6:59:11 PM lcdrtkirr: Heya.

6:59:15 PM vadmblackthorne: Hiya

7:02:56 PM misterboxingbear: Hey hey.

7:03:00 PM vadmblackthorne: Hiya.

7:05:45 PM vadmblackthorne: Let's get the slackers in here. :v:

7:07:57 PM vadmblackthorne: Okay there we go.

7:08:07 PM drunkngunbunny: Huzzah!

7:08:25 PM vadmblackthorne: Let's get this started. Everyone read my log? :v:

7:08:38 PM lcdrtkirr: Yes

7:08:42 PM cmdrshelev: TO

7:08:43 PM cmdrshelev: WAR

7:08:45 PM cmdrshelev: TO WAR

7:08:50 PM cmdrshelev: TO WAR WE GOTTA GO

7:09:00 PM drunkngunbunny: Yay war! Blood death, vengeance and all that!

7:09:14 PM cmdrshelev: BLOWED UP SPACESHIP

7:10:09 PM vadmblackthorne: Alright then. We'll start at 0800 that next morning, at our shift's beginning. Blackthorne has called a senior staff meeting.

7:10:33 PM vadmblackthorne: Questions?

7:11:19 PM vadmblackthorne: Okay then.

7:11:20 PM vadmblackthorne: BEGIN SIM

7:11:21 PM vadmblackthorne: BEGIN SIM

7:11:23 PM vadmblackthorne: BEGIN SIM

7:11:49 PM vadmblackthorne: ::standing in the senior staff conference room, a tactical chart displayed on the wall::

7:12:03 PM vadmblackthorne: ::hands clasped behind his back, he's finally in a proper uniform, but still hasn't slept::

7:12:41 PM vadmblackthorne: ::delivered that report to Zuriyev 30 minutes early::

7:13:09 PM lcdrtkirr: ::enters the conference room::

7:13:19 PM cmdrshelev: ::Enters the room and grabs the usual seat.::

7:13:24 PM vadmblackthorne: ::nods::: Commanders.

7:13:44 PM misterboxingbear: ::Right, well McKnight has gotten some sleep, but he carries a steel grey mug of raktajino anyway, frowning as he enters.::  A map.  Maps never mean anything good.

7:13:44 PM lcdrtkirr: ::nods back and takes a seat::

7:13:47 PM drunkngunbunny: ::Rushes in shortly after him, I suppose.::

7:14:01 PM vadmblackthorne: Harper> ::still has the bridge, even after her shift is over::

7:14:25 PM vadmblackthorne: Good morning.

7:14:46 PM vadmblackthorne: +Harper+ Commander, give me shipwide.

7:14:55 PM vadmblackthorne: Harper> +B+ You're on, Admiral.

7:15:37 PM vadmblackthorne: +shipwide+ Atlantis crew, the morning brings war with the Machen Bren. I assure you that victory will be absolute and swift.

7:16:11 PM vadmblackthorne: +shipwide+ We have faced them before against overwhelming odds. We will face them again with the full might of Starfleet.

7:17:01 PM vadmblackthorne: +shipwide+ The outcome will be the same. They will see that starting this war was folly and return to peaceful coexistence with those around them.

7:17:45 PM vadmblackthorne: +shipwide+ Until then, our conviction must be absolute, and I count on every one of you to perform at the level I know you to be capable of.

7:18:48 PM vadmblackthorne: +shipwide+ If we must go to war, then I would rather lead no other soldiers than this crew and fleet.

7:19:07 PM cmdrshelev: ((That include me?))

7:19:36 PM vadmblackthorne: +shipwide+ Stand ready. What I ask of you will not be easy, but rest assured that I will not ask it unless necessary. Blackthorne out.

7:19:56 PM vadmblackthorne: ::looks to his senior officers::

7:20:04 PM misterboxingbear: ::Still standing there, finally taking a sip of his Klingon coffee.::  Well, crap.

7:20:14 PM lcdrtkirr: ::stares at Blackthorne, awaiting what he will say next::

7:20:19 PM vadmblackthorne: Harper> Bollocks.

