:06:01
And many
international observers ask why.
:06:04
The U.S. is shouldering
a large part of the cost--
:06:07
Isn't it true that contractors,
like Hadden Industries...
:06:10
...are making contributions
in exchange for technology rights?
:06:13
Different nations are being compensated
in different ways.
:06:17
Japan made headlines by opting
to forego candidate representation...
:06:21
...in exchange for the
systems integration subcontract.
:06:24
On what basis do you choose...
:06:26
...a human being to represent humanity?
:06:29
Good question, Larry.
:06:30
If nothing else...
:06:33
...it should be somebody fluent in
the language the message was given in.
:06:37
Science, in this case.
:06:38
Despite your obvious enthusiasm...
:06:41
...there's been a lot of criticism...
:06:43
...that this endeavor
is simply too dangerous.
:06:46
Some of that criticism from scientists.
:06:48
One Nobel Prize winner noted, his words:
:06:52
"There is every indication...
:06:54
...that this is beyond our capabilities,
that this endeavor will fail...
:06:58
...and that the Machine's occupant
will pay for it with his life."
:07:01
How do you respond?
:07:03
This message is from a civilization
that may be anywhere...
:07:06
...from hundreds to millions
and millions of years ahead of us.
:07:10
I have to believe that
an intelligence that advanced...
:07:14
...knows what they're doing.
:07:17
Now all it requires on our part is....
:07:21
Faith?
:07:25
I was going to say,
a sense of adventure.
:07:27
And in breaking news...
:07:28
...astronaut John Russell...
:07:30
...considered to be the leading American
candidate for the Machine seat...
:07:34
...has dropped out of the running.
:07:36
Russell met with reporters today
at his Houston home.
:07:40
I told my dad I didn't want him...
:07:42
...to go.
:07:44
Daddy, don't go.
:07:48
Nothing would give me more pride...
:07:50
...than to...
:07:52
...represent my country.
:07:54
But what can I say to this?
:07:56
Consortium officials had no comment,
but inside sources...