Conversation with #ussatlantis at Wed Jun 20 21:30:19 2012 on VAdmBlackthorne@opus.il.us.darkmyst.org (irc)
(21:30:20) The topic for #USSAtlantis is: Tonight, after a long journey escorting the Rixx and Surprise to Earth, Atlantis returns home. This time, however, we're returning home after fifteen years in space. After the docking, a casual party will be held in Ten-Forward. Everyone should be there!
(21:30:20) mode (+o VAdmBlackthorne) by ChanServ
(21:30:30) VAdmBlackthorne has changed the topic to: Atlantis sleeps in spacedock, getting some well-deserved rest while enjoying a minor refit and engine upgrade. Shore leave has been granted to anywhere within the Sol system.
(21:30:40) DoctorTav: :: digs his toes into the sand as he sits on the beach of Santa Rosa Island on Earth. The wind is perfect and blows away the sweltering humidity, allowing Tav to relax fully as he enjoys the scene ::
(21:30:42) VAdmBlackthorne: (There we go, now let's try that again)
(21:30:55) VAdmBlackthorne: :: exits a briefing room in Starfleet Headquarters, PADD tucked under one arm ::
(21:31:59) VAdmBlackthorne: :: steps outside to the view of the Golden Gate and inhales a nice lungful of crisp salt air ::
(21:33:58) VAdmBlackthorne: :: senses T'Kirr nearby and looks around for her ::
(21:34:01) LtJGAlexisWright: :: Standing in front of the care facility where her father now resides, attempting to gather the strength and courage to go inside, but only really succeeding in staring intently at her feet. ::
(21:36:03) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Looks up and down a lighted departure sign in Shuttle Bay 2 until he finds a listing for a shuttle departing for Utopia Planitia1Shipyard. Smiling, Chance lifts a bag by its handles and wanders down the rows of shuttles until he finds Shuttlecraft 19. ::
(21:37:30) EnsignJohnTChance: :: A pilot that looks like a cross between a humanoid-shaped trout and the Creature from the Black Lagoon is standing by the door smoking something shaped vaguely like a cigar, only apparently made from some sort of seaweed.::
(21:37:55) CdrTKirr: :: comes around the corner, her arms wrapping a PADD of her own to her chest, and walks unhurriedly towards Ian, a questioning look on her face ::
(21:38:15) EnsignJohnTChance: This the shuttle to Mars?
(21:38:45) LtJGAlexisWright: :: resolve weakening, closes her eyes against tears of sorrow and frustration and stands there, trembling ever so slightly, with her fists balled tightly at her sides ::
(21:38:49) VAdmBlackthorne: :: smiles as she approaches :: Everything's going according to plan. The new drive is a gigantic leap forward.
(21:39:46) EnsignJohnTChance: Pilot> (speaking in a gurgling sounding voice) Utopia Planitia One Shipyard, yeah.
(21:40:08) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Prepares to step aboard :: Good
(21:41:57) EnsignJohnTChance: Pilot > :: extends a flipper-like hand at the end of a tentacle-like arm :: What's your business, friend?
(21:42:02) EnsignJohnTChance: Shore leave.
(21:42:49) EnsignJohnTChance: Pilot > Shore leave? At a shipyard? Really?
(21:43:11) CdrTKirr: :: ducks her head as she comes alongside Ian, and they begin to walk slowly, aimlessly :: Good. I look forward to the testing.
(21:44:10) LtJGAlexisWright: :: finally begins to walks, placing one foot in front of the other, picking up speed and confidence... to walk directly past the facility. :: It's okay. I'll come back. I'll be back. :: tries to console herself for being too weak to face that reality and keeps walking ::
(21:44:22) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Frowns, wondering why it's the pilot's business. :: No. But my dad lives in Perfection, the mining colony at the base of Olympus Mons. I can beam from the shipyard.
(21:44:41) VAdmBlackthorne: That briefing was my last meeting for the day. How about you?
(21:45:25) EnsignJohnTChance: Pilot > Hate Mars. Cold. Dry. Almost no water. Neptune knows why they stuck me on this run.