7:20:36 PM cmdrshelev: This one wasn't my fault.

7:20:39 PM drunkngunbunny: ::Just groans::

7:21:16 PM lcdrtkirr: ::imagines she'll get some fighter time in the near future::

7:21:37 PM vadmblackthorne: I am marshaling Third Fleet to the border for the initial conflicts. Zuriyev and I estimate they will target the Xindi colony that we founded.

7:21:46 PM vadmblackthorne: Until then, I have some specific assignments.

7:22:09 PM vadmblackthorne: ::looks to Busard:: Lieutenant.

7:22:21 PM lcdrtkirr: ::looks over::

7:22:56 PM drunkngunbunny: ::She looks up:: Yes, sir?

7:23:23 PM vadmblackthorne: We have two Machen Bren stealth ships on board now. I want you to take one apart and put it back together until you know exactly how it works.

7:23:32 PM vadmblackthorne: I want a way to detect them.

7:23:53 PM misterboxingbear: ::Has made his way to a seat by this time.::

7:24:14 PM drunkngunbunny: ::Would normally grin at that, but the situation was not the type for smiling:: Aye, sir.

7:24:52 PM vadmblackthorne: When you figure it out, work with Commander T'Kirr and Major McKnight if necessary to calibrate the sensors and/or weaponry.

7:25:50 PM vadmblackthorne: ::looks to McKnight:: Major.

7:26:57 PM misterboxingbear: Admiral?

7:27:11 PM vadmblackthorne: You know what I will ask of you.

7:28:27 PM misterboxingbear: Um...either you want me to mix a White Russian as only I can, or prepare my people to beam down to the Xindi colony and help organize a defense.

7:29:00 PM misterboxingbear: Personally, I wouldn't call this a bad time for either.

7:29:15 PM vadmblackthorne: Indeed. I expect a ground-based attack there. We'll counter with capital ships, Marines, and air cover.

7:31:58 PM misterboxingbear: May I presume we have approximately zilch as far as intelligence to the actual size of their fleet?

7:32:07 PM vadmblackthorne: None yet, but we are working on it.

7:32:37 PM misterboxingbear: In that case, I'd suggest throwing up whatever static fortifications we can as well, while we still have the chance.

7:33:24 PM vadmblackthorne: Agreed. We will need ground-based weaponry and defense satellites.

7:34:48 PM vadmblackthorne: I am arranging to have those delivered.

7:35:48 PM misterboxingbear: Good.  And if it's not too much trouble, any geographical survey charts we may have will be useful as well.  If they haven't BUILT any hardened shelters, then we don't have time to do it for them.  But if we can find some natural

7:36:04 PM misterboxingbear: cave systems...properly reinforced, that'll do just as well.

7:36:32 PM vadmblackthorne: I believe we have those records. ::looks to T'Kirr:: Correct?

7:36:44 PM lcdrtkirr: ::nods quickly::

7:36:59 PM misterboxingbear: Then I guess I have some homework to do.

7:37:14 PM vadmblackthorne: Indeed. Have all of your recommendations to me by 1700 today.

7:37:34 PM vadmblackthorne: Commander T'Kirr.

7:37:40 PM lcdrtkirr: ::waits expectantly::

7:38:17 PM vadmblackthorne: Ensure that the sensors are calibrated to the highest standard in preparation for our attempts to oust their stealth weaponry.

7:38:30 PM vadmblackthorne: Additionally, ensure full combat readiness of the Mustangs.

7:38:50 PM lcdrtkirr: I'll see it done.

7:39:19 PM vadmblackthorne: ::nods:: Commander Shelev.

7:39:37 PM cmdrshelev: ::Leans back and waits for Hurricane Blackthorne.::

7:40:20 PM vadmblackthorne: I have much to do to get the fleet as a whole ready. In the meantime, I want you to run combat readiness drills in all departments.

7:40:34 PM cmdrshelev: Aye.

7:40:54 PM vadmblackthorne: We will maintain yellow alert until further notice. Condition green is not to be used.

7:42:28 PM cmdrshelev: Permission to use red alert drills?

7:42:50 PM lcdrtkirr: ((Oh no don't give him the button))

7:42:52 PM vadmblackthorne: ::points to the tactical map:: There have yet to be incursions. The Xindi colony is here. ::taps:: Third Fleet is already converging at Starbase 99 to fan out.

7:43:09 PM vadmblackthorne: Granted, Commander. I want red alert responsiveness at better than perfect.

7:43:21 PM misterboxingbear: What about reinforcements, sir?  Is Star Fleet planning to send anyone, or are they just expecting we'll be able to hold them here?

7:44:09 PM vadmblackthorne: ::looks to the Major:: Indeed. Third Fleet's always been the forefront of combat responsiveness, but expect the combat arms of each fleet to be moving to the front.

7:45:36 PM misterboxingbear: ::Just remains silent.  Part of him wants to make some crack about trying to leave something for said reinforcements, but instead, he just frowns deeply.  Almost everyone here has fought this enemy.  Most of THOSE face to face.  And

7:45:43 PM vadmblackthorne: There will also be patrols behind the lines, and escorts of the logistical support ships. All of Starfleet is being mobilized. Even the science vessels are being reconfigured.

7:46:16 PM misterboxingbear: the enemy he remembers isn't stupid enough to declare a war they know to be hopeless.  Confident as he is in his men and this ship, he has a bad feeling settling in his gut about this.::

7:46:37 PM vadmblackthorne: Is everyone clear on their specific duties, and are there any questions?

7:46:55 PM cmdrshelev: ETA?

7:47:20 PM vadmblackthorne: We have yet to depart as to maintain a low profile.

7:47:28 PM vadmblackthorne: But I expect combat within 48 hours.

7:47:59 PM vadmblackthorne: 72 at the outside.

7:49:04 PM drunkngunbunny: ::Frowned a bit at that. That didn't give her much time to get to work, but it couldn't be helped. It just meant she'd have to work twice as efficiently as she normally did::

7:50:05 PM vadmblackthorne: I hate to say it, but this caught us with our pants down. Our intelligence is thin, so hopefully I'm wrong and we have more time.

7:50:17 PM vadmblackthorne: But don't count on it.

7:50:24 PM vadmblackthorne: Anything else?

7:50:47 PM misterboxingbear: Any word from the Klingons?  Dare I say it...the Romulans?

7:52:07 PM vadmblackthorne: The Klingons have yet to respond, but we may be able to solicit some aid. As for the Romulans, I doubt they care.

7:53:12 PM misterboxingbear: ::Frowns::  Shame.  We could use some cloaked recon about now.

7:53:45 PM vadmblackthorne: Personally, I believe they'll help.

7:53:55 PM vadmblackthorne: Anything else?

7:53:57 PM cmdrshelev: We have a stealth ship.

7:54:04 PM cmdrshelev: Could that be useful for recon?

7:54:14 PM lcdrtkirr: We hardly have a capable pilot for it.

7:54:26 PM vadmblackthorne: We can presume that they can detect their own ships' signatures, and know these are stolen.

7:55:43 PM misterboxingbear: Guess we'll learn what we need to soon, one way or another.

7:56:16 PM vadmblackthorne: Indeed. We all have work to do.

7:56:37 PM vadmblackthorne: So let's get to it. Dismissed.

7:57:05 PM lcdrtkirr: ::stands up and heads for the exit::

7:57:46 PM misterboxingbear: ::Remains seated a moment longer, staring at the map.::

7:58:09 PM drunkngunbunny: ::Stands, speedily following. She had a LOT of work to do.::

7:58:17 PM cmdrshelev: ::Stands up:: So, would you like warning before I push the red alert button or do you want to play along?

7:58:45 PM vadmblackthorne: I'll play along.

7:58:47 PM vadmblackthorne: Major?

7:59:03 PM lcdrtkirr: ::shortly reaches the Bridge and walks up to Science::

7:59:17 PM lcdrtkirr: EnsLogan> ::looks up:: So... war?

7:59:45 PM vadmblackthorne: Harper> ::still in the center seat, looking perturbed::

7:59:50 PM cmdrshelev: ::Vulcan eye raise and departs to the bridge.::

8:00:21 PM drunkngunbunny: (Brb)

8:00:23 PM lcdrtkirr: ::lets out a deep breath:: Indeed.  ::pulls around the console and starts tapping::  I want you to go over our sensor efficiency updates and make the queued schedule happen immediately.

8:00:26 PM misterboxingbear: ::Rises slowly.::  Going, sir.

8:00:37 PM vadmblackthorne: What caught your eye?

8:00:53 PM vadmblackthorne: Harper> ::when Shelev walks in:: The bridge is yours, Commander.

8:01:01 PM lcdrtkirr: EnsLogan> Uh... right.  Of course... erm, all of them?

8:01:07 PM misterboxingbear: Everything that's NOT on that map, sir.

8:01:31 PM cmdrshelev: ::Sits down in the XO seat.:: Thank you. You are relieved until your next scheduled shift. ::Salute::

8:02:13 PM lcdrtkirr: Yes.  Focus on the port sensor dome on Deck Five first.  ::pulls up survey charts of the Xindi colony and sends them to McKnight's console to blip when activated::

8:02:28 PM vadmblackthorne: Harper> ::salutes:: Good day, Commander.

8:02:32 PM lcdrtkirr: EnsLogan> ::nods, thinking:: All right.

8:02:33 PM vadmblackthorne: Such as?

8:02:47 PM vadmblackthorne: Harper> ::exits the bridge and heads to her quarters to crash out::

8:03:04 PM cmdrshelev: ::Gets in the XO seat and starts plowing though previous readiness reports to build a benchmark.::

8:03:35 PM lcdrtkirr: ::looks up and meets Logan's eyes:: Do what you can.  We need to be at peak sensor efficiency within forty-eight hours.

8:04:04 PM vadmblackthorne: Jack> ::starts stocking Ten-Forward as well as possible because it'll be needed::

8:05:00 PM misterboxingbear: Forward supply bases.  Known troop deployments.  Stronghold worlds.

8:05:23 PM vadmblackthorne: Much is unknown. Only our swathe through their territory is even mapped.

8:05:25 PM drunkngunbunny: (Back)

8:05:28 PM vadmblackthorne: (WB)

8:05:33 PM lcdrtkirr: EnsLogan> Right, Commander.  What will you be on?

8:06:09 PM lcdrtkirr: ::gives Logan a significant look:: The Mustangs.  ::turns and enters the lift::

8:06:21 PM misterboxingbear: ::Sighs::  I've fought enough wars to know it's never going to be the one you've prepared yourself to fight.  But we both know the Machen Bren aren't incompetent.  And we both know this isn't going to be

8:06:27 PM lcdrtkirr: EnsLogan> ::grins:: Of course.  ::gets to work::

8:06:34 PM misterboxingbear: the cake walk you implied over the comm.

8:07:01 PM cmdrshelev: ((You have Shelev running the ship. It will be more like a pie walk.))

8:07:03 PM vadmblackthorne: ::sits down:: Of course I know that. But we've both been in enough wars to know that's not what you tell the troops at the beginning.

8:07:06 PM drunkngunbunny: (TY) ::The moment she arrived at the ships, Percy went to work, taking them apart, logging the parts and their placements carefully, recording notes, etc. Then she'd put them back together again.::

8:07:14 PM lcdrtkirr: Deck Seventeen.

8:08:04 PM misterboxingbear: ::Frowns::  Gotta tell the boys something pretty.

8:08:41 PM lcdrtkirr: ::rides lift to Deck 17 and exits, walking the short distance to the Fighter Bay::

8:08:44 PM vadmblackthorne: That's the way it's always been, since war existed.

8:10:34 PM lcdrtkirr: ::enters the quiet bay, takes in the fighters, standing in rows like sentinels, and takes a deep breath before heading to the console to check the latest logs::

8:12:42 PM vadmblackthorne: I thought I might not see another one.

