Off to see the Mayor
2012-01-20

I need a break and a smoke. Direct Order. Do not leave this room. End Order.

Was that direct order for you or me?

I'm pretty sure it was me, though it might be safest if you don't leave the room either.

Color by George Peterson

2012-01-23

You mentioned Max Post. These may be helpful. They're the command log numbers that put the red and blue factories on collision course.

You've got a copy? We were told those had been erased.

Command logs are difficult things to erase.

The robot said that a human would come to harm if the command logs were recovered. It put in the effort.

At times, the Three Laws of Robotics can be a real pain in the butt.

Sorry. I can't officially agree with you or I'll void my warranty.

Color by George Peterson

2012-01-25

Doctor Bowman's brain design isn't Three Law. There are safeguards. A few… highly recommended suggestions. But no laws.

Laws aren't flexible. If they're misinterpreted or if circumstances change, they can produce results opposite of the intent.

You are preaching to the choir.

Most religions won't let me preach. Though that's because I'm female, not because I'm a genetically engineered talking wolf.

Color by George Peterson

2012-01-27

There are no names in the command log. Being a copy, there's no digital certificates. This can't be used as evidence.

I wasn't counting on the original being erased. Still… may I see the data slab? I remember the robot that was in the fusion plant.

Tapping into the dream machine archives… Bingo! He erased the logs, but not his memory of erasing the logs. There's your digital certificates.

That was some pretty twisty thinking.

I've been around Sam for almost a month. If I had a brain scan, I bet my new neural connections would be in the shape of a corkscrew.

Color by George Peterson

2012-01-30

Robots. I've looked at the numbers. I'm not happy with the decision I have to make.

My duty is to protect the colony. Beyond that, my duty is to protect the human race.

Protect the human race. I am in agreement with a phrase that terrifies me.

Color by George Peterson

2012-02-01

There are over 450 million robots. There are about 20,000 adult colonists. That's over 22,500 robots for every colonist.

I've met Doctor Bowman. I don't trust him. If there's a Trojan in the brain design and the robots pull something, we won't be able to stop them.

You've met Doctor Bowman? Is he here? On planet?

Hello? End of the world scenario here. Please focus on the matter at hand.

Color by George Peterson

2012-02-03

Energy economics. We have to grow food. Robots build fusion power plants. Available ecological niches are greater for robots than for humans.

They don't have to be hostile. Let's assume robots are model citizens. If they're as smart and creative as humans, we become a minority, and eventually, insignificant.

I don't know about you, but when I boldly go where no man has gone before, I don't want to find robots have beaten me there and already set up a McDonald's and Starbucks.

Color by George Peterson

Starbucks – Another American “restaurant” with nauseating synthetic food (Mityai)
Starbucks – coffee shop chain. They sell sandwiches there, and they may be synthetic, but it's not a restaurant.

Off to see the Mayor
2012-02-06

The explosives for the moon braking were fired yesterday. The ecosystem is far enough along to be self sustaining.

Ecosystems Unlimited has many experts on robots. If they're pushing their update through tonight, they must have a good reason.

TONIGHT!?

I'm sitting on a bomb trying to disarm it. This is the feeling you get when the bomb bay doors open.

Color by George Peterson

2012-02-10

Did they say what the name of the update program was?

They couldn't. Said the name itself was infectious.

Are you going to try to stop this update?

No. Besides the reasons I've listed, disabling their robotic workforce will cost Ecosystems Unlimited a fortune. I can't believe they'd do that if there were a better choice.

I see. Do you know the contact number for the Army?

Wouldn't do any good. He took the weekend off to go fishing and isn't expected back until Wednesday.

Color by George Peterson

WTF? o_O'' (Mityai)
I knew it was Chuck! (Robot Spike) It's more likely that this warlord – planetary defence technician, I suspect that while the moon is moving, the defences may not react correctly and therefore are disabled (Robot Spike)
The Vatican Army has gone on a binge (с)

Off to see the Mayor
2012-02-13

I'm sorry this didn't turn out the way you wanted. however, I still have a full day ahead of me. We're done here.

Uhm.

Oh, right. Direct Order. Cancel order to wear that outfit. Direct order. Take off the French maid outfit now. End Order.

That's what being a mayor is all about. Attention to detail.

Speaking of details, could you also please cancel the order that prevents me from leaving this room?

Color by George Peterson