Greetings from Spontoon Island, the Jewel of the Deep! Although during my travels I have run across countless villages and communities that have claimed to be the “grandiose statement in their particular area”, Spontoon Island maybe well be the only one I shall ever encounter that actually has factual claim to the boast. It is a lovely island—truth to be told lovely group of islands—which, until the advent of the aeroplane and airship were too far from the normal shipping lanes to garner much interest—or traffic!

I confess that I was so anxious to send my previous missive to you a soon as possible upon my arrival here that I failed to mention two of my traveling companions—two individuals so remarkable that I simply am aghast that I failed to send you my verbal sketches of them.

First of all is the famed aviatrix Oliva Glendive. You will not be able to completely imagine my surprise upon spying her sitting in the lounge our first day out of Port Union. Having been raised by well mannered parents I gave Miss Glendive a wide berth, but as you know travelers must soon make of themselves friends, for at least a little while. Eventually we did find ourselves in conversation. Would you believe that this brave woman, lauded world wide for her exploits aloft, confessed to me that she was in a state of sheer petrification. The cause? It seems that risking her life by her own judgment, and on her own skill is one thing for Miss Glendive, but to have to place her ‘mortal coil’ in the hands of another…. If you could have seen me, your mere slip of a daughter reassuring Miss Glendive you would have been most amused, but of course would choose to hide your laughter!

Miss Glendive also complemented me on my voice, finding it nearly impossible to believe I had never heard it. If you can communicate to Professor Harmont (you may remember he ran the speech training clinic at the Neihart Institute for the Deaf, and that I, as a wild, ‘untamed little hellion’, was often the bane of his existence) Miss Glendive’s appreciation of his skills, I would be most grateful. Miss Glendive also feels that you and father are to be much lauded for allowing me the freedom to travel despite my impediments. I believe at one point during our conversation she stated “that far-thinking, progressive parents such as yours, my dear girl, are exactly what this old world needs!” So the next time Mrs. Ballentine lectures you on the proper care of lame and infirm people, please convey your famous admirer’s comments.

Oh my, it’s been “Miss Glendive this, and Miss Glendive that” in this letter so far. It’s a wonder if you have read this far!

My other companion of note was Rex Lazenby, who turns out is a direct relation to the old gentleman who formed the EA airship line. Mr. Lazenby—although I must confess that he allowed me to call him by his given name—was traveling to Spontoon Island with hopes of meeting the anthropologist Doctor Sandra Kent. Apparently Dr. Kent, while studying another oceanic community of natives ran across a reference to an unusual object—truth be told, no one knows it’s exact nature—known as “Looking At The Fallen Angel”. It’s possible, some believe, that whatever this mysterious object is, was manufactured by one of the Eastern races.

Well, I had originally planned on taking a few days to fill you in on the sights of Spontoon (Mr. Lazenby has promised to take me to the Casino island—surely not to game—within the next few days. I must tell you, Mother, that I find Mr. Lazenby a most enjoyable person to be with. Although we had difficulties at first before I was able to comfortably read his lips—and he was comfortable having them read—the two of us hit it off quite well.

Hoping you are all well at home. Although I am having the time of my life on this voyage I am still missing you madly!

Your devoted daughter,

Elena Northridge