(21:45:47) EnsignJohnTChance: Well, life's a bitch. When do we depart?
(21:46:43) CdrTKirr: I've checked in with the Director of Science and assisted with several transportation arrangements for various crewmen. I'm free as well.
(21:47:07) EnsignJohnTChance: Pilot > :: shrugs. :: Any time. Don't think we're expecting a crowd.
(21:47:53) DoctorTav: :: lifts his head off the sand to look out into the Gulf. Tav thinks for a moment about how the EMH is probably tormenting the rookie medic that is watching over the skeleton crew as the ACMH is away. Then he smiles slightly, lowers his head to the sand and lightly sleeps, the blue splotch of Standard Issue SPF 15 protecting his nose from the sun. ::
(21:48:29) LtJGAlexisWright: (( okay, can you describe to me what is happening when T'Kirr ducks her head? because what I picture when you say that doesn't really fit contextually so I must be missing something.. ))
(21:48:37) VAdmBlackthorne: Well, you're as familiar with San Francisco as I am, where would you like to go?
(21:50:34) VAdmBlackthorne: If you even want to stay here.
(21:51:58) LtJGAlexisWright: :: keeps walking, meandering through the streets as they grow smaller and less crowded, looking at everything but seeing nothing ::
(21:52:02) CdrTKirr: (( A sort of nod? ))
(21:53:13) LtJGAlexisWright: (( OH. I was picturing ... like... ducking. And it didn't make any sense! My mental-picture-machine is less confused now. ))
(21:54:34) DoctorTav: :: opens his eyes and looks over at his SCUBA tanks, considering going for a dive. To dive or not to dive, that is the question. ::
(21:56:03) CdrTKirr: :: looks around, as if she would see the object she was looking for nearby :: Do you know if that old cable car is still running?
(21:57:30) VAdmBlackthorne: I'm sure it is, it's one of the city's attractions. You want to ride the cable car
(21:57:31) VAdmBlackthorne: ?
(21:58:10) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Sits alone in a deeply cushioned seat looking at his watch. It says basically the same thing each time. Chance stands and walks toward flight deck. He hears voices.::
(21:59:21) CdrTKirr: I do. It's... simple.
(21:59:25) EnsignJohnTChance: Pilot > So I asks her what's your sign? Aquarium, she says. Great, says I. Let's get tanked. Your some game fish, she says. What's your name? Marlin, says I...
(21:59:33) LtJGAlexisWright: :: later, looks around and is surprised to find herself at the gates of the place where her mother was laid to rest just over a year ago, quiet and out of the way, realizing that she must have been walking for hours - touches her face and finds it sunburnt, confirming this theory ::
(22:00:10) EnsignJohnTChance: :: clears his throat :: excuse me...how much longer before reversion?
(22:00:22) VAdmBlackthorne: I've only been on it after nights out on liberty from the Academy.
(22:00:54) VAdmBlackthorne: They were, uh, fuzzy.
(22:01:23) EnsignJohnTChance: Piot > ten more minutes in warp give or take, Ensign.
(22:01:30) EnsignJohnTChance: Thanks...Marlin.
(22:03:25) CdrTKirr: :: continues to walk, but angles a brow upwards at Ian ::
(22:03:40) VAdmBlackthorne: Cable cars are great for getting drunken cadets home.
(22:03:48) EnsUrist: (( there we go had to remember the password for the irc bouncer ))
(22:03:56) VAdmBlackthorne: (Welcome!)
(22:04:11) CdrTKirr: (( We're on shore leave, anywhere in Sol ))
(22:04:19) VAdmBlackthorne: :: hails a FUTURECAB ::
(22:04:43) LtJGAlexisWright: :: somehow finds this place much less frightening than the facility where her father resides. Sighing, makes her way up the hill with only the sounds of her breathing and the wind whispering through the tall grass accompanying her ::
(22:05:24) VAdmBlackthorne: :: gets in the FUTURECAB with T'Kirr :: Fisherman's Wharf.
