Conversation with #ussatlantis at Wed Dec 19 21:00:45 2012 on VAdmBlackthorne@packetstorm.va.us.darkmyst.org (irc)
(21:00:45) The topic for #USSAtlantis is: With possibly last-minute preparations, Atlantis is ready to deploy its communication drone to Vrissk's surface.
(21:00:45) mode (+o VAdmBlackthorne) by ChanServ
(21:00:50) VAdmBlackthorne: Hiya folks
(21:00:51) LtJGAlexisWright: Ahoyhoy
(21:02:41) VAdmBlackthorne: McKnight texted me to let me know he'll be a little late.
(21:03:10) DoctorTav: Good evening
(21:07:56) CdrTKirr: All right.
(21:10:14) CdrTKirr: How was everyone's week?
(21:10:30) CdrTKirr: Well, I guess I'm speaking to Blackthorne and Wright
(21:11:31) LtJGAlexisWright: It was pretty okay, thanks! Yours?
(21:12:04) CdrTKirr: Well as can be expected =)
(21:12:19) DoctorTav: My week has been roughly the same as yours.
(21:12:48) CdrTKirr: Lots of time devoted to the care of others
(21:13:17) LtJGAlexisWright: Lots of time thanking my lucky stars that I don't work retail
(21:13:17) ColDougMcKnight [Mibbit@uksf-50-08-947-559.bstnma.east.verizon.net] entered the room.
(21:13:38) CdrTKirr: Hah
(21:14:39) VAdmBlackthorne: I'm on call this week, so bleh
(21:15:16) CdrTKirr: Eh.
(21:15:37) CdrTKirr: I think this is it, then.
(21:16:04) LtJGAlexisWright: I never ever thought I would say this, but it's actually sometimes frustrating to only be allowed to work 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week, and at 5pm everything is turned off and I go home.
(21:17:25) LtJGAlexisWright: But I have no choice, for I Am Union.
(21:18:14) CdrTKirr: o.O
(21:18:52) VAdmBlackthorne: :: produces the Ancient Whistle of Earsplitting Doom +12 :: TWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!!!
(21:19:00) LtJGAlexisWright: I'm a government employee. :/
(21:19:06) LtJGAlexisWright: :: AA ::
(21:19:24) ColDougMcKnight: ::AA::
(21:19:31) DoctorTav: :: winces, ignores the blood now pouring from his ears, imagines a day when it's back to T'Kirr's whistle, and goes AA ::
(21:19:43) CdrTKirr has changed the topic to: A ghostly defender confronts the probe illusioned as a Vrissk. After multiple exchanges of body language and vocalizations, the struggling UT manages to translate their language. Officers of the Atlantis crew stand by watching from the holodeck.
(21:19:56) CdrTKirr: Questions?
(21:19:58) CdrHarper [Mibbit@vmwi-298-5-24-109.rcmdva.fios.verizon.net] entered the room.
(21:20:13) ColDougMcKnight: Nope.
(21:20:32) SthoKa [TKirr@90-43-96-75.res.bhn.net] entered the room.
(21:20:46) LtJGAlexisWright: I'm good.
(21:20:49) CdrTKirr: BEGIN SIM
(21:20:50) CdrTKirr: BEGIN SIM
(21:20:51) CdrTKirr: BEGIN SIM
(21:20:55) SthoKa: Clickclick - - - - chirp, chirp click . . . . doomed brother, can't stay here!
(21:21:17) VAdmBlackthorne: The translator is helping... can we talk back yet?
(21:21:27) CdrTKirr: :: stands in the holodeck with everyone else but at the arch, having run weapon simulations on their new collected data, but has stopped to watch the exchange ::
(21:22:09) DoctorTav: :: in Sickbay with his comm to the Holodeck open, watching the feed from the probe for any information that he could possibly understand that might help the situation ::
(21:22:38) LtJGAlexisWright: Not yet... still parsing. Make motions indicating that you heard it speak and say more.
