Conversation with #st_missionroom1 at Wed May 17 20:55:36 2017 on VAdmBlackthorne@chat.startrekengage.com (irc)
(21:20:15) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:20:17) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:20:18) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:21:03) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: stands at Tactical 1, where he looks over at Randen at TAC2, waiting for a confirmation nod that the systems he's prepraing are ready ::
(21:21:34) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: is so happy to be once more busily coordinating fleetwide communications ::
(21:21:58) VAdmBlackthorne: :: in the ready room, contemplating their friends that he can see out the window, all close by because of the nebula - the sight is grand ::
(21:22:48) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: at her usual spot on the bridge, keeping an eye on sensors, despite the nebulaic interference, and wondering what the next move is ::
(21:23:41) TAC_1LT_Randen: :: Meets Wolfe's gaze and gives him a curt nod. ::
(21:23:54) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: at the helm, monitoring station-keeping with their nebular neighbors ::
(21:23:58) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::is on the bridge busy coordinating with the fleets' medical departments, and setting up triage centers, and other general casualty prep protocols::
(21:24:37) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: covers command of the Bridge once again while Blackthorne's in the ready room, keeping an eye on the fleet and managing the details ::
(21:26:29) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: looks down at his console, verifies that his systems are also finished and locked down as well. Then, he sends a signal to the XO station, and keeps an eye on the Captain, awaiting any orders she might have ::
(21:27:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: is kind of surprised to have missed the chatter, given her typical preference for isolation and quiet ::
(21:28:11) VAdmBlackthorne: :: satisfied, he walks out onto the bridge :: XO: Report.
(21:29:31) XO_Capt_TKirr: CO: Fleet count holding at forty-three. All Atlantis stations checked in and ready for departure.
(21:30:06) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Monitors things in his own little way; reading and mapping the emotions of the fleet. He senses great strength and confidence, fuelled by righteous truth, but as expected he sees some fear and doubt.:: CO: The dawn has risen, Admiral. ::Nods.::
(21:30:39) VAdmBlackthorne: ENG: As I have been reminded, save the poetry for the victory celebration. Now, we work.
(21:30:50) VAdmBlackthorne: Although, we are missing a few...
(21:31:18) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: resists the urge to look around, but wonders who is missing ::
(21:32:24) XO_Capt_TKirr: CO: A few...ships, sir?
(21:32:28) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> As if on cue, five Vor'cha-class attack cruisers join the party, as our location within the nebula is getting rather easy to find.
(21:33:11) VAdmBlackthorne: XO: Indeed. We'll likely gather more as we approach Earth. And a few will join us there as well.
(21:33:59) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Chuckles, the thought of Klingons popped into his mind, before turning back to his console.::
(21:34:54) VAdmBlackthorne: XO: Some are there, ostensibly part of Section 31's fleet, simply awaiting their cue.
(21:35:15) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Sir, we've go five Vor'cha attack cruisers inbound. It appears they are joining us.
(21:35:29) VAdmBlackthorne: :: raises a finger :: CTO: Ah, there they are!
(21:35:36) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: notes the arrivals and immediately begins assessing them at her panel ::
(21:36:12) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: awaiting the expected hail ::
(21:36:22) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: It was all the poetry and war talk.
(21:36:45) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::doesn't have to be telepathic to feel the building excitement and nerves on the bridge.. it's almost electric::
(21:38:43) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: looks up to see the Klingons arrive ::
(21:40:21) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> The Klingons hail and pleasantries are exchanged, as they are.
(21:42:01) VAdmBlackthorne: :: tugs his tunic once that's over with, having assured the Klingons that he's not wasting their time ::
(21:42:27) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: closes the hailing frequencies, satisfied with a job well done ::
(21:43:35) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: looks expectantly to Blackthorne, now that their original allies have joined them ::
(21:44:06) VAdmBlackthorne: There's one more, but something tells me she'll be fashionably late.
(21:44:20) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: ears perk up at "she" ::
(21:46:37) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Fleetwide communications, please.
(21:46:55) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Wonders if 'her' starship is pulled like a starship chariot, with a group of smaller ships pulling it along with their tractor beams.::
(21:47:20) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: with a few quick taps, has opened up the fleetwide channel and gives the Admiral a nod ::
(21:48:17) VAdmBlackthorne: Fleet: This is Admiral Blackthorne aboard Atlantis. I've already thanked you all for coming and joining us, but I will again. The very core values of our Federation are at risk, and for us and our allies, no cause can be greater.