(22:06:24) CdrTKirr: :: watches the people they pass by out the window, wondering how many of them are in Starfleet and how many have never even been into space ::
(22:06:29) VAdmBlackthorne: Cabbie> A'ight Mac
(22:08:35) VAdmBlackthorne: :: Since the cab is a FUTURECAB they fly to Fisherman's Wharf ::
(22:08:49) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Still standing behind the pilot, Chance is staring at the view screen as the shuttle drops out of warp. The stark, crisp red-orange details of the Martian surface stand out against the backdrop of inky black space. ::
(22:08:53) LtJGAlexisWright: :: finally reaches the top of the hill where her mother's memorial stone is placed and sits on the ground near the stone, resting in the shade of the lone tree, feeling the rough bark against her back ::
(22:09:59) DoctorTav: :: feels restless and finally decides that this lying on the beach thing is not really for him. Instead, he gets up and turns on the antigrav unit supporting his dive gear, and pushes it over to a nearby cruise shack to inquire about the next dive cruise to the Oriskany.
(22:10:43) VAdmBlackthorne: :: gets out the cab, smelling clam chowder ::
(22:11:32) EnsignJohnTChance: :: The shuttle craft banks sharply to the right. The pilot throttles back his power, whistling an unfamiliar tune that sounds more like someone drowning that actual music. The shuttle comes to a halt on a stark metal landing strip. ::
(22:11:59) EnsignJohnTChance: Pilot > Here you go. Utopia Panitia One.
(22:12:03) EnsignJohnTChance: Thanks.
(22:12:13) EnsignJohnTChance: Pilot > Hate this place.
(22:13:27) CdrTKirr: :: exits the cab, recognizing their surroundings, and looks towards the cable track ::
(22:15:50) LtKuari: :: surfaces off the coast of Santa Rose Island and notices Tav no longer at his spot on the beach and searches until she finds him at the shack ::
(22:17:07) VAdmBlackthorne: :: heads up toward Mason St. with her, hearing the dinging of a cable car bell as they approach ::
(22:18:14) DoctorTav: :: finds out that there is a cruise leaving in just a few minutes, but he has just enough time to get to the boat dock and there is a transport waiting at the edge of the beach. Looking out to the ocean he sees that Kuari is coming toward him and he motions to her to come faster. ::
(22:18:20) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Heads down a long corridor to a door marked "Transporter Room Two." The doors swish open. A man in a non Star Fleet uniform is standing behind the control panel. The Transporter pads look different than the ones aboard Atlantis. Older somehow. Chance wonders how old. ::
(22:20:56) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Turns toward the transporter chief. The man looks vaguely familiar :: Hi, Chief. I'm Ensign Chance. I called ahead. I'm looking for transport to Perfection.
(22:21:24) LtKuari: :: rises up further and begins to flap, splashing water before airbourne, and covers the distance quickly, settling on the dock ::
(22:22:12) CdrTKirr: Vulcan has so many traditions lasting centuries. It's good to see Earth has many of its own, including this.
(22:22:47) EnsignJohnTChance: Transporter Chief > :: smiles widely :: John Tiberius Chance! Nathan told me you'd be here.
(22:23:33) DoctorTav: Hey, Kuari. You want to go dive an artificial reef?
(22:23:53) LtKuari: :: cocks her head :: Artificial?
(22:24:05) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Jaw drops with sudden recognition :: Busby? My god! I haven't seen you since long before the academy! What are you doing up here?
(22:24:13) LtJGAlexisWright: :: sits for a long while, soaking in the quiet ::
(22:24:27) VAdmBlackthorne: Definitely. And as I said, great for drunken cadets.
(22:24:49) DoctorTav: Yeah. Back in the early twenty-first century they sank an old ship to create a habitat for underwater animals and such. Wanna go?
(22:25:06) CdrTKirr: I'm sure the creators of the system couldn't even imagine the type of passengers it would someday carry.
(22:25:33) LtKuari: Sure! You have a rebreather?
(22:25:43) EnsignJohnTChance: Transporter Chief Busby > :: shrugs :: Makin' a buck here and there. You know how it is. Thought I'd made the big strike on the south side of 'Mons. But it didn't pan out. 'Sides, it's the wild west down there these days.
