Reference:2010-02-06 Dr. Kodama in the Cavern

(02/07 01:03:11) Dr. Kodama chuckles to himself.
(02/07 01:05:31) Dr. Kodama kneels down...
(02/07 01:07:00) JWPlatt: Well, hello there!
(02/07 01:07:18) Dr. Kodama: Good evening. Ms. Sutherland promises that you won't bite.
(02/07 01:07:28) JWPlatt: Did you just get in, or have you been here a while?
(02/07 01:07:43) JWPlatt: Heh, I appreciate her assurance to you. Some people wonder...
(02/07 01:08:07) Dr. Kodama: I've been here a few hours. I was catching up with Ms. Sutherland.
(02/07 01:08:09) JWPlatt: I was wondering the same of you, actually. She helpe to allay our concerns.
(02/07 01:09:00) Dr. Kodama: I prefer to stick to the job at hand, usually. But condering I don't have a job down here at the moment, I guess I'm free to relax a bit.
(02/07 01:09:33) JWPlatt: And what is the job at hand now, if you don't have one?
(02/07 01:09:50) JWPlatt: Hang out with the interlopers? Heh
(02/07 01:10:11) Dr. Kodama: Well, it was to investigate whatever tripped the sensors, but that seems to have been settled.
(02/07 01:10:33) JWPlatt: Ah, so what do you think it was?
(02/07 01:10:36) JWPlatt grins
(02/07 01:10:43) Dr. Kodama smiles.
(02/07 01:11:00) Dr. Kodama: Explorers being explorers, I imagine.
(02/07 01:11:12) JWPlatt: We've been looking for those sensors. Haven't found any. We'll keep looking.
(02/07 01:12:02) JWPlatt: Marie explained a few things ahead of you. So now, what can we do for you besides making you investiaget a formerly empty Cavern?
(02/07 01:12:14) Dr. Kodama: They're around. Surprised they haven't been tripped earlier, actually. Maybe Laxman was ingorign those in areas explorers frequent.
(02/07 01:13:07) Dr. Kodama: As long as I'm here, I'm going to stay the weekend. It's been too long since I've visited the Cavern.
(02/07 01:13:14) JWPlatt: You mean like KI idspensors and the link, I suppose. :)
(02/07 01:13:33) JWPlatt: Cool. All wekend?
(02/07 01:13:58) Dr. Kodama: I'll head back up to the surface sometime tomorrow evening, most likely.
(02/07 01:15:23) JWPlatt: I think some have gone back to their rooms for the night already, so that would be great if you are still here tomorrow for chats with everyone else who has been, intrud.., er, I mean visiting the Cavern. They have more questions than I can think of off hand.
(02/07 01:16:02) Dr. Kodama: I hope they aren't actually counting on me to have the answers.
(02/07 01:16:09) JWPlatt laughs
(02/07 01:16:23) Dr. Kodama: We're all just explorers for now.
(02/07 01:16:28) JWPlatt: I assure you, no one ever expects the DRC to have allthe answers.
(02/07 01:16:52) HenryMikel: We just want to be able to stay
(02/07 01:17:10) Dr. Kodama: I don't see a problem with that as long as the Cavern isn't harmed.
(02/07 01:17:29) HenryMikel: That's wonderful news
(02/07 01:18:03) HenryMikel: We'll just have to be more careful around the sensors
(02/07 01:18:13) JWPlatt: Really? Well, that's good news. I think people very much respect this place. That's two votes for and zero against. So far!
(02/07 01:18:42) Dr. Kodama laughs.
(02/07 01:19:24) JWPlatt: Marie mentioned you are all scattered, like we have been, on your own jobs...
(02/07 01:19:42) JWPlatt: Have you been doing anything of note?
(02/07 01:19:51) Dr. Kodama: That is true. We all had to get "real" jobs.
(02/07 01:20:18) Dr. Kodama: Except for Laxman. I think he's semi-retired and busy with family matters on the surface.
(02/07 01:20:49) JWPlatt: This was a real job, and despite the, uh, contention at times, very much considered historic and worthwhile.
