Conversation with #ussatlantis at Wed Dec 12 21:01:49 2012 on VAdmBlackthorne@packetstorm.va.us.darkmyst.org (irc)
(21:01:49) The topic for #USSAtlantis is: At Mr. Quinn's suggestion of holographic technology to assist in communication with the Vrissk, the crew continues to find a working solution aboard the orbiting Atlantis that avoids the danger presented by the vengeful people below.
(21:01:49) mode (+o VAdmBlackthorne) by ChanServ
(21:01:53) VAdmBlackthorne: Hiya
(21:02:16) LtJGAlexisWright: hey
(21:02:24) LtJGAlexisWright: I thought I missed a memo or something
(21:03:14) VAdmBlackthorne: Just that time of the year.
(21:03:18) LtJGAlexisWright: I was so ronery :C
(21:06:23) DoctorTav [Bryan@90-43-96-75.res.bhn.net] entered the room.
(21:06:30) DoctorTav: Good evening
(21:06:35) VAdmBlackthorne: Hiya
(21:06:37) DoctorTav: Liz is on her way.
(21:06:38) LtJGAlexisWright: hihi
(21:07:27) DoctorTav: Please stand by. The Vulcan is on the way.
(21:08:06) LtJGAlexisWright: /sits, out of spite
(21:10:14) ColDougMcKnight [Mibbit@giox-81-46-636-220.bstnma.east.verizon.net] entered the room.
(21:10:17) VAdmBlackthorne: Hiya'
(21:10:22) ColDougMcKnight: Hey.
(21:10:29) DoctorTav: Good evening
(21:14:16) CdrTKirr [TKirr@90-43-96-75.res.bhn.net] entered the room.
(21:14:16) mode (+o CdrTKirr) by ChanServ
(21:14:28) CdrTKirr: Hey.
(21:14:39) VAdmBlackthorne: Hiya
(21:17:26) CdrTKirr: How is everyone?
(21:18:01) DoctorTav: I am doing well. How about you?
(21:18:08) CdrTKirr: Funny. =P
(21:18:47) LtJGAlexisWright: I am hungry but actively putting food in my face, so I guess I can't complain
(21:19:12) ColDougMcKnight: Eh, felt better. Mostly okay, though.
(21:19:36) DoctorTav: Yech. Sorry to hear that. Getting over it?
(21:20:04) LtJGAlexisWright: brb putting leftover in fridge
(21:20:25) CdrTKirr: Hope you feel better, Mike
(21:20:35) CdrTKirr: I've been a bit of a stressball myself
(21:20:53) DoctorTav: That's putting it mildly
(21:21:04) VAdmBlackthorne: :: produces the Ancient Whistle of Earsplitting Doom +5 ::
(21:21:12) ColDougMcKnight: I HAVE had a touch of something, but I suspect right now this is mostly being tired combined with a bit of indigestion. Nothing serious.
(21:21:16) DoctorTav: :: winces in preparation ::
(21:21:30) CdrHarper [Mibbit@lh-73-343-364-91.public.wayport.net] entered the room.
(21:21:36) VAdmBlackthorne: TWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!!!!!!!!
(21:21:46) ColDougMcKnight: ::AA::
(21:21:47) DoctorTav: :: pulls out a cotton swab, wipes the blood from his ears, noting how glad he is that it's not +12, and AA ::
(21:24:42) CdrTKirr has changed the topic to: With possibly last-minute preparations, Atlantis is ready to deploy its communication drone to Vrissk's surface.
(21:24:48) LtJGAlexisWright: I've been rather a stressball too :(
(21:24:53) LtJGAlexisWright: and :: AA ::
(21:24:55) CdrTKirr: Questions? Sorry, was waiting for Wright and realized. =P
(21:25:34) LtJGAlexisWright: No questions here
(21:25:58) ColDougMcKnight: Um...no, guess not.
(21:26:24) LtJGAlexisWright: I'm plum out of last-minute preparations, though
(21:26:31) LtJGAlexisWright: in case you were expecting some from me
(21:27:31) CdrTKirr: I just wanted to leave the option open
(21:27:43) CdrTKirr: Let's start then.
