SlashNOT

Matthew writes: Scientists have discovered an Earth-like planet orbiting the star mu-Arae in the southern constellation of Altar.

“It is the smallest extra-solar planet yet discovered” said French astronomer Francois Bouchy. “It appears to be rocky, with a gaseous atmosphere similar to Earth.”

“The planet appears to be inhabited by an intelligent race of humanoids who are subservient to a giant central computer disguised as a giant stone idol. They live in peace in an idyllic environment, and provide food offerings to the idol to sustain its fusion reaction.”

The EU has begun planning a mission, estimated to require 200-odd years of development effort and five years to complete, to contact the species, destroy the idol, and return the race to the more natural cycle of warfare, environmental decay, and dehumanizing technological progress.