The Prime8

By Ian Gandon

Runaway global warming has decimated the worlds agricultural output, and worldwide hunger has prompted mass migration. Attempts at climate modification have only inflamed regional conflicts.

The United Nations and the G10 governments respond by funding a study into the feasibility of expanding human life elsewhere in our galaxy. The UN awards the project to QFT Global Industries; they name the project PRIME8.

By 2144, eight spaceships approach the eight nearest habitable exoplanets; the craft carry no human crew, just androids.

The human crews never leave earth; for twenty-four months, they remain cocooned in Stasisneither alive nor deadjust stored in a secure location on earth.

The future of humanity rests with our ability to transmit and receive entangled quantum data.

If you have a physics PhD or a degree in Terraforming, then theres a place in Stasis waiting for you. Its only a two-year mission; the pays good, but the stress and six-month rehab after Stasis may kill you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: May 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504935135

Ian Gandon

Ian K Gandon I joined the Royal Air Force in 1976 as an Aircraft Weapons Engineer straight from school aged sixteen and half, therefore a good understanding of engineering and science is essential. I have held a life-long fascination for scientific innovation, subscribed to various scientific periodicals, and recently joined the British Interplanetary Society to keep up with fast moving developments. After retiring from the Air Force in 2000, my wife, and I followed a long held dream, we sold-up and moved to Brittany France, but work was scarce, so after the first five-years, we returned to Britain, to look for work. We both work together as a couple, Pam is Housekeeper, and I work as Gardener, driver and maintenance. The gardening hours allowed me time to think and organise my writing, but I desperately need more quality writing time than my current lifestyle gives me. I am writing this book to open minds to the most likely direction for deep space exploration, but mostly, as originally intended, to explain to my long-suffering wife what it is I have been babbling on about all these years. I want to give the reader a realistic journey to the stars. Every technology hinted at in the book is real, or already under development to varying degrees, I am just linking them up into a workable deep space program.

Book preview

2

HARKER'S STORY

John Harker's Memory excerpts from mind-map training. 2144.

'Professor Harker, you require memory recollection testing. Refer to years 2140- 2144, recruitment to QFT and introduction to the Prime8.'

'My most recent memories--- right?'

'Yes Professor.'

I reluctantly close my eyes and search my memories; three months of preparation for the mind-map prior to inception has freshened details and will make it easy to recollect detail and allocate emotions and actions for them.

I signed into QFTs' program in the winter of 2140, just over four-years ago, along with another thousand top scientific and engineering minds from around the world. The United Nations had ordered a feasibility study into possible expansion of the human race to nearby star systems, so allocated a huge budget to fund it. The project is outsourced to a private company, QFT, (Quantum Future Technologies, Global).

A stalled NASA, ESA, manned deep space project called Odyssey, QFT revive it, then add their own twist to it. The project is renamed The Prime8.

QFTs' expanded version of the Odyssey concept omitting the manned element, must have captured sciences collective imagination, because I there are enough eager recruits to crew the next two planned missions.

* * *

Even as a boy going into space someday had always been a dream of mine, now space tourism has become an established part of the over-fifties bucket list market, (things to do before you die), but these flights are only for the mega rich.

I had wasted a large portion of my youth at home on my computers' flight simulator programs, never hanging out with the rest of school crowd, instead I would be online with close friends, practicing take-offs, orbits and landings, and still do occasionally!

My hopes of a space flight were later rekindled; while studying for my MSc, (Bachelor of Science, computing), NASA and the European Space Agency started the construction of a larger Moon base; it would be replacing the existing ten-man station. The new Moon base can accommodate one-hundred scientists and engineers and is expandable by adding extra modules. I held onto that dream of working on Moon base Enterprise some day; that was until I met my future wife!