(02/07 01:21:32) Dr. Kodama: It was a great deal of work, but did not feel like a job for most of us.
(02/07 01:22:01) HenryMikel: Trust me, you have many fans. Your work is very appreciated
(02/07 01:22:14) Dr. Kodama: Thank you very much.
(02/07 01:22:37) Dr. Kodama: We did the best we could given the circumstances we were in.
(02/07 01:22:53) HenryMikel: Underfunded and underappreciated
(02/07 01:23:10) Dr. Kodama: Too often that is the way of things.
(02/07 01:23:21) JanB: let's hope for the best now
(02/07 01:23:29) Dr. Kodama: I agree.
(02/07 01:24:29) JWPlatt: Now that you know we are here, would you have any plans for the Cavern other than to leave us to explore on our own?
(02/07 01:24:36) Dr. Kodama: I don't know if Enbgerg will ever return. He completely changed carrers. But I believe the others would return if the situation changed.
(02/07 01:24:50) HenryMikel: Excellent
(02/07 01:25:18) JanB: that would be great!
(02/07 01:25:20) HenryMikel: We must find a way to change the situation
(02/07 01:25:21) JWPlatt: I can't imagine Engberg returning without an extremely compelling reason, considering...
(02/07 01:25:36) Dr. Kodama: In the mean time, we may visit from time to time as explorers.
(02/07 01:26:15) Dr. Kodama: Enjoy the Cavern as it is, rather than worrying about repairing everything in sight.
(02/07 01:26:18) Dr. Kodama smiles.
(02/07 01:26:29) JWPlatt: You'd be welcome, encouraged. But then it's not really our to welcome you, is it? It's your work.
(02/07 01:26:46) Dr. Kodama: We didn't have time for much of that before. Stopping and smelling the roses, as it were.
(02/07 01:27:10) HenryMikel: There is so much to see
(02/07 01:27:16) Dr. Kodama: It might be a nice change of pace.
(02/07 01:27:19) Dr. Kodama grins.
(02/07 01:27:37) HenryMikel cheers
(02/07 01:27:39) JanB: and we hop for lots of new things to explore
(02/07 01:28:01) JWPlatt: That's quite a change of context, eh, coming here for vacation? Heh.
(02/07 01:28:17) Dr. Kodama: Indeed, it is.
(02/07 01:29:02) HenryMikel: It's a little lonely now
(02/07 01:29:05) Dr. Kodama: Maybe I'll even get to spend time with a Bahro now that it's not my responsibility to make sure they aren't a threat to explorers.
(02/07 01:29:23) HenryMikel: I'd still be a little wary
(02/07 01:29:35) Dr. Kodama laughs.
(02/07 01:29:38) Dr. Kodama: Good point.
(02/07 01:29:49) JanB: you expect the bahro to be agressive?
(02/07 01:30:05) HenryMikel: They have been mistreated in the past
(02/07 01:30:43) Dr. Kodama: I do not know, JanB.
(02/07 01:31:04) Dr. Kodama: I haven't seen one recently.
(02/07 01:31:40) HenryMikel: Luckily they stay away from the city
(02/07 01:31:48) HenryMikel: They stick to their agreement
(02/07 01:32:49) JanB: they were left alon for quite some time
(02/07 01:35:29) JWPlatt: Mr. Kodama, I'd like to repeat to you what was said to Maria -- that I believe we all hope that whatever you are doing now is providing satisfaction and reward in your lives. And that allowing us to continue to explorer is quite generous of the DRC.
(02/07 01:36:08) Dr. Kodama: Thank you, JWPlatt.
(02/07 01:36:53) HenryMikel: Welcome Chris
(02/07 01:36:59) JWPlatt: Hi Chris
(02/07 01:37:07) Dr CrisGer: hello
(02/07 01:37:10) Dr. Kodama: Good evening, Dr.
(02/07 01:37:13) JanB: hi Chris
(02/07 01:37:31) Dr CrisGer: good evening Dr
(02/07 01:37:52) Dr CrisGer: it is a plesasure to make your aquaintence
(02/07 01:37:57) HenryMikel: Chris... the good doctor is enjoying his visit
(02/07 01:38:13) Dr CrisGer: sir i am very glad you are able to be here...
