@ -838,7 +838,7 @@ Now, more than ever, these words ring true:
"'The ending has not yet been written.'
"With all that said...I give you Chiso Preniv...the first step towards a new future in D’ni!"
"With all that said...I give you Chiso Preniv...the first step towards a new future in D'ni!"
Wow...rereading that, I can't believe it was me who wrote that! Ha!
@ -993,37 +993,39 @@ The wall is still being worked over. I honestly think, if Hazado never saw the i
Keith Lord has mentioned he's close to getting the Highgarden area of Fahets ready to open. His restoration process is quite methodical and always worth the wait. Plus, with some of the photos he's been taking of the Age, I'm even more keen to see it in person!]]></translation>
</element>
<element name="DulcaDiaryNeuBook">
<translation language="English"><![CDATA[<font size=16 face=Michelle><margin left=62 right=62 top=48>...ahrg, where are my documents again? I can’t find them.
Sorry if I'm appear a bit messy, I've always been more a woman for the rough stuff.
It's a miracle that I got a place to study archaeology. And that I have been assigned a table here in the sanctuaries of Chiso makes me proud beyond measure.
As you can see, I'm just setting myself up.
In the first few days in Chiso, I browsed the shelves a little. It's not forbidden, although I've been told to be careful with everything because not all books are already examined and backed up.
Oops.
I was in the cordoned off area. Maybe the red ribbons should have warned me.
Well, I accidentally knocked an old book off the shelf and before I knew I found myself in a cave. Surely it would have been wiser to return immediately. But deep down I'm an explorer and I just couldn't help but delve deeper into the caves.
Again and again the earth trembled and debris fell from the ceiling.
Luckily, I was wearing my new blue helmet, which I bought especially for my upcoming research tours. Safety first. That has always been my motto.
Well maybe not on this day.
Well, the little pebbles that occasionally hit my helmet didn't really bother me. So, undaunted, I set off.
As luck would have it, I also had my Polaroid with me and occasionally snapped what I saw.
Of course I know what you want to say. Archaeologists draw their objects and don't take snapshots...
Don't blame me. A photo is faster.
Over time, the small pebbles turned into thick chunks of earth. I can only remember one violent blow, then everything around me went black.
I was lying on the floor in front of the bookshelf, the helmet was still on my head, polaroid cam in hand. Was it all just a dream?
Had I just a little fainting spell.
Probably not, because the pictures next to me on the floor say something else. Wonderful polaroid, so much about drawing....
Nevertheless, i can't believe that all.
Did I really see it all? A model of a boat in a small workshop. Was that really a boat? Some abandoned cave constructions...... it seems like a dream to me. If it weren't for the photos.
I asked my friend Lillo from Italy to make me a 3D model of what I call boat.
Oh, I already have some of his models in a display case at home. Lillo is really an artist at what he does.
I'll be happy to give you the address... where is my address book again…..
You're probably wondering what happened to the book. They have closed immediately it. It's too unsafe, they said.
Luckily, they let me get away with a warning.
Ok, I should move on. The other tables already look so tidy......]]></translation>
<translation language="English"><![CDATA[<font size=16 face=Michelle><margin left=62 right=62 top=48>...argh, where are my documents again? I can't find them.
Sorry if I seem a bit disorganized. I've always been more a woman of action.
It's a miracle that I got a place to study archaeology. It makes me proud beyond measure that I have been assigned a table here in the sanctuary of Chiso. As you can see, I'm just setting myself up.
In the first few days in Chiso, I browsed the shelves a little. It wasn't forbidden, although I was told to be careful with everything. Some of the books had not been examined and packed up. I was in the cordoned-off area. Maybe the red ribbons should have warned me. Oops.
Well, I accidentally knocked an old book off the shelf and, before I knew it, I found myself in a cave. It would certainly have been wiser to return immediately. But deep down, I'm an explorer, and I just couldn't help but delve deeper into the caves. Over and over again, the earth trembled and debris fell from the ceiling.
Luckily, I was wearing my new blue helmet, which I had bought especially for my upcoming research tours. "Safety first," has always been my motto.
Well, maybe it wasn't on that day.
The little pebbles that occasionally pinged off my helmet didn't really bother me. So, undaunted, I set off. As luck would have it, I also had my Polaroid with me, and I occasionally snapped pictures of what I saw.
Of course, I know what you want to say: Archaeologists draw their subjects and don't take pictures! Don't blame me. A photo is faster.
Over time, the small pebbles turned into large chunks of earth. I can only remember one violent blow, then everything around me went black.
I was lying on the floor in front of the bookshelf with my helmet still on and Polaroid camera still in hand. Was it all just a dream?
Did I just faint?
Probably not, because the pictures next to me on the floor said differently. Wonderful Polaroids... forget about drawing!
Nevertheless, I can't believe it.
Did I really see all of this? A model of a boat in a small workshop... is that really a boat? Some abandoned cave structures... it would seem like a dream to me if it weren't for the photos.
I asked my friend Lillo from Italy to make me a 3D model of what I'm calling the boat. I already have some of his models in a display case at home. Lillo is really an artist at what he does. I'd be happy to give you the address... where is my address book again?
Oh, you're probably wondering what happened to the book. They confiscated it immediately, saying it's too unsafe. Luckily, they let me get away with just a warning.
OK, I should move on. The other tables already look so tidy....]]></translation>
</element>
<element name="GZJournal">
<translation language="English"><![CDATA[<cover src="greatzerojournals01.hsm"><margin left=62 right=62 top=48><font size=16 face=Michelle><p align=left>The Great Zero Journals
@ -1041,9 +1043,9 @@ Diranda Valerian
My time in the Cavern
March 11, 2022
I’ve been working in the Cavern, this time, for several weeks. At this point, I have focused most of my research on the Great Zero complex and the history behind this enigmatic location. I have been working on D’ni research for many years, having become involved in the project back in the 1990s, when the first DRC researchers began to investigate the Cavern. However, many other projects have diverted my studies, including some work in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as well as the Pacific Northwest. Only recently have I been able to return to the Cavern to help with the restoration efforts there.
I've been working in the Cavern, this time, for several weeks. At this point, I have focused most of my research on the Great Zero complex and the history behind this enigmatic location. I have been working on D'ni research for many years, having become involved in the project back in the 1990s, when the first DRC researchers began to investigate the Cavern. However, many other projects have diverted my studies, including some work in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as well as the Pacific Northwest. Only recently have I been able to return to the Cavern to help with the restoration efforts there.
I have settled into my neighborhood, a ‘Bevin’ type. This one is mine, however, as opposed to the first neighborhood I used as a base, which was shared by several other explorers. Unfortunately, the neighborhood I was assigned doesn’t have a D’ni clock, but I was very happy to be able to find one that was in good condition and was unclaimed. A clock is just a bonus. I’m grateful to Calum, who helped me find one so quickly.
I have settled into my neighborhood, a ‘Bevin' type. This one is mine, however, as opposed to the first neighborhood I used as a base, which was shared by several other explorers. Unfortunately, the neighborhood I was assigned doesn't have a D'ni clock, but I was very happy to be able to find one that was in good condition and was unclaimed. A clock is just a bonus. I'm grateful to Calum, who helped me find one so quickly.
Water Power
@ -1053,15 +1055,15 @@ Looking at the complex, there is a set of water channels from the lake outside t
I have been looking over the channels and have realized that they run underneath part of the Calibration chamber, which means there is a channel within the interior of the building. In order to keep the machines running correctly, there most likely had to have been a team, or at least a single maintenance person on hand, perhaps occasionally anyway, to oversee the continued operation of the Emitter.
I’d like to try to get through one of the doors I have found in the complex, but so far, no luck. It’s possible it’s not even a door, really, but as a window, it makes no sense. I have tried to see if there’s something on the other side that would make the window theory work, but there’s only the raised platform in the actual Calibration chamber.
I'd like to try to get through one of the doors I have found in the complex, but so far, no luck. It's possible it's not even a door, really, but as a window, it makes no sense. I have tried to see if there's something on the other side that would make the window theory work, but there's only the raised platform in the actual Calibration chamber.
I have consulted with a few other explorers regarding my investigations, so they’re aware I’m attempting to find a way inside the interior. I’m not sure if they believe me or just think I’m mad… the crazy lady who’s obsessed with the Great Zero…
I have consulted with a few other explorers regarding my investigations, so they're aware I'm attempting to find a way inside the interior. I'm not sure if they believe me or just think I'm mad… the crazy lady who's obsessed with the Great Zero…
Missing Equipment
March 16, 2022
I seem to have misplaced my current journal and the writing supplies I’d left at the Zero last night. I’m not sure if I just forgot where I put them or if someone came by and saw them and picked them up to return to me.
I seem to have misplaced my current journal and the writing supplies I'd left at the Zero last night. I'm not sure if I just forgot where I put them or if someone came by and saw them and picked them up to return to me.
I do hope I find them soon, most of my current research on the people who worked in this complex was in that book.
@ -1071,29 +1073,29 @@ Oh dear.
New Journal
March 18, 2022
Well, since I have yet to find my previous journal, I started a new book. I’ll just have to remember to keep it on me at all times.
Well, since I have yet to find my previous journal, I started a new book. I'll just have to remember to keep it on me at all times.
I honestly didn’t think anyone else was interested in the Great Zero, at least I never see anyone here, so I was surprised to find my work gone.
I honestly didn't think anyone else was interested in the Great Zero, at least I never see anyone here, so I was surprised to find my work gone.
At any rate, Kelsei is keeping an eye out for it and I’m doing the same, in case I come across other misplaced materials.
At any rate, Kelsei is keeping an eye out for it and I'm doing the same, in case I come across other misplaced materials.
I still have not been able to figure out any kind of opening mechanism for the ‘doors’ in the Zero Calibration fore-chamber. I just might be wrong about them, I don’t know.
I still have not been able to figure out any kind of opening mechanism for the ‘doors' in the Zero Calibration fore-chamber. I just might be wrong about them, I don't know.
