Fixed

Well the central crystal didn't help, so Richard switched out the resonance crystal once apparently used by the D'ni to record sounds. The replacement seems to work fine so far. A few more tweaks and all should be well again.

Translated a few notes as well. I doubt I'll get JD the piece this week, but soon. Looking into the Tokotah trip too...

Projects

Met with Arthur. Not quite sure if he's staying, but I wanted to go over plans for what we'd do if the DRC announced it wouldn't be coming back. I'm also hoping to talk to vid and a few others. Maybe get a good-sized group together. We'd need to be self-sufficient one way or another, though. Whether it's part of the group finding funding or simply living smart down here. I've got most of the equipment for the Tokotah II trip regardless of what goes on.

Talked to Clarke as well. Looks like he's having no luck so far. Though he does still have some contacts. From what I hear from him, Ava's doing a lot of work behind the scenes in SR. Looks like they're planning for the future too.

Visited the Office again today. I think I've finally found a name I like for it. Tor'oolbah. Short for torihnai oolbah. Cold office. I think that's pretty much obvious. I've been intrigued by the long, haunting calls I hear over the water. I'd like to set up a microphone and record them.

KI Issues

My KI has been having some odd problems lately. It's sparking and crackling and popping. I talked to Ralph and he's going to get a former ResEng out to do some work. Thinks it's the main crystal. If that isn't it, we'll keep trying. Maybe it's the KI recording feature Laxman was once working on coming back to semi-life.

Working on another Lara document. Hope to send it to JD this week if I can get the KI working.

Other Groups

Had a nice chat with J.D.Barnes a while ago in the City about the various splinter groups of the Ronay. Not that everyone doesn't already know this, but the quick history lesson is that the D'ni were one of a few splinter groups formed from the great race of Garternay, the Ronay. Most of the Ronay went to a luxurious age named Tehrahnee. However Ri'neref brought a (relatively) small number of supporters to a humbler life.

J.D. was talking about the possibility that some of the other groups which splintered off may have developed radically-different forms of age writing. As Dr. Watson said, nothing could be found in D'ni books. But who knows if something was developed by one of the splinter groups.

It was also interesting to hear his ideas about the Bahro. As he pointed out, the Bahro can't be able to link anywhere as the nekisal would have already been able to find and destroy whatever gizmo's out in the ages that would be able to stop them and, as I pointed out, nothing is perfect. I suppose you can say that a Bahro being able to be killed by a bullet has a weakness, but I think there must be more. They can't be all-singing all-dancing all-powerful death machines. A creature like that doesn't exist. There must be limitations. Perhaps the Bahro can only link somewhere once a link is made by another creature, or perhaps removing their skin prevents them from linking (perhaps the reason their leader wants his back). Who knows. J.D. seems to think that something may come from the Lara documents. While I doubt that, who knows.

I've been looking into the power stations and other facilities in the DRC-released ages. Most of my equipment has worn down from neglect. With Er'cana released, I moved most of the equipment I need power for there. Areas like Gira are now more for recreation than anything else (I still have the "barbecues" up). I think I'm going to dismantle most of my age modifications for now. Perhaps some of the ideas could be used in the Office.

I realize my entries have been getting shorter. I've been looking into other areas of study as a way of keeping myself occupied as well as providing funding should I need it (Quite an enticing proposal from someone interested in outer space and wormholes). I will try and keep this updated with news of what I'm doing. Though I must admit I enjoy this more relaxed time vs. my time filled with projects.

Staying

I made my decision. Looks like vid's staying here. I'd like to talk to him and Erik and any of Tweek's friends who are still down here. Unless something extraordinary (bad or good) happens, I'd like to continue my research down here and maybe keep working on my office. I've been working on a few reference documentation for the ages we have.

Doubts and Decisions

Recently got in contact with someone who claims to be an old ResEng. He said the DRC's been busy looking for funding, but so far have been turned down. They're still trying, but it's not looking good. I'm still deciding what to do if the DRC never come back. I know a group of us explorers are staying down here, perhaps I'll keep things running with them. I'm not quite ready to give up on this place.

