Conversation with #st_missionroom1 at Wed Oct 26 20:57:57 2016 on VAdmBlackthorne@chat.startrekengage.com (irc)
(20:57:57) The topic for #ST_MissionRoom1 is: =/\= Star Trek: Engage Mission Room 1 =/\=
(20:57:57) Topic for #ST_MissionRoom1 set by GM_James at 11:22:06 on 11/16/2015
(21:21:51) CO_Capt_Harper: BEGIN SIM
(21:21:53) CO_Capt_Harper: BEGIN SIM
(21:21:55) CO_Capt_Harper: BEGIN SIM
(21:23:12) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: stands at TAC 1, awaiting the further cluing in that is to come. ::
(21:23:27) CO_Capt_Harper: :: puts what appears to be empty space up on the main viewer ::
(21:23:45) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: poring over the intel for the umpteenth time ::
(21:23:48) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: next to Harper on the Bridge, doing his thing ::
(21:25:06) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: checking sensor scans and waiting ::
(21:25:09) CO_Capt_Harper: CSO: Switch the viewer to infrared.
(21:25:58) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: absorbed in the data, belatedly realizes she is being spoken to and quickly complies ::
(21:26:20) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: ::Sitting in his little space, thinking over the recent events, whilst also finishing up with simulations of the sensor jammer, trying to ascertain the optimal solution.::
(21:26:32) CO_Capt_Harper: ACTION> Surprise, a rogue planet appears on the main viewer.
(21:27:28) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: is actually surprised ::
(21:28:07) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: because rogue planets are always surprising ::
(21:28:32) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: Twelve light years from the nearest star, just like Colonel McKnight said. This planet, unlike the last one, has an atmosphere. And, as you can see, it is clearly still thermally active. :: points at the heat shown in IR ::
(21:29:05) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: stares at the rogue planet on the screen ::
(21:29:37) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: There are orbital defenses, but the information we need is likely in the more heavily-defended surface facility.
(21:31:55) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Is it safe to scan for a lifesign count, or could that give away our position?
(21:32:20) CO_Capt_Harper: CSO: We cannot, unfortuantely.
(21:32:38) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: disappointed thinking face ::
(21:32:42) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: So we will need a way to get forces past the orbital defenses and into that facility before it can react.
(21:32:47) TAC_1LT_Randen: :: Mans the TAC 2 console, checking all the readings from the sensors. ::
(21:33:27) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Do we know whether the orbital defenses are manned or automated?
(21:34:13) CO_Capt_Harper: CSO: There is at least one ship there at all times, along with some automated defenses.
(21:34:51) CO_Capt_Harper: CTO: The atmosphere is mostly hydrogen, at high pressures, but nothing our Marines can not handle in their suits, yes?
(21:35:19) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: That's not a problem.
(21:36:35) CO_Capt_Harper: CTO: So, if we got you on the ground with air cover, you could breach without imploding the facility?
(21:37:23) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: looks a little disappointed at the idea of not imploding the facility, but only for a moment :: CO: So long as we attack from the leeward side of the building.
(21:37:57) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: thinks another moment :: CO: We could also reinforce around where we make entry.
(21:38:27) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO/CTO: Is there no chance we could take the information we want remotely by breaching their computer defenses?
(21:38:43) CO_Capt_Harper: CTO: Pressure is higher outside than in. Short range transporters would prevent you from having to breach at all, if we can get you close enough.
(21:39:02) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: listens to the plan, running it through his mind ::
(21:39:20) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Of course. I am thinking about the tactics if it is necessary.
(21:40:10) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: still doesn't understand why options that don't involve shooty splody attack grr time aren't under consideration ::
(21:40:55) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: Unfortunately, we can not beam directly in due to a defense of the facilty, transport scatterers. Once on the inside of those, however, the walls are just walls.
