Ghost Signals, Episode 7: Part 4.2
JARYD Maybe later. In the meantime, there's something I've been working on the last four years that I wouldn't mind getting your... unique viewpoint on.
RAIVEN Okay. My expertise is focused more toward history and planetary archaeology. But I'll be happy to assist as best as I can.
Jaryd heads over to the farthest bookcase in the library and starts to search as Raiven speaks.
RAIVEN (Cont.) What is the project about?
JARYD It's- hard to describe succinctly. Are you familiar with the term, "multi-faceted?"
Raiven shakes her head. We see Jaryd grab a tablet from the middle of the bookcase, making their way back to the good Doctor as they speak.
JARYD (Cont. as she types) It means they take in different fields or specialties. In my case- engineering, terraforming, deep space aeronautics...
After a brief bit of typing, as Mayor Mitchell stands alongside Raiven once more, we see a 3-D image pop up from the center of the screen showing a series of chemical compounds grouped on a single page.
RAIVEN (flipping through the pages) And biology, from the looks of this...genetic enhancer, I believe?
JARYD (nods) That's the part I need the least assistance on. Though I could use an extra set of eyes to see if the calculations are spot on.
RAIVEN An impressive feat, Mayor. If I could venture a guess, whatever huminn drank this would gain an enhanced durability on all levels to endure the rigors of...
At that point, the rest of the statement as well as the meaning behind Jaryd's project dawns on the good Doctor. She lets out a chuckle.
RAIVEN This is about exploring space, isn't it?
JARYD (pause) Yes it is, Doctor. I was hoping, given your physiological and technological advantages, that you may provide the key to finally unlocking the project's potential for my people.
RAIVEN (stunned pause) First off, I'm--I'm pleasantly surprised your species have advanced like this, given what you went through. Secondly-- You've been talking up the efficiencies, the...technology. All the great things this town does. Why would you wish to leave now?
JARYD It...It has to do, in part, with the town's solar grid. (leaves to a counter behind them)
RAIVEN The thin glassy panels at the entrance to Three Angels?
JARYD The very same...
Jaryd grabs a tablet off of one of the countertops behind them and moves back to the good Doctor moments later. As they speaks, you can see various pages of data and experiments emerge which Raiven quickly scans and reads.
JARYD (Cont.) The workers with the skills and experience necessary to fix it are plentiful, though not as much as in the past. The crux of the issue has to do with weather- the sand storms, the torrential heat and acidic downpours. Either of these events disrupt the system for weeks. As their intensity ticks up, the window for fixing it becomes smaller and smaller. Just a few years ago the process took a little over a day. As things stand, in the next two-three years, it'll be all but impossible to repair the grid without endangering our workers.
RAIVEN When do these "weather events" usually happen, on average? JARYD It varies by season. Some events are more prevalent early in the year, others later on. We had a particularly strong sand storm hit a few weeks ago that we just got back to 100%, shortly before your spacecraft touched down.
RAIVEN I see...how much support do you have amongst the populace for this Project of yours?
JARYD There lies the problem- there's very little of it. Same goes with my advisor.
Raiven ponders the thought for a couple of long moments.
RAIVEN Let me talk to my compatriots for a little bit, formulate my decision from there.
JARYD Fair enough. We can meet back here in an hour or two for drinks, hopefully to discuss the next step.
RAIVEN Sure...sounds good.
CUT TO:
INT. DINING ROOM, COMMUNAL AREA- A Short Time Later
A wide shot from the ceiling of the citizenry of Three Angels sitting down for dinner, commiserating with one another as the sounds of old school rock & roll play from the right side of the screen.
CUT TO:
A ground level close-up of Steggy and the AC Second Class standing in front of a long line to receive the food, which they glance at individually the same way a dog would look at a weird looking toy in front of them.