It had lain undisturbed on the lifeless barren landscape for eons.

Its frozen circuits completely unaware of the space craft that landed nearby, or of the two suited figures that soon emerged, and stood for a while regarding it.

"So, this is it," said the pilot, "it doesn't look like much."

"Perhaps, but I think this one might prove to be quiet a find," replied the archaeologist.

"I just don't understand why the Council is going to all this trouble," said the pilot.

The archaeologist gazed forlornly at the object. "We have discovered countless sites like this, scattered across the galaxy. The humble remains of once mighty civilizations that vanished long ago. Unfortunately, they are also considered quiet popular as tourist destinations, and it now appears the Council is more interested in profit than in history."

"You mean their setting up these hyper portals just for the tourists?" the pilot queried in amazement.

"I am afraid so. Once my work is completed here, the Council will simply open them up to the masses."

The pilot shrugged then glanced at his ship, "I should be getting back. I don't have the luxury of instant travel."

"Fine, and thanks for the lift," replied the archaeologist.

Watching the departing ship climb rapidly and disappear amongst the stars, he became aware that he was now the only living thing for a hundred light years.

As he drew close to the object, he pondered what had brought its makers to their ultimate end. In time he would find out, he always did. Removing his well-worn instruments he began his work, and discovered on closer inspection, something very exciting. He had found an inscription of some kind, still legible, despite its incredible age. If he could just decipher its meaning, it might reveal something of the objects original function. When his survey of the site was completed, he placed a small black cube on the surface, and activated a contact on his suit. The cube transformed into a shimmering black rectangle that was now a gateway to a hundred worlds. As he took a last look at the object, a strange impulse gripped him, and he did something that he had never done before. It took only a moment, with the aid of a simple tool, and after carefully concealing his souvenir; he entered the portal and was gone.

Soon after his return he made a presentation of his findings to the handful of historians that still remained at the old Science Museum. The highlight of the evening came when he gathered them into a tight circle, and unveiled a small metallic plaque, which he had smuggled into the museum. It bore upon its pitted surface the alien inscription, which he had only recently deciphered, and now translated for the benefit of his colleagues: "Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the moon, July 1969 AD.

We came in peace for all mankind."