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.