(21:24:56) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> :: Can't think of anything meaning that precisely, but figures a confused but inquisitive tilt of the head should do the job, and keys it in. ::
(21:28:11) VAdmBlackthorne: :: watches for a reaction ::
(21:28:40) SthoKa: :: copies the head tilt and hisses at the holographic image :: Danger, no safety in this village. Go!
(21:29:45) LtJGAlexisWright: Mind if I do direct input for the speech? I think I'm ready to give it a go.
(21:30:20) SthoKa: :: swishes her tail from side to side, agitated ::
(21:31:09) VAdmBlackthorne: Go ahead.
(21:31:15) LtJGAlexisWright: Hologram> What danger? Where danger?
(21:32:04) SthoKa: Fire! :: ducks down and trembles a bit, pointing vaguely upwards :: From the sky!
(21:32:52) VAdmBlackthorne: :: frowns ::
(21:33:02) ColDougMcKnight: :: Frowns :: Well, we already know what that is. What else are we hoping they could tell us about it?
(21:33:06) LtJGAlexisWright: Hologram> My village too! Much fire! You have others alive?
(21:34:56) SthoKa: :: slows her movements, understanding just how far the fire has burned :: We...are alive, but...changed. We fade. We are here, but not.
(21:36:50) VAdmBlackthorne: They're alive, conciousness intact. We must find a way to reverse this.
(21:37:36) LtJGAlexisWright: :: to the room :: I'd like to tell her that strangers came and chased the fire back into the sky, and that I've gone out looking for survivors because I believe the strangers can help.
(21:37:48) VAdmBlackthorne: Alright.
(21:38:37) LtJGAlexisWright: Hologram> :: after making suitable mournful noises :: I am called Reth. What are you called?
(21:39:51) SthoKa: Stho'Ka. :: slowly stands erect, floating slightly off the ground :: Strangers are not true. They brought fire. I have seen them. Hunted them.
(21:40:41) SthoKa: (( Sorry you didn't say any of that, I jumped the gun ))
(21:40:53) LtJGAlexisWright: (( thats okay, we can say I said it. ))
(21:41:59) ColDougMcKnight: :: Narrows his gaze suspiciously, wondering if this is the very native he has to thank for his stay in the Dr. Jerk's funhouse. ::
(21:42:37) LtJGAlexisWright: Reth> Maybe not the same strangers? The firebreathers were up in sky, and warmbloods attack and firebreathers run away. Then warmbloods not know if anyone left alive, come down into our village to see what happened.
(21:44:49) LtJGAlexisWright: Reth> At first warmbloods could not see us, could not see us, they only looked at their metal boxes.
(21:45:57) LtJGAlexisWright: Reth> They saw not our faces and heard not our voices. Because like you say, we fade, we are here but not here. Yes?
(21:46:37) VAdmBlackthorne: :: watches for a reaction to that ::
(21:46:49) SthoKa: :: stares off in thought, thinking this over, then back to Reth :: Strangers, with shiny shell?
(21:47:40) LtJGAlexisWright: Reth> Yes, yes, a shiny shell to protect small warmblood creature inside.
(21:48:31) SthoKa: Why...would they help?
(21:49:25) ColDougMcKnight: We had the power to drive off the firebreathers, and they attacked us, yet they're still alive. We MUST be benevolent.
(21:49:35) CdrTKirr: :: having stopped simulations, moves closer to the drama in the center of the holodeck, watching Wright and Stho'Ka intently ::
(21:49:43) ColDougMcKnight: Or something to that effect, maybe.
(21:51:13) ColDougMcKnight: :: Shoots a glance T'Kirr's way, curious as to the simulation results. ::
(21:52:02) LtJGAlexisWright: Reth> I am just simple Reth and not understand everything, but... they say firebreathers do bad, firebreathers make evil... :: hopes that concepts translates :: ...and strangers say firebreathers must be punished, our people must be helped. A warmblood way of thinking?
