In 1985, a privately funded think tank planned on secretly monopolizing the international market on pipe seals and engine gaskets by using a series of advanced genetic algorithms. Although these may appear to be mundane items, closer inspection will reveal that a great part of the world depends on them.

Soon after, a group of analysts noticed abberations in the price fluctuations of these items. This resulted in several mathematicians, specializing in cutting edge combinatorics, to be hired to discover the cause.

Neither group was successful in achieving their goals, but their efforts ultimately led to advancements in many fields, ranging from number theory to bleach detergant.

[illustration by JIN V+]