Conversation with #ussatlantis at Wed Sep 5 20:56:28 2012 on VAdmBlackthorne@ethereal.va.us.darkmyst.org (irc)
(20:56:28) The topic for #USSAtlantis is: The second "ghost planet" appears as haunted as the first, but more recently so by initial scans of the mysterious "particle". Science leads the way through tests to determine defensive and offensive strategies against the phantasmic creatures, and the probe sample of the particles is being analyzed.
(20:56:28) mode (+o VAdmBlackthorne) by ChanServ
(20:58:16) DoctorTav [DoctorTav@90-43-96-75.res.bhn.net] entered the room.
(20:58:22) DoctorTav left the room (quit: Client Quit).
(20:58:29) LtJGAlexisWright [Mibbit@w-11-876-382-46.hsd1.wa.comcast.net] entered the room.
(20:58:44) VAdmBlackthorne: Hiya
(20:58:50) DoctorTav [DoctorTav@90-43-96-75.res.bhn.net] entered the room.
(20:58:58) VAdmBlackthorne: Hiya Doc
(20:59:16) CdrTKirr [TKirr@90-43-96-75.res.bhn.net] entered the room.
(20:59:18) DoctorTav: Good evening
(20:59:21) VAdmBlackthorne: Hiya
(20:59:40) CdrTKirr: Let's hope the server's health persists.
(20:59:55) DoctorTav: Is that my department?
(21:01:04) LtJGAlexisWright: Okay, I need to say this: One of my friends who I thought was on the no-baby-train with me announced today that they were happily expecting twins. Why does everyone feel the need to create genetic offspring! Whyyyyy.
(21:01:24) VAdmBlackthorne: Because we're programmed to do so?
(21:01:25) LtJGAlexisWright: There. Phew. Out of my system. Sorry.
(21:01:31) ColDougMcKnight [Mibbit@hksf-31-96-40-70.bstnma.east.verizon.net] entered the room.
(21:01:37) DoctorTav: You sounded a lot like Sheldon there
(21:01:45) CdrTKirr: It is a biological imperative.
(21:02:17) LtJGAlexisWright: I'm a biological mutant. :(
(21:02:30) VAdmBlackthorne: Hiya Mike
(21:02:48) ColDougMcKnight: Hey.
(21:04:07) CdrHarper [Mibbit@vmwi-298-5-24-109.rcmdva.fios.verizon.net] entered the room.
(21:05:39) CdrTKirr: Welcome
(21:06:55) VAdmBlackthorne: A moment, folks, and then we'll begin.
(21:07:18) VAdmBlackthorne: In the meantime, grats Tav :)
(21:07:42) DoctorTav: Thank you. That was cool seeing it on the site.
(21:07:55) VAdmBlackthorne: Yeah, I thought would be nice. I'll continue announcing.
(21:09:38) VAdmBlackthorne: :: digs out the Ancient Whistle of Eardrum Splitting +12 :: TWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!!!!!!!
(21:09:55) DoctorTav: :: winces, shudders, and AAs ::
(21:09:57) CdrTKirr: :: winces ::
(21:10:19) LtKuari [TKirr@90-43-96-75.res.bhn.net] entered the room.
(21:10:23) LtJGAlexisWright: :: AA :: and yes, congrats, Tav! :D
(21:10:30) CdrHarper: :: AA ::
(21:11:06) mode (+o CdrTKirr) by VAdmBlackthorne
(21:12:02) CdrTKirr: (( Wright, PM ))
(21:13:25) ColDougMcKnight: ::AA::
(21:16:11) CdrTKirr has changed the topic to: The senior staff has just left a briefing about Lieutenant Wright's progress. With a possible weapon against the phantasms and new data on the unique chemical, the Atlantis crew is about ready to take a more aggressive approach on our ghost planet mystery.
(21:16:39) CdrTKirr: Are there any questions about our status?
(21:17:47) ColDougMcKnight: Chemical?
(21:18:33) CdrTKirr: The new compound found orbiting both planets, in a seemingly newer state of decay in the one we orbit now.
(21:18:52) ColDougMcKnight: Okay.
(21:19:28) CdrTKirr: It appears to be synthetic, relating to the destruction of organic life.
(21:19:36) CdrTKirr: If that's all...
