These spheres possessed a telepathic archive which was contained in a self-sustaining energy matrix. Humanoids were affected by this matrix after the spheres were opened. In the brains of the affected humanoids, the membrane permeability of the columnar cells of the brain stem was altered. Subsequent to this change in the brain and under the influence of the matrix, the affected individuals re-enacted the ancient power struggle which destroyed the Saltah'nans.