EDITORIAL: ARE WE FREE OR ARE WE ANTS?

Samara Prescott
Senior Editorial Correspondent

Five decades ago the human race's home planet of Earth was attacked by terrorists who had the

Fritz Lang's Earth classic "Metropolis"

singular intention of wiping out all life for good. Miraculously, a quarter of our population was rescued along with complete catalogues of our history, culture, wildlife and agriculture. The beings who saved us gave us a new home that those first survivors named Avalon. The beings called themselves Aetherians and we have never met them. We have only met their representatives, the strangely beautiful androids that live amongst us. They are called the Proxies.

But who are these strange machines and do their shadowy masters even exist? They have never caused us any harm, merely guided us in the use of the technology granted us for the perseverance of our society and way of life. They come and go like ghosts, offering advice and help, but never directly interfering with our advancement.

Many would argue that they are interfering. The Aetherians gave us Avalon and all its wonderous technology, along with the means (and guidance) to shape it to our own needs and desires, but is their presence completely innocuous? Are the motivations of their masters truly altruistic?

Since the remnants of humanity were relocated, many have decided to become "free" of the Aetherians who gifted us Avalon with seemingly asking nothing in return. Colonists have settled all across the system. Some, like the "Sons of Mars" have embraced Earth's militaristic past, believing without the Aetherian "watchers" they will forge a new destiny for humanity. Others have chosen to explore beyond the reaches of the system where war rages on between alien factions that have barely paid Avalon any mind.

In the midst of constant change, the Proxies, however, have remained disturbingly inert. The threat of war within the system, predicated by forces like the Sons of Mars has not stirred the Proxies to any kind of reaction. What at first seemed like cordial neutrality is now being construed by some as condescending indifference. They gave us the means to continue our way of life, why not guide us to defend it? Surely, a race of beings that could construct such a place with such advanced technology to preserve a race of lesser beings can continue to preserve that race by offering a larger helping hand?

But, then again, perhaps that is their way. To give us the means to continue, the tools to survive and leave it to us to decide how best to use those tools. To many, this is ultimate freedom, complete choice. But to others, including this writer, it seems too much like ants in an ant farm with no way to block the sun that is slowly being focused through a magnifying glass drawer ever closer to our 'paradise', while the Gods sit back, uninterested one way or another.

This editorial is based entirely on the writer's opinion and does not reflect the views of the Avalon Chronicler. 

ANDROMEDA HOSTAGE CRISIS AVERTED

Ganymede Base Epsilon, where members of the Andromeda Outreach Mission were taken hostage.

AP (Avalon Press) - Two dead, five injured after a terrorist cell took control of the Andromeda Outreach Mission's relief station within Ganymede Base Epsilon.

According to authorities, ten heavily armed terrorists stormed the relief station, taking hostages and transmitting demands to the Avalon government. The details of those demands and the identity of the terrorists have not been released.

The terrorists were overpowered by a handful of hostages, in what authorities are calling a "dangerous", but "carefully plotted" escape attempt.

"There were more than thirty hostages at the relief station," Officer Ken Briggs of the local Ganymede Security Police said, "but, about five of them, including one of the doctors were able to take down two of the terrorists."

Reports are inconsistent about how the remaining terrorists were dealt with, however, rumors have surfaced about an Avalon Defense Force strike team covertly storming the facility. Unfortunately, there is currently no confirmation from authorities that this, in fact, took place.

The Andromeda Outreach Mission is a non-profit organization that provides relief efforts for alien refugees escaping into the Sol System and often facilitates their transition to Avalon Citizenship. The organization employs volunteers from various fields, including military, medical and legal representatives.

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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ASSISTANT PROJECT CANCELED

AP - Holodyne Systems, creators of many of the modern artificial intelligence driven programs

throughout Avalon, has announced that their latest project has been canceled.

Development on the Long-range Operations and Logistics Assistant (LOLA) that was being designed for military operations came to an abrupt end after senior designers noted "inconsistencies in simulated emotional algorithms".

