Brain Storm

Project Otawi, hidden away in the mountains of New Mexico from public knowledge or scrutiny, under the banner of Los Alamos National Laboratory, has undertaken the most ambitious technical goal in history: augmenting the power of the human brain with digital electronics, the marriage of neuron to computer chip. The promised offspring of that union are cures for neuro-degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, language learning in days or weeks, avenues to greater emotional and physical health, even enhancement of intellect beyond that of the greatest minds who’ve ever lived. But Otawi, a program full of genius, has its dark side, a side full of intrigue, pride, vanity, and lust. That dark side carries implications that could rock the entire foundation of American government, and indeed, Western Culture. A few tenuous hints of that sinister aspect formed an unlikely alliance: the sheriff of Los Alamos County, a graduate student working in the unclassified part of Otawi, and a man whose wife had fallen victim to the project’s ambitious leadership. If this intrigues, frightens, or thrills you, it is time to enter the world of Brain Storm.

M R Cates is a physicist who's spent many hours in laboratories making measurements using fascinating gadgets like lasers, optical fibers, interferometers, video systems, spectrometers, and the like. In his writing he likes to take advantage of this professional background, but only insofar as to make the stories more plausible and more entertaining. What he really wants to bring to his readers is a group of wonderful characters who come to life on the page and enter the imaginations of those who read about their exploits. He is making a deal with those readers: here's a story you will like and characters you can relate to, and in the reading, both are now yours, interpreted through your marvelous, unique mind to create something special that no one else on earth has.