Conversation with #st_missionroom1 at Wed May 10 20:58:58 2017 on VAdmBlackthorne@chat.startrekengage.com (irc)

(21:15:26) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:15:27) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:15:29) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:16:16) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: fawning over all of the delicious science ::
(21:16:19) VAdmBlackthorne: :: exits to the bridge from the ready room ::
(21:17:04) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: looking over the data, making notes and checking previous records for comparison... or the closest there is to compare such an event against ::
(21:17:37) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: is continually scanning the area, making sure no ships approach... especially Federation ships ::
(21:17:58) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Routinely checks the status of all the ship's systems, humming 'Wheels on the Bus' to himself.::
(21:18:28) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: looks up at Blackthorne as he enters the Bridge from the off-center seat ::
(21:18:41) VAdmBlackthorne: :: hands a PADD to Wright :: CSO: Please transmit this to the ships listed.
(21:18:45) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: monitoring the probe network, collecting the first few hours of stellar fusion is also valuable science ::
(21:19:49) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::is at an open station on the Bridge, ogling the data from the star.. it might not be medical, but it's still fascinating::
(21:20:08) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: distracted, belatedly looks over at the Admiral and takes the PADD, straightening up :: CO: Ah, yes, Sir. Right away. :: hurriedly shuffles away her lovely pet project to do her actual duty ::
(21:20:29) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: at the helm, checking in on the Wing status since there's little to do while orbiting ::
(21:20:43) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Thank you. :: takes his seat ::
(21:20:53) VAdmBlackthorne: XO: Anything new to report?
(21:21:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks at the instructions on the PADD ::
(21:22:50) XO_Capt_TKirr: CO: No, just the influx of scientific data you already know about.
(21:23:38) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: gives a slight nod to what she sees on the PADD and begins transmitting the encoded messages ::
(21:24:18) VAdmBlackthorne: XO: As valuable as this unprecedented opportunity has been, we have a job to finish.
(21:24:44) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: returns the PADD to the Admiral almost immediately, having taken very little time to send the brief message :: CO: Messages away, Sir.
(21:25:03) XO_Capt_TKirr: CO: Agreed.
(21:25:26) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Thinks about asking the admiral who should be the next potential ally shall be, but decides against it, preferring the surprise if that is their heading.::
(21:26:05) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Thank you. And Commander... please note the name of this star as Atlantea.
(21:26:50) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: perks eyebrow ::
(21:27:08) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: gives him a small smile :: CO: I'll note it in the stellar registry right away, Sir.
(21:27:30) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Chuckles, overhearing the Admiral.:: Self: Oh, Humans... ::Smirks as he continues his work.::
(21:28:38) VAdmBlackthorne: XO: Make the ship ready for slipstream flight. NAV: Plot a slipstream solution to the Helix nebula.
(21:28:45) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: wonders about the planets that may someday be born from Atlantea's likely protoplanetary disc ::
(21:29:08) XO_Capt_TKirr: CTO: Shields up. Configure geometry for slipstream.
(21:29:09) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: Aye sir. :: inputs the coordinates ::
(21:29:36) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Self: Oh? A lucky hop is all that brought us here? Huh!
(21:30:00) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: wonders about the probability of such things ... it must be infinitesimal ::
(21:30:10) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::smiles at the name, enjoying the once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the birth of a new star::
(21:30:44) VAdmBlackthorne: :: hears the helm complain about the slipstream endpoint being in a nebula, and as Harper turns to speak, he overrides :: Helm: Override, authorization Blackthorne Epsilon Delta oh niner niner.
(21:31:46) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: turns back to the console as it accepts the override ::
(21:32:46) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: gets confirmation from Tactical :: CO: Ready for slipstream flight.
(21:33:12) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: makes the requisite shipwide notifications ::
(21:33:17) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: Slipstream solution complete.
(21:33:27) VAdmBlackthorne: :: nods to T'Kirr :: NAV: Warp speed, engage slipstream.
(21:33:56) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: engages the warp drive and begins the spin-up to slipstream :: Bridge: Slipstream in one minute.
(21:34:47) NAV_Capt_Harper: Bridge: Slipstream in ten seconds...
(21:35:31) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> Atlantis has a slightly bumpy transition from warp speed into slipstream because of the nebular surroundings, but all readings level out to nominal.
(21:36:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: is so engrossed in things that she isn't even thinking very hard about entering and exiting slipstream in a nebula again ::
(21:36:48) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: checks her readout at the bumpy ride, making sure nothing's going wrong ::
(21:37:02) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: rolls with the bumps :: CO: Slipstream achieved, all systems nominal. Flight time is three hours and ten minutes.
