Let’s look a little closer
Maya and Ollie choose one signal for wait and two for ready. Another pair of people could choose different meanings. A code is an agreement.
Their short gap keeps two signals together. A much longer pause shows that the whole message has ended.
The receiver also needs to see or hear the signal. If a message is missed, asking for another try is better than guessing.
What we can discover
In the real world
People use light and sound to send information. Shared meanings and detectable signals help a message reach its receiver.
What the story imagines
In Ollie’s world
The children's wait/ready code is invented for the story. A flashlight cannot transport people as the Cognicore does.
Keep exploring
These sources are for a closer look with a grown-up.