Waiting

It's been a long time since the DRC left for the surface and I worry that they may not return. For now, most of my projects are on hold until I hear word from a few people about continuing them.

I noticed recently that Clarke went to the surface and Olivia's gone off somewhere. I need to check on Kingsley and see if he still needs me. Otherwise, I may have to find some other way of keeping myself sufficient down here. It would be a shame if I had to leave... I have many ideas.

Kemo Journal

Decided to post more of my journal during my first visit to Kemo. Figured a transcript rather than a photo might work out better.

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Unknown Date/Time: Age of Eder Kemo

I've returned in the morning to find the age as serene as before, besides the occasional rain storms. I've explored the age more and find it much different than it's "sister" age Gira. The linking point sits upon a man-made shelter. The floor is branded with the odd stamp I saw back in the Cleft and have noticed in other Ages. From that floor grows a three-legged stone shelter with a small lamp in it. Walking forward from the shelter, I cross over a bridge and under a lamp post before opening up into a large basin to my right. At the end closest to the linking point, an abstract fountain sits along with two small benches and two lamp posts about twelve feet high. Continuing down a small flight of stairs into the shallow basin leads me to a grove of creaking trees. They have an odd design which seems as if it would be unable to hold its own weight and yet, should I stand on it, it shows no signs of stress. I must assume a system of roots for this tree must go down very deep, perhaps some into solid rock. The tops of these trees are stranger still as they do not appear to be made up so much of leaves, but of a large "plate" of moss and lichen and tiny flowers. I cannot tell if this "plate" is something which the tree produces or whether it acts as host to various plants (perhaps taking in nutrients from them in a kind of symbiosis?). In the middle of this grove is a tall stone pillar, asymmetrical as it seems naturally carved by (I believe) water. To the right of this grove is a stand of bamboo-like trees and a large gazebo (I should also note that more of those strange cloths can be found here in numerous locations). As I continue to the other side of the basin, the creaking trees continue every few feet. After the tunnel enterance, they are no longer seen in the age.

Through the tunnel, a new, open area is revealed dominated, like the other area, with many type of plants and structures. I've noted a number of small flowers and plants in the age which seem prevalent. Ones that resemble brightly-colored lettuces or cabbages. Others that are similarly colored with pointed leaves (petals?). In the second area, new species come in addition to the old. I believe the older species must have a more efficient means of reproduction, therefore they are more prevalent. A succulent species and a kind of metallic-colored fern are added to the small plant's category here. However, there are larger and more exciting plants further on. From coming out of the tunnel and turning to the left, a large grove of humming trees are obvious. The trees have a trunk with a thick base which gets immediately smaller and then rises up around six feet to a red and blue-colored "brain"-like top (perhaps for absorbing sunlight?). From that brain structure drop five, blue stems ending in yellow pollen bulbs. A species of bug seems to circle around the pollen stems and may help to pollinate them or perhaps eat the dust as a source of nutrition. The bugs leave if a storm comes. Straight ahead from the tunnel exit is an overhanging ledge with long moss hanging from it. On the ground is a strange symbol. Straight from there is a large floating structure. I'll call it a sculpture for now. The lights below it glow blue when a storm arrives. Down the path and to the right is another small stand of bamboo-like plants. Farther down the path leads me to another three-pointed shelter with a stone in the center. It is rough, but four-sided. A smaller version of the symbol I've seen elsewhere is branded on here as well. Perhaps a kind of Age marker? Following the right fork leads me down another short flight of stairs to another gazebo and a garden of "puffers" I'll call them. The puffers shoot spores high in the air semi-regularly. Curious why they haven't spread into the other areas of the Age as the wind is fairly strong here. Found a page for my Relto book and a storybook. Shomat? That's a strange name... and over a hundred? Either way, it's an interesting story.

Continuing down the path leads through another tunnel to a small pond lined with cat-tails and lily pads and populated with at least three fish! wondrous little things too. Such a diverse age and, while the storms jolt you awake, very relaxing too.
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Late night

Late night tonight getting some documents together. Thought I heard someone walking around above, but when I got there I saw no one. Probably just tired.