text | @silent | Oct 21

[callada]

Hey everyone,

Have a look at the images attached to this post. These were taken of the same location in the sky at the same time of day. August 1, September 7, October 4 in that order. The fourth picture is the same as the third, other than my own addition to it to highlight some of the more obvious changes.

I haven't finished going through all of the images yet but the stars are going out. Sometimes one a week, sometimes one a night. Averages out to something like ten to twelve per month from what I can see. Maybe more, since the tablet camera doesn't pick up every star all that well, and the trees get in the way.

For now, I have enough of a star chart to navigate by, so long as those stars don't go dark. I'll let you all know if Doctor Ingram or I see a change in the rate of losses.

If anyone can control cloud layers and wants to give me a clear sky every now and then, I'd appreciate it.

((Here's a cool animated version! Thanks, Xy!))

Comments

[callada]

Just saying that it helps to think things through first.

I'm with you on not "playing house", but I mostly don't see people doing that. There are a lot of basics to take care of before we can work on anything bigger. Having reliable food and safety are important. And leaving isn't the only solution. We could establish ourselves well here, learn the ins and outs of this place, and fight from here when these world eaters come looking. All this darkness buys us time to do that, since they're drawn to bigger light sources first.

[sauntered_downward]

If anything that the Lighthouse Keeper has told us is true.

[callada]

And I support skepticism. I was there when Robin's actions killed several of us and when she claimed afterward it was an accident.

But we can't completely dismiss what both she and Dr. Ingram say because we don't like it. And the stars going out corroborates what they've told us.

[sauntered_downward]

So the Lighthouse Keeper is a murderer and everyone knows "Dr. Ingram" is a total git.

The stars going out just say that we have to get out of this place faster.

[callada]

It's at least an important backup plan. Have you met Dr. Lutece?

[sauntered_downward]

We're acquainted.

[callada]

Then I imagine you may already know she's also looking for a way out. Might be worth working together, if you aren't already. We have enough people to split resources based on interests and keep our options open.

[sauntered_downward]

The last I had heard her way out would take three years. Bit late for us if our time limit here is only two.

[callada]

Might be a way to speed things up, or buy us more time. Might be other projects that could branch off hers. Making a trap for those things, instead of getting us out. Making a weapon.

What else are you hoping to try, though, if her way out ends up too slow?

[sauntered_downward]

I still think we should aim for the waterway. That's how people get in, that's how we get out.

[callada]

There's a lot of value to exploring the lake. That, and more, which is why I've been working on navigation charts and building boats this entire time.

Plus, Robin has been insisting since day one that there's no point exploring the lake and absolutely no benefit can come from trying.

You're welcome to help.

[sauntered_downward]

You're building boats? How many boats?

I can help build boats.

[callada]

Right now Jason and I have a third nearly finished. The first two are tiny. This one will hold three or four once I get the mast in.

Goes faster with more hands. Ever built boats before?

[sauntered_downward]

You have enough to get nine of us out and you're not already leaving? How many do you want to transport on the first go?

[callada]

Those first two boats haven't been tested outside the shallows, and are rowboats only. Those islander kids, Sora and the others, they built them so they're probably all right, they just won't get you very far. This one's the first that will have a sail.

But if you really want to try taking a rowboat out on the lake, I won't stop you. Just be careful about your lantern out there. Sounds like if it goes under, that might be the end for you.

[sauntered_downward]

I'll bring back information, let you know what I find.

[callada]

I appreciate it.