SUMMARY OF: II -Mighty Works and Wonders, Chap10 -Migration, section 36
“STAR OF EPIPHANY” — by Omar Fink 2019
[this is a series of summaries extracted from the novel]
Kaz is doing some asteroid prospecting operating Pod 198 near asteroid ‘1517 Beograd’ in the Paduan family. The asteroid is about 35 km in diameter and classified as P-type. Kaz is documenting manual prospecting to compare with automated processes. The pod uses grapples to anchor itself to the asteroid’s surface. A laser drill is used to collect samples, with inert gas flush for debris removal. Kaz discusses various challenges in asteroid mining and prospecting techniques as he records his progress. He mentions the need for a registry database to track prospecting results and mining claims. He notes the trend towards miniaturization in automation, suggesting future use of micro-bot swarms. He praises the new second-generation under-skins with integrated electronics.
Bill Decker leads a meeting at AGT HQ in Zurich, Switzerland with Sam Hoffman, Billy Street, and “Muffled Edge” (ME). They discuss a counter-insurgency plan against “The Resistance”. Progress has been made, but they haven’t reached the group’s inside leaders. Billy provides information, Sam runs a media campaign, and ME’s team works on cyber warfare. ME inquires about using the powerful AI computer developed by the group.
On Habitat-22, near Mars orbit, Delize Naidu explains the habitat ring system to Nabith Mehra. Over 5 million people per month are using space elevators, with 10 new ones built monthly. 22 habitat rings exist, with 34 expected by year’s end. Rings are pushed towards Mars, mining asteroids for resources and replicating themselves. Empty rings return to Earth to collect more people, creating a stepping stone pathway. The challenge is optimizing orbital trajectories for efficient ring movement and population transfer. Nabith, now a 17-year-old, suggests using fluid dynamics math to solve the problem. Delize is impressed by Nabith’s knowledge and approach. They discuss the concept of Dharma and the possibility of Nabith exchanging knowledge about Aikido, soccer and math with Delize’s son, Lincoln.