(21:37:07) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: slightly adjusts the shields to smooth out the flight ::
(21:37:45) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::rides out the bumps like a rodeo cowgirl..::
(21:38:46) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> Three hours later...
(21:39:25) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: suppresses a yawn with the front of her fist ::
(21:40:00) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: hasn't even looked at .2% of the raw data ::
(21:40:24) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: Ten minutes to slipstream exit.
(21:42:03) VAdmBlackthorne: CTO: Major, given our proximity to Earth, things get more dangerous as we go on. However, I am expecting company in the Helix nebula.
(21:42:10) VAdmBlackthorne: CTO: Friendly company, that is.
(21:42:30) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: What company should I watch to have, sir?
(21:43:25) VAdmBlackthorne: CTO: The nebula will, of course, make long range sensors problematic, but we should find a fellow Sovereign class in there.
(21:43:54) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: It'll be nice to fight alongside them, instead of against them.
(21:45:09) VAdmBlackthorne: :: smiles :: CTO: This is just the start, Major.
(21:46:23) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Been a while since I put the ideas of good news and being near Earth together.
(21:47:11) VAdmBlackthorne: CTO: Time to fix that. NAV: Time, Captain Harper?
(21:47:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: thinks briefly of her father... he's probably worried about her.. feels guilty and focuses on something else ::
(21:47:23) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: Three minutes, Admiral.
(21:48:02) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CTO: Now, now, Major. Your species aren't that bad, I find you quite charming. ::Grins at Wolfe, hoping to lighten the mood.::
(21:48:06) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: straightens slightly in her chair and checks over her side console ::
(21:49:42) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: since they're close to Earth, they're also close to Risa, and she suppresses thoughts of her parents as the slipstream exit approaches ::
(21:50:32) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: Slipstream exit in thirty seconds.
(21:50:32) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: sideglances at Ilaihr and smirks ::
(21:51:26) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> It's another rough transition to normal space, but Atlantis manages it without issue and appears in the Helix nebula.
(21:52:00) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: NAV: That didn't feel any worse than a level 3 spatial storm. We have improved from our last nebula transit; I would say the turbulence was akin to a level 5.
(21:52:03) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: peers at the summarized readings ::
(21:52:21) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: Normal space achieved. Drift is 2.5 AU. ENG: Indeed. Perhaps the computer is adapting.
(21:52:48) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: does a perfunctory review of the data gathered from entering and exiting slipstream in a nebula, and files it away for analysis ::
(21:52:59) VAdmBlackthorne: CTO: Anything on sensors?
(21:54:07) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: has scanners running as they drop out of Slipstream :: CO: You know that saying, that you're unable to see past your own nose?" Think of this nebula as our nose. Nothing close enough to see.
(21:54:53) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: ponders Wolfe's imagery for a few seconds ::
(21:54:55) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: always thought that saying was toes, not nose ::
(21:55:14) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: then ponders on Harper's interpretation ::
(21:55:36) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CTO: Then must see beyond our eyes. ::Smiles, closing his eyes and attempting just that.::
(21:55:49) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Hailing frequencies.
(21:56:12) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: tap tap :: CO: Open, Sir.
(21:58:43) VAdmBlackthorne: *Comm* :: forgoes the formality, given the situation :: Anyone here?
(21:59:01) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: again perks an eyebrow ::
(22:00:07) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> A crackling response comes across the comm...
(22:01:00) VAdmBlackthorne: Comm> :: crackles :: Waiting as ordered.
(22:01:29) VAdmBlackthorne: Comm> But you are late, Admiral! :: chuckles ::
(22:02:00) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks up, a small smile on her face from hearing that response ::
(22:02:29) VAdmBlackthorne: *Comm* We had a newborn to handle. Star, that is. Where are you?
(22:02:44) VAdmBlackthorne: Comm> Sending our coordinates to you now, sir. See you soon.
(22:03:09) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::also smiles.. it's good to hear a friendly voice out here, after what they went through back at Q'onos::
(22:03:30) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: receives the coordinates :: CO: A short warp flight will do, sir.
(22:03:43) VAdmBlackthorne: *Comm* We have them. Atlantis out.
(22:03:56) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: received coordinates and transmitted them to the Admiral and, presumptuously, the helm ::
(22:04:33) VAdmBlackthorne: NAV: Take us there.