(21:41:21) CO_Capt_Harper: :: zooms in on the planet to the facility itself, awash in an unlit haze ::
(21:42:13) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: It has no doors. There is no need to ever go outside. Everyone beams in from orbit with a careful timing of the scatterers.
(21:42:23) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Bridge: I'm gonna guess that's a 'no' on the possibility of a digital breach, then?
(21:42:53) CO_Capt_Harper: CSO: Not unless there is a way to convince them to lower their defenses.
(21:44:12) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: ::Hears the word transporters, looking at the simulations, as he take in the information.:: Self: So we have to get close. CO: Shall I present the sensor modifier solutions now, ma'am. We appear to need it now.... I believe it is ready.
(21:45:23) CO_Capt_Harper: ENG: What do you have?
(21:46:25) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: folds her arms across her chest and pulls off the most professional form of sulking that she can muster :: Self, grumbling quietly: Not even gonna consider subterfuge and trickery... no, let's go in guns blazing, that's always a great idea.
(21:47:36) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: CO: The computer and I have run hundreds of simulations up to this point. While we may still not have the most efficient deployment solution, we should he able to integrate it. As for what we look like, that it a matter of choice.
(21:48:23) CO_Capt_Harper: ENG: Could we look like one of them? Do we even know what one of them looks like?
(21:48:31) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: CO: I heard Kybarite freighter, but we could potentially appear as simply a gaseous cloud.
(21:49:18) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: CO: Of course, it is only a sensor image. Eventually we will have to worry about visual identification.
(21:50:22) CO_Capt_Harper: ENG: We will be arriving by quantum slipstream to what everyone believes to be empty space. That would quite the fast gas cloud or freighter. But if we can fool them, somehow, into thinking we are one of them, then that would buy us some time.
(21:51:35) CO_Capt_Harper: ENG: Unless we could hide the slipstream arrival with this?
(21:52:08) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: CO: That would require us knowing the exact signature and identification as said ship.
(21:52:40) CO_Capt_Harper: Which we do not. :: glances at Vallero ::
(21:52:55) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Bridge: If there's one thing that's common to organizations like this throughout history, it's that secrecy keeps even their own minions in the dark. Why not just walk right up like we're supposed to be there and demand to be taken to the landing site? I'm sure the lackeys can be convinced that they're not "need-to-know".
(21:53:42) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: CO: Hmmm..... The device fools what is looking at it, into believing it is something else.... CSO: What kind of spatial anomaly appear at random like a slipstream exit?
(21:54:20) CO_Capt_Harper: CSO: We have to assume that word will have gotten out about Atlantis being, well, rogue.
(21:54:42) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: listens to the conversation at hand, nodding ever so slightly at certain points :: CO/CSO: What if we were not the Atlantis?
(21:55:12) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: breaks his stare at Harper to look at T'Lira ::
(21:55:33) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: indicates to Ilaihr that she'll be with him in a moment and nods at T'Lira :: SCI: Exactly what I was thinking.
(21:57:10) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: So, what, a different starfleet vessel?
(21:57:20) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Bridge: We could make small cosmetic changes, make us look like a different Sovereign-class ship... that would be the simplest.
(21:58:35) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Bridge: But if you carry yourself with authority and seem like you're supposed to be there, much easier to move around without being detected. You know what they say... carry a PADD and look busy, and no one will stop you.
(21:59:51) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: sitting up, gaining confidence :: Bridge: Hell, whoever we say is in charge could be there to formally reprimand the base commander. That'd have them on their toes.
(22:00:10) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Bridge: And audit their files, of course.
(22:00:42) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: ::Smiles at Wright. Seems proud, in a strange way.::
(22:00:53) XO_Cdr_Vallero: CSO: There would probably be a sort of passcode system that we wouldn't know. From what I understand, it's quite secretive.
(22:02:23) CO_Capt_Harper: :: looks to Vallero, then back to Lexy ::
(22:03:16) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: shrugs :: CO: Would such a high-ranking officer bother with passcodes? Those are for underlings. Are you questioning my identity? I'll make a note in your file.
(22:04:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: thinks :: CO: But excellent work, you passed the security protocol test. Let's move on.
(22:04:45) CO_Capt_Harper: CSO: He is probably right. We have to assume that an organization that has managed to exist for this long and take this much power without notice would not be so naive. Yet, your idea could buy us some time, at least.
(22:05:32) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: CSO: It may require a little more forwardness.
(22:05:59) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks around, taking the temperature of the room :: Bridge: At least it'd be a chance to get what we need without bringing the whole organization down on our heads just yet, is my point.
(22:06:00) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: We have to compensate for the drift in the slipstream drive. We could emerge a great distance away.
(22:07:48) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: Feigning the right to be there while we approach may stall them.
(22:08:59) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: Bridge: They could know that Starfleet is looking for Captain Harper. Might even have a WANTED poster hanging next to their viewscreen.
(22:09:34) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: nods, having considered this ::
(22:10:18) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: If visual communication is required, then I can not appear on screen.
(22:10:58) XO_Cdr_Vallero: CO: No problem, I can take care of it.
(22:11:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks at Vallero, dubious of his acting skills ::
(22:12:18) CO_Capt_Harper: :: nods at Vallero :: XO: Alright.
(22:12:54) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: That will let us get close before being attacked, but the ruse will not hold up to scrutiny.
(22:13:18) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: So we'll have to be ready to go in guns blazing in case things go sideways.
(22:14:21) CO_Capt_Harper: :: pauses a second to parse that ::
(22:15:15) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: I think I know a way that could let us transport Marines and launch Mustangs before the defenses can react.
(22:16:29) CO_Capt_Harper: :: looks at the planet on the viewer, running some mental math ::
(22:17:40) XO_Cdr_Vallero: CO: Oh?
(22:18:02) CO_Capt_Harper: XO: Yes, it is risky, but would work.
(22:18:41) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: The second that our charade fails, we engage the warp drive and fly into the atmosphere. Beam down Marines, launch Mustangs, and warp out again.
(22:19:04) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> :: blinks ::
(22:19:55) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: also blinks ::
(22:19:58) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: wonders at the sort of skill it would take to be able to quickly offload the Marines and Mustangs without being fired upon almost immediately, if the defenses are adequate ::
(22:20:25) XO_Cdr_Vallero: CO: Have you...done that before?
(22:21:09) CO_Capt_Harper: XO: No. The need has never come up. But the ship can take it, yes? :: looks to Ilaihr ::
(22:22:00) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> :: doing some mental math of her own ::
(22:26:37) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: ::Looks to the Captain.:: CO: She can. ::Rest his hand on the console.:: Especially if we ask her nicely.
(22:27:06) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: That will gain us the element of surprise. Atlantis can then attempt to neutralize the orbital defenses.
(22:28:26) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: CO: But, we best get in good with her now. Make your promises. I have a feeling we will need them in the days to come.
(22:28:31) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: We might be able to electronically disrupt the autonomous defenses.
(22:29:11) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: grins slowly at Harper and her outlandish idea ::
(22:29:38) CO_Capt_Harper: CSO: I believe the Colonel's ship may be able to provide some help on that end, along with some communications jamming.
(22:29:46) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: CO: I have already promised her, I'd polish the warp core.
(22:30:11) CO_Capt_Harper: ENG: I hope she believes you.
(22:30:48) CO_Capt_Harper: ENG: That reminds me, have you finished changing the prefix code?
(22:31:14) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks down at her console and mentally promises to polish it later, and join her staff in giving the labs a thorough cleaning ::
(22:31:27) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: CO: The trick is delegation. ::Laughs.:: And I believe Lieutenant Quinn was working on it personally ma'am.
(22:32:37) CO_Capt_Harper: :: nods to Ilaihr ::
(22:34:22) CO_Capt_Harper: CSO: Communications disruption will be another key. We can not allow them to signal out, since it will not be hard for anyone to deduce our ultimate goal in selecting this particular target.
(22:34:53) CO_Capt_Harper: :: doesn't particularly want to elaborate on what that could mean ::
(22:37:20) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: What we have so far, then: Disguise ourselves as another Sovereign using the device we found on the rogue planet. Bluff our way from the point we exit slipstream until we are discovered.
(22:38:10) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: Engage warp drive into the atmosphere, stop, beam down Marines and launch Mustangs. Marines approach the facility and get inside the transport scatterers, then use personal transports to enter. Sharks provide air cover and neutralize any defenses on the ground.
(22:38:42) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Jam communications and disrupt autonomous orbital weaponry.
(22:38:58) CO_Capt_Harper: Atlantis returns to space, as do the Sharks once the Marines are inside. Marines secure the facility and recover information from its computers, and if necessary, personnel.
(22:39:27) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: has no desire to even attempt to estimate the odds that such a plan would succeed against an enemy they currently know so little about ::
(22:39:28) CO_Capt_Harper: ::: nods to Wright :: CSO: We may still end up in combat with the ship that is there, however.
(22:40:57) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: Once the facility is secure and we have the information we need, we go after Blackthorne and T'Kirr before Section 31 does.
(22:41:04) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: frowns but nod ::
(22:41:45) XO_Cdr_Vallero: :: nods along, making it work in his head ::
(22:42:23) CO_Capt_Harper: CTO: Weapons to heaviest stun when inside the facility. I realize casualties may be unavoidable, but spare who you can.
(22:42:39) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: nods :: CO: Aye.
(22:43:03) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: CO: It is a remarkable and solid plan, captain. Will shall take some bumps, but I am confident Atlantis and her crew can overcome it. ::Smiles.:j
(22:43:20) CO_Capt_Harper: ENG: It certainly has the advantage of never having been tried.
(22:43:39) CO_Capt_Harper: Bridge: So perhaps that will surprise the hell out of people used to working in a secret facility that gets very little traffic.
(22:44:23) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO/XO: Vallero is going to need some believable underlings to handle the trivial communication for him.
(22:45:54) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: CO: Once more into the breach, then. ::Nods.::
(22:46:56) CO_Capt_Harper: CSO: We could adjust the field of view of the camera to only show the center seat.
(22:47:31) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: No, I mean... to establish his importance. "Stand by for the Admiral" sort of thing.
(22:48:14) CO_Capt_Harper: XO: Any ideas, Commander?
(22:50:12) XO_Cdr_Vallero: CSO: You mean someone to answer the inevitable call for me?
(22:50:16) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO/XO: These people would also accompany him as his assistants moving around the base.
(22:50:41) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO/XO: And perform the file audits, if you see what I mean.
(22:51:19) XO_Cdr_Vallero: CSO: But in practicality we only need to sell it for the visual comm, so they would be at their stations, right?
(22:52:38) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: doesn't think they understand what she's saying :: XO: Well yes, and then later members of your delegation.
(22:53:03) XO_Cdr_Vallero: CSO: But I won't actually be going aboard.
(22:53:05) CO_Capt_Harper: CSO: Yes, if we get that far. It will be a pleasant surprise if we do.
(22:53:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: wonders if there's a disconnect here, looking from Kate to Vallero ::
(22:55:05) CO_Capt_Harper: ENG: If it is to work, we have to try to sell it, and since this apparently goes to the top, that leaves one choice of ship to pretend to be...
(22:55:15) CO_Capt_Harper: ENG: Can you make us appear to be the Enterprise?
(22:56:20) ENG_LtJG_Ilaihr: ::Looks up. And stares at the Captain for a moment with a smile slowly creaking across his face.::
(22:56:34) CO_Capt_Harper: PAUSE SIM
(22:56:35) CO_Capt_Harper: PAUSE SIM
(22:56:37) CO_Capt_Harper: PAUSE SIM