7:01:38 PM DrunknGunbunny: Hey.
7:01:43 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Hiya
7:05:40 PM DrunknGunbunny: OH right. So...T'Kirr wanted me to tell people that she might be
late.
7:05:50 PM DrunknGunbunny: And Mike's getting dinner still, I think, but he should be here
soon.
7:07:03 PM VAdm Blackthorne: We'll wait then.
7:07:21 PM DrunknGunbunny: Indeed.
7:07:56 PM VAdm Blackthorne: internetblueman
7:08:26 PM DrunknGunbunny: o.O
7:09:43 PM MisterBoxingBear: Hey, sorry for the tardiness.
7:10:28 PM VAdm Blackthorne: No worries.
7:10:38 PM VAdm Blackthorne: T'Kirr should be along shortly, I'm told.
7:10:43 PM MisterBoxingBear: Kay.
7:10:45 PM DrunknGunbunny: So she told me. *shrugs*
7:14:57 PM DrunknGunbunny: *humming Jeopardy theme song*
7:15:59 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Okay then, let's start without her.
7:17:07 PM DrunknGunbunny: 'Kay.
7:17:11 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Tonight, the secret council of assembled system Lords has completed
the necessary procedures to contact Admiral Zuriyev.
7:18:17 PM MisterBoxingBear: Sweet.
7:18:32 PM VAdm Blackthorne: The comm channel's been opened, the security credentials entered,
and Admiral Zuriyev's mug has appeared on the wall screen.
7:18:42 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Everyone remember their parts from last week?
7:18:53 PM MisterBoxingBear: Yep.
7:18:54 PM DrunknGunbunny: Yup.
7:19:48 PM VAdm Blackthorne: I know Shelev remember his part.
7:20:00 PM cmdr shelev: I APOLOGIZE FOR NOTHING
7:20:09 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Okay then...
7:20:11 PM VAdm Blackthorne: BEGIN SIM
7:20:13 PM VAdm Blackthorne: BEGIN SIM
7:20:14 PM VAdm Blackthorne: BEGIN SIM
7:21:08 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> I see that my officer has made some noise.
7:21:25 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> Well, I try to be quiet.
7:21:44 PM DrunknGunbunny: Xavian> Scowling in background, looking all conflicted.
7:21:54 PM DrunknGunbunny: (Damnit. *::-)
7:22:09 PM DrunknGunbunny: (GODDAMN SMILEYS. Pretend there were action markers there)
7:22:14 PM VAdm Blackthorne: (Hiya T'Kirr, we just started)
7:22:29 PM MisterBoxingBear: ::And ever the angry dick, Hykon
was quick to reply:: Yes, he had
quite a lot to say about how we should, for our own sakes, turn our ire on each
other. Sadly, we are not going to
be defeated by a lot of empty, self-serving
7:22:57 PM MisterBoxingBear: rhetoric. I hope you can do better.
7:23:26 PM MisterBoxingBear: Well, that's not true. Some of these fellows hope you can do
better. I look forward to gutting
this coward.
7:23:46 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> If your
mind is truly as closed as you say, I suspect he would be dead by now. But now
we have a chance to talk.
7:26:22 PM MisterBoxingBear: Then talk. You humans seem quite fond of
that. Why should we even entertain
the notion?
7:27:20 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> Because your King obviously no longer has your best
interests in mind, but rather those of the Orion.
7:28:30 PM MisterBoxingBear: ::Rolls his eyes:: Well, I'm
convinced. Clearly, it's not
obvious simply because it's convenient for him to say so. I say we terminate this channel,
terminate this waste of time, and terminate these interlopers now.
7:29:09 PM DrunknGunbunny: Xavian> ::Quietly, but loud enough to be heard:: If the human
has anything useful to say on this matter, I believe now would be the time to
say it.
7:29:49 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> Hide behind your sarcasm, go ahead, while hundreds of
thousands die! We can stop this, right here, and come to a mutually beneficial
arrangement.
7:30:07 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> ::lets the big guy do the talking for now, rather impressed:
7:31:15 PM DrunknGunbunny: Xavian>::Looking up with a frown:: Your messenger here has
spoken of matters with our King. If we were to proceed on such an endeavor,
would you offer any assistance or aid?
7:32:50 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> Yes, I can. Not officially, that can not come until
whomever your new government appoints as a leader asks the Federation Council
for official recognition and assistance.