I have found some other interesting artifacts in the Library as well as in the area I believe the Zero workers may have lived at one point. At any rate, I found some evidence nearby of a family who made jewelry, which was quite a bit of fun to discover. Some books on gemology as far as I can translate.
It’s interesting, the kinds of gemstones the D’ni used in their jewelry as well as creation of gaming materials and decoration. I found a lovely little Gemedet set in the Jeweler’s Manor, made from what looks to be white jade. It was apparently in the process of being finished when the Family had to abandon the City.
It's interesting, the kinds of gemstones the D'ni used in their jewelry as well as creation of gaming materials and decoration. I found a lovely little Gemedet set in the Jeweler's Manor, made from what looks to be white jade. It was apparently in the process of being finished when the Family had to abandon the City.
It’s rather poignant, such a lovely little item just sitting there, abandoned.
It's rather poignant, such a lovely little item just sitting there, abandoned.
Gahreesen Wall Tourney
May 6, 2022
I’d wanted to go to see this event, it looked like it was a lot of fun! Unfortunately, I had to consult with Dr. Tenny about a small injury I’d sustained a few weeks ago, so while we were x-raying my ankle, I had to miss the beginning of the event.
I'd wanted to go to see this event, it looked like it was a lot of fun! Unfortunately, I had to consult with Dr. Tenny about a small injury I'd sustained a few weeks ago, so while we were x-raying my ankle, I had to miss the beginning of the event.
Even worse, once we were done, I hurried over to the neighborhood and managed to get over to Gahreesen to see the event and I missed a jump! I Reltoed out and before I could get back there, the event had concluded.
I’ve just been having one of those crazy, forgetful days today. However, I did head over to the Great Zero to take some more photographs.
I've just been having one of those crazy, forgetful days today. However, I did head over to the Great Zero to take some more photographs.
I do wonder if I misplaced my research last month, now! Though other folks have reported things missing, including a garden gnome?
@ -1101,26 +1103,26 @@ I do wonder if I misplaced my research last month, now! Though other folks have
New Stories and Friends
May 17, 2022
I discovered a slim little Journal in my researches into the Great Zero and its Keeper. While I was looking around the neighborhood the Keeper lived in, I found a cache of little books. I think these were written by the Keeper’s daughter, a girl named Sarai. Though I’m not entirely certain. Some of these books are written in a different hand, which I believe might be a young man named Tayeth.
I discovered a slim little Journal in my researches into the Great Zero and its Keeper. While I was looking around the neighborhood the Keeper lived in, I found a cache of little books. I think these were written by the Keeper's daughter, a girl named Sarai. Though I'm not entirely certain. Some of these books are written in a different hand, which I believe might be a young man named Tayeth.
But I found a story, which I’m not sure at the moment is a historical record or just a fiction, about the first time Sarai met Tayeth, when they were children. It’s fascinating! I’ve been spending most of my time looking through these homes, trying to find any kind of documentation about the Great Zero.
But I found a story, which I'm not sure at the moment is a historical record or just a fiction, about the first time Sarai met Tayeth, when they were children. It's fascinating! I've been spending most of my time looking through these homes, trying to find any kind of documentation about the Great Zero.
I found a scrap of paper with the word key on it. That doesn’t mean our ‘KI’s, as that’s a name the DRC invented for the devices. I’d like to find more about this Key.
I found a scrap of paper with the word key on it. That doesn't mean our ‘KI's, as that's a name the DRC invented for the devices. I'd like to find more about this Key.
Dr. Tenny has been busy lately! He’s met someone named Logan… I haven’t met this person, but apparently Tenny’s very interested in him. It’s very cute actually. I’ve never seen Tiernan blush, but he does when he talks about Logan.
Dr. Tenny has been busy lately! He's met someone named Logan… I haven't met this person, but apparently Tenny's very interested in him. It's very cute actually. I've never seen Tiernan blush, but he does when he talks about Logan.
The Key to Zero
June 10, 2022
I’ve been thinking a lot about the word ‘Key’ and how it relates to the materials I found in the Lyara Neighborhood, where the Keeper and his daughter lived, as well as the Jeweler’s Family.
I saw a sketch in one of Sarai’s journals, of what seems to be a key. It certainly looks like the keys from other D’ni places we have discovered.
She noted in it, so I took a picture and sent it to Tiernan’s grandmother, who is a D’ni linguist.
Molly said that as far as she could decipher, considering the words were faded and written in a child’s hand, that the description says “My key to Zero”.
I think it might be a key to a room, but I haven’t found the room yet. I do wonder why Sarai had a ‘key to Zero’, and I wonder if the key might work on one of the ‘doors’ I found in the Great Zero complex. I’m not sure.
I also found a small box with the word ‘Firemarbles’ on it. When I opened it, it was empty, unfortunately.
In one of Sarai’s journals, there are a few pages with the word ‘Firemarbles’ on them, but again, I can’t seem to read what she’s written there. I might send them to Molly, if she has time, but I’m also thinking of perhaps asking one of the linguists here in the Cavern about them.
Since things have been going missing lately, I’ve been very hesitant to share too many of the discoveries I’ve made, which makes me sad, but Tiernan and Kelsei agree it’s probably better right now. I wish Calum were back, I think he’d find this fascinating. I only hope he’s feeling better soon!
I've been thinking a lot about the word ‘Key' and how it relates to the materials I found in the Lyara Neighborhood, where the Keeper and his daughter lived, as well as the Jeweler's Family.
I saw a sketch in one of Sarai's journals, of what seems to be a key. It certainly looks like the keys from other D'ni places we have discovered.
She noted in it, so I took a picture and sent it to Tiernan's grandmother, who is a D'ni linguist.
Molly said that as far as she could decipher, considering the words were faded and written in a child's hand, that the description says “My key to Zero”.
I think it might be a key to a room, but I haven't found the room yet. I do wonder why Sarai had a ‘key to Zero', and I wonder if the key might work on one of the ‘doors' I found in the Great Zero complex. I'm not sure.
I also found a small box with the word ‘Firemarbles' on it. When I opened it, it was empty, unfortunately.
In one of Sarai's journals, there are a few pages with the word ‘Firemarbles' on them, but again, I can't seem to read what she's written there. I might send them to Molly, if she has time, but I'm also thinking of perhaps asking one of the linguists here in the Cavern about them.
Since things have been going missing lately, I've been very hesitant to share too many of the discoveries I've made, which makes me sad, but Tiernan and Kelsei agree it’s probably better right now. I wish Calum were back, I think he’d find this fascinating. I only hope he’s feeling better soon!
I might ask Dr. Lavisham to look over these things though. I think he might find them interesting.]]></translation>
Jalak is set up in a rising staircase pattern, with GREEN being ground level.
This is the "Start" Square. The stairs raise one coulmn height step at a time, ascending, from there.
@ -3306,143 +3303,100 @@ The CENTER PILLAR is raised to the same height or slightly higher than the now h
Spawn one ORB ontop of it.
Shield is Active at All Times Barring Emergencies.
RULES:
Players start on Green, taking turns to move forwards, aiming to reach the top of the stairs, so they may leap to central pillar.
If a Player dislodges the ORB, they win the game.
In a Turn: Players move forwards "One Plane," with the ability to raise or lower any column in the path *once,*
EXCLUDING the Central Pillar.
"One Plane," Blocks in level with eachother- IE: three squares that are level with eachother is one plane,
allowing faster progression across the board by said player.
Players are allowed to modify any square in the tower during their turn for the purposes of:
Blocking other players progression, setting up ones future progression, or aiding a fellow player.
Players are allowed to modify the board outside of their one turn if they fall off of the stairs, however:
Changes MUST be undone afterwards, and MUST NOT be done to hinder other players.
Shield may be deactivated in cases of emergency such as a pillar/shield sandwiching.
---
GAME: TORTURE
2-10 players.
FIELD:
FORCEFIELD MAY NOT BE DISABLED AT ANY TIME.
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED: SPAWNING OBJECTS ARE BANNED.
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED: SPAWNING OBJECTS ARE BANNED.
NORMAL MODE:
The Four Corners are raised to medium height, with the rest of the field leveled flat.
HARD MODE:
The Four Corners are raised to maximum height, with the rest of the field leveled flat.
HEEK MODE:
For a rare and highly dangerous 5X Showdown Combo:
Five Torturer Roles must be present for this mode.
The four corners are raised, along with the central pillar, to maximum height.
Rest of field is leveled flat.
"ARE YOU SIRRUS?" SPIRE MODE:
The Central Column is raised to Maximum Height. All other planes leveled flat.
All Torturer Role Players are crowded onto this column.
Objects may be spawned.
RULES:
There may be up to FOUR of the role "Torturer," covering the four corners of the map.
Torturer Role is to peer down into the field, and modify the field at their whims- raising Columns to slowly fill in the field.
Players within the field are role "Tortured" and must climb the rapidly ascending pillars as the Torturer raises them.
Players within the field are DISALLOWED from modifying the field under non emergency circumstances.
EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCE:
If a Player falls off the field into a pit, and a Torturer CANNOT see their column to activate it:
Player is allowed to modify the field by raising their pitted platform until they can escape the pit.
{The game is called TORTURE, after all, not MURDER ;) }
In 1 on 1 Games:
The Tortured Player who reaches the Column top that the Torturer is on will 'dethrone' the Torturer to the floor, winning the game.
Winning player takes place as Torturer in next round, if next round is played.
In 3 player games:
1 torturer and 2 tortured players. First Tortured To Dethrone the Torturer Wins.
2 torturers, 1 tortured player. First Torturer to be dethroned is cast to the pit to play with a field reset.
In 4 player games:
2 or 3 Torturers, and 2 or 1 Tortured Players.
Torturers must take opposite corners from eachother to cover full range of map.
Game resets when one Torturer is dethroned, winner is first Torutred Player to dethrone.
...Okay so you can see how this game scales up now, right? Time for the FUN ones.
HEEK MODE:
Five Torturers. 2-5 Tortured Players.
