Special ships transported the first whales from Earth to the asteroid field. Future generations of whales are grown out in the cosmos.  The depths and icy pressure blue whales can live in back on Earth are similar to those same conditions in outer space…with only a few differences.  The genetically engineered mammals act as tug boats in outer space, swimming around and through the sea of meteors and asteroids pushing rocks into place or hauling inmates to the mines.  The whale’s natural ability to feed on tiny particles filtered through the mouth permits the whale to feed on the mineral rich dust that forms when meteors and asteroids collide. 

Male and female convicts who have been sentenced to life without parole are given a choice at sentencing: serve the term mining asteroids or become a whale rider.  For those who chose to become a Whale Rider, they are stripped of all humanity. It is the equivalent of a death sentence.  The person he or she once was is no longer. Arms and legs are amputated and replaced with inputs that connect the whale directly to the rider.  The rider’s eyes are removed and  visual acuteness is surgically induced at the optic nerve – VR jacked right into the brain.  Ears are replaced with blue tooth transceivers.  The rider’s ability to receive spoken instruction and then pass it along to the whale as a visual cue is what makes the concept a perfect success.