THE MOMENT
"...and, the latest models are intelligent enough to take command of the battlefield," Marina brought her presentation to a close. She was demonstrating a new robotic combat dog to a small meeting of military leaders. They were gathered in a hangar-sized building with an assortment of computers and tech connected to other computers and tech.
The robotic 'dog' only vaguely resembled man's best friend. It mostly had the lean frame of a greyhound, and it was coated in all-black material that none of them could identify as plastic or metal. An array of three cameras sat on the narrow stump that was supposed to be its head.
"It can network with other drones during a conflict in order to gain a full understanding of the battle flow. Then, give appropriate orders with a voice model," Marina finished with that and anticipated questions.
"Do we want that?" She didn't see who asked the question, but it wasn't directed at her. They'd begun discussing it amongst themselves. Marina was offering the new generation of combat drones; but, everyone in the room had to agree to accept them. They represented different military branches and different countries; but, they had to agree unanimously to introduce the advanced technology to their wars.
The group continued weighing the pros and cons while Marina waited patiently. And, after several minutes, one of them approached her, with the rest joining him in a show of support.
"We're not comfortable giving A.I. that kind of control over the battlefield," the stranger said. He looked to be the oldest of the group with more silver hair than the others, and it was cut shorter. He was an American General. "We don't want them giving orders," he said.
"What about suggestions?" Marina smiled. "I feel the information to be gleaned from their network would be invaluable in any skirmish," she said. She was careful to work in the idea of their network. It was important that they purchased a full fleet of combat drones. "The weapons are entirely optional, and it's possible to use them solely as reconnaissance." The general shook his head as the rest of them grumbled at the idea.
"That's likely worse. It's tradition that combat-trained animals are issued higher ranks to their handles, to prevent abuse," he answered. "Positions in higher ranks like that need to be very careful about what 'suggestions' they give; it can easily be misconstrued as an order. I doubt your A.I. algorithms have mastered that nuance yet."
"I see," Marina nodded. "And... you're going to pass on this opportunity because of that?" If that were the case, she didn't want to sell to them after all. Marina was from an alternate Earth, and offering this advanced technology was the first step in bringing a new Earth under her faction's umbrella. But, if they were too set in their ways to solve the simple conundrum holding them back, then they didn't want that Earth anyway.
"For now," the general nodded. "We know how fast technology can advance, and we hope you'll be back next year with a better version that can help discreetly without giving orders."
"Well gentlemen, thank you for your time," Marina nodded, then she made a gesture at the black robotic dog with her hand. "I see no reason to stay any longer, nor any reason to hide my abilities," she added as the dog was swallowed by a black hole that vanished as soon as the robot did.
"You guys missed out on quite an opportunity, and I really want you to be aware of why," she made another gesture, then opened a taller portal next to her. The uniformed men had all huddled together and moved away from the black hole.
"You're the ones making the rules. Traditions don't have to be carried on, and they're not even animals," she laughed with a shake of her head. Then, she walked into the hole as if walking into another room. "You're all too caught up in how you've always done things," the portal began to close with her on the other side. And, they heard her last piece of advice before she disappeared completely. "It's literally the easiest thing in the world to just not give them a higher rank."