"To put it bluntly," lead designer Howard Feinberg said, "the A.I. was having wild 'mood swings'."

Simulated emotional responses are not new to artificial intelligence technology. Feinberg noted that previous military assistants were able to affect calming emotional responses for soldiers experiencing combat fatigue, while others were made for younger users, offering praise when completing homework assignments and school projects.

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AVALON CELEBRITY INVOLVED IN FATAL CRASH

AP (Avalon Press) - Local authorities on Venus have reported at least one fatality after a hoverbike crashed into a passenger transport outside the Caiman Hotel and Resort.

Former Avalon hoverbike racing champion Cole Robinson has been identified as the rider of the bike involved in the crash. No other fatalities have been reported at this time and sources indicate that the passenger transport was in fact unoccupied.

Robinson had retired early from racing at the age of 30 after almost losing his legs in a crash during his last race on the Avalon Circuit. Since then, Robinson had been involved in charitable endeavors, including the Andromeda Refuge Relief, as well as endorsement deals with Zap Pop soft drinks and Distance Racing Supplies.

"He was beloved by so many and touched so many lives," said Robinson's agent and friend Calum Barclay in a statement released this morning, "At this time we ask that his fans respect his family's privacy as they mourn his loss."

Robinson was unmarried and is survived by his parents, both respected scientists in the Avalon science community, and two younger sisters.

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UNITY OPERA HOUSE RENOVATIONS COMPLETE

AP - After months of renovations, after a faulty water main caused extensive damage, The Unity Michner has released the full spring schedule of shows which are not strictly limited to operatic performances.
Opera House is ready to open its doors once again. The Opera House director, Alec

"This is a new era for the old opera house," Michner said in a statement, "there are going to be new voices filling her halls this season!"

The schedule includes performances by the Avalon Philharmonic Orchestra, the Unity Opera Troupe, as well as popular acts in a variety of musical styles including blues, jazz, rock and soul.

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EARTH HISTORY MUSEUM NOW OPEN!

AP (Avalon Press) - After years of preparation, the Earth Historical Preservation Society's museum of Earth History is finally open to the public. Council Chair Presley and EHPS Founder Professor Cornelius Thorne were on hand for the opening ceremony early this morning in Unity Central.

"Today marks a great day in Avalon history," Professor Thorne said in his public address to the gathered crowd, "as we create a doorway to the history of the planet our forefathers once called home."

The Earth History Museum contains a variety of exhibits that cover different historical periods in Terran History, including fully animated and interactive presentations.

"I think kids are going to love the dinosaurs," Councilman Presley said, "and I think the adults will get a kick out of the Woodstock presentation. The Jimi Hendrix android is very accurate...and does a pretty mean version of Little Wing."

Other exhibits include the Hall of Honors, honoring those lost in the countless wars fought upon the planet Earth.

"I'm glad Avalon has moved past such conflicts," Professor Thorne said, "it can be very sobering to see all the names of those who gave their lives on Terran soil."

Professor Thorne is referring to Avalon's long-standing position on Galactic Neutrality and the station's commitment to being a refuge for war-displaced citizens of worlds from all over the galaxy.

"I think it serves a very important lesson," Professor Thorne added, "the alien refugees who come to Avalon can see that we were not immune to war, but have risen above it."

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LAWSUIT PENDING AGAINST PLUTO-MADE HOUSEKEEPER DROIDS

AP (Avalon Press) Pluto - Henderson Dynamics has filed a lawsuit against Pluto-based robotics firm Snappy Bots after a class-action lawsuit was threatened against both the manufacturer and distributor of faulty housekeeping robots.

Henderson Dynamics has offered full refunds to customers who purchased the faulty droids and is, in turn taking their manufacturer, Snappy Bots, to court. This is the second time in five years that Snappy Bots has been accused of producing malfunctioning products. The previous suit was settled out of court with an unnamed plaintiff.

Customers have reported that the pluto-manufactured robots have sped up their housekeeping duties to dangerous levels, ruining furniture, destroying counter-tops and endangering family pets.

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