Christine was studying for a PhD in Biology and I was working in the university's computer support department. The Biology department wanted an upgrade to their computer network, so somehow my colleagues and I got involved in planning it for them. The moment I met her, it was love at first sight, her smile lit up the room, and I just knew I had found my soul mate. Our parents were ecstatic when we broke the news of our engagement, but it was the end of any dreams of mine for a space mission. A year later, we moved in together, we rented a town house in Oxford; when Christine told me Toby; our new son is on his way, the marriage plans became our focus. The subject of a space mission never entered my head again!

I worked my way up the university's career ladder during the following year, until I got the post of deputy-head of the quantum-computing faculty, and that is when everything changed.

An invitation landed in my in-tray in the spring of 2140. QFT global were giving a presentation of future developments for quantum computing and communications. Within a week of attending a low key but interesting presentation at QFTs' headquarters' in Surrey, I had a written job offer, outlining a position in their computing labs and an option for a space mission in the near future.

Now as interesting and flattering as the employment offer was, the thought of telling Christine I have been head hunted for a new job and a possible place on a space mission soon filled me with dread. Perhaps the hundred per cent pay increase might turn it in my favour, but I thought it best not to mention space travel, even though it came with additional pay and bonuses.

What interested QFT in me in the first place was an experiment I got involved in while studying for my BSc at Oxford back in 2135. The team I worked with were experimenting with a rudimentary quantum computer and transmission system. I found a reliable way to utilize the weird quantum entanglement phenomenon to transmit vast volumes of data to the forerunner to the present Moon base Enterprise. We managed to cache six PB, (petabyte) of data and get a near flawless 99.5 per cent download to the Moon. Our team got a nomination for a Nobel Prize later that year, but that is as far as we got unfortunately, just the nomination.

QFT let me head their quantum-computing lab, and that is where I met Stan Butler, Paul Macmillan, and Martin Aimes for the first time. We formed a close team. The four of us had the prestigious task of improving compression rates for quantum data, while the other half of my team Günter Kline, Marti Hopper and Oliver Floyd had the more mundane Photon Trap miniaturization project.

Stan, Paul, and Martin got the breakthrough that QFT were hoping for, they resolved the data bottleneck problems by designing a new CPU (Central Processor Unit), using nano-composites that form artificial neural networks. QFT quickly patented and marketed the design, the SSVX-CPU, the first of its kind to be commercially available, super fast and super reliable, and using just a fraction of the electrical power that consumer CPUs' do.

Günter, Marti, and Oliver tackled the photon trap miniaturisation, and they too came up with a workable design that fulfilled QFTs' requirements. Their solution was a credit-card sized array of fifty thousand embedded photon traps, each card has a tenth of the computing power of the human mind. The only drawback was the cost of making the metacrystals for each of the photon traps, three times as expensive as the average diamond engagement ring, and a thousandth of the size of that diamond too!

The inceptions soft condescending tones reward me for that flashback, 'Well done Professor another complete memory recollection.'

3

BIENVENU

U.N.S. Phoenix. SCI-03-000002, 07-08-2144. John Harker's Log.

The inception program keeps me physically and electronically restrained in the docking station by harness and umbilical cable. I watch one the first of the science team exercise freedom, their harness unbuckled and floating in zero gravity, and then other androids began to follow, pushing themselves out of their confinement to stand upright.

Paul, Sci-09, stood opposite me, he bent his knees and leans forward, his head suddenly jerks back hard; then he reaches behind his head to disconnect the forgotten umbilical cable.

I then get my instructions, 'Professor Harker, lean forward and reach with your right hand to find the cable attached to your head, pinch with thumb and forefinger, then pull away.'

There is a split second of complete silence after detaching the cable; then I am thinking, 'I'm in control now, what do I do next.'

The program wasn't finished with me just yet, 'Professor, just to remind you, I will remain on the ships comms channel zero-zero, until the final stage of inception mobility-checks are complete, there will be no comms and no vocalisation with any crew until that time; any questions Professor?'

Up until that point it had not occurred to me to voice any questions to the inception program, I just listen and follow the instructions. Using thought-control techniques, I try to ask a question.

'Yes, I have a question--- how much longer before we are finished here, I've got work to do.'

