Conversation with #ussatlantis at Wed Nov 13 21:06:35 2013 on VAdmBlackthorne@packetstorm.va.us.darkmyst.org (irc)
(21:06:35) The topic for #USSAtlantis is: Atlantis is cruising at a leisurely warp five toward the nearest interesting star system while continuing repairs on the quantum slipstream drive.
(21:06:35) Topic for #USSAtlantis set by VAdmBlackthorne at 21:21:10 on 11/06/2013
(21:06:35) mode (+o VAdmBlackthorne) by ChanServ
(21:06:36) LTWright: ;_;
(21:06:49) VAdmBlackthorne: Hiya folks
(21:06:52) LtCmdrBusard: Got a steroid injection to the leg yesterday, and it's sore enough that I'm having trouble concentrating.
(21:07:00) LtCmdrBusard: But I wanted to say hi!
(21:07:42) LtCmdrBusard: And have fun! And imagine that whatever goes on, the mini-bots are roaming around the ship causing hijinks. :-P
(21:08:41) LTWright: Feel better soon!
(21:08:48) DoctorTav: Howdy, Admiral.
(21:09:12) VAdmBlackthorne: Evening
(21:09:13) LtCmdrBusard: I will!
(21:09:18) DoctorTav: And Percy... Feel better
(21:09:54) LtCmdrBusard: Thanks. Anyway, I'll talk to you guys later, and have a great game!
(21:10:04) LTWright is now known as LtWright
(21:10:08) LtCmdrBusard: (Don't break the ship >:( )
(21:10:17) LtCmdrBusard left the room (quit: Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client).
(21:10:23) LtWright: Too late
(21:11:28) DoctorTav: Does she know? I don't think she knows.
(21:12:29) mode (+o ColDougMcKnight) by VAdmBlackthorne
(21:12:38) VAdmBlackthorne: Alrighty, let's get going
(21:12:47) CdrTKirr: :: TWEEEET :: Attention!
(21:13:06) DoctorTav: :: AA ::
(21:13:06) LtWright: :: AA ::
(21:14:11) ColDougMcKnight: ( Wow, OPS. Cool. Do I still have to act professional and stuff? )
(21:14:59) VAdmBlackthorne: (YOU'RE A DISGRACE TO THE BADGE)
(21:16:46) CdrHarper [Mibbit@arbs-22-556-02-295.clppva.fios.verizon.net] entered the room.
(21:16:59) ColDougMcKnight: ( Bullshit. I made a new badge. It has a smiley face on it. )
(21:17:12) VAdmBlackthorne: (well you're probably not a disgrace to that badge then)
(21:17:28) ColDougMcKnight: (This was my thinking!)
(21:21:15) ColDougMcKnight has changed the topic to: So, as per the invite we got last time, we have been making out way at an even more leisurely warp 2 toward the coordinates Miraak provided. Since then, as indicated, we've been joined by a pair of smaller escort ships. Respectably armed, but nothing to alarm whoever's standing at tactical. Spidey sense is quiet as we enter the home stretch.
(21:21:36) ColDougMcKnight: And...that's pretty much it. Questions?
(21:21:46) VAdmBlackthorne: Nein.
(21:23:16) CdrTKirr: Nope.
(21:23:20) LtWright: Iie.
(21:24:51) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:24:52) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:24:55) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:25:28) CdrHarper: :: keeps the ship on the prescribed course at the prescribed leisurely warp two ::
(21:25:35) ColDougMcKnight: (Oh, darn. I'll actually be back in one quick second. Gotta get something for Rachel real quick. )
(21:25:58) DoctorTav: :: is in Sickbay, AGAIN, fixing Ensign Tapev's broken arm... AGAIN. From a rock climbing accident in the Holodeck... AGAIN. WHEN will he ever learn? Tav takes a moment and sends a message to Engineering that if Tapev goes into a holodeck, safety systems are to be set to maximum safety. ::
(21:28:15) CdrTKirr: :: is rather content to sit on the Bridge at a leisurely pace, enjoying the quiet ::
(21:28:18) ColDougMcKnight: :: Okay, so no reason it wouldn't be McKnight at tactical. :: Two minutes out, sir. And...huh, is it just my console, or are we finally getting something on our long range sensors again?
(21:31:50) CdrHarper: :: brings up the sensor readouts :: Yes, that does appear to be the case.