(22:25:51) DoctorTav: :: taps the handle of his antigrav unit :: Right here.
(22:25:51) EnsignJohnTChance: When is it not?
(22:26:08) VAdmBlackthorne: I'm sure they'd be amazed that it's still around in the 2390s.
(22:26:39) LtKuari: :: grins :: For me, I mean.
(22:26:54) LtKuari: I can hold my breath a long time, but not that long.
(22:27:02) DoctorTav: :: pushes his system aside and reveals a second system :: Right here
(22:27:26) CdrTKirr: I'm sure, yes.
(22:27:37) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Steps on one of the pads and rests his bag on the one beside it ::
(22:28:11) VAdmBlackthorne: :: approaches the cable car and finds a queue ::
(22:29:02) EnsignJohnTChance: Transporter Chief Busby > Might be a bit of a rough beam out, Johnny boy. This bay is older than me, and I'm gonna have to do a bank shot off a com satellite. But I'll get you there.
(22:29:22) EnsignJohnTChance: In one piece, hopefully. Energize.
(22:31:03) LtKuari: :: grins wider, which is rather wide on a Rucara :: This will be fun!
(22:31:34) DoctorTav: Absolutely! Now, we have to get to the boat and it's leaving in four minutes. They have transport for us, just up at the road ::points north :: Let's go!
(22:32:38) CdrTKirr: :: takes Ian's hand :: It's strange, isn't it. A system like this that has been around much longer than we have lived. We go into space and fight pirates, and we risk our lives. We could live or die, yet this remains here, timeless, for a time.
(22:33:48) LtKuari: :: goes, wondering why she didn't just meet the boat at it's destination, and supposes the journey is half the fun ::
(22:33:52) LtJGAlexisWright: I'm sorry, Mother. I'm not sure what to do. Your shoes are impossible for me to fill.
(22:34:20) VAdmBlackthorne: :: squeezes her hand :: Yes, and it will likely be here for centuries to come, having survived this long.
(22:35:12) DoctorTav: :: takes Kuari up to the waiting transportation, where a guide meets them and loads Tav's gear into the boot in the nose. They board quickly and are off on a short journey to their boat. ::
(22:35:48) EnsignJohnTChance: :: His eyes clear, and Chance feels the familiar passing nausea that always comes from beaming. He sucks in a breath of crisp cold air. It smells and tastes like home. Mars. He thinks. A smile spreads across his face. ::
(22:37:09) CdrTKirr: I've heard they have replaced the cable itself with a magni-plasma system, but I don't trust the source. It still sounds mechanical to me.
(22:37:18) EnsignJohnTChance: Nathan Chance > :: smiling :: John T!
(22:38:30) DoctorTav: :: After a short ride, they reach their destination, their boat that will take them to the Oriskany Reef... The Sea Dragon... Such an aptly named ship. They exit and guides take care of taking the equipment aboard the boat.Once they are situated on the bow, the ship is off for the 22 nautical mile trip. ::
(22:38:31) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Looking down from the pad at the man standing at base :: Dad! :: leaps off the transporter disk and embraces the man, who looks like an older version of himself. ::
(22:39:13) VAdmBlackthorne: :: listens ::
(22:40:43) VAdmBlackthorne: That is definitely mechanical.
(22:40:51) EnsignJohnTChance: My god but it seems like forever, pops. How the hell are you?
(22:40:55) DoctorTav: :: shortly, the Sea Dragon is out of the no wake zone and up to speed at 150 kts, Tav looks over to Kuari to see how she is responding to the high speed wind ::
(22:41:01) VAdmBlackthorne: :: the next car comes and the queue advances so that they can get on ::
(22:41:27) VAdmBlackthorne: :: their starfleet uniforms looking out of place among the tourists, who are easily identified in San Francisco by being the only idiots wearing shorts ::
(22:43:09) LtJGAlexisWright: I don't know why it's so much easier for me to come here and talk to you than it is to go see Dad. Maybe it's because you were alive and then you were dead and that was that. Dad is just this... shell of who he used to be. He's more existing than living. He needs more than I can give him... more than anyone can give him. He needs YOU, Mother.
(22:43:25) LtKuari: :: keeps her wings tucked tightly against her back and sides and faces resolutely forward, her neck extended and her eyelides flickering occasionally ::
(22:43:39) LtJGAlexisWright: :: runs anxious hands through her unruly mop of hair ::
(22:43:50) EnsignJohnTChance: Nathan Chance > Passable, John T. Passable. Store's good and the mining supplies have been moving well. And of course Perfection is living up to its name.
(22:44:29) DoctorTav: :: smiles at the effects of the wind on Kuari, and can't help but think she is responding to it much the way he would expect a canine to respond. ::
(22:44:54) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Laughs :: Of course it is. ::Sees his fathers smile falter as his head drops a little:: But?
(22:45:27) CdrTKirr: :: boards the cable car, resisting the urge to take a deep breath of the other passengers but finds pleasure in the old Earth relic just the same ::
(22:46:44) EnsignJohnTChance: Nathan Chance > :: Issues a long sustained sigh :: The Bounty Hunters are back, son. They're snagging everyone without papers.
(22:46:49) EnsignJohnTChance: Surely not.
(22:46:49) LtKuari: ( :: huggles Wright :: )
(22:47:28) VAdmBlackthorne: :: finds room on the wooden bench for them both and sits ::
(22:47:57) LtJGAlexisWright: ( ^_^ )
(22:48:44) DoctorTav: :: finds the Sea Dragon already beginning to slow down, and they are quickly approaching the right place. Finally, they are all stopped and the crew is laying anchor. Tav turns to Kuari :: How was that?
(22:49:06) CdrTKirr: :: sits and listens to the car's sounds as it starts on its way again ::
(22:50:18) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Walks beside his father, listening to his tale of the Bounty Hunters, who are actually nothing but kidnappers and body thieves. Learns that they have been operating around the perimeter of the massive volcano, striking the various camps at will.::
(22:50:34) VAdmBlackthorne: :: enjoys the creaks of the old car :::
(22:50:49) LtKuari: :: looks back at the cabin behind them :: I was thinking about what would have happened had I opened my wings. Ouch. :: turns back to Tav :: It as fun, though!
(22:50:54) VAdmBlackthorne: :: can't help from checking out the controls ::
(22:50:55) LtJGAlexisWright: So where do I got from here, Mother? Our family has never been close, you know that. Bryan and James expect me to leave my post and come home and take care of Dad, they act like this is just a foregone conclusion and are horrified when I indicate that I don't want to do it. Star Fleet Science has been my dream since the moment I was aware it existed.
(22:51:41) LtJGAlexisWright: Why must I give up my career? Why not one of them? But no... it's ridiculous for me to even suggest that, apparently. I guess I'm just being selfish.
(22:51:42) CdrTKirr: :: quietly :: Too bad he won't let you drive.
(22:51:43) DoctorTav: :: smiles :: Well, let's go get suited up. You probably need some serious weights, and what should we do for a mask?
(22:52:16) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Shakes his head :: I met a Rucara on Atlantis.
(22:52:25) LtKuari: :: frowns :: Why do I need a mask? It's just water.
(22:53:06) EnsignJohnTChance: Nathan Chance > :: turns, looking surprised :: One of the dragon folk I've read about? They are very rare, son.
(22:53:48) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Nods :: Yeah, they are. And she tells me the Goddamned Bounty Hunters are to blame.
(22:53:49) VAdmBlackthorne: :: smirks :: Yes, yes it is.
(22:55:06) CdrTKirr: :: nudges him softly with an elbow :: You could pull rank.
(22:55:09) DoctorTav: :: shrugs :: Well, I guess you don't need one. Many humans and other humanoids find the salt water irritating to their eyes. :: leads Kuari into the cabin and helps her in attaching her rebreather and weights ::
(22:55:17) EnsignJohnTChance: Nathan Chance > :: Stops, narrowing his eyes :: You ain't thinking of wearin' the badge...takin' up the guns, are you boy?
