"Then no, maybe there's no direct comparison there," he laughs, humorlessly.

"A common misconception. Astrophysics studies how the laws that govern the universe apply to cosmic bodies and phenomenon. Stars, planets and so forth. That's not to say we don't benefit enormously from advancements in space flight."

Sigma focuses his concentration on a bit of Nexus litter. With a twist of his hand, it flits into the air. He pulls it closer for a moment's examination: an empty bottle of something called Staminan X. Some disgusting energy drink. With another gestural flick, it zips into a nearby trash can. "My career has been focused on the study of gravity and black holes. What these can tell us about the universe."