Reference:Gehn, Lab journal (Riven (2024))
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| Location | Riven, Book Assembly Island, Gehn's lab |
|---|---|
| Author | Gehn |
34 • 6 • 7 ( 79.6.7 ) I have been cataloging the natural elements of this Age for many years now, yet I still continue to find evidence of the number Five. As a boy, it was very clear to me that it held a place of special significance in the D'ni society; from the ancient heraldic emblems of the ruling elite to the humble homes of the commoners, it was ubiquitous. Its presence here is clearly a direct reflection of the minds that authored the texts I used to compose this Age—further proof that through their Art the D'ni Masters were indeed creating the marvelous worlds they wrote, and not, as many have mistakenly thought, merely forging links to pre-existing worlds. While all of my Ages have been based on D'ni designs, I see now that the ones most vested with the power of Five are also the most beautiful, the most perfect—and, undoubtedly the most structurally sound.
I still have yet to determine how the D'ni color symbology reflects this superior design principle. While ostensibly a six color system, I am convinced that there must be some deeper connection to the number Five. I will continue to investigate.
35 • 1 • % ( 80.1.15 ) The ytram traps have been particularly fruitful this year; apparently the breakup of the islands has not adversely affected the subterranean ecosystems. Unfortunately, I imagine the rebels are also experiencing a generous harvest—no shortage of poison for their darts this season. Such vexing issues aside, this unexpected windfall has allowed me to refine a particularly pleasant extract for my pipe, one that is smoother than any other in recent memory.
35 • 6 • 12 ( 80.6.27 ) I have reluctantly decided to suspend my inquiries into the unusual behavior of the water of this Age, as there are more pressing matters that now demand my attention. For future reference, however, my investigations have revealed the following: I believe the remarkable properties of the water to be caused by a microbe that resides within it. I am imagining a mobile, unicellular organism; but one with a structure that allows it to manipulate bits of water, the aggregate effect of which is that the composite body of water is able to deform itself in response to threatening conditions. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat—a period of extended boiling, for example—seems to kill them off; which would explain their dramatic aversion to even moderate rises in temperature. There is still much to learn, however, regarding this peculiar phenomenon—and its possible uses.
36 • 5 • $ ( 81.5.14 ) Construction of the imagers has proceeded without fault. Remarkable how easy it was to adapt the D'ni technology to mimic that of the Amad. The two cultures must surely have crossed paths at some point in their histories. It may even be that Keta was a direct descendant of the D'ni. How else to explain the redemptive depth of our connection?
But that is all pointless now. [ink on this last phrase has been swiped away]
[Illustration: Imager diagrams]
37 • 2 • ) ( 82.2.10 ) Maintenance on the steam vent caps completed. I am extremely pleased with the continued success of the system—another example of the superiority of D'ni technology. Ironic that Atrus & Catherine's meddling unwittingly provided me with such a convenient source of power.
[Illustration: Steam vent caps diagram]
I am certain, now, that the Fissure was an unexpected by-product of the changes they wrote into this Age as part of their machinations to trap me here—and that Atrus never intended for the Book to be lost among the stars in the process. Better that a Linking Book be destroyed, than to risk it falling into unknown hands. Had they foreseen the creation of the Fissure, they surely would have sought another solution, as the ensuing cataclysm may well have consumed the entire world had I not managed to intervene. ["Katran" crossed] Catherine would never have knowingly taken such a risk. And surely my son, given his won dearth of vertebrae, had only meant for Riven to become my prison, and not my tomb.