7:33:10 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> Until that step, which I would advise be taken fairly
early in the process, I can only offer covert aid.
7:33:21 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> But aid nonetheless.
7:34:15 PM MisterBoxingBear: (BRB)
7:38:30 PM DrunknGunbunny: Xavian> I see. So, at present, your offer is that we stop
fighting you, and instead fight amongst ourselves so that maybe we can
overthrow a leader that you yourself probably want dead...and
7:38:47 PM DrunknGunbunny: you only offer covert assistance until we come out and announce that
we're betraying the throne?
7:39:18 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> Make no mistake, even though the aid I can provide will
be covert, it will be militarily effective.
7:39:44 PM MisterBoxingBear: Yes, I'm sure. The finest battle re-enactors in all
your realm.
7:40:48 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> Surely you realize that I can not assign official aid
until a new government comes forward wanting peace instead of war.
7:41:54 PM MisterBoxingBear: Tyrus> Admiral, surely YOU
realize that even if we acknowledge your hands are tied, it's of no help
here.
7:42:07 PM MisterBoxingBear: So perhaps you should instead
elaborate on what help you DO plan to provide.
7:42:24 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> Starships, marines, fighters.
7:42:33 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> Just on the sly.
7:44:22 PM MisterBoxingBear: Very encouraging. But let's talk numbers. What can you provide on solely your own
authority? The size of force we
faced in the last battle? Less?
7:45:13 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> It would be difficult for me to administratively hide a
force of that size.
7:45:35 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> But I will attempt to get close to it.
7:46:34 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> When the official declaration of government comes, the
help would be much larger.
7:46:43 PM MisterBoxingBear: A moment, Admiral.
7:47:44 PM MisterBoxingBear: ::Presses the mute button before
turning to the others.:: Used
effectively, and as a surprise, that COULD be enough to secure an advantageous
start, should we pursue this course.
7:48:24 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> ::looks to Zuriyev and nods imperceptively::
7:49:11 PM LCdr TKirr: Sevurian> ::steeples his fingers,
looking to be deep in thought:: It
would be very advantageous, if he is indeed sincere.
7:49:52 PM cmdr shelev: ACTION> On cue, the doors to the room
slam open. Emperor Cartagio appears to have forgotten that he was supposed to
not be supporting this action and barges in with about five panicked servants
trying to catch him.
7:50:32 PM cmdr shelev: WHAT IS THIS TREACHARY?
7:50:36 PM DrunknGunbunny: Xavian>Possibly. But let us not forget that he could also be-
::Stops midsentence, bowing respectfully to the new arrival:: Greetings, Lord
Cartagio.
7:50:41 PM cmdr shelev: EMPEROR
7:51:21 PM cmdr shelev: THE OPPRESSED PEOPLE OF MY LANDS HAVE
TOLERATED OUR OCCUPATION BY THE KING OF THE MACHEN BREN STAR KINGDOM LONG
ENOUGH!
7:51:30 PM cmdr shelev: ::Suddenly realizes he is inside.::
7:52:00 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> ::wonders what the hell is going on::
7:52:08 PM cmdr shelev: But I am not to formally support this
gathering, though I informally will provide a staging grounds and stockpile
such as can be disguised as Industry.
7:52:52 PM LCdr TKirr: Sevurian> ::suppresses the urge to
roll his eyes::
7:52:57 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> ::makes an "everything's ok" face to Zuriyev::
7:53:26 PM MisterBoxingBear: Hykon> Twelve gods, you people
are actually taking this seriously.
7:53:28 PM cmdr shelev: Also I will not under any circumstances
engage in any audience with our monarch in name only!
7:53:44 PM cmdr shelev: Would you like a nut?
7:54:38 PM LCdr TKirr: Sevurian> ::mutters under his breath
about already having one present::
7:54:39 PM cmdr shelev: ((I have absolutely no idea what I added
to the bargain there but it should be something to work with))
7:54:41 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> I'd love one.
7:55:01 PM cmdr shelev: A MAN OF DARING PALATE!
7:55:24 PM cmdr shelev: ::Flings a nut the size of a ping pong
ball at the Admiral.::
7:55:43 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> ::catches it::
7:55:48 PM cmdr shelev: You will need some wine to get it down.
::Claps once and one of the attendants looks even more panicked, then darts out
of the room.::
7:55:59 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> ::is pretty damned hungry by now::
7:56:14 PM MisterBoxingBear: We invite them in. Then what? We leave a foreign fleet poised like a knife at our throat
in the name of enforcing our ambitions?
Can someone tell me how that's any different from the arrangement
between the king and the Orion?
7:56:26 PM cmdr shelev: ((There are some who accuse me of only
playing characters that can be described as slow motion trainwrecks. I blame
watching trash television))
7:56:41 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> Because when the dust settles, we'll go away.
7:56:57 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> ::wonders if they'll take him off mute soon::
7:57:08 PM DrunknGunbunny: Xavian> And what can we base that on? Your word? The word of
our enemy?
7:57:19 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> Our history speaks for itself.
7:57:34 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> We don't force relations with peoples who don't wish them.
8:00:00 PM MisterBoxingBear: Tyrus> We actually CAN check
that. We have access to their
historical database now. If he
lies, he hangs himself with his own words. If not...
8:02:24 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> ::is suddenly delivered a glass of wine::
8:02:51 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> ::sniffs at the nut and the wine, eats the former and drinks
the latter::
8:02:53 PM LCdr TKirr: Sevurian> ::palms on table:: Perhaps
we should continue this... after the investigation. One way or the other.
8:03:25 PM DrunknGunbunny: Xavian> I could not agree with you more, Lord Sevurian.
8:04:38 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Perhaps Tyrus told you of our relations with the Klingons.
8:05:03 PM MisterBoxingBear: I related your account of it, yes.
8:05:57 PM VAdm Blackthorne: It's a good place to begin.
8:07:31 PM VAdm Blackthorne: ACTION> The council re-convenes several hours later, comm-channel
still open, after the investigation.
8:09:04 PM MisterBoxingBear: Hykon> They betray their own
citizens to honorless dogs!
8:09:26 PM MisterBoxingBear: ::Ha ha, take that, KNOWLEDGE.::
8:09:41 PM VAdm Blackthorne: I beg your pardon?
8:09:55 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> ::has to be off mute by now:: As do I.
8:12:32 PM MisterBoxingBear: ::Reading bullet points off the
Machen Bren equivalent of a PADD::
This Demilitarized Zone Treaty of 2370! The great and noble Federation gutlessly abandoned their own
people to the machinations of this Cardassian Union! Tell me,
8:13:08 PM MisterBoxingBear: Lords, how can we trust their word
that they shall honor any alliance with an enemy when even their own are mere
bargaining chips?
8:14:34 PM DrunknGunbunny: Xavian>::With a deep frown, looking to Blackthorne:: That does
NOT sound like a trustworthy ally to me.
8:14:41 PM LCdr TKirr: Sevurian> ::opens his mouth, but not
really intending to speak, and looks to the humans::
8:15:07 PM LCdr TKirr: (human/part, anyway)
8:15:17 PM VAdm Blackthorne: (lol)
8:17:32 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> While regrettable, that treaty was negotiated under a
different administration. Nevertheless, we honored it though it pained us,
until the Cardassians betrayed it.
8:18:11 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> Many among us wish we had risked the continued war than
giving in like that.
8:18:23 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> Myself included.
8:18:58 PM LCdr TKirr: Sevurian> Again, your word.
8:19:04 PM MisterBoxingBear: ::Narrows his eyes, though a ghost
of a smile can be seen if you're looking close enough:: I see. And will you be more recalcitrant than us?
8:19:23 PM MisterBoxingBear: (WITH us)
8:20:24 PM MisterBoxingBear: We want something solid from
you. Presumably, you wish to
demonstrate something. I say we
have at our disposal a means to see if there is iron in your words, AND to
honor the sacrifices already made by our kingdom.
8:21:03 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> Go on.
8:21:31 PM LCdr TKirr: Sevurian> ::watches Hykon with
interest::
8:22:13 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> ::watches Zuriyev with interest::
8:22:22 PM MisterBoxingBear: The Xindi world. Many of the lords sitting at this table
sent their soldiers generously to take that world in fair combat. Myself included. And I say by rights, it STAYS
ours. What say you to that?
8:22:48 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> ::furrows his brow:: I can agree to that.
8:23:02 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> You conquered it fair and square.
