he comes to an asteroid populated by old men chained to the tops of pillars of rock. Communicating telepathically, they tell Valérian that they are atoning for the sins of Falmmil and that huntresses bring them food and protect them. They tell Valérian that he will find help if he goes to the three moons. Continuing along the pathways through the asteroids he comes to the three moons which have been bolted together with metal struts. The population are poor and malnourished and tend thinly cultivated fields. Reaching a building on one of the moons, Valérian meets with the elders. They explain that Flammil itself is no longer habitable having been sterilised with radioactivity following a war. The survivors are struggling to exist in the asteroid belt trying to preserve their history and culture. Valérian is sympathetic and tells him that Earth had to overcome a similar situation once (a reference to the catastrophe of 1986 seen in The City of Shifting Waters). He offers Earth's assistance in return for help in releasing his astroship. Later, his astroship freed, he organises a decontamination expedition from Earth to visit Flammil. Triumph of Technology (Triomphe de la Technique) First published in Super Pocket Pilote, Issue 9 (29 October 1970) Galaxity plan to erect a communications relay on the planet Lanning. Unfortunately, the natives, although friendly, are very primitive and may be disturbed by the presence of such a large mechanism on their land. Valérian is sent to try to familiarise them with Galaxity's high technology in the hope that they will then accept the relay. Arriving at Lanning, the natives hold a feast in Valérian's honour. After the feast, Valérian offers to show them some of Galaxity's technology. He demonstrates a dream projector. The natives are unimpressed and ask Valérian to think of someone he likes. Suddenly, Valérian has a very vivid dream about Laureline far superior to anything the projector can offer. Realizing that the projector won't impress them, he demonstrates his all-terrain vehicle. The native chief complains about the bumpy ride but Valérian responds that it's a faster way of getting around. Suddenly, from a standing start, the rest of the natives overtake the vehicle on foot, barely breaking a sweat. Exasperated, Valérian tries another tack and straps on a jet pack, flying into the air. However, the Lannings have another trick up their sleeve – they can fly! To