Conversation with #ussatlantis at Wed Jun 13 20:55:02 2012 on VAdmBlackthorne@opus.il.us.darkmyst.org (irc)
(20:55:02) The topic for #USSAtlantis is: Tonight, after a heroic effort by Engineering, the Atlantis is back in (outwardly, at least) pristine shape. The Rixx and Surprise have joined us to be escorted to Earth for diplomatic talks. As ordered, we are hosting a formal reception for Charles Coburn and Ashexana. All may attend, though formal dress uniforms are required.
(20:55:02) mode (+o VAdmBlackthorne) by ChanServ
(20:59:09) EnsignJohnTChance [Mibbit@50.10.ypw.ptg] entered the room.
(20:59:20) LtJGAlexisWright [Mibbit@w-11-876-382-46.hsd1.wa.comcast.net] entered the room.
(20:59:40) VAdmBlackthorne: Evening
(20:59:56) EnsignJohnTChance: Evening, all!
(20:59:59) LtJGAlexisWright: Hihi!
(21:00:57) LtKuari [TKirr@50.89.qt.vm] entered the room.
(21:01:12) CdrTKirr [TKirr@50.89.qt.vm] entered the room.
(21:01:22) VAdmBlackthorne: Hiya T'Kirr
(21:01:27) CdrTKirr: Greetings.
(21:01:44) EnsignJohnTChance: And greetings to you, Kuari
(21:01:51) ColDougMcKnight [Mibbit@j-88-351-725-23.hsd6.ma.comcast.net] entered the room.
(21:02:15) ColDougMcKnight: Evening.
(21:02:16) VAdmBlackthorne: Colonel
(21:02:21) ColDougMcKnight: Admiral.
(21:02:31) LtJGAlexisWright: I apologize for my recent absences
(21:03:12) ColDougMcKnight: Hey, things happen. I thought I was going to have to cancel myself. I'm moving to a new place Friday.
(21:03:33) ColDougMcKnight: Fortunately, I have until the end of the month to actually be out of here, so I don't have to pack up my computer JUST yet.
(21:04:21) EnsignJohnTChance: Always a good thing. When I left California, the computer was the last thing in the car.
(21:04:37) VAdmBlackthorne: There's a topically relevant post on the website...
(21:04:43) LtJGAlexisWright: I was hoping I'd have more free time pre-wedding, but I was wrong... at least wedding accomplished. :)
(21:05:22) ColDougMcKnight: I read it before logging on! It was very nice, and it's an honor to be a part of something with such history.
(21:05:32) ColDougMcKnight: Cuz as online games go, this is a time capsule.
(21:06:47) CdrTKirr: Congratulations, Alexis!
(21:06:57) LtJGAlexisWright: I read that too, it's an amazing story :)
(21:06:59) EnsignJohnTChance: I agree. Congrats on 15 years. That's frigging awesome, mate!
(21:07:15) CdrTKirr: I just posted, for posterity. ^_^
(21:07:26) ColDougMcKnight: Ooh, a married woman, eh? Very nice. How'd it go?
(21:07:55) VAdmBlackthorne: Comments and more memories are certainly welcome!
(21:08:23) LtJGAlexisWright: Was very nice, thanks ^_^
(21:08:30) CdrTKirr: Tav is sad he's not here, but he's very tired and has been cramming a Real Estate course and has to get up in seven hours and needs his rest. >_<
(21:08:49) CdrTKirr: He's with us in spirit, though.
(21:09:16) CdrTKirr: Aaand I so just knocked your glasses on the floor. <_<
(21:09:43) LtLedaHarper [Talaith@71.212.vnl.uqy] entered the room.
(21:10:06) VAdmBlackthorne: Hiya Harper
(21:10:33) LtLedaHarper: Admiral.
(21:11:20) CdrTKirr: Here's to many years of happy marriage. =)
(21:11:48) VAdmBlackthorne: Well, tonight we'll actually integrate a birthday celebration into the plot.
(21:12:09) CdrTKirr: A party after the... "party"?
(21:12:38) LtJGAlexisWright: (hanks ^_^ We had two full tables of WoW nerds at the wedding, so I'd call it a success.
(21:12:39) VAdmBlackthorne: This one will actually be fun since we won't have to host people that have been trying to kill us.
(21:12:54) LtJGAlexisWright: That kind of party always sucks.
(21:13:36) VAdmBlackthorne: Also no uncomfortable dress uniforms!
(21:14:09) LtJGAlexisWright: \o/
(21:14:23) LtKuari: <~So totally skipped out on the dress uniforms
(21:14:48) CdrHarper [Mibbit@woaq-62-719-65-691.rcmdva.fios.verizon.net] entered the room.
(21:14:49) LtLedaHarper: The armor's not THAT comfortable....
(21:15:13) VAdmBlackthorne: Alright, let's get started then.
(21:16:06) CdrTKirr: Ahem. :: TWEEEEETforthefifteenthyearfirsttimeevaryaaaay! ::
(21:16:40) EnsignJohnTChance: :: AA ::
(21:17:02) LtJGAlexisWright: :: yAAaaaaaay! ::
(21:17:35) ColDougMcKnight: ::AA::
(21:17:53) ColDougMcKnight: (Posted, and with memoties. :) )
(21:17:59) ColDougMcKnight: (Memories as well.)
(21:18:17) VAdmBlackthorne: (Memories! :D )
(21:18:38) CdrTKirr: (Sweet!)
(21:19:15) VAdmBlackthorne has changed the topic to: 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!
(21:19:36) VAdmBlackthorne: Questions?
(21:20:02) LtJGAlexisWright: (if Atlantis were a person, she'd have her learner's permit and we'd be intimidating her dates. )
(21:20:19) LtLedaHarper: (but NO DRINKING.)
(21:20:28) VAdmBlackthorne: (You stay away from MY SHIP, boy....)
(21:20:59) VAdmBlackthorne: (God, it's a good thing I had a sim and not a daughter at age 17.)