8:13:28 PM misterboxingbear: You know...I have this ambition to see eagle wings on this collar before me and Star Fleet part ways.  On the other hand, I keep thinking about retiring back to New England...starting up a little league.  Something to pass on, you

8:13:30 PM misterboxingbear: know?

8:13:31 PM lcdrtkirr: ::runs through the repair and scan logs and systematically runs through new scans on each fighter::

8:13:44 PM misterboxingbear: ::Chuckles::  Times like these, I'm never quite sure which one sounds better.

8:14:07 PM vadmblackthorne: ::smiles:: I know the feeling. I have a son I've never met. I'd like to teach him to fly a biplane someday.

8:14:48 PM vadmblackthorne: But there's something about that center seat.

8:15:45 PM lcdrtkirr: ::peeking under a particular Mustang's wing:: +Busard+ T'Kirr to Busard.

8:16:32 PM drunkngunbunny: ::Answers:: Busard here.

8:16:52 PM lcdrtkirr: +Busard+ Lieutenant, I know you're busy.  I need a couple of engineers to help me ready up the Mustangs.  I believe Hendricks and Suren have the experience, if they're available.

8:17:47 PM misterboxingbear: ::Grins.::  Yeah, you pilots and your chairs.

8:18:30 PM drunkngunbunny: +T'Kirr+ No problem, ma'am. I'll send them over immediately. ::She proceeded to contact each of them and instruct them to get to the fighter bay::

8:18:42 PM vadmblackthorne: Giving up flying that fighter may be harder than someday giving up command.

8:19:11 PM lcdrtkirr: ::prepares work orders on two PADDs for the engineers and sets them on the console for when they arrive::

8:20:57 PM misterboxingbear: ::Shrugs.::  You're a fleet admiral, aren't you?  "Requisition" one.

8:21:19 PM drunkngunbunny: ::-Disassembling unfamiliar ships, yay! It was fun, so long as nothing exploded. Which so far, it hasn't.::

8:21:25 PM drunkngunbunny: (*hadn't)

8:21:48 PM lcdrtkirr: EnsLogan> +T'Kirr+ Logan to T'Kirr.

8:21:51 PM vadmblackthorne: That's not what I meant, but someday I will.

8:22:01 PM lcdrtkirr: +Logan+ Go ahead.

8:22:54 PM lcdrtkirr: EnsLogan> +T'Kirr+ Commander, do you want the updated efficiency reports down there, or should I just leave them at Science?

8:23:16 PM lcdrtkirr: +Logan+ Leave them.  I'll get to them when I can.

8:23:41 PM lcdrtkirr: EnsLogan> +T'Kirr+ Understood.

8:24:00 PM misterboxingbear: Well...I'll go work on those recommendations.  Have some of that Andorian brandy ready, and I even promise to use bullet points.

8:25:08 PM vadmblackthorne: Will do, Major.

8:25:20 PM lcdrtkirr: ::receives two shiny engineers and points at the PADDs, then sets to work on detailed fighter analyses::

8:26:04 PM vadmblackthorne: PAUSE SIM

8:26:05 PM vadmblackthorne: PAUSE SIM

8:26:08 PM vadmblackthorne: PAUSE SIM

8:26:08 PM lcdrtkirr: ::pauses::

8:26:19 PM misterboxingbear: ::Totally paused.::

8:26:20 PM cmdrshelev: wtb 2x engineer

8:26:35 PM vadmblackthorne: Well, it begins....

8:26:36 PM lcdrtkirr: Sorry I got the last two

8:26:51 PM vadmblackthorne: Prime chance for more log writing!

8:27:46 PM vadmblackthorne: That's all for this week though.

8:27:58 PM cmdrshelev: ok I will write butan pres

8:28:38 PM vadmblackthorne: Thanks for coming and I'll see y'all next week.

8:28:48 PM cmdrshelev: ta ta

8:28:54 PM vadmblackthorne: G'night!