Game Ends when 3 Torturers are Dethroned.
Tortured Players who succeed in Dethroning help their fellow Tortured Players succeed in dethroning.
Dethroned Torturers may now attempt to dethrone their own former Torturers, adding to the 3 Dethroned requirement.
ARE YOU SIRRUS? SPIRE MODE:
2-5 Torturers Stand upon the central spire. 2-5 Tortured Players climb to the top.
Balance accordingly to amount of players. All players are encouraged to wear DRC Hard Hats.
Tortured Players are allowed to spawn Jalak objects upon the central column.
Players are allowed to attempt to use these blocks, where ever they may land, to ascend to previously unreachable squares.
Win condition is when the first Tortured player to the top of the spire dethrones all Torturers.
Field will reset, all Tortured Players and Torturer Players swap roles for next round.
(Calum Traveler's Patch Notes: STAIRS and TORTURE were developed by my friend group back in 2007/2008,
most of us if not all of us neighbors of Uru Obsession's Hood. LONG LIVE UO!
I'm not sure who of us created what at this point for the generic rule sets, and it was likely a group effort.
@ -3586,9 +3540,7 @@ It's been a long time since I've been this deflated. Felt like I haven't looked
Must be wary not to allow myself to become untethered. The urge to wander the stacks and lose myself in the vastness for good grows by the day.
I must remember what - and who - it is that keeps me here.
10/02/2021
I must remember what - and who - it is that keeps me here.<pb>10/02/2021
Long chats with Ed and Echo over the past month have managed to re-align my head somewhat. Between them both, they have made me realise that there is more than one way to bring the wisdom and knowledge of D'ni to the world.
What's most important right now is to ensure that the work of the explorer restoration continues to progress. To this end, I've decided that I will volunteer my efforts to help them succeed in this very thing.
@ -3730,9 +3682,7 @@ Spending the evening with a warm mug of vanilla chai and the second of the Deep
20/12/21
Bags packed, documents assembled, fetching panama hat retrieved from storage and sufficiently dusted down. Officially ready for my jaunt to sunnier climes for the festive season.
Saddened that I'll be missing the Tiam unveiling today, but looking forward to exploring it in the New Year. I have no doubt that Ametist will give it the best possible introduction.
04/01/22
Saddened that I'll be missing the Tiam unveiling today, but looking forward to exploring it in the New Year. I have no doubt that Ametist will give it the best possible introduction.<pb>04/01/22
Suitably recovered from seasonal adventures and New Years Eve shindigs on the surface and elsewhere, though still slightly wobbly in places. Nkeiru's home-made Bramble Gin takes no prisoners, it must be said.
Looking forward to what 2022 may bring, particularly in regards to the restoration. In particular, I must set aside some time during this week to give Tiam a proper going over.
@ -3923,48 +3873,48 @@ That's all I've got for now.
-Carl Palmner]]></translation>
</element>
<element name="PainterBook">
<translation language="English"><![CDATA[<cover src="ChisoPrenivPainterJournal*1#0.hsm"><font size=20 face=URU color=000000><margin left=62 right=62 top=48><pb>There has to be an easier way to collect these blasted things, I thought. One that doesn’t involve my immediate death. That would be nice.
<translation language="English"><![CDATA[<cover src="ChisoPrenivPainterJournal*1#0.hsm"><font size=20 face=URU color=000000><margin left=62 right=62 top=48><pb>There has to be an easier way to collect these blasted things, I thought. One that doesn't involve my immediate death. That would be nice.
I sighed, withdrawing my arm to wipe the perspiration from my brow. The refreshing breeze wafting along the Tokotah Alley was doing little to stifle the nervous anticipation I felt, perched on the edge of a crumbling pathway the sight of which would give most health and safety inspectors good cause to lie down in a darkened room for several hours. I idly wondered what had happened to the cones that once denoted this walkway as unsafe. Not that I felt that much explanation was required in matters of the dangers presented by a two thousand foot drop.
And yet, here I was, kneeling on the edge of abrupt oblivion, my arm stretched out and gesticulating wildly, all considerations to my own welfare cast aside. To anyone watching, I must have looked like I was attempting a piece of abstract performance art. Or undergoing some manner of theological epiphany. Some action not typically undertaken by the objectively sane, in any case.
I needn’t have worried. Anyone down here knew exactly what I was doing. And I was but the latest in a long line of many visitors to the underground caverns of D’ni to do so.
I needn't have worried. Anyone down here knew exactly what I was doing. And I was but the latest in a long line of many visitors to the underground caverns of D'ni to do so.
One last effort. I strained my arm as far as it would reach, ignoring the angry protestations my tendons offered up. My efforts were rewarded by a sudden blinking from my wrist as my KI finally registered the presence of the hologramatic marker projected in front of me, suspended over the drop. Success. Accompanied by a sudden flush of equal parts triumph and numbness, I delicately reached my other arm forward and tapped the flashing button on the device, taking care not to lose the remains of my already unsteady balance. The marker instantly blinked out of existence. Its’ co-ordinates were now stored within the KI’s memory, ready to be uploaded into the Great Zero along with the rest of the marker data I had spent all day meticulously collecting.
One last effort. I strained my arm as far as it would reach, ignoring the angry protestations my tendons offered up. My efforts were rewarded by a sudden blinking from my wrist as my KI finally registered the presence of the hologramatic marker projected in front of me, suspended over the drop. Success. Accompanied by a sudden flush of equal parts triumph and numbness, I delicately reached my other arm forward and tapped the flashing button on the device, taking care not to lose the remains of my already unsteady balance. The marker instantly blinked out of existence. Its' co-ordinates were now stored within the KI's memory, ready to be uploaded into the Great Zero along with the rest of the marker data I had spent all day meticulously collecting.
Satisfied, I withdrew my arm back and instantly edged away from the precipice, nursing the sudden feeling of exhaustion that I’d pushed to the back of my mind but had now finally elbowed its way forward, presenting as it did an angry bill for its services. The entire day had seen me stretching, dangling, crawling, leaping, generally forcing my body to do things it really wasn’t cut out to do, all so I could do my bit as part of the Great Zero’s seemingly endless calibration procedures. And while it was certainly a change of pace from exploring the newest batch of restored ages uncovered by the DRC, it was by no means my idea of unwinding.
Satisfied, I withdrew my arm back and instantly edged away from the precipice, nursing the sudden feeling of exhaustion that I'd pushed to the back of my mind but had now finally elbowed its way forward, presenting as it did an angry bill for its services. The entire day had seen me stretching, dangling, crawling, leaping, generally forcing my body to do things it really wasn't cut out to do, all so I could do my bit as part of the Great Zero's seemingly endless calibration procedures. And while it was certainly a change of pace from exploring the newest batch of restored ages uncovered by the DRC, it was by no means my idea of unwinding.
As I stood, I brushed a generous build-up of dust and rubble particles from my red shearling coat, sending a fine cloud wafting away through the air around me. Further administrations cleared my beard and gloves of any stray discolourings, and I retrieved my glasses from my coat pocket and returned them to my face. After a final check of my extremities to ensure all were present, accounted for and firing on all cylinders, I began taking a casual stroll along the side street and back into the main plaza.
Solid ground, I thought to myself. No substitute for it. The D’ni had the right idea there, no question.
Solid ground, I thought to myself. No substitute for it. The D'ni had the right idea there, no question.
It was definitely quieter in Ae’gura right now, save for the ceaseless sounds of restoration works going on all around us. Many explorers seemed to be taking solace in the newly-unveiled Watcher’s Pub and Er’cana, making the most of what a drastically understaffed DRC could offer for them in terms of new findings that could be safely released to the community. But I knew it was more than that. For some time now, it felt as though a deep sense of bleakness had infiltrated our community’s former optimism, something that was causing most of them to consciously avoid the city.
It was definitely quieter in Ae'gura right now, save for the ceaseless sounds of restoration works going on all around us. Many explorers seemed to be taking solace in the newly-unveiled Watcher's Pub and Er'cana, making the most of what a drastically understaffed DRC could offer for them in terms of new findings that could be safely released to the community. But I knew it was more than that. For some time now, it felt as though a deep sense of bleakness had infiltrated our community's former optimism, something that was causing most of them to consciously avoid the city.
The source was obvious. As I looked down the Grand Staircase, I could see the wreath that had been left outside the entrance to the Kahlo pub in memory of Wheely Engberg and her friend Rose. The sight of it bought back bad memories. Instinctively I rubbed my fingers over the still-raw injuries to my right hand, self-inflicted upon a nearby wall in the Great Tree hood in a moment of furious rage after seeing the catatonic toll Wheely’s death had taken on her father Michael.
The source was obvious. As I looked down the Grand Staircase, I could see the wreath that had been left outside the entrance to the Kahlo pub in memory of Wheely Engberg and her friend Rose. The sight of it bought back bad memories. Instinctively I rubbed my fingers over the still-raw injuries to my right hand, self-inflicted upon a nearby wall in the Great Tree hood in a moment of furious rage after seeing the catatonic toll Wheely's death had taken on her father Michael.
And with the mourning had come the fear, as it always does when that which is unknown leads to such fatal consequences. Already rumours had begun to spread, new fears taking hold in ourselves. Fears of the Bahro, those creatures whose suffering we had once taken so close to our hearts, whose freedom we triumphed in, they who now seemingly demanded blood in exchange for their centuries of captivity. Blood of myself and my fellow explorers.
The explorers once had such high hopes for the opportunities this new restoration would bring. Some had even spoke of making D’ni their new home. Such optimism seemed so far away now, undone by the recent tragedy. There was simply no possibility of life in the city returning to any kind of normal.
The explorers once had such high hopes for the opportunities this new restoration would bring. Some had even spoke of making D'ni their new home. Such optimism seemed so far away now, undone by the recent tragedy. There was simply no possibility of life in the city returning to any kind of normal.
Which is why it so surprised me when I turned around and saw the painter for the first time.
