Space 1999 - Mind-Breaks of Space

Mind-Breaks of Space by J. Jeff Jones and Michael Butterworth. Novelisation of "Brian the Brain", "The Mark of Archanon", "Catacombs of the Moon" and "One Moment of Humanity". Sources indicate Jones wrote the majority of the book. The four stories are again combined into a single narrative and a search for Tiranium is introduced (this would become a constant presence in the Butterworth novels, making the reader wonder why the Alphans designed their power source to be dependent on such a universally rare substance). Brian the Brain's interference with Alpha's Main Computer would cause the reactors to use too much too quickly. Tiranium would be the cause of the mining operations seen in "The Mark of Archanon" and "Catacombs of the Moon". The surface explosions caused by the hydrogen heat-storm would split open a rill on the lunar surface and expose a large vein of the valuable mineral. Butterworth also has Maya's transformations feature more distinctively alien creatures rather than terrestrial animals, addressing the complaints of both Catherine Schell and the fans. Changes include: (1) Koenig's plan to break Brian's mind involves he, Helena and Maya confusing the Brain by each clamoring to provide it with maintenance, then Maya transforms into Captain Michael to send it over the edge. (This was from an earlier draft script). (2) Maya transforms into a bipedal headless bat creature to search for the fugitive Osgoods in the pitch-black catacombs. (3) The hydrogen heat-storm is a force of nature only and there is no speculation as to its possible sentience. (4) The first appearance of "Sahn" as a male Indian operative rather than Sandra Benes going by a new nickname.

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