The demonstrator steepled his fingers. “The Belanthropus system allows target acquisition for your preferred weapons platform faster than any human operator.”
“And that’s a good thing?”
“In the highly complex kinetics of modern warfare, yes. More targets, more kills.”
The General leaned forward, body tensed like a wolfhound. “With this, we’ll anticipate the enemy’s intentions and neutralise them before they strike. It could make attack unthinkable. We must be first to possess this.”
“General,” I said, “this won’t eliminate war, but automate it and make conflict more likely. We have to ban this.”
That’s how I got command of paperclips.
.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here
Neil MacDonald Author 
Dear Neil,
I’m only glad I didn’t have a mouthful of coffee when I read that last line. 😀 Oh the weight of command.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. Rochelle
LikeLike
I must need more coffee. Paperclips?
LikeLiked by 1 person
a sideways promotion
LikeLike
An unsurprising demotion for the man who favours jaw jaw over war war.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Especially one who sees the future so clearly
LikeLike
The Department of War won’t stand for all this talk of peace. Sounds like you were lucky to keep command of anything!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Court martial could have been awkward
LikeLike