SUMMER 1973, EXACT DATE AND TIME UNKNOWN
The image is grainy. A group of people sit within a poorly lit room—the church on Belaya Skala. Cole Landon stands at the front.
LANDON: Are we all here? Wonderful. As you no doubt have heard, we have special guests tonight. I’d like you all to welcome James Ryder and his son, Jimmy.
The gathered assembly claps and lets out a chorus of friendly welcomes. A man at the front, the elder James Ryder, stands and waves as he steps up to join Landon.
RYDER: When Cole first approached me, I knew he had something exciting on his hands. He’d heard about my interests and my expertise and thought I might be interested in helping to put this project together. Well, I’ll tell you, I was more than interested.
He chuckles, and Landon grins.
RYDER: You’re all aware of what we’re trying to accomplish. This place is a nexus. We don’t know why, but we know that here one of the great gates is opening. Seven worlds, friends, besides our own. Seven worlds filled with wonders. And one of them?
He pauses for dramatic effect.
RYDER: One of them is waiting just . . . out . . . of sight.
He holds up a hand, as if he can almost touch that other world.
RYDER: Once, the secrets of these worlds belonged to mankind. Once, the Eidolons, those glorious kings and queens, shared their knowledge and their power with the kingdoms of earth. The Eidolons have been trapped. But you . . . you are going to be the first to bring back one of the eidolons: the Seraph.
A murmur, worshipful, goes around the gathering.
LANDON: It’s not too late to stay, James.
Ryder chuckles.
RYDER: Would that I could. The Seraph is a being of beauty and immense power, but my heart has always yearned to serve another of its kin. The—
The tape abruptly runs out.