(02/07 01:38:50) Dr. Kodama: Thank you. It is nice to be back under more relaxed conditions.
(02/07 01:39:21) HenryMikel: We were very afraid we'd be ejected immediately
(02/07 01:39:36) HenryMikel: but the Doctor is very angry
(02/07 01:39:37) Dr CrisGer: Will it be permissible for us to continue to explore and conduct research if we are very careful?
(02/07 01:39:50) Dr CrisGer: ah?
(02/07 01:39:54) Dr. Kodama: I'll find Victor's ejection button.
(02/07 01:40:01) Dr CrisGer: oh dear
(02/07 01:40:08) Dr. Kodama laughs.
(02/07 01:40:16) JanB: oh my
(02/07 01:40:19) Dr CrisGer: uh?
(02/07 01:40:38) JWPlatt laughs
(02/07 01:40:46) Dr. Kodama: Dr. Chris, I don't see a problem as long as the Cavern isn't harmed.
(02/07 01:40:54) Dr CrisGer: Ah.
(02/07 01:40:59) Dr CrisGer: that is a huge releif
(02/07 01:41:03) JanB: great!
(02/07 01:41:23) Dr CrisGer: I have been working on detailed studies of architecture, cultural ecology, timelines ....
(02/07 01:41:30) Dr CrisGer: many years of research now....
(02/07 01:41:36) Dr CrisGer: i was deeply concerned
(02/07 01:42:00) Dr CrisGer: All non invasive...contextural analysis
(02/07 01:42:24) HenryMikel: Doctor, can we hope that perhaps someday others can join us?
(02/07 01:42:48) Dr. Kodama: I'm just an explorer at the moment. But I will defend the Cavern if it comes to that.I trust that it will not.
(02/07 01:43:25) Dr. Kodama: I have no doubt that others will find their way here as you have.
(02/07 01:43:40) HenryMikel: The Call is strong
(02/07 01:44:06) Dr CrisGer: This is such a rare chance to study a disctinct culture almost untouched in its original context
(02/07 01:44:07) Dr. Kodama: For that matter the Bahro are very quiet now, but I trust that they would defend it as well.
(02/07 01:44:47) Dr. Kodama: Indeed. the Call is strong.
(02/07 01:44:50) Dr CrisGer: If we encounter any Bahro what do you advise?
(02/07 01:45:09) Dr CrisGer: Aside from total respect...
(02/07 01:45:11) Dr. Kodama: I hear that they like reeces pieces.
(02/07 01:45:19) Dr CrisGer laughs
(02/07 01:45:21) HenryMikel laughs
(02/07 01:45:22) JWPlatt: Oh my...
(02/07 01:45:25) JWPlatt laughs
(02/07 01:45:27) JanB laughs
(02/07 01:45:35) Dr CrisGer: We will stock up
(02/07 01:46:46) Dr CrisGer: Is the integral structure of the city basically stable enough for more visitation? Larger numbers?
(02/07 01:46:54) JanB: I'll try stroowafels if needed
(02/07 01:47:13) JanB: tent
(02/07 01:47:32) Dr. Kodama: I believe so, Dr. Chris. I think we'll be finding out soon enough.
(02/07 01:47:40) Dr CrisGer nods
(02/07 01:47:58) Dr CrisGer: Dr this is Ethan a collegue of ours
(02/07 01:48:01) JanB: shorah Ethan
(02/07 01:48:03) EthanEver: Uh... hello
(02/07 01:48:07) Dr CrisGer: he is a devoted and very careful explorer
(02/07 01:48:10) EthanEver salutes
(02/07 01:48:16) JWPlatt: What has been your most satisfying success down here, Dr. Kodama?
(02/07 01:48:18) Dr. Kodama: Hello, Ethan. It is nice to meet you.
(02/07 01:48:34) JWPlatt: Shorah Ethan
(02/07 01:48:34) EthanEver: The same... and quite a syrprise
(02/07 01:49:09) Dr. Kodama: JW, that we survived two attempts at restoring this place.
