You affirm to Novelty that you didn't hear a thing, and after bidding her farewell, your party exits the laboratory.

You make your way back outside, where the afternoon sun has gone obscured by the tower of clouds to the west. The overcast light is slowly beginning to lose its warmth, and the wind is picking up in its place, sending clouds rolling in from the north.

As you walk to the nearest street, you decide to ask your friends about what they think you should do next.

Apple Basket: "I dunno about you gals, but I sure could go for somethin' to bite right 'bout now."

Moonflower: "Didn't we just have a snack? ... Oh wait! That was jus' me."

You all have a good chuckle at that, then stop to consider your options. Without magic to access your sidereal bag, you tell the others that you do not have much to offer on hoof. In turn, they each try searching through their own bags.

Apple Basket: "Uh, well, it ain't food, but I still got plenty o' bits to spare. Hold on, I'll be right back!"

While Moonflower continues to rummage through her satchel, you watch Apple Basket walk up to a nearby merchant's stall. A short conversation later, the farmpony returns with a sheepish expression.

Apple Basket: "Right. They don't accept gold bits here. Should'a seen that comin'."

Moonflower: "I got a carrot and some cookies! Ooh, and some gemstones, too. Unicorns like gems, right? Maybe I can trade 'em here!"

Apple Basket: "Maybe... or we could always walk back to our boat an' fix us somethin' up over there. That would take longer for sure, but we still got enough supplies to last us a few days, so we might as well put 'em to good use. Whaddaya say?"

All this talk about food is starting to make you feel hungry.