Wake Ships do not broadcast distress calls the way conventional vessels do. Sound, signal, and meaning behave differently in the Storywake.
A Wake distress call is a narrative signal—a structured declaration of need that attempts to anchor attention long enough for help to arrive.
Not all calls are answered.
But all are heard by something.
All legitimate Wake distress calls contain three elements, in order:
Identity – Who is calling
State – What is failing
Intent – What is being asked
Calls missing one of these elements degrade rapidly.
Used when systems are strained but functional.
Structure:
Wake-bound vessel [Ship Name] calling.
We are [state].
Requesting [assistance type].
Example:
“Wake-bound vessel Lantern Drift calling.
We are slipping off-route but holding coherence.
Requesting escort or route confirmation.”
Reliability: High
Reach: Moderate
Risk: Low
Used when narrative integrity is actively degrading.
Structure:
This is [Ship Name].
We are losing [system / state].
If you hear this, answer.
Example:
“This is Crossroads Cutter.
We are losing wake stabilization.
If you hear this, answer.”
Reliability: Variable
Reach: Wide
Risk: Moderate
Used when systems or crew are failing unevenly.
Calls may repeat, stutter, or loop.
Structure:
[Ship Name]… calling.
Not holding.
Still here.
Example:
“Hearthbound… calling.
Not holding.
Still here.”
Reliability: Low
Reach: Unpredictable
Risk: High (may attract Unwritten attention)
This call is initiated only when all Anchors aboard agree to transmit.
It carries identity rather than coordinates.
Structure:
Anchors aboard [Ship Name] declare intent.
We are not finished.
Hold us.
Example:
“Anchors aboard Common Thread declare intent.
We are not finished.
Hold us.”
Reliability: Very High
Reach: Targeted (other Anchors feel it)
Risk: Severe strain on crew
Used when a ship cannot continue but can still choose rest.
This call is never casual.
Structure:
[Ship Name] returning.
Story complete.
Homeward, receive us.
Example:
“Quiet Vector returning.
Story complete.
Homeward, receive us.”
Reliability: Extremely High
Reach: Homeward only
Risk: Finality (often irreversible)
These calls are fragmented, distorted, or symbolic. Often unintelligible.
Structure:
Non-standard. Often repeats a single phrase.
Examples:
“We’re still moving.”
“Don’t let it end like this.”
“I remember.”
A child’s voice repeating a name
A ship’s chime, looping endlessly
Reliability: Unknown
Reach: Wide
Risk: Extreme (frequently answered by the wrong thing)
The Storywake remembers.
Some distress calls persist long after their ships are gone. These are known as Echo Calls.
Responding to one may lead to:
Empty space
A Storyless remnant
A looped fragment of a destroyed ship
A test rather than a rescue
Experienced crews listen carefully before answering.
Wake crews rarely say “help.”
They say:
“Answer.”
“Hold us.”
“We’re still here.”
Because in the Storywake,
to be heard is already a victory.
A Wake distress call is not a message.
It is a declaration:
I still exist.
I am still choosing.
If anyone can hear me—
please witness this moment.
Not all calls are answered.
But those that are
change two stories instead of one.