8:23:40 PM LCdr TKirr: Sevurian> ::brightens a little::
8:23:49 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> ::relieved he didn't ask for the Atlantis, but doesn't show
it outwardly::
8:25:19 PM cmdr shelev: ((can we blow away the atmosphere of
that planet too))
8:25:34 PM VAdm Blackthorne: ((shhhhhhhhhhhhhh))
8:25:43 PM MisterBoxingBear: And a post-war border agreed upon
in advance between our domains, inviolable and drawn outward from that world!
8:26:23 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> Agreed.
8:27:06 PM MisterBoxingBear: ::Takes a deep, slow breath, as if
hesitant to speak his next words::
Then I would be willing to accept that as payment of the debt owed me,
in place of the life of this one.
8:28:18 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> And the rest of your council?
8:28:47 PM MisterBoxingBear: Tyrus> May I propose then that
as a show of your word's integrity, none of this be considered valid until we
are contacted, and informed that the fleet your promised has departed the front
line?
8:29:15 PM LCdr TKirr: Sevurian> ::scrutinizes Blackthorne,
as if sizing him up for the last time::
8:30:01 PM DrunknGunbunny: Xavian> ::Still frowning, as always, but looks to be in favor
of the idea Tyrus has proposed.::
8:30:12 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> I can have them depart immediately, actually.
8:31:52 PM MisterBoxingBear: Tyrus> Do it then...and for the
sake of our lands truly ours again, I will throw my support to this proposal.
8:32:12 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> That's two.
8:32:24 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> ::looks to the other three::
8:33:01 PM cmdr shelev: There shall be blood in the kingdom's
court! :black101:
8:33:18 PM DrunknGunbunny: Xavian> IF you send your ships to aid us, I would not
completely object to the idea.
8:34:29 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> ::looks to Sevurian::
8:34:58 PM MisterBoxingBear: ("I still say no. Fuck you.")
8:35:25 PM LCdr TKirr: Sevurian> ::looks to each of the
others, then throws a hand up, as if in surrender:: I'm with you.
8:35:56 PM LCdr TKirr: Sevurian> Let's see what this madness
is all about, shall we?
8:36:35 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> Then we are in accord.
8:37:08 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> I will dispatch ships immediately. As a gesture of good
faith on your behalf, as soon as you track them en route, I would ask that you
release your prisoners and their ship.
8:37:34 PM MisterBoxingBear: ::Looks to Cartagio:: It's your prison, Emperor.
8:38:13 PM cmdr shelev: I did not place them there.
8:38:40 PM MisterBoxingBear: ::Sighs:: It will be done, Zuriyev.
8:38:50 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> Emperor, this wine is remarkable, is all of your wine of
this quality?
8:39:14 PM cmdr shelev: A maddened question.
8:40:18 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> Incredible.
8:40:29 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> Then I look forward to meeting you again at the treaty
table.
8:41:22 PM DrunknGunbunny: Xavian> ::Mutter mutter:: If we aren't all dead men by then.
8:42:33 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> Admiral Blackthorne, have a safe trip home.
8:42:42 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Zuriyev> ::spares Ian the "my ship" joke::
8:42:49 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Ian> Thank you sir.
8:43:23 PM VAdm Blackthorne: PAUSE SIM
8:43:25 PM VAdm Blackthorne: PAUSE SIM
8:43:27 PM VAdm Blackthorne: PAUSE SIM
8:43:34 PM LCdr TKirr: ::pauses::
8:43:42 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Next week we get our ship back!
8:43:50 PM DrunknGunbunny: Hooray!
8:44:03 PM LCdr TKirr: Yay, home!
8:44:23 PM VAdm Blackthorne: Great work playing these temporary characters.
8:44:39 PM cmdr shelev: my thesaurus is almost empty so perfect
timing
8:45:05 PM MisterBoxingBear: Yeah, that was fun. Hopefully, we might see some of these
guys again at some point.
8:45:05 PM VAdm Blackthorne: We've just incited rebellion!
8:45:19 PM LCdr TKirr: . . . !
8:46:04 PM DrunknGunbunny: Yay! This calls for a party!
8:46:07 PM DrunknGunbunny: Or, y'know, not.
8:46:25 PM VAdm Blackthorne: It calls for logs! :D
8:47:01 PM DrunknGunbunny: Yes master, I obey.
8:47:51 PM VAdm Blackthorne: That's all for this week!
8:48:03 PM cmdr shelev: ta-ta
8:48:13 PM DrunknGunbunny: Later.