Conversation with #st_missionroom1 at Wed Aug 31 21:11:31 2016 on VAdmBlackthorne@chat.startrekengage.com (irc)
(21:15:58) CO_Capt_Harper: BEGIN SIM
(21:15:59) CO_Capt_Harper: BEGIN SIM
(21:15:59) CO_Capt_Harper: BEGIN SIM
(21:16:30) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: on the Bridge, as usual ::
(21:17:11) CO_Capt_Harper: :: in the center seat, reading a report from Captain Hawke, seeing that things are going well with the refugees ::
(21:18:34) CTO_Major_Wolfe: :: feels restless, having been so close to battle and with Atlantis now on her way back to familiar territory ::
(21:18:55) TAC_1LT_Randen: :: On the bridge, manning the Tactical 2 console. With not much to do then to scan random things. ::
(21:19:03) CO_Capt_Harper: :: nods in satisfaction, then hands the report to Vallero :: XO: Take a look.
(21:19:11) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: in Science Lab One, distracting herself with a new experiment that's probably not going to work, as the current results seem to be poor ::
(21:19:19) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: ::Sat at the ENG console he likes, reading over schematics for the sensors jamming device they picked up a few months ago.::
(21:20:13) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: looks ::
(21:20:19) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: having not had a chance to speak to Kate privately, has instead run through every possible scenario that would cause her to be emerge from her ready room so upset, and doesn't like any of them one bit - is rather preoccupied by this and not entirely focusing on her work ::
(21:21:44) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: holding the report handed to him, sighs as if releasing pent up stress and nods just as Harper did :: CO: Looks good.
(21:23:33) CO_Capt_Harper: XO: So that is something. You have the bridge; inform me when we are about to emerge from slipstream.
(21:23:57) XO_Cdr_Vallero: CO: Yes, Captain.
(21:24:25) CO_Capt_Harper: :: enters the RR and plops down behind the desk in an exasperated heap ::
(21:25:57) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: follows Kate with her eyes, concerned ::
(21:28:32) CO_Capt_Harper: :: looks around the room, thinking that if this is her last cruise into dock of a short command career, at least she made a difference ::
(21:30:03) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: ::Hums to himself, pondering the applications for the device should it be needed; trying to shake off a malaise he felt coming from somewhere, despite the work they did.::
(21:36:59) NAV_2Lt_Suzuki: XO: Exiting slipstream in 1 minute.
(21:37:10) CO_Capt_Harper: :: gets up and walks to the windows, looking out into the slipstream, hoping to see whatever Captains always look for out the windows ::
(21:38:27) XO_Cdr_Vallero: NAV: Thank you.
(21:39:09) XO_Cdr_Vallero: *CO* Vallero to Harper. We're approaching Starbase Vinland.
(21:39:22) CO_Capt_Harper: :: sighs :: *XO* Understood, on my way.
(21:39:46) NAV_2Lt_Suzuki: Bridge: Exiting slipstream in 5... 4... 3... 2...
(21:40:14) CO_Capt_Harper: :: walks out onto the bridge, just in time to see the ship exit slipstream ::
(21:40:19) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: decides that that experiment definitely has a high probability of complete failure... which is shortly demonstrated by the small amount of plant material in the petri dish starting to decay rapidly. Experiment B it was, then, as A so clearly failed ::
(21:40:36) CEO_LtQuinn: :: Sits in his office, finishing up a complete and itemised requisition request from the stores at Vinland. They had to hand out a lot of parts and equipment to get that refugee fleet back in its feet, and not everything can be easily replicated anew. ::
(21:41:28) CEO_LtQuinn: :: Grimaces slightly. If the sound of the drive itself wasn't telling, his stomach always lurches just a little when they exit that passageway they open through space. :: There'
(21:41:35) CEO_LtQuinn: s progress for you.
(21:41:39) CO_Capt_Harper: ACTION> Atlantis pops into normal space, near Vinland, at least in space terms.
(21:42:08) NAV_2Lt_Suzuki: Bridge: We've re-entered normal space. Drift 2.1AU. Requested warp factor to Starbase Vinland, Captain?
