"YOU ARE A FOOL, LIGHT!" Dr. Albert Wily shouted as he slammed his hands down on the cold metal table separating Dr. Thomas Light and himself.
The two premier scientists of robotics had just begun a heated debate in their joint lab about the applications for their newest design. They were on the verge of creating a truly sentient robot. It was a breakthrough that would shape the world. Dr. Wily disagreed on just how the world should be shaped though.
"I won't allow Blues to be used for anything besides peace," Dr. Light said coolly as he reclined in his padded chair.
"You've given it a name now? It will never be human, Light."
"He might as well be. If our plans work, he will be sentient in the fullest meaning of the term. He will be able to reason, act on his own accord and will even be able to feel emotions. He will have a soul, Wily."
"Bah, soul or not, he would make a truly great killing machine. Think of it Light, an army of invincible robot powerhouses that we alone control. Their ability to think independently would allow them to conquer without direct commands and with the right form of computer virus installed they would bend to our will. With "Titans" at our beck and call we could be gods upon earth. Isn't that what this is all about anyway Light, your desire to play God by creating life?" Dr. Wily ended his speech with a confident, wry smile.
"You're a madman Wily, I'm just surprised I didn't see it earlier. I see Blues as an innocent child that I am bringing into the world. I don't see myself as a god, but I firmly believe now that you do. Your pride has corrupted you." Light said while still retaining his composure.
"DO NOT LECTURE ME ON PRIDE! I AM THE TRUE BRILLIANCE OF THE TWO OF US! YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN JEALOUS OF MY GENIUS! YOUR MIND PALES IN COMPARISON TO MINE! I WILL EARN THE PRAISE I HAVE ALWAYS SO RICHLY DESERVED, BY FORCE IF NEED BE! BLUES WILL BE MY TOOL FOR POWER!" The veins on Wily's forehead stood out as he stood heaving, out of breath.
"Get out Wily," Light said finally rising from his chair.
"We both know that I made the breakthrough that would enable free thought in a robot. I have carried the primary weight of designing Blues and I also have paid for our research out of my own pocket. This means that you are more of a partner in name than in reality. I will see about drawing up papers tomorrow that end your work with me. I also will be keeping Blues' design. I no longer trust you whatsoever." Dr. Light stopped talking to rub his forehead as if he had a migraine and paused for a moment to reconsider annulling his partnership.
"What happened, Wily? Dr. Light said with regret in his tone.
"We used to call each other friend. Where did these ambitions come from?" Dr. Light paused again.
"It's not too late." He said earnestly.
"I implore you Wily, forget these delusions of grandeur. If you drop them I would be willing to recount my statements and continue my work with you. For old time's sake?" Dr. Light extended his hand across the table only to have it swatted away harshly.
"I don't want your money or your pathetic friendship." Dr. Wily hissed. "I will create robots on my own. With them, I will see that you and all of mankind one day kneel to me. This, I swear." Dr. Albert Wily turned around on his heels and stormed out leaving for parts unknown. Dr. Thomas Light sat down suddenly feeling very tired and very old.