(22:04:48) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: already had the course plotted, she jumps the ship to warp two ::
(22:05:56) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: is eager to see the owner of the friendly voice on the comm ::
(22:06:10) NAV_Capt_Harper: Arriving in ten seconds.
(22:06:38) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: You know, this feels very much like working with the Bajoran Resistance or Marquis.
(22:06:41) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> Atlantis drops out of warp, and the Sovereign-class USS Concorde is finally visible on sensors.
(22:06:53) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: On screen, Sir?
(22:07:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: presuming again by asking in advance ::
(22:07:40) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Certainly.
(22:07:54) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: tap taps and looks up as the image appears on screen ::
(22:08:22) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> The sleek lines of the Concorde appear on the viewer.
(22:08:32) VAdmBlackthorne: XO: Now that's a sight for sore eyes.
(22:08:51) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: maneuvers Atlantis alongside ::
(22:09:06) XO_Capt_TKirr: CO: :: thinks past the common saying :: Indeed.
(22:09:20) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: scans the Concorde. She is ready for battle, but weapons and shields are powered down. ::
(22:09:47) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: We're being hailed.
(22:09:53) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: hovers finger over the button ::
(22:09:58) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: On screen.
(22:10:11) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: presses the button ::
(22:10:22) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> Captain Charles Finley's charismatic face appears on the face, wearing his winning smile.
(22:10:57) VAdmBlackthorne: Capt_Finley> Good to see you sir. You are most definitely not dead.
(22:11:21) VAdmBlackthorne: Finley: I got better. Thanks for being here, Chuck.
(22:11:33) VAdmBlackthorne: Capt_Finley> Anytime. Is the word given, Admiral?
(22:11:54) VAdmBlackthorne: Finley: The word is given. We should have company soon.
(22:12:40) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: feels like she's in a secret club meeting, but she's not in the club ::
(22:13:10) VAdmBlackthorne: Capt_Finley> Brilliant. Let me know when we're ready to move.
(22:13:27) VAdmBlackthorne: Finley: We will. Atlantis out.
(22:13:41) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: coordinates formation station-keeping with Concorde's helm ::
(22:14:11) VAdmBlackthorne: :: once the screen goes dark :: Bridge: That's one. More will be arriving.
(22:14:30) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: I retract my previous statement. This feels like a Cabal meeting. How thrilling.
(22:14:37) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: looks to Blackthorne ::
(22:14:57) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: wonders exactly how many more will be showing up and if they should devise a way for a large number of ships to remain undetected in this nebula ::
(22:15:13) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: wonders how any of this was arranged... ::
(22:15:28) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::is listening with fascination.. not quite sure of what's going on yet::
(22:16:50) VAdmBlackthorne: Bridge: The slipstream-capable ships will arrive first, since they can travel undetected right into the nebula. Once the warp-only ships arrive, we'll have to make our move quickly.
(22:17:28) VAdmBlackthorne: Bridge: But this means we're making our move.
(22:18:43) VAdmBlackthorne: Bridge: My intent is not a titanic battle for control of Earth. But we will have a large enough fleet to demand that the Federation Council hear us.
(22:19:02) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: glances thoughtfully at other officers on the Bridge as Blackthorne speaks ::
(22:19:18) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: watching and listening, the concept of 'civil war' suddenly becoming more and more real ::
(22:19:26) VAdmBlackthorne: Bridge: That, combined with efforts to reduce the numbers of operational known Section-31 ships, will force the issue.
(22:19:37) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: tamps down on a rush of elation at finally making a move instead of playing the long game ::
(22:20:50) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: Ironically, I doubt they will go quietly, Admiral.
(22:21:33) VAdmBlackthorne: ENG: We should have the military advantage. Enough to force them to stand down. I hope that it will not come to a battle, but regret that it may.
(22:22:03) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: looks up at the Sovereign on the screen, grateful that they aren't fighting this one ::
(22:24:01) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> As if on cue, another questioning comm comes through from another arriving ship.
(22:24:17) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Incoming hail.
(22:24:41) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: We must be prepared for anything. They have access some of the most advanced technology in the quadrant, and plans within plans within lies and illusions.
(22:25:13) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Put it on.
(22:25:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: puts it on ::
(22:25:30) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: looks to the screen ::
(22:25:39) VAdmBlackthorne: Comm> :: cracklecrackles :: Who's already here?
(22:26:10) VAdmBlackthorne: Comm: We are.
(22:27:03) VAdmBlackthorne: Comm> Excellent. Where in this morass are you?
(22:27:21) VAdmBlackthorne: Comm: We'll send our coordinates. :: nods to Wright ::
(22:27:46) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: sends them after a split second of hesitation ::
(22:27:51) VAdmBlackthorne: Comm> Thank you. Out.
(22:28:40) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> A few minutes later, the Galaxy-class USS Discovery warps in.
(22:30:07) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: :: belatedly :: There have been efforts to reduce the numbers of known Section-31 ships, Sir..?
(22:30:41) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: There have been. I had people working on that problem while we gathered allies.
(22:31:15) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks at him with a measure of respect, colored with surprise, with a side of horror ::
(22:32:04) VAdmBlackthorne: Bridge: Many Section 31 ships have suffered an outright unreasonable level of catastrophic maintenance issues lately, I've heard.
(22:32:19) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: begins arranging the list of the known growing fleet members, tapping idly at her side console while glancing up at the Bridge conversation ::
(22:32:39) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: forms up with Discovery, as she's done many times ::
(22:33:00) VAdmBlackthorne: Bridge: Turns out not all of their engineers agree with them, either.
(22:33:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: horror fades somewhat into thoughtfulness ::
(22:33:43) XO_Capt_TKirr: CO: Brave engineers.
(22:34:15) CSO_LCdr_Wright: XO: :: absently :: Most engineers are, I think....
(22:34:16) VAdmBlackthorne: XO: Among a multitude of others, most certainly.
(22:34:48) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: Did you take any of my ship suggestions, Admiral.
(22:35:07) VAdmBlackthorne: ENG: Which were those, Lt?
(22:35:55) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: I know the Shangri-la is commanded by a old friend Rear Admiral Yehezkel Shafir.
(22:36:52) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::grins in spite of herself at the thought of 31 being sabotaged by members of it's own crew.. ::
(22:37:00) VAdmBlackthorne: ENG: Shafir retired, last I heard.
(22:37:32) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> The welcoming procedures are repeated as the Prometheus-Class USS Endeavour, under the command of Captain Lydia Hawke, arrives and joins our formation.
(22:38:08) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: hears Shafir retired and can't help but wonder, in light of recent events, if the retirement was Shafir's idea ::
(22:39:25) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Incoming hails from Discovery. ...And Endeavour.
(22:39:33) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Split-screen, please.
(22:39:46) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: tap taps, complies ::
(22:39:59) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> Hawke is joined on the screen by Captain David Santiago of the Discovery, Atlantis's usual companion ship.
(22:40:15) VAdmBlackthorne: Comm: Lydia, David, thank you for coming and supporting the cause.
(22:40:23) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: tap taps, glancing occasionally at the viewscreen during the conversation ::
(22:40:26) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: I hope you are incorrect, Admiral. I would hate to think they had gotten to him or his wife.
(22:40:51) VAdmBlackthorne: Santiago> My pleasure, sir - and that of my entire crew.
(22:41:10) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks up at the screen, interested to see friendly faces in Star Fleet uniforms for the first time in what feels like a long time ::
(22:41:13) VAdmBlackthorne: Hawke> Same for the Endeavour, Admiral. The cause is likely the most important we've ever championed.
(22:41:16) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Gives a worried sigh.:: Self: She was the best damn pilot I ever had.
(22:42:00) VAdmBlackthorne: Comm: Indeed it is. Please assist, along with the Concorde, in coordinating the new arrivals as they come. Once the warp-only ships begin arriving, we'll have to move.
(22:42:16) VAdmBlackthorne: Hawke> Understood, Admiral. And welcome back, sir.
(22:42:31) VAdmBlackthorne: Santiago> Will do. Good to be back at the Atlantis's side.
(22:42:35) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: smiles a little, remembering the rescue ::
(22:42:45) VAdmBlackthorne: Comm: Thank you both. :: smiles :: Atlantis out.
(22:42:53) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: closes the channels ::
(22:43:12) VAdmBlackthorne: Bridge: A promising start, with more to come.
(22:43:38) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: heartened by the show of support, starting to think this just might work out after all ::
(22:44:08) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: reluctant to allow herself to hope based on only four ships ::
(22:45:40) VAdmBlackthorne: Bridge: In the meantime, we wait for everyone to arrive at the party.
(22:45:41) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: takes a moment to assess the Bridge crew's reaction. Morale is her job, after all.
(22:45:42) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: How many do you expect, Sir?
(22:45:53) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Lots.
(22:45:55) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(22:45:56) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(22:45:57) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM