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“Proto…” Kate began “I’ve never heard of them”

“Nor have I,” Dr Chang said

“I too am unfamiliar,” Dr Janus said

“They aren’t well known The irony is that they are the precursor civilization for al in Europe, the Middle East, and India today In fact, half the world’s population is directly descended froroups”

Janus sat forward “How do you know? The gene pool—”

David held up his hand “We historians have another tool, just as ieneration to generation We can es in it across ties in different places”

None of the three scientists offered a guess or comment

“Language,” David said “We know that almost everyone in Europe, the Middle East, and India speaks a language that is descended froe, which was spoken by a single group, the Proto-Indo-Europeans, about eight thousand years ago We believe these people lived in either Anatolia or the Eurasian Steppes—that’s present day Turkey or southwestern Russia”

“Fascinating…” Janus lanced out the

“David, it’s interesting, but I’ue,” Kate said gently

Janus glanced at David, then Kate “I agree, but I for one would very much like to hear more about this”

David gave Kate a look that said, At least someone around here appreciates me

Janus continued, “I have two questions First: how do you knohat you’re saying is true?”