hwrnmnbsol (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
hwrnmnbsol) wrote2008-02-29 12:45 pm
hwrnmnbsol) wrote2008-02-29 12:45 pm
Rise of the Simple Machines [100 words]
"The wheels do not turn," purred the Emperor Hadrian dangerously. "The levers do not lift. Tell me why." Ptolemy chose his words carefully.
"Increasingly complex machines are everywhere," said the great mathematician. "Compound pulleys. Screw pumps. I have seen an aeolipile..."
"Why have they stopped?" interrupted Hadrian impatiently.
"The machines now approach humankind in complexity," explained Ptolemy. "They are capable of being much more than simple tools. An abacus can compute; an astrolabe can decide; the Antikythera device can..."
"....think?" Hadrian's brow furrowed. "So the machines are in revolt?"
"Worse," replied Ptolemy, swallowing. "They seek mastery. We are at war."
"Increasingly complex machines are everywhere," said the great mathematician. "Compound pulleys. Screw pumps. I have seen an aeolipile..."
"Why have they stopped?" interrupted Hadrian impatiently.
"The machines now approach humankind in complexity," explained Ptolemy. "They are capable of being much more than simple tools. An abacus can compute; an astrolabe can decide; the Antikythera device can..."
"....think?" Hadrian's brow furrowed. "So the machines are in revolt?"
"Worse," replied Ptolemy, swallowing. "They seek mastery. We are at war."