Guinan’s eyes widened as Miles explained.

She always wanted to study engineering, but just couldn’t grasp the terminology.

‘Think of duterium as canned dog food, dilithium crystals as a can opener, and antimatter as a Jack Russell Terrier.’

Guinan smiled as Miles took another gulp of space grog.

‘Now, imagine the Universe as a football pitch with the dog in one goal, and the can in the other.’

‘Sorry Miles, I don’t follow football -how far is that?’

‘105 meters -anyway, think what happens when someone opens the tin.’

‘Wow …that’s how Warp speed works!’

‘Precisely, but without the Terrier.’