D’ni Restoration Archive

Marie Sutherland - January 22, 2002

I agree that an additional indication of approval would be beneficial. It would also serve as a reminder to explorers that if they ever find a book without the approval stamp to notify the DRC and not use the book themselves.

Marie

Dr. Watson - January 22, 2002

Sounds good to me. Let's get together and standardize on placement of the stamp so explorers can easily determine a Book's approval status.

Dr. W.

Dr. Kodama - January 16, 2003

It's begun, whether we like it or not.

And since even more are probably on the way, safety is now an issue.

I'm becoming worried about the Books. Visitors are going to need to know which have been approved by us and, more importantly, which haven't.

Ideas?

Dr. K.

Victor Laxman - January 20, 2003

It should be easy for them to tell the difference - we always use those official looking D'ni book pedestals for books that we've approved.

v

Dr. Kodama - January 22, 2003

It doesn't seem hard for someone to put an unofficial book on an official pedestal.

How about an official stamp to signify approval?

Dr. K.

Victor Laxman - April 12, 2002

Greeting from the DRC. It seems I'm the first board member to post on the new message boards, so let me take this opportunity to welcome newcomers. I'll explain a bit about this message board, and myself.

In recent DRC meetings, we've reached the conclusion that it would be beneficial for us to discuss the D'ni restoration project in a more public forum. These message boards are our first attempt to do just that. Our discussions will be much more public, and you'll get a chance to see some of the challenges and issues that we all face in restoring D'ni.

My name is Victor. I've known about D'ni for almost seven years. Being an acquaintance of Dr Watson, I found out about D'ni from him and of course accepted his request to join in the restoration back in '97.

My areas of expertise are electrical and computer engineering. My primary responsibility has been in the area of D'ni technology, in particular, reverse engineering to: 1) make D'ni things work, 2) make D'ni things work better, 3) make D'ni things work with surface things.

Currently the KI consumes most of my time. It's truly an amazing system, with the actual KI acting as a simple terminal to a larger D'ni host. We got it working, we got it working in English, and now we're trying to see just how much it can do. Interesting work, but I often get distracted with things like simply supplying light to certain areas that are being restored.

I look forward to meeting many of you. And I'll try to make time to direct some of my posts on the board to answer pertinent questions.

vic

Dr. Kodama - April 12, 2002

History: Joined the expedition in 1994 through contact with Dr. Watson.

Education: Doctorate in Geology with a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Job Duties: Insuring structural integrity of structures (natural and man-made) as well as detailed studies of rock formations. Oversee Phase Two approval of all new areas and structures.

Dr. K

Marie Sutherland - April 15, 2002

Hello. I guess it's time for me to join in the introductions. My name is Dr. Marie Sutherland.

As Director of Field Work here in D'ni, I try to oversee all the expedition work as well as recovery and restoration of major work areas. Dr. Watson and I work together in resource allocation and priority. Unfortunately, we don't get as much hands-on work as we would like because of our other responsibilities.

We on the DRC have spent several years working on laying the initial foundation for a renewed D'ni. We were confident that there would be many others who would choose to join us in this endeavor and are extremely happy to see this starting to take place.

So we are very excited that you all have joined us here in D'ni, and we look forward to this cavern becoming the living, breathing city that it once was.

In the meantime, please feel free to ask us questions in the appropriate forum. We will not be able to answer all of your questions, no doubt, especially as the number of explorers grows, but we will try to answer what we can.

Thank you.

Marie

Michael Engberg - April 25, 2002

My apologies for being the last of the DRC members to make an initial public address. I'd hoped to submit an entry remotely, but recent tests of inter-Age communication have proved unsuccessful.

My name is Michael Engberg. I was initially asked by Dr. Wastson to consult with the expedition team in early 1998, and a year later he and his associates extended me a full-time position on the Council.

Building engineering is my primary area of expertise, but as with everyone involved in the Restoration, I've a myriad of other responsibilities. Based on Dr. Kodama's assessment of structural integrity throughout the Cavern, my team of Research Engineers and I recently completed a survey of the most promising sites. After recent discussions with Mr. Sharper, I'll potentially be leading another crew to expedite final restoration on Teledahn soon.

Though my schedule may permit but little time for interacting with this community, I do recognize its importance. A successful restoration of the physical structures within D'ni is meaningless if there are none who want to inhabit it. Your presence here is both encouraging as well as a reminder of how much work has yet to be done.

Michael

Dr. Watson - April 29, 2002

Don't feel too badly, Michael. The title of "Last DRC Member to Introduce Themselves" belongs to me. Though I have posted a couple of answers in the other areas. Maybe that counts. Smile

In case it doesn't, my name is Dr. Richard A. Watson. My first trip to the D'ni cavern was way back in 1990, back before there was a DRC, back before there was a DRF, back when the number of surface dwellers who had been to D'ni were in the low double digits.

Two years later, I joined Cyan while they were working on Myst, consulting for them as their D'ni Historian for the Myst and Riven projects. For the last ten years, my time has been divided between Cyan and various D'ni expeditions.

Now that the Cyantists are contributing directly to the restoration process, it is much easier for me to hold both my position at Cyan and my position with the DRC, though lately the DRC has been my primary focus.

Anyway, thanks to the other DRC members for introducing yourselves. I know some of you (not to mention any names, Dr. K.) were reluctant to participate here.

Dr. Watson

Victor Laxman - April 12, 2002

ATTN: DRC Board Members

newer KI's are available downstairs at the Tokotah. Pick one up, and _please_ communicate any problems. slightly larger than prototypes found earlier, but seems to have additional storage. Functionality should be similar to prototypes.

vic

Victor Laxman - April 17, 2002

Kodama

We could really use P2 approval for the KI host sight annex area. I can't even open up the back side of the currently operational host without getting into that adjacent room.

I know you're pegged, but any idea when?

V

Dr. Kodama - April 19, 2002

At least six weeks.

Dr. K.

Marie Sutherland - April 19, 2002

Dr. Kodama,

While we're checking for updates on P2 approval, I'd like to ask how close the second floor of the Tokotah Building is to getting approval.

Thanks,

Marie

Dr. Kodama - April 22, 2002

Tokotah is at least three weeks out.

Dr. K.

Victor Laxman - April 24, 2002

Message: Kodama

Ouch, I was thinking like a week?

We're having some trouble getting inter-age KI messaging working. I've got Eric doing diagnostics, but we really need access to that other host.

V

Dr. Kodama - April 25, 2002

Impossible.

There are four locations ahead of the annex.

Dr. K

Victor Laxman - April 25, 2002

Who ahead of me? I'll talk with them directly.

V

Marie Sutherland - April 25, 2002

Dr. Kodama,

Feel free to move the annex ahead of the Tokotah. My team has plenty to keep them occupied in the meantime.

Marie

Dr. Kodama - April 25, 2002

We'll move the annex into the Tokotah's spot. That means three weeks Victor. No sooner. I can't push the Cove back again.

In the future, can we discuss these kinds of issues one on one? This forced use of these public boards is ridiculous.

Dr. K.

Victor Laxman - May 13, 2002

Kodama,

Can I get an update on annex P2 timing?

Thanks,

V

Dr. Kodama - May 15, 2002

The Cove is due for approval at the end of this week and the annex is next on our list.

Should have P3 for you by the end of next week.

Dr. K

Victor Laxman - April 22, 2002

Can we meet at the Tokotah and link from there? We would just need Watson to bring the book?

V

Dr. Kodama - April 22, 2002

That's a great idea, Vic. I'll be there with the Book. I'll also grab a spare return Book to two, just in case...

Dr. Watson

Dr. Kodama - April 30, 2002

My field journal is suddenly missing from the rock shop. If you happen to see it, please let me know immediately.

Dr. K.

Dr. Kodama - May 02, 2002

The journal has been found. Why it was on the docks, I'll never know, but at least I have it.

Dr. K.

Michael Engberg - May 03, 2002

Most curious. A plum bob also disappeared from my gear about a month ago while surveying a section near the T-junction. A research engineer returned it to me a few days later, and said that it too was found near the docks.

Has the ferry terminal area been designated as the location for "lost and found" items? Couldn't we pick somewhere more central to the Island?

Marie Sutherland - May 06, 2002

There are currently a few threads on these boards that really have nothing to do with the DRC or the restoration. I don't wish to be negatively branded as Dr. Kodama already has been, but I would like to discuss whether we should step in at some point and have these threads removed. If so, where exactly are we going to draw that line?

We can discuss this privately at our next meeting if the rest of you would prefer.

Marie

Dr. Kodama - May 06, 2002

No reason to make this a public discussion.

Dr. K.

Michael Engberg - May 06, 2002

We each recognized that the focus of invited participants would be an issue even before this forum became accessible to the public. As you'll remember, debates on this very topic went on at length, to the point of becoming a distraction to the real work at hand.

If someday the costs of maintenance outweigh the benefit to our greater purpose of restoring D’ni, we can discuss further action, but I think any decision is premature after being online for only two weeks. For now, I sustain my original vote to maintain these forums with as little moderation as possible. I simply do not think we have the resources at this time to do otherwise. If nothing else, Kodama, remember the sieve analogy that sold you on the idea in the first place. Let’s not give up on it yet.

Unwanted participants and site security is another matter entirely, which I, for one, think should be given the greater priority.

Michael

Victor Laxman - May 06, 2002

Not to stir up an old issue, but if we had addressed just few more of the security issues before going live, some of those “inappropriate” threads would never have been started.

Now we've had a breach and are in the unfortunate situation of having to do damage control.

V

Victor Laxman - May 06, 2002

I further secured the server.

We've all got so much to do. I can't believe we have to deal with this.

Most people didn't see it anyway. Why don't we just lose the “inappropriate” threads.

V

Dr. Kodama - May 07, 2002

Speaking of “inappropriate” threads, this is one.

Again, can we make this a private discussion?

Dr. K.

Victor Laxman - May 07, 2002

These boards are just a tool - sometimes useful. Give the privacy thing a rest already, Kodamasan.

V

Dr. Kodama - May 07, 2002

Victor - Although I would enjoy to publicly respond to your message, I'll follow my own advice and speak to you in private.

By the way, your annex has been delayed a week.

Dr. K.

Dr. Watson - May 13, 2002

Just a quick update, since most of this discussion was conducted privately, but I know that there were comments to this thread in other areas of the forums.

We will continue to do our best to keep the DRC Discussion area free of inapropriate threads.

We are grateful for those of you who are doing your best to keep inappropriate threads out of the explorer areas. We are not going to draw up “official” rules about staying on topic at this time, but please continue to keep your topics as appropriate as possible for this DRC site.

Thank you for your cooperation,

Dr. Watson

Dr. Kodama - May 10, 2002

A phase one review for three interiors is scheduled for Monday morning at eight.

We'll meet at the Harbor and proceed from there.

Dr. K.

Dr. Kodama - May 10, 2002

Comments Victor?

Dr. K.

Victor Laxman - May 13, 2002

I'm on it.

V

Victor Laxman - May 13, 2002

Have you looked at his posts?

V

Dr. Kodama - May 13, 2002

Yes.

Do you know what he's doing?

Dr. K.

Victor Laxman - May 13, 2002

Server-wise, sure.

But what's with the posts?

V

Michael Engberg - May 14, 2002

You know what this is about. Remember that sign?

Victor Laxman - May 14, 2002

The billboard?

Sure, but what did that accomplish?

Michael Engberg - May 14, 2002

It's more than just the billboard. Look at the post.

Dr. Watson - May 14, 2002

Vic, Kodama, Michael,

I'm glad to see you three using the forums a bit more, but let's keep it DRC related. This topic is definitely something that should be discussed privately.

Thanks,

Dr. Watson

Victor Laxman - May 15, 2002

All in the spirit of "security" Dr. Watson! :)

V

Dr. Watson - May 15, 2002

Vic,

I'm sorry, but I really felt it necessary to edit your post. Again, this matter is not one that we should be discussing here.

Thanks,

Dr. Watson

Dr. Watson - May 16, 2002

Vic,

Deleting/editing your posts here is quickly becoming a full-time job for me.

I know you have plenty of other things to keep you occupied, so as the ancient, little, green guy would say:

"A rest give it."

:)

Dr. Watson

Victor Laxman - July 22, 2002

Our security is tight, but he's resourceful. Should we try to get a copy of the fax?

V

Michael Engberg - May 13, 2002

I just returned from Teledahn. We're still a few days behind schedule, but have made significant progress in the last week. One remaining challenge is that a few of the girderforks have torn completely through their support stalks, and others show the beginning signs of failure. I don't know how exactly much additional strain they can support, so we may want to limit the amount of traffic in certain areas. In the long term, we should consider replacing the entire infrastructure. For now I believe it to be safe enough, and overall I'm very pleased.

I think we're ready for Phase Four. Can we get this scheduled?

Victor Laxman - May 13, 2002

Are we going to try to fit this in before the trip up?

V

Marie Sutherland - May 15, 2002

Yes, this seems very reasonable, but we're running out of time before the trip. I think we can fit it in this weekend. Let's meet at the Tokotah on Saturday morning at 9am.

Marie

Dr. Watson - May 15, 2002

I can't make it on Saturday, but start without me. I'll join you on Sunday.

Dr. Watson

Victor Laxman - May 31, 2002

I hear and obey Dr. Watson. :D

Actually the timing is good for another KI test. I've had access to the annex (Thanks Kodama.) Swapped out the cracked lattice, and added and upgraded interface equipment and software.

By the way, the trip to the surface also netted us some additional server security. We're nice and snug now. ;-)

V

Michael Engberg - June 01, 2002

Returning to Teledahn late last week revealed a number of minor cleanup details that should be addressed before the next review. I could use some help from the ResEng's in this effort. Would Josh, Doug and Bill be available for the next few days?

