Long-range communication stone



A Long-range communication stone is a device created by the Alterans before their society divided into the Ancients. It is used in tandem with the Long-range communication device.

Overview
Long-range communication stones are palm-sized, triangular devices with rounded edges and intricate designs on the top. They work by forming a psychic link to the last person to make physical contact with them. A second link is established with a nearby stone if applicable, allowing the two users to share thoughts, either conscious or not. The link from the stone to its user requires close range, not being able to extend much further than an adjacent room, but the link between two stones has much greater range, at least a few thousand miles. In addition to working on Humans and Ancients, it is also shown to be compatible with the Nakai. Communication stones are inert unless initialized by someone with the Ancient Technology Activation gene or connected to a Long-range communication device. After they are initialized, however, they will link to anyone who makes physical contact, whether or not they have the gene. This link remains until someone new touches the stone, the user dies, or the connection is cleared by some means. Something as simple as grabbing the stone with a cloth will prevent the stone from linking to the person holding it (this may be the method by which the connection is cleared). When used in conjunction with the Long-range communication device, the function of the stones is greatly enhanced. The link to the user will last over much greater ranges, and allows for the person's entire consciousness to be swapped with the person on the other end.