She sat overlooking the balcony area, gazing out over the canyon at the distant bridge. She wore a comfortable turquoise jumper with dark jeans, both of which were dotted with stray drops of her brush’s colourful essence. As she turned her head to the side, I could see her eyes were unfocused, almost wild - as though she had surrendered her mind entirely to the object gripped lightly between her fingers and it was she, not the brush, who was allowing her strokes to be dictated.
She sat overlooking the balcony area, gazing out over the canyon at the distant bridge. She wore a comfortable turquoise jumper with dark jeans, both of which were dotted with stray drops of her brush's colourful essence. As she turned her head to the side, I could see her eyes were unfocused, almost wild - as though she had surrendered her mind entirely to the object gripped lightly between her fingers and it was she, not the brush, who was allowing her strokes to be dictated.
I crept closer in silence, masking my footsteps with the greatest of care. I could see that the landscape of the painting was complete and the painter was ready to commence adding the people. She tilted her head down to stir the small cup of water at her side, and I couldn’t help but notice with slight mirth a smudge of orangish-green paint on her nose. Stopping at the outer edge of the balcony circumference, I took no further steps. Partly because I knew the frustration of having one’s immersion broken, partly out of the social anxiety of introducing myself to others that I’ve never quite managed to shake off. I contented myself with standing in silence, transfixed by the arrangement of colours on the canvas and the application of the brush to them.
I crept closer in silence, masking my footsteps with the greatest of care. I could see that the landscape of the painting was complete and the painter was ready to commence adding the people. She tilted her head down to stir the small cup of water at her side, and I couldn't help but notice with slight mirth a smudge of orangish-green paint on her nose. Stopping at the outer edge of the balcony circumference, I took no further steps. Partly because I knew the frustration of having one's immersion broken, partly out of the social anxiety of introducing myself to others that I've never quite managed to shake off. I contented myself with standing in silence, transfixed by the arrangement of colours on the canvas and the application of the brush to them.
The stillness of our surroundings was broken abruptly by the sight of an explorer on the distant bridge hurling themselves towards the waters below. I shuddered. Not several hours ago I had found myself making this same leap in order to retrieve yet another marker for my calibration task, and when I closed my eyes I could still picture the unforgiving rocks and my reflection in the lake water below growing in size as I tumbled downwards towards it. I have never counted myself a daredevil, and the experience was not one I had any intention of repeating soon.
I couldn’t help but notice the painter flinch at the sight and suppress what felt like an urge to cry out. As I watched, she dabbed a small trace of darker paint beneath the bridge and wiped what might have been a stray tear off of her cheek, leaving yet another smudge.
I couldn't help but notice the painter flinch at the sight and suppress what felt like an urge to cry out. As I watched, she dabbed a small trace of darker paint beneath the bridge and wiped what might have been a stray tear off of her cheek, leaving yet another smudge.
A sudden beeping from my KI interrupted my revelries. Hastily, I bought my arm up to silence the shrill noise of the ancient device, silently cursing my lack of foresight. The screen indicated a notification from my colleague Edward, no doubt updating me on the results of our most recent experiment. The sound had lasted only for a second but I knew it was enough to break the painter’s illusion of privacy. She shook her head as though she were clearing cobwebs from her mind and looked around, registering for the first time that she was not alone on the balcony.
A sudden beeping from my KI interrupted my revelries. Hastily, I bought my arm up to silence the shrill noise of the ancient device, silently cursing my lack of foresight. The screen indicated a notification from my colleague Edward, no doubt updating me on the results of our most recent experiment. The sound had lasted only for a second but I knew it was enough to break the painter's illusion of privacy. She shook her head as though she were clearing cobwebs from her mind and looked around, registering for the first time that she was not alone on the balcony.
I suddenly felt an acute sense of embarrassment, realising that I had been watching the artist unannounced for at least five minutes. The notion of me striking up a conversation with her had not even crossed my mind. Now that politeness required it of me I had no idea what to say. Speak, man. You know how. For goodness sake, you won’t shut up when it’s the right subject.
I suddenly felt an acute sense of embarrassment, realising that I had been watching the artist unannounced for at least five minutes. The notion of me striking up a conversation with her had not even crossed my mind. Now that politeness required it of me I had no idea what to say. Speak, man. You know how. For goodness sake, you won't shut up when it's the right subject.
“A fascinating interpretation,” I settled on, nodding towards the easel. Instantly, I cringed internally. The urge to throw myself into the lake was felt again, this time for entirely different reasons than before.
The painter smiled slightly, clearly unaware of what to make of my sudden appearance and struggling to bring herself back from whatever mental plane she had been previously occupying. She didn’t seem to be bothered by my sudden intrusion, so for the moment I felt safe to press on.
‘Oh no, please,” I added hurriedly, “don’t let me stop you”. I was attempting to break any lingering tension my arrival may have caused. “I’ve always been fascinated by artists. Well, enviable, I should really say.”
The painter smiled slightly, clearly unaware of what to make of my sudden appearance and struggling to bring herself back from whatever mental plane she had been previously occupying. She didn't seem to be bothered by my sudden intrusion, so for the moment I felt safe to press on.
‘Oh no, please,” I added hurriedly, “don't let me stop you”. I was attempting to break any lingering tension my arrival may have caused. “I've always been fascinated by artists. Well, enviable, I should really say.”
When she spoke, her voice was gentle, almost serene. It put me immediately at ease.
@ -3974,30 +3924,30 @@ When she spoke, her voice was gentle, almost serene. It put me immediately at e
“- artists know which ones to keep,” said the painter, finishing the quotation almost instinctively.
I grinned, the beginnings of common ground established. “That’s the one! No, no, I leave all that to the people with talent. And basic hand-eye co-ordination. And who actually know what to do with things like beige. Is it actually a colour? I’ve always thought was just a brown that never really had its’ heart in it.”
I grinned, the beginnings of common ground established. “That's the one! No, no, I leave all that to the people with talent. And basic hand-eye co-ordination. And who actually know what to do with things like beige. Is it actually a colour? I've always thought was just a brown that never really had its' heart in it.”
I realised I was blithering. Trying to stall to make less awkward of a departure. But to my surprise, the painter broke into a laugh. It was a gentle laugh, one without scorn or malice.
“I suppose I’ll keep this one,” said the painter, beckoning to her easel, “although I don’t think I’m much of an artist. It’s just…. a reminder.”
“I suppose I'll keep this one,” said the painter, beckoning to her easel, “although I don't think I'm much of an artist. It's just…. a reminder.”
There was something about the tone of that last word that piqued my interest. “It’s the bridge, isn’t it?’ I asked. I instantly regretted the redundancy of the observation. Of course it’s the bridge. Damn foolish thing to say.
“Yes. It’s what the bridge was.”
There was something about the tone of that last word that piqued my interest. “It's the bridge, isn't it?' I asked. I instantly regretted the redundancy of the observation. Of course it's the bridge. Damn foolish thing to say.
“Yes. It's what the bridge was.”
“You mean, when it was still in one piece?’ I asked.
“You mean, when it was still in one piece?' I asked.
This innocent question provoked an unexpected response from the artist. She seemed to stare straight ahead at her collection of painted strokes, as though she were looking beyond the canvas and into the very depths of the picture. “No”, she said, and this time her voice was as soft as a leaf falling to rest upon grass.
There was a moment’s silence, and I shifted uncomfortably from one foot to another. Had I said something wrong? Was there something obvious I had missed? Or was this the painter’s way of wishing to be left alone? That was most likely it. I idly brushed my hands to the Relto book at my waist and prepared to make a quiet exit.
There was a moment's silence, and I shifted uncomfortably from one foot to another. Had I said something wrong? Was there something obvious I had missed? Or was this the painter's way of wishing to be left alone? That was most likely it. I idly brushed my hands to the Relto book at my waist and prepared to make a quiet exit.
“Does D’ni seem empty to you?”
“Does D'ni seem empty to you?”
The question was sudden, almost hurried, as though the painter had been keeping it within her for some time and could hold it no longer. My hand moved away from my Relto just as she turned once again to face me.
“Empty? I suppose you could say that. Apart from us nosy lot, of course. Not that there’s many of us about at the moment…”
“Empty? I suppose you could say that. Apart from us nosy lot, of course. Not that there's many of us about at the moment…”
It was true. Aside from the group of half a dozen or so explorers sitting on the top steps of the Great Stairs, and the tiny clustering of the more braver of the marker hunters congregating on one side of the bridge in the distance, the city was quiet. The Deep City was breathing more steadily than it had been in recent months, but it still remained a far cry from what it had once been barely two centuries ago.
As if my thoughts were being read, she continued. “People don’t see what it used to be, how it ended. I thought maybe if I painted it... it would be easier to see. For me, at least.”
As if my thoughts were being read, she continued. “People don't see what it used to be, how it ended. I thought maybe if I painted it... it would be easier to see. For me, at least.”
At that moment the distant chattering from the direction of the bridge ceased. As we both watched, another explorer (this one clad in goggles and a pith helmet several sizes too big for him) took a flying leap from the edge of the bridge and plummeted downwards. But before his body could be dashed by the rocks below, he had vanished into the welcoming pages of his Relto, joining the ranks of the hundreds of other explorers who had succeeded in this more daring element of the calibration procedure.
@ -4019,7 +3969,7 @@ She gestured with her brush over the canyon.
“When you look out there, what do you see?”
I adjusted my glasses and looked out over the balcony. Not for the first time, I put myself in the shoes of Atrus, answering the familiar question his grandmother Ti’ana often posed him.
I adjusted my glasses and looked out over the balcony. Not for the first time, I put myself in the shoes of Atrus, answering the familiar question his grandmother Ti'ana often posed him.
“I see a bridge,” I finally settled on. “Connecting the Hall of Kings with the pathway leading around to the Concert Hall. Broken in the middle, either due to decay or more likelier as a result of the tremors that occurred during the Fall. Structural stability is questionable, although the lash-up the DRC have going on seems to have held out so far. And I see people around on top,” I added, eager to not miss any of the more obvious details. “Psyching up the next adrenaline junkie who fancies himself a lemming, more likely.”