(21:43:10) CO_Capt_Harper: NAV: Warp one to Vinland. :: tunic-tugs and sits in her chair ::
(21:43:52) NAV_2Lt_Suzuki: CO: Aye, Captain. :: sets course for Vinland and engages at warp one ::
(21:44:17) CEO_LtQuinn: *XO* Bridge, this is engineering. I noticed we've dropped out of slipstream. Seeing as there was no malfunction enroute, I presume we've arrived. Permission to disengage and lock down the drive so we can run the usual checks on it?
(21:44:52) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: looks to Harper for her permission, assuming she heard the comm ::
(21:45:14) CO_Capt_Harper: :: nods her assent to Vallero ::
(21:45:17) XO_Cdr_Vallero: *CEO* Permission granted.
(21:45:34) CEO_LtQuinn: *XO* Thank you, sir. Engineering out.
(21:47:51) CEO_LtQuinn: :: Looks back to his computer. :: Aaaand 5 panels of high end reserve reactor shielding. And that should do it.
(21:48:34) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: sends updated sensor data to the CO and XO, mostly for the opportunity to include a direct personal note reading "<3, concerned. Talk soon?" to Kate's console as well ::
(21:49:20) CEO_LtQuinn: :: Forwards the requisition request to the comm officer for relaying to Vinland, then proceeds out into engineering proper to ensure that none of the inevitable minor maintenance problems with any advanced new technology cut down on precision or speed next time it's used. ::
(21:49:45) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: also begins communicating with Starbase Vinland regarding clearance for their impending approach ::
(21:50:55) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: forwards Quinn's requisition on to Vinland, along with a few others from other departments per SOP ::
(21:51:45) CO_Capt_Harper: :: gets the report and wants so very badly to answer reassuringly, but instead sends along a re-re-re-re-request for Mustang fighters to include in the Vinland traffic... then adds a separate <3 at the end ::
(21:53:19) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: as Experiment B runs its course, she turns her attention back to a message she's been working on drafting for the past week now. Currently, only five words have been written ::
(21:53:38) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: assumes the <3 is for her and doesn't pass it along to Vinland, but does mark the request for Mustangs as "high priority" ::
(21:54:35) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: but also frowns at the lack of any other reply ::
(21:56:11) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: We're cleared for approach and docking. :: forwards berth information to Suzuki ::
(21:57:52) NAV_2Lt_Suzuki: :: slows to half impulse, then quarter impulse for final approach, then drops to thrusters only and glides through the spacedoors ::
(21:58:40) CO_Capt_Harper: :: watches Suzuki bring us in ::
(21:58:53) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: ::Is still running through ideas in his head, trying to distract himself from this nagging feeling in the back of his mind.::
(21:59:33) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: watches their approach towards Vinland's spacedoors ::
(22:00:46) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: stares down at the note appended to the clearance, reading it four times before speaking :: CO: And... we are notified that re-departure clearance will not be granted unless approved by the Admiralty... :: trails off, pivoting in her seat to give Kate an incredulous questioning look ::
(22:01:09) CO_Capt_Harper: :: swears in Afrikaans under her breath :: CSO: Understood.
(22:02:10) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: frowns and looks over to Wright, but at Harper's reaction, doesn't comment ::
(22:03:34) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: jaw drops open in surprise for half a second, searching Kate's face for signs of surprise and finding none, but then abruptly snaps her mouth closed and turns back around to send an acknowledgement to Vinland, reeling over what this could mean ::
(22:03:36) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: ::Tilts his head at the announcement, that nagging feeling suddenly making sense. Continues working away regardless, thinking better than to ask any questions at this time.::
(22:04:12) CTO_Major_Wolfe: :: blinks terseley at the announcement. ::
(22:04:34) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: only looks at Harper, seeing she's not in a talking mood ::
(22:05:46) CO_Capt_Harper: :: turns to Vallero :: XO: While we are here, the crew will be free to enjoy Vinland, but may not take leave to any other destinations. I expect that this ship will remain ready for whenever we are given new orders.
(22:06:13) NAV_2Lt_Suzuki: :: eases the ship into place and disengages the thrusters :: CO: Docking maneuvers complete.
(22:06:34) CO_Capt_Harper: NAV: Transfer to Vinland power and secure your station.
(22:06:52) XO_Cdr_Vallero: CO: I'll make the announcement.
(22:07:43) NAV_2Lt_Suzuki: :: taps a few buttons :: CO: Transition to station power complete. NAV station secured.