(21:27:45) CdrTKirr: BEGIN SIM
(21:27:46) CdrTKirr: BEGIN SIM
(21:27:47) CdrTKirr: BEGIN SIM
(21:28:53) LtJGAlexisWright: :: on the Holodeck, waiting ::
(21:29:08) VAdmBlackthorne: :: walks out onto the bridge :: I trust you've been informed?
(21:30:55) LtJGAlexisWright: (( also, I should have said "plumb out" apparently... I can't let myself get away with things like that on the same day that I almost bitched at someone for saying "inner office envelope" when they meant "inter-office envelope". ))
(21:31:15) CdrTKirr: :: nods :: We're ready to deploy the drone.
(21:31:56) VAdmBlackthorne: Let's get down there.
(21:32:17) DoctorTav: :: in Sickbay, sicking ::
(21:34:06) CdrTKirr: (( Can we transport it? ))
(21:35:23) VAdmBlackthorne: Commander Harper, you have the bridge.
(21:35:30) CdrHarper: Aye sir.
(21:36:12) ColDougMcKnight: (Yeah, that's the plan.)
(21:37:40) VAdmBlackthorne: :: enters the TL and hold it for T'Kirr ::
(21:37:44) CdrTKirr: :: follows Blackthorne, quickness in her step ::
(21:38:07) ColDougMcKnight: :: Is also waiting in the holodeck. The away mission may be on hold for now, but if it ever gets re-authorized, he wants every bit of intelligence on these creatures that he can get. ::
(21:38:57) VAdmBlackthorne: Holodeck one.
(21:42:07) DoctorTav: :: checks his PADD to see if anything interesting is starting on Holodeck 1 yet. He has set up the computers in Sickbay to log whatever information they can about these ghost creatures, and has set up a few data points of interest that may help in learning more about them ::
(21:42:14) LtJGAlexisWright: :: testing communication signal from console in holodeck ::
(21:43:01) VAdmBlackthorne: :: walks briskly out of the turbolift with T'Kirr and into the holodeck :: Report.
(21:43:59) LtJGAlexisWright: Everything is prepared for deployment, Sir.
(21:44:57) CdrTKirr: :: looks over Wright's shoulder at the console readouts, more out of curiosity than checking up on her ::
(21:45:20) VAdmBlackthorne: Very well, deploy the drone.
(21:47:27) LtJGAlexisWright: :: looks around, and then realizes he meant her :: Ah. Yes. Wright to Transporter Room 2: Energize.
(21:49:31) LtJGAlexisWright: (( waiting for ACTION?))
(21:51:56) LtJGAlexisWright: (( Yes? Yes? Maybe? ))
(21:52:08) VAdmBlackthorne: (yes)
(21:52:13) CdrTKirr: ACTION> The drone materializes just outside the village, instantly scanning the area once the process completes, finding it seemingly deserted.
(21:53:19) LtJGAlexisWright: :: looks around for Quinn and wonders if she's supposed to drive the thing ::
(21:54:47) ColDougMcKnight: ACTION> The familiar golden grid pattern of the holodeck is immediately replaced by the devastated remains of the village, the drone floating in the middle of it.
(21:55:18) VAdmBlackthorne: :: looks around, having not gone on the away team ::
(21:56:06) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> :: Taps away at his omni-tool, preferring that to a console so he can stand up close and watch for problems as they come up. :: Nice. Activating holographic disguise...now.
(21:56:12) LtJGAlexisWright: This isn't the same village that we visited, is it? It seems different.
(21:56:55) ColDougMcKnight: Different how?
(21:57:01) CdrTKirr: :: perks an eyebrow and looks to the console, checking the location ::
(21:57:39) ColDougMcKnight: ACTION> Presto! The floating metal sphere is once again covered up by one fake holographic lizard man.
(21:58:35) CdrTKirr: They are the same coordinates as the last beam-down site.
(21:58:57) LtJGAlexisWright: Just the configuration of the huts, the density of what probably used to be foliage,... it could be that my memory is just distorted.
