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every imaginable skin shade, hair color, and numerous other features which demonstrated that, like stars, no two people were alike. She felt a sudden pang of sadness at the topic of tonight’s lecture.
    As she stood, the quiet talk subsided, and twenty-four pairs of eyes looked up at her. She had a quick chill as she realized that she didn’t recognize one of the students, but he seemed to be with Serug, a student who had been coming to her lectures for several weeks, and she forced a smile.
    “Welcome again, class. Tonight’s thoughts will be brief, as I intend to spend a great deal of time in my observatory this evening. But they are of crucial importance, and the future of humanity’s viability may be in question.”
    A disquieting stir could be heard throughout the room.
    She continued.
    “There are those who see no need for the study of history, because, well, quite frankly, they don’t believe there is one. They have purged thoughts of ancestors and origins from their minds, and focus solely on the present and their grandiose schemes for the future.
    “We have already discussed the Race of Semyaz, an offshoot of humanity which provided our ancestors with great longevity and health. Our studies have demonstrated that it was not uncommon for people to live over nine hundred years, and in some cases reach heights of over three meters.
    “We have also discussed the incredible knowledge and technology which existed before the Great Calamity. The best of our science, math, and astronomy was given to us from them. Although every physical aspect of their civilization was eradicated from the face of the planet, information and knowledge from that time survived. We stand on the shoulders of giants. Simply knowing that mathematics, engineering, and architecture were possible, gave our new civilization an enormous head start.”
    She drew a deep breath.
    “And here I come to the dire portion of tonight’s talk. I’m sure you have heard of the issues which threaten Kemet, our neighbor to the Southwest. And, I’m sure that none of you expect to live to be nine-hundred.”
    She finished this last sentence with a smile that displayed a mixture of sarcasm and pity. An uncomfortable chuckle ran through the students.
    She spoke simply and rhythmically, as if addressing children.
    “The Semyaz race no longer is with us. Our research has forced us to the conclusion that they are simply nowhere to be found. However, we can still see a few vestiges of their hereditary contributions.” Somehow she managed to indicate her proud, ivory-white, Mentor forehead without moving an eyebrow. “But we must concede the possibility that humanity may be forced to survive without their assistance.
    “I believe the threat to Kemet is just the beginning. Humanity is degrading. Already fewer and fewer Mentors are being born. People are entering old age before they are even two hundred. In fact, I would suggest that the average life span over the next few centuries could fall to one hundred and twenty, unless something miraculous diverts this regression.”
    There was a disquieting silence as Innana paused to allow the ramifications to sink in.
    “There is one small glimmer of hope.” Inanna felt like she was about to toss out a life preserver to someone who was too far away to reach it. But, she had to believe.
    “You recall that I said the Race of Semyaz are nowhere to be found. There are those of us who do believe, however, that they survived, somehow. Some feel they are in hiding. Others believe they ascended to a higher spiritual plane of existence. In fact, among those who believe this, there are those who feel that the Semyaz instigated the Great Awakening and guided our newfound abilities and that they are the Watchers who will come and help us when our need is great enough.” Her voice lowered. “But, that may be a little too metaphysical for some of us.”
    She smiled reassuringly.
    “What I believe is this: The Semyaz race