This story was a lot of fun to write. I don't know how much else there is to say, except that this is my first, and, as yet, only foray into the science fiction genre. While writing, I just sort of let the story develop, and I'm pretty happy with where it went. I know I don't normally do this, but I'm publishing this in segments in order to preserve the footnoted format I wrote it in, which is rather integral to the story. There we go. I hope you enjoy.