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Description
Prym hated to fly. He especially hated to fly in airplanes. When airships have problems they could float down to earth. Airplanes, on the other hand, were deathtraps when they had mechanical problems. Fatalities as the result of all air vehicle crashes and accidents average twenty a year on Gaia, but Prym was certain he would become an air crash statistic. It was with profound relief that he stepped off the Skyliner and onto the tarmac of Hadala's airfield. The heat was not altogether unbearable, but he felt that the sooner he got into an air conditioned building the better.

A new but familiar source of heat washed over Prym as he spied an entourage approaching him. It was a mix of resentment and bashfulness he felt as he recognized the Matriarch at the lead. As if she picked up Prym's thoughts, the holy woman deliberately increased her stride, which only made her trademark bosom wobble and shimmy all the more.

"Gaia's greetings, Minister Prym," said the redhead. Her green skirt didn't quite reach her sandals, but the blue shawl was drawn back. For the life of him Prym was certain that the woman's naked breasts were giggling at him, the nipples winking. "It's a pleasure to receive a prominent government servant."

"To be in the presence of such holy health is enough of a reason to visit," he replied. They grasped each other's forearms in greeting. In doing so, Prym felt that his liver and stomach were being pressed flat by the woman's watermelon bosom. He didn't show his discomfort when the embrace ended. "I've come to see how the archeological team is doing first hand. With the technology employed by our newfound friends it is certain a major find will be made soon. I have the need to be on hand when that happens."

Another little mannerism of the Matriarch that bothered Prym was her girlish giggling. Her breasts shimmed like buses with bad shock absorbers. "Mr. Prym, that sounded sweet from a man noted for his caution. For a fuddy-duddy you have expressed a fresh appreciation of new methods."

Prym couldn't help but frown. Only the Matriarch could get away with calling him a 'fuddy-duddy' and be so utterly sincere about it. "It is those methods that also have me in wonder. Later I will have the need to talk to Dr. Pablo Enriquez and see those technical devices for myself."

"Oh, you will, Minister. Let us retire to the cafeteria for refreshment." In a natural move she got next to Prym and slipped her arm through his, placing the now-clasped hands onto her right breast. "I invite you to attend this afternoon's wedding ceremony. Two more archeology students will be united in blessed wedlock. Having a prominent government minister in attendance will make good copy in the papers. Don't you agree?"

"The Matriarch is most thoughtful." It was a study in expression as Prym was led away by the spritely redhead. He knew full-grown men who would like nothing better than be lead around like little boys by the Matriarch. Premier Funa, for one, Prym recalled. Keeping a smile on his face more for the people around him than what he was actually feeling, he was glad the redhead walked quickly. Getting the pressure of the woman's breast off his arm would be most welcomed relief.

-------

"So this is the first Hammerfist?" Estelle regarded the glass-covered weapon with acute interest. She and Jeln were at the Techie Museum in the city of Blue River. In addition to the rifle other examples of Techie equipment and technology were displayed, such as iron cast grenades, ring bayonets for Hammerfist rifles, and replicas of gunpowder explosive barrels flung by trebuchets.

"Yes it is," said Jeln eagerly, hovering by Estelle's left side. "Thanks to the knowledge and assistance provided by the gracious Rebecca, that weapon provided the Techie Army the edge it needed to win."

Looking intently, Estelle could make out the weapon smith’s initials on the rifle stock. There were two pairs: one in a native Gaian language, the other with English lettering. Havan Kettlesmith had over the centuries become an icon for inventors and craftsmen. In terms of creativity he could be compared favorably to Terran inventors such as Edison and da Vinci, his mind a cauldron of ideas and concepts that begged to be explored. He would have done so at an earlier stage of his life, but the Hantan League's technical prohibitions carried heavy penalties, and death of inventors was not unknown. It was only after the Techie War that Kettlesmith could work on his inventions, but there was one, aside from the rifle, he had realized during the war.

Estelle shifted her attention to another display. Sitting in center of the ground floor of the museum, commanding an opening that reached the top and fourth floor, was a reproduction of the hot air balloon Kettlesmith created. With inspiration provided by Rebecca and Pamela, the inventor made the balloon in time for use during the Siege of Lorsh, the last major battle of the Techie War. With just enough lift to carry a passenger plus some weights to drop messages down to the ground, the balloon allowed observation over the city's wall and to ascertain the effect of the trebuchet bombardment.

The residents of Lorsh grew to hate the balloon, knowing that whenever it went up a barrage of explosive barrels flying over the walls would shortly follow. What actually ended the siege was a pair of tunnels dug by Techie sappers, ending at the base of Lorsh's walls. Using massive charges of gunpowder two huge breaches were created, allowing the Techies to pour into the city and ending the siege. But the tunneling was done in secret, whereas the balloon was up for all to see, becoming a focus of what the Hantan League hated about the Techies in general and Rebecca and Pamela in particular. They had knowledge that changed the world, and in turn destroyed the old order and stability that the people relied on. Over time, though, the new technologies improved the welfare and opportunities of the people. Additionally, the historians that had roots in the families of the old order made the required counter-thoughts about the changes during the ongoing peace after the war. With a mix of irony and wisdom Estelle reasoned the Gaians needed some dissension to keep their progress in prospective. But the thought of having Rebecca and Pamela being this world's equivalent of Eve and the Apple was a bit bothersome for her. Whereas Eve gave Adam the apple, a Gaian would say Rebecca gave men the gun.

"It's time to see a really major historical object, Estelle," said Jeln. "Thought it's not exactly related to your assignment, it would be waste for you not to see it while you're here."

"What is it?" The lieutenant asked with interest.

"The remains of the Stargate. Professor Woodwind would be as happy as mother nursing twins."

"I will assume that's a good thing," Estelle said with a smile. "Let's go."

Only halfway to the north wing of the museum did Jeln realized he was holding Estelle's hand. He felt that with his size he was like a parent taking a child down a public street. Relaxing his grasp, Jeln let go of Estelle's hand only to feel a sensation on his elbow. He had to blush as he saw his guest look up at him.

"Jeln, it's not like the public has seen us this close before. Besides," she said with playfully chiding tone, "you don't have to worry about me crushing your hand. I have control over my strength."

"So you do." Jeln again felt like a parent as Estelle's slim hand was utter engulfed by his. Still, he knew there were uncounted thousands of men who would love to be this close and hold a spacewoman's hand. He gave his pray of thanks to the All-Mother when the Historical Bureau and the Museum Commission chose him to be Estelle's guide. Somehow he suspected Estelle's uncle, the Admiral, may have been a deciding factor. The good press generated by her time already spent on Gaia was also a consideration. He discounted his own knowledge of historical sites and events since there were dozens, hundreds even, who would make better guides. No, it had to be Gaia herself that fated him to be with Estelle. With her heritage, Estelle was the closest thing to divinity that Jeln could think of, and he wouldn't care to be anywhere else except in her presence.

At last the duo reached the north wing and proceeded to the basement level. As if he was waiting for them, Professor Woodwind got up from his chair next to the exhibit entrance, greeting them with the forearm embrace. "Ah, the noted Lt. Carson of the newspapers," said the man, his eyes positively wide with enthusiasm. "Of all the time your people have been on this planet you're the first to actually visit this exhibit. I'm surprised none of your scientists are curious enough to look and do tests on the Stargate first hand."

Woodwind's Gaian accent was more pronounced due to his excitement. Estelle was still able to make out what was saying. If she hadn't, then her wetware would've provided the appropriate clarity to his words. "I can't speak for them, but in my opinion they're taking the explanation of how my ancestor got here as accurate. However," she said in genuine interest, "since my reports are read by the scientists, and by my uncle in particular, I'm sure you'll get the proper attention devoted to the Stargate in due time."

"Oh, that is all I ask, Lt. Carson..."

"Just call me Carson. Less breath spent saying Lt. is more for you to explain the Stargate."

"Then let us get on with explanation," said the grey-haired professor. Once passed the exhibit entrance the little group went to the railing that surrounded the exotic object. Had she not know what it was, Estelle would've been tempted to think the Stargate was but a piece of art. It was an arch, nine meters tall and fifty centimeters thick. Incorporated into the arch were fist-sized aqua-colored crystals. From her perspective Estelle made out at least twenty crystals. "Over 11,000 years ago, by your calendar, the Atlantian civilization on Earth was facing destruction. In a short period of time several strong earthquakes had rattled the city, and it was predicted that a cataclysmic quake would occur.

"From what records we do have it was clear that a scarce few Atlantians had effective their escape by means of 'space vehicles'. Thanks to the information provided by your scientists we know that at least one of these vehicles landed on one of your planets, but the occupants had long since died."

"That would've been the planet Outback, where my grandmother June lives. She was part of the detective team that investigated it," Estelle offered.

"Yes, that was it. Perhaps you can tell me more about that story later. Now, for the rest of the Atlantians, there was a majority that believed that the use of crystal energy would mitigate the impending major quake. They elected to stay. As for the rest, they decided to leave. Initially, they were to move to another part of the Earth. However," Woodwind paused for a moment, more to collect his breath than for dramatic effect, "one of the crystal adepts, while in a meditative state, sensed the presence of strong crystal energy. He believed that such energy would be helpful for the quake reduction effort, so he went to the source. Being the most powerful adept, he simply teleported."

Estelle looked askance at Woodwind. "That's may be the one thing our scientists are finding the hardest to believe. Psychic teleportation... over interstellar distances? Psychic ability has never been proven conclusively in a laboratory setting. You're more likely hear theories from our scientists that it was a technical achievement rather than the power of the mind."

"Yes, yes. Ours is the only valid explanation that satisfies the known facts. But let it said that whatever the case, the adept arrived here on this world. On his return, he convinced the others to accompany him to this world instead of staying on Earth. The resulting gates were built with great haste, for they were needed for the people who had no psychic ability whatsoever. The adept built this gate himself here on Gaia, for until it was completed no one else could follow him. It was a near thing, for a scarce one thousand transverse the gates when the Great Quake hit.

"Two gates were built in Atlantis, and one of them was destroyed during the Great Quake. As for the other, it was a smaller one, scarcely the size of a modern door, but it was portable. I imagine that the Adept teleported it to another part of the Earth just before the quake. It had been placed in a location that the quake survivors could get to if they wanted to come here. The records made it clear that few dozen did made the journey to use the second gate. After that, nothing. Only when Rebecca and Pamela arrived did our ancestors learn that the second gate was still working."

Estelle nodded. "I've wondered about that since I read about the Stargate. Didn't the Neo-Atlantians use the Stargate and make trips back to Earth? They had plenty of opportunity to do so I think."

"I would not believe that to be the case, Carson," Woodwind said, his accent and speech still thick with excitement. "Oh, from what records we do have it was known that periodic attempts were made to use the Stargate, but it simply didn't work. The crystal adepts surmised that the second Earth gate had become buried, and no succeeding adept had nowhere near the power to teleport back to Earth. Yes, only the work of the blessed Rebecca and Pamela, and the spark of Pamela's untapped psychic power was the second gate uncovered and activated." Woodwind smiled. "Say, I wonder if you have inherited the gift of psychic will such as your ancestor Pamela had in her. Would you like a closer look at the gate?"

"Thank you. That would be lovely."

"A rare treat," Jeln said to his short guest. "Woodwind rarely allows people had a real close look at the Stargate. It's not a strong as it looks, and the explosives used by your ancestor to close the gate had utterly obliterated the lower half of it."

"So it was a full circle?" Estelle followed Woodwind past the railing and a further security barrier of chains and knee-high steel posts. Now with a closer looks, she saw that the crystals were truly light blue in color, catching and scattering the light that passed through them. "It must've had a secure anchorage for the thousands of years it went unused."

"It had," Woodwind interjected, waving off Jeln's attempt at explanation. It was the professor's show, so the tall man didn't take the interruption personally. "Two tall columns, one on either side of the gate, held it upright on a platform. It was located in a building in one of very few settlements that wasn't destroyed in the Skyfall. We were fortunate that this much of the gate was salvaged after it was blown up. Another stick or two of dynamite and nothing would've been left. It's an important part of our history. Now, go ahead and touch one of the crystals. Let see if it reacts."

"Reacts?" Estelle said hesitantly.

"Oh, nothing drastic, Carson. If you have the latent talent like Pamela had then it would just light up. From her diaries she wrote, when the gate was whole, it would light up like a 'Christmas Tree', whatever that may be. For you it just may glow a bit."

With that assurance Estelle walked up to the remnant of the Stargate and placed a hand on a crystal within reach. Woodwind's eyes grew like saucers when he saw not one but all the intact crystals glow dimly. "Not much of a show," she said. "I was expecting something a bit more."

"Like I said, you would've been impressed if the Stargate was whole. That crystal glow you're seeing is not the result of static electricity, I assure you. When you go to Hadala," Woodwind turned to Jeln, "you are going to take this fine woman to Hadala, aren't you Jeln Kreyler? The Mother Church temple maidens and even the Matriarch herself can test the extent of Carson's talent."

"I believe I can work it into our itinerary," said the tall man. "The good lady Carson hasn't been there yet, and I'm sure she would appreciate a visit with the Matriarch."

"Well, this good lady agrees," Estelle finished. "Professor Woodwind, are there any more artifacts from the Neo-Atlan time period you can show me? I'd like to get in my looks before they're mobbed by our science teams."

"For you anything is possible. Come and see some genuine Neo-Atlan jewelry that was discovered just last year. You'll be the first member of the general public to lay eyes on them."

Description
Prym hated to fly. He especially hated to fly in airplanes. When airships have problems they could float down to earth. Airplanes, on the other hand, were deathtraps when they had mechanical problems. Fatalities as the result of all air vehicle crashes and accidents average twenty a year on Gaia, but Prym was certain he would become an air crash statistic. It was with profound relief that he stepped off the Skyliner and onto the tarmac of Hadala's airfield. The heat was not altogether unbearable, but he felt that the sooner he got into an air conditioned building the better.

A new but familiar source of heat washed over Prym as he spied an entourage approaching him. It was a mix of resentment and bashfulness he felt as he recognized the Matriarch at the lead. As if she picked up Prym's thoughts, the holy woman deliberately increased her stride, which only made her trademark bosom wobble and shimmy all the more.

"Gaia's greetings, Minister Prym," said the redhead. Her green skirt didn't quite reach her sandals, but the blue shawl was drawn back. For the life of him Prym was certain that the woman's naked breasts were giggling at him, the nipples winking. "It's a pleasure to receive a prominent government servant."

"To be in the presence of such holy health is enough of a reason to visit," he replied. They grasped each other's forearms in greeting. In doing so, Prym felt that his liver and stomach were being pressed flat by the woman's watermelon bosom. He didn't show his discomfort when the embrace ended. "I've come to see how the archeological team is doing first hand. With the technology employed by our newfound friends it is certain a major find will be made soon. I have the need to be on hand when that happens."

Another little mannerism of the Matriarch that bothered Prym was her girlish giggling. Her breasts shimmed like buses with bad shock absorbers. "Mr. Prym, that sounded sweet from a man noted for his caution. For a fuddy-duddy you have expressed a fresh appreciation of new methods."

Prym couldn't help but frown. Only the Matriarch could get away with calling him a 'fuddy-duddy' and be so utterly sincere about it. "It is those methods that also have me in wonder. Later I will have the need to talk to Dr. Pablo Enriquez and see those technical devices for myself."

"Oh, you will, Minister. Let us retire to the cafeteria for refreshment." In a natural move she got next to Prym and slipped her arm through his, placing the now-clasped hands onto her right breast. "I invite you to attend this afternoon's wedding ceremony. Two more archeology students will be united in blessed wedlock. Having a prominent government minister in attendance will make good copy in the papers. Don't you agree?"

"The Matriarch is most thoughtful." It was a study in expression as Prym was led away by the spritely redhead. He knew full-grown men who would like nothing better than be lead around like little boys by the Matriarch. Premier Funa, for one, Prym recalled. Keeping a smile on his face more for the people around him than what he was actually feeling, he was glad the redhead walked quickly. Getting the pressure of the woman's breast off his arm would be most welcomed relief.

-------

"So this is the first Hammerfist?" Estelle regarded the glass-covered weapon with acute interest. She and Jeln were at the Techie Museum in the city of Blue River. In addition to the rifle other examples of Techie equipment and technology were displayed, such as iron cast grenades, ring bayonets for Hammerfist rifles, and replicas of gunpowder explosive barrels flung by trebuchets.

"Yes it is," said Jeln eagerly, hovering by Estelle's left side. "Thanks to the knowledge and assistance provided by the gracious Rebecca, that weapon provided the Techie Army the edge it needed to win."

Looking intently, Estelle could make out the weapon smith’s initials on the rifle stock. There were two pairs: one in a native Gaian language, the other with English lettering. Havan Kettlesmith had over the centuries become an icon for inventors and craftsmen. In terms of creativity he could be compared favorably to Terran inventors such as Edison and da Vinci, his mind a cauldron of ideas and concepts that begged to be explored. He would have done so at an earlier stage of his life, but the Hantan League's technical prohibitions carried heavy penalties, and death of inventors was not unknown. It was only after the Techie War that Kettlesmith could work on his inventions, but there was one, aside from the rifle, he had realized during the war.

Estelle shifted her attention to another display. Sitting in center of the ground floor of the museum, commanding an opening that reached the top and fourth floor, was a reproduction of the hot air balloon Kettlesmith created. With inspiration provided by Rebecca and Pamela, the inventor made the balloon in time for use during the Siege of Lorsh, the last major battle of the Techie War. With just enough lift to carry a passenger plus some weights to drop messages down to the ground, the balloon allowed observation over the city's wall and to ascertain the effect of the trebuchet bombardment.

The residents of Lorsh grew to hate the balloon, knowing that whenever it went up a barrage of explosive barrels flying over the walls would shortly follow. What actually ended the siege was a pair of tunnels dug by Techie sappers, ending at the base of Lorsh's walls. Using massive charges of gunpowder two huge breaches were created, allowing the Techies to pour into the city and ending the siege. But the tunneling was done in secret, whereas the balloon was up for all to see, becoming a focus of what the Hantan League hated about the Techies in general and Rebecca and Pamela in particular. They had knowledge that changed the world, and in turn destroyed the old order and stability that the people relied on. Over time, though, the new technologies improved the welfare and opportunities of the people. Additionally, the historians that had roots in the families of the old order made the required counter-thoughts about the changes during the ongoing peace after the war. With a mix of irony and wisdom Estelle reasoned the Gaians needed some dissension to keep their progress in prospective. But the thought of having Rebecca and Pamela being this world's equivalent of Eve and the Apple was a bit bothersome for her. Whereas Eve gave Adam the apple, a Gaian would say Rebecca gave men the gun.

"It's time to see a really major historical object, Estelle," said Jeln. "Thought it's not exactly related to your assignment, it would be waste for you not to see it while you're here."

"What is it?" The lieutenant asked with interest.

"The remains of the Stargate. Professor Woodwind would be as happy as mother nursing twins."

"I will assume that's a good thing," Estelle said with a smile. "Let's go."

Only halfway to the north wing of the museum did Jeln realized he was holding Estelle's hand. He felt that with his size he was like a parent taking a child down a public street. Relaxing his grasp, Jeln let go of Estelle's hand only to feel a sensation on his elbow. He had to blush as he saw his guest look up at him.

"Jeln, it's not like the public has seen us this close before. Besides," she said with playfully chiding tone, "you don't have to worry about me crushing your hand. I have control over my strength."

"So you do." Jeln again felt like a parent as Estelle's slim hand was utter engulfed by his. Still, he knew there were uncounted thousands of men who would love to be this close and hold a spacewoman's hand. He gave his pray of thanks to the All-Mother when the Historical Bureau and the Museum Commission chose him to be Estelle's guide. Somehow he suspected Estelle's uncle, the Admiral, may have been a deciding factor. The good press generated by her time already spent on Gaia was also a consideration. He discounted his own knowledge of historical sites and events since there were dozens, hundreds even, who would make better guides. No, it had to be Gaia herself that fated him to be with Estelle. With her heritage, Estelle was the closest thing to divinity that Jeln could think of, and he wouldn't care to be anywhere else except in her presence.

At last the duo reached the north wing and proceeded to the basement level. As if he was waiting for them, Professor Woodwind got up from his chair next to the exhibit entrance, greeting them with the forearm embrace. "Ah, the noted Lt. Carson of the newspapers," said the man, his eyes positively wide with enthusiasm. "Of all the time your people have been on this planet you're the first to actually visit this exhibit. I'm surprised none of your scientists are curious enough to look and do tests on the Stargate first hand."

Woodwind's Gaian accent was more pronounced due to his excitement. Estelle was still able to make out what was saying. If she hadn't, then her wetware would've provided the appropriate clarity to his words. "I can't speak for them, but in my opinion they're taking the explanation of how my ancestor got here as accurate. However," she said in genuine interest, "since my reports are read by the scientists, and by my uncle in particular, I'm sure you'll get the proper attention devoted to the Stargate in due time."

"Oh, that is all I ask, Lt. Carson..."

"Just call me Carson. Less breath spent saying Lt. is more for you to explain the Stargate."

"Then let us get on with explanation," said the grey-haired professor. Once passed the exhibit entrance the little group went to the railing that surrounded the exotic object. Had she not know what it was, Estelle would've been tempted to think the Stargate was but a piece of art. It was an arch, nine meters tall and fifty centimeters thick. Incorporated into the arch were fist-sized aqua-colored crystals. From her perspective Estelle made out at least twenty crystals. "Over 11,000 years ago, by your calendar, the Atlantian civilization on Earth was facing destruction. In a short period of time several strong earthquakes had rattled the city, and it was predicted that a cataclysmic quake would occur.

"From what records we do have it was clear that a scarce few Atlantians had effective their escape by means of 'space vehicles'. Thanks to the information provided by your scientists we know that at least one of these vehicles landed on one of your planets, but the occupants had long since died."

"That would've been the planet Outback, where my grandmother June lives. She was part of the detective team that investigated it," Estelle offered.

"Yes, that was it. Perhaps you can tell me more about that story later. Now, for the rest of the Atlantians, there was a majority that believed that the use of crystal energy would mitigate the impending major quake. They elected to stay. As for the rest, they decided to leave. Initially, they were to move to another part of the Earth. However," Woodwind paused for a moment, more to collect his breath than for dramatic effect, "one of the crystal adepts, while in a meditative state, sensed the presence of strong crystal energy. He believed that such energy would be helpful for the quake reduction effort, so he went to the source. Being the most powerful adept, he simply teleported."

Estelle looked askance at Woodwind. "That's may be the one thing our scientists are finding the hardest to believe. Psychic teleportation... over interstellar distances? Psychic ability has never been proven conclusively in a laboratory setting. You're more likely hear theories from our scientists that it was a technical achievement rather than the power of the mind."

"Yes, yes. Ours is the only valid explanation that satisfies the known facts. But let it said that whatever the case, the adept arrived here on this world. On his return, he convinced the others to accompany him to this world instead of staying on Earth. The resulting gates were built with great haste, for they were needed for the people who had no psychic ability whatsoever. The adept built this gate himself here on Gaia, for until it was completed no one else could follow him. It was a near thing, for a scarce one thousand transverse the gates when the Great Quake hit.

"Two gates were built in Atlantis, and one of them was destroyed during the Great Quake. As for the other, it was a smaller one, scarcely the size of a modern door, but it was portable. I imagine that the Adept teleported it to another part of the Earth just before the quake. It had been placed in a location that the quake survivors could get to if they wanted to come here. The records made it clear that few dozen did made the journey to use the second gate. After that, nothing. Only when Rebecca and Pamela arrived did our ancestors learn that the second gate was still working."

Estelle nodded. "I've wondered about that since I read about the Stargate. Didn't the Neo-Atlantians use the Stargate and make trips back to Earth? They had plenty of opportunity to do so I think."

"I would not believe that to be the case, Carson," Woodwind said, his accent and speech still thick with excitement. "Oh, from what records we do have it was known that periodic attempts were made to use the Stargate, but it simply didn't work. The crystal adepts surmised that the second Earth gate had become buried, and no succeeding adept had nowhere near the power to teleport back to Earth. Yes, only the work of the blessed Rebecca and Pamela, and the spark of Pamela's untapped psychic power was the second gate uncovered and activated." Woodwind smiled. "Say, I wonder if you have inherited the gift of psychic will such as your ancestor Pamela had in her. Would you like a closer look at the gate?"

"Thank you. That would be lovely."

"A rare treat," Jeln said to his short guest. "Woodwind rarely allows people had a real close look at the Stargate. It's not a strong as it looks, and the explosives used by your ancestor to close the gate had utterly obliterated the lower half of it."

"So it was a full circle?" Estelle followed Woodwind past the railing and a further security barrier of chains and knee-high steel posts. Now with a closer looks, she saw that the crystals were truly light blue in color, catching and scattering the light that passed through them. "It must've had a secure anchorage for the thousands of years it went unused."

"It had," Woodwind interjected, waving off Jeln's attempt at explanation. It was the professor's show, so the tall man didn't take the interruption personally. "Two tall columns, one on either side of the gate, held it upright on a platform. It was located in a building in one of very few settlements that wasn't destroyed in the Skyfall. We were fortunate that this much of the gate was salvaged after it was blown up. Another stick or two of dynamite and nothing would've been left. It's an important part of our history. Now, go ahead and touch one of the crystals. Let see if it reacts."

"Reacts?" Estelle said hesitantly.

"Oh, nothing drastic, Carson. If you have the latent talent like Pamela had then it would just light up. From her diaries she wrote, when the gate was whole, it would light up like a 'Christmas Tree', whatever that may be. For you it just may glow a bit."

With that assurance Estelle walked up to the remnant of the Stargate and placed a hand on a crystal within reach. Woodwind's eyes grew like saucers when he saw not one but all the intact crystals glow dimly. "Not much of a show," she said. "I was expecting something a bit more."

"Like I said, you would've been impressed if the Stargate was whole. That crystal glow you're seeing is not the result of static electricity, I assure you. When you go to Hadala," Woodwind turned to Jeln, "you are going to take this fine woman to Hadala, aren't you Jeln Kreyler? The Mother Church temple maidens and even the Matriarch herself can test the extent of Carson's talent."

"I believe I can work it into our itinerary," said the tall man. "The good lady Carson hasn't been there yet, and I'm sure she would appreciate a visit with the Matriarch."

"Well, this good lady agrees," Estelle finished. "Professor Woodwind, are there any more artifacts from the Neo-Atlan time period you can show me? I'd like to get in my looks before they're mobbed by our science teams."

"For you anything is possible. Come and see some genuine Neo-Atlan jewelry that was discovered just last year. You'll be the first member of the general public to lay eyes on them."