The Signal (Scavenger Hunt Challenge)

by Crown Me Tarzan, King of Mars

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“The Signal has been broadcasting since 1977, at least,” Professor Lee explained to the President and his advisers.

I was more focused on the cig currently twirling like a baton in my left hand. Lee was muttering something about how The Signal was broadcasting in the 23Hz range when the old man interrupted.

“But Lee – Lee, this is bull, right?” The President said, wearing that stupid smirk that got him elected.

“This is Science!” Lee declared. Pompous turd.

I couldn’t take it anymore. “You’re telling us that Men from Mars are shooting radio waves at us for what, exactly? To deny us the ability to watch Blossom reruns?”

“God only knows, Rita,” Lee replied, “If I had to guess? It’s a weapon.”

“I’m from Detroit, champ. I’d know a weapon if I saw one,” I lit up and took a drag. “And it’s Doctor Rita to you. Dick.”

“Uh, no smoking in the Oval Office, Doc,” the President said.

“Well, if what he says is true, we’ll all be dead soon, anyhow. I hear everybody smokes in Hell. I’m just getting a head start.”

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Comments

Average Reader Rating: 5.0 stars out of 5

  1. The Signal (Scavenger Hunt Challenge)

    Eckhouse's Buddy Icon Eckhouse

    Posted 2 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    If we cannot watch Blossom, then truly the terrorists have won. I love the premise, and I love the tone – perfect. And I totally heart Doctor Rita. In between the good and the bad time lords you have – the surly time lords!

  2. The Signal (Scavenger Hunt Challenge)

    thebetweenspace's Buddy Icon thebetweenspace

    Posted 2 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    This was a great story. I only picked up on a few of the clues, so I’ll have to read it again. I love the last line. Brilliant.

  3. The Signal (Scavenger Hunt Challenge)

    THX 0477's Buddy Icon THX 0477

    Posted 2 months ago

    ”...everybody smokes in Hell.” Great line and an awesome entry to the challenge. Nicely hidden clues as well. I have guesses for only 7/10, and I’m not sure of half of them. Never would have pegged you for a Blossom fan.

  4. The Signal (Scavenger Hunt Challenge)

    Crown Me Tarzan, King of Mars' Buddy Icon Crown Me Tarzan, King of Mars

    Posted 2 months ago

    She’s not a Time Lord, but just another iteration of my favorite fiction archetype: The Rock Star Scientist (see Val Kilmer in Real Genius , Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park or Robert Downey, Jr. in Iron Man ).

    And yes, I’ve seen every episode of Blossom .

    Twice.

  5. The Signal (Scavenger Hunt Challenge)

    Krulltar's Buddy Icon Krulltar

    Posted 2 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Outstanding story, and could have stood alone without the need of a challenge. I was kind of let down that you didn’t have Bill Murray from Ghostbusters on your list.

  6. The Signal (Scavenger Hunt Challenge)

    Ana Cristina's Buddy Icon Ana Cristina

    Posted 2 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    I would have thought “Dr. Who” was your favorite show, not “Blossom.” Who knew?! This was wacky, weird and wonderful. And I’m just a “W” mood I guess.
    And by the way, when are you and NIck going to jump back on the Simon and Blake train? It’s been too long!

  7. The Signal (Scavenger Hunt Challenge)

    Crown Me Tarzan, King of Mars' Buddy Icon Crown Me Tarzan, King of Mars

    Posted 2 months ago

    @Krulltar : I would have gotten to Dr. Venkman eventually, I just wanted to give a few examples.
    ~
    @Ana Cristina :I would probably go with Lost as my favorite, or maybe The Venture Bros. , but you said sitcoms!
    Actually, I wouldn’t say that Blossom is my favorite sitcom either, but I just had to get that line in about the alien signal disrupting the reruns.

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