(21:53:37) LtJGAlexisWright: :: to Quinn :: Do a little shrug.
(21:54:06) SthoKa: :: jerks her head upwards in a sort of nod :: Perhaps. But fortunate for us. :: thinks some more, then wilts :: I hurt a stranger. They think us the enemy. So...much...anger!
(21:54:15) SthoKa: :: comes a bit more into focus ::
(21:54:34) LtJGAlexisWright: :: to Quinn :: look surprised.
(21:55:05) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> :: Tappy tappy ::
(21:56:31) LtJGAlexisWright: Reth> That was you! Warmblood say they try to look for others when they first come but found only something strange that attack them. Strangers did not understand about the fading yet. They saw not your face and heard not your voice! They say about you, SthoKa, but not angry words. Sad strangers worried you think them the enemy.
(21:57:22) SthoKa: :: hisses, jumping forward almost aggressively :: Where these strangers? Where!
(21:59:31) VAdmBlackthorne: :: looks to McKnight :: We found your friend.
(21:59:44) LtJGAlexisWright: Reth> Sister SthoKa! I can take you to strangers but you must keep your talons lowered and your teeth covered! You must trust me, the strangers not want to hurt.
(22:01:40) LtJGAlexisWright: :: glances furtively at McKnight ::
(22:01:57) ColDougMcKnight: :: Grimaces :: Needless to say, no matter how peaceful we want to come across, I would not recommend going back down there without every armed contingency measure we've planned in place.
(22:02:49) SthoKa: :: lowers her head, fisting her hands, and when she raises her head, her mouth is closed, and soon after she begins to fade a bit out of focus :: We are lost. We have no choice. I do as you say.
(22:03:14) LtJGAlexisWright: :: makes sure the sound input is turned off :: Bonus: You get to choose the location. I'd recommend choosing quickly, though.
(22:04:43) CdrTKirr: :: stopped near McKnight, watching the projected scene but speaking to him softly :: The simulations appear to be successful, but it is unclear as to whether it kills or simply disrupts their connection to our reality.
(22:04:45) VAdmBlackthorne: :: looks to T'Kirr and McKnight :: You were down there.
(22:05:07) LtJGAlexisWright: Reth> I swear I will use teeth and talon if strangers attack us when we are peaceful. I swear to you.
(22:06:20) SthoKa: :: jerks her head in a nod of acceptance ::
(22:06:35) ColDougMcKnight: We just need somewhere open. Easy, overlapping fields of fire, and a clear shots for air support if we need to defend ourselves. Beyond that, doesn't really matter as long as we maintain a ready transporter lock on the away team.
(22:07:06) LtJGAlexisWright: Reth> You come alone? Or bring others?
(22:08:08) SthoKa: :: ponders a moment :: There is just me. I cannot speak to tribe. I can bring strangers to them?
(22:09:09) LtJGAlexisWright: Reth> Mmm. You will have to ask strangers yourself, but I think probably yes.
(22:09:50) SthoKa: :: ducks down, readying her legs :: Take me!
(22:10:05) VAdmBlackthorne: Now's the time for those contingency measures.
(22:10:19) LtJGAlexisWright: :: looks at the group, waiting impatiently for direction ::
(22:11:34) ColDougMcKnight: There was a relatively open plain about 15 kliks to the west of there, wasn't there?
(22:11:48) ColDougMcKnight: That'd be enough of a hike to give us time to get everything in position.
(22:12:01) VAdmBlackthorne: That would be a bit of a run for a half-dead being.
(22:12:13) ColDougMcKnight: It moved just fine, sir.
(22:12:46) LtJGAlexisWright: Reth> Follow! We go this way.
(22:13:09) LtJGAlexisWright: :: nods at Quinn to start moving the drone toward the RV pt ::
(22:13:55) SthoKa: :: moves as soon as direction is indicated, flanking Reth in a submissive following position ::
(22:14:55) LtJGAlexisWright: :: to the room :: Would you like me to stay here and continue posing as Reth?
(22:15:08) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> :: Programs in the destination, and executes a bit of cruise control. ::
(22:15:09) VAdmBlackthorne: T'Kirr and McKnight, get a team together. Wright and Quinn, of course you're here being Reth.
(22:15:36) LtJGAlexisWright: :: grins at Quinn ::
(22:15:42) ColDougMcKnight: (BRB. Gotta feed cats.)
(22:15:49) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> Sweet.
(22:16:57) LtJGAlexisWright: :: admires the shimmering translucent form of the running Stho'Ka ::
(22:18:02) LtJGAlexisWright: So Quinn, when we actually meet up with the others, what do you think if I just physically pantomime what I want Reth to do? Could you translate in realtime?
(22:18:26) SthoKa: :: nods to Blackthorne and moves to the arch ::
(22:18:51) LtJGAlexisWright: (( EHRMAGERD LIZERD ON HERLERDECK ))
(22:23:23) SthoKa: :: exports the weapon simulation data to the armory, then heads for TR1 :: +Tav+ T'Kirr to Dr. Tav. We're meeting one of the Vrissk natives on the planet. Please report to Transporter Room One.
(22:24:06) VAdmBlackthorne: (Native got smart!)
(22:24:18) VAdmBlackthorne: :: elects to remain in the holodeck ::
(22:24:24) SthoKa: (( -_- ))
(22:24:52) DoctorTav: +T'Kirr+ On my way, Commander.
(22:25:22) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> Um...well, waving your arms and stuff, sure. But I thought the idea was that we were relying on this holo-lizard because we physically couldn't do some of what's needed.
(22:25:35) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> Tail swishing, puffing up, all that stuff.
(22:26:27) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> I can handle it, don't get me wrong. But it's gonna be a fair bit of multi-tasking if things get animated.
(22:26:36) LtJGAlexisWright: Well yes, but now we need it to serve as ambassador. Reth needs to introduce her to the strangers and so on.
(22:27:00) LtJGAlexisWright: I have complete faith in you! :: winning smile ::
(22:27:18) VAdmBlackthorne: We are in a holodeck.
(22:27:33) VAdmBlackthorne: If you want to be a bipedal lizard with control over your tail, you can be
(22:27:34) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> :: Rolls his eyes, but gives a half smile. :: Awesome.
(22:28:42) LtJGAlexisWright: :: taps her chin :: The Admiral does have a point. Can you just sync up my position and joints to match the big bipedal lizard in the, oh, few minutes we have while they're running?
(22:29:17) ColDougMcKnight: :: Steps into the turbolift and activates his comm. :: +Syvek+ Syvek, the away mission is back on. Pass the word to the squad, and alert the Sharks and all designated shuttle pilots to scramble ASAP. I'm sending you coordinates now.
(22:31:00) VAdmBlackthorne: Syvek> +McKnight+ Aye Colonel.
(22:31:18) VAdmBlackthorne: Syvek> :: starts scrambling Marines and calling people ::
(22:31:46) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> Not in mid-stride, no. Not unless you could match it exactly. There'd be a visible skip while we switched over the input. You'll need to tell the native to stop. Maybe you have a tail cramp or something. That part's up to you.
(22:32:26) CdrTKirr: :: makes it to TR1 and accesses a wall panel, checking on the landing point and position of the probe ::
(22:32:29) LtJGAlexisWright: :: gigglesnorts :: tail cramp.
(22:33:07) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> :: Grins :: I can simulate a pretty convincing little spasm.
(22:35:03) LtJGAlexisWright: How about using the whole fading thing? Just fade out a bit and spasm/skip and we'll call it a symptom?
(22:35:55) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> Hey, that's not bad. I'll just kill the resolution for a few seconds.
