They knew he was drawing their reference to ancient steel boxes recovered during excavations - from deep underground strongholds and chambers.
Hundreds such steel boxes were salvaged. These provided accurate information on each country existing in the past upon Earth. Mankind was enabled to trace Earth's historical data down to 5000 B.C. aeon, in an unconfirmed manner.
This happened primarily because most steel boxes - containing social, cultural, technological, scientific and other relevant records, data - had been extensively damaged during ensuing earthquakes, wars and floods -- occurring through resultant descendant centuries.
Many steel boxes or "time capsules" were found smashed, beyond repair.
In due course of time, almost all such relevant data were compiled and transferred to safer places existing in the solar system. For safe custody of ancient earth's lost description, they selected Moon Forward space research labs located upon Moon stations.
It therefore became an accepted repository of ancient solar knowledge.
Preserving their sixteen planetary ages old records, including that of Earth's past happenings, seemed a very plausible event in their present day and age.
"You see, most computer data relating with Earth's past history is almost totally damaged. Our interplanetary 'surveillance and reconstruction' teams have been extensively engaged in this exercise for the past 125 years.
I, as professor of old Earth records, officially took over charge of this inter-planetary department approximately 25 years ago. I headed the team, and since then little or insignificant progress has been achieved. All this is primarily because of heavily damaged steel containers -- preserving Earth's past records; and our inability to gauge scientific, high tech, socio-cultural and other progresses made by our ancestors.
However, certain marked developments have been distinctively achieved through the last 125 years; particularly now, during my tenure
We have also been successful in making certain conclusions from obsolete computer data..." the professor continued......
"That something unusual happened during that great war? Or perhaps immediately after it?" the third companion asked in amazement.
"No, nothing out of the ordinary ever happened thereby. We traced every bit and piece of old computerized information and finally concluded upon two basic factors: One, the war occurred as told and was fought until the end. Two, conversely, that global battle was......
Read what happened after the third world war occurred.