(A2-9)  ①  By setting all velocities equal to fractions of light speed, the equation simplifies to

The birds are flying at equal but opposite velocities relative to Nefertiti, so we recognise that wN = -u. Hence we can simplify this further to get

② Now, since the target is wC  =  1, we can write:

And hence: 1 + wN2  =  2wN

                 wN2 - 2wN + 1  =  0

which readily factorises:

                 (wN – 1)2  =  0

Giving the simple result:   wN = 1

This means that in order for Shag's velocity in Cormorant's frame of reference to equal the speed of light, they would each individually have to travel at the speed of light relative to Nefertiti, as they approached one another.  Since they cannot do this (as we'll confirm in chapter 3), the mission is - sadly - doomed to failure.