(22:07:44) CTO_Major_Wolfe: :: begins final lockdown and shutdown procedures at Tactical.
(22:07:53) CTO_Major_Wolfe: ::
(22:08:53) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: the ever so slight shift in the deck plates that signals the ship has docked startles her slightly and she blinks out of her thoughts, looking at the experiment. That failed as well. Taking notes on the process, she starts up Experiment C. ::
(22:09:08) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: with forced calm :: CO: SCI/OPS secured.
(22:09:19) CO_Capt_Harper: CSO: Thank you. Give me shipwide.
(22:09:46) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: opens a shipwide channel and nods over her shoulder at Kate without making eye contact ::
(22:09:55) CTO_Major_Wolfe: :: with Tactical fully disengaged, stands at attention and prepares to listen to what Harper has to say ::
(22:11:47) CO_Capt_Harper: *Shipwide* This is Captain Harper. We have arrived at Vinland; Commander Vallero will be communicating arrangements. I just wanted to say how proud I am of all of you and the way our mission turned out. Well-done, and remember what you have accomplished. Harper out.
(22:12:12) TAC_1LT_Randen: :: Shuts down the Tactical 2 console, following the Major's lead. ::
(22:14:58) CEO_LtQuinn: :: Takes a deep breath for an announcement that will carry. :: Price, Gant, you're with me until this diagnostic is finished! Everyone else...what the Captain said! Enjoy your rest!
(22:15:14) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks to Vallero to see if he wants the shipwide, mutes it ::
(22:16:19) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: shakes his head at Wright :: and starts programming the duty roster ::
(22:18:37) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: kills the shipwide channel ::
(22:19:07) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: glances up occasionally from his work at Harper, tentatively :: CO: What are your plans, Captain?
(22:19:34) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: ::Listens to the the shipwide, turning to look at the captain as she finish. Examining her for a moment, before again turning back to his work.::
(22:20:29) CO_Capt_Harper: XO: I do not know. Perhaps I will learn a new language to swear in.
(22:21:06) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: quietly, hesitant at first :: CO: Is there something I should be aware of?
(22:21:41) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: totally listening, if she had cat ears it would be obvious ::
(22:22:18) CO_Capt_Harper: XO: :: as quietly :: Nothing new since last we spoke. But if you meant the language, I suggest reading the reference book I wrote on Gencodian language. It has the profanity as well.
(22:23:34) XO_Cdr_Vallero: CO: Right. :: shuts up, wishing he could encourage Harper further, but he really can't ::
(22:25:18) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: finishes the duty roster and updates it shipwide so people can check on their schedules ::
(22:25:56) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: notes the update and checks it, briefly committing it to memory before deciding that she'll likely spend most of her time in the science labs and carrying on ::
(22:26:01) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: CO: Perhaps you would enjoy a notebook I have on the Breen language?
(22:26:47) CO_Capt_Harper: ENG: I speak Breen, yes, but thank you.
(22:27:07) XO_Cdr_Vallero: CO: I have to admit, I'm jealous of your language skills. :: slight attempt to lighten her mood ::
(22:27:23) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks at her schedule without really comprehending it, her seething anger only evident in the flex of her jaw as she grits her teeth ::
(22:28:10) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: CO: Is it not a strangely colourful tongue. ::Smiles, encouragingly.::
(22:28:13) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: for she has jumped to a conclusion, and that conclusion makes her furious ::
(22:28:39) CO_Capt_Harper: XO: Oh, thank you. :: then cluelessly adds :: I have been told I am quite the cunning linguist.
(22:28:40) CEO_LtQuinn: :: The diagnostic doesn't take long to confirm there's nothing wrong with the drive, this time at least. Dismissing the other two and locking down engineering, he makes for the bridge, PADD in hand. ::
(22:29:15) CO_Capt_Harper: ENG: Indeed it is. I am quite fond of the profanity.
(22:31:55) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: attempts to look busy on her PADD, waiting for an opportunity to catch Kate alone ::
(22:32:30) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: blinks momentarily at Harper, but she seems completely oblivious to her phrasing, so he lets it go ::
(22:33:24) CO_Capt_Harper: XO: I will be in the ready room for a bit.
(22:33:56) XO_Cdr_Vallero: CO: All right. I'll stick around a while.