Michael

Victor Laxman - June 07, 2002

Test A

Victor Laxman - June 07, 2002

Success!

C-Class KI are now able to transmit approved data types between ages. All DRC Members, Restoration Engineers, and Explorers should upgrade to a C-Class KI if they haven't already.

The D'ni inter-age technology baffles me, but I just piggyback the translation hack and voilá. Also, version 0.89 of the software has fixed most of the graphic anomalies.

V

(I'm sending this from Teledahn)

Victor Laxman - July 22, 2002

C-Class KI Update
(Just so you know what I've been up to.)

* Switched display modes (C-class KIs have 15 display modes.) Slightly more viewing area, cleaner interface.
* Translation hack improved.
* D'ni/Roman alpha font display revision - all characters more legible.
* D'ni/Arabic-decimal numeric font conversion and display revision - digits 0 through 5 only.
* Message/Journal/Image filing system on D'ni Ki host initiated.
* Information list mode being implemented.
* Larger image display.

Also spent some time on the high-band "D'ni to surface" connection for Mysterium. Seemed to work well. Some sound issues reported.

Victor Laxman - August 27, 2002

All DRC Members, Restoration Engineers, and Explorers who have not upgraded to a C-Class KI should do so ASAP. The following updates will be applied to the KI Host sometime in the next few weeks.

C-Class KI Updates

* Settled on display Mode 9 (minimum) and 11 (maximum).
* Currently converting to GMT, with optional offset for individual zone preferences. When lake lighting is functional this may need to be reverted to 30 hour D'ni time to avoid confusion. Discuss.
* D'ni/Arabic-Roman - characters and digits now complete.
* Message/Journal/Image filing system on D'ni KI host functional.
* Information list and filing mode now functional.
* Frequent "messagee" list and filing mode now functional.
* Preset groups for other KI wearers in current age or subset of current age available.
* Instant communication within Maintainer defined age zones (Mode 9.) Delayed communications elsewhere (Mode 11.)
* Sound capture tests scheduled.
* Age location not functional. Signal and calibration required.

KI Notes: Brilliant display technology - small hand-worn device projects full-field display when held toward eyes. Most of the processing and control takes place on the KI host, allowing small size and flexibility. Maintainers made regular use of the KI technology, but it was evidently on the verge of being available to the D'ni elite.

Dr. Watson - June 26, 2002

It's time for another large supply run to the surface. I've made plans to go the end of next week, and I could use an extra hand or two. It will probably mean being gone for several days.
Does anyone else have time to come with me?

Dr. Watson

Michael Engberg - June 27, 2002

Since no one has replied yet, I can help you, Dr. W. I'll need to juggle a few things in my schedule around, but it shouldn't be a problem.

Marie Sutherland - June 27, 2002

I'd be happy to help too, Dr. Watson.

:D

Marie

Victor Laxman - July 01, 2002

If you aren't too full, I'll join the group. I can always make a bit of time to surface.

When are we leaving?

V

Dr. Watson - July 01, 2002

Thanks, Vic. The more the merrier. :D

We'll be leaving around noon on Wednesday.

How about you, Kodama? You stayed behind during our last surface trip. Can you make it this time?

Dr. Watson

Dr. Kodama - July 01, 2002

I'm sorry fellow DRC members, I actually have work to do. Last time I looked, D'ni was not quite fully restored.

Of course, a surface trip might be more useful than the recent weeks of fidgeting that have gone on in Teledahn and with the KI, so enjoy yourselves.

In the meantime, I'll continue to add to the ever-growing stack of Ages and locations that await our approval.

Dr. K.

PS. I would schedule a P2 for Rebek this week but apparently you'll all be gone.

Dr. Watson - July 03, 2002

Kodama,

I'm sorry to see that you will not be joining us. You really need a break, my friend. The restoration will take many years, a short break will not be a set back in the long run. The same can not be said if you let yourself get burned out.

Dr. Watson

Dr. Kodama - July 08, 2002

Hope you all had a wonderful trip.

P2 for Rebek tomorrow. Meet in the Tokotah if you can come.

Dr. K

Dr. Watson - July 11, 2002

just wanted to publicly thank Dr. Kodama and his team for all their efforts in the Rebek Age. Though we have decided not to proceed with the restoration of this Age at this time, this decision is in no way a reflection on the work that was done in the Age to this point. We deeply appreciate the risks you all took to get the Age even to the condition it is currently in.

Thanks!

Dr. Watson

Dr. Kodama - July 11, 2002

Thanks for the compliment Dr. Watson.

But, the failure of Rebek has made it clear that your earlier comments were probably correct.

I think I need to take that break next week.

Dr. K.