(22:55:55) VAdmBlackthorne: I don't think he's in Starfleet!
(22:56:36) DoctorTav: :: pulls the regulator around to Kuari's front and pauses :: How do you want to use this? Doesn't fit quite like it does a human.
(22:56:38) LtKuari: :: gets weighted and bites down on the rebreather :: Wreddey.
(22:57:42) DoctorTav: :: pulls his hand back in surprise :: Alright then. :: Suits up and a moment later they are back on the bow ready to go down the steps that are there ::
(22:57:48) VAdmBlackthorne: :: eyes him :: Though you never know...
(22:58:28) CdrTKirr: Surely you can come up with an emergency that would require you to fly. I mean, drive.
(22:59:18) VAdmBlackthorne: (One minute warning! Wrap it up!)
(22:59:36) VAdmBlackthorne: :: smiles :: I'll leave this one to the experts. After all, I'm not qualified on this model.
(23:00:05) EnsignJohnTChance: Bounty Hunters are like Galactus. They swing in and strip a place dry. Why didn't you tell me they were here on Mars?
(23:00:07) DoctorTav: :: dives and stays level with Kuari, which is proving to be at least somewhat difficult, as she uses her wings to move through the water. ::
(23:01:22) LtJGAlexisWright: ... I miss you, Mama. So much it hurts. Please help me help Daddy without giving up everything I've worked for. I know you're there. I can feel you sometimes. Thank you.
(23:01:41) CdrTKirr: Mm. :: glances down at her PADD and pretends to input something :: I'll put the training on the agenda for next week.
(23:01:57) EnsignJohnTChance: Nathan Chance > :: shrugs :: You got better things to do than worry about the doings in Perfection. You got the galaxy to look out for.
(23:02:04) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(23:02:05) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(23:02:06) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(23:02:17) DoctorTav: :: pauses ::
(23:02:30) CdrTKirr: :: pauses ::
(23:02:39) LtKuari: :: pauses, mid-stroke ::
(23:02:44) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Bummer! I was on a roll! But pauses anyway ::
(23:02:50) VAdmBlackthorne: You were all on a roll!
(23:02:57) VAdmBlackthorne: That was some good stuff, folks!
(23:03:26) VAdmBlackthorne: Anything you want to continue in a highlight or a log, feel free to! :: nudge ::
(23:03:29) EnsignJohnTChance: Thanks! That was FUN!
(23:03:50) CdrTKirr: Good to hear. ^_^
(23:04:01) DoctorTav: Tav was just about to grab Kuari by the base of the wings and ride her down to the wreck like a dolphin.
(23:04:28) VAdmBlackthorne: Reminds me of sea-monster Kuari from Lost Harbor.
(23:04:32) LtKuari: Oh, were you now?
(23:04:34) LtKuari: <_<
(23:04:51) DoctorTav: Of course, how am I going to do that with a rebreather on her back?
(23:04:53) EnsignJohnTChance: And Chance was about to put on a Lone Ranger mask, strap on some phasers and take out some Bounty Hunters!
(23:05:18) LtKuari: I can... move it. :: stuffs tank into pouch, finds it really awkward and looks around herself ::
(23:06:37) DoctorTav: :: notes the rebreather-shaped pouch ::
(23:06:37) CdrTKirr: I think we all can write some logs. At least a highlight
(23:07:05) DoctorTav: It shall be fun.
(23:07:08) CdrTKirr: I look forward to reading more about each adventure later this week. *hint hint*
(23:07:08) EnsignJohnTChance: Yep...I'd definitely say so!
(23:07:16) VAdmBlackthorne: Yes, I definitely look forward to reading more. :)
(23:07:33) EnsignJohnTChance: Hi Ho Silver!
(23:08:43) DoctorTav: Well, I have had a long couple of days. I think I am going to call it a night.
(23:09:00) DoctorTav: Good night, everyone.
(23:09:17) VAdmBlackthorne: Good night, folks!
(23:09:21) DoctorTav left the room.
(23:09:35) CdrTKirr: Good night.
(23:09:39) LtKuari left the room.