(21:19:41) CdrTKirr: BEGIN SIM
(21:19:42) CdrTKirr: BEGIN SIM
(21:19:43) CdrTKirr: BEGIN SIM
(21:20:03) LtJGAlexisWright: +Harper+ Wright to Harper. Are you available for a few minutes? I was wondering if I could get your input on something.
(21:21:14) CdrHarper: +Wright+ Certainly, lieutenant. I am at the helm, but can come to you if needed.
(21:22:30) LtJGAlexisWright: +Harper+ No, that's fine, I'll be up at the bridge shortly. Thank you.
(21:23:05) LtJGAlexisWright: :: after handing off the prototype at the weapons lab, steps onto the TL :: Bridge.
(21:23:21) CdrTKirr: :: back on the Bridge, taking a look at Wright's latest report at her chair ::
(21:23:44) VAdmBlackthorne: :: in the ready room again, checking over Third Fleet data ::
(21:24:13) ColDougMcKnight: :: Down in the gym, doing some light weight lifting. He's being careful not to overdo it, of course, but the sooner this synthetic...whatever it is in his arm is wholly replaced with the real thing, the better. So he's helping muscle growth along a bit. ::
(21:24:25) LtJGAlexisWright: (( Question - are the helm and main science station in reasonable proximity to one another such that those manning it can have a conversation without having to yell across the room? ))
(21:24:58) VAdmBlackthorne: (yes.)
(21:26:52) DoctorTav: :: sits at his desk, thinking about the ramifications of what has been discussed in the Observation Lounge. He looks over at Kuari, who was still on the bridge when the meeting was dismissed, and so had accompanied him back to Sickbay :: Now, where were we when I had to go to that meeting?
(21:27:27) LtKuari: :: cocks her head, sitting on the floor near the desk but still eye-level with Tav :: Chocolate?
(21:28:01) LtJGAlexisWright: :: arrives on the bridge, relieving the ensign currently manning her station, sitting and making sure that all systems are nominal before looking up and over at Harper :: Commander Harper, if this is a good time...? :: not wanting to interrupt any important Helm stuff ::
(21:28:48) CdrHarper: Yes, lieutenant.
(21:29:16) DoctorTav: :: leans back in his chair and stretches behind him to where he had put the treats box on a shelf :: Ah, yes. :: leans forward, and begins to dig through the box for something that looks especially tasty, then holds it out on the palm of his hand to Kuari ::
(21:31:18) LtJGAlexisWright: I believe you were in contact with the Chemistry teams, so you know what we're dealing with in terms of this chemical. You should have had access to all the raw data. :: taps :: I've just sent you my plans for long-range scanning for the chemical and I was wondering if you had any input based on the navigational data, or...
(21:31:39) CdrHarper: :: looks over the data ::
(21:32:15) LtJGAlexisWright: Narrowing the scan vectors could make this go a lot faster.
(21:32:33) LtKuari: :: being quite adept at relieving offered treats off people's hands, quickly plucks the chocolate off Tav's hand ::
(21:33:22) CdrHarper: That, and I believe the sensor arrays will require adjustments.
(21:35:04) LtJGAlexisWright: :: nods :: I was particularly interested in your input, given your background.
(21:35:12) CdrTKirr: Ash> :: runs on the treadmill in the gym and, having heard what happened to McKnight, because nothing of such significance remains properly quiet, watches the Colonel working the weights ::
(21:35:37) CdrHarper: I must admit, this is all quite interesting and has piqued the latent scientist in me.
(21:36:53) CdrHarper: :: narrows the scan vector ::
(21:37:14) DoctorTav: :: with the chocolate morsel properly removed leans forward to his desk and turns on his terminal to continue working. He pulls up the scans of Colonel McKnight's suit, and puts it up side-by-side with the scans of McKnight's arm, running every diagnostic scan he can of the information on both. :: You ever hear of anything that would go through inorganic material without damaging it but almost eat through skin and muscle?
(21:39:19) LtJGAlexisWright: :: grins :: And you can tie together the scientist and the pilot all inside your head, so you're a wealth of information.
(21:39:55) LtKuari: :: ponders Tav's words, a look of concentration on her face ::
(21:40:04) CdrHarper: I try. :: smiles as she recalibrates the sensors :: At least there is no translation to be done this time around.