(21:50:09) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: idly taps at her small console, but listens intently to Blackthorne, his speech possibly one of great importance to history ::
(21:50:54) VAdmBlackthorne: Fleet: We will shortly be departing for Earth, along an approach vector that we'll transmit, at warp eight. When we arrive, do not fire on anyone unless you are fired upon. Remember that your brothers and sisters in arms are in any ships that oppose us, so stay your fists unless there is no other option.
(21:51:52) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: turns to look at the Admiral as he speaks ::
(21:51:53) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: nods along ::
(21:52:31) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: thinks on Blackthorne's words and can't help but wonder if any Vulcan ships will be recruited in the defense force ::
(21:52:41) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::pays attention to the Admiral, listening intently::
(21:53:01) VAdmBlackthorne: Fleet: Once we arrive, we'll have the weight behind our words to demand an audience with the Federation Council.
(21:54:25) VAdmBlackthorne: Fleet: It is my sincerest hope that our solidarity will show enough strength to spare us all the apocalyptic battle.
(21:58:14) VAdmBlackthorne: Fleet: Stand with us. Stand strong and do not waver from this most difficult of courses while knowing that it is right. We absolutely can make this happen, and should we succeed, our Federation will be saved from its own shortsightedness.
(21:59:21) VAdmBlackthorne: Fleet: History is written by the victors, as they say. Let's make sure that history gets its account of the Federation right. Blackthorne out.
(21:59:46) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: closes the channel with a second nod at the Admiral, this one accompanied by a small smile ::
(22:00:05) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: Bravo, sir.
(22:01:50) VAdmBlackthorne: Bridge: Now, let's get to work.
(22:02:39) VAdmBlackthorne: :: hands Harper a PADD :: Plot this course to Earth, then give it to Commander Wright to distribute.
(22:03:02) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: takes the PADD and programs in the course, finding it circuitous, but figures that's a tactical decision ::
(22:03:08) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: taps busily at her screen ::
(22:04:30) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: Course laid in and ready, at warp eight. :: Hands the PADD to Lexy ::
(22:05:01) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::finishes up with casualty prep orders, and sends a message down to CMO Tav that everything's good to go in medical::
(22:06:01) VAdmBlackthorne: NAV: Thank you, Captain.
(22:06:28) VAdmBlackthorne: CTO: Red alert. Silence the klaxon.
(22:07:09) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: sets Atlantis to Red Alert with a silent klaxon. The Bridge goes dark with red highlights. :: CO: Red Alert, sir.
(22:07:10) VAdmBlackthorne: CTO: Extend that alert condition fleetwide.
(22:07:14) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: takes the PADD and looks it over, sending the course information fleetwide ::
(22:08:22) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: sends a message to all the other ships :: CO: Tactical from the other vessels report compliance. I am reading that all 42 other ships plus the Klingons are raising their shelds, and their weapons are armed.
(22:10:13) VAdmBlackthorne: CTO: Thank you, Major.
(22:10:47) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: I do not have automated helm coordination with the Klingons, but the Starfleet vessels have the course laid in and ready.
(22:11:15) XO_Capt_TKirr: CSO: Ms. Wright, please relay any need-to-know issues from fleet members to my station. The Admiral will...have his hands full.
(22:11:35) VAdmBlackthorne: :: takes his seat :: XO: All in a day's work.
(22:12:04) CSO_LCdr_Wright: XO: Aye, Captain T'Kirr,
(22:12:26) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: glances momentarily at Blackthorne as he sits, but mostly reading over the most recent data ::
(22:13:47) VAdmBlackthorne: :: returns the glance to T'Kirr, thinking this a far cry from their exile ::
(22:14:38) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Bridge: Klingons acknowledge the course.
(22:14:40) XO_Capt_TKirr: ~CO~ If there's one thing we were rescued for, it's this.
(22:16:06) VAdmBlackthorne: ~XO~ Then let's hope it's our best destiny.
(22:16:30) VAdmBlackthorne: NAV: Coordinate with the other ships and engage warp drive.
(22:17:30) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: sets up a coordinated exit, then sends the time stamp over to Lexy :: CSO: Please send that time to the Klingons, Commander.
(22:18:19) CSO_LCdr_Wright: NAV: Aye, Captain Harper. :: transmits the info ::
(22:19:05) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: with the automated helm coordination, all ships are standing by to enter warp :: CO: Engaging warp drive in one minute.
(22:20:28) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> The appointed time arrives, and the entire fleet enters warp, leaving their nebular hiding place behind.
(22:21:30) XO_Capt_TKirr: SEC_Cpt_Kuari> :: stares grimly out a port window :: Here we go!
(22:22:47) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::can't help but feel that they've just left a point of no return..::
(22:23:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: tries only to think of the present ::
(22:23:26) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::As he monitors systems at his console, his hand gestures in the air; conducting a dramatic building orchestral piece inside in his head.::
(22:25:38) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: keeps an eye on his sensors for any uninvited Starfleet ships. ::
(22:26:33) VAdmBlackthorne: :: now that they're all away, and having already looked up the capabilities of the various ships, he knows this is possible :: NAV,CSO: Have the fleet increase speed to warp 9.5.
(22:26:52) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: transmits the order ::
(22:28:22) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: coordinates with the other helms and they all increase speed together :: CO: Warp 9.5, aye.
(22:28:54) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO/XO: The Klingons confirm warp 9.5.
(22:29:52) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: We are going for maximum visibility then, sir.
(22:29:57) XO_Capt_TKirr: CSO: Thank you.
(22:31:19) VAdmBlackthorne: ENG: Speed, in this case. I didn't have time to make quantum slipstream drives for all the ships.
(22:33:57) XO_Capt_TKirr: SEC_Cpt_Kuari> :: has played a big part in training personnel in fighting other Starfleet members over the recent past, and she's hoping they won't have to put the training to the test. If they have to, however, she's eager to see her teams do a good job of it, as she's proud of them ::
(22:34:32) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: Perhaps a V-formation Slipstream, would work... ::Looks to Wright.::
(22:35:14) VAdmBlackthorne: ENG: Theoretically, a ship can follow into another's slipstream, but let's not tear anyone apart that's coming to help us.
(22:36:07) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: ponders :: ENG/CO: An arrowhead formation probably best... three-dimensional V.
(22:37:07) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> A few days later, we've picked up several more ships, and the size of our armada discouraged any individuals from engaging us. Our arrival at Earth is imminent as we warp through the solar system.
(22:38:08) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: Crossing the orbit of Neptune.
(22:39:19) VAdmBlackthorne: Bridge: This is it, folks. Look sharp.
(22:39:49) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: has had trouble sleeping the last couple of nights despite meditation, but is back at her post continuing to coordinate. Practice has made it easier and things have settled down except for the ship or two complaining about holding such a high warp factor ::
(22:40:26) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: Uranus.
(22:41:54) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: There are multiple contacts mobilizing around Earth. Double checking... and Discovery's Tactical is reporting the same readings.
(22:42:17) VAdmBlackthorne: CTO: Oh, so they're expecting us. Wouldn't want to arrive unannounced.
(22:42:37) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: Saturn's orbit.
(22:42:45) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: listening to fleet chatter, trying not to think about the ways that this could all go wrong ::
(22:43:05) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Aye.
(22:43:35) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> The assembled defenders of Earth see no reason to move away from the firepower of Starbase One, and stay at Earth instead of moving out to engage us.
(22:44:14) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: Jupiter's orbit.
(22:44:52) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: keeps her announcements calm and measured ::
(22:46:17) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: Mars orbit. Final approach. :: would normally contact Starbase One for an approach vector at this point ::
(22:46:50) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: can feel the anxiety starting to build ::
(22:47:08) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: Exiting warp in thirty seconds.
(22:47:26) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::feels a flutter of nerves, hoping that the casualty prep wasn't needed, but is ready for anything::
(22:47:59) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: prepares for whatever happens as they exit warp ::
(22:48:08) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> The fleet exits warp, and Earth is right where we left it. Starbase One is rising above the planet's limb as we approach, surrounded by about fifty Starfleet vessels.
(22:48:51) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: eyes well with unbidden tears at seeing her home ::
(22:48:58) XO_Capt_TKirr: SEC_Cpt_Kuari> :: vibrates in anticipation ::
(22:49:50) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> A silvery, sleek, graceful ship decloaks as we exit warp, its central body a shallow arc, flanked by two smaller arcs that serve as warp nacelles. She's the Rixx, Queen Ashexana's ship, and she joins our formation.
(22:50:03) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: suspected at "her" ::
(22:50:10) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: doesn't vibrate, but will find relief in whatever happens next to pass ::
(22:50:37) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: looks up to see Earth, just in case it's the last time, since it's the planet she grew to love at the Academy ::
(22:50:58) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(22:50:59) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(22:51:00) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM