Page 206 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

least. He pulled up the scans of the objects that were found in the Puzzle Box that had been referred
to as a “Time Capsule”. It was a very eclectic set of pieces. He could identify most of them from
Historical resources in the Anasazi, Terran and Achenazi databases.

Those researchers that had previously looked at the objects were all puzzled by one item in
particular. It was a Bi-Metal strip. Information printed on its surface said it was rated to bend at
around a hundred and one degrees Celsius. Not particularly odd in its own right; but it would
probably not have begun to bend as the composition of the metals was unusual. They didn’t appear
to be consistent with materials around at the time of manufacture of the other items. One of the
metals was an alloy known throughout the unity as Jungdenslaft’s Steel. It was commonly used in
Space craft hulls as a kind of lightweight strengthening material. The other was known only by the
name given to it by the Buraxin… Jennuvar Tang. It was a dull coloured material, barely fitting into
the Metal category of the Periodic Table. In its natural form it was a resinous powder, heat it to
around fifteen hundred degrees and it melted and flowed. It then set into a springy metal; it was
prized by the Buraxin as an excellent metal to make swords and blades from. Once an edge had been
“Diamond Lapped” on it, it would slice through just about anything. It would never dull and
remained sharp until heated again to melting point. When it re-hardened; it would become slightly
more flexible and springy. Doing this a number of times resulted in a material that made incredibly
durable clock springs. That discovery had led to the rebirth of the Analogue watch and clock
industry. Not because they were in any way accurate; it was purely from the fashion viewpoint. The
Dupont Family made a vast fortune out of the sale of “Precision” Time Pieces to the rich and famous.

The chronometer on his desk chimed a reminder that he had an appointment with Francine
Hart-Hunter for lunch. He locked down the Library Console and picked up his jacket and sunglasses.
He donned both and headed out into the Central Plaza and the bright sunshine of Mira. He headed
across the square to one of the Alphonse’s Franchise Café-Restaurants; this one was known locally
as Al’s Corner Restaurant. Francine was in one of the window booths sipping a tall iced concoction.
She looked up and waved at him as he entered.
“Lance; here, I’ve ordered your favourite Helva Cakes for desert. I’ll let you choose the main meals;
and I’m paying no arguments!” she said as he sat down. Ginny, one of the waitresses sauntered over
with a couple of menus.
“Me; argue with you! That’s highly unlikely. But I must insist I pay for the deserts; besides, I have my
winnings from a small wager with Thunderfold from the Survey Contingent. Those miners are easily
the most avid gamblers in the sector.” He said winking. Francine scowled and waved a finger from
side to side slowly in front of him “And just what is that supposed to signify?” he asked
“It’s an old Terran signal of disapproval; or so I’ve been told. Jean White-Petal has been studying for
her History Masters and came across a whole load of gestures. You’ll never guess what this means.”
She replied and made a “V” sign with two of her fingers on her right hand.
“OH! I know that one; the Patrol recruits and the Miners use it a lot. Don’t use it again unless you
mean it” he jokingly reprimanded her. She giggled and he ordered two Hasperat Salads as starters;
followed by Jing Lok Casserole with mixed vegetables for mains. Ginny took their order and went to
the kitchens to have it made. She came back with a hot flask of the House Blend of Coffee and two
large mugs.
“With the compliments of the house; after all it is your
Ascension day I believe” she said looking at Francine. Lance had
completely forgotten about Francine’s Ascension in to the
status of Adulthood. Was she really eighteen now he thought?
“Sorry I…” he started to say lamely, but she stopped him short
“Don’t worry about it. David Longfellow forgot about his own
sisters Ascension. He had the perfect excuse though; being on
Patrol in the Denevar system at the time” She said and took his
hand in hers “Lance; it’s understandable you forget these
things… After all you’re only a man!” She laughed wickedly. Touché! He thought as the starters