video + text » shortly after sam's post;

[memorari]

[ before clara speaks, she cracks her knuckles. this is big news and big business, so she speaks crisply, ]

Alright then, so, for those of you watching the network, Mr. Winchester was nice enough to sound the alarm on subnetwork shenanigans.

At first, all you see is a cryptic-ish message, complete with a signature from our favorite shady benefactor. [ ☺ ]

[ She copy/pastes the original clues for reference. ]

☺
SUCH IS THE APPEARANCE OF THE BLACKBIRDS.
SCYLLA TURNED BACK; SHE DARED NOT TRUST HERSELF FAR OUT AT SEA
HERE ARE THE GRAVES OF THE CHILDREN OF IPHIMEDEIA AND ALOEUS.

It's all very literary and Greek — as was discussed. To make long story short, all the hints point to Anthedon, a town in ancient Greece and, more relevant to us space cadets, one of Alexandria's moons. Both Homer and Pausanius wrote about it — the old town, that is — Pausanias moreso. I think it was the farthest port, which makes sense in the context of the clues. No idea about the blackbirds, although I'd wager the two names at the end were mythological heroes or something of that sort. See Sam's post for more on the underlying meaning, if you put stock in that stuff. [ said as if she does, tyvm. ]

Anyway, I'm Clara Oswald, and I want to talk about the transmission that comes after you pop this buzzword in. I've transcribed it as best I can below, for convenience's sake. Of course, you can listen to it yourself, if you like.

[ in clara's transcription 'deep off-mike thumping' is LOUD CREEPY NOISE you're welcome. ]

UNKNOWN AUDIO LOG [LIVE FEED]

W: ░▓▓▒▒▓▒an’t keep this up forever. Th▒▓▓▓ ooking for you.

R: Watch me.

W: Hidi▓▒▒ will only ▒▒▒▓▓▓░▓t worse. ▓░▓▓▓▒▒▒▒░▓░░nly do so much to—

R: I can onl▓▒▒▒▒░ so much.

W: What are you going to ░▓▓▒▒▓▓▓▒▒en the ship st▓▓▓▒▒▒▒▓▓░░▓▓▓▓▓▓ damage contr▓▒▒▒?

R: If you want to take ove▒▓▓░░▓▓y guest.

[ DEEP OFF-MIC THUMPING ]

W: ▓▒▒’ll talk about this later.

So, we all agree that the woman is Resnik and the man is Ward, right? Any other thoughts?

[ aaand she pings THE DOCTOR because he's the smartest guy she knows. ]

Comments

[andblockbuster]

They would be the worst Gryffindors ever. Also, points for the reference.

[memorari]

Not many, I hope. It was a weak reference compared to yours. Definitely in every Brit's repertoire.

[andblockbuster]

Go Amityville or go home. I'm Topher, BTW.

[memorari]

I'm glad someone keeps up with pop culture. [ she's js, doctor. ] Nice to meet you, Topher.

[andblockbuster]

Hey, I might be here to do all the neuroscience, but I am also here to make the Ren Faire question everything they know with conveniently timed reference jokes. Keeps 'em on their toes.

[memorari]

[ ah, she remembers him now. ] You're the one who worships at Starbucks, aren't you?

[ what can she say? she stalks the network. ]

[andblockbuster]

I happen to take the Vanilla Bean Espresso With Extra Whipped Cream Discipline very seriously.

[memorari]

Oh, as a Frappuccino girl, I have to disagree.

[andblockbuster]

[He tuts, teasing.] Don't invoke a jihad within five minutes of meeting me. It sets a bad precedent. What would our gods say?

[memorari]

[ this was supposed to be a serious post, topher. ]

I'm fairly certain we have different opinions of what our gods would say. Pity we can't consult a barista here.

[andblockbuster]

[he brings the levity.]

Baristas have to be impartial. It's part of their rites.

[He chuckles.] This is going nowhere, but I am really dedicated to this.

[memorari]

This being the understanding of the ship's spooky mysteries?

[andblockbuster]

Not thinking too hard about the ship's spooky mysteries and instead being... Me. I've had enough conspiracy for one lifetime.

[memorari]

Well, I'll do the hard thinking if you'll handle the comedic relief.

[ her curiosity can't be sated, at this point. no turning back, etc. ]

[andblockbuster]

I can definitely work with that. It's how I roll- until the hard thinking involves neurology and then I'm more than willing to take the bullet. I'm too good at it not to.

[memorari]

And humble, too. If the subject comes up in my snooping, I'll be sure to give you a ring.

[andblockbuster]

Awesome. [Beam. HE'S A HELPER.]