(22:34:23) CO_Capt_Harper: :: nods, then stands and exits to the RR :
(22:34:35) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Captain, may I have a word in private? :: sees and seizes opportunity ::
(22:34:55) CO_Capt_Harper: CSO: Certainly, come with me.
(22:35:39) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: follows, the thundercloud almost visible over her head ::
(22:35:52) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: CO: The tone of their speech, really belays the meaning of their words. :Smiles.:: I will grab that notebook... I may be able to locate another language. ::Hopes his words carried.::
(22:36:11) CO_Capt_Harper: ::: nods to Ilaihr as she exits ::
(22:36:22) CO_Capt_Harper: :: enters the RR with Wright ::
(22:37:46) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: as soon as the RR door closes behind her :: CO: The only logical conclusion I can draw is that someone was unhappy with your handling of the refugee situation, and it's probably the same someone that ordered you to murder those people. Please tell me I'm wrong about this.
(22:38:49) CO_Capt_Harper: :: turns to Lexy, her eyes wide at the situation having been so accurately stated, and her command facade just crumbles :: CSO: I wish I could tell you that, Lexy. :: her voice tremulous ::
(22:40:27) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: balls her fists up at her side and stamps her foot, clearly extremely angry but in an almost comical way :: CO: Don't you for a second believe that you didn't do the right thing, Kate! Tell me, would the Starfleet YOU joined turn its back on refugees?
(22:41:57) CO_Capt_Harper: CSO: No, of course it would not! So imagine my confusion when an Admiral is telling me how inconvenient it was that I committed us to helping them.
(22:43:09) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: continues :: Because that's certainly not the Starfleet I joined! That Admiral has to be an outlier. In fact, that Admiral should be tried for treason. What good would killing them be besides inciting a war? The Diplomatic Corps clearly thought it was worthwhile.
(22:43:37) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: monitors the powering down of systems from his console, then when there's nothing more he can do, stands in thought for a moment, then turns his head worriedly towards the RR door ::
(22:43:55) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: pacing up and down angrily ::
(22:44:12) CO_Capt_Harper: CSO: I wish I could explain it to you because then it might make sense to me, as well. :: turns and leans her forehead against the wall :: I do not know what is happening, but little makes sense right now.
(22:46:14) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: ::Sighs. Sensing concern in the air. Buries himself back into his work.::
(22:46:23) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: notes that and softens, putting her arm around Kate :: CO: I don't think anyone true to the principles of Starfleet would think you were in the wrong, Kate. Maybe we should find some people you can trust and start asking, get to the bottom of this. I will always be first on your list of allies, though. I'll back whatever you decide to do, always.
(22:48:05) CO_Capt_Harper: :: turns to Lexy :: CSO: Thank you. I already have started asking questions, and have someone I trust looking into it. Until then, all I can do is sit and wait to be court-martialed.
(22:49:25) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: I only know profanity in one language, so forgive me, but fuck that Admiral and everything he stands for. Give me a name. I have people at the Academy I can talk to.
(22:50:37) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: belatedly adds :: CO: Or she.
(22:51:05) CO_Capt_Harper: CSO: Not yet. Asking around now might just draw unwanted attention to yourself... and I cannot let that happen.
(22:52:03) CEO_LtQuinn: :: Steps off the turbolift, looks around for a moment, and then heads directly for Vallero. :: Sir, main engineering is secured. All duty stations powered down. I've got the report right here. Nothing too surprising this time around.
(22:52:19) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: her eyes keep flicking over to that drafted letter as she works on what is now her fourth experiment in a growing series of failed attempts ::
(22:53:22) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: swivels, distracted from his thoughts, and regards Quinn, holding his hand out :: CEO: Great, thank you.
(22:53:57) CEO_LtQuinn: :: Hands the PADD over. :: Of course, sir. Any extra instructions?
(22:54:20) XO_Cdr_Vallero: CEO: Not until we're closer to leaving, no. :: forces a smile :: Enjoy a break.
(22:54:50) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: having calmed down, proceeds to have a quiet comforting conversation with Kate ::
(22:55:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: ...but, in the back of her mind, is still reviewing her options ::
(22:55:53) CO_Capt_Harper: PAUSE SIM
(22:55:55) CO_Capt_Harper: PAUSE SIM
(22:55:56) CO_Capt_Harper: PAUSE SIM