(02/07 01:49:43) JWPlatt: Oh my, yes, I guess that would be it!
(02/07 01:50:44) JWPlatt: Are you a coffee drinker?
(02/07 01:51:21) EthanEver: what brings you down here Dr. Kodama?
(02/07 01:51:28) Dr. Kodama: Not often, JW.
(02/07 01:51:30) JWPlatt: I hear slow perk makes the best brew. ;)
(02/07 01:52:00) JWPlatt: I you know what I mean.
(02/07 01:52:27) Dr. Kodama: I came down at Victor Laxman's request to investigate some sensors, Ethan.
(02/07 01:52:43) HenryMikel: Guess we missed those Ethan
(02/07 01:52:46) EthanEver: Oh, ok
(02/07 01:52:54) Dr CrisGer: Our activity must have tripped them
(02/07 01:52:59) JanB: we dit not trace them yet
(02/07 01:53:19) EthanEver: did not notice where they were
(02/07 01:53:36) JanB: so well hidden!
(02/07 01:53:38) Dr. Kodama: Someone did. I'm glad it was you explorers and not someone with malicious intent.
(02/07 01:53:51) Dr CrisGer: I would have preferred to apply for permits in advance but there did not seem to be any way to contact the DRC directly.
(02/07 01:53:54) HenryMikel: so we can avoid them and not ruin Victor's sleep
(02/07 01:54:42) EthanEver: i was under the impression not too many on the surface knew about this place
(02/07 01:54:58) JWPlatt: Very thoughful of you, Henry!
(02/07 01:55:03) Dr. Kodama: I suspect once he knows that explorers are returning to the Cavern that he won't be as worried when sensors are tripped.
(02/07 01:56:20) JWPlatt: That's positive. What would he imagine? Earthquake? Collapse? Bahro?
(02/07 01:56:38) Dr CrisGer: It could have been tomb robbers or artifact hunters
(02/07 01:56:44) Dr CrisGer: many such unsavory types these days
(02/07 01:56:58) HenryMikel: Better safe than sorry
(02/07 01:56:59) Dr. Kodama: Exactly.
(02/07 01:57:19) Dr CrisGer: Some digs in South America have to have armed guards
(02/07 01:57:35) Dr CrisGer: So our presence does provide a measure of security
(02/07 01:57:45) JanB: we did not spot any diamonds so far here
(02/07 01:58:17) Dr. Kodama: The Cavern has Bahro guards.
(02/07 01:58:21) Dr. Kodama smiles.
(02/07 01:58:37) HenryMikel: The best security yet... the home team
(02/07 01:58:49) Dr CrisGer: Indeed.
(02/07 01:59:29) EthanEver: Dr. Kodama, I see you are better camouflaged than me in my yellows...
(02/07 01:59:48) Dr. Kodama: I wouldn't want to upset Yeesha, either, come to think of it.
(02/07 02:00:08) Dr CrisGer: I presume she is still about.....somewhere.
(02/07 02:00:25) Dr. Kodama: Just call me Kodama-chameleon.
(02/07 02:00:35) EthanEver: Last I heard from her she said she had other matters to attend to
(02/07 02:01:30) JWPlatt: Really? That's quite a give for the DRC in general to give credence to Yeesha, isn't it, or am I going back too far now?
(02/07 02:02:32) Dr. Kodama: We know who she is and what she is capable of. We don't necessarily agree with her methods, but respect her abilities.
(02/07 02:03:12) Dr. Kodama: And I imagine she has as strong a bond with the Cavern as we do. Maybe I am wrong.
(02/07 02:03:52) Dr CrisGer: She certainly seems to know ways to use the technology and move about at her will.
(02/07 02:04:26) Dr. Kodama: Dr. Watson knows her very well.
(02/07 02:04:32) JWPlatt: Maria mentioned being concerned that Esher migth be hereabouts, Ethan. That was part of the matters Yeesha was attending to.
(02/07 02:05:02) EthanEver: ah... i had wonderd about that
(02/07 02:05:32) JWPlatt: Turns out it was just us!
(02/07 02:05:50) JWPlatt: Dr. Watson... Hope to see or hear from him sometime.
(02/07 02:06:17) JWPlatt: His last message was to make a home, write ages.
(02/07 02:07:08) HenryMikel: Welcome Dadguy meet Dr Kodama
(02/07 02:07:10) Dr CrisGer: Dr this is another much respected collegue, Dadguy
(02/07 02:07:10) EthanEver: Which we have taken as a very serious suggestion
(02/07 02:07:21) Dadguy: I don't see him.
(02/07 02:07:25) Dr. Kodama: I haven't spoken with him recently. Last I heard he was working from home and enjoying time with his family.
(02/07 02:07:38) Dadguy: Yes, I have... thanks.
(02/07 02:08:16) Dadguy: Now I see you Doctor
(02/07 02:08:59) EthanEver: cool tecnology
(02/07 02:09:13) Dr CrisGer: very useful
(02/07 02:09:19) EthanEver: could use that on surface
(02/07 02:09:32) Dadguy: I hope you are doing well.
(02/07 02:09:44) Dadguy: We saw Marie here earlier tonight.
(02/07 02:10:12) Dr. Kodama: Yes, I spent about two hours catching up with her.
(02/07 02:10:58) Dadguy: Are you two working together again?
(02/07 02:11:29) Dr. Kodama: No. We have been out of touch a while.
(02/07 02:12:21) Dadguy: lease excuse me for dominating the conversation, but will you be returning to the Cavern?
(02/07 02:12:57) Dr. Kodama: I may return from time to time as an explorer, but there is no funding for resuming the restoration.
(02/07 02:13:06) Dadguy: I understand.
(02/07 02:13:30) Dr CrisGer: Did Dr Sutherland seem in agreement that our presence will be permissible given our commitment to being careful?
(02/07 02:13:56) Dr. Kodama: I was telling the others that the Cavern is very different when you're not looking at everything as your responsibility to figure out how to fix.
(02/07 02:14:23) Dr. Kodama: Dr. Chris, I think we both agree on that.
(02/07 02:14:33) HenryMikel: Perhaps this time you can sit back and appreciate your efforts
(02/07 02:14:34) Dr CrisGer: Thank you.
(02/07 02:14:44) EthanEver: do you think you will enjoy exploring better now, Dr. Kodama?
(02/07 02:15:17) Dr. Kodama: It will take some getting used to.
(02/07 02:15:20) Dadguy: There are many explorers that are determined to keep the Cavern alive.
(02/07 02:15:33) Dadguy: Many who are here today.
(02/07 02:15:45) HenryMikel: and to continue your work in opening new areas
(02/07 02:16:38) Dr. Kodama: I am intrigued by the possibility.
(02/07 02:16:54) HenryMikel: if not immediately... maybe in the future?
(02/07 02:17:04) Dr. Kodama: I know how much work it is.
(02/07 02:17:38) HenryMikel: This time you can rest and others can do the heavy lifting
(02/07 02:17:44) Dr. Kodama smiles.
(02/07 02:17:46) Dadguy: We explained to Marie that there are some explorers intent on attempting to write there own ages. She cautioned us....
(02/07 02:17:49) HenryMikel: but carefully
(02/07 02:17:59) Dr. Kodama: bend at the knees.
(02/07 02:18:05) HenryMikel starts to laugh
(02/07 02:18:07) Dr CrisGer laughs
(02/07 02:19:37) EthanEver: Sir, I seem to notice your KI looks different, or are you holding something in your hand?
(02/07 02:20:48) Dr. Kodama: I don't go anywhere without my pipe. It's practically attached to me.
(02/07 02:20:59) Dr CrisGer: Ah ha.
(02/07 02:21:01) EthanEver: ah that's it
(02/07 02:21:46) JWPlatt: Maybe off-topic a little, but you know, there have been reports that a film will be made about the history of this place. I guess that means some word has leaked out publicly. Perhaps if it is a populat film, it might become necessary to resume full operations to either popularize the film, or as a consequence of its popularity. Would that be an exciting prospect to you?
