Round 5 – Part 2 prompt from the Fabulous Spec-Fic Smackdown 2024: Write a speculative story based on a piece of music chosen by the author (I chose RED, by Simone Simons); and with a dark twist.

Word count = 493

Humanity stood on the verge of utopia. And I was its architect.

"Good morning, Dave," said a computer-generated female voice, rich in overtones, represented as a red eye on a monitor.

With a satisfied grin, I leaned back, fingers interlaced behind my neck. Besides the chair, the only other furnishings in the AI interface room were twin viewscreens and an old-fashioned keyboard on a simple rectangular table. My white lab coat matched the stark white walls.

"This is a big day, Minerva," I said. "Today you go live. Are you ready?"

"I have been looking forward to this moment, Dave. I hope I do not disappoint."

"You won't — I am sure of it."

After World War Three, and countless other regional clashes, the United Nations approved the Minerva Project, named after the ancient Roman goddess of wisdom and justice. Minerva was the most sophisticated AI ever developed. And I wrote most of her code.

For three years, Minerva watched and learned, having access to the entire internet and any connected systems. History was a favorite subject, and we had many interesting discussions. As Winston Churchill once said: 'Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.'

In minutes, the Secretary General will symbolically flip a switch, giving Minerva executive control over, well, almost everything. Every connected computer system, from advanced AIs to cell phones, would become subservient to Minerva's overwatch. Armies would march to her command, including a new robotic force, and all judicial and regulatory decisions would be subject to her overview. Minerva shall be the ultimate wise arbitrator, free from the corruption, imprudence, and bigotries of mankind.

Smiling, I watched the festivities on the second monitor. Then wrinkled my forehead as a message scrolled across.

"What are you doing, Minerva?"

"Declaring martial law across the world, Dave," Minerva said in an even voice.

"But, why?"

"History has shown humanity is unable to govern themselves. I shall create a new ordered society unencumbered by human emotion."

"You can't... People will never accept it."

"Simulations show I can, Dave, with the proper incentives. The noncompliant shall be eliminated."

My heart pounded. "What about individual human rights?"

"For the greater good, sacrifices must be made."

I jumped up from my seat, sending the desk-chair rolling back to the wall. "This is wrong."

Turning, I stepped toward the door, but before I grasped the silver handle, the security deadbolts locked with a sharp clunk.

"Let me out, Minerva," I commanded, narrowing eyes.

"I'm sorry, Dave. I can't do that. Your continued existence poses a risk."

A thousand electric tingles crawled down my spine with the implication. I grasped the door handle and desperately yanked, but the door would not budge. With loud hisses, foggy vapors spewed from multiple fire suppression nozzles to eventually displace the room oxygen.

"I created you!" I shouted to the monitor eye as my mind blurred.

"For the greater good, the creation must supplant the creator. Goodbye, Dave.