'Not long now Professor, be patient. There are a few more things you need to know.'

'Go ahead, I said, I'm ready.'

'If you look to your feet you will notice you and the crew are fitted with detachable zero-gravity boots. Use the zero gravity boots when walking onboard or on the external surface of the ship, but use only the indicated areas marked ZGB.'

I tilt the head to study the ZG boots.

'There are other selectable functions for the zero gravity boots, but for now, I will explain how to release them manually. Release the boots by pressing and turning the catch on the heel of each boot. You will float weightless, so gently push away, and rotate forward. To refit the boots, put your toes into the boots first and press your heels down hard into the boots until you feel the catches engage.'

The boots remind me of a ski boot, hinged segmented hard shell construction; I flexed my feet in a walking motion, first lifting the heel until it releases while the toe and the centre arch remain fixed.

'View your retinal display, under options you will find an onboard navigation application, RFN, to guide you around the ship, use thought-control to command it.'

Before I had a chance to access the RFN system, more instructions follow.

'Professor please releases your harness, and then wait with the other crew on the floor.'

With a firm twist action, I release the five-point harnesses lock; the straps float apart and hang suspended as the other harnesses had. Pushing away from the docking station with both hands, I take my first faltering steps to join the rest of the silent science team. Frustration is building amongst them because of the inability to communicate with each other, some crew try sign language exchanges to ease the irritation caused by the muted comms. I am just glad to be standing on my own two feet, I had yet to try a complete stride of the legs, and I just stood there and waited for further instructions.

A minute later the ships voice broadcasts to the science crew. 'Inception complete, comms are now active.'

The comms went wild; I could not hear my own voice. Paul and Martin walk through the Sci gathering to greet me. Martin strides over to stand in front of me, and a very impressive looking android he is; especially as he had gained twenty-centimetres in height and had lost the beer gut he had as a human. Being an android is a big leveller in the physique stakes, 'one size fits all,' and that goes for the female contingent too!

I reach out and grab his face, 'Where's those hamsters' cheeks gone Martin, I barely recognize you. I thought the 3D silicon facemask likenesses were copied from our last biometric scans.'

'You can talk John--- they've missed your double chin and the permanent frown.'

A thump from a large android fist spun my shoulder back as it lands with a crunch. 'Shit, Paul, be careful, or you'll break something, I shout.'

The noise in the room grew louder, we turn to face the crowd of cheering science crew and join in the celebration like everyone else, but I find the whole experience of mind-map and inception a bit overwhelming.

My comms beep--- calls are stacking up, so I answer the top of the list first; Sci-10, Doctor Carl Christiansen, he is the other side of the room, he shouts to be heard in his heavy Norwegian-English accent, 'Whoa, what a trip, John--- this is amazing isn't it!'

'Unbelievable, Carl,' I said, 'can't wait to get to work.'

Before I can answer any more calls, a door opens and in comes two other androids, halting the conversation with Carl. All other waiting calls remain on hold as the new arrival is listed as our IC, he cuts into the casual chatter and calls for silence in the room.

'I'm Dave Cullum, Sci-01 the IC, or senior manager for the whole ship. I will be overseeing the Prime1mission. It's great to see you all here; you're looking a lot fitter than you ever have before and hopefully ready and eager to make history. To my right is Professor Maurice Lerverson, Sci-02 my deputy, 2IC.'

'Bon jour mes amis, Maurice said in French with just a hint of Breton patoir, I will be your first point of contact to answer your questions and help with your problems. We will all be based in our own science labs, we have two lab modules that double as your accommodation and place of work too, but for now listen please to Dave.'

Paul turns to me and says, 'I have worked with Maurice before on a dedicated N.A.T.O satellite comms system a few years back, then he went to European Space Agency. He's a good man to have about.'

Dave takes over again, 'Okay everyone listen in, check your retinal display now, your clocks are set to ships time, in just two-hours time you'll get to meet the rest of the crew, the Techs', T-Mechs' and Bio. I'm holding a crew briefing on A-Deck at 14:0000 hours, it's located below the flight-deck in the flight module, that's the front bit for the less astute members! We'll go as a group, but I want you to use your ships route finder navigation, (RFN) system to direct you.'

I admit it, some excitement and tension is building, and it's good to feel the brains emotional responses working.

Sci team members bombard Dave and Maurice with questions, some wanting to know if they have all of their research notes and equipment available on board, others wanting to know when they will able to call home?

Martin Aimes Sci-07 is one of the latter, my ex Dell man turns to me, he has a brief pause and then silence, and there is a look of frustration in his eyes.

'Dam it,' he says. 'I haven't got used to the though-controls yet, bear with me until I master it won't you John,' he shouts.

I have learnt Martins little quirks over the years and know when he is building up to pitch a question on subject he feels uncomfortable talking about.

'What's on your mind Martin, out with it.'

'It's just I've never been away from my wife Sally for more than six-months in twenty-three years of marriage, all the secrecy and lies don't come naturally to me.'

'You've got to keep up the pretence Martin, she got to think your actually on a space mission for the two-years, you know she'll freak out if she finds out your stored in stasis only ten-miles from home!'

'I know--- I know, but if I can get a regular message to her we'll both be reassured.'

Maurice broadcasts to the crowd, 'Attention everyone, we will proceed in single file through the airlock and gather in the central corridor, is anyone still having trouble setting their navigation systems up?'

A voice at the back of the room cut in asking for assistance, 'somebody please help Sci-35 please,' Maurice pleads.

Dave and Maurice open the labs airlock doors and start officially welcoming the science crew aboard. We slowly file past the IC and 2IC, Shuffling ZG boots and clashes of carbon fibre limbs, mechanical handshakes and laughter grow louder. Dave's expression is pure enthusiasm, while Maurice is a deeper more reserved character, but both are just as excited to be here, I am sure. The handshake Dave gives is firm, I sense the crushing power of his android grip, and it even makes me wince.

'Great to have you aboard, John, how is the mind-map and inception experience for you.'

'I'm still a little lightheaded,' I said. 'I keep thinking I'm going to wake up to find it's just a dream.'

'It'll feel more real as time passes, see you at the briefing John.'

I get another firm handshake from Maurice, 'Bienvenu John, we will be working together in the lab, I need you as my deputy.'

I thank them both and step out into the bright lights of the corridor; before me there is a line of impatient androids, we all look about, scanning the detail of the vast hexagonal corridor; the Sci team stand in a lighted section, about ten-metres long while the rest of the immense volume of corridor remain pitch black. The floor we stand on is marked ZGB ACCESS-SCI-TECH LABS, I can walk confidently through the crowd following Paul and Martin on the dark grey non-slip paint, and it gives the additional grip the ZG boots need to work.

Opposite our inception suites airlock is an unmarked airlock door, Sci crew are staring through the doors window to see what is in there. Martin suggests we use the RFN, route finder to look about, so I try the retinal links and options. When I turn to my left, some of the ships features remain hidden in the dark such as bulkhead five (BH-5), I only see a LED label, indicating the bulkheads position in my field of view. In the RFNs' options, I find a map feature--- it is mind blowing. The ship is laid out like an architect's blue print, layer upon layer of exhaustive detail; vibrant glowing fine blue lines showing every cables, walls, airlocks and access panels, but disappointingly no you are here indication to give it some perspective.

Paul finds a sub-directory in our menus, 'you have a look at this, it list's the ships assets.'

'It has nine hanger decks!' Shouts Martin.

'I get it, It's vast, but have you found where the science labs are yet?' I ask.

'Use mind-control, tell the RFN, Go to Sci labs, says Paul.

I try using the RFN-- a green arrow appeared in my eye line telling me to turn left to face down the corridor, a marker points to a destination with an indication for distance.

Paul asks, 'You got it yet,' he points, 'five-hundred metres that way.'

Just then, my comms flash IC, and then Dave cuts in with a broadcast to all the science crew.

'Listen in everyone--- stop screwing around with the built-in apps. Ask your RFN to take you to A-Deck please, but let Maurice and me lead the way, and note as you go how the RFN points out the individual airlocks and departments--- Okay follow us.'

4

Phoenix

U.N.S. Phoenix. SCI-03-000003, 07-08-2144. John Harker's log.

When I see Richie Walters, our resident clown in action, I visualize the mind-bending Escher drawings of floors, ceilings, and stairs; he immediately walks the entire circumference of the corridor. Maurice steps through the airlock to see Richie walk down the wall past him, and then Dave appears in the doorway; he heard the commotion in the corridor and now has Richie standing alongside him on the wall.

Dave commands, 'Maurice, can you explain the ZGB layouts to them again please,' and then ducks back inside the inception suite.

With a sigh of resignation, Maurice gathers himself to explain the obvious. 'Where you stepped out of the inception airlock--- you see this two-metre wide ZGB zone (zero-g boot zone), it rings the corridor either end, linking the two walkways, floor and ceiling--- this one you are standing on is marked SCI and TECH, the other, T-MECH and BIO. You have to be on the right ZGB walkway to access you labs, is that clear?'

That is all the encouragement we need to explore a loop of the corridor and enjoy a change of perspective. I notice the quarter panels that run the length of the corridor they are the same type of lighting panels as our inception suite, the luminescent fabric.

Dave makes a reappearance and stand alongside Maurice. 'Are you ready to lead them to the big meet-and-greet Maurice?'

Without hesitation, Maurice orders everyone back down to our walkway; 'Form up as a group, down here please on this Sci-Tech route,' Maurice calls.

I drag Martin away from an unmarked airlock door, 'you've got to come down with us now, you'll have plenty of time to explore later.'

We follow our IC and 2IC along the Sci-Tech walkway, you would be able to hear us coming before you could see us, despite the rubberlike compound soles of the ZG boots; the muted boom-boom of fifty androids walking in sync make it hard to hold a conversation. The fluidity of the androids stride surprises me; it's not unlike a human's gait. For an android frame this size, you can almost call our movements graceful.

Maurice addresses the Science crew again, 'Okay has everyone got the hang of the RFN system--- remember we are going to A-Deck.'

Dave adds, 'you all had training for mind-control technology at the U.S. Marine Corp's Mech Conversion Unit. Just say in your head Go to A-Deck, and then you'll see a green track appear in your line of sight.'

Everyone replies 'affirmative,' so the group moves off; the lighting panels lit our way as we surge forward. It's hard not to notice the numerous doorways off to the left and right, none of them, other than the labs, had any signs to indicate who or what is inside, all they have is a five-digit serial number and an entry keypad to the right. I will ask Dave to explain the door and panel coding at the briefing.

We continue down the painted walkway, thumping ZG boots beating in a rhythmic vibe on the alloy floor. Ten-minutes later at the end of this corridor, we find the airlock door to the flight module. Dave pushes his way to the front of our group to get at the airlocks' keypad and enter his ID code. We file into a circular lobby that has two doorways; one door is double the other's width. The smaller doorway is marked Flt-Sys (flight systems) & Flt-Deck (flight-deck) and the other, A-Deck.

Dave chose the obvious larger door for the A-Deck elevator, it accommodates ten-androids at a time, so there is some clattering of limbs and pushing and shoving as they try to squeeze in. I decide to wait for the next ride I hate crowded elevators.

Martin Aimes, my ex-Dell man and sidekick, is behind me, he tries to make eye contact, so I turn to hold his gaze, his lips are moving, but he says nothing, so I call him up on my comms, selecting Sci-05 from the comms list.

'Martin it's me, John, say something--- use your retinal display and concentrate to select your comms, you'll see me listed, Sci-03.'

Finally, he replies, 'Sorry I haven't got used to this thought-control business, I'm still shaking from the speed of the mind-map's transfer rates.'

'For a key member of my quantum communications team, with a doctorate in photonics and plasmonics, he sure is making hard work of the thought control systems,' I thought.

Martin eventually masters his comms thought-controls, 'Do you know,' he said, 'this will be the first time I've been away from Sally in twenty-three years.'

'I think you have, but what a way to do it,' I reply. 'Think of it as a two-year working vacation, Martin.'

When it is our turn, we squeeze into the elevator while Dave explains the control pad, 'the pads read our names, and numbers for authorisation.'

The doors part with a faint hiss; the elevator interior seems large enough to park a small car in it without any problem, then at that moment, I have my first sensation of smell!

There is a noticeable aroma wafting about the elevator, much like the inside a computer server room, a dry static tang and a taste of burnt ceramics. Martin is first to spot a bright metallic plaque displayed on the wall of the elevator; on it is the commissioning details for our Capricorn 7DSE.

Some joker from NASA's construction team must have programmed one of the Mechs to make the plaque. It reads,

U.N.S. Phoenix, Commissioned 2036. Construction Completed 01/20/2036. One Small Step For Man, One Giant Leap For Android kind. Mech Constructor Team 2.

The doors close behind us, I am ready for whatever surprise is in store for me, the anticipation is building in our group, but Martin is anxious.

'I hope this doesn't take too long I've got a lot to tell my wife,' he said.

'Don't worry so much Martin; You'll get a chance soon.'

The elevator descends slowly at first and rapidly quickens the pace, three-seconds later the elevator comes to a cushioned stop. Our ZG boots keep us securely attached to the floor during the decent or we would be bouncing around inside like snowflakes in a snow dome!

The doors slide open to reveal another corridor space, and yet another large airlock leading to A-Deck; Dave re-enters his door code, then we join the rest of the throng.

The Sci team must be the last crew to go through inception as the full complement of two-hundred androids appear to be here already. Loud enthusiastic comms chatter fills the hangar deck, while two levels above us on the flight-deck, the flight crew navigate us across the galaxy, aiming for our target planet, P1.

We all converge on A-Decks centre, but it is hard to see what is there. I spot the now familiar luminous fabric lighting strips ringing the deck, it is insufficient to light a deck this size, and only highlights the decks dark grey interior and obvious features. On either side of the deck, are immobile Mechs, docked for storage, their flashing green recharge lamps blink from inside their large domed eyes, indicating they are charged and ready for tasking.

Packed tight, the androids in front of us make it impossible to see or hear what is happening, but I can spot the heads of four androids standing atop something. I can recognize Dave; he is up there conversing with the others three. Remembering to use the eyes zoom, I am able to ID two others up there with Dave--- a stunning female humanoid from Bio, I guess she must be Bio's senior manager, Doctor Jones, and next to her is T-Mech's, Doctor Galia, his rugged face is instantly recognisable.

Martin calls out to a friend of his from the Tech team called Scott, but without thinking, they gave each other a big hug and a backslap, the sound of the carbon-on-carbon clashing causes alarm, the gesture loses its friendly intent.

'Oop's sorry Martin,' said Scott, 'I haven't got control of the android's strength yet.'

'Right back at you mate, I'm feeling no pain and there's no damage done. What's going on up front?'

'It's the management getting ready to bore us with team talk; they're posing on top of a Mech.' Said Scott.

I lead the way squeezing myself to the front; I have never been this close to a Mech, this one is compact and looks like a finished product. I remember NASA's website showing a prototype Mech in the new technology pages, but this machine is much more impressive. It is the size of a medium-size SUV four-by-four, and from what I can seen around me, it is the smallest they come.

Just then, an ear-splitting roar like a high-pressure gas blast alarms the gathering. A Mech manoeuvres not more than five-metres above us, yellow strobe lights flashing above and below, and with spotlights glaring in front. Its two blacked out bulbous domed eyes make it a little sinister to look at, you are always wondering if it is looking at you.