(21:33:42) VAdmBlackthorne: At least that's something.
(21:35:16) DoctorTav: Ensign Tapev, one of these times, you are going to come in here and I am going to have your Holodeck privileges taken away.
(21:35:31) LtWright: :: Swishes onto the bridge, returning from checking on the sensor recalibration efforts personally, and takes her station ::
(21:35:32) ColDougMcKnight: Awesome. In that case, I'm picking up several dozen ship signatures up ahead. Fairly standard, as far as the system goes. Class F white star, couple of gas giants...doesn't look like there's anything in the habitable zone, though. Wherever these Telthis folks hail from, I'm guessing it's not here.
(21:36:34) DoctorTav: EnsTapev> Doctor, what I am doing is perfectly normal, and with a medical team nearby, completely safe. I have the Holodeck set so that it will not kill me.
(21:36:39) VAdmBlackthorne: Hm. Well, perhaps they'll enlighten us soon enough.
(21:36:55) DoctorTav: You have it set to not kill you. How nice. Why can't you set it to not injure you as well?
(21:37:04) VAdmBlackthorne: Lt. Wright. We've seen the sensors coming back.
(21:37:43) LtWright: That confirms my observations as well, Admiral, the recalibration efforts seem to be coming along nicely.
(21:38:15) DoctorTav: EnsTapev> With the safety systems set to no injury, it is impossible to create challenging climbs.
(21:38:48) VAdmBlackthorne: Excellent. One less problem to deal with.
(21:38:57) DoctorTav: :: shakes his head :: Have you ever thought that, since I see you in here at least once a month, perhaps you are not skilled enough for the walls you are climbing?
(21:39:19) LtWright: We'll still need to schedule some EVA time to get all of the arrays fully operational, but we're doing quite well considering.
(21:41:31) VAdmBlackthorne: Engineering will sort that out.
(21:41:34) ColDougMcKnight: ACTION> The H/OPS console beeps, having received new flight instructions. Transition into the solar system imminent. Drop to .6 light speed.
(21:41:57) CdrHarper: Admiral, I'm received orders to drop to sublight for flight in the system.
(21:42:39) CdrHarper: :: tries a contraction and failed, mutters ::
(21:42:43) LtWright: (( I assume the exterior components have not been repaired while we are underway, much less at warp. ))
(21:42:49) VAdmBlackthorne: Go ahead, follow their instructions.
(21:43:07) VAdmBlackthorne: ((Not unless you wanna do a warp speed EVA!)
(21:43:30) CdrHarper: Aye sir. :: drops to impulse and matches 0.6c ::
(21:43:59) LtWright: :: leans toward Harper, speaking softly so that others do not overhear :: Remember the words you are contracting. I'm is I am. You want I've, which is I have.
(21:44:44) CdrHarper: :: quietly :: I think I will just keep using the actual words.
(21:45:01) LtWright: (( exactly my point. The sensors are damaged, there's a limit to how well they are going to operate, is all I'm saying. No magically regenerating ship! :D ))
(21:45:21) LtWright: :: insistent :: See, there you could have said "I think I'll just keep using the actual words"
(21:46:16) LtWright: :: pauses :: But then that would have been logically false... :: frowns :: You know what I meant.
(21:46:22) ColDougMcKnight: ACTION> With the new solar system now visible before them, one can see their destination directly up ahead. A brilliant turquoise gas giant, more or less Jupiter sized. A couple of small space stations can be seen in high orbit, and between Atlantis and that, the several dozen aforementioned ships.
(21:47:06) CdrHarper: : smirks :: Thank you anyway.
(21:47:15) CdrHarper: Destination on screen, Admiral. :: puts it up::
(21:47:31) LtWright: That's a rather pretty color. :: quietly runs a spectral analysis to see what it's made of ::
(21:47:34) CdrTKirr: :: directs her attention to the viewscreen ::
(21:48:13) VAdmBlackthorne: Anything out of the ordinary?
(21:49:32) ColDougMcKnight: ACTION> They're mostly freighters or small shuttles, lightly armed, all showing the same general design sensibility. Brownish, long, a central hull between two propulsion units directly to one side. But there are a number of larger ships, of a more eclectic build and with more generous armaments. Collectively, it could theoretically be a problem, but
(21:49:40) ColDougMcKnight: there's no sign of an y active weapons arrays.
(21:50:47) VAdmBlackthorne: A much nicer reception than the last system, at least.
(21:51:16) CdrTKirr: Indeed.
(21:51:17) LtWright: The turquoise color of the giant comes from high concentrations of atmospheric metals, particularly iron/copper blends. Rare.
(21:51:58) LtWright: Also rich in Helium 3, which they appear to be mining.
(21:52:37) ColDougMcKnight: :: Sort of frowns at the console in agreement. It's not exactly unusual to be outnumbered in someone else's house, but nobody likes long odds with a hurting ship. :: Yep. I'm reading multiple active targeting locks, but nobody's actually powered up their weapons systems. Cautious, but fair.
(21:52:51) LtWright: (( brb pizza ))
(21:53:24) ColDougMcKnight: Even so, I'd like to keep our shields up for the moment. Match the tone, at least.
(21:53:54) VAdmBlackthorne: Agreed.
(21:54:08) CdrHarper: :: flies casually ::
(21:56:03) ColDougMcKnight: ACTION> One of the larger ships, of the more popular design, breaks off from the group and makes an approach as Atlantis' escorts break off and join the fray. Another hail is received.
(21:58:09) LtWright: Admiral, we are being hailed.
(21:58:22) VAdmBlackthorne: On screen.
(21:58:29) LtWright: :: complies ::
(21:59:49) ColDougMcKnight: Miraak> :: Pops up onscreen, looking even more awkward than he did last time, glancing about his unfamiliar surroundings. :: Hello again, Admiral Ian Blackthorne of the...I really hope it's not an insult in your culture if I don't say all that every time, is it? I, uh...I made the call earlier, so I've been voted the official liason while you're here.
(22:00:48) VAdmBlackthorne: :: smiles :: No insult, it's just Admiral Blackthorne.
(22:03:32) ColDougMcKnight: Miraak> That, I can do. In that case, I'm to offer welcome from the League of Xe. Unless you're in a hurry, there'll be time to explain all that. In the meantime, I'm going to suggest we dock. We've got some folks over here not quite sure what to make of you. I'm guessing you've got some of those yourself. We'll put my ship between you and the fleet.
(22:04:13) ColDougMcKnight: That way, you can't suddenly do anything funny, and we can't open fire without turning one of our own ships into debris to hit you.
(22:05:09) CdrTKirr: :: arches an eyebrow ::
(22:06:11) ColDougMcKnight: Miraak> That, uh...probably didn't sound too welcoming. Like I said, I'll explain everything as best I can. I'm just trying to calm some nerves here.
(22:06:22) ColDougMcKnight: Starting with mine.
(22:06:26) VAdmBlackthorne: :: considers for a moment :: Alright. Have your helm officer coordinate with mine.
(22:06:44) VAdmBlackthorne: :: isn't sensing any deception from Miraak
(22:06:46) VAdmBlackthorne: ::
(22:08:40) ColDougMcKnight: ( We can totally play out a docking sequence if you like, but I'm thinking to just ACTION through doing that successfully. Harper has a pretty solid track record. )
(22:09:12) CdrHarper: (( :: crashes Atlantis sideways into Miraak's ship ::
(22:10:17) ColDougMcKnight: ( Shitty. )
(22:10:26) VAdmBlackthorne: Prepare appropriate security measures.
(22:11:19) ColDougMcKnight: Yes, sir. I'm guessing you'd prefer the downgrade from closed face plates?
(22:11:53) LtWright: :: sends a message on operational frequencies requesting atmospheric and other requirements ::
(22:12:47) VAdmBlackthorne: :: nods :: Yes, that would be a bit more friendly.
(22:12:53) CdrHarper: :: does a couple minutes of the docking dance, ending with a thump :: Docking complete.
(22:13:16) LtWright: :: sends over Atlantis' atmospheric specifics so the delegation can dress accordingly ::
(22:14:53) LtWright: Admiral, for the comfort of our guests I would like to slightly increase temperature and humidity in any areas in which they will be spending more than 20 minutes or so. Are you planning to take them anywhere in particular?
(22:17:53) VAdmBlackthorne: Just a conference room for now.
(22:18:09) ColDougMcKnight: ACTION> A few minutes later, a scan of the alien ship turning up 102 life forms but only a half dozen clustered around the airlock, an equal number of marines are dispatched, taking up position on either side of the corridor, helmetless and with sidearms. More and better armed marines are waiting in rooms just off the corridor, of course. Just in case.
(22:18:39) ColDougMcKnight: And I am receiving a request to come aboard. Shall I wait until you're there personally before I authorize that?
(22:18:43) LtWright: Aye, sir. I'll make the adjustments to the conference room nearest the bridge, unless you have another one in mind?
(22:19:27) CdrTKirr: :: is looking forward to passing through the increased temperature, but not the humidity ::
(22:20:08) VAdmBlackthorne: That will do.
(22:21:22) LtWright: :: makes the adjustment, and also arranges for pitchers of water, glasses, and a few buckets of ice to be present in the room ::
(22:23:38) LtWright: From what I've read of their cultural data so far, the sharing of water seems to be a gesture of friendship in their culture. I've taken the liberty of having some sent to the conference room.
(22:23:44) VAdmBlackthorne: Yes, I would like to meet them at the docking bridge. T'Kirr and McKnight with me.
(22:24:27) LtWright: May I be permitted to attend as well, Sir?
(22:25:09) VAdmBlackthorne: As you wish. :: enters the TL :: Harper, you have the bridge.
(22:25:28) CdrHarper: Aye sir.
(22:25:37) LtWright: :: follows, bringing up the rear ::
(22:25:46) CdrTKirr: :: piles into the TL behind Ian ::
(22:26:24) CdrHarper: Deck ten.
(22:26:28) CdrHarper: (d'oh)
(22:26:32) VAdmBlackthorne: Deck ten.
(22:27:12) CdrHarper: :: does not take the center seat, preferring to continue managing the docked flight from the helm ::
(22:29:16) ColDougMcKnight: :: Looks back briefly at tactical and the helmet he's leaving there with a slight grunt of...whatever the general "grumpy, but apathetic" mood should be called before he falls in with the other in the lift. ::
(22:29:52) VAdmBlackthorne: :: heads for the starboard docking bridge when the TL arrives :::
(22:31:13) LtWright left the room (quit: Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client).
(22:31:17) LTWright [Mibbit@i-73-062-552-594.hsd7.wa.comcast.net] entered the room.
(22:31:27) VAdmBlackthorne: :: arrives at the docking bridge :: Signal permission to come aboard.
(22:35:36) CdrTKirr: :: stands comfortably with her hands clasped behind her, waiting expectantly at the docking bridge ::
(22:35:41) ColDougMcKnight: ACTION> As the airlock hisses open, the six visitors can be seen up close. All but two are of Miraak's species. As a refresher from last time, obvious reptilian roots, but more subtle than, say, a Xindi. Slightly raised scales, in shades hovering in the green or brown range. Not so different from a human or Vulcan in some cases. Small horns jutting out
(22:38:03) ColDougMcKnight: through wispy black hair, and all wearing face paint. Mostly grey, red in Miraak's case. A few of them armed, but none wearing what could be identified as any kind of uniform. The other two...hard to tell through the envirosuits they're wearing.
(22:38:43) CdrTKirr: :: notes the subtle reptilian features, also curious as to the species in the envirosuits ::
(22:39:10) ColDougMcKnight: Miraak> Thanks for having us. I'm unarmed, and you can check if need be. The crowd I live with, they always said pistols were for the scale-less.
(22:39:33) ColDougMcKnight: Miraak> ...which would mean nothing to you, you not having them. Pistols are for juveniles.
(22:39:44) VAdmBlackthorne: :: nods :: Welcome aboard the Atlantis. This is my Executive Officer, Commander T'Kirr, my chief of security, Colonel McKnight, and my science officer, Lt. Wright.
(22:40:10) CdrTKirr: :: nods politely ::
(22:40:32) ColDougMcKnight: ::Nods:: I like my pistol. Though I take your point.
(22:41:37) LTWright: :: as she programmed them to do before leaving the bridge, the room sensors collect the biological data of all beings in the room and quietly sends it to Jorvan ::
(22:41:37) LTWright: :: inclines her head respectfully as her name is spoken ::
(22:43:38) VAdmBlackthorne: I have a conference room prepared. Shall we?
(22:45:28) ColDougMcKnight: Miraak> I'm used to meetings wherever there's room for everyone to sit or lean, Admiral Blackthorne. Whatever you want. No problem with the guards, then?
