a blip

[thespaceopera]

[the fleet has been clear of the musical signals for a day or so... but things still aren't quite right. signals occasionally fail, there is static in the wires. and, apparently, the ships' scanning equipment hasn't been as sensitive as it should be.

it isn't until the fleet is far from the last planet's range that some kind of invisible cloud clears... and several blips show up on every ship's radar. those ships that have a communications officer on-board will actually hear a little alert. and those that don't may miss it entirely, if no one else on board happens to glance at the monitors.

--you aren't alone.

for the first time, there is something showing up on the scanners that isn't the innocuous signatures of local traffic between stations, or the lone, short-range ships out doing their jobs. this is something else.

the communications officers and pilots can attempt to scan them, maybe try and hail... but they lie at the absolute far edge of the equipment's range. just hovering--maybe watching, maybe waiting. maybe not realizing that the drifting fleet is unblinded enough to see them. and there's no telling how long they may have been there.

and once noticed, they only remain for a few minutes before disappearing again into the black.]

...

ooc: this is an entirely-optional mini-event. you can reply or not, and there is no rush to do so. the ships on the radar cannot actually be reached, and will disappear regardless of what is attempted. but if you want to try anyway, post reactions, etc., go ahead and knock yourself out here. they won't answer, but maybe they are listening regardless. this can also be used as a mingle, if anyone wants to talk to each other, or try to bludgeon their communications officer into getting off their butts to actually do anything.

this is just a small event, or clue, and can be played with or ignored as you all wish! enjoy!

Comments

[blindoptimism]

Hopefully less ominous than it seems...

And of course, I'm happy to help. [other crew ♥ you guys are good folks] How have you been? Everything has been rather chaotic in the last few days.

[alwayscomeback]

I don't know, floating quietly around us doesn't sound like something a friendly ship would do.

Oh yeah, there was a lot of screaming about murder or something? It's been pretty quiet here, zero murder-related drama. We're all fine here.

[blindoptimism]

They might be our audience? That would strangely be preferable than the idea that they're an outside force.

[whew, she's glad to hear that] Good. Hopefully a peaceful resolution will be found, although it seems like a delicate situation. [it's always hard when there is some sense to be found on both sides of an argument]

[alwayscomeback]

You think so? I mean, sure, it's possible. Atroma do keep telling us we have them, after all.

Prooobably a good idea to stay out of it unless it affects us, then.

[blindoptimism]

[she nods, even though they're just talking with voice communication]

Yes. Hopefully we'll all be united again just in case, well... in case those ships come closer.

[alwayscomeback]

There's gotta be a waystation or a planet or something soon, right? I mean, even Atroma won't want us just floating in space, that's just boring.

[blindoptimism]

Yes, we'll likely encounter something soon. That will be a good distraction.

[alwayscomeback]

Yeah, people have been way too tense. Maybe this'll give everyone a chance to breathe and relax.

[blindoptimism]

Maybe we'll find a planet that specializes in delicious baked goods, and desserts? [omnom]

[alwayscomeback]

[Sokka makes a delighted noise.]

The only thing better would be a planet full of meat.

[blindoptimism]

Full of meat? [...........]

For a moment, I imagined a city with buildings made of meat. [she shudders a bit. gross]

[alwayscomeback]

[Sokka, on the other hand, looks ecstatic.]

Wow. A whole building made of meat. I would live in that building and never, ever leave.

[blindoptimism]

I-It would be so slimy! [oh geez, composure, ummmm]

Although, I suppose, there would be benefits.

[alwayscomeback]

No, no, it'd be juicy.

You would never go hungry.

[blindoptimism]

And it would be very nutritious... [grooooooooooooosssssssss]

Maybe a nice compromise of the two would be best.

[alwayscomeback]

Darn right it would! [He could get Suki and they could get married and live in a house of meat forever and ever. ]

I don't think those two things mix all that well...

[blindoptimism]

You've never had a meat pie?

[alwayscomeback]

You'd call that a desert?

[blindoptimism]

Not exactly, but it would be a combination of the two. Meat with pie crust-- and element of desserts?

[alwayscomeback]

I dunno, deserts are usually...sweeter. Like cakes!

[blindoptimism]

Hm... I suppose you're right, it would be difficult to make a true dessert that featured meat.

[pause, pause, pause]

Yes, nothing is coming to mind.

[alwayscomeback]

Maybe that just means we'll have to make something.

[blindoptimism]

[ugh, SOKKA YOU ARE PRECIOUS]

Hmm, maybe we could put bacon in something? I've heard people can pair bacon and maple...?

[alwayscomeback]

[Sokka gives a gasp, the sort of gasp one makes then they have landed on some super important discovery that could change the fate of the very universe.]

This might be crazy, but what about...

BACON. PANCAKES?

[blindoptimism]

[his gasp is so dramatic it causes her to take a sharp inhale of breath too. She waits... ????? and then smiles at his idea]

Mm, that sounds quite tasty! I wonder if we could find the ingredients at the way stations?