(22:36:04) SthoKa: :: paces herself by experience, but runs with purpose and direction, her species depending on her ::
(22:37:09) VAdmBlackthorne: Syvek> :: appears in the TR with a squad of Marines ::
(22:37:13) LtJGAlexisWright: Let's do it was the reach the RVP and hopefully her attention will be on the strangers at that point anyway. Partially because I'm really not interested in running the rest of the way myself.
(22:37:19) VAdmBlackthorne: (Mike, IM)
(22:38:30) CdrTKirr: :: takes her place on the transporter pad ::
(22:38:53) CdrTKirr: Have the weapon modifcations been made?
(22:41:48) LtJGAlexisWright: (( brb, need socks and robe, cold ))
(22:42:11) ColDougMcKnight: :: Puts on his helmet to a soft hiss as the seals engage, walking into the transporter room just in time to catch T'Kirr's question. :: Yes, Commander. They've been in place. We were just waiting on the confirmation you provided that they'll actually work.
(22:42:46) VAdmBlackthorne: Syvek> Commander Harper reported that the Sharks will remain on standby per the Admiral's orders.
(22:43:47) ColDougMcKnight: Well, we shouldn't need them if things don't go immediately and catastrophically FUBAR. Still, be ready for anything.
(22:44:59) VAdmBlackthorne: Syvek> Yes Colonel.
(22:45:08) CdrTKirr: Good.
(22:45:28) DoctorTav: :: having gathered the medical equipment and made his way there, appears as the doors open to TR1. ::
(22:47:09) ColDougMcKnight: Oh, and face plates transparent for this one. The native in question is skittish enough as is.
(22:47:28) CdrTKirr: Agreed.
(22:47:33) VAdmBlackthorne: Syvek> :: touches his faceplate ::
(22:49:38) DoctorTav: :: steps onto the pad, the boots of his suit clinking differently as they hit the transporter pad deck from his normal uniform shoes ::
(22:49:59) LtJGAlexisWright: +Away Team+ Wright to away team.
(22:50:17) ColDougMcKnight: Okay. Marines, move out.
(22:50:20) CdrTKirr: +Wright+ Go ahead, Lieutenant.
(22:50:25) ColDougMcKnight: :: Steps up onto the padd ::
(22:51:05) LtJGAlexisWright: +T'Kirr+ Please make sure the rest of the away team is up to speed vis-a-vis who and what Reth is and the backstory about how you've already had peaceful contact with the natives.
(22:52:10) VAdmBlackthorne: Wright, keep a constant commlink open with the away team as well.
(22:52:26) CdrTKirr: +Wright+ Of course.
(22:52:53) LtJGAlexisWright: I'm sending the new UT files to you so you can communicate, and the Admiral wishes me to keep a constant commlink open with you.
(22:53:06) LtJGAlexisWright: +T'Kirr+ ^
(22:54:01) CdrTKirr: +Wright+ Understood. :: looks to the TR crewman :: Energize.
(22:54:38) LtJGAlexisWright: Reth> Not far now. You need rest?
(22:54:59) VAdmBlackthorne: +Bridge+ Keep a constant transporter lock on the away team.
(22:55:00) CdrTKirr: ACTION> The Away Team materializes on an open plain of inorganic dust, a few skeletal remains of trees dotting the distance.
(22:55:08) CdrHarper: +Blackthorne+ Aye sir.
(22:55:25) VAdmBlackthorne: Syvek> :: looks about, the familiarly a bit unsettling ::
(22:55:35) DoctorTav: :: takes a moment to look around and get his bearings, this being his first time on this planet ::
(22:56:11) SthoKa: :: has slowed her pace and faded somewhat, but remaining constant :: With life gone from around me, anger fuels me.
(22:56:23) ColDougMcKnight: :: Looks around, nodding his satisfaction. Then he looks up. :: Ah. And here come our strange flying machines. That ought to be good for a bit of shock and awe if tempers threaten to flare.
(22:56:42) LtJGAlexisWright: :: to Quinn :: are you ready to make the input switch when her attention is on the others?
(22:57:08) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> Say the word. I'll just need a few seconds.
(22:57:22) LtJGAlexisWright: Reth> Anger is a good fuel as long as it doesn't burn too hot, say our Elders.
(22:57:37) CdrTKirr: :: opens her tricorder :: Our Vrissk contact, Stho'Ka, claims to have wrongly attacked our last away team and wishes to make amends, believing our projected image in that we have chased away those that have attacked the Vrissk and are here to help.
(22:58:37) VAdmBlackthorne: Syvek> :: nods, clenching his rifle nonetheless ::
(22:58:47) CdrTKirr: Wise words, but I fear I have nothing left, but for hope you have given me.
(22:58:53) CdrTKirr: (( That was Stho'Ka ))
(22:59:33) LtJGAlexisWright: :: grimly :: Together we will save whatever is left to save, Sister.
(22:59:47) LtJGAlexisWright: (( that was Reth >_< ))
(22:59:54) CdrTKirr: (( Flying machines you mean Sharks? ))
(23:00:24) ColDougMcKnight: :: Checks his HUD. "Reth" is still a recond drone, no matter how heavily modified, and as such its position is still easily tracked. ::
(23:00:30) ColDougMcKnight: (Well, shuttles.)
(23:00:50) ColDougMcKnight: ( *recon )
(23:01:00) VAdmBlackthorne: (Don't really see much point in launching the Sharks for this.)
(23:01:27) CdrTKirr: (( Five minutes ))
(23:03:20) SthoKa: :: pops her head up a bit as she moves, spotting something in the distance ::
(23:03:52) LtJGAlexisWright: :: to Quinn :: Is that them?
(23:04:21) ColDougMcKnight: :: Points off into the distance. :: They'll be coming from that direction. Don't point your rifles at them, but lower them only slightly. Make it clear, we're ready to use them.
(23:05:00) LtJGAlexisWright: (( Can I hear McKnight? ))
(23:05:00) VAdmBlackthorne: Syvek> Aye sir.
(23:05:24) ColDougMcKnight: Quinn> :: Nods :: Multiple weapons signatures, and active Starfleet transponders. It's them.
(23:05:42) ColDougMcKnight: ( I imagine she can if there's an open comm link. )
(23:06:36) SthoKa: PAUSE SIM
(23:06:36) SthoKa: PAUSE SIM
(23:06:37) SthoKa: PAUSE SIM
(23:06:42) CdrTKirr: Or me.
(23:06:45) CdrTKirr: <_<
(23:06:54) LtJGAlexisWright: :: slows to come even with Stho'Ka :: Strangers know I bring others, they not know if you mean to hurt them, but...
(23:07:00) LtJGAlexisWright: :: || ::
(23:07:01) DoctorTav: :: pauses ::
(23:07:20) ColDougMcKnight: :: Paused ::
(23:07:34) CdrTKirr: Diplomacy win so far. Next sim we meet for real, eh?
(23:07:42) VAdmBlackthorne: :: paused ::
(23:09:44) VAdmBlackthorne: Looking forward to it!
(23:10:09) CdrTKirr: Thanks guys, having fun, and glad to drag Tav back into it.
(23:11:18) DoctorTav: :)
(23:11:37) LtJGAlexisWright: :D
(23:11:58) LtJGAlexisWright: Have a Merry Christmas if you're in to that sort of thing!
(23:12:06) CdrTKirr: Merry Christmas. ^_^
(23:12:14) DoctorTav: And you all as well!
(23:12:24) LtJGAlexisWright: <3
(23:12:26) LtJGAlexisWright left the room (quit: Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client).
(23:12:33) SthoKa left the room.
(23:12:36) VAdmBlackthorne: Party next week!
(23:12:49) ColDougMcKnight: Woo!
(23:13:02) CdrTKirr: Oh right, so week after
(23:14:02) DoctorTav: It's a break :)
(23:14:19) DoctorTav: Of course, for me it's been a break the last several weeks.
(23:16:43) DoctorTav left the room.