the Eagles. Witty and irreverent, he is thrilled to have run across other expatriates from planet Earth. The Alphans are shocked when he identifies himself as a member of the lost Star Mission of 1996. When Maya goes to verify this, Computer responds efficiently for the first time during this crisis. Under the command of Captain Michael, she reads, a mother ship and four Swifts left Earth in 1996 on an interstellar voyage of discovery. Their fate is a mystery due to a sudden break in communications. Her history lesson is interrupted by the pilot requesting permission to land. In spite of the emergency, the Alphans are intrigued by this eccentric character. Koenig clears the Swift for landing. He and Helena Russell go to meet the visitor...but find the ship empty. Suddenly, a segment of the flight console rolls outward to greet them. The pilot is a robot. Though primitive in appearance, it is an advanced cybernetic intelligence. Self-aware and self-programming, the mobile electronic brain is connected to the Swift's on-board computer by the antenna cable trailing behind it. When asked its name, the robot admits it has none. It recalls that, after activation, it mispronounced 'brain' as 'Brian', which the Alphans adopt as its moniker. It is the sole survivor of the Star Mission crew. Years ago, they landed on the nearby planet (designated 'Planet D') and the entire crew instantly died. During its visit to Alpha, Brian's antics amuse the staff, especially when it tries to chat up a comely equipment trolley with yellow plastic wheels. While the others are charmed, Maya is concerned when the robot engages in an electronic dialogue with Computer. When learning of the Moon's course change, Brian offers to investigate; in return, it asks if Helena could help identify what killed its captain and crew. Koenig and the doctor return with it to the Swift. Suspicious of Brian, Maya tries to monitor its activity. Opening a channel to the Swift, she discovers the communications system is dead. Unseen by Alpha, the Swift unexpectedly departs with Koenig and Helena aboard. Brian's formerly friendly demeanour turns nasty as it announces their destination is Planet D. Koenig tries to adjust the manual controls, but all functions are channeled through the devious robot. Brian then threatens to open the airlocks and blow the pair out into space unless the Commander surrenders his stun-gun. Koenig reluctantly complies and