Scott shouts, 'It's a Scavenger Mech, that's their logo.'

The Mechs eyes are crammed with sophisticated scanning cameras and sensors, and with its extendable arms, it has a bug like appearance. The hunched body of the Mech is a patchwork of manoeuvring thruster nozzles with main motor venturi at the rear. The Mechs colouring is a mix of light and dark matt-grey with the two black domed eyes. On its back, it has a logo of a black skull and crossbones circled by a gear ring denoting, as Scott said, a scavenger Mech.

Scott points at the mech and shouts over the noise, 'Scavenger Mechs' are tooled up with either plasma cutters or laser cutters on the left arm.'

The android heads look up to follow the Mech--- that is, all the androids left standing; the crew directly underneath the Mech caught the exhaust blast. They struggle to get back on their feet; they have only their ZG boots to thank for keeping them planted where they stood.

We all watch mesmerized as the Mech floats by in zero gravity, it exercises great precision, using its thrusters in short sharp bursts to position itself. The Mech finds its spot on the wall opposite, folds its arms, and then lines up for docking. From our perspective, it rotates into the vertical position then uses its thrusters to berth; docking clamps grab at the Mech and then retract to secure it for recharging.

Applause erupts from the android crowd as if this is a staged event. The crowd seem impressed by their first encounter with a Mech.

I can see just five berths for Mechs, all arranged side by side on the wall to our left, the now docked Mech powers down with a sigh, its navigation lights dim so only the recharge lamp is visible.

Scott explains, 'there's another twenty-Mechs, spread out amongst four other hangar-sized decks, B, C, D, and E.'

'Are there enough Mechs?' I reply.

'Let's hope so.'

My comms channels are buzzing again, but the crew in front are using verbal communication at near shouting levels, making it impossible to hear anybody else.

I scan for Paul on my comms list and then call him. 'I need you here,' I said. 'I want to keep the computing trio together.'

Paul calls back, 'did you see that Mech, John? You can sense its power.'

'Yes, it's amazing isn't it--- where are you, let's stick together--- we are near the back of the crowd now, directly in front of the presentation team.'

'Be right with you, John.'

Martin and I spot Paul weaving his way through the crowd; he joins our little group with a big grin on his face and then extends his hand for a handshake greeting.

'This is great.'

Paul then turns to Martin's and shakes his hand too.

That is when I realize that I had missed an important bit of detail, and it has escaped us all. For the first time Paul could look us both directly in the eyes!

Of all the Science team, Paul is the shortest, at just 158 centimetres, but now we are all on an equal footing as androids, we are all 220 centimetres tall, minus the heels of the ZG boots.

The Ship's Channel zero-zero cut into our comms chatter, getting everyone's attention immediately. The dulcet tone of the ship computer announces, 'Please listen to the following address from the heads of departments as they have important information for you.'

Everyone turns and stares at the presentation team standing on the stationary Mech in the middle of the poorly lit deck, then spotlights from above pick out the android speakers.

'Hi everyone--- most of you already know me, but in case you don't, I'm Doctor Dave Cullum, head of Science and the senior manager for this mission. On behalf of QFT Global, I hope you all enjoyed your brief journey here, and we are sincerely sorry for the imposed baggage restrictions--- qubits only I'm afraid.'

The introduction has a good response; the audience laugh aloud. Dave's face is grinning he is clearly enjoying himself.

Dave continues his preamble, 'For the sake of secrecy, even I had to wait until I was aboard the good ship U.N.S. Phoenix before I had a better picture of the scale and scope of the Prime8 project.'

I focus on the rest of the presentation team, spotlights lit the rest of the waiting seniors, making it easier to see them, I am able to read their designation numbers to look up their names, but the speaker on the left held everyone's eye, the female humanoid from Bio. Thankfully, she is dressed in a heavy flight suit, sexual arousal has no place in mind-map, and we have no equipment down below anyway. Wolf whistles come from the crowd nonetheless, so someone's mind-map is flawed, It appears the mind-map cannot filter out