(21:21:16) EnsignJohnTChance: (I might be cleaning a gun, though, when the kid show to pick her up!)
(21:21:35) CdrTKirr: (Yeah, at least the sim you can say you still own it)
(21:21:48) VAdmBlackthorne: Alright, here we gooooooo!
(21:21:50) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:21:51) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:21:52) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:22:10) VAdmBlackthorne: :: on the bridge, smiling at the sight of Earth and Spacedock on the viewer ::
(21:22:55) CdrTKirr: :: is seated next to Blackthorne in her usual place, contentedly not in a dress uniform, welcoming the sight of Earth ::
(21:23:22) CdrHarper: It's been a while.
(21:23:31) CdrHarper: (Ian's line!)
(21:24:02) LtLedaHarper: (pffffhahaha)
(21:24:22) CdrHarper: :: sitting at helm, waiting for final docking orders ::
(21:24:26) CdrTKirr: Too long.
(21:24:57) ColDougMcKnight: :: Grins :: I think I've been out there more than long enough to count myself a bona fide explorer. I've seen...well, I've seen a lot of mind blowing stuff.
(21:25:14) ColDougMcKnight: But this will ALWAYS be what I come back to. Always.
(21:25:42) LtJGAlexisWright: :: is keeping herself busy, avoiding thoughts of her first time back to Earth since the accident ::
(21:25:46) CdrTKirr: :: looks from McKnight to Ian and places her hand on his :: Altantis always brings us back.
(21:26:11) EnsignJohnTChance left the room (quit: Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client).
(21:26:15) VAdmBlackthorne: Yes, it really has. :: squeezes her hand as he pats the chair arm affectionately with his other :: And yes she does.
(21:26:28) VAdmBlackthorne: We're all explorers, no doubt about that, Colonel.
(21:26:36) VAdmBlackthorne: :: looks to Kate :: Take us home, Commander.
(21:26:47) ColDougMcKnight: :: His eyes follow the joining of hands, and with a smile, he looks back down at his display, removing himself from the moment to give them some symbolic privacy. :: That she does.
(21:26:54) EnsignJohnTChance [Mibbit@50.10.ypw.ptg] entered the room.
(21:26:58) CdrTKirr: (WB)
(21:27:15) CdrHarper: Aye sir. :: already has approval from the dockmaster, and begins the approach to the spacedoors ::
(21:28:25) VAdmBlackthorne: :: announces to the bridge crew :: Atlantis will be undergoing a minor refit while in spacedock, along with a few upgrades. You'll all have some time to spend on Earth.
(21:29:27) VAdmBlackthorne: After fifteen years in space, our grand old lady definitely has earned a rest, a checkup, and a shopping spree.
(21:30:11) LtJGAlexisWright: :: thinks of lots and lots of reasons to stay on board ::
(21:30:43) CdrTKirr: :: ducks her head in agreement, thinking through all the times Atlantis has earned her way in battle ::
(21:30:49) VAdmBlackthorne: :: looks to T'Kirr :: After the party, coordinate shore leave for all, though Engineering will have to make do with shorter leave cycles. There will still be duties for all aboardship while docked.
(21:31:00) LtLedaHarper: With the ship at peace for the moment and their duties largely sewn up, much of the Marine contingent has already packed bags and are gathered at the Ten-Forward windows, watching the approach with excited chatter. Lt. Harper is here, though hanging back with arms folded to watch and listen to the plans for trips home, to various historical sites....
(21:31:41) CdrTKirr: ( :: so just killed a mosquito mid-air :: )
(21:31:56) CdrTKirr: :: nods to Blackthorne ::
(21:32:03) ColDougMcKnight: (Nice.)
(21:32:42) CdrHarper: Approaching spacedoors.
(21:32:58) VAdmBlackthorne: :: Spacedock looms large on the viewer with the blue glow of Earth behind it ::
(21:33:57) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> Atlantis slides through the doors to the blue-white glow of the giant starbase's interior.
(21:34:11) ColDougMcKnight: :: Grins :: So, whaddya think? Impulse burst on the way in, spin 180 degrees, and slow back to a halt just in time for mooring clamps?
(21:34:25) ColDougMcKnight: (Damn. Too slow.)
(21:34:43) VAdmBlackthorne: :: chuckles :: A few years too late for that now, I think.
(21:34:56) CdrTKirr: :: sighs a deep but silent breath as Atlantis is moored ::
(21:35:25) CdrHarper: :: eases the ship into the bay assigned by the dockmaster and comes to a stop ::
(21:35:39) CdrTKirr: :: raises an eyebrow at Blackthorne :: Now I know we're getting old.
(21:35:39) VAdmBlackthorne: Engage docking clamps and umbilicals.
(21:35:51) VAdmBlackthorne: Oh?
(21:36:15) CdrHarper: :: secures Atlantis into her berth :: Aye sir, we are docked and ready for power transfer.
(21:36:19) CdrTKirr: (In response to McKnight?)
(21:36:35) VAdmBlackthorne: Transfer to starbase power.
(21:36:47) CdrHarper: : cuts the ship over to external power ::
(21:36:55) CdrTKirr: (Or rather, Ian's response to him)
(21:37:29) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> At all the windows around the Atlantis, easily visible from anywhere aboard ship, a horde of people turn to face the ship, salutes, and applauds.
(21:37:55) LtKuari: :: feels the ship shudder and power down around her, an odd feeling to an uncommon occurence ::
(21:38:00) VAdmBlackthorne: Hey, speak for yourself. :: winks and turns to see the viewer ::
(21:38:10) VAdmBlackthorne: My goodness, we have a welcoming party.
(21:38:42) CdrTKirr: :: follows his eyes ::
(21:39:13) VAdmBlackthorne: There must be hundreds of them.
(21:39:50) ColDougMcKnight: :: Grins :: You Navy boys DO love your ceremony.
(21:41:06) VAdmBlackthorne: She's been your ride too, Colonel. :: grins ::
(21:41:12) VAdmBlackthorne: (Wright, IM)
(21:41:22) CdrTKirr: :: merely observes, thinking she really shouldn't be surprised ::
(21:41:43) LtJGAlexisWright: We're being hailed, Admiral.
(21:41:54) ColDougMcKnight: Hey, today I'm not knocking it. And not just because of how hilariously hypocritical it'd make me.
(21:41:59) VAdmBlackthorne: :: shrugs :: On screen.
(21:42:07) LtJGAlexisWright: :: Complies ::
(21:43:25) VAdmBlackthorne: Admiral A.C. Zuriyev> :: appears on the viewer :: Congratulations to all of you on Atlantis's fifteenth year in space!
(21:43:38) ColDougMcKnight: :: Waits for it. ::
(21:44:13) VAdmBlackthorne: :: stands :: Thank you, Admiral!
(21:44:45) CdrTKirr: :: stands with Blackthorne and nods to the screen :: Good to see you, Admiral.
(21:44:45) CdrHarper: :: looks up from protocol hand-off procedures to spacedock to smile at Zuriyev ::
(21:45:21) VAdmBlackthorne: Zuriyev> And you, Commander. It is especially good to see my ship home in one piece!
(21:46:01) VAdmBlackthorne: We're having a party in Ten-Forward, just a casual thing, if you'd like to come aboard my ship, sir.
(21:46:02) CdrTKirr: :: perks an eyebrow ::
(21:46:30) ColDougMcKnight: :: Laughs. :: Don't forget that two weeks I had it!
(21:46:33) ColDougMcKnight: ...sirs.
(21:46:51) ColDougMcKnight: (Or...however long that honeymoon was.)
(21:47:53) VAdmBlackthorne: Zuriyev> :: stares at McKnight :: Nice try, Colonel! I would not miss your party, though. Zuriyev out.
(21:49:33) CdrTKirr: :: looks to McKnight goodnaturedly ::
(21:50:00) ColDougMcKnight: :: Shrugs back with a chuckle. ::
(21:50:15) VAdmBlackthorne: :: sits back down :: We're home, and we survived. Now let's party.
(21:51:43) JackCahalan [Mibbit@woaq-62-719-65-691.rcmdva.fios.verizon.net] entered the room.
(21:52:09) VAdmBlackthorne: This time, with no pirates aboard. Secure your stations, all, we did it.
(21:52:43) JackCahalan: :: prepares the bar for the influx ::
(21:52:58) CdrHarper: :: begins shutting down the helm ::
(21:53:03) CdrTKirr: :: sits momentarily to secure her station ::
(21:53:59) LtJGAlexisWright: :: mechanically proceeds with operational shutdown/standby procedures ::
(21:54:40) LtKuari: :: is thankful she's not on airlock duty and paces her quarters, looking over her few belongings ::
(21:54:46) VAdmBlackthorne: :: turns off his chairarm :: Sleep well, old girl.
(21:56:04) CdrHarper: :: transfers the last bit of control to the starbase and powers down the helm console, which goes completely dark :: Helm is secure, sir.
(21:56:36) VAdmBlackthorne: Good. :: jerks a thumb toward the turbolift :: You're dismissed. See you at the party.
(21:57:24) CdrHarper: Aye sir. :: exits to the TL ::
(21:57:25) LtLedaHarper: The Ten-Forward contingent lets out a whoop as the ship settles into dock, and the moment the bar is open for business, it's swarmed by the cheerful throng. The space rapidly fills up with Marines and crewmen in varying states of informal dress, colorful drinks, and nearly-drowned-out music.
(21:57:52) JackCahalan: :: starts serving drinks in whirl of activity ::
(21:58:58) CdrTKirr: :: notes department heads across the ship finishing up closing down their respective systems from her console, then shuts down her own :: All clear.
(21:59:29) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Wanders into Ten Forward and looks around almost timidly. He sees the drinks being served, but is reluctant to pick one up off the bar, remembering the drink from the last party that nearly poisoned him ::
(21:59:56) VAdmBlackthorne: :: looks back to McKnight :: Everything good up there?
(22:00:37) LtKuari: :: drops her hindquarters and blinks around the room from its center, thinking about her journey thus far ::
(22:00:39) ColDougMcKnight: :: Glances down as a formality. :: I am detecting no pirates, ninjas, Klingons or walking wine glasses of any kind, sir!
(22:01:21) VAdmBlackthorne: Thank goodness for that. See you in Ten-Forward, then. :: looks to T'Kirr :: Shall we?
(22:02:05) LtJGAlexisWright: All Operations functions in standby mode. All sections report standby procedures complete.
(22:02:31) LtLedaHarper: Harper makes her way up to the bar, shoulders aside a couple of the grunts with a good-natured grin, and plucks two orangish drinks up off a tray. She extracts herself gracefully and paces over to Chance, dipping her head to him as she offers a glass. "Try one of these. Less likely to result in instantly hitting the floor, I promise, but please try not to gulp the whole thing down at once."
(22:02:33) ColDougMcKnight: Be right behind you just as soon as the security program confirms everything's locked down, sir.
(22:02:52) CdrTKirr: :: ducks her head in agreement ::
(22:02:54) VAdmBlackthorne: Just don't lock out Zuriyev. That would be bad.
(22:03:05) ColDougMcKnight: And don't start without me. First one's yours, of course, but I think I have a pretty good toast this time!
(22:03:17) VAdmBlackthorne: Oh, looking forward to it, then.
(22:03:30) VAdmBlackthorne: :: nods to Wright :: Good, now go have fun!
(22:03:41) VAdmBlackthorne: :: stands and waits for T'Kirr ::
(22:03:53) CdrTKirr: :: stands ::
(22:03:59) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Takes the glass and nods with a slight smile :: Thanks, Lieutenant. I'll try not fall over this time.
(22:04:22) EnsignJohnTChance: What is this, by the way?
(22:04:51) LtLedaHarper: Harper shrugs, mouth quirked at a corner. "Mimosa. Sort of. No worries, Ensign. Scooping people up off the floor is part of the job sometimes."
(22:04:56) LtKuari: :: finds at some point her eyes closed and, done reliving memory, literally jumps to her feet in excitement and darts out the door ::
(22:05:41) VAdmBlackthorne: :: enters the TL with a contented sigh :: Deck Ten.
(22:06:38) LtJGAlexisWright: :: remains on the bridge as others filter out under the pretense of last-minute-stuff-checking ::
(22:06:41) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Sips at it :: Mimosa, you say? It's good. It's not Olympus Mons Caldera fire whiskey, but it's not bad.
(22:07:30) LtLedaHarper: Harper chuckles into her own glass. "Hell, I hope not, that sounds painful. I just don't want to be headed downplanet hung over."
(22:07:56) CdrTKirr: :: rides the lift next to Blackthorne, musing to herself on the details of the refit ::
(22:08:20) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Tosses Harper a smile :: That's something Dad used to make in a still in the back of the shop and sell to the passing miners. It will really part you hair, all right.
(22:08:49) CdrHarper: :: turns to T'Kirr, smirking as if he can't hide a secret any longer ::
(22:08:54) CdrHarper: (DAMMIT)
(22:09:00) VAdmBlackthorne: :: does that ::
(22:09:24) CdrTKirr: :: looks up at him :: What?
(22:09:47) LtLedaHarper: Her eyes widen. "So, industrial solvent? I'm sticking to the champagne for sure."
(22:09:49) VAdmBlackthorne: :: pauses the turbolift :: You remember the quantum slipstream drive that Voyager pioneered?
(22:10:05) ColDougMcKnight: Uh...Wright? Sorry to have to say, Whatever you're stalling for, I DO need to lock up.
(22:10:56) CdrHarper: :: arrives in Ten Forward and is immediately handed a margarita by Jack as she approaches the bar :: Thanks, Jack!
(22:11:05) CdrTKirr: I read the articles, yes.
(22:11:05) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Shrugs :: Moronic gold miners on Mars will drink anything. But I think I agree with you. Falling down isn't that much fun.
(22:11:34) VAdmBlackthorne: That's one of the upgrades we're getting. Starfleet Engineering has it stable and we're the first deep space test platform.
(22:11:54) EnsignJohnTChance: Even if someone really nice picks you up.
(22:13:40) JackCahalan: ::: takes a second for a quick you're welcome in the midst of his flurry of drink-making and waiter-coordinating ::
(22:13:41) LtLedaHarper: "Hah. You're too kind, Ensign, I was grateful for the excuse to move. That whole dinner was excruciating - did you SEE that shirt Coburn came up with? Painful." Harper lifts her glass in brief salute, then her free hand in greeting as she spots the other Harper.
(22:13:45) LtJGAlexisWright: :: is busted :: Of course. Sorry, Colonel. The memories I'm reliving at the moment are not happy ones, so I was hoping to sneak off to my quarters unnoticed after everyone went to the party. :: sighs ::
(22:14:12) CdrTKirr: :: raises both eyebrows, knowing he's not joking :: That's.. impressive.
(22:14:26) CdrHarper: :: turns from the bar and sees Harper's greeting :: Leda, nice to see you here.
(22:14:55) VAdmBlackthorne: The entire galaxy will open up to us for exploration.
(22:16:10) LtLedaHarper: "Com - " The syllable sticks in her throat, and Harper chuckles. "Kate. I may not need to unwind as badly as the veterans, but I'm not going to pass up the opportunity. Besides, best view in the house."
(22:17:26) ColDougMcKnight: :: Frowns softly. :: Well, if you've gotta slink, then slink. But one drink first. I'll make it an order if I have to.
(22:17:39) CdrHarper: You should have seen it from the helm!
(22:17:40) ColDougMcKnight: But I'd rather not have to, cuz...pretty sure that'd be illegal.
(22:17:43) CdrTKirr: :: changes her train of thought :: This gives me much to consider.
(22:18:30) ColDougMcKnight: (Who wants to be the first one punched in the face by a Hirogen?!)
(22:19:02) CdrHarper: :: smiles, excited at the prospect :: Sailing the boundless sea indeed. :: hits the go button again ::
(22:19:06) CdrHarper: (DAMMIT)
(22:19:11) VAdmBlackthorne: :: says that ::
(22:19:22) LtJGAlexisWright: :: unable to choke back a giggle at that one :: Far be it from me to put you in such a position, Colonel. Shall we ride down together?
(22:19:31) CdrTKirr: (Next time, swear in Bolian)
(22:19:54) ColDougMcKnight: (My Schadenfreude is alive and well tonight.)
(22:19:55) CdrTKirr: This changes much.
(22:20:20) LtLedaHarper: "Perhaps next time, Kate, it may be a while before I've got actual business up there." Harper perches on a stool and settles back contentedly.
(22:20:25) CdrHarper: (F'tarkz'norf!)
(22:21:00) CdrHarper: :: leans on the bar next to her :: Had any chance to study those flight manuals I dumped on you?
(22:21:04) ColDougMcKnight: :: Taps a few keys, initiating security lockdown of all bridge consoles. Battle bridge and auxiliary consoles, too. Nobody's hijacking the girl on her birthday. ::
(22:21:06) ColDougMcKnight: After you.
(22:21:29) VAdmBlackthorne: Exploration beyond anything we've been able to imagine so far.
(22:22:08) LtKuari: :: enters Ten Forward and, finding it packed, stands up on two legs to look over everyone's heads to search the crowd ::
(22:22:30) LtJGAlexisWright: :: enters the TL, offering McKnight a wan smile :: Thanks, Colonel.
(22:23:03) CdrTKirr: Our last posting at the edge of explored space will seem trivial.
(22:23:06) LtLedaHarper: Her mouth twists. "You're working on far more sophisticated hardware than I'm used to. I've figured out that much at least. You SURE you don't want to just pick up a contingent of fresh graduates and beat them into shape rather than beat old, bad habits out of me?"
(22:23:27) ColDougMcKnight: :: Follows her in. :: If you want to talk more later, I'll leave my comm on while I fish this time. Otherwise? Don't mention it.
(22:23:31) ColDougMcKnight: Deck 10.
(22:23:35) VAdmBlackthorne: Exactly. It won't matter anymore that we can't expand due to the Free Fleets. We can just leave them behind.
(22:24:30) CdrHarper: :: nods :: You are not getting out of this that easily, Lieutenant.
(22:25:15) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Sees Kurari head and shoulder above the crowd, looking around. Remembering the chance meeting with her when he first came aboard, Chance stands and waves at her ::
(22:25:22) LtJGAlexisWright: :: blinks in surprise :: That's very kind of you. I may take you up on it.
(22:25:31) LtLedaHarper: Harper downs the remainder of her drink with a wince. "Darn." She does not sound too badly bent out of shape about it.
(22:26:19) LtKuari: :: homes in on the wave with a bird-like motion of her head and grins, then disappears as she makes her way over on all fours ::
(22:27:53) ColDougMcKnight: :: Nods as the lift descends. :: Sure.
(22:28:21) CdrHarper: You will be ready for simulator training soon anyway. We can do that before leaving Earth again, I am sure.
(22:28:50) LtJGAlexisWright: :: enjoys the rest of the ride in companionable silence ::
(22:28:54) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Chance sees the dragon disappear and wonders if she even noticed him. Frowning, he sits back down ::
(22:30:44) LtLedaHarper: Harper glances in the general direction of Chance's wave, grins at Kuari, and looks slightly startled as a ripple of displaced partiers marks the other lieutenant's approach. "I, ah, yes ma'am. I suppose I needed a little light reading anyway."
(22:31:11) ColDougMcKnight: :: Smiles as the lift gets off on their deck, and walks out, giving things some last minute thought in his head before deciding he has it well enough. ::
(22:31:12) LtKuari: :: pops up next to Chance's chair :: Hiya!
(22:31:51) CdrHarper: Do not worry, I would not cut your shoreleave short!
(22:32:33) LtLedaHarper: Brief, rueful smile. "Hell, I don't even have anything planned yet."
(22:33:40) CdrHarper: Neither do I. :: wry grin :: New York has always been good to me, though.
(22:33:46) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Chance nearly leaps out of his chair with sudden surprise :: Mary, Joseph and Saint George!
(22:33:48) ColDougMcKnight: :: Walks in past the doors, gives Wright a discreet squeeze on the shoulder, and makes his way to the bar, spotting the Harper twins. Yes, whether it makes sense or not, that's what they are now. ::
(22:34:15) LtJGAlexisWright: :: makes her way to the forgotten corner of the bar where nobody is standing, not wanting to fight her way through the throng ::
(22:34:41) ColDougMcKnight: Harper. Harper. I thought it would be of some interest to both of you that I've officially filed my approval of Lieutenant Harper's part time assignment to the 42nd fighter wing.
(22:34:57) CdrHarper: Ah, thank you, Colonel!
(22:35:11) VAdmBlackthorne: :: the TL arrives after its delayed journey :: Keep that to yourself, but I don't think it'll be secret for long.
(22:35:11) EnsignJohnTChance: :: begins to laugh :: At least I didn't have a handful of tools this time. How are you doing, Lieutenant>
(22:35:15) LtJGAlexisWright: :: internally smiles in appreciation at McKnight's encouragement and gives him about 50 more cool points ::
(22:35:42) ColDougMcKnight: And I've been in touch with with Ron. You're going to have a surprise coming.
(22:36:01) CdrHarper: Ron... Gerard?
(22:36:11) ColDougMcKnight: The very one.
(22:36:12) LtLedaHarper: "Sir, throwing me to the Sharks so easily? I think I'm a little wounded." Harper clutches at absent pearls, then frowns sidelong. "Whom?"
(22:36:40) ColDougMcKnight: Oh, stop whining, Lieutenant. I'll pull you back if there's any REAL work that needs doing.
(22:37:06) CdrHarper: What, he is giving us Sellers? :: hopeful laugh ::
(22:37:24) JackCahalan: :: slides over to Wright :: What'll it be, Alexis
(22:37:26) JackCahalan: ?
(22:37:42) ColDougMcKnight: Ron Gerard. Old war buddy of mine. Most people know him these days as the owner and executive officer of the Supernova Mercenary Company, operating out of the Hinterlands and border regions.
(22:37:45) LtKuari: :: leans over the bar, peering at the busy Cahalan :: I'm alive and well. You?
(22:38:03) JackCahalan: :: detected the aura of mope about her and paused his flurry of activity to do something about it ::
(22:38:08) ColDougMcKnight: Sellers? He'd just as soon hand you the Hemingway. And that's the only hint you're getting.
(22:38:09) LtLedaHarper: "Thank you, sir. I'd hate to sprain a pinky on the controls." Harper obligingly ducks away from the Commander.
(22:38:10) CdrTKirr: Of course. :: exits the TL with Blackthorne, heading for Ten Forward around the corner ::
(22:39:02) EnsignJohnTChance: About the same. Glad you made it through all that pirate shit. Nasty business for a first assignment.
(22:39:11) CdrHarper: :: studies him for a moment :: Oh come on, you can not just leave me hung like that!
(22:39:44) LtJGAlexisWright: :: offers Jack a wan smile :: Hi, Jack, I was expecting to wait a lot longer. How about a classic - Midori sour, rocks?
(22:39:59) LtKuari: :: frowns grimly :: I don't like pirates.
(22:40:00) EnsignJohnTChance: I mean MY first assignment, obviously not yours.
(22:40:14) JackCahalan: Easy enough! :: mixes up the green drink and presents it with a smile ::
(22:40:25) ColDougMcKnight: :: Grimaces. :: Christ, Harper. Hanging. I can't just leave you HANGING like that.
(22:40:30) ColDougMcKnight: Except, you know, I can!
(22:40:48) LtJGAlexisWright: Thanks much. :: sip :: Delicious as always.
(22:41:02) CdrHarper: Hanging, right. Well, that is certainly interesting news, cryptic as it is.
(22:41:06) EnsignJohnTChance: Can't say as I blame you much. They sure aren't like the ones in literature.
(22:41:20) JackCahalan: Thank you. Aren't you glad to be back at Earth?
(22:41:57) EnsignJohnTChance: I don't remember ever reading that Long John Silver left a couple of hundred mines outside a ship just in case his men lost a fight. That's just wrong!
(22:42:04) CdrHarper: ::: enters 10F with T'Kirr and looks around ::
(22:42:10) ColDougMcKnight: Okay...maybe I can leave you ONE more hint. Mind you, it may not mean much until later. Until you can find either Blackthorne or a computer terminal.
(22:42:12) LtKuari: Space pirates. Bounty hunters. :: shudders heavily, her horn trembling visibly behind her head :: So many stories of my past.
(22:42:16) CdrHarper: (DAMMIT)
(22:42:25) VAdmBlackthorne: :: does that ::
(22:42:50) CdrHarper: (Kr'thzrg!)
(22:42:56) LtKuari: (There you go.)
(22:43:22) CdrTKirr: :: raises her voice a little, out of necessity :: Quite the crowd!
(22:43:38) VAdmBlackthorne: It's good to see!
(22:43:49) LtLedaHarper: Harper sets elbows to the bar and leans back, allowing actual business to get settled for a moment as she quirks a brow at Chance. "Depends on the literature."
(22:43:51) LtJGAlexisWright: :: presses her lips together in a thin line :: I was here not that long ago and the occasion was not a happy one, so I'm not much in the party mood. McKnight instructed me to come have at least one drink, though, so here I am... I know it's pointless to argue with him. :: grins ::
(22:43:54) VAdmBlackthorne: :: makes his way to the bar ::
(22:43:58) CdrTKirr: Are you sure we have room for Zuriyev? :: slowly making her way in ::
(22:44:12) VAdmBlackthorne: Zuriyev> There is always room for me, I am told!
(22:44:13) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Frowns and looks down at the bar :: I'd heard of the bounty hunters and what they did to your people. I'm so sorry.
(22:44:46) VAdmBlackthorne: Zuriyev> ::: walks in behind them ::
(22:45:04) CdrHarper: So what is this clue?
(22:45:33) LtKuari: :: judges Chance with one large eye :: You did? :: blinks down at the bar :: Well, it's behind us now. Still, so many species are oppressed, not just my own ancestors.
(22:45:43) VAdmBlackthorne: :: shakes hands with the Admiral :: Glad to see you here, Alexi.
(22:45:52) ColDougMcKnight: Grumman F6F Hellcat.
(22:46:07) CdrTKirr: :: takes Zuriyev's hand in turn ::
(22:46:27) EnsignJohnTChance: It's a case of the greedy and cunning victimizing the peaceful and unsuspecting. It happens to often throughout history. And it always sucks.
(22:46:37) VAdmBlackthorne: Zuriyev> Ian, T'Kirr. :: shakes both their hands :: When shall I tell Brooke to expect you for dinner?
(22:47:53) LtKuari: :: nods, somber a moment, then grins widely :: Not talk for a party, though! :: takes advantage of Cahalan passing by and briefly making eye contact with her :: Got any strawberry juice?
(22:48:39) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Pushes his glass forward :: You're right. And another one of these, whatever Harper said they were.
(22:48:57) CdrHarper: I do not recognize the name... but F6F seems like a fighter designation, much like our SF-51s.
(22:49:15) JackCahalan: :: to Wright :: That's very very true.
(22:49:18) LtLedaHarper: Harper quirks a finger. "Almost a mimosa."
(22:49:23) JackCahalan: :: then to Kuari :: Of course, Kuari!
(22:49:23) ColDougMcKnight: Huh. I guess it kinda does.
(22:49:52) ColDougMcKnight: :: Puts in an order for a dark beer at the house's earliest convenience. ::
(22:50:05) JackCahalan: Coming right up! :: produces the almost-mimosa and a glass of strawberry juice with a flourish ::
(22:50:48) VAdmBlackthorne: Very soon, I'm sure. Wouldn't miss her English cooking!
(22:51:00) VAdmBlackthorne: Zuriyev> :: laughs :: I would! English food is awful, quit being polite!
(22:51:01) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Looks over at Kurari :: Strawberry juice, huh? Y'know, I had some strawberries just today that were nearly fermented.
(22:51:18) VAdmBlackthorne: You're right, of course.
(22:51:32) VAdmBlackthorne: Zuriyev> There will be none of that, I promise.
(22:52:18) JackCahalan: :: pours a stout and slides it down to McKnight ::
(22:52:39) ColDougMcKnight: :: Nods his thanks as he raises his glass in salute. ::
(22:52:58) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Looks at Leda :: Thanks :: looks at Cahalan :: Almost a Mimosa.
(22:54:07) CdrHarper: :: narrows her eyes at McKnight :: I am not aware of any fighter with that designation, though...
(22:54:41) LtKuari: :: makes a face and receives the glass deftly for being big-pawed, and pours a little strawberry juice into her mouth ::
(22:55:04) VAdmBlackthorne: :: finally manages to get to the bar to pick up a couple of scotches for he and Zuriyev, and a tea for T'Kirr ::
(22:55:23) ColDougMcKnight: :: Smirks before masking it with the glass to take his first pull. :: Sorry, I said one more, and I meant it. You'll just have to do some good old fashioned legwork. You'll like it. Very nostalgic. It was big before they invented them fancy flying machines!
