Conversation with #st_missionroom1 at Wed May 24 20:57:39 2017 on VAdmBlackthorne@chat.startrekengage.com (irc)
(21:16:02) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:16:03) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:16:04) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:16:46) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: thinking about her father, down on the surface, wondering if news of this is already breaking ::
(21:17:23) VAdmBlackthorne: :: stands and Picard-maneuvers ::
(21:18:15) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: watches Blackthorne stand from her chair near him, hand attentive to her small armrest console ::
(21:18:25) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::can't help but think about her family down there, they have no idea she's up here..::
(21:18:42) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: is ready for action, still at Red Alert, observing the target-rich environment ahead, ready to lock onto anything Blackthorne fancies... or anything that fancies shooting in their general direction. ::
(21:19:13) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: alternating between monitoring their approach and looking at the viewscreen ::
(21:19:43) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Open hailing frequencies. Wide broadcast.
(21:19:54) XO_Capt_TKirr: SEC_Cpt_Kuari> :: looks out a window at the fleet, then her large eyes lower at Earth :: Self: ~I'm close, Mother...can you sense me? I hope to see you again~
(21:20:39) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::sends messages down to sickbay that they've arrived at Earth, and checks on casualty prep::
(21:21:13) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: taps and gives Blackthorne The Nod ::
(21:22:04) VAdmBlackthorne: :: takes a deep breath ::
(21:22:50) VAdmBlackthorne: *Comm* This is Vice Admiral Ian Blackthorne aboard the USS Atlantis. I come seeking a peaceful resolution to the internal conflict tearing us apart.
(21:23:37) VAdmBlackthorne: *Comm* With me, I have already amassed a sizeable fleet of people who share that desire, along with allies and friends from outside of the Federation.
(21:24:16) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::listens to the Admiral's message, feeling the solemnity of the moment...::
(21:24:40) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: wonders if the civilian media is picking up and rebroadcasting. Maybe her dad can hear? ::
(21:25:25) VAdmBlackthorne: *Comm* I welcome any who would also share that dream that are not yet at my side. Stand with me, and reclaim the Starfleet that you signed up for, perhaps in your idealistic youth.
(21:25:40) TAC_1LT_Randen: :: Msiing the Tactical 2 console to back up Wolfe's play. ::
(21:25:55) TAC_1LT_Randen: Maning**
(21:27:39) VAdmBlackthorne: *Comm* Our goal is simple. We intend to present comprehensive evidence of a near-complete takeover of Starfleet Command and the Federation leadership by a secretive organtization known as Section 31 to the Federation Council.
(21:27:41) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: divides the targets between his own and Randen's consoles ::
(21:28:18) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: listens intently to Blackthorne, waiting with measured breaths for a reply ::
(21:29:16) VAdmBlackthorne: *Comm* If the Council will hear us, then this can be peacefully resolved. We await your answer. :: makes the throat-slash gesture to Wright ::
(21:29:19) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: checking to make sure her comm frequencies aren't being jammed ::
(21:29:26) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: cuts the comm ::
(21:29:42) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: We're clear. And may I add, good speech, Sir.
(21:30:05) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: Bravo.
(21:30:08) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Thank you. Now let's see what happens. :: takes his seat ::
(21:30:33) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: gives Blackthorne an appreciative glance, but doesn't say anything ::
(21:30:48) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> One of the defending ships starts toward us, breaking away from the crowd.
(21:32:33) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks down at the comm board and back up at the possible defector ::
(21:34:31) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: The approaching ship is the Yeager, Sir... they say that they're with us!
(21:35:37) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: raises her eyebrows at the good news, and wonders if there will be more ::
(21:35:50) VAdmBlackthorne: :: smiles, knew Struan woudn't let him down :: CSO: That's one.
(21:36:26) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: watches the Yeager closely, unwilling to trust anyone on the other side of the line until they've had a couple chances to prove themselves ::
(21:37:03) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> By now, Blackthorne's transmission has been rebroadcast across the world. People work themselves into a fervor at what may come, those at night watching the hundreds of lights in the sky with trepidation.