(21:40:45) ColDougMcKnight: :: Grunts softly, keeping count of the repetitions in his head, but notes from the corner of his eye that he has an audience. :: Lieutenant, Asha. Something I can do for you?
(21:40:52) LtJGAlexisWright: Ohhh, Commander, don't jinx us!
(21:41:49) CdrHarper: Perhaps I should knock on tree.
(21:42:15) LtJGAlexisWright: I'm ready to initiate scanning as soon as your modifications to the parameters are complete.
(21:42:53) LtJGAlexisWright: That could be complicated, since I'm not sure there's anything nearby that's made of tree. Er, wood.
(21:42:54) CdrTKirr: Ash> :: shakes her head, still running, a small smirk on her face as he's noticed being noticed :: No, sir. Just admiring. If that's all right, sir.
(21:43:54) LtKuari: Some...sort of acid?
(21:44:14) LtJGAlexisWright: :: watching the tweaks that Harper is making to the scan parameters with interest ::
(21:44:15) CdrHarper: A tree is made of wood, yes? :: shakes head :: The modifications are complete.
(21:45:14) LtJGAlexisWright: Thank you, Commander. Initiating scans. And it's true that trees are generally made of wood.
(21:45:20) DoctorTav: Only problem with an acid... :: hits a few keystrokes on his workstation :: is that there were absolutely no signs or traces of acid, except the flesh eating. No residue, nothing.
(21:46:19) CdrHarper: :: swears under her breath in Urdu ::
(21:46:32) LtJGAlexisWright: Some trees are made of other materials, but those are usually synthetic. And of course trees are not 100% wood, there's all the leafy bits as well, those aren't made of wood.
(21:46:50) ColDougMcKnight: :: Chuckles softly, rolling his eyes a bit. :: No reg against it, I guess. Wouldn't let Commander Busard find out about it, of course.
(21:47:29) CdrHarper: Then how are you supposed to knock on it for good luck aboard a starship?
(21:47:58) LtJGAlexisWright: :: goes right on, not noticing the swearing :: And rubber trees, contrary to their name, are not actually made completely of rubber.
(21:48:05) CdrTKirr: ACTION> With the arrays recalibrated, long-range sensors pick up traces of the chemical at a planet further into unexplored space.
(21:49:00) LtJGAlexisWright: Wow. We've got a ping already on the scans. Sending coordinates to helm.
(21:49:35) LtKuari: :: shakes her head :: I can't think of what else could do that.
(21:49:46) CdrHarper: I have it.
(21:50:15) LtJGAlexisWright: Shall I terminate the scans now, Commander, or continue scanning for additional pings?
(21:50:25) LtJGAlexisWright: :: looking back at T'Kirr ::
(21:52:50) CdrTKirr: :: now watching the two stations with interest :: Continue scanning, but plot a course. From what we've learned, the concentrations of this chemical appear to be time sensitive.
(21:53:07) CdrTKirr: :: stands ::
(21:53:50) LtJGAlexisWright: :: makes adjustments to allow for continued scanning from a source at warp ::
(21:54:09) CdrTKirr: Ash> Why not? She knows it better than I do, I'm sure. Certainly the Commander would appreciate she's not the only one. :: punches in a slower speed, easing into a fast walk ::
(21:55:06) CdrHarper: :: sets the course :: Course laid in and ready, Commander.
(21:55:56) CdrTKirr: Proceed. You have the Bridge. :: heads towards the RR ::
(21:56:21) CdrHarper: Yes ma'am, I have the bridge. :: picks warp six and engages ::
(21:57:06) CdrTKirr: :: looks to Wright before she enters RR :: Good work, Lieutenant.
(21:57:16) CdrTKirr: :: also chimes RR ::
(21:57:31) LtJGAlexisWright: :: watches long-range sensors start to churn through the calculations as the ship enters warp ::
(21:57:40) VAdmBlackthorne: Enter.
(21:57:44) VAdmBlackthorne: :: knows who it is ::
(21:57:46) LtJGAlexisWright: Thank you, Commander. :: totally blushing ::
(21:57:56) CdrHarper: :: smiles :: Seconded.
(21:58:15) ColDougMcKnight: Maybe so. ::Smiles as he makes it to what seems a fairly conservative 30 reps with a 15 pound dumbell. Setting that back down, he gives himself a rest. Maybe some bench presses next?:: Maybe so. But neither of us are entirely above a bit of petty jealousy. Rational or not.
(21:59:36) CdrTKirr: :: enters RR, meets Blackthorne's eyes :: We've found the chemical on long-range sensors and are underway.
(21:59:51) LtJGAlexisWright: :: smiles and nods thanks to Commander Harper, trying to look all calm and collected even though there are giddy thrills of pride and satisfaction trilling away in her heart ::
(22:00:37) VAdmBlackthorne: Excellent. Does it seem that we are catching up with who - or what - did this?
(22:01:43) CdrHarper: :: doesn't bother to get up and take the center seat, knowing that the XO will be back ::
(22:01:43) CdrTKirr: Ash> :: waves the thought off :: Nothing to worry about from me, sir. How's your arm, by the way?
(22:02:25) DoctorTav: :: is distracted from his study when an Ensign is carried into Sickbay, having broken his leg on the Holodeck. Tav shuts down his monitor and goes to take care of his patient, pulling one more chocolate out of the box and throwing it up in the air on his way out ::
(22:03:50) CdrTKirr: This newer state of decay indicates that we are. When Commander Harper recalibrated the sensors, we were able to pick up the more active compounds.
(22:04:03) VAdmBlackthorne: :: frowns :: I have a bad feeling about this.
(22:04:19) ColDougMcKnight: :: Frowns :: Got some weird synthetic crap making it work. But I'm told it'll break down gradually to make way for the real thing as my body builds it back up. Tav...
(22:04:48) LtKuari: :: tracks the chocolate the whole way, snapping it out of the air, and after doing so watches Tav move to help his new patient ::
(22:05:13) ColDougMcKnight: :: Lets himself trail off with a low, frustrated growl,, realizing he's on the verge of saying something no department head should be saying about another to a junior officer. :: Tav did an okay job, I guess. Thanks.
(22:05:51) LtJGAlexisWright: :: frowns :: The computer is really chugging on the computations required to maintain long-range directional scanning while at warp.
(22:06:16) CdrTKirr: :: perks an eyebrow, subconsciously attempting to pick up anything telepathic she can from Ian :: For what reason?
(22:06:17) CdrHarper: Perhaps we can free up some processing time.
(22:06:27) LtJGAlexisWright: (( mostly I just wanted a reason to :: frowns ::, because it looked like a fun bandwagon to jump on ))
(22:06:45) VAdmBlackthorne: You've been read in Project Genesis, correct?
(22:07:15) LtJGAlexisWright: I'm open to suggestions.
(22:07:45) CdrTKirr: Ash> :: frowns herself but nods satisfactorily, then punches in STOP on the treadmill's panel and starts to stretch it out :: I'm sure you'll be fine. I'm glad it wasn't any worse.
(22:07:45) CdrHarper: :: thinks and looks over the computer's activity list ::
(22:08:10) CdrHarper: Well, someone is running stellar simulations of supernovae in the cartography lab...
(22:08:30) CdrTKirr: :: pauses a moment, her tone showing she's not yet following :: Of course.
(22:09:17) VAdmBlackthorne: I get hints of it in this - but with use as a terrible weapon, instead of a tool to create a living world.
(22:10:06) ColDougMcKnight: :: Pushes to his feet and makes his way over to a different weight station. :: With you on that. How are you Sharks getting along with the marine recruits I've been sending over, by the way?
(22:10:07) LtJGAlexisWright: :: smiles briefly at a memory of the hours she spent in the stellar cartography lab as an undergrad, running similar simulations ::
(22:10:15) DoctorTav: (( Project Revelation? ))
(22:11:16) CdrHarper: :: sends a polite note and ends that simulation ::
(22:11:26) CdrHarper: There. How does it look now?
(22:11:51) CdrTKirr: (( Marine recruits sent to fly Sharks? ))
(22:12:34) VAdmBlackthorne: ((Yes, Leda Harper being one)
(22:12:40) LtJGAlexisWright: Hmmm... a marginal improvement. Any extremely complicated Holodeck programs in progress?
(22:12:55) CdrHarper: Lost Harbor, but that is always running...
(22:13:16) CdrTKirr: (( Right ))
(22:13:55) ColDougMcKnight: (I may have mis-remembered how much of that was actually mentioned in sim. But yes, McKnight's authorized some marines with any piloting experience to try out for piloting duty, mostly with the Peregrines since that's what we've got right now.)
(22:14:28) LtJGAlexisWright: It's not possible to temporarily suspend Lost Harbor if it's not currently in use, is it?
(22:14:47) CdrHarper: Technically, but it would go against the spirit of the program.
(22:14:57) LtJGAlexisWright: Fair enough.
(22:15:35) CdrTKirr: Ash> :: stops stretching a moment to shrug :: They seem all right to me. I'm not in command, though, so Firefly might be the better one to ask.
(22:15:37) LtJGAlexisWright: How long until we arrive at designated coordinates?
(22:16:38) CdrHarper: Thirty minutes. Sensor range in ten, though.
(22:18:23) LtJGAlexisWright: It might make more sense to just suspend the programmed long-range scanning until we drop out of warp. We're going to need to recalibrate the array again to focus on the planet, anyway.
(22:18:34) LtJGAlexisWright: What do you think?
(22:18:51) CdrHarper: I agree. Suspend the scanning.
(22:19:36) CdrTKirr: Its use as a weapon does seem possible, but towards what purpose?
(22:20:08) LtJGAlexisWright: Suspending, and saving current array configuration for resumption. I'll have it optimized for the planet by the time we enter sensor range.
(22:21:28) VAdmBlackthorne: The purpose of any weapon. Perhaps the phantasms on the surface were the former occupants of those planets.
(22:21:57) ColDougMcKnight: Oh, I will. But we marines like to know the situation on the ground. Even if the unit never touches actual ground. The CO doesn't always necessarily have the most useful perspective.
(22:22:39) CdrHarper: :: watching Atlantis's status as they approach ::
(22:23:30) ColDougMcKnight: :: Sets the weight for a nice and easy 60 pounds before he goes to work. If he can make it to 20 reps without any discomfort, he'll try another 20 at something closer to the usual weight. ::
(22:23:38) CdrTKirr: :: narrows her eyes :: Are you saying the inhabitants are...:: all Vulcan-cocky :: ghosts?
(22:24:07) LtJGAlexisWright: :: imagines the computer wheezing and panting with relief to have those scans stopped ::
(22:24:08) VAdmBlackthorne: Of course not. :: smirks :: But the could have been converted from their previous form into ... well, that.
(22:24:39) CdrTKirr: Ash> :: grins :: I like your style, sir. Much appreciated. They seem like good men. No complaints here.
(22:26:22) CdrTKirr: What you suggest seems...unprecedented.
(22:26:44) VAdmBlackthorne: Hence a bad feeling.
(22:27:33) CdrTKirr: :: glances at the floor, recalling the DNA scans of the first planet's phantasms ::
(22:27:58) LtKuari: :: approaches Tav slowly as he helps his patient :: Can I help?
(22:28:28) ColDougMcKnight: Good, good. I'll be sure to put that into my next report to General Qureshi. Technically, those marine pilots are part of a new Marine Aviation wing we're experimenting with, and he's been skeptical of the idea so far.
(22:28:42) LtJGAlexisWright: Entering sensor range. :: looks at the sensor data for a few moments before sitting up, eyes widening :: Um. Commander? Two things. 1) The catalytic chemical reaction appears to be currently in-progress. 2) There is an unidentified vessel near the planet.
(22:29:22) CdrHarper: :: puts the pieces together :: Yellow alert!
(22:29:48) CdrTKirr: :: looks up at the alert, then at Ian ::
(22:30:04) VAdmBlackthorne: Let's get out there. :: heads for the door ::
(22:30:11) DoctorTav: :: glances to Kuari :: I think I've got Ensign Yeung's leg pretty much set. You can lecture her on the dangers of turning off the Holodeck safety systems.
(22:30:16) CdrHarper: :: knows that the yellow alert will summon the CO and XO from the RR ::
(22:30:16) CdrTKirr: :: follows quickly ::
(22:30:20) CdrHarper: :: WTF BBQ ::
(22:30:40) LtJGAlexisWright: :: SRS ::
(22:31:01) VAdmBlackthorne: Status?
(22:31:07) VAdmBlackthorne: :: takes the center seat :
(22:31:31) LtKuari: :: sits and goes all Marine-faced :: Ensign. The Holodeck Safety Systems are for your safety. Please do not disengage them without proper authorization.
(22:31:48) CdrHarper: We are still ten minutes out, but have determined that the chemical reaction is in progress on this planet, and there is an unidentified vessel near the planet.
(22:31:57) LtJGAlexisWright: :: looks to Harper, since she had the Bridge, considering the protocol for a split second ::
(22:32:12) CdrTKirr: :: sits in the off-center seat ::
(22:32:15) DoctorTav: :: tries REALLY hard not to laugh at Kuari's taking his humorous command seriously ::
(22:32:53) CdrHarper: It seemed that this vessel may be dangerous, hence the alert.
(22:32:55) LtKuari: :: stares at the ensign, waiting for a response ::
(22:33:02) VAdmBlackthorne: :: nods :: Good call.
(22:33:07) DoctorTav: Yeung> :: looks back and forth between Tav and Kuari, not sure what to make of this situation :: Uh... uh... Yes... Ma'am? Uh...
(22:33:08) LtJGAlexisWright: :: decides fuck the protocol :: We're in sensor range of the planet. The chemical reaction is in progress. There is an unidentified vessel nearby.
(22:33:21) DoctorTav: :: can't take it anymore and explodes into howls of laughter ::
(22:33:24) CdrHarper: :: said all that already ::
(22:33:50) LtJGAlexisWright: :: apologetic look at Harper ::
(22:33:55) LtKuari: :: jumps at Tav's laughing ::
(22:34:20) DoctorTav: Yeung> :: is even more confused at the situation ::
(22:34:27) LtJGAlexisWright: Entering visual radius.
(22:34:33) VAdmBlackthorne: :: looks at T'Kirr :: Get Colonel McKnight up here.
(22:34:35) VAdmBlackthorne: On screen.
(22:34:37) CdrTKirr: (( think you missed Harper's summary like I did at first, Wright ))
(22:34:41) LtJGAlexisWright: :: complies ::
(22:34:53) CdrHarper: (Let me esplain. No there is too much, let me sum up.)
(22:34:59) DoctorTav: :: feels like he can't breathe, he's laughing so hard. There's no way ANYONE is getting any sort of explanation from him right now ::
(22:35:12) DoctorTav: :: suddenly becomes more serious when the Yellow Alert goes off ::
(22:35:14) CdrTKirr: +McKnight+ Colonel McKnight to the Bridge.
(22:35:37) ColDougMcKnight: :: Already up and heading for the door. :: +T'Kirr+ On my way.
(22:35:59) ColDougMcKnight: :: Nolds back at Ash. :: Lieutenant. Good talk.
(22:36:04) LtJGAlexisWright: (( Totally missed it, argh. Also, Inigo Montoya is appropriate in SO MANY SITUATIONS. ))
(22:36:07) VAdmBlackthorne: Hailing frequencies.
(22:36:18) LtJGAlexisWright: Open.
(22:36:57) VAdmBlackthorne: Unidentified vessel, this is Admiral Ian Blackthorne aboard the Federation Starship Atlantis.
(22:37:48) CdrTKirr: ACTION> The image of a rough-looking ship of meager size is silhouetted by the brightness of the planet behind it as it undergoes a clearly chaotic event.
(22:39:49) LtJGAlexisWright: No response. Shall I rebroadcast the hail?
(22:40:06) DoctorTav: :: clears out Sickbay of all nonessential personnel or patients, in preparation for whatever a Yellow Alert could bring ::
(22:40:14) VAdmBlackthorne: Do it.
(22:40:38) CdrTKirr: ACTION> As the ship clearly notices Atlantis and its hail, turns tail and begins to flee into open space at impulse.
(22:40:39) LtJGAlexisWright: Rebroadcasting. :: retransmits the admiral's hail on all frequencies ::
(22:41:13) VAdmBlackthorne: Kate, intercept course.
(22:41:19) LtJGAlexisWright: (( MAGIC EDIT to do that before the ACTION ))
(22:41:21) CdrHarper: Aye sir. :: plots ::
(22:41:27) CdrTKirr: (( Yeah np ))
(22:42:07) ColDougMcKnight: :: Strides off the lift onto the bridge, clad in sweats and workout t-shirt, but looking all business all the same as he crosses over to tactical and relieves the marine on duty with a nod. ::
(22:42:14) VAdmBlackthorne: Colonel.
(22:42:25) VAdmBlackthorne: Tactical summary of that ship.
(22:42:39) ColDougMcKnight: Admiral. Momentarily.
(22:42:55) LtJGAlexisWright: :: gets a closer look at the vessel as it turns :: That vessel is ... outfitted strangely. It's got some equipment mounted to the exterior, looks like science equipment, that clearly was not part of the original structure of the vessel.
(22:44:17) VAdmBlackthorne: Lt. Wright, is there any way to stop what's happening to the planet?
(22:44:46) ColDougMcKnight: Well, it sure as hell can't out-fight us. Doubtful about out-running us too. The tech I'm seeing is inferior across the board.
(22:45:08) VAdmBlackthorne: :: nods :: Red alert, nonetheless.
(22:45:10) CdrTKirr: :: watches the ship ahead of them and thinks of the planet burning...time-sensitive indeed ::
(22:45:19) LtJGAlexisWright: Unfortunately, there is not... and even if there were, it's already too late.
(22:45:47) ColDougMcKnight: Aye, sir. Torpedoes armed and loaded. Phasers fully charged and ready.
(22:46:28) VAdmBlackthorne: :: to Wright again :: Lieutenant, any trace of that chemical aboard that ship.
(22:46:29) VAdmBlackthorne: ?
(22:46:49) LtJGAlexisWright: And that ship.... .. it's like strapping a satellite dish to a bicycle.
(22:47:48) CdrTKirr: ACTION> Atlantis is gaining on the rogue vessel.
(22:48:01) LtJGAlexisWright: The depleted chemical no, I'm detecting no sign near the vessel
(22:49:30) LtKuari is now known as CaptainVeshin
(22:49:39) ColDougMcKnight: Computer's finished its analysis. The configuration of that ship doesn't match anything on file.
(22:49:41) VAdmBlackthorne: Is there any other way to connect the two?
(22:49:45) CaptainVeshin: :: hails Atlantis ::
(22:50:52) ColDougMcKnight: If we can get out hands on their computer, there may be some record of its cargo.
(22:51:03) LtJGAlexisWright: We are being hailed, Admiral.
(22:51:20) VAdmBlackthorne: Must have gotten their attention. Put `em on.
(22:51:42) LtJGAlexisWright: Aye, sir. On screen, frequency open.
(22:52:12) VAdmBlackthorne: :: stands and does the Picard Maneuver :: This is Admiral Ian Blackthorne aboard the Federation Starship Atlantis. State your business.
(22:52:49) CdrTKirr: ACTION> A grim-faced member of a clearly unknown alien species appears on-screen, green stripes down the sides of his face.
(22:53:52) CaptainVeshin: Why should I? Who are you to interfere with mine? I demand you leave my ship be at once!
(22:54:27) LtJGAlexisWright: :: sends a text note to Harper that reads "O SNAP" ::
(22:54:33) VAdmBlackthorne: Do you have anything to do with what has happened to this planet, or the other two we have found in similar states?
(22:54:45) CdrHarper: :: manages to not smirk ::
(22:56:55) CaptainVeshin: :: looks clearly surprised, then narrows his eyes. Men move about behind him, and smoke filters into the background :: You've been tracking us? Yes, initiated the transformation, not that it's any business of yours. What do you want with us?
(22:57:09) CdrTKirr: (( Five minutes ))
(22:57:23) VAdmBlackthorne: Why have you done this?
(22:59:18) CaptainVeshin: :: growls in frustration and looks behind him at something off-camera, then turns angry towards the screen :: Your aggressive pursuit doesn't exactly put me into a conversational mood. What was your name, Blackthorne?
(23:00:15) VAdmBlackthorne: Yes. It would appear that you have killed - or done something to - millions. Why?
(23:02:08) CaptainVeshin: :: waves it off :: Alien cattle herds! Why, are you friends of theirs?
(23:02:55) VAdmBlackthorne: Explain yourself or we will be forced to stop you.
(23:03:23) ColDougMcKnight: :: Glares at the screen, putting increasingly greater effort into keeping his finger off the button that will fire the phasers he's already passively locked onto their engines. ::
(23:03:38) VAdmBlackthorne: I will not give you another warning.
(23:03:55) VAdmBlackthorne: :: knows McKnight's ready to fire without even looking ::
(23:05:00) CaptainVeshin: :: knows Atlantis is faster and sighs, attempting to calm himself :: Please, let us turn around. We have a lot invested in this planet. You have no idea what's going on. Give us a chance to monitor its transformation. Then we'll talk. We won't have another opportunity.
(23:05:29) VAdmBlackthorne: Transformation into what, exactly?
(23:06:35) CaptainVeshin: :: yells, desperate :: Into New Horath! Please, we don't have time! Your interference could cost us everything!
(23:07:17) VAdmBlackthorne: I am not bloody interested in what it could cost you after what I've seen!
(23:09:15) CaptainVeshin: It's too late for your furry friends. If you care so much about simple alien animals, then know this. If you don't let us go back, you could very well be responsible for genocide of my people.
(23:10:51) VAdmBlackthorne: Turn around. :: makes a slashing gesture to cut the comm :: Lt. Wright, you said this was too late to stop, but monitor every move they make so we hopefully get a better idea what it is they're doing.
(23:11:05) VAdmBlackthorne: Colonel, keep a weapons lock on them.
(23:11:46) LtJGAlexisWright: :: cuts the comm :: Aye, sir.
(23:11:51) CdrTKirr: PAUSE SIM
(23:11:52) CdrTKirr: PAUSE SIM
(23:11:53) CdrTKirr: PAUSE SIM
(23:11:59) ColDougMcKnight: :: Grits his teeth :: Yeah.
(23:12:00) LtJGAlexisWright: :: || ::
(23:12:00) VAdmBlackthorne: :: paused ::
(23:12:07) CdrHarper: ::: paused ::
(23:12:07) DoctorTav: :: paused ::
(23:12:25) ColDougMcKnight: :: Paused ::
(23:12:49) VAdmBlackthorne: Woo! Tension.
(23:12:53) DoctorTav: My goodness. The things that Kuari seems to have in her.
(23:13:16) CdrTKirr: I really can't estimate sim end, but other than that, we certainly got somewhere.
(23:13:23) CaptainVeshin: =(
(23:13:28) VAdmBlackthorne: Totally.
(23:14:01) LtJGAlexisWright: We got somewhere *interesting*.
(23:14:18) CdrTKirr: Should be much more so next sim as we find a lot more out.
(23:14:54) VAdmBlackthorne: Can we shoot them?
(23:15:01) CdrTKirr: Mebbe.
(23:15:09) DoctorTav: I am really perplexed as to where this is going, and I am sitting right next to the GM. But we got some good clues today
(23:15:22) CdrTKirr: Don't steal mah notes!
(23:15:28) DoctorTav: I haven't looked once
(23:15:49) CdrTKirr: My screen's 10x bigger than yours.
(23:16:01) DoctorTav: I have resisted. Oh, how I have resisted.
(23:16:35) CdrTKirr: Anyway, I hope you can all make next week. See you then!
(23:16:46) DoctorTav: And with that comment, do you realize what you just started? Now I am going to have to do the math and figure out how much bigger the TV is than the iPad.
(23:16:50) CdrTKirr: Hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend
(23:17:26) VAdmBlackthorne: Until next week, everyone! Write write write!
(23:17:31) LtJGAlexisWright: sat around and was lazy, it was great
(23:18:17) CaptainVeshin is now known as LtKuari
(23:18:28) LtKuari: Woah! o.O That was weird.
(23:18:33) DoctorTav: Next time on Atlantis: Will Tav figure out what hurt McKnight? Will that ship try to attack Atlantis? Will Blackthorne blow it out of the... space? Will we ever see Kuari again? Find out, on the next Atlantis!
(23:19:02) CdrTKirr: :: poofs ::
(23:19:09) CdrTKirr left the room.
(23:19:17) LtKuari: :: poofs also ::
(23:19:18) VAdmBlackthorne: Good night, all!
(23:19:18) LtKuari left the room.
(23:19:19) DoctorTav: Good night, everyone.
(23:19:23) DoctorTav left the room (quit: ).