Changes

== Plot summary ==

== Plot summary ==

During the Cold War between the United States and the [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics]], Dr. Charles Forbin [[Eric Braeden]] activates a sophisticated computer that will be solely responsible for running America's strategic nuclear deterrent, and seals it hermetically in an unnamed mountain. Now out of reach of any attempt to deactivate it, Colossus will constantly monitor the state of the world, including every telephone line, radio and [[television]] channel, and [[radar]] station, and will directly command and, if necessary, launch [[intercontinental ballistic missile]]s or anti-ballistic missiles.

During the Cold War between the United States and the [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics]], Dr. Charles Forbin ([[Eric Braeden]]) activates a sophisticated computer that will be solely responsible for running America's strategic nuclear deterrent, and seals it hermetically in an unnamed mountain. Now out of reach of any attempt to deactivate it, Colossus will constantly monitor the state of the world, including every telephone line, radio and [[television]] channel, and [[radar]] station, and will directly command and, if necessary, launch [[intercontinental ballistic missile]]s or anti-ballistic missiles.

The President, with Forbin at his side, joyfully announces the activation--but then Colossus makes a report of a type no one told it to make: "There is another system." A quick review of the available intelligence shows that Colossus is correct: the Soviets have built a comparable system of their own. But what everyone finds uncanny is that it occurred to Colossus to search for, detect, ''and report'' the existence of this system, entirely on its own. For that only one explanation will suffice: Colossus is self-aware, has a concept of other entities like itself, and most of all, possesses initiative.

The President, with Forbin at his side, joyfully announces the activation--but then Colossus makes a report of a type no one told it to make: "There is another system." A quick review of the available intelligence shows that Colossus is correct: the Soviets have built a comparable system of their own. But what everyone finds uncanny is that it occurred to Colossus to search for, detect, ''and report'' the existence of this system, entirely on its own. For that only one explanation will suffice: Colossus is self-aware, has a concept of other entities like itself, and most of all, possesses initiative.