(21:37:20) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: has had a message queued up to her father to let him know she's okay for weeks now, just waiting for the right time to send it... ::
(21:37:47) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> Two more ships join the Yeager, and then two more...
(21:38:07) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: takes in a deep breath, watching the ship movement on screen ::
(21:38:56) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: ready to acknowledge the expected messages of solidarity with excitement ::
(21:39:44) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: is on much higher alert now, wondering if any of these defectors could actually be a Sector 31 spy, taking the opportunity to take a better position for if anything goes down. He runs each one through the database and background checks each commanding officer as they approach ::
(21:39:44) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> Ultimately, ten ships cross over and join us, sending messages of solidarity.
(21:40:13) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: acknowledges them all, reporting each one to the Bridge as it comes ::
(21:40:46) VAdmBlackthorne: :: stands again :: Well then, that puts the odds squarely in our favor. Let's hope that cooler heads prevail.
(21:42:53) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Incoming hail from the USS Federation.
(21:43:02) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::feels more hopeful about this situation with each ship that crosses over::
(21:43:11) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: On screen.
(21:43:19) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: taps and looks up ::
(21:43:23) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: looks up at the mention of one of her previous assignments ::
(21:43:36) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> Admiral Smith appears on screen.
(21:43:58) VAdmBlackthorne: Smith> Blackthorne, nice of you to come. Now we don't have to go to the effort of finding you.
(21:44:52) VAdmBlackthorne: Smith: I would say that situation may be reversed, sir.
(21:45:39) VAdmBlackthorne: Smith> We shall see about that. And you've brought the renegage captain herself, Kathryn Harper. Both of you ripe for the picking.
(21:46:27) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: stares daggers at the viewscreen, remembering the dressing down Smith gave her for doing the right thing, but says nothing in deference to Blackthorne ::
(21:47:11) TAC_1LT_Randen: :: Watches the ship movements on his console will bated breath. ::
(21:47:58) VAdmBlackthorne: Smith: You'll do no such picking. The odds are in our favor, as I'm certain that you can see. The Council will choose to hear us, and even you aren't stupid enough to fire.
(21:48:59) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Thinks better of laughing.::
(21:49:15) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: narrows her eyes at the man when he picks on Kate again ::
(21:49:17) VAdmBlackthorne: Smith> Be careful, Ian; you're addressing a superior officer. :: the four pips on his collar seem larger than they are ::
(21:50:30) VAdmBlackthorne: Smith: No, merely a higher-ranking one. Stand down and spare thousands of lives, on each side, and we'll settle this peacefully in the Council chambers.
(21:50:32) TAC_1LT_Randen: :: Rolls his eyes thinking merely a higher ranking one. ::
(21:51:24) VAdmBlackthorne: Smith> :: cuts the comm ::
(21:51:51) NAV_Capt_Harper: CO: I see my old ship has gone downhill. :: turns back to Blackthorne ::Thank you.
(21:51:56) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Channel was closed from the other side.
(21:52:04) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: thinks through how to get a lock onto the Federation the fastest and gets ready ::
(21:52:10) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: eyes widen slightly. Would Smith dare? ::
(21:52:30) VAdmBlackthorne: NAV: Anytime, but don't thank me yet. ::: looks back to the viewer ::
(21:53:43) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: turns back to the helm, the two fleets not really approaching anymore, but instead staring at each other in Earth orbit near Starbase One ::
(21:54:22) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> The Federation locks weapons on Atlantis.
(21:54:47) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: has his finger on the lock :: CO: They've locked onto us.
(21:54:51) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::almost forgets to breathe with the tension..::
(21:55:15) VAdmBlackthorne: CTO: Weapons hold. Do not fire.
(21:55:34) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Aye, Captain. Weapons hold.
(21:55:37) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: swallows hard. Sure, they have fought fleet on fleet before, but to see the fleet before them being that of Starfleet, the image is almost surreal ::
(21:57:45) VAdmBlackthorne: :: still standing, arms folded defiantly across his chest ::
(21:58:03) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: ready to evade if necessary ::
(21:59:44) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Stays unnervingly calm.::
(22:00:18) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: wonders if anyone she served with is still aboard Federation, after so many years ::
(22:00:36) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::chews her lip, but does her best to stay calm otherwise::
(22:00:49) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: keeps his finger over the screen, but far enough away to not lock on by mistake
(22:01:56) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Sir. Widescale broadcast from San Francisco. President Yix.
(22:02:16) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Put it on.
(22:02:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: puts it on-screen ::
(22:03:23) VAdmBlackthorne: Yix> This is the President. All ships, stand down. Do not engage. The Federation Council will consider the matter. Repeat: DO NOT ENGAGE. That is a direct order from the President. :: ends transmission ::
(22:04:09) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: looks to Blackthorne at the transmission ::
(22:04:42) VAdmBlackthorne: :: calmly takes his seat ::
(22:05:41) VAdmBlackthorne: Bridge: Well done, everyone.
(22:05:44) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Suddenly starts growling, his shaking cane audibly tapping on the floor, before clearing his throat and regaining his composure.::
(22:06:57) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: lets out a relieved breath, slowly, and looks around the Bridge ::
(22:07:16) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: waits to see if the USS Federation stands down before she relaxes ::
(22:07:42) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> The Federation drops its weapons lock, but Smith's anger can be heard across a hard vacuum.
(22:08:15) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: closes her eyes for a moment and leans back, finally exhaling ::
(22:09:31) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: removes his finger from the console's lock control ::
(22:09:37) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::lets out her breath.. was that it? that couldn't be it... that was too easy.. ::
(22:09:57) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: :: cooly :: The USS Federation is hailing again.
(22:10:04) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Joy. Put him on.
(22:10:23) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: complies with annoyed motions ::
(22:11:40) VAdmBlackthorne: Smith> Don't think for a minute that you've won, Blackthorne. You can't possibly know what you'd need to for those simpering fools to believe you. I'll see to it that you :: points to Blackthorne, then Harper:: that both of you hang! :: cuts the comm ::
(22:12:01) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Self: Charming man.
(22:12:05) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: moment of relaxation over at the threat of execution ::
(22:12:12) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Tell me that you recorded that.
(22:12:40) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Naturally. :: tips an imaginary hat ::
(22:12:52) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Thanks. I'm certain that'll be entered into evidence.
(22:13:06) XO_Capt_TKirr: CO: Most certainly.
(22:13:07) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: looks around the bridge :: CO: Aren't you already dead? I mean, officially?
(22:13:12) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: has a small habit of recording everything ::
(22:13:24) VAdmBlackthorne: CTO: Oh, no, not officially anymore.
(22:13:35) VAdmBlackthorne: CTO: My being alive forced them to undo that.
(22:13:40) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Hmm. That would have been fun in that conversation.
(22:14:58) VAdmBlackthorne: :: stands again :: CSO: Hailing frequencies again, wide broadcast.
(22:15:13) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: taps and give The Nod ::
(22:16:00) VAdmBlackthorne: *Comm* This is Admiral Blackthorne again. To all of those that stood at my side through that tense moment, and continue to do so: thank you. Even getting this far wouldn't have been possible without that support.
(22:17:24) VAdmBlackthorne: *Comm* To those on the fence: the writing is on the wall. The President has stated that the Council will consider the matter. The evidence I have is overwhelming, and will be transmitted to everyone shortly. Consider that as you will and if necessary, re-evaluate your positions and remember what it is you stand for. Atlantis out.
(22:18:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: cuts the comm ::
(22:19:44) VAdmBlackthorne: :: hands Wright a PADD :: CSO: Broadcast this to the world.
(22:20:14) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: takes the PADD :: CO: Right away, Admiral.
(22:20:25) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: gets to work ::
(22:21:53) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: back to feeling that this will all work out again, smiles at Lexy as she starts proving their case to the world ::
(22:22:53) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: oblivious, concentrating on her work :: CO: .....It's done, Sir.
(22:23:20) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Well done. That'll ensure that the evidence can't be suppressed, and that we don't end up in a farce of a court.
(22:25:05) XO_Capt_TKirr: CO: Their entire fleet heard Yix's orders. If he attempts to mobilize them against us, they may not all follow his command.
(22:25:13) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: gives the Admiral a sly smile :: CO: Excellent maneuvering and machinations, Sir.
(22:25:51) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: Thank you. XO: Yes, I don't think, at this point, that Smith has the support to do anything but get his crew killed.
(22:26:27) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::His face uncharacteristically breaks into an almost angry frown at mention of Yix's name.::
(22:30:06) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Sir... Incoming communication from President Yix. To us directly.
(22:30:25) VAdmBlackthorne: CSO: On screen.
(22:30:30) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Glares at the viewscreen in anticipation.::
(22:30:32) VAdmBlackthorne: :: stands again, up and down, up and down :
(22:30:37) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: tap taps ::
(22:31:03) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::looks at the screen with interest::
(22:31:22) VAdmBlackthorne: Yix> Quite the entrance you made there, Blackthorne. But you got the entire planet's attention.
(22:31:39) VAdmBlackthorne: Yix: That was my intent, Mr. President.
(22:33:03) VAdmBlackthorne: Yix> Yes. Well. I have called an emergency session of the Council; they'll be convening in an hour, and will require your presence. I guarantee that no efforts will be made to detain you or any members of your party.
(22:33:40) VAdmBlackthorne: Yix: Thank you, Mr. President. I will attend.
(22:33:56) VAdmBlackthorne: Yix> Good. Yix out. :: cuts the comm ::
(22:34:01) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: allows herself to relax. By no means is it over, but it's going a lot better than it could have ::
(22:34:12) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Seeing Yix's face; having a definitive connection, he can now feel his cane on the planet below... calling to him.::
(22:35:46) VAdmBlackthorne: XO, NAV: Captains T'Kirr and Harper.
(22:35:58) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: turns :: CO: Sir.
(22:37:01) VAdmBlackthorne: XO, NAV: One of you will remain aboard at all times during this process, until this is either resolved in our favor or... well, if anything shady happens...
(22:37:01) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: stands expectantly ::
(22:37:21) VAdmBlackthorne: XO, NAV: You are to take Atlantis and regroup with what allies you can gather and try again.
(22:38:09) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: really doesn't think she has it in her to do that again, but nods :: CO: Understood, Admiral.
(22:38:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: flashes Kate a worried look ::
(22:39:32) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: casts her eyes downward a moment, allowing herself to think on this possibility, and then meets Blackthorne's gaze with an affirmative nod :: CO: Understood.
(22:39:52) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: turns back to her console and texts over to Lexy's - "It is just a sensible precaution." ::
(22:40:50) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: frowns at the message, realizing Kate didn't pick up all of the nuance of her look, but decides not to pursue it ::
(22:41:00) VAdmBlackthorne: XO: In the meantime, crew are allowed to send messages to any family or friends, but may not yet leave the ship.
(22:42:08) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: nods again ::
(22:42:57) VAdmBlackthorne: CTO: Major, assemble a security detail for a visit to San Francisco.
(22:43:01) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: perks up a bit at the possibility of sending her message ::
(22:43:23) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::has already begun composing the message to her family in her head.. ::
(22:43:29) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: wants very much to tell her parents on Risa that she's alright ::
(22:43:44) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: remains standing expectantly, watching what Blackthorne is going to do ::
(22:44:11) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: begins punching away at his console :: CO: Security detail for San Francisco coming up, sir. ::
(22:44:34) VAdmBlackthorne: XO: You and I will be going to this initial meeting, since I imagine many there thought us to be dead.
(22:45:46) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: looks to Harper, knowing she understands she's in charge, at least this time ::
(22:46:15) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: nods to T'Kirr :: CO: We will be expecting your safe return.
(22:46:34) VAdmBlackthorne: NAV: So will we. No shuttlecraft explosions this time.
(22:46:55) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ~CO~: I apologise for this intrusion, Admiral. But I must speak with you most urgently.
(22:46:56) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(22:46:57) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(22:46:58) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM