: The mother of a prominent physicist, far from cosmic problems, suggests a solution to a difficult situation with an expedition of astronauts.
Mrs. Cremona, a middle-aged woman with a gentle smile and a clear meek look, came to the huge government building to her son Gerald, a prominent physicist. He was very busy talking with General Rainer. The general doubted the appropriateness of Mother Gerald's presence in their conversation. Gerald reassured him - mother does not understand anything in their affairs.
He explained to the general the situation. One of the expeditions, which was sent beyond the asteroid belt, reached Plutonium. They provide radio signals. The mystery is that people went flying four years ago, and they could have had enough supplies for a year. Gerald suggested that perhaps they are being helped by inhabitants of other planets. It is urgent to find out what is happening. Maybe the future of humanity depends on this. To do this, you need an electronic brain Multivak.
From Earth to Plutonium, about four billion miles. Even if the radio waves propagate at the speed of light, they will cover this distance in six hours, which means that you will have to wait twelve hours for an answer. It is necessary to transmit as many bits of information per second as possible, until the connection is lost. To do this, you need the electronic brain of the military department and relevant specialists.You need to figure out how to transmit the same messages with fewer signals.
Suddenly, Mrs. Cremona intervened in the conversation. She advised: while you are waiting for an answer, still keep transmitting further. And tell them to do that. Speak incessantly, and let them speak incessantly. And let someone listen to you all the time, and they too - you will hear everything that is needed.
Gerald and the general were stunned at her. Gerald whispered, “Well, of course! A continuous conversation, out of phase by twelve hours, that's all. ”
After Gerald asked: "How did you come up with this, mom?" Mrs. Cremona said that all women knew this. They understand perfectly well: to convey any news, you just need to talk without ceasing. This is the whole secret.