(22:56:07) CdrHarper: I will research it then, thank you. I think. :: smirks ::
(22:57:04) VAdmBlackthorne: :: hands out the drinks he retreived ::
(22:57:57) VAdmBlackthorne: Zuriyev> Ah, thank you. Well, get to it, Ian.
(22:58:14) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Takes the fluted glass filled with orange colored liquid and watches Kurai's face as she drinks the redish juice :: Good stuff, huh?
(22:58:23) CdrTKirr: :: takes her tea, projecting thoughts of thanks :: How is Brooke?
(22:58:31) VAdmBlackthorne: :: smiles :: Yessir. Attention! Well, at ease, but listen up!
(22:59:05) ColDougMcKnight: :: Looks back at the admiral, leaning against the bar. ::
(22:59:21) VAdmBlackthorne: Zuriyev> :: quietly :: Oh, just fine, feisty as ever.
(22:59:33) LtLedaHarper: :: Perking up, back coming straight on reflex. ::
(22:59:41) LtKuari: :: turns, careful not to hit anyone in the crowded room ::
(23:00:46) VAdmBlackthorne: :: raises his glass :: We may have come home to Earth, but this party is really for the ship that brought us safely back - our real home. Atlantis has sailed the boundless sea for fifteen years. Maybe she sail another hundred or more! To Atlantis and her crew, our home and family!
(23:01:28) LtJGAlexisWright: :: smiles faintly and raises her drink in salute ::
(23:01:59) CdrHarper: :: raises her salt-encrusted glass ::
(23:02:03) ColDougMcKnight: :: For the moment, chooses even privately to dispute none of it, love for Earth notwithstanding, raising his glass instead. :: To Atlantis!
(23:02:19) JackCahalan: : finds his bartender's privilege and raises it ::
(23:02:53) ColDougMcKnight: :: Looks at Blackthorne expectantly as that toast runs its course. ::
(23:03:02) VAdmBlackthorne: :: nods to McKnight ::
(23:03:07) LtLedaHarper: Harper rapidly acquires a glass, as hers is gone, and sips.
(23:03:22) EnsignJohnTChance: :: Feeling a little intimidated about suddenly being in the presence of the great and near great, raises his glass anyway :: To Atlantis!
(23:03:41) ColDougMcKnight: Okay! I have one too...but it's only SORT of mine. I've been here for a good long chunk of that 15 years, but not all of it. So by all means, if you can, jump in where I leave off!
(23:03:44) VAdmBlackthorne: Zuriyev> :: drinks with a smile, remember his days commanding this ship ::
(23:04:45) ColDougMcKnight: :: Raises his glass. :: To...Marlowe, Markus, Zinthys, Drake, Ellis, Shelev...
(23:07:21) ColDougMcKnight: Airell, Gallagher, Idrys...
(23:07:44) VAdmBlackthorne: :: raises his glass and joins in :: To Sullivan, Caine, Marlowe, Leirone, Suite, Case, and Carter!
(23:08:39) ColDougMcKnight: :: Smiles thankfully. :: To old friends. Whose paths may have led off in other directions, but forever part of the same beautiful story.
(23:08:46) VAdmBlackthorne: :: remembers some names from his father's crew :: Stecker, Kang, Keane, Young, Rainbird...
(23:09:06) ColDougMcKnight: (Whoops, jumped the gun! Place mine down a line. :) )
(23:09:17) VAdmBlackthorne: Zuriyev> :: chimes in :: Dolan, Grey, and another Blackthorne.
(23:09:42) VAdmBlackthorne: Zuriyev> :: just had to mention Brooke :: And me. But I am here.
(23:09:52) VAdmBlackthorne: To old friends!
(23:10:15) CdrTKirr: :: raises her glass :: To old friends.
(23:10:25) LtJGAlexisWright: :: roars appreciatively with the rest of the crew ::
(23:10:35) VAdmBlackthorne: :: clinks his glass with T'Kirr ::
(23:10:42) VAdmBlackthorne: (annnnndd....)
(23:10:44) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(23:10:45) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(23:10:48) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(23:10:52) ColDougMcKnight: :: Paused ::
(23:11:08) LtKuari: :: happily uses the excuse to make some noise ::
(23:11:12) ColDougMcKnight: I just know I missed somebody from my time here, and will feel terrible about it later.
(23:11:17) CdrTKirr: :: pauses ::
(23:11:32) VAdmBlackthorne: I'm sure I did too, but c'mon, fifteen years.
(23:11:38) LtJGAlexisWright: :: || ::
(23:11:46) ColDougMcKnight: Well, the point is we tried. :)
(23:11:51) VAdmBlackthorne: Yes, we did.
(23:13:19) EnsignJohnTChance: Well, gang, I've got an early shift lifeguarding tomorrow, so I've got to split. Thanks for the good time, and thanks for having me aboard. See you all next week!
(23:13:36) EnsignJohnTChance left the room (quit: Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client).
(23:14:16) VAdmBlackthorne: Great fifteenth birthday party, all! Thank you for keeping this alive.
(23:14:30) ColDougMcKnight: My pleasure.
(23:14:48) LtJGAlexisWright: Hear, hear
(23:15:02) CdrTKirr: It's great to know you all and play every week. =)
(23:15:22) VAdmBlackthorne: There's going to be time on Earth for lots of leave, we have major upgrades coming.
(23:15:23) VAdmBlackthorne: Write!
(23:15:26) VAdmBlackthorne: COMMMENT!
(23:16:03) VAdmBlackthorne: Let us know what you did on your summer vacation!
(23:16:19) VAdmBlackthorne: COMMENT ON OTHER PEOPLE'S SUMMER VACATION!
(23:16:22) CdrTKirr: What's a summer vacation?
(23:17:06) LtJGAlexisWright: It's a place where you exclaim everything!
(23:17:06) LtKuari left the room.
(23:17:19) LtJGAlexisWright: AND TYPE EVERY OTHER SENTENCE IN ALL CAPS!
(23:17:20) VAdmBlackthorne: Just trying to make a point. :)
(23:17:22) VAdmBlackthorne: LIKE THIS.
(23:17:24) LtJGAlexisWright: :)
(23:18:40) LtJGAlexisWright: Thank you for letting me be a part of something that's been such a large part of your lives for so long. :)
(23:18:42) VAdmBlackthorne: I'm just amazed that we're still here. RPing in IRC chat seems so primitive but we survived.
(23:19:12) CdrTKirr: Yeah, but really, you can only replace so much with graphics, it seems, as everyone follows the same pattern.
(23:19:13) JackCahalan left the room (quit: Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client).
(23:19:25) CdrTKirr: Aw that's sweet, Wright. =P
(23:20:06) LtJGAlexisWright: Sweet of YOU. It's risky to invite someone into something that's meaningful to you, and I'm honored that I was invited. ^_^
(23:20:31) VAdmBlackthorne: Well, to keep the game going for 15 years you have to be a bit of a talent scout.
(23:20:38) LtJGAlexisWright: I hope my contributions are meaningful.
(23:20:40) VAdmBlackthorne: We used to have an Academy system for support.
(23:21:32) ColDougMcKnight: Honestly, just being a part of the little community is the most valuable contribution, I think.
(23:21:37) VAdmBlackthorne: Of course they are.
(23:21:40) ColDougMcKnight: Having a lot of ideas on top of that is a bonus.
(23:22:03) LtJGAlexisWright: This sim has lasted longer than a distressingly large percentage of marriages and some really good bands.
(23:22:31) VAdmBlackthorne: Very true.
(23:23:46) LtJGAlexisWright: I'm pleased to be part of it. ^_^
(23:24:06) LtJGAlexisWright: And now I go so you long-timers can reminisce and such. <3
(23:24:10) LtJGAlexisWright left the room (quit: Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client).
(23:24:22) ColDougMcKnight: And this was a very well played time to introduce the slipstream, by the way.
(23:24:45) VAdmBlackthorne: Yeah, that seemed to work out perfectly.
(23:26:12) ColDougMcKnight: I think maybe we should start a brainstorming session on the site. Like just...anyone has any ideas, no matter how vague, post them, and then anyone and everyone else can come in with suggestions, help them refine them into something workable.
(23:26:26) ColDougMcKnight: I mean, obviously if someone has some surprise twist in mind, they wouldn't post THAT.
(23:26:54) ColDougMcKnight: But generally, I think it'd be a good idea. See if we can all put out heads together, and come up with some really neat, fresh plots for a new chapter for Atlantis!
(23:26:59) ColDougMcKnight: our
(23:27:16) VAdmBlackthorne: That's a great idea! Plus, more activity on the site is always a good thing.
(23:27:23) ColDougMcKnight: Indeed.
(23:28:47) VAdmBlackthorne: My original goal for the site revamp was to create a place people could hang out between sims and build the community that way.
(23:29:28) CdrTKirr: Nice, Mike. =)
(23:29:58) ColDougMcKnight: There are a few ideas I know we've KIND of done before, but could maybe be revisited and tweaked into something new.
(23:30:51) VAdmBlackthorne: We should do the pink rain plot again.
(23:31:03) VAdmBlackthorne: That happened to Seamus Blackthorne's Atlantis.
(23:31:26) ColDougMcKnight: Like...we had the planet that kept shifting between time periods. But what about...some alien space station, that kept dimension hopping? Or...maybe just ONE parallel universe plot, in which the actions of some rogue douchebags fuck over the timeline. But one or more characters are somehow unaffected, and have to find some way to fix it.
(23:32:10) ColDougMcKnight: And that person has to go around, finding and rounding up all the altered versions of the crew, because...well, make up some reason other than those being our characters?
(23:32:34) ColDougMcKnight: I was talking this over with Rachel. Like, speaking just for my part?
(23:33:12) ColDougMcKnight: Maybe a McKnight who joined the Maquis, and spent years living like a savage, playing a game of hunter and hunted with Jem'Hadar.
(23:33:17) CdrTKirr: I like that idea a lot =P
(23:33:44) VAdmBlackthorne: That IS pretty good. Been a while since we had the alternate timeline.
(23:33:47) ColDougMcKnight: And you know, Coburn wasn't kidding when he said he dreamed of joining Star Fleet. I wouldn't mind playing a version of him who actually got the chance to command a starship.
(23:33:53) ColDougMcKnight: Maybe not Atlantis, but A ship.
(23:34:34) VAdmBlackthorne: I think I have just the segue into that plot.
(23:34:52) ColDougMcKnight: God, I actually have a half finished actual bio for Coburn on my computer. I need to finish that.
(23:34:57) ColDougMcKnight: I just haven't had the chance.
(23:35:06) VAdmBlackthorne: Probably should update McKnight's too :)
(23:35:22) ColDougMcKnight: Yes, yes. I'm looking at a backlog on all kinds of things.
(23:37:48) ColDougMcKnight: Anyway, I need to go pick up some laundry. But someone should post a "Here's the wall. Throw everything, see what sticks." thing on the site. If I'm the first one to get a chance to do it, I will.
(23:38:00) VAdmBlackthorne: It was your idea, you do the honors! :D
(23:38:09) ColDougMcKnight: Sure. But that's for later. For now, night all, and happy 15th!
(23:38:15) VAdmBlackthorne: I think I can make a post sticky.
(23:38:54) ColDougMcKnight: Cool. Night!
(23:38:58) VAdmBlackthorne: Night!
(23:39:01) CdrTKirr: Night =)
(23:39:05) ColDougMcKnight left the room (quit: Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client).
(23:39:41) CdrTKirr left the room.
(23:39:52) CdrHarper left the room (quit: Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client).