driftfleet | say cheese

[after another odd delay between Atroma broadcasts, the jingle rings in loud and clear... though, strangely, silence immediately returns afterward. for nearly a solid minute, there is nothing but open, quiet air.

and when Diamond's voice chimes in, it isn't nearly as cheerful as it usually is. it's questionable whether or not her solemnity is genuine at all, but the tone is at least there.]

...My dear, dear passengers. We have given you some silence and distance, stepped back and watched with held breath to see how you would meet the recent challenge... and you have done beautifully.

Our hearts ached with your sadness; our fists clenched with your rage. Your demonstrations have been nothing short of moving. So, please... imagine the applause as we rise to our feet and celebrate you.

[and she takes a breath, leaves a pause for all the imagining that the passengers must be doing right now.]

Now, where are you headed? What lies just around the corner? I hope you all hold onto those lessons of friendship and teamwork, and are settled into your station. There is much more work to be done.

[there's a rapping sound--tense fingers drumming on a table near the microphone, maybe.]

There has been a little bit of rearranging, of course. Moving a few things out to make room. I'm sure you all appreciate the breathing space.

And, in the commotion, we have three captains stepping up to command two ships. Congratulations to Captain Hamada, Captain Russo, and Captain Todd. You are taking the helm at an exciting time.

Stay alert, passengers. And remember that we are all here with you. The worlds are watching.

[and, as usual, the sound cuts out but the channel remains open, for a time.]

ooc: → here