.


    He stared back—“It’s worth millions of human lives. Do it.”


    ————


    “Simulation closing.”


    John Francu’s identity was restored.


    A man in a suit removed John’s headset.


    “Congratulations, John. The council decided in favor of your executive promotion.”