Kryten discovered the paddle in Red Dwarf's research laboratories on Z Deck. He assumed it was a prototype and managed to finish the missing circuitry. The paddle proved capable of converting several individuals into digital information and then transmitting them as light beams to another point in space. It was essentially a matter transporter. When Rimmer sent the heroes of Waxworld against the villains, Kryten was able to steal back the matter paddle. The crew were then able to return to Red Dwarf. (RD: Meltdown)