The following morning, Matthias and Sally commence their studies of the Elemental Crystals. The morning is mostly taken up with passive measurements of the structure and properties of the Crystals, and by lunchtime they've amassed a wealth of data. Over lunch, they pour through the data, but neither can come to any meaningful conclusions about the true nature of the Crystals.

"I've never seen anything like these before," Matthias admits. "For the first time in my career, I'm totally stumped."

"I've not had much luck myself," Sally replies. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say they're resisting our attempts to unlock their secrets."

"A fanciful notion," Matthias opines.

"Fanciful, yes," Sally agrees. "However, the last four months or so have been… interesting times. Before the Brevon Crisis, the three kingdoms were in an uneasy peace, and we were working on ways to defend ourselves. But after Brevon's defeat, and thanks to all the stuff found in the wreckage of his Dreadnought, the focus of most of the research here has shifted from defence to securing a better future."

"Am I right in thinking that the two hounds in the lab next to ours are working on some sort of dimension‑hopping device?" Matthias asks.

"They won't succeed," Sally answers. "Firstly, interdimensional travel is nothing more than a mathematical curiosity, and secondly, even if it is possible, those two bumbling idiots are so incompetent, any machine they build will tear itself apart and kill the power to the whole complex."

"One day, you'll be surprised by what they can achieve," Matthias cautions kindly. "Don't let the fact Ernie dumped you cloud your judgement," he can't help but tease.

"For the last time, it was a mutual break‑up," Sally lies, smiling a little with amusement.

"You said that last time."

"And I'll say it next time."

"What tests shall we do next?" Matthias asks, dropping the subject of Sally's romantic life.

Sally thinks a moment. "I think we should try and drill into the Crystals, see if they're solid all the way through."

"Which one shall we start with?"

"The ruby."

"I'll keep a fire extinguisher on standby," Matthias jokingly volunteers.

"It'll be fine," Sally assures.

Ten minutes later, Sally has the Fire Crystal secured in a strong clamp, and is ready to commence drilling.

"Go slowly," Matthias advises. "At the first sign of trouble, abort."

"Don't worry, dad, I've got this," Sally assures, then fires up the drill and slowly lowers it towards the Crystal. As the tip of the drill bit contacts the Crystal, Sally senses something's not quite right. I'm feeling no resistance… Gonna keep going. Eventually, Sally has lowered the drill as far as she can. As she lifts it up, both she and her father are in for a shock.

"Um… What on Avalice happened to the drill bit?" Matthias asks, correctly noting the bit has almost completely disappeared.

Sally releases what's left and inspects it. "It's… been vaporised‽"

"How‽"

"No idea."

"Weird… I'll get a new bit."

"And I'll switch to the sapphire."

Sally switches the gems while Matthias fetches and installs a new drill bit. With the new bit installed, Sally repeats her experiment with the ruby, albeit with different results: as the new bit contacts the Water Crystal, a sudden gush of water soaks her to the skin, and snaps the drill bit close to the chuck.

"OK, that was just plain spiteful," Sally splutters, wiping the excess water from her face.

"I'll get another bit," Matthias volunteers, unable to resist chucking at his daughter's misfortune.

As Matthias fits a new drill bit, Sally switches the Water Crystal for the Wood Crystal. With everything in place, Sally tries one last time‑

The Wood Crystal sprouts thin vines that wrap around the drill, irreparably damaging it, and thicker vines that wrap around Sally, pinning her arms to her sides and her legs to the stool's.

"What on Avalice‽" Sally cries, surprised and annoyed at being bound by vines.

"These Crystals are definitely protecting themselves," Matthias concludes.

"They can do that without tying me up!" Sally snaps, though her anger is directed at the Wood Crystal, not at her father.

"Want to try the Earth Crystal next?" Matthias quips.

"For some reason, I'm not keen on that idea," Sally answers.

"I'll go find some secateurs," Matthias decides. "Don't go anywhere," he quips as he leaves the lab.

Sally waits until her father is out of earshot before mumbling a short series of explosive expletives. "No more destructive testing."