[Thasc]

Reads like an origin story for Iain Banks' 'Culture' novels.

[Ecio78]

The Skynet Funding Bill is passed. The system goes on-line August 4th, 1997. Human decisions are removed from strategic defense. Skynet begins to learn at a geometric rate. It becomes self-aware at 2:14 a.m. Eastern time, August 29th. In a panic, they try to pull the plug.

[6d0debc071]

Or the start of one of the Vile Offspring in Accelerando.

[cpeterso]

Or the Vanguard corporation in Use of Weapons.

[diziet]

Except the Vanguard Corporation was probably a culture Mind checking in once a couple of months on the progress!