(21:59:47) VAdmBlackthorne: :: frowns at the desolation ::
(22:01:24) CdrTKirr: Perhaps we would be more noticeable closer to the village.
(22:02:02) LtJGAlexisWright: I agree. Let's go draw some attention to ourselves.
(22:02:36) VAdmBlackthorne: Seems reasonable.
(22:02:53) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> :: Nods :: Taking a walk. I'll head for what I'm guessing was the village square.
(22:03:24) SthoKa [TKirr@90-43-96-75.res.bhn.net] entered the room.
(22:04:18) ColDougMcKnight: The display may take some getting used to. The "lizard man" will look from our perspective like it's walking in place. But the surroundings will shift.
(22:04:26) ColDougMcKnight: ( ^Quinn )
(22:05:01) VAdmBlackthorne: That's a bit disconcerting.
(22:05:46) LtJGAlexisWright: :: nods in agreement ::
(22:06:06) CdrTKirr: :: barely registers as a faint outline to visual wavelengths but now appears clearly on sensors, coming straight from the drone ::
(22:06:09) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> It's technically what we're doing every time we use the holodeck, sir. Usually it's just programmed to make sure we don't notice it.
(22:06:16) VAdmBlackthorne: Hm.
(22:06:16) CdrTKirr: (( Sorry that was Stho ))
(22:07:04) ColDougMcKnight: ( I figure if the sensors pick it up clearly, the drone sensors will display it on the holodeck as a bright visible outline. Kind of like what the marine helmet displays do. )
(22:07:52) VAdmBlackthorne: There.
(22:08:05) CdrTKirr: (( So far, its signature is clear, but the visual data, like what you'd use to read its body language, isn't yet ))
(22:09:13) LtJGAlexisWright: :: looks at the area Blackthorne is indicating :: Yes. Prepare for contact.
(22:09:49) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> Oh, yup. We've got a welcoming committee already. Do you want me to make it act submissive, or wait on that?
(22:10:48) VAdmBlackthorne: Wait, I should think, based on what I know about primitive cultures.
(22:10:51) SthoKa: :: comes directly between the drone and the outskirts of the ruined village, as if there's anything left to defend ::
(22:11:19) LtJGAlexisWright: A defensive maneuver, I think?
(22:11:35) CdrTKirr: :: watches, fascinated ::
(22:12:52) ColDougMcKnight: Just the one? Nobody moving in to try a flanking maneuver? That would suggest they're not coordinated. No way to say whether that's because they're only acting on instinct or because they can't communicate with each other anymore, though.
(22:13:55) LtJGAlexisWright: I suggest an expression of non-hostility. Holding up empty hands, perhaps.
(22:14:29) VAdmBlackthorne: :: nods :: Go with that.
(22:15:13) CdrTKirr: I would recommend palms up. Some species would see any show of claws as threatening.
(22:15:52) LtJGAlexisWright: :: thinks briefly, then nods :: Good point. I agree.
(22:16:45) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> :: Tap tap shameless Mass Effect references tap tap :: Palms skyward. You got it.
(22:17:56) VAdmBlackthorne: :: watches the figure ::
(22:18:15) SthoKa: :: lowers her upper body towards the ground and as she screams at the soulless lizardman, with the aid of the holodeck's sensor data filtering, even her ethereal tail becomes visible whipping from side to side above and behind her ::
(22:18:38) VAdmBlackthorne: It's agitated.
(22:18:59) CdrTKirr: (( Isn't it the XO's duty to state the obvious? =P ))
(22:19:28) VAdmBlackthorne: (( laffo ))
(22:19:44) LtJGAlexisWright: Adopt a defensive stance, but hold your ground.
(22:21:33) VAdmBlackthorne: :: nods :: Just to let it know we aren't going anywhere.
(22:23:46) ColDougMcKnight: Puffing up? Open mouth? Tail curl? All of the above?
(22:23:59) ColDougMcKnight: ( ^ Quinn. Again. )
(22:25:22) VAdmBlackthorne: :: looks to the others :: Input?
(22:26:12) LtJGAlexisWright: Wider stance, tail whipping similar to that one, arms forward to protect your trunk from injury, puff a little.
(22:26:18) ColDougMcKnight: Not sure any of my usual instincts really apply. I'd be for making it look as big as possible, though.
(22:27:20) ColDougMcKnight: And maybe if we're going for a tail whip, significantly slower. It's agitated. We want to look calm, less likely to attack ourselves.
(22:27:32) VAdmBlackthorne: Sounds reasonable.
(22:27:37) LtJGAlexisWright: I concur.
(22:27:43) VAdmBlackthorne: :: nods to Quinn :: Go ahead with that.
(22:27:55) SthoKa: I would assume it's defending its village. Any show of wishing it harm would be contrary to our goal.
(22:28:44) LtJGAlexisWright: I agree, er... Commander.
(22:28:48) SthoKa: (( Sorry =P ))
(22:30:10) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> :: Nods silently and inputs all of that. Immediately, the holo-lizard changes its posture but doesn't move.
(22:30:10) ColDougMcKnight: ::
(22:30:22) ColDougMcKnight: Can we run some simulations while we're doing this? Now that we're getting some good, close up scans of how it's held together, maybe we can find out whether our weapon mods will actually work.
(22:31:26) SthoKa: :: closes her mouth but still baring teeth and cocks her head, raising her torso as she studies the image ::
(22:32:18) VAdmBlackthorne: :: nods ::: Do that. :: watches SthoKa :: Well, I think we have its attention.
(22:32:51) LtJGAlexisWright: Good. Yes. That's a good response. Maintain posture and eye contact?
(22:33:04) VAdmBlackthorne: What do we know about language and communication now?
(22:35:05) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> :: Looks to Wright and T'Kirr :: I'm a little tied up here, sirs. Any chance one of you could set up the simulation run on the arch console?
(22:35:42) LtJGAlexisWright: Only what we've assembled from other reptilian races and their communication styles, I'm afraid.
(22:36:05) VAdmBlackthorne: We want to convey that we wish to help them. Ideas on how?
(22:36:22) CdrTKirr: I'll run the simulation. :: looks to Wright before moving off ::
(22:36:29) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> If it's attempted anything verbal, the UT hasn't picked it up yet.
(22:38:14) ColDougMcKnight: Well, being optimistic, it'll see with enough time that the visitor isn't doing anything hostile. If they can get used to its presence as less than a crisis, maybe the next step would be seeing one of us in its proximity. Maybe it could put 2 and 2 together.
(22:38:25) LtJGAlexisWright: I think we should attempt to close distance slowly, without provoking a hostile response, and make soothing verbalizations.
(22:38:50) SthoKa: :: turns her head, looking at the drone's image with her other eye ::
(22:40:00) VAdmBlackthorne: Take one step forward. Slowly.
(22:40:13) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> One step, aye sir.
(22:41:39) SthoKa: :: jerks into a lower position again, but raises when the drone stops ::
(22:42:34) CdrTKirr: :: approaches the arch and downloads the new sensor data into the weapon simulation file ::
(22:42:36) LtJGAlexisWright: A verbalization may encourage another verbalization in return.
(22:43:09) VAdmBlackthorne: Alright.
(22:43:52) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> Something in a gecko type chirp okay?
(22:45:25) VAdmBlackthorne: :: nods :: Give it a try.
(22:45:27) LtJGAlexisWright: As long as it's not too shrill. Maybe with some clicking noises.
(22:45:59) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> :: Frowns thoughtfully. :: Okay. I just need one second to blend those audio files smoothly.
(22:46:27) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> :: Pulls up a second holo-window in front of him, and goes to work on preparing the new audio. ::
(22:47:22) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> Okay, that should be alright. Transmitting.
(22:47:28) VAdmBlackthorne: :: watches ::
(22:47:28) SthoKa: :: sees the lizardman image just watching her and watches back, shooing once with a claw ::
(22:48:09) LtJGAlexisWright: (( ::snerk:: ))
(22:48:58) SthoKa: :: stops when she sees the detailed-holo image's throat working to click and call ::
(22:49:26) SthoKa: :: hisses at the image in response ::
(22:50:02) ColDougMcKnight: :: Frowns :: I'm more of a cat person, admittedly. But in my experience, that's not usually good.
(22:50:27) CdrTKirr: :: reads the result of a simulation and makes a modification to the weapon's energy amplification output ::
(22:51:40) LtJGAlexisWright: head-bobbing, perhaps?
(22:52:01) VAdmBlackthorne: Could work. Lower, but not low enough to indicate submission.
(22:53:16) LtJGAlexisWright: :: nod ::
(22:53:32) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> Sorry, I need a little more than that to work with, sir. I realize it's disconcerting, but maybe you could step in and indicate a height for me to try?
(22:54:32) VAdmBlackthorne: Ten centimeters.
(22:54:55) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> RIght, that works too. Sorry. Implementing now.
(22:55:09) CdrTKirr: (( Five minutes ))
(22:57:12) SthoKa: :: stands straighter and hisses angrily some more, but it sounds more structured now ::
(22:57:37) VAdmBlackthorne: Again
(22:58:31) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> Chirp and headbow?
(22:58:49) VAdmBlackthorne: Alright.
(22:59:04) LtJGAlexisWright: Yes.
(22:59:06) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> :: Sends the command to the drone. ::
(22:59:10) SthoKa: Hisss . . . clickclick - - - - click, hiss . . . . . chirp - - - - !
(22:59:56) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> I'm no linguist, but that's starting to sound a little like actual speech.
(23:00:07) LtJGAlexisWright: :: watches with mounting interest ::
(23:00:29) LtJGAlexisWright: It does!
(23:01:06) SthoKa: Clickclick - - - - chirp, chirp click . . . . doomed brother, can't stay here!
(23:01:09) SthoKa: PAUSE SIM
(23:01:09) SthoKa: PAUSE SIM
(23:01:10) SthoKa: PAUSE SIM
(23:01:15) VAdmBlackthorne: :: paused ::
(23:01:17) DoctorTav: :: pauses ::
(23:01:24) CdrHarper: :: paused ::
(23:01:27) CdrTKirr: Damn lizard chick keeps taking my lines.
(23:01:28) VAdmBlackthorne: Progress!
(23:01:31) LtJGAlexisWright: :: || ::
(23:02:42) ColDougMcKnight: Sweet.
(23:02:45) DoctorTav: Woah. A cussing Vulcan. Never thought I'd see the day
(23:02:45) ColDougMcKnight: Also, paused.
(23:03:54) CdrTKirr: Thanks, this part's fun for me, dunno about you
(23:04:12) LtJGAlexisWright: Yeah!
(23:04:17) DoctorTav: I know it is :)
(23:06:30) ColDougMcKnight: It is, yeah. Granted, it's with an NPC, but it's clicking now that I have a way of contributing.
(23:08:12) CdrTKirr: Glad to hear it.
(23:08:31) CdrTKirr: Well we have an active spot to pick up on next week.
(23:08:31) VAdmBlackthorne: The value of secondary characters in different departments really shows itself.
(23:09:20) VAdmBlackthorne: In two weeks we'll have our annual holiday party! :D
(23:10:03) DoctorTav: But the major Trill holidays aren't for another 3 months!
(23:11:33) DoctorTav: Well, good night everyone. See y'all next week
(23:11:42) LtJGAlexisWright: Okay, I must away <3
(23:11:45) LtJGAlexisWright: See you then!
(23:11:45) CdrTKirr: Yay a party ^^
(23:11:51) LtJGAlexisWright left the room (quit: Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client).
(23:11:57) DoctorTav left the room.
(23:11:59) CdrTKirr: But yeah I got lifeguard class in the morning, so see ya next week
(23:12:01) VAdmBlackthorne: We're not at Vinland for snowy promenade, but we have a holodeck!
(23:12:05) CdrTKirr: Night!
(23:12:08) VAdmBlackthorne: See y'all next week.
(23:12:13) SthoKa left the room.
(23:12:14) CdrTKirr left the room.
(23:12:37) CdrHarper left the room (quit: Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client).