@ -4047,27 +3997,27 @@ She sunk to her knees, head resting against the railing, face in her hands. She
Throughout her story, I had found myself enraptured by the words that this mysterious young woman had conjured up. But now the powerful imagery of her words was gone, and I felt I should say or do something, anything to ease her obvious distress. Not for the first time, I wished I was the sort of person who knew the right thing to say at moments like these.
“This is more than a feeling, isn’t it? You’re actually seeing all of this play out in front of your eyes?”
“This is more than a feeling, isn't it? You're actually seeing all of this play out in front of your eyes?”
Wordlessly, her eyes remaining shut, she nodded.
“… I wish I could see the things you do,” I said finally.
Echo opened her eyes and looked up at me. “No. No you don’t, Julian.” She was still clearly distressed, but her breathing had become more even, slowed to a less frantic pace.
Echo opened her eyes and looked up at me. “No. No you don't, Julian.” She was still clearly distressed, but her breathing had become more even, slowed to a less frantic pace.
“But I do!” he insisted. “So many historians look around at this ancient stone and see just that. Buildings, masonry, walkways, everything that time hasn’t managed to tear down. It’s certainly all I was able to see just by looking at that bridge. But you… you can see it all. People, events happening in real time, the ability to see history playing out, right before your eyes. Echo, if what you’re telling me is true, you can see how the D’ni lived!”
“But I do!” he insisted. “So many historians look around at this ancient stone and see just that. Buildings, masonry, walkways, everything that time hasn't managed to tear down. It's certainly all I was able to see just by looking at that bridge. But you… you can see it all. People, events happening in real time, the ability to see history playing out, right before your eyes. Echo, if what you're telling me is true, you can see how the D'ni lived!”
“All I see right now is how they died. It’s like watching a murder, over and over again,” she sighed, forcing herself to stand before her painting again. She brushed her fingers against the now dried canvas. “And when people go jumping after that marker under the bridge… I see new bodies with the old.”
“All I see right now is how they died. It's like watching a murder, over and over again,” she sighed, forcing herself to stand before her painting again. She brushed her fingers against the now dried canvas. “And when people go jumping after that marker under the bridge… I see new bodies with the old.”
The full emotional implications of what she was describing came rushing in. I had a hundred questions on my lips, but right then I knew all that mattered was being present in this moment with her.
“I can only begin to imagine what that must be like. To see the death of a society play out before your eyes. We know so much about how D’ni fell, the years of their kings, all of the big events. But there’s more to it than that, more to here than that. History isn’t just dates, or buildings, when eras began or ended. It’s people, it’s their lives, it’s their drives and struggles, their pain, their passions. It’s their dreams. And their stories.”
“I can only begin to imagine what that must be like. To see the death of a society play out before your eyes. We know so much about how D'ni fell, the years of their kings, all of the big events. But there's more to it than that, more to here than that. History isn't just dates, or buildings, when eras began or ended. It's people, it's their lives, it's their drives and struggles, their pain, their passions. It's their dreams. And their stories.”
“Take those people you saw. Any one of them. The mother, the daughter, the people in the crowd who caught her… each and every one of them has their own story to tell. It could be something trivial, something grand, something that changes the life of everyone or just something that changed them. But it’s those stories that truly reveal how a person lived. The bad… but also, the good.”
“Take those people you saw. Any one of them. The mother, the daughter, the people in the crowd who caught her… each and every one of them has their own story to tell. It could be something trivial, something grand, something that changes the life of everyone or just something that changed them. But it's those stories that truly reveal how a person lived. The bad… but also, the good.”
Echo stared ahead thoughtfully, absent mindedly rubbing at a speck of dry paint on her face.
“It’s not empty here, you know,” she said finally. “Everything the D’ni ever was is here with us. I have to remember that. I shouldn’t focus on the death, any more than people focusing on the empty. I just have to learn to see past this.”
“It's not empty here, you know,” she said finally. “Everything the D'ni ever was is here with us. I have to remember that. I shouldn't focus on the death, any more than people focusing on the empty. I just have to learn to see past this.”
She swiped her brush beneath the painting as if to likewise underline her words. Leaning back, she considered it for several seconds, then finally nodded.
@ -4075,17 +4025,17 @@ She swiped her brush beneath the painting as if to likewise underline her words.
“And nicely so.”
“That’s all it needs to be now. A reminder.” She turned and looked at me fully, as if seeing me for the first time.
“That's all it needs to be now. A reminder.” She turned and looked at me fully, as if seeing me for the first time.
“Thank you.”
I immediately took on an expression of bewilderment. It was one which came naturally to me and found myself using a lot in recent years. “I… did something?”
Echo nodded. “You listened. You didn’t laugh.”
Echo nodded. “You listened. You didn't laugh.”
“I’m an academic. You lose the knack after a while,” I said with an ironic smirk. But one that was not shared by Echo.
“I'm an academic. You lose the knack after a while,” I said with an ironic smirk. But one that was not shared by Echo.
“I’m not sure what’s happened to me,” was all she could say.
“I'm not sure what's happened to me,” was all she could say.
“Is this the first time something like... this… has happened?”
@ -4097,60 +4047,60 @@ The painter trembled, and softly mouthed one word. “Yes.”
I walked towards the wall and leant against it, facing her.
“Don’t let it.”
“Don't let it.”
Her trembling stopped, but there was still a hint of reservation in her next question: “Have I gone mad?”
I blew out my cheeks in mock exasperation. “Ms McKenzie, we are currently conversing many untold miles beneath the surface of the known world. We regularly use magic books as a means of getting around. This morning, I cooked up some mad science in a silo on an entirely different plane of existence to our own which, if all goes to plan, will somehow light up this entire cavern. At this point, your guess as to what passes for sane is as good as anyone’s.”
I blew out my cheeks in mock exasperation. “Ms McKenzie, we are currently conversing many untold miles beneath the surface of the known world. We regularly use magic books as a means of getting around. This morning, I cooked up some mad science in a silo on an entirely different plane of existence to our own which, if all goes to plan, will somehow light up this entire cavern. At this point, your guess as to what passes for sane is as good as anyone's.”
“True. But this… this all feels different. And if it keeps happening, I don’t know what it’s going to do to me.”
“True. But this… this all feels different. And if it keeps happening, I don't know what it's going to do to me.”
And here I paused. Moments like these rarely fell into place for me, so this one I was determined to savour, regardless of the outcome.
“I guess it’s just going to take a… leap of faith.”
“I guess it's just going to take a… leap of faith.”
Her brow furrowed as what I considered the dramatic weight of my words failed to land in spectacular fashion. “Professor Lavisham, that was either insightfully profound, totally pretentious, or the biggest load of cheese this side of a Hallmark card.”
I put on a look of mock pride. “I’ll have you know I take pride in walking that very fine line every day of my life.”
I put on a look of mock pride. “I'll have you know I take pride in walking that very fine line every day of my life.”
At this point Echo held her hand to her mouth, suppressing a quiet giggle.
“All right, come on now, that was a chuckle,” I teased.
Echo made a show of looking innocent. “Yes. Yes it was,” she smiled. She blinked, and then seemed to cross her eyes. “I have paint on my nose, don’t I?”
Echo made a show of looking innocent. “Yes. Yes it was,” she smiled. She blinked, and then seemed to cross her eyes. “I have paint on my nose, don't I?”
I was stone-faced. “I… didn’t want to say anything.” I couldn’t help it. The side of my mouth twitched upward.
I was stone-faced. “I… didn't want to say anything.” I couldn't help it. The side of my mouth twitched upward.
She rolled her eyes and began rubbing the smear with her finger. “Some first impression. “Hi, I’m Echo, and I paint with my nose and hallucinate dead people!”’ At this point I was beyond keeping a straight face, and proceeded to double up in fits of hilarity.
She rolled her eyes and began rubbing the smear with her finger. “Some first impression. “Hi, I'm Echo, and I paint with my nose and hallucinate dead people!”' At this point I was beyond keeping a straight face, and proceeded to double up in fits of hilarity.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be laughing”, I struggled to blurt out with gasping breaths. Echo was trying to look stern, but failed as equally and ended up laughing alongside me. I caught the eye of several explorers who were passing by and gave them a jaunty thumbs up by way of explanation. They nodded in the universal acknowledgement of you do you, you splendid human disasters and continued on their way.
“I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I shouldn't be laughing”, I struggled to blurt out with gasping breaths. Echo was trying to look stern, but failed as equally and ended up laughing alongside me. I caught the eye of several explorers who were passing by and gave them a jaunty thumbs up by way of explanation. They nodded in the universal acknowledgement of you do you, you splendid human disasters and continued on their way.
Finally the two of us had calmed down enough to form complete sentences once. “Ms McKenzie”, I said, “you are by far the most interesting person I’ve met down here in a long while.”
Finally the two of us had calmed down enough to form complete sentences once. “Ms McKenzie”, I said, “you are by far the most interesting person I've met down here in a long while.”
“Why thank you. I think!” she snorted, wrinkling her nose at me. She sighed happily, and as she did so the faintest traces of a shadow returned to her face. “I... should go rest. I always feel a bit off after it happens.”
“No, quite right, I need to be doing the same actually”, I nodded as Echo knelt down to gather up her paints. “I’ve a little project of mine running back in my Relto with a colleague of mine. We’ve scavenged some of the boilers from the desert Eder in an attempt to distil our own wine. We’ve got the principle of the thing sorted, but there’s one or two kinks need looking at.”
“No, quite right, I need to be doing the same actually”, I nodded as Echo knelt down to gather up her paints. “I've a little project of mine running back in my Relto with a colleague of mine. We've scavenged some of the boilers from the desert Eder in an attempt to distil our own wine. We've got the principle of the thing sorted, but there's one or two kinks need looking at.”
“Ah. Not tasting quite right yet?”
“Oh the taste is fine, lovely even. It’s the explosions we’re trying to iron out.”
“Oh the taste is fine, lovely even. It's the explosions we're trying to iron out.”
Echo blinked. “I don’t claim to be a wine critic”, she said, “but I don’t think it’s supposed to do that.”
Echo blinked. “I don't claim to be a wine critic”, she said, “but I don't think it's supposed to do that.”
“It’s certainly doing a number on our cheese boards, I can tell you.”
“It's certainly doing a number on our cheese boards, I can tell you.”
“I think I’ll wait for the finished product then” she smiled, packing away the last of her paints and collecting her canvas and easel. Finally she stood, and held out her hand. “Until then, Professor Lavisham.”
“I think I'll wait for the finished product then” she smiled, packing away the last of her paints and collecting her canvas and easel. Finally she stood, and held out her hand. “Until then, Professor Lavisham.”
“Ms McKenzie,” I said with as much charm as I could muster as I took her hand in my own. “Perhaps we could-“
But my question was already cut off by the sound of her linking book. The painter had already gone, leaving me alone in the plaza once more.
“… see each other again?”
The moment missed, at least for now, I turned to walk away. As I did my shoe came into contact with something on the ground causing it to slide away with a clatter. Bending down to retrieve the item, I held it in my gloved hand. It was the mysterious artist’s paintbrush, abandoned where she had left it upon completing her work. I stared at it, then past it, peering into the distance at the bridge where another reckless explorer prepared to leap into the abyss below.
The moment missed, at least for now, I turned to walk away. As I did my shoe came into contact with something on the ground causing it to slide away with a clatter. Bending down to retrieve the item, I held it in my gloved hand. It was the mysterious artist's paintbrush, abandoned where she had left it upon completing her work. I stared at it, then past it, peering into the distance at the bridge where another reckless explorer prepared to leap into the abyss below.
And this time, I tried to look beyond what was merely there in the physical and observe with eyes anew. The daily rhythm of a thousand breathing souls, each one of them living out their own personal stories. Some tragic, some darkly comic, those that barely registered and those that changed the flow and rhythm of everything in their path. All containing the potential to set a spark aflame in the hearts of those who were blessed to know of them.
Perhaps – just maybe - there was a bigger picture here in D’ni that I had yet to truly see.]]></translation>
Perhaps – just maybe - there was a bigger picture here in D'ni that I had yet to truly see.]]></translation>
I’m a retired medical doctor and I have finally been able to answer the Call I have had for so very long.
I'm a retired medical doctor and I have finally been able to answer the Call I have had for so very long.
I’ve relocated to the D’ni city, Ae’gura, to help with the restoration and research efforts there.
I've relocated to the D'ni city, Ae'gura, to help with the restoration and research efforts there.
The Clinic is coming along
@ -4214,11 +4164,11 @@ March 22, 2022
I have been figuring out where to set up rooms for the Clinic, exploring my neighborhood and looking at all options.
At the moment, I have set up my office and telescope monitoring equipment in the ‘Classroom’, with my satellite equipment in the foyer near the clock. I don’t expect it to interfere with the clock mechanism, and thus far, it hasn’t.
At the moment, I have set up my office and telescope monitoring equipment in the ‘Classroom', with my satellite equipment in the foyer near the clock. I don't expect it to interfere with the clock mechanism, and thus far, it hasn't.
I think the little observation room next to the classroom might be a good examination room. It’s private and quiet. It will just need a bit better lighting.
I think the little observation room next to the classroom might be a good examination room. It's private and quiet. It will just need a bit better lighting.
The light gardens are a nice place for people to wait and relax. I’m primarily considering a good location for the emergency OR as well as patient rooms, but I will probably put one of the townhouses to use as a hospital ward at some point.
The light gardens are a nice place for people to wait and relax. I'm primarily considering a good location for the emergency OR as well as patient rooms, but I will probably put one of the townhouses to use as a hospital ward at some point.
Strange visitors
@ -4226,31 +4176,31 @@ May 10, 2022
A couple of former workers on the Overflow station, who left the project a few weeks ago have been showing up on the visitor logs in the Clinic.
Calum let me know that these people had quit shortly after they took a leave of absence and as far as we knew, they’d left the area.
Calum let me know that these people had quit shortly after they took a leave of absence and as far as we knew, they'd left the area.
However, Tati Masser and Fasyk Casing have since been in the Clinic at least three times since they went ‘missing’. They seem to appear whenever I’m out on rounds or otherwise occupied in the Clinic, so I have yet to encounter them.
However, Tati Masser and Fasyk Casing have since been in the Clinic at least three times since they went ‘missing'. They seem to appear whenever I'm out on rounds or otherwise occupied in the Clinic, so I have yet to encounter them.
Explorers in the Cavern
May 11, 2022
This evening, while I was walking down to the Pub, I met a gentleman, Logan. He’s a newcomer to the Cavern, from the town my grandmother lives in, Sedona. We went over to the pub and had a couple of drinks and a nice, long conversation. Though he’s been here longer than I have, he arrived in December and has been exploring Ages and following the Journey. He’d just recently finished the Journey and was trying to find out more about the most recent news that Echo McKenzie was seen recently, which I’d heard about but didn’t see. I understand Dr. Lavisham spoke with her, however.
This evening, while I was walking down to the Pub, I met a gentleman, Logan. He's a newcomer to the Cavern, from the town my grandmother lives in, Sedona. We went over to the pub and had a couple of drinks and a nice, long conversation. Though he's been here longer than I have, he arrived in December and has been exploring Ages and following the Journey. He'd just recently finished the Journey and was trying to find out more about the most recent news that Echo McKenzie was seen recently, which I'd heard about but didn't see. I understand Dr. Lavisham spoke with her, however.
Unfortunately I couldn’t provide Logan with any new information about that, but we talked quite a bit about the Cavern, recent events and our work. He was very friendly and I enjoyed meeting him.
Unfortunately I couldn't provide Logan with any new information about that, but we talked quite a bit about the Cavern, recent events and our work. He was very friendly and I enjoyed meeting him.
Logan Visited
May 15, 2022
So Logan stopped by the Clinic today. He was curious about where I was staying and I showed him around the Clinic. We stopped by the Radio Free D’ni show for a while as well but ended up spending most of our time wandering around Ae’gura, listening to the show on my phone.
So Logan stopped by the Clinic today. He was curious about where I was staying and I showed him around the Clinic. We stopped by the Radio Free D'ni show for a while as well but ended up spending most of our time wandering around Ae'gura, listening to the show on my phone.
He’s kind of amazing! So interesting and funny! I haven’t had a friend like him in a very long time and I didn’t realize how much I missed just hanging out with someone and sharing D’ni.
He's kind of amazing! So interesting and funny! I haven't had a friend like him in a very long time and I didn't realize how much I missed just hanging out with someone and sharing D'ni.
I think Grandmama would like him. There’s just something about him that is different.
I think Grandmama would like him. There's just something about him that is different.
We spent most of the evening in the Library, reading and sharing the information we’ve learned. He knows D’ni! Much better than I do! He was translating a book of poetry and it was just magical to hear his pronunciation of the words. It’s almost as if he were D’ni in a past life.
We spent most of the evening in the Library, reading and sharing the information we've learned. He knows D'ni! Much better than I do! He was translating a book of poetry and it was just magical to hear his pronunciation of the words. It's almost as if he were D'ni in a past life.
I’d love to introduce him to Carl, Jules and Calum, but Logan’s been kind of hesitant to meet more people. I’m not sure why. I think he’s just shy.
I'd love to introduce him to Carl, Jules and Calum, but Logan's been kind of hesitant to meet more people. I'm not sure why. I think he's just shy.
Relaxing Evening and A KIMail
@ -4260,53 +4210,53 @@ Logan and I stole away to spend the evening sitting in Elonin, gazing at the Lak
We sat on one of the balconies, chatting quietly.
While I was spending time with Logan, I got a KIMail from Mystlander. Such a nice message! She let me know she’d been to the Clinic, fixed a few things up for me and would be keeping an eye on it in the future. I should put her in contact with Dorrian, so they can coordinate.
While I was spending time with Logan, I got a KIMail from Mystlander. Such a nice message! She let me know she'd been to the Clinic, fixed a few things up for me and would be keeping an eye on it in the future. I should put her in contact with Dorrian, so they can coordinate.
Logan is incredibly knowledgeable about D’ni and its history. I continually am amazed by him. I hope I’m not getting a crush, I have no idea how he’d respond to such a thing. Ah well, it’s just been pleasant having a friend to chat with, who seems just as interested in my life before I came here as he is in my Cavern history. He mentioned he’d read some of my dear grandmama’s books and even attended one of her seminars in Sedona, which just touched my heart even more.
Logan is incredibly knowledgeable about D'ni and its history. I continually am amazed by him. I hope I'm not getting a crush, I have no idea how he'd respond to such a thing. Ah well, it's just been pleasant having a friend to chat with, who seems just as interested in my life before I came here as he is in my Cavern history. He mentioned he'd read some of my dear grandmama's books and even attended one of her seminars in Sedona, which just touched my heart even more.
He spoke at length about living in Sedona, where I lived for a few years after I moved to the States with Grandmama. I’m a bit surprised we never encountered each other in town while I was there, since he lived there when I was staying with Grandmama. But, since I was homeschooled and he attended the local High School, we just never crossed paths. It’s unfortunate, but well…
He spoke at length about living in Sedona, where I lived for a few years after I moved to the States with Grandmama. I'm a bit surprised we never encountered each other in town while I was there, since he lived there when I was staying with Grandmama. But, since I was homeschooled and he attended the local High School, we just never crossed paths. It's unfortunate, but well…
Ah… I am going on too much about Logan.
I heard from my friend, Dr. Evergreen, today as well. She sent me a text asking all about the Cavern. She’s definitely interested in visiting with her niece, who is very interested in the paranormal.
I heard from my friend, Dr. Evergreen, today as well. She sent me a text asking all about the Cavern. She's definitely interested in visiting with her niece, who is very interested in the paranormal.
I think they’d both be stunned at what exists here below the desert floor of New Mexico… Heh. Though I know Dr. Evergreen and her niece have seen some pretty amazing things, I’m certain they’ve never seen anything like Ae’gura!
I think they'd both be stunned at what exists here below the desert floor of New Mexico… Heh. Though I know Dr. Evergreen and her niece have seen some pretty amazing things, I'm certain they've never seen anything like Ae'gura!
I’m hoping they might visit for the summer season, then they can meet Logan, Calum, Kelsei, Diranda, Jules and Carl. That would be so fun! I’d love to show a youngster around the Cavern!
I'm hoping they might visit for the summer season, then they can meet Logan, Calum, Kelsei, Diranda, Jules and Carl. That would be so fun! I'd love to show a youngster around the Cavern!
Diranda told me her friends have been researching an Age that Calum found and they’re hoping he might let them visit it eventually. Calum mentioned that this age has crystals with some very unusual properties, which apparently caught the attention of Alex, Jamie and Nyota. They’re anxious to explore but Calum is being careful in who he’s letting visit, which I definitely agree with. I’d like to explore that Age as well but I respect Calum’s wishes in this case. I know he doesn’t want anyone to get hurt and I agree.
Diranda told me her friends have been researching an Age that Calum found and they're hoping he might let them visit it eventually. Calum mentioned that this age has crystals with some very unusual properties, which apparently caught the attention of Alex, Jamie and Nyota. They're anxious to explore but Calum is being careful in who he's letting visit, which I definitely agree with. I'd like to explore that Age as well but I respect Calum's wishes in this case. I know he doesn't want anyone to get hurt and I agree.
Clinic’s First Guest and a Mystery
Clinic's First Guest and a Mystery
May 19, 2022
Jules called me today about an injured man he’d found behind the Great Library. So once we got the poor fellow back to the Clinic, I set to work fixing him up. The poor boy was very confused and disoriented, but considering he’d taken a bit of a tumble, it’s not surprising.
Jules called me today about an injured man he'd found behind the Great Library. So once we got the poor fellow back to the Clinic, I set to work fixing him up. The poor boy was very confused and disoriented, but considering he'd taken a bit of a tumble, it's not surprising.
Unfortunately he’d taken a bit of a bump to the head and seems to have temporary amnesia. Dr. Lavisham is looking into trying to find out a bit more about him. All we know about him at this point is that his name is Benavud, which we got from his KI Device.
Unfortunately he'd taken a bit of a bump to the head and seems to have temporary amnesia. Dr. Lavisham is looking into trying to find out a bit more about him. All we know about him at this point is that his name is Benavud, which we got from his KI Device.
Jules, Kelsei and Carl are asking around, to see if anyone might recognize him or know about him, while Calum is looking at the broken KI.
Hopefully we will be able to learn more about him, to help him out. In the mean time, he’s resting at the Clinic and we’re looking after him.
Hopefully we will be able to learn more about him, to help him out. In the mean time, he's resting at the Clinic and we're looking after him.
I suppose if his name sounds familiar to anyone in the Cavern, please let Dr. Lavisham, Kelsei, Carl or myself know, so we can make sure his family and/or friends are notified that he’s in our care and is alright.
I suppose if his name sounds familiar to anyone in the Cavern, please let Dr. Lavisham, Kelsei, Carl or myself know, so we can make sure his family and/or friends are notified that he's in our care and is alright.
Logan and Benavud
June 2, 2022
Well, after the tests came back, we found out Ben seems to not be human, exactly. Of course Carl went into this a bit more on his journal: “A Non-Human Newcomer”. People were excited about this and speculation went a bit wild. Unfortunately this week, poor Ben seems to have been too overwhelmed with things and I’ve made the decision to keep visitors away for a while until he feels better. So I asked my helpers, the young folks from ASU, to keep him company and keep an eye on him when I’m not in the Clinic.
Well, after the tests came back, we found out Ben seems to not be human, exactly. Of course Carl went into this a bit more on his journal: “A Non-Human Newcomer”. People were excited about this and speculation went a bit wild. Unfortunately this week, poor Ben seems to have been too overwhelmed with things and I've made the decision to keep visitors away for a while until he feels better. So I asked my helpers, the young folks from ASU, to keep him company and keep an eye on him when I'm not in the Clinic.
Logan came by, since I’ve been so busy with Ben, we haven’t had a lot of time to do much together lately. He was, of course, very curious about Ben, but I’m not letting anyone see him, not even Jules and Carl. I think Logan understands, he seemed to.
Logan came by, since I've been so busy with Ben, we haven't had a lot of time to do much together lately. He was, of course, very curious about Ben, but I'm not letting anyone see him, not even Jules and Carl. I think Logan understands, he seemed to.
Logan’s offered to visit me at the Clinic though, so while I’m working, he’s planning to come over for coffee and ‘mini-dates’ (his words!).
Logan's offered to visit me at the Clinic though, so while I'm working, he's planning to come over for coffee and ‘mini-dates' (his words!).
I think we’re a couple… Alex says we are, anyway. She just grins whenever Logan comes by and Jamie winks. Logan is incredibly sweet, at any rate. I may offer him a place to stay here, since he mentioned his current neighborhood is a bit crowded with other Explorers.
I think we're a couple… Alex says we are, anyway. She just grins whenever Logan comes by and Jamie winks. Logan is incredibly sweet, at any rate. I may offer him a place to stay here, since he mentioned his current neighborhood is a bit crowded with other Explorers.
He noticed something and pointed it out to me though. The ‘mysterious visitors’ continue to show up on our Clinic roster, yet nobody here has ever seen them. Not even Alex and Nyota, who are here pretty much all the time. This is beginning to concern Dorrian, who’s been helping with security in the Clinic, along with Mysty. He and Jamie are setting up a watch during the night, just to keep everyone there safe. Their group has pretty much moved into the Clinic, which is great, because now I have people to keep me company as well as Ben!
He noticed something and pointed it out to me though. The ‘mysterious visitors' continue to show up on our Clinic roster, yet nobody here has ever seen them. Not even Alex and Nyota, who are here pretty much all the time. This is beginning to concern Dorrian, who's been helping with security in the Clinic, along with Mysty. He and Jamie are setting up a watch during the night, just to keep everyone there safe. Their group has pretty much moved into the Clinic, which is great, because now I have people to keep me company as well as Ben!
Jamie is very interesting, he’s been helping me with my satellite uplinks, since we still have occasional connectivity problems. He’s also been discussing working with Dira’s brother’s Argon Labs group, and it sounds very much like Corey is going to be offering Jamie and his friends jobs!
Jamie is very interesting, he's been helping me with my satellite uplinks, since we still have occasional connectivity problems. He's also been discussing working with Dira's brother's Argon Labs group, and it sounds very much like Corey is going to be offering Jamie and his friends jobs!
I took a ‘KI selfie’ picture today of Logan and I! I love it and he wanted a copy sent to his KI as well.]]></translation>
I took a ‘KI selfie' picture today of Logan and I! I love it and he wanted a copy sent to his KI as well.]]></translation>
</element>
<element name="calumfieldjournal">
<translation language="English"><![CDATA[<cover src="xplayerjournal-callogbook.hsm"><font size=18 face=Tricia color=a10000><margin left=62 right=62>This Book Belongs to: Calum Traveler
@ -4856,7 +4806,7 @@ Tati's Work-crew networked KI was recorded on The Clinic's Hood Visitor Log imag
I've tried pinging their KIs. I was unable to turn them on and get a location, but somebody certainly noticed. In response, it seems that someone targeted a hack at every networked KI I publicly have made known I own. I've been having issues with their projectors ever since- staying on when I've tried closing it and having to forcibly reboot the KI entirely.
4/17/22
<pb>4/17/22
Had an argument tonight. Okay. Maybe less an argument, more trying to convey my thoughts to someone, and not getting through. Only so many times I can repeat myself. I nearly quit the restoration group tonight. I'm still not sure if we're keeping Dr. Quinlan or not. I guess we'll be seeing once we take a break from things for a while. Man's stressed out over recent events. I'm stressed out too.
I might still quit if things don't turn around. Too much friction in the group right now. I can only repeat myself- the truth of my core and who I am- so many times.
---
@ -4974,7 +4924,6 @@ I'm not one to judge. I just think prophecies are too vague. Too vague and too o
This feels open ended. Too open ended if you ask me. But I can't dismiss it. Much as I want to. There's something to Prophecies and Dreams about D'ni. I have my issues with Watchers Words. Too open ended.
---
Apparently Echo's had a vision as well. Something of the Past. Two men in cloaks stealing a child away into a book and then falling into the canyon when the ground split. I'd hate to say it's not connected but given the timing...
Survivors of the Fall lost out there somewhere.
@ -5011,7 +4960,7 @@ and to the wandering soul, do i say aloud,
'you are the sun, and you are the heir.'
'breath not of the poisoned air.'
5/17/22
<pb>5/17/22
I've just been contacted by Mystlander of The Great Tree. Now there's a group name I haven't heard of in a long time. Apparently our antics down here in D'ni have gotten attention from those first generation explorers back in 2003. They've even got a hood active on the Nexus. I'm honestly not sure what to make of the request in specific, something about the pub jackets? I've asked Marten about it, since he had one of them last I knew. Speaking of ghosts coming back, I just spotted Wayne Todd's KI online again.
Apparently he's gotten a Relto book again from the Cleft- Yeesha or Zandi or a Bahro- whoever- placed one for him. Glad to see that system is still working for sure. I've taken the opportunity to warn him about Tati Masser and Fasyk Casing. Get him caught up with current events.
@ -5047,7 +4996,7 @@ It COULD be possible the crystal experiments I was doing earlier last year resul
...And considering the concussion healed up implausibly entirely... But all of that aside, I'm not conducting any experiments until Murry and Tiernan are ready for such a thing- and Murry's still setting up his desk down in Chiso's basement, so... that *could* be a while, I suppose. We've all got a lot on our plates right now.
5/23/22
<pb>5/23/22
I've got an idea. If the KI-Router experiment caused a resonant connection between my brain and the crystals... what else could trigger it? Sound waves? Musical notes? Some kind of harmonic reverberation maybe? This is dangerous and Kelsei will probably throw me in a maintainer suit for the very idea of it, but... I have to try this.
beckoning the cat calls out like the bell doth ring
@ -5057,7 +5006,7 @@ green eyes pierce like moons hanging in the sky
And I'm back after a long weekend of examining wrecked equipment in the Overflow Station, and then getting caught up in Fathers Day stuff. I'd almost forgotten about that. My parents were a tad concerned they couldn't get through to me.
Well, regardless. I'm back from Rei'schu, as well. Lovely place. Nice moons, nice people, very interesting culture. ...Very large Megafauna Wildlife. More on that in its own journal.
@ -5070,22 +5019,21 @@ When the heck did did those paintings of the Cavern hung up? They look like Mina
---
Town Hall Meeting sounds like Wednesday, 1400, Great Tree Hood. Good to know.
Not so good? Carl lost my Chess Set!!? Of all the things for the klepto thieves to take...! And where the heck is my red ink pen anyways? I'm not sure this ink color goes well with this paper type.
6/29/22
<pb>6/29/22
Final entry in this journal. I'm just about out of pages. Maybe I oughta get it moved to one of the Chiso Shelves... or maybe just leave it on my desk. Eh. Doesn't matter. Kelsei's dragged me out of Naybree to get dinner now, so we'll be doing that, and I'll deal with desk organizational matters later. Far later. After Mysterium Later. I've got a lot on my plate regarding THAT as well. Good grief. So much to deal with this next month.
Final Quarter prep, then Mysterium Prep right around the August Corner, and... Oh Boy. So much to do, so little time. I'd be surprised if my new field journal even gets any entries this July. I've also got a therapist session tomorrow. Got a lot to talk about.
So much to do. So little time.
46326 0 0]]></translation>
[ 46326 0 0 ]]]></translation>
</element>
<element name="kelseijournal">
<translation language="English"><![CDATA[<cover src="xplayerjournal-kelseiblank.hsm"><font size=16 face=Michelle color=416600><margin left=62 right=62><font size=18 face=Michelle><p align=left>IF FOUND ANYWHERE OUTSIDE OF THE CHISO PRENIV OFFICE:
Contact Kelsei A. Taylor on the Beneath Forums.
Contact Kelsei A. Taylor on the Beneath Forums:
https://dniexplorer.com/forum/index.php
1/1/22
Harta Choylahnaytahv! A 'Complete Cycle,' in D'ni. And a Happy New Year to everyone.
1/1/22
Harta Choylahnaytahv! A 'Complete Cycle' in D'ni. And a Happy New Year to everyone.
I had to take a break to deal with some matters on the surface. Such a frightful couple of days. It's back to the book hunt for me. Got a new journal - which is you, my dear bright green clad tome.
@ -5293,7 +5241,7 @@ What? That's impossible. It's - that's - Calum's latest scans show no signs of a
4/16/22
Met up with Calum at the Island this morning before he went out on errands. I wouldn't believe it if I wasn't seeing the images infront of my own eyes. The scans taken when he was hurt versus yesterday are impossibly different. This can't be right?? How? How could this be possible?
4/20/22
<pb>4/20/22
Repeat scans repeat the trend. Calum's head is HEALED. How in the world...? Not even showing signs of damage. This... This makes no sense unless the Crystals did something??? But... how? Why??
4/24/22
@ -5353,8 +5301,7 @@ Iwonk's Wonky Talk stream is today! I've managed to secure my afternoon off work
---
Was a good show! Glad I could catch most of it! Just sorry I had to leave early at the end to catch dinner. Oh well.
Had an interesting evening chatting with Carl, Tenny, and quite a few explorers tonight. Discussed the whole prophecy thing. Some interesting theories came up. Also discussed the nature of capitalism in the modern psychic industry. Not quite sure where I thought the evening would go.
5/19/22
<pb>5/19/22
Jules and his friend Ed stumbled on an Amnesiac Explorer earlier today. Behind the barricades in the lower library floors, name of "Benavud." I'm not familiar with the name, and I can't find a record of it in the work crew records. I'll have to wait for crowds to form in Ae'gura or the night-time hood gathering to ask folks.
---
Talked with the night-hood crowd tonight. Sia, Cody Herd, Captain Jericho, Root Beer, Malaclypse, Choupette, Jet Blast, D'ni Seeker 5, and Carl Palmner in attendance- among others I forgot to write down the names of.
@ -5500,6 +5447,11 @@ There's significant damage to the facility's control consoles. Everything Sami w
The cameras he hid in the equipment after? The recording equipment he set up to capture KI Numbers? It all *worked.* Smartly, the 'sabotage team' all wore masks- druidic styled wood carving masks, at that, for whatever reason. But, stupidly, they wore their KIs. We have Names and KI#s. The two 'missing' workers from the Overflow station were there as well.
Got You By the Tails Now, you Sneaky Rats.
Mita Staser - 11934130
Casey Kafsing - 11934356
Sanna Koskelainen - 11938528
Marcus Johnson - 11799065
---
I've posted to call for a Town hall meeting. Going into Rei'schu to see if I can drag Calum back now.
@ -5524,7 +5476,66 @@ Good grief, I'm tired.
6/22/21
Well, my leg is certianly sore and complaining after last night. Cousin En told me he'd warned his kids to not swing wildly in a certain tree-hanging rope chair, or it might break. Then I go sit in it and barely turn it around and the thing breaks on me.
Landed flat on by butt, and my left leg too, apparently. Whole thing's sore and was giving me grief last night. What an annoying thing. I'll have to skip the town hall today, I think.]]></translation>
Landed flat on by butt, and my left leg too, apparently. Whole thing's sore and was giving me grief last night. What an annoying thing. I'll have to skip the town hall today, I think.
---
Adding one more name to the roster of strange sabboteurs: Tally 11934822
Apparently they shoved Dni_Seeker 5 off a cliff in Todelmer, and smashed up some equipment.
6/23/22
Found Calum moping around in Naybree. Seemed he's pretty upset over what happened yesterday... Okay, 'moping' and 'pretty upset' are the wrong words. He was practically storming around while muttering/talking/shouting at himself in a near hysterical state.
I wasn't sure what to say, if I could say anything, even. He's just... so upset right now.
Funneling his frantic energy into surveying the cliffs and shoring up stability, sure, but. So upset. So very very upset.
6/24/22
That there are people who so clearly want to restrict a person's rights to bodily autonomy so severely....
I hate it. I hate it so much. I hate what it means for everyone going forwards.
The sky rains down upon us right this minute, for the world weaps over this malicious decision.
They won't stop at this.
6/26/22
Speaking of people who won't stop. I just spent the last 2 hours cleaning up chemical spills our sabbotaging ring of kleptomaniac thieves seem to have left behind around heavily trafficked book use areas. Nauseating smell even with the maintainer helmet on. I've got a headache now and I'm lying down in Naybree while Calum works on the cliffs still.
Poor DS5 got a whif of whatever this is without the helmet, and within short order he was complaining of a headache and the lights being bright... and while I suspect this may be just a him reaction, hallucinations of the probably memory reliving varriety.
After I finally got him to Tenny, I went to check the rest of Ae'gura over, didn't see anything out of place, and made my way back to the Clinic to wrap up the night. Right as I'm about to leave, I get a message from Iwonk that "Tally"- the sabboteur that attacked DS5 during his Todelmer work earlier this month- was seen in Ae'gura, ironically dousing a couple of the very areas I'd just checked.
I cleaned those up and handed the remains of these foul deeds over to Tenny to look over/send to someone to analyze.
Looks like one Marcus Johnson laced the Museum yesterday, and Sanna Koskelainen double checked it before going to the Museum. I suppose after she got caught and escaped from Carl, they sent Tally in to do a much more sloppy, and obvious job?
What's the point of it all?
6/27/22
Ugh. I hate the self-crushing anxiety of having said a thing while tired and immediately regret it. Work is going to be awkward the next few days. That it is...
In the mean time, I definitely saw "Sami" again- following me out of work briefly. This time we locked eyes, and I saw what Calum saw. A scared girl afraid for her life. I knew it was her, too, because she had a Relto book on her.
She didn't run, not at first. I think she might have been trying to work up the courage to talk-- except then I opened my mouth to speak-- And then someone blared a Chezahcen damned car horn, and she spooked- ran off and rounded a corner. I gave chase- only to watch her link out with the Relto.
Lovely. Absolutely lovely.
6/28/22
Have today off. Went to do some shopping- no signs of 'Sami' again. I think she's probably very spooked and regathering her courage again.
Helped Calum out with some marker testing. Looks like Zaroth's fix for the missions being deleted improperly, as well as preventing the duplication bug, has been a success. Calum looked very visibly relieved, to the point he just about passed out after writing into his journal about it. I left him to rest after that. And speaking of rest, it's a Relaxation Session Day. Time to go rest.
---
AGM order:
Pod before Mina, for Summer Festival.
---
DS5 spoke to me about dreams he's had- similar to Sophia's prophecy, it sounds like. That boy's either 'attuned' to things like the Madame is, or he's got a very crafty subconscious imagination.
6/29/22
Chezahcen, I'm tired. Just what I needed, it seems I received a threatening KI Mail sometime after I left relaxation session yesterday.
"Kelsei,
You might think you understand what you're dealing with, but I assure you, you don't.
This cavern, these Ages, are NOT YOURS.
If you have a problem with that, I can shove you off a cliff, just like I did to your friend Dni_seeker 5.
-Tally"
It's motivation at any rate. I'll have to talk with the others about this.
---
6/30/22
Work kicked my butt again today. Saw 'Sami' across the street today, but she ran off as soon as she saw I'd seen her. Damn it.]]></translation>
