6:59:09 PM majdougmcknight: Evening.

6:59:13 PM vadmblackthorne: Hiya.

7:00:49 PM majdougmcknight: Evening, folks.

7:01:01 PM lcdrtkirr: Heya.

7:01:11 PM lcdrtkirr: Shelev and I logged, if you didn't see

7:01:35 PM vadmblackthorne: Okay, let's get started, everyone's here at 7:01!

7:03:23 PM cmdrshelev: ::TWEEEEEEEEEEET::

7:03:31 PM majdougmcknight: ::AA::

7:03:46 PM lcdrtkirr: ::AA::

7:04:06 PM kileyairell: ::AA::

7:04:10 PM vadmblackthorne: Alright.

7:04:50 PM vadmblackthorne: Tonight the Atlantis, along with the Discovery, Apollo, Soyuz, and Mir, has reached the Kepler expanse. No sign of the secessionists has appeared yet.

7:05:37 PM vadmblackthorne: We are proceeding toward the central colony to attempt to meet with the leadership.

7:05:50 PM vadmblackthorne: Questions?

7:06:03 PM cmdrshelev: will we get there tonight

7:06:14 PM vadmblackthorne: We'll see.

7:06:58 PM vadmblackthorne: Okay, let's go.

7:06:59 PM vadmblackthorne: BEGIN SIM

7:07:00 PM vadmblackthorne: BEGIN SIM

7:07:02 PM vadmblackthorne: BEGIN SIM

7:07:24 PM vadmblackthorne: ::on the bridge, warily watching the empty viewer::

7:07:51 PM cmdrshelev: ::Comes onto the bridge in a foul disposition.::

7:07:57 PM lcdrtkirr: ::stands at Science::

7:08:10 PM cmdrshelev: ::Plops down in The Other Chair::

7:08:15 PM vadmblackthorne: It's too bloody quiet.

7:08:26 PM lcdrtkirr: Dugahn> ::stands silently in the back, eyeing Shelev momentarily as he enters::

7:08:36 PM cmdrshelev: Not in ten-forward it isn't.

7:08:58 PM kileyairell: ::sitting on the Bridge, quietly to Blackthorne:: Then you have time for your physical Captain. It'll only take a couple of minutes.

7:09:14 PM cmdrshelev: ((OSNAP))

7:09:20 PM vadmblackthorne: I can't leave the bridge now, you know that.

7:09:40 PM lcdrtkirr: ::actively scans the area::

7:09:49 PM kileyairell: ::chuckles:: uh huh . . .

7:09:57 PM kileyairell: Always have an excuse.

7:10:11 PM vadmblackthorne: Doctor, we are in a dangerous situation.

7:10:30 PM kileyairell: ::smiles:: Never said we weren't.

7:11:24 PM cmdrshelev: I can call you if needed, Admiral.

7:11:49 PM vadmblackthorne: And I can bloody well already be here when this quiet ends.

7:12:31 PM cmdrshelev: ::To Kiley:: I tried.

7:13:09 PM kileyairell: Thanks Commander, I do appreciate it.

7:13:46 PM majdougmcknight: ::McKnight, for one, wouldn't mind if this keeps up. Given the nature of this mission, he can think of worse things than his services being unnecessary.::

7:13:51 PM vadmblackthorne: ::stands and straightens his tunic::

7:15:13 PM cmdrshelev: ACTION> A tiny, tiny, tiny ass ship, big enough for probably two people and a subspace repeater shows up about ten minutes away, on a direct course for Atlantis.

7:15:46 PM lcdrtkirr: I have a contact on sensors.

7:16:00 PM vadmblackthorne: Distance and bearing, tactical analysis.

7:16:23 PM lcdrtkirr: Headed straight for us... at both of our current speeds, we'll reach each other in ten minutes.

7:16:41 PM lcdrtkirr: It's very small... perhaps a shuttlecraft.

7:17:16 PM majdougmcknight: No discernable armaments...best guess, some sort of reconnaisance craft.

7:17:24 PM vadmblackthorne: Hail them.

7:17:35 PM majdougmcknight: Channel open.

7:18:05 PM vadmblackthorne: Shuttlecraft, this is Vice Admiral Ian Blackthorne of the USS Atlantis. Respond please.

7:19:04 PM cmdrshelev: ACTION> A single text message appears: This vessel is not equipped for broadcast at this frequency. Please try your call again at a lower frequency. <Unlicensed Copy of Belnaur Cosmocomm>

7:19:19 PM lcdrtkirr: <<ROFL>>

7:19:26 PM vadmblackthorne: ::narrows his eyebrows at the text::

7:19:35 PM cmdrshelev: <<Why can't I do anything straight :( >>

7:20:02 PM vadmblackthorne: ::shrugs:: Lower the frequency.

7:20:17 PM majdougmcknight: (Because anyone here watches BSG already gets enough serious.)

7:20:34 PM vadmblackthorne: (Baltar: Not My President)

7:21:04 PM majdougmcknight: (Galactica bumper sticker: Don't blame me. I voted for Roslin.)

7:21:15 PM cmdrshelev: ACTION> At a lower frequency, the vessel is broadcasting a transponder "CRAXED BY Nu4NC3 kec-transport00"

7:21:30 PM vadmblackthorne: ::blinks twice::

7:22:06 PM kileyairell: Was that suppose to be in Federation Standard?

7:22:12 PM cmdrshelev: ACTION> The vessel hails the Atlantis on a frequency that hasn't been used in over a hundred years.

7:22:29 PM majdougmcknight: ::Checks over the signal, trying to determine if there's something wrong with the comm array::

7:23:07 PM cmdrshelev: Ship> "YOU THERE?!" ::static:: "Charlie, get some more batteries for this thing."

7:23:16 PM vadmblackthorne: Boost that signal.

7:23:50 PM lcdrtkirr: ::makes a more detailed scan of the vessel as they get closer::

7:23:54 PM majdougmcknight: ::Nods before adjusting the receiver:: Strong as it'll get, sir.

7:24:04 PM cmdrshelev: ACTION> A very bearded man appears on the viewer. Behind him is a guy who looks as equally unshaven pulling on a large electronic device with a tool.

7:24:24 PM vadmblackthorne: This is Vice Admiral Ian Blackthorne of the USS Atlantis, can you read us now?

7:24:57 PM lcdrtkirr: ::blinks at her readings, remembering back to her history classes::

7:25:44 PM cmdrshelev: Ship> Good afernoon, sirs, this is a forefront communications vessel of the Kepler United Colonies. We heard you wus coming; stand by for a communication from our President in seven minutes and eighteen seconds.

7:25:59 PM cmdrshelev: ::Comm is turned off.::

7:26:11 PM cmdrshelev: Should I start the clock?

7:26:51 PM vadmblackthorne: Alright, they want to play that way.

7:27:33 PM cmdrshelev: I don't think they're playing. That thing could take us in an unfair fight.

7:27:46 PM vadmblackthorne: Like hell.

7:27:58 PM kileyairell: ::laughs quietly::

7:28:02 PM cmdrshelev: You're not even asking how unfair?

7:28:15 PM vadmblackthorne: I've some idea.

7:28:30 PM cmdrshelev: So do we wait or just arrest the lot?

7:28:34 PM lcdrtkirr: ::glances back at Dugahn::

7:28:37 PM vadmblackthorne: Let's see what he has to say.

7:28:42 PM majdougmcknight: ::Arches an eyebrow:: For what, Commander?

7:28:59 PM lcdrtkirr: Dugahn> ::looks back at T'Kirr, finding the Bridge conversation strange::

7:29:11 PM cmdrshelev: ...That ship is running software that can't be legal..

7:29:26 PM cmdrshelev: ::Trails off and plops back down in The Other Chair::

7:29:50 PM vadmblackthorne: Dugahn, these tactics, have you seen them before?

7:31:02 PM lcdrtkirr: Dugahn> I know their communications system can be... outdated, but I don't believe I have been made to wait before.

7:32:03 PM vadmblackthorne: It's not as if we have a choice, unfortunately.

7:32:17 PM cmdrshelev: ACTION> The Atlantis is hailed again.

7:32:56 PM lcdrtkirr: We're being hailed again.

7:33:01 PM vadmblackthorne: Put `em on.

7:33:06 PM lcdrtkirr: ::beep::

7:34:15 PM cmdrshelev: ::An image of an unrecognized flag appears through static on the viewer. Horribly tinny patriotic muzak plays with a message reading "THE PRESIDENT WILL BE WITH YOU SHORTLY. HE THANKS YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.::

7:34:40 PM kileyairell: ::laughs::

7:34:48 PM vadmblackthorne: ::smirks a bit then quickly hides it::

7:34:53 PM lcdrtkirr: ::cocks a brow::

7:34:58 PM cmdrshelev: I'm hoping they're trying to be funny and just failing at it.

7:35:29 PM vadmblackthorne: They appear to be serious, but without a concept of... taste.

7:35:40 PM lcdrtkirr: Dugahn> I would agree, Admiral.

7:36:12 PM lcdrtkirr: ::waits::

7:36:16 PM cmdrshelev: ::The flag and patriotic music cut off and is replaced by an image of a middle aged balding man behind a large trinket-covered desk.:: Good afternoon. I am President Jacob Morris of the Kepler United Colonies.

7:36:36 PM vadmblackthorne: Mr. Morris, I am Vice Admiral Ian Blackthorne of the USS Atlantis.

7:37:05 PM lcdrtkirr: Dugahn> ::stands slightly straighter at recognition of the image::

7:37:42 PM cmdrshelev: I do not know what you are doing here, but under article three of the United Federation of Planets, we are authorized to deny our business to anyone. We choose to deny business to the United Federation of Planets at this tim

7:37:50 PM cmdrshelev: *e

7:38:34 PM vadmblackthorne: ::furrows his brow at the circular logic::

7:38:38 PM cmdrshelev: I am certain you received the memorandum we sent to the president of the Federation.

7:39:05 PM vadmblackthorne: Mr. Morris, you must of course realize that such a course of action is illegal.

7:39:48 PM cmdrshelev: Under the laws this group of colonies was founded under, it is perfectly legal. If it was made illegal recently, I apologize on behalf of your government for not letting us know.

7:40:04 PM kileyairell: ::stiffles a laugh::

7:40:44 PM vadmblackthorne: The dilithium and duranium on your worlds are vital resources to the Federation, and the entire reasons your colonies were established.

7:40:47 PM majdougmcknight: ::Grins openly, pretty sure Blackthorne's blocking Morris' view of him anyway. He thinks he may like this guy::

7:41:52 PM cmdrshelev: Of this I will not deny knowledge, but if it is of such vital importance to the Federation, then they surely must be willing to provide us the resources necessary for survival in this area of space.

7:42:35 PM cmdrshelev: The Federation has demonstrated that they do not feel us worthy of protection, so we have been forced to find other means of sustaining our existence.

7:42:38 PM vadmblackthorne: Then the precariousness of your position without Federation protection is not lost on you. Should you attempt to secede, the Cardassians, Breen, and Ferengi would love to take what you have.

7:43:38 PM cmdrshelev: The Cardassians, Breen, and Ferengi have offered to pay. The Federation has not, save with a nearly worthless "doctrine of recognized colonization."

7:44:12 PM vadmblackthorne: It is difficult to "pay" in a money-less economy. What is it, exactly, that you seek?

7:45:02 PM lcdrtkirr: ::watches the screen intently, boosting power to sensors, but finding no improvement to the transmission::

7:46:05 PM cmdrshelev: We seek to provide our resources to an organization that can benefit us more than one transport ship every standard year and a promise to send ships to our defense should we ever be attacked.

7:46:43 PM cmdrshelev: I do not need to tell you how long it took your vessels to reach this point; I can tell you that by the time we are attacked and news of this appears, we will be gone by the time you get here.

7:47:08 PM vadmblackthorne: Surely you must realize that given the choice between paying you for what you have and simply taking it, the Cardassians would just take it?

7:49:00 PM cmdrshelev: The Cardassians would then be at arrears with the Breen, the Ferengi, and the other minor powers here that you do not recognize. They recognize that taking this planet by force would not be worth the effort.

7:49:09 PM vadmblackthorne: I doubt that, Mr. Morris.

7:49:28 PM vadmblackthorne: However, if I can arrange a larger military presence in this area for your protection, would that be sufficient?

7:50:40 PM cmdrshelev: Under who's central authority? A commander-in-chief sitting in the center of an empire?

7:51:25 PM vadmblackthorne: You know the answer to that. The President, democratically elected as you presumably were.

7:52:55 PM cmdrshelev: May I remind you that by the time our votes were finally delivered to the "nearest" polling station, your President was already sworn in?

7:53:48 PM cmdrshelev: I hate to change the subject, but this static is giving me a headache. Your fleet is welcome to dock at our little backwater planet, so we may discuss things face to face.

7:54:10 PM vadmblackthorne: I trust we will meet no trouble on the way in?

7:54:44 PM cmdrshelev: This is a dangerous land, Admiral. Your size should be enough to keep your Cardassian bogeymen from hassling you, however.

7:55:37 PM majdougmcknight: ::Snickers:: Cardassians, attacking a Federation ship of the line after the war? Right.

7:55:49 PM vadmblackthorne: That was not my concern. Blackthorne out. ::makes a cut the damn comm signal as he turns::

7:56:11 PM majdougmcknight: ::Kills the connection::

7:56:20 PM vadmblackthorne: Thoughts, everyone?

7:56:22 PM cmdrshelev: ACTION> The shitheap repeater boat jumps to warp as soon as the connection dies.

7:57:04 PM cmdrshelev: I think he's been out here too long.

7:58:03 PM vadmblackthorne: Doubtless.

7:58:25 PM lcdrtkirr: Dugahn> Unless Mr. Morris has changed a great deal in recent years, I don't believe his intentions are entirely hospitable. If we are not troubled on the way there, we will be once docked.

7:59:18 PM vadmblackthorne: Agreed. I am not particularly enthralled with the idea of docking at his facilities. We'll hang back.

7:59:53 PM lcdrtkirr: Dugahn> ::bows his head agreeably::

8:00:35 PM vadmblackthorne: Fleetwide, increase speed to warp nine. Let's get there ahead of schedule.

8:03:12 PM majdougmcknight: ::Frowns as he briefly glances sideways at Dughan. It's a reasonable enough precaution, but for once, the somewhat aggressive posture being taken here is unsettling to him::

8:04:16 PM vadmblackthorne: T'Kirr, get all the power you can to the sensors.

8:04:30 PM vadmblackthorne: I don't want any surprises showing up ahead of us.

8:04:33 PM lcdrtkirr: Aye, sir. ::diverts main power to long range scans::

8:05:37 PM vadmblackthorne: Time to the central planet?

8:06:00 PM lcdrtkirr: Dugahn> ::hangs his head, staring at the carpet, as if in deep thought::

8:06:06 PM cmdrshelev: Nine hours. We should have given those poor guys a lift.

8:06:21 PM vadmblackthorne: Doubt they'd have taken it.

8:06:40 PM lcdrtkirr: ::makes sure to tell the Bridge crew if they pass it on their way::

8:08:32 PM vadmblackthorne: PAUSE SIM

8:08:34 PM vadmblackthorne: PAUSE SIM

8:08:36 PM vadmblackthorne: PAUSE SIM

8:08:37 PM lcdrtkirr: ::pauses::

8:08:40 PM kileyairell: ::pauses::

8:09:12 PM cmdrshelev: woot

8:09:18 PM lcdrtkirr: Nice job, Shelev.

8:09:26 PM vadmblackthorne: Nice log you two!

8:09:26 PM cmdrshelev: I can't do anything straight :(

8:09:48 PM cmdrshelev: I just have to throw in a warez reference :(

8:09:52 PM lcdrtkirr: Thanks, Shelev rocks at logs.

8:09:56 PM vadmblackthorne: Log of the Month for August is...

8:10:23 PM vadmblackthorne: "Not All Business" by T'Kirr!

8:10:32 PM lcdrtkirr: *cheers* Yay, what did I win?

8:10:46 PM vadmblackthorne: Your log immortalized on the website!

8:10:52 PM lcdrtkirr: Wewt!

8:12:01 PM vadmblackthorne: Congrats! For once it wasn't one log to choose from!

8:12:19 PM majdougmcknight: Well, sorry to run, but I have an early morning, and I've felt unusually tired for the past few hours, so...congrats, T'Kirr, and g'nite folks.

8:12:25 PM lcdrtkirr: They don't have to be very long. =)

8:12:26 PM cmdrshelev: zomg

8:13:17 PM lcdrtkirr: Okies.

8:13:24 PM vadmblackthorne: Night folks!

8:13:33 PM cmdrshelev: late