Paxford One - Dorad & Sirius

Designed by Fiona and Dorad Neubaum as the first in a new fleet of spaceships, Paxford One combines the elements of human dolphin transportation and a family home. Incorporating the visual features of a cetacean tail fin, Paxford One is moored at sea as a conventional hydrofoil vessel. The accommodation area consists of various rooms and open plan lounges on three levels, including a large pool within the main promenade level. Externally, several retractable pontoons and diving platforms are provided, as well as a direct tubeway access to the internal pool. Throughout the ship generally, all of the controls can be operated by either human touch or dolphin sonar.

If necessary, advanced hydrogen fuelled engines either side of the main central section, enable Paxford One to leave Earth’s atmosphere independently. The overall design of the ship creates in effect, a single large wing, with the streamlined shape providing stability during atmospheric flight.

The most convenient method for Paxford One to leave Earth however, is use of the sea-based space elevator located in the Pacific Ocean. In preparation for the spaceship travelling as a hydrofoil, as well as the weightless conditions in space, Sirius and other dolphins slide onto restraining couches rising out of the pool, while at the same time enclosing themselves in protective nano-material dermal suits, providing an outer layer of required moisture. Additional floor sections extend from the promenade to cover and seal the pool. If required, excess water from the pool can supplement the general utilities tank, via the ship’s water purification system. On arrival at the elevator, a cradle transfers Paxford One to a magnetic levitation (maglev) track, allowing the craft to begin its ascent. Before leaving Earth’s atmosphere, the ship’s artificial magnetosphere is engaged, protecting the occupants from harmful radiation in space. Whenever required, the same magnetic energy system can also provide a re-entry shield. Once in space and detached from the elevator, the ship continues with its provided momentum.

For mobility within the weightless environment, the dolphins wear sonar controlled jet-air packs around their nano-suits, with each unit providing pitch, roll and yaw capabilities.

Having transferred to their restraint couches on the mezzanine flight deck, the crew activate Paxford One’s fusion propulsion system. As the ship accelerates towards the light barrier, strengthened telepathic links enable the Neubaum family, Sirius and other dolphins on-board, to teleport the craft to a specific area. Within the front window, an extra layer displays images of stars and constellations, as an aid for the passengers to focus their mind on the intended destination point. An especially long journey would consist of perhaps several matter transference stages.

While being an inviting home generally, Paxford One also serves as an elusive headquarters for Dorad and Sirius.