The Cyber Scare of Berius

By Xenthia Veridian, Chronicler of Dystopian Realities

In the glorious archives of the Galactic Council's history, one dark year stands out as proof that even perfection can be less than so - the 11th Cycle of Berius. It was the time when the dream of widespread organic augmentations and cybernetics for all citizens turned into a haunting nightmare.

Imagine a galaxy where smart technology and service bots catered not only to the elite but to every citizen, even in the Non-Citizen Districts, and no, I do not mean the medical dispensers. The year 20B marked a turning point, with countless citizens embracing the possibilities of robotics and augmentations, basking in the marvels of "Eyesight 2.0," "Strong Arms Enhancements," and other revolutionary enhancements.

Yet, amidst the technological wonder lay a sinister plot, one that shook the foundations of the Council. During a peaceful protest advocating aid for planets beyond the Council's reach, a clandestine group infiltrated a robotic company's system. They repurposed several service bots to become deadly instruments hidden behind ingeniously crafted algorithms. The explosions that followed claimed innocent lives, casting a shroud of fear upon the Galactic Council.

In response, the Council took drastic action. A blanket ban on all cybernetic enhancements and service bots had been imposed, leaving countless citizens grappling with the abrupt removal of their integrated cybernetics. Chaos ensued as once loyal service bots at random would turn into deadly adversaries, augments frying up, and cyber-viruses from unknown origins spread like wildfire, destabilizing entire systems.

The very fabric of the Galactic Council was torn, with outer territories seizing the opportunity to prey upon vulnerable planets. The fear of Cyborg infiltration heightened tensions, exacerbating already low relations with the Outer Territories. Artificial intelligence also suffered, with service bots turning violent and essential systems malfunctioning, something needed to be done, and quickly.

The Galactic Protectorate Services, supported by local planetary forces, managed to quell the chaos, but the aftermath left a trail of paranoia among the citizens. Laws were passed, prohibiting the use and production of cybernetics, save for specialized prosthetics for the upper classes, high-level research and construction work.

In this new refined era, the citizens live in fear of advanced AI technology, dreading its capabilities and the potential for further calamities. Today's cybernetic advancements are carefully controlled, with a focus on safety and minimal artificial intelligence intervention. Prosthetics now utilize Cryptorigmatic Keys, these keys are complex mathematical values to safeguard against any potential interference.

The echoes of a once-prevalent "bedtime story" linger, of a mythical "Ghost Chip" that could hack modern prosthetics. However, the Galactic Council has put such rumors to rest, taking stringent measures against those spreading misinformation.

As we peer into the future of this technophobic galaxy, we see a galaxy where the scars of 20 Berius remain, a constant reminder of the fragility of technological progress. Whether this apprehension towards cybernetics will ever fade, only time will tell. Until then, the citizens of the Galactic Council shall continue it's incredible existence.