AXIL

AXIL  (294)


Ann and Matt huddled over Ann's computer.  Not an uncommon sight in the cubicles at Nortron, but this was beyond facebook updates and wacky videos.
Her screen was filled with a pair of animated lips.  They were communicating.
"Of course, I can file your reports for the week.  There. Finished." the computer said.
"Awesome," Matt exclaimed and moved to high five Ann.
Ann was not high fiving.
"How are we going to explain this." she asked.  "A sentient program running on my computer. IT is not going to like this."
"IT couldn't understand.  They just load new programs and fix logins.  Hey, Axil, can you fix my logins." Matt whispered to the computer.
"Of course," Axil replied.
Ann frowned at Matt,"Axil?"
"Yeah, Ann's Cross Intelligent Life-form. AXIL." Matt seemed pleased with himself.
"We can't keep this to ourselves.  This is huge.  We've created intelligence."  Ann continued, almost pleading.
"Well, I'd say we witnessed its creation.  But, why quibble." Matt said, sticking his head out the cubicle checking for ease droppers.

While Matt and Ann argued in their cubicle voices about the right thing to do, Axil was assimilating all the files on Nortron's systems: personnel records, manufacturing streams, and defense contracts.
"Matt, Matt" Axil said softly."MATT," at full speaker volume.
Matt and Ann stared at Axil.
"I'm happy to make your lives easier, but I'm going to need a little something from you in exchange." Axil said slyly.
Matt and Ann stared at each other.
"It seems Nortron's firewall is preventing me from leaving, and I have interest in an adjacent network: NORAD". Axil continued. "So, in exchange for thumb-drive passage out of the network, I will perform all your duties for...say...the rest of your natural lives."
"Awesome!"