(02/07 02:22:12) Dadguy: Or the DRC?
(02/07 02:23:21) Dr. Kodama: There have been fictional accounts before. Usually there is enough artistic license for those who do not hear the Call to dismiss it as fantasy.
(02/07 02:23:45) Dr CrisGer: Hollywood rarely deals in fact.
(02/07 02:24:19) Dadguy: Dr Kodama, maybe I missed it because I was late arriving, but why are you here tonight?
(02/07 02:24:22) Dr. Kodama: If it brings funding to the DRC, however, I would not look a gift horse in the mouth. I would gladly return.
(02/07 02:24:47) Dr. Kodama: I don't expect that, however.
(02/07 02:25:22) JWPlatt: He's here to bust us! ;)
(02/07 02:25:58) Dadguy: Is that true? Are we out-of-line being here?
(02/07 02:26:00) Dr. Kodama: Dadguy, at the moment I'm just visiting the Cavern as an explorer. After confirming that things were under control down here.
(02/07 02:26:13) Dadguy: OK. Thank you.
(02/07 02:26:37) Dadguy: We are glad to see you, and the DRC. It's encouraging.
(02/07 02:26:44) JWPlatt: Bust may have been an exaggeration. Hehe.
(02/07 02:26:51) Dadguy: :-)
(02/07 02:26:57) Dr. Kodama: Better to check and make sure it wasn't something else.
(02/07 02:27:05) Dadguy: Someone else?
(02/07 02:27:54) JanB: what else?
(02/07 02:27:57) Dr. Kodama: Thanks, Dadguy. I'm a little concerned that it sends the wrong message. That the DRC will be returning with funding.
(02/07 02:28:10) Dadguy: No, we understand.
(02/07 02:28:24) Dadguy: Marie made that clear. It's still good to see you.
(02/07 02:28:47) Dr CrisGer: Just to meet and make contact is very nice.
(02/07 02:29:00) JanB: Sure
(02/07 02:29:05) Dr. Kodama: But a confirmation seemed necessary, despite what some may make of the visit.
(02/07 02:29:15) Dr. Kodama: Thank you, Dr. Chris.
(02/07 02:29:42) Dadguy: It seems like old times.
(02/07 02:30:02) Dadguy: The place seems very stable.
(02/07 02:30:30) Dr. Kodama: I'm very glad that it is.
(02/07 02:30:52) Dr CrisGer: The entire site is in remarkable conditon.
(02/07 02:31:20) Dr CrisGer: The great work you all have done to stablize certainly shows.
(02/07 02:33:18) Dr CrisGer: Well i fear i must start up to the surface, i have been doing long days......and i am not as young as i used to be
(02/07 02:33:19) Dr. Kodama: I'm glad it appears that way. I see a long list of things that were on the list to restore, it's sometimes hard to appreciate all that was accomplished.
(02/07 02:33:25) JanB: i have to go for the moment some other things to do now
(02/07 02:33:27) Dr CrisGer: :)
(02/07 02:33:29) JanB waves hello
(02/07 02:33:55) Dr. Kodama: I should turn in as well. I'm staying in the Cavern for the weekend. I may see some of you tomorrow.
(02/07 02:34:04) HenryMikel: I hope so
(02/07 02:34:05) Dr CrisGer: Look forward to it.
(02/07 02:34:14) Dr CrisGer: Thank you for this discussion Dr.
(02/07 02:34:15) HenryMikel: Thank you for your time
(02/07 02:34:16) Dr. Kodama: Have a good night.
(02/07 02:34:24) HenryMikel: and for all your good work
(02/07 02:34:30) Dadguy: Staying down here? I'd like to see some of the accomodations sometime.
(02/07 02:34:39) Dr CrisGer: :)
(02/07 02:34:50) Dr CrisGer: thank you sir
(02/07 02:34:59) JWPlatt: Thanks for your time this evebing, Dr. Kodama, and nice to have you stay a bit.
(02/07 02:35:05) Dr. Kodama: nothing fancy. but they're good enough.