(22:46:07) VAdmBlackthorne: (Five minutes!)
(22:47:14) VAdmBlackthorne: No problem here. :: glances at McKnight :: Is your League composed of many different species, then?
(22:47:37) LTWright: :: wonders if Tav has noticed the private message indicator yet ::
(22:48:16) DoctorTav: :: still hasn't, but is usually really good at noticing them ::
(22:50:32) ColDougMcKnight: Miraak> Yes, six of them. But our holdings are clustered on all different sides of the Red Sun Confederacy. Our ships are all faster than theirs, though, and we all spread our nets out pretty far. You'll probably meet a couple more soon.
(22:51:42) VAdmBlackthorne: Our Federation is composed of many as well. This way. :: directs the visitors to the turbolifts to the bridge ::
(22:51:46) ColDougMcKnight: :: Shakes his head. Security is mobilized and more than up to handling a few armed guests, so long as their movements are monitored and controlled. ::
(22:52:01) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(22:52:04) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(22:52:06) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(22:52:06) CdrTKirr: :: pauses ::
(22:52:10) LTWright: :: || ::
(22:52:14) CdrTKirr: o.O
(22:52:15) DoctorTav: :: pauses ::
(22:52:47) VAdmBlackthorne: Nice sim folks.
(22:53:00) CdrTKirr: Nice and not violent.
(22:53:12) VAdmBlackthorne: Or violet.
(22:53:31) ColDougMcKnight: Yeah, figured a break from the shooting wouldn't hurt for a few sims at least.
(22:53:38) LTWright: I'll try to stop taking liberty with details. :: embarrassed blush ::
(22:54:27) ColDougMcKnight: Thanks for playing! Wasn't able to pick up the pace quite as much as I planned, but I'm enjoying getting to introduce these folks in a bit more detail. Hopefully next week, we can have a look around their neck of the woods.
(22:54:28) DoctorTav: Your doctor deserves a break. So give him a break off that Kit Kat bar.
(22:55:47) ColDougMcKnight: And yet again, it's fine. And this goes for anyone. If someone has an idea about these folks they want to throw out, just shoot me a quick PM. If it doesn;t conflict with something I had in mind already, it's fine. Better than fine. It's storytelling.
(22:56:03) VAdmBlackthorne: Sho'nuff.
(22:56:05) ColDougMcKnight: Universe building. Something like that. It's good, is what I'm saying.
(22:56:24) DoctorTav: Sounds like fun to me. Everyone GM a bit
(22:56:38) DoctorTav: Well, sub-GM
(22:56:50) ColDougMcKnight: Sure.
(22:58:40) ColDougMcKnight: Just keep in mind, we won't know much more than they tell us at first. They've never seen us before, and they haven't let their guard down yet.
(22:59:10) VAdmBlackthorne: We also showed up with a few bruises.
(22:59:36) LTWright: A few.
(22:59:43) ColDougMcKnight: But if you like, over the next week, I'll cobble together some notes about a few of these species. Basic stuff, stuff we'd be able to glean in game with minimal help. I could put that up on the site or something.
(22:59:46) DoctorTav: Bruises.
(22:59:52) VAdmBlackthorne: Mm, please do.
(23:00:04) ColDougMcKnight: Okay, then.
(23:00:19) VAdmBlackthorne: Having posts that aren't notices of absence would be fantastic.
(23:00:33) ColDougMcKnight: In that case, I have kitties to feed. And I'll see you all next week.
(23:00:36) LTWright: They all wear Hawaiian shirts and smoke big cigars.
(23:01:02) VAdmBlackthorne: The kitties wear hawaiian shirts and smoke big cigars?
(23:01:37) DoctorTav: Cold-blooded reptiles giving a warm welcome?
(23:01:53) VAdmBlackthorne: Dogs and cats living together, total chaos!
(23:02:00) ColDougMcKnight: They better not. That would violate our lease our lease or something.
(23:02:04) ColDougMcKnight: Night!
(23:02:13) VAdmBlackthorne: G'night
(23:02:17) ColDougMcKnight left the room (quit: Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client).
(23:04:40) VAdmBlackthorne: Good night folks, see you next week!
(23:04:58) DoctorTav: Good night, everyone.
(23:05:10) CdrTKirr: Night. =)